Contact element for connecting to a mounting rail

Abstract

A contact element (10, 40) for connecting a luminaire or an electrical unit to a mounting rail has a contact holder (15, 41) with a plurality of connection contacts (201, 202, 301, 302), which is adjustable between an open position and a contact position, wherein at least two connection contacts (201, 202, 301, 302) are adjustably arranged on the contact holder (15, 41), and wherein at least two of the adjustable connection contacts (201, 202, 301, 302) are combined into a group and mounted on the contact holder (15, 41) in such a way that they are adjustable only in a fixed relationship to one another relative to the contact holder (15, 41).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a contact element for connecting a luminaire or electrical unit to a mounting rail. Specifically, a contact element is provided for connecting a luminaire or electrical unit to a mounting rail having a mounting rail profile having at least one busbar in which electrically contactable conductors are arranged, wherein the contact element has a plurality of connecting contacts that are adjustable to allow selection of the conductor to be contacted with the busbar.

[0002] Mounting rail systems with elongated mounting profile rails and busbars held within them are known in the prior art and are used, for example, to realize elongated so-called light strip systems. Known light strip systems are sold by the applicant under the name "TECTON" and are characterized by the ability of luminaires or other electrical units to be flexibly positioned on the mounting rails along the entire length of the system. This is possible because, due to the special mounting of the busbar conductors, the consuming device can approach the busbars along substantially the entire length of the light strip system, allowing contact with the conductors not only at fixed, predetermined locations but also at any desired location. Such active light strip systems are illustrated, for example, in WO2001 / 091250A1.

[0003] In the aforementioned "TECTON" system, two busbars are positioned opposite each other on the two sidewalls of a downward-opening U-shaped mounting profile rail. Contact between the conductors of these two busbars subsequently occurs because the luminaire or consumable device to be connected has a rotatable contact element inserted into the mounting profile rail from the bottom through an elongated connecting opening and subsequently rotated approximately 45°. Here, the contacts arranged on the contact element are designed such that they pivot laterally outward by the rotation of the contact element and ultimately contact the conductor of the busbar in a rotated state. Furthermore, mechanical locking also occurs simultaneously, reliably securing the luminaire or consumable device to the mounting rail.

[0004] At least a portion of the contacts of a known contact element is adjustable. This is achieved by the contact element having a contact holder for holding various contacts, wherein at least a portion of the contacts is mounted on the contact holder in a height-adjustable manner or can be arranged at different heights on the contact holder. The possibility of different height positioning of the individual contacts here allows them to be selected for specific contact with a particular conductor of the busbar. In this way, for example, it is possible to selectively select individual phases of the power supply network for contact by lighting fixtures or electrical units.

[0005] Modern mounting rail systems increasingly feature internally extending electrical conductors that expand the functionality of the system. In addition to providing a special emergency power circuit, at least a portion of the luminaires can still be powered via this circuit in an emergency, using additional conductors to transmit data or signals besides the general power supply. This data transmission can then be used, for example, to control the individual connected luminaires from a control center via digital commands. Furthermore, simultaneously, for example, individual conductors independent of the lighting controller can be provided to transmit signals used in other ways via the busbar. For example, conductors can be used within a 100V voltage framework to transmit digital acoustic signals, allowing loudspeakers or other suitable devices for playing back acoustic information to be connected to the corresponding conductor pairs. It is also conceivable to use conductors for signal transmission within the framework of a power line carrier approach, so that at least a portion of the busbar conductors can be used as a communication network for general information transmission.

[0006] However, expanding the functionality of such a system results in multiple contact possibilities between the lighting fixtures or other electrical units and the busbar, and the connecting contacts must be positioned accordingly in a suitable manner. In doing so, it is essential to ensure that incorrect arrangement of the connecting contacts is avoided to reduce the risk of erroneous contact. In extreme cases, unintended short circuits may occur, potentially damaging individual or multiple components of the system.

