Track, in particular for lighting system, and associated plug-in adapter

Abstract

A track / adapter system, in particular a track / adapter system for internal lighting, is miniaturized and optimized to achieve a minimum level of visual impact and to allow for the possibility of producing curves even with small radii.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lighting devices and lighting systems, and more particularly to the technical field of lighting systems including tracks for mounting pendant, ceiling-mounted, or flush ceiling or wall-mounted lighting devices. Background Art

[0002] Track lighting systems are an important category of lighting systems. Track lighting systems provide means for positioning and / or directing the lighting of a particular environment in a selectable manner according to contingent needs, which may be associated with the type of space to be lit, the type of furniture, etc.

[0003] Conventional examples of track lighting systems include at least one electrified track and lighting devices adapted to dock with the electrified track. The track supports power distribution at low voltage or mains voltage, as well as the mechanical mounting of one or more lighting devices, which can typically be arranged at multiple positions along the extension of the one or more lighting devices in a continuous manner.

[0004] Thus, once installed, track lighting systems allow for great flexibility in determining the lighting conditions of an environment and allow for changes to the lighting profile in a quick and easy manner. In fact, the lighting devices mounted on the track can be removed, added, moved, and replaced as needed.

[0005] As a whole, the visual impact of this type of lighting system clearly includes the light produced, the appearance of the track and the lighting devices, and the integration of the track and the lighting devices with the surrounding environment when both are installed on the ceiling or wall. Therefore, even the track and the lighting devices themselves are considered a decorative element, and thus, the more the track is integrated with the environment that houses it, the more pleasing it is.

[0006] Among the lighting devices most commonly mounted on electrified tracks, there are, for example, adjustable spotlights. As mentioned above, the advantage of track mounting is that it allows the anchoring position of the lighting device to be changed, and in the case of adjustable spotlights, this degree of freedom increases the possibility of changing the direction of the emitted light beam, thus achieving complete flexibility in adapting the emission of the light source to the needs of the environment in which the light source is installed. In fact, if the arrangement of the items in the environment changes, the spotlight can be easily oriented or moved along the track, or removed from the electrified track and installed in another position.

[0007] There are various types of electrified tracks.

[0008] The first type consists of a suspended track that is anchored to the ceiling by means of a cable or by screws or metal supports. This type of track is often used, for example, in cases where there are spaces with very high ceilings, or generally where an adjustable beam for illuminating objects, walls, etc. is required.

[0009] Another type of energized track for lighting fixtures includes an in-built energized track associated with a drywall wall or ceiling, etc. Drywall walls are used when flexibility is required in the installation environment, such as in the field of commercial establishments where furniture is frequently adjusted, or in domestic environments where masonry work is impracticable or difficult to implement. In such cases, the in-built track can be at least partially accommodated within the thickness of the drywall wall. Some in-built tracks can advantageously be provided with retaining flanges that are adapted to facilitate fastening the track to the drywall wall or ceiling and sometimes also perform the function of retaining the panels for forming a false ceiling.

[0010] The cables and power supplies, components, anchoring systems, and retaining systems for the tracks used for installation can also be arranged within the drywall wall, which usually hides compartments and enclosures. For this reason, the in-built energized tracks are generally smaller in size compared to suspended tracks. However, since this type of energized track directly affects the appearance of the ceiling, in areas where the design content of the furniture is important, the application of this type of track may encounter obstacles and may not be adopted, even though it is the most comfortable solution to use. In addition, the currently available tracks may only be used for straight sections and may not travel along curved sections, which effectively limits the application possibilities and the flexibility of use.

[0011] Taking into account the above technical problems, the owner of this patent application has developed a new system that can be suspended or in-built for installing electrical devices, especially lighting fixtures, on walls and ceilings. The system includes a track with very small sections and a corresponding adapter, the adapter also being very small in size and adapted to engage with the said track. According to the track / adapter system of this specification, especially in the case of in-built installation, since the track is almost completely hidden within the drywall wall, it allows for a minimum level of visual impact, and generally since curves with even small radii can be produced, this system allows for a very high degree of installation flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The system according to this specification, especially but not exclusively for installing lighting fixtures on drywall walls, etc., includes an energized track and a corresponding adapter, both the energized track and the corresponding adapter being miniaturized to minimize the visual impact of the energized track and the lighting fixture during installation.

