DE212014000219U1 - Feed device for the automatic displacement of objects with guide element and kit for mounting a feed device - Google Patents

Abstract

Feed device for the automatic displacement of objects, in particular goods or product packaging, the automatic displacement of objects is gravity assisted and / or the feed device (V2) for this purpose a driven feed unit (2) to several at a footprint of the feed device (V2) arranged one behind the other Move objects along a guideway in the direction of a removal area (E), on which an object can be removed as intended, characterized by at least one separately produced and to the already functioning feed device (V2) mounted guide element (6a, 6b, 6 ', 6 * ), which has a longitudinally extending sliding surface (600, 600 ', 601 *, 602 *, 603 *) running essentially parallel to the guide track, which defines at least a part of the footprint and along which the objects to be moved are moved by the feed unit (2 ) slidable sin d.

Description

The present invention relates to a feed device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a kit for mounting a feed device.

Feed devices for the automated moving of objects, in particular goods or packaged goods, on a footprint or on a shelf hook z. B. a shelf use especially in retail use. For reasons of clarity, products offered for sale are usually ranked one after the other. In order to prevent that a gap is permanently created by a purchased or removed product, the goods or packaged goods move automatically forward due to an inclined position of the footprint and / or feed units in the form of product feeds are used. These feed units are usually arranged behind the last product of the series and provided with a drive, which has, for example, a tensioned and wound strip spring, so that after the removal of a product, the resulting gap is closed by feeding the subsequent products.

In particular, when using such feed devices with driven feed units in retail is a special attention in addition to the attractive presentation of the individual products on a backup of the respective products against theft. It is known on the one hand to electronically monitor the removal of goods and on the basis of an atypical withdrawal frequency - if e.g. a variety of items is taken within a very short time - to conclude a possible theft attempt.

Previously commercially available feed devices are regularly suitable only for light goods, such as cigarettes or razor blades, which are pushed via a feed unit to a front edge of the respective shelf. Such facilities are becoming increasingly popular, as this can give the impression of fully stocked shelves without employees having to manually prefer the goods. Furthermore, shelves with such feed devices can be arranged more closely one above the other, since above the respective goods no gripping area for advancing the goods has to be provided.

In practice, however, previously known feed devices fail when the items to be moved are heavier and / or larger and in particular have a circular cylindrical shape, as is the case with (beverage) bottles, for example. Thus, for example, it is observed here that during a displacement, in particular by a feed unit, the goods are displaced laterally and pressed against a lateral divider, so that this shifts. As an alternative, although it is known to provide inclined rolling rails, by means of which the respective goods are conveyed by gravity to the front edge of a shelf. However, these slanted rolling rails require an increased space requirement. In addition, such systems with rolling bars are relatively complex and expensive.

In the US 7,497,342 B2 or the US 7,628,282 B2 is a feed device combined with rolling rails. About the feed device is to be achieved that even with larger and heavier goods without inclination of the rolling rails bearing shelf and a removal of the foremost goods in a row readily behind it goods are nachgefördert and a resulting removal gap is automatically closed. The focus here is on the use of rolling rails but is regularly associated with relatively high costs and unwanted noise in the Nachförderung of goods.

On this basis, the object of the present invention is to improve a feed device for a gravity-assisted displacement of objects and / or with a driven feed unit in a simple and cost-effective manner, so that a shift of heavier and / or larger as well as bulkier objects can hereby be effected reliably can.

This object is achieved both with the feed device of claims 1 and 4 and with the kit of claim 16.

The starting point here is in each case a feed device for the automatic displacement of objects, in particular goods or product packaging, wherein the automatic displacement of objects in the feed device is gravity assisted and / or the feed device comprises a driven feed unit, usually in the form of a goods slide, to several To move a footprint of the feed device successively arranged objects along a guideway in the direction of a removal area at which an object can be removed as intended. A removal area here is usually formed on a front edge of a shelf, so that a foremost object can be easily removed by a potential buyer.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one guide element mounted separately and mounted on the already functioning feed device, which has a longitudinally extending sliding surface running essentially parallel to the guide path, which defines at least part of the support surface and along which the objects to be displaced are displaced by the feed unit. Consequently, a preassembled guide element is provided which can only optionally be combined with the feed device in order to be able to widen the feed device by the at least one guide element and, if necessary, be able to adapt the footprint for a specific use in a simple manner.

By virtue of the fact that the guide element provided in its use is designed and intended to define via its sliding surface at least a part of the footprint on which the objects to be moved are arranged and along which they are displaced, the material of the guide element can be used to release the adhesive effect during operation. and sliding friction can be varied slightly depending on the application. Thus, the functioning feed device with the driven feed unit, for example without the use of a guide element, can apply a sufficient adjusting force for a specific first type of objects to be moved, which individually do not exceed a specific maximum weight and / or maximum size. By using a guide element with a particularly smooth surface, the same feed device can be developed according to the invention, so that the displacement of a second type of objects is possible, each having a higher weight and / or larger. In contrast, the adjusting force applied by the feed unit does not have to be adapted and, in particular, not increased. The feed device and the at least one guide element are thus preferably designed so that the feed device is fully functional even without the guide element, but can be equipped if necessary with the guide element. It can also be provided that several different guide elements are selected as needed and can be mounted on the feed device.

A sliding surface is preferably formed on the guide element by a smooth surface. This means that the sliding surface is designed such that a coefficient of friction for the objects arranged on the sliding surface is less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.4. In one embodiment variant, a friction coefficient of less than 0.25 can be achieved with the sliding surface of the guide element.

It is of course dependent on the intended use of the feed device and in particular the packaging or outer material of the objects to be moved, which coefficient of friction can be achieved with the guide element. For example, the material for the sliding surface of the guide member is selected so that the above-mentioned ranges for a coefficient of friction to be moved (metallic) cans, bottles made of glass or bottles made of plastic (especially PET) can be achieved. In one embodiment, for example, good sliding friction properties have been achieved with a sliding surface of polyacetal (also referred to as polyoxymethylene, POM for short), and this in particular with a feed device for glass and plastic bottles.

