MOUNTING RAIL SYSTEM FOR LIGHTS OR OTHER ELECTRICAL UNITS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting rail system designed for connecting luminaires or other electrical units, wherein the mounting rail system comprises a mounting rail with an elongated support profile rail and with at least one electrical conductor extending longitudinally within the interior of the support profile rail. The electrical conductor is preferably part of a so-called busbar.

[0002] Mounting rail systems with an elongated support profile rail and a conductor rail held in the support profile rail are known from the prior art and are used, for example, to implement elongated continuous lighting systems. A known continuous lighting system is marketed by the applicant under the name "TECTON" and is characterized by the fact that luminaires or other electrical units can be flexibly positioned along the entire length of the system on the mounting rail. This is made possible by a special mounting of the conductors of the conductor rail, which are accessible to the consumers along essentially the entire length of the continuous lighting system, so that contacting the conductors can occur not only at fixed positions but at any point. Such a continuous lighting system is shown, for example, in WO 2001 / 091250 A1.

[0003] In the aforementioned "TECTON" system, two busbars are arranged opposite each other on the two side walls of a downward-facing, U-shaped mounting rail. The conductors of these two busbars are connected by a rotating contact element on the luminaire or, more generally, the device to be connected. This contact element is inserted into the mounting rail from below through its elongated coupling opening and then rotated approximately 45°. The contacts on the contact element are designed so that they pivot laterally when the element is rotated, ultimately making contact with the busbar conductors in the rotated position. Simultaneously, a mechanical locking mechanism is engaged, ensuring that the luminaire or device is reliably fixed to the mounting rail.

[0004] Furthermore, US patent 3,676,830 shows a lighting system integrated into a suspended ceiling. A longitudinal mounting rail, running in the ceiling, provides power to the luminaires and carries three power cables. These cables can be connected to spotlights from below, and the mounting rail also has additional openings for connecting the conductors of panel lights mounted laterally to the mounting rail in the ceiling.

[0005] EP3664228A1 is the prior art closest to the independent claim and relates to a busbar system for luminaires with a mounting rail and a current-carrying profile arranged within the mounting rail, which has contactable wires or cables that run in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail and are connected to the consumers for current collection and / or for the transmission of control signals, wherein the mounting rail is designed such that a part of the wires or cables of the current-carrying profile can be contacted by further consumers from a second side of the mounting rail facing away from the first side.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 23 27 078 A1 and DE 203 20 077 U1 also disclose lighting systems in which luminaires can be connected to a support structure from both the underside and the top. This is achieved by combining two essentially identical support rails head-to-head to form a common support structure.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of further developing a mounting rail system of the above-mentioned type in such a way that, compared to the prior art, even more flexible connection options for electrical units, i.e. for lights or other units such as sensors or the like, are enabled.

[0008] The problem is solved by a support rail system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, the mounting rail is designed such that, in addition to the standard contacting of the conductors via the elongated coupling opening of the mounting profile rail, an additional contacting option is available. This is achieved by the mounting rail having a further opening that is separate from or independent of the coupling opening. A tap element, which is part of a luminaire or other electrical device to be connected, or which is designed to be electrically coupled to a luminaire or other electrical device, can then be inserted into the mounting profile rail through this additional opening and coupled via a contact section to at least one conductor extending longitudinally within the interior of the mounting profile rail.The tap-off element then has a provision element which is positioned externally relative to the mounting rail and is electrically connected to the contact section via an electrical connection element in order to provide the electrical tap of the contact section via the external provision element. This allows luminaires or other electrical devices to be connected to conductors running inside the mounting rail via a second route, whereby the elongated coupling opening of the mounting rail does not have to be used for this connection. This then leads, for example, to the advantage that such units can additionally be arranged at certain positions outside the mounting rail and the elongated coupling opening of the mounting rail can still be used along the entire length of the mounting rail system for the arrangement of, for example, luminaires.This allows, for example, the creation of a continuous light band extending the entire length of the system, through which light is emitted in a specific direction from the mounting rail system. Despite this, additional electrical components can still be positioned at desired locations along the mounting rail and connected to conductors for power supply and / or signal transmission. The design possibilities for the system are thus significantly expanded compared to previously known solutions.

[0010] Furthermore, the contact section providing the additional contact option has a rotary tap with contact elements. This rotary tap is movable between an insertion position, in which the contact elements are retracted or pivoted inwards and the contact section can be inserted into the mounting rail via the opening, and a contacting position, in which the contact elements are extended or pivoted outwards to make contact with the electrical conductor(s). Just as with the luminaires or other electrical devices to be connected to the mounting rail via the coupling opening, the additional contact option is also provided for by means of a rotary tap, which is inserted at least partially – preferably substantially completely – into the mounting rail and then actuated or activated there in such a way that the conductor(s) are contacted.

[0011] According to the invention, a support rail system is proposed which has: a support rail with ∘ an elongated support profile rail with a longitudinal extension which defines an interior space and has an elongated coupling opening, and ∘ at least one electrical conductor extending longitudinally in the interior space of the support profile rail for the electrical connection of luminaires or other electrical components via the coupling opening of the support profile rail, wherein the electrical conductor extending in the interior space of the support profile rail and provided for electrical connection via the coupling opening is part of a busbar which has a longitudinally extending bearing structure made of an insulating material, which has one or more elongated grooves with electrical conductors arranged therein.

[0012] Furthermore, the support rail system has a tap element which can be detachably inserted into the support profile rail via an opening separate from the coupling opening and which can be electrically coupled via a contact section with at least one electrical conductor extending longitudinally in the interior of the support profile rail, which is part of a further busbar with contactable electrical conductors arranged within the support profile rail in the area of ​​the opening, wherein the contact section has a rotary tap with contact elements which is positioned between an insertion position in which the contact elements are retracted or pivoted in, and a contacting position in which the contact elements are extended to contact the at least one conductor.The tap-off element is pivoted, movable, and further comprising a provision element which is provided externally with respect to the mounting rail and is electrically connected to the contact section via an electrical connecting element in order to provide the electrical tap of the contact section externally via the provision element. A low-voltage supply voltage is provided via at least a portion of the electrical conductors of the further busbar.

