Electronic shelf rail system having shelf rail and supply apparatus

Abstract

Proposed is a supply apparatus for supplying power and / or data to a shelf rail and / or to at least one electronic device mounted on the shelf rail, the supply apparatus comprising an electronic coupling device for electronically coupling to the shelf rail, and comprising a mechanical coupling device which is separate from the electronic coupling device and which is provided for mechanically coupling the supply apparatus to the shelf rail, wherein the mechanical coupling device has a snap-action connection structure.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Electronic shelf rail system with shelf rail and supply device

[0003] Description

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to an electronic shelf rail system with shelf rail and supply device.

[0006] background

[0007] Such a shelf rail system is known, for example, from WO2022188955A1. Here, a support device, in particular implemented as a shelf rail, is provided, which is designed to support an electronic device. The support device is connected to a supply device that provides an electrical power and data supply. The electronic device attached to the support device (or shelf rail) is supplied with the power or data provided by the supply device via conductor tracks of the support device (or shelf rail). The electronic device can be, for example, an electronic display unit. The measures disclosed in the cited patent application allow the electronic devices to be installed quickly, both mechanically and logically.The demand for shelf rails, as well as the use of shelf rails and attached electronic devices, has increased dramatically in the retail sector in recent years. However, as the number of shelf rails and devices increases, so does the relevance of installation and / or maintenance effort.

[0008] The invention therefore has the object of providing a shelf rail, a supply device and an electronic shelf rail system, whereby the installation effort is reduced.

[0009] Summary of the invention This object is achieved by a supply device according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore a supply device for the electrical and / or communication-technical supply of an electronic device mounted on a shelf rail, wherein the supply device has an electronic coupling device for electronic coupling to the shelf rail and a mechanical coupling device separate from the electronic coupling device for mechanically coupling the supply device to the shelf rail, wherein the mechanical coupling device has a snap-connection structure.

[0010] This object is further achieved by a shelf rail according to claim 8. The invention therefore relates to a shelf rail for supporting and supplying at least one electronic device with electronic and / or communication technology, wherein the shelf rail has an electronic coupling counterstructure for electronic coupling to a supply device and a mechanical coupling counterstructure separate from the electronic coupling counterstructure for mechanically coupling the supply device to the shelf rail, wherein the mechanical coupling counterstructure has a snap connection counterstructure.

[0011] This object is further achieved by an electronic shelf rail system according to claim 13. The invention therefore relates to an electronic shelf rail system comprising a supply device according to the invention and a shelf rail according to the invention.

[0012] The shelf rail is designed to electrically connect the supply device to the electronic devices in order to supply them with electrical power and / or to enable data communication.

[0013] The features of the invention offer the advantage that the shelf rail system can be installed quickly and easily, without the need for any tools. Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0014] The shelf rail and the supply device are designed for positive mechanical coupling by means of a snap connection.

[0015] The shelf rail has conductor tracks for transmitting electrical power and / or information. The conductor tracks can be designed, for example, as optical fibers. The conductor tracks are preferably electrically conductive. The conductor tracks are attached to a conductor carrier. When the shelf rail system is installed, the conductor tracks are contacted by the electronic coupling device of the supply device.

[0016] The conductor tracks preferably form the electronic coupling counterstructure, particularly at their end sections, or have the coupling counterstructure. The electronic coupling device preferably has spring elements for contacting the electronic coupling counterstructure, particularly for directly contacting the conductor tracks.

[0017] The shelf rail preferably has a central web that separates the front, on which at least one electronic device, in particular an electronic display device, can be positioned, from the rear of the shelf rail. The central web has the snap-connection counterstructure. This allows a compact snap-connection mechanism without significant additional effort. An energy storage device can preferably be positioned on the rear of the shelf rail. The central web can also be interpreted as a reference wall on which the electronic devices can be positioned. The central web preferably delimits the area in which electronic devices are carried towards the rear, i.e., towards the shelf. The central web is preferably also designed to mechanically support the electronic devices.Particularly preferably, the central web is designed to form a positive connection, in particular by means of hooking, with the electronic devices.

[0018] The central web can be the conductor support. The central web is preferably formed separately from the conductor support and positioned at a distance from it. Particularly preferably, the conductor support has the conductor tracks oriented toward the central web. The conductor tracks preferably run on the side of the conductor support oriented toward the central web and / or within the conductor support, in particular parallel to the central web along the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail.

