Flap device

Abstract

The invention relates to a flap device for covering the front of a goods compartment of a goods dispensing device. The flap device comprises a flap element that includes a flap body extending between a lower flap edge and an upper flap edge, as well as a hinged device for integrating the flap body into the goods dispensing device such that the flap body can be displaced from a closed position to a release position along a path defined by the mechanism of the hinged device. The mechanism of the hinged device is designed such that the flap body is displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis.The pivot axis passes through the interior of the merchandise compartment at a height level that is spaced upwards from the position of the lower flap edge in the closed position by a distance that lies in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge from the upper flap edge.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flap device for a goods dispensing device, in particular a self-service shelf also referred to as a "bake-off module" as is used in retail for the provision of baked goods, wherein this goods dispensing device has a plurality of vertically and / or horizontally successive goods compartments, each of which is covered at the front by its own flap device and the respective compartment-specific flap device can be moved by manual engagement into a release position, in which a reach through an opening area otherwise covered by the flap device and thus access into the area of a goods compartment is possible, in order to remove baked goods held therein, such as rolls, bread rolls, bread rolls, pretzels...croissants, raisin snails and in particular nut corners.

[0002] A flap device of this type is known from EP 3 616 386 A1. The flap device comprises a flap element that can pivot about a horizontally oriented axis in the region of its upper transverse edge. This pivoting capability is achieved using a hinge device, with a damping mechanism integrated into this hinge device, which causes the flap element to be temporarily held in the open position and then gently decelerate back into its closed position if it is left to itself after being manually pivoted open.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of creating solutions by means of which it is possible to create a goods dispensing device, in particular for baked goods and confectionery, which is characterized by a cost-effective and robust construction and offers advantages over previous designs from a handling and maintenance point of view.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a flap device for covering the front of a goods compartment of a goods dispensing device, 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 integrating the flap body into the goods 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 mechanism of the joint device, wherein the mechanism of the joint device is designed in such a way that the flap body is displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis, and the pivot axis traverses the interior region of the goods 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.

[0005] This advantageously makes it possible to create a flap device in which the flap element, upon opening, dips into the goods compartment with its upper edge, and the center of gravity of the flap element lies in the area of the vertical plane containing the pivot axis above the pivot axis. The hinged device is connected to the stationary compartment support body of the goods dispensing device by so-called cheeks in the side area of the respective compartment.

[0006] A particularly advantageous design of the flap device according to the invention is achieved in that the pivot axis runs at a height relative to the floor of the merchandise compartment that essentially corresponds to half the distance between the upper flap edge and the lower flap edge. The pivot axis then preferably runs at essentially the center of the respective merchandise compartment. The design of the hinged device is then further advantageously such that the pivot axis is spaced from an inner surface of the flap body by an amount that is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis from an upper roof area of the merchandise compartment.

[0007] Furthermore, the flap device is advantageously designed such that the pivot axis is spaced from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance that approximately corresponds to the distance of the pivot axis from the floor of the merchandise compartment. With this arrangement, when the flap element is pivoted open, i.e., in the release position in which access to the interior of the merchandise compartment is possible, the lower edge of the flap element is located close to the position in which the upper transverse edge of the flap element is located when the flap element is in the closed position.

[0008] 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 constructed identically and dimensioned such that each joint module contributes half of the damping and half of the preload. It is possible to design the joint modules such that their housings are divided into two housing halves that are movable relative to one another and joined together in a sealed 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 area of the flap element body.

[0009] Preferably, the hinge device is connected to the side area of the flap body, in particular by being attached or screwed on. This connection is preferably achieved by an arm, cheek, strut, or triangular link structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the entire goods dispensing device is preferably designed such that the respective joint module is integrated into the goods dispensing device by structures which engage the side wall of the goods dispensing device in the vicinity of the vertical side edge regions of the flap body.

