US20160286983A1 - Feed device for the automatic shifting of objects by means of a guide element, construction set, and method for mounting a feed device - Google Patents

Abstract

A feed device for the automatic shifting of objects is provided. The automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended. The feed device comprises at least one separately produced guide element which is mounted on the already functional feed device and comprises an elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track, defines at least part of the display area and along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a National Phase Patent Application of International Patent Application Number PCT/EP2014/075197, filed on Nov. 20, 2014, which claims priority of German Utility Model Application Number 20 2013 105 284.1, filed on Nov. 21, 2013 and of GermanPatent Application Number 10 2014 201 661.4, filed on Jan. 30, 2014.
BACKGROUND
• The present invention relates to a feed device as well as to a construction set and to a method for mounting a feed device.
• Feed devices for the automated shifting of objects, in particular products or product packagings, on a display area or a shelf hook for example of a shelf insert are used above all in the retail sector. For reasons of clarity of overview, products offered for sale here are usually arranged in rows one behind another. In order to prevent a gap being permanently formed by a sold or removed product, the products or product packagings are automatically shifted forward supported by the force of gravity on account of the display area being in an inclined position and/or feed units in the form of product feeds are used. Said feed units are arranged in the majority of cases behind the last product in the row and are provided with a drive, which comprises, for example, a tensioned and wound flat spiral spring, such that once a product has been removed, the gap created is closed again as a result of advancing the following products.
• In particular when using these types of feed devices with driven feed units in the retail sector, particular attention is focused on securing the respective products against theft along with the attractive presentation of the individual products. In this case, it is known on the one hand to monitor the removal of products electronically and to conclude by way of an atypical removal frequency—if for example a plurality of objects are removed within an extremely short period—that there is a possible theft attempt.
• Up to now, commercially available feed devices are regularly only suitable for light products such as, for example, cigarettes or razor blades, which are shifted to a front edge of the respective shelf by a feed unit. These types of devices enjoy more and more popularity as they can give the impression of fully stocked shelves without employees having to pull the products forward manually. In addition, shelves with such feed devices are able to be arranged closely one above another as no access area for pulling forward the products has to be kept above the respective products.
• In practice, however, feed devices known up to now fail when the objects to be shifted are heavier and/or larger and in particular are circular cylindrical in form, as is the case, for example, with (beverage) bottles. Thus, it is observed here, for example, that when the product is shifted, in particular by a feed unit, it is shifted laterally and is pressed against a lateral product divider such that said product divider is shifted. As an alternative to this, it is certainly known to provide inclined roller rods, by means of which the respective product is conveyed by gravitational force to the front edge of a shelf. However, said inclined roller rods require increased space. In addition, these types of systems with roller rods are comparatively complex and expensive.
• A feed device is combined with roller rods in U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,342 B2 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,282 B2. The achievement of the feed device is to be that products standing behind are easily fed and a removal gap created is automatically closed even in the case of larger and heavier products without the inclined position of the shelf supporting the roller rods and in the case of removal of the frontmost product of a row. However, the use of roller rods currently focused on is regularly linked with comparatively high costs and unwanted noises when feeding the products.
SUMMARY
• Proceeding from here, the object underlying the present invention is to improve a feed device for shifting objects assisted by the force of gravity and/or with a driven feed unit in a simple and cost-efficient manner such that it is also able to shift heavier and/or larger as well as more unwieldy objects in a reliable manner.
• Said object is achieved with the feed device as described herein and with the construction set as described herein as well as with the mounting method as described herein.
• The starting point in this connection in each case is a feed device for the automatic shifting of objects, in particular products or product packagings, wherein the automatic shifting of objects is effected in the feed device assisted by the force of gravity and/or the feed device includes a driven feed unit, usually in the form of a product pusher, in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended. A removal region is usually realized in this connection on a front edge of a shelf such that a frontmost object is easily able to be removed by a potential purchaser.
• According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one separately produced guide element which is mounted on the already functional feed device and comprises an elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track, defines at least part of the display area and along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed unit. Consequently, a pre-assembled guide element is provided which is simply combinable with the feed device as an option in order to expand the feed device by the at least one guide element and, where required, to be able to adapt the display area in a simple manner for a specific use.
• By the provided guide element being realized and provided during its use to define, by means of its sliding surface, at least part of the display area on which the objects to be shifted are arranged and along which they are shifted, the static and sliding friction created in operation can easily be varied depending on the application by means of the material of the guide element. Thus, the functional feed device with the driven feed unit, for example without using a guide element, is able to produce a sufficient moving force for a specific first type of objects to be shifted which, in each case, individually, do not exceed a certain maximum weight and/or a maximum size. By using a guide element with a particularly smooth surface, said same feed device can be further developed according to the invention such that by means of said guide element it is possible to shift a second type of objects which in each case comprise a heavier weight and/or are larger. The moving force applied by the feed unit does not, in contrast, have to be adapted and in particular not increased. The feed device and the at least one guide element are consequently preferably realized such that the feed device is fully functional even without the guide element, but, where required, is able to be equipped with the guide element. In this connection, it can also be provided that several different guide elements are selected depending on the requirement and are mountable on the feed device.
• A sliding surface is realized on the guide element preferably as a result of a smooth surface. This means that the sliding surface is realized in such a manner that a coefficient of friction for the objects arranged on the sliding surface is less than 0.5 and preferably less than 0.4. In one realization variant, a coefficient of friction of less than 0.25 can be achieved with the sliding surface of the guide element.
