Module for detachable fastening to a holding device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module (1, 1a-h), in particular a shelf label, for detachable fastening to a holding device (18a-k), in particular a shelf rail, comprising a fastening element (6) which is designed to fasten the module (1, 1a-h) to the holding device (18a-k) in a fastening state, and an actuating element (5) which is designed to transfer the fastening element (6) from the fastening state into a removal state, wherein, in the removal state, the module (1, 1a-h) can be removed from the holding device (18a-k), wherein the fastening element (6) can be transferred into the removal state by the application of a mechanical force to the actuating element (5) by means of an actuation card (37), in particular a bank-card-like actuation card.

Description

[0001] Module for detachable attachment to a holding device

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a module for detachable attachment to a holding device, a holding device, a fastening system, a method for detaching a module attached to a holding device and the use of an actuating card for removing the module.

[0004] background

[0005] In retail stores, products for sale are usually displayed, with signage providing consumers with relevant product information. This product information can be displayed on modules, particularly shelf labels. Electronic display units (so-called Electronic Shelf Label units, or ESL units for short) are frequently used, featuring an electronic display screen capable of showing changing information. These modules can be interchangeably mounted on a support structure, especially a shelf rail.

[0006] WO 98 / 58360 discloses an electronic labeling system with a slide rail and an electronic display label. Slide rail wings of the slide rail each have a longitudinal groove between which the electronic display label is inserted. A pin is inserted in a groove and pre-tensioned by a spring, locking the electronic display label in this position. Using a magnetic tool, the pin can be moved against the spring force and thus unlocked to release the electronic display label.

[0007] EP 2 808 861 Al relates to an electronic label that can be inserted into a guide rail of an exhibition stand and can be separated from the guide rail using a key.

[0008] CN 116 888 654 A describes a fastening element for attaching a display unit to a shelf rail, wherein the fastening element has a locking element which is held in an extended position by a spring arranged in the fastening element and can be moved against the force of the spring towards a retracted position by means of a magnetic tool.

[0009] EP 0 683 478 A2 discloses an electronic display module that can be inserted into a shelf rail and can be unlocked by inserting a key into a channel of the display module, thereby pushing a flexible locking pawl upwards.

[0010] EP 2425 750 Al describes an electronic shelf label designed for detachable attachment to a shelf rail. Detachment is achieved by inserting a key into a keyhole, which moves an arm of the shelf label and a corresponding section in a direction where the section is separated from the shelf rail against the pressure of a spring.

[0011] The need to use and handle special tools, such as magnetic tools or wrenches, complicates the removal of modules because tool-specific knowledge is required. Furthermore, removal becomes impossible if the tool is lost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a module for detachable attachment to a holding device that allows easy removal without the need for special tools.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] This problem is solved by a module, in particular a shelf indicator panel, for detachable attachment to a holding device, in particular a shelf rail, comprising a fastening element configured to fasten the module to the holding device in a fastening state, and an actuating element configured to transfer the fastening element from the fastening state to a removal state, wherein the module can be removed from the holding device in the removal state, wherein the fastening element can be transferred to the removal state by applying a mechanical force to the actuating element with an actuating card, in particular a credit card-like actuating card.

[0014] The invention enables easy removal of the module from the holding device using the actuating card, as the actuating card is easy and intuitive to use and requires no tool-specific knowledge, which would otherwise be necessary when using a special tool to achieve its tool-specific effect. Accordingly, no special tool is required to remove the module, as is the case in the prior art, which significantly simplifies the removal process and related workflows, such as carrying a special tool and handling it. At the same time, the fastening element ensures a stable and secure attachment of the module to the holding device.Furthermore, the module can be attached to the mounting device without the use of an operating card or any special tool. The invention thus significantly simplifies the handling of modules, particularly shelf indicator signs, because no special handling knowledge or tools are required, and such specialized handling knowledge is not typically expected of retail staff. The module is designed to be attached to the mounting device. There, it can be configured for various tasks. The module can be a sensor module, a camera module, and / or a display device. For example, the module can be configured to detect an environment and / or a condition. For this purpose, the module can include a sensor, preferably a temperature sensor, configured to detect a temperature.This can be used, for example, in a refrigerated display case to check whether a predetermined temperature for a product placed there has been reached. The module can additionally or alternatively include a camera, preferably designed to optically capture its surroundings, such as a shelf positioned opposite a camera lens.

[0015] Preferably, the module is a display device, more preferably a display sign (in particular a shelf sign). Preferably, the module includes a display element, such as a display screen. In addition to the display element, the module may also include a sensor and / or a camera, as described above. The display element can be used to display product information, such as prices, product names, product numbers, barcodes, the validity period of promotions, and / or other information. The display element can be electronic or analog. The module can be an electronic module or an analog module. Preferably, the module, and in particular its display element, is designed to display changeable image content, especially text, an image, and / or a video. Preferably, the module is a shelf sign, and more preferably, an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) unit.Due to the typically large number of shelf indicator signs in a store and the associated time-consuming replacement of these signs, the invention has a particularly significant positive effect by simplifying the removal of the shelf indicator signs, for example on workflows, work efficiency and the employability of technically unskilled personnel.

[0016] Preferably, the module has a base body (also called a base frame) that partially or completely surrounds one or more functional units of the module. The base body can, for example, be a housing and may include as functional units a power supply unit (e.g., a battery), an internal control unit (e.g., a microprocessor, such as a computer processor (CPU)), and / or a communication unit (e.g., a transmitter and / or receiver). The module, and in particular the base body, may have an installation section in which the one or more functional units are housed, and / or a display section in which the display element is housed. Preferably, the display section has a larger circumference than the installation section. It is particularly preferred that the display section is designed to conceal part of the mounting device when the module is attached to the mounting device.This allows for a large display element to be available for showing product information, despite the module's compact design.

[0017] The module preferably has a guide groove designed to be placed on a section of the holding device, in particular on a lug of a retaining wall of the holding device. The lug of the retaining wall (also referred to as the retaining wall lug) preferably forms a rear gripping rib. The lug is thus preferably designed to be gripped from behind by the module. This restricts the freedom of movement of the gripping module. Mechanically, the lug therefore restricts at least one degree of freedom of a module inserted into the holding device. The lug can extend over a portion of the longitudinal extent of the holding device, preferably over the entire longitudinal extent of the holding device. This is particularly advantageous if the holding device is a mounting rail, especially a shelf rail. The module can then be moved along the holding device.The guide groove is preferably arranged such that one opening of the guide groove faces away from the mounting wall. Preferably, the guide groove has a U-shape or a double-L-shape, which is bounded on one side by the display section and on the opposite side by the installation section. Providing a guide groove allows the display section to be designed in such a way that it conceals a section of the mounting device, in particular a mounting wall of the mounting device, when the module is attached to the mounting device. This makes it possible to design the display section, and thus a display element mounted on it, to be larger, which improves the viewing comfort of the display element. It also creates a positive-locking connection, resulting in improved attachment of the module to the mounting device.

[0018] The base body preferably comprises a metal, particularly aluminum, and / or a plastic; more preferably, the base body consists of a metal and / or a plastic. This gives the module stability, thus preventing damage when attaching it to the holding device and when removing it from it. The module can be plate-like and / or have a rectangular, round, or elliptical contour.

[0019] If the module is an electronic module, it is preferably controllable by an external control unit, such as a computer, a server, and / or a cloud-based software solution. Any interchangeable information can then be displayed on the display element. The communication unit can be configured to transmit status information from the module to the external control unit. This status information can include, for example, the charge level of the module's battery and / or other processing-specific conditions. The module can also be configured to transmit product information to the external control unit for display, for example, via wired connection, Bluetooth, and / or radio.

[0020] The module preferably has a recess designed to receive at least part of the fastening element, and preferably at least part of the actuating element, when removed. The recess can be located inside the module, particularly inside the base body, and preferably inside the installation section. This arrangement allows for a space-saving design. If the module is a battery-powered ESL unit, the recess can be located between a battery compartment of the module and the display element, or between two adjacent battery compartments of the module.

[0021] Preferably, the actuating element and the fastening element can be positioned, at least partially, between a front side of the module (where the display element may be located) and a rear side of the module when removed. This allows for a space-saving design of the fastening system. The front side of the module is understood to be the side where, for example, a display element may be located that shows product information to customers. The rear side of the module is understood to be the side of the module opposite the front side.

[0022] Preferably, the module, and in particular the installation section, has a window designed to allow a view of a portion of the fastener in its removed state. The window is preferably located on the rear of the module. The window is preferably designed for the insertion of a pin and / or tweezers. The window can be used to manually move the fastener from the removed state to the installed state if this does not occur automatically when the external force is removed (e.g., by the restoring force of a spring), for example, because components have jammed (i.e., become stuck or wedged) in the removed state. In this case, an object with a small cross-sectional area (e.g., a pin, tweezers) can be inserted through the window into the recess to release any jamming and move the fastener into the installed state.Furthermore, the window facilitates attaching the mounting element to the base, as well as replacing the mounting element if it becomes damaged. It should be noted that jamming can occur, for example, if the module becomes heavily soiled. If, for instance, a product (e.g., yogurt) that is normally placed above the module leaks out, it can cause components of the module and / or the mounting device to stick together. The window allows for easy cleaning and / or maintenance of the module.

[0023] It should be noted that using the actuating card to activate the actuator has the further advantage of keeping the module and the holding device, especially in the vicinity of the actuator, free of contaminants. When the actuating card is brought into contact with the actuator, it can, for example, break up and / or scrape away adhesives and / or remove objects such as stones, crumbs, etc., which would interfere with removal or at least leave an unsightly appearance. The actuating card can thus remove most contaminants itself when the actuator is activated, so that, unlike with conventional actuation mechanisms, a large portion of the contaminant is already removed before removal, preventing jamming from occurring in the first place.

