EP3146871A1 - Holder for electronic price tags - Google Patents

Abstract

A receptacle (10) for electronic price tags has a rail which has at least two protrusions (20) directed towards one another at the front, and at least one spring element which is suitable for applying an electronic price tag to the protrusions (20) from the inside of the rail ).

An electronic price tag (36) has a flat front side for displaying a price and / or product information, with at least one, provided at the top and / or bottom edge recess (38) extending in the lateral direction over the entire front surface of the electronic price tag extends.

It also describes a combination of intake and price tag.

A goods shelf has at least one receptacle (10) and / or a price tag (36) and / or at least one combination as described.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a receptacle for electronic price tags (Electronic Shelf Labels, ESL), an electronic price tag, a combination of recording and price tag and a goods shelf with at least one recording and / or a combination of recording and price tag.

In retail, especially in food retail, such as in supermarkets, it is desirable and in some countries even required by law that the price indicated on a price tag on the shelf coincides with the price recorded at the cash register. In order to limit the expense of updating prices on the shelves, increasingly ESLs are used, which are controlled by radio, infrared or WLAN to always display the appropriate price.

STATE OF THE ART

For example, is from the EP 1 314 382 A1 an ESL with built-in battery known. Such a battery must, in practice, within a year or two years to be replaced, so it means a considerable effort to replace the batteries of many existing ESLs.

The DE 29 15 249 A1 relates to a message display button which is pressed against a cover by a spring element from the inside. However, the spring element is not disconnected from the button, and the button is not received in a rail. Furthermore, goes from the DE 101 40 175 A1 a liquid crystal display, in particular for a motor vehicle, forth, which is supplied via a clamp with power, and in which for connection to the Heizstromquelle between a leg of the clamp and a printed circuit board, a spring element is arranged. The clip may encompass a portion of lesser thickness, but it is unclear where it is located on the substrate.

The US 8,698,606 B2 , the FR 2 765 018 A1 and the GB 2 278 847 A show merchandise display systems in which a power supply is provided in strips along a rail. However, the associated ESLs are usually clipped, so that the fixation is in many cases not sufficient. In particular, there is a risk that a price tag unintentionally loosens when being hit with a shopping cart or the foot.

Finally, out of the US 3,862,506 a label holder for a drawer, which receives a paper label immediately, which is pressed by means of two spring elements against the front of the drawer.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the invention has for its object to provide a receptacle for electronic price tags and an electronic price tag, which are visually appealing and ensure safe recording of electronic price tags.

The solution of this problem is on the one hand by the subject of claim 1.

Accordingly, the receptacle according to the invention on the one hand on a rail, which has at least two mutually directed projections on a, usually directed to the customer front. Furthermore, at least one spring element is provided, which is suitable for pressing an ESL from the inside of the rail against the projections. In the recorded state, the ESL is thus protected by the described projections, which may have a small thickness. According to one embodiment, the ESL can namely be reset in the recorded state by the thickness of the projections and is not so far from the rail, so that the risk of damage and / or loosening is considerably reduced. According to a further embodiment and presently preferred, the ESL and / or the spring element has a recess in its upper and / or lower region, which receives the projection and preferably has a depth (measured from the front to the back of an ESL viewer) that is equal to or less than the thickness of the protrusion measured in the same direction. As a result, the predominant front surface of the ESL and / or the spring element, as it were between the recesses, is in the described direction at the same level as the front surface of the protrusions, so that the ESL and / or the spring element does not project beyond the protrusions and damage or loosening are largely excluded. In addition, much less dirt and dust are deposited in the area of the ESLs. As will be described in more detail below, also the area "next to" any ESLs can be filled with a plurality of the described spring elements, so that overall a visually appealing, "full-surface" appearance is created. It should also be noted that ESLs of various sizes can be accommodated along the rail.

Preferred developments of the recording according to the invention are described in the further claims.

