WO2024104880A1

WO2024104880A1 - Device for separating goods and method for separating goods, crate, output device and method for removing a good from a crate

Info

Publication number: WO2024104880A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/081279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lasse LÄMMERHIRT
Original assignee: Pos Tuning Udo Vosshenrich Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-11-14
Filing date: 2023-11-09
Publication date: 2024-05-23

Abstract

A device (1) for separating goods (10) comprises a slider (2) which is preloaded by a spring (3) and with which goods (10) are preloaded towards a stop (4), characterised by an ejection device (5), by means of which the front-most good (10) adjacent to the stop (4) can in each case be ejected by means of an ejector (9) to a collection station (25). The invention also relates to a method for separating goods, by means of which goods (10) can easily be separated from a row of goods (10). The device can for example comprise a crate (31) for storing goods.

Description

Device for separating goods and method for separating goods, box, dispensing device and method for removing a product from a box

The present invention relates to a device for separating goods, with a slider pre-tensioned by a spring, with which goods are pre-tensioned towards a stop, and a method for separating goods. In addition, the present invention relates to a box for storing goods, with a base for placing goods on and at least two walls protruding upwards from the base, between which a removal opening is formed, wherein the goods placed on the base can be moved via at least one goods slider to a stop below the removal opening and the goods slider is pre-tensioned towards the stop via a spring, a stack of stacked boxes arranged one above the other, an output device and a method for removing goods from a box.

EP 987 917 B1 discloses a presentation container in which a large number of goods are arranged in a row one behind the other. The presentation container has a recess in its rear wall and in its base so that a goods pusher can be moved through the recess into the goods container in order to move the goods towards a stop. This allows the goods at the front to be removed from a sales shelf and the goods pusher ensures that the goods arranged behind it are brought into the field of vision of the customers. Such presentation containers have proven to be useful because when the sales shelves are refilled, the individual goods do not have to be removed from the container but can remain in the presentation container as outer packaging.

In addition to complicated vending machines and traditional stationary shopping, many goods are sold through other distribution channels. For this, various goods must be put together in a shopping cart for each customer so that the customer can then pick up the shopping cart or have it delivered. Separating goods using robots is comparatively complex, and manually putting together a shopping cart requires a lot of personnel. DE 20 2022 103 979 U1 discloses a stackable box for presenting goods, in which an access opening is formed on a front side and the inclination of the base of the box is adjustable so that the goods can be arranged at an angle to the front. This simplifies the handling of the goods, but the goods can only be removed manually. Separating the goods by gripping them can only be done with great effort using machines.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for separating goods and a method for separating goods which enable effective separation of goods using simple means. In addition, a box for storing goods, a dispensing device and a method for removing goods from a box are to be provided which enable the goods to be easily dispensed from the box.

This object is achieved with a device having the features of claim 1, a method having the features of claim 12, a box having the features of claim 13, a dispensing device having the features of claim 17 and a method having the features of claim 20.

The device according to the invention for separating goods comprises a spring-loaded slider, with which goods are pre-tensioned towards a stop, wherein an ejector device is provided, with which the frontmost goods adjacent to the stop can be ejected to a collecting station via at least one ejector. As a result, a row of goods provided between the slider and the stop can be separated by the ejector, with the goods remaining one behind the other in the row of goods being conveyed to the stop by the slider and the frontmost goods in the feed direction being ejected. This means that the frontmost position in front of the stop can be filled with one item of goods at a time using simple mechanical means, and if necessary the ejector can be operated to eject an item. The ejected goods can then be collected at a collecting station, which can be done either manually or automatically. This makes it possible to efficiently separate everyday goods in particular, and the device can also be used in sales rooms where customers can manually remove individual items. Preferably, the foremost item can be moved upwards via the at least one ejector and forwards over the stop via the slider. The ejector ensures a lifting movement of the foremost item and after lifting, the slider pre-tensioned by the spring, in particular by an at least partially wound-up band spring, can initiate the forward movement of the items so that the lifted item is moved or pivoted over the stop. This means that the foremost item can be ejected without an electric drive and with high reliability.