[0014] The track of the system according to the present specification has a section including at least one first compartment, the first compartment being provided with two side shells, the two side shells being adapted to accommodate two metal conductors, the two metal conductors being accommodated in a support made of insulating material, the two metal conductors extending longitudinally over the entire length of the track, the first compartment communicating with a second compartment, the second compartment having an opening facing the outside, the second compartment being configured to receive the blade connector of the adapter.

[0015] The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by the holding means of the support made of insulating material of the metal contacts. For example, the holding means may consist of two tabs, one end of the two tabs being anchored to the side wall of the track and the other end being free, and the two tabs being shaped to exert a pressure suitable for holding the aforementioned support made of insulating material in the correct position.

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the aforementioned track include different fastening means based on the specific use of the track itself. Thus, the aforementioned track may be provided, for example, with a third compartment that communicates with the outside and is adapted to engage with a locking element (such as the head of a screw) for connection to a ceiling or to a wall acting as a ceiling. Alternatively, a flap may be provided that is integral with the upper wall of the first compartment, and the flap is provided with hooking means for positioning the track in a suspended mode, such as connecting to a metal frame of a false ceiling.

[0017] In addition, the track may include a portion that extends perpendicularly to the side wall of the second compartment and is adapted to hold a false ceiling panel disposed at the side of the track itself, such as a panel for a false ceiling provided with a metal frame.

[0018] The adapter of the lighting system according to the present specification has a blade connector, the blade connector being provided with two electrical contacts adapted to engage with the electrical conductors of the first compartment of the track and a reversible mechanical locking device adapted to engage with the second compartment of the track.

[0019] More specifically, the blade connector includes a central portion that is linked to a base of a holding arm that can be connected to a lighting device, and includes two electrical contacts that are connected to a connection cable leading to an optical group of the lighting device, and includes two ends having a reversible mechanical locking device adapted to engage with the second compartment of the track.

[0020] Preferably, the reversible mechanical locking device at the two ends of the blade of the adapter includes a compressible spring, the size of which at rest is larger than the opening of the aforementioned second compartment of the track.

[0021] Advantageously, a release-preventing safety device can be provided, which is adapted to prevent the adapter from being accidentally released from the track that houses the adapter. Examples of release-preventing safety devices that can be used include wedges made of metal or plastic materials, which are hinged at the ends of the blade connectors and are adapted to engage with the compressible springs, thereby preventing the compressible springs from being compressed and thus preventing the compressible springs from exiting from the second compartment of the track when on site. Obviously, other examples of release-preventing safety devices can be used to prevent the release of the blades of the adapter.

[0022] The electrical contacts can advantageously be obtained by two tabs having ends that are accessible from the surface of the blade connector and are compressible. The ends of the tabs can be provided with protrusions facing the outside of the adapter on their opposite sides and are adapted to engage with the first compartment of the track at a certain position after being appropriately compressed, thereby forming a stable connection with the contacts present inside the first compartment of the track.

[0023] Furthermore, the blade of the adapter includes a housing, an outer shell (preferably made of an insulating and deformable plastic material), the reversible mechanical locking means adapted to accommodate the two ends of the blade of the adapter, and the contacts in the central part of the adapter, so that the compressible ends are exposed. In addition to the task of protecting the components of the blade and providing mechanical stability to the components of the blade, this housing also allows the blade itself to be reversibly deformed to engage straight and curved tracks.

[0024] According to the conventional use of the present invention, during the step of inserting the adapter, the blade is introduced into the compartment of the track; when the compressible springs at the two ends of the blade encounter the opening of the aforementioned second compartment of the track and the adapter is further pushed, the aforementioned compressible springs are compressed until the aforementioned compressible springs enter the opening and then expand again inside the second compartment of the track, thereby engaging with the track and effectively locking the blade of the adapter in place.

[0025] Correspondingly, the contacts present in the central part of the blade of the adapter also engage with the first compartment of the track, thereby pressing against the corresponding metal conductors arranged inside the track in the first compartment.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, springs or pressure contacts can be used, which are appropriately selected and sized based on the distances present between the conductors integrated in the first compartment inside the track.

[0027] According to the described embodiment, in the case where the blade has to be bent to adapt to the curved part of the track, the central part of the blade including the electrical contacts is made not to undergo deformation, thereby ensuring the stability of the aforementioned electrical contacts and the adhesion of the aforementioned electrical contacts to the corresponding conductors of the track.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adapter may be equipped with a blade provided with an extension adapted to receive an electronic device powered by a cable or a printed track connected to the aforementioned electrical contacts.

