Article dividing system with releasably connectable arms and a checkout system with said dividing system

Abstract

An article dividing system for use in a checkout system having a support structure onto which articles are placed is provided. The system comprises a dividing arm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be attached to the support structure, and the second end comprising a first connection unit; a first delimiting arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first delimiting arm is adapted to be attached to the support structure and the second end comprises a second connection unit; a second delimiting arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second delimiting arm is adapted to be attached to the support structure and the second end comprises a third connection unit, the first and second delimiting arms being selectively moveable in a vertical direction.

Description

[0001] ARTICLE DIVIDING SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of article transporting systems, and more specifically to an article dividing system for use in a checkout system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The use of checkout systems is widespread in today’s stores. Checkout systems facilitate the efficient movement of articles / goods / items from the checkout area to the packing area, streamlining the process for both customers and cashiers. However, the need for separating the packaging area into different departments comes with difficulties regarding the support structures for various components of the checkout systems. For instance, accommodating different sized articles or efficiently organizing items for bagging can be problematic. There is a need for an improved solution that is user friendly, less bulky and still efficient in dividing articles.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution overcoming the disadvantages of prior art.

[0008] In a first aspect, an article dividing system for use in a checkout system having a support structure onto which articles are placed is provided. The article dividing system comprises a dividing arm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be attached to the support structure of the checkout system, and the second end comprising a first connection unit; a first delimiting arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first delimiting arm is adapted to be attached to the support structure and the second end comprises a second connection unit; a second delimiting arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second delimiting arm is adapted to be attached to the support structure and the second end comprises a third connection unit; ; wherein the first and second delimiting arms are selectively moveable in a vertical direction to independently and releasably connect the second and third connection units to the first connection unit of the dividing arm. This may come with the technical benefit of providing a flexible and adaptable article dividing system that can handle varying sizes and quantities of items efficiently, without the need for additional supporting system, wherein the connection, when engaged, prohibits movement of the second end of the dividing arm in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. This may come with the technical benefit of increased stability and precision in dividing items.

[0009] In some examples, the first connection unit of the dividing arm comprises a female connection unit and wherein the second and third connection units of the first and second delimiting arms each comprise a male connection unit. This may come with the technical benefit of a simplified and reliable connection mechanism.

[0010] In some examples, the male connection units are in the form of a wedge, and the female connection unit is in the form of a recess adapted to receive the wedge. This may come with the technical benefit of self-alignment and ease of insertion.

[0011] In some examples, the male connection units are in the form of a cylindrical wedge and the female connection unit is in the form of a vertically divided cylinder. This may come with the technical benefit of providing a strong and stable connection that can withstand lateral forces.

[0012] In some examples, the male connection unit and the female connection unit are made of bent sheet metal, wherein the female connection unit envelops the male connection unit when connected. This may come with the technical benefit of cost- effective manufacturing and a robust connection that is resistant to deformation.

[0013] In some examples, the male connection units and the female connection unit are in the form of a vertically extending V-shape. This may come with the technical benefit of enhanced gripping and alignment.

[0014] In some examples, the dividing arm is laterally moveable relative to the support structure to selectively adjust a size of compartments formed by the article dividing system. This may come with the technical benefit of adaptability to different item sizes and volumes.

[0015] In some examples, the first end of the dividing arm is adapted to be attached to the support structure via a laterally movable attachment structure, the attachment structure being configured to cause a lateral displacement of the first end of the dividing arm between a centre position and a displaced position. This may come with the technical benefit of increased flexibility in positioning the dividing arm, allowing for better adaptation to different checkout configurations and item flows.

[0016] In some examples, the dividing arm comprises a telescopic extension at its second end. This may come with the technical benefit of adjustable reach and adaptability to different conveyor belt widths, enhancing the versatility of the checkout system.

