Sensor device and racket system having a sensor device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sensor device which is configured to be fixed on a rack rail. The utility model is characterized in that the sensor device is designed to be arranged laterally on the shelf track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device and a shelf track system having such a sensor device. Background Technology

[0002] WO2022188955A1 discloses a rack rail system with Regalschiene (shelf rails). Electronic devices, such as sensor devices and / or electronic display devices, can be fixed along the front of the rack rail in a similar manner. Therefore, the sensor devices and display devices have substantially the same fixing devices so that they can be pushed into the rack rail from below for releasable anchoring there again. This provides high flexibility in terms of the loading possibilities of the rack rail. At the same time, mounting one or more sensor devices on the rack rail increases the burden on the number of display devices that can be placed on the rack rail. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to eliminate this problem by providing improved sensor devices and improved shelf track systems.

[0004] This task is solved by the sensor device according to the present invention. Therefore, the subject of the invention is a sensor device constructed for fixing at a shelf track, characterized in that the sensor device is constructed for laterally mounting at the shelf track.

[0005] This task is further solved by the racking track system according to the present invention. Therefore, the present invention relates to a racking track system having racking tracks, wherein a sensor device according to the present invention is laterally mounted on the racking tracks.

[0006] The measures according to the invention offer the following advantages: the sensor device allows the space along the front of the shelf track to be reserved for other electronic devices, such as electronic displays or cameras, which would otherwise have to be fixed at a specific location along the front of the shelf track to provide the desired function or effect. Furthermore, the sensor device can be inconspicuously fixed in a side area of ​​the shelf track, an area otherwise typically covered by a side panel. Therefore, the sensor device, laterally fixed to the shelf track, replaces the non-electronic side panels typically found in known shelf track locations, and provides its sensing function at that location.

[0007] Further particularly advantageous designs and improvements of the invention arise from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] Other electronic appliances are preferably configured as electronic display devices. Electronic display devices preferably have a screen, especially an energy-saving reflective screen, and particularly preferably an electrophoretic screen, for displaying product and / or price information. Electronic display devices are also preferably configured as electronic shelf labels, known by the English name "electronic shelf label" (ESL).

[0009] Sensor devices are essentially used to detect states or events in the environment surrounding a shelf track where the sensor device is fixed. Since shelf tracks are typically fixed to the front of a shelf cell, the state or event is related to the surrounding environment of the shelf or shelf cell. The sensor device generates sensor data based on the detected state or event and provides it for further data processing or outputs the sensor data. Sensor devices can be categorized in terms of the state or event to be detected, as listed below.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the sensor device can be configured to detect physical parameters. The physical parameters can be present in or around the shelf, or they can be present on or around the shelf compartment, with the sensor device mounted on a shelf track, i.e., placed at the shelf compartment.

[0011] In the first scenario, the sensor device can be configured to detect physical parameters such as temperature, the carbon dioxide content in the air, the presence or content of volatile (gaseous) harmful substances in the air, air humidity, or the presence of liquids on a relevant shelf. For this purpose, conventional sensors are used in the sensor device.

[0012] Furthermore, in the context of the first aspect, the sensor device can be configured to detect the proximity, presence, or distance of an object or person relative to a shelf or shelf compartment. For this purpose, the sensor device can have an ultrasonic-based sensor, a radar-based sensor, or a laser-based sensor. Here, physical parameters, such as signal strength or phase shift, describe the presence or change of the sensor signal reflected by the object and transmitted by the sensor's transmitter.

[0013] In the first scenario, sensor devices can also be equipped with sensors that receive and / or transmit electromagnetic signals compliant with RFID and / or NFC. Such RFID and / or NFC-based sensors are commonly referred to in jargon as "interrogators" or "reader devices" because they provide the electromagnetic field for signal transmission and / or data transfer from another (external) RFID or NFC-enabled device (such as a so-called RFID or NFC transponder or RFID or NFC tag) to the RFID or NFC reader device. Here, physical parameters describe the presence of a signal received from the other RFID or NFC-enabled device, its signal parameters (such as signal strength or RSSI, where RSSI stands for "Received Signal Strength Indicator"), and / or its data content (such as a unique device identifier or other user data present in the current context). Thus, the sudden appearance of a received signal and / or the detected increase in signal strength over time can be interpreted as a decrease in the distance between the other RFID or NFC-enabled device and the sensor device (approaching the sensor device). A decrease in signal strength over time can be interpreted as an increase in the distance between the RFID or NFC-enabled device and the sensor device (moving away from the sensor device). Two additional scenarios can be interpreted as the presence of other devices with RFID or NFC functionality. If the signal from another device with RFID or NFC functionality was previously receivable but is no longer receivable, it can be inferred that the device with RFID or NFC functionality does not exist. For the technical meaning of the terms RFID and NFC, refer here, without exhaustive enumeration, to ISO 14443-A or ISO 14443-B, 18092, 21481, ECMA 340, 352, 356, 362, or ETSITS 102190 standards.

