Mounting rail system with a tapping element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting rail system (100) comprising a mounting rail (1) with an elongate profiled mounting rail (2), which has a longitudinal extent (L), delimits an interior (I) and has an elongate coupling opening (20), and an elongate busbar (4), which extends longitudinally (L) in the interior (I) of the profiled mounting rail (2), wherein the busbar (4) has at least one electrical conductor (40) for electrically connecting electrical or electronic components (30) via the coupling opening (20). The mounting rail system (100) further has a tapping element (10) which is detachably inserted into the interior (I) via the coupling opening (20) and by way of a contact portion (5) is electrically coupled to the busbar (4). The tapping element (10) further has a supply element (6) which is provided on the outside with respect to the mounting rail (1) and is electrically connected by way of an electrical connecting element (7) to the contact portion (5) via an opening (24), independent of the coupling opening (20), in the profiled mounting rail (2) in order to provide the electrical tapping by the contact portion (5) from the busbar (4) via the supply element (6) on the outside.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a (luminaire) support rail system comprising a support rail with an elongated support profile rail and an elongated busbar extending therein, as well as tapping elements for electrical tapping from the busbar.

[0002] Mounting rail systems of the type mentioned above are generally known from the state of the art. These are generally used to accommodate and supply electrical and electronic components, such as luminaires and strip lighting components, to form a luminaire mounting rail system. Additional electrical or electronic components, such as loudspeakers or sensors, can also be provided in or on corresponding mounting rails or mounting profile rails and electrically coupled, for example, to the busbar. The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly bringing with it new possibilities for a variety of additional components, such as the use of radio beacons, sensors of all kinds, and the like.

[0003] DE 100 25 648 A1 shows a support rail system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The increasing use of electrical or electronic components in such mounting rail systems results in these systems being heavily loaded with corresponding components, which often lead to interference or functional collisions. A common function of such mounting rail systems, namely the installation of luminaires for light emission, is also increasingly limited by the use of other electrical and electronic components, such as IoT components, which often extend spatially into the light emission area.

[0005] Nevertheless, the use of electrical or electronic components is of great importance, especially in combination with mounting rails.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mounting rail system which offers connection options for electrical or electronic components in a simple and flexible manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support rail system comprising a support rail and a tapping element. The support rail, in turn, has an elongated support profile rail with a longitudinal extent, which preferably extends along a longitudinal direction. The support profile rail delimits an interior space and additionally has an elongated coupling opening. Furthermore, the support rail has an elongated busbar, which extends longitudinally in the interior space of the support profile rail. The busbar has at least one electrical conductor for the electrical connection of electrical or electronic components via the coupling opening. The tapping element is detachably inserted or received into the interior space via the coupling opening and is electrically coupled to the busbar by a contact section. The process of inserting orThe tapping element is thus preferably inserted into the interior entirely via the coupling opening, although ultimately, in the installed state, the entire tapping element does not have to be located in the interior, as described below. The tapping element further comprises a provision element that is provided externally with respect to the support rail and is electrically connected to the contact section by an electrical connection element via an opening in the support profile rail that is independent of the coupling opening, in order to provide the electrical tapping of the contact section from the busbar externally via the provision element.

[0008] Such a mounting rail system makes it possible to provide a tapping element at least partially – i.e., at least with its contact section – within the mounting profile rail and thus directly (electrically) coupleable to the busbar. At the same time, the resulting electrical tapping is routed to the outside of the mounting rail system via the connecting element without colliding with the coupling opening. The electrical tapping, for example, for transferring power, data, etc., can be easily provided externally via the externally positioned supply element. Since the supply element can be freely selected, the mounting rail system can provide a wide variety of supply variants in a particularly flexible manner. The supply element can, for example, be an electrical or electronic component itself or, preferably, a (standard) interface.Since the tapping element accesses the elongated busbar directly, it can be provided at any location along the length or in the longitudinal direction. The connecting element can then be selected in such a way (e.g. length, shape, etc.) that it can extend from the position of the contact section through the opening to the supply element to the outside. This provides a particularly simple and flexible connection option for electrical or electronic components. Since the opening is also provided independently of, i.e. separately from, the coupling opening, the corresponding electrical or electronic components can be provided in positions that do not interfere with the function (e.g. light emission) of the components provided via the coupling opening.

[0009] The contact section is preferably completely enclosed within the interior. This allows the part of the tapping element located in the mounting rail to be concealed without impeding its functionality.

[0010] The contact section preferably has a rotary tap with contact elements, which is movable—in particular, rotatable—between an insertion position in which the contact elements are retracted and a contacting position in which the contact elements are extended for contacting the busbar. This allows for a simple electrical coupling of the contact section to the busbar. The tap element is thus inserted into the interior, for example, via the coupling opening, and then the contact section is electrically coupled to the busbar by means of a rotary movement of the rotary tap.

[0011] The contact section preferably has an adaptation section for definedly adapting the electrical tap from the busbar to the supply element. Adaptation can be, for example, the adaptation of the voltage, current, frequency, and the like. In this respect, the adaptation section can be, for example, a transformer, an operating device, a current converter, another supply bridge such as a power and / or data bridge, and the like. Thus, the electrical tap can be adapted in a defined manner in order to be appropriately provided via the supply element and thus be available in an appropriately adapted manner for an electrical or electronic component to be connected to it.

