Device for dispensing goods

Abstract

Device (1) for dispensing goods (3), comprising at least one channel (2) for receiving goods (3), in which a slide (5) pre-tensioned by a spring (7) is movable to move a stack of goods (3) along the channel (2) to a stop element (4) at an upper end of the at least one channel (2), wherein the uppermost item (3) of the stack of goods (3) can be removed at the upper end of the channel (2), characterized in that the stop element (4) is pivotably mounted and is movable between a locking position in which a part of the stop element (4) rests against a top surface of the uppermost item (3) and a release position in which the uppermost item (3) can be removed upwards.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing goods, comprising at least one channel for receiving goods, in which a spring-loaded slide is movable to move a stack of goods along the channel to a stop element at an upper end of the at least one channel, wherein the uppermost item of the stack of goods can be removed at the upper end of the channel.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 106 719 A1, a product feed system is known that is fixed to a metal shelf. This system allows goods to be moved to a front stop so that they are clearly visible and easier for customers to remove. Such product feed systems have proven effective; however, a problem arises when certain goods are removed from the top rather than the front, for example, in open-top freezers.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a device for dispensing goods that ensures effective handling when filling and removing the goods and is easy to assemble.

[0004] This problem is solved by a device for dispensing goods having the features of claim 1.

[0005] A device according to the invention for dispensing goods comprises at least one channel for receiving goods, in which a spring-loaded slide is movable to move a stack of goods along the channel to a stop element at an upper end of the channel, wherein the uppermost item of the stack can be removed at the upper end of the channel. The stop element is pivotable and movable between a locking position, in which part of the stop element rests against the top of the uppermost item, and a release position, in which the uppermost item can be removed upwards. This allows the user to pivot the stop element from the locking position to the release position, so that, assisted by the slide, the stack of goods is lifted and the uppermost item can be easily removed.Once the top item is removed, the stop element swings back into the locking position, limiting the movement of the stack of goods when the top item is again against the stop element. During filling, the stop element can be moved into the release position to allow one or more items to be inserted into the channel from above. This facilitates handling during the filling and removal of goods.

[0006] Preferably, the stop element is stepped in the direction of movement, with the step serving as a stop that can be placed against the top of the uppermost item. A section projecting upwards above the uppermost item is, for example, designed as a handle for pivoting the stop element. This allows the user to grasp or press the stop element to move it from the locking position to the release position, so that unlocking and removal of the uppermost item can even be done with one hand.

[0007] For ease of assembly, an attachment is fitted to the upper end of at least one channel, to which the stop element is rotatably mounted. The attachment thus serves to fix the pivoting stop element. Optionally, the stop element can also be designed to be flexible, either in addition to or as an alternative to the rotatable mounting, in order to move from the locking position to the release position.

[0008] The stop element is preferably pre-tensioned into the locking position, for example by a spring or gravity, to reliably prevent the stack of goods from moving beyond the stop element. Preferably, one end of the spring used to pre-tension the slide is fixed to the stop element, thus pre-tensioning the stop element into the locking position. This allows the spring to be used both to move the pre-tensioned slide and to pivot the stop element into the locking position. The spring can, for example, be designed as a coil spring, which is arranged with a coiled section on the slide and then installed in a strip-like manner with a section running along the channel to the stop element, so that the slide is pre-tensioned against the stop element.When the stop element pivots from the locking position to the release position, the spring is pulled, so that the spring's restoring forces cause the stop element to move into the locking position.

[0009] Preferably, the pivoting movement of the stop element is limited by at least one stop. The pivoting path between the locking position and the maximum pivoted position limited by the stop can, for example, be between 10° and 40°. For a compact design, the at least one stop can, for example, be arranged around an axis of the stop element; in particular, for load distribution, several stops can be arranged around the axis, which can then be contacted simultaneously by projections on the axis.

[0010] For a compact design, the at least one channel is U-shaped and surrounds the stack of goods in a U-shape. This means the goods are surrounded by the channel on three sides, and an additional channel or a cover plate can optionally be mounted on the fourth side. The at least one channel is preferably oriented vertically so that the stack of goods is conveyed from bottom to top over the slide. For ease of manufacture, the at least one channel can be formed from an extruded plastic profile.

[0011] Preferably, several channels are arranged side by side and / or one behind the other, so that different types of goods can be stored in the individual channels. The adjacent channels can be held firmly together by connecting means. Preferably, at least one channel has a retaining web, for example, inwardly projecting retaining webs on two legs of a channel with a U-shaped cross-section, which are then each inserted into a groove on an adjacent channel. The groove can, for example, be undercut and formed on the connecting web between the two legs of the U-shaped channel, so that the connecting web also closes the open side of the at least one channel. This allows several channels to be arranged one behind the other.For lateral fixation of an adjacent channel, a lateral hook is preferably formed on the attachment of at least one channel, engaging in an opening on an adjacent attachment of another channel, so that two adjacent channels are held together. Other connecting means can also be provided for fixing adjacent channels, preferably a unit consisting of several channels that are firmly connected to each other via the connecting means, so that a variety of goods can be accommodated in the channels.