[0014] In addition to RFID or NFC-based constructions that replace sensors, other technologies, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE; technical documentation is available from the Bluetooth SIG at https: / / www.bluetooth.com / ), can be used to detect the proximity, presence, or distance of objects (either constructed as BLE-enabled devices or transported with BLE-enabled devices at the object's location) to the sensor device.

[0015] The object in question can be a person, or it can be an electronically inactive object that moves with a person (e.g., a shopping cart). In this case, the object is detected by sensing. However, the object can also be an electronically active device, such as a device with RFID and / or NFC functionality in the form of an RFID and / or NFC tag, or a device with RFID and / or NFC functionality in the form of a smartphone or tablet. Similarly, the aforementioned electronically active devices can also be configured for Bluetooth communication.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the sensor device can be configured to detect the loading status of the shelving. The detection of the shelving's loading status is primarily performed by detecting electronically processable loading (data) signals originating from other objects located within the shelving. The sensor device generates loading data based on the detected loading (data) signals, which directly or indirectly indicates or can be deduced from the loading status, and provides this data for further processing or outputs it. Such loading (data) signals can be generated by various means, which will be discussed below.

[0017] To detect the loading status of a shelf or related shelf compartment where a sensor-equipped rack track is located, the upper side of the shelf compartment, i.e., the area where the product is placed, can be occupied by a sensor film or contact film. The product is then placed on the contact film. The contact film's construction provides a loading (data) signal in an electronically detectable form corresponding to the product's occupancy. For this purpose, the contact film can have a capacitive or resistive structure, or simply a switching element that changes its electronically detectable state depending on whether a product is placed on it. The contact film is preferably electronically connected to the sensor device via a wiring connection, allowing the sensor device to intercept the loading (data) signal and confirm the loading status by evaluating the loading (data) signal electronically intercepted from the contact film.

[0018] To detect the loading status of the shelf or related shelf compartment where the shelving track equipped with sensor devices is located, the upper side of the shelf compartment (i.e., where products are placed) can be loaded, for example, by a so-called "pusher." A pusher is a device that (automatically) allows products to be transported along the depth of the shelf compartment from the rear (where the rear shelf wall is typically placed or another shelf boundary is positioned within the shelf compartment depth) to the front (where the shelving track is installed at the front edge of the shelf compartment). The pusher has an autonomous electronic distance detection system for detecting its distance from the rear shelf wall or shelf boundary. For this purpose, the pusher has electronics configured to determine the distance based on ultrasonic, radar, or optical signals. Depending on the configuration of the pusher, it can be implemented via wiring, radio, or battery. The number of products still on the shelf can be derived indirectly or directly, for example, if the product dimensions at least in the depth direction of the shelf compartment are included in the calculation. It can also be confirmed that there are no more products in the shelf compartment, because the detected distance either corresponds to the maximum movement path of the pusher or essentially represents the depth of the shelf compartment. The pusher generates a loading (data) signal describing the corresponding situation and transmits it via line connection or radio to a sensor device, wherein the sensor device has a line connection interface or radio interface corresponding to the pusher configuration used for receiving the loading (data) signal. The loading (data) signal can exist as a raw distance (data) signal, representing the distance between the pusher and the relevant structure of the shelf, or as a pre-processed (data) signal that has taken into account the depth of the relevant product.

[0019] To detect the loading status of the shelf or related shelf compartment where the shelving track equipped with sensor devices is located, an "interrogator" or "reader" mentioned above, related to the first aspect of the sensor device's construction, can also be applied; that is, a sensor based on RFID and / or NFC signals. In this configuration, the product can be equipped with so-called RFID or NFC tags, which are, for example, integrated into the product, fixed to the product, such as affixed to the product, or placed on a paper or plastic label, or also attached to the product packaging. The interrogator or reader integrated into the sensor device generates a loading (data) signal, which describes the respective detected situation and is provided in the sensor device for further processing or transmission. The sensor device can detect the product placed on the shelf compartment or the manipulation of the product (in the sense of removal from the shelf compartment or placement on the shelf compartment) by means of the loading (data) signal, and thereby determine the loading status of the related shelf compartment or shelf, that is, determine the product and / or its quantity present there.

[0020] In addition, the sensor device has a housing that houses the aforementioned sensors used for detecting loading status. Besides the sensors, the housing may also house sensor device electronics, which, for example, provide advanced functions implemented in hardware and / or software. The sensor device electronics may also have electronics for the sensors or be coupled to electronics for the sensors. Advanced functions may involve preprocessing of sensor (data) signals or communication functions of the sensor device for communicating with external devices, etc.

[0021] Even though the topics discussed above—detecting physical parameters and detecting loading status as separate constructions of sensor devices—should be noted here that sensor devices can also be constructed for the combined detection of physical parameters and loading status.

[0022] Other aspects of the sensor device are discussed below, which relate to the housing of the sensor device and explain in more detail the coupling of the sensor device at the shelf track.

