Connector, feeding assembly, lighting device having connector and / or feeding assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1; 101; 101; 201); 301), which is connected to the connector part (2, 3; 102 to 105 parts by weight; 202, 203; 302-304) together can be inserted in each case into a track portion (901-903) of a lighting system. The track portions are each provided with a conductor unit (950) for providing at least an operating current for the lighting unit (990). The connector is configured to electrically couple the conductor units in the at least two track portions to each other. The connector comprises at least one connector having conductive traces (22; 122, 123; 222; 322) and a printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 219; 319), and the connector comprises a contact element (61-64, 71-74; 161 to 164, 171 to 174, 165 to 168, 175 to 178, 161 to 164, 171 to 174, 165 to 168, 261 to 264, 271 to 274; and a plurality of contact elements (361-366, 371-376), each firmly connected to the printed circuit board and configured to contact a conductor (951-954) of one of the conductor units in each case. In this case, the connector can enable electrical coupling of the respective conductors of the conductor unit by using electrical coupling of the associated contact elements of the at least one conductive trace. The invention also relates to a feed assembly (401) and a lighting device (1000; 2000) for a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting systems formed by track sections. Here, the invention relates to a connector and a feed-in assembly for a lighting system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device comprising at least one such connector and / or at least one such feed-in assembly. Background Art

[0002] Lighting systems having a channel or track and lighting units that can be coupled to the channel or track are known. The channel or track is usually equipped with a busbar with electrical conductors, enabling the lighting units to be powered. Such lighting systems can be used in various ways and achieve flexible, attractive lighting.

[0003] It has also been described how connectors can be used to electrically couple busbar sections of successive sections of channels or tracks.

[0004] DE102016225199A1 describes a lighting system having a channel for accommodating at least one lighting unit and at least one connector that can be inserted into the channel, through which busbar parts can be electrically coupled to each other. The connector has a movable snap that can be engaged with the rear face of the longitudinal ribs inside the channel. DE102016225199A1 also describes a current feeding unit for feeding current into the busbar of a pipeline.

[0005] In conventional lighting systems, internal wiring using individual cables or cores is often used for connector assemblies in order to electrically connect two track sections. This type of construction therefore involves a large number of individual conductive connectors, the design of which requires relatively high effort to ensure the required reliability. Furthermore, for conventional connector assemblies with internal wiring, a relatively large installation space is required within the housing. On the one hand, sufficient space must be provided in the housing to enable wiring, and on the other hand, conventional connectors also require a relatively large minimum height, for example to ensure that their tolerance range can be maintained when bending the wires or cables.

[0006] Although the known lighting systems are thus already very attractive, flexible and reliable, it would still be desirable to have an alternative design which would allow a high level of reliability to be achieved relatively easily when connecting track sections and / or feeding electrical energy and / or signals thereto, and preferably at the same or lower cost. It would also be desirable to have a more compact design which would allow track sections to be connected and / or fed in this way. Summary of the invention

[0007] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to disclose an improved method of connecting two track sections of a lighting system and / or feeding electrical energy and / or signals to such track sections.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a connector having the features of claim 1 and / or by a feed-in component having the features of claim 18 and / or by a lighting device having the features of claim 19 and / or by a lighting device having the features of claim 20.

[0009] Therefore, a connector is proposed which can be inserted in each case via its connector part into a track section of a lighting system. The track sections are each provided with a conductor unit for supplying at least an operating current to a lighting unit which can be coupled to the track section. The connector is configured to electrically couple the conductor units of at least two of the track sections to one another. In this case, the connector comprises a printed circuit board with conductive tracks, and the connector comprises contact elements which are each firmly connected to the printed circuit board and are designed to contact a respective conductor of one of the conductor units of at least two of the track sections in each case. According to the invention, the connector is capable of achieving an electrical coupling of the respective conductors of the conductor units of at least two of the track sections by using an electrical coupling of the associated contact element of at least one of the conductive tracks.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the invention, a feed-in assembly is proposed which can be inserted into at least one track section of a lighting system. In this case, the track section is provided with a conductor unit for providing at least an operating current to a lighting unit which can be coupled to the track section. The feed-in assembly is designed to feed at least the operating current to the conductor unit of the track section. The feed-in assembly comprises a printed circuit board with conductive tracks. Further, the feed-in assembly comprises contact elements which are each fixedly connected to the printed circuit board and are designed to contact in each case a conductor of the conductor unit of the track section. According to the invention, the feed-in assembly enables the conductors of the conductor unit of the track section to be electrically coupled to corresponding conductors of a feed line using at least one conductive track.

[0011] According to the present invention, a lighting device is proposed, comprising at least two track sections, at least one connector according to the present invention and at least one lighting unit. Each of the track sections is provided with a conductor unit. The lighting unit is coupled to one of the track sections and can provide at least an operating current via its conductor unit. The connector is inserted into the track section via its connector part and electrically couples the conductor units of the track sections to each other.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a lighting device is provided, comprising at least one track portion, at least one feeding assembly according to the present invention, and at least one lighting unit. The track portion is provided with a conductor unit, and the lighting unit is coupled to the track portion and can provide at least an operating current through the conductor unit. In this case, the feeding assembly is inserted into the track portion and feeds at least the operating current to the conductor unit of the track portion.

[0013] One basic idea of ​​the invention is to make the connector internally wireless, since the current or, for example, the current and control signals can be passed from one track part to the next at the connection point via the conductive traces of the circuit board or printed circuit board. In this way, the arrangement, attachment and contacting of cables or wires within the connector, for example in a flexible design, can be avoided. The circuit board or printed circuit board itself can be of a type selected from a variety of types of circuit boards known to the person skilled in the art.

[0014] Another basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide feed-in options in a similar manner, which largely avoids internal wiring in the feed-in components.

[0015] The printed circuit board and its conductive tracks are used for the electrical coupling or feeding of track sections, which can further increase the reliability of the lighting system. Loose cables or wires are avoided. The printed circuit board is fixedly connected with the contact elements and can be manufactured cost-effectively, with high precision and automatically. In addition, both the connector and the feed-in component can be assembled in a simple manner.

[0016] Printed circuit boards, such as PCBs (printed circuit boards), can also be mounted in a space-saving manner. The space required to accommodate cables or individually insulated wires is avoided, taking into account their tolerance ranges, such as their minimum bending radius. In this way, the connector can advantageously be compact and space-saving. In this way, a compact and space-saving feedthrough assembly is also possible.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are evident from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the drawings.

[0018] In one embodiment, the contact elements are resilient. This enables reliable contact. In particular, it can be ensured that each contact element contacts the associated conductor with a defined and sufficient force, so that the connector can be easily handled and inserted into the track section without applying excessive force.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the connector has a housing part. In the absence of external forces acting on the contact elements, the contact elements are elastically preloaded on the area of ​​the housing part. In this way, each contact element can assume a well-defined position in the absence of sufficient externally applied forces, for example in a state in which they are not inserted into the track part. In particular, this prevents the contact elements from protruding excessively from the connector. This advantageously facilitates insertion and prevents damage to the area of ​​the track part visible to an observer, for example due to scratches.

[0020] In particular, in a further embodiment, the printed circuit board is accommodated in the inner region of the housing part. In this way, the printed circuit board can be well protected and fixed, and unwanted access to the printed circuit board and its conductive traces can be prevented. In particular, by using a printed circuit board and its conductive traces instead of a space-consuming design with cables or wires for internal electrical coupling, the housing of the connector formed by the housing part can be constructed in a compact and space-saving manner.

[0021] According to a further improvement, the contact elements are each designed to have a bearing portion, which is elastically preloaded on the inner side of the housing portion when no external force acts on the contact element. In this way, a defined position of the contact element is reliably ensured, in which no or insufficient external forces, in particular mechanical forces, act on the contact element and are protected by the housing portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing part has side walls, each of which is provided with a recess, whereby the contact elements and the recess are arranged and designed in such a way that the contact portion of one of the contact elements for contacting a conductor protrudes outwards through the recess. This ensures good protection of the current- and / or signal-carrying conductive element within the housing part while enabling contacting of the conductors of the conductor element of the track part.