[0012] The contact section, preferably its adaptation section, may preferably comprise an interface section. This may be part of a standard interface such as HDMI, USB, hollow plug connection, power plug connection,

[0013] Network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE). The contact section can thus be designed in such a way that connection to it is possible in a particularly simple manner via preferably standardized interfaces. For example, the end of the connecting element facing the contact section can have a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling with the part of the standard interface. This further increases the flexibility of the mounting rail system, since in this way the connecting element can also be provided in an easily replaceable manner. An additional external source (e.g. Ethernet access) can also be connected to the interface section via a corresponding cable and thus its function (e.g. the transfer of data) can be provided at the tapping element and preferably to the provision section.

[0014] The supply element can also comprise part of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, a hollow plug connection, a power plug connection, or a network plug connection, for example, for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE). This can preferably be a standardized connection socket or a standardized connection plug, preferably to provide the electrical connection externally. It is also conceivable for the end of the connecting element facing the supply element to comprise a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling with the part of the standard interface, so that the supply element can be flexibly exchanged or coupled.

[0015] The connecting element particularly preferably comprises a cable or other electrical conductor, such as a conductor rail. This allows for the provision of any desired and particularly simple connecting element.

[0016] The opening is preferably provided on a side of the support rail facing away from the coupling opening. This allows the electrical connection to be routed outward on a side facing away from the visible side of the support rail system, minimizing the impact on the aesthetics of the support rail system. Furthermore, the rear-mounted provision minimizes any obstruction to the functional sections of the support rail system (e.g., for light emission) toward the front of the coupling opening. Of course, it is also conceivable for the opening to be provided in a different area of ​​the support rail, for example, on the side.

[0017] The support rail can preferably have several of the openings, which are preferably distributed longitudinally or in the longitudinal direction along the support rail; preferably evenly (e.g., every 50 cm). In this way, several such tapping elements can be provided at any desired positions, preferably along the entire length of the support rail system. This, in turn, increases the flexibility of the support rail system. It is of course conceivable that several connecting elements of one or more tapping elements can also extend outwards via one opening.

[0018] The mounting rail preferably also has one or more connection openings, independent of the coupling opening. These can be used, for example, to electrically contact the busbar from the outside (preferably directly). Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that additional electrical conductors can also be electrically contacted from the outside (preferably directly) via the connection opening(s), which conductors preferably extend lengthwise within the interior of the mounting rail. These conductors can be, for example, low-voltage cables (e.g., 48V cables), to which a corresponding component can be directly electrically connected. This further increases the flexibility and functionality of the mounting rail system.

[0019] The additional electrical conductors described above can particularly preferably also be electrically contactable via the interior. This allows additional parts or components to be connected via these additional conductors via the interior, further increasing the flexibility and functionality of the mounting rail system.

[0020] The opening and the at least one connection opening can be arranged relative to one another in a defined hole pattern. For example, connector sections of components to be connected externally can be formed in accordance with this hole pattern, enabling secure and unambiguous connection of these components via the openings. For example, it is conceivable for a corresponding component to be electrically contacted with the other electrical conductors and / or the busbar via the connection openings by means of such a connector section, and for the opening to additionally accommodate a protruding part of the component or connector section to be connected, thus enabling unambiguous orientation of the component and secure electrical and mechanical contacting thereof.

[0021] The opening and the at least one connection opening can be formed separately, spaced apart, or integrally with one another; i.e., as separate contour areas or as a continuous opening, for example, with corresponding contour sections. Thus, these openings can be designed as desired depending on requirements.

[0022] Preferably, several of these hole patterns are distributed longitudinally or in the longitudinal direction along the mounting rail; this is particularly preferably uniform. Thus, the connection option defined in this way can be provided via a uniform hole pattern, preferably over the entire length of the mounting rail system, which further increases the flexibility of the mounting rail system.

[0023] The support rail system can also include a cover for optionally covering the opening and, if present, the associated coupling opening(s). This makes it possible to cover the corresponding openings when not in use and, preferably, seal them off from the outside. This prevents unwanted access. Furthermore, the ingress of dust, dirt, and possibly water can also be prevented if the cover has a sealing function against the support rail; for example, if it is made of or contains a sealing material.

[0024] The cover is preferably designed to be rotatably and / or translationally movable. For example, the cover can be rotatably mounted via a pivot joint. Particularly preferably, the cover is designed to be longitudinally movable along the support profile rail. This allows for simple and space-saving movement of the cover.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the support rail can have coupling structures via which the cover is mechanically coupled to the support rail and preferably movably mounted on the support rail. These coupling structures can preferably be (rear-side) coupling structures for fastening the support rail system (e.g., to a wall or a support, such as a pendulum suspension), so that they can also be used to support the cover, thus allowing the overall structure of the support rail system to be simple.

[0026] The cover can further comprise alignment structures. These are preferably provided on an underside facing the support profile rail. These alignment structures are intended to enable the defined alignment of an end of the connecting element leading outwards from the opening. The alignment structures preferably extend lengthwise or in the longitudinal direction of the support profile rail. This can, for example, enable the connecting element in the form of a cable to be led outwards from the opening. By closing the cover, for example by means of a longitudinally displaceable, translational movement along the support profile rail, the cover is then pushed over the opening so that the alignment structures partially accommodate the connecting element and then align the connecting element in a defined manner according to their alignment – ​​here preferably lengthwise. This makes it possible to achieve a defined positioning of the connecting element.In addition, the connecting element can be designed to save space. This also allows the cover to function—that is, to cover the openings—even when a connecting element is inserted through the openings.