[0023] Generally, the sensor device housing should be shaped such that it follows the outer contour of the shelf track in a frontal viewing direction, so as to achieve a substantially visually seamless lateral connection to the shelf track. Furthermore, the housing can be shaped such that it completely prevents lateral entry into the cross-sectional structure of the shelf track, providing protection. Similar to the lateral coverings known from existing shelf tracks, the sensor device now assumes this protective role.

[0024] In order to be mechanically coupled to the rack rails, the sensor device has a mechanical connection device configured to establish a connection with the rack rails in a holding and / or locking manner.

[0025] The rack rail has a push-in compartment that is at least laterally open, rearwardly positioned, and extends along the longitudinal extension of the rack rail into which the sensor device is pushed. To establish this coupling, the mechanical connection of the sensor device has a push-in element configured for lateral push-in into the push-in compartment of the rack rail. The shape of the push-in element preferably conforms to the inner contour of the push-in compartment so that it is received flush there. In cross-section, the push-in element—fitting the push-in compartment—has, for example, a rounded or fully rounded shape (circular, elliptical, or defined by other curved forms). Angular cross-sections, such as polygonal, square, or particularly preferably rectangular cross-sections, may also be present. Rectangular cross-sections offer the advantage that the depth of the push-in element relative to its length or height can be relatively small, resulting in a slender shape that fits well with the slender structure of the rack rail's cross-section and is received within the rack rail. This ensures that the rear side of the racking track can be placed flat against the supporting structure (such as a platform or shelf), without the push-in element protruding from the racking track toward the supporting structure, or requiring a certain distance from the supporting structure so that it can be fully accommodated in the racking track.

[0026] It should be mentioned here that the rack rail may have a central bridging section that separates its rear and front sides. The push-in compartment located at the rear side may be circumferentially closed to, for example, prevent the use of sensor equipment pushed in there. However, it has proven advantageous for the push-in compartment to be open at the rear side to facilitate manipulation of the sensor equipment during installation or removal. To ensure good and reliable retention of the push-in element despite this, the push-in compartment may have track-like guide elements at its upper and lower ends that gently surround the push-in element, wherein the track-like guide elements preferably extend along the (preferably the entire) longitudinal extension of the rack rail.

[0027] The housing of the sensor device is constructed in the region of the push-in element such that it can be pushed laterally into the push-in compartment, where it is held at its outer edge by a track-like guide element to prevent it from tilting backward and dislodging from the shelf track. Therefore, the housing portion accommodating the push-in element is adapted to the shape of the shelf track push-in compartment, preferably formed flush with it.

[0028] Establishing a locking connection between the sensor device and the shelf rail can be achieved in several ways. For this purpose, for example, a screw can be used, which penetrates the shelf rail from below and extends into the housing of the sensor device. The screw forms a releasable connection. Rivets can also be inserted in a similar manner, thus forming a substantially non-releasable connection. However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the mechanical connection device to have a locking element at the push-in element, which is configured to engage with a locking opening in the shelf rail. For example, the locking element can engage with a structure forming the lower closure of the shelf rail or a structure forming the upper closure of the shelf rail. However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the shelf rail to have a locking opening at its central bridging portion. The locking element can be engaged into the shelf rail from the rear at this location. Particularly preferred is that the central bridging portion of the shelf rail is completely penetrated at the locking opening. This allows the locking element to be approached from the front of the shelf rail, and the locking connection with the shelf rail can be released by simply pushing it backward from the locking opening with the fingers of a human hand. To remove the sensor device from the shelf rails, it simply needs to be pulled out laterally. It should also be noted that the positions of the locking elements and locking openings are chosen such that the locking openings and locking elements are aligned and engaged when the sensor device is fully pushed into the shelf rails. Therefore, locking can only be performed when the sensor device is fully in its target position within the shelf rails, i.e., when the portion of the sensor device's housing that connects to the pushing element protrudes from the shelf rails at its lateral end.

[0029] It has proven particularly advantageous that the fastening element is implemented by a preferred, elastically adjustable, and especially preferred, bolt-shaped housing region of the push-in element. For example, this housing region can be formed as a sheet or strip and separated from the rest of the housing structure of the push-in element by gaps within the housing. The elastic mobility of the strip is given here by the type of material (preferably plastic) and thickness of the material of the strip or housing wall. Locking elements are provided at the regions or end regions of the strip that are provided for operations to loosen the connection or for fastening to establish the connection. The locking elements can be implemented as hooks or pins, but are preferably implemented as bolts as mentioned above. A circular bolt is particularly preferred, having approximately the same wall thickness as the central bridging portion, so that in the locked state, it does not extend beyond the front of the central bridging portion, i.e., it ends as flush as possible with that front. This ensures that an appliance can be positioned at the shelf rail or even at the fastening opening without interference from the fastening element. Therefore, this position at the shelf rail also provides for positioning the appliance. Simultaneously, the fastening element covers or prevents unauthorized manipulation by the appliance. The shape of the snap-fit ​​opening is compatible with the circumference of the snap-fit ​​element, especially the bolt, and is preferably designed to be circular. The diameter of the circle is suitable for easy operation with the fingertips, and is therefore preferably in the range of 5 mm to 1 cm.

