FR2846212A1 - SYSTEM FOR SEPARATING OBJECTS ARRANGED ON A SUPPORT WHICH MAY BE MOVING, OF THE TREADMILL TYPE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (2) for separating objects placed on a support capable of being in motion, of the conveyor belt type, said system (2) comprising a separating element (3), characterized in that said separating element (3) consists of a tubular bar having a longitudinal opening (31) to partially receive a lifting panel (5), and in that said system (2) further comprises two end pieces (4) ) removably attached to each end of said partition member (3), said end caps (4) carrying fixing means (44) for fixing said elevation panel (5) in said partition bar (3).

Description

SYSTEM FOR SEPARATING OBJECTS ARRANGED ON A MEDIUM THAT MAY BE

IN MOTION, OF THE TREADMILL TYPE

  The present invention relates to a system for separating objects arranged on a support capable of being in motion, of the conveyor belt type, said system

  having a separating element.

  The present invention is intended in particular to separate the products of one client from those of another client, said products being placed on a conveyor belt one after the other for scrolling.

to a cash register.

  Currently, the separation system used in particular in large areas consists of a bar

  metallic. This metal bar is arranged by the customer wishing to place the products to be purchased on the conveyor belt of a payment box following the products of the customer preceding him. Once the metal bar 20 has been placed, the customer places his products on the carpet.

  However, it turns out that such a system does not offer sufficient separation. Indeed, it is common for the customer to stack the products on top of each other. However, the treadmills, operating in particular with a cell identifying or not the presence of a product in its field of action, are set in motion in jolts, causing the sliding of the stacked products, with a risk in particular of sliding in the "reserved" area for the previous or next client. The present invention intends to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a system which clearly marks the separation of customers' products at the checkout level, while avoiding the slipping of the products linked to excessive stacking.

of said products.

  The present invention also aims to provide a system having sufficient stability, in particular when said system is arranged on a mobile support, of the treadmill type, having

sudden changes in speed.

  The present invention also aims to

  provide flexible marketing support (display card, advertising cardboard, etc.).

  To do this, the present invention is of the type described above and it is remarkable, in its broadest sense, in that said separating element consists of a tubular bar having a longitudinal opening to receive in part a elevation panel, and in that said system further comprises two end pieces removably attached to each end of said separating element, said end pieces 20 carrying fixing means for fixing said

  elevation panel in said divider bar.

  Preferably, said separating element

  includes means for retaining said elevation panel.

  Advantageously, said retaining means consist of at least one longitudinal slide arranged

  in the extension of said opening.

  Advantageously, said slide is arranged on the internal face of the lower wall of said separation element. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said slide is formed of two vertical elements arranged perpendicularly on said internal face of the bottom wall of said separation element (3), the free end of each of said elements being preferably extended by a rounded tab directed respectively towards the outside of said slide. Advantageously, said separating element further comprises means for guiding an elevation panel, said guide means being constituted

  at least two symmetrical tabs respectively disposed on the inner face of a side wall of said separating element and configured so as to form a funnel arranged in the extension of said opening.

  Advantageously, said opening has a width at least slightly greater than the thickness of said

elevation panel.

  Preferably, said end piece consists of a base intended to cooperate with said separating element, of a movable part, linked to said base by securing means, said movable part supporting said means for fixing said panel.

  elevation in said separation element.

Advantageously, said means of

  securing consist of at least one hinge.

  Advantageously, said tip comprises locking means for holding said tip in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, said blocking means consist of protuberances

  distributed over at least part of said base of said tip and into cavities arranged in said movable part of said tip and configured to cooperate with said protuberances of said base when said tip 30 is in the closed position, or vice versa.

  Advantageously, said tip further comprises a gripping zone allowing gripping

of said system.

  The present invention also relates to a device consisting of an object separation system described above, in which is fixed a

elevation panel.

  Preferably, the means for fixing said

  elevation panel in said separation element respectively have at least one zone forming a cavity and in that said elevation panel has on its lower lateral edges at least one tab, said tab 10 being inserted in the zone forming cavity of said end piece .

  The invention will be better understood using the

  description, given below for purely explanatory purposes, of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the 15 appended figures:

  1. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, consisting of an object separation system provided with an elevation panel; 2. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the system in the open position for receiving the elevation panel; 3. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device of Figure 1, in which the maintenance of the elevation panel in the separation system is detailed; 4. Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the device of Figure 1 along the axis AA '; 5. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a system according to another embodiment of the invention, said system being in the open position for receiving the elevation panel; 6. Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the system of Figure 5 provided with an elevation panel and 7. Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the system of Figure 5 not provided with a panel

  elevation, the end pieces being in the closed position.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a device (1) for separating the objects arranged on a support capable of being in movement. In particular, this device is intended to separate the products purchased by a customer from a store, said products being arranged on a carpet

  rolling for scrolling to a cash register.