In a development, the guide element has at least two sliding surfaces as part of a common footprint, which are separated from each other by at least one recess, for example in the form of a longitudinal groove. Alternatively or additionally, two guide surfaces can be provided on a guide element that are spatially separated from each other by a recess, each of which forms part of two different shelves. Such a guide element thus forms, for example, on two sides of a lateral wall, are separated by the two shelves, each with a feed device from each other, each having a sliding surface along which objects are slidable with little friction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, which is readily combinable with the first-mentioned aspect, at least one guide element is provided in a feed device along which the objects to be displaced are displaceable and which at least one elongate sliding surface extending substantially parallel to the guide path which defines at least a portion of the footprint. In this case, the at least one sliding surface is convexly curved and / or is formed so that an object arranged thereon according to this object can abut on at least one section of the sliding surface only in a punctiform or linear manner.

By displacing the objects to be displaced along a convexly curved sliding surface, the contact surface on the guide element for the objects to be displaced is minimized. The adhesive and sliding friction is thus reduced by a correspondingly designed guide element and a feed device with a feed device can also be used for the displacement of larger and heavier items be, without the need for a greater adjustment force would be applied.

The same applies in principle to a sliding surface, which allows only a linear or punctiform contact with the object to be moved. Here, at least a part of the sliding surface may be defined by at least one serrated projection or at least one protruding edge of the guide element. In one exemplary embodiment, the guide element forms on its upper side facing the objects to be displaced several rows of serrations arranged one behind the other and one behind the other, which define with their tips a sliding surface on which the objects to be displaced are placed. The tips of these prongs can in this case also be executed in particular rounded due to the production.

The prongs of a guide element are preferably spaced apart and arranged such that an article can not dip into a gap between the prongs and cant over it. For example, individual adjacent prongs can be arranged correspondingly offset from one another for this purpose.

Projections for forming a sliding surface with a substantially only punctiform or linear contact with an object arranged thereon can also be triangular or trapezoidal in cross section. A line-shaped contact is present in particular when the width of the sliding surface provided by the projection is less than or equal to 1/10, 1/15 or 1/20 of the width of a (lower) side of the objects to be positioned thereon.

A convexly curved sliding surface can be formed, for example, by a circular-cylindrical section of a guide element.

In preferred embodiments, the guide element is elongate, e.g. rod-shaped, in particular designed as a sliding and / or round rod. In this way, the guide element can preferably extend along almost the entire adjustment path which the feed unit would cover when all objects are removed from a maximally equipped feed device. In this way, the adhesive and sliding friction acting along the guideway can be easily adapted to the respective application by the guide element and, if necessary, altered by removal and / or replacement of the guide element.

In one embodiment, a guide element is formed on a lateral wall of the feed device. In this way, a goods separator or a divider can integrate the guide element which, for example, is retrofitted to the already functioning feed device.

Alternatively, the guide element may have a holder for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device. Such a guide element thus forms not only a part of the footprint with good or - compared to previously conventional feed devices - improved sliding properties, but also integrates an additional function by a lateral wall, for example, as a goods separator or compartment divider, held. In one exemplary embodiment, a holder of the guide element has a holding groove and at least one support section adjacent thereto. In the retaining groove, the lateral wall is held and supported transversely to its longitudinal extension via the adjacent thereto supporting portion, so that the support portion in particular counteracts a deflection of the wall.

The guide element can be produced in particular in the aforementioned embodiment variant, but also in other variants in the form of a profile rail and / or by extrusion.

In order to simplify the assembly of the guide element and, if appropriate, its replacement, the guide element can be plugged into the feed device and / or mounted without tools. In this context, the guide element can, for example, be plugged without tools into the already functioning feed device in order to adapt the geometry of the footprint to the desired application and / or to adjust the roughness of the footprint along which the objects must be moved. For example, at least one separate holding element is provided, to which the guide element is inserted and via which the guide element is held on a component of the feed device.

Alternatively or additionally, the guide element itself can form at least one holding element, via which the guide element is held on a component of the feed device. For a connection of the guide element to a component of the feed device, it is understood that a holding element formed thereon can be combined with a separate and, for example, attached holding element. For example, a retaining element formed on the guide element can be formed on a lower side of the guide element as a plug-in pin, via which the guide element is positively connected to a component of the feed device, for example with a lateral wall, a support member for a lateral wall or a housing Feed device on which the feed unit is mounted displaceably.

In this case, a support component is understood as meaning a component which supports a lateral wall transversely to its longitudinal extension and thus regularly transversely to the guide track for the objects to be displaced. The support member thus counteracts a deflection of the lateral wall. Frequently, it is also additionally prevented via such a support component that the lateral wall is undesirably displaced transversely to its longitudinal extension, in particular by the feed unit and the goods to be moved by it. For this purpose, such a support member, which is then usually formed in the form of a rail, attached to an end face on a front and / or rear mounting rail of a store shelf.

In a development, in turn, the holding element itself can be plugged into a component of the already functional feed device to hold the subsequently mounted guide element thereto. Such a holding element can thus have, for example, two spatially separate sections in order to be able to plug the guide element onto the holding element and, on the other hand, to be able to plug the holding element with the guide element already fixed thereto to a component of the already preassembled and fully functional feed device.

In one embodiment, the attachment of the guide element takes place on a lateral wall of the feed device. A side wall may overhang a series of items to be moved across the track and sever a number of items to be moved, for example from an adjacent row within the same shelf. A lateral wall can accordingly be formed, for example, by a commercially available divider or divider.