• In this connection, it obviously depends on the intended use of the feed device and in particular on the packaging or exterior material of the objects to be shifted as to which coefficient of friction is able to be achieved with the guide element. For example, the material for the sliding surface of the guide element is chosen such that the previously specified ranges for a coefficient of friction are achieved in the case of (metal) cans, bottles made from glass or bottles made from plastics material (in particular PET) which are to be shifted. In one realization variant, good sliding friction characteristics have been achieved for example with a sliding surface produced from polyacetal (also called polyoxymethylene, POM in short) and this was in particular in the case of a feed device for glass and plastic bottles.
• In a further development, the guide element comprises at least two sliding surfaces as part of one common display area, which sliding surfaces are separated from one another by at least one recess, for example in the form of an elongated slot. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, two sliding surfaces, which are spatially separated by a recess and in each case form part of two different display areas, can be provided on one guide element. For example on two sides of a lateral wall, by means of which two shelf compartments each with a feed device are separated from one another, such a guide element consequently forms in each case a sliding surface along which objects are shiftable with little friction.
• According to a further aspect of the present invention, which is easily combinable with the first-mentioned aspect, at least one guide element is provided in a feed device, along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable and which comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track and defines at least part of the display area. In this case, the at least one sliding surface is arched in a convex manner and/or is realized such that an object arranged as intended thereon is able to abut simply in a punctiform or linear manner against at least one portion of the sliding surface.
• By the objects to be shifted being shifted along a convexly arched sliding surface, the contact surface on the guide element for the objects to be shifted is minimized. The static and sliding friction is consequently reduced by a correspondingly realized guide element and a feed device with a feed device can also be utilized for shifting larger and heavier objects without a greater moving force having had to be applied for this purpose.
• The same applies in principle to a sliding surface which only enables linear or punctiform contact with the object to be shifted. In this connection, at least part of the sliding surface can be defined by at least one tooth-shaped projection or by at least one projecting edge of the guide element. In one exemplary embodiment, the guide element forms, on its top surface facing the objects to be shifted, several rows of teeth which are arranged side by side and behind one another and with their tips define a sliding surface on which the objects to be shifted are placed. In this connection, the tips of said teeth can also be realized in a rounded manner in particular in accordance with the manufacturing method.
• The teeth of a guide element are preferably spaced and arranged apart from one another such that an object is not able to enter into a gap between the teeth and tilt as a result. For example, individual adjacent teeth can be arranged correspondingly offset to one another for this purpose.
• Projections to realize a sliding surface with substantially simply punctiform or linear contact with an object arranged thereon can also be triangular or trapezoidal in cross section. Linear contact is provided in particular in this connection, whenever the width of the sliding surface provided by the projection is less than or equal to 1/10, 1/15 or 1/20 of the width of a (bottom) surface of the objects to be positioned as intended on said sliding surface.
• A convexly arched sliding surface can be realized, for example, by a circular cylindrical portion of a guide element.
• In preferred realization variants the guide element is realized in an elongated, e.g. rod-shaped, manner, in particular as a sliding and/or round rod. In this way, the guide element can preferably extend along almost the entire movement path which the feed unit would cover if all the objects had been removed from a fully equipped feed device. In this way, the static and sliding friction acting along the guide track is easily able to be adapted to the respective application by the guide element and, where required, modified—by removing and/or exchanging the guide element.
• In one realization variant, a guide element is realized on a lateral wall of the feed device. In this way, a product separator or compartment divider, which is subsequently mounted, for example, onto the already functional feed device, can incorporate the guide element.
• As an alternative to this, the guide element can comprise a holder for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device. Such a guide element consequently realizes not only part of the display area with good or improved sliding characteristics—compared to feed devices that have been usual up to now—but also incorporates another additional function by a lateral wall, e.g. as product separator or compartment divider, being held thereon. In one exemplary embodiment, a holder of the guide element comprises a retaining slot and at least one support portion which adjoins said retaining slot. The lateral wall is held in the retaining slot and is supported transversely to its longitudinal extension by means of the support portion which adjoins thereto such that the support portion counters in particular a sagging of the wall.
• The guide element can be produced in particular in the aforementioned realization variant but also in other realization variants in the form of a profile rail and/or as a result of extrusion.
• In order to simplify the mounting of the guide element and, where applicable, the exchange thereof, the guide element can be plugged into the feed device and/or mounted in a tool-free manner. In said context, the guide element can be pluggable, for example, in a tool-free manner into the already functional feed device in order to adapt the geometry of the display area to the desired application and/or to adapt the roughness of the display area along which the objects have to be shifted. For example, there is provided at least one separate retaining element into which the guide element is plugged and by means of which the guide element is held on a component of the feed device.
• As an alternative to this or as an addition to it, the guide element can itself realize at least one retaining element by means of which the guide element is held on a component of the feed device. For connecting the guide element to a component of the feed device, in this case a retaining element realized thereon is obviously able to be combined with a separate retaining element which is, e.g., plugged therein. For example, a retaining element realized on the guide element can be formed on a bottom surface of the guide element as a spigot, by means of which the guide element is connectable in a positive locking manner to a component of the feed device, e.g. to a lateral wall, to a support component for a lateral wall or to a housing of the feed device on which the feed unit is displaceably mounted.
• A support component is to be understood in this connection as a component which supports a lateral wall transversely to its longitudinal extension and consequently regularly transversely to the guide track for the objects to be shifted. The support component consequently counters a sagging of the lateral wall. Frequently, such a support component also additionally prevents the lateral wall being displaced in an unwanted manner transversely to its longitudinal extension in particular by the feed unit and by the products to be shifted by it. For this purpose, such a support component, which is then usually realized in the form of a profile rail, is fastened on an end face on a front and/or rear mounting strip of a store shelf.
