Merchandise display system

Abstract

A merchandise display system for displaying merchandise, the merchandise display system having at least one base carrier and at least one display carrier, the at least one display carrier being arranged for carrying merchandise to be displayed, and wherein the base carrier and the display carrier are connected to each other in a force transmitting manner for the purpose of carrying by a mechanical coupling, and wherein the mechanical coupling enables an electrically conductive connection directly between the display carrier and the base carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a product display system. Background Technology

[0002] Merchandise display systems, such as (sales) shelves or (sales) tables, are used to display merchandise. Currently, it is common practice to equip these merchandise display systems with electronic display units that display product information and / or price information through digitalization. These electronic display units must be powered by electricity. In the past, this was done, for example, via batteries or wired connections. However, such solutions have proven disadvantageous because they are highly complex to install and consequently prone to errors, and because they require significant maintenance during operation.

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a product display system that avoids the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective is achieved by a product display system according to claim 1. Therefore, the subject of this invention is a product display system for displaying goods, the product display system having at least one base carrier and at least one display carrier, the at least one display carrier being configured to carry the goods to be displayed, wherein the base carrier and the display carrier are mechanically coupled to each other in a force-transmitting manner for the purpose of carrying, and wherein the mechanical coupling achieves a direct conductive connection between the display carrier and the base carrier.

[0005] The product display system is, for example, a shelf or a table. This system is used to display products and can be installed in the sales area of ​​a store or in a storage room, etc. The basic components or structure of the product display system are the base carrier and the display carrier connected to the base carrier.

[0006] The base carrier should be understood as a component that supports the entire merchandise display system within the building structure. The base carrier can be configured for installation on the ground, fastening to a wall, or levitation assembly via ropes. Therefore, the base carrier forms a mechanical port or interface between the building structure and other components of the merchandise display system. Embodiments of the base carrier include shelf supports, particularly perforated wall supports, perforated walls, brackets, table legs, etc.

[0007] It should be noted that intermediate components can also be installed between the merchandise display system and the building structure. These intermediate components can be, for example, shelf legs, wheels, or bases. Therefore, these intermediate components can perform additional functions, such as improving the positioning of the merchandise display system and / or supporting the underlying structure when under load.

[0008] The display carrier should be understood as a mechanically supported structure, typically positioned at a defined location on the base carrier along its longitudinal extension, and projecting substantially laterally at an angle of 90° or slightly inclined (not equal to 90°, for example, between 70° and 110°) from the base carrier. The display carrier can be used to directly support goods, such as placing them on it or securing them by hanging, for example, with ropes or straps and the like. The display carrier can also be used to indirectly support goods, such as placing them on another structure connected to the display carrier, such as a shelf shelf or countertop or the like. In shelf construction, such a display carrier is often also referred to as a bracket for the shelf, wherein the bracket supports the shelf, and if necessary, surrounds or defines the shelf at its edge, or supports the shelf at a distance from its edge.

[0009] The mechanical coupling for force transmission between the base carrier and the display carrier can be achieved in various ways. Typically, the display carrier is hooked or suspended in an opening in the structure of the base carrier, such as one or more holes or slits. The display carrier can be screwed to the base carrier or connected by an interference fit. The basic function of this mechanical coupling is that it positions the display carrier on the base carrier such that the load generated by the displayed goods is discharged through the base carrier, thus ensuring that the display carrier remains substantially immovably secured to the base carrier even under load.

[0010] In addition to the force transmission effect of mechanical coupling, the mechanical coupling simultaneously establishes or forms a direct conductive connection between the display carrier and the base carrier. An advantage of this combined effect of the mechanical coupling is that the merchandise display system can be electrified, more precisely, without the traditional, separate plug-in connections and cables typically required for electrically guiding current, as is the case with mechanical coupling for force transmission. In the merchandise display system according to claim, current supply is now provided through the basic structure consisting of the base carrier and the display carrier.

