U.S. patent application number 15/038434 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for feed device for the automatic shifting of objects by means of a guide element, construction set, and method for mounting a feed device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH. Invention is credited to Georg HACHMANN.
Application Number | 20160286983 15/038434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52146441 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160286983 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HACHMANN; Georg |
October 6, 2016 |
FEED DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTING OF OBJECTS BY MEANS OF A
GUIDE ELEMENT, CONSTRUCTION SET, AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A FEED
DEVICE
Abstract
A feed device for the automatic shifting of objects is provided.
The automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force
of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a
driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are
arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device,
along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an
object is able to be removed as intended. The feed device comprises
at least one separately produced guide element which is mounted on
the already functional feed device and comprises an elongated
sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide
track, defines at least part of the display area and along which
the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed unit.
Inventors: |
HACHMANN; Georg; (Berlin,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH |
Berlin |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH
Berlin
DE
|
Family ID: |
52146441 |
Appl. No.: |
15/038434 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/075197 |
371 Date: |
May 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/125 20130101;
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2013 |
DE |
20 2013 105 284.1 |
Jan 30, 2014 |
DE |
10 2014 201 661.4 |
Claims
1. A feed device for the automatic shifting of objects, wherein the
automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of
gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven
feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one
behind another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide
track in the direction of a removal region where an object is able
to be removed as intended, further comprising at least one
separately produced guide element which is mounted on the already
functional feed device and comprises an elongated sliding surface
which extends substantially parallel to the guide track, defines at
least part of the display area and along which the objects to be
shifted are shiftable by the feed unit.
2. The feed device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide element
is realized in a rod-shaped manner, in particular as a sliding
and/or round rod and/or the at least one sliding surface is
realized in an elongated manner.
3. The feed device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide element
comprises at least two sliding surfaces which are separated from
one another by at least one recess.
4. The feed device for the automatic shifting of objects, wherein
the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force
of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a
driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are
arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device,
along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an
object is able to be removed as intended, further comprising at
least one guide element, along which the objects to be shifted are
shiftable and which comprises at least one elongated sliding
surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide track and
defines at least part of the display area, wherein the at least one
sliding surface is arched in a convex manner and/or the at least
one sliding surface is realized such that an object arranged as
intended thereon is able to abut simply in a punctiform or linear
manner against at least one portion of the sliding surface.
5. The feed device as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least part of
the sliding surface is defined by at least one projection which is
tooth-shaped in cross section or by at least one projecting edge of
the guide element in order to enable simply punctiform or linear
contact with an object arranged as intended thereon.
6. The feed device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide element
is realized on a lateral wall of the feed device or comprises a
holder for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device.
7. The feed device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a holder of the
guide element comprises a retaining slot in which the lateral wall
is held and is supported transversely to its longitudinal extension
by means of at least one support portion of the holder which
adjoins the retaining slot.
8. The feed device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide element
is plugged into the feed device and/or is mounted in a tool-free
manner.
9. The feed device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the guide element
realizes at least one retaining element and/or at least one
separate retaining element is provided into which the guide element
is plugged, and the guide element is held on a component of the
feed device by means of the at least one retaining element.
10. The feed device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the separate
retaining element is plugged into a component of the already
functional feed device in order to hold the subsequently mounted
guide element thereon.
11. The feed device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the guide
element is held by means of the retaining element on a lateral wall
of the feed device and/or on a support component for supporting a
lateral wall of the feed device and/or on a housing of the feed
device.
12. The feed device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two
guide elements are provided, between which a path of movement for
the feed unit extends, and/or at least two guide elements are
provided on one and the same side next to a path of movement for
the feed unit.
13. The feed device as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least two
elongated guide elements are arranged in rows end to end on one and
the same side next to a path of movement and/or the guide elements
which are provided on one and the same side of the path of movement
are connected together.
14. The feed device as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one
additional retaining element is provided to connect the at least
two guide elements.
15. The feed device as claimed in claim 14, wherein a guide element
is held on the additional retaining element by means of a clip
connection.
16. A construction set for the mounting of a feed device, wherein
the feed device is provided for the automatic shifting of objects
and the automatic shifting of objects is effected assisted by the
force of gravity and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a
driven feed unit in order to shift several objects, which are
arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed device,
along a guide track in the direction of a removal region where an
object is able to be removed as intended, wherein the construction
set includes at least the following: a pre-assembled feed module
which defines the guide track and/or comprises the driven feed
unit, and at least one separately produced guide element which is
combinable with the feed module in such a manner that in a
selective manner a feed device without a guide element or a feed
device with a guide element is mountable, wherein the guide element
comprises at least one elongated sliding surface which extends
substantially parallel to the guide track and defines at least part
of the display area and the objects to be shifted are shiftable by
the feed unit along the sliding surface of the guide element when
the guide element is combined with the feed module.
17. The construction set as claimed in claim 16, wherein the feed
module comprises a display area against which, in the case of a
feed device without a guide element, objects abut and are slidingly
shiftable, and the construction set with the at least one guide
element is realized in such a manner that in the case of a feed
device with a guide element the objects abut against the guide
element and are slidingly shiftable thereon.
18. The construction set as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
construction set additionally comprises at least one lateral wall,
by means of which a row of objects arranged on the display area is
bordered along the guide track.
19. The construction set as claimed in claim 18, wherein the guide
element is mountable on the lateral wall.
20. The construction set as claimed in claim 16, wherein the guide
element is mountable on a housing of the feed module.
21. The construction set as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
construction set comprises at least one mounting strip on which
several feed devices are securable next to one another, and in each
case at least part of the components of the construction set for
one single feed device is pluggable into the mounting strip.
22. A method for mounting a feed device, wherein the feed device is
provided for the automatic shifting of objects and the automatic
shifting of objects is effected assisted by the force of gravity
and/or for this purpose the feed device includes a driven feed unit
in order to shift several objects, which are arranged one behind
another on a display area of the feed device, along a guide track
in the direction of a removal region where an object is able to be
removed as intended, wherein a pre-assembled feed module, which
defines the guide track and/or comprises the driven feed unit, and
at least one separately produced guide element with at least one
elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to
the guide track are provided and optionally a feed device without a
guide element is mounted or a feed device with a guide element is
mounted by the guide element being combined with the feed module,
wherein the guide element then defines part of the display area in
the feed device and the objects to be shifted are shiftable along
the sliding surface of the guide element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a National Phase Patent Application of
International Patent Application Number PCT/EP2014/075197, filed on
Nov. 20, 2014, which claims priority of German Utility Model
Application Number 20 2013 105 284.1, filed on Nov. 21, 2013 and of
German Patent Application Number 10 2014 201 661.4, filed on Jan.
