Evaluation device for identifying a power supply type

Abstract

Evaluation device (10) for identifying the type of power supply provided by a mounting rail system (100), wherein the evaluation device (10) is designed to be coupled to a support rail (50) which serves as a support for at least one busbar (55) which has several electrical conductors (58) running along the support rail (50), wherein the evaluation device (10) has contacting means (30) to contact at least a part of the conductors (58) of the busbar (55), and wherein the evaluation device (10) comprises means for analyzing (40) a voltage applied to the contacted conductors (58) and for indicating (15) a type of power supply provided by the contacted conductors (58).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation device with which the power supply provided by a mounting rail system can be analyzed in order to make the connection of devices to such a mounting rail system safer. In particular, the present invention is intended to facilitate the connection of luminaires or other devices to a linear lighting system.

[0002] Mounting rail systems with an elongated support profile rail and a conductor rail held within the support profile rail are known from the prior art and are used, for example, as mentioned above, to implement elongated continuous lighting systems. Such systems are used to illuminate large spaces, e.g., supermarkets, factory halls, or other public buildings, efficiently and flexibly.

[0003] A well-known continuous-row lighting system, marketed by the applicant under the name "TECTON," is characterized by the fact that luminaires or other electrical units can be flexibly positioned along the entire length of the system on the mounting rail. This is made possible by a special mounting of the conductors on the busbar(s), which allows access to the loads along essentially the entire length of the continuous-row lighting system, so that contact can be made not only at fixed positions but at any point. Such a continuous-row lighting system is shown, for example, in WO 2001 / 091250 A1.

[0004] In the aforementioned "TECTON" system, two busbars are arranged opposite each other on the two side walls of a downward-facing, U-shaped mounting rail. The conductors of these two busbars are connected by a rotating contact element on the luminaire or, more generally, the device to be connected. This contact element is inserted into the mounting rail from below through its elongated coupling opening and then rotated approximately 45°. The contacts on the contact element are designed so that they pivot laterally when the element is rotated, ultimately making contact with the busbar conductors in the rotated position. Simultaneously, a mechanical locking mechanism is engaged, ensuring that the luminaire or device is reliably fixed to the mounting rail.

[0005] At least some of the contacts of the known contacting element are adjustable. This is achieved by the contacting element having a contact holder body that serves to hold the various contacts, with at least some of the contacts being height-adjustable on the contact holder body or being able to be arranged at different heights on the contact holder body. The possibility of different height positioning of individual contacts means that they can be selected to specifically contact certain conductors of the busbar(s). For example, this makes it possible to specifically select individual phases of a power supply network for contact by the light fixture or the electrical unit.

[0006] With this well-known mounting rail system, the use of the copper conductors on the busbars is generally fixed and marked accordingly at the connection terminals of the unit to be connected, i.e., the light fixture or electrical unit. If optional connection options exist, for example, regarding the phase selection mentioned above, this is usually described in the installation instructions, and it is the responsibility of the electrician installing the system to avoid errors when connecting the units.

[0007] However, the requirements for DIN rail systems are becoming increasingly diverse. On the one hand, the demands regarding potential lighting-specific applications are rising. For example, separate power supply circuits for emergency lighting or multiple communication circuits for convenient lighting control are desired. On the other hand, there is a growing desire to integrate additional infrastructure elements into the system.

[0008] Modern mounting rail systems therefore feature an ever-increasing number of internal electrical conductors, which expands the functionality of the system. In addition to providing dedicated emergency power circuits alongside the general power supply, ensuring that at least some of the lights remain powered in an emergency, additional conductors are also used to transmit data or signals. This data transmission can then be used, for example, to control individual connected lights from a central control unit using digital commands. Furthermore, it is now also possible to use individual conductors of the power rail independently of a lighting control system for transmitting signals used for other purposes. For example...Conductors could be used to transmit digital acoustic signals when operating at 100V, allowing loudspeakers or other suitable devices to be connected to the corresponding pair of conductors for playing back the acoustic information. Using conductors for signal transmission via a power line carrier system would also be conceivable, in order to utilize at least a portion of the busbar conductors as a communication network for general information transmission.