[0027] The support profile rail can preferably be U-shaped, C-shaped, or H-shaped in cross-section in the direction of its longitudinal extension or viewed in the longitudinal direction. This provides a particularly simple support profile structure that provides a corresponding interior space.

[0028] The support profile rail can preferably have two essentially parallel side wall legs and a transverse wall leg connecting these side wall legs. The opening and, if present, the associated coupling opening(s) are preferably provided in the transverse wall leg, but can also be provided in at least one or both of the side wall legs. The coupling opening is then preferably laterally delimited or formed by the ends of the side wall legs distal to the transverse wall leg. This allows an overall simple and stable support profile rail to be provided for forming a corresponding interior space.

[0029] The busbar can preferably be arranged on an inner wall of the support profile rail, preferably at least on one of the limbs consisting of the side wall limbs and the transverse wall limb. In a preferred embodiment, two busbars are provided on the inner wall of each of the two opposing side wall limbs. In principle, the described busbar can be provided at any position in the interior or along the support profile rail. Multiple busbars can also be provided per support rail system or per support rail.

[0030] The support rail system can preferably further comprise an electrical or electronic component with a connection section for connection to the supply element and thus for electrical coupling to the busbar. Alternatively or additionally, the component can comprise a connection section for direct electrical connection to the busbar and / or the further electrical conductors via the connection opening(s). In the latter case, it is further conceivable for the connection section to additionally comprise a structural section that corresponds to the opening; thus, preferably engages therein in order to achieve a defined positioning, alignment, or orientation of the electrical or electronic component when electrically connected via the connection opening(s).Overall, the possibilities for corresponding electrical or electronic components are diverse, allowing for a particularly flexible and variable mounting rail system. It is also conceivable for the supply element to incorporate the electrical or electronic component.

[0031] The electrical or electronic component can further comprise a mounting section by means of which the component can be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail. The mounting section can preferably comprise profiled sections for mechanically coupling to the coupling structure(s) of the support profile rail. In a preferred embodiment, the component thus mechanically coupled can preferably also be provided so as to be displaceable along or in the longitudinal direction of the support profile rail. Thus, a corresponding component can also be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail in a simple manner, thus ensuring its secure positioning. Furthermore, the component can be provided so as to be longitudinally displaceable, which further simplifies its positioning.Particularly preferably, the component is provided at the rear of the mounting profile rail with respect to the coupling opening, so that the component is provided at the greatest possible distance from a functional section of the mounting rail system, i.e., with respect to the coupling opening, so as not to obstruct a corresponding functional area (e.g., light emission area) with respect to the front of the mounting rail system. Furthermore, this makes it easy to provide, for example, a closed light strip at the front, i.e., the coupling opening, while simultaneously accommodating numerous additional electrical or electronic components without obstructing the functional area (e.g., the main light emission direction).

[0032] The mounting section particularly preferably has a U-shape or C-shape in order to at least partially encompass the support profile rail; this is preferably done for mechanical coupling with the support profile rail. This enables a particularly secure and preferably visually appealing provision of a component on the support (profile) rail.

[0033] The electrical or electronic component can particularly preferably be a luminaire, in particular a spotlight or a gooseneck luminaire or an indirect luminaire or a wallwasher luminaire or an emergency luminaire, a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor, a radio beacon, a WLAN repeater, a radio access point (access point) such as a WLAN access point or a 5G access point, a loudspeaker, a camera, a fan, a fire alarm, and / or an adapter with part of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, a hollow plug connection, a power plug connection, or a network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE). In principle, the invention is not limited to specific electrical or electronic components, so that in principle any conceivable component can be provided accordingly, so that the mounting rail system can provide countless functions in any desired manner and combination.

[0034] The support rail system can further comprise at least one cover element which can be detachably connected to the support profile rail in order to at least partially cover the coupling opening. The cover element is preferably designed or provided in such a way that, in the mounted state, it further preferably covers or can cover at least part of the cover element or the contact section. This means that, on the one hand, the coupling opening can be closed and thus protected from access. On the other hand, the contact section of the tapping element can be safely concealed, which is advantageous not least for aesthetic reasons. For this purpose, the tapping element or its contact section on the one hand and the cover element on the other hand can be mechanically fastened in different mounting planes. The mounting plane of the cover element can preferably be arranged or can be arranged between the mounting section of the tapping element on the one hand and the coupling opening on the other.extend. Preferably, the mounting planes extend parallel to one another; and these in turn parallel to the direction of extension of the coupling opening.

[0035] The cover element can have any form of functional element. For example, in its simplest embodiment, the cover element can be a cover with which the coupling opening can be easily covered. The cover can aesthetically close off the mounting rail system to the outside. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the cover element to be or comprise an electrical or electronic component. The electrical or electronic component can particularly preferably be electrically coupled to the busbar. For this purpose, the electrical or electronic component, like the contact section, can have a rotary tap with contact elements that can be moved between an insertion position in which the contact elements are retracted, and a contacting position in which the contact elements are extended to make contact with the busbar.

[0036] The electrical or electronic component can preferably be or comprise a luminaire, in particular a strip light or a spotlight, an operating device, and / or a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor. Any other electrical or electronic components are also conceivable. Thus, the mounting rail system can be provided in countless flexible and varied ways.

