ADAPTER FOR USE IN A RAIL LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting arrangements, particularly for lighting purposes in buildings, for example, in the interiors thereof. In particular, the invention relates to track lighting systems. The invention relates to an adapter for use in a track lighting system and to a lighting arrangement with such an adapter. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Track lighting systems are already known. For example, systems have been proposed in which electrical conductors are integrated into a track profile to provide a supply voltage. Track lighting systems of this type can include, for example, different types of light inserts, such as spotlights or linear light inserts, and these inserts can also be combined.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2015 112 838 A1 describes a busbar with a downwardly open, essentially U-shaped profile in which current conductors run longitudinally. DE 10 2015 112 838 A1 describes an adapter that has a rotatable contact spring for making contact with the current conductors, wherein this contact spring is attached to a rotatable shaft and the shaft can be rotated by means of a tool. Documents WO 2021 / 116930 A1 and WO 97 / 34352 A1 disclose further adapters from the prior art.

[0004] However, such a conventional method of contacting the electrical conductors requires the use of a tool or at least, for example, a coin. This makes contacting or disconnecting the electrical contacts relatively cumbersome, especially since the tool must be kept ready, could potentially be forgotten or misplaced, and must be repeatedly picked up and put down.

[0005] It would therefore be desirable to be able to connect an adapter for use in a track lighting system to the conductors of a track in an even more convenient way, or to be able to break the contact again. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of proposing an adapter and a lighting arrangement such that contacting the adapter with conductors of a rail is more convenient and easier, in particular without undesirably increasing the space requirement for the adapter.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an adapter having the features of claim 1 and / or by a lighting arrangement having the features of claim 14.

[0008] Accordingly, an adapter for use in a track lighting system is proposed, wherein the adapter is designed to be inserted into a track of the track lighting system. The track has a conductor assembly with conductors, the adapter has contact elements, and in an inserted state of the adapter, the conductors can be contacted by means of the contact elements. The contact elements are movable into a contact position, in which they protrude from the adapter to contact the conductors, and into a non-contact position, in which the adapter can be inserted into or removed from the track. According to the invention, the movement of the contact elements between the contact position and the non-contact position can be effected by an operator by means of a slidably arranged actuating element of the adapter.

[0009] Furthermore, a lighting arrangement comprising a rail, at least one lighting device or lighting module, and at least one such adapter for coupling the lighting device or lighting module to a conductor arrangement of the rail is proposed.

[0010] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to design the adapter to be slim and space-saving while simultaneously enabling convenient and simple operation for moving the contact elements between the contacting and non-contacting positions. This movement is achieved by means of a sliding actuator, for example, a type of "slider control." With a simple movement, the operator can manually move the actuator from a contacting position to an installation / removal position, thereby bringing the contact elements into the desired position. Instead of torque, a force can be easily applied to the actuator by the operator along the direction of movement. Furthermore, a sliding actuator can be arranged in a space-saving manner.In particular, this prevents the actuating element from protruding undesirably from the outer cross-section of the adapter. This allows for a more space-saving and compact track lighting system.

[0011] A lighting arrangement with such an adapter is compact and space-saving and can be mounted and put into an operational state in a particularly simple and quick manner.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will result from the further dependent claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the adapter is designed for insertion into the rail such that, when inserted, the conductors run laterally, particularly on both sides, of the adapter. Furthermore, in the contact position, the contact elements protrude laterally from the adapter. Specifically, the conductors that can be contacted by the contact elements can be arranged parallel to each other. This can, for example, allow for the convenient accommodation of a large number of conductors for different purposes, such as power supply and control signal transmission, and their space-saving connection.

[0014] In particular, the actuator for moving the contact elements can be operated by the operator without tools. This eliminates the need to carry a tool for assembly and prevents the risk of forgetting or misplacing a tool.