In one embodiment, at least two laterally mountable and / or in each case one in cross-section convex curved sliding surface defining guide elements are provided, between which an adjustment path for the feed unit runs. In such an embodiment variant, for example, two guide elements are elongated and mounted substantially parallel to each other on the feed device, so that between these centrally the adjustment path of the feed unit runs. The objects to be moved thus rest on sliding surfaces of - with reference to the adjustment path of the feed unit - outside guide elements, while the feed unit essentially centrally applies its adjusting force for moving the objects on the respective rearmost object of the series.

A feed device can also have at least two guide elements on one and the same side next to an adjustment path for the feed unit. In this case, the guide elements can in particular be arranged in rows next to each other and / or connected to each other. A connection between the at least two guide elements can then be realized here via at least one additional holding element.

In a further development, at least two guide elements are provided on each side of the adjustment path for the feed unit. Thus, in one variant, a pair of (identical or mutually different) guide elements are arranged right and left of the adjustment path. A pair of guide elements can in this case be connected to one another by at least one separately mountable additional holding element. In this case, a further guide element can be fixed to an already arranged on one side of the adjustment guide element via an additional holding element and thereby a further guide element can be retrofitted if necessary.

An additional holding element is preferably designed such that a guide element can be plugged thereon, in particular can be clipped and / or, conversely, the additional holding element can be plugged into a guide element, in particular can be clipped. In one embodiment variant, the additional holding element is designed in the manner of a preferably symmetrical double clip with two adjacent holding sections which are interconnected by a web for one guide element each.

The guide element has, for example, a retrofittable sliding and / or round rod, which forms a sliding surface on its outer circumferential surface. The round rod can be made of a plastic material and / or of a metallic material.

Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of a kit for mounting a feed device, in particular for a feed device according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention.

An inventive kit comprises at least one preassembled feed module that defines the guideway and / or the driven feed unit, and at least one separately manufactured and with the feed module such combinable guide element that either a feed device without guide element or a feed device with Guide element is mounted. In this case, the guide element has at least one, substantially parallel to the guide track extending, elongated sliding surface which defines at least a portion of the footprint and along which the objects to be moved, for example by gravity and / or by the feed unit, are displaceable, if Guide element is combined with the feed module.

By means of a kit according to the invention thus feed devices of different types are produced in a simple manner, at least one feed device without guide element (type A) and a feed device with at least one guide element (type B). By providing guide elements which are designed geometrically differently and / or have different smooth surfaces to provide a sliding surface, more than two types of feed devices can be produced with a kit according to the invention.

It can be provided that the feed module already has a footprint on which lie in a feed device without guide element objects and slidably moved, and the kit with the at least one guide element is designed such that at a feed device with guide element, the objects on the guide element abut and be moved to it (and not at the footprint of the feed module). In this way, the feed module with its (integrated) footprint can be designed and provided, for example, for the displacement of lighter objects, such as cigarette packs or cosmetic articles. For the adjustment of heavier and larger objects, such as (beverage) bottles, the feed module is combined with at least one guide element by means of which the resistance to an adjustment resisting force is reduced when the items to be moved are placed thereon. In this way, the same feed module for the displacement of different heavy objects can be used without this a drive of the feed unit would have to be changed. The maximum applied by the feed unit adjustment remains unchanged. As a result of the selected modular approach, feed devices for different applications can be provided by a simple combination of a feed module with different guide elements each defining a footprint for the articles to be moved.

In one embodiment variant, the kit additionally has at least one lateral wall, over which a row of objects arranged on the placement surface is bounded along the guideway. The guide element is then preferably mounted on this side wall if necessary.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the kit has at least one mounting strip on which a plurality of feed devices can be fixed next to one another, and in each case at least a part of the components of the kit for a single feed device can be plugged into the mounting strip. In this way, multiple feed devices with or without guide element can be assembled without tools on a mounting rail or on several mounting rails by means of a kit. In this case, in particular a guide element can be plugged into a mounting strip or a plurality of mounting strips, preferably be clipped. This is not only inexpensive, but also facilitates delivery and installation of the individual feed devices. Thus, for example, several feed devices for a shelf can be mounted by means of a kit on site.

• – eine Vorschubeinrichtung ohne Führungselement montiert oder
• – eine Vorschubeinrichtung mit Führungselement montiert, indem das Führungselement mit dem Vorschubmodul kombiniert wird, wobei dann das Führungselement wenigstens eine im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Führungsbahn verlaufende, längserstreckte Gleitfläche aufweist, die in der Vorschubeinrichtung einen Teil der Stellfläche definiert und entlang der die zu verschiebenden Gegenstände an dem Führungselement verschiebbar sind.

With the solution according to the invention, a new assembly method for a feed device can also be implemented. Here, on the basis of the above-explained basic idea, a preassembled feed module, which defines the guide track and / or has a driven feed unit, and at least one separately produced guide element are provided. As part of the assembly process is now optional

• - An advancing device without guide element mounted or
• - An advancing device with guide element mounted by the guide element is combined with the feed module, in which case the guide element has at least one substantially parallel to the guide track extending, elongated sliding surface which defines a part of the footprint in the feed device and along which the objects to be moved are displaceable on the guide element.

Consequently, it is also provided here that different types of feed devices are provided on the basis of a single feed module by this already fully functional feed module including the drive for the feed unit if necessary with at least one guide element or a set of different guide elements (guide elements of different types) combined , In the case of a plurality of guide elements which can each be combined with the feed module, preferably a displacement of objects arranged thereon is counteracted by different resistance forces and, in particular, frictional forces, depending on which Guide elements or guide element types are used.

A further aspect lies in the use of a support component-preferably manufactured separately and mountable on a lateral wall of a feed device-as a guide element for a feed device. The support member originally serves only to support a lateral wall, which is provided for the separation of two compartments of a store shelf. A support member used as a guide element in turn additionally defines a part of the footprint, so that the objects to be moved at least partially disposed on the support member as intended and are displaced by the feed unit on the support member along. Thus, it is already known to connect partitions or divider to feed devices with additional support components, usually in the form of flat rails, to prevent them from being borrowed by the items to be moved or laterally displaced. However, portions of these rails have not heretofore been used to define a portion of the footprint on which the items are to be positioned and along which the items are to be moved. However, if these profile rails are made of, for example, a suitable plastic material or modified accordingly so that they have sliding surfaces, they can also be used to provide a portion of the footprint.

