EP2512296B1 - Display counter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a counter according to the preamble of claim 1. Preferably, the counter is a refrigerated counter, which can be used in pastry shops or butchers, but also in retail halls and markets.

Such counters are used, for example, for the presentation of perishable foods that need to be refrigerated, such as baked and confectionery, charcuterie, seafood and salads.

A generic goods counter has at least one counter module with a counter tub or a counter frame, with a merchandise display plate and with an at least partially transparent essay on the counter tub or the counter frame, and a closure piece, which is provided on at least one end side of the counter module on.

In conventional counters, the end piece is usually a plane, usually vertically arranged glass. Such counters are for example off DE 299 10 539 U1 . DE 82 01 379 U1 and DE 196 39 108 C1 known.

If two generic goods counters arranged side by side and at an angle to each other, so there is a gap between the two end pieces. However, in order to be able to use the area of the gap for the presentation of goods, custom-made corner racks are generally used, which are to be positioned in the area of the gap. It is disadvantageous that the special corner racks are relatively expensive.

Also from the FR 1 088 602 A and the US 2 554610 Are goods counters known that require separate corner or angle modules in angled arrangement. Both the straight modules of these counters have vertical ends, which is also the case for the specially designed corner modules. It therefore also requires a separate production of such corner modules in these known wares.

The object of the present invention is to provide a commodity counter with which an attractive and effective presentation of goods even when arranging a plurality of goods counters at an angle to each other than is possible goods counters arrangement in a cost effective manner.

This object is achieved by a goods counter with the features of claim 1 and in a goods counter arrangement with the features of claim 13.

Advantageous embodiments of the counter according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are also described in the following description, in particular in conjunction with the figures.

In the counter of the above type, the invention provides that the end piece has an opening side and a lateral surface, which is conically or semiconically tapered, and that the front end side of the top of the counter module and the opening side of the end piece have adapted terminal shapes.

Advantageously, two counter wares according to the invention can hereby be arranged at an angle to one another without creating a disturbing gap between them as in the prior art. For this purpose, the two end pieces of the two side-by-side counters adjoin one another. The end caps are hollow and thus provide additional space for product presentation.

The interior of the end piece is accessible via the opening side, which adjoins the open end of the counter module. It should be understood under the front side a lateral end transverse to a customer side and to an operating side of the counter module.

As a core idea of the invention can be considered to design directly connected to the counter module end caps, which offer a pleasing and comfortable goods presentation within the end piece using a single counter module and form a connection area using multiple counter modules without separate, cost-intensive corner shelves for merchandise presentation would be necessary. It is therefore not intended between two counter modules, a corner frame on which a final piece would be held to order.

With standardized prefabricated end pieces can be achieved for certain bends in a cost effective manner an aesthetic and efficient connection of counter modules.

In order to achieve the most complete possible transition between the counter module and the end piece, the end-side end side of the top of the counter module and the opening side of the end piece have mutually adapted connection forms. This may be understood, in particular, to mean that they have mutually corresponding shapes. Thus, for example, both forms of a semicircle form, the radii of these semicircles can be either the same or different, for example, to allow easier mounting of the end piece on the essay.

The attachment on the counter tub or the counter frame can either span the merchandising plate from the operating side to the customer side or be formed only on the customer side. In the latter case, the shape of the end piece to the customer side is adapted to the shape of the essay, while the shape of the end piece to the operating side can be arbitrarily shaped. It can also be provided that in this case the end piece is designed to be open to the operating side.

Preferably, however, a closure piece is used with a closed lateral surface, so that the opening side represents the only opening of the end piece. As a result, a higher stability is advantageously achieved.

Under a rack rack can be understood any frame that is suitable for holding a Warenauslageplatte. Preferably, however, in addition to the frame or instead a counter tub is provided, which may be provided with a thermally insulated wall. This provides a receiving space which is bounded above by the Warenauslageplatte and can accommodate, for example, a cooling device. Thus, an evaporator and fans can be arranged in the receiving space of the counter tub for cooling. In the case of a tiltable goods display panel, the evaporator is expediently arranged in a suspended manner and fastened via a pivot bearing on the underside of the merchandising panel, preferably on a transverse profile, so that the evaporator is vertically arranged in all positions of the merchandiser panel due to its own weight. In an adjustment the Warenauslageplatte from a horizontal delivery position in an inclined goods exchange or goods removal position or in a substantially vertical cleaning position of the suspended in the pivot evaporator is first raised slightly and then moved depending on the direction of rotation to the left or right. In the vertical cleaning position of the evaporator is located on the bottom of the merchandise display plate.

