Goods presentation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a goods presentation system for presenting goods, the system comprising at least one main support and at least one presentation support which is provided for supporting the goods to be presented, the main support and the presentation support being force-transmittingly interconnected by a mechanical coupling for the purpose of supporting, and the mechanical coupling creating an electrically conductive connection directly between the presentation support and the main support.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Product presentation system

[0003] Description

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to a product presentation system.

[0006] background

[0007] Merchandise display systems, such as shelves or tables, are used to present goods. Thanks to digitalization, it is now common practice to equip these systems with electronic display units that show product and / or price information. These electronic display units require electrical power. In the past, this was achieved, for example, by batteries or wired power. However, such solutions have proven disadvantageous due to their high complexity during installation, resulting in a higher risk of errors, and their high maintenance requirements during operation.

[0008] The invention therefore has the object of providing a product presentation system that avoids the problems mentioned.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved by a product presentation system according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore a product presentation system for presenting goods, which has at least one base support and at least one presentation support which is provided for carrying the goods to be presented, and wherein the base support and the presentation support are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner by a mechanical coupling for the purpose of carrying, and wherein the mechanical coupling creates an electrically conductive connection directly between the presentation support and the base support.

[0011] The merchandise display system is, for example, a shelf or a table, etc. This system is used to present goods and can be installed in a store's sales area or in a storage room, etc. A basic element or structure of this merchandise display system is the base support and the associated display support.

[0012] The base support is a component that supports the entire merchandise display system on a building structure. The base support can be designed, for example, for placement on the floor, for attachment to a wall, or suspended from cables. The base support thus forms the mechanical interface between the building structure and the other components of the merchandise display system. Examples of a base support include a shelving column, particularly designed as a perforated wall column, a perforated wall, a stand, a table leg, etc.

[0013] It should be noted that intermediate elements can also be provided between the merchandise display system and the building structure. Intermediate elements can include shelf feet, wheels, bases, etc. The intermediate element can thus perform additional functions, such as improving the positioning of the merchandise display system and / or supporting the base support.

[0014] A display support is a mechanically load-bearing structure that is typically attached to the base support at a specific point along its length and projects substantially transversely from the base support at an angle of 90° or slightly inclined (other than 90°, for example, between 70° and 110°). The display support can be used to directly support goods that are, for example, placed on it or suspended from it, for example with a rope or strap or the like. The display support can also be used to indirectly support goods that are, for example, placed on another structure connected to the display support, such as a shelf or compartment, a table top or the like.In shelving construction, such a presentation support is often also referred to as a console for the shelf, whereby the console carries a shelf, possibly enclosing or limiting it at the edges or also supporting it at a distance from its edge.

[0015] The force-transmitting mechanical coupling between the base support and the display support can be implemented in a variety of ways. The display support is often hooked or suspended into recesses in the structure of the base support, for example, one or more holes or slots. The display support can be screwed to the base support or connected by means of a press fit. The basic function of this mechanical coupling is to attach the display support to the base support in such a way that the load caused by the goods being presented is transferred via the base support, meaning that the display support itself is essentially immovably attached to the base support under load.

[0016] In addition to the force-transmitting effect of the mechanical coupling, the mechanical coupling simultaneously establishes or forms an electrically conductive connection directly between the display support and the base support. This combined effect of the mechanical coupling has the advantage that the merchandise display system can be electrified without the conventional plug connections and cables for electrical conduction that are usually provided separately from the force-transmitting mechanical coupling. The power supply in the claimed merchandise display system is now provided via the basic structure consisting of the base support and the display support.

[0017] Electrical or electronic devices designed for attachment to the merchandise display system can thus be supplied with electrical power by the merchandise display system, directly utilizing the base structure as a power conductor. For example, a lighting device can be used as an electrical device that illuminates or illuminates the merchandise display system or a portion of the merchandise display system. The lighting device can also illuminate or illuminate objects attached to the merchandise display system, such as price labels. Electronic devices are electrical devices that have electronic components. Electronic devices can, for example, be designed as electronic display devices and / or as sensor devices.The electronic devices could also be so-called IoT devices, which will be referred to as "IoTs" for short, where "IoT" stands for "Internet of Things". "IoTs" refers to devices that can be accessed via the Internet (or Internet-like structures), such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (fifth generation of mobile communications), etc. IoT devices can be, for example, sensors (distance sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, radar sensors, cameras, etc.). IoT devices can also be displays for electronically alterable still images and / or video images, in particular electronic labels, for example electronic shelf labels (ESLs).