• In a further development, once again the retaining element itself can be plugged into a component of the already functional feed device in order to hold the subsequently mounted guide element thereon. This type of retaining element can consequently comprise, for example, two portions which are separated spatially from one another in order, on the one hand, to be able to insert the guide element into the retaining element and, on the other hand, to be able to insert the retaining element with the guide element already secured thereon into a component of the already pre-assembled and fully functional feed device.
• In one realization variant, the guide element is fastened on a lateral wall of the feed device. A lateral wall can border a row of objects to be shifted transversely to the guide track and can separate a row of objects to be shifted, for example, from an adjacent row inside the shelf thereof. A lateral wall can be formed accordingly, for example, by a commercially available product separator or compartment divider.
• In one exemplary embodiment, there are provided at least two subsequently mountable guide elements and/or in each case guide elements which define a sliding surface which is arched convexly in cross section, between which a path of movement for the feed unit extends. In a realization variant of this type, for example two guide elements are mounted on the feed device in an elongated manner and substantially parallel to one another such that the movement path of the feed unit extends centrally between said guide elements. The objects to be shifted consequently rest on sliding surfaces of outside guide elements—with reference to the movement path of the feed unit—, whilst the feed unit applies its moving force substantially centrally onto the respectively rearmost object in the row for shifting the objects.
• A feed device can also comprise at least two guide elements on one and the same side next to a path of movement for the feed unit. In this case, the guide elements can be arranged in particular in rows end to end and/or can be connected together. A connection between the at least two guide elements can then be realized here by means of at least one additional retaining element.
• In a further development, in each case at least two guide elements are provided on both sides of the movement path for the feed unit. Thus, in one variant in each case one pair of guide elements (identical or different to one another) is arranged on the right and on the left of the movement path. A pair of guide elements can be connected together in this connection by at least one separately mountable additional retaining element. In this connection, by means of an additional retaining element a further guide element can be fastened on a guide element that is already arranged on one side of the movement path and, as a result, a further guide element is able to be retro-fitted where required.
• An additional retaining element is preferably realized such that a guide element is pluggable, in particular clippable, therein and/or in reverse the additional retaining element is pluggable, in particular clippable, into a guide element. In one realization variant, the additional retaining element is realized in the manner of a preferably symmetrical double clip with two retaining portions, which are located side by side and are connected together by means of a web, each for one guide element.
• The guide element comprises, for example, a retrofittable sliding and/or round rod which realizes a sliding surface on its outer lateral surface. The round rod, in this case, can be produced from a plastics material and/or from a metal material.
• A further aspect of the present invention is the provision of a construction set for the mounting of a feed device, in particular for a feed device according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention.
• A construction set according to the invention includes, in this case, at least one pre-assembled feed module which defines the guide track and/or comprises the driven feed unit, and at least one separately produced guide element which is combinable with the feed module in such a manner that in a selective manner a feed device without a guide element or a feed device with a guide element is mountable. In this case, the guide element comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track and defines at least part of the display area and along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable, e.g. as a result of the force of gravity and/or as a result of the feed unit, when the guide element is combined with the feed module.
• By means of a construction set according to the invention, different types of feed devices are consequently producible in a simple manner, at least one feed device without a guide element (type A) and one feed device with at least one guide element (type B). By providing guide elements which are developed differently geometrically and/or comprise variously smooth surfaces for providing a sliding surface, it is also possible to produce more than two types of feed devices using one construction set according to the invention.
• In this case, it can be provided that the feed module already comprises a display area against which, in the case of a feed device without a guide element, objects abut and are slidingly shifted, and the construction set with the at least one guide element is realized in such a manner that in the case of a feed device with a guide element the objects abut against the guide element and are shifted thereon (and no longer on the display area of the feed module). In this manner, the feed module with its (incorporated) display area can be realized and provided, for example, for the shifting of lighter objects, such as cigarette packagings or cosmetic items. For the shifting of heavier and larger objects, such as, for example, (beverage) bottles, the feed module is combined with at least one guide element, by means of which the resistance force countering shifting is reduced when the objects to be shifted are arranged thereon. In this way, the same feed module is able to be utilized for the shifting of variously heavy objects without a drive of the feed unit having had to be modified for this purpose. The maximum shifting force appliable by the feed unit remains unchanged. As a result of the chosen modular approach, feed devices for different applications are able to be provided by simply combining a feed module with different guide elements which, in each case, define a display area for the objects to be shifted.
• In one realization variant, the construction set additionally comprises at least one lateral wall, by means of which a row of objects arranged on the display area is bordered along the guide track. The guide element is then preferably mountable on said lateral wall where required.
• In addition, it can be advantageous when the construction set comprises at least one mounting strip on which several feed devices are securable next to one another, and in each case at least part of the components of the construction set for one single feed device is pluggable into the mounting strip. In this way, several feed devices with or without a guiding element are able to be plugged together in a tool-free manner on a mounting strip or on several mounting strips as a result of a construction set. In this connection, in particular a guide element can be pluggable, preferably clippable, onto a mounting strip or several mounting strips. This is not only cost-efficient, but also simplifies delivery and assembly of the individual feed devices. Thus, for example, several feed devices for one shelf can be mounted on site as a result of a construction set.
