Track modules and track systems

Abstract

This invention provides a track module and a track system. The track module includes: at least two track segments, each track segment including a power rail, wherein the power rail has a plurality of electrical conductors extending along a first direction; at least one electrical connector including two electrical connection portions electrically connecting the power rails in the two track segments; wherein one electrical connection portion of the electrical connector can be inserted into one of the power rails along the first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein; the other electrical connection portion of the electrical connector can be inserted into the other power rail along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein, thereby electrically connecting the two adjacent track segments. Compared with the prior art, the electrical connector of this invention can be electrically connected to two adjacent power rails along the first direction and the second direction respectively, thereby realizing the electrical connection of two adjacent track segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lighting, and particularly relates to a track module and track system. Background Technology

[0002] In the lighting field, track lights are widely used in various scenarios, including commercial, residential, and industrial settings, due to their flexible installation methods and efficient lighting effects. As an important component of modern indoor lighting, track lights consistently lead the industry's development direction through technological advancements and innovations.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream track lights on the market adopt an electromechanical integrated power supply solution. This solution typically relies on complex mechanical structures and electrical connection components to achieve power transmission between track modules. However, traditional electromechanical integrated power supply solutions have many shortcomings, such as cumbersome installation, high maintenance costs, and limited power transmission efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to provide a track module and track system to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a track module that can electrically connect two adjacent track segments.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a track module, comprising:

[0007] At least two track segments, each track segment including an electric rail, wherein the electric rail is provided with a plurality of electric conductors extending along a first direction;

[0008] At least one electrical connector, comprising two electrical connection portions electrically connecting the power rails in two track segments;

[0009] One electrical connection portion of the electrical connector can be inserted into one of the power rails along a first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein; the other electrical connection portion of the electrical connector can be inserted into another power rail along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein, so as to electrically connect the two adjacent rail segments.

[0010] Optionally, the power rail includes a first power rail and a second power rail, the first power rail including a first electrical conductor extending along a first direction, and the second power rail including a second electrical conductor extending along the first direction.

[0011] Optional, the electrical connector includes:

[0012] The base has several first and second receiving cavities extending along a first direction;

[0013] The first electrical connection portion is housed in the first receiving cavity, and its two ends are electrically connected to the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor, respectively.

[0014] The second electrical connection portion is housed in the second receiving cavity, and its two ends are electrically connected to the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the base has a first end facing the first power rail and a second end facing the second power rail, the first end having a first power take-off part and the second end having a second power take-off part.

[0016] Optionally, the electrical connector may also include a separator that separates the first power-taking section from the second power-taking section.

[0017] Optionally, the first power take-up unit is provided with a plug plate, and the first electrical connection part and the second electrical connection part are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the plug plate. The plug plate is inserted into the first power rail, and the first electrical connection part and the second electrical connection part are respectively electrically connected to the corresponding first electrical conductor.

[0018] Optionally, the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are staggered in both the first and second directions.

[0019] Optionally, the second electrical conductor extends along the first direction to the second carrier beyond the second power rail, and the second power take-up part is provided with a socket for the second electrical conductor to be inserted. The first electrical connection part / second electrical connection part extends into the socket to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor.

[0020] Optionally, the second power take-up part is provided with an electrical contact protruding along the first direction, the electrical contact extending into the second power rail for electrical connection with the second electrical conductor.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a track system including the above-described track module.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a track system, including a connecting device and the aforementioned track module, wherein the connecting device is mechanically and electrically connected to the track module.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The track module of the present invention electrically connects two adjacent power rails through an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes two electrical connection parts, one of which can be inserted into one of the power rails along a first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein, and the other electrical connection part can be inserted into another power rail along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein. In this way, power can be drawn by plugging in in different directions to electrically connect two adjacent track segments, thereby realizing the electrical connection of the entire track module. The operation is simple and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the track module conforming to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the track module shown;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first electric rail;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 3D structural diagram of CEC connector;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the electrical connector shown;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the electrical connector and the first power rail;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the electrical connector and the second power rail;

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of the track module shown is taken at the electrical connector.

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 100-track module;

[0036] 110 - Mechanical guide rail, 1101 - Assembly slot;

[0037] 120-Connecting plate;

[0038] 130-First electric guide rail, 1301-First carrier, 1302-First electric conductor, 1303-First profile, 1304-Gap, 1331-Groove;

[0039] 140-Second power rail, 1401-Second carrier, 1402-Second electrical conductor;

[0040] 150 - Electrical connector, 1501 - Base, 1511 - First receiving cavity, 1512 - Second receiving cavity, 1513 - First end, 1514 - Second end, 1515 - First power take-off part, 1551 - Insert plate, 1516 - Second power take-off part, 1561 - First socket, 1562 - Second socket, 1502 - First electrical connection part, 1503 - Second electrical connection part, 1504 - Separator, 1505 - Top cover, 1506 - Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this is a track module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The track module 100 includes a mechanical guide rail 110, a connecting plate 120, a power guide rail, and an electrical connector 150.