The last-mentioned advantage exists in particular for that preferred embodiment in which the spring element rests flat against the rear side of the ESL or the projections. If no ESL is received in the region of the considered spring element, the spring element to some extent even on the inside of the rail to the projections and "closes" the rail in an advantageous manner, so that unsightly dust and dirt deposits are significantly reduced. If an ESL is received in the area of the considered spring element, this is pressed particularly reliably and evenly from the inside against the projections of the rail by the surface contact with the spring element. Alternatively, if the spring element is designed in such a way that, when viewed in cross-section, it rests along a line on the rear side of the ESL in a punctiform or spatially-oriented manner, it is advantageous if cover panels are provided that are particularly suitable with respect to FIG their cross-section with the recesses described above correspond to the ESLs and extent provided in those areas where no ESLs are provided for the above-described full-surface appearance. Consequently, all features given below for the ESLs are also applicable to the cover panels.

Advantageously, the spring element in the areas in which the protrusions of the rail are in the accommodated state, be reset, so that the position of the spring element with respect to the rail is precisely defined by means of the resulting paragraphs, and beyond in a visually appealing way the Spring element is not necessarily reset by the entire thickness of the projections. Particularly preferred in this context, as described above, that the reset has a depth corresponding to the thickness of the projections, so that the spring element is flush at its front with the front of the projections. This applies accordingly to the design of the ESL and, where appropriate, the cover panels.

In particular, in order to facilitate the handling of a plurality of spring elements, it is preferable to connect a plurality of spring elements by means of a common connection. By mounting a suitably shaped connection with a plurality of spring elements formed thereon, the rail can be provided in an efficient manner over a certain length with spring elements.

For the reasons already mentioned, the spring element or the connection preferably has substantially a height which corresponds to the clear height in the interior of the rail. As a result, in the case of the connection, the position thereof, including the spring elements formed thereon in the rail, can be precisely defined.

In first attempts, a shape of the spring element has proven to be advantageous, which, in a cross section perpendicular seen to the longitudinal extent of the rail, as "C" or lateral "U" represents. Here, the bottom of the U on the inside of the projections, and mutually inclined legs of the U provide the spring tension, which presses the spring element from the inside against the projections of the rail. Here, the legs bear against the bottom of the rail, and are preferably already when the spring element is received in the rail, even if no ESL is received between the spring element and the projection of the rail, with a certain bias.

Alternatively, a design of the spring element as "L" has proven to be advantageous. At least in the region of the bend of the L, the spring element can be widened, and in the region of this bend, the above-mentioned, spatially seen, linear contact with the ESL can be formed.

The necessary spring properties can be realized in this case particularly efficiently by the fact that the L-shaped spring element together with the above-mentioned compound substantially in the form of a V, wherein the longer leg of the L forms the one leg of the V, and the other Leg of V in the assembled state rests against the rear wall of the rail. The spring characteristic is ensured by the kink or the bend between the two legs of the V.

In particular, for the embodiment described above is currently preferred for the spring element and / or the compound as a material steel. However, it is also conceivable for this plastic or other suitable material. Plastic is currently preferred for the C-shaped spring element.

Particularly preferred is currently a design of the spring element, which (measured in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the rail) is narrower than a male price tag. Here, the width of the price tag is preferably a multiple of the width of the spring element, in the case of a plurality of interconnected spring elements plus the respective half distance to the adjacent on both sides spring elements. This has the consequence that a considered price tag is pressed in the recorded state by several spring elements from the inside against the rail, and are located next to the recorded price tag further spring elements. As a result, a lateral guidance of the price tag is achieved in an advantageous manner, and prevents tilting thereof. Advantageously, further, no unwanted shift of ESLs is possible.

Advantageously, the spring element can also be designed so that it receives, for example, in a corresponding housing, a battery which is in particular in the region of the projections by means of contacts directed to the projections with suitable, formed on the rail conductors in contact. In this way, as it were, a single battery can be used for numerous ESLs accommodated in a rail under consideration, and the number of batteries to be replaced in a store is reduced considerably. For receiving a battery, a plurality of cover panels can be combined with each other in such a way that a battery tag with a width that corresponds to an integral multiple of the width of a cover panel. It should be noted that the measure of accommodating a single battery in a rail and using it to supply all the ESLs accommodated in the rail represents an innovation independent of the details of the measure according to the invention but which can be combined with all the features described above and below ,

The described embodiment, the spring element or at least one cover plate for receiving a battery for all ESLs to use a rail, can be combined in an advantageous manner with a configuration of the rail having along its length, preferably over its entire length, running conductor. These can be advantageously formed on the inside of the projections, against which the individual ESLs are pressed, so that formed there Contacts of the respective ESLs can be reliably brought into electrical contact with the conductors. The current conductors can be designed, for example, as metal strips.