[0023] According to a further improvement, in the absence of external forces acting on the contact element, the contact element is elastically preloaded on the inner side of the side wall in the edge region of the recess assigned to the contact element. This makes it easy to achieve a defined position of the contact element in the absence of sufficient external forces.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the side wall adjoins a base of the housing part and the printed circuit board is arranged substantially parallel to the base. In particular, the side wall forms a box-like shape together with the base and the other walls of the housing part. In this way, a connector can be created which can be inserted into a track part, for example in a channel-shaped track part, in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, by such an arrangement of the printed circuit board, for example, contacting of conductors arranged on the track part with the side of the inserted connector can be achieved in a simple, space-saving manner. For example, a printed circuit board provided on one side, in particular with contact elements, can be used for such contacting with a printed circuit board arranged substantially parallel to the floor.

[0025] In one embodiment, the side wall is also designed with a latching unit for holding the connector in the track section in a latched manner. The connector can thus be easily installed in the track section and removed again as required. The latching unit serves to mechanically hold the connector in a manner that is independent of the force exerted by the contact element. The contact element can thus be specifically adapted to the contact requirements, while the latching unit is designed for mechanical holding.

[0026] For example, each locking unit can be formed by an elastically retracted portion of the side wall. This enables the locking unit to be formed in a simple, cost-effective manner.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the connector is formed with an I-shaped basic shape, whereby the connector parts form free, aligned end regions of the connector.This type of connector is able to couple two track parts aligned parallel to each other, for example forming a long, straight track.

[0028] In another embodiment, the connector is designed to have an X-shaped basic shape or to have an L-shaped basic shape or to have a T-shaped basic shape, whereby the connector part is designed as an arm-shaped extension area of ​​the connector. Such a connector enables the arrangement of track parts including intersections, corners and / or branches. Thus, a track system for lighting purposes can be realized by various different arrangements of track parts.

[0029] In another embodiment, the connector can be designed as a Y-shaped basic shape or a star-shaped basic shape, whereby the connector parts are designed as arm-shaped extension areas of the connector. When the connector is formed as a star-shaped basic shape, the number of connector parts is in particular greater than four, for example five or six. In this way, a more attractive and more useful arrangement of the track sections can be achieved.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connector is formed with an X-shaped basic shape, wherein the connector part is formed as an arm-shaped extension area of ​​the connector. According to this embodiment, the connector has two printed circuit boards, each of which has a substantially L-shaped basic shape, a plurality of the contact elements are arranged on one of the two printed circuit boards, two of the connector parts are respectively assigned to one of the two printed circuit boards, and the two printed circuit boards are arranged in such a way that the tip areas of each substantially L-shaped basic shape are adjacent to each other. This makes it easy to equip the connector with an arrangement of two printed circuit boards suitable for the X-shaped basic shape. In particular, no electrical connection is provided at the separation point between the two printed circuit boards formed with the substantially L-shaped basic shape, which is located in the area where the tip areas of the basic shape are adjacent to each other. This greatly simplifies the construction of the connector with the X-shaped basic shape and avoids the use of flexible cables or wires. At the same time, by using the conductive tracks of the two printed circuit boards, an electrical coupling of the conductors of the conductor units of the two track parts arranged in pairs is achieved in this way, the two track parts are angled with each other, in particular substantially at right angles to each other. In this way, lighting systems of various shapes can be designed.

[0031] In another embodiment, it can be provided that the connector is designed to have an X-shaped basic shape, the connector part is designed as an arm-shaped extension area of ​​the connector, and the printed circuit board of the connector has a substantially X-shaped basic shape. With such an embodiment, the conductive traces can be used to achieve an electrical coupling of the conductors of the conductor elements of all track parts into which the connector part is inserted, or alternatively, an electrical coupling of the conductors of the conductor elements of two track parts arranged in pairs, in particular substantially at right angles to each other. In another embodiment, it can be provided that the connector is designed to have a star-shaped basic shape, the connector part is designed as an arm-shaped extension area of ​​the connector, and the printed circuit board of the connector has a substantially star-shaped basic shape. Even in such an embodiment, the conductor elements of all or some track parts, for example two track parts arranged in pairs, which are at an angle of less than 90 degrees to each other, can be electrically coupled by conductive traces.

[0032] In one embodiment, each of said connector parts is elongated.In this way, a space-saving elongated connector part is possible, by means of which a plurality of conductors of the conductor unit of each track section can be contacted.

[0033] In another embodiment, the connector portion has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, in particular an elongated cuboid shape. Such a cross-sectional shape is very suitable for channel-shaped track portions, for example.

[0034] For example, the connector parts can extend substantially in a straight line along the longitudinal direction respectively. In this case, the connector parts can be inserted into a track part which is straight as a whole or at least straight in its end region.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the connector parts may instead have a curved or bent shape along their longitudinal extension, for example each following a circular arc cross section. In embodiments with one or more curved or bent connector parts, the areas of the printed circuit board allocated to the connector parts and the track parts into which the connector parts can be inserted are also curved or bent.

[0036] In further embodiments, combinations of straight and curved or bent connector parts of the connector are also possible.

[0037] In one embodiment, the contact elements of the connector comprise contact elements, each contact element being designed for contacting a conductor to provide a DC operating voltage, in particular a DC operating voltage of substantially 48 V, to the lighting unit.

[0038] In another embodiment, the conductor unit provided for each track section is also designed to provide a control signal for controlling one or more lighting units that can be coupled to the track section, which enables the lighting units to be operated flexibly and variably.

[0039] In a further development, the contact elements of the connector comprise contact elements, each of which is designed to contact a conductor to provide a control signal, in particular a DALI signal. In this way, a control signal provided in one track section can also be provided in one or more other track sections.

[0040] According to a further improvement, at least four contact elements are arranged in each of the connector parts, wherein at least two of the at least four contact elements are arranged for contacting conductors to provide a DC operating voltage, and at least two contact elements are arranged for connecting conductors to provide control signals.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each of the contact elements is soldered to the printed circuit board. Attaching and contacting the contact elements on the printed circuit board by a soldering process can be performed in a simple and automated manner. Such a soldered connection is also reliable.

[0042] In one embodiment, each of the contact elements is designed with a fastening portion for fixed connection with the printed circuit board and a crank-shaped elastic middle portion located behind the fastening portion. In this way, the contact element can be made elastic, and at the same time, the conductors of the conductor units arranged at different heights relative to the printed circuit board can be contacted by deflecting the middle portion of the contact element arranged on the same printed circuit board.

[0043] In a further development, the printed circuit board is designed to have elongated printed circuit board sections, each of which is assigned to one of the connector parts and extends in the corresponding assigned connector part. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printed circuit board section has a cutout at one edge of the printed circuit board section to accommodate an associated one of the contact elements. In this way, the space within the connector part can be well utilized, and the cutout also contributes to a space-saving design of the connector in its lateral direction.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the connector is inserted into the track portion, the direction in which the contact element can spring back is substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension direction of the connector portion in which the contact element is arranged and substantially parallel to the main extension surface of the printed circuit board. For example, such a connector may be very suitable for contacting conductors arranged transversely in the track portion via the contact element.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lighting device according to the present invention comprises the connector according to the present invention and may further comprise a feeding assembly according to the present invention for feeding the conductor unit of one of the track parts.

[0046] The above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention are applicable to connectors and feed-in assemblies, and lighting devices having connectors and / or feed-in assemblies in a similar manner. Here, the feed-in assembly is preferably configured to be inserted into only one of the track parts, specifically designed as an I-shaped basic shape, and further preferably designed as specifically an arrangement of the housing part, the printed circuit board and the contact element, such as one of the above-mentioned connector parts. In a preferred embodiment, the feed-in assembly has four contact elements, two of which are used to contact the conductor to provide a DC operating voltage, and the other two are used to connect the conductor to provide a control signal.