[0009] Finally, new types of DIN rail systems are now available, in which the connected devices are supplied with direct current (DC). Such systems offer advantages in certain situations, as they eliminate the need for certain electronic components in the connected devices. For example, the rectifiers typically required in the connected devices can be replaced by a central AC / DC converter. Another advantage of such DC networks is that solar modules and storage devices like batteries and capacitors can be easily connected to the grid, as these typically operate on DC. Furthermore, the use of DC reduces the amount of copper required in the power supply cables, thus also reducing the material costs associated with implementing such power supply networks.These DC networks are typically operated with a supply voltage of approximately 540 volts or 650 volts.

[0010] Ultimately, this means that different supply voltages and power supply types are now used to implement continuous lighting systems, each offering various advantages depending on the application. The following power supply types, among others, are known and already in use: - Low-voltage systems up to 60 V (mostly DC, rarely AC) - Mains powered systems at 110 VAC to 380 VAC (typically 230 VAC) - Battery-powered emergency systems at 100 VDC to 300 VDC (typically 216 VDC) - DC voltage systems from 300 VDC to 1,500 VDC (typically 350 VDC or 650 VDC)

[0011] To minimize material costs, the components of such a mounting rail system are generally designed so that the conductors of the busbars can be flexibly used for a specific type of power supply, as required. Providing separate mounting rail systems for each individual power supply type would, in contrast, involve excessive material costs. However, this also means that it is not readily apparent from the outside of the mounting rail system which type of power supply is actually provided by the conductors running along the system.

[0012] On the other hand, it is essential to know the type of power supply when connecting devices, as otherwise there is a risk of incorrect conductor connections or connecting devices unsuitable for the given power supply. In simple cases, this can lead to the connected devices being incompatible with the DIN rail system and therefore not functioning. However, there is also the risk of damaging the device or even the entire system if an unsuitable device is connected.

[0013] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of enabling a user to easily identify the type of supply current provided by a mounting rail system in order to ensure that only appropriately suitable consumers are connected to the system.

[0014] The problem is solved by an evaluation device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] The solution according to the invention consists of an evaluation device with which the power supply provided by a mounting rail system can be easily identified, even by the subsequent user. The evaluation device according to the invention is designed to be coupled to a mounting rail of the mounting rail system, the mounting rail serving as a support for at least one busbar, which has several electrical conductors running along the mounting rail. The evaluation device has contact means for contacting at least some of the conductors of the busbar, and furthermore includes means for analyzing the voltage applied to the contacted conductors and for indicating the type of power supply provided by the contacted conductors.The user of the system can therefore easily connect the evaluation device according to the invention to the system, ideally in the same way as other consumers of the system are connected to it, whereby the device then independently detects the voltage supplied to the conductor of the busbar(s), evaluates it and ultimately outputs information that provides information about the type of power supply provided.

[0016] The decisive advantage of the solution according to the invention lies in the fact that the statement about the type of power supply is made based on the voltage actually supplied, thus representing the current state of the system. Even if the power supply is subsequently changed, the actual type of power supply can therefore be easily identified at any time using the evaluation device according to the invention, thus significantly simplifying and making the selection of suitable loads for the system safer.

[0017] According to the invention, an evaluation device is provided for identifying the type of power supply provided by a mounting rail system, wherein the evaluation device is designed to be coupled to a mounting rail which serves as a support for at least one busbar having several electrical conductors running along the mounting rail, wherein the evaluation device has contacting means for contacting at least some of the conductors of the busbar, and wherein the evaluation device further has means for analyzing a voltage applied to the contacted conductors and for indicating a type of power supply provided by the contacted conductors.

[0018] Ideally, the evaluation device according to the invention is designed such that the contacting means contact all conductors running in the mounting rail of at least one busbar. This also allows feedback, if necessary, on how the often adjustable contacts of a load should ultimately be positioned to contact a desired power supply circuit, for example, a specific phase of a general power supply circuit and / or an emergency power supply circuit.

[0019] The contacting means of the evaluation device according to the invention preferably have contacts which, analogous to the loads normally connected to the system, can be moved from a mounting position, in which the evaluation device can be arranged on the mounting rail, to a contacting position, in which the contacts make contact with the conductors of the busbar. As provided, for example, in the TECTON system mentioned above, the contacting means can be designed such that the contacts are mounted to pivot laterally. Depending on the positioning of the busbars within the mounting rail system, however, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that at least some of the contacts are designed to be linearly adjustable.Ultimately, the contacting means of the evaluation device according to the invention are preferably identical to the contacting means of the loads to be connected to the system, the only difference being that the evaluation device actually contacts all conductors running within the system to enable a complete evaluation of the provided power supply. A load to be connected at a later time, on the other hand, may only need to contact a portion of the conductors, for example, if it is intended solely for connection to a specific emergency power supply circuit.

