Self-service facility

Abstract

Self-service device (2) comprising a frame (3) with two shafts (4, 5) rotatably mounted therein parallel to each other, wherein two transmission means (6) are arranged on each of the shafts (4, 5) and an endless circulation means (7) is arranged between each of the two transmission means (6) of the two shafts (4, 5), and wherein uniformly spaced receiving devices (8) for receiving a baked good are arranged between the two parallel circulation means (7), and wherein the two shafts (4, 5) are congruently aligned above one another and the receiving devices (8) each have a base (91) which is designed such that, when the receiving devices (8) rotate, a stationary removal device (16) can engage in the base (91) to transfer the baked good from the receiving device (8) to the removal device (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-service device and to the use of such a self-service device as a bread shelf for self-service.

[0002] Bread shelves, also known as self-service shelves, come in a wide variety of designs. They are used to offer loaves of bread, while allowing for easy self-service while maintaining hygiene standards. Furthermore, they are designed to offer customers a shopping experience to increase sales.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-service device which, compared to known devices, is particularly appealing to the customer in terms of functionality.

[0004] The problem is solved by a self-service device having the features of claim 1 and a use of such a self-service device as a bread shelf for self-service.

[0005] Accordingly, a self-service facility is provided comprising a frame with two shafts rotatably mounted parallel to one another, wherein two transmission means are arranged on each shaft and an endless circulating means is arranged between the two transmission means of the two shafts. Evenly spaced receiving devices for receiving a baked product are arranged between the two parallel circulating means. The two shafts lie congruently one above the other, and the receiving devices each have a base designed such that, as the receiving devices rotate, a stationary removal device can engage in the base in order to (mechanically) transfer the baked product from the receiving device to the removal device.

[0006] Such a self-service facility provides a particularly attractive presentation of the baked goods for the consumer due to the circulation of the baked goods. The baked goods are transported hygienically and gently and dispensed individually using the removal device.

[0007] Preferably, the receiving devices each have a base that has spaced-apart, freely accessible spaces from the side, into which the removal device engages as the receiving devices rotate. It is advantageous if the base of the receiving devices is formed from metal rods that are attached to a crossbar at one end.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving devices are each designed as a type of gondola, which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis between the two circulating chains.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the circulating means are circulating chains, in particular endless hollow pin chains, and the transmission means are gears that are in operative connection with the circulating chains.

[0010] It is advantageous if the removal device has metal rods that are parallel to each other and inclined at an angle greater than 30° to the horizontal, especially 45°, thus forming a chute for the baked goods. The baked goods can then slide out of the circulation area and be easily removed by an operator.

[0011] Preferably, the metal bars of the removal device are angled at the end of the chute to define a removal position for the baked goods and to prevent the baked goods from slipping onto the floor.

[0012] The self-service system is particularly simple and cost-effective if it features at least one lever for mechanically operating the circulation. Since the operator is required to interact with the self-service system, this provides a unique shopping experience.

[0013] Preferably, an additional gear is attached to the upper shaft, which interacts with a lever and causes the shaft to rotate.

[0014] The lever can be provided with a locking pin that can be brought into engagement with the additional gear. The lever's pull travel is preferably between 30 cm and 45 cm to ensure the movement is particularly comfortable and defined for the user.

[0015] Preferably, the lever and the toothing of the additional gear are designed such that when the lever is actuated along the pulling path, the circulating chains are moved such that a next receiving device interacts with the removal device, so that a baked good located on the receiving device can be dispensed.

[0016] It is advantageous if the lever can be operated from the side of the removal device so that the operator can operate the lever and remove the baked goods, in particular the bread, without having to move.

[0017] It is preferred that the self-service device comprises a second lever that can be operated from a side opposite the removal device. The second lever can be used to fill the receiving devices and allows filling from the rear.

[0018] Preferably, the second lever is mechanically coupled to the first lever, and a movement of the second lever causes a movement of the first lever, thereby driving the self-service device to rotate. This ensures that rotation is only possible in one direction.

[0019] Preferably, the removal device is located in the direction of rotation directly in front of the lower shaft and at a height in a range between 75 cm and 85 cm from the contact surface of an operator (floor) and is thus particularly easy for the operator to access without having to bend down.

[0020] Preferably, the receiving device has a depth in a range between 130 mm and 170 mm, so that a baked good, in particular a loaf of bread, can be placed thereon.

[0021] Preferably, the vertical distance between the two shafts is in a range between 1500 mm and 1850 mm so that a large number of receiving devices can rotate.

[0022] To increase ease of use, a rod or rope is attached to the lever that the operator can pull.