• A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for mounting a feed device. In this connection, proceeding from the basic concepts explained previously, a pre-assembled feed module, which defines the guide track and/or comprises a driven feed unit, and at least one separately produced guide element are provided. Within the framework of the mounting method according to the invention, now optionally,
• • a feed device without a guide element is mounted or
  • a feed device with a guide element is mounted by the guide element being combined with the feed module, wherein the guide element then comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track, defines part of the display area in the feed device and along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable on the guide element.
• It is also provided here consequently that different types of feed devices are provided on the basis of one individual feed module by said already fully functional feed module including the drive for the feed unit being combined, where required, with at least one guide element or a set of different guide elements (different types of guide element). In the case of several guide elements which are each combinable with the feed module, in dependence on which guide elements or types of guide element are used, different resistance forces and in particular friction forces preferably counter a shifting of objects which are arranged thereon.
• A further aspect of the present invention resides in the use of a support component as a guide element for a feed device—said support component preferably being separately produced and mountable on a lateral wall of a feed device. In this connection, the support component originally simply serves for supporting a lateral wall which is provided for separating two compartments of one store shelf. A support component used as a guide element once again additionally defines part of the display area such that the objects to be shifted are to be arranged as intended at least in part on the support component and are shiftable along the support component by the feed unit. Thus, it is certainly already known to connect product separators or compartment dividers to feed devices by way of additional support components, usually in the form of flat profile rails, in order to prevent them sagging or being shifted sideways by the objects to be shifted. However, up to now portions of said profile rails are not utilized for the purpose of defining part of the display area on which the objects are positioned and along which the objects are to be shifted. If said profile rails, however, are produced, for example, from a suitable plastics material or are modified in a corresponding manner such that they comprise sliding surfaces, they can also be utilized to provide part of the display area.
• In the case of a feed device according to the invention, it is obviously possible for said feed device to comprise alerting means in order to detect a removal frequency of objects removed from the removal region and in the case of atypical removal patterns, such as, for example, described in WO 2006/061 009 A1, to conclude that shoplifting has occurred. As an alternative to or in addition to such electronic alerting means, a feed device according to the invention can obviously also be provided with electronic stocktaking means in order to determine the stock of objects still located on a display area and, for example, to transfer this to a central computer-supported registering means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Further advantages and features of the present invention will become clear in the following description of exemplary embodiments by way of the figures:
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a feed device from the prior art.
• FIG. 2 shows a first realization variant of a feed device according to the invention which has been assembled from a construction set according to the invention and according to a method according to the invention.
• FIG. 3A shows a guide element from the feed device inFIG. 2 with a retaining element for fastening the guide element, in an enlarged scale.
• FIG. 3B shows an alternative exemplary embodiment for a retaining element, in an enlarged scale.
• FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of parts of a further exemplary embodiment of a feed device, with two guide elements which are mounted on different longitudinal sides of a module housing.
• FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment for an additional retaining element for connecting a pair of guide elements in the form of round rods, in an enlarged scale.
• FIG. 5 shows a representation of a detail of a guide element for a further realization variant where the guide element incorporates a holder for a lateral wall of the feed device.
• FIG. 6 shows a representation of a detail of a support component in the form of a profile rail for the lateral wall of a further realization variant where guide elements are mounted subsequently onto the profile rail.
• FIGS. 7A-7B show a representation of a detail of two further variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and two convex sliding surfaces.
• FIGS. 8A-8B show a representation of a detail of two further variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and sliding surfaces which are formed by edges of a concavely arched portion.
• FIGS. 9A-9B show a representation of a detail of two further variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and sliding surfaces which are formed by tooth-shaped projections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a feed device V* from the prior art where a feed module in the form of aproduct pusher module1* is fitted onto two mounting strips L1 and L2 which extend parallel to one another. Several feed devices V* can be arranged side by side in a simple manner by means of the mounting strips L1 and L2. In this case, a feed unit, which is provided in each case on a feed device V*, in the form of a product pusher2* shifts objects, such as products or product packagings, which are arranged one behind another, in a shifting direction X in each case to a removal region E on the front edge of a shelf.
• Theproduct pusher module1* defines adisplay area10* on which the product pusher2* is guided so as to be longitudinally shiftable along aguide12*. Products or product packagings arranged on thedisplay area10* can thus be shifted automatically in the direction of the removal region E by the product pusher2* as soon as a frontmost product or product packaging is removed. The product pusher2* is driven in the present case by means of a drive element in the form of aleaf spring3*. Theleaf spring3* pulls the product pusher2* in the direction of the removal region E. An alternative drive element can, however, obviously also be provided in place of theleaf spring3* in order to move the product pusher2* automatically in the direction of displacement X as soon as a frontmost product or product packaging is removed from thedisplay area10*. In this way, gaps created as a result of products or product packagings being removed are automatically closed by the product pusher2* and there is always a product or product packaging ready for removal in the removal region E.
• Thedisplay area10* is bordered at the side by alateral wall11a* which extends in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to said display area. Saidlateral wall11a* separates a row of products or product packagings, which are arranged so as to be shiftable on thedisplay area10*, from adjacent products or product packagings.
• In order to prevent a frontmost product or product packaging being pressed out of the removal region E by the product pusher2*, a stop element which is not shown inFIG. 1 is provided. Said stop element, which functions as a stopper, can be plugged into fastening openings13* in thedisplay area10*.
