Track for electronic shelf labels and device for electronic shelf labels

Abstract

The utility model discloses a track for an electronic shelf label (ESL), which is mounted on a shelf, the shelf is provided with a groove part, the groove part is provided with a groove wall extending outwards, and the ESL is provided with a front surface and a back surface. The rail comprises a combining part, a connecting structure and a heightening part, the combining part is provided with a front surface, a rear surface and a top, and the front surface is provided with a groove part used for containing the back face of the ESL; the connecting structure is arranged on the rear surface of the combining part so as to clamp the groove wall; and the heightening part is configured to be connected with the combination part and protrude out of the top of the combination part. The utility model further relates to a device for the electronic shelf label rolling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf accessory, in particular to a track for an electronic shelf label (ESL) and a device for the electronic shelf label. Background Art

[0002] Stores and supermarket shelves traditionally display product information on paper labels. However, due to the advantages of systematic management, ESLs have gradually replaced paper labels and are widely used in the retail industry. When installing ESLs on shelves, in addition to clearly displaying product information, the ESL's robustness and the stability of the products on the shelf also need to be considered. Current ESL rails are limited to simply mounting the ESL on the shelf. To enhance the functionality of ESL rails, there is a desire to develop an ESL rail that prevents products from sliding off the shelf and being damaged in earthquakes or impacts. This rail would also make the ESL easy to install and convenient to view. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a track for ESL, which can enable the ESL to be firmly installed on the shelf, prevent the goods on the shelf from falling, and make the ESL easy to install on the track and easy to view.

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a track for an ESL is disclosed, wherein the track is mounted on a shelf having a groove portion with outwardly extending groove walls, and the ESL has a front and a back surface. The track includes a coupling portion, a connecting structure, and a raised portion, wherein the coupling portion has a front surface, a rear surface, and a top, the front surface being provided with a groove portion for accommodating the back surface of the ESL; the connecting structure being provided on the rear surface of the coupling portion and having an insert and a stopper for clamping the groove walls; and the raised portion being configured to connect to the coupling portion and protrude from the top of the coupling portion. In the connecting structure, the insert is provided to be inserted into the groove portion and parallel to the groove walls, and the stopper is provided between the insert and the rear surface for abutting against the outside of the groove walls.

[0005] In some embodiments of the track for ESL, the groove portion is formed by the front surface and a pair of engaging portions, the pair of engaging portions being relatively arranged at both ends of the front surface for engaging with an upper edge and a lower edge of the back surface of the electronic shelf label; the abutment is configured to form a space between the insert and the rear surface of the coupling portion, and to clamp the groove wall together with the insert; when the electronic shelf label is installed on the shelf, the electronic shelf label has an angle with a longitudinal direction; and the raised portion extends along the length direction of the coupling portion.

[0006] In some embodiments of the track for ESL, the angle is between 0 degree and 45 degree.

[0007] In some embodiments of the track for ESL, the raised portion extends upward from the coupling portion to protrude from the top of the coupling portion; and the abutting member protrudes rearward from the rear surface to form the engagement structure with the insertion member.

[0008] In some embodiments of the track for ESL, the engagement structure is connected with the raised portion, and the engagement structure and the raised portion are connected with the coupling portion by a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is a resilient support assembly and is configured to connect the raised portion with the top of the coupling portion.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a track for ESL is disclosed, wherein the track is installed on a shelf, the shelf has a recessed portion with a slot wall extending outward, and the ESL has a front surface and a back surface. The track includes a coupling portion, an engagement structure, and a raised portion, wherein the coupling portion has a front surface, a rear surface, and a top portion, the front surface is provided with a groove portion for accommodating the back surface of the ESL; the engagement structure is provided on the rear surface of the coupling portion to clamp the slot wall; and the raised portion is configured to be connected with the coupling portion and protrude from the top of the coupling portion.

[0010] In some embodiments of the track for ESL, the engagement structure includes an insertion member arranged to be inserted into the recessed portion and parallel to the slot wall, and an abutting member arranged between the insertion member and the rear surface to form a space between the insertion member and the rear surface of the coupling portion, the abutting member abuts the outer portion of the slot wall to clamp the slot wall together with the insertion member.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for ESL is disclosed, wherein the device is installed on a shelf, and the shelf includes a placement plane and a non-horizontal engagement plate. The device includes a coupling portion and an engagement structure, wherein the coupling portion is used to couple the ESL; and the engagement structure is configured to be connected with the coupling portion to engage the non-horizontal engagement plate to install the device on the shelf. The engagement structure includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, and the second clamping portion clamps the non-horizontal engagement plate between the first clamping portion.