[0030] For the electrical power supply of the sensor device, it can be configured to connect with a power supply integrated into the rack rail. However, since the sensors integrated in the sensor device typically need to operate continuously to ensure continuous detection, this continuous operation is accompanied by significant power requirements. Therefore, it has proven particularly advantageous for the sensor device to have its own independent power supply or to connect to an independent power supply. Such a sensor device can, for example, have an integrated power supply, such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery. However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the push-in element to have a power supply connection portion configured for connecting the electrical power supply. In this regard, it has further proven particularly advantageous to configure the power supply connection portion as an extension of the push-in element. This extension preferably extends substantially parallel to the rear side of the central bridging portion of the rack rail along the receiving compartment. The power supply connection portion has electrical contacts and preferably also has mechanical locking elements, especially releasable locking elements, so as to accommodate a socket for a wired power supply on one hand, or a battery module on the other. The electrical contacts enable the flow of current between the power supply and the sensor device. The locking element ensures that the socket or battery module is reliably held in its target position until the lock is released manually and the socket or battery module can be removed.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the housing shapes of the socket and battery module are advantageously constructed to fit the shape of the receiving compartment. Therefore, not only the socket but also the battery module (similar to the push-in element of a sensor device) can be fully accommodated within the receiving compartment. This ensures that the shelf rails can be installed in the conventional manner at the shelves or shelf compartments, and more precisely, no additional structural measures are required, as nothing protrudes beyond the rear perimeter of the shelf rails.

[0032] Functionally, the power supply connector acts as a plug for connecting to a socket or battery module.

[0033] According to one configuration, the rack rail has a bus system with electrical conductors. For connection to the bus system, the sensor device has an electrical connection device configured to electrically connect the electronics of the sensor device to the electrical conductors of the bus system of the rack rail. In other words, the sensor device has a socket into which the electrical conductors are inserted once the sensor device is laterally positioned on the rack rail. The socket contains contact elements. With the sensor device positioned on the rack rail, each contact element makes contact with exactly one of the conductors in the bus system. The contact elements are connected to the electronics of the sensor device on their side. Depending on the application or configuration of the sensor device, this measure can be used to supply electrical power and / or data to the sensor device technically via the bus system.

[0034] According to a specific construction, the rack rail has a plate-shaped wiring carrier positioned at the front and extending along the longitudinal extension of the rack rail. This wiring carrier carries the electrical conductors of the rack rail's bus system along the longitudinal extension of the rack rail. To connect with this specially shaped wiring carrier, the electrical connection device of the sensor device has a receiving compartment for accommodating the plate-shaped wiring carrier positioned at the front and extending along the longitudinal extension of the rack rail, which carries the electrical conductors of the rack rail's bus system along the longitudinal extension of the rack rail. The receiving compartment is preferably oriented parallel to the push-in element. When the sensor device is placed in the rack rail, the push-in element is located at the rear relative to the central bridging portion and is therefore invisible, while the receiving compartment is located at the front relative to the central bridging portion and is therefore at least visible from the front. Apart from these differences, the push-in element and the receiving compartment extend substantially parallel to each other. In terms of the (rack rail's) depth, the receiving compartment is spaced a certain distance from the push-in element to leave sufficient space between them so that the central bridging portion of the rack rail can be accommodated there. Since the line carrier preferably extends to the lateral edge of the rack track, the receiving compartment (viewed in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the rack track) can be constructed to be significantly shorter than the push-in element, whose length also helps to achieve mechanically stable (no wobbling) placement in the push-in compartment of the rack track.

[0035] To achieve reliable, and particularly interference-free, electrical contact, the receiving compartment has an inner contact portion to establish electrical contact with the electrical conductors of the bus system. From the perspective of the rack rails, the electrical conductors carried by the line carrier contact the sensor device's contact portion inside the receiving compartment. The conductors are preferably positioned on the side of the line carrier facing the rear of the rack rails, so that the conductors are not visible within the compartment between the central bridging portion and the line carrier. Therefore, the conductive contact portion of the receiving compartment is oriented towards the interior of the compartment from the rear wall.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the shelf rails have an electronic supply unit configured to supply power and / or communication to appliances, particularly laterally positioned sensor devices, located on the shelf rails, preferably via the shelf rails' bus system. In particular, the communication link between the sensor devices and the electronic supply unit ensures that sensor data provided by the sensor devices can be output without problems via existing communication infrastructure in the store, which is used with the aid of the electronic supply unit. Often, the electronic supply unit is not permanently active, but rather actively provides data flow via the bus system only at certain time intervals to conserve energy. In this configuration, the sensor devices can be configured to store sensor data during this period, while the electronic supply unit only accesses the sensor data when it is activated.

[0037] The shelving track has a first (e.g., left) end and a second (e.g., right) end. Optimal space utilization at the shelving track is achieved thus: the shelving track carries sensor equipment at its first lateral end and electronic supply units at its second lateral end. The remaining space between the shelving tracks can be freely occupied by electronic equipment, with precise positioning along the shelving track being crucial.

