Maintenance device for performing maintenance on shelf rails

Abstract

A shelf rail maintenance device 14 for maintaining at least one conductor 6 of a shelf rail 3, the conductor 6 being installed in an accommodating groove 4 of an electronic shelf rail 3 and extending freely accessible along a vertical extending portion of the accommodating groove 4, the holding device 14 including at least one acting element 15; 15A, 15B, 15C for holding and interacting with the at least one conductor 6 of the electronic shelf rail 3, the shelf rail maintenance device 14 being characterized in that at least a portion of the holding device 14 is designed to fit into the accommodating groove 4 so that the at least one acting element 15; 15A, 15B, 15C can be positioned in the accommodating groove 4 corresponding to the position of the at least one conductor 6.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance device for performing maintenance on shelf rails. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic shelf rails are used to support electronic shelf labels (ESLs for short) and provide them with power for electronic operation and / or data related to display information. To this end, such shelf rails include electrical conductors to which the ESLs can be coupled. Typically, such shelf rails are used in commercial establishments such as supermarkets.

[0003] For a long time, contamination of shelf rails and conductors has been a major problem. Traditionally, electronic shelf rails have been developed to protect the majority of conductors from contamination by special locations and partial covers for the conductors. Such shelf rails are described in published WO 2017 / 153481.

[0004] However, there is usually always some dust present in the air where such shelf rails are used. No matter how clean the shelf rails are, over time, dust will accumulate on the conductors. Furthermore, moisture or substances in the air that cannot be effectively removed can cause oxidation of the conductor surfaces. Even with modern shelf rails, which require maintenance much less frequently than comparable shelf rails, no effective means to date exists for performing this maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 153481 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic shelf rail that can be quickly and easily maintained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by the shelf rail maintenance device set forth in claim 1. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a shelf rail maintenance device for maintaining at least one conductor of an electronic shelf rail, where the at least one conductor is installed in a receiving groove of the electronic shelf rail and extends freely accessible along a longitudinal extension of the receiving groove. The maintenance device includes at least one operating element for maintenance interaction with the at least one conductor of the electronic shelf rail. At least a portion of the maintenance device is designed to fit into the receiving groove so that the at least one operating element can be positioned in the receiving groove corresponding to the position of the at least one conductor.

[0008] This problem is further solved by an electronic shelf rail as set forth in claim 15. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an electronic shelf rail system including an electronic shelf rail and at least one shelf rail maintenance device as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 14. In this case, the electronic shelf rail is designed to support at least one electronic device, particularly at least one electronic shelf rail, and the electronic shelf rail includes at least one conductor, preferably at least two conductors, and particularly preferably three conductors. In this case, the at least one conductor is installed in a receiving groove of the electronic shelf rail and extends freely accessible along a longitudinal extension of the receiving groove, and at least one shelf rail maintenance device is installed in the receiving groove so as to be movable along the receiving groove for maintaining the at least one conductor.

[0009] The solution according to the present invention firstly provides the advantage that modern shelf rails having conductors installed in receiving grooves, where the conductors are essentially covered by the structural contour of the electronic shelf rail and thus protected from direct access, can be beneficially maintained.

[0010] Such a shelf rail includes, for example, a reference wall and a conductor support portion spaced apart from the reference wall, such that the receiving groove is formed between the reference wall and the conductor support portion, both of which are preferably wall-shaped.

[0011] At least one conductor to be maintained is installed in this receiving groove. The at least one conductor is concealed in the receiving groove so as not to be visible from the outside and is implemented as a conductor track or wire concealed in this receiving groove along the rail. In a preferred embodiment there are three conductors, one for grounding, one for the supply voltage and one for the communication of data and / or signals.

[0012] The definition that a maintenance device is designed to fit into a receiving groove of a shelf rail means that the shape and configuration of at least one respective part of the maintenance device allows the maintenance device to be placed into the receiving groove along an interaction path and provides sufficient stability after being placed into the receiving groove so that an acting element can interact with at least one conductor to perform maintenance interaction.

[0013] The position and orientation of the operating element of the maintenance device are set so that the operating element is located corresponding to the position of the conductor after the maintenance device is properly installed in the receiving groove, which allows the operating element to be in contact with or located close to at least one conductor after the maintenance device is installed in the receiving groove.

[0014] Therefore, the user is not required to visually contact the at least one electrical conductor during use of the maintenance device, since the shape of the maintenance device and the position and / or orientation of the at least one operating element allow automatic perfect positioning and / or alignment of the maintenance device in the receiving groove.

[0015] It should be noted that the electrical conductors used for the electronic operation of the electronic device are accessible only from inside the receiving groove, while at the same time being covered by the electronic shelf rail to prevent accidental contact with the conductors by anyone touching the electronic shelf rail.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be noted that each of the at least one active element may interact with one or more conductors. Thus, one individual active element may be assigned to each conductor. However, several active elements may be assigned to only one conductor, or several conductors may be assigned to only one active element.

[0017] Further particularly advantageous and alternative embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0018] Essentially, the receiving groove is used to receive the conductive section of the electronic device, particularly the ESL, to establish an electronic connection between the electronic device and the electronic shelf rail.

[0019] Preferably, the storage groove is designed to be accessible from only one direction. This means that the storage groove is defined by three walls that form this access opening between two side walls (e.g., between a first wall realized by a reference wall and a second wall realized by a conductor support) that are joined by another wall facing the access opening. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor support supports at least one conductor on the side facing inward of the storage groove. When viewed from the front of the electronic shelf rail, this is the side of the conductor support that is not visible, or in other words, the side hidden by the storage groove.

[0020] The basic purpose behind the design of the storage groove is to accommodate, at least partially, an electronic device such as an electronic shelf label. In a preferred embodiment, the storage groove is in an inverted U-shape. As a result, the storage groove opens downwards so that an electronic device can be accommodated from below. Therefore, a maintenance device can also be inserted into the storage groove. Furthermore, the storage groove extends continuously along the longitudinal extension of the electronic shelf rail.