In a feed device according to the invention, it is of course possible that this has alarm means to detect a removal frequency of removed at the removal area objects and atypical sampling patterns, as for example in the WO 2006/061 009 A1 described to conclude a shoplifting. Alternatively or in addition to such electronic alarm means, a feed device according to the invention can of course also be provided with electronic inventory detection means to determine the existence of the objects still on a footprint and transmit, for example, to a central computer-aided detection device.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Hereby show:

1 a perspective view of a feed device of the prior art;

2 a first embodiment of a feed device according to the invention, which has been mounted from a kit according to the invention;

3A on an enlarged scale, a guide element from the feed device of 2 with a holding element for fixing the guide element;

3B on an enlarged scale, an alternative embodiment of a retaining element;

3C a detail and in perspective view of another embodiment of a feed device, with two guide elements which are mounted on different longitudinal sides of a module housing;

4 on an enlarged scale, an embodiment of an additional holding element for connecting a pair of guide elements in the form of round rods

5 in detail a guide element for a further embodiment in which the guide element integrates a holder for a lateral wall of the feed device;

6 in detail, a support member in the form of a rail for the side wall of another embodiment in which guide elements are subsequently mounted to the rail;

7A - 7B in an individual representation, two further variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and two convex sliding surfaces;

8A - 8B in an individual representation, two further variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and sliding surfaces, which are formed by edges of a concave portion curved;

9A - 9B in an individual representation two further variant of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and sliding surfaces which are formed by serrated projections.

The 1 shows a perspective view of a feed device V * from the prior art, in which a feed module in the form of a goods slide module 1* is pushed onto two mutually parallel mounting strips L1 and L2. About the mounting rails L1 and L2 a plurality of feed devices V * can be arranged side by side in a simple manner. In this case, one moves on a feed device V * respectively provided feed unit in the form of a goods slide 2 * successively arranged objects, such as goods or packaged goods, in a direction of displacement X respectively to a removal area E at the front edge of a shelf.

The goods slide module 1* defines a footprint 10 * , at which the goods slider 2 * longitudinally displaceable along a guide 12 * is guided. On the footprint 10 * arranged goods or packaged goods can so by the goods slide 2 * automatically be moved in the direction of the removal area E as soon as a foremost product or goods packaging is removed. The product pusher is driven 2 * in the present case via a drive element in the form of a leaf spring 3 * , The leaf spring 3 * pulls the goods slider 2 * in the direction of the removal area E. Instead of the leaf spring 3 * may of course also be provided an alternative drive element to the goods slide 2 * to shift automatically in the direction of displacement X, as soon as a foremost commodity or goods packaging of the footprint 10 * Will get removed. In this way, resulting from a removal of goods or packaging goods gaps are automatically by the goods slide 2 * closed and it is always in the removal area E, a product or packaging of goods ready for removal.

The footprint 10 * is laterally by a substantially perpendicular thereto extending sidewall 11a * bounded. This sidewall 11a * separates a series of goods or packaged goods that are on the footprint 10 * slidably disposed of adjacent goods or packaging goods.

To prevent a foremost product or packaging from the removal area E by the pusher 2 * is one in the 1 not shown stop element provided. This stopper acting as a stopper can in mounting holes 13 * at the footprint 10 * be plugged in.

Although in the 1 shown feed device V * for the displacement of successively arranged goods or packaging goods is particularly well suited and is characterized by a cost effective and reliable operation, it may be disadvantageous in certain applications. So it has been found that just for the displacement of larger and heavier objects, such. B. beverage bottles, a faultless feeding is not readily possible if at the removal area E a foremost object is removed. The product slider acting on the rearmost object 2 * does not readily apply the necessary adjustment force, so that optionally the drive of the product pusher 2 * must be changed. Furthermore, it may happen that the adjusting force is discharged laterally, in particular in the case of beverage bottles with a circular-cylindrical geometry. After removing a frontmost beverage bottle then subsequent bottles of beverage are not nachgeschoben to the front edge of the shelf, but possibly against the side wall 11a * pressed.

These disadvantages are avoided with the inventive design of a feed device, as exemplified in the 2 is shown.

This shows the 2 a feed device V2, in which an already functional and with separately mountable side walls 11a and 11b provided goods slide module 1 with two additional guide elements in the form of round rods 6a and 6b was added. Here is the goods slide module 1 for the movement of lighter goods or packagings such as: As cigarette packs or toiletries. Through the added round rods 6a and 6b are hereby but also many times heavier, consecutively arranged objects, such. B. beverage bottles, automatically displaced.

The goods slide module 1 includes a module housing 12 on which a goods slider 2 is mounted longitudinally displaceable. A drive of the product pusher 2 can here, for example, a (in the 2 not shown) leaf spring. The module housing 12 defined at its top along which the goods slider 2 is moved, a footprint 10 on which objects, in particular goods or packaged goods can be arranged one behind the other. About the driven gate valve 2 is a series of goods or packaged goods in the direction of a through a stopper 130 limited removal area E postponed as soon as from the removal area E a foremost goods or packaging goods has been removed. In order to ensure in particular a rectilinear displacement of the successively arranged goods or packaged goods, the goods slide module 1 around the two opposite side walls 11a and 11b added. The goods slide module 1 thus extends between these two side walls 11a and 11b , so on the footprint 10 arranged goods or packages of goods each side of a side wall 11a or 11b are bounded.