[0037] The tapping element can further comprise a functional element with a functional section. The functional section is preferably provided exposed to the outside via the coupling opening when the tapping element is mounted. The functional section is preferably arranged laterally next to at least one of the cover elements, if present, with respect to the longitudinal extent or longitudinal direction; preferably also between at least two cover elements. The cover elements and the functional section preferably jointly cover the coupling opening completely. It is thus possible, by means of the tapping element, to also provide a functional section towards the front of the mounting rail system, i.e. towards the coupling opening, and thus to provide the electrical tapping of the contact section from the busbar there as well, preferably to the outside.

[0038] The functional section can preferably comprise part of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, a hollow plug connection, a power plug connection, a network plug connection, for example, for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE), and the like. Thus, a corresponding standard interface can also be easily provided toward the coupling opening. Since the functional section preferably protrudes next to or between corresponding cover elements, this functional section can be provided in a particularly space-saving manner, so that a corresponding functional area of ​​the mounting rail system, for example, a light emission area of ​​a light strip, is only slightly disrupted or interrupted.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the support rail system can comprise at least two elongated support rails, wherein at least one of the support rails, and preferably several or all of them, is a support rail according to the present invention as described above. For this purpose, the support rails are preferably arranged longitudinally in series with one another to form an arbitrarily extending and / or branched support rail system. The elongated busbars of adjacent support rails are particularly preferably electrically coupled to one another, preferably via their electrical conductors.

[0040] The support rail system can further comprise a first connector for electrically or preferably also mechanically coupling the elongated busbars. Alternatively or additionally, the support rail system can further comprise a second connector for mechanically coupling the support profile rail, preferably by means of corresponding coupling structures. The support rail system can further preferably comprise a connecting part, such as a connecting rail, which comprises at least part of the first connector and / or the second connector. In this way, a simple connection of the corresponding components of the support rail system can be provided in a simple manner.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective and partly schematic end view of a support rail system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 shows schematic views in end view (A) and side view (B) of a support rail system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 shows a perspective partial view of a support rail system according to a third embodiment of the present invention with a cover closed here, Fig. 4 shows a perspective partial view of the support rail system according to Fig. 3 with cover open, Fig. 5 a perspective partial view of the support rail system according to Fig. 3 with the cover open and the connecting element guided through the opening including the provision element here in the form of part of a standard interface in the form of a network plug, Fig. 6 a perspective partial view of the mounting rail system according to Fig. 3with closed cover and inserted connecting element including supply element according to Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a perspective partial view of a support rail system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with electrical and electronic components provided thereon, Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of a support rail system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with examples of different electrical or electronic components connected to the tapping element, such as an adapter with part of a standard interface in the form of a mains plug connection box (here for Euro plugs) (A), with electrical terminal blocks such as screw terminals (B), with a hollow plug connection box (C), with a USB plug connection box (D), or in the form of an indirect light (E), Fig.9 shows a perspective view of a support rail system according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention with two examples of a provision element; here, for example, in the form of part of a standard interface in the form of a hollow plug (A) or a USB plug (B). Fig. 10 shows a perspective partial view of a support rail system according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention with an LED light strip as a provision element or as an electrical component coupled to the provision element (here preferably formed integrally with one another). Fig. 11 shows a perspective partial view of a support rail system according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, here with an interface section of the contact section serving for the network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE).12 a perspective partial view of a mounting rail system according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, here with an electronic component in the form of an adapter with part of a standard interface, here in the form of a network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fig. 13 a perspective partial view of a mounting rail system according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, here with a network plug as a provision element on the one hand and as a functional section on the other hand, Fig. 14 a perspective view of a tapping element for a mounting rail system according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention, here with a functional element with a functional section in the form of a socket for a Schuko plug, Fig.15 a perspective view of a tapping element for a mounting rail system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, here with a functional element with a functional section in the form of a socket for a Euro plug, and Fig. 16 a perspective partial sectional view of a mounting rail system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. .

[0042] The figures show different embodiments of a support rail system 100 according to the invention and components thereof.

[0043] The support rail system 100 comprises a support rail 1. This support rail 1, in turn, comprises an elongated support profile rail 2 with a longitudinal extension L. The support profile rails 2 illustrated here, for example, have a straight longitudinal extension L, i.e., they extend along a longitudinal direction. However, it is also conceivable for the support profile rail 2 to have a differently shaped longitudinal extension L, such as an angled, curved, or wave-shaped longitudinal extension L. A direction of the longitudinal extension L thus preferably corresponds to a tangent or the orientation of the longitudinal extension L in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L of the considered region of the support profile rail 2.

[0044] The support profile rail 2 defines an interior space I and has an elongated coupling opening 20. The elongated coupling opening 20 can preferably extend over the entire length of the support profile rail 2 and thus form an open side of the support profile rail 2 or of its interior space I. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the support profile rail 2 is preferably U-shaped or C-shaped in cross-section in the direction of its longitudinal extent. An H-shaped or other configuration is also conceivable.

[0045] The support profile rail 2 preferably has two substantially parallel aligned side wall legs 21, 22 and a transverse wall leg 23 connecting these side wall legs 21, 22, which preferably form the previously described U-shape.