[0017] In some examples, the dividing arm comprises a telescopic extension configured to compensate for the lateral displacement of the first end.. This may come with the technical benefit of maintaining optimal balance and stability of the dividing arm, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.

[0018] In some examples, the first and second delimiting arms are connected to the support structure via respective actuating units adapted to move the first and second delimiting arms in the vertical direction. This may come with the technical benefit of enabling automatic adjustment of compartments.

[0019] In some examples, the article dividing system is configured to be operatively connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the vertical movement of the first and second delimiting arms and the lateral movement of the dividing arm. This may come with the benefit of allowing for selective movement of the dividing system, adjusting the compartments and optionally the size thereof.

[0020] In a second aspect, a checkout system for a store is provided. The checkout system comprises an article dividing system according to the first aspect, and a support structure comprising at least one conveyor belt and a packaging area. This may come with the technical benefit of enabling efficient and flexible article separation in a store environment.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following description of the present invention; reference being made to the appended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice. FIG. l is a schematic top view of a checkout system.

[0023] FIGS. 2A-B are schematic views of a checkout system according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3D is a schematic angled view of a checkout system in different positions, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4C is a schematic top view of a checkout system in different positions, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a telescopic extension according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIGS. 6A-6B is a schematic view of connection units according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIGS. 7A-7B is a schematic view of connection units according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support structure according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIGS. 9A-9B is a schematic view of a checkout system with arms in vertical positions according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of arms according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the support structure from a bottom view, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment unit according to some embodiments.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0036] In the disclosure, horizontally refers to a direction extending from a packaging area (further discussed below) along one or more conveyor belts (also further discussed below). Laterally refers to a direction perpendicular to horizontally, i.e. across the extension of the conveyor belt(s). Vertically refers to a direction perpendicular to a plane created by the horizontal H and lateral directions L, i.e. up and down.

[0037] In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 is shown. In this example, the checkout system 10 is to be arranged in a store, such as for example a store selling items such as food, beverages, etc. The checkout system 10 typically comprises one or more conveyor belts 14a, 14b. The conveyor belt(s) 14a, 14b serves the function of transporting articles from the point of scanning or registration towards the packing or pickup area(s) 16. The conveyor system typically comprises a first conveyor belt 14a onto which the customer puts the articles. The articles are moved towards the scanner or registration area 40, where articles are initially scanned and registered before being transported along the second conveyor belt 14b. The first and second conveyor belt 14a, 14b may be the same. The system 10 further includes a designated pickup area(s) 16 where customers collect their scanned and transported articles.

[0038] The system 10 further comprises a holding area 15, which is a temporary holding zone for articles. Articles are kept in this area temporarily when the pickupareas 16 are occupied by other customers. The holding area 15 is arranged between the pick-up area 16 and the registration area 40.

[0039] The checkout system 10 comprises an article dividing system 100 in order to achieve temporary holding zones for articles. The article diving system comprises a dividing arm 120 and aa first and a second delimiting arm 140, 142. Other names of the parts could of course also be possible, such as for example the dividing arm 120 could be referred to as an article directing arm 120. The first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 may for example be referred to as first and second inclined arms, third customer arms, or left and right arms.

[0040] In one example, the dividing arm 120 comprises a first end 120a attached to a support structure 12. The support structure may be the structure that forms the base of the checkout system, and is typically resting on a floor surface or a ground surface. The first end 120a is preferably arranged to be fixedly attached to the support structure 12 when mounted.

[0041] In one example, the dividing arm 120 comprises a first connection unit 130. The first connection unit 130 is arranged at a second end 120b of the dividing arm 120. The second end 120b is preferably arranged opposite the first end 120a. The first connection unit 130a is arranged to directly or indirectly connect to either one of the delimiting arms 140, 142.

[0042] The first connection unit 130 may be a positive or negative connection, also referred to as a male connection or a female connection.

[0043] The dividing arm 120 divides the packaging area 16 into at least a first 18a compartment and a second compartment 18b.