[0020] Preferably, the display means of the evaluation device according to the invention visually indicate the type of power supply. In a simple form, the display means can include a signal lamp, in particular an LED, which indicates the type of power supply by emitting a corresponding light, for example, a correspondingly colored light. In more complex systems, however, it would also be conceivable for the display means to include a display, which could then provide significantly more comprehensive information relating to the use of all conductors of the mounting rail system.For example, it would also be conceivable that individual conductors are used for communication and that, by appropriately checking the signals transmitted on these conductors, it is automatically recognized which communication standard is used by the system and in what way the conductors used for this purpose are occupied.

[0021] Ultimately, the evaluation device according to the invention enables a simple and efficient analysis of the conductor usage in a mounting rail system. As described above, this can be used, in particular, by subsequent users of the system to ensure that any additional units to be connected are correctly selected and connected. However, even during the initial installation of the system, the device according to the invention offers a simple way to check whether the system has been correctly connected to external power supply lines. Thus, the evaluation device according to the invention is extremely versatile and helps to avoid errors during system installation and subsequent connection of loads.

[0022] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig.1 schematically a representation of a mounting rail with conductor rails arranged on it, whose conductors can be assigned different functions and via which different types of power supply can be provided; Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the arrangement of an evaluation device according to the invention on the mounting rail to indicate the type of power supply provided and, if applicable, the further functions of the conductors; Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 different views of the evaluation device according to the invention and Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 views of a support rail system known from the prior art.

[0023] As already mentioned, the present invention represents a further development of known support rail systems, for example the previously mentioned "TECTON" system, whereby the invention enables more flexible use of the system's conductors. Therefore, before the solution according to the invention is described in more detail, the following will illustrate the... Fig. 7 - 10 first explain the basic design of such a support rail system. Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows views of the mounting rail in which the busbars are arranged. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows the design of a luminaire connected or to be connected to this mounting rail system with a contacting element provided for this purpose.

[0024] It is immediately apparent that the known support rail system 100 uses an elongated, U-shaped support profile rail 101, open at the bottom, which, with its two side walls 102 and the upper connecting wall 103, defines an elongated receiving space accessible from below via an elongated coupling opening. In the illustrated case, a so-called conductor rail 110 or 120 is arranged on the inner sides of each of the two side walls 102 (in Fig.Figure 8, which only shows the support profile rail 101 (these are not visible), each of which has several longitudinally running wires or conductors 111, 121 arranged in elongated channels or grooves 113, 123 of a conductor receiving structure 112, 122 made of an insulating material. The channels 113, 123 ensure the secure storage of the conductors 111, 121 in such a way that they cannot be accidentally touched. At the same time, however, the channels 113, 123 are each open to the interior of the support profile rail 101, so that contact with the conductors 111, 121 is possible.

[0025] A luminaire 130 to be connected to this mounting rail system 100 then has at least one rotatably mounted contact or tap element 135, as is found in particular in the Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is recognizable. To connect the luminaire 130, it is attached to the elongated support profile rail 101 from below, whereby the contacting element 135 is inserted into the support profile rail 101 via the elongated coupling opening and then rotated by approximately 45°. The contacts 136 arranged on the contacting element 135 are designed such that they are pivoted laterally by the rotation and are then – as is particularly evident in Fig. 10 is recognizable - to intervene in the recording channels 113, 123 of the two busbars 110, 120 in order to contact the corresponding conductors 111, 121.

[0026] In the illustrated case, contacts 136 are arranged on both sides of the contacting element 135 to enable contact with the busbars 110, 120 positioned on both side walls 102 of the support profile rail 101. Because the contacts 136, with their associated contact holder 137 and the attached (not shown) cable, can be vertically displaced relative to a contact holder body 138 of the tap element 135, they can be positioned according to the desired conductor 111, 121, and thus made contact with that conductor as required. This allows for the selection of both the phase and the neutral conductor for the power supply. Depending on the number of conductors provided by the busbars 110, 120, these can also be used for other purposes, such as communication.This makes it possible to combine the lighting units connected to the support profile rail 101 into a larger continuous lighting system and to control the lights centrally from a central control unit.