[0013] Preferably, the contact section, in particular the rotary tap of the contact section, may additionally have mechanical locking elements which lock the contact section in the support profile rail in the contacting position of the rotary tap.

[0014] Preferably, the rotary tap may have a base element on which at least one contact element is adjustably mounted. The connecting contact is arranged on a contact holder part, which is adjustably mounted relative to the base element, with several detent positions being particularly preferred for defining the positioning of the contact holder part. In particular, two connecting contacts may be arranged on the contact holder part, preferably opposite each other, with the connecting contacts then being adjustable only in a fixed relation to each other relative to the base element.

[0015] The connecting element responsible for the electrical connection between the contact section and the supply element can, for example, be in the form of a cable. A rigid connection, such as a so-called cantilever, as is known from spotlights connected to busbars, could also be used.

[0016] Preferably, the opening providing the additional contact option is located on the side of the support profile rail facing away from the coupling opening. Since the coupling opening is typically oriented towards the underside, this means that the additional contact option according to the present invention is accessible from the top of the support rail. This particularly allows for the placement of additional lights or electrical components on the top of the support rail, outside of the rail itself. Preferably, the support profile rail has several such openings, which are preferably arranged longitudinally along the support profile rail, and more preferably evenly distributed.

[0017] The electrical conductor extending inside the support profile rail and intended for electrical connection via the coupling opening is therefore part of a busbar, which has a longitudinally extending support structure made of an insulating material. This structure forms one or more elongated grooves in which the corresponding electrical conductors are received. This can be, in particular, a busbar designed according to the solution described in the aforementioned WO 2001 / 091250 A1.

[0018] According to the invention, a further busbar with contactable conductors is arranged within the support profile rail, particularly in the area of ​​the additional opening(s), wherein the contact section of the tap element is then designed to contact the electrical conductors of this further busbar. That is, in this case, to realize the additional contact option, electrical conductors running within the support profile rail are provided, which are exclusively intended for contact from the top or via the additional opening. Preferably, in this case as well, at least a portion of the conductors of the further busbar are arranged in elongated grooves of a bearing structure made of an electrically insulating material. In this case, too, the busbar is preferably designed analogously to the solution used in the "TECTON" system.The plan is to provide a low-voltage supply voltage via at least part of the electrical conductors of the further busbar.

[0019] The openings used to implement the additional contact option can be permanently formed on the support profile rail. In this case, it is preferably provided that a cover is used to selectively conceal the opening when it is not required for contact. This cover can be rotatably and / or translationally movable, preferably longitudinally displaceable along the support profile rail. In particular, the support profile rail can be provided with coupling structures via which the cover is mechanically coupled to the support profile rail and preferably movably mounted on the support rail. Thus, if one of the available openings is to be used for contacting conductors, the corresponding cover can be easily removed or moved away from the opening, so that free access to the interior of the support rail is then available at that point.The unused openings, on the other hand, are sealed by the associated cover in a dustproof and preferably moisture-proof manner in order to protect the components arranged inside the support rail.

[0020] As an alternative to the opening design options proposed above, it would also be conceivable to provide the support profile rail in such a way that the openings are only formed when needed. The support rail could, for example, have corresponding material weakenings or cutouts that allow tabs to be broken out, thus enabling the support rail to be opened at a specific position, if contact with conductors is required at that position. The support profile rail itself, viewed in cross-section along its longitudinal axis, is preferably U-shaped or C-shaped, or possibly H-shaped.

[0021] As already mentioned, the provisioning element can be designed such that it is an integral part of a unit to be connected to the mounting rail or allows for separate connection to a unit to be connected. It is therefore intended that an electrical component to be connected to the mounting rail either has a connection section for connection to the provisioning element or integrally incorporates the provisioning element.

[0022] The unit to be connected preferably has a mounting section by means of which the component can be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail, wherein the mounting section preferably has profiled sections in order to be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail or further coupling structures, preferably slidably along the support profile rail. This mounting section can, for example, have a U-shape or a C-shape in order to at least partially grip the support profile rail, preferably for mechanical coupling with the support profile rail.

[0023] As mentioned previously, the additional components to be connected to the system can include, in particular, luminaires such as spotlights, gooseneck luminaires, indirect luminaires, wallwasher luminaires, or emergency lighting / exit sign luminaires. Other components, such as sensors (e.g., motion or light sensors), a radio beacon, a Wi-Fi access point, a radio access point or radio repeater, a speaker, a camera, a fan, a fire alarm, and / or an adapter with part of a standard interface, could also be connected to the system in this way to expand its functionality. However, as already mentioned, the installation of these additional components does not impair access to the mounting rail via the coupling opening, so it can still be used to install other components, especially luminaires.The system according to the invention could therefore be implemented, for example, in the form of a continuous light band, in which, despite everything, additional components are connected to the mounting rail at certain points.

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a support profile rail according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the support profile rail with the electrical conductors arranged therein and an additional unit arranged on the top side according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a first possible use of the solution according to the invention, in which the additional contact option is used for an emergency light; Figure 4 shows a further possible application of the concept according to the invention, in which the additional contact option is used for connecting an emergency exit sign; Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which a unit is arranged on the top side of the support profile rail that enables a connection according to a standard interface; Figure 6 shows schematic representations of a possible configuration of a tap element according to the invention;Figure 7 shows another possible design of the tap element; Figure 8 shows views of the possible design of the opening in the support profile rail used for additional contacting, as well as the associated connectors; Figures 9a-9d show views of a preferred embodiment of a rotary tap used for additional contacting; Figures 10-10c show the contacting of different conductor pairs using the rotary tap of [Figure 10]. Figure 9 ; and Figures 11 - 14 show views of a support rail system according to the state of the art.