  Said device (1) consists of a system (2) for separating said objects in which is

fixed an elevation panel (5).

  Said object separation system (2)

  comprises a separation element (3), of the bar type, and two end pieces (4) fixed on each end of said separation element (3).

  Advantageously, said elevation panel (5) is made of polypropylene, said separation element (3) of aluminum and said end pieces (4) of plastic, preferably of polypropylene. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of said system (2) in the open position for receiving said an elevation panel (5) Said separating element (3) is a tubular bar, comprising an upper face (30) , a lower face (34) and two side walls (36, 38). Said upper face (30) of said separation element (3) has an opening (31) distributed longitudinally, said opening (31) being intended to receive a part of said elevation panel (5) designated hereafter

" lower part ".

  Said end pieces (4) consist respectively of a base (41), in this embodiment fully inserted in said separation element (3), of a movable part (42) relative to said base (41) and of joining means (43) of

  said movable part (42) with said fixed part (41).

  Advantageously, said securing means (43) consist of two tongues allowing the pivoting movement of the movable part

(42) relative to the base (41).

  Said movable part (42) further supports fixing means (44) intended to fix said elevation panel (5) when the lower part of said elevation panel (5) is inserted into said element

  separation (3) through said opening (31).

  To do this, said fixing means (44) have a cavity zone (404), in which 20 are housed tabs (51) formed on the lower part of the side edges (50) of said panel.

elevation (5).

  The insertion of said elevation panel (5) is carried out until said tabs (51), constituting said elevation panel (5), respectively touch the

  upper face of the base (41) of each end piece (4).

  Said legs (51), as illustrated in FIG. 2, are such that, once said elevation panel (5) disposed in said separation element (3), said legs (51) have a slight overhang of said element separation (3). Once said elevation panel (5) in place, the movable part (42) of each end piece (4) is given a pivoting movement to place each movable part (42) against one of the ends of said element of 35 separation (3). Therefore, said fixing means (44) of said end pieces (4) are inserted into said separation element (3), said fixing means (44) being positioned on the base (41) of said end piece (4) on which rests the tabs (51) of said elevation panel 5 (5). Said tabs (51) of said elevation panel (5) are then respectively trapped in the cavity zones (404) of said fixing means (44) and the

  upper face of the base (41) of each end piece (4).

  Conversely, the release of said elevation panel (5) is effected by the pivoting of the part

  movable (42) so as to separate the movable part (42) from the end of said separation element (3), thus freeing the tabs (51) trapped in the cavity zone (404) of the fixing means (44) and the upper face of said base (41).

  Said movable part (42) further comprises a gripping zone (402). Advantageously, said gripping area (402) has, at the upper part of said movable part (42), a rounded shape so as to offer an easy and pleasant grip. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device detailing the maintenance of said elevation panel (5) in said separation element (3) by

said tips (4).

  Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the

  device of Figure 1 along the axis AA '.

  As explained above, the lower part of said elevation panel (5) is inserted into said longitudinal opening (31) formed on the face

  upper (30) of said separating element (3).

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said separating element (3) is provided with a slide (32) arranged symmetrically and in the

  extension of said opening (31).

  Said slide (32) is distributed longitudinally over a part of said separating element (3), a part of said separating element (3) being left free respectively at each end to allow the insertion of the base (41) of said

  end piece (4) in said separation element (3).

  Said elevation panel (5) is then inserted into said separation element (3) until said tabs (51) touch the base (41) of said end piece (4) as illustrated in FIG. 3, the end of the lower part of said elevation panel (5) being

  inserted in turn into said slide (32).

  The opening (31) formed on the upper face (30) of said separation element (3) advantageously has a width slightly greater than the thickness of said elevation panel (5). Thus, by holding the lower part of said elevation panel 20 (5) in said slide (32) and by the dimensions of said opening (31) of said separating element (3), the device (1) offers to said elevation panel (5) a tolerance of movement back and forth (movement shown diagrammatically by the arrows in FIG. 4), thereby absorbing the jolts of the treadmill when passing from a state of stop at a working state, and thus improving the

  holding said device (1) on said treadmill.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view 30 of a system according to another embodiment of the invention, said system being in the open position

  to receive said elevation panel (5).