[0027] In addition to the lighting units shown in the figures, other electrical units can also be connected to the mounting rail system. These could include sensors such as presence or brightness sensors, which support automated operation of the lighting system. Units that enable communication or data transmission independent of the lighting control system for other purposes would also be suitable for connection to the mounting rail system. Finally, a wide variety of luminaire types can be connected to the mounting rail together, fulfilling different lighting technology functions.

[0028] In the depicted system, which is known from the prior art, some of the connection contacts are positioned at a predetermined height, as they are generally intended to contact a specific conductor of the busbars 110, 120, for example, the conductor intended for grounding. However, at least one contact is height-adjustable on the contacting element 135, as this contact is used to select the phase for the power supply. Depending on the height of the corresponding connection contact, a different conductor, and thus a corresponding phase of the power supply network, is contacted. This allows, for example, luminaires to be assigned to different groups, each connected to a specific phase of the supply voltage.

[0029] Further developments of the depicted mounting rail system increasingly feature more conductors, as these systems are intended to perform additional tasks beyond mere lighting and / or to make the control of the connected luminaires more flexible and convenient. For example, it would be conceivable to use two conductors of the power rails for general data transmission – e.g., via PLC – to implement a communication network that extends across the entire mounting rail system. At specific locations, electrical devices in the form of routers or so-called access points could be connected, which would then communicate with a central communication device via the power rail conductors and simultaneously provide an interface for wireless communication with end devices.Another possibility is to use two conductors of the busbars for the digital transmission of audio and / or video information. Specifically, public address (PA) loudspeakers or other playback devices could then be connected to these conductors at desired locations to reproduce the corresponding acoustic or visual information. Finally, it would also be conceivable to use conductors to implement emergency power supply circuits. Individual luminaires in the system could then be connected to these conductors to ensure a certain minimum level of illumination in the event of an emergency, based on the emergency power supply.

[0030] Fig.Figure 1 now shows a possibility for realizing a system 100 designed as described above with extended functions. The cross-section shows a mounting rail profile 50 with several conductors 58 running longitudinally within it, which, as in the prior art, are arranged in longitudinally extending grooves or channels 57 of suitably designed, insulating conductor receiving structures 56 of two busbars 55. The contacting of these conductors 58 is thus intended to be carried out in the same way as in the prior art, based on the Fig. 7 - 10 explained using contact elements which are inserted into the mounting rail 50 from the underside - at least partially - and then rotated so that the associated connection contacts swing out and contact the corresponding conductors 58.

[0031] At the in Fig.In the example shown, the conductors 58 of the two busbars 55 can be assigned to two basic categories. The conductors 58 below the schematically depicted level E primarily serve to supply power to connected loads, in particular to connected lights, while the conductors 58 above level E provide additional functions.

[0032] In this case, it is specifically intended that the three lower left conductors L1, L2, L3 form the three phases of a power supply network, while the two lower right conductors, earth and neutral, enable the grounding of connected units and also represent the neutral conductor of the power supply network. Above these five conductors, opposite each other, are conductors EL1, EN1 of a first emergency power supply circuit "EMERCENCY 1" and conductors EL2, EN2 of a second emergency power supply circuit "EMERCENCY 2".

[0033] In addition to lighting and emergency lighting, the system's additional functions are provided by two opposing conductors 58 above level E. In the illustrated example, the first conductor pair, S1+, S1-, forms a DALI bus, enabling communication, particularly for lighting control, via digital signals according to the DALI standard. The conductor pair above it, S2+, S2-, forms a 100V public address (PA) circuit, which can be used for transmitting acoustic information and connecting loudspeakers. Finally, a further conductor pair, S3+, S3-, is available, carrying 230V, which can be used for communication independent of the lighting control system via powerline carriers.

[0034] The in Fig.The diagram shown is, of course, merely an example of how the various conductors 58 can be used. It is entirely conceivable that a user might want to utilize other functions, such as an additional DALI circuit or a second circuit for connecting PA loudspeakers or other playback devices. Since it is obviously impractical to provide separate conductor pairs in the busbars 55 for every conceivable additional function, it is intended that at least some of the conductors 58 can be used in different ways, depending on the user's requirements. Because the conductors 58 themselves are generally all identical, they can, in principle, be used for any function, i.e., for both power supply and signal transmission.Depending on which functions the consumer desires for the system, a specific pair of conductors can then be coupled to a corresponding unit (a power supply unit, a central control unit for transmitting DALI signals, a unit for transmitting acoustic signals for PA loudspeakers, etc.) via the external connection of the mounting rail.

