Mounting rail with an electrically conductive track embedded in the mounting rail

Abstract

Device comprising: a support rail (12, 14) formed from an insulating material (34), in particular a plastic; and a first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) which is embedded in the insulating material (34) and extends in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the support rail (12, 14).

Description

AREA The present disclosure relates to a mounting rail formed from an insulating material and an electrically conductive track embedded in an insulating material. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mounting rail formed from an insulating material, which is provided with one or more electrically conductive tracks that enable the supply of energy to the modules arranged on the mounting rail and / or communication between the modules. BACKGROUND From DE 1921592 U, a support rail formed from an insulating material is known. This differs from the support rail shown in the present disclosure in that, in the present disclosure, an electrically conductive track is embedded in the insulating material forming the support rail, whereas the grounding rails shown in DE 1921592 U are inserted into the support rail and held in position by the contact carriers. Inserts for conventional mounting rails are known from DE 10 2013 013 559 A1, DE 10 2012 007 083 A1, DE 10 2011 001 274 A1, DE 19524123 C1 and EP 3 420 616 A1. These are formed from an insulating material in which conductor rails are embedded and differ from the mounting rails shown in the present disclosure in that the mounting rails shown in the present disclosure are themselves formed from an insulating material in which the electrically conductive tracks are embedded. From EP 0 407 241 A1 a cover for an insert which has busbars is known, wherein the cover has openings which facilitate contacting the busbars. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION A device according to the invention comprises a support rail formed from an insulating material, in particular a plastic, and a first electrically conductive track which is embedded in the insulating material and extends in the longitudinal direction of the support rail. The term "insulating material," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to a material having a specific electrical resistance of at least 10⁸ Ω·cm. Furthermore, the term "plastic," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and polyamide. Furthermore, the term "mounting rail," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to a mounting rail according to DIN EN 60715:2018-07 (Dimensions of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Standardized mounting rails for the mechanical fastening of electrical equipment in switchgear assemblies). Furthermore, the phrase "in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to a direction in which various modules / components are arranged side by side on the mounting rail. Furthermore, the term "electrically conductive track," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to a track formed from an electrical conductor (e.g., a metal). Furthermore, the phrase "embedded in the insulating material," as used in the description and claims, refers in particular to the insulating material surrounding the electrically conductive track in such a way that the electrically conductive track is positively connected to the insulating material in all directions except the longitudinal direction and, if applicable, one further direction. Furthermore, the electrically conductive track can be embedded in the insulating material in such a way that an exposed surface of the electrical track does not project beyond a surface of the insulating material surrounding the electrically conductive track.In particular, an exposed surface of the electrical track and a surface of the insulating material surrounding the electrically conductive track can be coplanar. The first electrically conductive track is preferably designed as a metal rod or rail. The mounting rail can be designed as a DIN rail and the first electrically conductive track can be embedded in a base of the DIN rail. The first electrically conductive track can be positively connected to the support rail in the width direction. The first electrically conductive track can be positively connected to the support rail in the vertical direction. The mounting rail can have one continuous recess or several recesses arranged longitudinally in a grid for electrical contacting the first electrical track. The DIN rail may include a removable cover which is located above the first electrically conductive track. The removable cover can have continuous or multiple recesses arranged longitudinally in a grid. The device can include a second electrically conductive track which is embedded in the insulating material and extends parallel to the first electrically conductive track in the longitudinal direction of the support rail. The device may include a third electrically conductive track which is embedded in the insulating material and extends parallel to the first electrically conductive track in the longitudinal direction of the support rail. A module can be snapped onto the mounting rail, which is set up to be connected to a power source via the first electrically conductive track. The first electrically conductive track can be held in position vertically by the first module. A first module can be snapped onto the mounting rail, which is set up to be connected to a first voltage source via the first electrically conductive track and the second electrically conductive track. A first module can be snapped onto the mounting rail, configured to be connected to a first voltage source via the first and second electrically conductive tracks. A second module can be snapped onto the mounting rail, configured to be connected to a second voltage source via the first and third electrically conductive tracks. This allows the first module to be supplied with different voltages. The first and second voltage sources can be implemented as a single unit connected to all three electrically conductive tracks, supplying them with three different potentials, so that the module can derive different voltages by selecting or combining these potentials. A first module snapped onto the mounting rail and a second module snapped onto the mounting rail can be configured to exchange data via the first electrically conductive track. Furthermore, electrically conductive tracks of two devices can be electrically connected to each other. In particular, the first, second, and / or third electrically conductive tracks of two devices can be electrically connected to each other. This can be done, for example, by means of electrically conductive connecting pieces (e.g., metal rails) that electrically (and mechanically) connect the electrical tracks, or by means of electrical conductors that electrically connect the electrical tracks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is explained below in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a top view of devices according to the invention and modules arranged on the devices according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig.Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and of a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and of a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and of a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention and of a module arranged on the device according to the invention; Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 12 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 14 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 15 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 16 a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig.Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 21 shows a first possible embodiment of the device shown in Fig. 20; and Fig. 22 shows a second possible embodiment of the device shown in Fig. 20. In the drawings, identical or functionally similar elements are identified by the same reference symbols. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows a top view of an arrangement 10 with two support rails 12 and 14 and nine modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 snapped onto the support rails 12 and 14. Both support rails 12 and 14 are formed from an insulating material 34 in which electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 are embedded, extending in the longitudinal direction L1 and L2 of the support rails 12 and 14, respectively. The electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 are designed as (self-supporting) metal rods and give the support rails 12 and 14 greater rigidity. While the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 12 is formed, are accessible over (essentially) the entire length of the support rail 12 (for electrical contact), covers 42, 44, and 46 are arranged over the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 14 is formed. As explained in more detail in Figures 20, 21, and 22, the covers 42, 44, and 46 can be formed integrally with the remainder of the support rail 12 or, as shown in Figure 1, can be omitted. The covers 42, 44, and 46 have recesses 48 arranged in a grid along the longitudinal direction L2, which serve for the electrical contacting of the underlying electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40. The spacing of the recesses 48 along the longitudinal direction L2 is selected such that the distance corresponds (essentially) to the width of one of the modules 28, 30, and 32. Furthermore, the width of modules 16, 18, and 20 corresponds to the width of modules 28, 30, and 32. Additionally, the width of modules 22, 24, and 26 is a multiple of the width of modules 16, 18, and 20, so that modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 can be arranged on both mounting rails 12 and 14. Supply voltages and / or data transmission can be provided via the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40. For example, one or more of the modules 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 can be connected to ground via the electrically conductive track 38, to a first supply potential (e.g., +5V, +12V, +24V, or 48V) via the electrically conductive track 36, and / or to a second supply potential (e.g., -48V, -24V, -12V, or -5V) via the electrically conductive track 40. Furthermore, one, two or all of the tracks 36, 38 and 40 can be used exclusively or additionally to provide a supply potential (e.g. -48 V, -24 V, -12 V, -5 V, 0 V, +5 V, +12 V, +24 V or +48 V) for transmitting data, e.g. by modulating a data signal onto a constant supply voltage. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail 12 and the module 16 arranged on the mounting rail 12. The module 16 comprises an electrical conductor 56, which can, for example, be designed as a metal rail and comes into contact with the electrical track 36 (without further intervention) when the module 16 is snapped onto the mounting rail 12. The electrical conductor 56 and / or the channel wall 62 surrounding the electrical conductor 56 can be shaped in such a way as to prevent or restrict upward movement of the electrically conductive track 36, thereby holding the electrically conductive track 36 in its position. Alternatively, the base of the module 16 can extend into the area between the legs of the mounting rail 12, thereby increasing the installation space available in the base of the module 16, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. The additional installation space can, for example,can be used to accommodate part of a printed circuit board on which, as described below in connection with Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, an electrical or electronic circuit may be arranged. The electrical conductor 50 is connected to a terminal 68 formed by or electrically connected to the electrical conductor 56. As shown in Fig. 1, this conductor electrically connects modules 16 and 28. This allows module 28 to be supplied with a potential via the conductive track 36 (which is embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the mounting rail 12 is formed). Further terminals 70 and 72 are also connected to the electrical conductor 56, allowing a potential via the conductive track 40 (which is embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the mounting rail 12 is formed) to be supplied to other devices. Terminals 68, 70, and 72 are accessible through openings in the housing of module 20 and can, for example, be designed as spring clamps. The module 16 is designed to be snapped onto the mounting rail 12, which is configured as a DIN rail. For this purpose, the module housing comprises on its underside a substantially rigid hook-shaped section 74 and a substantially flexible hook-shaped section 76, which is deflected outwards when the module 16 is pressed onto the mounting rail 12 and springs back to its initial position when the module 16 is snapped onto the mounting rail 12, so that the hook-shaped sections 74 and 76 engage the horizontally extending, flange-like sections of the mounting rail 12 from above. The mounting rail 12 comprises a base 78 with grooves (open to the top) extending longitudinally L1, into which the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 are inserted from above or longitudinally L1. The electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 are recessed into the grooves to such an extent that they do not protrude beyond the surrounding surface. The electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 also include tabs extending longitudinally L1. The tab of the electrically conductive track 36 can, for example, be the male part of a plug connection formed by the tab and a section at the end of the electrical conductor 56. For example, the section at the end of the electrical conductor 56 can have a U- or V-shaped cross-section and be pushed onto the tab when the module 12 is snapped onto the mounting rail 12. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 12 and the module 18 arranged on the support rail 12. The module 18 differs from the module 16 shown in Fig. 2 in that the module 18 is connected to the electrically conductive track 38 instead of the electrically conductive track 36. For this purpose, the channel wall 64 extends centrally from the underside of the module downwards and is essentially coplanar with the surface of the base 78 surrounding the grooves. The channel wall can be formed integrally with the rest of the module housing or attached to the module housing. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 12 and the module 20 arranged on the support rail 12. The module 20 differs from the modules 16 and 18 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in that the module 20 is connected to the electrically conductive track 40 instead of the electrically conductive track 36 or 38. For this purpose, the channel wall 64 extends laterally offset downwards from the underside of the module and is essentially coplanar with the surface of the base 78 surrounding the grooves. As in modules 16 and 18, the channel formed by the channel wall 66 runs within the module 20 to a cavity 80, from which a transverse conductor 82 (which may be designed as a metal rail) extends to the connections 68 and 70. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 12 and the module 22 arranged on the support rail 12. The module 22 differs from the modules 16, 18 and 20 shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 in that the module 22 is connected not only to one but to all three of the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40. Furthermore, the module 22 differs from the modules 16, 18 and 20 shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 in that the channel walls 62, 64 and 66 terminate above the surface of the base 78 surrounding the grooves. For example, modules 16, 18 and 20 may be configured to hold the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 in their position, whereas module 22 essentially only makes an electrical connection without exerting any significant force on the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40. Furthermore, module 22 differs from modules 16, 18, and 20 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 in that module 22 has no connections on its top or sides. It is understood, of course, that in preferred embodiments, module 22 may have one, two, or more (additional) electrical connections, as described with reference to modules 16, 18, and 20 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4. These connections may also be designed as spring clamps and, unlike modules 16, 18, and 20, may not be directly connected to each other, so that different potentials can be input and output via the connections. For example, a sensor or an actuator may be connected to such a connection, and different sensors and / or actuators may be connected to these connections. Furthermore, module 22 includes an electronic circuit 84, which may comprise, for example, a microcontroller and other electrical and / or electronic components (e.g., a bus interface component, a function monitor, a power switch, etc.). The electronic circuit 84 and the other components may be arranged on a printed circuit board located within the module housing. The electronic circuit may be connected to ground via the electrically conductive track 38 and supplied with an operating voltage (e.g., +5 V) via the electrically conductive track 36. Furthermore, the electronic circuit 82 may transmit control signals or data to other devices via the electrically conductive track 40. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic circuit 84 and / or devices controlled by the electronic circuit 84 may be supplied with an additional voltage via the electrically conductive track 40. For example,The additional voltage can be supplied to a consumer (e.g. an actuator) via a power switch which is integrated into or controlled by the electronic circuit 84. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail 12 and the module 24 arranged on the mounting rail 12. The module 24 differs from the module 22 shown in Fig. 5 in that its housing has less installation space and the module 24 is connected to only two of the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40. For example, the module 24 can comprise an electrical circuit 86 that requires less installation space, unlike the electronic circuit 84, does not transmit control signals or data to other devices, and is not intended to be supplied with an additional voltage. It is understood that in further embodiments, the module 24 shown in Fig. 6 can also be connected to all three electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40, have a larger installation space, and have additional connections. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail 12 and the module 26 arranged on the mounting rail 12. Like the module 22, the module 26 is connected to all electrically conductive tracks 36, 28, and 40 and comprises an electronic circuit 88. The electronic circuit 88 can, for example, be configured to send control signals or data to the electronic circuit 82 via the electrically conductive track 36. For example, both electronic circuits 84 and 88 can access the electrically conductive track 40, which in this case serves as a bus, by observing a bus protocol. Furthermore, modules 22, 24 and 26, as shown by way of example in module 26, can have channel walls 62, 64 and 66, the lower ends of which are (essentially) coplanar to the surface of the floor 78 surrounding the grooves and support the lower ends of the electrical conductors 56, 58 and 60, so that during snap-in a contact pressure is exerted on the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40, which counteracts a slippage of the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 14 and the module 28 arranged on the support rail 14. The module 28 differs from the module 16 in that the end of the channel wall 62 terminates just above the cover 42 or rests on it. Furthermore, the support rail 14 differs from the support rail 12 in that the grooves have recesses into which the covers 42, 44, and 46 engage, thereby holding the covers 42, 44, and 46 in position. It is understood, of course, that in another embodiment the grooves may also have no recesses. Furthermore, the module 28 connects the electrically conductive track 36 embedded in the insulating material 34 from which the support rail 14 is formed, via the electrical conductor 50, to the electrically conductive track 36 embedded in the insulating material 34 from which the support rail 12 is formed. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 14 and the module 30 arranged on the support rail 14, which differs from the module 18 in the same way that the module 28 differs from the module 16. Furthermore, the module 30 connects the electrically conductive track 38 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 14 is formed, via the electrical conductor 52 to the electrically conductive track 38 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 12 is formed. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the support rail 14 and the module 32 arranged on the support rail 14, which differs from the module 20 in the same way that the module 30 differs from the module 18. Furthermore, the module 32 connects the electrically conductive track 40 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 14 is formed, via the electrical conductor 54 to the electrically conductive track 40 embedded in the insulating material 34, from which the support rail 12 is formed.Fig. 11 illustrates a first possible modification of the mounting rails 12 and 14 using mounting rail 12 as an example. In this modification, the electrically conductive tracks 36 and 40 are not arranged symmetrically to a mirror axis of symmetry A1 of the electrically conductive track 38 located between the electrically conductive tracks 36 and 40, as shown in the preceding drawings. Instead, the electrically conductive tracks 36 and 40 are arranged at different distances from the electrically conductive track 38 located between them. This ensures that appropriately adapted modules 22, 24, or 26 are only connected to the electrically conductive track 38 when rotated by 180°, thus providing a certain degree of protection against incorrect insertion.In another embodiment, the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 can also be arranged such that appropriately adapted modules 22, 24 or 26 are not connected to any of the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 when rotated by 180°. Fig. 12 illustrates a second possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 11 as an example. It is understood that this modification is also applicable to all other support rails 12 and 14 shown and described. In this modification, the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 have a square cross-section. It is further understood that the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 can also have other rectangular cross-sections. Fig. 13 illustrates a third possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 11 as an example. It is understood that this modification is also applicable to all other support rails 12 and 14 shown and described. In this modification, the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 have a circular cross-section. It is further understood that the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 can also have other circular cross-sections (e.g., an oval cross-section). Fig. 14 illustrates a fourth possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 11 as an example. It is understood that this modification is also applicable to all other support rails 12 and 14 shown and described. In this modification, the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 have a triangular cross-section. It is further understood that the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40 can also have other polygonal cross-sections. Fig. 15 illustrates a fifth possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 11 as an example. It is understood that this modification is also applicable to all other support rails 12 and 14 shown and described. In this modification, the support rail 12 comprises an insert 90 made of an insulating material, which is positively connected to a base 92 of the support rail 12 in both the width and height directions. The cross-section of the base 92 is trough-shaped, and the insert 90 rests on the bottom of the trough and engages in recesses in the side walls of the base 92. Fig. 16 illustrates a possible modification of the insert 90, in which the insert 90 surrounds the side walls of the base 92. For example, the support rail 12, as shown in Fig. 17, can be provided with caps 94 on one or both sides, which connect the parts from which the insert 90 is formed. Furthermore, instead of the caps 94, connecting pieces can also be provided, which mechanically and, if necessary, also electrically connect (not only the parts, but also) the support rails 12 and 14. Fig. 17, together with Fig. 18, also illustrates a fifth possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 as an example. In this modification, the support rail 12 has mounting points 96. Fig. 19 illustrates a sixth possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using the support rail 12 as an example. In this modification, the support rail 12 has only one electrically conductive track 38. Fig. 20 illustrates a seventh possible modification of the support rails 12 and 14 using support rail 12 as an example. In this modification, the insulating material 34 surrounds the electrically conductive tracks 26, 28, and 40 not only (on both sides) in the width direction B1, but also (on both sides) in the height direction H1. This results in a positive connection between the electrically conductive tracks 26, 28, and 40 in all directions, including, if necessary, in the longitudinal direction L1, with the surrounding insulating material 34, which forms the (one-piece) support rail 12. Furthermore, the insulating material 34, positioned above the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38, and 40, improves contact protection. Fig. 21 shows a first possible embodiment of the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 20, in which the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 are accessible via recesses 48 in the insulating material 34. As already described, the recesses 48 can be arranged in a specific grid. Fig. 22 shows a second possible embodiment of the support rail 12 shown in Fig. 20, in which the electrically conductive tracks 36, 38 and 40 are accessible via longitudinally continuous recesses 48 in the insulating material 34. As already described, the recesses 48 can be arranged in a specific grid pattern. Furthermore, it is understood that the above modifications can be combined with each other as desired, provided they do not exclude each other. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Arrangement 12 Mounting rail 14 Mounting rail 16 Module 18 Module 20 Module 22 Module 24 Module 26 Module 28 Module 30 Module 32 Module 34 Insulating material 36 Electrically conductive track 38 Electrically conductive track 40 Electrically conductive track 42 Cover 44 Cover 46 Cover 48 Recess 50 Electrical line 52 Electrical line 54 Electrical line 56 Electrical conductor 58 Electrical conductor 60 Electrical conductor 62 Channel wall 64 Channel wall 66 Channel wall 68 Connection 70 Connection 72 Connection 74 Hook-shaped section 76 Hook-shaped section 78 Base 80 Cavity 82 Transverse line 84 Electronic circuit 86 Electrical circuit 88 Electronic circuit 90 Insert 92 Base 94 Cap 96 Mounting points B1 Lateral direction B2 Lateral direction H1 Vertical direction L1 Longitudinal direction L2 Longitudinal direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature DE 1921592 U