[0007] However, at the same time, the amount of work required to make contact with the conductor should be kept as low as possible. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved solution in this regard.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a contact element having the features of claim 1. Advantageous improvements of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The solution according to the invention is based on the corresponding pairing of at least two connecting contacts of the contact element. This is based on the corresponding arrangement of the conductors of the circuit and the fact that two specific conductors of the busbar must typically be in contact to perform a specific function. Because the paired connecting contacts are arranged in such a way that they remain adjustable relative to the contacts of the contact element only in a fixed relationship with each other, it is ensured that the two interrelated conductors of the busbar are always in contact by this pair of connecting contacts. At the same time, in addition to improved safety in adjusting contact options, it also ensures a reduction in the amount of work required to position the connecting contacts correctly.

[0010] According to the present invention, a contact element for connecting a luminaire or another electrical unit to a mounting rail having a mounting rail profile having at least one busbar in which an electrically contactable conductor is arranged, wherein the contact element has a contact holder having a plurality of connecting contacts, the contact holder being adjustable between an open position and a contact position, wherein in the open position the contact element can be inserted into and removed from the mounting rail profile, and in the contact position the connecting contacts contact the conductor of the busbar, and wherein at least two connecting contacts are adjustablely arranged on the contact holder. According to the present invention, at least two connecting contacts arranged on the contact holder are combined into a group and mounted on the contact holder in such a way that they are adjustable relative to the contact holder only in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0011] The pairing of two connecting contacts according to the invention is particularly useful for using contacts to contact conductors that are always paired to provide a specific function. In this regard, conductors used for transmitting information for lighting control, for example, according to the so-called DALI standard, are particularly conceivable. In this way, conductors used for transmitting digital signals from speakers, cameras, etc., or generally for data communication, can also be contacted in a simple and elegant manner. In contrast, this solution is less suitable for classic phase selection when contacting power lines because one of the connecting contacts must typically contact a fixed, predetermined conductor (i.e., the neutral conductor), while the second connecting contact will variably tap one of the three phase conductors. However, particularly in more complex systems providing a variety of different functions, the contact method can be made easier and safer.

[0012] Of course, according to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the contact element can also have multiple sets of combined connecting contacts. In this case, a particular option is to provide a set that correspondingly has two connecting contacts.

[0013] The contact holder of the contact element according to the invention is particularly rotatable about a pivot axis, wherein the connecting contact is then arranged on the contact holder in such a way that the connecting contact pivots outward by rotation of the contact holder and is brought abutting against the conductor to be contacted. In this case, the adjustable connecting contact is mounted on the contact holder so that it can be displaced parallel to the pivot axis, wherein, particularly, two connecting contacts in a set are arranged opposite each other relative to the pivot axis, preferably substantially arranged in a common plane aligned perpendicular to the pivot axis. In this case, the paired connecting contacts are therefore substantially always arranged at the same height on the contact holder, making it easy to correctly contact the associated conductor when the conductors of one or more busbars are respectively arranged.

[0014] The connecting contacts in a group are preferably adjustablely arranged on the outer circumference of the contact holder. In particular, the connecting contacts in a group can be arranged on a common contact holder portion, which is then displaced accordingly to properly position the connecting contacts.

[0015] Another advantageous option is to arrange adjustable pairs of connecting contacts on an adapter attached to the contact holder. Specifically, the connecting contacts can be fixedly arranged on the adapter, and the adapter itself can be adjustablely mounted on the contact holder. For proper positioning of the connecting contacts, only the corresponding adapter must be appropriately displaced relative to the contact holder.

[0016] As already mentioned, it is typically provided that the consumable device or general lighting fixture or electrical unit to be connected to the system contacts not only the conductor for transmitting signals but also the conductor for supplying power. Since at least one of the conductors typically has a fixed position, it can be additionally provided, according to advantageous modifications, that the contact element according to the invention has at least one separately adjustable and / or non-adjustable additional connecting contact. These two contacts can then be used specifically for contacting the power line, including associated phase selection. In this case, it is then preferably provided again that the separately adjustable or non-adjustable additional connecting contact is arranged on the contact holder.

