Apparatus for power and / or information transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to a device having a carrier structure and at least one conductor structure provided for transmitting power and / or information, which conductor structure is supported by the carrier structure, the conductor structure having a longitudinal extension and a cross-section oriented normal to the longitudinal extension, characterized in that the conductor structure has a cross-section oriented normal to the longitudinal extension. The conductor structure consists of a conductor strip or a conductor foil, and the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or the conductor foil has an arcuate shape, the conductor strip or the conductor foil being partially connected to the carrier structure and partially freely accessible from the outside of the carrier structure as viewed in cross-section, the invention further relates to a method for transmitting power and / or information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for power transmission and / or information transmission, a method for manufacturing the apparatus, a rack rail having the apparatus, and a tool for manufacturing the apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] For example, WO2022188955A1 discloses a device for power transmission and / or information transmission. This device has a carrier structure (called a line carrier) and three conductor structures (called line rails), and is implemented as part of a shelf track for supplying power to electronic devices, particularly electronic display units. This device extends over a wide length, here along the entire shelf, and is required in large quantities, for example, for all shelves in a commercial space, across all shelf levels. In WO2022188955A1, the line rail is disclosed either as a round wire or as a flat line rail. According to the teachings of WO2022188955A1, a flat line rail can be easily implemented as a track on a carrier board, for example, similar to that in a printed circuit board.

[0003] However, according to a preferred embodiment of WO2022188955A1, the rail is implemented as a wire, with a portion extending beyond the wire carrier. In this regard, advantages in manufacturing process and advantages in contact with the mentioned device are pointed out. It is also disclosed that the wire as the rail has a substantially circular cross-section that extends beyond the surface of the wire carrier. Unlike a flat cross-section that ends substantially flush with the surface of the wire carrier, this cross-section allows for tactile feedback once one of the contacts of the electronic device touches one of the wires when the electronic device is inserted. Thus, the user can easily determine whether the corresponding contact of the electronic device has reached or passed the wire carrier. Furthermore, the wire as the rail is also more robust than, for example, a flat rail.

[0004] The rails are made of copper, which has a favorable electrical conductivity, necessary for power and / or information transmission. However, this also comes with high costs. Furthermore, due to high demand, the use of this material also imposes an environmental burden, as it must be extracted or recycled under conditions of high energy consumption and intensive mining operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention addresses the following objectives: to provide an improved apparatus, a method for manufacturing the apparatus, a shelf track having the apparatus, and a tool for manufacturing the apparatus, which avoid the problems previously listed.

[0006] The task is accomplished by the apparatus according to claim 1. Therefore, the subject of the invention is an apparatus comprising: a carrier structure and at least one conductor structure configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure, wherein the conductor structure has a longitudinal extension and a cross-section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension, characterized in that the conductor structure is composed of a conductor strip or conductor foil, and the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil has an arcuate shape, wherein, viewed along the cross-section, the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure on one hand, and partially freely accessible from outside the carrier structure on the other hand, so that it can be contacted therefor transmission of power and / or information.

[0007] The task is also accomplished by the electronic shelving track according to claim 12. Therefore, the present invention relates to an electronic shelving track having the means according to the invention.

[0008] The task is also solved by the manufacturing method according to claim 14. Therefore, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a device having a carrier structure and at least one conductor structure configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure, wherein the conductor structure has a longitudinal extension and a cross-section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension, and wherein the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: shaping, particularly modifying, the conductor structure existing as a conductor strip or conductor foil such that the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil produces an arcuate shape, and connecting the conductor structure to the carrier structure.

[0009] The task is also solved by the machine according to claim 16. Therefore, the present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus has a carrier structure and at least one conductor structure configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure, wherein the conductor structure has a longitudinal extension and a cross-section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension, wherein the machine has a forming section configured to form, particularly modify, the conductor structure existing as a conductor strip or conductor foil, such that the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil produces an arcuate shape; and a connecting section configured to connect the formed conductor strip or formed conductor foil to the carrier structure.

[0010] The measures according to the invention offer the advantage of providing a device in which the conductor structure is provided with optimized material requirements, specifically with reduced material requirements, thereby significantly reducing the environmental burden. Therefore, this measure enables the provision of a device with improved ecological balance and significantly lower cost compared to comparable known devices, because it is precisely the cost-driven conductor structure that improves its properties.

[0011] Ecological balance is a method for detecting and assessing environmentally relevant processes. The fundamental principles and rules for implementing ecological balance are internationally defined in ISO standards 14040:2006 and 14044:2006, and have been incorporated into the German standards system (DIN EN ISO 14040, DIN EN ISO 14044). (Source: German Federal Environment Agency, Office of the President / Press and Public Relations Department, Internet, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany; https: / / www.umweltbundesamt.de)

[0012] Unlike conductor structures realized through wire (which have a substantially circular, i.e., circular cross-section), conductor structures as conductor strips or foils, in their unformed, i.e., original state (in which state, for example, when unrolled from a storage reel), have a substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein the height of the cross-section is relatively small relative to the width of the cross-section because the conductor strip or foil itself is constructed relatively thin. Therefore, the unformed conductor structure has a planar appearance compared to wire after being unrolled.

[0013] According to this solution, the conductor structure now adopts a relatively elongated shape with a smaller cross-sectional area compared to round wires, thus significantly reducing material requirements and resulting in a significant cost advantage in device manufacturing. Although the conductor structure exists as a substantially flat, i.e., planar conductor strip or planar conductor foil, in its longitudinal extension and transversely to the longitudinal extension at its processing leading edge, the arched portion of the conductor structure extending along the longitudinal extension but transversely to the longitudinal extension obtained during processing, i.e., the arched extended cross-section, allows the conductor structure to be reliably connected locally to the carrier structure on the one hand, and on the other hand, it also allows for the existence, shaping, or structuring of an area on the surface of the conductor structure that is accessible for contact, so that tactile feedback can be obtained upon contact with another device, as is the case in known wire-based solutions.

[0014] Therefore, this solution overcomes the generally negative attitude towards conductor structures constructed as conductor strips or foils (which are flat before processing). Here, the directional variation along the cross-sectional direction has proven to be the basis for both reliable fixation and free accessibility to contacts. In the manufacturing method, this arching deformation along the longitudinal extension results in increased stiffness and thus facilitates integration or assembly with the carrier structure.

[0015] The expressions "local connectivity" and "local accessibility" can be understood in the current context of the description of the position of the attribute "connectivity" or "accessibility" as follows: that is, - The arcuate profile extends between the lateral (i.e., transverse) edges of the conductor structure in different regions or locations along the cross-sectional direction; - Along the cross-sectional direction, in the same region or at the same location between the (lateral) edges of the conductor structure, but on different sides of the conductor structure relative to the carrier structure, i.e., on the outer side (oriented away from the carrier structure) and the inner side (oriented towards the carrier structure).