The at least one ejector can be moved via an electromechanical actuator. The actuator can be designed as a solenoid, for example, and can comprise an electromagnet that can be actuated via a control system and by means of which a lifting movement is generated. The device preferably comprises a control system by means of which the electromechanical actuator can be controlled to move the at least one ejector. A large number of goods can be separated from a goods shelf simultaneously or in quick succession using such a control system.

The at least one ejector is preferably guided so that it can be moved on a holder, whereby the ejector can preferably be moved linearly in a vertical direction. The lifting movement through the linear guide can be greater than the height of the stop on the front side of the goods. Alternatively, the ejector can also be mounted so that it can pivot. The goods can also be lifted and ejected to a collecting station via one or more pivotable ejectors. The ejector is preferably shorter in the feed direction of the slide than the goods.

The stop of the device is preferably fixed directly or via a holder to an adapter rail, which can extend perpendicular to the feed direction of the slider. Such an adapter rail can, for example, be fixed to or on a shelf in order to fix a plurality of devices for separating goods along the adapter rail. The distance between the individual devices can be designed flexibly in order to be able to adapt to the width of the respective goods. Optionally, the adapter rail can also serve as a power supply if an electrical cable is laid on it or formed integrally. The holder for fixing the stop to the adapter rail preferably has at least one opening for the passage of the at least one ejector, for a compact design. The ejector device is preferably arranged at least partially under a shelf on which the goods are placed. The shelf can be designed as a plate, for example, and the ejector device is positioned on a front side of the shelf in such a way that it is positioned both in front of the shelf and partially protrudes under the shelf when viewed from the front, so that a guide on the ejector device can be long enough to lift the foremost item of goods over the stop. Alternatively, the ejector device can also be completely attached under a shelf, with the shelf then having at least one opening or recess for at least one ejector to pass through. The ejector device can be fixed to the adapter rail with a housing directly or via other components. In addition, a display or label can be provided on the ejector device in order to be able to display information about the respective type of goods.

The goods are preferably arranged in an outer packaging, for example in the form of a tray-shaped box or reusable crate, which has a recess for the slider to pass through. This means that the goods can be arranged in the outer packaging after production and do not have to be removed from the outer packaging when placed on a shelf. Instead, the entire outer packaging with the goods contained therein can be positioned so that the goods are arranged between the slider and the stop. The slider can then be moved through an opening in a rear wall and along an elongated recess on a base of the outer packaging. This makes it easier to handle when refilling the goods, which can be placed on the shelf together with the outer packaging.

The outer packaging preferably has an opening, in particular on a front side, and the outer packaging is secured or locked to the stop via a projection engaging in the opening, i.e. secured against being lifted.

In addition to the arrangement in outer packaging, which can also be designed as reusable boxes, an individual arrangement of the goods is also conceivable, for example between partition walls. The partition walls are installed between the individual rows of goods in order to ensure safe guidance in the feed direction. The height of the partition walls can be higher than the maximum drive-up height of the ejector so that the goods are safely pushed out to the front.

To ensure that the goods are lifted safely, the ejector device can comprise two ejectors that touch the goods at different positions on the underside. This can prevent the goods from tipping sideways. The two ejectors are preferably arranged symmetrically to a central plane, in particular on both sides of the slide. Alternatively, instead of two ejectors, only a single ejector can be provided, which has a support surface by means of which the goods can be lifted without tipping.

To ensure safe guidance of the slider, a guide rail can be provided along which the slider can be moved. The guide rail can be fixed to the stop and/or the adapter rail at a front area.

To ensure secure positioning of the outer packaging, the front wall can rest against the stop, with a recess optionally provided in the front wall into which a projection on the stop engages. This prevents the entire outer packaging from being lifted when a product is ejected. Optionally, the stop can also be formed by a section of the front wall of the outer packaging.

In the method according to the invention for separating goods from a row of goods, the steps mentioned in claim 12 are carried out. The row of goods is pre-tensioned towards a stop via a slide, wherein in a first step an ejector is actuated and the foremost goods at the stop are raised over the ejector above the stop. This releases the tension between the stop and the slide by the length of the raised goods minus the length of the ejector. The goods remaining in the row are thus pushed over the slide to the raised ejector and push the raised goods out over the stop by the length of the goods minus the length of the ejector, so that these goods tip forwards, for example, and then these separated goods can be collected at a collecting station. As soon as the ejector moves back down to the starting position, the slide pushes the remaining goods to the stop. This makes it possible to separate the goods using simple mechanical means, whereby the at least one ejector can preferably be controlled via an electromechanical actuator.

