Shelf rail with sensor device

Abstract

Sensor device (9), which is designed for attachment to a shelf rail (7), characterized by the fact that the sensor device (9) is designed for lateral attachment to the shelf rail (7).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device and a shelf rail system with such a sensor device. background

[0002] WO2022188955A1 discloses a shelf rail system comprising a shelf rail. Electronic devices, such as a sensor device and / or an electronic display device, can be attached to the front of the shelf rail in an analogous manner. The sensor device and the display device therefore have essentially identical mounting means so that they can be inserted into the shelf rail from below and then releasably secured. This offers a high degree of flexibility with regard to the possible configurations of the shelf rail. At the same time, the number of display devices that can be placed on the shelf rail is reduced by the number of sensor devices that can be mounted on the shelf rail.

[0003] The invention therefore aims to eliminate this problem by providing an improved sensor device and an improved shelf rail system. Summary of the invention

[0004] This problem is solved by a sensor device according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore a sensor device designed for attachment to a shelf rail, characterized in that the sensor device is designed for lateral mounting on the shelf rail.

[0005] This problem is further solved by a shelf rail system according to claim 12. The invention therefore relates to a shelf rail system comprising a shelf rail on which the sensor device according to the invention is laterally mounted.

[0006] The measures according to the invention offer the advantage that the sensor device leaves the space provided on the shelf rail along the front of the shelf rail free for other electronic devices, such as electronic display devices or a camera, etc., which essentially must be attached at specific positions along the front of the shelf rail to provide the desired function or effect. The sensor device can be inconspicuously attached to a side area of ​​the shelf rail that is otherwise usually covered by a side panel. The sensor device attached to the side of the shelf rail thus replaces the electronically non-functional side panel provided in the known shelf rail and provides its sensory function at this position.

[0007] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will result from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] Preferably, the other electronic device is configured as an electronic display device. The electronic display device preferably comprises a screen, in particular an energy-saving reflective screen, and most preferably an electrophoretic screen, for displaying product and / or price information. The electronic display device is preferably configured as an electronic shelf label, known by the English term "Electronic Shelf Label" (ESL).

[0009] The sensor device essentially serves to detect a condition or event in the vicinity of the shelf rail to which it is attached. Since the shelf rail is typically attached to the front of a shelf compartment, the condition or event pertains to the area surrounding the shelf or compartment. Based on the detected condition or event, the sensor device generates sensor data and makes this data available for further processing or transmits it. Sensor devices can be categorized according to the condition or event they detect, as described below.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the sensor device can be designed to detect a physical parameter. This physical parameter can occur in the shelf or its surroundings, or even on a shelf compartment or its surroundings, where the shelf rail with the sensor device is located.

[0011] In the context of the first aspect, the sensor device for detecting the physical parameter can be configured as temperature, CO2 concentration in the air, the presence or concentration of volatile (gaseous) pollutants in the air, humidity, or the presence of liquid on the relevant shelf compartment. Conventional sensors are used in the sensor device for this purpose.

[0012] Furthermore, in the context of the first aspect, the sensor device can be designed to detect the approach, presence, or departure of an object or person in relation to the shelf or shelf compartment. For this purpose, the sensor device can utilize an ultrasound-based, radar-based, or laser-based sensor. The physical parameter describes, for example, signal strength or phase shift, the occurrence or change of a sensor signal reflected by the object, which was emitted by an emitter of the sensor.

[0013] In the context of the first aspect, a sensor for receiving and / or transmitting an RFID and / or NFC-compliant electromagnetic signal can also be used in the sensor device. Such an RFID and / or NFC signal-based sensor is often referred to in technical jargon as an "interrogator" or "reader" because it provides the electromagnetic field for signal and / or data transmission from another (external) RFID or NFC-enabled device (such as an RFID or NFC transponder or RFID or NFC tag) to the RFID or NFC reader. The physical parameter here describes the existence of the signal received from the other RFID or NFC-enabled device, possibly 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 relevant user data in this context).The sudden appearance of a received signal and / or an increase in the detected signal strength over time can be interpreted as a decrease in the distance (approaching the sensor device) between the other RFID or NFC-enabled device and the sensor device. A decrease in signal strength over time can be interpreted as an increase in the distance (moving away from the sensor device) between the other RFID or NFC-enabled device and the sensor device. Both cases can also be interpreted as the presence of the other RFID or NFC-enabled device. The absence of the other RFID or NFC-enabled device is assumed when its signal was previously receivable and is now no longer receivable. Regarding the technical meaning of the terms RFID and NFC, the following is a non-exhaustive list of standards: ISO 14443-A and ISO 14443-A.- B, 18092, 21481 ECMA 340, 352, 356, 362 or ETSI TS 102 190 referred to.