[0011] Electrical or electronic appliances designated for placement in the merchandise display system are thus capable of being supplied with electrical power in the merchandise display system by directly using the basic structure as a conductor. As electrical appliances, for example, a lighting device can be used to illuminate or brighten the merchandise display system or a portion thereof. The lighting device can also illuminate or brighten objects placed in the merchandise display system, such as price tags. Electronic appliances refer to electrical appliances having electronic components.

[0012] Electronic devices can be, for example, constructed as electronic display devices and / or sensor devices. Electronic devices can also be so-called Internet of Things (IoT) devices, hereinafter referred to as "IoT," where "IoT" stands for "Internet of Things." "IoT" refers to devices that can respond via the Internet (or an Internet-like structure), such as via GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (Fifth Generation Mobile Radio), etc. IoT can be, for example, sensors (distance sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, radar sensors, cameras, etc.). IoT can also be displays for electronically changing still images and / or video images, especially electronic tags, such as electronic shelf labels (ESL).

[0013] The installation of cables required in other cases is therefore redundant, as these cables must extend along the basic structure and often result in an unsightly appearance, or require relatively complex laying to avoid such an appearance. Similarly, the installation of electrical connections, which in other cases supplement the mechanical coupling, is redundant, since the electrical connections are established directly between the base carrier and the display carrier. Therefore, the two parts of the basic structure can be connected to each other completely and without complexity, automatically establishing a conductive connection between them. Likewise, this electrical connection can be separated by loosening the mechanical coupling. Therefore, the assembly, disassembly, or maintenance of the basic structure requires no electrical technical knowledge and can therefore be performed directly by personnel in the store or by companies that have commissioned the installation or modification of the merchandise display system, who typically lack electrical technical training.

[0014] Therefore, the structure of the product display system is significantly simplified, saving more materials than traditional systems. Furthermore, it has been shown that traditional electrical (plug-in) connectors and cables are frequently damaged by environmental factors, such as negligent customers or sales personnel, or polluting activities. In contrast, the measures according to the claims form the basis for a product display system that stands out for its exceptional resistance to environmental factors by precisely eliminating such electrical (plug-in) connectors and freely extending cables.

[0015] Further, particularly advantageous designs and modifications of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0016] The basic components can be used for electrification, as will be discussed in the different construction forms below.

[0017] According to the first embodiment, for current guidance, the mechanically coupled first part belonging to the base carrier is connected to the electrode of the electrical power supply device, for example, via a cable. Similarly, the mechanically coupled second part belonging to the display carrier can be connected via a cable, thereby outputting current to the electrical load. The electrical load itself is directly or indirectly connected to the second electrode of the electrical power supply device to close the circuit loop.

[0018] To achieve the most compact possible construction, it has proven particularly advantageous that the base carrier and the display carrier are electrically constructed, especially of metal, and covered with an electrically insulating layer that is left open in the mechanically coupled areas.

[0019] The electrical insulating layer can be, for example, composed of an insulating varnish. Such an insulating coating can be achieved by powder coating or dip coating. After the insulating coating is applied and dried, the insulating coating can be removed from the areas (hereinafter referred to as current-guiding areas) at the base carrier and the display carrier that provide electrical conduction between the base carrier and the display carrier. This can be done, for example, by scraping or sanding. In the assembled state, the glossy, uncoated, conductive materials of the base carrier and the display carrier are thus in conductive contact with each other.

[0020] The current-guiding area can also be pre-masked before applying the insulating coating, making it impossible to construct the insulating coating there. After applying and drying the insulating coating, the masking portion is removed, allowing the current-guiding areas on the base carrier and the display carrier to freely approach each other again. In the assembled state, the glossy, uncoated, conductive materials of the base carrier and the display carrier are brought into conductive contact with each other again.

[0021] According to this first configuration, the entire basic element can be connected to the electrodes of the electrical power supply device, and the current transmission is carried along the basic element to the electrical load device not only without plugs but also without cables. The electrical load device itself is directly or indirectly connected to the electrical power supply device in order to close the circuit loop.