[0017] According to the present invention, a luminaire or electrical unit for connection to a mounting rail is also provided, the mounting rail comprising a mounting rail profile having at least one busbar therein arranged an electrically contactable conductor, wherein, according to the present invention, the luminaire or electrical unit has at least one contact element as described above.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram illustrating contact according to the invention via two pairs of connecting contacts;

[0020] Figure 2a and 2b This is a schematic diagram used to compare a previous process for contacting a conductor with the process according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 It is an option for a retainer for implementing two pairs of connecting contacts according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 4a –4d is a view of a possible exemplary embodiment of a contact element having two pairs of connecting contacts according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5a–5c is a view of the contact element connected to the mounting rail according to Figure 4 when different conductor pairs are in contact; and

[0024] Figure 6 –9 is a view of a mounting rail system with contact elements according to the prior art.

[0025] As already mentioned, this invention constitutes an improvement on, for example, the known "TECTON" system. Before describing the solution according to the invention in more detail, the following will therefore be based on... Figure 6-9 Explain the basic design of this support rail system. Figure 6 and 7 A view showing the mounting rails in which the busbars are arranged is shown. Figure 8 and 9 The designs of luminaires connected to or to be connected to the mounting rail system are shown in sequence, having contact elements provided for this purpose.

[0026] As can be seen here, in this known mounting rail system 100, an elongated mounting profile rail 101 is used, which is U-shaped and has a downward-opening cross-section. This elongated mounting profile rail, together with two side walls 102 and an upper connecting wall 103, defines an elongated receiving chamber, which is accessible from the bottom side via an elongated connecting opening. In the illustrated case, the so-called busbar 110 or 120 (which in...) Figure 7 Not visible in the figure, this figure only shows the mounting profile rail 101, which is then correspondingly arranged on the inner side of the two side walls 102 and accordingly has a plurality of longitudinally extending wires or conductors 111, 121 arranged in elongated channels or grooves 113, 123 of wire receiving structures 112, 122 made of insulating material. The channels 113, 123 here ensure that the conductors 111, 121 are securely mounted in such a way that they cannot be accidentally touched. However, at the same time, the channels 113, 123 are correspondingly designed to open toward the interior of the mounting profile strip 101, so that the conductors 111, 121 can be accessed.

[0027] The luminaire 130 to be connected to the mounting rail system 100 then has at least one rotatably mounted contact element or tap element 135, as particularly in Figure 8 and 9 As can be seen, for connecting the luminaire 130, it is attached from the bottom to an elongated mounting profile rail 101, wherein the contact element 135 is inserted into the mounting profile rail 101 via an elongated connecting opening and then rotated approximately 45°. The contacts 136 arranged on the contact element 135 are here designed to pivot laterally outward by rotation, and then, as specifically in… Figure 8 The receiving channels 113 and 123 of the two busbars 110 and 120 shown are connected to contact the corresponding conductors 111 and 121.

[0028] In the illustrated configuration, contacts 136 are arranged on both sides of the contact element 135 to engage the busbars 110, 120 located on the two sidewalls 102 of the mounting profile rail 101. Because contacts 136, together with their associated contact holding portions 137 and the cables (not shown) connected to them, can be vertically displaced relative to the contact holding body 138 of the tap element 135, they can be arranged according to the desired positions of conductors 111, 121 to then engage the corresponding conductor as needed. This provides the possibility of phase selection and neutral conductor selection for the power supply. However, depending on the number of conductors provided by the busbars 110, 120, the conductors can then be used for other purposes, such as for communication. This provides the possibility of combining optical units connected to the mounting profile rail 101 into a larger light strip system and centrally controlling the luminaires from a central control unit.