[0014] Instead of RFID or NFC-based sensor technology, another technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (abbreviated as BLE; technical documentation available from Bluetooth SIG, website: https: / / www.bluetooth.com / ), can be used to detect the approach of an object (which is designed as a BLE-enabled device or on which a BLE-enabled device is transported) to the sensor device, the presence or absence of the object, or the removal of the object from the sensor device.

[0015] The object in question can be a person or an electronically inactive object moving with the person (such as a shopping cart, etc.). In this case, the object is detected as such by sensors. However, the object in question can also be an electronically active device, such as an RFID and / or NFC-enabled device in the form of, for example, an RFID and / or NFC tag or an RFID or NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet computer, etc. Similarly, the aforementioned electronically active device can be equipped for Bluetooth communication.

[0016] Furthermore, according to a second aspect, the sensor device can be designed to detect the stocking status of a shelf. The stocking status of the shelf is primarily detected by acquiring an electronically processable stocking (data) signal originating from another object located in the shelf. Based on the detected stocking (data) signal, the sensor device generates stocking data that directly or indirectly indicates the stocking status, or from which the stocking status can be derived, and makes this data available for further processing or outputs it. This stocking (data) signal can be generated by various means, which are discussed below.

[0017] To detect the stock status of the shelf or the specific shelf compartment to which the shelf rail with the sensor device is attached, the top of the shelf compartment, i.e., where products are placed, can be covered with a sensor or contact film. The products are then placed on the contact film. The structure of the contact film provides the corresponding stock status (data) signal in an electronically detectable form. For this purpose, the contact film can have capacitive or resistive structures, or simply switching elements, which change their respective electronically detectable state depending on whether a product is placed on them or not.The contact foil is preferably electronically connected to the sensor device via a wired connection, so that the sensor device can tap the assembly (data) signal and determine the assembly status by evaluating the assembly (data) signal electrically tapped from the contact foil.

[0018] To monitor the stock status of the shelf or the specific shelf compartment where the shelf rail with the sensor device is attached, the top of the shelf compartment, where products are stored, can be equipped with so-called "pushers." A pusher is a device that automatically moves products along the depth of the shelf compartment from the rear, where the back wall or other shelf boundary is typically located, to the front, where the shelf rail is mounted on the front edge of the shelf compartment. The pusher has an autonomous electronic distance detection system to determine its distance from the back wall or shelf boundary. For this purpose, the pusher has electronics designed for distance determination using ultrasound, radar, or light signals.Depending on the design, the pusher can be powered via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a battery. This allows for indirect or direct estimation of the number of products remaining on the shelf, for example, if the product dimensions, at least in terms of shelf depth, are factored into the calculation. It can also be used to determine that the shelf compartment is simply empty, because the measured distance either corresponds to the pusher's maximum travel distance or essentially represents the shelf depth. The pusher generates the picking (data) signal, which describes the current situation, and transmits it to the sensor device either via a wired or wireless connection. Depending on the pusher design, the sensor device has either a wired or a wireless interface for receiving the picking (data) signal.The placement (data) signal can be in the form of a raw distance (data) signal, which represents the distance of the pusher from the relevant structure of the shelf, or as a pre-processed (data) signal, which already takes into account the depth of the product in question.

[0019] To detect the stock status of the shelf or the relevant shelf compartment to which the shelf rail with the sensor device is attached, the "interrogator" or "reader" mentioned previously in connection with the first aspect of the sensor device's design—i.e., the RFID and / or NFC signal-based sensor—can also be used. In this configuration, the products can be equipped with RFID or NFC tags, which are, for example, integrated into the product, attached to the product (e.g., glued on, on a paper or plastic label), or attached to the product packaging. The interrogator or reader integrated into the sensor device generates the stock status (data) signal, which describes the respective detected situation, and makes it available within the sensor device for further processing or transmission.The sensor device can use the loading (data) signal to detect the products placed on the shelf compartment or to detect the handling of the products (in the sense of removing them from the shelf compartment or placing them on the shelf compartment) and from this determine the loading status for the relevant shelf compartment or shelf, i.e., determine the products present there and / or their quantity.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor device has a housing in which the aforementioned sensor for detecting the assembly status is accommodated. In addition to the sensor, the housing can also contain sensor device electronics, which, for example, provide higher-level functions implemented in hardware and / or software. The sensor device electronics can also include the sensor's electronics or be coupled to the sensor's electronics. The higher-level functions can involve preprocessing the sensor (data) signal or a communication function of the sensor device for communication with external devices, etc.

[0021] Although the topics of recording the physical parameter and recording the assembly status were previously discussed as separate forms of design for the sensor device, it should be noted here that the sensor device can also be designed for the combined recording of the physical parameter and the assembly status.

[0022] The following section discusses further aspects of the sensor device that are closely related to the housing of the sensor device and explain in more detail how to attach the sensor device to the shelf rail.