[0022] In another configuration, the base carrier and the display carrier can be composed of two electrically insulated portions. These electrically insulated portions extend at least partially, and if necessary, entirely along the longitudinal extension of the base carrier and / or the display carrier. In mechanical coupling, the first portion of the base carrier is electrically connected to the first portion of the display carrier, and the second portion of the base carrier is electrically connected to the second portion of the display carrier. In this configuration, the first portion of the base carrier can be connected to the first electrode of the power supply device, and the second portion of the base carrier can be connected to the second electrode of the power supply device. An electrical load can now be connected to both the first and second portions of the display carrier to close a circuit loop.

[0023] Preferably, according to another construction form, the basic elements are used in pairs for the electrification of the merchandise display system. In this configuration, a first electrical circuit structure is formed by a first base carrier and at least one first display carrier mechanically coupled to and directly electrically connected thereto, and a second electrical circuit structure is formed by a second base carrier and at least one second display carrier mechanically coupled to and directly electrically connected thereto. The two circuit structures are positioned relative to each other at a typical interval for the respective merchandise display system, allowing merchandise to be displayed between them. In this configuration, the first base carrier can be connected to a first electrode of the power supply device, and the second electrode of the power supply device can be connected to the second base carrier. The electrical load can now be connected to the first display carrier on one hand and to the second display carrier on the other hand to close the circuit loop.

[0024] Preferably, the merchandise display system carries at least one supply track, which is configured to electrically supply electrical appliances, especially electronic appliances, especially electronic display devices, that are disposed on or integrated into the supply track. Each of the two line structures is electrically and preferably mechanically connected to the supply track extending between the two end regions at its end region away from the corresponding base carrier (which has a mechanical coupling with the associated display carrier).

[0025] The supply track forms a mechanical port or interface for securing the appliance, which serves as the electrical load, to the merchandise display system. The supply track also forms an electrical port or interface between the corresponding display carrier and the electrical appliance. As described, the electrical appliance is preferably constructed as an electronic device, and can be, for example, a so-called "Electronic Shelf Label," abbreviated as ESL, which is "elektronischesRegaletikett" in German. However, the appliance can also be constructed as a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, motion sensor, proximity sensor, radar sensor, etc. The appliance can also be constructed as a camera.

[0026] From an electrical perspective, a passive supply track can be involved, which is solely for allowing current to flow between the first display carrier and the second display carrier through the electrical appliance, particularly through the electronic appliance. An electrical appliance that can be placed within and yet can be located away from the supply track is supplied with current while placed within it.

[0027] However, from an electrical perspective, active supply rails can also be involved, which provide various functions by equipping themselves with their own supply rail electronics, such as control functions for electrical appliances, especially electronic appliances, installed thereon, or communication functions, such as communication with these electronic appliances, and / or radio communication between the electronic appliances installed on the supply rail and external appliances. The supply rail can also have or include one or more appliances integrated into it. Such an active supply rail can be implemented, for example, as a video shelf rail, having a video screen for playing still images and / or video content as an electronic appliance, and a communication device as another electronic appliance, by means of which it can receive relevant content, and / or communicate playback progress to another external appliance, and / or receive or transmit synchronization information related to content playback.

[0028] To achieve the most compact possible current supply for electrical appliances, especially electronic appliances, it has proven particularly advantageous that the supply track has at least one first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the two contact elements (especially constructed as wires or tracks) extend substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal extension of the supply track, such that they are accessible along the supply track for electrical contact with the electrical appliances, especially electronic appliances, wherein the first contact element is electrically connected to the first circuit structure, and wherein the second contact element is electrically connected to the second circuit structure.

[0029] The corresponding conductive connection between the first contact element and the first circuit structure on one side and the second contact element and the second circuit structure on the other side can exist indirectly, such as by means of a plug connection, a clamp connection, or an intermediate electronic device, or directly, such as by means of a solder connection.

