EP2908702B1 - Product advancing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a product sliding device comprising (a) a slider having at least two pushers connected together in a hinge and at least one spring, the pushers being in an extended configuration and being moved in a plane of movement which is an angle between the at least two pushers changes from the stretched arrangement in a compressed arrangement are relatively brought to each other, wherein the spring biases the pushers in the extended arrangement and wherein the slider has a free end, with a pressure on a stack of goods is exercisable and a fixed end opposite the free end, and (b) a slide rail to which the fixed end is fixed.

A generic product sliding device is used for example in the DE 200 19 554 U1 described. Such goods shifters are used in retail for product presentation. When a customer removes a package of a product, the product pushing device presses the remaining goods forward, so that the foremost product is always flush with the front shelf part and the rule always looks tidy and well filled.

A disadvantage of known Warenschiebevorrichtungen is that they are set to a predetermined package size and fixed on the shelf. If, for example, instead of a wide, flat product, a narrow, high product is pushed by the product sliding device, this requires a relatively complex conversion of the product sliding device. This is disadvantageous in trade, since there are assigned to a given shelf space at short intervals different goods, which requires frequent adjustments of the product sliding device.

It is a further disadvantage that articles can not remain in their packaging if they are to be pushed forward with a product pusher without the packaging being quite laborious prior to insertion into the product pusher is changed. It is also not possible to present goods in several packages one above the other on a shelf.

The invention has for its object to propose a product sliding device, which reduces disadvantages in the prior art.

The invention solves the problem by a generic product sliding device in which the slide has a first slide and at least one second slide, which runs parallel to the first slide, the goods slide having a bottom plate, wherein the slider at its fixed end a first slider, the is attached to the first thrust element, and a second sliding element which is fixed to the second thrust element, wherein the sliding elements are arranged so that the slider with the first sliding element and the second sliding element in the first slide is fastened so that the movement plane at least extends substantially parallel to the bottom plate and that the slide with the first sliding member and one of the slide tracks is fastened so that the movement plane is at least substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate.

An advantage of the invention is that a conversion from narrow to wide goods that are to be pushed, is easily possible. All you have to do is turn the slider 90 °. The goods slide can then push flat, wide goods. It is also advantageous that the slider is displaceable along the rail, so that its position is adaptable to different carton sizes.

It is a further advantage that the operation of the product pusher is quick and easy. Retailers are heavily involved in unskilled, frequently changing, and part-time workers, making lengthy training undesirable or impossible. The product pusher is so simple in its construction that it is immediately understandable.

Another advantage is that the product shifter operated with cartons can be, whose underside is free of separation. In known Warenschiebevorrichtungen it is necessary to provide on the bottom of a tear strip, along which a pulling element can pull the goods in the carton forward. However, such a separation point weakens the carton, so that the package must be designed to be more stable overall, so as not to break when graving. Furthermore, disconnections on the underside can lead to snagging when handling the cartons, which can lead to errors and downtime.

It is also advantageous that two or more Warenschiebevorrichtungen can be arranged one above the other.

In the context of the present description, the slider is understood in particular to mean a device which is designed to apply a force to goods to be pushed. The slider is preferably made of plastic. It is possible to make the slide of metal, wood or composite materials, but this is more complex.

It is particularly favorable if the pusher elements have reinforcing ribs. In this way, the pushers are both stable and light.

Under the push elements are individually manufactured and built together in the slider elements understood. According to a preferred embodiment, at least two, advantageously all thrust elements are identical, which allows a particularly efficient production.

Under the extended arrangement is understood that arrangement, which occupies the slide when only a few goods are to be pushed by the goods sliding device. The compressed arrangement, however, is the arrangement in which the slider is when the maximum number of goods to be pushed in the carton is present. After refilling a goods arrangement comprising a carton, in which the goods are received, and the goods sliding device, the pushers are thus initially in the compressed Arrangement, after successive removal of individual goods from the carton, the pushers come in the extended arrangement.

It is advantageous, but not necessary, to use a carton. It is also possible to position the goods directly on the bottom plate.