[0023] In general, it can be stated that the housing of the sensor device can be shaped so that, when viewed from the front of the shelf rail, it follows the outer contour of the shelf rail, thus creating a virtually seamless visual connection to the side of the shelf rail. Furthermore, the housing can be shaped in such a way that it completely prevents lateral access to the cross-sectional structure of the shelf rail, thereby providing a protective effect. Similar to the side cover of a conventional shelf rail, the sensor device now assumes this protective role.

[0024] For the purpose of mechanical coupling with the shelf rail, the sensor device has a mechanical connecting device designed to create a holding and / or locking connection with the shelf rail.

[0025] The shelf rail has a recess, open at least laterally and located at the rear, extending along the longitudinal axis of the shelf rail, into which the sensor device is inserted. To establish this connection, the mechanical connection device of the sensor device has an insertion element designed for lateral insertion into the recess of the shelf rail. The shape of the insertion element is preferably adapted to the inner contour of the recess to ensure a flush fit. In cross-section, the insertion element – ​​adapted to the recess – can, for example, have a rounded or curved shape (circular, elliptical, or bounded by another curve). An angular cross-section is also possible, such as a polygonal, square, or, particularly preferably, a rectangular one.The rectangular cross-section offers the advantage that the depth of the insert element can be relatively small compared to its length or height, resulting in a slim profile that fits well within the slender cross-section of the shelf rail. This ensures that the back of the shelf rail can remain flush against a supporting structure (e.g., a display table or shelf compartment, etc.) without the insert element protruding from the shelf rail towards the supporting structure or requiring a gap to be inserted into the rail.

[0026] It should be noted that the shelf rail may have a central web separating its back from its front. The insertion slot provided at the back may be closed on all sides, for example, to prevent access to the sensor device inserted therein. However, to facilitate handling the sensor device during installation or removal, it has proven advantageous for the insertion slot to be open at the back. To nevertheless ensure a secure and reliable hold for the insertion element, the insertion slot may have rail-shaped guide elements at its upper and lower ends that slightly engage the inserted element, with the rail-shaped guide elements preferably extending along, or preferably the entire, longitudinal extent of the shelf rail.

[0027] The housing of the sensor device is designed in the area of ​​the insertion element such that it can be inserted laterally into the insertion slot and is held there at its outer edges by the rail-shaped guide elements to prevent it from tipping backwards out of the shelf rail. The part of the housing that encloses the insertion element is therefore adapted to the shape of the insertion slot of the shelf rail, preferably flush with it.

[0028] Creating a locking connection between the sensor device and the shelf rail can be achieved in various ways. For example, a screw can be used, which, for instance, penetrates the shelf rail from below and extends into the housing of the sensor device. The screw forms a releasable connection. Similarly, a rivet can be used, creating a connection that is essentially permanent. However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the mechanical connection device to have a snap-lock element on the insertion element, designed to snap into a snap-lock opening in the shelf rail. This snap-lock element can engage, for example, in a structure forming the lower end or the upper end of the shelf rail.It has proven particularly advantageous that the shelf rail has the snap-lock opening in its central web. The snap-lock element can snap into the shelf rail from the rear. Preferably, the central web of the shelf rail is completely penetrated at the point of the snap-lock opening. This makes the snap-lock element accessible from the front of the shelf rail and allows it to be easily pushed out of the opening by a person's finger, thus releasing the locking connection to the shelf rail. To remove the sensor device from the shelf rail, it simply needs to be pulled out sideways.Furthermore, it should be mentioned here that the positions of the snap-lock element and the snap-lock opening are chosen such that, when the sensor device is fully inserted into the shelf rail, the snap-lock opening and the snap-lock element are positioned congruently and interlock. Snapping into place can therefore only occur when the sensor device is perfectly positioned in its intended position in the shelf rail, i.e., when the part of the sensor device housing adjoining the insertion element is abutting the side end of the shelf rail.

[0029] It has proven particularly advantageous if the snap-lock element is implemented by a housing section of the insertion element, preferably elastically adjustable and especially preferably bolt-shaped. This housing section can, for example, be shaped as a kind of tab or strip and separated from the rest of the housing structure of the insertion element by a gap in the housing. The elastic mobility of the strip is determined by the type of material (preferably plastic) and the material thickness of the strip or the wall of the housing. The locking element is provided at the area or end of the tab intended for actuation to release the connection or for snapping into place to establish the connection. The locking element can be hook-shaped or pin-shaped, but preferably, as mentioned, bolt-shaped.A circular bolt is particularly preferred, having a height approximately equal to the wall thickness of the central web, so that when locked, it does not protrude beyond the front surface of the central web, i.e., it is flush with this surface. This ensures that a device can be positioned on the shelf rail even at the location of the snap-lock opening without the snap-lock element being obstructive. This space on the shelf rail thus remains available for positioning a device. At the same time, the snap-lock element is covered by the device and protected from unauthorized access. The shape of the snap-lock opening is adapted to the circumferential shape of the snap-lock element, especially the bolt, and is therefore preferably circular. The diameter of the circle is adapted for easy handling with a fingertip and is therefore preferably in the range of 5 mm to 1 cm.