[0015] In one embodiment, the adapter can be detachably fixed to the rail by actuating the slidably arranged actuating element for moving the contact elements. This action simultaneously allows the adapter to be fixed at a selectable point along the longitudinal direction of the rail, for example, at any desired location. Thus, the adapter can be arranged practically and conveniently within the rail in a space-saving manner, preferably positioned freely along the longitudinal direction of the rail, and easily fixed and detached at a desired point along the rail, particularly without tools.The movable actuating element, which can also be described as a kind of "slider regulator", thus assumes an additional function within a fixing mechanism, for mechanically fixing the adapter, especially in the contact position, and for releasing this fixing, especially in the non-contact position.

[0016] In one embodiment, the actuating element can be moved linearly by the operator. This makes operation simple and straightforward for the operator. Such an actuating element can be easily integrated, for example, into an elongated adapter.

[0017] According to the invention, the contact elements are arranged on a support body rotatably mounted in a housing of the adapter. This makes it possible to easily connect multiple electrical conductors, and in particular electrical conductors along both profile sides or legs of the rail. The rotatable support body allows the contact elements to be folded in and out of the adapter.

[0018] The support body can, for example, be designed with an outer shape that is at least partially cylindrical or cylindrical, although other outlines or outer shapes of the support body are also conceivable. Thus, the cylindrical or cylindrical shape makes it possible to design the adapter to be particularly narrow and space-saving.

[0019] In particular, the actuating element, which is arranged in a sliding manner, is coupled to the carrier body in such a way that the rotation of the carrier body can be brought about by moving the actuating element.

[0020] According to the invention, the actuating element is displaceable relative to the housing of the adapter, and the carrier body is rotatable relative to the housing by means of the displacement movement of the actuating element.

[0021] According to the invention, the actuating element comprises a flat, plate-shaped section, an engagement geometry formed on or in a first main surface region of the plate-shaped section, and a guide contour formed in the region of a second main surface region of the plate-shaped section, which is opposite the first main surface region. A control projection, arranged eccentrically relative to an axis of rotation of the support body, is formed on an end face of the rotatably mounted carrier body or on an element non-rotatably connected to the carrier body and arranged at the end face of the carrier body. When the actuating element is moved, the guide contour acts on the control projection, thereby causing the rotation of the carrier body.Thus, by designing the carrier body and actuating element in this way, the sliding movement of the actuating element can be converted into the rotational movement of the carrier body in a simple way and with few components.

[0022] In one embodiment, it may be provided that the engagement geometry formed on or in the first main surface area of ​​the plate-shaped section is designed with a transverse rib projecting from the first main surface area. This can further facilitate effective operation by the operator.

[0023] In another design, it is conceivable that the engagement geometry is formed with a recess in the first main surface area, in particular a transverse recess. This can further contribute to saving installation space.

[0024] In further embodiments, it is also conceivable that the transverse rib and the recess are provided in combination to form the engagement geometry.

[0025] In one embodiment, the actuating element is located on an outer surface of the adapter that faces an open side of the rail when the adapter is inserted. This ensures that the actuating element is easily accessible when the adapter is inserted into the rail.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is arranged flush with or recessed from a flat surface that forms the outer surface of the adapter on one side of the adapter facing the open side of the rail. The actuating element, or "slider," therefore does not protrude from the cross-section of the adapter and thus does not occupy any additional space.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the conductors that can be contacted via the contact elements are designed to provide an electrical supply voltage and / or a control signal for lighting devices or modules of the track lighting system. Furthermore, the contact elements are designed to tap the supply voltage or control signals from the conductors. This contributes to achieving flexible lighting solutions and effects.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the adapter features a phase selection device by means of which a component coupled or connectable to the adapter, which may in particular be a lighting device or a lighting module, can be electrically connected to a selectable electrical phase from among several provided by the conductor assembly, to which the adapter is electrically coupled in the contact position, for the supply of the component. This allows for even greater flexibility in the operation of a lighting arrangement or a track lighting system which includes the adapter.

[0029] In a further development, the adapter is designed to receive a control signal from the conductor device by means of one or more of the contact elements, to interpret the control signal and to control a component coupled or connectable to the adapter, in particular a lighting device or a lighting module, depending on the control signal and / or to forward the control signal to a component coupled or connectable to the adapter, in particular a lighting device or a lighting module.