[0012] Viewed from above, particularly from the opposite direction of travel, the stop element features an arc-shaped section. This facilitates the removal of goods that are essentially cylindrical or have a cylindrical section. The arc shape on the upper handle section of the stop element allows for easier removal of cylindrical goods. These goods could be, for example, yogurt cups, ice cream tubs, or other containers.

[0013] The device according to the invention for dispensing goods is used, for example, in a freezer to make it easier to fill and remove the goods to be cooled from the top of the freezer.

[0014] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device according to the invention for dispensing goods, partially in section; Fig. 2 a side view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the device of the Fig. 1 in the upper area; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the device of the Fig. 1 when taking a product; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a single channel of a device for dispensing goods in the upper area; Fig. 6 a perspective view during the assembly of a channel of a device for dispensing goods; Fig. 7 a view during the assembly of a channel on a device for dispensing goods, and Fig. 8 A perspective view of a device for dispensing goods with a multitude of channels.

[0015] A device 1 for dispensing goods 3 comprises one or more channels 2, each containing a stack of several goods 3. A stack of goods 3 is arranged in each channel 2, with a slide 5 provided at the bottom of the stack to move the goods 3 upwards. A stop element 4 is arranged at the top of the stack of goods 3, its section resting against the top of the uppermost goods 3 in a locking position, thus limiting upward movement of the goods.

[0016] In Fig. Figure 1 shows three channels 2, with the middle channel 2 being empty and the slide 5 visible, which moves the goods 3 above it towards the stop element 4. The slide 5 is essentially plate-shaped and connected to a spring 7. The spring 7 comprises a coiled section 6 on the underside of the slide 5 and tensions the slide 5 upwards so that it is moved along the channel 2. One end of the spring 7 is fixed to a holder 8 of the stop element 4 and tensions the stop element 4 in the locking position.

[0017] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the right channel 2 in a filled position, in which a stack of goods 3 is arranged inside the channel 2 and the topmost goods 3 are held in the locking position by the stop element 4. On the left side in Fig. Figure 1 shows the goods 3 in a sectional view, and the stop element 4 has been pivoted into a release position.

[0018] In Fig. 2 is the device 1 from Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view. It can be seen that the channel 2 on the left is depicted during the removal of the topmost item 3, and the stop element 4 has been rotated about an axis 9 from the locking position to the release position. As a result, the stop element 4 no longer rests against the top of the topmost item 3, and it can be removed upwards. On the right side, the topmost item 3 is blocked by the stop element 4, which is in the locking position.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 3 shows two adjacent channels 2, each containing goods 3. On the left, the goods 3 are shown during filling or after removal of a goods 3, and the uppermost goods 3 are not yet at a stage 10 of the stop element 4. The pusher 5 moves the stack of goods 3 upwards until it reaches the position shown on the right. Fig. Figure 3 shows the uppermost item 3 resting with its top side against the step 10 of the stop element 4. The stop element 4 extends beyond the top side of the uppermost item 3, thus forming a grip section 11 that is clearly visible to the user and can be moved to move the stop element from the shown locking position to a release position.

[0020] Each stop element 4 comprises a ring 18 on the axis 9, from which several drivers 19 protrude. A pivoting movement of the stop element 4 is limited by several stops 22, which can be contacted by the drivers 19.

[0021] In Fig. 4 is the device of the Fig. Figure 3 shows the position when the stop element 4 on the left side has been moved into a release position and the top item 3 is being removed. The stop element 4 has been pivoted about the axis 9 so that the step 10 no longer rests against the top of the item 3. The rotation of the stop element 4 also pivoted the ring 18 with the protruding drive lugs 19, which rest against the stops 22 and prevent further rotation.

[0022] The stops 22 are formed on a bearing on an attachment 13, which is fitted onto one end of the channel 2 and extends the channel 2 upwards. Retaining elements, such as ribs or tabs, are integrally formed on the attachment 13 to secure it. The attachment 13 is additionally pre-tensioned towards the channel 2 by the spring 7.