[0047] However, it is also conceivable that the connector for two or more track sections according to the present invention can be designed with other exemplary variations of additional feeding functions corresponding to the feeding functions of the feeding assembly.

[0048] Where appropriate, the above embodiments and improvements may be combined with each other as needed. Other possible embodiments, improvements and implementations of the present invention also include combinations not explicitly mentioned of features of the present invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. Specifically, those skilled in the art will also add various aspects as improvements or supplements to each basic form of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 A connector according to a first exemplary embodiment having an I-shaped basic shape, in an exploded perspective view, having a box-shaped housing part, a printed circuit board on which contact elements are arranged, and a cover-shaped housing part;

[0051] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a perspective view of the connector after assembly shown;

[0052] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A plan view of the connector shown, with the cover-like housing portion omitted and the printed circuit board visible;

[0053] Figure 4 for Figure 1 a longitudinal section view of the connector shown;

[0054] Figure 5 A connector with an X-shaped basic shape according to a second exemplary embodiment, in an exploded perspective view, having a box-shaped housing part, two printed circuit boards on which contact elements are arranged, and a cover-shaped housing part;

[0055] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A plan view of the connector after assembly shown;

[0056] Figure 7 for Figure 5 a perspective view of the connector after assembly shown;

[0057] Figure 8 for Figure 5 The connector shown is Figure 6 In the plan view, the cover-like housing portion is omitted and the printed circuit board is visible;

[0058] Fig. 9 for Figure 5 a plan view of the box-shaped housing portion of the connector, showing the interior area of ​​the box-shaped housing portion;

[0059] Fig.10 A connector with an L-shaped basic shape according to a third exemplary embodiment, in an exploded perspective view, having a box-shaped housing part, a printed circuit board with contact elements arranged thereon, and a cover-shaped housing part;

[0060] Fig.11 for Fig.10 a perspective view of the connector after assembly shown;

[0061] Fig.12 for Fig.10 A plan view of the connector shown, with the cover-like housing portion omitted and the printed circuit board visible;

[0062] Fig.13 A connector with a T-shaped basic shape according to a fourth exemplary embodiment, in an exploded perspective view, having a box-shaped housing part, a printed circuit board with contact elements arranged thereon, and a cover-shaped housing part;

[0063] Fig.14 for Fig.13 A plan view of the connector shown, with the cover-like housing portion omitted and the printed circuit board visible;

[0064] Fig.15 for Fig.13 a perspective view of the connector after assembly shown;

[0065] Fig.16 A portion of a lighting device according to another exemplary embodiment, comprising, in a perspective bottom view, a connector according to a third exemplary embodiment;

[0066] Fig.17 A portion of a lighting device according to a further exemplary embodiment, comprising, in a perspective bottom view, a connector according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0067] Fig.18 for Fig.17 A'-A' cross-sectional view of the lighting device shown;

[0068] Fig.19 for Fig.16 B'-B' cross-sectional view of the lighting device shown;

[0069] Fig. 20 for Fig.16 A C'-C' cross-sectional view of the lighting device shown;

[0070] Fig.21 for Fig.17 D'-D' cross-sectional view of the lighting device shown;

[0071] Fig. 22 A feedthrough assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0072] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. They illustrate embodiments and are used to explain the principles and concepts of the present invention in conjunction with the description. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will be apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings. The elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to each other.

[0073] In the drawings, functionally equivalent and operationally equivalent elements, features and components have the same reference numerals unless stated otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Figure 1-15A connector 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Fig. 22 A feed assembly 401 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Connectors 1, 101, 201, 301 and feed assembly 401 can be used in a modular manner with profile track sections, lighting units and other components of track lighting systems for various selections and combinations of these components to build lighting devices. Figure 16-21 Cross-sectional views of lighting devices 1000 and 2000 according to exemplary embodiments are shown for illustration, whereby many other designs of lighting devices using connectors 1 , 101 , 201 and / or 301 and / or feed-in assembly 401 are contemplated.

[0075] Figure 1-4 A connector 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown. The connector 1 has an I-shaped basic shape in the form of an elongated cuboid. The freely aligned end regions of the connector 1 form two elongated cuboid connector parts 2 and 3. The connector 1 can be inserted into a docking area between two coaxially arranged, in particular rectilinear, track sections of a lighting system, whereby the connector part 2 is inserted into one of the track sections and the connector part 3 is inserted into the other of the track sections.

[0076] The connector 1 has a compact, space-saving housing, which is formed by a box-shaped housing part 6 and a cover-shaped housing part 10. The housing parts 6, 10 can be made of plastic material, for example by injection molding. After the connector 1 is assembled, the cover-shaped housing part 10 closes the longitudinal sides of the box-shaped housing part 6, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0077] The box-shaped housing part 6 has a substantially flat side wall 16 along its longitudinal side and is also provided with a substantially flat end wall 16a. The side wall 16 and the end wall 16a are connected to a substantially flat base 18 of the box-shaped housing part 6, in particular, are formed integrally with the base 18. In this case, the side wall 16 and the end wall 16a are adjacent to the base 18 along the outer edge area of ​​the base 18, form a box-like shape with the base 18, and surround the inner area of ​​the box-shaped housing part 6.

[0078] Each side wall 16 has a plurality of rectangular recesses 46, 47, which extend from the edge of the side wall 16 facing away from the base 18 into the side wall 16 and through which the inner area of ​​the box-shaped housing part 6 can be accessed. Each side wall 16 has two recesses 46 and two recesses 47, with the recess 47 being arranged between the two recesses 46. The recess 46 is deeper than the recess 47.

[0079] The side walls 16 are also provided with latching recesses 43, which are used to connect the housing parts 6 and 10. In addition, the side walls 16 each have a plurality of latching units 55, such as Figure 1-4 Four of them are configured to hold the connector 1 in the rail section in a latching manner. The latching units 55 are each formed by a resiliently movable portion of the side wall 16 and a latching lug arranged on the outside.

[0080] The cover-shaped housing part 10 has in the central region of its two longitudinal sides a latching element 13 which is designed to latch with in each case one of the latching recesses 43 for connecting the housing parts 6 and 10. Furthermore, the cover-shaped housing part 10 has in each of its opposite end regions a through-hole 14 through which a screw 15 can be inserted for connecting the housing parts 6 and 10. The screw 15 can be screwed into an associated screw boss 49 formed on the box-shaped housing part 6.

[0081] The cover-shaped housing part 10 also has a plurality of extensions 11 and 12 on its longitudinal sides, the positions of which correspond to the positions of the recesses 46 and 47. After the connector 1 is assembled, the extension 11 extends into a part of the recess 46 in a wall-like manner, while the extension 12 is smaller than the extension 11 and closes the shallower recess 47 on its open side facing away from the base 18.

[0082] In the inner region of the box-shaped housing part 6, parallel to the base 18, an elongated printed circuit board 19, for example in the form of a PCB (printed circuit board), is accommodated. The printed circuit board 19 is formed as a continuous piece and has two elongated printed circuit board parts 25 and 26. The printed circuit board part 25 is assigned to the connector part 2 and extends therein, while the printed circuit board part 26 is assigned to the connector part 3 and extends therein. The printed circuit board parts 25, 26 are integrally connected in the central region of the printed circuit board 19, wherein the printed circuit board 19 is symmetrically provided with cutouts 32 on both sides of its longitudinal edges. The printed circuit board 19 has conductive tracks 22, Figure 1 Only some of them are drawn schematically and illustrated in cross-section.

[0083] In the first exemplary embodiment, eight resilient contact elements 61 - 64 , 71 - 74 are each soldered to the printed circuit board 19 and in this way come into contact with the printed circuit board 19 and are firmly connected to the printed circuit board 19 .