[0012] In some embodiments of the device for ESL, the non-horizontal engagement plate is one of a vertical baffle, a U-shaped plate, and a V-shaped plate; the electronic shelf label has a front surface and a back surface, the coupling portion includes a front surface and a rear surface, and the front surface is configured to couple the back surface; and the first clamping portion is an insertion member arranged to be inserted into the non-horizontal engagement plate, and the second clamping portion is an abutting member arranged to abut the outer portion of the non-horizontal engagement plate.

[0013] In some embodiments of the device for ESL, the device for electronic shelf labels further includes: a raised portion extending upward from the connecting portion and higher than the electronic shelf label and the storage surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The purpose and advantages of this invention can be better understood through the following figures and detailed description:

[0015] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a track according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side cross-sectional view of the track combined with ESL and shelf;

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a track according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of the rail combined with the ESL and the shelf; and

[0021] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a track according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference Signs List

[0023] 1, 4, 5: Tracks

[0024] 2: Electronic shelf labels

[0025] 2a: Front

[0026] 2b: Back

[0027] 3: Shelves

[0028] 3a: Groove

[0029] 3b, 3c: groove wall

[0030] 3d: Storage plane

[0031] 10, 40: junction

[0032] 11: Front surface

[0033] 12, 42: rear surface

[0034] 13: Top

[0035] 14: Groove

[0036] 15: snap-fit ​​part

[0037] 20, 50: Connecting structure

[0038] 21, 51: Insert

[0039] 22, 52: Abutment

[0040] 30, 60: Heightening part

[0041] 47, 48: Support components

[0042] 53: Connecting plate

[0043] S: Space

[0044] L: vertical direction

[0045] A: Angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be fully understood through the following embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can complete the present invention accordingly. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments. Those skilled in the art can deduce other embodiments based on the spirit of the disclosed embodiments, and all such embodiments shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] In one aspect of the present invention, a track for an ESL is provided. With its special structure, the ESL can not only be firmly installed on the shelf, but also prevent the goods on the shelf from falling forward, and make the ESL easy to install and convenient to view.

[0048] The track in this application is suitable for use with shelves having grooves and groove walls. As used herein, the term "groove" refers to the recessed portion of the shelf edge that allows accessories to connect to the shelf. Generally speaking, the groove extends in the same direction as the shelf, but grooves extending in a different direction from the shelf are also covered by this application.

[0049] The term "groove wall" used herein refers to the side wall extending outward from the groove portion. For example, if the groove portion is U-shaped, the groove wall is two upright side walls; if the groove portion is V-shaped, the groove wall is two inclined side walls. In the present invention, the groove wall and the groove portion can also be separate components. For example, the groove wall can be a baffle standing upright in the groove portion and protruding from the groove portion. The shelf accessories can be connected to the shelf through the extended groove wall of the groove portion. Depending on the design of the connection structure and the shelf accessories, the connection methods of the two include but are not limited to snapping, clamping, and insertion.

[0050] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the track 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of Figure 3 for Figure 2 The track 1 of this case includes a joint portion 10, a connecting structure 20 and a heightened portion 30. Figure 2 Different blocks are used to represent their ranges.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the coupling portion 10 has a front surface 11, a rear surface 12, and a top portion 13. A groove 14 is provided on the front surface 11 to accommodate the back surface 2b of the ESL 2. When installing the ESL 2, the back surface 2b of the ESL 2 can be engaged with the groove 14, or the side of the coupling portion 10 can be slid into the groove 14 to adjust the ESL 2 to the appropriate position. The groove 14 is formed by the front surface 11 and a pair of engaging portions 15. The engaging portions 15 are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the front surface 11 to engage with the upper and lower edges of the back surface 2b of the ESL 2.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting structure 20 is provided on the rear surface 12 of the joint 10 and includes an insert 21 and a stop 22, wherein the insert 21 protrudes from the rear surface 12 and bends downward, and the stop 22 protrudes backward from the rear surface 12 and is provided between the insert 21 and the rear surface 12. Figure 3 As shown, when the rail 1 is coupled to the shelf 3, the insert 21 is inserted into the groove portion 3a and parallel to the groove walls 3b and 3c, while the abutment 22 abuts against the outside of the groove wall 3b and, together with the insert 21, clamps the groove wall 3b, thereby firmly securing the ESL 2 to the shelf 3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insert 21 and abutment 22 of the coupling structure 20 are not limited to the structures depicted in the drawings; any structure that can jointly clamp the groove wall 3b falls within the scope of the coupling structure 20 of this invention.