30, 2014.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a feed device as well as to
a construction set and to a method for mounting a feed device.
[0003] Feed devices for the automated shifting of objects, in
particular products or product packagings, on a display area or a
shelf hook for example of a shelf insert are used above all in the
retail sector. For reasons of clarity of overview, products offered
for sale here are usually arranged in rows one behind another. In
order to prevent a gap being permanently formed by a sold or
removed product, the products or product packagings are
automatically shifted forward supported by the force of gravity on
account of the display area being in an inclined position and/or
feed units in the form of product feeds are used. Said feed units
are arranged in the majority of cases behind the last product in
the row and are provided with a drive, which comprises, for
example, a tensioned and wound flat spiral spring, such that once a
product has been removed, the gap created is closed again as a
result of advancing the following products.
[0004] In particular when using these types of feed devices with
driven feed units in the retail sector, particular attention is
focused on securing the respective products against theft along
with the attractive presentation of the individual products. In
this case, it is known on the one hand to monitor the removal of
products electronically and to conclude by way of an atypical
removal frequency--if for example a plurality of objects are
removed within an extremely short period--that there is a possible
theft attempt.
[0005] Up to now, commercially available feed devices are regularly
only suitable for light products such as, for example, cigarettes
or razor blades, which are shifted to a front edge of the
respective shelf by a feed unit. These types of devices enjoy more
and more popularity as they can give the impression of fully
stocked shelves without employees having to pull the products
forward manually. In addition, shelves with such feed devices are
able to be arranged closely one above another as no access area for
pulling forward the products has to be kept above the respective
products.
[0006] In practice, however, feed devices known up to now fail when
the objects to be shifted are heavier and/or larger and in
particular are circular cylindrical in form, as is the case, for
example, with (beverage) bottles. Thus, it is observed here, for
example, that when the product is shifted, in particular by a feed
unit, it is shifted laterally and is pressed against a lateral
product divider such that said product divider is shifted. As an
alternative to this, it is certainly known to provide inclined
roller rods, by means of which the respective product is conveyed
by gravitational force to the front edge of a shelf. However, said
inclined roller rods require increased space. In addition, these
types of systems with roller rods are comparatively complex and
expensive.
[0007] A feed device is combined with roller rods in U.S. Pat. No.
7,497,342 B2 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,282 B2. The achievement of the
feed device is to be that products standing behind are easily fed
and a removal gap created is automatically closed even in the case
of larger and heavier products without the inclined position of the
shelf supporting the roller rods and in the case of removal of the
frontmost product of a row. However, the use of roller rods
currently focused on is regularly linked with comparatively high
costs and unwanted noises when feeding the products.
SUMMARY
[0008] Proceeding from here, the object underlying the present
invention is to improve a feed device for shifting objects assisted
by the force of gravity and/or with a driven feed unit in a simple
and cost-efficient manner such that it is also able to shift
heavier and/or larger as well as more unwieldy objects in a
reliable manner.
[0009] Said object is achieved with the feed device as described
herein and with the construction set as described herein as well as
with the mounting method as described herein.
[0010] The starting point in this connection in each case is a feed
device for the automatic shifting of objects, in particular
products or product packagings, wherein the automatic shifting of
objects is effected in the feed device assisted by the force of
gravity and/or the feed device includes a driven feed unit, usually
in the form of a product pusher, in order to shift several objects,
which are arranged one behind another on a display area of the feed
device, along a guide track in the direction of a removal region
where an object is able to be removed as intended. A removal region
is usually realized in this connection on a front edge of a shelf
such that a frontmost object is easily able to be removed by a
potential purchaser.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided at least one separately produced guide element which is
mounted on the already functional feed device and comprises an
elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to
the guide track, defines at least part of the display area and
along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable by the feed
unit. Consequently, a pre-assembled guide element is provided which
is simply combinable with the feed device as an option in order to
expand the feed device by the at least one guide element and, where
required, to be able to adapt the display area in a simple manner
for a specific use.
[0012] By the provided guide element being realized and provided
during its use to define, by means of its sliding surface, at least
part of the display area on which the objects to be shifted are
arranged and along which they are shifted, the static and sliding
friction created in operation can easily be varied depending on the
application by means of the material of the guide element. Thus,
the functional feed device with the driven feed unit, for example
without using a guide element, is able to produce a sufficient
moving force for a specific first type of objects to be shifted
which, in each case, individually, do not exceed a certain maximum
weight and/or a maximum size. By using a guide element with a
particularly smooth surface, said same feed device can be further
developed according to the invention such that by means of said
guide element it is possible to shift a second type of objects
which in each case comprise a heavier weight and/or are larger. The
moving force applied by the feed unit does not, in contrast, have
to be adapted and in particular not increased. The feed device and
the at least one guide element are consequently preferably realized
such that the feed device is fully functional even without the
guide element, but, where required, is able to be equipped with the
guide element. In this connection, it can also be provided that
several different guide elements are selected depending on the
requirement and are mountable on the feed device.
[0013] A sliding surface is realized on the guide element
preferably as a result of a smooth surface. This means that the
sliding surface is realized in such a manner that a coefficient of
friction for the objects arranged on the sliding surface is less
than 0.5 and preferably less than 0.4. In one realization variant,
a coefficient of friction of less than 0.25 can be achieved with
the sliding surface of the guide element.
[0014] In this connection, it obviously depends on the intended use
of the feed device and in particular on the packaging or exterior
material of the objects to be shifted as to which coefficient of
friction is able to be achieved with the guide element. For
example, the material for the sliding surface of the guide element
is chosen such that the previously specified ranges for a
coefficient of friction are achieved in the case of (metal) cans,
bottles made from glass or bottles made from plastics material (in
particular PET) which are to be shifted. In one realization
variant, good sliding friction characteristics have been achieved
for example with a sliding surface produced from polyacetal (also
called polyoxymethylene, POM in short) and this was in particular
in the case of a feed device for glass and plastic bottles.