[0084] The contact elements 61 - 64 , 71 - 74 are all formed in one piece, specifically made of a metal material, and each has a fastening portion 82 , an elastic middle portion 84 behind the fastening portion 82 , a contact portion 86 behind the elastic middle portion 84 , and a receiving portion 88 behind the contact portion 86 .

[0085] Here, the fastening portion 82 is formed for fixedly connecting the contact elements 61-64, 71-74 to the printed circuit board 19. The elastic intermediate portion 84 is provided with an offset, whereby it enables the contact portion 86 to be positioned in a direction transverse to the main extension plane of the printed circuit board 19. The receiving portion 88 serves to define the positioning of the contact portion 86 in the direction Q in which the contact elements 61-64, 71-74 have elastic mobility when no external force F acts on the contact portion 86. The contact portion 86 is formed as a segmented protrusion in order to contact the conductor of one of the track sections in a manner described in more detail below.

[0086] Four contact elements 61, 62, 71 and 72 are arranged in the printed circuit board part 25. Four contact elements 63, 64, 73 and 74 are arranged in the printed circuit board part 26. Viewed perpendicularly to a main extension plane of the printed circuit board 19, the contact portions 86 of the contact elements 61, 62, 63 and 64 are arranged in a first plane spaced apart from the main extension plane, and the contact portions 86 of the contact elements 71, 72, 73 and 74 are arranged in a second plane spaced apart from the main extension plane, the first plane and the second plane being different. Although the contact elements 71-74 and their contact portions 86 are completely arranged on the side of the printed circuit board 19 facing the base 18, the contact elements 61-64 and their contact portions 86 are at a greater distance from the base 18 than the contact elements 71-74.

[0087] Each of the two printed circuit board parts 25, 26 has two symmetrically arranged cutouts 31 at opposite longitudinal edges of the printed circuit board 19. In each case, one cutout 31 is assigned to one of the contact elements 61-64. In this way, a portion of each contact element 61-64, in particular a portion of the elastic middle portion 84, the contact portion 86 and the receiving portion 88, can protrude into the associated cutout 31 and be accommodated thereby, leaving clearance for elastic deflection.

[0088] To assemble the connector 1, the contact elements 61-64 and 71-74 are each pressed inwardly toward the longitudinal center plane of the printed circuit board 19 so as to face each other in pairs. The printed circuit board 19 with the contact elements 61-64, 71-74 is then inserted into the inner area of ​​the box-shaped housing part 6, the cover-shaped housing part 10 is placed on top, the locking element 13 and the locking recess 43 are locked, and the screw 15 is screwed in. After assembly, the contact portions 86 of the contact elements 71-74 each protrude outwardly from the connector 1 through an associated one of the recesses 47, and the contact portions 86 of the contact elements 61-64 each protrude outwardly from the connector 1 through an associated one of the recesses 46.

[0089] Therefore, each contact element 61-64, 71-74 can elastically rebound in the direction Q towards the inner area of ​​the box-shaped housing part 6 and towards the longitudinal center plane of the connector part 2 or 3. For the contact elements 63 and 72, the direction Q is Figure 3 , the direction Q is similar for the other contact elements 61, 62, 64, 71, 73, 74. The direction Q is in each case substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension direction X of the connector part 2 or 3, in which the contact elements 61-64, 71-74 are arranged, and substantially parallel to the main extension surface of the printed circuit board 19.

[0090] In the case where there is not enough external force F acting on the contact elements 61-64, 71-74, for example, see Figure 3 With respect to the contact element 71 in the housing 6, the receiving portion 88 rests with elastic prestress in the edge region of the recesses 46 and 47 on the inner side of the side wall 16 of the box-shaped housing part 6, which recesses 46 and 47 correspond to the contact elements 61-64, 71-74. For this purpose, the receiving portion 88 is arranged backwards in the direction Q relative to the contact portion 86. In this way, in a state where the connector 1 is not inserted into the track part and no sufficient force F is applied to the contact elements 61-64, 71-74 from the outside, each contact element 61-64, 71-74 is in a defined position, specifically in the transverse direction of the connector 1. As a result, the contact portion 86 protrudes outwards in a defined manner, neither too small nor too large.

[0091] The cutouts 31 are dimensioned such that the contact elements 61 - 64 can each spring into the box-shaped housing part 6 in the desired manner.

[0092] The rib-like structure 48 is arranged on the inner side of the box-shaped housing part 6. In the region of the contact elements 61, 62 and 63, 64 arranged opposite each other in pairs, the rib-like structure 48 comprises in each case a longitudinal rib 48a. In the assembled connector 1, the printed circuit board 19 rests on the screw bosses 49 and the longitudinal ribs 48a. The transverse ribs 48b, 48c of the rib-like structure 48, which are arranged in the region of the recesses 46 and 47, respectively, additionally stabilize the box-shaped housing part 6 and serve as a stop for the contact elements 61-64, 71-74, preventing them from being pressed too far into the box-shaped housing part 6.

[0093] Figure 4 A cross-section of the connector 1 is shown, which is located in a central section along the longitudinal direction X and perpendicular to the base 18, with a printed circuit board or PCB 19 being accommodated compactly and space-savingly in the housing of the connector 1 formed by the housing parts 6 and 10. In addition, Figure 4 A compact housing of the connector 1 is shown, the dimensions of which are small, for example also in a direction perpendicular to the base 18 .

[0094] Figure 5-9 A connector 101 having an X-shaped basic shape according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown. Elongated cuboid connector parts 102-105 are formed as arm-like regions of the connector 101, extending from the intersection region. The two connector parts 102 and 104 extend along a longitudinal extension direction X of the connector parts 102, 104, and the two connector parts 103 and 105 extend along a longitudinal extension direction Y of the connector parts 103, 105. The directions X and Y are substantially at right angles to each other, although other intersection angles are also conceivable.

[0095] The connector 101 has a box-shaped housing part 106 and a cover-shaped housing part 110, each housing part having an X-shaped basic shape in a plan view. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the box-shaped housing part 106 is formed with a base 118 and a flat side wall 116 parallel to the direction X and a flat side wall 117 parallel to the direction Y. The side walls 116, 117 are integrally adjacent to the base 118 and are connected to each other in the intersection area of ​​the corner area. In the free end area of ​​the connector parts 102, 104, the side walls 116 are connected by flat end walls 116a. In the free end area of ​​the connector parts 103, 105, the side walls 117 are connected by flat end walls 117a. Walls 116, 117, 116a, 117a and the base 118 together form a box-shaped shape with an X-shaped bottom surface.

[0096] Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the side walls 116, 117 each have a notch 146, 147 and a latching notch 143. In addition, the side walls 116, 117 are each formed with a latching unit 155, 155a for latchingly holding the connector 101 in the track portion, which can be inserted into the track portion together with the connector parts 102-105. In this case, the latching unit 155 is designed as in the first exemplary embodiment. The latching unit 155a is also formed as an elastically movable area of ​​the side wall 116 or 117, but is different from the latching unit 155 in that the latching unit 155a has a narrower cross section than the latching unit 155, which is elastically bent during the engagement process, and the latching unit 155a connects the outer latching lug to the rest of the side wall 116 or 117. Therefore, the latching unit 155a requires less force to engage than the latching unit 155. With respect to the intersection region, the locking unit 155 is arranged distally and the locking unit 155a is arranged proximally. The different designs of the locking units 155, 155a allow for a close adjacent arrangement of the locking units 155a, whose directions of action are at right angles to each other.

[0097] The box-shaped housing portion 106 is also formed with a rib structure 148 in its inner region, which has longitudinal ribs 148a and transverse ribs 148b, 148c similar to the first exemplary embodiment. In addition, the box-shaped housing portion 106 has a screw boss 149 arranged in the inner region.

[0098] Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the cover-shaped housing part 110 is provided with a through hole 114 for the screw 15 as well as the extensions 111 , 112 and the locking element 113 .