[0030] In the first configuration, the two electrical connections can be implemented identically. However, preferably, in the second configuration, they are implemented differently from each other, more precisely as described below.

[0031] The first contact element is electrically connected directly to the first circuit structure. For example, this allows the reference potential of the power supply device to be made available directly at the supply rail via the edge of the supply rail.

[0032] Regarding the other edges of the supply track, it has proven advantageous that the supply track has a supply track controller, particularly located on the edge side, configured and arranged to supply electrical appliances, especially electronic appliances, that can be placed on the supply track in terms of power technology and / or communication technology. The second contact element is indirectly connected to the second wiring structure via the electronic supply track controller, and the supply track controller is in direct electrical contact with the first contact element. This intermediate connection via the supply track controller provides the advantage that, on the one hand, the supply voltage can be influenced by the supply track controller, for example, its voltage can be controlled, thereby controlling power consumption on the supply track, and / or on the other hand, the supply voltage itself can also be used to signal information or operating modes at the supply track.

[0033] To ensure a reliable and uninterrupted current supply at the supply track, the supply track is constructed to be electrically insulated such that the at least two contact elements are electrically insulated from each other at the supply track, and that the two display carriers extending between them are electrically insulated from each other.

[0034] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous that the mechanically supported structure of the supply track is made of electrically insulating materials, especially non-conductive plastics.

[0035] According to another aspect, the product display system can have its own electrical power supply device, wherein the first circuit structure is conductively connected, particularly at its first base carrier, to the first electrode of the electrical power supply device, especially the electrode that provides a reference potential, and wherein the second circuit structure is conductively connected, particularly at its second base carrier, to the second electrode of the electrical power supply device, especially the electrode with a supply voltage potential. Therefore, each product display system can operate autonomously and continuously with electrical power through its own power supply device.

[0036] In another aspect, a display panel for displaying goods extends between the two display carriers in a manner supported by the two carriers. This display panel is either electrically insulated, such as from non-conductive plastic or wood, or electrically insulated from the two display carriers. Therefore, uninterrupted operation of the current supply is ensured when using the two basic components, as the insulation reliably prevents the risk of short circuits between the two basic components.

[0037] To ensure easy and uncomplicated operation during installation or disassembly of the merchandise display system, as well as during maintenance or redesign, it has proven particularly advantageous for the merchandise display system to have a merchandise display module. This module is formed by two display carriers, a display panel extending between the two carriers, and a supply track extending between the carriers, the supply track preferably enclosing the edge of the display panel extending therefrom. This merchandise display module, as an assembly module, can be easily mechanically coupled to the base carrier, thereby creating a force-transmitting connection and a conductive connection for supplying electricity to the supply track or, more specifically, electrical appliances, particularly electronic appliances, located therefrom. Particularly preferably, the base carrier is a perforated wall support in which the corresponding display carriers are suspended.

[0038] In a particularly preferred configuration, the merchandise display module is a pre-assembled structural component, wherein the component is positioned on the two base carriers at its side opposite the supply track. The term "pre-assembled" here means that the structural component is supplied assembled, for example, from the factory, or at least delivered or used assembled by a so-called shelf or retail facility builder, i.e., by professionals. Therefore, a reliable power supply to the merchandise display system is guaranteed, and potential errors during assembly are eliminated. Functional testing can also be performed prior to installation in the retail space.

[0039] Finally, it is still mentioned that the power supply device can be a conventional power appliance supplied by grid current, a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, or a rechargeable battery supplied by "Power over WiFi".

[0040] Finally, it should be generally mentioned that the electronic devices discussed or mentioned (such as ESLs, video shelving tracks, etc.) have electronic components. These electronic components can be constructed discretely, through integrated electronic components, or a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can also be used, in combination with analog or digital electronic peripherals where necessary. Where necessary, in conjunction with hardware components, many of the mentioned functionalities of the device are implemented by means of software implemented on the processor of the electronic device. Devices constructed for radio communication typically have an antenna configuration as part of a transceiver module for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The electronic devices can also have an internal power supply, which can be provided, for example, by a replaceable or rechargeable battery. The devices can also be powered via a wired connection, or via an external power supply unit, or via Power over LAN (“Power over LAN”).