[0011] It is possible to design the joint modules so that one or both of them each include a damper device. This damper device can contain a viscous medium that is forced through the damper device's displacement structures. The damper device can be designed to provide different damping moments depending on the respective angular position of the flap element. The angle-dependent non-linearity of the damper device's damping constant can take into account the respective restoring moment resulting 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 other ways.It is possible to implement the damping mechanism using electro- or magnetorheological fluids, and it is also possible to integrate electronic and electromechanical components into the respective joint module. Furthermore, freewheel mechanisms are also possible, which, for example, promote an undamped pivoting of the flap element and then engage when the flap element folds downwards, causing a coupling to the braking or damping structures of the joint device.

[0012] Furthermore, a pre-tensioning device is preferably provided in at least one of the joint modules, and preferably in both joint modules, which provides an auxiliary moment in certain angular positions of the flap element, which compensates for the dead weight of the flap element in a defined manner. This restoring moment can also be provided by appropriate design measures in a way that provides haptically pleasant support for the pivoting open process and, if necessary, ensures sufficient securing or loading of the flap element upon reaching the closed position. In this way, the pre-tensioning device can create an effect in which the flap element is initially held in the closed position with slight tension. When slight holding forces are overcome, a pressure point is overcome that is perceptible to the user, and the flap element is gently pivoted upwards, smoothly and almost appearing weightless.The energy input into the hinge mechanism when the pressure point is initially overcome provides lift support, which automatically pushes the flap element to its uppermost pivot position after approximately 60° of the pivot travel. From there, it then pivots back under the effect of its own weight in a cushioned manner. The point at which the pivoting back occurs is delayed by a defined amount of electrical or mechanical devices in the hinge mechanism.

[0013] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing. It shows: Figures 1a, 1b, 1c Detailed representations of a flap device according to the invention for a goods compartment of a BakeOff module; Figure 2 a perspective view of a goods dispensing device with vertically successive goods compartments, each of which is closed by flap devices according to the invention; Figure 3 a side view of the BakeOff module after Figure 2 in which the flap element of the top goods compartment is moved into an open position, Figure 4a, b, c another flap device equipped with a retaining element.

[0014] The representations according to the Figures 1a , 1b and 1cshow, by way of example, the structure of a flap device 1 according to the invention for covering the front of a goods compartment 2 of a goods dispensing device 3. The flap device 1 comprises a flap element 4, which comprises a flap body 4a extending between a lower flap edge 4b and an upper flap edge 4c. Furthermore, the flap device comprises a hinge device 5 for integrating the flap body 4a into the goods dispensing device 3 such that the flap body 4a can be displaced from a closed position to a release position along a path defined by the mechanism of the hinge device 5.

[0015] The mechanism of the hinge device 5 is designed such that the flap body 4a is displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis X. This pivot axis X traverses the interior of the merchandise compartment 2 at a height H that is spaced upwards from the position of the lower flap edge 4b in the closed position by a distance m that lies in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge 4b from the upper flap edge 4c. The pivot axis X is a fixed axis, i.e., not a moving pole.

[0016] In the embodiment shown here, the pivot axis X runs relative to the floor 2a of the goods compartment 2 at a height level which essentially corresponds to half the distance between the upper flap edge 4c and the lower flap edge 4b.

[0017] In addition, in this embodiment, the pivot axis X is surrounded by an inner surface 4d (cf. Fig. 1b) of the flap body 4a by a distance n which is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis X from an upper roof region 2b of the goods compartment 2. The pivot axis X is here spaced from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance which approximately corresponds to the distance of the pivot axis from the floor of the goods compartment. The joint device 5 comprises a left and a right joint module. The joint device 5 is connected to the side region of the flap body 4a. This connection is achieved here by a relatively stiff and further non-articulated arm or triangular plate structure 5a. These connection structures and the joint device can be arranged in a nested manner such that the joint device is 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 outside by the cheeks.This can be covered at the top by a bevel which is formed in particular on the movably guided cheek element.