[0046] The support rail 1 further comprises an elongated connection element, preferably in the form of an elongated busbar 4, which extends longitudinally in the interior of the support profile rail 2, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and 16 The busbar 4 has at least one and preferably a group of electrical conductors 40 for electrically connecting electrical or electronic components 30 via the coupling opening 20. These preferably serve for power supply and / or data transmission.

[0047] The busbar 4 is preferably arranged on an inner wall W of the support profile rail 2; preferably at least on one of the legs 21, 22, 23 of the side wall legs 21, 22 and the transverse wall leg 23.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the support rail system 100 can comprise at least two or more elongated support rails 1, wherein at least one, several, or all of the support rails are a support rail 1 according to the present invention. The support rails 1 are then preferably arranged longitudinally in series with one another or at the end faces of one or more other support rails 1, thus forming a support rail system 100 of any length and / or branching. The elongated busbars 4 of adjacent support rails 1 are particularly preferably electrically coupled to one another; this is particularly preferably done via their electrical conductors 40.

[0049] For electrically and preferably also mechanically coupling the elongated busbars 4, the support rail system 100 may further comprise a first connector (not shown). The support rail system 100 may preferably further comprise a second connector (not shown) for mechanically coupling the support profile rails 2, preferably by means of corresponding coupling structures. The support rail system 100 may preferably comprise a connecting part (not shown), such as a connecting rail, which comprises at least part of the first connector and / or the second connector.

[0050] The mounting rail system 100 further comprises a tapping element 10. This can be releasably inserted / received or inserted! received into the interior space I via the coupling opening 20 and can be electrically coupled to the busbar 4 by means of a contact section 5 or, in the inserted state, is coupled. The contact section 5 is preferably completely received in the interior space I, such as, for example, the Fig. 1 , 2 and 10 to 13 and 16 as examples. The contact section 5 can thus preferably be accommodated in a concealed manner in the support profile rail 2.

[0051] The contact section 5 preferably has a rotary tap 51 with contact elements 52, which can be moved between an insertion position (cf. e.g. Fig. 2B ), in which the contact elements 52 are retracted, and a contacting position (cf. e.g. Fig. 8-13), in which the contact elements 52 are extended for contacting the busbar 4 or its electrical conductor 40.

[0052] The tapping element 10 further comprises a supply element 6, which can be or is provided externally with respect to the mounting rail 1 in the inserted state of the tapping element 10 or when the contact section 5 is inserted in the interior space I. The supply element 6 is also electrically connected to the contact section 5 by an electrical connection element 7 via an opening 24 in the mounting rail 1 that is independent of the coupling opening 20 (i.e., in particular, separate or spatially spaced apart / separated) in order to provide the electrical tapping of the contact section 5 from the busbar 4 via the supply element 6 externally - i.e., outside the mounting rail 1 or the mounting profile rail 2. This is illustrated by way of example in the Fig.1 , 2 , 5as well as 8 to 13 and 16.

[0053] The provisioning element 6 may preferably comprise part of a standard interface. Fig. 5 , 13 and 16 For example, a provisioning element 6 in the form of a network connector of a network connector connection, for example via LAN cable with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). Fig. 9 A shows an example of a provision element 6 in the form of a hollow plug of a hollow plug connection. Fig. 9Bshows, by way of example, a provision element 6 in the form of a USB plug of a USB interface. Other standard interfaces, such as HDMI, power plug connections (e.g. for Euro plugs or Schuko plugs, etc.), and the like are also conceivable. In particular, the part of the standard interface can preferably have a standardized connection plug or a standardized connection socket, in order to preferably provide the electrical connection to the outside. For example, it is also conceivable for the end of the connecting element 7 facing the provision element 6 to have a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling to the part of the standard interface of the provision element. Thus, the provision element 6 and the connecting element 7 can be or are connected to one another via a standard interface.

[0054] The connecting element 7 is particularly preferably designed as a cable or has such a cable, as is shown by way of example in the Fig. 5, 6 and 8 to 13 and 16. However, the connecting element 7 can also be designed in a different way, for example via a connecting rail, such as a rigid or flexible connecting rail.

[0055] The contact section 5 can further comprise an adaptation section 53 for defining the electrical tap from the busbar 4 to the supply element 6. This adaptation can, for example, be an adaptation of the voltage, current, frequency, and the like of the electrical tap. Thus, the adaptation section 53 can, for example, be a transformer, an operating device, another supply bridge such as a power and / or data bridge, and the like. It is also conceivable that this section, as Fig. 11shows as an example, in the form of an adapter with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

[0056] The contact section 5, preferably its adaptation section 53, can preferably have an interface section 50, which has a part of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, hollow plug connection, power plug connection, network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). This is exemplified in the embodiment of the Fig. 11 and 16 where the adaptation section 53 is provided here in the form of an adapter with an interface section 50 in the form of part of a LAN interface.

[0057] A signal can be introduced via this interface section 50, for example from an external source. As in the embodiment of the Fig. 11As can be seen, for example, an Ethernet input cable 11 can preferably run within the support profile rail 2, which can be coupled to the interface section 50 or is coupled here.

[0058] It is also conceivable to provide the electrical connection of the contact section 5 from the busbar 4 (and / or the input cable 11) via the interface section 50. The end 71 of the connecting element 7 facing the contact section 5 can then preferably have a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling with the part of the standard interface 50 of the contact section 5; here, for example, a corresponding network plug.