[0024] The fastening element can be moved into the removal state by applying a mechanical force to the actuating element with the actuating card. The actuating card is thus designed to move the module into the removal state. This can be achieved, in particular, by unlocking the module. The actuating card is not part of the module, but rather an actuating card that is used by a qualified person to interact with the module. This qualified person could, for example, be retail operational staff, such as a store employee familiar with the procedure required to remove the module. The actuating card is preferably flat (i.e., not curved). The actuating card is preferably a credit card-sized actuating card. The actuating card, especially the credit card-sized actuating card, can be a plastic card.The credit card-like activation card is preferably a card in credit card, debit card, ATM card, and / or check card format, for example, an ATM card, credit card, debit card, smart card, chip card, e-card, identity card, and / or driver's license. Since retail employees typically carry their identity card with them while on duty, the option of using such a credit card-like activation card significantly simplifies workflows. Employees can thus use their identity card to remove the module. Preferably, the activation card is a card designed according to the standards ISO / IEC 7810, ISO / IEC 7813, ISO / IEC 7811, ISO / IEC 7816, and / or ISO / IEC 14443, particularly preferably according to ISO / IEC 7810, especially ISO / IEC 7810 ID-1.Due to the common use of such operating cards, especially credit card-style operating cards, it is ensured that the module can be easily removed by a qualified person, such as a typical retail specialist, who has the knowledge of the handling necessary for removal, using the operating card, because handling such an operating card does not require any tool-specific knowledge.

[0025] Preferably, the actuating card has a thickness in the range of 0.50 to 1.00 mm, more preferably 0.60 to 0.90 mm, even more preferably 0.68 to 0.84 mm, and most preferably 0.76 to 0.80 mm. A thickness in this range is particularly advantageous when only a gap is provided between the module attached to the holding device and the holding device, through which the actuating element is accessible. A thickness of the actuating card in the aforementioned range then makes it possible to insert the actuating card into the gap in order to apply the mechanical force required for removal. This range of actuating card thickness also corresponds to the standard dimensions for credit cards, which facilitates easy handling.

[0026] The plastic content, preferably the polymer content, of the actuating card is preferably greater than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the actuating card. By using an actuating card whose main component is a plastic (or a mixture of two or more plastics), damage to the module and / or the holding device can be avoided, particularly during removal of the module and / or during attachment of the module to the holding device. The actuating card may also contain or consist of other materials. For example, the actuating card may contain metal and / or paper. The actuating card may be approximately the size of a business card, in particular a paper business card, with a length of approximately 85 mm and a width of approximately 55 mm.However, it is preferred that the actuation card is a credit card-type actuation card designed in accordance with the ISO / IEC 7810 ID-1 standard, and that the actuation element cannot be actuated with a paper business card.

[0027] The fastening element and the actuating element are preferably formed in one piece. This simplifies the module's design and can also improve the fastening element's response compared to a design as separate elements. The one-piece (i.e., monolithic) design means that the fastening element and the actuating element are manufactured together (i.e., as a single casting), for example, by injection molding.

[0028] Alternatively, the fastening element and the actuating element can be rigidly connected to each other, i.e., positively, materially, and / or frictionally, particularly with a connecting piece. This is advantageous to prevent displacement of the fastening element and the actuating element relative to each other, even if they are not formed as a single piece. The connecting piece can comprise a screw, a fastening pin, a sleeve, a bolt, a pin, and / or another suitable connecting element. Preferably, the actuating element has a gripping arm, particularly a pincer-like gripping arm, which is positively connected to the fastening element. Preferably, the gripping arm at least partially encloses the fastening element.The fastener can have a connecting section with a smaller cross-sectional area, positioned between sections of the fastener with a smaller cross-sectional area. In this case, the gripping arm can at least partially enclose the fastener at the connecting section. This ensures a stable connection and prevents displacement of the gripping arm, and thus the actuator, relative to the fastener. Alternatively, the fastener can have a gripping arm that is connected to a connecting section of the actuator, for example, by at least partially enclosing it.

[0029] Preferably, the actuating element has a contact surface for applying the mechanical force, which is designed such that the fastening element is continuously transitioned from the fastened state to the unfastened state when the actuating card moves across the contact surface. The requirement of a specific movement of the actuating card across the contact surface (i.e., along the contact surface) of the actuating element (referred to as the actuating movement) while simultaneously applying the mechanical force ensures that only a qualified person can remove the module and that unintentional removal is not possible, but only occurs when the actuating movement is deliberately executed. With a continuous transition (i.e.,The movement of the fastener from the tightened to the loosened state is defined as a continuous (i.e., gradual, stepwise) change in position of the fastener during the actuation movement, rather than an abrupt (i.e., sudden, stepwise) change, particularly through continuous axial displacement and / or pivoting. The change in position of the fastener during the actuation movement can occur at a constant speed or at a varying speed (i.e., a non-constant, but not abruptly changing, speed when the actuating element moves at a constant speed), depending, among other things, on the geometric design of the fastener and the actuating element.The contact surface is understood to be that surface of the actuating element which faces the holding device, in particular a mounting wall of the holding device, and preferably is oriented opposite the base body of the module. If a gap is provided between the holding device and the module, the contact surface is preferably that surface of the actuating element which faces the gap. This facilitates the application of the mechanical force across the gap to the contact surface.

[0030] At least one section of the contact surface is preferably inclined, with the contact surface rising in the direction of the fastening element and / or in the direction in which the actuating card is moved for actuation (referred to as the actuation direction). The inclination in this section is preferably 1 to 30°, more preferably 3 to 20°, and even more preferably 5 to 10°, the inclination preferably being relative to the horizontal in the intended state. This design is particularly advantageous when the fastening element and the actuating element move together during the transition of the fastening element into the removal state because they are formed as a single piece or are rigidly connected to each other, as this allows for a simple construction.

[0031] Preferably, the actuating element is designed such that one direction of the actuating movement remains constant. Maintaining the direction of movement of the actuating card is particularly advantageous when the actuating movement cannot be changed due to space constraints and must occur in a constant direction, for example, because the module is attached to a shelf rail where the actuating card can only be inserted into a gap (which will be explained in more detail below) between the module and the shelf rail and moved along this gap.

[0032] The actuating element is preferably designed to move in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the actuation movement during the actuation motion. Thus, by applying mechanical force during the actuation movement, the actuating element can be pushed away from the actuating card, allowing the direction of the actuation movement to be kept constant. Preferably, the actuating element is movable in the same plane as the fastening element during the actuation movement. This can simplify the design of the module; for example, only one common pivot axis for the actuating element and the fastening element is required.

[0033] The contact surface is preferably curved, and particularly preferably has a continuous curve. In other words, the contact surface is preferably spanned between two curves, which are preferably parallel to each other. A curved shape can facilitate the actuation movement, as changes in height are smoother. The contact surface can have a concave and / or a convex curvature. A concave curvature means that the curvature of the contact surface is directed towards the base body of the module. A convex curvature means that the curvature of the contact surface is directed away from the module. Preferably, the contact surface has a concave curvature.This can facilitate the application of mechanical force to the contact surface via the actuating card, especially if only a spatially limited space is available for applying the mechanical force to the actuating element by means of the actuating card (e.g., only a gap between the module and the holding device) and therefore the orientation of the actuating card relative to the module cannot be changed or can only be changed to a very limited extent.

[0034] Preferably, the contact surface of the actuating element is sigmoidal. This means that the contact surface preferably has a first section, a third section, and a second, sigmoidal (i.e., S-shaped) section arranged between them. The contact surface is then designed such that the actuating card can be moved from the first section, through the sigmoidal second section, to the third section while simultaneously applying the mechanical force. The sigmoidal shape of the contact surface enables a particularly rapid execution of the actuating movement. Preferably, the sigmoidal contact surface has a concave curvature.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the contact surface can have a protrusion. The protrusion can be semicircular, dome-shaped, or parabolic. Providing a protrusion can enable a material-saving and / or space-saving design of the actuating element. The actuating element is preferably designed to move perpendicular to the direction of the actuating movement during the actuating motion, particularly also while the actuating card is moved over the protrusion. Thus, by applying mechanical force during the actuating motion, the actuating element can be pushed away from the actuating card, so that the direction of the actuating motion can be kept constant. The protrusion is preferably provided in a central, second section along a longitudinal extension of the contact surface.The longitudinal extent refers to the extension of the contact surface in the direction of the actuation movement. A first and third section of the contact surface, between which the second section is arranged, are preferably inclined to the horizontal, preferably by 1 to 30°, more preferably by 3 to 20°, and even more preferably by 5 to 10°. This allows the actuating element to be designed in a compact form.

[0036] The contact surface can be designed to stop the actuating card (and thus the actuating movement) after the fastening element has been moved into the removal state. Preferably, the contact surface has a step for this purpose. The step is preferably located on a section along the longitudinal extent of the contact surface that is close to the fastening element (e.g., at an end of the third section of the sigmoid-shaped contact surface facing the fastening element). By providing a step, trained personnel can tell when the removal state has been reached, as the actuating movement stops abruptly upon reaching the step. This allows for controlled removal of the module. This is particularly advantageous when removing relatively large, heavy, and / or expensive modules, especially (large) ESL units, sensors, and cameras.The step can be provided as a transition between the actuating element and the fastening element if the actuating element and the fastening element are formed in one piece.

[0037] The actuating element can be pivotable (i.e. rotatable) and / or linearly movable to bring the fastening element into the removal state, particularly during the movement of the actuating card over the contact surface.

[0038] Preferably, the actuating element is pivotable to move the fastening element into the removal state. By providing a pivoting mechanism, movement of the actuating element (and consequently, moving the fastening element into the removal state) can be achieved with comparatively little effort. If a stationary pivot axis (i.e., rotation axis) is provided, it can also be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0039] It is preferred that the fastening element can be moved into the removal state by a pivoting motion. This can reduce the force required for the movement and allows for a space-saving arrangement. The module can have a first pivoting element to which the pivotable actuating element is attached, and / or a second pivoting element to which the pivotable fastening element is attached. The first and / or second pivoting element can have a screw, a fastening pin, a bolt, a pin, a sleeve, a swivel joint, and / or another pivoting device familiar to a person skilled in the art that enables a pivoting movement. The first and / or second pivoting element preferably has a detent designed to hold the actuating element and / or fastening element in the fastened state.Preferably, the locking mechanism is also designed to hold the actuating element and / or fastening element in the removal state. In this case, the module is preferably designed to transfer the fastening element from the removal state to the fastening state by applying a mechanical force, in particular a pressure force, to the actuating element and / or the fastening element.