[0018] This eliminates the need for cables that would otherwise be required to run along the base structure, which would typically create a cluttered appearance or be relatively complicated to install to avoid this appearance. Likewise, the need to install electrical connections that supplement the mechanical coupling is eliminated because the electrical connection is established directly between the base support and the display support. This allows the two parts of the base structure to be connected to each other with complete ease, automatically establishing an electrically conductive connection between them. This electrical connection can also be severed by loosening the mechanical coupling.The assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the basic structure therefore does not require any electrical engineering knowledge and can therefore be carried out directly by the staff of a store or a company entrusted with the installation or modification of the product display system, who are not usually electrically trained.

[0019] The design of the merchandise display system is thus significantly simplified and uses fewer materials than conventional systems. Furthermore, it has been shown that conventional electrical connectors and cables are often damaged by environmental influences, such as careless business customers or employees, or even soiling. In contrast, the measures designed to meet these requirements form the basis for a merchandise display system characterized by its exceptional resistance to environmental influences, precisely because such electrical connectors and freely running cables are dispensed with.

[0020] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0021] The basic element can be used for electrification in various forms as discussed below.

[0022] According to a first embodiment, for electrical power conduction, a first part of the mechanical coupling, which is assigned to the base support, is connected to a pole of an electrical power supply device, e.g., by a cable. A second part of the mechanical coupling, which is assigned to the presentation support, can also be connected to a cable, thereby delivering the electrical current to an electrical load. The electrical load, in turn, is connected directly or indirectly to the second pole of the electrical power supply device to close the circuit.

[0023] In order to achieve the most compact design possible, it has proven particularly advantageous for the base support and the presentation support to be electrically conductive, in particular made of a metal, and to be coated with an electrically insulating layer which is recessed in the area of ​​the mechanical coupling.

[0024] The electrically insulating layer can consist of, for example, an insulating varnish. Such an insulating coating can be created by powder coating or dip painting. After the insulating coating has been applied and dried, the area on the base support and the presentation support intended for the electrical connection between the base support and the presentation support (hereinafter referred to as the power line area) can be freed of the insulating coating. This can be done, for example, by scraping or grinding. In the assembled state, the bare, uncoated electrically conductive material of the base support and the presentation support is in electrically conductive contact with each other.

[0025] The power line area can also be covered prior to applying the insulation coating, preventing the formation of an insulation coating. After the insulation coating has been applied and dried, the cover is removed, allowing the power line area on the base support and the display support to be freely accessible again. When assembled, the bare, uncoated electrically conductive material of the base support and the display support is in electrically conductive contact with each other.

[0026] According to this first embodiment, the entire base element can be connected to a pole of the electrical power supply device and the current is transported not only plug-free but also cable-free along the base element to the electrical consumer, which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to the electrical power supply device in order to close the circuit.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the base support and the display support can each consist of two parts that are electrically insulated from one another. The electrically insulated parts run at least partially, and possibly even completely, along the longitudinal extent of the base support and / or the display support. During mechanical coupling, the first part of the base support is electrically connected to the first part of the display support, and the second part of the base support is electrically connected to the second part of the display support. In this configuration, the first part of the base support can be connected to the first pole of the power supply device, and the second part of the base support can be connected to the second pole of the power supply device.The electrical consumer can now be connected to the first part of the presentation carrier on the one hand and to the second part of the presentation carrier on the other hand in order to close the circuit.

[0028] According to a further embodiment for the electrification of the goods presentation system, the base element is preferably used in pairs. In this configuration, a first electrical line structure is formed by a first base support and at least one first presentation support mechanically coupled thereto and directly electrically connected, and a second electrical line structure is formed by a second base support and at least one second presentation support mechanically coupled thereto and directly electrically connected. The two line structures are positioned at a distance from one another that is typical for the respective goods presentation system, so that goods can be presented between them. In this configuration, the first base support can be connected to the first pole of the power supply device and the second pole of the power supply device can be connected to the second base support.The electrical consumer can now be connected to the first presentation carrier on the one hand and to the second presentation carrier on the other hand in order to close the circuit.