[0021] At least one conductor is connected at one end to a supply device that supplies power and / or signals and / or data to the electronic shelf rail and, in particular, to electronic devices installed on the electronic shelf rail. This supply device is also called a rail controller. The rail controller may be embedded in the electronic shelf rail or may be removable from the electronic shelf rail. However, the rail controller may also be installed remotely from the electronic shelf rail, and the at least one conductor may be connected to appropriate connection means (e.g., connectors and wires). In particular, the rail controller is connected to at least three conductors to provide a supply voltage and to enable data and / or signal communication.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one conductor is located on or in a conductor support, which is designed (for example as a wall) to be surrounded by the at least one electronic device, preferably such that the at least one conductor does not face the front face of the electronic device as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one conductor is located on a rear face of the conductor support facing in the direction of the reference wall.

[0023] For this purpose, the electronic device includes a conductor support groove into which the conductor support can be inserted, so that the electronic contacts of the electronic device can contact the conductors of the electronic shelf rail. It is noteworthy that when the electronic device is inserted into the electronic shelf rail, the conductor support can be guided into the conductor support groove of the electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor support groove is realized between the rear wall and the front wall of the electronic device. When the electronic device is realized as an electronic shelf label, a screen is located on the front wall.

[0024] In this configuration, the rear wall of the electronic device is installed in the receiving groove of the electronic shelf rail, and the front wall of the electronic device covers the conductor support. This design of the electronic shelf rail and associated electronic device allows at least one conductor to be hidden in the receiving groove, protecting the conductor from dirt and minimizing the risk of damage to the conductor. As a result, maintenance of the at least one conductor can be effectively performed by a maintenance device that is specifically adapted to this particular electronic shelf rail to fit into the receiving groove to access the at least one conductor by maintenance interaction with the receiving groove.

[0025] Maintenance can be performed in a variety of ways, and thus several variations of action elements, applicable alone or in combination, have proven beneficial.

[0026] Maintenance may include, but is not limited to, cleaning, corrosion control, corrosion treatment, antiseptic, error detection and error control, which may be errors in the shape and position of electrical conductors in particular.

[0027] The focus here is on maintaining electrical conductors, however, the means referred to herein may be adapted to maintain additional areas of the electronic shelf rail, particularly if installed in a receiving groove.

[0028] According to a feature of the invention, the at least one working element is designed for mechanical maintenance interaction.

[0029] Mechanical maintenance interactions may include cleaning, stripping, brushing, grinding, scraping, etc. Thus, working elements designed for mechanical maintenance interactions may include, but are not limited to, cleaners, strippers, brushes, grinders, and / or blades, among others.

[0030] According to a further feature of the invention, the at least one active element is designed for maintenance interaction of a maintenance substance.

[0031] The maintenance interaction of the maintenance material involves applying the material to the electrical conductor for maintenance purposes.

[0032] One or more substances may be used herein.

[0033] The substance may be solid, liquid or gas. Liquid substances may be low or high viscosity.

[0034] The substance is preferably liquid, at least temporarily, in particular at least when it is applied. The substance is particularly preferably liquid at normal temperature and pressure.

[0035] The substances used may include or be embodied as, but are not limited to, water, detergent, soap, corrosion remover, corrosion converter, especially rust converter, oil, fat or indicator ink.

[0036] The indicator ink can be used to mark the conductor. When a shape error or position error occurs to the conductor, the marked conductor with the error interacts with a maintenance device that passes over the conductor in the direction of the receiving groove during the maintenance process. As a result, the indicator ink marks the maintenance device at the corresponding location. In this way, damaged or misaligned conductors can be quickly identified.

[0037] The substance may be applied, particularly but not exclusively, using a nozzle, a brush, a sponge or a substance capture agent exhibiting capillary action. Preferably, the maintenance device includes or is connected to a substance reservoir. The substance reservoir may be designed, for example, to store the substance using the capillary effect. Preferably, the substance reservoir is designed to store the substance in a substance storage tank.

[0038] A pump, motor, or the like may be provided to transport the substance from the substance reservoir and subsequently apply the substance to the electrical conductor.

[0039] Preferably, the cleaning device is designed to release the substance exclusively locally at at least two separate locations on at least two different conductors. This is particularly advantageous when the substance is conductive. Due to the release at clearly defined, predetermined locations, short circuits between the conductors can be avoided even when such conductive substances are used.

[0040] For this purpose, for example, two or more nozzles may be provided that eject the substance at different locations, and a seal, such as a sealing lip, may be provided to separate two adjacent locations or regions from each other so that a conductive liquid film cannot form between these adjacent conductors.

[0041] To avoid short circuits, the amount of material used must of course be adapted to the measures taken. According to another feature of the invention, at least one active element is designed for electrostatic maintenance interaction.

[0042] For this purpose, the maintenance device, in particular the working element, can be designed to collect contaminants, such as dust or fine droplets of liquid particles, by electrostatic charges. Therefore, the working element can be designed as an electrostatic cleaning element. Such an electrostatic cleaning element is designed to be electrostatically charged. As a result, the electrostatic cleaning element can attract particles that contaminate conductors. Electrostatic maintenance devices can be based, for example, on the triboelectric effect or electrostatic induction.

[0043] According to another feature of the invention, at least one working element is designed for maintaining interaction of the airflow.

[0044] To this end, the maintenance device may be designed to blow air towards the conductors and / or to suck air from the conductors like a vacuum cleaner.

[0045] The maintenance device, in particular the operating element, is designed to direct the air flow towards or away from the conductor, which can be achieved by means of individual nozzles or slit nozzles, etc.

[0046] To establish the airflow, the maintenance device may include an internal or external airflow generator, such as a turbine, fan, or compressor.

[0047] According to another feature of the invention, at least one working element is designed for maintenance interaction of checking position and / or alignment.

[0048] Such position and / or alignment check maintenance interactions can be performed in a variety of ways, as non-exclusively exemplified below.

[0049] For example, the active element may be implemented as a displacement sensor that is moved along a conductor (wire) and checks the position of the wire to determine whether it is in its desired position, allowing detection of portions of the conductor that have moved outside of the target position.

[0050] The maintenance device may also include a laser-based system in which the position / alignment of the electrical conductors is checked, where the active elements are designed as laser generators and / or as light detectors.

[0051] The maintenance device may also include a camera-based system designed for visually inspecting electrical conductors, where the active element is designed as a camera.

[0052] Combinations of these can also be realised: thus, an operating element can be provided which emits a laser and an operating element designed as a camera which captures an image of the electrical conductor affected by said laser.