[0040] Preferably, the pivot axis of the actuating element and / or the fastening element is perpendicular to the direction of the actuating movement. This allows the actuating element and / or the fastening element to pivot into the interior of the module (e.g., into the recess provided for this purpose) or to the rear of the module.

[0041] Preferably, the actuating element is designed to pivot during the actuation movement, and the fastening element can be moved into the removal state by a pivoting movement. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement and simplifies the module's construction. Preferably, the fastening element and the actuating element are formed in one piece (or rigidly connected to each other) and pivotable about the same pivot axis. In this case, the module preferably has a pivot element (i.e., a single pivot element) to which a section of the actuating element located remote from the fastening element is attached.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element can be linearly movable to move the fastening element into the removal state, and / or the fastening element can be moved into the removal state by a linear movement. In this embodiment, the module can have a first displacement element to which the actuating element is attached, and / or a second displacement element to which the fastening element is attached. The first and / or second displacement element can have a guide rail or another displacement means familiar to a person skilled in the art that enables linear movement. Preferably, the displacement movement of the actuating element and / or the fastening element is perpendicular to the direction of the actuating movement. This allows the actuating element and / or the fastening element to be linearly displaced into the interior of the module (e.g.,into the recess provided for this purpose) or to the rear of the module. The first and / or second displacement element preferably has a detent designed to hold the fastening element in the fastened state and to release it by applying a mechanical force. Preferably, the detent is also designed to hold the fastening element in the removal state. In this case, the module is preferably designed to move the fastening element from the removal state to the fastened state by applying a mechanical force, in particular a compressive force, to the actuating element and / or the fastening element. The mechanical force to be applied for this purpose preferably opposes the mechanical force to be applied to actuate the actuating element (i.e., the mechanical force, in particular a compressive force, necessary to move the fastening element from the fastened state to the removal state).A mechanical force can be applied to the actuating element to move the fastening element into the removal state. The mechanical force is understood to be a force that acts exclusively through direct contact between two bodies, preferably as a result of line pressure or surface pressure, particularly between the actuating card and the actuating element. Accordingly, the mechanical force can also be referred to as a contact force. Weight and magnetic forces do not fall under this definition because they can act on a body even without direct contact. The application of the mechanical force is therefore magnet-free. This makes it possible to use any actuating card to remove the module from the holding device, resulting in a wide range of applications for the invention.Preferably, the mechanical force can be applied to the actuating element by line contact. Accordingly, the actuating element, in particular its contact surface, can be designed such that line contact with the actuating card is possible and sufficient for force transmission to move the fastening element into the removal state. More preferably, the mechanical force can be applied to the actuating element by surface contact. In this case, the actuating element, in particular its contact surface, is designed such that surface contact with the actuating card is possible, which can lead to a more uniform force transmission.

[0043] The mechanical force required to move the fastening element into the removal state is preferably a compressive force. This further facilitates removal, as the actuating card only needs to be pressed onto the actuating element, preferably onto its contact surface, to remove the module. Particularly preferably, the actuating movement of the actuating card occurs via the contact surface while simultaneously applying the compressive force.

[0044] The module preferably further comprises a spring connected to the fastening element, which is designed to deform when mechanical force is applied to the actuating element in order to move the fastening element into the removal state. Providing a spring improves the reaction behavior of the fastening element when attaching the module to the holding device and / or when removing it. The deformation of the spring allows the fastening element to be reversibly returned to the fastening state after removal by releasing the spring. The spring is preferably attached to the fastening element. If the fastening element and the actuating element are formed integrally or rigidly connected, the actuating element can also be moved by deformation of the spring.One end of the spring can be attached to the fastener, and a second end of the spring can be attached to the recess provided in the module for the partial reception of the fastener.

[0045] The spring is preferably arranged such that one longitudinal axis of the spring is perpendicular to the actuating movement. This allows the mechanical force applied to the actuating element to be efficiently transmitted to the spring for deformation. If the fastening element is pivotable, the longitudinal axis of the spring is preferably perpendicular to both the actuating movement and the pivot axis. This ensures particularly good force transmission.

[0046] Preferably, the spring is at least partially pre-tensioned when the fastener is in the installed state. This improves the responsiveness of the fastener and the stability of the module's attachment to the holding device. At least partial pre-tensioning of the spring in the installed state means that at least part of the spring is under tension, i.e., at least some of the spring coils are at least partially compressed when the fastener is in the installed state.

[0047] The module preferably has a guide designed to receive the spring. The guide prevents the spring from buckling or bending laterally, thereby also preventing damage to surrounding components of the module. By guiding the spring within the guide, it can move in a controlled and reliable manner in a desired direction. The guide can be a cylinder, a sleeve, a mandrel, and / or a groove, or it can be designed as a recess in the module housing. The guide can be internal, with the spring being displaceable, for example, via a mandrel, which allows for a compact design. Alternatively or additionally, the guide can be external, with the spring being displaceable, for example, within a sleeve, which improves the mechanical stability of the guide.

[0048] Preferably, the spring is a compression spring designed to be compressed (i.e., compressed along its longitudinal axis) when mechanical force is applied to the actuating element. This is advantageous because a compression spring exhibits a linear force-displacement characteristic, resulting in a uniform restoring force. Furthermore, a compression spring can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0049] Preferably, the module has two springs, a first spring being connected to the fastening element and a second spring being connected to the actuating element. The two springs are designed to deform when mechanical force is applied to the actuating element, thereby moving the fastening element into the removal state. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the actuating element and the fastening element are formed integrally or rigidly connected to each other, because then both springs can be deformed simultaneously when mechanical force is applied to the contact surface. A first end of each spring can be attached to the fastening element or the actuating element, and a second end of each spring can be secured in a recess provided in the module for the partial reception of the fastening element and the actuating element.More than two springs can also be provided to ensure a more even force transmission and / or more controlled movement of the fastener, which is particularly advantageous for large modules. If the module has multiple springs, each spring is preferably held in a guide to prevent lateral buckling or bending of the springs.

[0050] If the actuating element and the fastening element are formed in one piece or are firmly connected to each other, if the actuating element and the fastening element can pivot about a common pivot axis, and if the longitudinal axes of the two springs are perpendicular to the actuating movement and perpendicular to the pivot axis, at least the following constellations must be distinguished.

[0051] If the pivot axis is not located between the two springs, but, for example, on a section of the actuating element that is farther from the fastening element, it is preferred that both springs be compression springs. Then, by applying a compressive force to the contact surface, both springs can be compressed simultaneously. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if a first spring, whose longitudinal axis is at a greater perpendicular distance to the pivot axis than the longitudinal axis of a second spring, has a smaller spring force than the second spring. Since the first spring is located further away from the pivot axis, a lower spring force is required to produce the same rotational effect due to the leverage effect. By providing springs with different spring forces, the fastening element can thus be moved into the removal position smoothly.

[0052] If, in the aforementioned configuration, the pivot axis is located between the two springs, it is preferred that a first spring arranged on the fastener is a tension spring, preferably a tension spring, and a second spring arranged on the actuating element is a compression spring. Then, by applying a compressive force to the contact surface of the actuating element during the actuating movement, a tilting motion (i.e., a rocking motion) about the pivot axis can occur, compressing the tension spring and extending the compression spring to move the fastener into the removal state. In this embodiment, the pivot axis can be stationary or variable during the movement of the fastener into the removal state. A stationary pivot axis means that the pivot axis remains constant during the movement of the fastener into the removal state.This can be achieved by providing a pivot element through which the integrally formed actuating element and fastening element are connected to the module's base body. If the pivot axis is designed to be variable, the fastening element and the actuating element are preferably not directly attached to the base body (e.g., by means of a pivot element), but are only connected to the base body via the two springs, so that the pivot axis can also shift axially during the tilting movement. Accordingly, the pivot axis is only an imaginary pivot axis around which the tilting movement occurs. If the pivot axis is variable, the module preferably has two guides, each designed to accommodate one of the two springs. This prevents lateral buckling or bending of the springs, and the movement of the fastening element into the removal position can be smooth and controlled.Alternatively or additionally, an actuator guide can be provided to guide the actuator. For example, a defined path can be specified (which may include purely translational, purely rotational, and / or mixed sections) that the actuator follows during a pivoting and / or linear movement.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the actuating element can have a counterweight designed to hold the fastening element in the fastened position when the fastening element and the actuating element are formed integrally or rigidly connected to each other, and when the fastening element and the actuating element are pivotable about the same pivot axis. In this embodiment, the pivot axis is located closer to the fastening element than the counterweight, allowing the actuating element and fastening element to tilt about the pivot axis. The counterweight is understood to be a body with such mass that, in the absence of an external force, the actuating element is pulled towards the Earth's center by gravity, and the fastening element is lifted in the opposite direction, thus holding it in the fastened position.Only when mechanical force (especially pressure force) is applied to the actuating element is the fastening element moved into the removal state by a tilting movement around the pivot axis. The counterweight is preferably arranged on a section of the actuating element located away from the fastening element. The counterweight can be located inside the actuating element or attached to its exterior. For example, at least part of the actuating element can be made of a material with a higher density than the fastening element, so that this part acts as a counterweight. The fastening element can also be connected to a compression spring whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the pivot axis. This allows the fastening element to be moved more quickly from the removal state back to the fastening state, since the spring force of the compression spring acts against gravity.

[0054] In general, and particularly in the constellations described above, the fastening element and the actuating element are preferably designed so that they do not deform when mechanical force is applied to the actuating element or when the fastening element is moved from the fastened state to the unfastened state. The fastening element and the actuating element thus preferably have a correspondingly high stiffness, especially flexural stiffness. Preferably, the actuating element and the fastening element consist of a thermoplastic, a thermoset, a metal, or a combination thereof, each with a sufficient thickness to achieve such stiffness. The necessary material parameters can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the fastening element can be moved into the removal state by applying a mechanical force to the actuating element with the actuating card through elastic deformation. In this embodiment, the fastening element does not need to be pivotable and / or linearly movable to be moved into the removal state; instead, by applying a mechanical force, in particular a compressive force, to the actuating element, the fastening element can be deformed, in particular bent, and thereby reach the removal state. Preferably, in this embodiment, the fastening element and the actuating element are formed in one piece, so that they are both elastically deformable, which simplifies the design. Preferably, in this embodiment, the fastening element (and, in the case of a one-piece design, also the actuating element) consists of an elastomer and / or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0056] It should be noted in general terms that the aforementioned embodiments can also be used in combination. For example, a module with a variable axis of rotation (e.g., realized by means of two or more springs) and a counterweight can be provided, or an elastically deformable actuating element and / or fastening element can be combined with a spring.