• Although the feed device V* shown inFIG. 1 is particularly well suited for the shifting of products or product packagings arranged one behind another and is distinguished by a cost-efficient and reliable method of operation, it can be disadvantageous in the case of certain applications. Thus, it has been shown that precisely for the shifting of larger and heavier objects, such as, for example, beverage bottles, error-free shifting when a frontmost object is removed from the removal region E is not easily possible. The product pusher2* cooperating with the rearmost object does not necessarily apply the necessary shifting force such that, where applicable, the drive of the product pusher2* has to be modified. In addition, the shifting force can be diverted to the side, in particular in the case of beverage bottles with circular cylindrical geometry. Once the frontmost beverage bottle has been removed, following beverage bottles are then not shifted to the front edge of the shelf, but are possibly pressed against thelateral wall11a*.
• Said disadvantages are avoided with the development according to the invention of a feed device as is shown as an example inFIG. 2.
• In this connection,FIG. 2 shows a feed device V2 where aproduct pusher module1 which is already functional per se, which is provided with separately mountablelateral walls11aand11b,has been supplemented with two additional guide elements in the form ofround rods6aand6b.In this connection, theproduct pusher module1 is designed for the shifting of lighter products or product packagings, such as, for example, cigarette boxes or cosmetic items. As a result of the supplementedround rods6aand6b,multiple heavier objects arranged one behind another, such as, for example, beverage bottles, are however also automatically shiftable using said product pusher module.
• Theproduct pusher module1 includes amodule housing12 on which a product pusher2 is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable. A drive of the product pusher2 can also include here, for example, a leaf spring (not shown inFIG. 2). Themodule housing12 defines on its top surface, along which the product pusher2 is shifted, adisplay area10, on which objects, in particular products or product packagings, are able to be arranged one behind another. By means of the driven product pusher2, a row of products or product packagings is shifted in the direction of a removal region E which is delimited by astop element130 as soon as a frontmost product or product packaging has been removed from the removal region E. In order to ensure, in this connection, in particular, that the products or product packagings arranged one behind another are shifted in a straight line, theproduct pusher module1 is supplemented by the two oppositely locatedlateral walls11aand11b.Theproduct pusher module1 consequently extends between said twolateral walls11aand11bsuch that products or product packagings which are arranged on thedisplay area10 are bordered at the sides in each case by alateral wall11aor11b.
• The twolateral walls11aand11b,in the present case, are formed by commercially available product separators and are in each case fixed at a front and at a rear end on a mounting strip L1 or L2 by means of one fastening element each in the form of afastening clip111 or112. The two mounting strips L1 and L2, in this connection, extend parallel to one another such that thelateral walls11aand11bas well as a shifting path of the product pusher extend perpendicular to the two mounting strips L1 and L2. In addition, theproduct pusher module1 is also clipped at a front end face on the mounting strip L2 and at a rear end face on the mounting strip L1.
• A circuit board4 is additionally provided inside themodule housing12. For example, an individual removal as well as a removal frequency is detectable electronically by means of said circuit board4. As a result of said circuit board, it is possible to indicate, for example acoustically or visually, a removal and/or when an atypical removal frequency is detected—e.g. a removal of many products in a short period—to indicate possible shoplifting and to trigger a warning signal.
• In order also to be able to shift larger and heavier objects, such as, e.g., beverage bottles, reliably in the direction of thestop element130 in the present case using theproduct pusher module1 without adapting the drive and the product pusher2, the feed device V2 comprises the tworound rods6aand6bwhich extend parallel to one another. The tworound rods6aand6b,in this case, are arranged such that theproduct pusher module1 with the product pusher2 extends centrally between them. Theindividual round rods6aand6b,in the present case, are produced from a plastics material and comprise a comparably smooth outer lateral surface such that, for example when there is contact with a beverage bottle made of glass or plastics material, e.g. a PET beverage bottle, there is a clearly smaller coefficient of friction than between the beverage bottle and thedisplay area10. A corresponding coefficient of friction is preferably less than 0.4 or even less than 0.25. In this way, a beverage bottle is able to be shifted in a smooth-running manner along the longitudinal axis of around rod6aor6b.Theround rods6a,6b,in the present case, are realized in each case as solid forms and as sliding rods with a circular cross section. To reduce material and weight, these could, however, also obviously be realized in a hollow manner.
• Theround rods6aand6b,in the present case, are inserted into a recess or gap provided on the feed device V2 for this purpose between alateral wall11aor11band theproduct pusher module1. As an alternative to this, a suitable channel-shaped recess can be realized as a bearing point for a guide element on themodule housing12, preferably on the top surface thereof, into which, where required, a guide element, such as, e.g., around rod6aor6b,is able to be inserted.
• Theround rods6aand6bare dimensioned and arranged in the feed device V2 in such a manner that they project with their outer lateral surface beyond thedisplay area10 of theproduct pusher module1. Theround rods6aand6bare consequently realized and arranged here such that they define in the feed device V2 a display area which is raised compared to thedisplay area10 of theproduct pusher module1. In this way, an object placed in the feed device V2 no longer abuts frictionally against thedisplay area10, but only just rests on the lateral surfaces, realized as slidingsurfaces600, of theround rods6aand6b.An object placed in the feed device V2 consequently rests by way of its bottom surface on theround rods6aand6b,but not on thedisplay area10. A shifting force applied by the product pusher2 consequently also easily suffices to shift heavier objects, such as, e.g., (beverage) bottles produced from glass or plastics material. The respective object or a row of objects arranged one behind another is easily shiftable by the product pusher2 in the direction of the removal region E even if the objects clearly weigh more individually, e.g. between 0.5 and 1.5 kg. The outer lateral surface of the circularcylindrical round rods6aand6bconsequently forms in each case a slidingsurface600, along which objects placed in the feed device V2 are able to be shifted at sliding friction which is clearly reduced compared to thedisplay area10 of theproduct pusher module1.
• Theround rods6aand6bare also clipped onto the feed device V2 in a simple manner in said realization variant. As can be seen in the enlarged representation inFIG. 3A in conjunction withFIG. 2, retaining elements are provided here in the form of separately mountable retaining clips62.1 and62.2 in order to fasten and retain theround rods6aand6bon, in each case, onelateral wall11aor11b.A retaining clip62.1 or62.2 comprises in this connection in each case a retainingportion620 which is semi-circular in cross section and into which around rod6aor6bis able to be clipped.
• Fixing or connecting to the respectivelateral wall11aor11bis effected on a web-like fastening portion621 which is connected to said retainingportion620 for therespective round rod6aor6b.In this connection, it can be provided that thefastening portion621 is plugged into a recess on the bottom surface of the respectivelateral wall11aor11b.As an alternative to this, thefastening portion621 can be formed on an inside surface of the respectivelateral wall11aor11bfacing theproduct pusher module1 such that eachlateral wall11aor11brealizes the retaining clips62.1,62.2 and, where required, around rod6aor6bis able to be clipped onto the respectivelateral wall11aor11b.