[0029] A system including a charged track and a related adapter according to the present invention allows for a very high level of miniaturization. The opposing contacts integrated in the adapter can be closer together until the limit of the minimum distance required by electrical safety regulations, which depends on the voltage applied to the contacts of the track. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] By reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting examples, with the aid of the drawings shown in the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first compartment of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a second compartment of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 6 A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a track according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 8 A perspective view of a blade of a preferred embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 9 A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a blade of a preferred embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention are shown;

[0041] Figure 10 An exploded view of a blade of a preferred embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 11A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention is shown, in which a base is connected to a lighting device and a blade is deformed to be bent; and

[0043] Figure 12 A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention are shown, the adapter being provided with an extension adapted to receive an electronic device.

[0044] The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0045] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, a section of the track 10 of the system according to the present specification has a compartment 11 including at least one first compartment 11, the first compartment 11 being provided with two side housings 12 adapted to accommodate two electrical conductors 13 longitudinally extending over the entire length of the track. The first compartment 11 communicates with a second compartment 14 having an opening 15 facing the outside and adapted to receive a blade connector 21 of an adapter 20, the adapter 20 being powered through the track 10. Preferably, the electrical conductors 13 are each arranged on a specific support 16 made of an insulating material, and the electrical conductors 13 are accessible from the support 16 such that the mutual distance between the electrical conductors 13 complies with safety regulations related to the voltage experienced by the electrical contacts. Preferably, the support 16 made of an insulating material is made of a plastic material, and the thickness of the support 16 is sufficient to ensure a safe distance between the electrical conductors 13 and other metal components of the track. Preferably, the upper wall of the first compartment includes a recess 32 adapted to accommodate the top of the blade 21 of the adapter 20 when the top of the blade 21 of the adapter 20 is inserted. This recess allows guiding the blade of the adapter so that the blade is in the correct position, ensuring that the electrical contacts of the track and the adapter are engaged with each other in the correct manner, thereby minimizing the electrical contact resistance.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the second compartment 14 is provided with an opening 15 facing the outside (obtained in the lower wall of the track 10), the opening 15 having an inclined side 19 such that the end of the opening 15 facing the inside of the track is wider than the end facing the outside.

[0048] The first compartment 11 and the second compartment 14 are different from or independent of the holding means of the support 16 made of an insulating material that insulates the electrical conductor 13. The holding means are present on the side walls of the track 10. For example, the holding means can consist of two tabs 31, one end of which is anchored to the side wall of the track and the other end is free, and the two tabs 31 are shaped to exert pressure along the entire length or a section, the pressure being suitable for holding the aforementioned support 16 made of insulating material in the correct position in the housing 12.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the track 10 include different wall fastening means based on the specific use of the track itself. Thus, the track 10 can be provided, for example, with a third compartment 28 that communicates with the outside and is suitable for engaging with a locking element (such as the head of a screw) for connection to a ceiling or to a wall acting as a ceiling. Alternatively, a flap 17 can be provided, which is integral with the upper wall of the first compartment and is provided with hooking means 18 for positioning the track in a suspended mode, such as connecting to a metal frame of a false ceiling.

[0050] Furthermore, the track 10 can include two wings 33, 34 that extend perpendicularly with respect to the side walls of the second compartment 11 and are suitable for holding false ceiling panels arranged at the side of the track itself, for example for a false ceiling provided with a metal frame as shown in the appendix Figure 6 in the appendix.

[0051] In another embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 7 the track 10 includes two side legs 38, 39 that are integral with the side walls of the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 14. The two side legs 38, 39 are suitable for accommodating means for fastening plates of various sizes and have the function of holding a gypsum board ceiling and assisting in the operation of grouting a gypsum board wall itself near the track. The fastening means can advantageously include threaded housings for screws.

[0052] Advantageously, the track 10 can be made of both plastic material and metal material.

[0053] Referring to the appendix Figure 8 in a preferred embodiment, the adapter 20 of the system according to the present specification includes a blade connector 21 that is preferably connected to a base 22, and the base 22 can in turn be connected to a holding arm 36 of, for example, lighting equipment. The base 22 can be provided with a rotating block, which is made, for example, of a socket head screw 35 that is suitable for engaging with mutually movable parts of the base 22, as shown in the appendix Figure 9 shown.