[0057] Preferably, the fastening element comprises a fastening piece designed to be received, at least partially, in a receiving opening of the holding device, in particular in a receiving opening of a mounting wall of the holding device. This increases the stability of the module's attachment to the holding device. The fastening piece can have a cylindrical, frustoconical, or conical shape. Preferably, the fastening piece comprises a fastening pin, a fastening bolt, a fastening stud, a fastening lug, a fastening projection, or a combination thereof.

[0058] Preferably, the receiving opening is designed to correspond to a part of the fastening element to be received, more preferably to a part of the fastening piece to be received. This means that the shape of the receiving opening is preferably complementary to the shape of the part of the fastening piece to be received. Then, in the fastened state, a positive-locking connection can be established between the module and the holding device.

[0059] It is preferred if the fastening element, in particular its fastening piece, is designed such that it can be pressed against the holding device, especially the mounting wall, by means of a clamping force. This allows a clamping connection, i.e., a force-fit connection, to be established between a clamping surface of the fastening element and the holding device in the fastened state, the clamping surface preferably being located on the fastening piece. In this case, the fastened state can also be achieved by pressing the fastening element against the holding device without requiring a positive-locking connection by receiving the fastening piece in a corresponding receiving opening. It should be noted that a positive-locking connection can additionally be provided in one direction, while no positive-locking connection is provided in another direction. For example,Movement along the longitudinal axis of the holding device, in particular a shelf rail, is prevented by the clamping surface, while movement away from the holding device, i.e., movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holding device, is positively prevented. If a receiving opening is provided, it is preferably a blind hole and designed such that the clamping surface is pressed against the bottom of the receiving opening when fastened. This creates a particularly strong, positive-locking connection.

[0060] The fastening element and the actuating element are preferably arranged on the module such that the mechanical force is applied to the actuating element on the same side of the module where the fastening to the holding device is also effected. This allows for a space-saving and material-saving arrangement. However, the actuating element and the fastening element can also be arranged such that the mechanical force is applied to a first side of the module and the module is fastened to the holding device on a second side of the module, opposite the first side. The invention further relates to a fastening system comprising a holding device, in particular a shelf rail, and the module according to the invention fastened in the holding device, wherein the holding device is preferably the holding device according to the invention.

[0061] Preferably, the holding device has a receiving opening for receiving a portion of the module's fastening element, in particular for receiving at least a portion of the fastening piece. This ensures a stable connection between the module and the holding device when fastened. The receiving opening preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the actuation movement. Preferably, the receiving opening is designed such that, when fastened, the portion of the fastening piece received in the receiving opening can be pressed against an inner wall of the receiving opening. The resulting static frictional force improves the stability of the fastening.

[0062] It is preferred that the holding device has a mounting wall (also called a mounting section) for securing the module. The receiving opening is then preferably arranged on the mounting wall. The mounting wall can be arranged above or below the module in its intended state, preferably above the module. Arranging the mounting wall such that it is located above the module in its intended state has the advantage that the mechanical force required to remove the module can be applied in the direction of gravity, which can simplify removal. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the module has a spring connected to the mounting element, which is configured to provide a restoring force against gravity (i.e., at least one component of a restoring force vector acts against gravity).This ensures a secure connection between the module and the mounting device by pressing the fastening element against the mounting wall using spring force.

[0063] Alternatively, the mounting wall can be arranged so that it can be positioned below the module in its intended state. This arrangement can be advantageous because the part of the mounting element to be received by the receiving opening can fall into the receiving opening by gravity, without the need for a spring, which can simplify the module's design.

[0064] The mounting wall preferably has a lug (also referred to as a mounting wall lug). In this configuration, the mounting wall has an L-shaped profile. When the mounting wall is connected to a rear wall of the holding device, this results in a double L-profile for this section of the holding device, with the receiving opening potentially forming an inner region of this profile. In this embodiment, the module can be moved along the mounting wall to any position when mounted, provided that no frictional force opposes such movement.

[0065] The receiving opening is preferably designed to correspond (i.e., as a counterpart) to the part of the fastening element to be received, and in particular to the part of the fastening piece to be received. This allows a positive-locking connection to be established between the module and the holding device in the fastening state, thus preventing unwanted movement of the fastened module relative to the holding device. Preferably, the receiving opening is designed as a bore, and particularly preferably as a through bore or blind bore. In this disclosure, a bore does not only mean an opening that can be produced with a drill, but also includes all other known methods by which openings (i.e., holes) can be produced. A blind bore is defined as an opening (i.e., a hole) that is closed at one end.a bottom, whereas a through-bore is open at both ends and thus forms a channel.

[0066] Preferably, the holding device, in particular the mounting wall, has two or more receiving openings, each receiving opening being designed to receive a part of a module's fastening element. These receiving openings can be arranged at regular (i.e., equidistant) intervals or spaced apart from each other in a defined pattern. Providing multiple receiving openings is particularly advantageous when the holding device is a mounting rail, in particular a shelf rail, for positioning a module at any position along the mounting rail, or for positioning two or more modules side by side at any positions.

[0067] The holding device preferably further comprises a retaining wall (also called a support section) designed to hold the module. This increases the stability of the module's attachment to the holding device. At least a portion of a module's side wall can abut the retaining wall when the module is mounted, particularly a bearing surface of the retaining wall. Preferably, the bearing surface is parallel to a side wall of the module that abuts the bearing surface. This allows a portion of this module's side wall to abut the bearing surface along its entire length, further increasing the stability of the module's attachment to the holding device. The retaining wall is preferably arranged opposite the mounting wall. This allows the module to be positioned between the mounting wall and the retaining wall when the module is mounted.The module is preferably positioned in a receiving groove formed by the mounting wall, the back wall, and the retaining wall of the holding device. The retaining wall preferably has a lug (also referred to as a retaining wall lug). This gives the retaining wall an L-shaped profile. When the retaining wall is connected to the back wall of the holding device, this results in a double L-profile for this section of the holding device, within which the module can be arranged. The lug of the retaining wall also secures the module against unauthorized removal.

[0068] Preferably, the nose of the mounting wall is designed to accommodate the module's guide groove. A section of the mounting wall's nose that first contacts the guide groove when the module is placed onto the nose is called the guide edge. By engaging the module's guide groove with the guide edge, the module can be moved along the mounting device in a direction of extension (preferably corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the mounting device) to position the module so that the fastening element can be brought into the fastening state, e.g., by arranging the module so that the fastening element can be received in a corresponding receiving opening in the mounting wall. Furthermore, engaging the module's guide groove with the mounting wall's nose creates a positive-locking connection, resulting in improved fastening of the module to the mounting device.The extension direction of the holding device is preferably understood to be a direction that is in the same or opposite direction to the actuating movement.

[0069] Preferably, the retaining wall has a T-shaped profile. This means that the nose of the retaining wall preferably extends not only towards the mounting wall but also in the opposite direction. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the nose is extended downwards in its intended state. This increases the contact area between the module and the retaining device, resulting in a more stable attachment. This is particularly advantageous if the module has a guide groove with which it is placed onto the nose.

[0070] The mounting device can have a support wall with which it can be attached to a support (e.g., a shelf). The support wall can be arranged parallel to the back of the mounting device and have an opening designed to attach the mounting device to the support, for example, by suspending it on a designated hook on the support. If the mounting device is a shelf rail, it is preferred that it has two or more openings along its length. This allows for uniform attachment of the mounting device to a shelf.

[0071] Preferably, the holding device is designed to cause the module to move in a direction opposite to the rear wall after the fastening element with the actuating card has been moved into the removal state. Consequently, the module then moves towards the person who wants to remove it, which can further simplify removal. The module is preferably designed to be rotated (i.e., tilted), with this rotational movement occurring about a side wall of the module that is at least partially in contact with the holding wall.

[0072] In this case, the holding device is preferably designed such that, when the module moves in a direction opposite to the rear wall after the fastening element with the actuating card has been moved into the removal state, the orientation of the actuating card relative to the holding device can be changed so that the actuating card exerts a lever force on the module. The torque acts opposite to the rear wall. This leverage effect allows for faster and more controlled removal. For example, when initially inserted into the slot, the actuating card can be parallel to a side wall of the module facing the holding wall and subsequently rotated accordingly to provide the leverage effect. Preferably, the actuating card is rotated about an axis parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the slot to change its orientation relative to the holding device.

[0073] Preferably, the fastening system between the holding device and the module has a gap, wherein the dispensing card can be partially inserted into the gap to actuate the actuating element. Thus, the mechanical force can be applied to the actuating element via the gap. Partial insertion of the actuating card means that the actuating card can be partially inserted into the gap, comparable to partially inserting a debit card into a card reader (i.e., card terminal, point-of-sale terminal) at a supermarket checkout.

[0074] Preferably, the gap is designed to insert at least one-tenth of the actuating card, more preferably at least one-eighth, and even more preferably at least one-sixth. This allows for efficient force transmission from the actuating card to the actuating element, as a sufficiently high line or surface pressure can be generated between the actuating card and the actuating element, particularly its contact surface. Accordingly, the gap forms between a side wall of the module on which the actuating element is mounted and the holding device, specifically between the side wall of the module and a mounting wall of the holding device.

[0075] The gap preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (i.e., the insertion direction) of the actuating card into the gap, and / or perpendicular to a plane in which the movement of the fastening element from the fastening state to the removal state occurs, and / or parallel to the direction of the actuating movement. The gap is preferably designed such that a finger (or an object of similar dimensions), preferably a coin, cannot be inserted into the gap. This reduces the risk of unauthorized or unintentional removal of the module.

[0076] Preferably, the fastening element is movable relative to the mounting wall such that, in the fastened state, the fastening element protrudes through the gap and is attached to the mounting wall. This results in a compact module design along with a stable fastening.