[0018] The respective joint module 5 is further integrated into the goods dispensing device 3 by structures 5b, which engage the side wall or the vertical struts 3a of the goods dispensing device 3 adjacent to the vertical side edge regions of the flap body 4a. The joint module 5 comprises a damper device and a pretensioning device integrated into the damper module.

[0019] The representation according to Figure 1cillustrates further design details of the flap device according to the invention. The flap device 4 is in an open position here; the link 5a is connected on the one hand to the flap element body 4a and on the other hand to a hub of the damper module 5. The damper module itself is fixed to the cheek 5b, which in turn is attached to the lateral front struts 3a of the main frame of the device.

[0020] The perspective representation according to Figure 2 shows the structure of a goods dispensing device 3 for receiving baked goods. The goods dispensing device 3 forms several, here a total of five, vertically arranged goods compartments 2, each of which is closed with flap devices according to the invention.

[0021] Each flap device comprises a flap element 4,which comprises a flap body 4a extending between a lower flap edge 4b and an upper flap edge 4c. Furthermore, the flap device comprises a hinge device 5 for integrating the flap body 4a into the goods dispensing device 3 such that the flap body 4a can be displaced from a closed position to a release position along a path defined by the mechanism of the hinge device 5 about a pivot axis X.

[0022] As can be seen from the illustration Figure 3As can be seen, each compartment 2 is designed in such a way that the flap body 4a is displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis X. This pivot axis X passes through the interior of the respective goods compartment 2 at a height level which is spaced upwards from the position of the lower flap edge 4b in the closed position by a distance which lies in the range of 33% to 66% of the vertical distance of the lower flap edge 4b from the upper flap edge 4c, ie the vertical height of the flap body 4a.

[0023] The flap element 4 is designed such that, during its pivoting movement, it is at least partially displaced into the interior of the respective goods compartment 2. The dimensions of the flap element 4 and the goods compartment 2 are coordinated such that the flap element 4 is slightly narrower than the width of the goods compartment in the area of the track space, i.e., the space traversed by the flap element 4 during its movement.

[0024] To pivot the flap element 4 upwards, a handle 7 is provided on the flap element, by which the flap element 4 can be grasped and pivoted upwards, as indicated by the arrow symbol P. The handle 7 can be attached to the flap element as a built-in structure. It can also be implemented as an integral structure of the flap element.

[0025] A front strip 8 is provided in the upper area of each merchandise compartment. This can be used as a label holder or cover strip and, on the one hand, covers the roof and / or floor construction of the respective merchandise compartment at the front and, on the other hand, provides a closing edge 8a under which the upper transverse edge 4c of the flap element lies when the merchandise compartment 2 is closed.

[0026] In a design of the dispensing device with several vertically arranged product compartments 2, as shown here by way of example, the uppermost front strip 8 forms a panel that extends across the width of the product compartment 2 between an upper transverse edge 8b and a lower transverse edge 8a. The upper transverse edge 8b runs essentially at the height level of the outward-facing upper side of the ceiling wall 9 of the dispensing device. With the exception of the lowest front strip 8, all other front strips 8 form cover structures that provide closing edges 8a, 8b that interact with the adjacent flap elements 4. It is possible to design the hinge device in such a way that it generates a stop function that allows the front flap element to assume its closed position and, if necessary, also its open position, without coming into contact with the front strip 8 or any other surrounding structures in the front area of the dispensing device.

[0027] The concept according to the invention can also be implemented in a manner in which the flap element 4 is folded downwards and the lower transverse edge region of the flap element 4 dips into the goods compartment 2 and thereby preferably undermines an area closing off the front of the compartment floor.