[0054] The blade connector 21 includes a central portion 23 which in turn includes two electrical contacts 24 that can be connected, for example, to a connection cable leading to an optical group of a lighting device associated with the base 22. The two electrical contacts 24 are adapted to engage with the electrical conductors 13 of the first compartment 11 of the track 10 and can be made, for example, of two tabs having ends that are accessible from the surface of the blade connector and are compressible. The ends of the tabs can advantageously be provided, on their opposite sides, with protrusions facing the outside of the blade of the adapter and are adapted to engage with the first compartment 11 of the track 10 at a certain position after appropriate compression, thereby forming a stable connection with the conductor 13 present inside the first compartment 11 of the track 10.

[0055] The blade connector 21 further includes at least one blade 29 which is flexible and has a high mechanical robustness. The at least one blade 29 has a first end 40 (when present) integral with the base 22 and a second end 25 integral with a reversible mechanical locking device adapted to engage with the second compartment 14 of the track 10.

[0056] The connection between the first end 40 of the blade 29 and the base 22 can be obtained by welding or by mechanical fasteners (such as, for example, rivets, eyelets, fasteners, etc.).

[0057] The reversible mechanical locking device integral with the second end 25 of the at least one blade 29 preferably includes a compressible spring 26 which, at rest, has a size greater than the opening 15 of the aforementioned second compartment 14 of the track 10.

[0058] In addition, the blade 29 can advantageously include an anti-release safety device adapted to prevent the accidental release of the adapter 20 from the track 10 that houses the adapter 20. Examples of anti-release safety devices that can be used include a wedge 27 which is preferably made of a metallic material, is hinged to the blade 29 and is adapted to engage with the compressible spring 26, thereby preventing the compression of the compressible spring and thus preventing the compressible spring from exiting from the second compartment 14 of the track in the field.

[0059] The blade 21 of the adapter 20 further includes an outer housing 30 which is preferably made of a deformable plastic material and is adapted to house at least a portion of the at least one blade 29 and the electrical contacts 24 of the central portion 23 of the blade 21 of the adapter 20, such that the ends of the electrical contacts 24 are not covered.

[0060] The housing 30 protects the various parts of the blade 21 and provides mechanical stability to the various parts of the blade 21, and together with the blade 29 allows the blade 21 to be reversibly deformed, thus advantageously engaging with straight and curved tracks. Attached Figure 11 An example of an adapter 20 according to the present invention is shown, in which the base 22 is connected to the lighting device and the blade 21 is deformed to be bent.

[0061] To ensure the correct functioning of the blade 21 and the aforementioned deformation ability, the blade 29 is made of a suitable material and thickness. For example, the blade 29 can be made of a metallic material having a thickness approximately equal to or less than 1 mm and commonly used for producing springs (such as heat-treated carbon steel, stainless steel or copper alloys, such as beryllium copper or phosphor bronze). The housing 30 can advantageously be made of a reversibly deformable plastic material (such as polycarbonate or polyamide). Obviously, the blade 29 can be made with a thickness greater than 1 mm, which is compatible with the material used and the desired degree of flexibility.

[0062] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the blade 29 is made to include three clamped facing layers, where two outer layers are preferably made to have a thickness approximately equal to or less than 0.25 mm, while the inner layer is preferably made to have a thickness approximately equal to or less than 0.4 mm. All three layers can have a metallic material commonly used for producing springs, such as heat-treated carbon steel or copper alloys, such as beryllium copper or phosphor bronze. Obviously, the blade 29 can be made to include a single layer or two layers, which is compatible with the material used and the desired degree of flexibility. In addition, the blade can be made not only of metallic materials but also of thermoplastic materials.

[0063] The use of multiple metal layers in the production of the blade 29 of the blade 21 of the adapter 20 according to the present invention allows the blade 21 to be given the necessary strength while maintaining the desired degree of flexibility that is difficult to achieve with a single thicker layer.

[0064] In Figure 12 In the preferred embodiment shown, the adapter 20 according to the present specification can be equipped with a blade 21 provided with an extension 37, and the extension 37 is adapted to receive an electronic device powered by a cable or a printed track connected to the aforementioned electrical contact 24.

[0065] The structure of the track / adapter system according to the present invention allows for particularly small dimensions. In the case of a track intended to be installed in a gypsum board, the track is hardly visible, and furthermore, the track can be provided with a covering cap adapted to engage with a second compartment of the track itself, thus completely hiding the track from view.