[0023] Fig. Figure 5 shows a channel 2 of a device 1 for dispensing goods 3 without such goods. The channel 2 has a U-shaped cross-section and is made, for example, of an extruded plastic profile. The channel 2 thus comprises two legs 21 and a connecting web 20 that joins the legs 21 together. Each of the two legs 21 has inwardly projecting retaining webs 16 that can be inserted into a groove on a connecting web 20 of an adjacent channel 2. The slide 5 is movable within the U-shaped channel 2, and a guide for the slide 5 can optionally be provided, for example, a guide web or a groove.

[0024] The attachment 13 also has a U-shaped cross-section and is arranged as an extension of the channel 2 and attached to it. The attachment 13 includes a protruding hook 14 on one side wall, which can be inserted into an opening 15 of an adjacent attachment 13 to hold two channels 2 with the attachments 13 together. The attachment 13 also features the axis 9 for the rotatable mounting of the stop element 4. The stop element 4 has a holder 8 for fixing the end of the spring 7 below the step 10.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the assembly of two adjacent channels 2 arranged one behind the other. Two channels 2 are already fixed to each other, while a third channel 2 is being slid onto the middle channel 2, with the retaining lugs 16 of the middle channel being inserted into grooves 17 on the connecting lug 20 of the right channel 2. This allows adjacent channels 2 to be fixed using simple mechanical fasteners such as grooves and retaining lugs. A support 12 is formed on the stop element 4 below the holder 8 for fixing one end of the spring 7, and a section of the spring 7 (not shown) rests against this support.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 7 shows the assembly of a channel 2 with an attachment 13 on further channels 2, each of which is equipped at its upper end with an attachment 13 and a stop element 4. On the middle channel 2, the attachment 13 has a protruding hook 14, which is inserted into the opening of the adjacent attachment 13 on the channel 2 in order to fix the adjacent channels 2 to one another.

[0027] In Fig.Figure 8 shows a plurality of channels 2 of a device 1 for dispensing goods 3, in which the channels 2 and attachments 13 are held together by connecting means. The number of channels 2 can be selected depending on the storage space, for example, depending on the size of a freezer. Different goods 3 can be arranged in the individual channels 2, for example, different flavors, sizes, or other product modifications. To remove a product, the user simply pivots the stop element 4, and the uppermost product 3 is then moved upwards via the respective slide.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 2 are connected via retaining webs 16, grooves 17, hooks 14 and openings 15. It is also possible to provide other connecting means for fixing adjacent channels 2.

[0029] The stop 22 consists of projections on the bearing of the attachment 13, which engage with the drivers 19 on the axis 9. It is also possible to provide a different stop to limit the movement of the stop element 4 on the attachment 13. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2-channel 3 items 4 Stop element 5 sliders Section 6 7 spring 8 holders 9-axis Level 10 11 Handle section 12th edition 13th essay 14 hooks 15 Opening 16 landing stage 17 Nut 18 rings 19 drivers 20 Connecting bridge 21 thighs 22 attacks QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 106 719 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for dispensing goods (3), comprising at least one channel (2) for receiving goods (3), in which a slide (5) pre-tensioned by a spring (7) is movable to move a stack of goods (3) along the channel (2) to a stop element (4) at an upper end of the at least one channel (2), wherein the uppermost item (3) of the stack of goods (3) can be removed from the upper end of the channel (2), characterized by , that the stop element (4) is pivotably mounted and is movable between a locking position in which part of the stop element (4) rests against a top surface of the uppermost item (3) and a release position in which the uppermost item (3) can be removed upwards. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the stop element (4) is designed with steps in the direction of movement and a section projecting upwards above the uppermost item (3) is designed as a handle section (11) for pivoting the stop element (4). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that an attachment (13) is mounted on an upper end of the at least one channel (2), on which the stop element (4) is rotatably mounted. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop element (4) is pre-tensioned into the locking position. [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by , that the spring (7) for pre-tensioning the slide (5) is fixed at one end to the stop element (4) and pre-tensions the stop element (4) into the locking position. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a pivoting movement of the stop element (4) is limited by at least one stop (22). [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one channel (2) is U-shaped and surrounds the stack of goods (3). [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one channel (2) is formed from an extruded plastic profile. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several channels (2) are arranged next to each other and / or one behind the other. [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by , that adjacent channels (2) are each held firmly together by means of connecting means. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one channel (2) has a retaining rib (16) which is inserted into a groove of an adjacent channel (2). [12] Device according to claim 3, characterized by , that on the attachment (13) on a first channel (2) a lateral hook (14) protrudes, which engages in an opening (15) on an adjacent attachment (13) on a second channel (2). [13] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stop element (4) has an arc-shaped section when viewed from above. [14] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the goods (3) in the at least one channel (2) are substantially cylindrical or have a cylindrical section. [15] Freezer with at least one device (1) for dispensing goods (3) according to any of the preceding claims.

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