[0077] The depth of the gap is preferably designed such that the mechanical force required for removal cannot be applied to the actuating element with a coin when the coin is inserted into the gap in such a way that it contacts the actuating element, in particular its contact surface. The coin is preferably a one-cent coin, more preferably a two-cent coin, even more preferably a five-cent coin, even more preferably a ten-cent coin, and most preferably a twenty-cent coin (where euro coins are mentioned only as examples of coins with a certain thickness, so the coin can also be a coin of such a diameter in another currency). The depth of the gap refers to the direction in which the coin is inserted.The depth of the gap is preferably designed such that common coins (especially one- or two-euro coins, which people frequently carry) cannot be fully inserted into the gap. This prevents coins from being inserted into the gap and blocking it during unauthorized removal attempts. The depth of the gap can be in the range of 2 mm to 40 mm, preferably from 3 to 20 mm, and most preferably from 4 to 7 mm.

[0078] The gap width is preferably in the range of 0.50 to 1.10 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.00 mm, even more preferably 0.60 to 0.90 mm, and still more preferably 0.68 to 0.84 mm, and particularly preferably 0.76 to 0.80 mm. This allows the actuating card, especially a credit card-sized actuating card, to be easily partially inserted into the gap, particularly if the actuating card is designed according to ISO / IEC 7810. The minimum gap width is designed to ensure that the actuating card can be inserted into the gap.If the retaining wall (and / or the module, in particular the base body or at least a part of the base body) is flexible, the width of the gap can also be smaller than the thickness of the actuating card, because then, at the beginning of the insertion of the actuating card into the gap, the retaining wall can be pressed in a direction opposite to that of the module (attached to the holding device), thereby increasing the width of the gap (i.e., widening the gap), so that the actuating card can be inserted further into the gap. If the retaining wall is flexible to allow such an increase in the width of the gap, it is preferred if a section of the retaining wall (in particular a section of the nose of the retaining wall) is inclined relative to the horizontal such that the depth of the gap tapers towards the rear wall of the module.The gap can then be widened particularly easily by pushing the retaining wall in a direction opposite to that of the module.

[0079] The holding device, in particular the holding wall, and / or the module, in particular the base body, may have an insertion phase and / or an insertion curve that guides the actuating card to the gap. This facilitates the removal movement and thus leads to faster removal.

[0080] The maximum width of the gap is preferably such that a coin cannot be inserted into it. The coin is preferably a one-euro coin, more preferably a fifty-cent coin, even more preferably a twenty-cent coin, and most preferably a ten-cent coin (where euro coins are only mentioned as examples of coins of a certain thickness, so the coin can also be a coin of such thickness in another currency). This reduces the risk of unauthorized removal of the module. It also prevents individuals who, knowing the procedure for removing the module, do not have an activation card, from using a coin as an alternative method, as this could lead to damage (e.g., scratching and / or irreversible deformation) of the module and / or the holding device.

[0081] Preferably, the gap forms between the display section of the module and the holding device. This embodiment is advantageous if the actuating element is arranged in a plane that runs between the display section and the rear of the module. Alternatively, the gap can form between at least a section of the entire side wall of the module facing the mounting wall and the holding device. This embodiment is advantageous if the actuating element is arranged in a plane that runs along the rear of the module. Appropriate design of the gap ensures that the actuating card can be inserted far enough into the gap to contact the actuating element and thereby actuate it.

[0082] The actuating element and / or the fastening element is preferably designed to pivot during the actuating movement in order to move the fastening element into the removal state, wherein the pivot axis of the actuating element and / or the fastening element is preferably parallel to an insertion direction of the actuating card into the slot. Preferably, the pivot axis is also perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the slot. This allows the actuating element and / or the fastening element to pivot into the interior of the module or outwards to the rear of the module.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element and / or the fastening element is preferably designed to move linearly during the actuating movement in order to bring the fastening element into the removal state, wherein one direction of movement of the actuating element and / or the fastening element is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gap and perpendicular to an insertion direction of the actuating card into the gap. This enables the linear movement of the actuating element and / or the fastening element into the interior of the module (e.g., into the corresponding recess) or to the rear of the module.

[0084] The actuating element is preferably designed to move across the contact surface relative to the holding device during the actuation movement of the actuating card, with a card receiving area extending as a result of the actuating movement, particularly continuously in the direction of the actuating movement. Accordingly, the actuating movement can proceed unimpeded by the extending card receiving area. The card receiving area is understood to be a region arranged in the gap between the actuating element and the holding device, into which the actuating card can be partially inserted. This embodiment is preferred if at least a section of the contact surface is inclined so that the contact surface rises towards the fastening element, since then, due to the inclination of the contact surface, the card receiving area extends before the actuating movement is carried out (i.e., before the card is partially inserted).(when the fastener is in the tightened position) the card's reach extends only over a portion of the contact surface. This portion is large enough to transmit a force to the actuator via the actuating card, given a suitable arrangement, and thus initiate the module's removal. However, due to geometric constraints, it is insufficient to fully release the fastener. The continuous extension of the card's reach area means that the reach gradually increases during the actuation movement, preferably by the actuating element partially moving out of the gap during the movement.

[0085] The width of the contact area preferably corresponds to the gap width and is preferably in the range of 0.50 to 1.10 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.00 mm, even more preferably 0.60 to 0.90 mm, even more preferably 0.68 to 0.84 mm, and particularly preferably 0.76 to 0.80 mm. This allows the actuating card, especially a credit card-sized actuating card, to be easily partially inserted into the contact area, particularly if the actuating card is designed according to ISO / IEC 7810, thus minimizing the risk of other objects (e.g., fingers) being inserted into the contact area.

[0086] The contact area can be reduced.

[0087] Preferably, the mounting system is designed to trigger an alarm signal if the module is removed without authorization. The alarm signal can be a tone emitted by the mounting system and / or visual and / or audible information transmitted wirelessly to a receiver (e.g., a mobile phone). The alarm signal can also be transmitted wirelessly or via cable to an external control unit. The alarm signal informs authorized persons (e.g., store employees) of the unauthorized removal.

[0088] Preferably, the fastening system is further designed to prevent the alarm signal from being triggered during authorized removal. This can be achieved, for example, by means of badge recognition, where a badge (e.g., an employee ID card) is equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC) recognition. If an authorized person removes the module with a badge, no alarm signal is triggered. Such RFID or NFC recognition can be provided, for example, in the activation card required for removing the module. Alternatively or additionally, the holding device can have a deactivation switch, which can be arranged on the rear wall of the holding device, in particular such that the deactivation switch is covered by the module when it is attached to the holding device.If the module is removed by an authorized person, the deactivation switch can be activated immediately to stop an alarm signal that has already been triggered or to prevent an alarm signal that would be triggered at a later time.

[0089] The invention further relates to a holding device comprising a mounting area for the releasable attachment of the module according to the invention, wherein the mounting area is dimensioned such that the gap described above is formed between the module and the holding device, into which the actuating card can be partially inserted when the module is attached to the holding device, in particular in its mounting area. The mounting area is understood to be that area of ​​the holding device in which the module can be arranged in the attached state on the holding device.

[0090] The holding device is preferably a mounting rail (also called a retaining rail), particularly preferably a shelf rail. The invention can be used on all sales areas equipped with shelf rails. Preferably, the holding device can be attached to a sales shelf. The holding device can be made of a plastic (preferably a thermoplastic, in particular a transparent thermoplastic), a metal (in particular stainless steel - TI - and / or aluminum), a natural material (in particular wood), or a combination thereof.

[0091] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for releasing the module according to the invention which is attached to a holding device, in particular a shelf rail, wherein the holding device is preferably the holding device according to the invention, the method comprising applying a mechanical force to the actuating element with the actuating card in order to transfer the fastening element from the fastening state to the removal state (step a)).

[0092] Preferably, the mechanical force applied in step a) is a compressive force. Then the actuating card only needs to be pressed onto the actuating element, in particular onto its contact surface, to remove the module, which makes removal particularly easy.

[0093] In step a), the actuating card is preferably moved across the contact surface of the actuating element to continuously transition the fastening element from the fastened state to the removal state. The requirement of a specific actuating movement ensures that only a qualified person can remove the module and that removal cannot occur unintentionally, but only through the deliberate execution of the actuating movement.

[0094] If a gap is provided between the holding device and the module, the method prior to step a) preferably includes a step of partially inserting the actuating card into the gap. This means that the actuating card is inserted into the gap far enough that the actuating element can be contacted by means of the actuating card. After the partial insertion of the actuating card into the gap, it is preferably guided into the card receiving area by moving it along the gap. Preferably, the actuating card is partially inserted into the card receiving area. Then the actuating card can immediately contact the actuating element without the need for subsequent movement of the actuating card along the gap.

[0095] Preferably, the method comprises a further step of moving the module along the holding device, particularly in an extension direction, and / or removing the module from the holding device (step b)). Step b) is preferably carried out by applying a mechanical force to hold the fastening element in the removal state during step b). This is advantageous if the fastening element would automatically return to the fastening state upon the removal of the mechanical force applied in step a), for example, due to a restoring force from an associated spring. Otherwise, if there is a time delay between steps a) and b), the fastening element could already have returned to the fastening state, making it impossible to perform step b). The mechanical force applied in step b) can be the same magnitude as the mechanical force applied in step a).

[0096] Preferably, during step b), particularly during removal of the module from the holding device, a side wall of the module facing the mounting wall moves in a direction opposite to the rear wall. The module is preferably rotated (i.e., tilted) around a side wall of the module that is at least partially in contact with the mounting wall. It is preferred that, in step b), the orientation of the actuating card relative to the holding device is changed such that a torque is exerted on the module via the actuating card, acting opposite to the rear wall. This leverage effect allows for faster and more controlled removal.

[0097] It should be noted that removal can also be achieved without any lever movement of the actuating card. For example, the actuating card can be moved rapidly along the removal wall past several modules, allowing multiple modules to be removed with a single, rapid removal movement. The module is preferably designed to be removed from the actuating card by a linear movement, in particular a purely translational movement.