A box according to the invention for storing goods according to claim 13 comprises a base for placing goods on and at least two walls protruding upwards from the base, between which a removal opening is formed, wherein the goods placed on the base can be moved to a stop under the removal opening via at least one goods pusher and the goods pusher is pre-tensioned towards the stop via a spring. In the base of the box, adjacent to the stop, at least one opening is cut out through which an ejector can be passed to lift the frontmost goods above the stop. This means that the goods can optionally be removed from the removal opening so that the goods behind it are pushed forward to the stop via the corresponding goods pusher. Alternatively, it is possible to pass an ejector through the at least one opening in the base so that the frontmost goods are lifted above the stop and then automatically pushed over the stop by the goods pusher. This enables goods to be removed and separated using simple means, whereby the goods can then optionally be collected or conveyed further.

Preferably, several goods pushers are arranged next to each other perpendicular to the feed direction, by means of which a row of goods can be moved to the stop under the removal opening. For example, three to twelve rows of goods can be arranged next to each other in the box and each row of goods is pre-tensioned towards the stop by a goods pusher. Different goods can be arranged next to each other so that the box can be delivered ready for a sales room.

The at least one opening in the base can preferably be designed as a slot and extend over the underside of several goods arranged next to one another. The opening can, for example, extend over at least 90% of the width of the box, so that only a single opening is formed over the entire width and, depending on the position of the ejector, the desired goods can then be lifted and ejected. The desired goods can be lifted and ejected with a single ejector. so that a separate ejector does not have to be provided for each item. Optionally, several openings can be provided next to each other so that one item of goods can be accessed via one opening in order to lift it.

For better guidance of the goods when goods are pushed forward, a compartment divider is preferably arranged between each of two goods pushers, i.e. wall elements that serve to guide the goods in the feed direction. The compartment dividers can be adjustable perpendicular to the feed direction so that a gap between two compartment dividers can be adjusted to the width of the respective goods. The compartment dividers can, for example, be fixed to an anchor element next to the stop.

The boxes according to the invention can preferably be stacked on top of one another and, when stacked, can replace a shelf in a sales room. Different goods are then accessible via the removal openings on the front, which can be removed either manually or via an ejector.

An output device according to the invention comprises a box according to claim 13 and an ejector which can be inserted into the at least one opening for lifting the goods. The ejector can, for example, be part of a machine for separating goods and can lift the desired goods via a drive. The ejector can preferably be moved together with a collecting container, whereby the lifted goods can be ejected into the collecting container via the stop by the goods pusher. One or more goods can then be collected in the collecting container, which are taken from one or different boxes. Optionally, the box can also be moved relative to the ejector via transport means, for example via a conveyor belt. The ejector can then only be moved in the vertical direction, while the box is moved in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the box can also only be moved vertically and the ejector in the horizontal direction. In any case, the ejector and box can be brought into the desired position in a simple manner.

In a method for removing goods from a box according to claim 20, a box with goods is first provided on the floor, which are pre-tensioned by at least one goods pusher towards a stop under a removal opening. An ejector is inserted into an opening in the bottom of the box in order to lift a front item and then push the item through to move the goods pusher over the stop so that the goods are ejected from the box.

The invention is explained in more detail below using several embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inventive

Device for separating goods;

Figures 2A and 2B show two views of a single device for separating goods without a shelf;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device without outer packaging of goods;

Figures 4A and 4B show two detailed views of the device in the area of the stop with the ejector in different positions;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an ejector;

Figures 6A and 6B show two views of the outer packaging;

Figures 7A to 7D show several views of the device for separating goods in different positions;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a box according to the invention before removal of goods;

Figure 9 is a view of the box of Figure 8 during the ejection of goods;

Figure 10 is a view of the box of Figure 8 with goods ejected;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 8 during the ejection of a product;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the box of Figure 8; Figure 13 is a bottom view of the box of Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a stack of several

boxes;

Figure 15 is a view of the stack of boxes with an ejector and a collecting container;

Figure 16 is a view of the stack of Figure 15 during the ejection of a product;

Figure 17 is a schematic view of the positioning of the ejector on the box, and

Figure 18 is a view of the raised ejector on an empty

Box.