[0002] DE 10 2013 013 559 A1

[0003] DE 10 2012 007 083 A1

[0003] DE 10 2011 001 274 A1

[0003] DE 19524123 C1

[0003] EP 3 420 616 A1

[0003] EP 0 407 241 A1

[0004] Cited non-patent literature DIN EN 60715:2018-07

[0007]

Claims

Device comprising: a support rail (12, 14) formed from an insulating material (34), in particular a plastic; and a first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) which is embedded in the insulating material (34) and extends in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the support rail (12, 14). Device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) is designed as a metal rod or rail. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support rail (12, 14) is designed as a top-hat rail and the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) is embedded in a base (78) of the top-hat rail. Device according to claim 3, wherein the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) is positively connected to the support rail (12, 14) in the width direction (B1, B2) and / or height direction (H1). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support rail (12, 14) for electrical contacting the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) has a continuous or several recesses (48) arranged in a grid in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2). Device according to claim 3, wherein the DIN rail comprises a removable cover (42, 44, 46) which is arranged above the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40). Device according to claim 6, wherein the removable cover (42, 44, 46) has the continuous or the multiple recesses (48) arranged in a grid in the longitudinal direction (L2). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a second electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) which is embedded in the insulating material (34) and extends parallel to the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the support rail (12, 14). Device according to claim 8, further comprising: a third electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) which is embedded in the insulating material (34) and extends parallel to the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the support rail (12, 14). Arrangement (10) comprising: a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a module (16, 18, 20, 26, 28) snapped onto the support rail (12), which is configured to be connected to a power source via the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40); wherein the first electrically conductive track (36, 38, 40) is held in position in the vertical direction (H1) by the first module (16, 18, 20, 26, 28). Arrangement (10) comprising: a device according to claim 8 or 9; and a first module (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) snapped onto the support rail (12, 14), wherein the first module (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) is configured to be connected to a first voltage source via the first electrical track (36, 38, 40) and the second electrical track (36, 38, 40). Arrangement (10) comprising: a device according to claim 9; a first module (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) snapped onto the mounting rail (12, 14), wherein the first module (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) is configured to be connected to a first voltage source via the first electrical track (36, 38, 40) and the second electrical track (36, 38, 40); and a second module snapped onto the mounting rail, wherein the second module is configured to be connected to a second voltage source via the first electrically conductive track and the third electrically conductive track. Arrangement (10) comprising: a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a first module (22) snapped onto the support rail (12); a second module (26) snapped onto the support rail (12); wherein the modules (22, 26) are configured to exchange data via the first electrically conductive track (36). System comprising: a first device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a second device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; wherein the first electrically conductive tracks (36) and / or the second electrically conductive tracks (38) and / or the third electrically conductive tracks (40) of said devices are electrically connected to one another.

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