[0099] Two printed circuit boards 119 and 120, each having a substantially L-shaped base, are accommodated in the inner region of the box-shaped housing portion 106 and are each arranged substantially parallel to the base 118. The printed circuit boards 119, 120 are placed on the longitudinal ribs 148 and the screw bosses 149.

[0100] The printed circuit boards 119, 120 are arranged such that the tip regions 129 of the L-shaped basic shape of each printed circuit board 119, 120 are adjacent to each other in the intersection region. In the tip region 129, the outer edges of the printed circuit boards 119, 120 extend obliquely in each case, substantially at an angle of 45 degrees to the extension direction of the elongated printed circuit board sections 125, 126 and 127, 128, which form the legs of the L-shaped basic shape. In this way, an overlap of the printed circuit boards 119, 120 in the intersection region is avoided. The obliquely extending regions of the outer edges are each provided in their center with a substantially semicircular recess 129a, which together form a circular opening for the central screw 15.

[0101] Each printed circuit board 119, 120 is provided with conductive traces 122 and 123, respectively. Figure 5 No electrical connection is provided at the separation points T adjoining each other in the tip region 129 of the two printed circuit boards 119 , 120 .

[0102] The connector 101 has a total of sixteen resilient contact elements 161-168, 171-178. Eight contact elements 161-164, 171-174 are arranged on the printed circuit board 119, and eight contact elements 165-168, 175-178 are arranged on the printed circuit board 120. The contact elements 161-164, 171-174 and 165-168, 175-178 are formed in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment. In addition, the arrangement of the contact elements 161-164, 171-174 and 165-168, 175-178 on the printed circuit board 119 or 120 and their fixed connection to the printed circuit board 119 or 120 differ from the first exemplary embodiment only in that, in Figure 5-9In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contact elements 171-178 and their receiving portions 88 are not each directed toward the center of the connector 101, but toward the free end of an associated one of the connector parts 102-105. The contact elements 161-168, 171-178 are elastically biased on the inner side of the box-shaped housing part 106 in the manner of the first exemplary embodiment described above. In order to accommodate the contact elements 161-168 in certain areas, the printed circuit boards 119, 120 have cutouts 131 similar to the first exemplary embodiment. The printed circuit boards 119, 120 can be formed in the same manner and are respectively provided with contact elements 161-164, 171-174 and 165-168, 175-178.

[0103] PCB portion 125 of PCB 119 is associated with and extends within connector portion 102. PCB portion 126 of PCB 119 is associated with and extends within connector portion 103. PCB portion 127 of PCB 120 is associated with and extends within connector portion 104. PCB portion 128 of PCB 120 is associated with and extends within connector portion 105.

[0104] The cover-like housing part 110 may preferably be provided with markings 198 , 199 which provide the assembler with information as to which of the connector parts 102 - 105 is associated with the same printed circuit board 119 or 120 , respectively.

[0105] In a variation of the second embodiment not shown in the figures, a continuous printed circuit board having an X-shaped basic shape may be provided instead of the two separate printed circuit boards 119, 120. In this variation, conductive traces may be provided on the printed circuit board to achieve electrical coupling with the two separate printed circuit boards 119, 120 as described above, or, for example, conductive traces may be provided to enable corresponding elements of the contact elements 161-168, 171-178 of all connector parts 102-105 to be electrically coupled to each other.

[0106] Figure 10-12 2 shows a connector 201 having an L-shaped basic shape according to a third exemplary embodiment. The connector 201 has elongated cuboid arm-shaped connector parts 202 and 203, wherein the longitudinal extension direction X of the connector part 202 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction Y of the connector part 203. However, other angles between the directions X and Y are also possible as alternatives.

[0107] The connector 201 has a box-shaped housing part 206 , a cover-shaped housing part 210 and a printed circuit board 219 which is provided with resilient contact elements 261 - 264 , 271 - 274 with schematically indicated conductive tracks 222 .

[0108] The box-like housing part 206 having an L-shaped basic shape has a flat side wall 216 parallel to the longitudinal direction X and a flat side wall 217 parallel to the longitudinal direction Y, each of which is connected to a base 218 and forms a box-like shape together with flat end walls 216a, 217a.

[0109] Similar to the above-described embodiment, the side walls 216, 217 each have recesses 246, 247 and a latching recess 243. In addition, the side walls 216, 217 each are formed with latching units 255, 255a for latchingly holding the connector 201 in the track portion, which can be inserted into the track portion together with the connector portions 202, 203. The latching unit 255a corresponding to the latching unit 155a and capable of latching with less force is arranged on the inner side of the L-shaped basic shape, close to the joining area of ​​the connector portions 202, 203. The design of each latching unit 255 is similar to the latching units 55, 155.

[0110] Similar to the first and second exemplary embodiments, the box-shaped housing portion 206 is formed with a screw boss 249 and a rib structure 248 having a longitudinal rib 248a and transverse ribs 248b, 248c in its inner region. The printed circuit board 219 is placed on the longitudinal rib 248a and the screw boss 249.

[0111] The printed circuit board 219 has a substantially L-shaped basic shape, with the printed circuit board parts 225 and 226 forming the legs of the basic shape. The printed circuit board 219 is formed and provided with contact elements 261-264, 271-274 as each of the two printed circuit boards 119 or 120 according to the second exemplary embodiment. The contact elements 261-264, 271-274 are formed as in the second exemplary embodiment and are located on the inner side of the box-shaped housing part 206. Here, the printed circuit board 219 is provided with cutouts 231 arranged symmetrically with respect to the directions X and Y, respectively, in each of the two printed circuit board parts 225 and 226 for accommodating the contact elements 261-264 in a regional, elastically movable manner.

[0112] Like the printed circuit boards 119, 120, the printed circuit board 219 is arranged in a tip region 229 of an L-shaped basic shape having an inclined outer edge region extending at an angle of substantially 45 degrees to each of the directions X and Y. A semicircular recess 229a is provided in the center of the inclined outer edge region, which creates space for the screw 15.

[0113] Similar to the first and second exemplary embodiments, the cover-shaped housing part 210 has extensions 211 and 212, a locking element 213 for cooperating with the locking recess 243 and a through hole 214 for the screw 15. The cover-shaped housing part 210 also has an L-shaped basic shape.

[0114] Figure 13-15 A connector 301 having a T-shaped basic shape according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is shown, which has elongated cuboid connector parts 302, 303 and 304, which extend in arm-like manner from a branching region. The connector parts 302 and 304 extend along a longitudinal extension direction X, while the connector part 303 extends along a longitudinal extension direction Y which is substantially perpendicular to the direction X.

[0115] Connector 301 has a box-shaped housing part 306, a cover-shaped housing part 310 and a printed circuit board 319 which is provided with resilient contact elements 361-366, 371-376 with schematically shown conductive tracks 322. Housing parts 306 and 310 and printed circuit board 319 have a substantially T-shaped basic shape.

[0116] The box-shaped housing part 306 has a flat side wall 316 parallel to the direction X and a flat side wall 317 parallel to the direction Y, each of which adjoins a flat base 318 and together with the flat end walls 316a, 317a forms a box-like shape with a T-shaped bottom surface. One of the side walls 316 passes through the connector parts 302-304 in the area where they are connected, while the other two side walls 316 are each connected to the side wall 317 in the corner area.

[0117] Similar to the above-described embodiment, recesses 346, 347, latching recesses 343, latching units 355, 355a, screw bosses 349 and rib-like structures 348 with longitudinal ribs 348a and transverse ribs 348b, 348c are provided, wherein the printed circuit board 319 is placed on the screw bosses 349 together with their transverse connecting ribs and on the longitudinal ribs 348a. The latching units 355a corresponding to the latching units 155a and 255a and capable of latching with a lower force are arranged on both sides of the T-shaped basic shape, near the joining area of ​​the connector parts 302-304, on the side where the connector part 303 of the connector 301 protrudes vertically from the aligned connector parts 302, 304.