[0043] The track module 100 includes at least two track segments. Each track segment includes a mechanical guide rail 110, meaning there are at least two mechanical guide rails 110. In this embodiment, there are two mechanical guide rails 110, and a connecting plate 120 mechanically connects two adjacent mechanical guide rails 110. The mechanical guide rails 110 serve as the skeleton of the track system, and through precision machining, they ensure smoothness and straightness, providing a stable operating path for the connected equipment. The connecting plate 120 is made of high-strength material, ensuring a firm and reliable mechanical connection between adjacent mechanical guide rails 110, effectively resisting vibration and impact.

[0044] It should be noted that the connecting device can be a lighting fixture, a camera, a sign, etc., and this invention does not limit it. These connecting devices can be directly mechanically and electrically connected to the track module 100, or they can be mechanically and electrically connected to the track module 100 through a transfer structure such as a connecting structure. This invention does not limit it.

[0045] The mechanical guide rail 110 has an assembly slot 1101, within which the power guide rail is installed. Each track section includes a power guide rail. This design protects the power lines from external interference while maintaining the clean and uniform appearance of the track module 100. The assembly slot 1101 facilitates quick installation and replacement of the power guide rail, improving system maintainability. The power guide rail contains several electrical conductors; connecting devices can draw power from any location within the track module 100 by contacting these conductors.

[0046] The length direction of the track module 100 is defined as the first direction, the height direction of the track module 100 is defined as the second direction, and the width direction of the track module 100 is defined as the third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] In this embodiment, the power rail includes a first power rail 130 and a second power rail 140. The first power rail 130 and the second power rail 140 are respectively installed in the mounting slots 1101 of the corresponding mechanical rails 110. The electrical connector 150 is electrically connected to the first power rail 130 and the second power rail 140.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the first power rail 130 includes a first carrier 1301 and a first electrical conductor 1302 fixed in the first carrier 1301 and extending along a first direction.

[0049] The first power rail 130 is generally comb-shaped and includes a plurality of first profiles 1303 protruding from the first carrier 1301. The first profiles 1303 are integrally formed with the first carrier 1301 and extend in the same direction as the first carrier 1301. A gap 1304 is provided between two adjacent first profiles 1303 for the insertion of a power connector 150, so as to realize the fixation and electrical connection between the first power rail 130 and the power connector 150.

[0050] In the third direction, in each gap 1304, the side of each first profile 1303 is provided with a groove 1331 communicating with the gap 1304, and the grooves 1331 on two adjacent first profiles 1303 are staggered. That is to say, there are at least two staggered grooves 1331 in the same gap 1304.

[0051] The first electrical conductor 1302 is housed in the groove 1331 for electrical connection with the electrical connector 150. In this embodiment, the first electrical conductor 1302 protrudes from the groove 1331 into the gap 1304, so as to be at least partially exposed in the gap 1304. This allows for better electrical connection with the electrical connector 150, ensuring sufficient contact between the first electrical conductor 1302 and the electrical connector 150, and avoiding unstable connection. This ensures that each groove 1331 contains one first electrical conductor 1302. The more grooves 1331 in the same gap 1304, the more first electrical conductors 1302 can be installed. Depending on the different requirements of the track module 100, different numbers of grooves 1331 can be provided in the same gap 1304, and this invention does not limit this.

[0052] In this embodiment, each first profile 1303 is provided with two grooves 1331 that are opposite to each other (i.e., have opposite opening directions) and staggered. One groove 1331 opens towards the gap 1304, and the other opens away from the gap 1304. On two adjacent first profiles 1303, the opening directions of the two grooves 1331 at the same height are the same. That is, the grooves 1331 on two adjacent first profiles 1303 in the same gap 1304 are staggered in the second direction. The first power rail 130 has a total of two rows of grooves 1331, and the opening directions of the grooves 1331 in the same row are the same, while the opening directions of the grooves 1331 between different rows are opposite. This arrangement ensures that only one first conductor 1302 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 150 at the same height in the same gap 1304, avoiding circuit confusion. Of course, the height of the grooves 1331 on adjacent first profiles 1303 is not limited to the same height and can be adjusted according to actual needs. This invention does not limit this.

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, the second power rail 140 includes a second carrier 1401 and a second electrical conductor 1402 fixed within the second carrier 1401 and extending along a first direction. The structure of the second power rail 140 is the same as that of the first power rail 130, and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The electrical connector 150 is provided with at least one, which includes two electrical connection portions electrically connecting the power rails in the two track segments. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 150 is provided with one.