[0029] Preferably, the product presentation system carries at least one supply rail, which supply rail is designed for an electrical supply of an electrical device, in particular an electronic device, in particular an electronic display device, which can be attached to the supply rail or integrated into it, wherein each of the two line structures is connected at its end region remote from the respective base support, with which the mechanical coupling to the respective presentation support is present, to the supply rail, which extends between the two end regions, at least in an electrically conductive manner, preferably also mechanically supporting the supply rail.

[0030] The supply rail forms, on the one hand, a mechanical interface for attaching the device as the electrical consumer to the merchandise display system. On the other hand, the supply rail also forms an electrical interface between the respective display support and the electrical device. As described, the electrical device is preferably designed as an electronic device and can, for example, be a so-called "Electronic Shelf Label," or ESL for short. However, the device can also be designed as a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a radar sensor, etc. The device can also be designed as a camera.

[0031] Electrically speaking, it can be a passive supply rail, which serves solely to allow the electrical current to flow between the first presentation support and the second presentation support via the electrical device, in particular via the electronic device. The electrical device, which can be inserted into and removed from the supply rail, is supplied with power when inserted into the supply rail.

[0032] From an electrical perspective, however, it can also be an active supply rail, which, equipped with its own supply rail electronics, provides various functions, such as control functions relating to the electrical devices installed on it, in particular electronic devices, or communication functions, such as communication with these electronic devices and / or radio communication for the electronic devices installed on the supply rail with external devices. The supply rail can also have or include one or more devices integrated into it. Such an active supply rail can, for example,be implemented as a video shelf rail which, as one electronic device, has a video screen for reproducing still image and / or video content and, as another electronic device, has a communication device with the aid of which the content in question can be received and / or the playback progress can be communicated to another external device and / or synchronization information relating to the content playback can be received or transmitted.

[0033] In order to obtain the most compact possible power supply for the electrical device, in particular the electronic device, it has proven to be particularly advantageous for the supply rail to have at least a first contacting element and a second contacting element, wherein the two contacting elements, in particular designed as wires or tracks, extend substantially parallel to one another along the longitudinal extent of the supply rail, so that they are accessible along the supply rail for electrical contact by the electrical device, in particular by the electronic device, wherein the first contacting element is electrically conductively connected to the first line structure, and wherein the second contacting element is electrically conductively connected to the second line structure.

[0034] The respective electrically conductive connection between, on the one hand, the first contacting element and the first line structure and, on the other hand, the second contacting element and the second line structure can be indirect, such as by means of a plug connection or a clamp connection or an intermediate electronic device, etc., or direct, such as by means of a soldered connection.

[0035] According to a first embodiment, the two electrical connections can be implemented identically. However, according to a second embodiment, they are preferably implemented differently from one another, as follows.

[0036] The first contacting element is directly electrically connected to the first conductor structure. For example, the reference potential of the power supply device can be made available directly to the supply rail via one edge of the supply rail.

[0037] With regard to the other edge of the supply rail, it has proven advantageous that the supply rail has a supply rail controller, in particular positioned on the edge, which is designed and provided for the power and / or communication supply of the electrical device, in particular electronic device, that can be attached to the supply rail, wherein the second contacting element is indirectly connected to the second line structure via the electronic supply rail controller and the supply rail controller directly electrically contacts the first contacting element.The interposition of the supply rail controller offers the advantage that, on the one hand, the supply voltage can be influenced by the supply rail controller, for example, its voltage can be controlled, so that, on the one hand, the power consumption on the supply rail can be controlled and / or, on the other hand, the supply voltage itself can be used to signal information or operating modes on the supply rail. To ensure a reliable and trouble-free power supply on the supply rail, the supply rail is designed to be at least electrically insulating in such a way that the at least two contacting elements are carried on it in an electrically insulated manner, and that the two presentation supports between which the supply rail extends are electrically insulated from one another.

[0038] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous that a mechanically supporting structure of the supply rail is made of an electrically insulating material, in particular of an electrically non-conductive plastic.