[0030] For the purpose of supplying electrical power to the sensor device, it can be designed to be connected to a power supply unit integrated into the shelf rail. However, since the sensor integrated into the sensor device often needs to operate continuously to ensure uninterrupted detection, this continuous operation results in a considerable power requirement. Consequently, it has proven particularly advantageous for the sensor device to have its own independent power supply unit or to be connected to one. For example, the sensor device can have an integrated power supply unit, such as a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery.It has proven particularly advantageous, however, if the insert element has a power supply connection for connecting an electrical power supply unit. In this context, it has also proven particularly advantageous for the power supply connection to be designed as an extension of the insert element. Preferably, this extension runs essentially parallel to the rear of the central web of the shelf rail along the receiving slot. The power supply connection has electrical contacts, preferably also a mechanical locking element – ​​in particular, a releasable one – to allow, on the one hand, the attachment of a socket for a wired power supply unit or, on the other hand, the attachment of a battery module. The electrical contacts enable the flow of current between the power supply unit and the sensor device.The locking element ensures that the socket or battery module is reliably held in its intended 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 shape of both the socket and the battery module is advantageously adapted to the shape of the mounting slot. Thus, both the socket and the battery module – analogous to the insertion element of the sensor device – can be completely inserted into the mounting slot. This ensures that the shelf rail can be attached to a shelf or shelf compartment in the usual way, without the need for any additional structural modifications, because nothing protrudes beyond the rear edge of the shelf rail.

[0032] Functionally, the power supply connection takes on the role of a plug for connecting to the socket or the battery module.

[0033] According to one design, the shelf rail has a bus system with electrical conductors. To connect to the bus system, the sensor device has a connection device, which is designed for the electrically conductive connection of the sensor device's electronics to the electrical conductors of the shelf rail's bus system. In other words, the sensor device has a socket into which the electrical conductors are inserted like a plug once the sensor device is attached to the side of the shelf rail. The socket contains contact elements. When the sensor device is attached to the shelf rail, each contact element contacts exactly one of the bus system's conductors. The contact elements are, in turn, connected to the sensor device's electronics. Depending on the specific application, or...This measure allows the sensor device to be configured and supplied with electrical power and / or data via the bus system.

[0034] According to a specific embodiment, the shelf rail has a plate-shaped conductor carrier located at the front and extending along the longitudinal axis of the shelf rail. This conductor carrier carries the electrical conductors of the shelf rail's bus system along the same longitudinal axis. To connect to this specific conductor carrier, the sensor device's connection element has a receiving slot designed to accommodate the plate-shaped conductor carrier located at the front and extending along the longitudinal axis of the shelf rail. Preferably, the receiving slot is aligned parallel to the insertion element.In the sensor device integrated into the shelf rail, the insertion element is located at the rear of the central web and is therefore not visible, whereas the receiving shaft is located at the front of the central web, meaning at least one front wall of the shaft is visible. Apart from these differences, the insertion element and the receiving shaft run essentially parallel to each other. In terms of depth (within the shelf rail), the receiving shaft is positioned at a distance from the insertion element to allow sufficient space between them for the central web of the shelf rail to be accommodated.Since the conductor carrier preferably extends to the lateral edge of the shelf rail, the receiving shaft can be significantly shorter (viewed in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail) than the insertion element, the length of which also contributes to the mechanically stable (wobble-free) placement in the insertion shaft of the shelf rail.

[0035] To ensure reliable and, above all, interference-free electrical contact, the receiving shaft has internal contacts, thus establishing electrical contact with the bus system's electrical conductors. Viewed from the perspective of the shelf rail, the electrical conductors supported by the cable carrier are contacted internally within the receiving shaft of the sensor device by the sensor device's contacts. Preferably, the conductors are positioned on the side of the cable carrier facing the rear of the shelf rail, so that the conductors are not visibly located in a shaft between the central web and the cable carrier. The electrically conductive contacts of the receiving shaft are therefore oriented towards the interior of the shaft on the rear wall of the shaft.

[0036] Preferably, the shelf rail includes an electronic power supply unit designed to provide power and / or communication to devices attached to the shelf rail, particularly the laterally mounted sensor device, preferably via a bus system of the shelf rail. The communication connection of the sensor device to the electronic power supply unit ensures that the sensor data provided by the sensor device can be easily transmitted via an existing communication infrastructure in a store, which is utilized by the electronic power supply unit. Often, the electronic power supply unit is not permanently active, but rather, to save energy, only provides data transmission via the bus system at set intervals.In this training method, it may be provided that the sensor device temporarily stores the sensor data and the electronic supply unit only retrieves the sensor data when it is itself active.