[0044] The first and second delimitating arms 140, 142 each has a first end 140a, 142a. The first end 140a, 142a is preferably arranged to be fixedly attached to the support structure 12 when mounted.

[0045] In one example, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the first delimiting arm 140 comprises a second connection unit 134, and the second delimiting arm 142 comprises a third connection unit 135. The connection units 134, 135 are arranged at the second end 140b, 142b of the delimiting arms 140, 142. The second end 140b, 142b is preferably arranged opposite the first end 140a, 142a. The connection units 134, 135 are arranged to directly or indirectly connect to the dividing arm 120.

[0046] The connection units 134, 135 may be a positive or negative connection, also referred to as a male connection or a female connection. Whatever the embodiment of the second and third connection units 134, 135, the first connection unit of the dividing arm will be opposing. I.e., if the second and third connection units 134, 135 are male units, the first connection unit 130 will be female, and vice versa. Typically, the second and third connection units 134, 135 will be male connection units and the first connection unit 130 is typically a female unit. Other connections are also possible. Whilst typically being of the same type, the connection units 134, 135 may be in different form. The male connection and the female connection will be further expanded upon in conjunction with FIG. 5-7B. The delimiting arms 140, 142 may be configured to be selectively moveable at least partially in a vertical direction.

[0047] Each delimiting arm 140, 142 may be configured to independently and releasably connect to the dividing arm 120 by means of its respective connection unit 134, 135.

[0048] In one example, the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 each prohibit the second end of the dividing arm 120 from moving in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction when connected to the dividing arm 120.

[0049] More detailed examples will now be discussed. FIGs. 2A-B shows a top view of a checkout system 10 comprising an article dividing system 100, according to examples, wherein the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 are attached to a dividing arm 120. The dividing arm 120 is in this example attached via a laterally movable attachment structure 150, also referred to as a divider arm box or attachment structure for brevity, to the support structure 12. The attachment structure 150 may be slidably attached to the support structure 12, such that the divider arm 120 can be moved between a central position (shown in the figure) and two displaced positions. The central position and the displaced positions will be further explained below. In other embodiments, the attachment structure 150 is fixedly arranged to the support structure 12. The attachment structure 150 may also be seen as forming part of the support structure 12. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 150 is moveable by the force of articles traveling along the conveyor belt 14b. As the articles are moved along the conveyor belt 14b, they apply force to a sloped angle of the attachment structure 150 or dividing arm 120, which moves the attachment structure 150 to the side, thus placing the dividing arm 120 in a displaced position. In this way, the size of the compartments is automatically adjusted by the flow of articles, creating a larger area for articles that are to be handled. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 150 may be actuated via an actuating unit. In another embodiment, the attachment structure 150 is connected to, and activated by, the same actuating unit as the one or more delimiting arms 140, 142. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 150 may be moved via a drive unit. In another embodiment, the attachment structure 150 is connected to, and activated by, the same drive unit as the one or more delimiting arms 140, 142.

[0050] In one example, a dividing arm 120 is attached at a first end 120a to the support structure 12. The dividing arm 120 separates the packaging area 16 into a first compartment 18a and a second compartment 18b by dividing the conveyor belt 14. In some embodiments, the dividing arm 120 divides the conveyor belt 14 by situating a second end 120b in the lateral middle of the conveyor belt 14. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises two conveyor belts. In this embodiment, the dividing arms second end 120b may be situated in the contact point of the two conveyor belts. The dividing arm 120 can include a female unit at its second end 120b.