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail again with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; however, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Here, the same components are given the same reference numerals in different figures. The invention is illustrated schematically as follows: Figure 1 A product display system is shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the product display system is shown, illustrating the coupling between the perforated wall supports and the display carrier. Figure 3 A portion of the merchandise display system is shown, illustrating the contact between the shelf tracks. Figure 4 A portion of the merchandise display system is shown, along with the contact points of the supply track controller. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A merchandise display system 1 is shown, which is implemented as a shelf for displaying merchandise. The merchandise display system has: two base carriers (constructed as a first perforated wall support 4A and a second perforated wall support 4B) configured as perforated wall supports 4A and 4B; two display carriers 3A and 3B (first display carrier 3A and second display carrier 3B) configured as brackets for shelves 2; and said shelves 2, which are configured to hold the merchandise to be displayed.

[0044] The perforated wall supports 4A and 4B and the display carriers 3A and 3B are made of conductive sheet material. In this embodiment, the perforated wall supports 4A and 4B and the display carriers 3A and 3B are partially painted.

[0045] At the front end of the shelf 2, the shelf is connected to the shelf rail 16. The shelf rail 16 has a supply rail controller 17, which supplies power and data to an electronic display device via printed wires 18A, 18B, and 18C (not visible here). This electronic display device is known as an Electronic Shelf Label, abbreviated as ESL 19. A plastic cover 20 is provided at the end of the shelf rail 16 opposite to the supply rail controller 17. The supply rail controller 17... Figure 1 The housing 31 of the supply track controller can be seen in the image.

[0046] For load-bearing purposes, the perforated wall supports 4A and 4B and the display carriers 3A and 3B can be connected to each other via mechanical coupling 7 to transmit force. For this purpose, the perforated wall supports 4A and 4B have holes 5, and the display carriers 3A and 3B each have two hooks 6 for hanging into the holes 5. Figure 1 In the second display carrier 3B, the hook 6 is not visible because the shelf 2 is obscured, but it is constructed similarly.

[0047] Orifice wall supports 4A and 4B are positioned in and supported by substrate 8. For this purpose, the orifice wall supports 4A and 4B are inserted into recesses in substrate 8, which are respectively lined with rubber sleeves to provide stable retention of the orifice wall supports and to insulate them in addition to the defined electrical connection areas. Substrate 8 has a battery 9, which provides a reference potential GND at its first electrode and a first supply voltage VCC at its second electrode. The first electrode of battery 9 is connected to the first orifice wall support 4A through a connection area of ​​the first orifice wall support 4A. The second electrode of battery 9 is connected to the second orifice wall support 4B through a connection area of ​​the second orifice wall support 4B. In this configuration, the first orifice wall support 4A has a reference potential GND, and the second orifice wall support 4B has a supply voltage VCC with respect to the reference potential GND.

[0048] It should be noted that the perforated wall supports 4A and 4B can be used with or without paint. If an insulating paint is applied in principle, the connection area is constructed without paint. Therefore, the connection area can be covered or omitted during painting, or the paint can be removed after painting. This also applies to other locations where electrical guidance or electrical contact is provided.

[0049] The product display system 1 is constructed in such a way that the mechanical coupling 7 achieves a direct conductive connection between the corresponding display carrier and the base carrier mechanically coupled thereto, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Here, it directly means that the conductive connection is made without a plug and without the need for any additional components.

[0050] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first perforated wall support 4A with a first hanging display carrier 3A is shown. A second perforated wall support 4B with a second hanging display carrier 3B is constructed similarly. The perforated wall support 4A has a front wall 10, two side walls 11, and a rear wall 12. Figure 2 In the diagram, the front wall 10 is shown in cross-section and has the hole 5. The front wall 10 transitions into a first side wall 11, which in turn transitions into a rear wall 12, also shown in cross-section. The rear wall 12 then transitions into a second side wall, which is not visible in the cross-section. This second side wall then transitions into the front wall 10. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The cross-sections of the perforated wall supports 4A and 4B can be seen at the upper end of the perforated wall supports.