[0016] Other particularly advantageous designs and improvements of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0017] In other words, the integration of the conductor strip into the carrier structure can also be described as follows: at least a first portion of the conductor strip is connected to the carrier structure, in particular covered by the carrier structure, and at least a second portion of the conductor strip extends from and / or beyond the carrier structure so as to be accessible for power and / or information transmission.

[0018] The shape of the carrier structure is not mandatory, but it is preferably plate-shaped.

[0019] Depending on the application, the carrier structure may have one, two, three or more conductor structures that are substantially spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal extension of the carrier structure.

[0020] The conductor structure is freely accessible at the surface of the carrier structure, which has at least a contact-provided area. Preferably, the conductor structure extends from the carrier structure, allowing it to be contacted by external contact elements of the electronic device (e.g., spring contacts or optical conductors (or light)). As mentioned, by bending the conductor structure, high stability is imparted even with reduced material usage, thereby enabling safe and wear-resistant contact with contact elements.

[0021] The shape of the conductor structure's cross-section—in other words, the "profile" of the conductor structure—may have exactly one or more arcuate shapes (or in other words, at least one "arc-shaped cross-section" or "arc-shaped profile") normal to its longitudinal extension. This arcuate shape or these arcuate shapes are located between two transverse end segments of the conductor structure. Viewed along the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure, these transverse end segments define the conductor structure on the left and right sides. In one particular embodiment, the entire cross-section corresponds to the arcuate shape.

[0022] The statement "the cross-sectional shape has an arcuate portion" should be understood as follows: the conductor structure has two opposing surfaces with curvature, wherein these surfaces bend in the same direction. Therefore, the radii of curvature of the two opposing surfaces point substantially in the same direction, i.e., both to the left in the cross-section, or both to the right, or both upwards, or both downwards. Thus, the curved region or arc has an outer wall or outer surface that bends towards the center (i.e., towards the midline plane) and an outer wall or outer surface that bends towards the side (i.e., away from the midline plane).

[0023] The conductor structure is thus formed with one or more arcs, the longitudinal extension or longitudinal portion of the conductor structure extending between the two end segments of the conductor structure over at least a portion of the conductor structure, preferably over the entire conductor structure. The conductor structure may have multiple arcs. Preferably, the conductor structure has an odd number of arcs, especially three arcs. Particularly preferably, the conductor structure has exactly one arc.

[0024] Preferably, the arc-shaped portion is circularly arc-shaped. However, the arc-shaped portion can also be a pointed arc, a horseshoe arc, or a boat bottom arc. Furthermore, the arc-shaped portion can also have a rib arc shape, or the cross-sectional shape can have angular arc or angular curved areas.

[0025] The conductor structure, shaped according to an arc, has an inner side, which is preferably oriented toward the carrier structure. This inner side corresponds to the side of the arc-shaped dome.

[0026] The conductor structure, formed according to the arc shape, also has an outer side, which is preferably oriented away from the carrier structure. This outer side corresponds to the side of the arc-shaped back.

[0027] Therefore, the arc formed in the conductor structure creates an arched section in the conductor material.

[0028] This arc shape thus provides a bulge that imparts structural stability to the conductor.

[0029] The arc-shaped portion of the cross-section can form a fold on the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure. Therefore, the fold axis extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension (length) of the conductor structure. Preferably, the fold axis extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure.

[0030] Therefore, the curved conductor structure has a scharnier zone, in which the curved area or arc may have the aforementioned arc-shaped portion. This scharnier zone transitions to the side legs or wings of the conductor structure.

[0031] This device can be used to supply power to various entities. Therefore, it can be configured to provide power transmission to lighting devices. For this purpose, the device can be constructed to be fixed to the ceiling of a room, where conductor rails, particularly two conductor rails, can be coupled for electrical power supply. Lighting devices with corresponding contact elements can then be mounted to this device to be powered through it. This allows for flexible positioning of the lighting devices and, consequently, adaptive design of the lighting layout within a room. Material requirements are optimized compared to known lighting device track systems, as less material is needed for the conductor structure than for wires or cables.

[0032] As mentioned at the beginning, this device is preferably used in shelving rails. Therefore, the device is preferably constructed for use in shelving rails. Thus, the device is designed or shaped such that it can (preferably releasable) connect to the electronic shelving rail and form therein an electrical and / or mechanical interface for electronic equipment to be fixed to the shelving rail. However, the device can also be fixedly integrated into the shelving rail. Due to the large number of shelving rail components required in commercial settings, material savings accumulate, resulting in a significant improvement in the ecological balance when using this device in shelving rails. Furthermore, the device allows for easy access, making it easy to install on the shelving rail or to easily install electronic equipment (e.g., electronic shelf labels) on the device or the shelving rail.

[0033] For use in rack rails, the device can be configured for mechanical coupling with the rack rails. For this purpose, the device preferably has a connection structure. This connection structure can, for example, be configured to be inserted into a connection well in the rack rail, thereby coupling the device to the rack rail. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device, and especially its connection structure, is configured to be compatible with rack rails known from WO2022188955A1, and thus can replace devices (wire carriers) with wires therein without requiring any modifications to the rest of the electronic rack rail.

[0034] When used in rack rails, the device is preferably configured to connect to the rack rails reversibly, particularly via a connecting structure. This allows for easy replacement of either the device or the rack rail in the event of damage. Thus, the device or the remaining rack rails can continue to be used, further saving resources. The device can also be removed and recycled separately in this way.

[0035] This device can be configured for guiding light. In this case, the conductor structure is made of a light-guiding material, such as glass, glass fiber, or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate). Preferably, the carrier structure is relatively opaque relative to the conductor structure. This device for guiding light allows for the reception and emission of light at the portion of the conductor structure extending from the carrier structure with minimal material requirements, thereby enabling targeted information transmission.

[0036] However, the device is preferably configured to transmit electrical power and / or information. Therefore, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the conductor structure is made of a conductive material, preferably a metal, particularly preferably a metal having copper and / or aluminum, especially copper or aluminum.

[0037] It has been shown that even very thin, i.e., strip-shaped or foil-shaped conductive materials are thus supported by the arc-shaped portions, allowing contact structures (e.g., via spring contacts) to make contact at the conductor structure without significant wear. Tests have shown that copper with the corresponding curvature or arc shape has particularly advantageous mechanical properties. Thus, a conductor structure made of copper according to the invention, with a thickness (i.e., the depth or thickness of the conductor strip or foil) of only 0.07 mm, can be contacted by an elastic element hundreds of times without any wear.

[0038] The use of this curved conductive conductor structure has proven particularly advantageous because it has been found that in known conductor structures with circular cross-sections, the selection of the conductor cross-section is typically based on mechanical loads rather than electrical or current loads. The measure according to the invention, based on improved mechanical load-bearing capacity, thus allows for a reduction in the conductor cross-section, making it suitable for the practically required electrical load-bearing capacity. Consequently, the conductor cross-section can be reduced such that it is designed to meet the actual current requirements.