[0025] As already mentioned, the present invention represents in particular a further development of the known "TECTON" system. Therefore, before the solution according to the invention is described in more detail, the following will be explained using the... Figures 11 - 14 First, the basic design of this well-known support rail system will be explained. Figures 11 and 12These show views of the mounting rail with the conductor rails arranged within it. Figures 13 and 14 This again shows the design of a light fixture connected or to be connected to this mounting rail system.

[0026] It is immediately apparent that the known support rail system 100 uses an elongated, U-shaped support profile rail 101, open at the bottom, which, with its two side walls 102 and the upper connecting wall 103, defines an elongated receiving space accessible from below via an elongated coupling opening. In the illustrated case, a so-called conductor rail 110 or 120 is arranged on the inner sides of each of the two side walls 102 (in Figure 12(These are not visible in the figure, which only shows the support profile rail 101), each of which has several longitudinally running wires or conductors 111, 121 arranged in elongated channels or grooves 113, 123 of a conductor receiving structure 112, 122 made of an insulating material. The channels 113, 123 ensure the secure storage of the conductors 111, 121 in such a way that they cannot be accidentally touched. At the same time, however, the channels 113, 123 are open to the interior of the support profile rail 101, so that contact between the conductors 111, 121 is possible.

[0027] A luminaire 130 to be connected to this mounting rail system 100 then has at least one rotatably mounted contact or tap element 135, as is found in particular in the Figures 13 and 14This is evident. To connect the luminaire 130, it is attached to the elongated support profile rail 101 from below, whereby the tap element 135 is inserted into the support profile rail 101 via the elongated coupling opening and then rotated by approximately 45°. The contacts 136 arranged on the tap element 135 are designed such that they are pivoted laterally by the rotation and are then – as is particularly evident in Figure 13 It can be seen that the recording channels 113, 123 of the two busbars 110, 120 are being accessed in order to contact the corresponding conductors 111, 121.

[0028] In the Figures 11 - 14In the mounting rail system 100 shown, the conductors 111, 121 of the two busbars 110, 120 are arranged such that they run parallel to each other in a vertical plane, one above the other, in the longitudinal direction of the mounting profile rail 101. Similarly, the tap-off element 135 of the luminaire 130 to be connected is designed such that the individual contacts 136, which are provided for contacting one of the two busbars 110, 120, are arranged one above the other on a common plane, the position of a contact 136 corresponding to a (height) position of a conductor 111, 121. In the illustrated case, contacts 136 are arranged on both sides of the tap-off element 135 in order to be able to contact the busbars 110, 120 positioned on both side walls 102 of the mounting profile rail 101. Because the contacts 136, with their contact housing and the cable connected to it, are aligned with respect toThe tap element 135 can be moved vertically and positioned according to the desired conductor 111, 121, in order to then connect that conductor as required. This allows for the selection of both the phase and the neutral conductor. Depending on the number of conductors provided by the busbars 110, 120, these can also be used for other purposes, such as communication.

[0029] This makes it possible to combine the lighting units connected to the support profile rail 101 into a larger continuous lighting system and to control the lights centrally from a central control unit.

[0030] In addition to the lighting units shown in the figures, other electrical units can also be connected to the mounting rail system. These could include sensors such as presence or brightness sensors, which support automated operation of the lighting system. Units that enable communication or data transmission independent of the lighting control system for other purposes would also be suitable for connection to the mounting rail system. Finally, a wide variety of luminaire types can be connected to the mounting rail together, fulfilling different lighting technology functions.

[0031] However, with known solutions, the units to be connected must generally be attached to the mounting rail from below. The tap element is then inserted into the interior of the mounting rail via the coupling opening and makes contact with the conductors of the busbars. This means that, viewed longitudinally along the mounting rail system, the connected units must be arranged one behind the other. This results, for example, in the placement of a sensor interrupting the arrangement of the luminaires used for light emission. Therefore, creating an elongated, uninterrupted light strip, where light is emitted continuously along the entire length of the mounting rail system and which also incorporates additional components such as sensors, is difficult to achieve with state-of-the-art solutions.

[0032] The present invention therefore proposes a further development of the known principle, which leads to additional connection options, thus avoiding the problems described above in the prior art.

[0033] Figure 1 This shows first a support rail 1, which in its construction corresponds in many points to the solution known in the prior art.

[0034] In the invention, the support rail 1 also initially consists of an elongated, U-shaped support profile rail 2 (a C- or H-shape would also be conceivable), which extends in a longitudinal direction L and defines an interior space I. Preferably, the support profile rail 2 is formed from a sheet metal part that is deformed such that two opposing, vertically oriented side walls 3 and 4 are formed, which are connected to each other via an upper central leg 5. Typically, the support profile rail 2 is formed by several individual elements arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, which are connected to each other to form an elongated support structure. This allows a system of virtually any length to be realized.

[0035] Furthermore, how the sectional view of Figure 2As shown, on the inner sides of the two side walls 3 and 4 of the support profile rail 2, there are busbars 10 and 20 respectively (which are in Figure 1 (not shown) are arranged in elongated channels 13 and 23, respectively, which have electrical conductors 11 and 21 for contacting units to be connected to the busbar. In both cases, the conductors 11 and 21 are arranged in elongated channels 13 and 23, respectively, of a conductor support structure 12 and 22 made of an insulating material, so that the conductors 11 and 21 are protected from accidental contact on the one hand, and accessible from the interior 11 of the mounting rail 1 on the other, so that they can be contacted by a load connected to the mounting rail 1. This load can be, in particular, as shown in Figure 14The known luminaire 130 shown is designed as follows: it has a tap element in the form of a rotatable component, which is first inserted into the interior I via the coupling opening 6 of the support profile rail 2, which is limited by the side walls 3 and 4, and then rotated laterally to contact at least part of the conductors 11, 21 with appropriately designed contacts. For the sake of clarity, the Figures 1 and 2 Such a consumer is no longer represented.