[0051] See Figure 2As shown, the perforated wall support 4A has an outer side 15, which is painted as mentioned. The front wall 10 has an unpainted inner side 15A. As with the connecting area, the unpainted inner side 15A can be omitted during the painting process, or the paint can be (partially) removed to provide conductivity, for example, by grinding. The hole 5 has a surrounding peripheral side 13, which is also unpainted or conductive.

[0052] In this embodiment, the display carrier 3A is mostly painted, and the hook has an unpainted contact surface 14 for contacting the unpainted inner side 15A and the peripheral side 13. Therefore, the first display carrier 3A has the same potential as the first perforated wall support 4A when mechanically coupled to it, namely the reference potential GND. Correspondingly, the second display carrier 3B has the supply voltage VCC when mechanically coupled to the second perforated wall support 4B.

[0053] Therefore, the two display carriers 3A and 3B have different electrical potentials. The shelf 2 is electrically insulated relative to the two display carriers 3A and 3B. For this purpose, on the one hand, the shelf 2 is coated with an insulating varnish. On the other hand, the shelf 2 can be connected to the display carriers 3A and 3B via insulating support parts, for example, support parts made of plastic (e.g., rubber or silicone). Alternatively, the shelf 2 itself can be made of a non-conductive material.

[0054] As in Figure 1 As shown, the shelf track 16 is located at the front end of the display carrier 3B, wherein the shelf track is electrically coupled to the display carrier 3B via a conductive connecting element 21, which is positioned to be hidden under the plastic cover 20 to prevent it from being seen (see [reference]). Figure 1 ), such as this in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the plastic cover 20 is removed from the shelf rail 16 so that the connecting element 21 removed from the shelf rail 16 is visible. The plastic cover 20 is able to have a material clearance on one side of its side oriented toward the connecting element 21 to receive the connecting element 21, and still ends flush with the shelf rail 16.

[0055] Figure 3An exploded view of a section of the merchandise display system 1 in the environment surrounding the plastic cover 20 is shown. The shelf track 16 is located below the plastic cover 20 and has a central wall, or rear wall 24, and a printed conductor carrier 23. The printed conductor carrier 23 carries the printed conductors 18A to 18C, which, viewed from above, involve: a first printed conductor 18A for providing a reference potential GND; a second printed conductor 18B for providing a data signal; and a third printed conductor 18C for providing a second supply voltage VCC2, which is generated by the first supply voltage VCC relative to the reference potential GND by means of a supply track controller 17. The printed conductors 18A are oriented toward the rear wall 24, such that an appliance receiving slot 22 for receiving electronic devices, particularly the ESL 19, is formed between the printed conductor carrier 23 and the rear wall 24. For this purpose, see the published patent applications WO2022 / 188955 A1 and WO 2022 / 188956 A1, which explore the electronic and mechanical coupling of electronic appliances to the shelf track 16.

[0056] It should be noted that, in the usual sense of the description, the first printed conductor 18A forms a first contact element, and the third printed conductor 18C forms a second contact element.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In this design, the connecting element 21 is configured as a curved spring contact with a contact area 25 for contacting the printed conductor 18 (specifically, the first printed conductor 18A). Furthermore, the connecting element 21 has a curved intermediate region 26 and an end region 27. Corresponding to the dimensions of the intermediate region 26 and the end region 27, and the position of the printed conductor 18A, the display carrier 3A has two holes 28 and 29. These holes are constructed without paint, i.e., conductive, on their peripheral surfaces and adjacent to these peripheral surfaces. Therefore, the connecting element 21 is inserted into the first hole 28 with the intermediate region 26 and into the second hole 29 with the end region 27, such that the contact area 25 contacts the first printed conductor 18A, and conductively connects the first printed conductor to the display carrier 3A. Thus, the first printed conductor 18A has the reference potential GND in the connected state. The dual introduction of the connecting element 21 into the display carrier 3A ensures stable mechanical and reliable electrical coupling.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the display carrier 3A may have two recesses 30 (not visible in the perspective view) for receiving the interlocking connection of the plastic cover 20. During assembly, the interlocking connection of the plastic cover 20 is inserted into and received by these recesses in order to secure the plastic cover 20.

