Container and dispensing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for a dispensing device (10) for unpackaged and / or packaged goods, in particular baked goods, with at least one receiving chamber for receiving goods, wherein the receiving chamber has a bottom and side walls, wherein at least one weighing device (36) is provided in and / or on the bottom, by means of which the weight and thus the fill level in the dispensing device (10) can be determined. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a dispensing device (10) for unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for a dispensing device for goods, in particular baked goods, as well as a dispensing device for unpackaged and packaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like.

[0002] Such dispensing devices, especially for baked goods, are already known from the prior art and are used, for example, in retail trade to enable self-service dispensing of baked goods.

[0003] These dispensing devices allow baked goods to be presented to the customer, who can then independently select the goods according to their choice.

[0004] From DE 20 2007 009 953 U1, a container for self-service dispensing of baked goods is known. This container has a drawer-like tray on the front for dispensing goods. In its operating position, this tray can be locked in a frame and, after unlocking, can be pulled out of the frame, for example, for cleaning or refilling.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 110 636 B3, DE 92 04 232 U1 and DE 20 2005 008 141 U1 disclose a dispensing device equipped with a collecting trough.

[0006] In DE 92 04 232 U1, a goods transport chute leads directly into a goods receiving trough as an extension, which is extended by a device for the individual dispensing of goods arranged below the trough and movable.

[0007] DE 20 2005 008 141 U1 further describes three different solutions for a collection device, each arranged at the bottom of the container. The collection device can be in the form of a movable flap, a rotatable cylindrical collection trough with an opening, or similar to a pull-out drawer.

[0008] German patent DE 20 2014 000 100 U1 discloses a self-service dispensing unit for bread, rolls, or similar products, which has several dispensing compartments with outward-opening doors. The doors are equipped with a damping element to slow their opening.

[0009] DE 10 2004 013 194 A1 discloses a dispensing container for cigarette packs, which has a sliding and sliding roller grid guided in guide rails, by means of which access to the goods in the dispensing container can be blocked.

[0010] German patent DE 10 2011 011 580 B3 discloses a dispensing device for self-service removal of baked goods, which has a dispensing container with a front dispensing opening. The dispensing opening can be closed with a flap that is pivotable about a horizontal support axis; however, this design requires a comparatively large amount of space for the movement of the flap.

[0011] EP 1 985 209 A1 and DE 20 2009 006 755 U1 disclose a self-service container with a combined locking flap and hygiene protection.

[0012] EP 3 346 882 B1 also discloses a dispensing device for unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to advantageously further develop a container for a dispensing device for unpackaged and packaged goods, as well as a dispensing device for unpackaged and packaged goods, in particular in such a way that the fill level of the dispensing device can be determined simply and reliably.

[0014] This problem is solved according to the invention by a container for a dispensing device for unpackaged and packaged goods, in particular baked goods, with at least one receiving space for receiving goods, wherein the receiving space has a bottom and side walls, wherein at least one weighing device is provided in and / or on the bottom, by means of which (at least partially) the weight and thus the fill level in the dispensing device can be determined.

[0015] The invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​determining the fill level of the container for the dispensing device for unpackaged goods by means of a weighing device, since the fill level of the goods exerts a corresponding weight force on the bottom of the receiving chamber. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the fill level of the container and thus also about the fill level of the entire dispensing device, enabling refilling or better distribution of the goods within the container.

[0016] The dispensing device may, for example, be a dispensing device for unpackaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like, as described in EP 3 346 882 B1.

[0017] Furthermore, packaged goods can also be offered in such dispensing devices. This reduces contact with other goods and enables hygienic sales. This would be one possible application, for example, with chocolates. It has proven useful to maintain a minimum weight of approximately 40 g per item.

[0018] The weighing device may be designed to have two or more weighing elements. This allows for the detection of uneven filling, for example, if one weighing element detects a higher weight force from the goods in the container relative to the other weighing element.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a design with only one central load cell is also conceivable.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable that uneven filling could be detected, for example, if one weighing device detects a greater change in weight force due to the removal of part of the goods in the container than the other weighing device.

[0021] Furthermore, the weighing device elements can each be essentially rectangular. This shape allows for easy installation in the dispensing device's container. The container is also usually corner-shaped, so a rectangular shape facilitates placement in a corner. Slightly rounding the corners is conceivable, but not strictly necessary.