• The retaining clips62.1 and62.2 are realized in every case such that they bridge a space between thelateral wall11aor11band theproduct pusher module1 and around rod6aor6bsecured thereon extends inside a space between thelateral wall11aor11band theproduct pusher module1 and with part of its outer lateral surface/slidingsurface600 is located above thedisplay area10 of theproduct pusher module1.
• FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of another alternative variant for a retainingclip62 for fastening around rod6aor6bon alateral wall11aor11b.In place of afastening portion621 which projects in the manner of a web, a second channel-like retaining portion622 is provided here in addition to the retainingportion620 provided for clipping-on theround rod6aor6b.Said second retainingportion622 can be plugged (from below) into thelateral wall11aor11bsuch that a bottom edge of the respectivelateral wall11aor11bis engaged around by the retainingportion622. The retainingclip62 can consequently be fitted simply and in a tool-free manner onto alateral wall11aor11bby means of the retainingportion622. Furthermore, the retainingclip62 is realized such that it is able to be utilized for both the left-hand and the right-hand lateral wall11aor11bin order to retain around rod6aor6bthereon.
• FIG. 3C illustrates a further realization variant where tworound rods6a,6bare retained on themodule housing12 of theproduct pusher module1 in each case by means of at least one—preferably at least two—retaining clip(s)62. Eachround rod6aor6bis arranged in this connection on a longitudinal side of themodule housing12 and is clipped into a retainingportion620 of therespective retaining clip62 and is retained thereon in a positive locking manner. The retaining clips62 are preferably arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of themodule housing12. Consequently, theround rods6aand6b,which are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis, are secured by means of the retaining clips62 at identical regions of themodule housing12, but on different longitudinal sides.
• Each of the retaining clips62 comprises a fastening portion623 by means of which therespective retaining clip62 is plugged into a side of themodule housing12. A fastening portion623 can be developed in this connection in an analogous manner to a retainingportion622 of a retainingclip62 inFIG. 3B. In this way, a fastening of the retainingclip62—with or without around rod6aor6balready mounted thereon—can be effected as a result of the fastening portion623 being plugged from below into themodule housing12 and into an edge web which projects downward thereon. As an alternative to this, the fastening portion623 can be realized with two laterally projecting legs such that the fastening portion623 is able to be plugged into a laterally projecting web of themodule housing12 transversely to the longitudinal direction in the manner of a clamp or bracket.
• In principle, it can be provided, moreover, that a retainingclip62 is realized such that it is able to be plugged selectively into alateral wall11a,11bor themodule housing12.
• Although not shown in the figures, a guide element, such as around rod6aor6b,can be secured on a mounting strip L1, L2 or on both mounting strips L1 and L2 as an alternative to or in addition to the fastening shown on alateral wall11aor11b.For example, retaining elements are attached or formed here on the ends of the respective guide element in an analogous manner to the retainingclips111 and112, by means of which a guide element is able to be clipped in each case onto a mounting strip L1 or L2.
• Depending on the desired area of application, different types of feed devices V2 can consequently be mounted in a simple manner from a construction set with a singleproduct pusher module1 and product pushers2 displaceably secured thereon and several pairs of different guide elements of theround rods6aand6bas well as twolateral walls11aand11b.In this case, it is possible to stock different sets of round rods which are dimensioned deviating from theround rods6aand6b,are produced from a different (plastics) material and/or are coated differently and/or comprise a different surface roughness.
• As a result of the modular design shown, a feed device V2 can be adapted to different applications in a simple manner without tooling such that, without modifying the constantproduct pusher module1, variously heavy and variously large objects which are arranged one behind another are able to be shifted in an automated manner with consistent quality and reliability in order to close gaps created in the stock automatically and where applicable to indicate product removals electronically, i.e. in particular acoustically and/or visually perceptibly.
• With suitable retaining elements such as, for example, the retaining clips62,62.1 and62.2 shown, guide elements, such asround rods6aor6b,can also be mounted and where applicable “retrofitted” in a simple manner onto commercially available product separators orlateral walls11aand11b.
• FIG. 4 additionally shows an additional retaining element in the form of a double clip7 in an enlarged scale. The axially symmetrical double clip7 comprises two retaining portions71a,71b,which are connected together by means of a connecting web70, each for oneround rod6aor6b.Around rod6aor6bcan consequently be clipped into a retaining portion71aor71bsuch that around rod6aor6bis engaged around by the respective retaining portion71aor71band is retained thereon in a positive locking manner.
• Tworound rods6a,6bcan be arranged in a row side by side and connected together by means of the double clip7. A pair ofround rods6a,6bconnected in such a manner is then positioned on one and the same (left or right) side of thefeed module1 and consequently positions the shifting path of the product feed2. A larger sliding surface can be provided for the objects to be shifted as a result. In one realization variant, in each case tworound rods6a,6b,which are connected together by means of a double clip7 or several double clips7, are provided for example on both sides of theproduct pusher module1. Theround rods6a,6, in this case, are retained together in pairs and as well as on an adjacentlateral wall11aor11band/or at least on one mounting strip L1, L2, preferably in each case by means of quick-release clip connections.
• By means of several double clips7, which are arranged one behind another along a longitudinal extension direction of around rod6aor6band are rotated by 180° with respect to one another, several rows ofround rods6a,6bare also able to be connected together and retained together.
• FIG. 5 shows a representation of a detail of a guide element6′ for a further realization variant where the guide element6′ is realized in the manner of a profile rail and additionally incorporates a holder for alateral wall11 of the feed device. The holder, in this case, is formed by acentral retaining slot61′ and twosupport portions611a′ and611b′ which adjoin thereto. The guide element6′, in this case, can be clipped subsequently easily from below onto thelateral wall11 with the retainingslot61′. In the mounted state, a bottom edge of thelateral wall11 is then consequently plugged into the retainingslot61′ such that said bottom edge is enclosed between the twosupport portions611a′ and611b′. In this way, thesupport portions611a′ and611b′ prevent thelateral wall11 from sagging in the case of lateral load. By means of fastening the guide element6′ on one of the or both of the mounting strips L1, L2, unwanted lateral displacement of the lateral wall when the feed device is operating can also be prevented in a more effective manner.