Since the rail is in any case provided (according to preferred embodiments) with power lines for supplying the individual ESLs, the rail can furthermore have at least one luminous means which can advantageously serve the illumination of goods arranged underneath the rail.

In certain applications, the rail for the supply of the individual ESLs and, where appropriate, the lighting means may be connected to power with a suitable power supply, such as a low voltage source or a photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device, for example in the form of panels, can be mounted in the upper area of a shelf and absorb the energy from the interior lighting of the store. Any of the mentioned batteries can also be designed as rechargeable batteries in order to be charged continuously by one of the mentioned power supplies.

The solution of the stated object is achieved, on the other hand, by the electronic price tag described in claim 15, which has a flat front side for displaying a price and / or product information. According to the invention, at least one recess or recess provided at the lower and / or upper edge, which extends in the lateral direction over the entire front surface, is present on the front side or a separate mounting region of the ESL. As already described above, it is possible with the help of the recesses provided on the price tag to arrange the price tag securely and visually appealing in the receptacle according to the invention.

Accordingly, in the context of a combination of the recording with at least one price tag is preferred that the depth of Recess or resetting substantially corresponds to the thickness of the projection on the rail.

For the arrangement of the electronic price tag in the receptacle, it is advantageous if the height of the ESL is less than the clear height inside the rail. For that embodiment which has a separate mounting area, this height specification applies to the mounting area, with the aid of which the mounting in the rail takes place. However, the ESL itself, in particular its display area on the front side, is preferably larger in this case, in particular designed to be higher than the rail.

Particularly preferably, in the case where the height of the ESL is significantly smaller than the clear height inside the rail, the height of a lower recess of the ESL substantially corresponds to the height of the lower projection on the rail.

Although the recording according to the invention and the ESL according to the invention unfold their own advantages, it is preferred within the scope of the invention to combine them with numerous ESLs and spring elements and optional cover panels and / or to provide at least one rail on a goods shelf in order to achieve all the advantages mentioned above to realize. In this case, in particular, the rail of the receptacle according to the invention can be retrofitted to a suitable channel of a shelf or shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Aufnahme in einer ersten Ausführungsform ohne aufgenommenes ESL;

Fig. 2

im Querschnitt ein Federelement der erfindungsgemäßen Aufnahme einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3

im Querschnitt die Aufnahme gemäß Fig. 1 mit aufgenommenem ESL;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht mehrerer, miteinander verbundener Federelemente in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5

im Querschnitt eine der Fig. 3 entsprechende Situation mit Verwendung der Federelemente gemäß Fig. 4; und

Fig. 6

im Querschnitt ein ESL in einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated by way of example in the drawings will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross section through the recording according to the invention in a first embodiment without recorded ESL;

Fig. 2

in cross section a spring element of the recording of a second embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 3

in cross-section recording according to Fig. 1 with recorded ESL;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a plurality of interconnected spring elements in a second embodiment;

Fig. 5

in cross-section one of Fig. 3 corresponding situation using the spring elements according to Fig. 4 ; and

Fig. 6

in cross-section an ESL in a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As in Fig. 1 can be seen, the receptacle 10 according to the invention consists on the one hand of a substantially lying U- or C-shaped rail 12 and at least one spring element 14. The rail 12 may for example be made of plastic and to the (the viewer of the Fig. 1 directed and remote from this) ends. By means of a type of clip 16, the rail, in the case shown in two different inclinations, namely 10 degrees and 30 degrees with respect to the vertical, attachable to existing shelf shelves or baskets. The cross-section of the rail 12 is, as mentioned, as (laterally) U, wherein on both legs 18 each have a projection 20 is formed, and the two projections are directed towards each other. Preferably, substantially right angles are present both between the projections 20 and the legs 18 and between the legs 18 and the bottom 22 of the rail.