[0035] Furthermore, it would also be conceivable to fundamentally change the type of power supply provided. In particular, it would be conceivable, for example, to change the conductors used in the example of Fig. 1. To be used for the different phases of the AC power supply circuit, to apply a DC voltage and accordingly to operate the system with a DC supply voltage.

[0036] The examples and possible variations above demonstrate that, depending on how the various conductors of the system are connected to external power supplies or other devices, different functions can be assigned to these conductors. This, in turn, illustrates that understanding the function of the different conductors and the type of power supply provided is crucial for the subsequent use of the system. Furthermore, it is essential that the devices to be connected are configured with their connection contacts in such a way that they correctly connect to the conductors assigned to a specific function, in order to prevent damage to the system and / or the connected device caused by faulty connections. As a general rule, however, only devices suitable for the provided power supply type may be connected to the system.For example, a light fixture designed for AC power supply must never be connected to a DC power supply circuit.

[0037] The present invention provides a simple solution to the problem described above. In particular, a user of the system can easily determine, even at a later time, what type of power supply is provided via the system's conductors and how any other existing conductors in the system are used.

[0038] For this purpose, the use of a special evaluation device is planned, which is exemplified in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 is shown and according to the representations of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is used.

[0039] In principle, the evaluation device according to the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10, is connected to the mounting rail system 100 in the same way as the other devices of the system 100. Analogous to a conventional light fixture, the evaluation device 10 is attached to the mounting rail profile 50 from below and mechanically coupled to it, resulting in an arrangement as described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is recognizable. As furthermore, the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the evaluation device has a base body 20 extending in the longitudinal direction of the system, on the top of which contact means 30 and evaluation means 40 are arranged.

[0040] The design of the contacting means 30 is preferably analogous to that based on the Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig.10 described contact element. That is, the contact means 30 also have a rotatably mounted contact holder body 31, which carries contacts 32 intended for contacting the conductors of the system. The contact holder body 31 with the associated contacts 32 is designed such that the contacts 32 are pivoted from a mounting position in which the contact means 30 can be inserted into the interior of the mounting rail 50 to a contacting position in which the contacts 32 project laterally beyond the support element 20 and contact the conductors of the mounting rail system 100. The pivoting of the contacts 32, i.e., the rotation of the contact holder body 31, can be carried out analogously to the contact elements of the consumers by means of a Fig.The contact is made by means of a laterally projecting lever 35, which is mechanically coupled to the contacting means 30. The contact holder body 31 can also have additional mechanical locking elements by means of which the evaluation device 10 according to the invention is fixed to the mounting rail 50. Ultimately, the arrangement and mechanical fastening of the evaluation device 10 to the mounting rail 50 and the electrical contacting of the conductors are carried out in the same way as is the case with the consumers to be connected to the system 100.

[0041] Unlike a consumer, such as a light fixture connected to System 100, the evaluation device 10 is not intended to use the provided power supply. Instead, the voltage present on the contacted conductors is to be detected and evaluated using contacts 32, in order to ultimately provide a user with simple information about the type of power supply provided and how any additional conductors present are used by System 100.

[0042] The evaluation device 10 according to the invention comprises the aforementioned evaluation means 40 with internal electronics that evaluate the voltage values ​​or voltage signals detected via the contacts 32. The electronics are designed such that they are able to detect and evaluate the corresponding voltage values ​​regardless of the type of voltage transmitted via the conductors. This means that, unlike the loads of the system 100 to be connected subsequently, the evaluation device 10 according to the invention can be connected to the mounting rail 50 regardless of the type of power supply provided by the system 100, without any risk of damage to the system or the evaluation device 10.

[0043] The result of the assessment is then displayed using appropriate indicators in such a way that the user can clearly see what type of power supply is provided. In the case of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a simple signal lamp 15 is provided on the underside of the support element 20, which emits light in different colors to indicate the type and state of the power supply. This signal lamp 10 can, for example, include a correspondingly variable LED light source, which could indicate different power supply states as follows: Green light: DC power supply with correct polarity Yellow light: AC supply Red light: DC power supply, reverse polarity Lack of light emission: Inadequate or no rail service

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiment represents only one possible example and could be modified in a variety of ways (e.g., by using different colors and / or by changing the light output over time in the form of flashing or pulsing). Crucially, however, after connecting the evaluation device 10 according to the invention, it can be easily and immediately determined whether—and if so, what type of power supply is provided by the system—and (in the case of a DC supply) it is also possible to determine whether the correct polarity is present, i.e., whether the unit 10 has been connected to the system 100 in the correct orientation. This allows the user of the system 100 to immediately select suitable loads for the type of power supply provided and, if necessary, to arrange them in the correct orientation on the mounting rail 50.