[0037] The shelf rail has a first end (e.g., left) and a second end (e.g., right). Optimal space utilization on the shelf rail is achieved by having the sensor device mounted at its first lateral end and the electronic power supply unit at its second lateral end. The remaining space between these two points on the shelf rail can be used for any electronic device, where precise positioning along the shelf rail is particularly important.

[0038] Finally, it should be mentioned generally that the electronic devices discussed (such as ESLs, smartphones, tablet computers, video racks, etc.) naturally contain electronics. These electronics can be discrete, integrated, or a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may also be used, possibly in combination with analog or digital electronic peripherals. Many of the devices' functionalities are implemented—sometimes in conjunction with hardware components—using software running on a processor within the electronics. Devices designed for wireless communication typically include an antenna configuration for transmitting and receiving radio signals as part of a transceiver module.The electronic devices can also have an internal power supply, which can be implemented, for example, with a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the devices can be powered via a wired connection, either through an external power supply unit or via Power over LAN.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the figures discussed below. Short character description

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not limited. In the various figures, identical components are designated with identical reference numerals. They show schematically: Fig. 1 a system according to the invention comprising a shelf rail system with a sensor device and a supply unit; Fig. 2 an electronic coupling of the supply unit with electrical conductors of a bus system of the shelf rail system; Fig. 3 a back side of the shelf rail system; Fig. 4 Three variants of an electrical power supply for the sensor device considered from a first perspective; Fig. 5 the three variants according to the Fig. 5 viewed from a second perspective; Fig. 6 three application examples of the shelf rail system on a shelf. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0041] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 1 for operating electronic devices, which in this case are formed by electronic shelf labels 2, known by the English term "Electronic Shelf Label" and hereinafter referred to as ESL 2. The ESLs 2 are wired for supplying electrical power and for wired communication.

[0042] Each ESL 2 has a screen 3 for displaying product and / or price information. In this case, it is an electrophoretic screen, which allows for extremely energy-efficient operation.

[0043] Product and / or price information is provided in system 1 by a server 4, which runs software that manages the assignment of an ESL 2 to a product. Communication with the ESLs 2 is facilitated by an access point 5, which in this case is connected to server 4 via cable and wirelessly transmits the display data (AD) representing the product and / or price information to the ESLs 2. It should also be noted that an external, cloud-based software solution could be used for these purposes instead of the (local) server 4.

[0044] System 1 further comprises a shelf rail system 6, which includes a shelf rail 7 designed to support or hold the ESLs 2 at its front. Details of the mechanical and electrical coupling of the ESLs 2 with the shelf rail 7 are described in WO 2022 / 188956 A1 in connection with the Fig. 3 to 5 and 9 to 10 and the associated description are disclosed and incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] The shelf rail system 6 further includes a power supply unit 8, which is designed for wired communication and power supply to the ESLs 2 on the shelf rail 7. It provides at least a ground potential (GND), a supply voltage (VCC) relative to the ground potential (GND), and signal and / or data communication on the shelf rail 8. The power supply unit 8 is designed for wireless communication with the access point 5 in order to receive the display data (AD) and communicate with the ESL 2 addressed by the server 4 on the shelf rail 7 via a wired connection, so that the relevant product and / or press information is displayed there. The power supply unit 6 is mounted on the right side of the shelf rail 7, where it forms a lateral seal.

[0046] The shelf rail system 6 further features a sensor device 9, which, depending on its configuration, can perform different data acquisition processes – see the general description for details – and generates sensor data SD as a result of the respective acquisition process. This data is then made available to the power supply unit 8 and transmitted to the power supply unit 8 via a wired connection as soon as it is requested. The power supply unit 8 communicates with the sensor device 9 via a wired connection in the same manner as with the ESLs 2. The power supply unit 8 transmits the sensor data SD – either as pre-processed raw data or as raw data – wirelessly via the access point 5 to the server 4 for further processing. The sensor device 9 is mounted on the left side of the shelf rail 7, where it forms a lateral seal.

[0047] It should be mentioned that instead of or in addition to the ESLs 2, other electronic devices, such as a camera (not shown), etc., can also be attached to the shelf rail 7.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the connection of the supply unit 8 to the shelf rail 7, with the right end of the shelf rail 7 being visible and the supply unit 8 without it in the Fig. 1 visible power supply housing 17 and its connected power supply battery module 26 (see Fig. 3) is shown so that only one electronic component 10 of the power supply unit 8 is visible from the right side. In this view, a conductor carrier 11 is visible as a component of the shelf rail 7. This carrier extends along the entire longitudinal dimension of the shelf rail 7 and is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating plastic). The conductor carrier 10 carries three electrical conductors 12, 13, and 14, which in this case are uninsulated copper conductors. These conductors are arranged parallel to each other at intervals along the entire longitudinal dimension of the shelf rail 7 and are attached to the side of the conductor carrier 10 facing the rear of the shelf rail 7. The power supply unit 8, together with the three conductors 12 to 14, forms a bus system 15 of the shelf rail 7 for the wired power and / or communication supply of the devices 2 or 14 mounted on the shelf rail 7.9. The first conductor 12 is connected to 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.