[0039] This has proven particularly advantageous when using the device in rack rails, as only a very small current is required to power the electronic equipment on the rack rails, and therefore only a very small wire cross-section is needed. Thus, the device can easily replace existing devices with circular cross-section wires—such as those known as the wire carrier in WO2022188955A1—without requiring adjustments to the electronic equipment to be coupled. Rack rails equipped with the device specific to this invention can directly replace known rack rails with correspondingly material-dense conductor rails.

[0040] Preferably, the conductor structure has a higher conductivity, especially electrical conductivity, than the carrier structure. Particularly preferably, the carrier structure is constructed as an insulator or an insulating structure. This allows for the arrangement of multiple—especially three—separate “conductor strips” that bend transversely to their longitudinal extensions, extending side-by-side—especially parallel to each other and spaced apart from one another—along the longitudinal extension of the carrier structure.

[0041] This device, having a conductive conductor structure, is used to transmit power and / or information between (at least) two entities. Here, one entity typically appears as an electrical consumer, while the other appears as a supply device. For this purpose, the supply device may have a computer for generating control signals. However, the supply device may also be configured, for example, to provide a connection to the mains current, or the supply device may have a mains component to provide a corresponding energy supply at a desired voltage. The supply device may also have an energy storage device, particularly a battery or accumulator, to provide electrical power, or be connected to said energy storage device. In the context of a rack rail, this supply device may be a rack rail controller, also known as a "Rail controller." Such a rack rail controller provides power and information supply to equipment fixed at the rack rail. Here, the information supply may, for example, include display content for a display screen fixed at the rack rail.

[0042] Therefore, preferably, the electronic shelf track has the device and a shelf track controller, the shelf track controller being electrically connected to the conductor structure of the device.

[0043] The device can be located at a certain distance from the “central wall” of the electronic shelf track and extend substantially parallel to the central wall. Alternatively, the device can be located directly on the central wall, or at least partially form part of the central wall, thereby achieving contact with the conductor structure at different locations on the electronic shelf track, depending on the chosen implementation.

[0044] This device can be used to contact at least one of the entities, particularly a supply device, via an additional (conductive) connection (e.g., a plug connector or terminal, such as a ceramic terminal or a spring-loaded terminal). Preferably, the device is configured to contact two entities via a conductive structure, i.e., to electrically connect the two entities to each other.

[0045] Here, the conductor structure can be designed and configured to be contacted by contact elements, particularly by spring contacts, in a direction normal to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure, and / or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure. "In the direction of" here means that the contact element moves relative to the device in that direction upon contact. The device can also be configured to be enveloped upon contact. In the context of a shelf track, it has proven particularly advantageous that the device is configured to couple with a shelf track controller, wherein the shelf track controller contacts one or more conductor structures (or each conductor structure in the conductor structure) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure; and that the device is configured to couple with electronic equipment, particularly an electronic price display unit (referred to in technical terms as ESL), wherein the electronic equipment preferably contacts the conductor structure in a direction normal to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the conductor structure has a longitudinal extension, a width extension, and a thickness extension, wherein the longitudinal extension is larger than the width extension, and the thickness extension has a minimum dimension, and the conductor structure is bent such that, along the longitudinal extension, the two end segments of the width extension are inclined relative to each other. Thus, the width extension is laterally defined or bounded by these two end segments. In a cross-section normal to the longitudinal extension, one or more arcs may exist between the end segments, which themselves may be oriented toward or away from each other, i.e., they may be inclined or oriented in this way. In any case, it is advantageous that, with optimized material requirements, contact for power transmission and / or information transmission purposes can be achieved over a long distance (i.e., along the (substantially entire) longitudinal extension of the conductor structure). Therefore, the device can extend along an entire shelf section or the entire shelf, and can be responsible for power transmission and / or information transmission at any location there.

[0047] On the edge side, the conductor structure can be further contacted via the aforementioned track controller.

[0048] As mentioned, it has proven advantageous that the conductor structure is formed in the form of a strip and / or foil and / or is composed of at least one foil. Preferably, the conductor structure is realized by a metal foil or strip, especially a metal foil or strip containing copper. Alternatives to copper foil or strip include aluminum foil, steel foil, gold foil, tin foil, or corresponding strips, foils, or alloy strips. Such foils or strips can be manufactured, for example, by rolling. The foil or strip provides a relatively large area over long distances at small depths (thickness) and thus with a small amount of material required. This characteristic is utilized here to provide a sufficiently large area for contacting the conductor structure with minimal material consumption, and to provide a sufficiently large area for providing a connection between the conductor structure and the carrier structure by covering the conductor structure with the carrier structure.

[0049] Preferably, the conductor structure has a depth extension (thickness) and a width extension (width), wherein the depth extension is at least 1 / 1.5, preferably 1 / 2, and particularly preferably 1 / 10 of the width extension. It has been shown that this achieves a particularly suitable balance between mechanical load-bearing capacity and material requirements.

[0050] Therefore, the conductor structure is preferably constructed as a conductor rail and has a longitudinal extension that is much larger than its width extension and its depth extension.

[0051] The conductor structure—as mentioned—has two transverse end sections that extend parallel to its longitudinal extension along the conductor structure. Preferably, at least one of the end sections of the conductor structure is covered by a carrier structure. This device of covering the end sections is particularly easy to manufacture because it can be achieved, for example, in a single step along with a casting or extrusion method for manufacturing the carrier structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and thus reducing the cost of manufacturing. This measure further improves the ecological balance due to the simultaneous reduction in the space required for manufacturing. Simultaneously, this measure results in a safe and stable mechanical connection between the conductor structure and the extruded and hardened carrier structure.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the two end sections of the conductor structure are each covered by a carrier structure. This further leads to improved stability under optimized ecological balance.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, the arcuate portion of the conductor structure—that is, the part of the cross-section with an arcuate shape—is supported by a carrier structure. Specifically, the carrier structure material is present below the bend or arcuate portion. Therefore, the inner region of the arcuate portion (i.e., at the arch of the arcuate portion) is contacted and supported by the carrier structure. This measure results in an increased load-bearing capacity of the conductor structure. The increased load-bearing capacity thus allows for further material optimization.

[0054] In general, it has proven advantageous that the arcuate portion of the conductor structure extends from the carrier structure, i.e., exists in an arched manner away from the carrier structure; or that the arcuate portion of the conductor structure extends into the carrier structure, i.e., exists in an arched manner toward the carrier structure. Therefore, in cross-section, the arcuate portion extends from or beyond the outer contour of the carrier structure, or extends into or into the contour of the carrier structure.

[0055] This measure allows the conductor structure to be contacted at the bend (i.e., where the conductor structure has an arc-shaped portion) on its outer side (i.e., on the arc-shaped back) or around the arc-shaped back.

[0056] The load (force) applied upon contact can be transferred to the side legs or flanks of the conductor structure, thus directing the load there. This measure therefore achieves increased load-bearing capacity through targeted load displacement, while simultaneously ensuring fault-resistant contact.

[0057] Particularly preferably, the conductor structure supported in the curved region extends from the carrier structure with its curved region, thereby allowing the conductor structure to be contacted there. Therefore, the load transferred to the conductor structure through contact can be directly absorbed and compensated by the supporting structure (i.e., by the carrier structure).

