flap device

Abstract

Flap device for covering the front of a goods compartment of a goods dispensing device, with: - a flap element comprising a flap body extending between a lower flap edge and an upper flap edge and, - a joint device for integrating the flap body into the goods dispensing device in such a way that the flap body can be displaced from a closed position to a release position along a path defined by the mechanism of the joint device, wherein - the mechanism of the joint device is designed in such a way that the displacement of the flap body takes place around a horizontally oriented pivot axis, and - the pivot axis passes through the interior of the merchandise compartment at a height which is spaced upwards from the position of the lower flap edge in the closed position by a distance which lies in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance between the lower flap edge and the upper flap edge.

Description

The invention relates to a flap device for a product dispensing device, in particular a self-operating shelf, also referred to as a "bake-off module", as is used in retail sales for providing bakery products, wherein this product dispensing device has a plurality of vertically and / or horizontally consecutive product compartments, which are each covered on the front side by a separate flap device, and the respective compartment-specific flap device can be moved, with manual intervention, into a release position, in which it is possible to pass through an opening region otherwise covered by the flap device and thus access into the region of a product compartment for removing bakery products such as e.g. wafers, ribs, rolls, Brezen...Croissants raisson screws and in particular nut corners held therein.A flap device of this type is known from EP 3 616 386 A1. The flap device comprises a flap element which is pivotable about a horizontally oriented axis in the region of its upper transverse edge. This pivotability is achieved structurally using a hinge device, wherein a damping mechanism is incorporated into this hinge device, which damping mechanism has the effect that the flap element is temporarily held in the open position and can then be pivoted back into its closed position in a gently decelerated manner if it is left to itself after manually pivoting up.The object of the invention is to provide solutions by means of which it becomes possible to provide a product dispensing device, in particular for bakery and confectionery products, which is distinguished by a cost-effective and robust construction and which offers advantages over previous designs from the handling and maintenance standpoint.This object is achieved according to the invention by a flap device for covering a product compartment of a product dispensing device at the front, comprising:a flap element comprising a flap body extending between a lower flap edge and an upper flap edge, and,a hinge device for binding the flap body into the product dispensing device in such a way that the flap body can be displaced from a closed position into a release position along a path defined by the mechanics of the hinge device, whereinthe mechanism of the joint device is configured such that the displacement of the flap body takes place about a horizontally oriented pivot axis, andthe pivot axis traverses the interior of the compartment at a height level spaced upwardly from the position of the lower flap edge in the closed position by an amount ranging from 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge from the upper flap edge.This advantageously makes it possible to create a flap device in which the flap element defrosts into the product compartment with its upper edge region when it is opened and the center of gravity of the flap element comes to lie above the pivot axis in the region of the vertical plane containing the pivot axis. The connection of the articulation device to the stationary compartment carrier body of the goods dispensing device takes place in the side region of the respective compartment by what are known as cheeks.A particularly advantageous design of the flap device according to the invention is provided in that the pivot axis extends relative to the bottom of the compartment at a height level which corresponds substantially to half the distance of the upper flap edge from the lower flap edge. The pivot axis then preferably runs at substantially the central compartment height of the respective goods compartment. The design of the hinge device is then advantageously made such that the pivot axis is spaced apart from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance which is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis from an upper roof region of the product compartment.Furthermore, in an advantageous manner, the flap device is configured such that the pivot axis is spaced apart from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance which approximately corresponds to the distance of the pivot axis from the base of the product compartment. In this arrangement, in the swung-open position of the flap element, i.e. in the release position in which access to the inner region of the compartment is possible, the lower edge of the flap element comes to lie close to that position in which, in the closed position of the flap element, the upper transverse edge thereof is located.According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the joint device is designed such that it comprises a left and a right joint module. These two joint modules can be designed identically and can be dimensioned constructively such that each joint module provides a half damping and pre-load contribution. It is possible to design the joint modules such that their housings are divided into two housing halves which can be moved relative to one another and are joined together in a sealing manner. One housing half can then be screwed to a stationary connecting structure and the other housing half can be connected to cantilever arms which in turn engage the lateral region of the flap element body.Preferably, the hinge device is connected, in particular plugged or screwed, to the side region of the flap body. This connection is preferably accomplished by an arm, cheek, strut, or triangular link structure.Furthermore, the entire product dispensing device is preferably designed such that the respective joint module is integrated into the product dispensing device by structures which engage the side wall of the product dispensing device in the vicinity of the vertical side edge regions of the flap body.It is possible to configure the joint modules such that one of the two or both each comprise a damper device. This damper device may include a viscous medium that is forced by displacer structures of the damper device. The damper device can be designed such that different damping torques are provided depending on the respective angular position of the flap element. The angle-dependent nonlinearity of the damping constant of the