[0039] According to a further aspect, the product display system can have its own electrical power supply device, wherein the first line structure, in particular on its first base support, is electrically connected to a first pole, in particular the pole providing the reference potential, of the electrical power supply device, and wherein the second line structure, in particular on its second base support, is electrically connected to a second pole, in particular the pole providing the supply voltage potential, of the electrical power supply device. Thus, each product display system can be independently operated with electrical power from its own power supply device.

[0040] According to a further aspect, a display panel for displaying the goods extends between the two display supports and is supported by the two display supports. The display panel is either electrically insulating, such as made of electrically non-conductive plastic or wood, or is attached to the two display supports in an electrically insulated manner. This ensures trouble-free operation of the power supply using the two base elements because the insulation reliably prevents the risk of a short circuit between the two base elements.

[0041] To ensure simple and uncomplicated handling during assembly and dismantling, as well as during maintenance or redesign of the product presentation system, it has proven particularly advantageous for the product presentation system to have a product presentation module. The product presentation module is formed by the two presentation supports and a presentation panel extending between the two presentation supports, and the supply rail extending between the presentation supports, which preferably closes off an edge of the presentation panel running there. This product presentation module, as an assembled module, can be easily mechanically coupled to the base support, thereby creating the force-transmitting connection as well as the electrically conductive connection for the electrical supply of the supply rail or the electrical, in particular electronic, devices located there.The base support is preferably a perforated wall column into which the respective presentation support is hung.

[0042] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the merchandise display module is a pre-assembled unit, with the unit being attached to the two base supports on the side opposite the supply rail. The "pre-assembled" specification means that the unit is delivered pre-assembled, for example, from the factory or at least delivered or installed pre-assembled by a so-called shelving or retail store installer, i.e., by qualified personnel. This ensures a reliable power supply to the merchandise display system and eliminates potential assembly errors. Functional tests can also be performed prior to installation in the retail store.

[0043] Finally, it should be mentioned that the power supply device can be a conventional power supply unit supplied by mains power, a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery supplied via "Power over WiFi", etc.

[0044] Finally, it should be generally mentioned that the electronic devices discussed or mentioned (such as ESLs, video shelf rails, etc.) comprise electronics. The electronics can be discrete or comprise integrated electronics, or even 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 – using 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."

[0045] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the figures discussed below.

[0046] Short character description

[0047] The invention will be 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 product presentation system,

[0048] Fig. 2 a sectional view of a part of the

[0049] Goods presentation system, showing the coupling between a perforated wall column and a presentation support, Fig. 3 a partial area of ​​the goods presentation system, showing the contacting of a shelf rail, Fig. 4 a partial area of ​​the goods presentation system, showing the contacting of a supply rail controller.

[0050] Description of the embodiments

[0051] Figure 1 shows a product presentation system 1 implemented as a shelf for presenting goods, which comprises two base supports designed as perforated wall columns 4A, 4B (as a first perforated wall column 4A and a second perforated wall column 4B), two presentation supports 3A, 3B (a first presentation support 3A and a second presentation support 3B) designed as consoles for a shelf 2, and the shelf 2, which is provided for supporting the goods to be presented.

[0052] The perforated wall columns 4A, 4B and the display supports 3A, 3B are made of electrically conductive sheet metal. In this exemplary embodiment, the perforated wall columns 4A, 4B and the display supports 3A, 3B are partially painted.

[0053] At the front end of the shelf 2, it is connected to a shelf rail 16. The shelf rail 16 has a power rail controller 17, which supplies power and data to electronic display devices known as Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs 19) via conductor tracks 18A, 18B, and 18C (not visible here). A plastic cover 20 is provided at the end of the shelf rail 16 opposite the power rail controller 17. The housing 31 of the power rail controller 17 is visible in Figure 1.

[0054] The perforated wall columns 4A, 4B and the display supports 3A, 3B can be connected to each other for supporting purposes by a mechanical coupling 7. For this purpose, the perforated wall column 4A, 4B has holes 5, and the display supports 3A, 3B each have two hooks 6 for hooking into the holes 5. The hooks 6 of the second display support 3B are concealed by the shelf 2 in Figure 1 and are therefore not visible, but are designed in a similar manner.