Under the sliding elements are understood elements that positively cooperate with the slideways so that they are guided by the slideways transversely, ie longitudinally displaceable. Preferably, the slideways have coupling-in areas in which the sliding elements can be threaded out of the slideways.

However, it is also possible that the sliding elements are releasably secured to the other components of the slider, so that the sliding elements must be removed from the slider to remove the sliding elements from the slideways. However, this procedure is associated with additional work.

The goods may be, for example, foods in cuboid cardboard packaging, blisters, flow packs or bags.

According to a preferred embodiment, the slide with the first sliding element in the first slide can be fastened, that the movement plane extends at least substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge, wherein the second sliding member is pivotally mounted on a push element or the slide is the lower slide, that is in that the second slide track is arranged below the first slide track.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom plate is strip-shaped and the pushers extend in their extended arrangement beyond the bottom plate. In the thrust direction of the slider, so from the perspective that usually takes a customer to whom the goods are presented, the bottom plate is thus preferably wider than deep. It is cheap and possible, but not necessary, that the pusher elements into one compact arrangement can be brought, in which they rest on the bottom plate.

It is advantageous if the bottom plate is magnetized and / or provided with adhesive, so that the bottom plate can be fastened to a substrate. The bottom plate can then be made particularly narrow.

Alternatively or additionally, the bottom plate is designed for partially encompassing a shelf, so that the bottom plate is prevented from moving upwards, downwards and forwards. In the front, in this context, is the direction in which the pushers move as they move from the compact to the stretched arrangement.

Preferably, the bottom plate is separable positively connected to the slide rail. In this case, it is possible to first connect the bottom plate with a shelf and then to mount the slide on the bottom plate. For example, a profile with undercuts, in particular a T-profile, formed on the bottom plate or the slide rail, which cooperates with a corresponding inverse structure on the slide rail or the bottom plate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the product sliding device comprises at least one slide plate which is attached to at least one push element and is pushed away from the push elements in the direction of the fixed end when the push elements are in the compressed arrangement, and has a width such that a longitudinal axis of the first joint and / or a longitudinal axis of the second joint move in a joint movement plane which extends at least substantially parallel to the bottom plate. There are then no tilting or shearing forces on the goods to be pushed.

In the preferred embodiment, the bottom plate has a front side, a back side, and two side edges opposite each other, which are respectively arranged between front side and rear side, wherein the side edges are formed so that each two floor panels are flush with each other form-fitting connected side by side. This has the advantage that a shelf can be fitted over the entire surface with goods sliding devices according to the invention without them being able to move against each other.

Preferably, the slider is mirror-symmetrical, which makes it particularly easy to manufacture. It is favorable if the slide has at least four pushing elements which are connected with stork-beak-like joints. This is understood to mean an arrangement in which in each case two pusher elements are connected to one another in an X-shaped manner, wherein at least two pushers connected in such an X-shape are connected to one another to form a row of X-s. In particular, the pusher elements are designed so that three or more pusher pairs can be arranged one behind the other. If further thrust elements are added, it is favorable to add at least one further spring, so that the force with which the slider pushes the goods forward does not sink.

The pushing force can be influenced by the choice of the spring constant of the spring and is preferably between 2 and 14 Newtons.

Preferably, the slide rail is lockably mounted pivotally mounted on the bottom plate. The bottom plate can then be placed inclined on a horizontal surface. It is therefore possible to release the slide and to pivot and then lock. The locking can be done positively or frictionally. It is favorable if the slide rail has two sides of different widths, so that different angles of inclination of the base plate to the base can be realized by turning the product sliding device. If the bottom plate is inclined, an additional force is exerted on the goods, which adds to the force of the slider.

According to the invention, a goods arrangement with a carton, in which goods are received, and a goods sliding device according to the invention with which a force is exerted on the goods received in the carton, wherein the cardboard has a separation point-free bottom. This is to be understood in particular that the cardboard has no perforation on its underside and / or that a strength of the cardboard on the underside at any point deviates by more than 20% from an average strength of the cardboard on the underside. The advantage of this is that the packaging may need to be torn open at the back, but not at the bottom. This preserves the dimensional stability of the carton during transport and handling. In addition, a tearing on the back does not change the visual appearance.