[0045] It is thus evident that the device according to the invention is easy to use and, despite everything, immediately provides the information required to correctly and reliably connect consumers to the system. Naturally, there are numerous possibilities for varying the embodiment of the invention described above. These possibilities relate to both the shape and form of the device according to the invention, as well as the design of the contacting means and the display means.

[0046] Regarding the contacting means, it should first be noted that, as explained above, these are ideally designed identically to the contacting means of the loads to be connected later. However, a deviation is possible in that a subsequent load in the system will generally only contact individual conductors, whereas, for example, the evaluation device according to the invention may be designed to contact all conductors running along the mounting rail in order to enable a comprehensive evaluation of the type of use of the various conductors. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the design and method of actuation of the contacting means be identical to those of the actual loads.For example, it could be provided that the consumers have the rotatable contact elements described so far, while the evaluation device according to the invention is designed with contact means in which the contacts are moved linearly to contact the conductors of the mounting rail system. A hybrid form between pivoting and linear displacement of the contacts would also be conceivable and will depend in particular on how the busbar(s) with the conductors are positioned and designed within the mounting rail.

[0047] Regarding the display means, it is also conceivable that, as an alternative to the relatively simple design described above, a more complex presentation of the information obtained through the evaluation means would be possible. In particular, if not only the conductors responsible for the power supply are contacted, but all conductors of the mounting rail system, it would also be conceivable to display additional information on how the other conductors of the system are used. For example, it would be conceivable for the device according to the invention to automatically recognize which conductors are used for data communication and which communication standard is used for data transmission.Ideally, however, the device according to the invention does not exchange any information with other units connected to the system, but determines the relevant information solely by passively observing the voltages applied to the various conductors.

[0048] The device according to the invention thus enables a significantly more flexible use of busbar systems, particularly with regard to the type of power supply provided, while nevertheless avoiding or significantly reducing the risk of incorrectly connecting consumers to the system. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2001 / 091250 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Evaluation device (10) for identifying the type of power supply provided by a mounting rail system (100), wherein the evaluation device (10) is designed to be coupled to a support rail (50) which serves as a support for at least one busbar (55) which has several electrical conductors (58) running along the support rail (50), wherein the evaluation device (10) has contacting means (30) to contact at least a part of the conductors (58) of the busbar (55), and wherein the evaluation device (10) comprises means for analyzing (40) a voltage applied to the contacted conductors (58) and for indicating (15) a type of power supply provided by the contacted conductors (58). [2] Evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the contacting means (30) are designed to contact all conductors (58) running in the mounting rail (50) of at least one busbar (55). [3] Evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the contacting means (30) have contacts (32) which can be switched from a mounting position in which placement on the mounting rail (50) is possible to a contacting position in which the contacts (32) the conductors (58) of at least one busbar (55) can be transferred. [4] Evaluation device according to claim 3, characterized by , that at least some of the contacts (32) are mounted in a way that allows them to pivot laterally. [5] Evaluation device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that at least some of the contacts (32) are linearly adjustable. [6] Evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the display means (15) visually indicate the type of detected power supply. [7] Evaluation device according to claim 6, characterized by , that the display means (15) include a signal lamp, in particular an LED, which indicates the type of detected power supply by means of a corresponding light emission, in particular by means of a corresponding color. [8] Evaluation device according to claim 6, characterized by , that the display means (15) include a display for presenting information. [9] Evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the evaluation device (10) is designed to contact conductors of the system (100) used in addition to communication and to indicate the type of signal transmission taking place via these conductors. [10] Mounting rail system (100) for forming a continuous lighting system, comprising a mounting rail (50) which serves as a support for at least one busbar (55) which has several electrical conductors (58) running along the mounting rail (50), wherein electrical units, in particular luminaires, can be connected to the mounting rail (50) in order to contact the conductors (58) of the at least one busbar (50), and wherein the system comprises an evaluation device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with the aid of which the type of power supply provided by the conductors (58) is identified and displayed.

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