[0015] In a further development, the guide element comprises at
least two sliding surfaces as part of one common display area,
which sliding surfaces are separated from one another by at least
one recess, for example in the form of an elongated slot. As an
alternative to this or in addition to it, two sliding surfaces,
which are spatially separated by a recess and in each case form
part of two different display areas, can be provided on one guide
element. For example on two sides of a lateral wall, by means of
which two shelf compartments each with a feed device are separated
from one another, such a guide element consequently forms in each
case a sliding surface along which objects are shiftable with
little friction.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
which is easily combinable with the first-mentioned aspect, at
least one guide element is provided in a feed device, along which
the objects to be shifted are shiftable and which comprises at
least one elongated sliding surface which extends substantially
parallel to the guide track and defines at least part of the
display area. In this case, the at least one sliding surface is
arched in a convex manner and/or is realized such that an object
arranged as intended thereon is able to abut simply in a punctiform
or linear manner against at least one portion of the sliding
surface.
[0017] By the objects to be shifted being shifted along a convexly
arched sliding surface, the contact surface on the guide element
for the objects to be shifted is minimized. The static and sliding
friction is consequently reduced by a correspondingly realized
guide element and a feed device with a feed device can also be
utilized for shifting larger and heavier objects without a greater
moving force having had to be applied for this purpose.
[0018] The same applies in principle to a sliding surface which
only enables linear or punctiform contact with the object to be
shifted. In this connection, at least part of the sliding surface
can be defined by at least one tooth-shaped projection or by at
least one projecting edge of the guide element. In one exemplary
embodiment, the guide element forms, on its top surface facing the
objects to be shifted, several rows of teeth which are arranged
side by side and behind one another and with their tips define a
sliding surface on which the objects to be shifted are placed. In
this connection, the tips of said teeth can also be realized in a
rounded manner in particular in accordance with the manufacturing
method.
[0019] The teeth of a guide element are preferably spaced and
arranged apart from one another such that an object is not able to
enter into a gap between the teeth and tilt as a result. For
example, individual adjacent teeth can be arranged correspondingly
offset to one another for this purpose.
[0020] Projections to realize a sliding surface with substantially
simply punctiform or linear contact with an object arranged thereon
can also be triangular or trapezoidal in cross section. Linear
contact is provided in particular in this connection, whenever the
width of the sliding surface provided by the projection is less
than or equal to 1/10, 1/15 or 1/20 of the width of a (bottom)
surface of the objects to be positioned as intended on said sliding
surface.
[0021] A convexly arched sliding surface can be realized, for
example, by a circular cylindrical portion of a guide element.
[0022] In preferred realization variants the guide element is
realized in an elongated, e.g. rod-shaped, manner, in particular as
a sliding and/or round rod. In this way, the guide element can
preferably extend along almost the entire movement path which the
feed unit would cover if all the objects had been removed from a
fully equipped feed device. In this way, the static and sliding
friction acting along the guide track is easily able to be adapted
to the respective application by the guide element and, where
required, modified--by removing and/or exchanging the guide
element.
[0023] In one realization variant, a guide element is realized on a
lateral wall of the feed device. In this way, a product separator
or compartment divider, which is subsequently mounted, for example,
onto the already functional feed device, can incorporate the guide
element.
[0024] As an alternative to this, the guide element can comprise a
holder for supporting a lateral wall of the feed device. Such a
guide element consequently realizes not only part of the display
area with good or improved sliding characteristics--compared to
feed devices that have been usual up to now--but also incorporates
another additional function by a lateral wall, e.g. as product
separator or compartment divider, being held thereon. In one
exemplary embodiment, a holder of the guide element comprises a
retaining slot and at least one support portion which adjoins said
retaining slot. The lateral wall is held in the retaining slot and
is supported transversely to its longitudinal extension by means of
the support portion which adjoins thereto such that the support
portion counters in particular a sagging of the wall.
[0025] The guide element can be produced in particular in the
aforementioned realization variant but also in other realization
variants in the form of a profile rail and/or as a result of
extrusion.
[0026] In order to simplify the mounting of the guide element and,
where applicable, the exchange thereof, the guide element can be
plugged into the feed device and/or mounted in a tool-free manner.
In said context, the guide element can be pluggable, for example,
in a tool-free manner into the already functional feed device in
order to adapt the geometry of the display area to the desired
application and/or to adapt the roughness of the display area along
which the objects have to be shifted. For example, there is
provided at least one separate retaining element into which the
guide element is plugged and by means of which the guide element is
held on a component of the feed device.
[0027] As an alternative to this or as an addition to it, the guide
element can itself realize at least one retaining element by means
of which the guide element is held on a component of the feed
device. For connecting the guide element to a component of the feed
device, in this case a retaining element realized thereon is
obviously able to be combined with a separate retaining element
which is, e.g., plugged therein. For example, a retaining element
realized on the guide element can be formed on a bottom surface of
the guide element as a spigot, by means of which the guide element
is connectable in a positive locking manner to a component of the
feed device, e.g. to a lateral wall, to a support component for a
lateral wall or to a housing of the feed device on which the feed
unit is displaceably mounted.
[0028] A support component is to be understood in this connection
as a component which supports a lateral wall transversely to its
longitudinal extension and consequently regularly transversely to
the guide track for the objects to be shifted. The support
component consequently counters a sagging of the lateral wall.
Frequently, such a support component also additionally prevents the
lateral wall being displaced in an unwanted manner transversely to
its longitudinal extension in particular by the feed unit and by
the products to be shifted by it. For this purpose, such a support
component, which is then usually realized in the form of a profile
rail, is fastened on an end face on a front and/or rear mounting
strip of a store shelf.
[0029] In a further development, once again the retaining element
itself can be plugged into a component of the already functional
feed device in order to hold the subsequently mounted guide element
thereon. This type of retaining element can consequently comprise,
for example, two portions which are separated spatially from one
another in order, on the one hand, to be able to insert the guide
element into the retaining element and, on the other hand, to be
able to insert the retaining element with the guide element already
secured thereon into a component of the already pre-assembled and
fully functional feed device.