A device 1 for separating goods 10 comprises a slide 2 which is prestressed by a spring 3 towards a stop 4 on the front of a shelf 6. In Figure 1, four devices 1 for separating goods are arranged next to one another on a shelf 6, the left-hand device being shown without goods 10, the two middle devices 1 comprising a row of goods 10 which are each prestressed towards a stop 4 by a slide 2, while the device 1 on the right-hand side is shown in a position in which a frontmost item of goods 10 adjacent to the stop 4 has been lifted via an ejector device 5 and is just being ejected over the stop 4 to a collecting station 25, since the frontmost item of goods 10 is pushed forward by the goods 10 remaining in the row by the slide 2. The collecting station 25 is not shown, but can be designed as a shopping basket, conveyor belt or other device to collect the ejected goods 10.

The stops 4 of the devices 1 are fixed to an adapter rail 7, which is fixed to the shelf 6, for example by being glued to an upper side. The adapter rail 7 extends with its longitudinal direction essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the slides 2. The slides 2 are held so that they can move on a guide rail 8, which can optionally also be dispensed with. Each ejector device 5 comprises at least one ejector 9 which is suitable for lifting the frontmost article 10 adjacent to the stop 4.

In Figures 2A and 2B, the device 1 is shown with an outer packaging 11 without goods. The outer packaging 11 contains a large number of goods 10 which do not have to be removed when refilling the goods on the standard base 6, but can remain in the tray-shaped outer packaging. An opening 12 is formed in a rear wall of the outer packaging 11 through which the slider 2 can be passed. The guide rail 8 protrudes over the rear wall of the outer packaging 11 so that the rearmost goods in the outer packaging can be pushed forwards to the stop 4 by the slider 2 during filling.

Figure 2B shows that a front wall 18 of the outer packaging rests against the stop 4 and can optionally also be positioned on a receptacle on the stop 4. The latching or locking of the outer packaging 11 between the stop 4 and an opening 21 is advantageous so that the outer packaging 11 with the goods 10 cannot be lifted. Optionally, a type of bevel can also be attached to the top of the stop 4, which holds the front wall 18.

The adapter rail 7 extends under the outer packaging 11. A holder 14 is fixed to the adapter rail 7, to which the guide rail 8 is attached. One end of the spring 3, which is designed as a band spring and is arranged with a wound-up section in a housing 13 on the slider 2, is fixed to the holder 14. When the slider 2 moves back, the spring 3 is tensioned. The stop 4 is also fixed to the holder 14 in order to limit the movement of the foremost product 10.

In Figure 3, the outer packaging 11 has been omitted, so that it can be seen that the guide rail 8 is fixed to the holder 14 with an end section. The holder 14 is followed by a housing of the ejector device 5, on which two ejectors 9 are provided. The ejectors 9 have a flat support surface and are arranged on both sides of the holder 14, so that tipping sideways is prevented when lifting an item.

In Figure 4A, the area of the ejector device 5 is shown in detail. The ejector device 5 extends with a housing below the Guide rail 8 and the holder 14. An upper side of the housing of the ejector device 5 is arranged substantially at the same height as an upper side of the guide rail 8. Optionally, a recess can also be provided in the holder 14 with ejector device 5 so that a bottom-side section of the outer packaging 11 can be positioned there and is secured against displacement.

A projection 23 protruding counter to the feed direction is formed on the stop 4 and can be inserted into the opening 21 on the outer packaging 11 in order to fix it.

The ejector device 5 has a linear guide for the ejector 9 so that it can be moved upwards via a vertical lifting movement, as shown in Figure 4B. In the raised position, a support surface of the ejector 9 is arranged at least at the same height as the top of the stop 4, optionally also above the stop 4. A holder 50 with a linear guide for the ejector 9 is formed on the housing of the ejector device 5, for example by guide webs.