[0051] The first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 are fixedly attached to the support structure 12 at a first end 140a, 142a and include a male connection unit at the other end 140b, 142b. These arms are selectively moveable in a vertical direction and configured to independently and releasably connect to the dividing arm 120 via the male connection units. When connected, these delimiting arms 140, 142 may prevent the second end 120b of the dividing arm 120 from moving in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 are attached in a horizontal distal end, of the support structure, and block the flow of articles along the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, two delimiting arms 140, 142 are attached to the support structure 12, and form a V-shape when attached to the dividing arm 120. Thus, the two delimiting arms 140, 142 form a temporary holding area 15 when both are attached to the dividing arm 120. As the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 can be independently and separately actuated, the holding area 15 may be emptied in response to a first or a second compartment 18a, 18b becoming empty, for example as a customer has finished packing articles from a compartment 18a, 18b. The delimiting arms 140, 142 may be lifted / moved by an actuating unit (further described below) or manually by a user.

[0052] The second and third connection units 134, 135 and the first connection unit 130 are configured to fit together when attached. In one example, the second and third connection units 134, 135 can be inserted into the first connection unit only from a vertical direction. In this way, once the second and third connection units are inserted into the first connection unit, the dividing arm 120 and the two delimiting arms 140, 142 will be inseparable in all directions except the vertical one. Explained differently, the dividing arm 120 will have a prohibited possibility of movement in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this way, the delimiting arm 140, 142 fulfils two functions, both acting as a support for the dividing arm 120, and delimiting a top part of the conveyor belt 14b from the first and second compartments 18a, 18b.

[0053] Typically, only one of the second and third connection units 134, 135 need to be connected to the first connection unit 130 in order to prohibit the movement of the second end 120b of the dividing arm 120.

[0054] In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the second and third connection units 134, 135 comprises a male connection unit. The male connection unit may be in the form of a wedge, and the corresponding female connection unit can be designed to receive this wedge (for example in the form of a recess). In a further embodiment, the male connection unit may be a half cylindrical wedge. In another embodiment, the male and female connection units may be made from bent sheet metal, with the female connection unit receiving the male connection unit in a vertical direction and enveloping it. The male and female connection units can also be designed as a vertically extending V-shape made out of bent sheet metal. The dividing arm 120 may be laterally moveable to selectively adjust the size of the first and second compartments 18a, 18b. Additionally, the dividing arm system 100 may comprise actuating units 62, adapted to move the first and second delimiting arms in the vertical direction. The first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 may be connected to the support structure via actuating units that move the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 in a vertical direction. The first end of the dividing arm 120 may be attached to the support structure 12 using a laterally moveable attachment structure 150, which allows lateral displacement of the dividing arm's 120 first end 120a between a centre position and a displaced position. In the displaced position, one compartment becomes larger than the other. This may be beneficial in cases where one customer has purchased a large amount of goods, requiring a larger compartment to hold all the goods. The dividing arm 120 may also feature a telescopic extension at its first end 120a. This extension may be long enough that, even when the dividing arm 120 is in the displaced position, the first end 120a remains essentially in the lateral centre of the conveyor belt 14b, which ensures that the dividing arm accurately divides the conveyor belt 14b. The lateral centre refers to the middle of the first 18a compartment and the second compartment 18b, in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, the dividing arm 120 comprises a telescopic extension 136 configured to compensate for the lateral displacement of the first end 120a. Compensating for the lateral displacement entails adjusting the length of the telescopic extension such that the lateral displacement caused by moving the attachment structure 150 does not cause a displacement of the second end 120b. The actuating units for the arms can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical in nature, depending on the specific requirements of the installation.

[0055] The article dividing system 100 may be in operative communication with a control unit. The control unit may be configured to control the operation of different parts of the article dividing system. In one example, the control unit may be configured to control the movement of at least one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 and / or the dividing arm 120.

[0056] FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D show different positions of the delimiting arms 140, 142 and the dividing arm 120. In FIG. 3A both delimiting arms 140, 142 are attached to the dividing arm 120 which is in a neutral (central) position. In this configuration, articles from two customers may be placed in the first and second compartment 18a, 18b, and a temporary compartment 15 is formed by the two delimiting arms 140, 142.