[0053] The captured still or moving images may be transmitted to an external display, however the maintenance device itself may also include a screen for quickly displaying still or moving images, allowing for precise identification of the location where the misplacement or misalignment has been identified.

[0054] It is particularly advantageous that the maintenance device is designed to be movable along the shelf rail in the receiving groove. According to this particular embodiment, once the maintenance device is inserted and positioned in the receiving groove, it can maintain at least one conductor along its entire length while moving along the shelf rail. This measure allows at least one conductor to be continuously maintained along its longitudinal extension. Thus, the entire maintenance process for the entire shelf rail can be performed relatively quickly without having to repeatedly remove and reinsert the maintenance device at each separate position. In particular, the design of the maintenance device, which allows free movement along the shelf rail, differs from the design of electronic devices intended for use with such shelf rails that are designed to be locked to the shelf rail without being movable along the shelf rail.

[0055] According to a further feature, it has proven advantageous for the maintenance device to include a proximity mechanism designed to bring the active element close to or into contact with the electrical conductor.

[0056] The proximity mechanism is therefore designed to move the working element towards the conductor and / or to apply a force to establish a secure contact between this working element and this conductor.

[0057] For this purpose, the proximity mechanism can be designed to move the entire maintenance device into the cross section of the receiving groove. For example, the proximity mechanism presses against a reference wall (or a conductor support) of the electronic shelf rail to move or press the entire maintenance device toward the conductor by the action element.

[0058] However, the proximity mechanism may also be designed to move only a part of the maintenance device, in particular essentially only the acting element, so that the maintenance device can be designed to rest against a reference wall of the electronic shelf rail, while the proximity mechanism presses the acting element against or towards the conductor.

[0059] The proximity mechanism may include a spring-loaded mechanism, such as a leg spring, helical spring, or gas spring. Another component, such as a lever, may be provided to direct the force or movement to a desired point. For example, a spring-loaded mechanism may be used to urge the entire maintenance device away from the reference wall or to urge the working element toward the electrical conductor.

[0060] However, the proximity mechanism may include other mechanisms instead of or in place of the spring mechanism to generate the force and / or cause the movement. For example, the proximity mechanism may include an electromagnet or an electric motor. Such an electric motor or electromagnet may drive a camshaft, a threaded rod, or the like, which in turn generates a corresponding movement or force.

[0061] This means makes it possible to place the active element at a predetermined distance from the conductor or to press the active element against the conductor with a predetermined pressure without manual readjustment.

[0062] Furthermore, it has proven beneficial for the maintenance device to include an insertion path limiting element that is designed and / or positioned to limit the insertion path of the maintenance device so that when the maintenance device is inserted into the receiving groove of the electronic shelf rail along the insertion path until the limit of the insertion path is reached, the operating element is installed in a position corresponding to the position of the conductor.

[0063] This measure ensures that when the maintenance device is inserted, the acting element is properly positioned to allow maintenance interaction with the conductors, thus avoiding the acting element being placed too deep within the shelf rail, past the conductors, or not being inserted far enough into the shelf rail to allow maintenance interaction.

[0064] To this end, the insertion path limiting element may be designed, for example, as a tip stop.

[0065] Thus, the insertion path limiting element is a component that is installed and configured such that when the maintenance device is inserted deep enough into the electronic shelf rail to perform maintenance interaction, the insertion path limiting element contacts the electronic shelf rail. As a result, the maintenance device cannot move any deeper into the electronic shelf rail. The design of the insertion path limiting element also ensures that the maintenance device is held freely movable along the electronic shelf rail.

[0066] Additionally, the shelf rail maintenance device includes a guide mechanism designed to guide the operating element as the maintenance device is moved along the shelf rail. The term "guide" means that the guide mechanism ensures that the working element is guided along the conductor extending along its target course or the expected target course of the conductor.

[0067] The guide mechanism makes it possible to keep the operating elements consistently and perfectly positioned as the maintenance device is moved along the electronic shelf rail, and to avoid malfunctions such as slippage or jamming of the maintenance device.

[0068] For this purpose, the guide mechanism may be constituted by, for example, a beam or post that rests against the electronic shelf rail to guide the maintenance device.

[0069] Thus, the guide mechanism may be an essentially fixed component that is fixedly connected to the remainder of the maintenance device except for any possible spring bias of the fixed component.

[0070] However, as noted above, the guide mechanism may also be comprised of moving elements such as wheels, gears, chains, belts, and the like.

[0071] In general, it has proven advantageous for the maintenance device to include at least one movable element that is movable relative to the maintenance device.

[0072] This means that the mobile element is movable within the maintenance device and is therefore designed to perform a relative movement with respect to the maintenance device, where movement is understood to be a movement that opposes deformation as a result of frictional forces such as occur with bristles during brushing.

[0073] Preferably, the moving element is designed to come into contact with a shelf rail, for example to roll on this shelf rail.

[0074] The movable element performs a rotational movement within the maintenance device.

[0075] At least one moving element is used for different tasks as described below. It can be done.

[0076] As mentioned above, at least one movable element can be used to implement the guide mechanism. For this purpose, for example, wheels can be provided. The maintenance device can be moved and guided by said wheels. Such a movable element can also be used to prevent certain movements of the maintenance device. The use of at least one movable element to realize the guide mechanism allows for low-friction guiding.

[0077] Furthermore, at least one working element may include or be implemented as at least one moving element. For example, the working element may be realized as a rotatable, fabric-covered wheel designed to wipe dirt off electrical conductors. To achieve electrostatic maintenance interaction, the moving working element is designed to generate an electric charge by the triboelectric effect. For this purpose, a corresponding friction object may be provided on the working element that rubs against the moving element. The friction object may also be designed to perform electrostatic maintenance interaction.

[0078] It is therefore advantageous if the operating element is designed to be movable within the maintenance device.

[0079] The movable element may also be designed to drive another movable element. For example, a wheel may be provided that is configured to roll, and thus rotate, on the electronic shelf rail when the maintenance device is moved along the electronic shelf rail. This wheel may drive a fabric-covered wheel that forms the working element. This allows the fabric-covered wheel to be driven to perform the maintenance interaction.

[0080] Such a moving element can also be used to perform the actuation as described below.