[0049] The electronics 10 are mounted on a circuit board 10A and connected to the three conductors 12 to 14 by means of three elastically deformable metal brackets 16, which are also mechanically attached to the circuit board 10A and electrically connected to the electronics 10. The metal brackets 16 are located in a housing compartment 17A (see Fig. 1) of the supply unit housing 17, into which the cable carrier 10 is inserted at the right edge of the shelf rail 7.

[0050] Details of the mechanical and electronic coupling of the supply unit 8 with the shelf rail 7 are described in WO 2022 / 188956 A1 in connection with the Fig. 6 to 8 and the associated description are disclosed and incorporated herein by reference. Details of the electronic implementation of the supply unit 8 and its use of the bus system 15 for communication purposes with the ESLs 2 connected to the bus system 15 and their power supply are disclosed in WO 2022 / 188956 A1 in connection with the Fig. 11, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B and the associated description are disclosed and incorporated herein by reference. It should be emphasized at this point that the signal and / or data interaction of the supply unit 8 with the sensor device 9 takes place in an analogous manner, which is consequently also designed in accordance with this technical teaching.

[0051] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the cross-sectional structure of the shelf rail 7. The shelf rail 7 has a central web 18 that separates the front from the back of the shelf rail 7. At the top, i.e., towards the top, the shelf rail 7 has a downward-sloping roof wall 19 in which the cable carrier 11 is attached. The sensor device 9 is visible at the left end of the shelf rail 7. The space defined by the central web 18 (more precisely, the front of the central web 18), the roof wall 19, the sensor device 9, and the power supply unit 8 serves to accommodate the ESLs 2. This space is left open at the bottom to allow the ESLs 2 to be inserted and removed from below. The front of this space is also left open to allow the ESLs 2 to be visible.

[0052] The shelf rail 7 has an insertion slot 20 on the back of the central web 18, into which the sensor device 9 can be inserted from the left side of the shelf rail 7 (see Fig. 1) is inserted. The insertion slot 20 is thus bounded at the front by the central web 18, at the top by the top wall 19, and at the bottom by a bottom wall 21. At the rear of the shelf rail 7, the top wall 19 and the bottom wall 21 terminate in rail-shaped guide elements 22, which run parallel to each other along the entire longitudinal extent of the shelf rail 7 at a distance from the central web 18. When the sensor device 9 is inserted laterally, it is guided by the guide elements 22. In the inserted state, the guide elements 22 serve to securely hold the sensor device 9 in the shelf rail 7.

[0053] The view according to the Fig. Figure 2 shows an insertion element 23 of the sensor device 9, which is inserted into the insertion slot 20 and is shaped to fit the form of the insertion slot 20, ensuring a secure and stable hold. Specifically, the housing of the insertion element 23 contacts the guide elements 22 inside the insertion slot 20 on their side facing the inside of the insertion slot 20. A sensor device battery module 24, which provides power to the sensor device 9, is mechanically and electrically connected to the insertion element 23. This sensor device battery module 24 is also shaped analogously to the insertion element 23 to fit optimally into the insertion slot 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the view of Fig. 2 A receiving shaft 25A formed with the help of housing parts of a sensor device housing 25 can be seen, in which the conductor carrier 10 is attached to the left end area of ​​the shelf rail 7 (see also Fig. 1) is included in order to contact the three electrical conductors 12 to 14 and thus connect the sensor device 9 to the bus system 15. In the receiving slot 25A, in this case there are three contact elements 31, 32, 33 (see Fig. 4) provided, wherein one is designed and positioned for electrically conductive contact with exactly one of the conductors 12, 13 or 14.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the back of the shelf rail 7, clearly showing the insertion element 23 inserted into the insertion slot 20. Also visible is the power supply unit battery module 26, which is attached to the power supply unit 8 and is electrically connected to the electronics 10 of the power supply unit 8. The openings 27, provided in the grid along the central web 18, are also clearly visible; these serve for the locked attachment of the ESLs 2 to the shelf rail 7.

[0056] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows the left end or left end area of ​​the shelf rail 7 from a frontal perspective, slightly obliquely from the right and below. The three contact elements 31, 32, and 33 are clearly visible in this perspective. To the left of the shelf rail 7, four sensor devices 9 are shown to illustrate three connection concepts AK1, AK2, and AK3 for connecting the sensor device 9 to the shelf rail 7. For the sake of clarity, the representation of all reference symbols in the Fig. 4 waived.

[0057] According to the first connection concept AK1, the power and communication connection of the sensor device 9 is carried out entirely via the bus system 15 of the shelf rail 7. The sensor device 9 is therefore inserted into the shelf rail 7 from the left and the three conductors 12, 13 and 14 are used as intended for power supply by the supply unit 8 and for communication with the supply unit 8.