[0036] With regard to the characteristics described so far, the one in the Figures 1 and 2 The solution presented according to the invention is thus the known support rail system as it is used in the Figures 11 - 14 is shown.

[0037] The further development according to the invention consists in that additional conductors 31 run in the interior I of the support profile rail 2, which are part of a further busbar 30 arranged in the region of the connecting leg 5 of the support profile rail 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this further busbar 30 has a total of four longitudinally extending conductors 31, with two of these conductors 31 arranged opposite each other symmetrically to the central plane of the support profile rail 2. However, this is only to be understood as an example, and the further busbar 30 could of course also have a different number of conductors 31 than shown, as well as a different arrangement of these conductors 31.

[0038] Again, the busbar 30 is preferably designed such that it has a conductor support structure 32 made of an electrically insulating material, which forms longitudinally extending channels or grooves in which the conductors 31 are received. On the one hand, this ensures stable and reliable support of the conductors 31, and on the other hand, the risk of accidental contact with the conductors 31 can be virtually eliminated. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of the additional busbar 30 in the upper inner area of ​​the support profile rail 2 is achieved by the conductor support structure 32 having outwardly projecting wing-like webs 35 that engage in correspondingly profiled areas of the support profile rail 2. Other types of support for the additional busbar 30 would, of course, also be conceivable.

[0039] The special feature of this additional busbar 30 is that the corresponding conductors 31 are not accessible via the coupling opening 6 of the support rail 2, as is the case with conductors 11 and 21 of busbars 10 and 20, but instead provide a separate means of contact. For this purpose, at least one opening 8 is provided on the upper side of the support rail 2, i.e., on its connecting leg 5, which allows access to these conductors 31 of the additional busbar 30. Preferably, several such openings 8 are provided on the upper side of the support rail 2, distributed along the longitudinal direction L, so that contact with the conductors 31 is possible at least at certain regular intervals. A preferred distance between openings 8 would be 50 cm.

[0040] A in Figures 1 and 2The schematically depicted consumer 50, which is to be arranged on the top of the mounting rail 1, is now designed such that it is electrically connected to a tap element 55, which can be inserted through the opening 8 of the mounting rail 2 into the interior space I, such that in the inserted position it contacts the conductors 31. This tap element 55 could be designed analogously to the tap elements provided for contacting the conductors 11, 21 of the busbars 10, 20, in the form of a so-called rotary tap. That is, the tap element 55 also has contact elements 57 on its base body 56, which are pivoted outwards after the tap element 55 is inserted into the interior space I of the mounting rail 2 so that they contact the conductors 31.As an alternative to pivoting out the contact elements 57, another mechanism would be conceivable that allows the contact elements 57 to be moved from an insertion position, in which they are retracted, to a contacting position, in which the contact elements 57 are extended to make contact with the busbar 30. In particular, lateral extension of the contact elements 57 within a linear movement would also be conceivable. Regardless of the procedure for contacting the conductors 31, it can also be provided that, simultaneously with the contacting of the conductors 31 by the contact elements 57, the tap element 55 is also locked onto the support profile rail 2 via corresponding mechanical locking elements.

[0041] The tap element 55 is designed such that its dimensions fit within the corresponding area provided by the additional busbar 30 and allow it to contact the conductor 31. In this contacted state, the tap element 55 is then located completely within the interior space I of the support profile rail 2, just as is the case with the contact elements that are inserted into the support profile rail 2 via the coupling opening 6.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the tap element 55 is connected via a cable 58 to the actual unit 50 to be connected to the system 1, so that the electrical tap of the contact elements 57 can be used outside the mounting rail 1 via the cable 58, and in the illustrated embodiment is made available directly to the consumer 50 via a provision element in the form of a corresponding connection. In this case, the tap 55 is a more direct component of the unit 50 to be connected. However, it would also be conceivable that the end of the cable 58 has a provision element in the form of a plug (not shown), which then enables a detachable connection to a unit to be connected to the system 1.This would make it possible to use differently designed consumers with the illustrated tap 55, provided that each has a corresponding socket for suitable coupling with the plug of the cable 58. A corresponding embodiment is shown in . Figure 5 shown and will be described in more detail later.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the actual unit 50 to be connected is positioned longitudinally offset from the opening 8 and thus from the tap element 55 on the support profile rail 2. The unit 50 can have mounting sections 51, shown schematically, which mechanically couple the unit 50 to the support profile rail 2 to enable fastening. These mounting sections 51 preferably have profiled sections to be mechanically coupled to the correspondingly profiled structures of the support profile rail 2, whereby the coupling can, for example, be designed such that a displacement in the longitudinal direction L of the support profile rail 2 is permitted.

[0044] As an alternative to connecting the unit 50 to be connected and the tap element 55 via the flexible cable 58 shown, it would of course also be conceivable to choose a different type of connection. In particular, a rigid connection in the form of a rod-shaped extension or an arrangement of the tap element 55 directly on the underside of the unit 50 to be connected would also be conceivable. In this case, however, it must be ensured that it is still possible, when the tap element 55 is in place, to actuate it in such a way that it can be moved from an insertion position, in which the contact elements are retracted or pivoted inwards, to a contacting position, in which the contact elements are extended or pivoted outwards to contact the conductors 31.In principle, it can preferably be provided that the tapping element 55, in particular the rotary tap, additionally has mechanical locking elements which in turn lock the tapping element 55 in the support profile rail 2 in the contacting position of the contact elements 57.