[0055] The perforated wall columns 4A and 4B are located in a base plate 8 and are supported by it. For this purpose, the perforated wall columns 4A and 4B are inserted into recesses in the base plate 8, each of which is lined with a rubber sleeve to give the perforated wall column a stable hold and at the same time insulate it except for defined electrical connection areas. The base plate 8 has a battery 9 that provides a reference potential GND to its first pole and a first supply voltage VCC to its second pole. The first pole of the battery 9 is connected to the first perforated wall column 4A via the connection areas of the first perforated wall column 4A. The second pole of the battery 9 is connected to the second perforated wall column 4B via the connection areas of the second perforated wall column 4B. In this configuration, the first perforated wall column 4A has the reference potential GND and the second perforated wall column 4B has the supply voltage VCC related to the reference potential GND.

[0056] It should be noted that the perforated wall columns 4A and 4B can be used painted or unpainted. If an insulating coating is generally required, the connection areas are designed without any paint. For this purpose, the connection area can be covered or left unpainted during the painting process, or the paint can be removed after painting. This also applies to other areas intended for electrical conduction or for providing electrical contact.

[0057] The product presentation system 1 is designed such that the mechanical coupling 7 creates an electrically conductive connection directly between the respective presentation support and the base support mechanically coupled thereto, as shown in Figure 2. "Direct" here means that the electrically conductive connection is made without the need for a plug and without requiring additional components.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the first perforated wall column 4A with the first presentation support 3A hooked in. The second perforated wall column 4B with the second presentation support 3B hooked in is constructed analogously. The perforated wall column 4A has a front wall 10, two side walls

[0059] 11 and a rear wall 12. The front wall 10 is shown in section in Figure 2 and has the holes 5. The front wall 10 merges into the first side wall 11, which merges into the rear wall, which is also shown in section

[0060] 12. The rear wall 12, in turn, merges into the second side wall, which is not visible in the section. The second side wall merges again into the front wall 10. The cross-section of the perforated wall columns 4A and 4B is visible at their upper end in Figure 1.

[0061] With reference to Figure 2, it should be noted that the perforated wall column 4A has an outer side 15, which is painted as mentioned. The front wall 10 has a paint-free inner side 15A. Like the connection area, the paint-free inner side 15A can be omitted during the painting process, or the paint can be removed (locally) to provide electrical conductivity, for example by grinding. The hole 5 has a circumferential outer surface 13, which is also paint-free or electrically conductive. In this exemplary embodiment, the presentation support 3A is largely painted, with the hook having a paint-free contact surface 14 for contacting the paint-free inner side 15A and the outer surface 13. The first presentation support 3A, when mechanically coupled to the first perforated wall column 4A, thus has the same potential as the first perforated wall column 4A, i.e., the reference potential GND.Accordingly, the second presentation carrier 3B has the supply voltage VCC in the mechanically coupled state with the second perforated wall column 4B.

[0062] The two display supports 3A and 3B thus have different potentials. Shelf 2 is electronically insulated from both display supports 3A and 3B. For this purpose, shelf 2 is coated with an insulating varnish. Shelf 2 can also be connected to display supports 3A and 3B via insulating bearings, for example, a plastic bearing, such as rubber or silicone. Shelf 2 itself can also be made of a non-conductive material.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the shelf rail 16 is located at the front end of the presentation support 3B, said shelf rail being electrically coupled to the presentation support 3B via an electrically conductive connecting element 21, which is positioned hidden from view under the plastic cover 20 (see Figure 1), as shown in Figure 3, where the plastic cover 20 is shown removed from the shelf rail 16 in order to make the connecting element 21 removed from the shelf rail 16 visible. The food cover 20 can have a one-sided material recess on its side oriented towards the connecting element 21 in order to accommodate the connecting element 20 and still be flush with the shelf rail 16.

[0064] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a section of the product presentation system 1 in the area surrounding the plastic cover 20. Located beneath the plastic cover 20 is the shelf rail 16 having a central or rear wall 24 and a conductor track carrier 23. The conductor track carrier 23 carries the conductor tracks 18a to 18C, which, viewed from top to bottom, are a first conductor track 18A for providing a reference potential GND, a second conductor track 18B for providing a data signal, and a third conductor track 18C for providing a second supply voltage VCC2, which is generated with the aid of the supply rail controller 17 from the first supply voltage VCC relative to the reference potential GND. The conductor tracks 18 are oriented towards the rear wall 24, so that a device receiving slot 22 for receiving electronic devices, in particular the ESLs 19, is formed between the conductor track carrier 23 and the rear wall 24.In this regard, reference is made to the published patent applications WO 2022 / 188955 A1 and WO 2022 / 188956 A1, which discuss the electronic and mechanical coupling of the electronic devices to the shelf rail 16.