Preferably, the cardboard has on its rear side a recess and / or a perforation, by means of which a recess can be produced, which is designed so that the sliding plate can pass through the recess. It is then sufficient, if necessary, to produce the recess by tearing the cardboard and to position the cardboard in front of the sliding plate in order to bias the goods received in the cardboard by means of the slider to the front.

In addition, according to the invention, a goods arrangement which, in addition to a carton in which goods are received, has a second goods sliding device according to the invention, the second goods sliding device being mounted directly above the first goods sliding device. For example, the second product pushing device rests on the first carton or the second product pushing device is connected with its slide rail on the slide rail of the first product pushing device.

Instead of the second product sliding device, the goods arrangement may also comprise a slider having the above-mentioned features, which is fastened, for example, to the first goods sliding device, in particular with a belt or a chain. In this way, goods can be pushed in a box, which has an intermediate floor. The goods in the lower compartment between the underside of the box and the intermediate floor are pushed by the slide of the first goods sliding device. To do so, he goes through Slider a recess on the back of the box. The goods in the upper compartment between the intermediate floor and the top are pushed by the slide, which rests with one end to the goods and with the other end to the back of the carton and both braced against each other. In the upper compartment, the box has no recess at the back.

Figur 1

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Warenschiebevorrichtung,

Figur 2

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsanordnung mit der Warenschiebevorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 und

Figur 3

zwei nebeneinander angeordnete Warenschiebevorrichtungen, in denen die Bewegungsebene für eine der beiden Warenschiebevorrichtungen senkrecht zur Bodenplatte verläuft, bei der anderen parallel dazu.

Figur 4

zeigt eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Warenschiebevorrichtung.

Figur 5

zeigt eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Warenschiebevorrichtung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows

FIG. 1

a three-dimensional view of a product sliding device according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a three-dimensional view of a packaging arrangement according to the invention with the goods sliding device according to FIG. 1 and

FIG. 3

two juxtaposed Warenschiebevorrichtungen in which the movement plane for one of the two Warenschiebevorrichtungen perpendicular to the bottom plate, in the other parallel to it.

FIG. 4

shows a three-dimensional view of another product sliding device according to the invention.

FIG. 5

shows a three-dimensional view of another product sliding device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a product sliding device 10 according to the invention, which has a slider 12 and a slide rail 14. The slider 12 has a first push element 16.1, a second push element 16.2, a third push element 16.3 and a fourth push element 16.4. The two push elements 16.1 and 16.2 are X-shaped connected to each other in a first joint 18.1, the thrust elements 16.3 and 16.4 X-shaped in a second joint 18.2. The thrust elements 16. 2 and 16.3 are connected to each other via a joint 20.1, the thrust elements 16.1 and 16. 4 by a joint 20.2.

To a longitudinal axis of the joint 20, a coil spring 22.1 is arranged, which presses the two push elements 16.2, 16.3 in a stretched arrangement. The coil spring 22.1 is thus arranged so that an angle α between the Push elements 16.2, 16.3 enlarged. A second coil spring 22.2, which is optional, is disposed about the hinge 20.2 and pushes the two pushers 16.1, 16.4 in the extended arrangement.

The slider 12 has a free end 24 on which a sliding plate 26 is arranged. With a in the free end 24 opposite fixed end 28 of the slider 12 is fixed to the slide rail 14.

The slide rail 14 has a first slide 30 and a second slide 32 which is disposed below the first slide 30. The slide rail 14 is attached to a bottom plate 34 and includes with this a right angle.

FIG. 2 shows a goods arrangement 36 according to the invention, which could also be referred to as a merchandise display arrangement, and in addition to the above-described product sliding device 10 has a carton 38. In the box 38 are in FIG. 2 not drawn goods, all of which have the same structure.