  Said end pieces (4) consist respectively of a base (41) partially inserted in said separation element (3) and of a part (42) movable relative to said base (41). Said base (41) and said movable part (42) are fixed to each other by a connection with a degree of freedom allowing the pivoting of said movable part (42) relative to said base (41). 5 Advantageously, said base (41) present on

  the lateral external faces of the part not inserted in said separation element (3) of the protuberances.

  Said protuberances are intended to be housed in openings formed on the at least 10 interior side faces of said movable part (42), said protuberances and said openings being configured so as to allow the fixing of said movable part (42) and of said base (41) while

  allowing a pivoting movement.

  Said movable part (42) also has fixing means (44) intended to fix said elevation panel (5) when the lower part of said elevation panel (5) is inserted into said element of

  separation (3) through said opening (31).

  To do this, said fixing means (44) comprise a holding zone (414) and a cavity zone (404) into which are inserted tabs (51) formed on the lower part of the lateral edges (50).

said elevation panel (5).

  As previously, the insertion of said elevation panel (5) is carried out until said tabs (51) constituting said elevation panel (5) respectively touch the upper face of the base (41) of each end piece (4). Said legs (51) are such that, once said elevation panel (5) disposed in said separation element (3), said legs (51) have a slight protrusion from said separation element (3). Once said elevation panel (5) in place, the movable part (42) of each end piece 35 (4) is made to pivot to place each movable part (42) against one of the ends of said element.

separation (3).

  Thus, in this embodiment, the part of the base (41) not inserted in the separation element 5 (3) is housed in a part of the cavity zone (404), while the holding zone (414 ) covers the tabs (51) of said elevation panel (5) resting on the base (41) of said end piece (4). The legs (51) of said elevation panel (5) are then respectively housed in the remaining part of the cavity zone (404) and held on the upper face of the base (41) of each endpiece by the holding zone (414) constituent

  the fixing means (44) of each end piece.

  The mobile part (42) is locked in the closed position by means of protuberances (401) (or cavities) distributed over at least part of said base (41) of said end piece (4) and cavities ( 402) (or protuberances) arranged in said movable part (42) of said tip (4) and configured to cooperate with the protuberances (401) (or cavities) of said base (41) when said tip (4) is closed ) sure

said separation element (3).

  In the same way, the release of said elevation panel (5) will be effected, after the unlocking of the movable part (42) of the base (41), by the pivoting of said movable part (42) towards the position opening, thereby releasing the tabs (51) trapped between the holding zone (414) and the upper face of the base (41) of said end piece (4). Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the

  Figure 5 system provided with an elevation panel (5).

  In this embodiment, said slide (32) is formed by two vertical elements arranged there perpendicularly on said internal face of the wall.

  lower (34) of said separating element (3).

  Advantageously, the free end of each element is extended by a tab (302) of substantially rounded shape directed respectively towards

the exterior of said slide.

  As in the embodiment described above, said slide (32) is distributed longitudinally over part of said separating element (3), part of said separating element (3) being left free at each end, respectively. to allow the insertion of at least part of the base (41) of said tip (4) in said element

separation (3).

  Said separation element (3) further comprises guide means intended to guide said elevation panel (5) during its insertion into said separation element (3). Said guide means consist of two symmetrical longitudinal tabs (33) 20 disposed respectively on the inner face of a side wall (36, 38) of said separating element (3) from

  so as to form a central slide.

  Said tabs (33) have, in this example, a curved shape towards the lower wall (34) of said separating element (3) so that said tabs (33) form an element of the funnel type. Of course, this is only an example of configuration here, any other configuration of the legs (33) allowing the elevation panel (5) to be guided to facilitate its insertion into the slide (32) disposed in the extension of the opening (31) not leaving the

part of the present invention.

  The upper wall (30), consisting of said opening (31) for the insertion of said elevation panel 35 (5), also has on its free ends tabs arranged perpendicular to said wall (30) and directed towards the lower wall (34) of said element of

separation (3).

  Said separation element (3) thus configured facilitates the positioning of the elevation panel (5) in said separation element (3): it in fact makes it possible to guide the lower part of said panel

  elevation (5) towards said slide (32).

  Said separating element (3) thus configured also makes it possible, during untimely jolts of the treadmill, to prevent said separating element (3) from falling onto one of its side walls (36, 38).

  carrying with it the elevation panel (5).