In the receiving space below the merchandise display panel fans or blowers are also arranged. A baffle on which the fans can be mounted, ensures the thermal separation of the sucked from the goods room via a recirculating air duct, heated air flow from a cooled by the evaporator and the goods on the goods display plate again supplied air flow.

In principle, the counter module can have any desired shape. Preferably, however, it is designed as a linear counter module, that is, in a plan view, it has a rectangular shape. The front sides of the counter module are to be understood as meaning the surfaces which are transverse to the sides of the counter module facing the customer or the staff.

At an end face or at both end sides of the counter module according to the invention a respective end piece is provided. This can in principle be attached to any component on the front side, for example, either alone on the essay or alone on the counter tub or the counter frame. Preferably, however, the end piece is attached both to the attachment and to the counter trough or the counter frame, so that the adapted connection forms provided according to the invention can be used for attachment.

In this case, the expression of the adapted connection shape on the one hand detects the possibility that the opening side of the end piece and the front side of the counter module, which is formed by the counter pan and the attachment, are adapted to one another. On the other hand, however, the execution is detected that the opening side of the end piece and the end face formed by the attachment to the merchandise display plate are adapted to each other. At least according to the invention, an edge region of the opening side of the end piece, preferably towards the customer side, is adapted to the adjacent edge of the attachment.

Depending on the field of application of the counter according to the invention numerous different attachments are possible. The shape of the end piece is chosen to suit this and may be designed in preferred embodiments of the product counter according to the invention at least on the opening side circular, part-circular or polygonal. The end piece tapers away from the opening side, resulting in an approximately conical or semi-conical geometry. A conical shape is preferred for example in a roll counter with a circular end face. The part-circular opening side and the half-cone shape of the end piece can be present in particular in variants of the counter according to the invention, in which the end piece has a flat bottom surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the counter according to the invention, the end piece has a flat bottom surface, which is arranged for use as a merchandise display surface in the height of the merchandise display plate of the counter module. Advantageously, goods can thus be designed and presented on the counter module and in the end piece at the same height. Preferably, an insulating mat is provided on the bottom surface of the end piece. In the case of a conical end piece, an additional frame or an additional delivery plate can be provided within the end piece to create a merchandising surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the counter according to the invention, the conical or half-conical shape of the end piece is rounded at the tapered end region. As a result, the stability of the end piece is increased, so that the risk of damage, especially at the end, is reduced. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the lateral surfaces taper to form a closed tip. This can advantageously be provided with a particularly small gap in an arrangement of two goods counters to each other a flowing transition.

It can also be provided in a variant according to the invention that the taper of the conical or half-conical shape is formed in a horizontal plane, but not in a vertical direction. Thus, here the end portion of the conical or half-cone shape is not formed as a tip or rounded tip but as a vertically extending termination. This will be advantageous a particularly large goods receiving space provided within the end piece. In contrast, the embodiments in which a tapering of the conical or half-conical shape also takes place in the vertical direction, the advantage of a lower material requirements and weight of the end piece.

In an aesthetic and cost-effective variant of the counter according to the invention the end piece consists of a transparent material, preferably of glass, in particular insulating glass or acrylic glass, or of transparent plastic. Even if the end piece is accessible only via its opening side, it can thus be advantageously viewed over its lateral surface.

Likewise, the at least partially transparent article is at least partially made of insulating glass, acrylic glass, another glass or transparent plastic to provide transparent areas. To increase stability, the article may also comprise non-transparent components, such as a steel frame or a thermally insulating wall.

Advantageously, the end piece is integrally formed. This offers a shapely design and easy mounting to the front of the counter module in a simple production. Alternatively it can be provided that only the lateral surface of the end piece is integrally formed, while the end piece on its opening side additional components, for example, for mounting on the counter module has.