damper device can take into account the respective restoring torque, which results from the position of the center of gravity and a desired kinematic behavior. As an alternative to generating the damping moment using a viscous medium, the damping effect can also be generated in some other way. It is possible to realize the damping mechanism using electro- or magnetorheological fluids; it is also possible to accommodate electronic and electromechanical components in the respective joint module. Furthermore, free-wheeling mechanisms are also possible which, for example, promote an unattenuated pivoting open of the flap element and then grip when the flap element is folded downward and bring about a coupling to braking or damping structures of the joint device.Furthermore, a pretensioning device is preferably provided in at least one of the joint modules, preferably in both joint modules, which pretensioning device provides an auxiliary torque in specific angular positions of the flap element, which auxiliary torque compensates the dead weight of the flap element in a defined manner. This restoring moment can also be provided by corresponding structural measures in a manner which brings about a haptically pleasant support for the pivoting-up operation and, if appropriate, brings about a sufficient securing or loading of the flap element when the closing position is reached. Thus, an effect can be realized by means of the prestressing device, in which the flap element is initially held in the closed position with slight tension. When low holding forces are overcome, a pressure point is moved over perceptibly by the user and the flap element is gently pivoted upwards in a smooth manner and just to appear weightless. With the energy input into the articulation device provided when the pressure point is initially overcome, lifting support is carried out therein, which automatically forces the flap element into the uppermost pivoted position after passing through approximately 60° of the pivoting path. From there it then pivots back under the action of its own weight in a damped manner. The time of the backward pivoting is delayed in a defined manner by electrical or mechanical devices of the joint device.Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings. It shows: FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c show detailed representations of a flap device according to the invention for a compartment of a BakeOff module; FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a product dispensing apparatus with vertically succeeding product compartments which are each closed by flap devices according to the invention; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the BakeOff module according to FIG. 2, in which the flap element of the uppermost compartment is displaced into an open position, FIGS. 4 a, b, c show a further flap device which is equipped with a retaining element.The representations according to FIGS. 1 a, 1 band 1 c show, by way of example, the structure of a flap device 1 according to the invention for covering a product compartment 2 of a product dispensing device 3 on the front side. The flap device 1 comprises a flap element 4 which comprises a flap body 4 awhich extends between a lower flap edge 4 band an upper flap edge 4 c. Furthermore, the flap device comprises a hinge device 5 for binding the flap body 4 ainto the goods dispensing device 3 in such a way that the flap body 4 acan be displaced from a closed position into a release position along a path defined by the mechanics of the hinge device 5.The mechanics of the articulation device 5 are designed such that the displacement of the flap body 4a takes place about a horizontally oriented pivot axis X. This pivot axis X traverses the inner region of the goods compartment 2 at a height level H which is spaced apart upwards from the position of the lower flap edge 4 bin the closed position by a dimension m which is in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge 4 bfrom the upper flap edge 4 c. The pivot axis X is a fixed axis, i.e. no migrating pole.In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the pivot axis X extends with respect to the base 2 aof the goods compartment 2 at a height level which corresponds substantially to half the distance of the upper flap edge 4 cfrom the lower flap edge 4 b.In addition, in this embodiment, the pivot axis X is spaced apart from an inner surface 4 d(cf. FIG. 1 b) of the flap body 4 aby a dimension n which is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis X from an upper roof region 2 bof the article compartment 2. The articulation device 5 comprises a left and a right articulation module. The hinge device 5 is connected to the side region of the flap body 4 a. This connection is effected here by a relatively stiff and, in the following, non-articulated arm or triangular plate structure 5 a. These connecting structures and the joint device can be arranged nested in such a way that the joint device is located in the form of a small module between the cheeks and, in particular in the closed position of the flap element, is accommodated in an intermediate space which is sealed off from the cheeks towards the outside. This can be covered at the top by a bevel which is formed in particular on the movably guided cheek element.The respective hinge module 5 is furthermore also integrated into the product dispensing device 3 by structures 5 bwhich engage on the side wall or the vertical struts 3 aof the product dispensing device 3 in the vicinity of the vertical side edge regions of the flap body 4 a. The joint module 5 comprises a damper device and a biasing device integrated into the damper module.The illustration according to FIG. 1 cfurther illustrates further structural details of the flap device according to the invention. The flap device 4 is here in an open position of the links 5 a, on the one hand, connected to the flap element body 4 a, on the other hand, to a hub of the damper module 5.The perspective illustration according to FIG. 2 shows the structure of a goods dispensing device 3 for receiving bakery goods. The goods dispensing device 3 forms a plurality of goods compartments 2, here a total of 5, which are vertically arranged and are each closed by flap devices according to the invention.Each flap device comprises a flap element 4 which comprises a flap body 4a which extends between a lower flap edge 4b and an upper flap edge 4c. Furthermore, the flap device comprises a hinge device 5 for binding the flap body 4 ainto the goods dispensing device 3 in such a way that the flap body 4 acan be displaced about a pivot axis X from a closed position into a release position along a path defined by the mechanics of the hinge device 5.As can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 3, each compartment 2 is designed in such a way that the flap body 4 ais displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis X. This pivot axis X traverses the inner region of the