[0053] In addition to clamping the groove wall 3b together with the insert 21, the abutment member 22 forms a space S between the insert 21 and the rear surface 12 of the joint 10. Figure 3 When the ESL 2 is engaged with the groove portion 14, the user can first engage one edge of the back side 2b of the ESL 2 with the engaging portion 15, and then press the other edge to engage with the other engaging portion 15. When the space S exists, the groove portion 14 has a backward stroke, which increases the elasticity of the pressing force on the ESL 2 and makes it easier for the back side 2b of the ESL 2 to be snapped into the groove portion 14.

[0054] To facilitate viewing of the ESL 2, when mounted on the shelf 3, the ESL 2 is not completely upright. Instead, it is positioned at an angle A relative to the longitudinal direction L, allowing the user's line of sight to be aligned with the front face 2a of the ESL 2. Preferably, the angle A is between 0 and 45 degrees. This angle A allows the user to look down at the lower ESL 2 or look up at the higher ESL 2 without having to squat or stand higher.

[0055] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heightened portion 30 is configured to be connected to the joint portion 10 and protrude from the top 13 of the joint portion 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heightened portion 30 is directly connected to the joint portion 10 (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 As shown), for example, it extends upward from the joint portion 10; and in another embodiment of the present case, the raised portion 60 is indirectly connected to the joint portion 40 (as shown Figures 4 to 6 as shown), for example, connected to the joint 40 via a support assembly 47.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the raised portion 30 is a raised plate extending along the length of the coupling portion 10, which is used to block the merchandise on the shelf 3 and prevent it from sliding off the shelf and being damaged. In other embodiments of the present invention, the raised portion 30 can also be a plurality of raised components protruding upward from the top 13 of the coupling portion 10, which can also achieve the effect of preventing merchandise from sliding off.

[0057] See also Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the track 4 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 for Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of Figure 6 for Figure 5 The track 4 of this case includes a connecting portion 40, a connecting structure 50 and a heightened portion 60. Figure 5 In the , different blocks are used to represent their ranges. Figures 1 to 3 The difference is that in addition to the connecting structure 50 and the raised portion 60, the rear surface 42 of the connecting portion 40 is also provided with support components 47 and 48, and the connecting structure 50 and the raised portion 60 are not extended from the rear surface 42 of the connecting portion 40, but are connected to the connecting portion 40 through the support component 47.

[0058] In the present invention, the support component 47 is an elastic support component, which can be made of soft materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), so that the joint 40 can be flipped upward with the support component 47 as a fulcrum (such as Figure 6For example, when the staff of a store or supermarket needs to view or scan the bar code at the bottom of the ESL 2, the joint portion 40 of the track 4 only needs to be flipped up so that the bar code is easily scanned.

[0059] Another support assembly 48 is disposed on the rear surface 42 of the joint portion 40 adjacent to the engaging structure 50, and cooperates with the support assembly 47 to support the joint portion 40. When the ESL 2 installed on the shelf 3 is not flipped, the support assembly 48 is in contact with the engaging structure 50 to provide a support force to the ESL 2 so that the ESL 2 does not fall vertically to the ground.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5 , the engaging structure 50 is disposed on the rear surface 42 of the joint portion 40 and connected with the raised portion 60. The engaging structure 50 includes an insertion piece 51, an abutting piece 52, and a connecting plate 53, wherein the engaging structure 50 is connected with the raised portion 60 via the connecting plate 53, the insertion piece 51 protrudes backward from the connecting plate 53 and is bent downward, and the abutting piece 52 extends downward from the connecting plate 53 and is bent. As shown in Figure 6 , when the track 4 is combined with the shelf 3, the insertion piece 51 and the abutting piece 52 cooperatively clamp the groove wall 3b in a manner similar to Figure 3 . Those skilled in the art should understand that the insertion piece 51 and the abutting piece 52 of the engaging structure 50 are not limited to the structure depicted in the drawings, as long as the structure can cooperatively clamp the groove wall 3b, it is within the scope of the engaging structure 50.