[0057] In FIG. 3B one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 has been removed from the dividing arm 120 by vertical lifting. In other words, one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 have been released from its connection with the diving arm 120 and is placed in an open or released position. In this position, articles may flow to a first compartment 18b, for example in response to the cashier noticing that the first compartment 18b is free from articles and actuating the delimiting arm 140, 142. Whilst FIG. 3B shows the first delimiting arm 140 being lifted to an open position, the person skilled in the art will understand that the second delimiting arm 142 may equally have been lifted.

[0058] In FIG. 3C one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 has been opened (i.e. the connection is removed or released from the dividing arm 120), and the attachment structure 150 has moved the first end of the dividing arm 120a, placing the dividing arm 120 in a displaced position. In this position, the first compartment 18b has a smaller space than in the neutral position, and the second compartment 18a has a larger space than in the neutral position. In this way, the size of the respective compartments 18a, 18b can be varied depending on need. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 150 (or attachment structure) for the dividing arm 120 is moveably controllable to specific slots.

[0059] In FIG. 3D the other (second) delimiting arm 140, 142 has been lifted, and the attachment structure 150 slid in the opposite direction of FIG. 3C.

[0060] FIG. 4A - FIG. 4C shows various positions embodiments from a top view. In FIG. 4 A, the delimiting arms 140, 142 are placed into the neutral (central) position. In FIG. 4B, the attachment structure 150 has been placed to the side, and the first delimiting arm 140 has been released from the connection to the dividing arm 120. In FIG. 4C, the attachment structure 150 has been placed to the other side. In this manner, the compartments 18a, 18b can be selectively altered in size.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows the telescopic extension 136 of the dividing arm 120 of some embodiments. The telescopic extension 136 may be in the form of an attachment piece 136 that can slideably move in our or out of the second end of the dividing arm 120, thereby extending the reach of the dividing arm 120. As can be seen in the figure, the dividing arm 120 is attached to one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 via the first connection unit 130. The first connection unit 130 is arranged at a distal end of the telescopic extension. This allows for the movement of the dividing arm 120 in creating the various centred and displaced positions. The first connection unit 130 of the dividing arm 120 may be attached to the second end of the dividing arm 120b via a joint. The joint may allow for rotational movement of the dividing arm 120 relative to the first connection unit 130. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the previously mentioned attachment structure 150 is moving, the joint between the second end of the dividing arm 120b and the first connection unit 130 will be able to telescope to make sure the connection units 134, 135 of the delimiting arms 140, 142 and the dividing arm 120 fit together. Furthermore, the telescopic extension will compensate for the movement of the first end 120a such that the second end 120b remains in place as the attachment structure 150 moves. In embodiments where the second and third connection units 134, 135 are male units this means the second end 120b of the dividing arm 120 remains in place in such a way that the female connection unit 130 is in a place ready to receive a male unit 134, 135. It should be noted that whilst the previous figures show the displaced positions only when a single delimiting arm 140, 142 is attached to the dividing arm 120, the dividing arm 120 may move between centred and displaced positions even when both delimiting arms 140, 142 are attached to the dividing arm 120.

[0062] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the checkout system where the dividing arm 120 is connected to the delimiting arms 140, 142 using male connection units 134a, 135a in the form of a wedge unit comprised on the second and third connection units 134, 135. The second and third connection units 134, 135 is seen inserted into the first connection unit 130 located at the second end of the dividing arm 120b. In this embodiment, the first connection unit 130 comprises a female connection unit 130a. The wedge may be made out of any solid material. The first connection unit 130a may be divided centrally, each half corresponding to one of the wedges.