In particular, in the case of a one-piece design of the end piece, it is expedient for the end piece to have on its opening side a flange for fastening the end piece to the counter module. The counter module or the top of the counter module may have on the front side a groove for receiving the flange of the end piece. As a result, a secure connection is achieved without additional mounting means are needed.

It is also possible that the flange of the end piece is additionally or alternatively attached via additional mechanical means on the counter module. Thus, it can be provided to attach the flange via screws or a clip or clamping fixture.

In general, the essay, for example, for cleaning or removal of goods, be swung or pushed. Depending on the design, the attachment can thus have rigid as well as movable parts on the front side of the counter module. In order not to hinder pivoting or pushing the essay, the end piece is fixed in this case only to the rigid parts of the essay and optionally on the counter tub or the counter frame, but not on the moving parts of the essay. The flange of the end piece is then not completely around the opening side, namely not at the area to the moving part of the essay out, available.

In a preferred embodiment of the product counter according to the invention, the end piece has a triangular shape in the horizontal cross section. The pointing away from the opening side of the end piece corner of the triangle is executed functionally and manufacturing technically rounded. Particularly suitably, this rounded corner of the triangle has a right angle. In other words, in a horizontal cross-section opposite walls of the end piece run towards each other at an angle of 90 °. If two end pieces of two inventive product counters are arranged adjacent to each other, the right angle advantageously produces a straight front line in principle. The available space is thus well used in a simultaneously appealing design.

In preferred variants of the counter according to the invention, the conical or semi-conical shapes can be formed centrically or eccentrically. The eccentricity is to be understood as lying in a horizontal plane. Thus, the tapered end portion of the end piece may be formed in a horizontal plane eccentric to a longitudinal axis extending along the counter module. If the end piece is formed with a substantially triangular bottom surface, in this embodiment one of the triangular sides of the bottom surface is at an acute angle to the opening side, while another of the triangular sides is at an obtuse angle to the opening side. In an angled arrangement of two inventive product counters, this advantageously has a connection region, which is formed by the two end pieces of the two goods counters, a straight line.

In another embodiment of the product counter according to the invention, a recirculating air duct for guiding a cooled air flow into a goods area above the goods display plate is provided on an operating side of the counter module. Preferably, the recirculating air channel has a baffle plate for deflecting a part of the cooled air flow into the end piece. Thus, an efficient cooling of goods in the end piece can be achieved without the end piece has its own cooling device.

Also, in a further variant of the product counter according to the invention reinforcing rails for increasing the stability of the end piece can be provided on an underside of the end piece. Advantageously, a particularly high stability can thus be achieved even with a one-piece design of the conical or half-conical shape.

The subject of the present invention is also a goods counter arrangement with a first counter according to the invention and with at least one second counter according to the invention, the end-side closing sides of which are arranged at an angle to one another. According to the invention, the first and the second goods counter are arranged with their end pieces provided on the end sides adjacent to one another for forming a connection region.

As an essential idea of the invention is achieved here, by the adjacent end pieces, a substantially continuous goods display area from the first to the second goods counter. There are no additional modules with goods display area, which would be positioned between the two goods counters required.

At the opening side of the angle between the two goods counters, the two adjacent end pieces can provide a straight line of connection. If the counter modules of the two goods counters are linear counter modules, then there is in each case an edge between the linear counter module and the associated end piece. In this case, the two adjacent end pieces may also be referred to as a corner or corner module.

Alternatively, however, it may also be provided that the two end pieces instead of a corner region form a rounded connecting region. For this purpose, they can each have a wall bent in a horizontal cross section. Thus, in a preferred variant of the goods counter arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that to form a rounded connection region, a part of the lateral surface of the two end pieces is formed along the arc of the angle between the end-side end sides of the two goods counters. As a result, a continuously extending and attractive form of the goods counter arrangement is achieved, whereby the rounded shape enables a better transfer of force and consequently increased stability.

For a largely complete connection between the end pieces, it is provided in one embodiment of the goods counter arrangement according to the invention that the two end pieces of the first and second goods counter are mirror images of their adjoining line.