The spring element 14 is in Fig. 1 shown in its "compressed" in the direction of arrow A state. In comparison with Fig. 2 shows that the spring legs 24 have been pressed a little to each other and in the direction of the bottom 26 of the spring element 14. The spring element 14 may also be formed of plastic and has in the example shown rounded ends of the spring legs 24 and curves at the transition between the respective spring leg 24 and the bottom 26 of the spring element 14. This facilitates the transition from the in Fig. 2 shown "relaxed" position in the Fig. 1 shown, compressed position.

The illustrated embodiment of the spring element 14 further has recesses 28 at the ends of the bottom 26 located at the legs 24, on which the front surface (directed towards the projections 20) of the spring element 14 is steppedly set back. Thus, the surfaces of the recesses 28 and the front surface of the spring element 26 are preferably parallel to each other and preferably flush with each other, so that a total of a flat front surface is formed. Furthermore, in the case shown, the height of the recesses 28 (measured in the direction of the vertical) corresponds to the height of the respective projection, so that the respective surface of the recess 28 bears against the inner surface of the projection 20 (directed towards the bottom 22 of the rail). Continue towards the front (in Fig. 1 right) projecting bottom 26 of the spring element 14, the return of the bottom against the projections 20 can be kept low, and in addition a visually appealing appearance can be achieved. Furthermore, the position of the spring element 14 in the rail is well defined by the recesses described. The spring element 14 is dimensioned such that it starts from the in Fig. 1 shown position can be rotated a little counterclockwise, so that it can be removed first on its underside, on the shorter projection 20, and then completely out of the rail.

In the in Fig. 1 however, an ESL (not shown) can be accommodated in an advantageous manner. This usually has, as well as the spring element 14 a along the vertical according to Fig. 1 measured height, which is a little less than the clear height in the rail 12. Thus, if the ESL is disposed directly between the spring element 14 and the projections 20, and the pressure indicated by A is removed, the spring tension of the spring legs 24 provides in that the ESL is pressed against the projections 20 from the inside of the rail and is thus accommodated in the rail. In this position, it is further characterized by the projections and the at least slight reset relative to the front of the projections, due to the (in Fig. 1 measured from left to right) Material thickness of the projections from damage and protected against loosening.

By means of the projections 20, the power supply of the ESL is also carried out in the exemplary embodiment shown. For this purpose, on the inner surfaces of the projections are not visible, along the rail, d. H. provided perpendicular to the plane, extending conductors. Furthermore, the ESLs in these, adjacent to the projections areas contacts for power consumption. It should be mentioned that the spring element when viewed from the direction of the arrow A is substantially rectangular with a width whose multiple substantially corresponds to the width of a male ESL. Since a male ESL is typically designed to be flat on its side facing the spring element 14, the spring element presses the ESL flat from the inside against the projections 20. Furthermore, in those regions in which no ESLs are accommodated, the flat design of the spring element 14 advantageously a full-surface and attractive appearance can be achieved.

The spring element 14 can also be referred to as cover lamella, since it is designed in the manner of a lamella and is comparatively narrow and covers the rail 12 which is open in the initial state. The (perpendicular) to the plane of Fig. 1 measured width of the spring element may for example be about 17, in particular 17.1 mm, along the vertical in Fig. 1 measured height at about 43 mm, and the in Fig. 2 to be recognized distance between the point farthest from the bottom 26 of the respective spring leg 24 from the bottom 26 at about 16.7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the rail 12 is about 46.5 mm, the depth measured in the figures from left to right on the outside of the respective leg about 18 mm, and the distance of the farthest point of the clip 16 of the (outer) front of the respective projection 20 about 38.8 mm. The distance between the mutually facing ends of the projections 20 in this case is about 35.5 mm, and its thickness is about 2.2 mm.