[0055] One electrical connection portion of the electrical connector 150 can be inserted into one of the power rails along a first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein. Another electrical connection portion of the electrical connector 150 can be inserted into another power rail along a second direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein, so as to electrically connect two adjacent rail segments.

[0056] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 150 is inserted into the first power rail 130 along the second direction to make electrical contact with the first electrical conductor 1302 disposed in the groove 1331 of the first power rail 130. The second power rail 140 is inserted into the electrical connector 150 along the first direction to make electrical contact with the second electrical conductor 1402 disposed in the groove 1331 of the second power rail 140. In this way, the first electrical conductor 1302, the electrical connector 150, and the second electrical conductor 1402 are electrically connected to each other.

[0057] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the electrical connector 150 includes a base 1501, a first electrical connection portion 1502, and a second electrical connection portion 1503.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 1501 has a plurality of first receiving cavities 1511 and second receiving cavities 1512 extending along a first direction. A first electrical connection portion 1502 is received in the first receiving cavity 1511, and its two ends are electrically connected to a first electrical conductor 1302 and a second electrical conductor 1402, respectively. A second electrical connection portion 1503 is received in the second receiving cavity 1512, and its two ends are electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 1302 and the second electrical conductor 1402, respectively. The first receiving cavities 1511 and the second receiving cavity 1512 are arranged side by side and spaced apart, so that the first electrical connection portions 1502 and the second electrical connection portions 1503 are also arranged side by side and spaced apart.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the base 1501 has a first end 1513 facing the first power rail 130 and a second end 1514 facing the second power rail 140. The first end 1513 is provided with a first power take-off portion 1515, and the second end 1514 is provided with a second power take-off portion 1516. The first power take-off portion 1515 is disposed corresponding to the first power rail, and the second power take-off portion 1516 is disposed corresponding to the second power rail 140. That is, the electrical connector 150 is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 1302 through the first power take-off portion 1515, and the electrical connector 150 is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 1402 through the second power take-off portion 1516.

[0060] The first power-taking section 1515 is provided with a plug plate 1551. A first electrical connection portion 1502 and a second electrical connection portion 1503 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the plug plate 1551. In this embodiment, the opposite sides of the plug plate 1551 are respectively provided with receiving grooves (not shown) for accommodating the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503. In the third direction, the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 at least partially protrude from the receiving grooves to better make electrical contact with the first electrical conductor 1302.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the insert plate 1551 is inserted into the gap 1304 of the first power rail 130 along the second direction. The first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 are electrically connected to the corresponding first electrical conductor 1302. It can be understood that since the first electrical conductors 1302 in the same gap 1304 are staggered in the second direction, the corresponding first electrical connection portions 1502 and second electrical connection portions 1503 located on opposite sides of the same insert plate 1551 are also staggered in the second direction.

[0062] Preferably, the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 are also staggered in the first direction. This avoids circuit interference caused by the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 touching each other during track connection, and also reduces the width of the track module 100 to a certain extent.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second electrical conductor 1402 extends beyond the second carrier 1401 along the first direction. The second power-taking part 1516 is provided with a socket for inserting the second electrical conductor 1402, and the first electrical connection part 1502 / second electrical connection part 1503 extends into the socket to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 1402.

[0064] In this embodiment, two rows of wires are provided, therefore two rows of sockets are correspondingly provided. In other embodiments, if there is only a single row of wires, only a single row of sockets needs to be provided.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the second power-taking unit 1516 is provided with a first socket 1561 and a second socket 1562. A first electrical connection portion 1502 extends into the first socket 1561, and a second electrical connection portion 1503 extends into the second socket 1562. It can be understood that the first socket 1561 and the second socket 1562 are also staggered in the second direction.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the second electrical conductor 1402 is inserted into the electrical connector 150 along the first direction. The second electrical conductor 1402, which is offset in the second direction, is inserted into the first socket 1561 and the second socket 1562 respectively, and is electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 therein respectively.

[0067] In another embodiment, the second power-taking section 1516 is provided with an electrical contact (not shown) protruding along a first direction. The electrical contact is directly inserted into the second power rail 140 to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 1402.

[0068] In another embodiment, the second power-taking part 1516 is provided with an electrical contact protruding along a first direction, and the end of the second power rail 140 is provided with a connecting end cap, the end of which is provided with a slot corresponding to the electrical contact. The electrical contact is inserted into the slot to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor 1402.