[0030] According to a further development, the adapter may have a length between 300 mm and 400 mm when installed, and / or a height between 20 mm and 40 mm when installed, and / or a width between 10 mm and 20 mm when installed, measured, for example, as perpendicular to the rail's longitudinal and depth directions. For instance, the adapter may be approximately 356 mm long, 30 mm high, and 14 mm wide. Other lengths, widths, and heights may also be advantageous and useful. Such an adapter is slim, space-saving, and can be integrated into a narrow rail.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the adapter, in an outer surface area facing the base of the rail when the adapter is in use, is at least partially designed with an asymmetrical shape relative to a longitudinal center plane of the adapter. In this way, particularly in conjunction with an inner surface area of ​​the base of the rail that corresponds at least partially to the outer surface area of ​​the adapter, it can be ensured that the adapter is inserted into the rail in the correct orientation.

[0032] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1A A perspective view of an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment, in a first state with the contact elements folded in, wherein the adapter is coupled to an exemplary lighting device; Fig. 1A Partial view of the adapterFig. 1A from a lower side of the same in a horizontal mounting state; Fig. 1C a top view of part of the adapter of the Fig. 1A , compared to Fig. 1B opposite side of the same; Fig. 1Your longitudinal section I - I through part of the adapter of the Fig. 1A in a plane, near the underside of the same, see also Fig. 1E Fig. 1E a perspective view of part of the adapter with some components arranged within it, whereby a number of components, one housing half, and the lighting device are not shown; Fig. 2A-2E the adapter of the Fig. 1A-1E in a second state, in which the contact elements are partially unfolded, with the views of the Fig. 2A-2E in addition to the views of Fig. 1A-1E correspond; Fig. 3A-3Eden adapter of the Fig. 1A-1E in a third state, in which the contact elements are fully unfolded, again showing the views of Fig. 3A-3E in addition to those of Fig. 1A-1E correspond; Fig. 4 a detailed view of one end of the adapter made of Fig. 1A Fig. 5 a perspective view of a rail into which the adapter can be inserted according to the exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the rail Fig. 5 Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the rail of the Fig. 5 with an adapter inserted into the rail and an indicated section of a lighting device, in a lighting arrangement according to the exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 a carrier body of the adapter according to the exemplary embodiment, with a fixing element and contact elements arranged on the carrier body; and Fig. 9 an actuating element of the adapter according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0034] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0035] In the figures, identical, functionally equivalent, and equally effective elements, features, and components are each provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0036] An adapter 1 for use in a track lighting system, for example in the interior of a building not shown in the figures, is shown. Fig. 1A bis 1E , 2A bis 2E and 3A bis 3E in different views and three states. Fig. 4 shows a detail from Fig. 1A .

[0037] The adapter 1 is narrow and elongated and, in the exemplary embodiment, has a length L1 of approximately 356 mm, a width B1 of approximately 14 mm, and a height H1 of approximately 30 mm, although other dimensions are conceivable. The length L1 is measured along a longitudinal direction 25 of the adapter 1, and the width B1 and the height H1 are each measured along a lateral and vertical direction, respectively, perpendicular to direction 25.

[0038] In this embodiment, an exemplary spot-like lighting device 50 is coupled to the adapter 1. The lighting device 50 can be permanently or detachably coupled to the adapter 1. Alternatively, a different type of lighting module can be permanently or detachably coupled to the adapter 1. The assembly formed by the lighting device 50 or the lighting module is supplied with electrical current for the operation of the light-generating components of the lighting device 50 or the lighting module via the adapter 1. Furthermore, the lighting device 50 or the lighting module can be controlled by the adapter 1 based on control signals received and interpreted by the adapter 1, or the adapter 1 can receive control signals and forward them to the lighting device 50 or the lighting module.

[0039] The track lighting system, within which adapter 1 is used, includes at least one track 2, see Fig. 5 , with a longitudinal direction 17 of the rail 2, a depth direction 19 of the rail 2 normal to the longitudinal direction 17, and a transverse direction 18 of the rail 2 normal to both directions 17 and 19.