[0059] The support rail system 100 can preferably further comprise an electrical or electronic component 8 with a connection section 80 for connection to the supply element 6 and thus for electrical coupling to the busbar 4. The connection section 80 can, for example, be designed as part of a standard interface if the supply element 6 is also designed as a corresponding part of this standard interface. Thus, the electrical or electronic component 8 can be coupled to the supply element 6 in a particularly simple manner. However, it is also conceivable that the supply element 6 is designed integrally with the connection element 80 or has it, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 10There, a fixed connection is provided between the LED light strip shown here, on the one hand, and the connecting element 7, on the other. The LED light strip can be provided as an electrical component 8 or as a supply element 6; the latter, for example, if the supply element 6 thus formed enables, for example, the series connection of additional LED light strips. The area connecting these elements then serves as (part of) the supply element 6.

[0060] The electrical or electronic component 8 preferably has a mounting section 81, by means of which the component 8 can be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail 2. The mounting section 81 can preferably have profiled sections 82 in order to be mechanically coupled to coupling structures 25 of the support profile rail 2, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 7can be seen. Preferably, the profiled sections 82 enable longitudinal displacement of the component 8 along the support rail 1 or the support profile rail 2.

[0061] The mounting section 81 particularly preferably has a U-shape or C-shape, as is the case with the spot light on the left in Fig. 7 This design is intended to enable the mounting section 81 to at least partially encompass the support profile rail 2; this is preferably for mechanical coupling with the support profile rail 2. The other Fig. 7 The components 8 shown basically show a comparable U-shape or C-shape of the assembly section 81.

[0062] The electrical or electronic component 8 can preferably be a lamp, such as in particular a spotlight (cf. Fig. 7 left) or a gooseneck lamp or an indirect lamp (cf. Fig. 7Middle) or a wall-washer light or an emergency light, a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor, a radio beacon, a WLAN repeater, a radio access point such as a WLAN access point or a 5G access point, a loudspeaker, a camera, a fan, a fire alarm and / or an adapter (cf. Fig. 7 right, Fig. 8A-D , Fig. 12 ) with a part 83 of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, hollow plug connection, power plug connection, network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

[0063] As in Fig. 12As indicated, the component 8 in the form of a previously described adapter can make it possible to provide any further components 8 (quasi as secondary components) at any position outside on or around the support profile rail 2 and then to connect these, for example, by means of a cable 13 and preferably via the standard interface 83 to the busbar 4 via the tapping element 10. The component 8 can also be incorporated, for example, in the form of the adapter according to Fig. 12 via its standard interface 83 a signal can be introduced, for example, from outside. As in the example of the Fig. 12 As can be seen, for example, an Ethernet input cable 11 can run outside along the support rail 2, which can be coupled to the part 83 of the standard interface or is coupled here.

[0064] The opening 24 can have any desired cross-section. In the illustrated embodiments, the opening 24 has a circular shape and thus forms a correspondingly round opening in the support profile rail 2. The opening 24 is preferably provided in the transverse wall leg 23, although alternatively or additionally, the opening 24 can also be provided in one of the other legs 21, 22. Preferably, and as shown, the opening 24 is provided on a side of the support profile rail 2 facing away from the coupling opening 20, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 4 as well as 10 to 13 and 16. It is preferably conceivable for the support profile rail 2 to have a plurality of openings 24, which are then particularly preferably distributed longitudinally along the support profile rail 2 (i.e., preferably in its longitudinal direction); this is preferably uniform.

[0065] The support profile rail 2 can also have one or more connection openings 26 independent of the coupling opening 20. These are shown as examples in the illustration of the Fig. 4 and 5 can be seen. The connection openings 26 here have a rectangular or square shape, but they can also have any other shape. Two connection openings 26 are shown here, but only one or more can also be provided. It is also conceivable for the connection openings 26 to be formed integrally with the opening 24; that is, for example, their contours overlap and thus form a continuous opening. The busbar 4, for example, can be electrically contacted from the outside via the connection openings 26. However, it is preferably alternatively or additionally conceivable for further electrical conductors 12, which preferably extend longitudinally in the interior space I, to be electrically contacted from the outside via the connection openings 26. This is, for example, in Fig. 1and schematically represented by the two small, downward-pointing black arrows at the top right and left. The additional electrical conductors 12 can also be electrically contacted via the interior space I, as indicated by the small, upward-pointing arrows shown in dashed lines at the top right and left. The additional electrical conductors 12 are preferably low-voltage conductors. These are generally subject to lower safety requirements than the electrical conductors 40 of the busbar 4, so that they can be provided in an easily accessible manner.

[0066] As this also applies to Figures 4 and 5 As can be clearly seen, the opening 24 and the at least one connection opening 26 can be arranged in a defined hole pattern B. Preferably, several of these hole patterns can be arranged, preferably distributed longitudinally along the support profile rail 2; this is preferably uniform.

[0067] By means of the connection opening(s) 26, it is thus possible to electrically couple electrical or electronic components 8 directly or indirectly to the busbar 4 or the other electrical conductors 12. This is preferably done by simply placing the component 8 from above or behind onto the support profile rail 2. The corresponding component 8 can be electrically coupled to the busbar 4 or the other electrical conductors 12 exclusively through the corresponding coupling or can additionally be connected via the provision element 6. A corresponding component 8 preferably has a protruding structural element which, when the component 8 is connected, moves into the opening 24 via the connection openings 26 in order to indicate the correct orientation and correct seating of the component 8. Incorrect installation of a corresponding component 8 when direct electrical contact is made via the connection opening 26 can thus be avoided.Overall, the opening 24 or the connection opening(s) 26 can preferably be arranged or designed asymmetrically in order to ensure correct installation of a component 8 connected above it.