Figure 5 shows the ejector 9 in detail. The ejector 9 comprises a plate-shaped support surface 90 which is connected to a rod 91. A guide strip 92 is provided on the rod 91 and can be moved along a guide. Furthermore, two guide projections 93 are provided which provide lateral guidance. The individual guide elements of the ejector 9 can also be designed differently.

In the embodiment shown, the ejector 9 has a flat support surface. It is also possible to design the support surface depending on the goods 10, for example, V-shaped tops for bag packaging or rounded support surfaces for cylindrical goods may be more suitable in order to be able to reliably lift the goods 10. In addition, only one or more than two ejectors 9 can optionally be provided instead of the two ejectors 9 shown in the embodiments.

Figures 6A and 6B show an outer packaging 11 in which a large number of goods 10 can be arranged in a row. The outer packaging 11 comprises a base 15 on which an elongated recess 16 is provided in order to be able to move the slider 2 of the guide rail 8 to the stop 4. The base 15 comprises a base-side web 17 to connect the two sections around the recess 16 on the front. The outer packaging 11 also comprises a front wall 18 with an opening 21 into which the projection 23 can be inserted in order to correctly position and secure the outer packaging 11 on the stop 4. This prevents the entire outer packaging 11 from being lifted when an item 10 is ejected. Adjacent to the front wall 18, at least one recess 22 is provided on the base 15 of the outer packaging 11 for the passage of the at least one ejector 9. In the embodiment shown, two recesses 22 are provided.

The outer packaging 11 further comprises a rear wall 19, on which an opening 12 is formed for the passage of the slider 2. The opening 12 and the recess 16 can be introduced when the goods 10 are being packaged or only when the goods 10 are being set up. Two side walls 20 extend between the rear wall 19 and the front wall 18, which can be used to guide the goods 10 laterally when they are being moved.

The outer packaging 11 may further comprise a removable cover (not shown) for transport.

In Figure 7A, the device for separating goods 10 is shown in a starting position. The foremost goods 10 next to the stop 4 is located at approximately the same height as the other goods 10. The row of goods 10 is pre-tensioned towards the stop 4 via the spring 3 and the slide 2.

In a first step, according to Figure 7B, the ejector 9 is actuated and the foremost article 10 on the stop 4 is lifted until the article 10 is arranged above the stop 4. The slider 2 can thereby push the lifted article 10 in the feed direction over the stop 4.

In Figure 7C, the foremost item 10 is falling to a collection station. The items 10 remaining in the row are pushed via the slider 2 to the raised ejector 9. The ejector can now be lowered back to its starting position via an actuating element, for example with an electromagnet. This can be done either immediately after lifting or with a time delay. This allows the slider 2 to push the items 10 remaining on the shelf 6 into feed direction to the stop 4 so that the position shown in Figure 7D is reached.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the device for separating goods comprises a box 31. The box 31 for storing goods 40 has a base 32, from which two walls 33 protrude on opposite sides, which are designed as side walls and are connected to one another via a rear wall 34. On a front side of the box

31 has a removal opening 35 through which an interior space is accessible to the box 31, even if the top of the box is closed by a cover or a base of a box 31 arranged above it. A handle opening 37 and a viewing window 38 are cut out on the side walls 33. The box 31 can be made of plastic, but optionally also of other materials, such as cardboard or metal.

The goods 40 are arranged on the base 32 and can each be moved towards the front via a goods pusher 39. A stop 36 is provided on the front below the removal opening 35, which is shown transparently in the figures and consists, for example, of a transparent strip. The stop 36 can also be formed integrally with the box 31.

Each goods pusher 39 is pre-tensioned towards the stop 36 via a spring and presses a row of goods 40 towards the stop 36. The box 31 contains cuboid-shaped goods 40 and further goods 41 which have an oval cross-section in plan view in order to show that completely different goods 40 and 41 can be stored in the box 31. A row of identical goods 40 or 41 is separated from one another by compartment dividers 42 which are designed as walls and serve to guide the goods 40 or 41 when they are pushed in the feed direction towards the stop 36 via the goods pusher 39. The goods pushers 39 are mounted so that they can move on the floor 32, but can optionally also be guided via additional profile rails.