[0019] The shelf rail is designed for attachment to a shelf and is particularly intended to be attached to the front of a shelf or to form the front end of the shelf. The shelf rail can also be designed or used to be attached to other structures, such as a sales counter.

[0020] The electronic device can be, for example, a sensor or detection device, such as a temperature sensor, a camera, or a radar sensor. Preferably, the electronic device is an electronic display device, in particular an electronic product and / or price display device. Such a product and / or price display device can be designed as an electronic shelf label, known by the English term "Electronic Shelf Label," or ESL for short.

[0021] When attached to the shelf rail, the electronic devices contact the conductor tracks and are thus electrically supplied with the power provided by the supply device and / or can communicate data with the supply device.

[0022] The supply device is preferably designed as a shelf rail control unit, or referred to in English as a "rail controller." The supply device preferably has a communication stage for communicating, preferably wirelessly, particularly preferably radio-based, with an external unit, for example, an access point. The communication stage can be used, for example, to receive device data for the devices or to transmit it from the devices to the external unit. For example, display data, in particular product and / or price information, can be received for display on an electronic display device, and sensor or detection data from a sensor device can be transmitted or transmitted. The supply device preferably further has a control stage for controlling and addressing, in particular individually or in groups, the electronic devices mounted on the shelf rail.The control stage is preferably designed to control the electronic device or group of electronic devices based on the device data. The supply device further comprises a power supply unit or supply voltage generating electronics for electrically supplying the electronic devices mounted on the shelf rail.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical coupling device for locating the supply device is designed at an end section of the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail. The shelf rail is also designed for this purpose. The supply device and the shelf rail are designed such that, upon connection, the snap-connection structure and the snap-connection counterstructure are guided toward each other, interlocking them, and thus securing the supply device in the desired position at the end section of the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail. There, the supply device forms the end of the combination of shelf rail and supply device.

[0024] For this purpose, the shelf rail and the supply device can each have a contact surface or contact edge, for example. By mutual contact of the contact surfaces and / or the contact edges, the supply device is assigned a defined position at the end section of the shelf rail, so that the snap-connection structure can engage the snap-connection counterstructure, thus creating a well-defined and stable connection between the supply device and the shelf rail. The supply device and the shelf rail thus engage each other on the one hand via the contact surface or contact edge and on the other hand via the snap-connection structure and the snap-connection counterstructure, so that they are connected with as little play as possible. The supply device and the shelf rail therefore snap together during installation and form a stable unit.This measure further improves the simple and straightforward installation of the shelving rail system by eliminating the risk of incorrect positioning. The shelving rail system, the supply equipment, and the shelving rail can be designed to implement a permanent snap connection. For this purpose, the snap connection structure and the snap connection counterstructure can be designed and located inaccessibly. This measure, after simple installation, provides a shelving rail system that is particularly resistant to damage and vandalism.

[0025] However, it has proven particularly advantageous that the shelving rail system, as well as the supply unit and the shelving rail, are designed to implement a detachable snap connection. This allows for quick and easy maintenance. Individual parts of the shelving rail system can also be replaced, thus reducing environmental impact.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanical coupling device of the supply device is designed for releasable coupling or connection to the shelf rail. The mechanical coupling counterstructure is also preferably designed for this purpose. This releasability not only allows for simple installation but also facilitates maintenance, because parts of the system can be easily replaced. This further reduces material requirements and the environmental impact.

[0027] The snap connection, i.e., the snap connection structure and the snap connection counterstructure, can be designed to implement a torsion snap connection, a ring snap connection, a ball joint connection, and / or a ring-type snap connection. Preferably, the snap connection, i.e., the snap connection structure and the snap connection counterstructure, is designed as a flexible snap hook connection.

[0028] It has therefore proven advantageous for the mechanical coupling device of the supply device to have a flexible snap hook. A flexible snap hook allows for a compact implementation of the mechanical coupling device. At the same time, this ensures a safe and error-resistant installation process because no additional parts or tools are required for installation. The mechanical coupling counterstructure of the shelf rail can also, particularly instead of or in addition to it, have a flexible snap hook.

[0029] However, it has proven particularly advantageous that the snap connection counter-structure is designed as an opening or has an opening.