[0058] Therefore, preferably, the conductor structure extends into and / or extends out of the carrier structure with a curved region. Multiple curved regions may also be provided, for example, extending into and out of the carrier structure. Here, the conductor structure is at least partially, preferably completely, supported by the carrier structure on one side, while the opposite side of the conductor structure is accessible for contact. This measure allows the conductor structure to be contacted by a contact element of an electronic device, thereby obtaining tactile feedback upon contact once the contact element of the device interacts with the curved portion. Therefore, contrary to common view, a device providing tactile feedback can also be realized using a planar conductor structure. In the case of such tactile feedback, the user perceives when the contact element has contacted the conductor rail at the desired location when contacting the device (e.g., by contacting the device via an electronic device with a spring contact as a contact element). Since the shape of the curved section can be widely and freely chosen, the shape of the curved section can be equivalent to the shape of a circular conductor structure, or it can be arbitrarily implemented. Thus, for example, the spring contact portion can first slide over a first curved region extending from the carrier structure upon contact, and then engage with another curved region extending into the carrier structure. Therefore, not only can tactile feedback be achieved equivalent to that of known devices, but even improved tactile feedback can be achieved compared to known devices.

[0059] The carrier structure can have lower stiffness than the conductor structure, or both (i.e., the carrier structure and the conductor structure) can have similar or even the same stiffness. This allows the device to be positioned flexibly, and if possible, even in a curved or wavy shape along its longitudinal extension.

[0060] It has proven particularly advantageous that the carrier structure has higher stiffness than the conductor structure. This measure enables precise positioning of the device and improved contact of the conductor structure, as the conductor structure is stabilized at its designated location within the device by this measure.

[0061] By utilizing the increased stiffness of the carrier structure compared to the conductor structure, the conductor structure is supported more stably, while simultaneously optimizing material requirements. Therefore, preferably, the shear stiffness and / or bending stiffness of the carrier structure is 5 times that of the conductor structure, particularly preferably 10 times, and even more preferably 100 times.

[0062] This increased stiffness can be achieved, in particular, through the dimensional design of the conductor structure (i.e., its dimensions and surface moment of inertia) taking into account the relevant material properties, but it can also be influenced by appropriate material selection.

[0063] The carrier structure is preferably made of polymer, especially plastic.

[0064] The carrier structure preferably has at least one of the following materials: PVC (polyvinyl chloride); PE (polyethylene), especially HDPE and / or LDPE; PP (polypropylene); PA (polyamide); ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer); PC (polycarbonate); SB (styrene-butadiene); PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate); PUR (polyurethane); PET (polyethylene terephthalate); PSU (polysulfone).

[0065] The carrier structure can also be a biomaterial. In particular, the carrier structure can have at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic starch or starch; CA (cellulose acetate); PLA (polylactic acid); PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate).

[0066] The carrier structure can also be made of composite materials. For example, the carrier structure can be made of wood-plastic composite (WPC).

[0067] The use of biomaterials and composite materials containing biological components can have a direct positive impact on the ecological balance of the device. However, the use of polymers also leads to a good ecological balance due to their better recycling capacity compared to other materials.

[0068] Particularly preferably, the carrier structure is made of a single material, preferably prototyping, and particularly preferably cast and / or extruded and / or pressed. This results in particularly good cycling performance.

[0069] Preferably, the carrier structure is made of polypropylene (PP), and more preferably, the carrier structure is made of polypropylene.

[0070] According to another aspect of the invention, the conductor structure is preferably connected to the carrier structure in a form-fit manner, particularly in a form-fit and material-fit manner. This allows for stable fixation of the conductor structure while simultaneously achieving simple and resource-saving manufacturing and using a conductor structure with a small thickness.

[0071] For example, this form-fit connection can be provided by casting a carrier structure material (e.g., thermoplastic) around the conductor structure, such that the end sections of the conductor structure are surrounded by the liquid material of the carrier structure. If the carrier structure material then hardens, the end sections of the conductor structure are fixed in the carrier structure in a form-fit manner. Furthermore, a material fit connection can be induced by the viscous molten material of the carrier structure, thus fixing the conductor structure relative to the carrier structure in addition to the form-fit connection.

[0072] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that the device has a longitudinal extension, which is preferably at least 2 times, and particularly preferably at least 5 times, the width extension of the device. This allows for extensive power and / or information transmission (especially in the case of use on rack rails) with low material usage (especially in terms of conductor structure).

[0073] The longitudinal extension of the device preferably extends in accordance with the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure, and particularly preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure.

[0074] The longitudinal extension of the device may be longer than the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure. However, preferably, the conductor structure extends substantially along the entire device. Therefore, the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure substantially corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the device and the longitudinal extension of the carrier structure.

[0075] The width extension of the device preferably extends in a manner corresponding to the width extension of the conductor structure.

[0076] Preferably, the device further has a depth extension that is smaller than the longitudinal extension and the width extension.

[0077] The depth extension of the device preferably extends in a manner corresponding to the depth extension of the conductor structure.

[0078] The device may have exactly one conductor structure. Preferably, the device has at least two—especially conductive—conductor structures. This makes it easy to provide power transmission and / or information transmission, since a voltage can be provided between the two conductor structures. Particularly preferably, the device has at least three, especially exactly three, especially conductive conductor structures. This further improves power transmission and / or information transmission, because, for example, one conductor structure can be used to provide a reference potential, while another conductor structure provides the power supply (i.e., the corresponding supply voltage), and yet another conductor structure provides the information supply (i.e., an information signal, data signal, or modulated signal). Multiple conductor structures can also provide different information or data signals relative to the reference potential, thereby allowing more information to be transmitted per unit time.

[0079] The conductor structure can be installed on different sides of the carrier structure.

[0080] For example, the conductor structures can be installed on two opposite sides of the carrier structure. This allows for a compact design of the device. Here, the same or different numbers of conductor structures can be installed on both sides of the carrier structure. Preferably, the longitudinal extensions of the conductor structures extend parallel to each other.

[0081] Preferably, the device is constructed such that all conductor structures are located on one side of the carrier structure. This achieves an easily accessible device, thereby enabling the provision of easily coupled devices with optimized material requirements.

[0082] Preferably, three correspondingly curved conductive conductor structures are arranged on one side of the carrier structure. Particularly preferably, the longitudinal extensions of the carrier structures extend parallel to each other. This is particularly advantageous when used in rack rails, as it allows power transmission to be separated from information transmission.

[0083] The device can be manufactured using the manufacturing method introduced at the beginning.

[0084] Here, the curved portion can be manufactured using conventional methods, such as various stretch forming and / or extrusion forming methods. The forming process can be, for example, bending forming according to DIN 8580 or drawing according to DIN 8584. Thus, bending forming with linear tool movement, such as free bending, die bending, sliding stretch bending, roll bending, or folding; or bending forming with rotary tool movement, such as roll bending or oscillating bending, can provide the curved portion. The curved portion can also be provided by crimping or cutting into an arc shape.