It can be seen that the slider 12 has a first sliding member 40 and a second sliding member 42. In the in FIG. 2 As shown, the sliding elements 40, 42 are guided in the first slide track 30, so that the slide track 30 serves as a linear guide for the sliding elements 40, 42.

In the FIG. 2 not shown springs push the pushers 16 (reference numeral without Zählsuffix denotes the object as such) apart. During this movement of the pushers, the sliding elements 40, 42 move toward each other and the pushers 16 move in a plane of movement E that is substantially parallel to the bottom plate 34. By the fact that the plane of movement E runs essentially parallel, it is to be understood that although the aim is that the plane of movement E runs parallel to the bottom plate 34 in a strictly mathematical sense, it is sufficient is if any angle between the two, for example, less than 5 °.

FIG. 3 shows two Warenschiebevorrichtungen 10.1, 10.2, the in the FIGS. 1 and 2 correspond described. The goods sliding device 10.1 has a front side 44, a rear side 46, a left side edge 48 and a right side edge 50. The side edges 48, 50 have coupling structures, so that a positive connection of the goods sliding device 10.1, 10.2 is possible.

The left coupling structure 52 can be seen in the second product sliding device 10.2. Both Warenschiebevorrichtungen 10.1, 10.2 are positively connected to each other via the coupling structures.

In the product sliding device 10.2, the second sliding element 42 is secured in the first slide track 30 such that the plane of movement E is perpendicular to the base plate 34.2 of the second product sliding device 10.2.

The first joint 18 has a longitudinal axis A ₁₈ , the second joint 20 has a second longitudinal axis A ₂₀ . A width B of the slide plate 26 is chosen so that both longitudinal axes A ₁₈ , A ₂₀ move in a line of movement G, which forms an angle of less than 10 ° with the bottom plate 34. Together slides the sliding plate 26 particularly light and also exerts no shear forces on the goods to be pushed.

FIG. 3 shows that the first slide 30 of the goods sliding device 10.2 has a coupling region 54 through which the sliding members 40, 42 pass through. The second slide track 32 likewise has a coupling-in region 56.

In the sliding plate 26 engage the third sliding member 58 and a fourth sliding member 60, which are guided along a slot 62 of the slide plate 26 along.

The bottom plate 34 may have exceptions by which rubber bands can grip, by means of which it can be fastened to a shelf. Alternatively, the bottom plate 34 may include at least one magnet for connection to a ferromagnetic shelf.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a product sliding device 10 according to the invention, in which the slide rail 14 is locked and secured by an angle β pivotally mounted on the bottom plate 34. The slide has two sides of different widths, so that two different angles of inclination φ of the base plate to the ground can be realized by rotating the product sliding device about an axis of rotation D extending in the plane of the base plate.

FIG. 5 shows a section of a goods sliding device 10, wherein the bottom plate 34 is strip-shaped. The bottom plate 34 is perpendicular to a thrust direction S of the slider 12. The bottom plate 34 is fixed in the present case with adhesive to a shelf 64 of a goods display shelf. It can be seen that the bottom plate 34 is connected via a T-connection 66 separable form-fitting manner with the slide rail 14. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES </ b> 10 Were pushing device 12 pusher 50 right side edge 14 slide 52 coupling structure 16 push element 54 coupling region 18 joint 56 Einkoppelbereiche 58 third sliding element 20 joint 22 spiral spring 60 fourth sliding element 24 free end 62 slot 26 sliding plate 64 shelf 28 fixed end 66 T-connection 30 first slideway α angle 32 second slideway D axis of rotation 34 baseplate e movement plane 36 Been arrangement G Joint movement plane 38 carton A longitudinal axis B width 40 first sliding element S thrust direction 42 second sliding element 44 front 46 back 48 left side edge

Claims (13)

1. A product advancing device (10) with

   (a) a pusher (12) which

   - comprises a first pushing element (16.1) and at least a second pushing element (16.2) that are interconnected in one hinge (18), and