The two side walls 11a and 11b are presently formed by commercially available partitions and are each at a front and at one rear end via a respective fastener in the form of a fastening clip 111 or 112 fixed to a mounting rail L1 or L2. The two mounting strips L1 and L2 in this case run parallel to each other, so that the side walls 11a and 11b and an adjustment path of the goods slide perpendicular to the two mounting strips L1 and L2 extends. Furthermore, the goods slide module is also 1 clipped on the mounting strip L2 on a front end side and on the mounting strip L1 on a rear end side.

Inside the module housing 12 is also a circuit board 4 intended. About this circuit board 4 For example, a single removal and a removal frequency can be detected electronically. This can, for example, be referred acoustically or visually to a removal and / or upon detection of an atypical sampling frequency -. B. a removal of many goods in a short time - closed on a possible shoplifting and an alarm signal are triggered.

In the present case, with the goods slider module 1 without adjustment of the drive and the product pusher 2 also larger and heavier items, such. As beverage bottles, reliably in the direction of the stop element 130 to be able to move, the feed device V2, the two mutually parallel rods 6a and 6b on. The two round bars 6a and 6b are arranged so that centrally between them the goods slide module 1 with the goods slider 2 extends. The individual round bars 6a and 6b are presently made of a plastic material and have a comparatively smooth outer surface, so that, for example, when in contact with a beverage bottle made of glass or plastic, eg a PET beverage bottle, a significantly lower coefficient of friction sets as between the beverage bottle and the footprint 10 , Preferably, a corresponding coefficient of friction is preferably less than 0.4 or even less than 0.25. Such a beverage bottle can easily along the longitudinal axis of a round bar 6a or 6b be moved. The round bars 6a . 6b In the present case, they are each designed as full molds and as sliding rods with a circular cross section. For material and weight reduction but these could of course also be made hollow.

The round bars 6a and 6b are present in a recess or gap between a side wall provided for this purpose on the advancing device V2 11a or 11b and the goods slide module 1 used. Alternatively, a suitable channel-shaped recess as a bearing for a guide element on the module housing 12 , preferably on its upper side, be formed, in which, if necessary, a guide element, such as a round rod 6a or 6b can be used.

The round bars 6a and 6b are dimensioned and arranged in the feed device V2, that they with their outer surface over the footprint 10 the goods slide module 1 protrude. The round bars 6a and 6b are thus designed and arranged so that they define a footprint in the feed device V2, which is opposite to the footprint 10 the goods slide module 1 is increased. In this way, an object placed in the feed device V2 no longer rubs against the footprint 10 on, but is only on the sliding surfaces 600 trained lateral surfaces of the rods 6a and 6b on. An object placed in the feed device V2 thus lies with its underside against the round bars 6a and 6b on, but not on the footprint 10 , One of the goods slider 2 applied adjusting force thus also extends readily to the displacement of heavier objects such. B. (beverage) bottles made of glass or plastic. The respective object or a series of objects arranged one behind the other is readily accessible through the goods slide 2 slidable in the direction of the removal area E, even if the items individually a significantly higher weight, from z. B. have 0.5 to 1.5 kg. The outer surface of the circular cylindrical rods 6a and 6b Consequently, each forms a sliding surface 600 from, at the along in the advancing device V2 placed objects under clearly opposite the footprint 10 the goods slide module 1 reduced sliding friction can be moved.

The round bars 6a and 6b are clipped in this embodiment in a simple manner to the feed device V2. As in the enlarged view of 3A in conjunction with the 2 it can be seen here are holding elements in the form of separately mountable retaining clips 62.1 and 62.2 provided to the round rods 6a and 6b on each side wall 11a or 11b to attach and hold. A retaining clip 62.1 or 62.2 here in each case has a semi-circular in cross section holding portion 620 into which a round rod 6a or 6b can be clipped.

At one on this holding section 620 for the respective round bar 6a or 6b subsequent, web-like attachment section 621 the fixation or connection takes place on the respective side wall 11a or 11b , It can be provided that the attachment portion 621 in a recess at the bottom of the respective side wall 11a or 11b is plugged in. Alternatively, the attachment portion 621 at a goods slider module 1 facing inside of the respective side wall 11a or 11b be shaped so that each sidewall 11a or 11b the retaining clips 62.1 . 62.2 forms and, if necessary, a round rod 6a or 6b to the respective side wall 11a or 11b can be clipped.

The retaining clips 62.1 and 62.2 are in any case designed so that they have a space between the side wall 11a or 11b and the goods slide module 1 bridge and a round rod attached to it 6a or 6b within a space between the sidewall 11a or 11b and goods slide module 1 extends and with a part of its outer surface / sliding surface 600 above the footprint 10 the goods slide module 1 lies.

In the 3B is in perspective view, an alternative variant of a retaining clip 62 for fixing a round rod 6a or 6b on a side wall 11a or 11b shown. Instead of a web-like protruding fastening portion 621 is here in addition to that for the clipping of the round rod 6a or 6b provided holding section 620 a second, channel-like holding section 622 intended. This second holding section 622 can (from below) to the side wall 11a or 11b be plugged, leaving a bottom edge of the respective side wall 11a or 11b through the holding section 622 is encompassed. About the holding section 622 can the retaining clip 62 thus easy and without tools to a side wall 11a or 11b be plugged. Furthermore, the retaining clip 62 designed to fit both the left and right sidewall 11a or 11b can be used to make a round rod 6a or 6b to keep.

In the 3C is another embodiment illustrated in which two round rods 6a . 6b in each case via at least one - preferably at least two - retaining clip (s) 62 on the module housing 12 the goods slide module 1 are held. Every round rod 6a or 6b is here on one longitudinal side of the module housing 12 arranged and in a holding section 620 of the respective retaining clip 62 clipped and held thereon form-fitting. The retaining clips 62 are preferably substantially symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the module housing 12 arranged. Consequently, the rods arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis 6a and 6b over the retaining clips 62 at identical areas of the module housing 12 , but fixed on different long sides.