[0045] The illustrated solution according to the invention thus allows additional units to be easily arranged on the upper side of the support profile rail 2 and coupled to conductors running inside the support profile rail 2. It is particularly preferred that, although the corresponding contacting or tap element 55 is fully inserted into the interior I of the support profile rail 2, contact with the actual busbars 10 or 20 is nevertheless not obstructed. The positioning of the additional busbar 30 in the upper area of ​​the support profile rail 2 is therefore preferably such that the insertion of the rotary taps of the loads or other units to be connected via the coupling opening 6 is still possible. The actual contact from the underside of the support rail 1 is thus not affected by the further development according to the invention.

[0046] The solution according to the invention thus allows additional luminaires or other units to be arranged on the mounting rail 1 without interrupting units arranged on the underside. Ultimately, the system is extended by a new connection level. The first connection level represents the conventional connection option, which is made from the underside of the mounting rail 1 via the coupling opening 6. The contacting according to the invention, however, leads to a further, second level that enables the connection of units from the top, whereby both connection levels can be used independently of each other and, in particular, do not interfere with each other. Two conceivable application examples that further illustrate this concept are described in the Figures 3 and 4 depicted.

[0047] In both cases, elongated lighting units 130 are arranged on the underside of the mounting rail 1 (in Figure 3(which shows a perspective view of the system from above, not visible), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L to achieve uninterrupted light emission over the entire length of the support rail system 1. This results in a particularly visually appealing form of light emission. Nevertheless, additional units can now be connected to the support rail system 1 from above in the manner according to the invention in order to assign additional functionalities or lighting functions to the system 1.

[0048] In the variant according to Figure 3It is planned that an additional emergency light 70 will be connected, which will provide minimum illumination in case of need, i.e., in the event of an emergency, for example, when the power supply to the lights 130 intended for normal light output is not guaranteed. The corresponding emergency power supply must then, of course, be provided via conductor 31 of the additional busbar 30.

[0049] At the in Figure 3In the depicted variant, the emergency light 70 has a tap element which, as described above, is inserted into the top of the support profile rail 2 via one of the openings 8 and contacts the conductor 31 of the other busbar 30. The tap element is connected via a supply element in the form of a cable or other electrical connection to a device housing 72, which is located on the top of the support profile rail 2 and contains the corresponding electronics for operating the light source and, if necessary, also emergency power supply in the form of batteries or accumulators. This device housing 72 is then in turn connected to the actual light head 73 with an LED module 74 located on the underside, through which the emergency light is emitted when required.The luminaire head 73 is arranged on the outside of the mounting rail 2, so that the LED module 74 is also positioned slightly laterally on the underside of the mounting rail 2. However, this does not play a decisive role in the actual light output in an emergency, provided that the mounting rail 2 does not impede the light output. Crucially, the arrangement of the emergency light 70 in the embodiment according to the invention does not impair the continuous arrangement of the luminaire units 130 on the underside of the mounting rail 1, so that high-quality light output in the form of a continuous band of light can still be achieved, and the system has nevertheless been enhanced by an emergency lighting function.Of course, instead of the emergency light 70, a spotlight or floodlight could also be arranged on the support profile rail 2 in a comparable manner, with the help of which a specific area can then be illuminated in addition to the general lighting provided by the light strip.

[0050] Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 4 The functionality of the system is expanded by utilizing the newly created additional contact option for the installation of a pictogram lamp 75. This lamp 75 also features a Figure 4The device features an invisible rotary tap, which, according to the invention, is inserted from the top through an opening 8 into the support profile rail 2 and contacts the corresponding conductors there. A mounting bracket 76, which extends downwards in a gooseneck-like manner along the outside of the support profile rail 2, then provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the actual pictogram lamp 75 and the tap element. In this case as well, the arrangement of the additional pictogram lamp 75 on the support profile rail 2 does not create a gap in the arrangement of the lamps 130 provided for primary light emission.

[0051] In the examples of Figures 3 and 4The additional contact option was used to connect further lighting units for emergency lighting purposes or in emergency situations. As an alternative to the luminaires shown, the corresponding arrangement of other luminaire types, such as spotlights or floodlights, or even luminaires for indirect light emission, would also be conceivable. As already mentioned, however, this type of additional contact can be used in a variety of ways to connect other electrical units to the system. In particular, the use of additional sensors such as motion or presence sensors, brightness sensors, or sensors for detecting environmental parameters (humidity, temperature, etc.) would be conceivable. Units that are not directly related to the actual function of a lighting system could also be connected in this way. Radio beacons (e.g.,Bluetooth beacons, WLAN access points, radio access points or radio repeaters, speakers, cameras, fans, RFID scanners, or fire alarms. In all cases, the arrangement of these additional components does not impair the contact options for the units to be connected from below. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention has the advantage that the system can be retrofitted with additional units at any time in the manner described.

[0052] Another embodiment already mentioned above is in Figure 5 As shown, the unit to be connected is not directly a consumer such as a light fixture or the like. Instead, a connection unit 90 is provided on the top side of the mounting rail 1 using the contact option according to the invention, which enables the connection of additional devices via a standard interface.

[0053] First, the connection unit 90 is again connected, in accordance with the invention, via the tap element 55, which is inserted into the support profile rail 2 through the opening 8, to the corresponding conductors 31 of the associated busbar(s) 30, the coupling between the tap element 55 and the connection unit 90 being effected via a cable 58. The connection unit 90 itself is now designed to provide the electrical tap of the conductors 30 by means of a connection element 95 in such a way that a flexible and detachable connection option is provided for the consumer to be connected.In the illustrated example, it is intended that consumers can ultimately be connected to the system via an Ethernet interface. Therefore, a short cable section 94 extends from the housing 91 of the connection unit 90, at the end of which the connection element 95, in the form of an Ethernet connector, is arranged. Electronic components are then arranged inside the housing 91 of the connection unit 90, which perform a suitable conversion of the voltage signals tapped via the tap element 55 into signals suitable for the Ethernet connection. The connection of the actual consumer to the connection element 95 can then be used to establish a communication link and / or to supply power to the consumer, preferably fulfilling both functions.