Furthermore, for a substantially gapless connection region of a variant embodiment of the goods counter arrangement according to the invention, for forming a connection region with abutting end pieces, the lateral surfaces of the two end pieces each form a wall in their horizontal cross section, which at an angle to the opening side of the respective end piece is substantially equal to half the angle between the first and the second product counter.

This variant makes it possible that for both end caps, the angle between said wall of the respective end piece in the horizontal cross section and the associated opening side is arbitrary. In particular, the angle may be 15 °, 22.5 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 67.5 ° or 75 °. The corresponding angle between the two goods counters then has twice the value.

For a high degree of user comfort, the counter modules can each have a work surface on one operating side, a pocket rest on a customer side and / or a number and output plate on an upper side of the attachments. In order to maintain a simple structure, it is preferable not to provide worktops and / or pocket trays to the end piece. Instead, in this embodiment, countertop, bag rest and / or pay and issue plate provided so that they extend consistently over the two intermediate end pieces. The attachment can be done on the counter modules and / or a substructure of the counter modules.

It can also be provided that the counter modules on a customer side have a covering in the direction of the floor and / or that below the connecting area is provided a counter frame with cover and / or storage compartments for providing storage space. Since no attachment of the end pieces is required at the underlying counter storage rack, a production of the components can be done in a cost effective manner.

In a refrigerated display cabinet arrangement, the counter tub is normally provided with a thermally insulated wall and has a receiving space for evaporators and fans below the merchandiser shelf.

It can also be provided that the goods display panel are adjustable from a nearly horizontal delivery position and the front panel of a counter to the trough cover, that the linear counter modules are circular in cross-section, wherein the counter trough approximately semicircular and the windscreen are formed as a circular arc of a quarter circle and in that the merchandiser panel and the front screen are rotatably adjustable about an axis of rotation of the linear counter module which is circular in cross-section, wherein the axis of rotation is formed by the longitudinal axis of the merchandiser panel.

Angle formations, which combine linear counter modules and corner modules, are particularly cost-effective to realize with glass cones. It is advantageous that angle formations can be formed with different angles corresponding to the counter profile by a corner module is arranged between two glass columns between two linear counter modules. The merchandising plate of the corner modules is preferably accessible from the respective adjacent linear counter module.

It is advantageous that two glass cones for a corner module of an angular formation, for example of 90 ° or even 60 °, are formed and arranged in mirror images of one another.

The glass cones for the completion of counter modules and / or corner modules also have their own invention character. In this regard, it is not necessary to form the glass cones with a cross-section which is circular, since they can also be used with other counter modules depending on the design of the counter modules. Thus, they can have the cross section of the counter module to be completed or supplemented, whereby the advantages of the glass cones also come into play for counter modules with other cross sections.

For goods counter arrangements or refrigerated display counter arrangements with several counter modules or with angular formations, it is expedient to arrange a pocket deposit continuously on the customer side. This bag tray can be attached to the counter tub or to a substructure of the linear counter module. On the operating side is a worktop for the seller and on the windshield a number and output plate is advantageously provided. At this number and output plate, which can be arranged as well as the worktop in goods counter arrangements with multiple counter modules and angular formations throughout, lighting for the goods located on the merchandise display plate goods outside the goods room can be installed.

Fig. 1

eine Perspektivdarstellung eines Thekenmoduls eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Warentheke;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht eines Abschlussstücks eines Ausführungsbeispiels für eine erfindungsgemäße Warentheke;

Fig. 3A bis 3D

Seitenansichten von Thekenmodulen von Ausführungsbeispielen erfindungsgemäßer Warentheken;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht eines Thekenmoduls eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Warentheke;

Fig. 5A und 5B

schematische Darstellungen von Stirnseiten von Thekenmodulen erfindungsgemäßer Warentheken;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Warentheken-Anordnung mit zwei Verbindungsbereichen zwischen linearen Thekenmodulen;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf ein Abschlussstück für eine 90°-Winkelformation;

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf ein Abschlussstück für eine 60°-Winkelformation;

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Warentheken-Anordnung mit zwei Verbindungsbereichen zwischen linearen Thekenmodulen;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht der Warentheken-Anordnung aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Warentheken-Anordnung mit zwei Verbindungsbereichen zwischen linearen Thekenmodulen und

Fig. 12

eine Draufsicht eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Warentheken-Anordnung mit einem gebogenen Verbindungsbereich zwischen linearen Thekenmodulen.