[0040] The rail 2 has a base body 26, which is essentially U-shaped and is manufactured from a metal material, for example aluminum, particularly by extrusion. Within the base body 26, internal support profiles 27 are arranged along both legs of the same base body and attached to the base body 26. The support profiles 27 are preferably made of plastic and, together with a plurality of electrical conductors 4 that are received by the support profiles 27, form a conductor assembly 3 of the rail 2.

[0041] Rail 2 indicates, see Fig. 6 und 7 , between the two support profiles 27 a free interior space 7 within which the adapter 1 can be accommodated.

[0042] Adapter 1 can be integrated flush and in a space-saving manner into the track lighting system by inserting it into the interior 7 of the track 2, with the longitudinal direction 25 then running parallel to the longitudinal direction 17. After insertion into the interior 7, adapter 1 can still be freely positioned along the longitudinal direction 17 and easily fixed at a desired point along the track 2 without tools, and can be released again if necessary.

[0043] In this embodiment, one of the conductors 4 of the conductor assembly 3 serves as the neutral conductor, and several other conductors 4 serve as phase conductors, providing multiple phases of alternating current. In particular, alternating current at mains voltage can be present on the conductor 4 intended for power supply. One or more further conductors 4 are preferably also provided for providing a control signal, for example, a DALI signal or a signal based on another suitable protocol. Two conductors 4a and one conductor 4b can be provided on each of the two support profiles 27, with conductor 4b being arranged between the conductors 4a. The arrangement of the conductors 4a and 4b is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center plane 28 of the rail 2. Fig. 7 However, conductors 4a and 4b are only designated for one carrier profile 27. Three of the conductors 4a serve as phase conductors, and a fourth conductor 4a as the neutral conductor. The two conductors 4b can be used to provide the control signals, for example, as a DALI signal.

[0044] The adapter 1 has a housing 8, which in this embodiment is formed by interlocking housing shell parts. Electrical and electronic components are arranged within the housing 8. These components work together to supply the lighting device 50 or the lighting module with electrical current for operation, to interpret control signals and control the lighting device 50 or the lighting module accordingly, or to forward the control signals to the lighting device 50 or the lighting module for interpretation. In particular, the adapter 1 can include a converter housed within the housing 8.

[0045] When the adapter 1 is inserted into rail 2, the conductors 4 run laterally on both sides of the adapter 1, see Fig. 7 , and each parallel to each other. Several or all of the conductors 4, in the figures six of the conductors 4 by way of example, can be contacted by means of contact elements 5 of the adapter 1 when the adapter 1 is inserted into the rail 2. For this purpose, the contact elements 5 on both longitudinal sides of the adapter 1 can be folded out of the housing 8 and folded back in again through openings 30 provided for this purpose. The contact elements 5 are thus movable by means of a pivoting movement between a contact position, in which the contact elements 5 can each contact one of the conductors 4, and a non-contact position, in which the contact elements 5 are retracted into the housing 8 in such a way that the contact is broken and the adapter 1 can be removed from or inserted into the rail 2.

[0046] Fig. 1A-1E show the adapter 1 in a state in which the contact elements 5 are fully pivoted into the housing 8 in the non-contact position. Fig. 2A-2E show the adapter 1 in a second state in which the contact elements 5 are located between contact position and non-contact position and are partially pivoted out, and Fig. 3A-3E Figure 5 shows the fully extended contact elements 5 in their contact position. All contact elements 5 are movable together.

[0047] The electrically conductive contact elements 5, see Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 8, are arranged on a support body 9 rotatably mounted in the housing 8 and are rotationally fixed to it. The support body 9 can be partially cylindrical. In particular, two cylindrical sections can also be provided as a pivot pin 23a on an end face of the support body 9 and a pivot axis section 23b on a side of the support body 9 opposite the contact elements 5, on which the support body 9 is pivotably mounted in the housing 8.

[0048] Furthermore, a plate-like fixing element 29 is rotationally fixed to the support body 9. The fixing element 29 can be a separate part or, as in Fig. 1E-3E and 8 , formed integrally with the carrier body 9. While the fixing element 29 is in the non-contact position of the contact elements 5, see Fig. 1A-1E , folded into the housing 8, the fixing element 29 is in the third state, Fig. 3A-3E , together with the fully extended contact elements 5, protrude laterally from both sides of the housing 8 through openings 31 provided for this purpose. Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows the slot-shaped lateral openings 30 in the housing 8 for each of the contact elements 5 and the slot-shaped opening 31 in the housing 8 for an end section of the fixing element 29.