   - comprises at least one spring (22),

   - wherein the pushing elements (16) can be moved relative to one another into an extended arrangement and, as a result of displacement in a displacement plane (E) in which an angle (α) changes between the two pushing elements (16), from the extended arrangement into a buckled arrangement,

   - wherein the spring (22) pre-tensions the pushing elements (16) into the extended arrangement and

   - the pusher (12) comprises a free end (24), by means of which a pressure can be exerted onto a stack on products, and a fixed end (28) that is situated opposite the free end (24), and

   (b) a slide rail (14) to which the fixed end (28) is secured,
   characterised by the fact that

   (c) the slide rail (14) comprises a slide path (30) and

   (d) the pusher (12) has

   - a first slide element (40), which is fixed to the first pushing element (16.1), at its fixed end (28) and

   - a second slide element (42) that is fixed to the second pushing element (16.2),

   (e) the slide elements (40, 42) being arranged such that the pusher

   - can be secured with the first glide element (40) and the second glide element (42) in the slide path (30) such that the displacement plane (E) runs at least primarily parallel to a base panel (34), and

   - can be secured with the first slide element (40) in the slide path (30) such that the displacement plane (E) runs at least primarily perpendicular to the base panel (34).
2. The product advancing device (10) according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that

   (a) the slide rail comprises at least a second slide path (32) that runs parallel to the first slide path (30), and that

   (b) the slide elements (40, 42) are arranged in such a way that the pusher

   - can be secured with the first glide element (40) and the second glide element (42) in the first slide path (30) such that the displacement plane (E) runs at least primarily parallel to the base panel (34), and

   - can be secured with the first slide element (40) in one of the slide paths (30, 32) such that the movement plane (E) runs at least primarily perpendicular to the base panel (34).
3. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the base panel (34) is designed in the shape of a bar and the pushing elements protrude above the base panel (34) when in their extended arrangement.
4. The product advancing device (10) according to claim 3, characterised by the fact that the base panel (34) is magnetised and/or provided with an adhesive, thereby enabling the base panel (34) to be attached to a supporting surface.
5. The product advancing device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised by the fact that the connection between the base panel (34) and the slide rail (14) is a detachable, form-locking connection.
6. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the slide elements (40, 42) are arranged in such a way that

   - the pusher (12) can be secured with the first glide element (42) and/or the second glide element (40) in the first slide path (30) such that the displacement plane (E) runs at least primarily perpendicular to the base panel (34), and

   - the second glide element (42) being attached to a pushing element (16.1) such that it can be pivoted.
7. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that

   - the base panel (34) has a front side (44), a rear side (46) and two lateral edges (48, 50) that lie opposite each other, each lateral edge being arranged between the front side (44) and the rear side (46),

   - wherein the lateral edges (48, 50) are designed such that two base panels can be connected alongside each other via a connection that is flush and positive-locking.
8. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the pusher (12) is symmetrically identical.
9. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the pusher (12) has at least four pushing elements (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4) that are interconnected in a first hinge (18) and a second hinge (20) in the style of a pantograph with articulated joints.
10. The product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims, characterised by a sliding panel (26) that

    - is secured to at least one pushing element (16.3, 16.4) and is pushed by the pushing elements (16) in the direction away from the fixed end (28) when the pushing elements (16) are in the buckled arrangement, and

    - has such a width (B) that a longitudinal axis (A₁₈) of the first hinge (18) and/or a longitudinal axis (A₂₀) of the second hinge (20) move in a hinge displacement plane (G), which runs at least primarily parallel to the base panel (34).
11. The product advancing device according to one of the above claims, characterised by the fact that the slide rail is fixed to the base panel (34) such that it can be locked and pivoted.
12. A product arrangement (36) with

    (i) a cardboard box (38) in which products are contained and

    (ii) a product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims,

    (iii) wherein the cardboard box (38) has an underside that is free of joints.
13. The product arrangement according the claim 12, characterised by

    (iv) a second cardboard box in which products are contained and

    (v) a second product advancing device (10) according to one of the above claims 1 to 10,

    (vi) the second product advancing device (10) being arranged directly above the first product advancing device.

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