[0030] In one realization variant, the guide element is fastened on
a lateral wall of the feed device. A lateral wall can border a row
of objects to be shifted transversely to the guide track and can
separate a row of objects to be shifted, for example, from an
adjacent row inside the shelf thereof. A lateral wall can be formed
accordingly, for example, by a commercially available product
separator or compartment divider.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, there are provided at least two
subsequently mountable guide elements and/or in each case guide
elements which define a sliding surface which is arched convexly in
cross section, between which a path of movement for the feed unit
extends. In a realization variant of this type, for example two
guide elements are mounted on the feed device in an elongated
manner and substantially parallel to one another such that the
movement path of the feed unit extends centrally between said guide
elements. The objects to be shifted consequently rest on sliding
surfaces of outside guide elements--with reference to the movement
path of the feed unit--, whilst the feed unit applies its moving
force substantially centrally onto the respectively rearmost object
in the row for shifting the objects.
[0032] A feed device can also comprise at least two guide elements
on one and the same side next to a path of movement for the feed
unit. In this case, the guide elements can be arranged in
particular in rows end to end and/or can be connected together. A
connection between the at least two guide elements can then be
realized here by means of at least one additional retaining
element.
[0033] In a further development, in each case at least two guide
elements are provided on both sides of the movement path for the
feed unit. Thus, in one variant in each case one pair of guide
elements (identical or different to one another) is arranged on the
right and on the left of the movement path. A pair of guide
elements can be connected together in this connection by at least
one separately mountable additional retaining element. In this
connection, by means of an additional retaining element a further
guide element can be fastened on a guide element that is already
arranged on one side of the movement path and, as a result, a
further guide element is able to be retro-fitted where
required.
[0034] An additional retaining element is preferably realized such
that a guide element is pluggable, in particular clippable, therein
and/or in reverse the additional retaining element is pluggable, in
particular clippable, into a guide element. In one realization
variant, the additional retaining element is realized in the manner
of a preferably symmetrical double clip with two retaining
portions, which are located side by side and are connected together
by means of a web, each for one guide element.
[0035] The guide element comprises, for example, a retrofittable
sliding and/or round rod which realizes a sliding surface on its
outer lateral surface. The round rod, in this case, can be produced
from a plastics material and/or from a metal material.
[0036] A further aspect of the present invention is the provision
of a construction set for the mounting of a feed device, in
particular for a feed device according to the first and/or second
aspect of the present invention.
[0037] A construction set according to the invention includes, in
this case, at least one pre-assembled feed module which defines the
guide track and/or comprises the driven feed unit, and at least one
separately produced guide element which is combinable with the feed
module in such a manner that in a selective manner a feed device
without a guide element or a feed device with a guide element is
mountable. In this case, the guide element comprises at least one
elongated sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to
the guide track and defines at least part of the display area and
along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable, e.g. as a
result of the force of gravity and/or as a result of the feed unit,
when the guide element is combined with the feed module.
[0038] By means of a construction set according to the invention,
different types of feed devices are consequently producible in a
simple manner, at least one feed device without a guide element
(type A) and one feed device with at least one guide element (type
B). By providing guide elements which are developed differently
geometrically and/or comprise variously smooth surfaces for
providing a sliding surface, it is also possible to produce more
than two types of feed devices using one construction set according
to the invention.
[0039] In this case, it can be provided that the feed module
already comprises a display area against which, in the case of a
feed device without a guide element, objects abut and are slidingly
shifted, and the construction set with the at least one guide
element is realized in such a manner that in the case of a feed
device with a guide element the objects abut against the guide
element and are shifted thereon (and no longer on the display area
of the feed module). In this manner, the feed module with its
(incorporated) display area can be realized and provided, for
example, for the shifting of lighter objects, such as cigarette
packagings or cosmetic items. For the shifting of heavier and
larger objects, such as, for example, (beverage) bottles, the feed
module is combined with at least one guide element, by means of
which the resistance force countering shifting is reduced when the
objects to be shifted are arranged thereon. In this way, the same
feed module is able to be utilized for the shifting of variously
heavy objects without a drive of the feed unit having had to be
modified for this purpose. The maximum shifting force appliable by
the feed unit remains unchanged. As a result of the chosen modular
approach, feed devices for different applications are able to be
provided by simply combining a feed module with different guide
elements which, in each case, define a display area for the objects
to be shifted.
[0040] In one realization variant, the construction set
additionally comprises at least one lateral wall, by means of which
a row of objects arranged on the display area is bordered along the
guide track. The guide element is then preferably mountable on said
lateral wall where required.
[0041] In addition, it can be advantageous when the construction
set comprises at least one mounting strip on which several feed
devices are securable next to one another, and in each case at
least part of the components of the construction set for one single
feed device is pluggable into the mounting strip. In this way,
several feed devices with or without a guiding element are able to
be plugged together in a tool-free manner on a mounting strip or on
several mounting strips as a result of a construction set. In this
connection, in particular a guide element can be pluggable,
preferably clippable, onto a mounting strip or several mounting
strips. This is not only cost-efficient, but also simplifies
delivery and assembly of the individual feed devices. Thus, for
example, several feed devices for one shelf can be mounted on site
as a result of a construction set.
[0042] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a
method for mounting a feed device. In this connection, proceeding
from the basic concepts explained previously, a pre-assembled feed
module, which defines the guide track and/or comprises a driven
feed unit, and at least one separately produced guide element are
provided. Within the framework of the mounting method according to
the invention, now optionally, [0043] a feed device without a guide
element is mounted or [0044] a feed device with a guide element is
mounted by the guide element being combined with the feed module,
wherein the guide element then comprises at least one elongated
sliding surface which extends substantially parallel to the guide
track, defines part of the display area in the feed device and
along which the objects to be shifted are shiftable on the guide
element.
[0045] It is also provided here consequently that different types
of feed devices are provided on the basis of one individual feed
module by said already fully functional feed module including the
drive for the feed unit being combined, where required, with at
least one guide element or a set of different guide elements
(different types of guide element). In the case of several guide
elements which are each combinable with the feed module, in
dependence on which guide elements or types of guide element are
used, different resistance forces and in particular friction forces
preferably counter a shifting of objects which are arranged
thereon.
[0046] A further aspect of the present invention resides in the use
of a support component as a guide element for a feed device--said
support component preferably being separately produced and
mountable on a lateral wall of a feed device. In this connection,
the support component originally simply serves for supporting a
lateral wall which is provided for separating two compartments of
one store shelf. A support component used as a guide element once
again additionally defines part of the display area such that the
objects to be shifted are to be arranged as intended at least in
part on the support component and are shiftable along the support
component by the feed unit. Thus, it is certainly already known to
connect product separators or compartment dividers to feed devices
by way of additional support components, usually in the form of
flat profile rails, in order to prevent them sagging or being
shifted sideways by the objects to be shifted. However, up to now
portions of said profile rails are not utilized for the purpose of
defining part of the display area on which the objects are
positioned and along which the objects are to be shifted. If said
profile rails, however, are produced, for example, from a suitable
plastics material or are modified in a corresponding manner such
that they comprise sliding surfaces, they can also be utilized to
provide part of the display area.