Each of the retaining clips 62 has a mounting portion 623 on, over which the respective retaining clip 62 to one side of the module housing 12 is plugged. An attachment section 623 can be analogous to a holding section 622 a holding clip 62 of the 3B be designed. Such an attachment of the retaining clip 62 - with or without round rod already mounted on it 6a or 6b - Made by that the attachment section 623 from below to the module housing 12 and a downwardly projecting edge web is plugged. Alternatively, the attachment portion 623 be formed with two laterally projecting legs, so that the attachment portion 623 in the manner of a clamp or clip transverse to the longitudinal direction of a laterally projecting web of the module housing 12 can be plugged.

In principle, it can be provided, moreover, that a retaining clip 62 is designed so that this optionally on a side wall 11a . 11b or the module housing 12 can be plugged.

Although not shown in the figures, a guide element, such as a round rod 6a or 6b as an alternative or in addition to the attachment to a side wall as shown 11a or 11b be fixed to a mounting strip L1, L2 or both mounting rails L1 and L2. For example, here at the ends of the respective guide element holding elements analogous to the retaining clips 111 and 112 attached or formed, via which a guide element can each be clipped to a mounting strip L1 or L2.

From a kit with a single goods slider module 1 and slidable sliders 2 and a plurality of pairs of different guide members of the round bars 6a and 6b as well as two side walls 11a and 11b Thus, depending on the desired field of application, different types of feed devices V2 can be mounted in a simple manner. In this case, different sets of rods may be kept, compared to the round rods shown 6a and 6b deviating dimensions, made of a different (plastic) material and / or are coated differently and / or have a different surface roughness.

Due to the illustrated modular design, a feed device V2 can be easily adjusted without tools to different applications, so that without changing the constant Warenschiebermodul 1 different sized and different sized successively arranged objects can be moved automatically in always consistent quality and reliability to automatically close resulting stock gaps and possibly electronically, ie, in particular acoustically and / or visually perceptible to point to goods removal.

With suitable retaining elements such as the illustrated retaining clips 62 . 62.1 and 62.2 can also guide elements, such as the round rods 6a or 6b , in a simple way to commercially available Warentrenner or side walls 11a and 11b mounted and "retrofitted" if necessary.

In the 4 is also on an enlarged scale, an additional holding element in the form of a double clip 7 shown. The axisymmetric double clip 7 has two over a connecting bridge 70 interconnected holding sections 71a . 71b for each round rod 6a or 6b on. A round bar 6a or 6b can thus in a holding section 71a or 71b be clipped, leaving a round rod 6a or 6b from the respective holding section 71a or 71b encompassed and held form-fitting thereto.

About the double clip 7 can have two round bars 6a . 6b arranged in a row next to each other and connected to each other. Such a connected pair of round bars 6a . 6b is then on one and the same (left or right) side of the feed module 1 and thus the adjustment path of the goods feed 2 positioned. As a result, a larger sliding surface can be provided for the objects to be moved. In one embodiment, for example, on both sides of the goods slide module 1 two each via a double clip 7 or more double clips 7 interconnected rods 6a . 6b intended. The round bars 6a . 6 are held together in pairs and as well as on an adjacent side wall 11a or 11b and / or at least on a mounting strip L1, L2; this in each case preferably over quickly produced clip connections.

Over several along a longitudinal direction of a round rod 6a or 6b successively arranged and rotated by 180 ° to each other double clips 7 can also have several rows of rods 6a . 6b be connected and held together.

In the 5 is a detail in a guide element 6 ' illustrated for a further embodiment in which the guide element 6 ' is designed in the manner of a rail and in addition a holder for a side wall 11 the feed device integrated. The holder is thereby by a central holding groove 61 ' and two adjoining support sections 611a ' and 611b ' educated. The guide element 6 ' can do this with the retaining groove 61 ' slightly from the bottom later to the side wall 11 be clipped. In the assembled state is then consequently a lower edge of the side wall 11 in the holding groove 61 ' plugged in, so that these between the two support sections 611a ' and 611b ' is enclosed. Such is about the support sections 611a ' and 611b ' a bending of the side wall 11 prevented at lateral load. About a fastening of the guide element 6 ' On one or both mounting rails L1, L2, moreover, an undesired lateral displacement of the side wall during operation of the feed device can be more effectively prevented.

The guide element 6 ' with the bracket 61 ' . 611a ' . 611b ' is made of a plastic material such that on both sides of the side wall 11 extending portions of the guide element 6 ' good objects can slide along and consequently in combination with preferably on the feed device to be moved objects, such as bottles, results in a low coefficient of sliding friction. Through the retaining groove 61 ' becomes the guiding element 6 ' in two sliding areas 6a ' and 6b ' divided, each associated with a feed device and can form part of a footprint on one side of the side wall. Each sliding area 6a ' and 6b ' in this case comprises two each by an outer U-shaped longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' separated sliding surfaces 600 ' , A narrow outer sliding surface 600 ' is in each case from the top of an edge portion 612a ' or 612b ' and a much wider uniform area 600 ' from a top of a support section 611a ' or 611b ' educated. Through the recess on a sliding area 6a ' or 6b ' in the form of a longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' is the contact surface for the objects to be moved and thus minimized friction.

In one embodiment, instead of a continuous longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' in each case an elongated slide track on a sliding area 6a ' and 6b ' intended. It does not have to be the entire guide element 6 ' are made of a material with good sliding properties, but it is only purposefully a range formed with improved sliding properties. Such a slideway can then also have a convexly curved sliding surface (cf. 7A and 7B ).

In the 6 is also in detail a support member in the form of a rail 6 '' for the sidewall 11 illustrated in another embodiment, in the guide elements in the form of round rods 6a and 6b subsequently to the rail 6 '' are mounted. Here is the rail 6 '' essentially identical to the guide element 6 ' of the 5 designed, with the tops of the support and edge sections 611a ' . 611b '; 612a ' . 612b ' However, no sliding surfaces are provided.