[0065] It should be noted that the first conductor track 18A forms a first contacting element and the third conductor track 18C forms a second contacting element in the sense of the general description.

[0066] In Figure 3, the connecting element 21 is designed as a curved spring contact, which has the contacting area 25 for contacting the conductor track 18, specifically the first conductor track 18A. Furthermore, the connecting element 21 has a curved intermediate area 26 and an end area 27. The presentation carrier 3A has two holes 28 and 29 corresponding to the dimensions of the intermediate area 26 and the end area 27 as well as the position of the conductor track 18A. The holes are formed on their outer surface and adjacent to it without paint, i.e., electrically conductive. The connecting element 21 is thus inserted with the intermediate area 26 into the first hole 28 and with the end area 27 into the second hole 29, so that the contacting area 25 contacts the first conductor track 18A and connects it electrically conductively to the presentation carrier 3A. The first conductor track 18A thus has the reference potential GND in the connected state.The double insertion of the connecting element 21 into the presentation carrier 3A ensures a stable mechanical and reliable electrical coupling.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the presentation support 3A can have two recesses 30 for receiving snap connections of the plastic cover 20 (not visible in the perspective view). The snap connections of the plastic cover 20 are inserted into the recesses 30 during assembly and are received by them to fix the plastic cover 20. Figure 4 shows the end section of the shelf rail 16 at the point of contact of the conductor tracks 18A, 18B, 18C by the supply rail controller 17. The housing 31 of the supply rail controller 17 (visible in Figure 1) is shown removed in this view to allow a view of the conductor tracks 18A, 18B, 18C and their contact.The supply rail controller 17 has a circuit board 32 that carries an electronics unit 37 and the three spring elements 33A, 33B, and 33C for contacting the conductor tracks 18A, 18B, and 18C. The three spring elements 33A to 33C are connected to the electronics unit. Via the spring element 33A and the conductor track 18A contacted therewith, which is connected to the presentation support 3A and thus to the perforated wall column 4A, the electronics unit of the supply rail controller 17 is connected to the first pole of the battery 9, thus providing it with the reference potential GND.

[0068] Furthermore, the supply rail controller 17 has an electrically conductive spring element 34 which has a bulged (bulged into the image plane) insulation-free contact area 35. The circuit board 32 and consequently also the electronics carried thereby are electrically connected to the spring element. Positioned corresponding to the contact area 35, the second presentation carrier 3B has a countersunk hole 36. The countersunk hole 36 is paint-free and electrically conductive and adapted to the shape of the contact area 35. The contact area 35 engages in the countersunk hole 36 and an electrically conductive connection is created there. The second presentation carrier 3B is connected to the battery 9 via the second perforated wall column 4B as described and thus has the first supply voltage VCC, which is made accessible to the electronics 37 of the supply rail controller 17 via the spring element 34.

[0069] The supply rail controller 17 is therefore electrically supplied by interposing two basic elements (on the one hand the elements 3A and 4A and on the other hand the elements 3B and 4B) of the goods presentation system 1.

[0070] The electronics 37 has a radio module designed for radio-based communication with an access point (not shown). Via the access point, the supply rail controller 17 receives data for controlling the ESLs 19 located on the shelf rail 16 (not shown in Figure 4 for the sake of clarity, but see Figure 1), or data relating to the ESLs 19 or the supply rail controller 17 is communicated to the access point. Furthermore, the electronics 36 is designed to provide the second supply voltage VCC2 for the ESLs 19 using the first supply voltage VCC provided by the battery 9. The second supply voltage VCC2 can correspond to the supply voltage VCC (provided by the battery 9) or differ from it, for example, be lower or higher. Data or signals are communicated with the ESLs 19 via the second spring contact 33B and the second conductor track 18B.The second supply voltage VCC2 for the ESLs 19 is provided via the third spring contact 33C and the third conductor tracks 18C.

[0071] As described, a power supply is provided for the supply rail controller 17 from the battery 9 via the perforated wall columns 4A, 4B, the display supports 3A, 3B, and the conductor track 18A. The supply rail controller 17, in turn, provides a power and information supply for the ESLs 19 on the shelf rail 16 via the conductor tracks 18A, 18B, 18C.