[0049] Rail 2 has an open side 10, see Fig. 6, 7 , from which the adapter 1 can be inserted into the rail 2. In the area of ​​an outer surface 11 of the adapter 1, which, when inserted, faces the open side 10, the adapter 1 is provided with an actuating element 6. The actuating element 6 is partially essentially flush with, and partially recessed from, the flat outer surface 11 on a side 12 of the adapter 1 facing the open side 10, see [reference]. Fig. 4 , and accessible section by section for actuation through an opening 46 in the housing 8.

[0050] The actuating element 6 serves to move the contact elements 5 between the contact position and the non-contact position, as well as to pivot the fixing element 29. For this purpose, the actuating element 6 can be manually moved by an operator parallel to the longitudinal direction 25 of the adapter 1 relative to the housing 8. This is illustrated for three positions. Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B .

[0051] The actuating element 6 is designed in top view in the form of an elongated quadrilateral, see Fig. 9 , and has a flat, plate-shaped section 13 formed by a first main surface area 14 and a second main surface area 15. In the assembled state of the adapter 1, the first main surface area 14 faces outwards and is located towards side 12 of the adapter 1 and in the direction of the open side 10. A transverse rib 16 projects from the first main surface area 14, the outer surface of which is substantially flush with the outer surface 11. The transverse rib 16 allows the actuating element 6 to be operated without tools and can be grasped by the operator with a finger to move the actuating element 6. The recess 46 in the housing 8, through which the actuating element 6 is accessible on side 12, can be limited for this purpose by chamfered side surfaces 32, which facilitate finger access to the transverse rib 16.Further inclined side surfaces 47, aligned longitudinally on the adapter 1 and limiting the recess 46, can cooperate with corresponding surfaces 48 at the ends of the transverse rib 16 to guide the actuating element 6.

[0052] In one variant, instead of the transverse rib 16, or in addition to it, a transverse recess, not shown in the figures, could be provided in the first main surface area 14 for the use of the finger.

[0053] The second main surface area 15, which is opposite the first main surface area 14, has a guide contour 21, which is formed with a substantially straight central section 33 extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction 25 of the adapter 1 in its assembled state, and short end sections 34 oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 25 and rounded at the end, see Fig. 9 The leadership contour 21 is in Fig. 9 The guide contour 21 is formed by a wall 35 projecting upwards from the second main surface area 15, whereby a design as a recess in the second main surface area 15 is conceivable. In the assembled state, the guide contour 21 points towards the interior of the housing 8.

[0054] On an end face 22 of the support body 9, which is in Fig. 8 formed by one of the main surfaces of the fixing element 29, this has a control projection 24 which rises as a round pin from the end face 22, see Fig. 8 In an embodiment in which the fixing element 29 is a separate element that is rotationally fixed to the carrier body 9, the control projection 24 is thus formed on the separate fixing element 29.

[0055] The carrier body 9 with the fixing element 29 and the actuating element 6 are arranged such that the control projection 24 engages appropriately in the groove-like guide contour 21 and can slide within the guide contour 21. When the actuating element 6 is moved, the guide contour 21 acts on the control projection 24, which is arranged eccentrically to a rotation axis A of the carrier body 9 defined by the pin 23a and the axis section 23b, and thereby causes the carrier body 9 to rotate about the rotation axis A.

[0056] By inserting the adapter 1 into the rail 2 and positioning it at the desired position along the rail 2, the operator shifts the actuating element 6, which rotates the carrier body 9, causing the contact elements 5 to pivot out of the housing 8 through the openings 30 and contact several of the conductors 4, see Fig. 7 . At the same time, the fixing element 29 pivots out of the housing 8 on both sides of the adapter 1 through the openings 31 and engages behind a section 37 of each of the inner support profiles 27 on both sides of the adapter 1, which projects into the interior 7 at their ends pointing towards the open side 10 of the rail 2.