Claims

1. A lighting track (10), said lighting track (10) comprising at least one first compartment (11), said first compartment (11) being provided with two side shells (12), said two side shells (12) being adapted to accommodate two electrical conductors (13) longitudinally extending over the entire length of the track; a second compartment (14), said second compartment (14) communicating with said first compartment (11), having an opening (15) facing the outside and being adapted to receive the blade connectors (21) of an adapter (20), said adapter (20) being capable of being powered through said track (10); wall fastening means.

2. The lighting track (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, said electrical conductors (13) are each arranged on a suitable support (16) made of insulating material, and said electrical conductors (13) can be accessed from said support (16).

3. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, the upper wall of said first compartment (11) comprises a recess (32), said recess (32) being adapted to accommodate the top of the blade (21) of said adapter (20) when the top of the blade (21) of said adapter (20) is inserted.

4. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, said second compartment (14) is provided with an opening (15) facing the outside, said opening (15) having inclined sides (19) such that the width of the end of said opening (15) facing the inside of the track is greater than the width of the end facing the outside.

5. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, said first compartment (11) and said second compartment (14) are different from or independent of the holding means of said support (16) made of insulating material insulating said electrical conductors (13), said holding means being present on the side walls of said track (10).

6. The lighting track (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, said holding means consists of two tabs (31), one end of said tabs (31) being anchored to the side wall of said track and the other end of said tabs (31) being free, and said two tabs being shaped to exert a pressure suitable for holding the aforesaid support (16) made of insulating material in the correct position in said shell (12).

7. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, said wall fastening means comprises a third compartment (28), said third compartment (28) communicating with the outside and being adapted to engage with a locking element for connecting to a ceiling or a wall acting as a ceiling.

8. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein, said wall fastening means comprises a fin (17) integral with the upper wall of said first compartment, and said fin (17) is provided with hooking means (18) for a support, said hooking means (18) being adapted to allow said track to be positioned in a hanging mode.

9. The lighting track (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising two wings (33, 34) which extend perpendicularly with respect to the side walls of the second compartment (11) and are adapted to hold a false ceiling panel arranged at the side of the track (10).

10. An adapter (20) for a lighting track, the adapter being provided with a blade connector (21), the blade connector (21) comprising a central portion (23) which in turn comprises two electrical contacts (24) capable of being connected to a connection cable; at least one blade (29), the blade (29) being flexible and integral with a mechanical locking device reversible with respect to the lighting track.

11. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to the preceding claim, wherein, the reversible mechanical locking device preferably comprises a compressible spring (26) which, at rest, has a size greater than the opening of the second compartment (14) of the track (10).

12. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to one or more of claims 10 to 11, wherein, the at least one blade (29) comprises an anti-release safety device for preventing the adapter (20) from being released from the track (10).

13. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to the preceding claim, wherein, the anti-release safety device comprises a wedge (27) which is hinged to the blade (29) and is adapted to engage with the compressible spring (26) to prevent the compressible spring (26) from being compressed.

14. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, wherein, the blade (21) further comprises an outer housing (30) which is adapted to house at least a part of the at least one blade (29) and the electrical contacts (24) of the central portion (23) of the blade (21), so that the ends of the electrical contacts (24) are not covered.

15. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to one or more of claims 10 to 14, wherein, the at least one blade (29) has a thickness of approximately equal to or less than 1 mm and is made of heat-treated carbon steel or a copper alloy such as beryllium copper or phosphor bronze.

16. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to the preceding claim, wherein, the at least one blade (29) comprises three clamped facing layers, two outer layers preferably being made with a thickness of approximately equal to or less than 0.25 mm, while the inner layer is preferably made with a thickness of approximately equal to or less than 0.4 mm.

17. The adapter (20) for a lighting track according to one or more of claims 10 to 16, wherein, the blade (21) is connected to a base (22) which in turn can be connected to a holding arm of a lighting device.

18. An adapter (20) for an illumination track according to the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one blade 29 includes a first end (40) integral with the base (22) and a second end (25) integral with the mechanical locking means reversible towards the illumination track.

19. An adapter (20) for an illumination track according to the preceding claims, wherein, the first end (40) and the second end (25) are spaced apart so as to allow bending of the blade (29), thus allowing the adapter (20) to be inserted onto a curved track.

20. An adapter (20) for an illumination track according to one or more of claims 10 to 19, wherein, the blade (21) is provided with an extension including a compartment adapted to receive an electronic device, the electronic device being powered by a cable or a printed track connected to the electrical contacts (24).

21. A track lighting system comprising an illumination track (10) according to claims 1 to 9 and an adapter (20) according to claims 10 to 20.

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