The profile rail 6 '' At first, it serves exclusively to support the side wall 11 against a lateral bending and optionally additionally prevents an undesired lateral displacement of the side wall 11 during operation of the feed device, when the rail 6 '' also on the mounting rails L1 and L2 frontally is attached. The respective intended longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' serves here as a predefined attachment point on which a separate guide element, such as a round rod 6a or 6b , can be set to the rail 6 '' subsequently with a sliding surface 600 retrofit. It can be provided that the tops of the support and edge sections 611a ' and 612a ' or 611b ' and 612b ' on one side of the side wall, when the feed device is mounted as intended, below a footprint on which objects are to be moved. However, a guide element, such as a round rod 6a or 6b , on the profile rail 6 '' fixed as intended, is the sliding surface 600 at the level of the original floor space or above it, so that the sliding surface 600 defined in any case at least a portion of the footprint for the objects to be moved. Without a guide element mounted thereon, therefore, in this embodiment, the goods or packagings to be moved contact the profile rail 6 '' not and in particular are not on the tops of the support and edge sections 611a ' and 612a ' or 611b ' and 612b ' on. Only by mounting at least one additional guide element 6a or 6b to the rail 6 '' is provided by this part of the footprint, so that to be moved goods or packaged goods can be arranged thereon as intended.

The connection of a guide element, such as in the 6 exemplified round rods 6a . 6b , Can again on at least one separately prepared and to the respective guide element and the rail 6 '' plugged holding element done. Alternatively or additionally, on the guide element itself, a holding element, preferably with a form-fitting region, be formed over which the guide element form-fitting and / or frictionally engaged with the rail 6 '' is connected. For example, on the lateral surface of a round rod 6a or 6b be formed a radially protruding pin, in the longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' pluggable and then held in a form-fitting manner.

In the 7A - 7B . 8A - 8B and 9A - 9B are in development of the embodiments of the 5 and 6 in a sectional view and in a single representation in each case two further variants of a guide element 6 * with a holder 61 ' . 611a ' . 611b ' shown for a lateral wall in different widths.

In the variants of 7A - 7B are sliding surfaces 601 * on both sides of the holding groove 61 ' through a convexly curved region of the support section 611a ' or 611b ' educated.

In the variants of 8A - 8B in turn are sliding surfaces 602 * each by present at the top and opposite edges 64.1 * and 64.2 * a concave portion formed. The two opposite edges 64.1 * and 64.2 * are through a gutter or throat 61 * spatially separated from each other.

In analogy to the embodiment of the 6 could be the concave arched section of the 8A - 8B with the two edges exposed to the top 64.1 * and 64.2 * alternatively designed as a separate component and then as a guide element to a rail 6 '' be mounted.

On a guide element 6 * of the 8A - 8B as well as an identically formed rail 6 '' Can over the recesses in the form of the gutter or throat 61 * (in analogy to the longitudinal groove 61a ' or 61b ' ) also be defined form-locking areas. At these positive locking areas a separate guide element can be fastened. For example, in the throats 61 * a round rod 6a or 6b be clipped.

In the variants of 9A - 9B forms the guide element 6 * several rows of adjacent and behind one another lying prongs 63 * from whose tips a sliding surface 603 * or at least make up a section thereof. Instead of single, consecutively arranged spikes 63 * could also be provided only in cross-section triangular and / or tapered, elongated projection. Thus, in one embodiment, a sliding surface could 603 * on one longitudinal side of the retaining groove 61 ' be formed by a single triangular in cross section, elongated projection or more such and adjacent projections.

An advantage in the variants of the 8A - 8B and 9A - 9B is that a commodity or commodity packing with the sliding surfaces defined here 602 * and 603 * can come into contact only linear or punctiform or can rest on this only linear or punctiform. As a result, the frictional forces, which counteract a displacement of a resting thereon goods or goods packaging, further reduced.

In particular, in the embodiments of the 2 . 5 . 6 . 7A - 7B . 8A - 8B and 9A - 9B it is obviously not mandatory that a driven feed unit is provided in the form of a goods slide for the automatic displacement of objects in the direction of a removal area E. Rather, embodiments are possible in which the automatic displacement only gravity assisted and exclusively gravity-driven. This is in particular by the use of the respective guide element 6a . 6b ; 6 ' or 6 * and inclination of the footprint to the horizontal ensures that objects move automatically towards the removal area E as soon as a foremost item in a row is removed at the removal area E.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 *

Goods slide module (feed module)

10, 10 *

footprint

111, 112

Fixing clip (fixing element)

11a *

Side wall

11, 11a, 11b

Side wall

12

module housing

12 *

guide

13 *

fastening opening

130

stop element

2, 2 *

Goods feed (feed unit)

3 *

Leaf spring (drive element)

4

circuit board

6 ', 6 *

guide element

6 ''

Profile rail (support component)

600, 600 ', 601 *, 602 *, 603 *

sliding surface

61 '

retaining groove

61 *

Throat (recess)

61a ', 61b'

Longitudinal groove (recess)

611a ', 611b'

support section

612a ', 612b'

edge section

62, 62.1, 62.2

Retaining clip (retaining element)

620, 622

holding section

621, 623

attachment section

63 *

Zacke (lead)

64.1 *, 64.2 *

edge

6a, 6b

Round rod (guide element)

6a ', 6b'

sliding

7

Double clip (additional holding element)

70

connecting web

71a, 71b

holding section

e

removal area

L1, L2

mounting strip

V *, V2

feeder

X

displacement direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7497342 B2 [0006]
• US 7628282 B2 [0006]
• WO 2006/061009 A1 [0044]

Claims (21)