Further advantages and features of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying schematic figures. Herein show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a counter module of an embodiment of a product counter;

Fig. 2

a side view of a final piece of an embodiment of a product counter according to the invention;

Fig. 3A to 3D

Side views of counter modules of embodiments of inventive product counters;

Fig. 4

a side view of a counter module of another embodiment of a goods counter;

Figs. 5A and 5B

schematic representations of front sides of counter modules inventive product counters;

Fig. 6

a plan view of an embodiment of a goods counter arrangement according to the invention with two connection areas between linear counter modules;

Fig. 7

a plan view of an end piece for a 90 ° angular formation;

Fig. 8

a plan view of an end piece for a 60 ° angular formation;

Fig. 9

a plan view of a second embodiment of a goods counter arrangement according to the invention with two connection areas between linear counter modules;

Fig. 10

a side view of the goods counter arrangement Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 11

a plan view of a third embodiment of a goods counter arrangement according to the invention with two connection areas between linear counter modules and

Fig. 12

a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a goods counter assembly according to the invention with a curved connection area between linear counter modules.

Equivalent components are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures.

Fig. 1 shows a counter module 10 of an embodiment of a product counter 100, wherein the end piece of the goods counter 100 is not shown here. The counter module 10 comprises a counter trough 12, which has an approximately rectangular shape in a horizontal cross section. The counter tub 12 is supported on a frame and has a merchandising plate 14. In the present example, the merchandise display panel 14 may be made tiltable. In addition, a cooling device for cooling goods on the display plate 14 is provided below the merchandise display panel 14.

At the counter trough 12, a cap 16 is attached. Together with the merchandise display plate 14 surrounds this a goods room thirteenth

Towards a customer side K, the attachment 16 has a transparent pane. Towards the top, the cap 16 forms a number and output plate 116, which is made opaque in the illustrated example. Towards a personal or operating side B, the attachment 16 is open, with the attachment 16 each having a support rail 117 on the two end faces 11 of the counter module 10. According to the invention, however, it is also possible to use other types and forms of attachments in which other sections are made transparent or the front side has a different shape.

This in Fig. 1 Pictured counter module 10 is formed linear. If two such modules are arranged at an angle to one another, a gap is created between their end faces 11. To avoid this gap, the invention provides a closure piece.

An embodiment of a closure piece 30, which according to the invention on the front side 11 of the counter module Fig. 1 is provided is in Fig. 2 shown. This end piece 30 has an opening side 31, which is arranged adjacent to the end face 11 of the counter module 10. The end piece 30 also has a lateral surface 32, which tapers away from the opening surface 31 and in the example thus forms a half-cone shape. Down the half cone is bounded by a flat bottom surface 34, which is usable as a merchandise display surface. Also, an insulating mat or insulating can be placed on the bottom surface 34.

The lateral surface 32 of the end piece 30 tapers to a closed end portion 33 which is rounded. Advantageously, this shape reduces the risk of damage to the end piece 30 and facilitates cleaning of the inner surfaces of the end piece 30.

According to the invention, the opening side 31 of the end piece 30 is adapted to the front side of the counter module. In the embodiment shown, the bottom surface 34 extends the plane formed by the merchandiser plate 14. Incidentally, the end of the lateral surface 32 of the end piece 30 which adjoins the opening side 31 is adapted to the shape of the attachment 16. So is in a polygonal essay, for example, the pentagonal attachment 16 on the front side 17 Fig. 1 , the end piece 30 at the opening side 31 also polygonal, here so pentagonal. These corners can be rounded.

For fastening the end piece 30, this has, for example, a flange 35 on the opening side 31. The attachment 16 and preferably also an upper edge of the counter trough 12 have a groove for receiving the flange 35. The flange 35 can be inserted or inserted into the groove, so that a stable mounting of the end piece 30 on the counter module 10 in a short time is possible without the need for additional tools.