[0085] For modified forming, rolling, drawing and / or flow pressing are preferred.

[0086] Preferably, the conductor structure is modified in such a way that it is continuously guided through a modification forming device, particularly by stretching and / or extrusion. This allows for continuous or quasi-continuous modification forming of a long length of conductor structure. Thus, for example, the conductor structure in front of the modification forming device can be wound onto a spool as a foil or strip of conductive material (especially as a metal foil, preferably copper foil). If the initial version of this substantially flat or planar conductor structure is guided through the modification forming device, the conductor structure is modified therein, thereby shaping the conductor structure into an arcuate shape. Therefore, the entire spool can be modified continuously. Rollers can be used for modification forming. Preferably, the conductor structure is modified in such a way that it is guided through a modification forming die with a corresponding shape. This modification forming die preferably has a varying cross-section, such that the die has the cross-sectional shape of the conductor structure in its initial state (preferably rectangular) or a shape for receiving the conductor structure shape on the inlet side. On the outlet side, the modification forming die preferably has a substantially desired arcuate shape in cross-section. Depending on the material and dimensions of the conductor structure, certain over-molding may be advantageous, thereby achieving the desired molded shape after elastic deformation and springback.

[0087] The tool preferably has a shaping device, especially a shaping mold.

[0088] Various methods can be used to connect the conductor structure to the carrier structure. In this way, the carrier structure can be manufactured in a corresponding shape, and the conductor structure can be adhered to the carrier structure and / or inserted into corresponding openings (especially slots) in the carrier structure. Alternatively, the conductor structure can be connected to the carrier structure by compression or pressing. The conductor structure can be, for example, nailed, riveted, or screwed to the carrier structure.

[0089] It has proven particularly advantageous to join the conductor structure to the carrier structure during the manufacturing process of the carrier structure. This results in increased manufacturing efficiency and provides a particularly stable connection. Preferably, at least a portion of the material of the carrier structure is in contact with the conductor structure in a liquid and / or viscous state.

[0090] For example, one or more curved conductor structures can be placed in a casting mold, and then a liquid or viscous carrier material can be poured onto them. Here, the curved areas of the conductor structure can be planarly positioned against corresponding openings in the casting mold, such that end sections extend into the area to be cast. Therefore, when the liquid or viscous carrier material is poured onto the conductor structure, the end sections are covered by the material, resulting in a shape-fitting and, where possible, material-fitting connection after hardening.

[0091] It has proven particularly advantageous that the connection between the conductor structure and the carrier structure is continuous along the length of the carrier structure. This means that, in a continuous process, longitudinal segments of the conductor structure are connected to the carrier structure. Thus, after connecting one longitudinal segment, the next longitudinal segment is connected to the carrier structure, thereby forming a continuous process.

[0092] Particularly preferably, the conductor structure is connected to the carrier structure in a continuous process during the manufacturing steps of the carrier structure, especially during the extrusion process.

[0093] Preferably, the manufacturing method is carried out in the following manner: the connection has the following steps: forming a carrier structure during the extrusion process or extrusion step; and connecting the formed conductor structure to the carrier structure, which is still in a liquid or viscous state, such that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure on the other hand; and hardening the carrier structure and the conductor structure in a paired manner.

[0094] The manufacturing method is provided on the machine introduced at the beginning, wherein the connecting section has: an extrusion section configured to form a carrier structure in an extrusion process or extrusion step; a connecting section configured to connect the formed conductor structure to the carrier structure, which is still in a liquid or viscous state, such that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure on one hand and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure on the other hand; and a hardening section configured to harden the carrier structure.

[0095] Particularly preferably, the forming section, extrusion section, and connecting function are integrated into a combined tool. This combined tool is a modified extruder with a downstream cooling device. Plastic granules are supplied to the extruder from above to produce a carrier structure. A conductor structure—for example, from the left side—is supplied to the extruder, which deforms transversely to its longitudinal extension within the extruder, giving it an arcuate cross-section. The formed conductor structure is then mass-bonded to the still-liquid or viscous carrier structure before the hardened carrier structure leaves the extruder. The carrier structure bonded to the formed conductor structure leaves the extruder and is cooled in a water bath, thereby hardening the carrier structure and establishing a permanent bond with the conductor structure. The conductor structure supply process, the granule supply process, the carrier structure extrusion process, the conductor structure-carrier structure bonding process, and subsequent cooling are all performed continuously.

[0096] The conductor structure is supplied to the assembly tool at the inlet side. For this purpose, a storage reel can be provided, from which the conductor structure is unwound according to the required feed rate in the assembly tool. Relative to the assembly tool, at the outlet side, after the extruded carrier structure has cooled and hardened, the hardened carrier structure is separated into segments of defined lengths (as required for its intended use). In particular, it is cut along the length of the shelf track, into which the device is placed as a line carrier.

[0097] Therefore, the device is preferably an apparatus obtainable by a method having the following steps: forming, particularly modifying, a conductor structure existing as a conductor strip or conductor foil, such that the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil produces an arc-shaped portion; and connecting the conductor strip or conductor foil to a carrier structure in an extrusion process or extrusion step.

[0098] According to the method applied, the connection includes the following steps: forming a carrier structure in an extrusion process or extrusion step; connecting the formed conductor structure to the carrier structure, which is still in a liquid or viscous state, such that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure on one hand and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure on the other hand; and pairing and hardening the carrier structure and the conductor structure.

[0099] In the extrusion process, the curved conductor structure can be guided into the extruder or into a forming chamber connected downstream of the extruder through a corresponding opening, similar to that in a casting die. The liquid or viscous material of the carrier structure is then poured or extruded onto the conductor structure (preferably without the conductor structure becoming liquid or viscous). The carrier structure and conductor structure are then moved together through the extruder die, such that the conductor structure is embedded in the carrier structure after the apparatus cools. The opening in the forming chamber for introducing the conductor structure generally has the shape of the curved conductor structure. This opening can also be an opening of a modified forming die. In the forming chamber, the conductor structure is guided through a support structure (e.g., a correspondingly shaped void in the wall element of the forming chamber), which prevents the conductor structure from being washed away by the liquid material from below and from its desired position. The extruder guides the liquid or viscous material of the carrier structure (especially from above) into the forming chamber. On the side opposite the opening, the forming chamber has an extruder die through which the carrier structure and the embedded conductor structure are now exited. After the carrier structure hardens, there are therefore connections that fit in shape and, if possible, in material.

[0100] Preferably, the two steps (i.e., forming the conductor structure and connecting the conductor structure to the carrier structure) are performed consecutively. In particular, the two specific steps mentioned above, namely, forming the arc-shaped portion using a modified forming die and connecting the conductor structure to the carrier structure, are performed together in the extrusion process. Here, it is preferable to connect multiple circuit carriers, especially three circuit carriers, to the carrier structure simultaneously.

[0101] The tool preferably has a forming chamber, which in particular has an extruder die.