• The guide element6′ with theholder61′,611a′,611b′ is produced from a plastics material in such a manner that objects are able to slide well along the regions of the guide element6′ which extend on both sides of thelateral wall11 and consequently, in combination with objects which are to be shifted in a preferred manner by means of the feed device, such as, e.g., bottles, produces a smaller coefficient of sliding friction. In this case, the guide element6′ is divided by means of the retainingslot61′ into two slidingregions6a′ and6b′ which are associated in each case with a feed device and are able to form part of a display area on one side of the lateral wall. In this case, each slidingregion6a′ and6b′ includes in the present case two slidingsurfaces600′ which are in each case separated from one another by an outer U-shapedlongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′. In this case, a narrow outer slidingsurface600′ is formed in each case by the top surface of anedge portion612a′ or612b′ and a slidingsurface600′ which is wider by a multiple is formed by a top surface of asupport portion611a′ or611b′. The contact surface for the objects to be shifted and consequently the friction is minimized as a result of the recess in a slidingregion6a′ or6b′ in the form of alongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′.
• In one exemplary embodiment, an elongated sliding path is provided in each case in a slidingregion6a′ and6b′ in place of a continuouslongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′. In this way, the entire guide element6′ does not have to be produced from a material with good sliding characteristics, but rather a region with improved sliding characteristics is simply realized thereon in a targeted manner. Such a sliding path can then also comprise a convexly arched sliding surface (cf.FIGS. 7A and 7B also in this respect).
• FIG. 6 additionally shows a representation of a detail of a support component in the form of a profile rail6″ for thelateral wall11 of a further realization variant where guide elements in the form ofround rods6aand6bare subsequently mounted onto the profile rail6″. In this case, the profile rail6″ is developed in a substantially identical manner to the guide element6′ inFIG. 5, there not being provided, however, any sliding surfaces on the top surfaces of the support and endportions611a′,611b′;612a′,612b′.
• The profile rail6″ initially serves here only for supporting thelateral wall11 against lateral sagging and, where applicable, additionally prevents thelateral wall11 from shifting sideways in an unwanted manner whilst the feed device is operating when the profile rail6″ is also fastened at the end face to the mounting strips L1 and L2. Thelongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′ provided in each case serves here then as a pre-defined fastening point at which a separate guide element, such as, e.g., around rod6aor6b,is able to be secured in order to retrofit the profile rail6″ subsequently with a slidingsurface600. In this connection, it can be provided that on one side of the lateral wall when the feed device is mounted as intended, the top surfaces of the support andedge portions611a′ and612a′ or611b′ and612b′ are located below a display area along which objects are to be shifted. If, however, a guide element, such as around rod6aor6b,is fastened as intended to the profile rail6″, the slidingsurface600 thereof is located at the level of the original display area or above same such that the slidingsurface600 defines at least part of the display area for the objects to be shifted at all times. Without a guide element mounted thereon, in said realization variant the products or product packagings to be shifted consequently do not contact the profile rail6″ and do not rest in particular on the top surfaces of the support andedge portions611a′ and612a′ or611b′ and612b′. Only by mounting at least oneadditional guide element6aor6bonto the profile rail6″ is part of the display area provided by same such that products or product packagings to be shifted can be arranged as intended thereon.
• The connection of a guide element, such as, e.g., theround rods6a,6bshown as an example inFIG. 6, can be effected in this case once again by means of at least one separately produced retaining element which is plugged into the respective guide element as well as into the profile rail6″. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, a retaining element, preferably with a positive locking region, can be formed on the guide element itself, by means of which retaining element the guide element is connected in a positive locking and/or friction locking manner to the profile rail6″. For example, a radially projecting spigot, which is pluggable into thelongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′ and is then retained therein in a positive locking manner, can be realized on the lateral surface of around bar6aor6b.
• In a further development of the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 5 and 6,FIGS. 7A-7B, 8A-8B and 9A-9B show a sectioned view and a representation of a detail of in each case two further variants of a guide element6* with aholder61′,611a′,611b′ for a lateral wall in different widths.
• In the variants ofFIGS. 7A-7B, slidingsurfaces601* are formed on both sides of the retainingslot61′ by a convexly arched region of thesupport portion611a′ or611b′.
• In the variants ofFIGS. 8A-8B, slidingsurfaces602* are in turn formed in each case by oppositely situated edges64.1* and64.2*, which are present on the top surface, of a concavely arched portion. The two oppositely situated edges64.1* and64.2*, in this case, are separated spatially from one another by a channel orvalley61*.
• Analogously to the exemplary embodiment inFIG. 6, the concavely arched portion ofFIGS. 8A-8B with the two edges64.1* and64.2* exposed toward the top surface could be realized as a separate component as an alternative and then be mounted as a guide element onto a profile rail6″.
• On a guide element6* ofFIGS. 8A-8B as well as an identically realized profile rail6″, positive locking regions can also be defined by means of the recesses in the form of the channel orvalley61* (analogous to thelongitudinal slot61a′ or61b′). A separate guide element is fastenable to said positive locking regions. For example, around rod6aor6bcan be clipped into thevalleys61*.
• In the variants inFIGS. 9A-9B, the guide element6* forms several rows ofteeth63* located side by side and one behind another, the tips of which form a slidingsurface603* or at least a portion thereof. In place ofsingle teeth63* arranged one behind another, just one elongated projection, which is triangular in cross section and/or tapers to a point, could also be provided. Consequently, in one exemplary embodiment a slidingsurface603* could be formed on a longitudinal side of the retainingslot61′ by a single elongated projection which is triangular in cross section or several such projections which are located side by side.
• An advantage in the case of the realization variants inFIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B is that a product or product packaging is only able to come into contact with the slidingsurfaces602* and603* defined here in a linear or punctiform manner or can only abut in a linear or punctiform manner against them. As a result, the friction forces which counter shifting a product or product packaging resting thereon are further reduced.
• In particular in the case of the exemplary embodiments inFIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7A-7B, 8A-8B and 9A-9B, it is obviously not compulsory that a driven feed unit is provided in the form of a product pusher for the automatic shifting of objects in the direction of a removal region E. Rather, exemplary embodiments are also possible where the automatic shifting is effected simply with the assistance of gravitational force and is exclusively gravity-driven. In this connection, it is ensured in particular by the use of therespective guide element6a,6b;6′ or6* and by the inclination of the display area with respect to the horizontal that objects are shifted automatically in the direction of the removal region E as soon as a frontmost object of a row is removed at the removal region E.