In principle, the flange 35 can completely surround the opening side 31. In the example shown, however, the flange 35 is not formed on the side which, in the state attached to the counter module 10, adjoins the pane of the attachment 16 facing the customer. In this way, a particularly aesthetic design of the end piece 30 can be achieved to the customer side, with a movement of the disc of the article 16 despite the attached end piece 30 is possible.

In other forms of the article 16, however, embodiments of the end piece 30 are preferred in which the flange 35, the end face 31 completely surrounds. Counter modules 10 with such articles 16 are in the FIGS. 3A to 3D shown. In Fig. 3A the attachment 16 has an end face 17 which has a semicircular shape which terminates with an edge of the counter trough 12. This round cap 16 has on the customer side K on a sliding disc which is displaceable along the semicircular shape to the staff or operating side B. In this embodiment, the end piece 30 has an opening side 31 also with a semicircular shape, wherein the flange 35 can be inserted on a groove in a frame of the attachment 16 and in a groove on the counter trough 12.

Fig. 3B shows a counter module 10 with a curved attachment 16, which has a substantially trapezoidal end face 17. A disc of the attachment 16 on the customer side K is designed here as a tilting disc.

A counter module 10 with another turntable 16 is shown in FIG Fig. 3C shown. Here, an oblique attachment is provided, which is also substantially trapezoidal on the end face 17. On the customer side K, however, the attachment 16 is formed with a lifting disc, which can be lifted by means of a joint. The shape of the opening side 31 of the end piece 30 of this embodiment is adapted to the present special form of attachment.

Another example of an embodiment of a straight front panel rack module 10 is shown in FIG Fig. 3D displayed. Here, the attachment 16 has a pentagonal end side 17, which has a right angle on the customer side K at the top and bottom.

The invention is also applicable to other known forms of end pages of an article.

In FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of a counter module 10 of a product counter according to the invention shown. This counter module 10 has an attachment 16, which is designed as a curved, facing the customer side windscreen and is pivotable. Additionally shown is the receiving space of the counter tub 12, in which an evaporator 21 is arranged for cooling air. At one end of the counter trough 12, a recirculating air channel 18 is formed with a plate 22, is passed through the cooled air along the arrow 19 in the goods space 13. It can be provided that the shape of the metal sheet 22 is formed towards an end face of the counter module 10 in order to deliver cooled air in the direction of the end piece.

In the FIGS. 5A and 5B Two possible forms of end faces 11 of a counter module of a counter according to the invention are shown. In this case, the front side 11 of the counter module 10 is formed by an end-side end face 24 of the counter trough 12 and by an end-side end face 17 of the attachment 16. The end face 17 of the attachment 16 may overlap in the area shown in dashed lines with the end face 24 of the counter trough. According to the invention, the shape of the end piece is adapted with its opening side at least to that region of the end face 17 of the attachment 16, which does not overlap with the end face 24 of the counter trough 12. Preferably, however, the end piece is also at the dashed area of the end page 17 of the essay, which overlaps with the end face 24 of the counter tub adapted. In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the end piece is adapted at the opening side to the entire shape of the end face 11 of the counter module 10.

In the FIGS. 6 . 9 and 11 in each case a plan view of an embodiment of a goods counter arrangement 110 according to the invention is shown. Fig. 10 shows the goods counter assembly 110 Fig. 9 in a view from the front, in the direction of arrow V. In the illustrated embodiments, the goods counter assembly 110, which may also be referred to as angled formation, three product counters 100A, 100B and 100C inventive.

The first and third product counters 100A, 100C each have a counter module 10 with an end piece 30. The second goods counter 100B has a linear counter module 10, on the two end sides of each end piece 30 is attached. In this case, the end pieces 30 of the first and the third goods counter 100A, 100C each adjoin one side of one of the two end pieces 30 of the second goods counter 100B. Two adjoining end pieces 30 represent a connection region 40, which can also be referred to as a corner module in the illustrated exemplary embodiments.