Below the bottom 32, an ejector 43 is shown, which relative to the bottom

32 is movable. In Figure 9, the ejector 43 has been moved into a raised position so that one of the goods 40' has been moved upwards so that a bottom side of the goods 40' is arranged above the stop 36 and the Goods pusher 39 in this row can push the goods 40' over the stop 36. The goods 40' are thus thrown out of the box 31 after being lifted.

Figure 10 shows the position in which the ejector 43 is raised and the article 40' has been removed from the row of articles. The articles lying behind are conveyed to the stop 36 by the corresponding article pusher 39 when the ejector 43 is lowered again, as shown in Figure 15.

In Figure 11, the box 31 is shown from a rear side when a front article is in a slightly raised position. Each article pusher 39 has a spring 49 which is accommodated as a wound band spring in a housing of the article pusher 39 and is fixed with one end adjacent to the stop 36 in order to pre-tension the respective row of articles 40 or 41 towards the stop 36. In front of the stop 36 there is an opening 44 which is designed as a slot and through which the ejector 43 can lift the respective article 40 or 41 in order to move it over the stop 36.

In Figure 12, the box 31 is shown from above and it can be seen that the compartment dividers 42 form individual channels and that a type of product 40 or 41 is arranged in each channel. The width of the channels can be adjusted by moving the compartment dividers 42 perpendicular to the feed direction. The compartment dividers 42 end in front of the rear wall 4 and can optionally also be connected to the rear wall 34.

In Figure 13, the bottom 32 of the box is shown from below and it can be seen that the opening 44 is designed as an elongated slot that extends essentially over the entire width of the box 31, so that the ejector 43 can be positioned along the slot to eject the desired goods. Optionally, it is also possible to provide several openings next to each other instead of a single opening 44 in the form of a slot. However, the slot-shaped opening 44 allows the box 31 to be used particularly flexibly, since the width of the goods 40 and 41 can be flexibly adjusted.

Figure 14 shows a stack of several boxes 31 that are stacked on top of each other. Such a stack of boxes 31 can replace a sales shelf and offers access to the various goods 40 at the front through the removal openings 35 on the individual boxes 31. Optionally, a Ejection of a product 40 can also be carried out via an ejector which is positioned on one of the boxes 31.

Figure 15 shows the stack of boxes 31, in front of which a collecting container 47 is arranged. The collecting container 47 is fixed to a holder 46 and can be designed, for example, as a box or transport container. The movement of the collecting container 47 over the holder 46 can be carried out by drives. An ejector device 45 is arranged on an upper side of the collecting container 47, on which an ejector 43 is provided, which can be moved optionally together with the collecting container 47 or separately from it. The ejector 43 can be introduced through a removal opening 35 of a lower box into the slot-shaped opening 44 of a box 31 located above it in order to lift one of the goods 40 of the box above it and thus eject it from the respective box. Figure 16 shows how the collection container 47 has moved an item 40 over the stop 36 by lifting the ejector 43, which is then pushed out of the box 31 by the item pusher 39 and falls into the collection container 47. This process can be repeated until the desired number of items 40 are contained in the collection container.

In Figure 17, the ejector 43 and the box 31 are shown in a front view. The ejector 43 can be moved horizontally and perpendicular to the feed direction according to the arrow, with optionally only the ejector 43 being moved horizontally. Alternatively, it is possible to move both the box 31 and the ejector 43 relative to each other or only the box 31, for example via a conveyor belt or another transport device. The vertical movement of the ejector 43 can also be carried out optionally by the ejector 43 alone, the box 31 alone or by both together.

Figure 18 shows an empty box 31 with the ejector 43, which can be moved along the slot-shaped opening 44 to each channel between two compartment dividers 42 in order to lift the frontmost item from the row of items. List of reference symbols