[0081] Thus, a shelf maintenance apparatus according to a further aspect of the present invention includes a drive mechanism designed to drive the maintenance apparatus along the shelf rails.

[0082] Such a drive mechanism may be implemented by, for example, a friction motor or a spring-loaded motor, such as a pull-back motor.

[0083] With such a drive mechanism implemented, for example, by a pull-back motor, an employee can insert the maintenance device into the electronic shelf rail near the right end of the electronic shelf rail and move the maintenance device slightly to the right. The maintenance device will then automatically move to the left end of the electronic shelf rail. At the same time, the employee can insert the next maintenance device into the upper or lower electronic shelf rail and repeat the process. The maintenance device can then be retrieved at the left end of the electronic shelf rail. Of course, the left side may be swapped for this process.

[0084] The maintenance device can be activated even if an electronic device, such as an ESL, is still in use on the electronic shelf rail. At this time, the maintenance device moves until it contacts the electronic device. The electronic device can then be removed by an employee and reinserted after the maintenance device has passed the location of the electronic device. Once the path is cleaned, the maintenance device continues to move automatically. This ensures that the maintenance device also occupies the location of the electronic device and that all electronic devices are returned to their previous location after the maintenance process.

[0085] Preferably, the drive mechanism is driven by an electric motor.

[0086] A maintenance device that operates with such a drive mechanism using an electric motor can be used in the same way as the maintenance device with the pre-back motor described above. However, in this case, an additional sensor can be provided so that the maintenance device stops before it presses against an electronic device in an electronic shelf rail. This makes it easier for an employee to remove the electronic device from the shelf rail and reinsert it after the maintenance device has passed.

[0087] Therefore, the maintenance device preferably includes at least one path sensor for detecting whether the path along the conductor is blocked or not.An electric motor can be used not only for the drive mechanism but also for driving a movable element of the operating element or a movable operating element.

[0088] In order to supply power to the electrical functions of the maintenance device, it is advantageous for the maintenance device to contact at least one electrical conductor on the shelf rail and to draw power from said at least one electrical conductor.

[0089] Therefore, the maintenance device preferably includes at least one sliding contact, preferably two sliding contacts. Typically, an electronic shelf rail includes two electrical conductors that are used to supply power, each of which is individually contacted by one of the sliding contacts.

[0090] Electronic shelf rails often include a third conductor designed to transmit information by data or signals, and the maintenance device may include a third sliding contact for contacting the third conductor of the shelf rail to provide a communications link.

[0091] For data processing and / or data communication, the maintenance device may include electronic devices, in particular a processing stage (for example a microcontroller or the like).

[0092] Thus, the maintenance device can determine the status of the electrical shelf rail, optionally store the status as data, and transmit the status in the form of communication data via the third conductor of the shelf rail to a shelf rail controller, which in turn can transmit the status to a server, etc. The status can include, for example, when the shelf rail or its contacts were last cleaned, when corrosion protection was last applied, and / or whether any alignment or position errors related to the conductors were detected, etc.

[0093] For example, if an alignment or position error of a conductor is detected, this can be logged centrally on a server so that all those shelf rails in a service area with detected errors can be easily found and quickly repaired or replaced.

[0094] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the maintenance device to include an energy store for storing energy, preferably electrical power.

[0095] As pointed out in the description of the drive function, this energy store can store energy in, for example, a spring or a flywheel.

[0096] However, if an electronic device is present in the maintenance device, the energy storage is preferably realized by a battery or accumulator capable of storing power, so that the maintenance device can be used even if power is not supplied by electrical conductors, or even if the contact to the electrical conductors that are intended to supply power is (temporarily) interrupted.

[0097] It is also possible to drive the maintenance device by electronic means even if the power supply to the electronic shelf rail is deliberately cut off, which may be necessary, for example, for maintenance devices containing large amounts of (soapy) water, when the power supply to the conductors has been interrupted to avoid short circuits.

[0098] In summary, it may be pointed out that the maintenance device may be designed to move automatically along at least one electrical conductor.

[0099] However, the maintenance device can also be designed to be moved manually along the electrical conductor.

[0100] The maintenance device may include a handle so that the maintenance device can be grasped by the handle.

[0101] Preferably, the handle is designed so that at least one acting element can be pulled towards the electrical conductor by pulling on the handle.

[0102] Preferably, the maintenance device is designed to mechanically support the electronic shelf rail, particularly the conductor support, when inserted into the electronic shelf rail. This mechanical support ensures that forces and moments acting on the electronic shelf rail caused by the maintenance device are equalized and that the resulting forces are minimized. To this end, the maintenance device preferably includes a support structure. Such a support structure may be designed, for example, to equalize or absorb forces from nearby mechanisms.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing of the maintenance device takes the shape of the electronic shelf label typically used with the electronic shelf rail, except for the latching mechanism that prevents longitudinal movement of the electronic shelf label along the electronic shelf rail, which simplifies operation of the maintenance device.

[0104] Furthermore, the maintenance device may be embedded in the electronic shelf label.

[0105] Finally, it is noted that the electronic devices referred to in the description of this application may be realized by well-known discrete and / or integrated electronics. When an interface is provided, one skilled in the art can select and design appropriate interface circuits (transceivers) to enable data and / or signal communication. Programmable devices may include a microprocessor and discrete peripheral electronic devices. Such programmable devices may also be realized by microcontrollers or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. Execution of software routines on such devices provides the computer-implemented functions described herein.

[0106] The above and further features of the present invention are illustrated in the following figures.