[0047] In the case of a feed device according to the invention, it
is obviously possible for said feed device to comprise alerting
means in order to detect a removal frequency of objects removed
from the removal region and in the case of atypical removal
patterns, such as, for example, described in WO 2006/061 009 A1, to
conclude that shoplifting has occurred. As an alternative to or in
addition to such electronic alerting means, a feed device according
to the invention can obviously also be provided with electronic
stocktaking means in order to determine the stock of objects still
located on a display area and, for example, to transfer this to a
central computer-supported registering means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Further advantages and features of the present invention
will become clear in the following description of exemplary
embodiments by way of the figures:
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a feed device from the
prior art.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a first realization variant of a feed device
according to the invention which has been assembled from a
construction set according to the invention and according to a
method according to the invention.
[0051] FIG. 3A shows a guide element from the feed device in FIG. 2
with a retaining element for fastening the guide element, in an
enlarged scale.
[0052] FIG. 3B shows an alternative exemplary embodiment for a
retaining element, in an enlarged scale.
[0053] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of parts of a further
exemplary embodiment of a feed device, with two guide elements
which are mounted on different longitudinal sides of a module
housing.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment for an additional
retaining element for connecting a pair of guide elements in the
form of round rods, in an enlarged scale.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a representation of a detail of a guide element
for a further realization variant where the guide element
incorporates a holder for a lateral wall of the feed device.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows a representation of a detail of a support
component in the form of a profile rail for the lateral wall of a
further realization variant where guide elements are mounted
subsequently onto the profile rail.
[0057] FIGS. 7A-7B show a representation of a detail of two further
variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and
two convex sliding surfaces.
[0058] FIGS. 8A-8B show a representation of a detail of two further
variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and
sliding surfaces which are formed by edges of a concavely arched
portion.
[0059] FIGS. 9A-9B show a representation of a detail of two further
variants of a guide element with a holder for a lateral wall and
sliding surfaces which are formed by tooth-shaped projections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a feed device V* from the
prior art where a feed module in the form of a product pusher
module 1* is fitted onto two mounting strips L1 and L2 which extend
parallel to one another. Several feed devices V* can be arranged
side by side in a simple manner by means of the mounting strips L1
and L2. In this case, a feed unit, which is provided in each case
on a feed device V*, in the form of a product pusher 2* shifts
objects, such as products or product packagings, which are arranged
one behind another, in a shifting direction X in each case to a
removal region E on the front edge of a shelf.
[0061] The product pusher module 1* defines a display area 10* on
which the product pusher 2* is guided so as to be longitudinally
shiftable along a guide 12*. Products or product packagings
arranged on the display area 10* can thus be shifted automatically
in the direction of the removal region E by the product pusher 2*
as soon as a frontmost product or product packaging is removed. The
product pusher 2* is driven in the present case by means of a drive
element in the form of a leaf spring 3*. The leaf spring 3* pulls
the product pusher 2* in the direction of the removal region E. An
alternative drive element can, however, obviously also be provided
in place of the leaf spring 3* in order to move the product pusher
2* automatically in the direction of displacement X as soon as a
frontmost product or product packaging is removed from the display
area 10*. In this way, gaps created as a result of products or
product packagings being removed are automatically closed by the
product pusher 2* and there is always a product or product
packaging ready for removal in the removal region E.
[0062] The display area 10* is bordered at the side by a lateral
wall 11a* which extends in a substantially perpendicular manner
with respect to said display area. Said lateral wall 11a* separates
a row of products or product packagings, which are arranged so as
to be shiftable on the display area 10*, from adjacent products or
product packagings.
[0063] In order to prevent a frontmost product or product packaging
being pressed out of the removal region E by the product pusher 2*,
a stop element which is not shown in FIG. 1 is provided. Said stop
element, which functions as a stopper, can be plugged into
fastening openings 13* in the display area 10*.
[0064] Although the feed device V* shown in FIG. 1 is particularly
well suited for the shifting of products or product packagings
arranged one behind another and is distinguished by a
cost-efficient and reliable method of operation, it can be
disadvantageous in the case of certain applications. Thus, it has
been shown that precisely for the shifting of larger and heavier
objects, such as, for example, beverage bottles, error-free
shifting when a frontmost object is removed from the removal region
E is not easily possible. The product pusher 2* cooperating with
the rearmost object does not necessarily apply the necessary
shifting force such that, where applicable, the drive of the
product pusher 2* has to be modified. In addition, the shifting
force can be diverted to the side, in particular in the case of
beverage bottles with circular cylindrical geometry. Once the
frontmost beverage bottle has been removed, following beverage
bottles are then not shifted to the front edge of the shelf, but
are possibly pressed against the lateral wall 11a*.
[0065] Said disadvantages are avoided with the development
according to the invention of a feed device as is shown as an
example in FIG. 2.
[0066] In this connection, FIG. 2 shows a feed device V2 where a
product pusher module 1 which is already functional per se, which
is provided with separately mountable lateral walls 11a and 11b,
has been supplemented with two additional guide elements in the
form of round rods 6a and 6b. In this connection, the product
pusher module 1 is designed for the shifting of lighter products or
product packagings, such as, for example, cigarette boxes or
cosmetic items. As a result of the supplemented round rods 6a and
6b, multiple heavier objects arranged one behind another, such as,
for example, beverage bottles, are however also automatically
shiftable using said product pusher module.
[0067] The product pusher module 1 includes a module housing 12 on
which a product pusher 2 is mounted so as to be longitudinally
displaceable. A drive of the product pusher 2 can also include
here, for example, a leaf spring (not shown in FIG. 2). The module
housing 12 defines on its top surface, along which the product
pusher 2 is shifted, a display area 10, on which objects, in
particular products or product packagings, are able to be arranged
one behind another. By means of the driven product pusher 2, a row
of products or product packagings is shifted in the direction of a
removal region E which is delimited by a stop element 130 as soon
as a frontmost product or product packaging has been removed from
the removal region E. In order to ensure, in this connection, in
particular, that the products or product packagings arranged one
behind another are shifted in a straight line, the product pusher
module 1 is supplemented by the two oppositely located lateral
walls 11a and 11b. The product pusher module 1 consequently extends
between said two lateral walls 11a and 11b such that products or
product packagings which are arranged on the display area 10 are
bordered at the sides in each case by a lateral wall 11a or
11b.