[0068] With regard to the example of Figures 3 to 6 The support rail system 100 can further comprise a cover 9 for selectively covering the opening 24 and, if present, also the associated coupling opening(s) 26. The cover 9 is preferably made of plastic and more preferably at least partially of a sealing material. In particular, the sections of the cover 9 that interact with the support profile rail 2 and preferably face the opening 24 or the connection opening 26 can be designed to be sealing to prevent the ingress of dust, and / or water through these openings 24, 26; this is particularly important when providing a support rail system 100 with a high IP protection class.

[0069] The cover 9 is preferably provided so as to be rotatably and / or translatorily movable. In the illustrated embodiment of the Figures 3 to 6 the cover 9 is translationally movable and is preferably provided here so as to be longitudinally displaceable along the support profile rail 2.

[0070] The support rail 2 preferably has coupling structures 25. These can preferably be the coupling structures 25 already described above, to which the components 8 can also be attached by means of the mounting section 81. These coupling structures 25 can also be the same ones that are used to mount the support rail system 100; for example, to a ceiling or a support of a pendulum suspension. The cover 9 can be mechanically coupled to the support rail 2 via the coupling structures 25 and can preferably be movably mounted (here longitudinally displaceably) on the support rail 2.

[0071] The cover 9 can have alignment structures 90 in order to align the end 70 of the connecting element 7, which extends outwards from the opening 24, in a defined manner. The alignment structures 90 are preferably provided on an underside 91 of the cover 9 directed towards the support profile rail 2. The alignment structures 90 preferably extend in the direction of the longitudinal extent L of the support profile rail 2 in order to align the connecting element 7, which is designed here, for example, as a cable, in the direction of the longitudinal extent L and thus to place it advantageously on an outer side - here preferably on the rear side - of the support rail system 100. In this way, the connecting element 7 orThe provision element 6 is provided here as defined on the corresponding (rear) side of the support rail system 100 and is thus positioned inconspicuously and preferably outside the field of vision of the support rail system 100 for an observer and thus hidden, which also benefits the overall aesthetic impression of the support rail system.

[0072] The support rail system 100 further comprises at least one cover element 3, which is detachably connectable to the support profile rail 2 in order to at least partially or preferably completely cover the coupling opening 20. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cover element 3 further covers at least a part of the contact section 5 to the outside - that is, towards the coupling opening 20 - in order to thus place it concealed in the interior space I. This is clearly the case, for example, with Fig. 2 as well as the Figures 10 to 13 and 16 can be found.

[0073] The cover element 3 can, for example, be a panel. This panel can be provided for purely aesthetic reasons. Preferably, the panel also serves the purpose of securely and preferably tightly covering the coupling opening 20 and also serving as protection against access by a person from outside into the interior space I.

[0074] It is also conceivable for the cover element 3 to be an electrical or electronic component 30. This component 30 can preferably be electrically coupled to the busbar 4; for example, this can also be done via a rotary tap with contact elements comparable to those of the contact section 5, as already described above. The component 30 is preferably a luminaire, in particular a strip light or a spotlight, an operating device and / or a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor, and the like.

[0075] The tapping element 10 may further comprise a functional element 54 with a functional section 55 to provide the electrical tapping of the contact section 5 from the busbar 4. Such a functional section 55 is shown schematically by way of example in the Fig. 1 , 2 and 11 shown. In the Fig. 13 This functional element 54 is shown as an example as a cable with a network connector as functional section 55. In the Figs. 14 and 15 The functional section 55 is here used as a socket for a Schuko plug ( Fig. 14 ) or a Euro plug ( Fig. 15 ) is shown.

[0076] The functional section 55 is preferably provided with the tap element 10 mounted exposed to the outside via the coupling opening 20, as is shown by way of example in the Fig. 2 and 13Preferably, the functional section 55 is arranged laterally next to at least one of the cover elements 3, if present, with respect to the direction of the longitudinal extension L, as shown schematically in the Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0077] As already noted, the functional section 55 can be or comprise part of a standard interface, such as HDMI, USB, hollow plug connection, power plug connection, network plug connection, for example for LAN cables with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), and the like.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, provided it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims. In particular, all features and embodiments of the above-described embodiments can be combined and interchanged with one another in any manner. For example, any combination of tapping elements 10 can be provided in and on the support rail system 100. Any type and combination of components 8 and cover elements 3 can also be provided. For example, the number, shape, and position of the openings 24 and the connection openings 26 are not limited by the present invention. Furthermore, it is conceivable, for example, that the supply element 6 is or can be connected detachably or permanently to a corresponding component 8. The component 8 can also itself be part of the supply element 6; or the latter can have a component 8.