[0107] The invention will now be described on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which do not limit the scope of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0108] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a shelf rail maintenance device according to a first embodiment and a shelf rail on which the shelf rail maintenance device is used. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a shelf rail maintenance device according to a first embodiment and a shelf rail on which the shelf rail maintenance device is used. [Figure 2A] 1A-1B show the front side of the device according to FIG. [Figure 2B] 1A-1B shows the rear view of the device according to FIG. [Figure 3A] 10 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device. [Figure 3B] 10 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device. [Figure 4] 10 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device. [Figure 5A] 5 shows a front view of the maintenance device according to FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] 5 shows the rear side of the maintenance device according to FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device having a form very similar to the electronic shelf labels used on shelf rails. [Figure 7B] 1 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device having a form very similar to the electronic shelf labels used on shelf rails. [Figure 7C] 1 shows a further embodiment of a maintenance device having a form very similar to the electronic shelf labels used on shelf rails. [Figure 8A] 1 shows an electronic shelf rail and an electronic shelf label used with the electronic shelf rail. [Figure 8B] 1 shows an electronic shelf rail and an electronic shelf label used with the electronic shelf rail. [Figure 9A] 1 shows an electronic shelf rail with two electronic shelf labels and a rail control device. [Figure 9B] 1 shows an electronic shelf rail with two electronic shelf labels and a rail control device. [Figure 10] The maintenance device is shown as being movable left and right on shelf rails. [Figure 11] 10 shows another embodiment of a maintenance device having a guide element formed at its bottom end. [Figure 12] 1 shows the interaction of the operating elements of the maintenance device with the shelf rails in a perspective cross-sectional view, in which the rear wall of the maintenance device has been broken away in this region of the housing of the maintenance device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0109] 9A shows an electronic shelf rail 3 supporting two electronic shelf labels (ESLs 30 for short). The electronic shelf rail 3 is connected to a rail controller 31 that provides power to operate the ESLs 30 and data to the ESLs 30. A display is provided on the front of the ESLs 30 to display price and / or product information indicated by the provided data.

[0110] 9B shows the rear of the shelf rail 3 connected to the rail control device 31 shown in FIG. 9A. In this perspective view, the reference wall 2 of the electronic shelf rail 3 is visible. The reference wall 2 includes several recesses 13. The recesses 13 used to secure the ESL 30 are arranged in a grid pattern. The recesses 13 allow for a good coupling between the ESL 30 and the electronic shelf rail 3 and prevent longitudinal movement of the ESL 30 along the shelf rail immediately after the ESL 30 engages with the recesses 13.

[0111] 8A and 8B show the mechanical and electrical interaction between the electronic shelf rail 3 and the ESL 30.

[0112] The shelf rail 3 includes a first boundary wall 2 (reference wall 2) which is shown vertically in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0113] Each first boundary or reference wall 2 is integral at its upper end with a second boundary wall 8. In this exemplary embodiment, the second boundary wall 8 and the reference wall 2 are made integrally from steel.

[0114] Between the reference wall 2 and the second boundary wall 8 there is provided a receiving area 4 for receiving an electronic device, here an ESL 30, which is bounded on both sides by these walls 2 and 8.

[0115] The second boundary wall 8 comprises an accommodation shaft 7 into which a conductor support 5, embodied as a conductor support plate (also called a conductor carrier in common notation), is inserted. On the side where the conductor support 5 is inserted into the accommodation shaft 7, the conductor support 5 is adapted to the shape of the accommodation shaft 7 and is therefore essentially T-shaped. To insert the conductor support into or remove it from the accommodation shaft 7, the conductor support 5 can be moved normal to or towards the plane of the paper in Figures 8A (and 8B).

[0116] The conductor support 5 supports or carries three conductors 6, each realized as a wire. Each conductor 6 is made of a single-core copper wire 6 and is embodied without an insulating layer. Approximately two-thirds of the radial dimension of the wire 6, which is greater than 50% of its cross section, is embedded in the conductor support 5. In this case, the wire 6 located closest to the second boundary wall 8 is a power supply line, the central conductor track 6 is a signal supply line, and the conductor track 6 located farthest from the second boundary wall 8 is a reference potential line. The wires 6 are arranged on the side of the conductor support 5 facing the reference wall 2. The conductor support 5 and the reference wall 2 each have a first dimension (longitudinal extension) representing a linear dimension measured from or into the plane of the paper. In this case, the conductor support 5 and the reference wall 2 have the same dimension in this exemplary embodiment, e.g., a length of approximately 1.5 m. However, other lengths for the shelf rail 3 may be provided.

[0117] The conductor support 5 has a second dimension (height) that represents the vertical extension of the conductor support 5 in Figures 8A and 8B. Correspondingly, the reference wall 2 has a third dimension (height) that identifies the vertical extension of the reference wall 2 in Figures 8A and 8B. In this exemplary embodiment, the second dimension of the conductor support 5 is about 40% of the third dimension of the reference wall 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the second dimension is, for example, about 3 cm.

[0118] The second boundary wall 8 has an edge region 12 at its end side. The edge region 2 is formed in the shape of a protrusion or hook, and when the ESL 30 is inserted, the edge region 2 prevents the ESL 30 from being separated from the reference wall 2 in the direction normal to the reference wall 2.

[0119] The electronic shelf rail 3 includes guide ribs 9 around the recess 13. The guide ribs 9 guide the ESL 30 when it is inserted. The guide ribs 9 form a framework or frame 10 within the receiving area 4. The ESL 30 can be locked into the recess 13 and can be pushed out of the frame 10 in the direction of the second boundary wall 8 by a spring force.

[0120] FIG. 1A shows an electronic shelf rail system 1 including an electronic shelf rail 3 as described above, and a shelf maintenance device 14.

[0121] The maintenance device 14 comprises three working elements 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the working elements 15 are realized by polishing pads intended for machine maintenance work. The working elements 15 in this embodiment can be used dry or wet.

[0122] Furthermore, the maintenance device 14 includes an approximation mechanism 16. The approximation mechanism 16 is realized by a spring leg that extends flat along the maintenance device 14.

[0123] Furthermore, the maintenance device 14 includes, in this exemplary embodiment, an insertion path limiting element 17 provided on the proximity mechanism 16 and the action element 15. The insertion path limiting element 17 is designed as a termination so that the action element 15 is positioned in line with the electrical conductor 6 when the path limiting element 17 contacts the second boundary wall 8 of the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0124] Furthermore, to perform the maintenance process, the maintenance device 14 includes a handle 18 that is designed so that the maintenance device 14 can be grasped by a person manipulating the handle 18. The handle 18 is therefore designed so that the acting element 15 can be pulled towards the electrical conductor 6 by pulling on the handle 18.

[0125] When the maintenance device 14 is moved into the electronic shelf rail 3, the maintenance device 14 is in an inserted state, i.e., as shown in FIG. 1B, the maintenance device 14 is in a state where it is inserted into the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0126] 1B, in the inserted state, the insertion path limiting element 17 contacts the second boundary wall 8 of the electronic shelf rail 3. As a result, the maintenance device 14 cannot be moved further upward. As a result, the operating element 15 is positioned exactly in line with the electrical conductor 6.