[0102] It should be noted that the conductor structure may have a constant cross-section along its longitudinal extension, or it may have a cross-section that is variable in length. The former achieves a particularly stable and load-bearing conductor structure, especially under tensile loads; the latter achieves a conductor structure that can be particularly stably embedded in a material by means of a connection with a liquid or viscous material of the conductor structure. Attached Figure Description

[0103] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings discussed below.

[0104] The present invention will now be described in detail again with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Here, in different drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. The drawings are illustrated as follows: Figure 1 The conductor structure for a device used to provide power transmission and / or information transmission is shown; Figure 2A A device for providing power transmission and / or information transmission is shown; Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the device is shown; Figure 3A –3C illustrates the device for providing power transmission and / or information transmission to electronic price tags at the shelf track; Figure 4A –4J illustrates other embodiments of the device; Figure 5 The machine used to manufacture the device is shown; Figure 6A –6F shows cross-sections of the components of the device at different stages of the device's manufacture; Figure 7 This shows a molding die used for modifying the structure of a conductor. Detailed Implementation

[0105] Figure 1 It shows Figure 2A and 2BThe cross-section of the conductor structure 2 in the device 1 shown is bent in the cross-section of the longitudinal extension L (length) of the conductor structure 2. The conductor structure 2 is configured to connect with the carrier structure 3 (see...). Figure 2A and 2B Here, conductor structure 2 is constructed as a copper strip.

[0106] like Figure 1 As shown, the conductor structure 2 has an arc shape 4 in its cross-section, i.e., an arc-shaped portion 4, thus giving the conductor structure 2 a curved region. This arc shape 4 thus forms a hinge region 5 in which the conductor structure 2 bends. The arc-shaped portion 4 extends along the entire longitudinal extension L of the conductor structure 2, thereby forming a fold. The hinge region 5 transitions to the side legs or flanks 6, which terminate at the end sections 7 of the conductor structure 2.

[0107] The conductor structure has a depth extension T (thickness) that extends normally to the longitudinal extension L.

[0108] Furthermore, conductor structure 2 also has a width extension of material, which is composed of the lengths B1 and B2 of the side legs or flanks 6 and the length B3 of the hinge area 5. The width extension of material is approximately equivalent to or corresponds to the width extension of conductor structure 2 in its unbent state, although some differences may occur due to compression and tension generated during deformation. Additionally, conductor structure 2 also has a width extension B in its bent state.

[0109] To better illustrate the various areas, the conductor structure 2 shown here is not to scale. According to a preferred embodiment, the conductor structure 2 has, for example, the following dimensions: a thickness T of approximately 0.03 mm; a width extension of material B1 + B2 + B3 of approximately 8 mm; and an arbitrary longitudinal extension L, which can be several meters.

[0110] Figure 2A A device 1 with three conductor structures 2 is shown, embedded in a carrier structure 3, with the viewing angle directed towards the corresponding curved region of each conductor structure 2, i.e., the hinge region 5. The conductor structures 2 extend from the carrier structure 3 for contact. On the left, the device 1 is shown truncated by a broken edge. Figure 2A The section line AA is shown in the figure.

[0111] Figure 2B The device 1 is shown as being cut along the cutting line AA. Here, the side legs or flanks 6 and the end sections 7 are substantially located within or covered by the carrier structure 3.

[0112] Figure 3AA device 1 adapted for use in an electronic shelf track 8 for powering electronic price tags, technically referred to as Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs), or ESLs 11 for short, is shown. For this purpose, device 1 has a connecting structure 9 that inserts into a connecting slot 10 of the shelf track 8. Thus, conductor structures 4 are located at predetermined positions within the shelf track 8. Here, the shelf track 8 is constructed such that the conductor structures 4 extend into the shelf track 8, specifically into slots provided in the shelf track 8 to receive the ESL 11. Therefore, these conductor structures are particularly well protected from external influences. The ESL 11 has (in this case, three) spring contacts 12 for contacting the conductor structures 2.

[0113] Conductor structure 2 contacts the supply equipment configured as a rack rail controller 14 (also known as a rail controller), such as Figure 3C As also indicated, the shelf track controller 14 closes the shelf track from the side at one of the two ends, and there contacts three conductor structures 2. The supply device or shelf track controller 14 provides a reference potential via the first conductor structure 2, a supply voltage relative to the reference potential via the second conductor structure 2, and provides an information signal to the ESL 11 via the third conductor structure 2. Thus, the shelf track 8, or more specifically, the device 1, provides a connection between the supply device and the ESL 11 to supply electrical power and information to the ESL 11.

[0114] Figure 3B The ESL 11 coupled to the shelf track 8 is shown, wherein one of the three spring contacts 12 respectively contacts exactly one of the three conductor structures 2.

[0115] Figure 3C The shelf track 8 is shown in section at its end region, where it is coupled to the shelf track controller 14. For this purpose, the shelf track controller 14 has three spring contacts 15 that contact the conductor structure 2 of the device 1 along the longitudinal extension of the conductor structure. The spring contacts 15 are bent twice, thus each spring contact having a first segment 15A fixed to the basic structure 16 of the shelf track controller 14; a second segment 15B extending normally from the basic structure 16 to the conductor structure 2; and a third segment 15C extending normally to the second segment 15C (in this case, into the plane of the drawing). Therefore, the third segment 15C extends parallel to and fits against the corresponding conductor structure 2 to provide contact over a large area.

[0116] The rack track controller 14 is connected to an energy source and—as mentioned—provides a reference potential, power supply, and information signals, thereby enabling the ESL 11 to be powered and supplied with information via the device 1.

[0117] Figures 4A to 4J Other embodiments of the device 1 are shown. In these views, the connection structure 9 is not shown in the device 1, but it may be present depending on the application requirements. Furthermore, a device 1 with two conductor structures 2 is shown here. However, the number of conductor structures 2 can be arbitrarily chosen according to requirements. Thus, for example, three conductor structures 2 or a single conductor structure 2 may be provided in the device 1.

[0118] Figure 4A An embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein an end segment 7 of the conductor structure 7 is covered by the carrier structure 3. Here, the section of the conductor structure 7 having the arcuate shape 4 is located outside the carrier structure 3. Here, the end segment 7 is located outside the carrier structure and can be contacted, for example, by means of spring contacts 12 or 15.

[0119] Figure 4B An embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein the two end sections 7 of the conductor structure 2 respectively cover the carrier structure 3. Here, the conductor structure 2 is connected to the carrier structure 3 in a material-fit manner by means of an adhesive. The conductor structure 2 can contact between the two end sections 7 by means of spring contacts 12 or 15. Therefore, a relatively large contact area is provided.

[0120] Figure 4C An embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein the two end segments 7 of the conductor structure 2 are respectively covered by the carrier structure 3. Each conductor structure 2 has two segments with arcuate shapes 4, thereby creating a region 17 between the two segments, which can be contacted by spring contacts 12 or 15. Thus, the region 17 is provided by the two arcuate shapes 4, which, due to its size, allows for good contact while also having good mechanical load-bearing capacity.