[0063] FIG. 6B shows a close-up view of the process of connecting the dividing arm 120 to the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142 via the second and third connection units 134, 135 comprising male connection units 134a, 135a in the form of wedge units and the first connection unit 130 comprising a female connection unit 130a. Here, the male wedge unit is shown just before being inserted into the female connection unit 130a. The illustration highlights the alignment required for the male connection units 134a, 135a to fit into the female connection unit 130a, demonstrating the ease with which the connection can be made. This embodiment ensures that the dividing arm 120 can be quickly and securely attached or detached from the delimiting arms 140, 142, providing flexibility in adjusting the conveyor belt compartments. The wedge shape of the male connection units 134a, 135a, which may be cylindrical or otherwise shaped, is designed to fit snugly into the corresponding female connection unit 130a, which helps in maintaining the stability and alignment of the dividing arm 120.

[0064] FIG. 7A-7B shows another embodiment of male connection units 234a, 235a on the second and third connection units 134, 135 and female connection unit 230a on the first connection unit 130, wherein the male connection units 234a, 235a and the female connection unit 230a are made out of bent sheet metal. The sheet metal is bent in such a way that the male connection units 234a, 235a, when lowered into the female connection unit 230a in a vertical direction, is enveloped by the female connection unit 230a, thus prohibiting movement in any other direction than vertical. To this end, the female connection unit 230a may be formed, when looking from a top view, in a semicircular manner, a triangular manner, or any other form that allows the male connection units 234a, 235a to be entered into the female connection unit 230a from a vertical direction.

[0065] It should be noted, that the second and third connection units 134, 135 do not have to be identical, such as they are depicted in the FIGs 5-7B. They may optionally comprise multiple and / or different male or female connection units 134a, 135a; 234a, 235a. Furthermore, the first connection unit 134 may comprise a plurality of female connection units 130a, 230a that interact with different male connection units. For example, the second connection unit 134 may comprises a male connection unit 134a in the form of a wedge, and the third connection unit 135 comprises a male connection unit 134a in the form of a wedge. In this example, the first connection unit 130 comprises a female connection unit 130a in the form of a recess adapted to receive the wedges. More specifically, the female connection unit 130a is in the form of a divided recess, with each section of the recess being adapted to receive either the wedge on the second connection unit 134 or the third connection unit 135. In another example, the second connection unit 134 comprises a male connection unit 134a in the form of a wedge, and the third connection unit 135 comprises a male connection unit 235a in the form of bent sheet metal (or vice versa). The first connection unit 130 in this example may comprise one female connection unit 130a that is adapted to receive the wedge on the second connection unit 134. The first connection unit 130 in this example further comprises a further female connection unit 230a that is adapted to receive the third connection units 135 male connection unit 235a and envelop it. In yet another example, both the second and third connection units 134, 135 comprise respective male connection units 234a, 235a in the form of bent sheet metal. In this example, the first connection unit 130 comprises a female connection unit 130a that is adapted to receive each of the second and third connection units’ 134, 135 male connection units 234a, 235a and enveloping them separately.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a checkout system support structure 12. The checkout system comprises a checkout area where a user, typically a cashier, may control the article dividing system according to some embodiments. The checkout system further comprises the support structure 12. The support structure 12 may comprise a base on which the rest of the checkout system rests.

[0067] FIG. 9A-9B shows the checkout system from a horizontal bottom view. In FIG.

[0068] 9 A, one of the delimiting arms 140, 142 has been lifted vertically. The checkout system

[0069] 10 comprises one or more interfaces 60, which a user can interface with to actuate the vertical lift in the delimiting arms 140, 142. In FIG. 9B the delimiting arm 140, 142 has been lowered such that the connection units are connected. Thus, the holding area 15 has been created. In some examples, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 9A-9B, the interfaces comprises one or more buttons which, when pressed, actuates the vertical lift in the delimiting arms 140, 142.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the delimiting arms 140, 142 and attachment units 146. Attachment units can also be referred to as a delimiting attachment structure. The attachment units 146 (or delimiting attachment structures) extend through the surface of the support structure, for example via an extending portion 148, and fastens the delimiting arms 140, 142 to the support structure 12. The attachment units 146 may comprise an actuating unit 62. In one example the actuating unit 62 comprises a motor. The motor controls the movement / opening of the delimiting arm to let the articles pass.