[0098] The invention further relates to the use of an actuation card, preferably a credit card-sized actuation card, for removing a module, in particular a shelf indicator, from a holding device, in particular a shelf rail, preferably wherein the module is the module according to the invention and / or the holding device is the holding device according to the invention. The actuation card is preferably a card in credit card format, debit card format, ATM card format and / or check card format. Preferably, the actuation card is a card that is designed according to the standards ISO / IEC 7810, ISO / IEC 7813, ISO / IEC 7811, ISO / IEC 7816 and / or ISO / IEC 14443, particularly preferably according to ISO / IEC 7810, in particular according to ISO / IEC 7810 ID-1. The actuating card preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.50 to 1.00 mm, more preferably of 0.60 to 0.90 mm, even more preferably of 0.68 to 0.84 mm, and most preferably of 0.76 to 0.80 mm.The plastic content of the actuation card is preferably greater than 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the actuation card.

[0099] It is preferred that the actuating card is used to apply the mechanical force, in particular the pressure force, to the actuating element of the module and thereby transfer the fastening element of the module from the fastened state to the unfastened state. The actuating card is preferably guided through a gap, in particular a card receiving area, between the module and the holding device in order to actuate the actuating element of the module and thereby transfer the fastening element of the module from the fastened state to the unfastened state.

[0100] Character description

[0101] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, to which, however, the invention is not limited. The figures show, in schematic form:

[0102] Fig. 1a shows the back of a module in the mounted state,

[0103] Fig. lb shows the back side of the module of Fig. 1a in the removal state,

[0104] Fig. lc shows the front of the module of Fig. 1a in the mounted state,

[0105] Fig. Id the front of the module of Fig. ala in the removal state,

[0106] Fig. 2a-g Sections of fastening systems with different modules and holding devices,

[0107] Fig. 3a-d shows a method for releasing a module attached to a holding device,

[0108] Fig. 4a-f Profiles of different holding devices,

[0109] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a holding device,

[0110] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a fastening system, wherein the module of Fig. 1a is fastened in the holding device of Fig. 5.

[0111] Fig. 7a-b perspective views of the fastening system of Fig. 6,

[0112] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a section of another fastening system,

[0113] Fig. 9 shows the back of another module in the mounted state, and

[0114] Fig. lOa-b perspective views of another fastening system.

[0115] Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a module 1, namely an ESL unit, in a fixed state, with a rear side 2 of the module 1 visible. An actuating element 5 is arranged on a longitudinal side 3 of a base body 4 of the module 1. The actuating element 5 is configured to transfer a fastening element 6 from the fixed state to a removal state (shown in Fig. 1b) by applying a compressive force 38 (see, for example, Figs. 3b-d) to a contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5. The actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 are formed in one piece as an injection-molded part. The contact surface 7 is sigmoid-shaped, concavely curved, and has three sections 8a-c, wherein the first section 8a and the third section 8c are straight, while the intermediate second section 8b is sigmoid-shaped (i.e., S-shaped). When an actuation card 37 is moved (see e.g. Fig. 3a-d, Fig.6) Via the contact surface 7 (designated as actuating movement 39, as shown in Figs. 3b-d), namely from the first section 8a via the second section 8b to the third section 8c, while simultaneously applying the pressure force 38, the fastening element 6 can be continuously moved from the fastened state to the unfastened state by a pivoting movement about a pivot axis 20 (see, for example, Fig. 2a). In doing so, a fastening piece 9 of the fastening element 6, which in the fastened state is designed to be received in a receiving opening 19a of a holding device 18a (see, for example, Fig. 2a), is moved towards the base body 4, thereby releasing the fastening and allowing the module 1 to be removed.

[0116] As can be further seen in Fig. 1a, the base body 4 has two battery compartments 10a-b. A recess 11 is also arranged in the base body 4 (more clearly seen in Figs. 8 and 9), which is designed to receive part of the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 in the removal state. A section 12 of the part of the fastening element 6 received in the recess 11 is visible through a window 13 provided in the base body 4. The window 13 is designed to allow the insertion of tweezers (or another object with a small cross-sectional area) to manually move the fastening element 6 from the removal state to the fastening state, unless this occurs automatically when the pressure force 38 is released (e.g., by means of the restoring force of a spring), for example, if components have jammed.

[0117] Fig. 1b shows a schematic representation of module 1 from Fig. 1a in the removal state, again showing the rear side 2 of module 1. By applying the pressure force 38 (see, for example, Figs. 3b-d) to the contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5 during the actuating movement 39 (see, for example, Figs. 3b-d), the fastening element 6 was moved into the removal state. Since the fastening element 6 would automatically return to the fixed state (shown in Fig. 1a) due to a restoring force from an associated spring (not shown) if the pressure force 38 were to cease, a pressure force 14 is also applied to the contact surface 7 in the view shown in Fig. 1b to hold the fastening element 6 in the removal state. The pressure force 14 can be equal to the pressure force 38 previously applied during the actuating movement 39.

[0118] Fig. 1c shows a schematic representation of module 1 from Fig. 1a in the installed state, showing a front face 15 of module 1. As can be seen, module 1 has a display element 16 on its front face 15 for displaying product information. Fig. 1d, like Fig. 1b, shows a schematic representation of module 1 from Fig. 1a in the removed state, again showing the front face 15 of module 1. As described in connection with Fig. 1b, a pressure force 14 is applied to the contact surface 7 to hold the fastening element 6 in the removed state.

[0119] Figures 2a-g schematically show sections of fastening systems with different modules and holding devices, with the sections showing the essential parts of the interaction between the respective module and the respective holding device.

[0120] Figure 2a schematically shows a section of a fastening system 17a in its installed state. The fastening system 17a comprises a module 1a, for example an ESL unit, and a holding device 18a, for example a shelf rail. The module 1a comprises the components described in detail in connection with Figure 1a, in particular the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6, which are formed in one piece as injection-molded parts. The actuating element 5 has a contact surface 7, which is sigmoidal, concavely curved, and has three sections 8a-c. As can be seen from Figure 2a, the first section 8a is inclined at approximately 5° to the horizontal, while the third section 8c is substantially horizontal. The fastening element 5 has the fastening piece 9, which is received in a receiving opening 19a of the holding device 18a, which is designed as a through-hole.The actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 are designed to pivot about a common pivot axis 20 during the actuating movement 39 (see Fig. 3b-d), so that the fastening element 6 can be moved into the removal state. A compressive force 38 required for this (see, for example, Fig. 3b-d) can be applied via a gap 21a, wherein the gap 21a is provided between a mounting wall 22 of the holding device 18a and at least a part of the actuating element 5 and is designed to partially insert an actuating card 37 (see, for example, Fig. 3a-d, Fig. 6). The width b of the gap 21a is in the range of 0.68 to 0.84 mm, where the width b is understood to be the distance between a side wall 23 of the module 1a, which faces the mounting wall 22, and the mounting wall 22.Thus, the actuating card 37, in particular an actuating card designed according to standard ISO / IEC 7810, can be partially inserted into the gap 21a. The contact surface 7 is designed to stop the actuating card 37 and thus the actuating movement 39 after the fastening element 6 has been moved into the removal state. For this purpose, the contact surface 7 has a step 24, which is provided as a transition between the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6. Fig. 2b schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17b in the fastening state, which largely corresponds to the fastening system 17a of Fig. 1a, but has a module 1b that differs from module 1a in that the contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5 has three sections 25a-c, the middle section 25b having a protrusion 25.The two outer sections 25a, 25c have a slope of approximately 5° relative to the horizontal, with the horizontal being parallel to the mounting wall 22. Providing a raised section can enable a material-saving and / or space-saving design of the actuating element 5.

[0121] Fig. 2c schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17c in the fastened state. The fastening system 17c largely corresponds to the fastening system 17a of Fig. 1a, but has a module 1c which, compared to module 1a, is specified in that it has two springs 26a-b that are connected to the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 (which are formed in one piece). The two springs 26a-b are compression springs and are designed to be compressed when a compressive force 38 (see, for example, Fig. 3b-d) is applied to the contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5 in order to move the fastening element 6 into the removal state. The longitudinal axes 27a-b of the two springs 26a-b are perpendicular to the actuating movement 39 (see Fig. 3b-d) and perpendicular to the pivot axis 20. In the representation of Fig.In Fig. 2d, the pivot axis 20 is stationary and is formed by attaching the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 to the base body 4 of module lc by means of a pivot element (not shown). Alternatively, in the configuration of the springs according to Fig. 2d, a pivot element can be omitted, resulting in a variable pivot axis 20, since the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 are then only connected to the base body 4 via the springs 26a-b. In this case, the pivot axis 20 can also move axially during the pivoting movement. In this configuration, module lc preferably has guides designed to each receive one of the springs 26a-b in order to prevent lateral buckling or bending of the springs 26a-b.

[0122] As can be seen in Fig. 2c, the pivot axis 20 is located at an end of the first section 8a of the actuating element that is remote from the second section 8b, and therefore also farther from the fastening element 6. The longitudinal axis 27a of the first spring 26a is thus at a greater perpendicular distance to the pivot axis 20 than the longitudinal axis 27b of the second spring 26b. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the first spring 26a has a smaller spring force than the second spring 26b. Since the first spring 26a is located further away from the pivot axis 20, a lower spring force is required to produce the same rotational effect due to the leverage effect. Thus, the fastening element 6 can be moved smoothly into the removal position. For example, the first spring 26a can be five times further away from the pivot axis 20 than the second spring 26b.Then the first spring 26a only needs to provide one fifth of the spring force of the second spring 26b to generate the same torque.

[0123] Fig. 2d schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17d in its fastened state. The fastening system 17d largely corresponds to the fastening system 17c of Fig. 1c, but has a module ld in which the pivot axis 20 is arranged between two springs 28a-b. The longitudinal axes 29a-b of the two springs 28a-b are perpendicular to the actuating movement 39 (see Fig. 3b-d) and perpendicular to the pivot axis 20. The first spring 28a, which is arranged on the fastening element 6, is a tension spring, and the second spring 28b, which is arranged on the actuating element 5, is a compression spring. Then, by applying a pressure force 38 (see e.g. Fig. 3b-d) to the contact surface 7 during the actuation movement, a tilting movement about the pivot axis 20 can take place, whereby the first spring 28a is compressed and the second spring 28b is stretched in order to bring the fastening element 6 into the removal state.