[0059] Figure 4 The end section of the shelf track 16 is shown at the location where the supply track controller 17 contacts the printed leads 18A, 18B, and 18C. The housing 31 of the supply track controller 17 (this housing is in...) Figure 1 (As can be seen in the image) This view is shown removed so that the printed conductors 18A, 18B, 18C, or their contacts, can be seen. The supply track controller 17 has a printed circuit board 32 that carries electronics 37 and three spring elements 33A, 33B, and 33C for contacting the printed conductors 18A, 18B, and 18C, wherein the three spring elements 33A to 33C are connected to the electronics. Through the spring element 33A and the printed conductor 18A in contact with it (which is connected to the display carrier 3A and thus to the perforated plate wall support 4A), the electronics of the supply track controller 17 are connected to the first electrode of the battery 9, and thus provide them with the reference potential GND.

[0060] Furthermore, the supply track controller 17 has a conductive spring element 34 with a raised (convex inwards towards the image plane), non-insulated contact area 35. The printed circuit board 32 and the electronics thereby carried are conductively connected to the spring element. Corresponding to the positioning of the contact area 35, the second display carrier 3B has a recess or countersunk hole 36. The recess or countersunk hole 36 is unpainted and conductive, and conforms to the shape of the contact area 35. The contact area 35 is embedded in the recess 36, where a conductive connection is formed. As described, the second display carrier 3B is connected to the battery 9 via the second perforated plate support 4B, and therefore has a first supply voltage VCC, which the electronics 37 of the supply track controller 17 can obtain via the spring element 34.

[0061] Therefore, the supply track controller 17 supplies electricity through two basic components of the merchandise display system 1 (components 3A and 4A on one hand, or components 3B and 4B on the other hand) that are connected in the middle.

[0062] Electronic device 37 has a radio module configured to communicate radio-based with an access point (not shown). Through this access point, the supply track controller 17 obtains information for controlling the ESL 19 (on the shelf track 16). Figure 4 For reasons of clarity, it is not shown, however see Figure 1Data, or data relating to the ESL 19 or the supply track controller 17, is communicated to the access point. Furthermore, the electronics 36 are configured to provide a second supply voltage VCC2 for the ESL 19 when using a first supply voltage VCC provided by the battery 9. Here, the second supply voltage VCC2 may correspond to, or differ from, the supply voltage VCC (provided by the battery 9), for example, being lower or higher. Data, or signals, are communicated with the ESL 19 via the second spring contact 33B and the second printed conductor 18B. The second supply voltage VCC2 for the ESL 19 is provided via the third spring contact 33C and the third printed conductor 18C.

[0063] As described, power is thus supplied to the supply track controller 17 from the battery 9 via the perforated wall supports 4A, 4B, the display carriers 3A, 3B, and the printed conductors 18A. The supply track controller 17, in turn, provides power and information supply for the ESL 19 at the shelf track 16 via the printed conductors 18A, 18B, 18C.

[0064] Finally, it should be reiterated that the accompanying drawings described in detail above are only embodiments, and these embodiments can be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For the purpose of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite article "an" or "a kind" does not exclude the possibility that the related features may exist multiple times.

Claims

1. A product display system (1) for displaying products, the product display system having: - At least one basic carrier (4A, 4B); and - At least one display carrier (3A, 3B), said at least one display carrier being configured to hold the goods to be displayed; and - in, The base carriers (4A, 4B) and the display carriers (3A, 3B) are mechanically coupled (7) to each other in a force-transfer manner for the purpose of bearing loads; and - Wherein, the mechanical coupling (7) realizes a direct conductive connection between the display carrier (3A, 3B) and the base carrier (4A, 4B).