[0118] The printed circuit board 319 has a substantially T-shaped basic shape. The printed circuit board parts 325, 326 and 327 form arms of this basic shape, each part being associated with one of the connector parts 302, 303 and 304 respectively and extending within the associated connector part 302, 303 and 304 respectively.

[0119] The printed circuit board 319 is provided with twelve contact elements 361-366 and 371-376, each of which is firmly connected to the printed circuit board 319 by soldering and contacts the printed circuit board 319. Here, the contact elements 361-366 are formed in pairs and are arranged on the respective assigned connector parts 302, 303 or 304 like the contact elements 161-164, 165-168 or 261-264, and the contact elements 371-376 are formed in pairs and are arranged on the respective assigned connector parts 302, 303 or 304 like the contact elements 171-174, 175-178 or 271-274. As in the above embodiment, in the absence of the external force F, the contact elements 361-366, 371-376 are all in contact with the receiving part 88 on the inner side of the box-shaped housing part 306.

[0120] In each of the three printed circuit board parts 325 , 326 and 327 , the printed circuit board 319 is formed with cutouts 331 symmetrically arranged with respect to its longitudinal extension direction X or Y for accommodating the contact elements 361 - 366 in specific areas.

[0121] Similar to the first to third embodiments, the cover-shaped housing part 310 has extensions 311 and 312 , a locking element 313 for cooperating with the locking recess 343 , and a through hole 314 for the screw 15 .

[0122] In further variations of the above embodiments, the number of connector parts and / or the angles between them may be further varied.

[0123] For example, in a modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment, provision can be made for the connector parts 302 and 304 not to be aligned and parallel to each other, but to be at an angle of less than 180 degrees to each other. In this way, for example, a connector with a Y-shaped base can be formed.

[0124] Furthermore, in a variant of the second embodiment, for example, more than four connector parts can be provided, which are for example arranged uniformly around the center, extend from the center in an arm-like manner, and form an angle of less than 90 degrees with each other in pairs. In this way, a star-shaped basic shape of the connector can be formed, whereby the connector has, for example, a printed circuit board with a corresponding star-shaped basic shape. In another variant, it is conceivable to arrange more than four connector parts unevenly around the center, with different angles between adjacent connector parts.

[0125] According to the exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 1000 is Fig.16 1 and 10. The lighting device 1000 is shown in perspective and cross-sectional view from the side corresponding to the lower side in the installed state. The lighting device 1000 includes track parts 901 and 902, which have the same profile and type. Both track parts 901 and 902 have conductor units 950, see Fig. 20 The cross-sectional diagram in FIG. 1 is used to provide an operating current and a control signal, specifically a DALI signal, to a lighting unit 990 that can be connected to track parts 901 and 902. Fig.16 In the example, a lighting unit 990 mechanically and electrically coupled to a track portion 902 is shown as a spotlight, it being understood that other types of lighting units may also be powered by the track portions 901, 902. For example, the track portions 901, 902 are intended to be mounted on the ceiling of a room, thereby forming together a ceiling mounting track. Alternatively, for example, it is also conceivable that the track portions 901, 902 may be built into such a ceiling or suspended from such a ceiling.

[0126] The rail sections 901, 902 are connected to each other via an L-shaped intermediate piece 910, so that the rail sections 901, 902 and the L-shaped intermediate piece 910 form a substantially right angle. The L-shaped intermediate piece 910 is designed as a purely mechanical connection piece without electrical function.

[0127] The lighting device 1000 further comprises a connector 201 according to the third exemplary embodiment, whose connector part 203 is inserted into the rail part 902, and the connector part 202 is inserted into the rail part 901. The tip region of the connector 201 is accommodated in an L-shaped intermediate piece 910, in which the connector parts 202, 203 are connected, and the inner contour of the L-shaped intermediate piece 910 can basically correspond to the inner contour of the rail parts 901, 902 in terms of geometry.

[0128] The track sections 901, 902 have an exemplary channel-shaped design. The conductor unit 950 of each track section 901, 902 has a holding body made of insulating material and conductors 951-954 on both sides of the track section 901, 902 transversely, which are held in the holding body and can be contacted from the inside and extend in the longitudinal direction of the track section 901, 902.

[0129] The conductors 951 and 953 are used to provide a DC operating voltage, specifically a DC operating voltage of substantially 48 V, to the lighting unit 990 . The conductors 952 and 954 are used to provide a control signal, specifically a DALI signal, to control the lighting unit 990 .

[0130] The connector 201 electrically couples the conductor units 950 of the track sections 901 and 902 to each other. To this end, the contact elements 263, 264 contact the conductor 951 or 953 of the track section 901, and the contact elements 273, 274 contact the conductor 952 or 954 of the track section 902. In addition, the contact elements 261, 262 contact the corresponding conductors 951 and 953 of the track section 902, respectively, and the contact elements 271, 272 contact the corresponding conductors 952 and 954, respectively.

[0131] Using the conductive traces 222 of the connector 201, the contact elements 261 and 263, 262 and 264, 271 and 273, and 272 and 274 are each electrically coupled to one another in such a way that an operating voltage can be transmitted from one of the track sections 901, 902 to the other with the help of the contact elements 261-264, and control signals are transmitted with the help of the contact elements 271-274.

[0132] Preferably, for the connector 201 and the other connectors 1, 101, 301, the operating current and the control signal are forwarded through the conductive traces 22, 122, 123, 222, 322 of the continuous printed circuit board 19, 119 or 120, 219, 319, without, for example, further processing of the control signal or switching of the operating current on the printed circuit board 19, 119, 120, 219, 319. Therefore, electronic components extending beyond the conductive traces 22, 122, 123, 222, 322 are not required and are preferably not provided on the printed circuit board 19, 119, 120, 219, 319. However, in a variant, it is conceivable to provide one or more electronic components, for example for processing or interpreting the control signal, and for selectively forwarding or not forwarding the operating current on the printed circuit board 19, 119, 120, 219, 319.

[0133] When the connector 201 is inserted into the track sections 901, 902, the locking units 255, 255a engage behind the inner edges of the open side areas of the track sections 901, 902, see Fig. 20 When the connector 201 is inserted, the contact elements 261-264, 271-274 are all spring-loaded into the box-shaped housing part 206 in the direction Q and exert sufficient and appropriate spring force to make contact. The connector 201 can be removed in a simple manner by grasping the gripping strip 250 formed at the free end of the connector parts 202, 203 on the box-shaped housing part 206 and exerting force to release the locking units 255, 255a. Corresponding gripping strips 50, 150, 350 are also provided on the box-shaped housing parts 6, 106, 306 of the connectors 1, 101, 301.

[0134] Fig.172 shows a bottom perspective view of a lighting device 2000 according to another exemplary embodiment, similar to Fig.16 .

[0135] The lighting device 2000 has three similar track parts 901, 902, 903, which are mechanically coupled together in a T-shaped manner by a T-shaped intermediate piece 920. Like the L-shaped intermediate piece 910, the T-shaped intermediate piece 920 is also a purely mechanical connector without electrical functions. The conductor units 950 of all track parts 901-903 are electrically coupled to each other by coupling corresponding conductors 951-954 through a connector 301, which is inserted into the track parts 903, 902 and 901 together with the connector parts 302-304. The contact elements 361, 363 and 366, the contact elements 362, 364, 365, the contact elements 371, 373, 376 and the contact elements 372, 374, 375 are all electrically coupled to each other by conductive traces 322.

[0136] Another lighting device can be formed in which two coaxially arranged track parts 901, 902 are coupled together by the connector 1. In this case, a straight intermediate piece for mechanical connection can be provided between the track parts 901, 902. In the connector 1, the contact elements 61 and 63, the contact elements 62 and 64, the contact elements 71 and 73, and the contact elements 72 and 74 are all electrically coupled to each other by the conductive trace 22.

[0137] In terms of its electrical function, the X-shaped connector 101 corresponds to two L-shaped connectors 201 connected together in the tip region, whereby neither control signals nor operating currents are transmitted via the diagonal disconnection point T. Reference numerals 198, 199 are used to show the fittings of the connected track sections to which they are electrically coupled.