1 device

2 sliders

3 Spring

4 Stop

5 Ejector device

6 shelves

7 Adapter rail

8 Guide rail

9 ejectors

10 goods

11 Outer packaging

12 Opening

13 Housing

14 holders

15 Floor

16 Recess

17 Bridge

18 Front wall

19 Rear wall

20 Side wall

21 Opening

22 Recess

23 Lead

25 Reception station

31 boxes

32 Floor

33 Wall

34 Rear wall

35 Removal opening

36 stop

37 Handle opening

38 viewing windows

39 goods pusher

40 goods

41 goods

42 compartment dividers

43 ejectors 44 Opening

45 Ejector device

46 holders

47 collection containers

49 Spring 0 Holder 0 Support surface 1 Rod 2 Guide rail 3 Guide projection

Claims

Expectations

1. Device (1) for separating goods (10), with a slide (2) prestressed by a spring (3), with which goods (10) are prestressed towards a stop (4), characterized by an ejector device (5) with which the frontmost goods (10) adjacent to the stop (4) can be ejected to a collecting station (25) via at least one ejector (9).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the foremost article (10) can be moved upwards via the at least one ejector (9) and forwards via the slider (2) over the stop (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one ejector (9) is movable via an electromechanical actuator, wherein the device (1) comprises a control by means of which the electromechanical actuator can be controlled to move the at least one ejector (9).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one ejector (9) is displaceably guided on a holder (50) and preferably has a linear vertical guide.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one ejector is pivotally mounted on a holder.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (4) is fixed directly or via a holder (14) to an adapter rail (7) which extends substantially perpendicular to a feed direction of the slider (2).

7. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the holder (14) has at least one opening for the passage of the at least one ejector (9).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejector device (5) is at least partially is arranged under a shelf (6) on which the goods (10) are placed directly or in an outer packaging (11).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goods (10) are arranged in an outer packaging (11) which has a recess (16, 22) for the passage of the slider (2) and/or a recess (22) for the passage of the at least one ejector (9).

10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the outer packaging (11) has an opening (21) and is secured or locked to the stop (4) via a projection (23) engaging in the opening (21), wherein preferably a front wall (18) of the outer packaging (11) rests against the stop (4) or forms the stop.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two ejectors (9) are provided on the ejector device (5), by means of which the foremost article (10) can be lifted.

12. Method for separating goods (10) from a row of goods (10), wherein the row of goods (10) is pre-tensioned via a slide (2) towards a stop (4), comprising the following steps:

- actuating an ejector (9) and lifting a foremost article (10) at the stop (4) over the stop (4);

- moving the goods (10) remaining in the row by the slider (2) to the raised ejector (9) and pushing the raised goods (10) over the stop (4);

- collecting the separated goods (10) in a reception station (25), and

- Retraction of the ejector (9) and displacement of the goods remaining in the row (10) by the slider (2) to the stop (4).

13. Box (31) for storing goods (40), with a base (32) for placing goods in (40) and at least two walls (33) projecting upwards from the base (32) between which a removal opening (35) is formed, wherein the goods (40) placed on the base (32) can be moved via at least one goods slide (39) to a stop (36) under the removal opening (35) and the goods slide (39) is pre-tensioned towards the stop (36) via a spring, characterized in that in the base (32) of the box (31) adjacent to the stop (36) at least one opening (44) is provided through which an ejector (43) can be passed to lift the frontmost article (40) over the stop (36).

14. Box according to claim 13, characterized in that a plurality of goods pushers (39) are arranged next to one another perpendicular to the feed direction, by means of which a row of goods (40) can be moved to the stop (36) under the removal opening (35).

15. Box according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the at least one opening (44) is designed as a slot and extends over the underside of several goods (40) arranged next to one another.

16. Box according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 15, characterized in that different goods (40) can be ejected from the box (31) with a single ejector (43).

17. Dispensing device with at least one box (31) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16 and an ejector (43) which can be inserted into the at least one opening (44) for lifting the respective foremost item (40).

18. Dispensing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the ejector (43) is movable together with a collecting container (47) and the lifted goods (40) can be ejected by the goods pusher (39) over the stop (36) into the collecting container (47).

19. Dispensing device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the box (31) is movable relative to the ejector (43) via transport means.

20. Method for removing a product (40) from a box (31) comprising the following steps:

- providing a box (31) with goods (40) on a base (32), which can be moved via at least one goods slider (39) to a removal opening (35) above a stop (36); - inserting an ejector (43) into an opening (44) in the bottom (32) of the box (31) and lifting the foremost article (40) above the stop (36), and

- Moving the raised goods (40) via the goods pusher (39) over the stop (36) to remove the goods (40) from the box