[0127] Once positioned in the inserted state, the approximation mechanism 16 is elastically deformed such that the approximation mechanism 16 applies a spring force to the frame 10. As a result, the action element 15 is moved towards the conductor 6 and pressed against the conductor 6.

[0128] When the maintenance device 14 is inserted into the shelf rail 3, the handle 18 coincides with the contact point between the actuating element 15 and the conductor 6. This means that the pressure applied by the actuating element 15 to the conductor 6 can be increased without torque by simply pulling the handle 18 away from the reference wall 2 of the electronic shelf rail 3. 2A shows the rear of the maintenance device 14. Here, the proximity mechanism 16 is shown over a wide area of ​​the rear of the maintenance device 14. Therefore, the maintenance device 14 is pressed uniformly toward the conductor. At the same time, the flat-designed leg spring that realizes the proximity mechanism 16 prevents the leg spring from fitting into the recess 13 of the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0129] 2B shows the front of the maintenance device 14, where the operating element 15 and the handle 18 are visible. The handle 18 is installed off-center to facilitate right-to-left sliding (of the maintenance device 14 inside the electronic shelf rail 3). Therefore, the handle 18 is installed off-center in the direction of the intended movement of the maintenance device 14 within the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0130] 3A and 3B show another exemplary embodiment of the system 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device 14 further comprises a substance storage unit embodied as a substance storage tank 19 for storing a maintenance substance. The substance storage tank 19 is connected to a manual pump 20 and an operating element 15. The operating element 15 is designed to work with the maintenance substance. An employee using the maintenance device 14 can operate the manual pump 20. As a result, the maintenance substance is pumped from the substance storage tank 19 via pipes and / or hoses and / or tubes to the operating element 15 and is then released onto the conductor 6 through a nozzle located below the polishing pad. The movement of the substance is caused by the pressure that increases as a result of the activation of the manual pump 20. It should be noted here that, of course, pumps other than the manual pump 20 may also be used in an equivalent manner.

[0131] In this embodiment, the insertion path limiting element 17 is realized by two cylinders, which are mechanical end posts. The end posts 17 are positioned so that the insertion path is limited when they contact the conductor support 5. In this position, the acting element 15 is appropriately positioned to correspond to the conductor 6. Both cylinders are aligned in a straight line normal to the paper plane. As a result, only one cylinder is visible, as the second cylinder is positioned after the first.

[0132] 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the system 1, in which the maintenance device 14 is adapted to automatically perform the maintenance process and to drive autonomously along the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0133] The rear of the automatic maintenance device 14 is shown in FIG. 5A, and the front of the automatic maintenance device 14 is shown in FIG. 5B.

[0134] The maintenance device 14 includes a guide mechanism 21 designed to guide the operating element 15 when the maintenance device 14 is moved along the electronic shelf rail 3. The guide mechanism 21 includes one beam 22, four wheels 23 and one gear 24.

[0135] The wheels 23 and gears 24 are driven by an electric motor (not shown) of the maintenance device 14 and therefore also perform the role of a drive mechanism 25 .

[0136] In this regard, it should be noted that it is also possible to provide the drive mechanism 25 with only the wheels 23 or only the gears 24 .

[0137] Here, the motor can drive one or more wheels 23 (and / or gears 24). In this embodiment, each driven wheel 23 and gear 24 is driven by one electric motor.

[0138] The gear 24 is designed to engage with the recess 13 in the electronic shelf rail 3 .

[0139] The beam 22 is supported at its ends by two springs 22B. The beam 22 is connected to a button 22C via a lever mechanism inside the maintenance device 14. By pressing the button 22C, the beam 22 can be retracted inside the maintenance device 14 so that the device can be inserted into or removed from the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0140] In this embodiment, the beam 22 is supported against the reference wall 2 by a spring force and is therefore also designed to press the acting element 15 towards the conductor 6. Thus, here the beam 22 also acts as the proximity mechanism 16.

[0141] The operating element 15 is mounted on the surface of the maintenance device 14 .

[0142] Here, the first and second operating elements 15A and 15B are each designed as a fabric that can be moved around two rollers 15D. The rollers 15D are driven by an electric motor installed in the housing of the maintenance device 14. The fabric is wound around these rollers 15D like an endless belt. The rollers 15D protrude from the housing of the maintenance device 14 away from the center for interaction purposes, while the rollers 15D are covered by the housing of the maintenance device 14 at the rear. The axes of the rollers 15 are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 5B.

[0143] The three third working elements 15C are designed to perform mechanical maintenance interaction and maintenance substance interaction. To this end, each third working element 15C includes a polishing pad mounted on one or more liquid-dispensing nozzles. The nozzles are connected to an electric pump and to a liquid tank inside the maintenance device 14, which stores the liquid maintenance substance. Between these third working elements 15C, there is a sealing lip 26 that prevents the liquid maintenance substance from causing a short circuit between the conductors 6.

[0144] In order to remove particles from the conductor 6 or from the surroundings of the conductor 6, the first active element 15A is designed to electrostatically charge the fabric as a result of friction.

[0145] The second working element 15B is designed to wipe the electrical conductor 6 dry.

[0146] The maintenance device 14 also includes three contacts 28. To power the electronics of the maintenance device 14, two of these contacts 28 are used to contact the electrical conductors 6 to draw power from the electronic shelf rail 3. The third contact point may be used for data / signal communication.

[0147] Additionally, a limit switch 27 is located on the left side of the maintenance device 14 .

[0148] The maintenance device 14 includes a processing stage (not shown) that resides within the maintenance device 14 as part of the electronics.

[0149] This processing stage is connected to all electrical components of the maintenance device 14 (motors, pumps, limit switches 27, ...) and is designed to control these components and / or process signals and / or data from these components.

[0150] The processing in this stage will be briefly described below.