[0054] At the in Figure 5In the example shown, devices designed for Ethernet connection can thus be easily connected to the system without the need for special modifications to accommodate the DIN rail system's wiring. Instead, the connection unit 90 ensures that all devices using a standard Ethernet interface can be connected without further modifications, further increasing the system's flexibility.

[0055] Naturally, the illustrated embodiment is not limited to an Ethernet interface; all conceivable connection types could be provided, preferably those that enable both power supply and communication. Connections conforming to the USB standard would be particularly suitable.

[0056] Furthermore, it would also be conceivable to integrate the electronic components for converting the tapped voltage signals into the tap element 55. In this case, the separate connection unit could be dispensed with, and the cable 58, which extends from the tap element 55, would have the connection element 95 directly at its opposite end.

[0057] This embodiment also illustrates once again that the solutions according to the invention now provide an additional level for the contacting and arrangement of electrical or electronic components on the mounting rail system.

[0058] The openings 8 used to implement the additional contact options can be permanently formed on the support profile rail 2. In this case, it is preferably provided that covers, not shown in detail in the figures, are used, each of which covers an opening 8 when it is not required for contact. This cover can then be rotatably and / or translationally movable, preferably longitudinally displaceable along the support profile rail 2. In particular, it can be provided that the coupling structures of the support profile rail 2, which are also used to fasten the units 50 to be connected, are mechanically coupled to the cover in such a way that the cover is preferably movably mounted on the support rail 1. Thus, if one of the available openings is to be used for contacting conductors, the corresponding cover can be easily removed or replaced.The components are moved away from the opening 8, so that free access to the interior of the mounting rail 1 is then available at this point. The unused openings 8, on the other hand, are sealed by the associated cover in a dustproof and preferably moisture-proof manner in order to protect the components arranged inside the mounting rail 1.

[0059] As an alternative to the above-proposed options regarding the design of the openings 8, it would also be conceivable to provide the support profile rail 2 in such a way that the openings 8 are only formed when needed. The support profile rail 2 could, for example, have corresponding material weakenings or cutouts that allow tabs to be broken out and thus the support rail 1 to be opened at a specific position, if the placement of an additional unit 50 at that position is desired.

[0060] It should also be noted that the information based on the Figures 1 to 4 The described arrangement of the conductors that can be contacted via the additional tap element represents only one possible embodiment of the present invention. As already mentioned, the number of conductors that can be contacted in this way can, in principle, vary, and the use of these conductors can also be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, analogous to the conductors of busbars 10 and 20, they could provide a normal supply voltage for connecting lights. However, according to the invention, it is provided that some of the conductors of the additional busbar provide a low-voltage supply voltage of, for example, 48 V. Furthermore, at least partial use of additional conductors for data transmission or other communication would be conceivable.

[0061] Preferably, measures are provided that, in the event that the conductors used within the framework of the additional contacting option according to the invention provide a normal voltage of, for example, 230 V, measures are taken to prevent accidental contact with at least these conductors. In the case of the Figure 2 In the example shown, conductors 31 are therefore mounted in grooves or channels of a conductor support profile, analogous to conductors 11 and 21 of busbars 10 and 20, and the contacting element is designed such that the corresponding contacts are only extended after insertion into the support profile rail 2. As an alternative to the described rotation of the contacting element, other mechanisms would of course be conceivable, as already indicated, that allow the contact elements to pivot or extend laterally.

[0062] For conductors that supply a low-voltage supply voltage, such touch protection measures are not strictly necessary. However, even in this case, it should be ensured that the tap-off element inserted through the opening in the mounting rail is correctly positioned relative to the respective conductors. One possibility, which in Figure 1 The solution shown here consists of designing the opening asymmetrically and providing the tap element in such a way that it can only be inserted into the support profile rail according to a specific orientation.

[0063] The Figures 6 to 8 schematically show further possibilities for designing possible tap elements in such a way that correct positioning with respect to the conductor to be contacted is ensured.

[0064] At the in Figure 6In the depicted variant, two of the conductors 31 1 provide a normal supply voltage and are therefore preferably mounted in a touch-proof manner as described above. Two further conductors 31 2, however, provide a low-voltage supply voltage and are designed in this case such that they can be contacted during a linear insertion movement. These conductors 31 2 are therefore not touch-proof.

[0065] The tap element 55, shown schematically in its initial state in Figure a), has contacts 57 2 projecting towards the underside, which are intended for contacting the conductors 31 2 for the low-voltage supply voltage. Two further contacts 57 1, however, are only pivoted or extended laterally by a corresponding adjustment mechanism after the tap element 55 has been inserted through the opening 8, in order to contact the conductors 31 1 for the normal supply voltage. Two side views of the tap element in its installed state are shown in Figures b) and c).

[0066] A special feature of the in Figure 6The illustrated tap element 55 further consists in that it is designed in two parts and comprises two sub-components 551 (shown individually in a side view in Figure d) and 552 (shown in two side views in Figures e) and f)), each with its respective associated contacts 571 and 572, respectively, which are designed to contact the corresponding conductor type and could also be used individually if necessary. However, due to their design, both sub-components 551 and 552 are each suitable for contacting only one conductor type, thus avoiding the risk of incorrect contact.