[0058] According to the second connection concept AK2, the sensor device 9 is connected to the communication system via the bus system 15 of the shelf rail 7, whereas the power supply to the sensor device 9 is provided via a cable 28, i.e., a separate cable connection, to an electrical power supply unit (not shown). This power supply unit can be, for example, a USB power adapter, a separate (rechargeable) battery, or a power supply. At the end opposite the power supply unit, the cable 28 terminates in a socket 29, which is plugged into a connector 30 connected to the insertion element 23, as can be seen when looking together at the two figures of the second connection concept AK2. The sensor device 9, thus connected to the power supply unit, is inserted into the shelf rail 7 from the left, together with the socket 29.

[0059] According to the third connection concept AK3, the communication connection of the sensor device 9 is established via the bus system 15 of the shelf rail 7, while the power supply to the sensor device 9 is provided by the sensor device battery module 24. Here, too, the connector 30 adjoining the insertion element 23 is used, to which the sensor device battery module 24 is directly connected. The sensor device 9, thus connected to the sensor device battery module 24, is inserted into the shelf rail 7 from the left, together with the sensor device battery module 24. It should also be mentioned that the sensor device battery module 24 has an end bracket 30, which facilitates handling.

[0060] In connection with the Fig. 4 It should also be mentioned that, apart from the sensor device 9 inserted laterally into the shelf rail 7, the shelf rail 7 can also be equipped with further sensors 34, which are attached to the front of the shelf rail 7 in the same way as the ESLs 2, if desired.

[0061] Furthermore, in connection with the Fig. 4 refers to a snap-lock element 35 of the sensor device 9, which is formed on the insertion element 23. This snap-lock element 35 serves to snap into a snap-lock opening 36 of the central web 18 of the shelf rail 7 in order to fix the sensor device 9 to the shelf rail 7 in a way that is immovable but releasable.

[0062] In connection with the Fig. 4 It should also be mentioned that the socket 29 has a locking element 37 on its underside, which serves to lock it with a corresponding counter element (not visible) of the plug 30.

[0063] The one in Fig. The three connection concepts AK1 to AK3 shown in section 4 are subsequently discussed in the following sections. Fig. Figure 5 is shown again, but from a different perspective, so that the left edge of shelf rail 7 is more clearly visible. Again, for the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown. Also clearly visible is the cable support 11, which carries the three cables 12, 13, and 14 to the left edge or end of shelf rail 7.

[0064] The following are, with the help of the Fig. Six different applications of the shelf rail system 6 are revealed. In the Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of shelf 38.

[0065] The shelf 38 has an upper shelf compartment 39 on which seven so-called "pushers" 40 are installed. The pushers 40 are designed to measure their distance from a shelf back panel 41 and transmit this information wirelessly. Their respective distance from the shelf back panel 41 depends on the contents of the shelf compartment 39, with the pushers 40 advancing the respective products against a front, transparent end stop 42. In the illustrated case, no products are placed in the shelf compartment 41; consequently, all pushers are positioned at their maximum distance from the shelf back panel 41. If products are present, the distance to the shelf back panel 41 decreases for the respective pusher 40. When a product is removed, the respective pusher 40 moves forward by one product depth towards the shelf rail 7.The sensor device 9 of the upper shelf compartment 39 has a radio-based communication module that is wirelessly coupled to the pushers 40, so that the stocking status of the upper shelf compartment 39 can be determined for each pusher 40 using the sensor device 9. The respective stocking status can then be transmitted via cable to the supply unit 8 and from there wirelessly via the access point 5 to the server 4.

[0066] The shelf 38 further comprises a central shelf compartment 43, on which a contact- or pressure-sensitive sensor film 44 (sometimes also 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 its entire length. When products are removed from the shelf 43, these products (here creams and pastes) are typically removed from the front. If the sensor film 44 is no longer loaded with product at a certain point (product position), this can be detected by the sensor device 9 connected to the sensor film 44 and transmitted via cable in the shelf rail 7 to the supply unit 8, and from there wirelessly via the access point 5 to the server 4. As described in the Fig.As can be seen in Figure 6, the sensor film 44 is connected to the sensor device 9 of the shelf rail system 6 attached to the middle shelf compartment 43 by means of a ribbon cable 45, which is routed along the side of the left console 46 under the shelf compartment 43. The connector 30 can be used for this purpose, the pin assignment of which is adapted accordingly, i.e., it has the necessary number and configuration of plug contacts.

[0067] In the present case, the sensor film 44 is designed to allow two-dimensional spatial resolution, i.e., matrix-oriented detection of objects on its surface, so that the presence or absence of products is detected not only in the depth of the shelf compartment 43, but also along its longitudinal extent. Alternatively, the sensor film 44 can also be designed to allow only one-dimensional spatial resolution in the direction of the depth of the shelf compartment 43 or in the direction of its longitudinal extent.