[0029] In addition to the light unit shown in the diagram, other electrical units can also be connected to the mounting rail system. In this case, sensors supporting the automatic operation of the lighting system, such as presence sensors or brightness sensors, are particularly conceivable. Units capable of transmitting or transmitting data for other purposes independently of the lighting controller can also be envisioned as meaningful units to be connected to the mounting rail system. Finally, of course, various types of luminaires can be conceived to be connected together to the mounting profile rail, thereby fulfilling different tasks of the lighting technology.

[0030] In existing and known systems, some connecting contacts are positioned at a predetermined height because they are essentially in contact with specific conductors of buses 110 and 120, such as conductors for grounding. However, at least one contact can be positioned height-adjustably on contact element 135 for phase selection of the power supply. Depending on the height of the respective connecting contact, different conductors and thus corresponding phases of the power supply network are contacted, thus creating the possibility, for example, assigning lighting fixtures to different groups of specific phases connected to the power supply voltage.

[0031] The improvements to the mounting rail systems shown involve an increasing number of conductors because these systems need to perform additional tasks beyond simple lighting, and / or the control of connected luminaires needs to be designed to be more flexible and convenient. For example, it is conceivable to use the two conductors of the busbar for general data transmission, such as via a PLC, to establish a communication network spanning the entire area of ​​the mounting rail system. That is, at specific locations, power-consuming devices in the form of routers or so-called access points are connected, which then communicate with a central communication device via the busbar conductors, while also providing an interface for wireless communication with terminal devices. Alternatively, another option is to use the two conductors of the busbar to digitally transmit audio and / or video information. Specifically, so-called ELA speakers or other playback devices that play back corresponding acoustic or visual information can then be connected to the corresponding conductors at desired locations. Finally, it is also conceivable to use conductors to implement emergency power circuits. The individual luminaires of the system can then be connected to these conductors to provide some minimum lighting based on emergency power in emergency situations.

[0032] In order to utilize these different functions of the system, the corresponding contact elements of the luminaires or electrical units to be connected must be designed or constructed in such a way that they can contact the conductors of the system provided for this purpose in the desired manner. However, since the conductors of the busbar can be configured differently according to the end user's wishes and thus provide different functions, the contact elements should be able to contact the conductors of the busbar as flexibly as possible.

[0033] In principle, all connecting contacts can therefore be designed in the manner described above, and the connecting contacts for connection can be adjusted or designed in such a way that they can be selectively arranged at different heights on the contact elements. However, this introduces the risk of errors in the arrangement of the connecting contacts and the conductors making unintended contact. In addition to the possibility that the system's potential intended function may not be available in this case, there is also the risk that the units to be connected or individual components of the entire system may be damaged, for example, due to unintended short circuits.

[0034] This invention provides a solution that at least reduces the problems just described. Therefore, there is greater certainty regarding the correct contact of the conductors. Simultaneously, the amount of work required to arrange the contacts accordingly is reduced. The concept according to the invention will be explained below based on additional drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 First, the basic idea of ​​the concept according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1The left side shows a cross-section of the mounting rail profile 50, in which a plurality of conductors 58 extend longitudinally. As in the prior art, these conductors are arranged in longitudinally extending grooves or channels 57 of appropriately designed insulated wire receiving structures 56 for two busbars 55. The contact of these conductors 58 is therefore typically with the use of… Figure 6-9 The same process occurs by means of a contact element, which is inserted, for example, at least partially into the mounting rail 50 from the bottom side, and then rotated in such a way that the associated connecting contact pivots outward and contacts the corresponding conductor 58.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductors 58 of the two busbars 55 can be assigned to two basic categories. The conductor 58 schematically shown below plane E primarily powers the consumable devices to be connected, particularly the lighting fixtures, while the conductor 58 above plane E provides additional functionality.