Claims (22)

1. A feed device for the automatic shifting of objects, wherein the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended,

further comprising at least one separately produced guide element which is mounted on the already functional feed device and comprises an elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track, defines at least part of the display area and along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed unit.

2. The feed device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the guide element is realized in a rod-shaped manner, in particular as a sliding and/or round rod and/or the at least one sliding surface is realized in an elongated manner.

3. The feed device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the guide element comprises at least two sliding surfaces which are separated from one another by at least one recess.

4. The feed device for the automatic shifting of objects, wherein the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended,

further comprising at least one guide element, along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable and which comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track and defines at least part of the display area, wherein

the at least one sliding surface is arched in a convex manner and/or

the at least one sliding surface is realized such that an object arranged as intended thereon is able to abut simply in a punctiform or linear manner against at least one portion of the sliding surface.

5. The feed device as claimed inclaim 4, wherein at least part of the sliding surface is defined by at least one projection which is tooth-shaped in cross section or by at least one projecting edge of the guide element in order to enable simply punctiform or linear contact with an object arranged as intended thereon.

6. The feed device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the guide element is realized on a lateral wall of the feed device or comprises a holder for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device.

7. The feed device as claimed inclaim 6, wherein a holder of the guide element comprises a retaining slot in which the lateral wall is held and is supported transversely to its longitudinal extension by means of at least one support portion of the holder which adjoins the retaining slot.

8. The feed device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the guide element is plugged into the feed device and/or is mounted in a tool-free manner.

9. The feed device as claimed inclaim 8, wherein the guide element realizes at least one retaining element and/or at least one separate retaining element is provided into which the guide element is plugged, and the guide element is held on a component of the feed device by means of the at least one retaining element.

10. The feed device as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the separate retaining element is plugged into a component of the already functional feed device in order to hold the subsequently mounted guide element thereon.

11. The feed device as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the guide element is held by means of the retaining element

on a lateral wall of the feed device and/or

on a support component for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device and/or

on a housing of the feed device.

12. The feed device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein

at least two guide elements are provided, between which a path of movement for the feed unit extends, and/or

at least two guide elements are provided on one and the same side next to a path of movement for the feed unit.

13. The feed device as claimed inclaim 12, wherein at least two elongated guide elements are arranged in rows end to end on one and the same side next to a path of movement and/or the guide elements which are provided on one and the same side of the path of movement are connected together.

14. The feed device as claimed inclaim 13, wherein at least one additional retaining element is provided to connect the at least two guide elements.

15. The feed device as claimed inclaim 14, wherein a guide element is held on the additional retaining element by means of a clip connection.

16. A construction set for the mounting of a feed device, wherein the feed device is provided for the automatic shifting of objects and the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended, wherein

the construction set includes at least the following:

a pre-assembled feed module which defines the guide track and/or comprises the driven feed unit, and

at least one separately produced guide element which is combinable with the feed module in such a manner that in a selective manner a feed device without a guide element or a feed device with a guide element is mountable,

wherein the guide element comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track and defines at least part of the display area and the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed unit along the sliding surface of the guide element when the guide element is combined with the feed module.

17. The construction set as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the feed module comprises a display area against which, in the case of a feed device without a guide element, objects abut and are slidingly shiftable, and the construction set with the at least one guide element is realized in such a manner that in the case of a feed device with a guide element the objects abut against the guide element and are slidingly shiftable thereon.

18. The construction set as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the construction set additionally comprises at least one lateral wall, by means of which a row of objects arranged on the display area is bordered along the guide track.

19. The construction set as claimed inclaim 18, wherein the guide element is mountable on the lateral wall.

20. The construction set as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the guide element is mountable on a housing of the feed module.

21. The construction set as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the construction set comprises at least one mounting strip on which several feed devices are securable next to one another, and in each case at least part of the components of the construction set for one single feed device is pluggable into the mounting strip.

22. A method for mounting a feed device, wherein the feed device is provided for the automatic shifting of objects and the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be removed as intended, wherein

a pre-assembled feed module, which defines the guide track and/or comprises the driven feed unit, and

at least one separately produced guide element with at least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track

are provided and optionally

a feed device without a guide element is mounted or

a feed device with a guide element is mounted by the guide element being combined with the feed module, wherein the guide element then defines part of the display area in the feed device and the objects to be shifted are shiftable along the sliding surface of the guide element.

Images