[0022] The weighing device components can be rectangular or square in shape. This form is easy to manufacture. Assembly is also relatively simple.

[0023] Furthermore, the weighing device may be arranged below a base plate. The base plate is preferably the base of the container and partially forms the bottom of the container, thereby being in direct or indirect contact with the goods placed inside.

[0024] In particular, it may also be provided that the weighing device is secured by means of the base plate. For example, the base plate could hold the weighing device in place. This could be achieved, for instance, by the base plate clamping the weighing device to the floor of the receiving chamber. For example, a recess (or several recesses) could be provided in the floor of the receiving chamber into which the weighing device (and its components) is inserted and then held, in particular clamped, by the base plate.

[0025] The weighing device can have one or more weight sensors. These weight sensors can be load cells, piezoelectric sensors, or any type of sensor capable of detecting a weight force. It is also possible for the weight sensors to directly or indirectly detect changes in weight.

[0026] It is also conceivable that a redundant additional camera surveillance system, a photocell, or similar device could be provided.

[0027] The container could be a drawer. In particular, it is conceivable that it is a drawer of a dispensing device as described in EP 3 346 882 B1.

[0028] In particular, it could be a pull-out drawer.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a dispensing device with the features of claim 1. In particular, it can be a dispensing device for unpackaged and / or packaged goods, especially baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like, as described in EP 3 346 882B1. This dispensing device is then equipped or provided with one or more containers as described above.

[0030] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment shown in more detail in the figures.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1 a front view of an embodiment of an output device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a drawer of the dispensing device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 another perspective view of the drawer according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 another perspective view of the drawer according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 with inserted base plate; Fig. 5 another side view of the drawer according to Fig. 4 with the base plate inserted in a first position; and Fig. 6 another side view of the drawer according to Fig. 4 with the base plate inserted in a second position.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a dispensing device 10 according to the invention for unpackaged and / or packaged goods, in particular baked goods such as bread, rolls or the like.

[0033] The dispensing device 10 has a support frame 12.

[0034] The support frame 12 provides several drawer-like inserts 14 or drawers 14, wherein in the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, four drawer-like inserts 14 are arranged one above the other.

[0035] The drawer-like inserts 14 are all identical in construction. Some of the inserts may be equipped with wiring.

[0036] Furthermore, the drawer-like inserts are extendable.

[0037] Each drawer-like insert 14 has three goods receiving areas 16 arranged side by side.

[0038] Each receiving area 16 according to the in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment is identical.

[0039] Each receiving room 16 contains a tub-like receiving area 18 for receiving the goods to be sold.

[0040] This tub-like receptacle 18 can, for example, be formed by a plastic tub which can be made of food-grade or harmless plastic.

[0041] How this will develop further Fig. 1 As can be seen, each trough-like recess has 18 longitudinal ribs 20 which facilitate the sliding of the goods.

[0042] Furthermore, this allows for efficient and gentle cooling of the goods.

[0043] To remove the goods from the goods receiving area 16 or the tub-like receiving area 18, a front opening 22 is provided.

[0044] The goods receiving area 16 and the tub-like receiving area 18 are accessible via this front opening 22.

[0045] The front opening 22 can be closed by means of a door 24.

[0046] Door 24 has a door handle 26, by means of which door 24 can be opened, so that the goods receiving area 16 becomes accessible.

[0047] The door handle 26 is located in the lower, middle area of ​​the door 24 with respect to the mounted and installed state of the dispensing device 10.

[0048] Door 24 is a door made of a transparent material.

[0049] This could be, for example, a glass door or a door made of transparent plastic.

[0050] In the upper area, the door 24 is curved to avoid a collision with the support frame 12 or possible reflections, for example, from the market lighting located above the dispensing device 10.

[0051] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 further show a perspective view of drawer 14 according to Fig. 1 .

[0052] As from Fig. 3 As can also be seen, each door 24 has a door guide 28 in its upper area with respect to the mounted and set-up state of the dispensing device, which is also arranged in the upper area of ​​the opening 22 with respect to the mounted and set-up state of the dispensing device 10.

[0053] Drawer 14 is configured as a receiving compartment 16 for unpackaged goods, in this case, unpackaged, loose baked goods. However, such a receiving compartment 16 is equally suitable for packaged goods, especially baked goods.