[0057] In the state of Fig. 3A-3E The contact elements 5 make contact with the conductors 4. The contact elements 5 are designed to tap the electrical supply voltage and / or control signals, such as DALI signals, from the conductors 4 for the lighting device 50 or another type of lighting module. The adapter 1 is designed to supply the lighting device 50 or the lighting module with electrical current for its operation and to forward the control signal either to the lighting device 50 or the lighting module, in which case the control signal is interpreted by the lighting device 50 or the lighting module itself, or alternatively, to interpret the control signal in the adapter 1 and control the lighting device 50 or the lighting module based on the control signal.

[0058] When the adapter 1 is in place, its height H1 extends essentially parallel to the depth direction 19 of the rail 2, its width B1 essentially parallel to the transverse direction 18 of the rail 2, and its length L1 essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 17 of the rail 2. This provides a narrow adapter 1 that serves to connect to the parallel conductors 4 along both profile sides of the rail 2 and can be detachably inserted into the rail 2. The contact elements 5 are folded in and out by means of a rotational movement of the inner support body 9, which can be achieved without tools by means of a linear movement of the actuating element 6.

[0059] Advantageously, even in an awkward position, for example overhead, the operator can insert the adapter 1 flush into the interior 7 without tools, freely position it along the longitudinal direction 17, and easily fix and connect it at the desired point along the rail 2 by linearly and straight-line sliding the actuating element 6, thus simply applying force with a finger in a straight direction. By sliding the actuating element 6 in the opposite direction, i.e., from the previous state, the adapter can be released. Fig. 3A-3E in the direction of Fig. 1A-1E The adapter 1 can then be detached again. The sliding element 6, as part of the mechanism for contacting and fixing the adapter 1, does not take up any additional space and does not protrude from the cross-section of the adapter 1 in an unfavorable way at any point.

[0060] Reference is made to Fig. 9 and Fig. 1D , 2D , 3D, which show that the wall 35, which delimits the guide contour 21, continues as a wall running along the outer edge of the actuating element 6. Adjacent to one of the outer longitudinal edges of the element 6, the wall 35 is formed with a detent recess 36 into which a detent projection 38, provided on the inside of a section of the housing 8 with a smaller wall thickness, can engage. Preferably, the detent recess 36 and the detent projection 38 are arranged relative to each other such that the projection 38 engages in the recess 36 in the first state, in which the contact elements 5 are fully folded in, thereby locking the actuating element 6 in the position in which the adapter 1 is not fixed in and contacted in the rail 2. Fig. 1D .

[0061] In addition, the wall 35 forms a further locking edge 39 adjacent to a transition between the middle section 33 and one of the end sections 34 and in the area of ​​the same longitudinal side of the element 6 as the locking recess 36. Fig. 3D shows that in the third state, in which the contact elements 5 and the fixing element 29 are fully unfolded and the contact elements 5 are in contact position, the detent projection 38 of the housing 8 engages behind the detent edge 39 and the actuating element 6 is locked in the third state, i.e. the fixed, contacted state of the adapter 1.

[0062] Thus, the detent edge 39 and the detent recess 36 are formed adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges of the actuating element 6 by means of the wall 35. Between the detent recess 36 and the detent edge 39, an outer boundary of the wall 35 is provided with a V-shaped, counter-rotating, shallowly inwardly inclined contour 40 to facilitate the sliding of the detent projection 38 between the two end positions of the actuating element 6 into the recess 36 or behind the detent edge 39.

[0063] Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B and 4The figures further show that the adapter 1 is equipped with a phase selection device 20. The device 20 is designed as a mechanical rotary switch that makes it possible to connect the lighting device 50 or the lighting module connected to the adapter 1 to a selectable electrical phase provided by some of the conductors 4 and contacted by contact elements 5. The device 20 thus makes it possible to select the phase by which, for example, the lighting device 50 or the lighting module is to be electrically supplied. The device 20 can also, in particular, make it possible to select none of the phases, and thus to disconnect the lighting device(s) 50 or the lighting module(s) connected to the adapter 1 from all of the electrical phases.