[0038] Finally, it should generally be mentioned that the electronic devices discussed (such as ESLs, smartphones, tablets, video shelving tracks, etc.) naturally possess electronic equipment. This electronic equipment can be built discretely, integrated with other 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. Many of the functions mentioned in the device—acting in conjunction with hardware components where necessary—are implemented by means of software, which is implemented on the electronic device's processor. Devices constructed for radio communication, as part of a transceiver module, typically have antenna configurations for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Electronic devices may also have an internal power supply, which can be implemented, for example, with replaceable or rechargeable batteries. These devices can also be powered via an external power source or by means of Power over a Local Area Network (Power over LAN).

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention are illustrated by the figures discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The invention will now be explained in detail again with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the various figures, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. The figures are illustrated in an illustrative manner:

[0041] Figure 1 The system according to the present invention has a shelf track system with sensor devices and a supply device;

[0042] Figure 2 The electronic coupling of the electrical conductors of the bus system between the display supply unit and the rack track system;

[0043] Figure 3 Showing the rear of the racking track system;

[0044] Figure 4 The diagram shows three variations of the power supply unit of the sensor device when viewed from a first-person perspective.

[0045] Figure 5 Shown from a second-person perspective, based on Figure 5 Three variant schemes;

[0046] Figure 6 This section shows three application examples of shelving track systems at the shelving level. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 A system 1 for operating electronic appliances is shown, which in the illustrated case is formed by electronic shelf labels 2, known by the English name "electronic shelf label," and hereinafter simply referred to as ESL2. The ESL2 is line-connected and configured to supply electrical power and communication technology for line connection.

[0048] Each ESL2 has a screen 3 for displaying product and / or price information. In the present case, the screen shown is an electrophoresis screen, which allows for extremely energy-efficient operation.

[0049] Product and / or pricing information is provided in System 1 by server 4, on which software is implemented to manage the association between ESL2 and the products. Communication with ESL2 is facilitated by access point 5, which is currently connected to server 4 via cable and wirelessly communicates the display data (AD) representing product and / or pricing information to ESL2. It should also be mentioned that, for the aforementioned purposes, an external cloud-based software solution can be configured to replace (local) server 4.

[0050] System 1 also includes a rack rail system 6, which has rack rails 7 configured to support or hold ESL2 at its front side. See WO2022 / 188956A1 for details. Figures 3 to 5 Details of the mechanical and electrical coupling between ESL2 and rack rail 7 are disclosed in Figures 9 and 10 and described herein, and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The shelf track system 6 further includes a supply device 8, configured to supply communication technology and power technology for the line connection of ESL2 at shelf track 7. It provides at least one reference potential GND, a supply voltage VCC relative to the reference potential GND, and signal and / or data communication via line connection at shelf track 8. The supply device 8 is configured for radio communication with access point 5 to receive display data AD and communicate via line connection at shelf track 7 to ESL2 addressed by server 4 for displaying relevant product and / or news information. The supply device 6 is located on the right side of shelf track 7, where it laterally encloses shelf track 7.

[0052] The racking track system 6 also includes a sensor device 9, which can perform different detection processes depending on its configuration (see the embodiments in the general description for details) and generate sensor data SD as a result of the relevant detection processes. This sensor data is provided to the supply device 8 upon request and output to it via a line connection. The supply device 8 communicates with the sensor device 9 via this line connection in a manner similar to ESL2. The sensor data SD (either as pre-processed raw data or as raw data) is transmitted wirelessly from the supply device 8 to the server 4 via access point 5 for further processing. The sensor device 9 is located on the left side of the racking track 7, where it laterally encloses the racking track 7.

[0053] It should be mentioned that, in place of ESL2 or as a supplement to ESL2, other electronic devices, such as cameras (not shown), can also be placed on shelf track 7.

[0054] Figure 2 The coupling of the supply device 8 to the shelf track 7 is shown, where the right end of the shelf track 7 is visible, and where the supply device 8 is shown without its... Figure 1 The visible components are the supply device housing 17 and the supply device battery module 26 connected thereto (see...). Figure 3Thus, only one electronic device 10 of the supply device 8 can be seen from the right side. In this view, the line carrier 11, which extends along the entire longitudinal extension of the shelf track 7 and is made of insulating material (e.g., insulating plastic), can be seen as part of the shelf track 7. The line carrier 10 carries three electrical conductors 12, 13, and 14, which are, in this case, non-insulated copper conductors and are arranged parallel to each other at a certain distance from each other along the entire longitudinal extension of the shelf track 7 and positioned on the side of the line carrier 10 oriented towards the rear of the shelf track 7. The supply device 8, together with the three lines 12 to 14, forms the bus system 15 of the shelf track 7 for power and / or communication technology supply of the wiring connections of the appliances 2 or 9 located on the shelf track 7. The first conductor 12 occupies the reference potential GND, the second conductor 13 is used for signal and / or data transmission, and the third conductor 14 is used to provide the supply voltage VCC relative to the reference potential GND.