[0072] 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. Product presentation system (1) for presenting goods, comprising: - at least one base support (4A, 4B) and - at least one presentation support (3A, 3B) intended to carry the goods to be presented, and - wherein the base support (4A, 4B) and the presentation support (3A, 3B) are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner by a mechanical coupling (7) for the purpose of carrying, and - wherein the mechanical coupling (7) creates an electrically conductive connection directly between the presentation support (3A, 3B) and the base support (4A, 4B).

2. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base support (4A, 4B) and the presentation support (3A, 3B) are electrically conductive, in particular made of a metal, and are coated with an electrically insulating layer which is recessed in the region of the mechanical coupling (7).

3. Goods presentation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - a first electrical line structure is formed by a first base support (4A, 4B) and at least one first presentation support (3A, 3B) mechanically coupled thereto and directly electrically connected, and - a second electrical line structure is formed by a second base support (4A, 4B) and at least one second presentation support (3A, 3B) mechanically coupled thereto and directly electrically connected.

4. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the goods presentation system (1) carries at least one supply rail (16), which supply rail (16) is designed to supply an electronic device (19) attachable to the supply rail (16), in particular an electronic display device, - wherein each of the two line structures is connected at its end region remote from the respective base support, with which the mechanical coupling (7) to the respective presentation support (3A, 3B) is present, to the supply rail (16) extending between the two end regions, at least electrically conductively, preferably also mechanically supporting the supply rail (16).

5. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the supply rail (16) has at least a first contacting element and a second contacting element (18A, 18C), wherein - the two contacting elements (18A, 18C), in particular designed as wires or tracks, extend substantially parallel to one another along the longitudinal extent of the supply rail (16), so that they are accessible along the supply rail (16) for electrical contact by the electronic device (19), wherein - the first contacting element (18A) is electrically conductively connected to the first line structure, and wherein - the second contacting element (18C) is electrically conductively connected to the second line structure.

6. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first contacting element (18A) is directly electrically connected to the first line structure.

7. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 6, wherein - the supply rail (16) has a supply rail controller (17), in particular positioned at the edge, which is designed and provided for the power and / or communication supply of the electronic device (19) attachable to the supply rail (16), wherein - the second contacting element (18C) is indirectly connected to the second line structure via the electronic supply rail controller (17) and the supply rail controller (17) directly electrically contacts the first contacting element (18A).

8. Product presentation system (1) according to claim 5 to 7, wherein the supply rail (16) is designed to be electrically insulating at least in such a way that - the at least two contacting elements (18A, 18C) are carried on it in an electrically insulated manner from one another and that - the two presentation supports (3A, 3B) between which the supply rail extends are electrically insulated from each other.

9. Goods presentation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanically supporting structure of the supply rail (16) is made of an electrically insulating material, in particular of an electrically non-conductive plastic.

10. Goods presentation system (1) according to claims 3 to 7, which comprises an electrical power supply device (9), wherein - the first line structure, in particular on its first base support (4A), is electrically conductively connected to a first pole, in particular the pole (GND) having the reference potential, of the electrical power supply device (9), and wherein - the second line structure, in particular on its second base support (4B), is electrically conductively connected to a second pole, in particular that pole having the potential of the supply voltage (VCC), of the electrical power supply device (9).

11. Goods presentation system (1) according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein a presentation plate (2) for the presentation of the goods extends between the two presentation supports (3A, 3B) carried by the two presentation supports (3A, 3B), wherein the presentation plate (2) either - is electrically insulating, such as being made of electrically non-conductive plastic or wood, or - is electrically insulated and attached to the two presentation supports (3A, 3B).

12. Goods presentation system (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, which comprises a goods presentation module, wherein the Product presentation module is formed by: - the two presentation supports (3A, 3B), and - a presentation plate (2) extending between the two presentation supports (3A, 3B), and - the presentation plate (2) extending between the presentation supports (3A, 3B) Supply rail (16), which preferably closes an edge of the presentation plate (2) running there.

13. Goods presentation system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the goods presentation module is present as a pre-assembled module, the module being attached to the two base supports (4A, 4B) on its side opposite the supply rail (16).

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