[0064] In this embodiment, the adapter 1 has six contact elements 5, so that not all of the existing conductors 4 are contacted. In variations, the number of conductors 4 and / or contact elements 5 can vary and, for example, be the same.

[0065] Adapter 1 and rail 2 are further designed to ensure that adapter 1 is always correctly inserted into rail 2 so that the contact elements 5 make contact with the intended conductors 4 as desired. For this, see [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 6 und 7 The housing 8 of the adapter 1 is asymmetrically formed in sections on the narrow longitudinal side facing the base of the rail 2 connecting the legs of the base body 26 in the area of ​​the outer surface of the adapter 1. The asymmetry relates to a longitudinal median plane of the adapter 1, which is Fig. 7 , in which the adapter 1 is located in the interior 7, coincides in this embodiment with the longitudinal center plane 28 of the rail 2. The adapter 1 has a step-like cross-sectional geometry adjacent to the base of the rail 2 in the area of ​​its outer surface, which is arranged asymmetrically with respect to its longitudinal center plane, with a relative to the longitudinal center plane, and thus in Fig. 7 to level 28, laterally displaced elevation 41. In this way, a recessed area 42 is formed laterally to the elevation 41.

[0066] The base of the rail 2 is formed on its inner side with projections 43 and 44 directed towards the interior 7, and a gap 45 between the projections 43 and 44. The projections 43 and 44 are preferably incorporated into the base body 26 as longitudinal rib-like sections during extrusion. In cross-section, the groove-like gap 45 corresponds to the raised section 41. Due to the asymmetrical positioning of the raised section 41 and the gap 45, the adapter 1 can only be fully inserted into the interior 7 in one orientation.

[0067] A lighting arrangement 100 can thus be equipped with one or more rails 2, one or more lighting devices 50 and / or other types of lighting modules, and with at least one adapter 1, or several adapters 1, as described above with reference to Fig. 1-9 described, are formed, wherein the adapter 1 can couple the lighting unit 50 or the lighting module with the conductor device 3. Reference symbol list

[0068] 1 Adapter 2 Rail 3 Conductor assembly 4 Conductor 5 Contact element (adapter) 6 Actuating element (adapter) 7 Interior (rail) 8 Housing (adapter) 9 Support body 10 Open side (rail) 11 Outer surface (adapter) 12 Side (adapter) 13 Plate-shaped section (actuating element) 14 First main surface area 15 Second main surface area 16 Transverse rib 17 Longitudinal direction (rail) 18 Transverse direction (rail) 19 Depth direction (rail) 20 Phase selection device 21 Guide contour 22 End face 23a Pivot pin 23b Pivot axis section 24 Control projection 25 Longitudinal direction (adapter) 26 Base body (rail) 27 Support profile (conductor assembly) 28 Longitudinal center plane 29 Fixing element 30 Opening 31 Opening 32 Slanted surface 33 Middle section (guide contour) 34 End section (guide contour) 35 Wall 36 Snap recess 37 Section (beam profile) 38 Snap projection 39 Snap edge 40 V-shaped contour 41 Raise 42 Recessed area 43 Projection 44 Projection 45 Gap 46 Recess 47 Slanted surface 48 Slanted surface50 Lighting device 100 Lighting arrangement A Rotation axis B1 Width (adapter) H1 Height (adapter) L1 Length (adapter)