respective goods compartment 2 at a height level which is spaced apart upwards from the position of the lower flap edge 4 bin the closed position by an amount which is in the range from 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge 4 bfrom the upper flap edge 4 c, i.e. the vertical height of the flap body 4 a.The flap element 4 is designed such that it is displaced at least partially into the interior region of the respective article compartment 2 as part of its pivotal displacement. The dimensions of the flap element 4 and the article compartment 2 are matched to one another such that the flap element 4 is slightly narrower than the width of the article compartment in the region of the web space, i.e. the space traversed by the flap element 4 during its displacement.For pivoting the flap element 4 open, a gripping device 7, on which the flap element 4 can be gripped and pivoted upwards, as indicated by the arrow symbol P, is provided on the flap element. The handle device 7 can be attached to the flap element as a built-up structure. It can also be realized as an integral structure of the flap element.In the upper region of each compartment, a front strip 8 is provided. This can be used as a inscription carrier or covering strip and covers, on the one hand, the roof or bottom construction of the respective compartment on the end face and, on the other hand, provides a closing edge 8a under which the upper transverse edge 4c of the flap element comes to lie when the compartment 2 is closed.In an embodiment of the dispensing device with a plurality of vertically succeeding goods compartments 2 as shown here by way of example, the uppermost front strip 8 forms a panel which extends over the width of the goods compartment 2 between an upper transverse edge 8 band a lower transverse edge 8 a. The upper transverse edge 8b extends substantially at the height level of the outwardly facing upper side of the top wall 9 of the dispenser. With the exception of the lowermost front strip 8, all further front strips 8 form covering structures which provide closing edges 8 a, 8 bcooperating with the adjoining flap elements 4. It is possible to configure the hinge device such that a stop function is generated by it, which has the effect that the front flap element can assume its closed position and optionally also its open position, without in this case contacting the front strip 8 or else another type of surrounding structure in the front region of the dispensing device.The concept according to the invention can also be implemented in a manner in which the flap element 4 is folded downward and in this case the lower transverse edge region of the flap element 4 dips into the goods compartment 2 and in the process preferably undertravels a region which closes off the compartment base at the front.The concept according to the invention offers an alternative to designs with flaps and joint mechanics hinged at the top. The concept according to the invention enables maximum utilization of the shelf opening for interactions with customers and operating personnel. In comparison with conventional designs, the design according to the invention eliminates any disturbing contours in the flap region and reduces the risk of collision. Both for the removal and for the filling, an increase in efficiency results. Means for keeping open and for damping are integrated into the articulation device. The flap device according to the invention contains for this purpose a damping unit of compact design with internal connection.The concept according to the invention enables the design of a simple and economically provided system whose mode of operation is immediately apparent to a user and which can be used by users in an ergonomically advantageous manner. It is particularly suitable for the realization of a removal flap which is arranged on a front side of a goods dispensing device. The flap device according to the invention also enables an advantageous filling of a compartment and it is also possible to provide such flap devices on both end faces, i.e. the front and rear side of a compartment. The body of the flap element can be made of a fully transparent material, in particular on the side of a front facing the customer. If the flap device is provided on a rear side facing away from the customer area, it can also be made of a sheet metal or sandwich material. Overall, the flap element is preferably manufactured as a flat structure to which those components are attached on the edge side which create a connection to that mechanism which ultimately fixes the joint axis X.The flap element 4 is located in the closed position between an upper and a lower front strip 8, the height of the flap element 4 measured in the vertical direction being less than the total height of the goods compartment 2, and the front covering effect is achieved in the interaction of the flap element 4 with the front strips 8. By using the front strips 8, the height of the flap element 4 is reduced to a degree which allows the upper edge region 4 cto be pivoted into the goods compartment 2 or displaced into it without collision about a horizontal axis X running in the compartment 2.The articulated device provides, as a self-contained structural unit, the functions of damping, rotational mounting, weight compensation, easy holding in the closed position and more temporary holding open in the open position. The articulation device is located between cheeks. The stationary cheeks 5 bare fastened to the vertical front struts, the cheeks 5 a, which pivot together with the flap element, engage in the edge region of the flap element 4 on the latter or are there coupled to the latter by connecting means.In a further embodiment, the flap device 1 additionally has a retaining element 10. Such an arrangement is shown by way of example in FIGS. 4a to c. For example, a holding-open function of the flap device 1 can be realized by an additional retaining magnet 10 a. The retaining magnet 10a can be docked, if necessary, via a small pivot lever 10b. The pivot lever 10 bis preferably formed on the outer edge of the wall. The size of the pivot lever 10b depends on the size of the magnet 10a. As depicted in the illustrations, the magnet 10a is circular. Other shapes are conceivable. Accordingly, the pivot lever 10 bis designed in such a way that docking of both components is possible.By using the additional retaining element 10, the automatic closing of the flap device 1 or of the flap element 4 can be interrupted manually and without any time limits.Docking of the magnet 10a causes the effect of the damping unit to be interrupted. When a rotary damper is used, the damper is interrupted in its movement sequence. As a result, there is no risk of damage if a flap is to be closed again manually. In this case, the magnet releases and tilts automatically back into the starting position. The "normal operation" with damping is then active again.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 3 616 386 A1