[0151] This processing stage recognizes that the maintenance device 14 has been installed on the electronic shelf rail 3 from the fact that the contactor 28 is powered. After two seconds, this processing stage starts the first and second operating elements 15A and 15B. At the same time, the electric pump is started to supply the maintenance substance to the third operating element 15C. After another three seconds, the motors for the wheels 23 and gears 24 are started. This timing allows the employee who inserted the maintenance device 14 into the electronic shelf rail 3 enough time to withdraw their hands and clear a path for the maintenance device 14 to operate independently. The maintenance device 14 then travels along the electronic shelf rail 3 until the limit switch 27 is contacted. This contact can occur when the end of the electronic shelf rail 3 is reached or when the maintenance device 14 contacts the ESL 30 installed on the electronic shelf rail 3. In the latter case, the employee can remove the ESL 30 from the electronic shelf rail 3. The removal of ESL 30 causes limit switch 27 to release its contact, which is detected by the processing stage. After a short delay of approximately one second, set to avoid endangering the employee, maintenance device 14 continues to move along electronic shelf rail 3. Immediately after maintenance device 14 has passed, the employee can return ESL 30 to its place.

[0152] 6 shows the system 1 including a further exemplary embodiment of the maintenance device 14. The maintenance device 14 in this embodiment includes substantially the same components as the above-described embodiment. In addition, the maintenance device 14 now includes a support structure 29 that supports the conductor support 5 and protects the conductor support 5 from being deformed or displaced by the maintenance device 14 during maintenance operations on the maintenance device 14.

[0153] In this exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device 14 is shaped similarly to the ESL 30 .

[0154] Such a maintenance device 14 in the form of an ESL 30 may include as operating elements 15 a light source and a camera that allow capturing still or moving images of the electrical conductors 6. The light source is therefore positioned so that it illuminates a portion of one or all of the electrical conductors 6 of the plurality of electrical conductors 6, so that the camera can appropriately capture an image or moving image of this portion. The maintenance device 14 may also include a display mounted in front of it for displaying (live) images or moving images captured by the camera. The light source and camera allow a user of the maintenance device to visually inspect the electrical conductors 6 as the maintenance device 14 moves along the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance device 14 may comprise a wireless module used to transmit image or video data representing the images or video captured by the camera to a server for further processing. The server can then analyze the images by pattern recognition and identify whether there are any alignment, shape or position errors or damage to the conductors 6. If a discrepancy with the expected image or video is detected, a discrepancy information message can be transmitted to the maintenance device 14 and displayed by the maintenance device 14 on a display. Naturally, the maintenance device 14 itself may be designed for pattern recognition so that transmission to a server is not necessary and analysis on the captured images or video can be performed directly in the maintenance device 14.

[0156] 7A-7B show a system 1 including a maintenance device 14 having a shape similar to that of the ESL 30. Unlike the ESL 30, the maintenance device 14 is not designed to engage with the recess 13 in the electronic shelf rail 3 and lean itself against the frame 10 of the electronic shelf rail 3. Instead, the rear of the maintenance device 14 is formed within the upper region so that the maintenance device 14 can pass through the frame 10. The maintenance device 14 in this embodiment is designed to be manually moved along the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0157] Here, the maintenance device 14 includes a support structure 29 that supports the conductor support 5 and protects the conductor support 5 from being deformed or displaced by the maintenance device 14. Additionally, the rear wall of the maintenance device 14 implements a second support structure 29a and is designed to contact the reference wall 2 of the electronic shelf rail 3 when the maintenance device 14 is inserted into the electronic shelf rail 3. As a result, the rear wall protects the conductor support 5 from being levered by the maintenance device 14, as would otherwise occur when the maintenance device 14 is pressed against the reference wall 2 by an employee while moving the maintenance device 14 along the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0158] As shown in detail in Fig. 7C, the proximity mechanism 16 is realized as a leg spring inside the maintenance device 14. The lower end of this leg spring is rigidly connected to the structure of the maintenance device 14. An operating element 15 is attached to the upper end of this leg spring. The operating element 15 protrudes from the housing of the maintenance device 14 so that it can contact the conductor 6. The operating element 15 is realized as a polishing pad.

[0159] This embodiment allows the maintenance device to be easily and quickly moved along the electronic shelf rail 3, while the proximity mechanism 16 automatically ensures that the operating element 15 is pressed against the conductor 6 with the appropriate pressure to ensure the maintenance operation.

[0160] However, the acting element 15 may also be arranged on spring legs that are exclusively linear in order to save material and to facilitate the manufacturing process.

[0161] The spring legs may be made of metal or plastic or any other resilient material.

[0162] FIG. 10 shows a maintenance device 14 configured like an ESL 30 and free to move left and right according to the arrows.

[0163] 11 shows the maintenance device 14 from the back. Most of the maintenance device 14 is configured like the ESL 30, but the rear side of the maintenance device 14 is flat to allow it to slide along the electronic shelf rail 3. Unlike the ESL 30, the maintenance device 14 does not include means for locking into the recess 13 (see, for example, FIG. 9B) of the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0164] Such a maintenance device 14 can be easily manufactured based on the housing of this ESL 30 by modifying only the part of the housing that allows the ESL to lock into the recess 13 of the electronic shelf rail 3 .

[0165] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the maintenance device 14 further includes a second insertion path limiting element 17b designed to interact with the reference wall 2 of the electronic shelf rail 3. On the one hand, the second insertion path limiting element 17b prevents the maintenance device 14 from fitting too deeply into the receiving groove 4 of the electronic shelf rail 3, and on the other hand, the second insertion path limiting element 17b prevents the maintenance device 14 from moving away from the reference wall 2 when the maintenance device 14 is fully inserted into the receiving groove 14 and slides along the electronic shelf rail 3. Thus, the second insertion path limiting element 17b forms a guide element formed at the lower end of the maintenance device 14. The guide element guides the maintenance device 14 during movement of the maintenance device 14 to the left or right along the shelf rail 3. As a result, as long as the maintenance device 14 is in its maintenance interaction position, the maintenance device 14 cannot be accidentally pivoted forward away from the reference wall 2 of the electronic shelf rail 3.

[0166] FIG. 12 shows the maintenance device 14 fully inserted into the electronic shelf rail 3. In this perspective view, a portion of the housing has been cut away to reveal the actuating elements 15. Each actuating element 15 is attached to a proximity mechanism 16. Each actuating element 15 is located at a precisely predetermined position relative to the conductors 6 and interacts precisely with one of the conductors 6 to maintain that conductor 6. Here, the maintenance device 14 includes three actuating elements 15. In this case, each actuating element 15 is designed to interact precisely with one conductor 6.