Claims

1. An adapter (1) for use in a rail light system which is configured for insertion into a rail (2) of the rail light system, wherein the rail (2) has a conductor means (3) with conductors (4), the adapter (1) having contact elements (5) and, when the adapter (1) is in an inserted state, the conductors (4) being contactable by way of the contact elements (5); wherein the contact elements (5) are movable into a contacting position, in which they protrude from the adapter (1) in order to contact the conductors (4), and into a non-contacting position, in which the adapter (1) is insertable into the rail (2) or removable therefrom; wherein movement of the contact elements (5) between the contacting position and the non-contacting position may be brought about by an operator by way of a slidably arranged actuating element (6) of the adapter (1); wherein the contact elements (5) are arranged on a carrier body (9) mounted rotatably in a housing (8) of the adapter (1), the actuating element (6) is slidable relative to the housing (8) of the adapter (1) and the carrier body (9) is rotatable relative to the housing (8) by way of the sliding movement of the actuating element (6); wherein the actuating element (6) has a flat plate-shaped portion (13), an engagement geometry formed on or in a first main surface region (14) of the plate-shaped portion (13) and a guide contour (21) formed in the region of a second main surface region (15) of the plate-shaped portion (13) opposite the first main surface region (14), a control projection (24) arranged eccentrically relative to an axis of rotation (A) of the carrier body (9) is formed on an end face (22) of the rotatably mounted carrier body (9) or on an element (29) connected for conjoint rotation with the carrier body (9) and arranged on an end face of the carrier body (9) and, on sliding of the actuating element (6), the guide contour (21) acts on the control projection (24), as a result of which rotation of the carrier body (9) can be brought about; characterised in that a wall (35) delimiting the guide contour (21) continues as a wall running along an outer edge of the actuating element (6); and wherein, adjacent to one of the outer longitudinal edges of the actuating element (6), the wall (35) is formed with a catch recess (36), a catch projection (38) is provided on an inner side of a portion of the housing (8) provided with a smaller wall thickness and said catch projection (38) is able to engage in the catch recess (36).

2. An adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1) is configured for insertion into the rail (2) such that the conductors (4) run laterally, in particular on both sides, of the adapter (1) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state, and in that, in the contacting position, the contact elements (5) protrude laterally on the adapter (1), and in particular in that the conductors (4) which are contactable by the contact elements (5) are arranged parallel to one another.

3. An adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the actuating element (6) is actuatable by an operator without use of a tool for movement of the contact elements (5).

4. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter (1) can be fixed detachably to the rail (2), in particular at a point which can be selected along a longitudinal direction (17) of the rail (2), by way of actuation of the slidably arranged actuating element (6) for movement of the contact elements (5) all together in an interior space (7) of the rail (2) in which the adapter (1) is accommodated in the inserted state.

5. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (6) is slidable in a straight line by the operator.

6. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier body (9) is configured with a cylindrical or cylinder-like outer shape at least in portions.

7. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the engagement geometry configured on or in the first main surface region (14) of the plate-shaped portion (13) is configured with a transverse rib (16) projecting up from the first main surface region (14).

8. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (6) is arranged in the region of an outer face (11) of the adapter (1) facing an open side (10) of the rail (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state, and in particular in that the actuating element (6) is arranged flush with or set back from a flat face forming the outer face (11) of the adapter (1) on a side (12) of the adapter (1) facing the open side (10) of the rail (2).

9. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conductors (4) contactable by the contact elements (5) are designed to provide an electrical supply voltage and / or a control signal for lighting means or lighting modules of the rail light system and the contact elements (5) are configured and provided to tap the supply voltage or the control signal from the conductors (4).

10. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter (1) comprises a means (20) for phase selection, by way of which an assembly, in particular a lighting means (50) or a lighting module, coupled or couplable to the adapter (1) is electrically couplable, to power the assembly, to a phase selectable from a plurality of electrical phases provided by the conductor means (3) and with which the adapter (1) is electrically coupled in the contacting position.

11. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter (1) is designed to receive a control signal from the conductor means (3) by way of one or more of the contact elements (5) and to interpret the control signal and to control an assembly coupled or couplable to the adapter (1), in particular a lighting device (50) or a lighting module, as a function of the control signal and / or to forward the control signal to an assembly, in particular a lighting means (50) or a lighting module, coupled or couplable to the adapter (1).

12. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a length (L1) of the adapter (1) which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction (17) of the rail (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state is between 300 mm and 400 mm, a height (H1) which is substantially parallel to a depth direction (19) of the rail (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state is between 20 mm and 40 mm, and a width (B1) of the adapter (1) is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

13. An adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter (1), in an outer surface region of the adapter (1) facing a bottom of the rail (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state, is of asymmetrical configuration, at least in portions, relative to a longitudinal central plane of the adapter (1).

14. A lighting arrangement (100) having a rail (2), at least one lighting means (50) or a lighting module, and at least one adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims for coupling the lighting means (50) or the lighting module to a conductor means (3) of the rail (2).