[0030] Preferably, the snap connection counterstructure is designed as an opening extending through the central web or has an opening extending through the central web. The opening can be, for example, a hole, a through-hole, or a bore. The opening allows easy actuation of the snap connection—by actuating the beige snap hook from the front of the shelf rail—to release the connection and thus facilitates easy maintenance of the shelf rail system. The location of the opening in the central web also allows particularly good accessibility to the snap connection and thus allows particularly easy maintenance or release of the connection.

[0031] The opening is preferably created by a separating process, in particular punching or a machining process, such as drilling. This has the advantage that the shelf rail can be manufactured in a continuous production process, such as an extrusion process.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, it has proven advantageous for the snap connection structure to have a cylindrical, conical, or truncated cone-like coupling element, in particular, wherein the supply device is designed for mechanical connection to the shelf rail via the outer surface of the coupling element. The coupling element can be designed as an oblique or straight cylinder, cone, or truncated cone. The coupling element thus assumes the function of a hook for the snap connection.

[0033] The coupling element preferably has a curved base surface, in particular a circular base surface. Thus, when the supply device is coupled to the shelf rail, the supply device is automatically centered and pulled into the desired position. This measure further optimizes the installation process. The snap connection counterstructure preferably has a corresponding base surface. The snap connection counterstructure preferably has an opening with a corresponding base surface, i.e. preferably also a curved base surface, in particular a circular base surface. This allows easy actuation of the snap connection through the shelf rail, in particular through the central web of the shelf rail.

[0034] It has proven advantageous that the opening of the snap-connection counter-structure of the shelf rail has a diameter substantially the width of a finger, preferably of a circular cross-section, in particular a diameter between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 15 mm, particularly preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0035] This allows easy tool-free operation of the snap connection, which can be released by simply pressing it with the tip of your finger.

[0036] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that in the electronic shelf rail system, the snap-connection structure and the snap-connection counterstructure are designed to interlock substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail. Thus, the electronic shelf rail system is particularly well secured against displacement along the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail. Preferably, the snap-connection structure and the snap-connection counterstructure are designed to interlock substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail and perpendicular to the central web.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the snap connection structure is implemented at least partially, preferably completely, as part of a housing element, in particular a housing wall, of the supply device. The connection can thus be easily manufactured because it is implemented directly on the housing. The measure thus provides a space-saving supply device that is easy to manufacture and install. Preferably, a part of the housing element forms an arm of the snap connection structure, in particular an arm of the flexible snap hook. Particularly preferably, the snap connection structure is implemented at least partially, preferably completely, as part of a housing element of the supply device and is separated from the surrounding housing in some regions, in particular in a U-shape, by a gap. The housing is thus preferably open in some regions, in particular in a gap-like manner, around the snap connection structure.It has been shown that, contrary to expectations, this does not lead to increased contamination because this gap is concealed by the shelf rail when installed. Thus, this measure provides a surprisingly simple to manufacture mechanical coupling device that can be operated safely despite a gap in the housing.

[0038] Furthermore, the supply device is preferably designed such that during the coupling process with the shelf rail, the supply device is pulled toward the shelf rail. For this purpose, for example, the snap connection structure can be positioned such that upon deformation of the snap connection structure, in particular the arm of the snap connection structure, the coupling element is pressed against the snap connection counterstructure in such a way that the supply device is pulled toward the snap connection counterstructure.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the shelf rail has a device receiving structure which is designed to receive and hold an electronic device, such that the electronic device covers the snap connection counterstructure, in particular the opening. The snap connection counterstructure (as well as the snap connection structure snapped into it) is therefore covered from the front by the electronic device. The electronic device is different from the supply device. The electronic device preferably covers the snap connection counterstructure, in particular the opening, in such a way that actuation of the snap connection structure and consequently detachment from the snap connection counterstructure is prevented. These measures mean that removal of the supply device installed on the shelf rail by unauthorized persons orUntrained personnel are prevented from accessing the racking system, either because the snap-on counterstructure is not visible or even inaccessible. These measures thus provide a racking rail system that is resistant to damage and vandalism, yet easy to install and maintain.

[0040] Another aspect concerns power supply. The power supply unit can be supplied with power wirelessly, for example, via radio. The power supply unit can also be supplied with power via a wired connection, for example, via a power supply unit. To ensure the simplest possible installation, it has proven advantageous for the electronic shelf rail system to include an energy storage unit. This can, for example, be integrated into the power supply unit.