[0023] Furthermore, the use of a self-service device as a baked goods shelf, in particular a bread shelf for self-service by an operator, is provided. The self-service device has a frame with two shafts rotatably mounted parallel to one another. Two rotationally fixed transmission means are arranged on each shaft. Between the two transmission means of the two shafts, an endless circulating means is arranged, which is operatively connected to the transmission means. Between the two parallel circulating means, evenly spaced receiving devices for receiving a baked good are arranged, and the receiving devices rotate by means of the endless circulating means. The self-service device is preferably designed as described above.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical components or components with identical functions bear the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1: a side view of a module of a self-service facility, Fig. 2: a detailed view of an operating mechanism, Fig. 3: a detailed view of the output, as well as Fig. 4: a detailed view of a braking device.

[0025] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a single module 1 of a self-service facility 2. Module 1 serves as a self-service bread shelf. It is designed for use in bakeries or grocery stores, for example. Multiple modules 1 can be placed side by side and optionally connected, in particular welded, to one another.

[0026] The module 1 has a frame 3. An upper shaft 4 and a lower shaft 5 are rotatably mounted in the frame 3. Two gears 6 are fixedly mounted on each of the shafts 4, 5. The two gears 6 of a shaft 4, 5 are each located at the end of the shaft 4, 5. The axes of rotation of the two shafts 4, 5 are parallel to each other and parallel to a contact surface of the module 1. The two shafts 4, 5 are also congruent with each other. Chain strands 7 each rotate around a gear 6 of the upper shaft 4 and a gear 6 of the lower shaft. The chain strands 7 are thus arranged parallel and spaced from one another.

[0027] The chain strands 7 are preferably endless hollow pin chains. Hollow pin chains have chain pins with through holes for accommodating appropriately designed attachments. The two hollow pin chains are preferably pre-stretched together. However, it is also conceivable to use other circulating means, such as belts, whereby pulleys are used instead of gears.

[0028] Inserted into the chain strands 7, also called circulating chains, in particular hollow pin chains, are suspension means for attaching the receiving device 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving device 8 is a so-called gondola. A gondola is a metal frame 9 with a base 91 consisting of welded, bent metal rods on which the bread rests. The metal rods are connected to the metal frame at only one end.

[0029] The metal frame 9 is open at the front, and there is also sufficient space between the sides of the metal frame 9 at the rear to insert a loaf of bread. In the upper part of the metal frame 9, two holes are provided on both sides, into which the suspension means engage, thus forming a pivot axis around which the metal frame 9, and thus the gondola, can be pivoted.

[0030] The chain strands 7 and the gear wheels 6 are mechanically actuated. A lever 10 is provided for both removing the goods or bread from the front and inserting the goods from the back, allowing the chain strands 7 to rotate and thus moving the gondolas.

[0031] The operating mechanism is described in detail in Fig. 2 shown. Fig. 2 shows a section of the upper shaft 4 with the two gears 6 attached to it and the rotating chain strand 7 shown only on one side. The upper shaft 4 has an additional gear 11 on one side, which is located at a distance from the gear on the outer side near the shaft end. The additional gear 11 has a larger tooth pitch than the gear 6 next to it on the shaft. The chain strands 7 are driven via this additional gear 11. The lever 10 is pivotally mounted on the frame 3. The lever has two legs 12, with a rod 13 or a cable for actuating the lever 10 attached at one end between the two legs 12. The lever 10 is located above the additional gear 11. The two legs 12 of the lever are connected to one another via bolts, with a locking pin 15 mounted on one bolt 14.The locking pin 15 is designed to engage the teeth of the additional gear 11 and thus transmit the movement of the lever 10 to the additional gear 11. The lever 10 is held in an upper position by a compression spring, or raised back to that position after the lever is released. The travel of the lever 10 or rod 13 is approximately 350 mm, which corresponds to a movement of the chain strands along a distance between two consecutive gondolas. The gondolas run from top to bottom on the front side (removal side). Only one actuation along a single direction of rotation is provided.

[0032] Also shown is the lever on the rear of the module. The rear lever 10' is operated to fill the gondolas. The direction of movement is the same as that of the front lever 10. The lever 10' is located below the additional gear 11 and is mechanically connected to the front lever 10. A rod 13 or a cable is also attached to the rear lever 10'. The rear lever 10' is supported on the frame 3. By moving the rear lever 10', the front lever is operated, and the locking pin causes the additional gear to rotate.

[0033] In the Fig. 3 shows the dispensing of the bread. The bread is in a removal position on a stationary removal chute 16. The removal chute is attached to the frame 3 and is at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal. The support surface of the removal chute 16 is formed by metal rods 17 which have open ends and thus form freely accessible spaces. The bread reaches the removal chute 16 by the gondola loaded with bread moving with its individual metal rods through the free spaces between the bars of the removal chute 16, thereby depositing the bread on the bars of the removal chute 16. After the bread has been handed over, the gondola continues downwards and the bread slides forward into the removal position shown, from where the bread can be removed by the customer.