[0055] Electronic device 10 is constructed on conductor plate 10A and connected to three conductors 12 to 14 by means of three elastically deformable metal supports 16. The metal supports 16 are also mechanically fixed to conductor plate 10A and electrically connected to electronic device 10. The metal supports 16 are positioned within housing compartment 17A of supply device housing 17 (see...). Figure 1 In the process, the line carrier 10 is introduced into the shell compartment at the right edge of the shelf track 7.

[0056] Contact in WO2022 / 188956A1 Figure 6 Figure 8 and related descriptions disclose details of the mechanical and electronic coupling between the supply device 8 and the shelf track 7, which are incorporated herein by reference. WO2022 / 188956A1, in conjunction with Figures 11, 12A, and 12B and related descriptions, discloses details of the electronic implementation of the supply device 8 and its use of the bus system 15 for communication with the ESL2 and its power supply unit connected to the bus system 15, which are also incorporated herein by reference. It should be emphasized that the signal and / or data interaction of the supply device 8 is performed in a manner similar to that of the sensor device 9, and therefore the sensor device 9 is also constructed according to this technical teaching.

[0057] Figure 2The cross-sectional structure of the shelf track 7 can also be seen. The shelf track 7 has a central bridging section 18, which separates the front and rear sides of the shelf track 7. On the head side, i.e., facing upward, the shelf track 7 has a top wall 19 that slopes downward towards the front, in which the line carrier 11 is fixed. The sensor device 9 can be seen enclosing the shelf track 7 on the left side. The space defined by the central bridging section 18 (more precisely, the front side of the central bridging section 18), the top wall 19, the sensor device 9, and the supply device 8 is used to accommodate the ESL2. This space is opened downward so that the ESL2 can be inserted from below and removed downward. Similarly, this space is opened forward so that the ESL2 can be seen.

[0058] The rack rail 7 has a push-in compartment 20 at the rear of the central bridging section 18, into which the sensor device 9 can be pushed in from the left side of the rack rail 7 (see...). Figure 1 Therefore, the push-in compartment 20 is limited forward by the central bridging portion 18, upward by the top wall 19, and downward by the bottom wall 21. At the rear of the rack track 7, the top wall 19 and bottom wall 21 terminate at a track-shaped guide element 22, which is oriented toward each other and extends parallel to the central bridging portion 18 at a certain distance along its entire longitudinal extension. When the sensor device 9 is pushed in laterally, it is guided by the guide element 22. In the pushed-in state, the guide element 22 serves to reliably hold the sensor device 9 within the rack track 7.

[0059] according to Figure 2 The view shows the push-in element 23 of the sensor device 9, which is pushed into the push-in chamber 20 and is shaped to fit the push-in chamber 20 for reliable and stable retention therein. Specifically, the housing of the push-in element 23 contacts the guide element 22 inside the push-in chamber 20 on its side oriented inward toward the push-in chamber 20. It can be seen that a sensor device battery module 24 is mechanically and electrically connected to the push-in element 23, which is configured for the power supply of the sensor device 9. The sensor device battery module 24 is also constructed in a form similar to the push-in element 23 described above for optimal fit into the push-in chamber 20.

[0060] also, Figure 2 The view shows a receiving compartment 25A formed by the housing component of the sensor device housing 25, in which the line carrier 10 is housed at the left end area of ​​the shelf track 7 (see also...). Figure 1 This allows contact with three electrical conductors 12 to 14, thereby connecting the sensor device 9 to the bus system 15. In the current configuration, three contact elements 31, 32, and 33 (see...) are provided in the housing 25A. Figure 4Each of the contact elements is constructed and positioned to make conductive contact with exactly one of the conductors 12, 13 or 14.

[0061] Figure 3 The rear side of the shelf track 7 is shown, where the push-in element 23, pushed into the push-in compartment 20, can be clearly seen. Also visible is the supply device battery module 26, which is used for power supply and is electrically connected to the electronics 10 of the supply device 8. Furthermore, the through-hole 27, provided in the grid along the central bridging section 18, is clearly visible, serving to securely fasten the ESL2 to the shelf track 7.

[0062] exist Figure 4 The left end or left-end region of the middle rack track 7 is shown slightly tilted to the lower right when viewed from the front. Three contact elements 31, 32, and 33 are clearly visible in this view. Four sensor devices 9 are shown alongside the left side of the rack track 7 to facilitate discussion of three connection schemes AK1, AK2, and AK3 for connecting the sensor devices 9 to the rack track 7. For intuitive purposes, Figure 4 The display of all figure labels is omitted.

[0063] According to the first connection scheme AK1, the power technology and communication technology connection of the sensor device 9 are entirely carried out via the bus system 15 of the shelf track 7. Therefore, the sensor device 9 is pushed into the shelf track 7 from the left, and the three conductors 12, 13 and 14 are used as specified for power supply through the supply device 8 and communication with the supply device 8.