[0041] However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the electronic shelf rail system to have an energy storage device for storing electrical energy and providing electrical power, wherein the energy storage device is coupled to the supply device, in particular by means of a snap connection. The energy storage device is thus preferably designed separately from the supply device and can be coupled to it. The supply device can thus be installed on the shelf rail together with the energy storage device and preferably also removed together. This enables simple and quick installation and maintenance of all parts. Maintenance, for example replacement, of the energy storage device is also possible from the side of the shelf rail.

[0042] Finally, it should be generally mentioned that the electronic devices discussed (the power supply, the electronic device, etc.) naturally contain electronics. The electronics can be discrete or integrated electronics, or a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), possibly in combination with analog or digital electronic peripheral components, can also be used. Many of the device functionalities mentioned are implemented – possibly in conjunction with hardware components – with the help of software that runs on an electronics processor. Devices designed for radio communication usually have an antenna configuration for transmitting and receiving radio signals as part of a transceiver module.The electronic devices can also have an internal electrical power supply, which can be implemented, for example, with a replaceable or rechargeable battery. The devices can also be powered wired, either via an external power supply or via "Power over LAN."

[0043] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the figures discussed below.

[0044] Short character description

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not limited. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. They show schematically: Fig. 1 shows a shelf rail system;

[0046] Fig. 2A-2C a supply device of the shelf rail system in different viewing directions;

[0047] Fig. 3 the back of the shelf rail system;

[0048] Fig. 4 a sectional view of the shelf rail system;

[0049] Fig.5A-5B further sectional views of the shelf rail system

[0050] Description of the embodiments

[0051] Figure 1 shows an electronic shelf rail system 1 comprising a supply device 2 and a shelf rail 3. The shelf rail 3 supports two electronic devices 4, designed as electronic display units 4. The electronic display units 4 are also referred to as "Electronic Shelf Labels", or ESLs 4 for short. The shelf rail 3 has three conductor tracks 23 (not visible here, but see Figures 3, 4 and 5A-5C), via which, on the one hand, the electronic devices 4 are supplied with electrical power from the supply device 2 and, on the other hand, data can be communicated between the devices 4 and the supply device 2. The conductor tracks 23 form an electronic coupling counterstructure 27 of the shelf rail 3 and are electrically coupled or electrically contacted by an electronic coupling device 16 (not visible here, but see Figures 2A-2C) of the supply device 2 (see Figure 4).

[0052] The supply device 2 has a mechanical coupling device 6, separate from the electronic coupling device 16, for mechanically coupling the supply device 2 to the shelf rail 3. The mechanical coupling device 6 has a snap-in connection structure 7. The snap-in connection structure 7 has a cylindrical coupling element 10.

[0053] The shelf rail 3 has a mechanical coupling counterstructure 8, separate from the electronic coupling device 16, for mechanically coupling the supply device 2 to the shelf rail 3, wherein the mechanical coupling counterstructure 8 has a snap connection counterstructure formed as an opening 9.

[0054] The shelf rail 3 has a central web 5 that separates the front side, where the ESLs 4 are positioned, from the rear side of the shelf rail 3. The central web 5 has the snap-connection counterstructure, i.e., the opening 9, which is realized as a hole through the central web 5.

[0055] The opening 9 is circular and has a diameter of 8 mm. As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the coupling element 10 engages in the opening 9. The coupling element 10 also has a circular base and fits into the opening 9 with minimal play. The coupling element 10 thus mechanically connects the supply device 2 to the shelf rail 3 via the outer surface of the coupling element 10. The coupling element 10 is designed such that, in the coupled state, it forms a substantially flat surface with the shelf rail 3, specifically with the central web 5, on its front side. This allows the unhindered loading of the devices 4 onto the shelf rail 3 at any desired location.

[0056] The shelf rail 3 has a device receiving structure 11 designed to receive and hold the electronic devices 4. The device receiving structure 11 extends essentially over the entire longitudinal extent of the shelf rail 3 and is designed to receive and hold a further electronic device 4 in addition to the two electronic devices 4 already held or, in the case of a longer design of the shelf rail 3, to also receive several further devices 4. The device 4 in question can even be positioned to cover the opening 9, so that the opening 9 and the coupling element 10 are no longer visible and can no longer be operated.