  Said separation element (3) thus configured further provides improved retention of said elevation panel (5) in said separation element (3), thereby reducing the risk of involuntary withdrawal in

treadmill jerks.

  Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the

  system (2) of Figure 5 not provided with an elevation panel (5), the end pieces (4) being in the closed position.

  FIG. 7 more particularly illustrates the arrangement of the base (41) of one of said end pieces (4) in said separation element (3). In fact, said end pieces (4) are dimensioned so as to be housed in a cavity (300) of said separation element (3) formed by said tabs (33) and the side and bottom walls (36, 38, 34). , in order to avoid unwanted withdrawal of said base (41) from said cavity (300), the dimensions of said base (41) are such that the insertion of said base (41) into the cavity (300) of said element separation (3) may be effected by force. Advantageously, said base (41) has on at least one of its faces at least one tightening tar (not shown). Thus, during the insertion of said base (41) into the cavity (300) of said separation element (3), said clamping tar, consisting for example of a protuberance of plastic material, is crushed against the or

  the corresponding walls forming the cavity (300). The pressure, thus exerted by said tar on the walls of the cavity (300), makes it possible to hold in place said base (41) of said end piece (4) in the cavity (300) of said separating element (3).

  In these exemplary embodiments of the invention, said elevation panel (5) is of substantially rectangular shape. It is understood that said elevation panel (5) may have other shapes, while retaining a straight base. The upper part of said elevation panel (5) can thus adopt oval, pointed, wave shapes, etc.

  Advantageously, said elevation panel (5) 20 is an advertising medium.

  The invention is described in the foregoing to

  as an example. It is understood that the person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variants of the invention without departing from the scope of the patent.

Claims (14)

  1 system (2) for separating objects arranged on a support capable of being in motion, 5 of the conveyor belt type, said system (2) comprising a separation element (3), characterized in that said separation element ( 3) consists of a tubular bar having a longitudinal opening (31) for partially receiving an elevation panel (5), and in that said system (2) further comprises two end pieces (4) fixed so removable on each end of said separation element (3), said end pieces (4) carrying fixing means (44) for fixing said elevation panel (5) in said separation bar (3). 15 2. Object separation system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said separation element (3) comprises means for retaining said panel elevation (5).   3. Object separation system (2) according to   claim 2, characterized in that said retaining means (32) consist of at least one longitudinal slide (32) disposed in the extension of said opening (31).   4. Object separation system (2) according to   claim 3, characterized in that said slide (32) is arranged on the internal face of the lower wall of said separating element (3).   5. System (2) for separating objects according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that said slide (32) is formed by two vertical elements arranged perpendicularly on said inner face of the lower wall (34) of said separation element (3), the free end of each of said elements preferably being extended by a tab (302) of substantially rounded shape directed respectively towards the outside of said slide. 6. Object separation system (2) according to   any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said separation element (3) further comprises 10 means for guiding an elevation panel (5),   said guide means consisting of at least two symmetrical tabs (33) disposed respectively on the inner face of a side wall (36, 38) of said separating element (3) and configured so as to form a funnel arranged in the extension of said opening (31).   7. Object separation system (2) according to   any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said opening (31) has a width at least   slightly greater than the thickness of said panel elevation (5).   8. Object separation system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in   that said end piece (4) consists of a base (41) intended to cooperate with said separating element (3), of a movable part (42), linked to said base (41) by securing means ( 43), said movable part (42) 30 supporting said fixing means (44) of said panel   elevation (5) in said separating element (3).   9. System (2) for separating objects according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said securing means (43) consist of at least a hinge.   10. Object separation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said tip (4) includes locking means for holding said tip in the closed position.   11. System (2) for separating objects according to claim 10, characterized in that said blocking means consist of protuberances (401) distributed over at least part of said base (41) of said tip (4) and in cavities (402) arranged in said movable part (42) of said tip (4) and configured to cooperate with said protuberances (401) of said base (41) when said tip (4) is in the position of closing, or vice versa.   12. Object separation system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said end piece (4) further comprises a gripping zone allowing the gripping of said system (2).   13. Device (1) consisting of a system (2)   partitioning device according to any one of the preceding claims in which a panel is fixed elevation (5).   14. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing means (44) of said elevation panel (5) in said separation element (3) respectively have at least one zone forming cavity (404) and in that said elevation panel (5) has on its lateral lower edges   (50) at least one tab (51), said tab (51) being inserted in the cavity zone (404) of said tip (4).