Feed device for the automatic displacement of objects, in particular goods or product packaging, wherein the automatic displacement of objects is gravity-assisted and / or the feed device (V2) for this purpose a driven feed unit ( 2 ) comprises, in order to move a plurality of successively arranged on a footprint of the feed device (V2) objects along a guideway in the direction of a removal area (E) on which an object can be removed as intended, characterized by at least one separately prepared and to the already functioning feed device (V2) mounted guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ), a substantially parallel to the guide track extending, elongated sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ), which defines at least a portion of the footprint and along which the items to be moved from the feed unit ( 2 ) are displaceable. Feed device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) rod-shaped, in particular as a sliding and / or round rod is formed and / or the at least one sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ) is formed elongated. Feed device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide element ( 6 ' ) at least two sliding surfaces ( 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ), which by at least one recess ( 61a ' . 61b '; 61 * ) are separated from each other. Feed device for the automatic displacement of objects, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automatic displacement of objects is gravity-assisted and / or the feed device (V2) for this purpose a driven feed unit ( 2 ) in order to displace a plurality of objects arranged one after the other along a guide path in the direction of a removal region (E) on a footprint of the feed device (V2), by which an article can be removed as intended, characterized by at least one guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 ' ), along which the objects to be displaced are displaceable and the at least one substantially parallel to the guide track extending, elongated sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ), which defines at least a portion of the footprint, wherein - the at least one sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' ) is convexly curved and / or - the at least one sliding surface ( 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ) is designed so that an object arranged thereon according to at least a portion of the sliding surface ( 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ) can rest only punctiform or linear. Feed device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least a part of the sliding surface ( 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ) by at least one in cross-section jagged projection ( 63 * ) or at least one protruding edge ( 64.1 * . 64.2 * ) of the guide element ( 6 * ) is defined in order to allow only a point-like or linear contact with an object arranged thereon in accordance therewith. Feed device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) on a lateral wall ( 11a . 11b ) of the feed device (V2) is formed or a holder ( 61 ' . 611a ' . 611b ' ) for the support of a lateral wall ( 11 ) of the feed device (V2). Feed device according to claim 6, characterized in that a holder ( 61 ' . 611a ' . 611b ' ) of the guide element ( 6 ' . 6 * ) a retaining groove ( 61 ' ), in which the lateral wall ( 11 ) and at least one of the retaining groove ( 61 ' ) adjoining support section ( 611a ' . 611b ' ) of the holder ( 61 ' . 611a ' . 611b ' ) is supported transversely to its longitudinal extent. Feed device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) is plugged into the feed device (V2) and / or mounted without tools. Feed device according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ) forms at least one holding element and / or at least one separate holding element ( 62 . 62.1 . 62.2 ) is provided, to which the guide element ( 6a . 6b ), and the guide element ( 6a . 6b ) the at least one retaining element ( 62 . 62.1 . 62.2 ) on a component ( 11 . 11a . 11b . 6 '' ) of the feed device (V2) is held. Feed device according to claim 9, characterized in that the separate holding element ( 62 . 62.1 . 62.2 ) to a component ( 11 . 11a . 11b . 6 '' ) of the already functioning feed device (V2) is inserted to the subsequently mounted guide element ( 6a . 6b ) to hold on to this. Feed device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ) via the retaining element ( 62 . 62.1 . 62.2 ) - on a lateral wall ( 11a . 11b ) of the feed device (V2) and / or - on a support member ( 6 '' ) for the support of a lateral wall ( 11 ) of the feed device (V2) and / or - on a housing ( 12 ) of the feed device (V2) is held. Feed device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - at least two guide elements ( 6a . 6b ) are provided, between which an adjustment track for the feed unit ( 2 ), and / or - at least two guide elements ( 6a . 6b ) on one and the same side next to an adjustment track for the feed unit ( 2 ) are provided. Feed device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least two longitudinally extended guide elements ( 6a . 6b ) are arranged in rows next to each other on one and the same side next to an adjustment track and / or provided on one and the same side of the adjustment track guide elements ( 6a . 6b ) are interconnected. Feed device according to claim 13, characterized in that for connecting the at least two guide elements ( 6a . 6b ) at least one additional holding element ( 7 ) is provided. Feed device according to claim 14, characterized in that a guide element ( 6a ; 6b ) on the additional holding element ( 7 ) is held over a clip connection. Kit for mounting a feed device, in particular for a feed device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the feed device (V2) for the automatic displacement of objects, is provided and the automatic displacement of objects is gravity assisted and / or the feed device (V2 ) for this purpose a driven feed unit ( 2 ) in order to displace a plurality of objects arranged one behind the other along a guideway in the direction of a removal region (E) at which an article can be removed as intended, characterized in that the kit comprises at least the following: a preassembled feed module ( 1 ), which defines the guideway and / or the driven feed unit ( 2 ), and - at least one separately manufactured and with the feed module ( 1 ) such a combinable guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 ' . 6 * ) that optionally a feed device without guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) or a feed device (V2) with guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) is mountable, wherein the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) at least one substantially parallel to the guide track extending, longitudinally extending sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ), which defines at least a part of the footprint, and the items to be moved from the feed unit ( 2 ) on the sliding surface ( 600 . 600 ' . 601 * . 602 * . 603 * ) of the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) are displaceable along when the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) with the feed module ( 1 ) is combined. Kit according to claim 16, characterized in that the feed module (V2) a footprint ( 10 ), at which at a feed device without guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) Abut objects and are slidingly displaceable, and the kit with the at least one guide element ( 6a . 6b ) is designed such that when a feed device (V2) with guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) the objects on the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) and are displaceable thereto. Kit according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the kit additionally comprises at least one lateral wall ( 11a . 11b ), over which a number of arranged on the footprint objects along the guideway is bounded. Kit according to claim 18, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) to the lateral wall ( 11a . 11b ) is mountable. Kit according to claim 16 or 19, characterized in that the guide element ( 6a . 6b ; 6 '; 6 * ) to a housing ( 12 ) of the feed module ( 1 ) is mountable. Kit according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the kit comprises at least one mounting strip (L1, L2) on which a plurality of feed devices (V2) can be fixed side by side, and in each case at least a part of the components of the kit for a single feed device ( V2) to the mounting strip (L1, L2) can be plugged.

Images