[0034] To prevent the customer from being injured during removal, access to the mechanism from the front is prevented by a cover 18, in particular a pane of toughened safety glass (ESG).

[0035] When all gondolas are filled with bread, the distance between the gondolas and their position on the chain, as well as the movement triggered by the levers and the movement path, are selected such that a single loaf is dispensed with each lever movement. The gondolas can be filled with bread from the rear by staff, thanks to their freely accessible floor.

[0036] In the Fig.Figure 4 shows a section of the upper shaft 4. The upper shaft is mounted at one end of the additional gear 11 by means of a ball bearing and at the other end by an adjustable friction bearing 19. The friction bearing 19 serves as a brake and consists of two coordinated plastic blocks, whose braking effect can be adjusted by screwing. The friction bearing 19 prevents unwanted movement of the chain strands or bread gondolas.

Claims

[1] Self-service device (2) comprising a frame (3) with two shafts (4, 5) rotatably mounted therein parallel to one another, wherein two transmission means (6) are arranged on each of the shafts (4, 5) and an endless circulating means (7) is arranged between the two transmission means (6) of the two shafts (4, 5), and wherein evenly spaced receiving devices (8) for receiving a baked product are arranged between the two parallel circulating means (7), and wherein the two shafts (4, 5) lie congruently one above the other and the receiving devices (8) each have a base (91) which is designed such that when the receiving devices (8) rotate, a stationary removal device (16) can engage in the base (91) in order to transfer the baked product from the receiving device (8) to the removal device (16). [2] Self-service device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the base (91) has free spaces spaced apart from one another and freely accessible from the side, into which the removal device (16) engages when the receiving devices (8) rotate. [3] Self-service device according to claim 2, characterized by that the base (91) of the receiving devices (8) is formed from metal rods which are attached at one end to a cross strut. [4] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving devices (8) are each designed as a type of gondola which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis between the two circulating means (7). [5] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the circulating means (7) are circulating chains, in particular endless hollow pin chains, and the transmission means are gear wheels which are in operative connection with the circulating chains. [6] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the removal device (16) has metal rods which are parallel to one another and inclined at an angle greater than 30° to the horizontal and thus form a chute for the baked goods. [7] Self-service device according to claim 6, characterized by that the metal rods of the removal device (16) are angled at the end of the chute in order to define a removal position for the baked goods. [8] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the self-service device (2) has at least one lever (10,10') for mechanically actuating the circulation. [9] Self-service device according to claim 8, characterized by that an additional gear (11) is attached to the upper shaft (4), which cooperates with a lever (10) and causes the shaft (4) to rotate. [10] Self-service device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the lever (10) has a locking pin (15) which can be brought into engagement with the additional gear (11). [11] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized by that the pulling path of the lever (10) is in a range between 30 cm and 45 cm. [12] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized by that the lever (10) and the toothing of the additional gear (11) are designed in such a way that when the lever (10) is actuated along the pulling path, the circulating means (7) are moved in such a way that a next receiving device (8) interacts with the removal device (16), so that a baked good located on the receiving device (8) can be dispensed. [13] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 12, characterized bythat the lever (10) can be operated from the side of the removal device (16). [14] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterized by that the self-service device (2) comprises a second lever (10') which can be operated from a side opposite the removal device (16). [15] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 14, characterized by that the second lever (10') is mechanically coupled to the first lever (10) and a movement of the second lever (10') causes a movement of the first lever (10) and thereby the self-service device (2) is driven to rotate. [16] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the self-service device (2) has a modular design and any number of modules can be connected to one another in series. [17] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a cover (18) is attached to the frame (3) above the removal device (16) in order to prevent an operator from interfering with the mechanism. [18] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the removal device (16) is located directly in front of the lower shaft (5) in the direction of rotation. [19] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the removal device (16) is at a height in a range between 75 cm and 85 cm from the ground. [20] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving device (8) has a depth in a range between 130 mm and 170 mm. [21] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vertical distance between the two shafts (4,5) is in a range between 1500 mm and 1850 mm. [22] Self-service device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 21, characterized by that a rod or rope for operation is attached to the lever (10,10'). [23] Use of a self-service device (2) comprising a frame (3) with two shafts (4, 5) rotatably mounted therein parallel to one another, wherein two transmission means (6) are arranged on each of the shafts (4, 5) in a rotationally fixed manner and between the two transmission means (6) of the two shafts (4, 5) there is arranged in each case an endless circulating means (7) which is in operative connection with the respective transmission means and wherein between the two parallel running circulating means (7) evenly spaced receiving devices (8) for receiving a baked good are arranged, and the receiving devices rotate by means of the endless circulating means, as a baked goods shelf, in particular a bread shelf for self-service. [24] Use according to claim 23, wherein the self-service device (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 22.

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