[0124] Figure 2e schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17e in its fastened state. This largely corresponds to the fastening system 17d of Figure 11, except that a module 1e is provided which does not have springs, but whose actuating element 5 has a counterweight 30. Due to the counterweight 30, the actuating element 5 is pulled towards the center of the earth by gravity, and the fastening element 6 is lifted in the opposite direction, so that it is held in the fastened state. By applying a compressive force 38 (see, for example, Figures 3b-d) to the contact surface 7, a tilting movement of the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 about the pivot axis 20 can occur, thereby bringing the fastening element 6 into the removal state.

[0125] Fig. 2f schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17f in its fastened state. It differs from the fastening system 17a of Fig. 1a in that it has a module lf in which the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 are designed as separate components (i.e., not as a single piece), but are firmly connected to each other by a positive-locking connection. The actuating element 5 has a gripping arm 31, which is designed like a pincer and encloses a connecting section 32 of the fastening element 6, which has a smaller cross-sectional area than adjacent sections of the fastening element 6. This prevents unwanted displacement of the actuating element 6 relative to the fastening element 5. In order to stop the actuating movement 39 (see Figs. 3b-d) in this embodiment, the contact surface 7 at the end of the third section 8c facing the fastening element 6 has a step 33.The fastening element 6 can be moved into the removal state by pivoting about the pivot axis 20, for example by means of springs, as shown in Fig. 2c.

[0126] Fig. 2g schematically shows a section of another fastening system 17g in its fastened state. It differs from the fastening system 17a of Fig. 2a in that it has a module lg whose actuating element 5 and fastening element 6 are axially displaceable along two guide rails 34a-b. A displacement movement 35 is perpendicular to the direction of the actuating movement 39 (see Fig. 3b-d) and perpendicular to the mounting wall 22. By applying a compressive force 38 (see, for example, Fig. 3b-d) to the contact surface 7, a linear movement of the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 can occur, thereby moving the fastening element 6 into the removal state. The guide rails 34a-b have a detent mechanism (not shown) designed to hold the fastening element 6 in the fastened state, which is released by applying the compressive force 38.The fastening system 17g further comprises a holding device 18b, which differs from the holding device 18a of Figs. 2a-f in that it has a receiving opening 19b designed as a blind hole and corresponding to the fastening element 9 to be received. The fastening element 9 has a clamping surface 36 with which it is pressed into the receiving opening 19b. This design creates a firm, positive-locking connection when fastened. Such a precise connection would be more difficult to achieve with the pivotable fastening elements shown above. In particular, the fastening element 9 cannot be pivoted within the receiving opening 19b of Fig. 2g due to space constraints, but can only be removed by linear displacement.

[0127] Figures 3a-d show, using the fastening system 17a (schematically represented in Figure 1a), a method for releasing module 1a attached to the holding device 18a. As can be seen in Figure 3a, a portion of an actuating card 37 (which is not part of the fastening system 17a) is first inserted into the slot 21a by a qualified person (not shown) (the insertion is more clearly shown in Figure 9). The actuating card 37 can be a check-like actuating card, preferably a standard ATM card. An insertion direction 53 of the actuating card 37 (see Figure 9) extends into the plane of the image, i.e., parallel to the pivot axis 20. In this case, the actuating card 37 has a thickness d that is less than the width b of the slot 21a. This facilitates easy insertion of the actuating card 37 into the slot 21a.The actuating card 37 is inserted into the gap 21a to such an extent that the contact surface 7 can be contacted by the actuating card 37. After the actuating card 37 has been partially inserted into the gap 21a, it is guided into a card receiving area 21b by moving it along the gap 21a, namely in the direction of extension 51 (see Fig. 8) or in the opposite direction. The card receiving area 21b is the area located in the gap 21a between the actuating element 5 and the mounting wall 22 and is dimensioned such that the actuating card 37 can be partially inserted into the card receiving area 21b, allowing the qualified person to apply a pressure force 38 to the contact surface 7 via the actuating card 37. This can be achieved through direct contact between the actuating card 37 and the pressure force 38 as a result of surface pressure. The left end of map recording area 21b (i.e.The end that is not contacted by the actuating card 37) is freely selectable and in the present case has been defined such that it lies in a plane that is normal to the actuating movement 39, and in this plane in the initial state (according to Fig. 3a) an end section of the actuating element 5 located away from the fastening piece 9 is also arranged.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 3b-c, the actuating card 37 is moved by the qualified person over the contact surface 7 in the direction of the fastening element 6 in order to continuously transition the fastening element 6 from the fastened state to the unfastened state. This movement of the actuating card 37 is referred to as the actuating movement 39. At the beginning of the actuating movement, the card receiving area 21b is large enough to transmit a pressure force 38 to the actuating element 5, provided the actuating card 37 is appropriately positioned, and thus to initiate the process of releasing the module 1a, but due to the geometric constraints, it is not large enough to transition the fastening element 6 into the unfastened state. However, during the actuating movement 39, a pivoting movement 40 of the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 occurs about their common pivot axis 20.This pivoting movement 40 of the actuating element 5 and the fastening element 6 relative to the holding device 18a continuously extends the card receiving area 21b in the direction of the actuating movement 39. Accordingly, the actuating movement 39 can proceed unimpeded through the continuously extending card receiving area 21b. During the change in length of the card receiving area 21b, the depth of the card receiving area 21b remains constant. The removal state is already reached in Fig. 3d; however, the actuating card 37 could also be moved until it reaches the step 24 (not shown here), which would be possible since the card receiving area 21b already extends to the step 24 in Fig. 3d. This approach allows for controlled removal, particularly during a rapid actuating movement. Once the removal state is reached, the module 1a can be removed from the holding device 18a.Even during this removal process, a compressive force 14 can still be applied to the contact surface 7, particularly if the fastening element 6 would automatically return to its fixed position upon removal of the compressive force 38 (for example, due to a restoring force from a spring connected to the fastening element 6). In this case, the compressive force 14 can be equal to the compressive force 38.

[0129] Figures 4a-f schematically show profiles of various holding devices for attaching a module according to the invention. The holding device 18c shown in Figure 4a has the mounting wall 22, which is already known from previous figures (e.g., from Figure 2a). Furthermore, the holding device 18c has a retaining wall 41 for holding the module. At least part of a side wall of the module can abut a support surface 42 of the retaining wall 41 when attached. The mounting wall 22 and the retaining wall 41 enclose a rear wall 43. The holding device 18c thus has the overall shape of a double L-profile. Since the holding device 18c is free of receiving openings for receiving a mounting element 9 of the module (see, e.g., Figure 2a), the mounting wall 22 and the retaining wall 41 enclose a rear wall 43.2a), it is particularly suitable for fastening a module whose fastening element 6 is designed such that it can be pressed against the mounting wall 22 by means of a clamping force, so that a force-fit connection can be established between a clamping surface 36 (see Fig. 2g) of the fastening element 6 and the mounting wall 22, whereby the module can be clamped between the mounting wall 22 and the retaining wall 41. In the fastened state, the module is arranged in a fastening area 54a of the retaining device 18c, wherein the fastening area 54a is dimensioned such that a gap 21a (see e.g. Fig. 2a) is formed between the module and the mounting wall 22, into which an actuating card 37 (see e.g. Fig. 3a-d, Fig. 6) can be partially inserted.

[0130] The holding device 18d shown in Fig. 4b differs from the holding device 18c of Fig. 4a in that the mounting wall 22 has a receiving opening 19a, which is designed as a through-hole and into which a mounting element 9 of a module (see, for example, Fig. 2a) can be received. Accordingly, the mounting area 54b differs from the mounting area 54a of Fig. 4a in that it includes the receiving opening 19a. The holding device 18e shown in Fig. 4c differs from the holding device 18d of Fig. 4b in that the holding wall 41 has a lug 44. By connecting the holding wall 41, which has the lug 44, with the rear wall 43, a double L-profile is formed in this section of the holding device 18e, with the bearing surface 42 being provided in an inner area of ​​this double L-profile.The nose 44 provides additional protection against unauthorized removal of a module secured in the holding device 18e. The nose 44 has a guide edge 44a designed to engage a guide groove 52 of the module (see Fig. 8 and the accompanying description). The holding device 18e has a mounting area 54c into which the module can be received and which also includes the release opening 19a.

[0131] Fig. 4d shows a holding device 18f, which differs from the holding device 18e of Fig. 4c in that the mounting wall 22 also has a lug 45. The connection of the mounting wall 22, which has the lug 45, to the back wall 43 forms a double L-profile in this section of the holding device 18f. A mounting element 9 of a module (see, for example, Fig. 2a) can be received in an interior area of ​​this double L-profile. Another double L-profile is also formed by connecting the holding wall 41, which has the lug 44, to the back wall 43. The holding device 18f thus has two sections, each forming a double-L profile, so that the module arranged in the holding device 18f can be moved along an extension device 51 (see Fig. 8), in particular if the holding device 18f is a shelf rail, provided that no frictional force opposes such movement.The holding device 18e has a mounting area 54d in which the module can be arranged.

[0132] The holding device 18g shown in Fig. 4e, in addition to the holding device 18f of Fig. 4d, also has a receiving opening 19b in the mounting wall 22, which is designed as a blind hole and can serve to receive a mounting element 9 of a module (see Fig. 2a). Accordingly, the mounting area 54e differs from the mounting area 54d of Fig. 4d in that it includes the receiving opening 19b.

[0133] Fig. 4f shows a holding device 18h, designed as a shelf rail and intended for attachment to a shelf. The holding device 18h differs from the holding device 18g of Fig. 4e primarily in the shape of the mounting wall 22, the shape of the retaining wall 41, and consequently also the shape of the mounting area 54f, as can be seen in Fig. 4f. In particular, the nose 44 of the retaining wall 41 of the holding device 18h is extended downwards (i.e., in a direction opposite to that of the mounting wall 22), so that the retaining wall 41 has a T-shaped profile. This allows for a more stable attachment of a module, which is placed on the nose 44 by means of a guide groove 52 (see Fig. 9), since a larger contact area is then available between a display section 50 of the module lh (see Figs. 8 and 9) and the nose 44.

[0134] Furthermore, the holding device 18h has a support wall 46, which is arranged parallel to the rear side 43 and is designed to attach the holding device 18h to a support (e.g., a shelf). For this purpose, the support wall 46 has an opening 47 with which the holding device 18h can be attached to the support, e.g., by hanging it on a hook provided for this purpose. The holding device 18h can have several openings 47 along its extension 51 (see Fig. 8) (as can be seen, e.g., in Fig. 5).