[0002]

Claims

Flap device for covering a product compartment of a product dispensing device on the front side, comprising: - a flap element which comprises a flap body which extends between a lower flap edge and an upper flap edge, and - a joint device for binding the flap body into the product dispensing device in such a way that the flap body can be displaced from a closed position into a release position along a path defined by the mechanics of the joint device, wherein - the mechanics of the joint device are designed in such a way that the displacement of the flap body takes place about a horizontally oriented pivot axis, and - the pivot axis traverses the inner region of the product compartment at a height level which is spaced upwards from the position of the lower flap edge in the closed position by an amount which lies in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge from the upper flap edge.Flap device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pivot axis extends relative to the bottom of the goods compartment at a height level which corresponds substantially to half the distance of the upper flap edge from the lower flap edge.Flap device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pivot axis is spaced apart from an inner surface of the flap body by an amount which is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis from an upper roof region of the compartment.Flap device according to claim 3, characterised in that the pivot axis is spaced apart from an inner surface of the flap body by an amount which approximately corresponds to the distance of the pivot axis from the base of the product compartment.Flap device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the articulation device comprises a left and a right articulation moduleFlap device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the articulation device is connected to the side region of the flap body.Flap device according to claim 6, characterised in that this connection is achieved by an arm structure, struts or triangular link structure.Flap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the respective hinge module is incorporated into the product dispensing device by structures which engage the side wall of the product dispensing device in the vicinity of the vertical side edge regions of the flap body.Flap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that at least one of the joint modules comprises a damper deviceFlap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that at least one of the joint modules comprises a prestressing device.

Images