[0057] The mechanical coupling device 6 and in particular the mechanical coupling element 10, as well as the mechanical coupling counterstructure 8, specifically the opening 9, are designed and positioned such that when the supply device 2 is inserted into the shelf rail 3 during installation of the electronic shelf rail system 1, the mechanical coupling device 6 and the mechanical coupling counterstructure 8 position the supply device 2 opposite the shelf rail 3 at the end section of the shelf rail 3 along its longitudinal extent. Due to the shape of the coupling element 10 and the opening 9, i.e. in particular due to the curved circumference of the base area and thus the curved outer surface, the position of the supply device 2 is precisely defined and a secure and stable connection is provided.

[0058] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show the supply device 2, with Figure 2A showing a perspective view. Figure 2B shows a side view of the supply device 2, which shows the supply device 2 viewed from below in the installed state. Figure 2C shows a top view of the supply device 2, which shows the supply device 2 from the front in the installed state. Figures 2A, 2B, 2C show the mechanical coupling device 6 comprising the snap connection structure 7 comprising the coupling element 10. The supply device 2 has a housing 15. Furthermore, the snap connection structure 7 has a spring arm 12. The snap connection structure 7 is implemented as part of a housing element 13, i.e., part of the housing 15 of the supply device 2.The snap-connection structure 7 is enclosed in the housing 15 of the supply device 2 by means of a slot-like opening 14, which separates the part of the housing element 13 designed as a snap-connection structure 7 from the surrounding housing 15. The slot-like opening 14 is U-shaped. Located inside the housing 15 is an electronics unit 26 that is exposed and visible through the opening 14. However, when the supply device 2 is coupled to the shelf rail 3, the slot-like opening 14 is covered by the central web 5, so that the electronics unit 26 is reliably protected from contamination.

[0059] Also visible here is the electronic coupling device 16 of the supply device 2, which is provided for electronic coupling with the shelf rail 3. The electronic coupling device 16 has three spring contacts 17, which are provided for contacting the conductor tracks 23 of the shelf rail 3.

[0060] The supply device 2 also has an energy storage device coupling device 18 for mechanically and electronically coupling to an energy storage device 20. The energy storage device coupling device 18 has spring contacts 19 for electronically coupling to the energy storage device 20. On its rear side (see Figure 3), the supply device 2 has a snap mechanism 21 for mechanically coupling to the energy storage device 20.

[0061] Figure 3 shows the electronic shelf rail system 1 viewed from slightly below to the right, onto the rear of the shelf rail 3. For a better overview, the shelf rail 3 is shown cut away perpendicular to its longitudinal extent. The supply device 2 is coupled to the energy storage device 20 via the energy storage device coupling device 18. The energy storage device coupling device 18 is connected to the energy storage device 20 via a snap connection and has a lever 22 for releasing the snap connection. The snap connection is designed such that it snaps into place automatically when the energy storage device 20 is pushed into the supply device 2 along the rear of the shelf rail 3 toward the supply device 2.

[0062] For maintenance work, the energy storage device 20 can be disassembled together with the supply device 2 by actuating the coupling element 10 of the supply device 2, i.e., pulled off the shelf rail 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to reach behind the shelf rail 3 to remove the energy storage device 20. The same applies analogously to inserting the combination of the energy storage device 20 and the supply device 2 into the shelf rail 3.

[0063] However, the energy storage device 20 can also be disassembled from the supply device 2 mounted in the shelf rail 3 by actuating the lever 22 alone, or the energy storage device can be coupled to the supply device 2 mounted on the shelf rail 3.

[0064] This not only enables quick, situation-specific installation, but also quick and situation-specific disassembly, thus reducing the maintenance effort of the shelf rail system 1.

[0065] Furthermore, in the view of Figure 3, the conductor tracks 23 are visible, which are carried by a conductor carrier 24 and are oriented towards the central web 5.

[0066] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows grid-like openings 25 of the device receiving structure 11 of the shelf rail 3. An electronic device 4 inserted into the shelf rail 3 engages in the grid-like openings 25 and is thus held in the desired position.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a section through the electronic shelf rail system 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail 3 through the supply device 2 at the electronic coupling device 16. The spring contacts 17 are double-bent and thus each have a U-shape. The spring contacts 17 thus emerge from the image plane, curve to the left, and then re-enter the image plane with their free ends. At their free ends, the spring contacts 17 contact the conductor tracks 23, which here form the electronic coupling counterstructure 27.