[0037] In the current configuration, it is specifically provided that the three conductors L1, L2, and L3 on the lower left form the three phases of the power supply network, while the two conductors GND and N on the lower right, on the one hand, allow the connected unit to be grounded, and on the other hand, constitute the neutral conductor of the power supply network. Above these five conductors, the conductors EL1 and EN1 of the first emergency power circuit "EMERCENCY 1" and the conductors EL2 and EN2 of the second emergency power circuit "EMERCENCY 2" are then positioned opposite each other in pairs in each case.

[0038] The additional functionality of the system is provided by two conductors 58, each opposite to the other in each case, above level E. The first pair of conductors S1+, S1- forms a DALI bus, and communication, particularly for lighting control, can therefore occur via this DALI bus using digital signals according to the DALI standard. On the other hand, an overlapping pair of conductors S2+, S2- forms an ELA-100V circuit, which can be used specifically for transmitting acoustic information and connecting corresponding loudspeakers. Finally, another pair of conductors S3+, S3-, with 230V applied sequentially, can be used; however, this can now be used for communication via the power line carrier independently of lighting control. Of course, this configuration of the conductors 58 of the two buses 55 should only be understood as exemplary, and it is conceivable that conductors 58 can be used in other ways. The conductors of the two emergency power circuits can also be considered as conductors, constituting additional functionality beyond simple lighting. In other words, the above-mentioned division of conductors and the two groups should also be understood as merely examples to explain the ideas according to the invention.

[0039] exist Figure 1In the example shown, it is useful and advantageous if the connecting contacts for power connection can be arranged individually on the corresponding contact element at their respective heights, wherein the contact element can be substantially aligned with the connection according to the specified height. Figure 8 and 9 The explanation is the same as the design. This is in Figure 1 The image shows, in the middle, the corresponding contact element 10 and associated contacts 201, 202. The latter can be arranged similarly to solutions known from the prior art, i.e., arranged on corresponding contact retaining elements 211 and 212, which are arranged in a height-adjustable manner on contact retaining body 15, which can rotate about a rotation axis or pivot axis to pivot contacts 201, 202 outward.

[0040] If the unit to be connected (i.e., a luminaire) will be connected to a normal power line, the right connection contact 202 must be at the height of the neutral conductor N, while the left connection contact 201 can be selectively arranged at the height of one of the three lower conductors L1, L2, or L3 to assign the luminaire to a specific phase of the power supply. On the other hand, if the luminaire will be connected to one of two emergency power circuits, the two contacts 201, 202 must be arranged at the same height as the conductors EL1, EN1 or EL2, EN2 associated with the respective emergency power circuit. Furthermore, the contact element 10 must of course also have a fixedly positioned connection contact 12 or similar contact portion through which grounding is ensured.

[0041] The power supply contacts 201 and 202 should therefore be height-adjustable, but in particular, independently of each other, so as to allow selective connection to one of the three phases of the main power supply network or one of the two emergency power circuits. In any case, it must be ensured that the two contacts 201 and 202 are correctly arranged before the luminaires or different consumable devices are connected to the system in the appropriate manner.

[0042] This differs for connecting additional functions of the system. For example, in Figure 1 As can be seen in the diagram on the left, the corresponding two associated conductors for the additional function are arranged on the two busbars 55 such that they are positioned relative to each other in pairs, particularly in each case with a fixed relationship between all three pairs of conductors. In this case, this also applies to the associated connecting contacts, which creates the possibility of combining two contacts into a group according to the invention, the group being arranged on the contact element 10 in a substantially mutually adjustable manner.

[0043] This is Figure 1As shown on the right, the contact element 10, in addition to two individually adjustable connection contacts 201, 202, has another pair of connecting contacts 301, 302 for electrical connection. These connecting contacts are arranged opposite each other in the illustrated exemplary embodiment and are essentially adjustable in height only together. Depending on the additional functions required by the luminaire or the unit to be connected in general, the connecting contacts 301, 302 can then be adjusted in height accordingly; however, the two conductors of the bus 55, which have been assigned specific additional functions together, are essentially always in contact. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connecting contacts 301, 302 are in the lowest position, thereby contacting the conductors S1+ and S1- of the DALI bus. On the other hand, if conductors S3+, S3- are to contact for general data communication, the connecting contacts 301, 302 can be in the highest position in a single operating step, excluding the possibility that the connecting contacts accidentally and correctly contact the corresponding data communication line, or that a second connection is incorrectly held at the height of the DALI conductor. Therefore, the adaptation of the contact element 10 of the unit to be connected to the system can be done in a simpler and more reliable manner compared to the case of a single adjustable contact.