[0138] In the above Figure 1-21In the exemplary embodiment explained in , the connector parts 2, 3, 102-105, 202, 203 and 302-304 are formed as straight lines along their longitudinal extension directions X and Y, respectively. In order to interact with track parts that are not straight but curved like the track parts 901-903, one or more of the connector parts 2, 3, 102-105, 202, 203 and 302-304 can be bent or curved along the longitudinal extent of the connector parts 2, 3, 102-105, 202, 203 and 302-304. In the case of a bent or kinked connector part 2, 3, 102-105, 202, 203 or 302-304, the shape of the associated printed circuit board part 25, 26, 125-128, 225, 226 or 325-327 follows the bend or kink of the connector part 2, 3, 102-105, 202, 203 or 302-304. The side wall 16, 116, 117, 216, 217, 316 or 317 then deviates from a flat shape in the bent or kinked form.

[0139] Fig. 22 A feed assembly 401 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown. The feed assembly 401 has a box-shaped housing portion 406 and a cover-shaped housing portion 410 formed similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, but shorter than the housing portions 6, 10. For example, the cover-shaped housing portion 410 also has extensions 411, 412 that close the recesses in the side walls 416 of the box-shaped housing portion 406.

[0140] Fig. 22 A printed circuit board, not shown in detail, is arranged in the box-shaped housing part 406. Contact elements 461, 462, 471, 472 are arranged on the printed circuit board and are firmly connected to the printed circuit board by soldering and are in contact with the printed circuit board. The design and arrangement of the contact elements 461, 462, 471, 472 are similar to the contact elements 61, 62, 71, 72 of the first exemplary embodiment and, in the absence of external forces F, support the connector 1 in the region of the inside of the box-shaped housing part 406 in the manner described above, in each case in the edge region of the recess. The printed circuit board of the feed-in component 401 can thus correspond approximately to Figure 1 The left half of the printed circuit board 19. In addition, the side wall 416 has a latching unit 455 for holding the feed-in assembly 401 in a track section, such as one of the track sections 901-903.

[0141] The feed assembly 401 has a feed line 495, for example, which enters the box-shaped housing portion 406 at the end wall 416a.

[0142] For example, the feeding component 401 can be inserted into the track portion 901 or 902 of the lighting device 1000, or inserted into the track portion 901, 902 or 903 of the lighting device 2000, so as to feed the conductor unit 950 of the track portion into which the feeding component 401 is inserted with an operating current, such as a DC voltage of 48V, and a control signal, such as a DALI signal.

[0143] Using conductive traces of a printed circuit board feeding assembly 401 , contact elements 461 , 462 are electrically coupled to respective conductors of feed line 495 for operating current, and contact elements 471 , 472 are electrically coupled to respective conductors of feed line 495 for control signals.

[0144] Along the longitudinal direction of the track portion, for example, along the longitudinal direction of track portion 901, 902 or 903, the feed assembly 401 can be freely positioned, thereby inserting the track portion at any free position. In addition, the feed assembly 401 inserted into the track portion such as 901, 902 or 903 can move along the track portion.

[0145] Although in Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the feeding component 401 is designed to extend substantially in a straight or linear manner, but in a variation, the feeding component 401 can be designed to be curved, similar to the above-mentioned variation of the connector part 2, for example.

[0146] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments and can be modified in various other ways.