[0068] The two lateral walls 11a and 11b, in the present case, are
formed by commercially available product separators and are in each
case fixed at a front and at a rear end on a mounting strip L1 or
L2 by means of one fastening element each in the form of a
fastening clip 111 or 112. The two mounting strips L1 and L2, in
this connection, extend parallel to one another such that the
lateral walls 11a and 11b as well as a shifting path of the product
pusher extend perpendicular to the two mounting strips L1 and L2.
In addition, the product pusher module 1 is also clipped at a front
end face on the mounting strip L2 and at a rear end face on the
mounting strip L1.
[0069] A circuit board 4 is additionally provided inside the module
housing 12. For example, an individual removal as well as a removal
frequency is detectable electronically by means of said circuit
board 4. As a result of said circuit board, it is possible to
indicate, for example acoustically or visually, a removal and/or
when an atypical removal frequency is detected--e.g. a removal of
many products in a short period--to indicate possible shoplifting
and to trigger a warning signal.
[0070] In order also to be able to shift larger and heavier
objects, such as, e.g., beverage bottles, reliably in the direction
of the stop element 130 in the present case using the product
pusher module 1 without adapting the drive and the product pusher
2, the feed device V2 comprises the two round rods 6a and 6b which
extend parallel to one another. The two round rods 6a and 6b, in
this case, are arranged such that the product pusher module 1 with
the product pusher 2 extends centrally between them. The individual
round rods 6a and 6b, in the present case, are produced from a
plastics material and comprise a comparably smooth outer lateral
surface such that, for example when there is contact with a
beverage bottle made of glass or plastics material, e.g. a PET
beverage bottle, there is a clearly smaller coefficient of friction
than between the beverage bottle and the display area 10. A
corresponding coefficient of friction is preferably less than 0.4
or even less than 0.25. In this way, a beverage bottle is able to
be shifted in a smooth-running manner along the longitudinal axis
of a round rod 6a or 6b. The round rods 6a, 6b, in the present
case, are realized in each case as solid forms and as sliding rods
with a circular cross section. To reduce material and weight, these
could, however, also obviously be realized in a hollow manner.
[0071] The round rods 6a and 6b, in the present case, are inserted
into a recess or gap provided on the feed device V2 for this
purpose between a lateral wall 11a or 11b and the product pusher
module 1. As an alternative to this, a suitable channel-shaped
recess can be realized as a bearing point for a guide element on
the module housing 12, preferably on the top surface thereof, into
which, where required, a guide element, such as, e.g., a round rod
6a or 6b, is able to be inserted.
[0072] The round rods 6a and 6b are dimensioned and arranged in the
feed device V2 in such a manner that they project with their outer
lateral surface beyond the display area 10 of the product pusher
module 1. The round rods 6a and 6b are consequently realized and
arranged here such that they define in the feed device V2 a display
area which is raised compared to the display area 10 of the product
pusher module 1. In this way, an object placed in the feed device
V2 no longer abuts frictionally against the display area 10, but
only just rests on the lateral surfaces, realized as sliding
surfaces 600, of the round rods 6a and 6b. An object placed in the
feed device V2 consequently rests by way of its bottom surface on
the round rods 6a and 6b, but not on the display area 10. A
shifting force applied by the product pusher 2 consequently also
easily suffices to shift heavier objects, such as, e.g., (beverage)
bottles produced from glass or plastics material. The respective
object or a row of objects arranged one behind another is easily
shiftable by the product pusher 2 in the direction of the removal
region E even if the objects clearly weigh more individually, e.g.
between 0.5 and 1.5 kg. The outer lateral surface of the circular
cylindrical round rods 6a and 6b consequently forms in each case a
sliding surface 600, along which objects placed in the feed device
V2 are able to be shifted at sliding friction which is clearly
reduced compared to the display area 10 of the product pusher
module 1.
[0073] The round rods 6a and 6b are also clipped onto the feed
device V2 in a simple manner in said realization variant. As can be
seen in the enlarged representation in FIG. 3A in conjunction with
FIG. 2, retaining elements are provided here in the form of
separately mountable retaining clips 62.1 and 62.2 in order to
fasten and retain the round rods 6a and 6b on, in each case, one
lateral wall 11a or 11b. A retaining clip 62.1 or 62.2 comprises in
this connection in each case a retaining portion 620 which is
semi-circular in cross section and into which a round rod 6a or 6b
is able to be clipped.
[0074] Fixing or connecting to the respective lateral wall 11a or
11b is effected on a web-like fastening portion 621 which is
connected to said retaining portion 620 for the respective round
rod 6a or 6b. In this connection, it can be provided that the
fastening portion 621 is plugged into a recess on the bottom
surface of the respective lateral wall 11a or 11b. As an
alternative to this, the fastening portion 621 can be formed on an
inside surface of the respective lateral wall 11a or 11b facing the
product pusher module 1 such that each lateral wall 11a or 11b
realizes the retaining clips 62.1, 62.2 and, where required, a
round rod 6a or 6b is able to be clipped onto the respective
lateral wall 11a or 11b.
[0075] The retaining clips 62.1 and 62.2 are realized in every case
such that they bridge a space between the lateral wall 11a or 11b
and the product pusher module 1 and a round rod 6a or 6b secured
thereon extends inside a space between the lateral wall 11a or 11b
and the product pusher module 1 and with part of its outer lateral
surface/sliding surface 600 is located above the display area 10 of
the product pusher module 1.
[0076] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of another alternative
variant for a retaining clip 62 for fastening a round rod 6a or 6b
on a lateral wall 11a or 11b. In place of a fastening portion 621
which projects in the manner of a web, a second channel-like
retaining portion 622 is provided here in addition to the retaining
portion 620 provided for clipping-on the round rod 6a or 6b. Said
second retaining portion 622 can be plugged (from below) into the
lateral wall 11a or 11b such that a bottom edge of the respective
lateral wall 11a or 11b is engaged around by the retaining portion
622. The retaining clip 62 can consequently be fitted simply and in
a tool-free manner onto a lateral wall 11a or 11b by means of the
retaining portion 622. Furthermore, the retaining clip 62 is
realized such that it is able to be utilized for both the left-hand
and the right-hand lateral wall 11a or 11b in order to retain a
round rod 6a or 6b thereon.