Claims

1. Support rail system (100) comprising: a support rail (1) having • an elongate support profile rail (2) having a longitudinal extension (L), which rail delimits an interior space (I) and comprises an elongate coupling opening (20), and • an elongate busbar (4) which extends longitudinally (L) in the interior space (I) of the support profile rail (2), the busbar (4) comprising at least one electrical conductor (40) for the electrical connection of electrical or electronic components (30) via the coupling opening (20), the support rail system (100) being characterized in that it further comprises: a tapping element (10) which is detachably inserted into the interior space (I) via the coupling opening (20) and is electrically coupled to the busbar (4) by means of a contact portion (5), the tapping element (10) further comprising a provision element (6) which is provided externally with respect to the support rail (1) and is electrically connected to the contact portion (5) by an electrical connection element (7), via an opening (24) in the support profile rail (2) which is independent of the coupling opening (20), in order to provide the electrical tapping of the contact portion (5) from the busbar (4) externally via the provision element (6).

2. Support rail system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion (5) is completely accommodated in the interior space (I), and / or wherein the contact portion (5) comprises a rotary tap (51) having contact elements (52) which is movable between an insertion position, in which the contact elements (52) are retracted, and a contacting position, in which the contact elements (52) are extended for contacting the busbar (4), and / or wherein the contact portion (5) comprises an adaptation portion (53) in order to adapt the electrical tap from the busbar (4) to the supply element (6) in a defined manner, preferably its voltage, current, and / or frequency, and / or wherein the contact portion (5), preferably its adaptation portion (53), comprises an interface portion (50) which comprises a part of a standard interface, wherein preferably the end (71) of the connecting element (7) facing the contact portion (5) comprises a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling to the part of the standard interface.

3. Support rail system (100) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the provision element (6) comprises a part of a standard interface, preferably a standardized connection socket or a standardized connection plug, in order to preferably provide the electrical tap to the outside and / or wherein preferably the end (70) of the connecting element (7) facing the provision element (6) comprises a corresponding part of the standard interface for electrical coupling to the part of the standard interface.

4. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (24) is provided on a side of the support profile rail (2) facing away from the coupling opening (20), and / or wherein the opening (24) and the at least one connection opening (26) are arranged in a defined hole pattern, wherein preferably a plurality of these hole patterns are preferably distributed longitudinally (L) along the support profile rail (2), preferably evenly distributed.

5. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support profile rail (2) comprises a plurality of the openings (24) which are preferably distributed longitudinally (L) along the support profile rail (2), preferably evenly distributed, and / or wherein the support profile rail (2) further comprises, independently of the coupling opening (20), one or more connection openings (26), via which the busbar (4) and / or further electrical conductors (12), which preferably extend longitudinally (L) in the interior space (I), can be electrically contacted from the outside.

6. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (9), wherein the cover (9) is provided for selectively covering the opening (24) and, if present, also the associated coupling opening(s) (20), and / or wherein the cover (9) is provided so as to be rotatably and / or translationally movable, preferably longitudinally displaceable along the support profile rail (2), and / or wherein the support profile rail (2) comprises coupling structures (25) via which the cover (9) is mechanically coupled to the support profile rail (2) and is preferably movably mounted on the support profile rail (2), and / or wherein the cover (9) comprises alignment structures (90), preferably on an underside (91) directed toward the support profile rail (2), in order to align the end (70) of the connecting element (7) leading outward from the opening (24) in a defined manner, wherein the alignment structures (90) preferably extend along (L) the support profile rail (2).

7. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support profile rail (2) is U-shaped or C-shaped or H-shaped in cross section in the direction of the longitudinal extension (L), and / or wherein the support profile rail (2) comprises two side wall legs (21, 22) aligned substantially in parallel and a transverse wall leg (23) connecting these side wall legs (21, 22), wherein the opening (24) is preferably provided in the transverse wall leg (23).

8. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrical or electronic component (8), wherein the electrical or electronic component (8) with a connection portion (80) for connection to the supply element (6) and thus for electrical coupling to the busbar (4) and / or for direct electrical connection to the busbar (4) and / or the further electrical conductor (12) via the connection openings (26), and / or wherein the electrical or electronic component (8) comprises a mounting portion (81) by means of which the component (8) can be mechanically coupled to the support profile rail (2), wherein the mounting portion (81) preferably comprises profiled portions (82) in order to be mechanically coupled to the or further coupling structures (25) of the support profile rail (2), preferably so as to be displaceable along (L) the support profile rail (2), and / or wherein the electrical or electronic component (8) is a lamp, in particular a spot lamp or a gooseneck lamp or an indirect lamp or a wallwasher lamp or an emergency lamp, a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor, a radio beacon, a WLAN repeater, a radio access point such as a WLAN access point or a 5G access point, a loudspeaker, a camera, a fan, a fire alarm and / or an adapter with a part (83) of a standard interface.

9. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one cover element (3), wherein the cover element (3) is detachably connectable to the support profile rail (2) in order to at least partially cover the coupling opening (20), wherein the cover element (3) further covers at least a part of the contact portion (5), and / or wherein the cover element (3) is a panel and / or an electrical or electronic component (30), wherein the electrical or electronic component (30) can preferably be electrically coupled to the busbar (4), wherein the electrical or electronic component (30) is preferably a luminaire, in particular a strip-light lamp or a spot lamp, an operating device and / or a sensor, in particular a motion sensor or a brightness sensor.

10. Support rail system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tapping element (10) further comprises a functional element (54) having a functional portion (55) in order to provide the electrical tapping of the contact portion (5) from the busbar (4), wherein the functional portion (55) is preferably provided so as to be exposed to the outside via the coupling opening (20) when the tapping element (10) is mounted, and is preferably arranged laterally next to at least one of the cover elements (3), if present, with respect to the longitudinal extension (L).

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