[0068] Figures 5A and 5B show the shelf rail system 1 sectioned perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail 3 at the height of the electronic device 4. The electronic device 4 has three spring contacts 28 for contacting the conductor tracks 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 4 has a hook 29 for coupling to the device receiving structure 11, as well as a button 30 for releasing the hook 29. If the electronic device 4 is moved from the position shown in Figure 5A towards the shelf rail 3 and to the position shown in Figure 5B, the hook 29 snaps into one of the grid-like openings 25 of the device receiving structure 11, so that the electronic device 4 is firmly seated and the spring contacts 28 contact the conductor tracks 23 and are thus electrically connected to the supply device 2. In this position, the electronic device 4 is supplied with electrical power and, if necessary,also supplied with communication technology. By pressing the button 30, the hook 29 is retracted into the electronic device 4, allowing the electronic device 4 to be removed from the shelf rail 3.

[0069] If the electronic device 4 is attached to the device mounting structure 11 at the position of the snap-on counterstructure, i.e., the opening 9, the device 4 covers the opening 9. Assembly and disassembly are thus completely tool-free. At the same time, however, protection against damage by untrained persons is provided.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted once again that the figures described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments that can be modified in a variety of ways by those 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 exclude the possibility that the relevant features may be present multiple times.

Claims

Claims 1. Supply device (2) for the electrical and / or communication supply of an electronic device (4) mounted on a shelf rail (3), wherein the supply device (2) - an electronic coupling device (16) for electronic coupling with the shelf rail (3) and - a mechanical coupling device (6) separate from the electronic coupling device (16) for mechanically coupling the supply device (2) to the shelf rail (3), wherein + the mechanical coupling device (6) has a snap connection structure (7).

2. Supply device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical coupling device (6) is designed to locate the supply device (2) at an end portion of the longitudinal extension of the shelf rail (3).

3. Supply device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical coupling device (6) is designed for releasable coupling or connection to the shelf rail (3).

4. Supply device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical coupling device (6) has a bending snap hook.

5. Supply device (2) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, wherein the snap connection structure (7) has a cylindrical, conical, or truncated cone-like coupling element (10), in particular wherein the supply device (2) is designed for mechanical connection to the shelf rail (3) via the outer surface of the coupling element (10).

6. Supply device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the coupling element (10) has a curved base surface, in particular a circular base surface.

7. Supply device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap connection structure (7) is at least partially, preferably completely, realized as part of a housing element (13), in particular a housing wall, of the supply device (2).

8. Shelf rail (3) for supporting and supplying electronic and / or communication technology to at least one electronic device (4), wherein the shelf rail (3) - an electronic coupling counterstructure (27) for electronic coupling to a supply device (2) and - a mechanical coupling counterstructure (8) separate from the electronic coupling counterstructure (27) for mechanically coupling the supply device (2) to the shelf rail (3), wherein + the mechanical coupling counterstructure (8) has a snap connection counterstructure.

9. Shelf rail (3) according to claim 8, wherein the Shelf rail (3) has a central web (5) which separates the front side, on which at least one electronic device (4), in particular an electronic display device (4), can be positioned, from the rear side of the shelf rail (3), and wherein the central web (5) has the snap-connection counterstructure.

10. Shelf rail (3) according to claim 9, wherein the snap connection counter-structure is designed as an opening (9) extending through the central web (5).

11. Shelf rail (3) according to claim 10, wherein the opening (9) has a diameter substantially the width of a finger, in particular a diameter between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 15 mm, particularly preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

12. Shelf rail (3) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein the shelf rail (3) has a device receiving structure (11) which is designed to receive and hold an electronic device (4) such that the electronic device (4) covers the snap-connection counter-structure.

13. Electronic shelf rail system (1) comprising - a supply device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and - a shelf rail (3) according to one of claims 8 to 12.

14. Electronic shelf rail system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the snap connection structure (7) and the snap connection counter-structure are designed to engage with each other substantially in the direction normal to the longitudinal extent of the shelf rail (3).

15. Electronic shelf rail system (1) according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the electronic shelf rail system (1) - an energy storage device (20) for storing electrical energy and for providing electrical power, wherein the energy storage device (20) is coupled to the supply device (2), in particular by means of a snap connection.

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