[0077] FIG. 3C illustrates a further realization variant where two
round rods 6a, 6b are retained on the module housing 12 of the
product pusher module 1 in each case by means of at least
one--preferably at least two--retaining clip(s) 62. Each round rod
6a or 6b is arranged in this connection on a longitudinal side of
the module housing 12 and is clipped into a retaining portion 620
of the respective retaining clip 62 and is retained thereon in a
positive locking manner. The retaining clips 62 are preferably
arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the module housing 12. Consequently, the round
rods 6a and 6b, which are arranged on both sides of the
longitudinal axis, are secured by means of the retaining clips 62
at identical regions of the module housing 12, but on different
longitudinal sides.
[0078] Each of the retaining clips 62 comprises a fastening portion
623 by means of which the respective retaining clip 62 is plugged
into a side of the module housing 12. A fastening portion 623 can
be developed in this connection in an analogous manner to a
retaining portion 622 of a retaining clip 62 in FIG. 3B. In this
way, a fastening of the retaining clip 62--with or without a round
rod 6a or 6b already mounted thereon--can be effected as a result
of the fastening portion 623 being plugged from below into the
module housing 12 and into an edge web which projects downward
thereon. As an alternative to this, the fastening portion 623 can
be realized with two laterally projecting legs such that the
fastening portion 623 is able to be plugged into a laterally
projecting web of the module housing 12 transversely to the
longitudinal direction in the manner of a clamp or bracket.
[0079] In principle, it can be provided, moreover, that a retaining
clip 62 is realized such that it is able to be plugged selectively
into a lateral wall 11a, 11b or the module housing 12.
[0080] Although not shown in the figures, a guide element, such as
a round rod 6a or 6b, can be secured on a mounting strip L1, L2 or
on both mounting strips L1 and L2 as an alternative to or in
addition to the fastening shown on a lateral wall 11a or 11b. For
example, retaining elements are attached or formed here on the ends
of the respective guide element in an analogous manner to the
retaining clips 111 and 112, by means of which a guide element is
able to be clipped in each case onto a mounting strip L1 or L2.
[0081] Depending on the desired area of application, different
types of feed devices V2 can consequently be mounted in a simple
manner from a construction set with a single product pusher module
1 and product pushers 2 displaceably secured thereon and several
pairs of different guide elements of the round rods 6a and 6b as
well as two lateral walls 11a and 11b. In this case, it is possible
to stock different sets of round rods which are dimensioned
deviating from the round rods 6a and 6b, are produced from a
different (plastics) material and/or are coated differently and/or
comprise a different surface roughness.
[0082] As a result of the modular design shown, a feed device V2
can be adapted to different applications in a simple manner without
tooling such that, without modifying the constant product pusher
module 1, variously heavy and variously large objects which are
arranged one behind another are able to be shifted in an automated
manner with consistent quality and reliability in order to close
gaps created in the stock automatically and where applicable to
indicate product removals electronically, i.e. in particular
acoustically and/or visually perceptibly.
[0083] With suitable retaining elements such as, for example, the
retaining clips 62, 62.1 and 62.2 shown, guide elements, such as
round rods 6a or 6b, can also be mounted and where applicable
"retrofitted" in a simple manner onto commercially available
product separators or lateral walls 11a and 11b.
[0084] FIG. 4 additionally shows an additional retaining element in
the form of a double clip 7 in an enlarged scale. The axially
symmetrical double clip 7 comprises two retaining portions 71a,
71b, which are connected together by means of a connecting web 70,
each for one round rod 6a or 6b. A round rod 6a or 6b can
consequently be clipped into a retaining portion 71a or 71b such
that a round rod 6a or 6b is engaged around by the respective
retaining portion 71a or 71b and is retained thereon in a positive
locking manner.
[0085] Two round rods 6a, 6b can be arranged in a row side by side
and connected together by means of the double clip 7. A pair of
round rods 6a, 6b connected in such a manner is then positioned on
one and the same (left or right) side of the feed module 1 and
consequently positions the shifting path of the product feed 2. A
larger sliding surface can be provided for the objects to be
shifted as a result. In one realization variant, in each case two
round rods 6a, 6b, which are connected together by means of a
double clip 7 or several double clips 7, are provided for example
on both sides of the product pusher module 1. The round rods 6a, 6,
in this case, are retained together in pairs and as well as on an
adjacent lateral wall 11a or 11b and/or at least on one mounting
strip L1, L2, preferably in each case by means of quick-release
clip connections.
[0086] By means of several double clips 7, which are arranged one
behind another along a longitudinal extension direction of a round
rod 6a or 6b and are rotated by 180.degree. with respect to one
another, several rows of round rods 6a, 6b are also able to be
connected together and retained together.
[0087] FIG. 5 shows a representation of a detail of a guide element
6' for a further realization variant where the guide element 6' is
realized in the manner of a profile rail and additionally
incorporates a holder for a lateral wall 11 of the feed device. The
holder, in this case, is formed by a central retaining slot 61' and
two support portions 611a' and 611b' which adjoin thereto. The
guide element 6', in this case, can be clipped subsequently easily
from below onto the lateral wall 11 with the retaining slot 61'. In
the mounted state, a bottom edge of the lateral wall 11 is then
consequently plugged into the retaining slot 61' such that said
bottom edge is enclosed between the two support portions 611a' and
611b'. In this way, the support portions 611a' and 611b' prevent
the lateral wall 11 from sagging in the case of lateral load. By
means of fastening the guide element 6' on one of the or both of
the mounting strips L1, L2, unwanted lateral displacement of the
lateral wall when the feed device is operating can also be
prevented in a more effective manner.