[0135] Fig. 5 shows a schematic, perspective view of a holding device 18i with a profile similar to that of the holding device 18h in Fig. 4f. The holding device 18i has a mounting wall 22 with a lug 45 and several receiving openings 19a spaced evenly apart from each other, a retaining wall 41 with a bearing surface 42 and a lug 44, a rear wall 43, and a support wall 46 with several openings 47 spaced evenly apart from each other. For a description of these features, reference is made to Figs. 4a-f. The lug 44 has a guide edge 44a, which is designed to engage a guide groove 52 of a module (see Fig. 8 and the associated description).

[0136] Figure 6 shows a schematic, perspective view of a fastening system 17h, comprising the holding device 18i of Figure 5 and the module 1 of Figures 1a-d. The module 1 is fastened in the holding device 18i, and an actuating card 37 has already been partially inserted into the gap 21a to move the fastening element 6 (see, for example, Figure 1a) from the fastened state to the unfastened state. The state shown in Figure 6 thus corresponds to that shown in Figure 3a.

[0137] Figures 7a-b show schematic, perspective views of the fastening system 17h of Figure 6. In Figure 7a, an actuating movement 39 of the actuating card 37 is performed via the contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5 (see Figure 1a) of the module 1, while simultaneously applying a compressive force 38 (see, for example, Figures 3b-d) to the contact surface 7 in order to move the fastening element 6 (see, for example, Figure 1a) from the fastened state to the removal state. The state shown in Figure 7a thus corresponds to the state shown in Figures 3b-d. In Figure 7b, the fastening element 6 is already in the removal state (see, for example, Figures 1b and 1ld), so that the module 1 can be removed from the holding device 18i. Fig. 8 shows a schematic, perspective view of a section of a further fastening system 17i, comprising a fastening device 18j designed as a fastening rail and a module lh attached thereto, namely an ESL unit.The profile of the fastening device 18j is similar to that of the fastening device 18g (see Fig. 4e). As can be seen, two receiving openings 19b, designed as blind holes, are spaced apart from each other in the section of the fastening wall 22 shown. The module lh is designed similarly to module 1 of Figs. 1a-d. Differences are discussed in more detail below. To better illustrate the interaction of module lh and the fastening device 18j, parts of the base body 4 of module lh and the fastening wall 22 are not shown in Fig. 8.

[0138] As can be seen in Fig. 8, the actuating element 5 of module lh has a contact surface 7 with a constant slope. Module lh further comprises a spring 48 connected to the fastening element 6, which is designed to deform when a mechanical force is applied to the actuating element 5 in order to move the fastening element 6 into the removal state. A first end of the spring 48 is attached to the fastening element 6, and a second end of the spring 48 is located in the recess 11 provided in module lh for the partial reception of the fastening element 6 and the actuating element 5 (more clearly seen in Fig. 9). Module lh has a base body 4 with an installation section 49 and a display section 50 in which the display element 16 is provided, the display section 50 having a larger circumference than the installation section 49.The display section 50 is designed such that it conceals the retaining wall 41 when the module lh is attached to the retaining device 18j. The retaining device 18j extends along a direction 51 that is perpendicular to an insertion direction 53 (see Fig. 9) into the gap 21a, and in this case also oriented in the same direction as the actuating movement 39 (see Fig. 9).

[0139] As can be seen in Fig. 8, the nose 44 of the retaining wall 41 is designed to accommodate a guide groove 52 of the module lh. A section of the nose 44, onto which the guide groove 52 can initially be placed, is referred to as the guide edge 44a. The guide edge 44a extends in the direction of extension 51, so that by placing the guide groove 52 onto the guide edge 44a, the module lh can be moved along the retaining device 18j in the direction of extension 51 (or in the opposite direction). This allows the module lh to be positioned such that the fastening element 6 can be brought into the fastening state, in particular by arranging the module such that the fastening piece 9 can be received in one of the receiving openings 19b of the mounting wall 22.Furthermore, by placing the guide groove 52 of the module lh onto the nose 44 of the retaining wall 41, a positive locking connection is created, resulting in an improved fastening of the module lh to the holding device 18j.

[0140] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the rear side 2 of module lh from Fig. 8. The holding device 18j of Fig. 8, to which module lh is attached, is not shown here for clarity. Components on the rear side 2 of module lh that cover the recess 11 have been omitted to allow the actuating element 5, the fastening element 6, the spring 48, and the recess 11 to be clearly visible. Fig. 9 shows an actuating card 37 that has already been partially inserted into the slot 21a (see Fig. 8) in an insertion direction 53. The state shown in Fig. 9 thus corresponds to that shown in Fig. 3a.

[0141] Starting from the state shown in Fig. 9, the actuating card 37 allows an actuating movement 39 in the direction of the fastening element 6 to be carried out by applying a pressure force 38 to the contact surface 7 of the actuating element 5, in order to move the fastening element 6 into the removal state, whereby a pivoting movement 40 of the fastening element 6 and the actuating element 5 about the common pivot axis 20 takes place. The spring 48 is partially pre-tensioned when the fastening element 6 is in the fastening state, whereby a spring force F acts on the fastening element 6 to press it into the receiving opening 19b (see Fig. 8). The spring 48 is designed to be compressed when the pressure force 38 is applied to the contact surface 7 in order to enable the fastening element 6 to be moved into the removal state.

[0142] Figures 10a-b show schematic, perspective views of a fastening system 17j, comprising a holding device 17j with a similar structure to the holding device 18i shown in Figure 5, and the module lh attached therein according to Figures 8 and 9. As can be seen from Figure 10a, the holding device 17j, which is designed as a shelf rail, has a plurality of receiving openings 19a arranged along the extension direction 51, so that the module lh can be positioned at any defined position.

[0143] In Fig. 10b, an actuating card 37 has already been partially inserted into the gap 21a to move the fastening element 6 (see Figs. 8 and 9) from the fastening state to the removal state. The state shown in Fig. 6 thus corresponds to that shown in Figs. 3a and 9. Subsequently, the fastening element 6 can be moved into the removal state by performing the actuating movement 39 while simultaneously applying a pressure force 38 to the contact surface 7 (see Figs. 3b-d and Fig. 9). In this disclosure, the intended state is understood to be the state in which the module is attached to the holding device in such a way that it can fulfill its function, for example, in such a way that a display element of the module, on which product information is displayed, is facing a viewer (e.g., a customer) and legible to them.

[0144] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, such that a multitude of different embodiments would be considered obviously disclosed to a person skilled in the art with regard to the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described by product claims (directed to the module and to the holding device), system claims (directed to the fastening system), and other embodiments of the invention by method claims.However, upon reading this disclosure, it will immediately become clear to the person skilled in the art that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of invention, any combination of features belonging to different types of invention is also possible.

[0145] It should also be noted that the use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”) does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

Claims 1. Module (1, a1a-h), in particular a shelf indicator panel, for detachable attachment to a holding device (18a-k), in particular a shelf rail, comprising a fastening element (6) configured to fasten the module (1, a1a-h) to the holding device (18a-k) in a fastening state, and an actuating element (5) configured to move the fastening element (6) from the fastening state to a removal state, wherein the module (1, a1a-h) can be removed from the holding device (18a-k) in the removal state, wherein the fastening element (6) can be moved into the removal state by applying a mechanical force to the actuating element (5) with an actuating card (37), in particular a credit card-like actuating card.

2. Module (1, a1-h) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (6) and the actuating element (5) are formed in one piece.

3. Module (1, a1-a2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (5) has a contact surface (7) for applying the mechanical force, which is designed such that the fastening element (6) is continuously transferred from the fastening state to the removal state when the actuating card (37) moves over the contact surface (7).

4. Module (1, a1-a2) according to claim 3, wherein the contact surface (7) of the actuating element (5) is sigmoidal.

5. Module (1, a1-a2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating element (5) is pivotable to bring the fastening element (6) into the removal state.

6. Module (1, a1-a) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening element (6) can be moved into the removal state by a pivoting movement (40).

7. Module (1, la-h) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mechanical force is a compressive force (38).

8. Module (1, aa-h) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a spring (26a-b, 28a-b, 48) connected to the fastening element (6), which is designed to be deformed when the mechanical force is applied to the actuating element (5) in order to bring the fastening element (6) into the removal state.

9. Module (1, aa-h) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastening element (6) has a fastening piece (9) which is configured to be received at least partially into a receiving opening (19a-b) of the holding device (18a-k).

10. Fastening system (17a-j) comprising a holding device (18a-k), in particular a shelf rail, and a module (1, la-h) fastened in the holding device (18a-k) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Fastening system (17a-j) according to claim 10, comprising a gap (21a) between the holding device (18a-k) and at least a part of the actuating element (5) of the module (1, ala-h), wherein the removal card (37) can be partially inserted into the gap (21a) to actuate the actuating element (5).

12. Fastening system (17a-j) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the actuating element (5) is configured to be moved over a contact surface (7) of the actuating element (5) relative to the holding device (18a-k) during an actuating movement (39) of the actuating card (37), wherein a card receiving area (21b) is extended as a result of the actuating movement (39), in particular continuously in the direction of the actuating movement (39).

13. Holding device (18a-k), in particular shelf rail, comprising a fastening area (54a-f) for the detachable fastening of a module (1, la-h) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastening area (54a-f) is dimensioned such that a gap (21a) is formed between the module (1, la-h) and the holding device (18a-k), into which an actuating card (37) can be partially inserted in order to actuate the actuating element (5) when the module (1, la-h) is attached to the holding device (18a-k).

14. Method for releasing a module (1, ala-h) attached to a holding device (18a-k), in particular a shelf rail, according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising applying a mechanical force on the actuating element (5) with the actuating card (37) to transfer the fastening element (6) from the fastening state to the removal state.

15. Use of a credit card-like actuating card (37) for removing a module (1, la-h) from a holding device (18a-k), wherein the actuating card (37) is preferably used to apply a mechanical force to an actuating element (5) of the module (1, la-h) and thereby to transfer a fastening element (6) of the module (1, la-h) from a fastening state to a removal state.

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