[0044] Figure 2a and 2b The difference between the previous process and the process according to the present invention is shown again. Figure 2a The diagram shows the bus conductor 55 in conventional contact, where, in addition to the two lower connecting contacts 201, 202 responsible for powering the consumable devices to be connected, two additional contacts 251, 252 are used to contact the conductor, through which additional functions of the system are used. However, the two additional contacts 251, 252 must again be individually positioned at the appropriate height, where, in this case, incorrect positioning relative to each other or relative to the conductor 58 of the bus 55 cannot be ruled out.

[0045] In contrast, within the framework of a single adjustment process in the solution according to the invention and shown in FIG. 2, the combined pair of connecting contacts 301, 302 can be easily adjusted in height, wherein the corresponding arrangement of the associated conductors 58 ensures that a pair of conductors belonging to the same busbar are always in correct contact. In particular, it is excluded that one of the two connecting contacts 301, 302 contacts the conductor of the first function, while on the other hand, the second connecting contacts 301, 302 contacts the opposing conductors of different functions with different height offsets.

[0046] Figure 3 A simple possibility for implementing the solution according to the invention is shown. Here, a corresponding contact holding portion 32 is shown, which relatively supports the paired connecting contacts 301, 302. Similar to the holding portion 137 for a single contact, as... Figure 9As shown, the annular contact holding portion 32 can also be arranged on the outer circumference of the contact holding body 15 and displaced to different positions parallel to its pivot axis. Preferably, the position available for engaging the contact pair is defined by appropriate measures that allow tactile feedback, for example, by slightly engaging the contact holding portion 32 with the contact holding body 15 at an appropriate height position. Similar to the individual contacts 201, 202, in this case, the pair of contacts 301, 302 are then also arranged opposite each other on the outer circumference of the contact holding body 15 (now in a common plane aligned perpendicular to the pivot axis of the contact holding body 15) such that when the contact holding body 15 rotates, they can pivot laterally outward, for example, by 45°, so that they engage in the groove 57 of the respective busbar 55 and then contact the associated conductor.

[0047] However, it should be noted that Figure 3 The variations shown represent only one conceivable possibility for easily forming contact sets according to the invention, wherein the contacts of the contact sets are arranged substantially in the same relationship to each other. In particular, it is not necessarily required that two connecting contacts in a set be arranged at the same height relative to the contact element; rather, it is also conceivable in principle that they are arranged offset from each other in height, and, if necessary, even both are arranged on one side of the contact element and thus contact the corresponding conductors of the busbar in the same direction. However, it is important that the arrangement and configuration of the busbar conductors then proceed similarly to the fixed, predetermined relative arrangement of the connecting contact pairs, wherein, of course, according to… Figure 1-3 The variant of the explanation represents the solution that is easiest to implement.

[0048] It should also be noted that, as an alternative to the rotary contact element, different mechanisms are conceivable, through which the contact head can be moved from an open position to a contact position to contact one or more busbar conductors. In particular, linear displacement of the corresponding contact retainer is also conceivable. In this case, multiple contacts can also be combined into a group in the sense of the invention to simplify conductor contact.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiments described so far, the contact element 10 has a set of two pairs of connecting contacts 301, 302 designed according to the invention, and two additional individually adjustable connecting contacts 201, 202, via which it is connected to the power conductor of the system. Of course, variations are possible, where each contact may, for example, be positioned in a fixed, predetermined position on the contact element, i.e., not adjustable. Furthermore, the contact element designed according to the invention may also have multiple pairs or groups of connecting contacts, which can be adjusted according to the invention such that the connecting contacts in a group are always arranged relative to the contact holder 15 in a fixed relationship with each other.