In Fig. 2 It is shown by way of example how power can be supplied to a plurality of ESLs accommodated in a rail. In Fig. 2 is, as already mentioned, on the one hand to recognize the "relaxed" shape of the spring element 14. Furthermore, a particular embodiment is shown in which the spring element 14 further comprises a battery case 30 for receiving a battery. Through suitable lines 32 and contacts 34, the battery is in contact with the described conductors formed on the inside of the projections 20 to provide power thereto and any ESLs in contact therewith. As mentioned above, however, the power supply can be used instead of in Fig. 2 indicated battery by a low voltage or the connection with photovoltaic. Furthermore, not shown in the figures, at the bottom and top, preferably only the bottom, in Fig. 1 a light, in the form of one or more light sources, such as LEDs, be provided to illuminate about and / or underlying goods.

Fig. 3 shows the receptacle 10 according to Fig. 1 with recorded ESL 36. This points, as in Fig. 3 recognizable, in cross-section a substantially box-like shape, wherein at the in Fig. 3 right front price and / or product information will be displayed. In the case shown, the ESL 36 is provided with a height which is slightly less than the clear height inside the rail 12, so that it is moved by a pressure in the direction A according to FIG Fig. 1 in the interior of the rail be pushed, subsequently pushed a little up and finally with its lower edge can first be removed from the rail. The attachment of the ESL in the rail is done in the reverse order.

As in Fig. 3 is recognizable, corresponds to the (according to Fig. 3 measured from left to right) depth of each recess 38, each of the recess 28 on the spring element 14 (see. Fig. 1 ), which also measured from left to right thickness of the respective projection 20. Further corresponds to the according to Fig. 3 Finally, for a reliable arrangement of the ESL in the rail, it is preferred for the distance between the two projections 20, measured from top to bottom, to be substantially equal to that measured in the same direction Distance between the recesses 38 corresponds. In other words, this means that the front surface of the ESL has a height which covers the entire space between the projections 20, so that a full-surface and visually appealing appearance is created. It is finally mentioned that the ESL 36, which is in Fig. 3 can not be seen, substantially corresponding to the contacts 34 of the spring element 14 according to Fig. 2 has corresponding contacts to be supplied by the rail 12 by the injected energy. The contacts of the ESLs can be comparatively narrow, ie only a few millimeters wide (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) Fig. 3 ).

As in Fig. 4 8, a plurality of spring elements 40 can be connected to one another by means of a connection 42, so that a rail can be provided with spring elements 40 over a certain length in an efficient manner. It should be noted that more or fewer than the eight spring elements 40 shown by way of example can be connected to one another. In Fig. 4 It can also be seen that each spring element is widened from an area a few millimeters below the bend formed thereon to its free end. In the embodiment shown, the gaps are aligned between each two spring elements 40 with optional openings 44, which are formed in the connection 42. Overall, the spring elements 40 have the shape of an upside-down L with an intermediate angle of about 110 °, and together with the connection 42 essentially results in the shape of a V with an intermediate angle of about 37 °.

This is better in Fig. 5 it can also be seen that the height of the connection 42 overall corresponds substantially to the clear height inside the rail 12, so that the position of the connection 42 including the spring elements 40 formed thereon is defined. In the case shown, the connection 42 and the spring elements 40 are otherwise made in one piece and made of steel. The combination of compound 42 and a plurality of steel spring elements 40 may for example be punched out of hard-rolled spring band and subsequently shaped in a suitable manner.

In Fig. 5 Furthermore, a situation is shown in which not only the combination of connection 42 and spring elements 40, but also a cover plate 46 and an ESL 36 are located inside the rail 12. Similar to the in Fig. 1 shown spring element, the cover 46 is pressed in the absence of an ESL 36 by the spring member 40 from the inside against the projections 20 of the rail, so that even if no ESL 36 is used, a full-surface appearance is created. For this purpose, in the case shown, the height of the cover 46 is substantially the clear height inside the rail 12, and the recesses 28 are corresponding to those of the spring element 14 of Fig. 1 the inclusion of the projections 20 of the rail.