[0064] According to the second connection scheme AK2, the communication technology connection of the sensor device 9 is made via the bus system 15 of the shelf rail 7, while the power technology supply of the sensor device 9 is made via cable 28 (i.e., a separate cable connection) toward a power supply device (not shown). For example, the power supply device can be a USB power source, a stand-alone (rechargeable) battery, or a power source. At the end opposite to the power supply device, cable 28 leads to a socket 29, which is plugged into a plug 30 connected to a push-in element 23, as can be seen in the overview of the two illustrations of the second connection scheme AK2. The sensor device 9, connected to the power supply device in this way, is pushed laterally into the shelf rail 7 from the left side together with the socket 29.

[0065] According to the third connection scheme AK3, the communication connection of the sensor device 9 is made via the bus system 15 of the shelf track 7, while the power supply of the sensor device 9 is made by means of the sensor device battery module 24. For this purpose, a plug 30 connected to the push-in element 23 is also used, to which the sensor device battery module 24 is directly connected. The sensor device 9, connected to the sensor device battery module 24 in this way, is pushed laterally into the shelf track 7 from the left side together with the sensor device battery module 24. It should also be mentioned that the sensor device battery module 24 has a support 30 on the end side, which facilitates operation.

[0066] connect Figure 4 It should be further mentioned that, in addition to the sensor device 9 that is laterally pushed into the shelf track 7, the shelf track 7 may also be equipped with additional sensors 34, which are fixed at the front of the shelf track 7 in a manner similar to that of ESL2, if desired.

[0067] In addition, contact Figure 4 Please refer to the fastening element 35 of the sensor device 9, which is constructed at the push-in element 23. The fastening element 35 is used to fasten into the fastening opening 36 of the central bridging part 18 in the shelf rail 7 so as to secure the sensor device 9 to the shelf rail 7 in a manner that is not removable but can be released again.

[0068] connect Figure 4 It should also be mentioned that the socket 29 has a locking element 37 on its underside, which is used to lock with the corresponding mating element (not visible) of the plug 30.

[0069] Figure 4 The three connection schemes AK1 to AK3 shown in the figure are subsequently... Figure 5 The image is visualized again, but from a different perspective, making the left edge area of ​​shelf track 7 more visible. It also applies here that all reference numerals are omitted for visual clarity. The line carrier 11, which carries the three conductors 12, 13, and 14, is also clearly visible here up to the left edge or left end of shelf track 7.

[0070] The following uses Figure 6 The various applications of the public shelf track system 6. Figure 6 You can see the section of shelf 38 in the picture.

[0071] Shelf 38 has an upper shelf compartment 39, where seven so-called "pushers" 40 are installed. The pushers 40 are configured to measure their distances relative to the rear wall 41 of the shelf and output this information wirelessly. Their respective distances from the rear wall 41 depend on the loading of the shelf compartment 39, where the pushers 40 transport the corresponding product toward a forward transparent end stop 42. In the illustrated case, shelf compartment 41 is empty, so all pushers are placed at maximum distance from the rear wall 41. If products are present, the distance between the relevant pusher 40 and the rear wall 41 decreases. When a product is removed, the relevant pusher 40 moves forward toward the shelf track 7 by a product depth. The sensor device 9 of the upper shelf compartment 39 has a radio-based communication module that is wirelessly coupled to the pushers 40, allowing the sensor device 9 to determine the loading status of the upper shelf compartment 39 for each pusher 40. The corresponding loading status can then be transmitted via a line connection to the supply unit 8 and from there via radio communication to the server 4 through access point 5.

[0072] Shelf 38 also has an intermediate shelf compartment 43, where a touch-sensitive or pressure-sensitive sensor film 44 (sometimes referred to as a contact film) is installed. The sensor film 44 is positioned at the outer edge of the shelf compartment 43 and extends along the entire length of the shelf compartment 43. When products are removed from shelf 43, these products (in this case, creams and ointments) are typically removed from the front. If the sensor film 44 is no longer under the load of the product at a certain point (product location), the sensor device 9 connected to the sensor film 44 can detect this and transmit the information via a wired connection in the shelf track 7 to the supply device 8, and from there via radio communication through access point 5 to the server 4. Figure 6 As can be seen, the sensor film 44 is connected to the sensor device 9 of the shelf track system 6, which is located in the middle shelf compartment 43, by means of a flat cable 45, which is guided to the bottom of the shelf compartment 43 from the side of the left control console 46. For this purpose, a plug 30 can be used, which has a correspondingly adapted plug occupies the required number and configuration of plug contacts.

[0073] In the current configuration, the sensor film 44 is constructed such that it allows for two-dimensional spatial resolution, i.e., the detection of an object's matrix orientation on its surface, so that the presence or absence of a product is determined not only at the depth of the shelf compartment 43 but also along its longitudinal extension. Alternatively, the sensor film 44 may be configured to allow only one-dimensional spatial resolution in the depth direction of the shelf compartment 43 or in the direction of its longitudinal extension.