[0121] Figure 4D An embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein the two end sections 7 of the conductor structure 2 are respectively covered by the carrier structure 3. Here, the conductor structure 2 has two sections with arc-shaped portions 4 located inside the carrier structure 3 in its cross-section to further increase the connection strength between the conductor structure 2 and the carrier structure 3.

[0122] Figure 4EAn embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein the two end sections 7 of the conductor structure 2 are respectively covered by the carrier structure 3. Here, the conductor structure 2 has a plurality of arc-shaped portions 4 in cross-section to provide a particularly strong connection between the conductor structure 2 and the carrier structure 3.

[0123] Figure 4F An embodiment of the device 1 is shown, wherein the two end segments 7 of the conductor structure 2 are respectively covered by the carrier structure 3, and wherein the end segments 7 are inclined to each other such that they form an acute triangle. This results in a space-saving shape-fit connection between the conductor structure 2 and the carrier structure 3, thereby allowing the conductor structures 2 to be arranged compactly side by side.

[0124] Figure 4G An embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein, with Figure 4B Similarly, the two end sections 7 of the conductor structure 2 respectively cover the carrier structure 3. Here, the conductor structure 2 is also adhered to the carrier structure 3 by means of a material fit (e.g., by means of an adhesive). The conductor structure 2 can contact the two end sections 7 by means of spring contacts 12 or 15. Figure 4B Unlike other structures, this carrier structure 3 has an arc-shaped portion 4 adapted to the conductor structure, thereby causing the conductor structure 2 to extend away from the carrier structure 3.

[0125] Figure 4H An embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein an end segment 7 of conductor structure 7 is covered by carrier structure 3. To enhance the connection between conductor structure 2 and carrier structure 3, conductor structure 2 has a void 13, which is then filled by carrier structure 3. It should be noted that these voids 13 can also be applied to other embodiments, particularly those where at least a portion of conductor structure 2 is covered by carrier structure 3, to enhance the connection between conductor structure 2 and carrier structure 3. In addition to holes, the void 13 can also be a cut, recess, etc.

[0126] Figure 4I An embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein each conductor structure 2 has an arc-shaped portion that extends outward (i.e., its arc-shaped back) toward the carrier structure 3 and is connected to the carrier structure by means of material fitting (here by means of adhesive). Therefore, the spring contact portion 12 or 15 can be precisely positioned upon contact, thereby utilizing the largest possible area upon contact.

[0127] Figure 4JAn embodiment of device 1 is shown, wherein each conductor structure 2 has an arcuate shape, the outer side (i.e., the arcuate back) of which extends toward and contacts the carrier structure 3. Furthermore, each conductor structure 2 is bent such that its end segment 7 extends into and is covered by the carrier structure 3. This allows for precise contact of the conductor structure 2 via the spring contacts 12 or 15. Simultaneously, a stable connection capable of withstanding high loads is provided. Due to the shape of the conductor structure 2, no sharp edges must be overcome by the spring contacts 12 or 15 when in contact, thus keeping the load on the conductor structure 2 small. Therefore, the conductor structure 2 can be designed to be very thin, thereby optimizing material requirements.

[0128] Figure 5 A machine 18 for manufacturing apparatus 1 is shown. Machine 18 has a conductor structure providing section 19 for providing and arranging conductor structures 2. The conductor structure providing section 19 has three storage reels 25 on which the conductor structures 2, as conductor strips 2 or conductor foils 2, are wound. The storage reels 25 are driven by an electric motor (not shown) so that the conductor structures 2 can be deployed selectively from the storage reels 25, particularly in sync with subsequent processing steps. Furthermore, the conductor structure providing section 19 may also have a conductor structure positioning section 19A configured as a roller assembly for arranging the conductor structures 2 relative to each other at a desired spacing and in a desired orientation, and for controlling or adjusting the mechanical tension of the conductor structures 2. For this purpose, the conductor structure positioning section 19A has fixedly positioned rollers 19B located in a position that can be adjusted but is fixed therein. Additionally, the conductor structure positioning section 19A also has elastically supported rollers 19C for compensating for mechanical tension.

[0129] Furthermore, the machine 18 has a forming section 20 configured to modify the conductor structure 2, which exists as a conductor strip or conductor foil. The forming section 20 has a modification forming mold 26 having an upper mold portion 27 and a lower mold portion 28, which are formed such that a channel 29 is formed between them for each conductor structure 2. The channel 29 is slightly larger than the conductor structure 2 in its original shape on the inlet side (i.e., the side where the conductor structure 2 is introduced (inlet side 30)) and is rounded. Towards the outlet side 31 of the modification forming mold 26, the shape of the channel is substantially deviated from a planar shape and deformed into a curved shape, which defines a desired arcuate shape portion 4 of the conductor structure 2, so that the conductor structure 2 guided through the modification forming mold 26 has the desired arcuate shape portion when leaving the forming mold 26 (or after leaving the forming mold).

[0130] Machine 18 also has a connecting section 21 configured to connect the formed conductor structure 2 to the carrier structure 3. The connecting section 21 has an extrusion section 22 configured to form the carrier structure 3 in an extrusion process or extrusion step; a connecting section 23 configured to connect the formed conductor structure 2 to the carrier structure 3, which is still in a liquid or viscous state, such that the conductor strip 2 or conductor foil 2 is partially connected to the carrier structure 3 on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure 3 on the other hand; and a hardening section 24 configured to harden the carrier structure 3.

[0131] The extrusion section 22 has an extruder 32 and a forming chamber 33. The extruder 32 is configured as a screw extruder and is designed to heat the plastic granules constituting the raw material for the carrier structure 3, placing them in a liquid or viscous state and extruding them into the forming chamber 33. The forming chamber 33 has a guide groove 35 for guiding the formed conductor structure 2, ensuring that the conductor structure is stably guided without the liquid or viscous material of the carrier structure 3' flooding the area where the conductor structure 2 is positioned for contact. The forming chamber 33 has an extrusion die 34 through which the conductor structure 2 and, if possible, the carrier structure 3', still in a viscous state, can be guided so that the device 1 has the desired shape after exiting the extrusion die 34. Downstream of the extrusion section 22, the hardening section 24 has a cooling section configured as a water bath 35.

[0132] Therefore, after the hardened section 24, the device 1 is provided as a strip. Depending on the stiffness of the device 1, the strip can be wound onto a spool and / or cut to the desired length.

[0133] It should be noted that multiple drives, especially drive rollers, may be provided not only at the ends but also in between, in order to adjust the corresponding tension and / or feed of the conductor structure 2 or device 1.

[0134] The forming section 20 and the extrusion section 22 constitute a combined tool here. For this purpose, the forming section 20 and the extrusion section 22 can also be constructed such that the forming section 20 transitions directly to the extrusion section 22, and in particular, the forming die 26 transitions directly to the forming chamber 33, or is even placed within the forming chamber 33.

[0135] Therefore, machine 18 allows the device 1 to be manufactured in a material-saving manner, wherein three conductor structures 2 are unwound from storage reel 25 and aligned by conductor structure positioning section 19A, as this is in Figure 6A As can be seen in the figure (this figure is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line AA).