In the in Fig. 5 In addition, however, an ESL 36 has been included, and this will be the same as that for the Fig. 3 was described, powered. It should be noted that a cover 46 is usually narrower (extension perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 5 ) is as the ESL 36, preferably as the width of an integer multiple of the width of a Cover 46 has. In this way, an integer number of blankers can be inserted into inserts in ESL 36 inserts Fig. 5 shown situation in the interior of the rail 12 are pressed, and on both sides of the ESLs 36 close to cover panels, so that overall creates a visually appealing appearance. Further, for the width and positional relationship of the spring elements 40 and cover plates 46 is preferred that the pitch of the spring elements, ie the center distance of two spring elements, the width of a cover plate corresponds, so that over the entire length of the rail, for example, a spring element is assigned to exactly one cover panel.

It should also be mentioned that the in Fig. 5 Covering shown may be provided with a battery, in which case it is preferred that they are not in the in Fig. 5 shown position inside the rail 12 passes, but always rests against the projections 20 from the inside to supply the rail as a whole with power. In the example shown, the rail 12 further, unlike the in Fig. 1 shown, formed by two mutually facing, substantially L-shaped projections formed universal receptacle 52 for additional modules such as light and the like. Furthermore, the rail can be closed at one or both ends by caps. Furthermore, in particular with a width which in turn corresponds to a very large multiple of the width of the cover, for example, provided with text insert sheets are provided, which can be accommodated instead of or in addition to the ESLs in the recording according to the invention.

In Fig. 6 is to complete an ESL 48 shown in an embodiment which is significantly higher than the ESLs 36 previously described. For mounting in the rail 12 of the recording according to the invention, a mounting portion 50 is provided, with respect to its in Fig. 6 recognizable cross section of the cover 46 of Fig. 5 corresponds, so that an appropriate assembly is made possible. At the mounting area 50 this can ESL 48 also be provided with contacts, so that a power supply is made possible for this purpose.

Claims (15)

An electronic price tag receptacle (10), comprising a rail (12) having at least two projections (20) directed towards one another at the front, and at least one spring element (14, 40) adapted to receive an electronic price tag from the inside of the price tag Rail (12) ago against the projections (20) to press. A receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (14) rests flat against the back of the electronic price tag and / or the projections (20). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (14) has at least one recess (28) for at least partially receiving the projection (20). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of spring elements (40) are interconnected by means of a common connection (42). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (14) or the connection (42) substantially has a height which corresponds to the clear height in the interior of the rail (12). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (14, 40) substantially in the form of an L or C with mutually inclined spring legs (24), wherein preferably the spring element (40) widened at least in the region of the bend of the L. is. Holder according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (40) together with the connection (42) is substantially V-shaped. Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (40) and / or the connection (42) are made of steel. Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (14) is narrower than a male price tag whose width is preferably a multiple of the width of the spring element (14). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (14) further comprises a battery and to the rail (12), in particular to the projections (20), directed contacts (34). Holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rail (12) along its length, preferably its entire length, extending conductor and / or that the rail (12) further comprises at least one lamp and / or that the rail (12) with a power supply, such as a low voltage or photovoltaic connected. An electronic price tag (36) having a flat front side for displaying a price and / or product information, having at least one recess (38) provided on the upper and / or lower edge of the front or a mounting portion (50) extending laterally beyond the entire front surface of the electronic price tag extends. Combination of a receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 11 with an electronic price tag according to claim 12 and optionally at least one cover panel (46), characterized in that the depth of at least one recess (38) of the electronic price tag (36) or a cover (46) corresponds substantially to the thickness of at least one projection (20) of the rail (12). Combination according to claim 13, characterized in that the height of the electronic price tag (36) and / or the cover (46) is less than the clear height inside the rail (12) and / or that the height of the lower recess (38) of the electronic price tag (36) and / or the cover panel (46) corresponds substantially to the height of the lower projection (20) of the rail (12). Goods shelf with at least one receptacle according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or at least one electronic price tag according to claim 12 and / or a combination according to claim 13 or 14.

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