[0050] Finally, it is also conceivable to design the contact element according to the invention in such a way that it has individually adjustable connecting contacts as a group, particularly single connecting contact pairs grouped according to the invention. Corresponding exemplary embodiments in this regard are shown in Figures 4 and 5 and explained below.

[0051] A special feature of the contact element 40 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is that, as discussed below, it is not inserted into the mounting rail profile from the bottom and then rotated to contact the conductor of the busbar, but rather engages in the mounting rail via an opening provided at the top of the mounting rail profile. With the help of the contact element 40 discussed below, the consumable device, unlike conventional light strip lights which are arranged on the bottom side of the mounting rail profile, is positioned on the outside or top of the mounting rail profile, and thus performs additional functions, such as connecting to the conductor of the busbar.

[0052] Figure 4a The contact element shown in –4d includes a base element 41, which initially forms a contact retainer 15 rotatable relative to the mounting rail profile. The base element 41 is essentially formed of an oval plate 42, which, in the assembled state, rests at least with its edge region against the circumferential region of an opening (not shown) on top of the mounting rail profile 50. Connecting cables to the connecting contacts 301, 302 extend from their protruding cylindrical protrusions 43 at their center toward the top. Rod-shaped wings 43a, 43b are provided on both sides of the cylindrical protrusions 43, which function as handles to facilitate rotation of the base element 41.

[0053] A cylindrical protrusion 43 continues as a hollow cylinder on the underside of the oval plate 42, forming a hollow cylindrical socket in which a height-adjustable contact retainer 45 engages. This contact retainer 45, made of insulating material, initially forms a vertically aligned cylindrical protrusion 46 that engages in the socket of the base body 41. On the outer side of this protrusion 46, an outwardly projecting annular protrusion may be provided, corresponding to a corresponding annular groove on the inner side of the cylindrical socket of the base body 41, thereby defining a latching position that defines different preferred height positions of the contact retainer 45. On the underside of the contact retainer 45, two laterally projecting retainers 471 and 472 are formed, pointing in opposite directions, which then support the actual pin-type connecting contacts 301 and 302, respectively. The latter are connected to the end region of the connecting cable via an internally extending conductor.

[0054] If the consumable device is now to be connected to the conductor of the mounting rail profile by means of the contact element 40 shown, the first step is to position the contact holding portion 45 in the socket of the base portion 41 in a desired position, which corresponds to one of the predetermined latching positions. Thus, the connecting contacts 301 and 302 are at a fixed predetermined height relative to the underside of the oval plate 42 of the base portion 41. Subsequently, the contact element 40 is attached from the top to the mounting rail profile, wherein the connecting contacts 301, 302, initially longitudinally aligned with the lower region of the contact holding portion 45, penetrate an opening (not shown) at the top of the mounting rail profile 50. If the oval plate 42 is positioned with its underside on top of the mounting rail profile 50, a 90° rotation occurs, wherein the contacts 301, 302 then pivot laterally outward to contact the associated conductor. This is in Figures 5a to 5c (exist Figure 5a Only the contact holding portion 45 is shown (and the base portion 41 is not shown). Three different latching positions for the contact holding portion 45 are shown, each corresponding to a different conductor pair to be contacted. Meanwhile, a lateral extension rod 42a disposed below the oval plate 42 can be used to mechanically lock the contact element 40 to the mounting guide profile 50.