[0167] In this exemplary embodiment, the proximity mechanism 16 is designed as shown in Fig. 7C, i.e. the working element 15 is designed as a polishing pad attached to the proximity mechanism 16, which is realized as a leg spring.

[0168] Finally, it should be noted once again that the figures described in detail above only include representative embodiments that can be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the use of the indefinite article "a" does not imply that each feature cannot be present multiple times. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following configurations as other aspects. 1. A shelf rail maintenance device (14) for maintaining at least one electrical conductor (6) of a shelf rail (3), comprising: The conductor (6) is installed in the receiving groove (4) of the electronic shelf rail (3) and extends freely and accessible along the longitudinal extension of the receiving groove (4); The maintenance device (14) includes at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) designed for maintenance interaction with at least one electrical conductor (6) of the electronic shelf rail (3), The shelf rail maintenance device (14) is designed such that at least a portion of the maintenance device (14) is fitted into the receiving groove (4) so ​​that the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) can be positioned in the receiving groove (4) corresponding to the position of the at least one conductor (6). 2. 10. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for mechanical maintenance interaction. 3. 3. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction of a maintenance substance. 4. 4. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for electrostatic maintenance interaction. 5. 5. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of the above items 1 to 4, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction with airflow. 6. A shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction to check position and / or alignment. 7. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of 1 to 6 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) is designed to be movable along the shelf rail (3) in the storage groove (4). 8. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) described in any one of 1 to 7 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes a proximity mechanism designed to bring the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) close to or into contact with the at least one conductor. 9. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) described in any one of 1 to 8 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes an insertion path limiting element (17; 17b) designed and / or positioned to limit the insertion path of the maintenance device (14) when the maintenance device (14) is inserted into the storage groove (4) of the electronic shelf rail (3) along the insertion path. 10. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) described in any one of 1 to 9 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes a guide mechanism designed to guide the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) when the maintenance device (14) is moved along the shelf rail (3). 11. 11. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of 1 to 10 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes at least one movable element that is movable relative to the maintenance device (14). 12. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) described in any one of 1 to 11 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes a drive mechanism (25) designed to run the maintenance device (14) along the shelf rail (3). 13. the maintenance device (14) is designed to make electrical contact with the at least one electrical conductor (6) of the shelf rail (3); 13. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of 1 to 12 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) is designed to draw power from the at least one conductor (6) for operation. 14. 14. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of 1 to 13 above, wherein the maintenance device (14) includes an energy storage unit for storing energy, preferably electrical energy. 15. An electronic shelf rail system (1) including one electronic shelf rail (3) and at least one shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of 1 to 14 above, - one electronic shelf rail (3) is designed to support at least one electronic device, in particular at least one electronic shelf label (30), said electronic shelf rail (3) comprising at least one electrical conductor (6), preferably at least two electrical conductors (6), particularly preferably three electrical conductors (6), said at least one electrical conductor (6) being installed in a receiving groove (4) of said electronic shelf rail (3) and extending freely accessible along a longitudinal extension of said receiving groove (4); The electronic shelf rail system (1) includes at least one shelf rail maintenance device (14) installed in the receiving groove (4) for performing maintenance work together with the at least one electrical conductor (6). 16. The system (1) described in claim 15, wherein the at least one conductor (6) is installed on or in a conductor support (5), and the conductor support (5) is preferably designed to be surrounded by the at least one electronic device (30) so that the at least one conductor (6) does not face the front surface of the electronic device (30).

Claims

1. A shelf rail maintenance device (14) for maintaining at least one conductor (6) of an electronic shelf rail (3), comprising: The conductor (6) is installed in the receiving groove (4) of the electronic shelf rail (3) and extends freely and accessible along the longitudinal extension of the receiving groove (4); The shelf rail maintenance device (14) includes at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) designed for maintenance interaction with at least one electrical conductor (6) of the electronic shelf rail (3), The shelf rail maintenance device (14) is characterized in that at least a portion of the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is designed to fit into the accommodating groove (4) so ​​that the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) can be positioned in the accommodating groove (4) corresponding to the position of the at least one conductor (6).

2. 2. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for mechanical maintenance interaction.

3. 3. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction of a maintenance substance.

4. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for electrostatic maintenance interaction.

5. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction of airflow.

6. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one acting element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) is designed for maintenance interaction of checking position and / or alignment.

7. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is designed to be movable along the electronic shelf rail (3) in the storage groove (4).

8. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a proximity mechanism designed to bring the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) into proximity with or into contact with the at least one electrical conductor.

9. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an insertion path limiting element (17; 17b) designed and / or positioned to limit the insertion path of the shelf rail maintenance device (14) when the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is inserted into the receiving groove (4) of the electronic shelf rail (3) along the insertion path.

10. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a guide mechanism designed to guide the at least one operating element (15; 15A, 15B, 15C) when the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is moved along the electronic shelf rail (3).

11. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shelf rail maintenance device (14) includes at least one movable element that is movable relative to the shelf rail maintenance device (14).

12. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a drive mechanism (25) designed to run the shelf rail maintenance device (14) along the electronic shelf rail (3).

13. the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is designed to make electrical contact with the at least one electrical conductor (6) of the electronic shelf rail (3); The shelf rail maintenance device (14) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the shelf rail maintenance device (14) is designed to draw power for operation from the at least one electrical conductor (6).

14. The shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the shelf rail maintenance device (14) includes an energy storage unit for storing energy or electrical energy.

15. An electronic shelf rail system (1) comprising an electronic shelf rail (3) and at least one shelf rail maintenance device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The electronic shelf rail (3) is designed to support at least one electronic device or at least one electronic shelf label (30), and the electronic shelf rail (3) includes at least one conductor (6), which is installed in a receiving groove (4) of the electronic shelf rail (3) and extends freely and accessible along a longitudinal extension of the receiving groove (4); At least one shelf rail maintenance device (14) is installed in the receiving groove (4) to perform maintenance work together with the at least one electrical conductor (6).

16. 16. The system (1) of claim 15, wherein the at least one conductor (6) is installed on or in a conductor support (5), and the conductor support (5) is designed to be surrounded by the at least one electronic device so that the at least one conductor (6) does not face a front surface of the electronic device.

Images