[0136] like Figure 6B Chinese combination Figure 5As can be seen, the conductor structure 2 is then stretched and / or compressed through the channel 29 of the modified molding die 26, where the conductor structure approaches its desired shape, such as Figure 6C This can be seen from the text.

[0137] like Figure 6D Chinese combination Figure 5 As can be seen, the conductor structure 2 has the desired arcuate shape 4 after leaving the modified molding die 26 (and thus the molding section 20), wherein, in this embodiment, the arcuate shape 4 is a semi-circular arcuate shape 4. Now, the conductor structure 2 is conveyed to the connecting section 21, where the conductor structure is connected to the extruded carrier structure 3', which is still in a liquid or viscous state.

[0138] Figure 6E Combination Figure 5 A conductor structure 2 is shown, which is surrounded at its end section 7 by a carrier structure 3' that is still in a viscous state. Here, the conductor structure 2 and the carrier structure 3' are located within a forming chamber 33, and are extruded through an extrusion die 34 by pulling and / or squeezing the conductor structure 2, and by pushing the material of the carrier structure 3' by an extruder 32, thereby giving the carrier structure 3' the desired shape. Subsequently, the carrier structure 3 is cooled in a water bath 35, thereby fixing the carrier structure in its shape, and the conductor structure 2 and the carrier structure 3 are firmly connected.

[0139] Figure 6F The device 1 after leaving machine 18 is shown. Device 1 can now be cut or chopped to the desired length. For this purpose, machine 18 may also have a cutting device (e.g., implemented as a saw or laser).

[0140] The device 1 shown here is simplified and does not have the connecting structure 9. To manufacture this connecting structure 9 as a component of the carrier structure 3, it is only necessary to select the appropriate shape of the extrusion die 34.

[0141] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the modified molding die 26 for the molding section 20 is shown. At the inlet side 30, the conductor structure 2 is received, wherein the conductor structure, located a few centimeters in front of the inlet side 30, has been forced from its original flat, straight cross-sectional shape to a slightly curved shape due to the force of the modified molding die 26. Along the channel 29, the conductor structure 2 is further bent into an arc-shaped portion 4.

[0142] In general, it should be noted that it has proven advantageous that the modified forming die 26 (specifically, the channel 29 of the modified forming die 26) has a polished surface. This enables low-wear modified forming of the conductor structure 2 even when the material thickness of the conductor structure 2 is very small, thereby enabling the manufacture of a stable device 1 with optimized material requirements.

[0143] Finally, it should be reiterated that the accompanying drawings described in detail above are merely embodiments and can be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the relevant feature may exist multiple times.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1), the apparatus comprising: – A carrier structure (3) and at least one conductor structure (2) configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure (3), wherein, The conductor structure (2) has a longitudinal extension (L) and a cross section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension (L). Its features are, The conductor structure (2) is composed of conductor strips or conductor foils, and The cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil has an arc-shaped portion (4). When viewed in cross-section, the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure (3) on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure (3) on the other hand, so that it can be contacted there for the transmission of power and / or information.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The conductor structure (2) is made of a conductive material, preferably a metal, particularly preferably a metal containing copper, especially copper.

3. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conductor structure (2) is defined by two lateral end segments (7) that extend along the conductor structure (2) parallel to its longitudinal extension (L), and wherein at least one of the end segments (7) of the conductor structure (2) is covered by the carrier structure (3).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The two end sections (7) of the conductor structure (2), especially the two end sections (7) in the cross section normal to the longitudinal extension (L), are covered by the carrier structure (3).

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The arc-shaped portion (4) of the conductor structure (2) is supported by the carrier structure (3).

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The arc-shaped portion (4) of the conductor structure (2) extends out from the carrier structure (3), or the arc-shaped portion (4) of the conductor structure (2) extends into the carrier structure (3).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The carrier structure (3) has higher stiffness than the conductor structure (2).

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conductor structure (2) is connected to the carrier structure (3) in a shape-fitting manner, especially in a shape-fitting and material-fitting manner.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device (1) has a longitudinal extension, which is preferably at least 2 times, and particularly preferably at least 5 times, the width extension of the device (1).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device (1) can be obtained by the following method, which includes the following steps: – The conductor structure (2), which exists as a conductor strip or conductor foil, is formed, especially modified, so that the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil is formed into an arc-shaped portion (4), and – The conductor strip or conductor foil is connected to the carrier structure (3) during the extrusion process or extrusion step.

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein, According to the method employed, the connection comprises the following steps: – The carrier structure (3) is formed during the extrusion process or extrusion step, and – The formed conductor structure (2) is connected to the carrier structure (3) which is still in a liquid or viscous state, so that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure (3) on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure (3) on the other hand. – Harden the carrier structure (3) in a paired manner with the conductor structure (2).

12. An electronic shelf track (8) having a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The electronic shelf track (8) according to claim 12, having a shelf track controller (14) electrically connected to the conductor structure (2) of the device (1).

14. A method for manufacturing an apparatus, wherein, The device (1) has a carrier structure (3) and at least one conductor structure (2) configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure (3), wherein the conductor structure (2) has a longitudinal extension (L) and a cross-section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension (L). The manufacturing method includes the following steps: – The conductor structure (2), which exists as a conductor strip or conductor foil, is shaped, especially modified, so that the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil produces an arc-shaped portion (4), and – Connect the conductor structure (2) to the carrier structure (3).

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein, The connection has the following method steps: – The carrier structure (3) is formed during the extrusion process or extrusion step, and – The formed conductor structure (2) is connected to the carrier structure (3) which is still in a liquid or viscous state, so that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure (3) on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure (3) on the other hand. – Harden the carrier structure (3) in a paired manner with the conductor structure (2).

16. A machine (18) for manufacturing an apparatus (1), wherein, The device (1) has a carrier structure (3) and at least one conductor structure (2) configured for transmitting power and / or information, the conductor structure being carried by the carrier structure (3), wherein the conductor structure (2) has a longitudinal extension (L) and a cross-section oriented normally to the longitudinal extension (L). Among them, the machine (18) – It has a forming section (20) configured to form, in particular modify, a conductor structure (2) existing as a conductor strip or conductor foil, thereby producing an arc-shaped portion (4) in the cross-sectional shape of the conductor strip or conductor foil, and – It has a connecting section (21) configured to connect the formed conductor strip or the formed conductor foil to the carrier structure (3).

17. The machine (18) according to claim 16, wherein, The connecting section (21) has: – An extrusion section (22), said extrusion section being configured to shape the carrier structure (3) during an extrusion process or extrusion step, and – A connecting section (23), configured to connect the formed conductor structure (2) to the carrier structure (3) which is still in a liquid or viscous state, such that the conductor strip or conductor foil is partially connected to the carrier structure (3) on one hand, and partially accessible from the outside of the carrier structure (3) on the other hand, and – Hardening section (24), which is configured to harden the carrier structure (3).

18. The machine (18) according to claim 15, wherein, The forming section (20), the extrusion section (22), and the connecting section (21) are combined in the assembly tool.

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