2. The product display system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The base carriers (4A, 4B) and the display carriers (3A, 3B) are electrically constructed, particularly made of metal, and covered with an electrically insulating layer, which is left open in the area of ​​the mechanical coupling (7).

3. The product display system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - The first electrical circuit structure is formed by a first basic carrier (4A, 4B) and at least one first display carrier (3A, 3B) that is mechanically coupled to and directly electrically connected to it; and - The second electrical circuit structure is formed by a second basic carrier (4A, 4B) and at least one second display carrier (3A, 3B) that is mechanically coupled to and directly electrically connected to it.

4. The product display system (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The product display system (1) carries at least one supply track (16), the supply track (16) being configured to supply electronic appliances (19), particularly electronic display devices, that can be placed on the supply track (16); - Wherein, each of the two line structures is electrically and preferably mechanically connected to a supply track (16) extending between the two end regions at its end region away from the corresponding base carrier, utilizing the mechanical coupling (7) of the corresponding base carrier with the associated display carrier (3A, 3B).

5. The product display system (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The supply track (16) has at least one first contact element and a second contact element (18A, 18C), wherein, - The two contact elements (18A, 18C) are specifically constructed as wires or tracks, extending substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal extension of the supply track (16), such that the two contact elements along the supply track (16) are accessible for electrical contact via the electronic appliance (19), wherein, - The first contact element (18A) is electrically connected to the first circuit structure, and wherein, - The second contact element (18C) is electrically connected to the second circuit structure.

6. The product display system (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first contact element (18A) is directly conductively connected to the first circuit structure.

7. The product display system (1) according to claim 6, wherein, - The supply track (16) has a supply track controller (17) located particularly on the edge side, the supply track controller being constructed and configured to supply electronic devices (19) that can be disposed at the supply track (16) in terms of power technology and / or communication technology, wherein, - The second contact element (18C) is indirectly connected to the second circuit structure through the electronic supply track controller (17), and the supply track controller (17) is in direct electrical contact with the first contact element (18A).

8. The product display system (1) according to claims 5 to 7, wherein, The supply track (16) is constructed to be electrically insulated at least in such a way that - The at least two contact elements (18A, 18C) are electrically insulated from each other and carried at the supply rail, and - The two display carriers (3A, 3B) extending between the supply track are electrically insulated from each other.

9. The product display system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mechanically supported structure of the supply track (16) is made of electrically insulating material, especially non-conductive plastic.

10. The merchandise display system (1) according to claims 3 to 7, wherein the merchandise display system has an electrical power supply device (9), wherein, - The first circuit structure is conductively connected, particularly at its first base carrier (4A), to the first electrode of the electrical power supply device (9), especially the electrode with the reference potential (GND), and wherein, - The second circuit structure is electrically connected, in particular, at its second base carrier (4B), to the second electrode of the power supply device (9), especially the electrode with the potential of the supply voltage (VCC).

11. The merchandise display system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein, A display panel (2) for displaying goods extends between the two display carriers (3A, 3B) in a manner supported by the two display carriers (3A, 3B), wherein the display panel (2) or - Electrically insulating construction, such as, for example, made of non-conductive plastic or wood, or - Electrically insulated placement on the two display carriers (3A, 3B).

12. The product display system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the product display system has a product display module, wherein, The product display module is formed through the following: - The two display carriers (3A, 3B); and - A display panel (2) extending between the two display carriers (3A, 3B); and - A supply track (16) extending between the display carriers (3A, 3B), the supply track preferably enclosing the edge of the display panel (2) that extends there.

13. The product display system (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The product display module exists as a pre-assembled structural component, wherein the structural component is placed on the two base carriers (4A, 4B) at its side opposite to the supply track (16).

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