[0028] The inventive concept offers an alternative to designs with top-hinged flaps and hinged mechanisms. The inventive concept enables maximum utilization of the shelf opening for interactions with customers and operating personnel. Compared to conventional designs, the inventive design eliminates any interfering contours in the flap area, reducing the risk of collision. This results in increased efficiency for both removal and filling. Means for holding the flap open and damping are integrated into the hinged mechanism. For this purpose, the flap device according to the invention includes a damping unit in a compact design with an internal connection.

[0029] The inventive concept enables the design of a simple and cost-effective system whose functionality is immediately apparent to the user and which can be used by users in an ergonomically advantageous manner. It is particularly suitable for the implementation of a removal flap arranged on the front of a goods dispensing device. The flap device according to the invention also enables advantageous filling of a goods compartment and it is also possible to provide such flap devices on both ends, i.e. the front and rear of a goods compartment. The body of the flap element can be made from 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 from a sheet metal or sandwich material.Overall, the flap element is preferably manufactured as a flat structure to which the components that create a connection to the mechanism that ultimately determines the joint axis X are attached at the edges.

[0030] In the closed position, the flap element 4 is located between an upper and a lower front strip 8. The height of the flap element 4, measured in the vertical direction, is less than the overall height of the merchandise compartment 2. The front-facing covering effect is achieved through 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 level that allows the upper edge area 4c to be pivoted into or relocated into the merchandise compartment 2 without collision about a horizontal axis X running in the compartment 2.

[0031] The hinged device, as a self-contained unit, provides the functions of damping, pivot bearing, weight compensation, easy holding in the closed position, and temporary holding in the open position. The hinged device is located between the cheeks. The stationary cheeks 5b are attached to the vertical front struts, while the cheeks 5a, which pivot together with the flap element, engage the flap element 4 in the edge area of the latter or are connected to it there by connecting means.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the flap device 1 additionally has a retaining element 10. Such a retaining element is shown as an example in the Figures 4 a to cFor example, a hold-open function of the flap device 1 can be realized by an additional retaining magnet 10a. The retaining magnet 10a can be docked, if necessary, via a small pivot lever 10b. The pivot lever 10b is 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 shown in the illustrations, the magnet 10a is circular. Other shapes are conceivable. Accordingly, the pivot lever 10b is designed in such a way that docking of both components is possible.

[0033] By using the additional retaining element 10, the automatic closing of the flap device 1 or the flap element 4 can be interrupted manually and for an unlimited period of time.

[0034] By docking the magnet 10a, the damping unit's action is interrupted. When a rotary damper is used, the damper's movement is interrupted. This eliminates the risk of damage if a flap is to be closed manually. In this case, the magnet releases and automatically returns to its original position. "Normal operation" with damping is then reactivated.

Claims

1. Flap device for the front covering of a goods compartment of a goods dispensing device, with: - a flap element which comprises a flap body which extends between a lower flap edge and an upper flap edge and, - a hinge 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 into a release position along a path defined by the mechanics of the hinge device, wherein - the mechanics of the hinge device are designed in such a way that the flap body is displaced about a horizontally oriented pivot axis, and - the pivot axis traverses the interior region of the goods 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.

2. Flap device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axis runs at a height relative to the floor of the goods compartment which essentially corresponds to half the distance between the upper flap edge and the lower flap edge.

3. Flap device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivot axis is spaced from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance that is smaller than the distance of the pivot axis from an upper roof area of the goods compartment.

4. Flap device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot axis is spaced from an inner surface of the flap body by a distance that approximately corresponds to the distance of the pivot axis from the bottom of the goods compartment.

5. Flap device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the joint device comprises a left and a right joint module 6. Flap device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe joint device is connected to the side area of the flap body.

7. Flap device according to claim 6, characterized in that This connection is achieved by an arm, strut or wishbone structure.

8. Flap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the respective joint module is integrated into the goods dispensing device by structures which engage the side wall of the goods dispensing device in the vicinity of the vertical side edge areas of the flap body.

9. Flap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the joint modules comprises a damper device 10. Flap device according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the joint modules comprises a pretensioning device.

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