[0054] The receiving chamber 16 has a floor 40 and side walls 34, with at least one weighing device 36 provided in the floor 40. A further floor 32 forms the support surface for the goods. This floor 32 is provided in the receiving chamber 18 in the form of separate elements. A multi-part floor 32 is conceivable.

[0055] The weight and thus the fill level in the drawer 14 of the dispensing device 10 can be determined by means of the weighing device 36.

[0056] Here, a change in weight and the position of the determined weight change in drawer 14 of the dispensing device 10 can also be determined. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the goods removed or added and their quantity.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the weighing device 36 has two weighing device elements 38. A different number is conceivable. Thus, a weighing device 36 can also have one or a plurality of weighing device elements 38.

[0058] The weighing device elements 38 are each essentially rectangular in shape.

[0059] The embodiment shown uses rectangular, flat load cells (commercially available).

[0060] The load cells can be wired below the drawer, and the wiring can then be routed to the rear of the dispensing device 10. From there, the wiring can preferably be routed to the base of the dispensing device 10.

[0061] There, the wiring can be connected to a control device of the output device 10.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows another perspective view of the drawer according to. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

[0063] The weighing device elements 38 are arranged below the base plate 40 in the assembled state of the drawer.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows another side view of the drawer according to Fig. 4 with the base plate 40 inserted in a first position in which the weighing device elements 38 (concealed) assume an inclination angle of 0° (zero position).

[0065] Fig. 6 shows another side view of the drawer according to Fig. 4 with the base plate 40 inserted in a second position in which the weighing device elements 38 (concealed) assume an inclination angle of 8° (working position).

[0066] It is conceivable that further tilt positions between the zero position and the working position are possible. However, angular positions other than those mentioned above are also conceivable.

[0067] The dispensing device 10 has at least one tilt sensor for each drawer 14. Drawers without tilt sensors are also possible.

[0068] In the event of a height adjustment from the zero position to the working position, the change in inclination is detected by the control unit of the output device 10 via an inclination sensor. This detection is used to compensate for the changed magnitude of the remaining vertical vector of the weight force (otherwise, due to the 8° inclination, an insufficient weight force would be detected in the working position).

[0069] Furthermore, this prevents a change in the angle of the merchandise display area from leading to a false detection of a merchandise removal.

[0070] The product display area can be tilted whether filled or empty. The fill level can be detected and monitored in both the neutral and working positions, including any intermediate positions.

[0071] The weight of the inserted goods is measured differentially. This means that differential measurement is always performed. The differential measurement is carried out by measuring the change in weight at the two weighing device elements 38 of a drawer 14.

[0072] The control unit of the dispensing device 10 determines the center of gravity (and thus also the position) of the removed or added (goods) object(s) as well as the number of items across the transverse axis based on the value of the weight change at both weighing device elements 38. Furthermore, a comparison is made with the aforementioned determination of the number of goods using initially learned weight values ​​of the goods assigned to the compartments.

[0073] Front loading with goods is possible via the drawer extension. Bezugszeichen

[0074] 10 Dispensing device 12 Support frame 14 Drawer-like insert, drawer 16 Goods receiving area 18 Tray-like recess 20 Rib 22 Front opening 24 Door 26 Door handle 28 Door guide 32 Base 34 Side walls 36 Weighing device 38 Weighing device element 40 Base plate 42 Tilt sensor

Claims

1. Container (14) for a dispensing device (10) for unpackaged and / or packaged goods, in particular baked goods, with at least one receiving space for receiving goods, wherein the receiving space has a bottom and side walls, wherein at least one weighing device (36) is provided in and / or on the bottom, by means of which the weight and thus the fill level in the dispensing device (10) can be determined.

2. Container (14) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the weighing device (36) has two or more weighing device elements (38).

3. Container (14) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the weighing device elements (38) are each essentially rectangular in shape, in particular rectangular or square in shape.

4. Container (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the weighing device (36) is arranged below a base plate (40).

5. Container (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the weighing device (36) has one or more weight sensors.

6. Container (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the container (14) is a drawer.

7. Container (14) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the drawer (14) is a pull-out drawer.

8. Dispensing device (10) for unpackaged and / or packaged goods, in particular baked goods, with at least one container (14) according to one of the preceding claims.

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