[0069] The electrical connector 150 also includes a separator 1504. The separator 1504 is disposed between the first power take-off portion 1515 and the second power take-off portion 1516 to separate the first power take-off portion 1515 and the second power take-off portion 1516. In this way, the first electrical conductor 1302 and the second electrical conductor 1402 can be effectively prevented from contacting each other, thus preventing circuit disorder.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the electrical connector 150 also includes a top cover 1505 covering the base 1501. The top cover 1505 protects the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 housed in the base 1501. The top cover 1505 is also provided with a wire hole (not shown), through which a wire is inserted into the base 1501 and electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion 1502 and the second electrical connection portion 1503 to supply power to the entire power rail.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, the electrical connector 150 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 120. After the electrical connector 150 is inserted into the first power rail 130, it is further fixedly connected to the first power rail 130. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 150 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 120 and the first power rail 130 by fasteners 1506. Alternatively, the electrical connector 150 may only be fixed to the power rail (first power rail 130 or second power rail 140). In other embodiments, the connection may also be achieved by other methods such as snap-fit.

[0072] When installing the track module 100, firstly, the connecting plate 120 is connected to a mechanical guide rail 110. For example, the connecting plate 120 is connected to the mechanical guide rail 110 on which the first power guide rail 130 is installed. Then, the electrical connector 150 is installed. The insertion plate 1551 of the electrical connector 150 is inserted into the gap 1304 at the end of the first power guide rail 130 along the second direction and makes electrical contact with the first electrical conductor 1302. Next, the electrical connector 150 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 120 and the first power guide rail 130 respectively by fasteners 1506. Finally, the mechanical guide rail 110 is connected to the mechanical guide rail 110 on which the second power guide rail 140 is installed. The connecting plate 120 is connected to the two mechanical guide rails 110 in place. At this time, the second electrical conductor 1402 is inserted into the first socket 1561 and the second socket 1562 along the first direction and makes electrical contact with the electrical connector 150. In this way, the connection and power supply of the two power guide rails are realized.

[0073] In summary, the track module 100 of this embodiment of the invention electrically connects the first power rail 130 and the second power rail 140 through the electrical connector 150. The second power rail 140 is inserted into the electrical connector 150 along the first direction, and the electrical connector 150 is inserted into the first power rail 130 along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby realizing the connection and power supply of the track module 100. The method of plugging in and supplying power in two different directions makes the operation simpler and more convenient.

[0074] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A track module, characterized in that, include: At least two track segments, each track segment including an electric rail, wherein the electric rail is provided with a plurality of electrical conductors extending along a first direction; At least one electrical connector (150) includes two electrical connection portions electrically connecting the power rails in the two track segments; One electrical connection portion of the electrical connector (150) can be inserted into one of the power rails along a first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein; the other electrical connection portion of the electrical connector (150) can be inserted into another power rail along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and make electrical contact with the electrical conductor therein, so as to electrically connect two adjacent rail segments.

2. The track module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power rail includes a first power rail (130) and a second power rail (140). The first power rail (130) includes a first electrical conductor (1302) extending along a first direction, and the second power rail (140) includes a second electrical conductor (1402) extending along the first direction.

3. The track module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical connector (150) includes: The base (1501) is provided with a plurality of first receiving cavities (1511) and second receiving cavities (1512) extending along a first direction; The first electrical connection part (1502) is housed in the first receiving cavity (1511), and its two ends are electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (1302) and the second electrical conductor (1402) respectively. The second electrical connection part (1503) is housed in the second receiving cavity (1512), and its two ends are electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (1302) and the second electrical conductor (1402) respectively.

4. The track module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (1501) has a first end (1513) facing the first power rail (130) and a second end (1514) facing the second power rail (140). The first end (1513) is provided with a first power take-off part (1515), and the second end (1514) is provided with a second power take-off part (1516).

5. The track module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electrical connector (150) further includes a separator (1504) that separates the first power take-off portion (1515) and the second power take-off portion (1516).

6. The track module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first power-taking part (1515) is provided with a plug plate (1551), and the first electrical connection part (1502) and the second electrical connection part (1503) are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the plug plate (1551). The plug plate (1551) is inserted into the first power rail (130), and the first electrical connection part (1502) and the second electrical connection part (1503) are respectively electrically connected to the corresponding first electrical conductor (1302).

7. The track module according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The first electrical connection portion (1502) and the second electrical connection portion (1503) are offset in both the first and second directions.

8. The track module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second electrical conductor (1402) extends along a first direction to a second carrier (1401) beyond the second power rail (140). The second power take-up part (1516) is provided with a socket for the second electrical conductor (1402) to be inserted. The first electrical connection part (1502) / the second electrical connection part (1503) extends into the socket to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor (1402).

9. The track module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second power-taking part (1516) is provided with an electrical contact protruding along a first direction, the electrical contact extending into the second power rail (140) to be electrically connected to the second electrical conductor (1402).

10. A track system, characterized in that, It includes a connecting device and a track module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting device is mechanically and electrically connected to the track module.

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