Both in the embodiments of the FIGS. 6 . 9 and 10 as well as in the embodiment Fig. 11 the lateral surface of the end pieces 30 tapers such that at the end region of the end piece 30 its walls 32a, 32b form a right angle. As a result, the connecting portion 40 has a straight front line, which is slightly interrupted by the rounding of the end pieces 30 alone. The straight front line of the connecting region 40 is formed between the first and second goods counter 100A, 100B toward the operating side B out and between the second and third goods counter 100B, 100C to the customer side K out.

The goods counter arrangements of the FIGS. 6 . 9 and 10 differ from the goods counter assembly 110 from Fig. 11 by the angles at which the goods counters 100A, 100B and 100C are arranged to each other, and by the shape of the end pieces 30. In the goods counter arrangements 110 of FIGS. 6 . 9 and 10 the angle a between the linear counter modules 10 is two Product counters 100A, 100B, 100C each 90 °. In the embodiment of Fig. 11 the angle is 45 °. Thus, in both cases, the two end pieces 30 of a connecting portion 40 abut, corresponds to the opening angle b between the opening side of a closure piece 30 and a wall of the lateral surface of the same end piece 30 just half the angle a. Both FIGS. 6 . 9 and 10 is the angle b thus 45 °, in the embodiment of Fig. 11 however, 22.5 °.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show in a plan view end pieces 30, which are designed here as a glass cone and for a goods counter assembly 110 or angular formation 110, which exemplifies in Fig. 6 is shown, can be used. Compared to the known relatively large and costly angular formations, the glass cones 30, which may consist of single glass or insulating glass, associated with a significant price advantage.

The glass cone 30 are attached to the corresponding end face 12 of a linear counter module 10 and the goods display plates 34 of the glass cone 30 are accessible from the operator side B or customer side K depending on the arrangement of the windshield of the linear counter module 10.

Fig. 7 shows a corner module 30 for an angular formation of 90 °, while in Fig. 8 a corner module 30 for an angular formation of 60 ° is shown. In these two cases, an end portion of the end pieces are each performed centrally.

In the example off Fig. 8 the end area forms an obtuse angle. If the end pieces of two goods counters are arranged adjacent to one another, then, because of the obtuse angle of the two end pieces, there results a connection region which has a bend instead of a straight line.

Another variant is in Fig. 11 shown where the end portion of the end pieces is eccentric. Instead of an obtuse angle, the end area always closes at a right angle. Thus, the end piece has a bottom surface in a triangular shape, wherein the triangular sides leading away from the opening side of the end piece converge at an angle of 90 °. As a result, in the case of any desired angle formation, a straight front line is provided in the connection region 40.

In this embodiment, a tip or an end portion of the end piece 30 is eccentric. That is, it is spaced from a longitudinal axis that extends centrally along the longitudinal direction of the associated linear counter module 10. In this case, the end region is spaced in a horizontal direction, ie towards the customer side K or to the operating side B of the linear counter module 10.

In the Fig. 6 . 10 and 11 is also shown that on the operating side a worktop 112 is provided. This is consistently formed over the goods counters, wherein an attachment is preferably provided only on the counter modules, in particular in the region of a substructure of the linear counter modules, but not on the connection areas formed by the end pieces.

In an analogous manner, a pocket rest 114 is arranged on the customer side.

In addition, a number and output plate 116 is provided, which is formed in an upper region of the essays of the counter modules 10. This is also arranged consistently over the end pieces.

A further embodiment variant of a goods counter arrangement 110 according to the invention with two goods counters 100A and 100B is shown in FIG Fig. 12 shows. Each of the two product counters 100A and 100B has a counter module 10 and an end piece 30, with the end pieces 30 creating a curved connection area. For this purpose, an outwardly facing region 32 of the lateral surface of the end pieces 30 is bent in each case in a horizontal cross section. This achieves a particularly smooth transition and efficient use of space between two counter modules.

But even with the variants described above with a straight connection area, the use of the end pieces advantageously ensures good space utilization. In this case, the product counter according to the invention enables in a cost effective manner a flexible positioning of the goods counters in angular arrangement with each other with a largely complete goods counter arrangement.