[0061] Although Figures 5 and 6 the abutting piece 52 in Figure 3 is different from the abutting piece 21 in , the abutting piece 52 also forms a space (not shown) between the insertion piece 51 and the rear surface 42 of the joint portion 40. When this space exists, the joint portion 40 has a backward travel, increasing the elasticity of pressing the ESL 2, so that the back of the ESL 2 is more easily buckled into the joint portion 40.

[0062] The track of the present application can not only stably install the ESL on the shelf through its special engaging structure and raised portion, but also prevent the goods on the shelf from falling. In addition, the space S of the track of the present application makes the installation of the ESL on the track easier, and also makes it easier for users to view the ESL, which has more advantages in use compared to the existing ESL track.

[0063] In another aspect of the present invention, a track for an ESL is provided. The track is mounted on a shelf and includes a coupling portion, a connecting structure, and a raised portion. The coupling portion is configured to accommodate the ESL, the connecting structure is configured to clamp a groove wall, and the raised portion is connected to the coupling portion and protrudes from the top of the coupling portion. According to the concept of the present invention, the connecting structure is not limited to the aforementioned structure comprising an insert and abutment. As long as it can clamp the groove wall of the shelf, it is suitable for mounting the track on a shelf comprising a groove portion and groove wall.

[0064] The connecting structure can be composed of one or more components. When the connecting structure is a single component, the connecting structure is configured to clamp the groove wall at an edge or at any position. When the connecting structure is composed of multiple components, the connecting structure can be configured to clamp the groove wall from a side-by-side position, a left-right direction, or a front-to-back direction. Preferably, the connecting structure of this embodiment is composed of two components, and clamps the groove wall from the front-to-back direction.

[0065] Connecting structures suitable for the above-mentioned shelves include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​structures, clamping structures, inserting structures, and combinations thereof. Specifically, the connecting structure in this embodiment can be a buckle, a hook, a clamp, an insert, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the connecting structure in this embodiment includes an insert and a supporting member. The insert is inserted into the groove portion and parallel to the groove wall. The supporting member abuts against the outside of the groove wall and, together with the insert, clamps the groove wall.

[0066] In another aspect of the present invention, a device for ESL is provided, which is installed on a shelf, is suitable for a shelf including a flat surface for placing goods and a non-horizontal connecting plate, and includes a joint portion and a connecting structure. The device refers to an accessory of the shelf, such as a track for installing the ESL. Figure 3 For example, the loading surface 3d of shelf 3 is the surface on which goods or merchandise are placed, typically a horizontal plane. The term "non-horizontal connecting plate" as used herein refers to a portion of the shelf that connects to the loading surface but is not horizontal, used to connect shelf accessories. The non-horizontal connecting plate in this case can be implemented in various ways, including a combination of a groove and groove walls (such as a full U-shaped plate or a V-shaped plate), a baffle protruding from the groove (such as a vertical baffle), or a baffle that stands upright from the loading surface.

[0067] The connection structure in this case is configured to be connected to the joint portion to connect the non-horizontal connection plate and install the shelf accessories on the shelf. The connection structure clamps the non-horizontal connection plate between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion by means of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. The terms "first clamping portion" and "second clamping portion" used herein refer to two components of the connection structure. These two components are not limited to specific shapes. As long as they can clamp the non-horizontal connection plate between the two components, they are applicable to the connection structure in this case. In one embodiment, the first clamping portion is an insert, which is configured to be inserted into the non-horizontal connection plate, and the second clamping portion is an abutment, which is configured to abut against the outside of the non-horizontal connection plate. In another embodiment, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are two parts of a clamp, which are configured to clamp the non-horizontal connection plate together.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a track 5 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the track 5 includes a joint 10 and a connecting structure 20, wherein the combination of the track 5 with the ESL and the shelf is the same as that of the above embodiment. Figure 7 The connecting structure 20 in the Figures 1 to 3 The connection structure 20 is the same as Figure 7 The connecting structure 20 can also be designed as follows according to needs. Figures 4 to 6 In the connecting structure 50. In addition, the track 5 can optionally include an elevated portion that extends upward from the connecting portion 10 and is higher than the ESL and the cargo level.