[0068] Shelf 38 also has a lower shelf compartment 46, on which a sensor device 9, equipped with an RFID reader, is installed. This RFID reader allows the detection of RFID tags (not shown) attached to products (here, shoes) or their labels, so that the product inventory (stocking status) in the lower shelf compartment 46 can be determined via the detected RFID tags. The respective stocking status, in the form of the detected RFID tag data or, alternatively, reduced to data describing the number of detected RFID tags, is transmitted via cable to the supply unit 8 and from there wirelessly via the access point 5 to the server 4.

[0069] In summary, the measures discussed allow the respective stocking status to be recorded for each shelf section, such as shelf compartment 39, 43 or 46, and the absence of products to be detected in real time and communicated across systems, so that restocking can be planned in advance, but at the latest when the stock level in the relevant shelf compartment or product position in the relevant shelf compartment can be initiated fully automatically.

[0070] Finally, it should be mentioned that the second and third connection concepts AK2 and AK3 discussed in connection with the sensor device 9 can also be applied to the supply unit 8.

[0071] To ensure a straightforward energy supply for the shelf rail systems 6 installed on shelf 38, a solar panel could be provided, for example, magnetically attached to the top level of shelf 38. This panel would utilize the ambient light in the store to power the electronic devices on shelf 38. Alternatively, a high-performance battery module could be provided, featuring multiple connections (e.g., USB ports) to which cables 28 could be connected to selectively power either the sensor device 9, the power supply unit 8, or both. A USB power adapter that plugs directly into a wall socket could also be used.All these measures contribute to making optimal use of the mains power sockets, which are usually scarce in a business premises, and in some cases even making it possible to completely forgo their use.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted once again that the figures described in detail above are only exemplary embodiments, which can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2022188955A1

[0002] WO 2022 / 188956 A1 [0044, 0050]

Claims

[1] Sensor device (9), which is designed for attachment to a shelf rail (7), characterized by , that the sensor device (9) is designed for lateral attachment to the shelf rail (7). [2] Sensor device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (9) is designed to detect a physical parameter. [3] Sensor device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor device (9) is designed to detect a loading state of a shelf (38). [4] Sensor device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (9) has a mechanical connecting device, which is designed to hold and / or lock a connection with the shelf rail (7). [5] Sensor device (9) according to claim 4, wherein the mechanical connecting device comprises an insertion element (23). [6] Sensor device (9) according to claim 5, wherein the mechanical connecting device comprises a snap-lock element (35) on the insertion element (23) which is designed to snap into a snap-lock opening (36) of the shelf rail (7). [7] Sensor device (9) according to claim 6, wherein the snap closure element (35) is realized by a preferably elastically adjustable, particularly preferably bolt-like, housing region of the insertion element (23). [8] Sensor device (9) according to claim 5, wherein the insertion element (23) has a power supply terminal provided for connecting an electrical power supply device (24). [9] Sensor device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (9) has an electrical connection device which is designed for the electrically conductive connection of the sensor device (9) to electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of a bus system (15) of the shelf rail (7). [10] Sensor device (9) according to claim 9, wherein the electrical connection device has a receiving shaft (25A) which is designed to receive a plate-shaped cable carrier (11) located at the front and running along the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (7), which carries the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) of the shelf rail (7) running along the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (7). [11] Sensor device (9) according to claim 10, wherein the receiving shaft (25A) has contacts (31, 32, 33) located on the inside for electrically contacting electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) of the shelf rail (7). [12] Shelf rail system (6) comprising a shelf rail (7) to which the sensor device (9) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is laterally mounted. [13] Shelf rail system (6) according to claim 12, wherein the shelf rail (7) has an insertion shaft (20) which is at least laterally open and located at the rear and runs along the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (7), into which insertion shaft (20) the sensor device (9) is inserted. [14] Shelf rail system (6) according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 13, wherein the shelf rail (7) has a bus system (15) with a cable carrier (11), wherein the cable carrier (11) is plate-shaped and located on the front and runs along the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (7) and carries electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) of the bus system (15) running along the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (7), wherein the cable carrier (11) is received at its lateral end region in a receiving shaft (25A) of the sensor device (9). [15] Shelf rail system (6) according to claim 14, wherein the electrical conductors (12, 13, 14) carried by the conductor carrier (11) are contacted on the inside in the receiving shaft (25A) of the sensor device (9) with contacts (31, 32, 33) of the sensor device (9). [16] Shelf rail system (6) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the shelf rail (7) has an electronic supply device (8) which is designed for the power and / or communication supply of devices (2) attached to the shelf rail (7), in particular also the laterally attached sensor device (9), particularly preferably via a bus system (15) of the shelf rail (7). [17] Shelf rail system (6) according to claim 16, wherein the shelf rail (7) carries the sensor device (9) at its first lateral end and carries the electronic supply device (8) at its second lateral end.

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