[0147] Reference numerals list

[0148] 1 Connector

[0149] 2.3 Connector part

[0150] 6 Box-shaped housing part

[0151] 10 Cover-shaped housing portion

[0152] 11, 12 extension

[0153] 13 Locking element

[0154] 14 Through Holes

[0155] 15 Screws

[0156] 16 Sidewall

[0157] 16a wall

[0158] 18 base

[0159] 19 Printed Circuit Board

[0160] 22 Conductive traces

[0161] 25, 26 Printed circuit board part

[0162] 31, 32 incision

[0163] 43 Locking notch

[0164] 46, 47 notches

[0165] 48 Rib structure

[0166] 48a Longitudinal rib

[0167] 48b, 48c Transverse ribs

[0168] 49 Screw boss

[0169] 50 Grip Bar

[0170] 55 Locking unit

[0171] 61, 62, 63, 64 contact elements

[0172] 71, 72, 73, 74 contact elements

[0173] 82 Fastening part

[0174] 84 elastic middle part

[0175] 86 Contact Department

[0176] 88 Bearing part

[0177] 101 Connectors

[0178] 102, 103, 104, 105 Connector part

[0179] 106 Box-shaped housing part

[0180] 110 Cover-shaped housing portion

[0181] 111, 112 extension

[0182] 113 Locking element

[0183] 114 Through Holes

[0184] 116, 117 side wall

[0185] 116a, 117a Wall

[0186] 118 base

[0187] 119 Printed Circuit Board

[0188] 120 Printed Circuit Board

[0189] 122, 123 Conductive traces

[0190] 125, 126, 127, 128 Printed circuit board part

[0191] 129 Tip Area

[0192] 129a Notch

[0193] 131 Incision

[0194] 143 Locking notch

[0195] 146, 147 Notch

[0196] 148 Rib structure

[0197] 148a Longitudinal rib

[0198] 148b, 148c Transverse ribs

[0199] 149 Screw boss

[0200] 150 Grip Bar

[0201] 155, 155a Locking unit

[0202] 161, 162, 163, 164 Contact elements

[0203] 165, 166, 167, 168 Contact elements

[0204] 171, 172, 173, 174 Contact elements

[0205] 175, 176, 177, 178 Contact elements

[0206] 198, 199 Marks

[0207] 201 Connector

[0208] 202, 203 connector part

[0209] 206 Box-shaped housing part

[0210] 210 Cover-shaped housing portion

[0211] 211, 212 extension

[0212] 213 Locking element

[0213] 214 Through Holes

[0214] 216, 217 side wall

[0215] 216a, 217a Wall

[0216] 218 base

[0217] 219 Printed Circuit Board

[0218] 222 Conductive traces

[0219] 225, 226 Printed circuit board part

[0220] 229 Tip Area

[0221] 229a Notch

[0222] 231 Incision

[0223] 243 Locking notch

[0224] 246, 247 Notch

[0225] 248 Rib structure

[0226] 248a Longitudinal rib

[0227] 248b, 248c Transverse ribs

[0228] 249 Screw boss

[0229] 250 Grip Bar

[0230] 255, 255a Locking unit

[0231] 261, 262, 263, 264 Contact elements

[0232] 271, 272, 273, 274 Contact elements

[0233] 301 Connector

[0234] 302, 303, 304 connector part

[0235] 306 Box-shaped housing part

[0236] 310 Cover-shaped housing part

[0237] 316, 317 side wall

[0238] 316a, 317a Wall

[0239] 318 base

[0240] 319 Printed Circuit Board

[0241] 322 Conductive traces

[0242] 325, 326, 327 Printed circuit board parts

[0243] 329 Tip Area

[0244] 331 Incision

[0245] 343 Locking notch

[0246] 346, 347 Notch

[0247] 348a Longitudinal rib

[0248] 348b, 348c Transverse ribs

[0249] 349 Screw boss

[0250] 350 Grip Bar

[0251] 355, 355a Locking unit

[0252] 361, 362, 363 Contact elements

[0253] 364, 365, 366 Contact elements

[0254] 371, 372, 373 Contact elements

[0255] 374, 375, 376 Contact elements

[0256] 401 Feed Component

[0257] 406 Box-shaped housing part

[0258] 410 Cover-shaped housing part

[0259] 411, 412 extension

[0260] 416 Sidewall

[0261] 416a wall

[0262] 455 Locking unit

[0263] 461, 462, 471, 472 Contact elements

[0264] 495 Feeder Line

[0265] 901, 902, 903 track section

[0266] 910 L-shaped middle piece

[0267] 920 T-shaped middle piece

[0268] 950 Conductor Units

[0269] 951, 952, 953, 954 Conductors

[0270] 990 Lighting Unit

[0271] 1000, 2000 lighting fixtures

[0272] F External force

[0273] Q direction

[0274] T separation point

[0275] X, Y direction

Claims

1. A connector (1; 101; 201; 301), characterized in that: in each case a track section (901-903) which can be inserted into a lighting system together with its connector section (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 203; 302-304); The track sections (901-903) are each provided with a conductor unit (950) for providing at least an operating current to a lighting unit (990) that can be coupled to the track sections (901-903); wherein the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) is configured to electrically couple the conductor units (950) in at least two of the track sections (901-903) to each other; wherein the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) comprises a printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319) having conductive tracks (22; 122, 123; 222; 322), and the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) comprises contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376), each of which is firmly connected to the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319) and is configured to contact a corresponding conductor (951-954) of one of the conductor units (950) of at least two of the track sections (901-903) in each case; The connector (1; 101; 201; 301) is capable of achieving electrical coupling of corresponding conductors (951-954) of the conductor units (950) of at least two of the track sections (901-903) by using electrical coupling of associated contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) of at least one of the conductive traces (22; 122, 123; 222; 322).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) are configured to have resilience.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connector (1; 101; 201; 301) comprises a housing part (6; 106; 206; 306), wherein, in the absence of an external force (F) acting on the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376), the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161 -164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) in each case rests in an elastically prestressed manner on a region of the housing part (6; 106; 206; 306), in particular in an inner region in which the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319) is accommodated in the housing part (6; 106; 206; 306).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) are all configured to have a bearing portion (88), and when no external force (F) acts on the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376), the bearing portion abuts against the housing portion (6; 106; 206; 306) on the inside in an elastically prestressed manner.

5. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The housing part (6; 106; 206; 306) comprises side walls (16; 116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317), each side wall (16; 116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) being provided with a recess (47, 46; 147, 146; 247, 246; 347, 346), wherein the contact element (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376 ) and the recesses (47, 46; 147, 146; 247, 246; 347, 346) are arranged and configured in such a way that a contact portion (86) of one of the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) for contacting a conductor (951-954) in each case protrudes outwardly through the recesses (47, 46; 147, 146; 247, 246; 347, 346).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the edge region of the recess (47, 46; 147, 146; 247, 246; 347, 346) assigned to the contact element (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376), when no external force (F) acts on the contact element (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) 168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376), the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) abut against the side walls (16; 116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) on the inside in an elastically prestressed manner.

7. The connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The side wall (16; 116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) is adjacent to the base (18; 118; 218; 318) of the housing part (6; 106; 206; 306), wherein the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319) is substantially parallel to the base (18; 118; 218; 318); specifically, wherein the side wall (16) together with the base (18; 118; 218; 318) and other walls (16a; 116a, 117a; 216a, 217a; 316a, 317a) of the housing part (6; 106; 206; 306) form a box-like shape.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The side wall (16; 116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) is also provided with a locking unit (55; 155, 155a; 255, 255a; 355, 355a) for retaining the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) in the track portion (901-903) in a locking manner.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The connector (1) is configured to have an I-shaped basic shape, wherein the connector parts (2, 3) are configured as free, mutually aligned end areas of the connector (1); or, the connector (101; 201; 301) is formed to have an X-shaped basic shape or an L-shaped basic shape or a T-shaped basic shape, wherein the connector parts (102-105; 202-203; 302-304) are configured as arm-shaped extension areas of the connector (101; 201; 301).

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The connector (101) is configured to have an X-shaped basic shape, the connector parts (102-105) are configured as arm-shaped extension areas of the connector (101), and the connector (101) includes two printed circuit boards (119, 120) having a substantially L-shaped basic shape, a plurality of the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-2 74; each of 361-366, 371-376) is arranged on one of the two printed circuit boards (119, 120), two of the connector parts (102-105) are respectively assigned to one of the two printed circuit boards (119, 120), and the two printed circuit boards (119, 120) are arranged in such a manner that the tip areas (129) of each of the substantially L-shaped printed circuit boards (119, 120) are adjacent to each other.

11. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) of the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) include contact elements (61-64; 161-168; 261-264; 361-366), each contact element (61-64; 161-168; 261-264; 361-366) being configured as contact conductors (951, 953) to provide a DC operating voltage, specifically a DC operating voltage of substantially 48V, to the lighting unit (990).

12. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The conductor unit (950) provided for each track section (901-903) is also configured to provide a control signal for controlling one or more lighting units (990) that can be coupled to the track section (901-903).

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) of the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) include contact elements (71-74; 171-178; 271-274; 371-377), each contact element (71-74; 171-178; 271-274; 371-377) being configured to contact a conductor (952, 954) to provide the control signal, specifically a DALI signal.

14. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) are all soldered to the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319).

15. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) are each provided with a fastening portion (82) for fixed connection with the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319), and a crank-shaped elastic middle portion (84) behind the fastening portion (82).

16. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319) is provided with elongated printed circuit board parts (25, 26; 125-128; 225, 226; 325-327), each printed circuit board part (25, 26; 125-128; 225, 226; 325-327) being assigned to one of the connector parts (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 203; 302-304), and the printed circuit board parts (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 203; 302-304) being respectively assigned to the connector parts (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 203; 302-304). 03; 302-304), and furthermore, the printed circuit board part (25, 26; 125-128; 225, 226; 325-327) has a cutout (31; 131; 231; 331) at one of its edges, in each case for accommodating one of the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) associated with a specific area.

17. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) is inserted into the track portion (901-903), the direction (Q) in which the contact element (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) can rebound is substantially transverse to the connector portion (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 2 03; 302-304) in a longitudinal extension direction (X; X, Y), in which direction (Q), the contact elements (61-64, 71-74; 161-164, 171-174, 165-168, 175-178; 261-264, 271-274; 361-366, 371-376) are arranged substantially parallel to a main extension surface of the printed circuit board (19; 119, 120; 219; 319).

18. A feed-in assembly (401), characterized in that It is insertable into at least one track section (901-903) of a lighting system; The track portion (901-903) is provided with a conductor unit (950) for providing at least an operating current to a lighting unit (990) that can be coupled to the track portion (901-903); Wherein, the feeding component (401) is configured to feed the working current to at least the conductor unit (950) of the track section (901-903); wherein the feed assembly (401) comprises a printed circuit board having conductive tracks, and the feed assembly (401) comprises contact elements (461, 462, 471, 472) which are each fixedly connected to the printed circuit board and are configured to contact in each case a conductor (951-954) of the conductor unit (950) of the track section (901-903); The feed assembly (401) enables the conductors (951-954) of the conductor unit (950) of the track section (901-903) to be electrically coupled to corresponding conductors of the feed line (495) using at least one of the conductive traces.

19. A lighting device (1000; 2000), characterized in that include: at least two track sections (901-903), at least one connector (1; 101; 201; 301) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and at least one lighting unit (990), wherein each of the track sections (901-903) is provided with a conductor unit (950), and the lighting unit (990) is coupled to one of the track sections (901-903) and is capable of providing at least an operating current via the conductor unit (950) of the track section (901-903); Therein, the connector (1; 101; 201; 301) and its connector parts (2, 3; 102-105; 202, 203; 302-304) are in each case inserted into the track section (901-903) and electrically couple the conductor elements (950) of the track sections (901-903) to one another.

20. A lighting device, characterized in that: comprising at least one track section (901-903), at least one feed assembly (401) according to claim 18 and at least one lighting unit (990); The track portion (901-903) is provided with a conductor unit (950), and the lighting unit (990) is coupled to the track portion (901-903) and is capable of providing at least an operating current through the conductor unit (950) of the track portion (901-903); The feeding component (401) is inserted into the track section (901-903) and feeds at least the operating current to the conductor unit (950) of the track section (901-903).

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