[0069] The track in this case can connect to non-horizontal connecting plates through the design of the connecting structure. It is suitable for different types of shelves (such as shelves with U-shaped grooves, V-shaped grooves or baffles). It is not limited to matching with specific shelves and has a wide range of applications.

[0070] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the present invention. Any skilled artisan may make modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended patent claims. Furthermore, no single embodiment or patent claim of the present invention is required to achieve all of the objects, advantages, or features disclosed herein. Furthermore, the abstract and title are intended solely to assist in searching patent documents and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A track for an electronic shelf label, wherein the track is mounted on a shelf, the shelf having a groove portion, the groove portion having a groove wall extending outward, and the electronic shelf label having a front face and a back face, characterized in that: This track includes: a coupling portion having a front surface, a rear surface, and a top portion, wherein a groove portion is provided on the front surface for accommodating the rear surface of the electronic shelf label; A connecting structure is provided on the rear surface of the joint portion and has an inserting member and a supporting member for clamping the groove wall, wherein: The insert is configured to be inserted into the groove portion and parallel to the groove wall; and The abutment member is disposed between the insert and the rear surface for abutting against the exterior of the groove wall; and A raised portion is configured to be connected to the connecting portion and protrude from the top of the connecting portion.

2. The track for electronic shelf labels according to claim 1, wherein: The groove portion is formed by the front surface and a pair of engaging portions, the pair of engaging portions being oppositely disposed at two ends of the front surface for engaging with an upper edge and a lower edge of the back surface of the electronic shelf label; The abutting member is configured to form a space between the inserting member and the rear surface of the coupling portion, and to clamp the groove wall together with the inserting member; When the electronic shelf label is mounted on the shelf, the electronic shelf label forms an angle with a longitudinal direction; and The raised portion extends along the length direction of the connecting portion.

3. The track for electronic shelf labels according to claim 2, wherein: The angle is between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

4. The track for electronic shelf labels according to claim 1, wherein: The raised portion extends upward from the connecting portion and protrudes from the top of the connecting portion; and The abutting piece protrudes rearward from the rear surface and forms the engaging structure with the inserting piece.

5. The track for electronic shelf labels according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting structure is connected to the raised portion, and the connecting structure and the raised portion are connected to the joint portion via a supporting component, wherein the supporting component is an elastic supporting component and is configured to connect the raised portion and the top of the joint portion.

6. A track for an electronic shelf label, wherein the track is mounted on a shelf, the shelf including a groove portion having an outwardly extending groove wall, and the electronic shelf label having a front face and a back face, wherein: This track includes: a coupling portion having a front surface, a rear surface, and a top portion, wherein a groove portion is provided on the front surface for accommodating the rear surface of the electronic shelf label; a connecting structure disposed on the rear surface of the connecting portion to clamp the groove wall; and A raised portion is configured to be connected to the connecting portion and protrude from the top of the connecting portion.

7. The track for electronic shelf labels according to claim 6, wherein: The linking structure includes: an inserting member configured to be inserted into the groove portion and parallel to the groove wall; and A supporting member is arranged between the insert and the rear surface, forming a space between the insert and the rear surface of the joint portion. The supporting member is against the outside of the groove wall and clamps the groove wall together with the insert.

8. A device for electronic shelf labeling, wherein the device is installed on a shelf, and the shelf includes a flat surface for placing goods and a non-horizontal connecting plate, characterized in that: The device includes: a coupling portion for coupling with the electronic shelf label; and an engaging structure configured to be connected to the joint portion to engage the non-horizontal engaging plate and install the device on the shelf, wherein the engaging structure includes: a first clamping portion; and A second clamping portion and the first clamping portion clamp the non-horizontal connecting plate therebetween.

9. The device for electronic shelf labels according to claim 8, wherein: The non-horizontal connecting plate is one of a vertical baffle, a U-shaped plate and a V-shaped plate; The electronic shelf label has a front and a back, the coupling portion includes a front surface and a back surface, and the front surface is configured to couple with the back surface; and The first clamping portion is an inserting member configured to be inserted into the non-horizontal connection plate, and the second clamping portion is a leaning member configured to lean against the outside of the non-horizontal connection plate.

10. The device for electronic shelf labels according to claim 8, wherein: Also includes: An elevated portion extends upward from the connecting portion and is higher than the electronic shelf label and the product placement surface.

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