[0088] The guide element 6' with the holder 61', 611a', 611b' is
produced from a plastics material in such a manner that objects are
able to slide well along the regions of the guide element 6' which
extend on both sides of the lateral wall 11 and consequently, in
combination with objects which are to be shifted in a preferred
manner by means of the feed device, such as, e.g., bottles,
produces a smaller coefficient of sliding friction. In this case,
the guide element 6' is divided by means of the retaining slot 61'
into two sliding regions 6a' and 6b' which are associated in each
case with a feed device and are able to form part of a display area
on one side of the lateral wall. In this case, each sliding region
6a' and 6b' includes in the present case two sliding surfaces 600'
which are in each case separated from one another by an outer
U-shaped longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b'. In this case, a narrow
outer sliding surface 600' is formed in each case by the top
surface of an edge portion 612a' or 612b' and a sliding surface
600' which is wider by a multiple is formed by a top surface of a
support portion 611a' or 611b'. The contact surface for the objects
to be shifted and consequently the friction is minimized as a
result of the recess in a sliding region 6a' or 6b' in the form of
a longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b'.
[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, an elongated sliding path is
provided in each case in a sliding region 6a' and 6b' in place of a
continuous longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b'. In this way, the entire
guide element 6' does not have to be produced from a material with
good sliding characteristics, but rather a region with improved
sliding characteristics is simply realized thereon in a targeted
manner. Such a sliding path can then also comprise a convexly
arched sliding surface (cf. FIGS. 7A and 7B also in this
respect).
[0090] FIG. 6 additionally shows a representation of a detail of a
support component in the form of a profile rail 6'' for the lateral
wall 11 of a further realization variant where guide elements in
the form of round rods 6a and 6b are subsequently mounted onto the
profile rail 6''. In this case, the profile rail 6'' is developed
in a substantially identical manner to the guide element 6' in FIG.
5, there not being provided, however, any sliding surfaces on the
top surfaces of the support and end portions 611a', 611b'; 612a',
612b'.
[0091] The profile rail 6'' initially serves here only for
supporting the lateral wall 11 against lateral sagging and, where
applicable, additionally prevents the lateral wall 11 from shifting
sideways in an unwanted manner whilst the feed device is operating
when the profile rail 6'' is also fastened at the end face to the
mounting strips L1 and L2. The longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b'
provided in each case serves here then as a pre-defined fastening
point at which a separate guide element, such as, e.g., a round rod
6a or 6b, is able to be secured in order to retrofit the profile
rail 6'' subsequently with a sliding surface 600. In this
connection, it can be provided that on one side of the lateral wall
when the feed device is mounted as intended, the top surfaces of
the support and edge portions 611a' and 612a' or 611b' and 612b'
are located below a display area along which objects are to be
shifted. If, however, a guide element, such as a round rod 6a or
6b, is fastened as intended to the profile rail 6'', the sliding
surface 600 thereof is located at the level of the original display
area or above same such that the sliding surface 600 defines at
least part of the display area for the objects to be shifted at all
times. Without a guide element mounted thereon, in said realization
variant the products or product packagings to be shifted
consequently do not contact the profile rail 6'' and do not rest in
particular on the top surfaces of the support and edge portions
611a' and 612a' or 611b' and 612b'. Only by mounting at least one
additional guide element 6a or 6b onto the profile rail 6'' is part
of the display area provided by same such that products or product
packagings to be shifted can be arranged as intended thereon.
[0092] The connection of a guide element, such as, e.g., the round
rods 6a, 6b shown as an example in FIG. 6, can be effected in this
case once again by means of at least one separately produced
retaining element which is plugged into the respective guide
element as well as into the profile rail 6''. As an alternative to
this or in addition to it, a retaining element, preferably with a
positive locking region, can be formed on the guide element itself,
by means of which retaining element the guide element is connected
in a positive locking and/or friction locking manner to the profile
rail 6''. For example, a radially projecting spigot, which is
pluggable into the longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b' and is then
retained therein in a positive locking manner, can be realized on
the lateral surface of a round bar 6a or 6b.
[0093] In a further development of the exemplary embodiments of
FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 7A-7B, 8A-8B and 9A-9B show a sectioned view
and a representation of a detail of in each case two further
variants of a guide element 6* with a holder 61', 611a', 611b' for
a lateral wall in different widths.
[0094] In the variants of FIGS. 7A-7B, sliding surfaces 601* are
formed on both sides of the retaining slot 61' by a convexly arched
region of the support portion 611a' or 611b'.
[0095] In the variants of FIGS. 8A-8B, sliding surfaces 602* are in
turn formed in each case by oppositely situated edges 64.1* and
64.2*, which are present on the top surface, of a concavely arched
portion. The two oppositely situated edges 64.1* and 64.2*, in this
case, are separated spatially from one another by a channel or
valley 61*.
[0096] Analogously to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, the
concavely arched portion of FIGS. 8A-8B with the two edges 64.1*
and 64.2* exposed toward the top surface could be realized as a
separate component as an alternative and then be mounted as a guide
element onto a profile rail 6''.
[0097] On a guide element 6* of FIGS. 8A-8B as well as an
identically realized profile rail 6'', positive locking regions can
also be defined by means of the recesses in the form of the channel
or valley 61* (analogous to the longitudinal slot 61a' or 61b'). A
separate guide element is fastenable to said positive locking
regions. For example, a round rod 6a or 6b can be clipped into the
valleys 61*.
[0098] In the variants in FIGS. 9A-9B, the guide element 6* forms
several rows of teeth 63* located side by side and one behind
another, the tips of which form a sliding surface 603* or at least
a portion thereof. In place of single teeth 63* arranged one behind
another, just one elongated projection, which is triangular in
cross section and/or tapers to a point, could also be provided.
Consequently, in one exemplary embodiment a sliding surface 603*
could be formed on a longitudinal side of the retaining slot 61' by
a single elongated projection which is triangular in cross section
or several such projections which are located side by side.
[0099] An advantage in the case of the realization variants in
FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9B is that a product or product packaging is
only able to come into contact with the sliding surfaces 602* and
603* defined here in a linear or punctiform manner or can only abut
in a linear or punctiform manner against them. As a result, the
friction forces which counter shifting a product or product
packaging resting thereon are further reduced.
[0100] In particular in the case of the exemplary embodiments in
FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7A-7B, 8A-8B and 9A-9B, it is obviously not
compulsory that a driven feed unit is provided in the form of a
product pusher for the automatic shifting of objects in the
direction of a removal region E. Rather, exemplary embodiments are
also possible where the automatic shifting is effected simply with
the assistance of gravitational force and is exclusively
gravity-driven. In this connection, it is ensured in particular by
the use of the respective guide element 6a, 6b; 6' or 6* and by the
inclination of the display area with respect to the horizontal that
objects are shifted automatically in the direction of the removal
region E as soon as a frontmost object of a row is removed at the
removal region E.
* * * * *