Claims (19)

1. Display counter,
   having at least one counter module (10),
   comprising a counter trough (12) or a counter frame, a product display plate (14) and an at least partially transparent top (16) on the counter trough (12) or the counter frame, and
   having at least one closure element (30) provided on an end face (11) of the counter module (10),
   characterised in that
   the closure element (30) comprises an opening side (31) and a shell surface (32) which is designed to taper approximately conically or semi-conically, and
   the end-face closure side (17) of the top (16) of the counter module (10) and the opening side (31) of the closure element (30) have adapted connecting forms.
2. Display counter according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the closure element (30) is formed as one part.
3. Display counter according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the closure element (30) is made of a transparent material, preferably glass, in particular insulating glass or acrylic glass, or transparent plastic.
4. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the conical or semi-conical shape of the closure element (30) comprises a tapering end region (33) which is rounded off.
5. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   the closure element (30) comprises a planar bottom surface (34).
6. Display counter according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the planar bottom surface (34) of the closure element (30) is arranged, for use as a product display surface, at the height of the product display plate (14) of the counter module (10).
7. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   walls (32a, 32b) of the closure element (30) which lie opposite in a horizontal cross-section extend at an angle of 90° relative to each other.
8. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the conical or semi-conical form is formed centrically or eccentrically.
9. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that
   the closure element (30) is designed at least on its opening side (31) to be round, partially round or polygonal, in particular with a planar bottom surface (34).
10. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that
    the closure element (30) comprises, on its opening side (31), a flange (35) for fixing the closure element (30) to the counter module (10).
11. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that
    a re-circulating air channel (18) for guiding a cooled air flow (19) into a product space (13) above the product display plate (14) is provided on an operator side (B) of the counter module (10), and
    the re-circulating air channel (18) comprises a deflection plate for deflecting part of the cooled air flow (19) into the closure element (30).
12. Display counter according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterised in that
    reinforcing rails are provided on a lower side of the closure element (30) to increase the stability of the closure element (30).
13. Display counter arrangement
    having a first display counter (100A) according to one of the claims 1 to 12 and having at least a second display counter (100B) according to one of the claims 1 to 12, of which the end-face closure sides (17) are arranged at an angle (a) to each other,
    wherein the first and the second display counter (100A, 100B) are arranged with their closure elements (30), provided on the closure sides (17), lying one against the other to form a connecting region (40).
14. Display counter arrangement according to claim 13,
    characterised in that
    a part of the shell surface (32) of the two closure elements (30) is formed along the arc of a circle of the angle (a) between the end-face closure sides of the two display counters in order to form a rounded-off connecting region (40).
15. Display counter arrangement according to claim 13 or 14,
    characterised in that
    the two closure elements (30) of the first and second display counter (100A, 100B) are designed in a mirror image to their adjoining line.
16. Display counter arrangement according to one of the claims 13 to 15,
    characterised in that
    in order to form a connecting region (40) with closure elements (30) lying one against the other, the shell surfaces (32) of the two closure elements (30) respectively form a wall in their horizontal cross-section which is at an angle (b) relative to the opening side of the respective closure element (30), wherein angle (b) corresponds to half the angle (a/2) between the first and second display counter (100A, 100B).
17. Display counter arrangement according to claim 16,
    characterised in that
    for both closure elements (30), the angle (b) between the wall of the respective closure element (30) in the horizontal cross-section and the associated opening side can be selected as desired, in particular being 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 67.5° or 75°.
18. Display counter arrangement according to one of the claims 13 to 17,
    characterised in that
    a work plate (112) is provided on an operator side (B) of the counter modules (10) of the first and second display counter (100A, 100B) and / or a bag shelf (114) is provided on a customer side (K) of the counter modules (10) and / or a payment and delivery plate (116) is provided on an upper side of the tops (16) of the counter modules (10), extending continuously from the counter module (10) of the first display counter (100A) to the counter module (10) of the second display counter (100B) via the two interposed closure elements (30).
19. Display counter arrangement according to one of the claims 13 to 18,
    characterised in that
    the counter modules (10) comprise panelling towards the bottom on a customer side (K) and / or
    a counter corner frame with panelling and / or stackers for providing storage space is provided below the connecting region (40).

Images