[0067] An alternative design of the tap element 55 is described in the Figure 7shown, again with two pairs of conductors 311 and 312, respectively, providing a normal supply voltage and a low-voltage supply voltage, respectively. In this case as well, the tap element 55 is designed in two parts, with both subcomponents 551 and 552 being analogous to the variant according to Figure 6They can also be used separately. In the example shown, the arrangement of the conductors 31 1 for the normal voltage supply and the corresponding component 55 1 of the tap is designed such that, in every case, this component 55 1 is first inserted into the opening 8 according to Figure a) and then pivoted relative to a horizontal axis as shown in Figure b) in order to contact the conductors 31 1 with the contact elements 57 1. Subsequently, the second sub-component 55 2 is inserted, which in turn, within the scope of a linear movement, then contacts the conductors 31 2 for the low-voltage voltage supply with the contact elements 57 2.

[0068] A third option, which is in Figure 8As depicted, it is intended that both components 551 and 552 of the tap are to be inserted into the opening 8 (shown in isolation in Figure a) using linear insertion movements. However, this opening 8 is designed, and the shape of the two sub-components 551 and 552 is chosen, such that each sub-component 551 and 552 can only be inserted into the opening 8 in one correct orientation and position, either individually (shown in Figures b) and e) or together (shown in Figure d). Other arrangements or orientations of the sub-components 551 and 552, on the other hand, result in insertion into the opening 8 being blocked by its edge regions, as shown for two cases in Figures c) and f). This measure also contributes to preventing incorrect contact of the conductors.

[0069] Furthermore, it is not strictly necessary to provide an additional busbar with further conductors to utilize this novel contact option. In principle, it would also be conceivable to design the tap element, which is inserted into the interior of the support profile rail 2 via opening 8, in such a way that it also contacts the conductors 11 and 21 of the busbars 10 and 20, respectively. The only limitation is that contact elements for units connected from below and contact elements for units connected from above cannot be arranged in the same longitudinal position. However, since the corresponding tap elements have a significantly shorter longitudinal extent than the units to be connected, this represents only a very minor limitation.In any case, it will be necessary to design the tap element in such a way that it is adapted to the arrangement of the conductors intended for contact.

[0070] Another possibility for realizing a tap element, which is inserted into the interior of the support profile rail 2 from the top side according to the invention and in this case then contacts the existing conductors 11, 21 of the busbars 10 and 20 as just described, is in the Figure 9 and 10 shown, where comparable elements have been provided with the same reference symbols.

[0071] The in the Figures 9a - 9dThe illustrated tap element 55 has a base element 60, which is essentially formed by an oval plate 62. In the assembled state, at least its edge region rests on the upper surface of the support rail profile 50 at the circumference of the opening (not shown in the figures). A cylindrical projection 63 extends centrally towards the upper surface, from which the connecting cable 58, connected to the terminal contacts 57, protrudes. On both sides of this cylindrical projection 63, web-like wings 63a and 63b are provided, which, in the form of handles, facilitate the rotation of the base element 61 and thus of the tap element 55 as a whole.

[0072] The cylindrical projection 63 continues as a hollow cylinder on the underside of the oval plate 62, forming a hollow cylindrical receptacle into which a height-adjustable contact holder 65 engages. This contact holder 65, which is made of an insulating material, forms a vertically oriented, again cylindrical projection 66 that engages in the receptacle of the base element 60. Outwardly projecting ring-shaped projections can be provided on the outside of this projection 66. These projections correspond to ring-shaped recesses on the inside of the cylindrical receptacle of the base element 60, thereby defining detent positions that establish different, preferred height positions for the contact holder 65.On the underside of the contact holder part 65, two laterally projecting, oppositely directed holders 67 and 67 are formed, which then support the actual pin-like connection contacts 57. These are coupled to the end region of the connecting cable 58 via internally running conductors.

[0073] If a consumer is to be connected to the conductors of a mounting rail profile using the illustrated tap-off element 55, the contact holder part 65 is first moved into the desired position in the receptacle of the base element 60, corresponding to one of the predefined detent positions. The connection contacts 57 and 57 are thus located at a fixed height relative to the underside of the oval plate 62 of the base element 60. The tap-off element 55 is then placed onto the mounting rail profile from above, with the connection contacts 57, initially aligned longitudinally, and the lower part of the contact holder part 65 passing through the opening on the top of the mounting rail 1 (not shown in the figures).When the oval plate 62 rests with its underside on the top of the mounting rail 1, it rotates by approximately 90°, whereby the contacts 57 are then pivoted laterally to contact the associated conductors 11, 21. This is shown in the figures. Figures 10a to 10c (where in Figure 10a (Only the contact holder part 65, but not the base element 60, is shown) for three different detent positions of the contact holder part 65, each corresponding to different conductor pairs to be contacted. At the same time, laterally projecting webs 62a provided just below the oval plate 62 can be used to mechanically lock the tap element 55 to the mounting rail 1.

[0074] In the Figure 9 and 10In the illustrated embodiment of the tap element 55, the position of the two fixed contacts 57 can be selected by simply adjusting the contact holder part 65 relative to the base element 60, such that in the pivoted state they selectively contact either two opposing conductors, 11, 21 of the busbars 10 and 20. Depending on the detent position of the contact holder part 65 relative to the base element 60, a different pair of conductors is then contacted. This approach is particularly advantageous when the two opposing conductors of the mounting rail system have been assigned a specific function. This approach is therefore less suitable for the conductors used for power supply if phase selection is required.The aforementioned additional functions generally require two conductors. Therefore, it is advantageous to position these opposite each other within the mounting rail 1. This ensures that, due to the fixed arrangement of the contacts 57 relative to each other (meaning they are only adjustable in a fixed relationship to the base element 60), only the conductors of a specific pair are ever connected. This significantly simplifies the corresponding configuration of the tap element 55 and thus the correct connection of the conductors for a desired additional function.