[0055] In this case, similarly, by simply adjusting the contact holding portion 45 relative to the base portion 41 or the contact holding body 15, the positions of the paired contacts 301, 302 can be selected in such a way that they always correctly contact the two associated conductors of the system busbar. Incorrect contact is thus largely eliminated. Therefore, the illustrated embodiment represents a particularly simple and elegant variation for connecting additional consumable devices to the system while simultaneously ensuring contact with the corresponding correct conductors.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that the process for achieving a mutually adjustable connecting contact, as explained in Figures 4 and 5, can also be used for contacting components attached from the bottom side to the mounting rail profile. That is, the contact holding portion 45 discussed above can be used in the same way, wherein it can be used with… Figure 9 The contact holder 15, implemented in a similar manner to the prior art contact holder shown, then has a cylindrical socket in its upper region, which allows the contact holding portion 45 to be arranged at different heights, preferably latchably arranged at different heights. In particular, it can even be provided here that the contact element 10 is designed such that it initially has only the base-connected contact head on the contact holder 15 required for connection to the power conductor and positioned and / or individually positioned in a fixed predetermined location. However, if additional functionality of the system is desired, the contact holding portion 45 just described can be arranged on top of the contact element 10 as an additional adapter to enable contact with other conductors.

[0057] In summary, the solution according to the invention thus helps to further optimize the universal contact of the conductors of the busbars of the mounting guide profile.

Claims

1. A contact element for connecting a luminaire or electrical unit to a mounting rail having a mounting rail profile (50) having at least one busbar (55) therein arranged an electrically contactable conductor (58). The contact element includes a contact holder having a plurality of connecting contacts, the contact holder being adjustable between an open position and a contact position, in which the contact element is at least partially inserted into and removed from the mounting rail profile (50), and in the contact position, the connecting contacts contact the conductor (58) of the busbar (55). At least two of the connecting contacts are adjustablely arranged on the contact holder. Its features At least two connecting contacts, adjustablely arranged on the contact holder, are combined into a group and mounted on the contact holder in such a way that they are adjustable relative to the contact holder only in a fixed relationship with each other.

2. The contact element according to claim 1, Its features It has multiple sets of combined contact heads.

3. The contact element according to claim 2, Its features Each group has two connecting contacts.

4. The contact element according to any one of claims 1-3, Its features The contact holder is rotatable about a pivot axis, and the connecting contact is arranged on the contact holder in such a way that the connecting contact is pivoted outward by rotating the contact holder and is brought against the conductor to be contacted (58).

5. The contact element according to claim 4, Its features The connecting contact is movable and mounted on the contact holder, parallel to the pivot axis of the contact holder.

6. The contact element according to claim 4, Its features Two contact heads in a set are arranged opposite each other relative to the pivot axis.

7. The contact element according to claim 5 or 6, Its features The connecting contacts in a set are adjustablely arranged on the outer circumference of the contact holder.

8. The contact element according to claim 5 or 6, Its features One of the connecting contacts is arranged on an annular contact holding portion (32), which is displaceably arranged on the outer circumference of the contact holding body (15).

9. The contact element according to claim 5 or 6, Its features One of the connecting contacts is arranged on an adapter (45) which can be attached to the contact holder.

10. The contact element according to claim 9, Its features The connecting contact is fixedly arranged on the adapter (45), and the adapter (45) is adjustablely arranged on the contact holder.

11. The contact element according to claim 9, Its features The position of the contact holding portion (32) or the adapter (45) is defined on the contact holding body.

12. The contact element according to any one of claims 1-3, Its features It has at least one additional connecting contact that is individually adjustable and / or non-adjustable.

13. The contact element according to claim 12, Its features The separately adjustable and / or non-adjustable additional connection contacts are arranged on the contact holder.

14. The contact element according to claim 6, Its features The two connecting contacts in a set are substantially arranged in a common plane aligned perpendicular to the pivot axis.

15. The contact element according to claim 11, Its features The position of the contact holding portion (32) or the adapter (45) is defined on the contact holding body in the form of a latch position.

16. A luminaire or electrical unit for connection to a mounting rail having a mounting rail profile (50) having at least one busbar (55) therein arranged an electrically contactable conductor (58). Its features The luminaire or electrical unit has a contact element according to any one of claims 1-15.

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