[0071] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of the delimiting arms 140, 142 fastened via the attachment units 146 to the support structure 12. An actuating unit 62 is located in the bottom side of the support structure 12.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows an attachment unit 146 for the first and second delimiting arms 140, 142. The attachment unit 146 may attach on either side of a delimiting arm 140, 142, via an axle 149. The attachment unit 146 thus allows for rotation in the axial direction, leading to the vertical movement of the arm 140, 142. The axle 149 may in turn be driven by an actuating unit. The attachment unit 146 may comprise a drive unit, for example a motor, to drive the movement of the arms. The attachment unit 146 may be attached to the support structure via a fastening device 143. The fastening device may be in the form of an anchor, connected to the support structure via bolts.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An article dividing system (100) for use in a checkout system (10) having a support structure (12) onto which articles are placed, the article dividing system (100) comprising: a dividing arm (120) comprising a first end (120a) and a second end (120b), the first end (120a) being adapted to be attached to the support structure (12) of the checkout system (10), and the second end (120b) comprising a first connection unit (130); a first delimiting arm (140) comprising a first end (140a) and a second end (140b), wherein the first end (140a) of the first delimiting arm (140) is adapted to be attached to the support structure (12) and the second end (140b) comprises a second connection unit (134); a second delimiting arm (142) comprising a first end (142a) and a second end (142b), wherein the first end (142a) of the second delimiting arm (142) is adapted to be attached to the support structure (12) and the second end (142b) comprises a third connection unit (135); wherein the first and second delimiting arms (140, 142) are selectively moveable in a vertical direction to independently and releasably connect the second and third connection units (134, 135) to the first connection unit (130) of the dividing arm (120), wherein the connection, when engaged, prohibits movement of the second end (120b) of the dividing arm (120) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

2. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection unit (130) comprises a female connection unit (130a; 230a) and wherein the second and third connection units (134, 135) of the first and second delimiting arms (140, 142) each comprise a male connection unit (134a, 135a; 234a, 235a).

3. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the male connection units (134a, 135a) are in the form of a wedge, and the female connection unit (130a) is in the form of a recess adapted to receive the wedge.

4. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the male connection units (134a, 135a) are in the form of a cylindrical wedge and the female connection unit (130a) is in the form of a vertically divided cylinder.

5. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the male connection units (234a, 235a) and the female connection unit (230a) are made of bent sheet metal, wherein the female connection unit (230a) envelops the male connection units (234a, 235a) when connected.

6. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the male connection units (234a, 235a) and the female connection unit (230a) are in the form of a vertically extending V-shape.

7. The article dividing system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing arm (120) is laterally moveable relative to the support structure (12) to selectively adjust a size of compartments (18a, 18b) formed by the article dividing system (100).

8. The article dividing system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (120a) of the dividing arm (120) is adapted to be attached to the support structure (12) via a laterally movable attachment structure (150), the attachment structure (150) being configured to cause a lateral displacement of the first end (120a) of the dividing arm (120) between a centre position and a displaced position.

9. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the dividing arm (120) comprises a telescopic extension (136) at its second end (120b).

10. The article dividing system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the dividing arm (120) comprises a telescopic extension (136) configured to compensate for the lateral displacement of the first end (120a).

11. The article dividing system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second delimiting arms (140, 142) are connected to the support structure (12) via respective actuating units (62) adapted to move the first and second delimiting arms (140, 142) in the vertical direction.

12. The article dividing system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the article dividing system is configured to be operatively connected to a control unit (60), wherein the control unit (60) is configured to control the vertical movement of the first and second delimiting arms (140, 142) and the lateral movement of the dividing arm (120).

13. A checkout system (10) for a store comprising: an article dividing system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, and a support structure (12) comprising at least one conveyor belt (14b) and a packaging area (16).

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