[0075] Another advantage of the in the Figure 9 and 10The advantage of the illustrated tap element 55 is also that it occupies relatively little space, yet is still able to contact at least the upper part of the conductors 11, 22 of the busbars 10, 20 arranged on the side walls (of course, it would also be possible to connect the Figure 9 and 10 The illustrated tap element 55 is used to contact the conductors 31 of a separate busbar 30 used in the upper area, as is the case with the mounting rail in Figure 2 (is the case). Is the arrangement of the busbars therefore provided as described in Figure 10 As shown, the conductors could, for example, be arranged such that the upper section of mounting rail 1 contains conductors intended for additional functions. In this case, a tap element could be used for the loads to be arranged on the underside of mounting rail 1, analogous to the one shown in the Figures 13 and 14The illustrated tap element is designed according to the prior art, but a cylindrical receptacle for arranging a contact holder part 65 is provided in the upper area, as is the case with the tap element of the Figure 9 and 10This contact holder component could then be used as an additional adapter, which is only required on the actual tap element if the connected device actually intends to use the additional functions. If, however, no additional functions are to be used, the additional adapter could be omitted, thus reducing the overall height of the tap element, which is then primarily intended to contact the lines for the actual power supply. In this case, it would even be possible, viewed longitudinally, to connect one tap element from the underside (then without the additional adapter) and a second tap element from the top to the mounting rail at the same or overlapping point, without the two tap elements colliding with each other. This further increases the flexibility in the arrangement of electronic units on the mounting rail.

[0076] The solution according to the invention thus expands the possibilities of use of a mounting rail system in many ways, while the actual function and the possibility of arranging lighting units on the mounting rail system are not impaired by the additional measures.

Claims

1. A track system comprising: ∘ a track (1) having - an elongate carrier profile rail (2) having a longitudinal extent (L) that defines an interior space (I) and has an elongate coupling opening (6), and - at least one electrical conductor (11, 21) extending longitudinally in the interior (I) of the carrier profile rail (2) for the electrical connection of electrical or electronic components (130) via the coupling opening (6) of the carrier profile rail (2), wherein the electrical conductor (11, 21) extending in the interior (I) of the carrier profile rail (2) and provided for electrical connection via the coupling opening (6) is part of a busbar (10, 20) which has a support structure (12, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and made of an insulating material, said support structure having one or more elongate grooves (13, 23) with electrical conductors (11, 21) arranged therein, ∘ the track system further comprising: a tapping element (55) which is removably insertable at least partly into the carrier profile rail (2) via an opening (8) of the carrier profile rail (2) that is separate from the coupling opening (6), and which, via a contact section (56), is electrically connectable to at least one electrical conductor (31) extending longitudinally in the interior (I) of the carrier profile rail (2), which electrical conductor (31) is part of an additional busbar (30) with contactable electrical conductors (31) arranged inside the carrier profile rail (2) in the region of the opening (8), wherein the contact section (56) has a rotary tapping member with contact elements (57) which is movable between an insertion position, in which the contact elements (57) are retracted or pivoted in, and a contacting position, in which the contact elements (57) are extended or pivoted out for contacting the at least one conductor (31), wherein the tapping element (55) further has a provisioning element which is provided externally relative to the track (1) and is electrically connected to the contact section (56) via an electrical connecting element (58) in order to provide the electrical tapping of the contact section (56) externally via the provisioning element, and wherein at least a portion of the electrical conductors (31) of the additional busbar (30) provides a low-voltage supply voltage.

2. The track system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tapping member additionally comprises mechanical locking elements (62a) which, in the contacting position of the rotary tapping member, lock the contact section (56) in the carrier profile rail (2).

3. The track system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary tapping member comprises a base element (60) on which at least one contact element (57) is adjustably mounted.

4. The track system according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection contact (57) is arranged on a contact holding part (65) which is adjustably mounted relative to the base element (60), wherein preferably multiple detent positions are defined for the positioning of the contact holding part (65).

5. The track system according to claim 4, characterized in that two connection contacts (57) are arranged on the contact holding part (65), which are preferably arranged opposite to each other, wherein the connection contacts (57) are adjustable relative to the base element (60) only in a fixed relationship to one another.

6. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (58) comprises a cable.

7. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (8) is provided on a side of the carrier profile rail (2) that is opposite the coupling opening (6).

8. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier profile rail (2) has a plurality of the openings (8) which are distributed along the length of the carrier profile rail (2), preferably evenly distributed.

9. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the conductors (31) of the additional busbar (30) is arranged in elongate grooves or channels of a support structure (32) made of an electrically insulating material.

10. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a cover for selectively covering the opening (8).

11. The track system according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover is configured to be movable in rotation and / or translation, preferably slidable along the carrier profile rail (2).

12. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier profile rail (2) is U-shaped, C-shaped, or H-shaped in cross-section as viewed along its longitudinal extent (L).

13. The track system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrical or electronic component (50) which a) has a connection section for connection to the provisioning element, or b) includes the provisioning element.

14. The track system according to claim 13, characterized in that the electrical or electronic component (50) has a mounting section (51) by which the component (50) can be mechanically coupled to the carrier profile rail (2), the mounting section (51) preferably having profiled portions to be mechanically coupled with coupling structures of the carrier profile rail (2), and being preferably displaceable along the carrier profile rail (2).

15. The track system according to claim 14, characterized in that the profiled portions of the mounting section (51) have a U-shape or a C-shape to at least partially encompass the carrier profile rail (2), preferably for mechanical coupling with the carrier profile rail (2).

16. The track system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the electrical or electronic component (50) is a luminaire, in particular a spot luminaire or a gooseneck luminaire or an indirect luminaire or a wallwasher luminaire, a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor, a radio beacon, an access point, a loudspeaker, a camera, a fan, a fire detector, and / or an adapter comprising a part of a standard interface.