[0074] Shelf 38 also has a lower shelf compartment 46, where a sensor device 9 equipped with an RFID reader is installed. This RFID reader allows the detection of RFID tags (not shown) placed on the product (here, shoes) or its label, thereby enabling the determination of the product inventory (loading status) in the lower shelf compartment 46 via the detected RFID tags. The corresponding loading status is transmitted via a data line connection to the supply unit 8 in the form of detected RFID tag data, or simply a description of the number of detected RFID tags, and from there communicates wirelessly to the server 4 via access point 5.

[0075] In summary, the measures discussed are specifically designed for each shelf section (e.g., shelf compartments 39, 43, or 46) to allow for the detection of the corresponding loading status and to identify product shortages in real time and communicate systematically to plan product replenishment in advance. However, product replenishment can be initiated fully automatically no later than when there is zero inventory in the relevant shelf compartment or the relevant product location in the relevant shelf compartment.

[0076] Finally, it should also be mentioned that the second and third connection schemes AK2 and AK3, discussed in connection with sensor device 9, can also be applied to supply device 8.

[0077] To ensure a reliable energy supply for the shelf track system 6 installed on shelf 38, solar panels can be installed, for example, magnetically attached to the top shelf of shelf 38, utilizing available sunlight in the store to power the electronic appliances on shelf 38. Similarly, power-capable battery modules with numerous connectors (e.g., USB connectors) can be provided to connect cables 28, selectively powering sensor devices 9 or power supply devices 8, or both. USB power supplies that can be directly plugged into power outlets can also be used. All these measures contribute to the optimal use of power outlets, which are typically unavailable in commercial settings, and can even be omitted if necessary.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted again that the figures described in detail above are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications to them 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 appear multiple times.

Claims

1. A sensor device (9), - Its structure is designed to be fixed at the shelf track (7); Its features are, The sensor device (9) is configured to be laterally mounted on the shelf track (7).

2. The sensor device (9) according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device (9) is configured to detect physical parameters.

3. The sensor device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor device (9) is configured to detect the loading status of the shelf (38).

4. The sensor device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor device (9) has a mechanical connection device configured to establish a connection with the shelf track (7) in a holding and / or locking manner.

5. The sensor device (9) according to claim 4, wherein, The mechanical connection device has a push-in element (23).

6. The sensor device (9) according to claim 5, wherein, The mechanical connection device has a fastening element (35) at the push-in element (23), which is configured to fasten into the fastening opening (36) of the shelf track (7).

7. The sensor device (9) according to claim 6, wherein, The fastening element (35) is achieved through the housing area of ​​the push-in element (23).

8. The sensor device (9) according to claim 7, wherein, The housing area is elastically adjustable.

9. The sensor device (9) according to claim 8, wherein, The housing area is bolt-shaped.

10. The sensor device (9) according to claim 5, wherein, The push-in element (23) has a power supply connection part, which is provided for connecting an electric power supply device (24).

11. The sensor device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor device (9) has an electrical connection device configured to electrically connect the sensor device (9) to the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) of the shelf track (7).

12. The sensor device (9) according to claim 11, wherein, The electrical connection device has a receiving compartment (25A) configured to receive a plate-shaped line carrier (11) positioned on the front and extending along the longitudinal extension of the shelf track (7), the line carrier carrying the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) of the shelf track (7) extending along the longitudinal extension of the shelf track (7).

13. The sensor device (9) according to claim 12, wherein, The receiving compartment (25A) has contact portions (31, 32, 33) located on the inside for making electrical contact with the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) of the shelf track (7).

14. A shelf track system (6) having a shelf track (7), wherein a sensor device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is laterally disposed at the shelf track.

15. The rack track system (6) according to claim 14, wherein, The shelf track (7) has a push-in compartment (20) that is at least laterally open and located at the rear and extends along the longitudinal extension of the shelf track (7), into which the sensor device (9) is pushed.

16. The racking track system (6) according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein, The shelf track (7) has a bus system (15) with a line carrier (11), wherein the line carrier (11) is plate-shaped and positioned on the front side and extends along the longitudinal extension of the shelf track (7), and carries the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) extending along the longitudinal extension of the shelf track (7), wherein the line carrier (11) is housed in the housing (25A) of the sensor device (9) at its lateral end region.

17. The rack track system (6) according to claim 16, wherein, The electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) carried by the line carrier (11) are in contact with the contact portion (31, 32, 33) of the sensor device (9) on the inside of the housing (25A) of the sensor device (9).

18. The rack track system (6) according to claim 16, wherein, The shelf track (7) has an electronic supply device (8) configured to supply appliances (2) located on the shelf track (7) in terms of power and / or communication technology.

19. The rack track system (6) according to claim 18, wherein, The electronic supply device (8) is also configured to supply the laterally mounted sensor device (9) in terms of power technology and / or communication technology.

20. The racking track system (6) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The supply is carried out via the bus system (15) of the shelf track (7).

21. The racking track system (6) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The shelf track (7) carries the sensor device (9) at its first lateral end and the electronic supply device (8) at its second lateral end.

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