Adapter for a rail light system and lighting assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (1; 1'; 1") for a track lighting system, which comprises a mounting rail (100; 100') shaped following a path (101) that is at least partially curved and is provided with at least one mounting slot (103; 103, 130) along a longitudinal extension (102) of the mounting rail. The adapter can be inserted into the mounting slot for electrical contacting a conductor assembly (106) of the mounting rail. The adapter has an adapter body (2; 2'; 2") which is divided along a longitudinal extension (3) of the adapter body into two or more adapter segments (4, 5, 6), wherein adjacent adapter segments are connected to each other in a connection area (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8").The connection area allows the adapter body to be flexibly bent about at least two bending axes (9, 10), wherein the two bending axes are not parallel to each other and each runs non-parallel to the longitudinal extent of the adapter body. The adapter body is more flexible in the connection area than in the area of ​​the adapter segments. Furthermore, a lighting arrangement (200; 300; 400) is proposed, comprising a support rail (100; 100'), an adapter according to the invention (1; 1'; 1"), and a lighting unit (150).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter for a track lighting system with a support rail which is shaped following a path that is curved at least in sections, and furthermore to a lighting arrangement with at least one such adapter. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Track lighting systems, which offer more variety and flexibility in the arrangement of lighting devices than, for example, permanently mounted individual lights, are already well known as such.

[0003] EP 3 876 365 A1 describes a lighting adapter for a track lighting system. The track lighting system comprises a mounting rail that is curved at least in sections along its longitudinal extent. EP 3 876 365 A1 describes designing the adapter body of the lighting adapter to be flexible, in order to allow the lighting adapter to be inserted practically and easily into the curved mounting rail. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an adapter for a track lighting system that enables even more flexible use with curved mounting rails and that is preferably also manufacturable in a practical and simple manner. Furthermore, a correspondingly improved lighting arrangement is to be specified.

[0005] 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.

[0006] An adapter is proposed for a track lighting system, comprising a mounting rail shaped to follow a path that is curved at least in sections. The mounting rail is provided with at least one mounting slot along its longitudinal extent.

[0007] The adapter is designed for electrical contact with a conductor assembly on the mounting rail within the mounting slot. The adapter body is divided into two or more segments along its longitudinal axis. Adjacent segments are connected in a joint area, which allows the adapter body to bend flexibly around at least two axes. These two axes are non-parallel to each other and do not run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter body. The adapter body is more flexible in the joint area than in the area of ​​the individual segments.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the invention a lighting arrangement is created, comprising: a mounting rail which is shaped following a path that is curved at least in sections, is provided with at least one mounting slot along a longitudinal extension of the mounting rail and has a conductor device; at least one adapter according to the invention which is inserted into the mounting slot and is in electrical contact with the conductor device; and a lighting unit for generating light which is coupled to the adapter and can be supplied by means of the adapter with at least electrical energy provided by the conductor device for the operation of the lighting unit or at least with electrical energy provided by the conductor device and a control signal provided by the conductor device.

[0009] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to equip the adapter with bendability in two directions, thereby enabling even more flexible use of the adapter in support rails of various curved shapes. In particular, this allows the adapter to be inserted into a mounting slot that can be arranged in a variety of ways on the curved support rail, thus avoiding restrictions regarding the possible orientation of the mounting slot's depth and the insertion direction of the adapter within the support rail's cross-section.

[0010] By specifically designing the adapter body with improved bendability and flexibility in the connection areas, the adapter segments themselves can be made more rigid and stiff, thus providing good protection and precise support for other components housed within the adapter segments. Furthermore, this design can help simplify the manufacturing of the adapter.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0012] In one embodiment, the two bending axes are essentially perpendicular to each other and / or run essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the adapter body. This allows for versatile use of the adapter with curved support rails.

[0013] For example, the adapter body can have three adapter segments. Further configurations allow for more than three adapter segments, such as four or five. This allows for variations and improvements in the adapter's adaptability to the mounting rail's path and / or the possibility of accommodating additional components within the adapter body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connection area(s) is / are each formed with at least one wave structure with wave crests and wave troughs. In a further development, the directions of the crests of the wave crests and the trough bottoms of the wave troughs are non-parallel, in particular essentially perpendicular, to the longitudinal extent of the adapter body. The flexibility in the connection areas is thus achieved in a manner that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connection area(s) is / are each formed with at least one elastic intermediate section. In particular, the elastic intermediate section can be plate-like or wall-like. This embodiment also enables bendability in the connection areas in a practical and cost-effective manner.

[0016] In one embodiment, the adapter body has a box-like shape, with each adapter segment comprising a lid section, side walls, and an interior. This allows the adapter segments to accommodate additional components, such as electrical and / or electronic components, particularly for electrical contacting and power supply and / or for controlling a lighting device.

[0017] The adapter body can therefore be designed, for example, as a housing component of the adapter, such as a one-piece housing component.

[0018] The lid section and the side walls of the adapter segment can each be formed in one piece. This can simplify manufacturing.

[0019] In one embodiment, adjacent edge regions of the side walls of the neighboring adapter segments are connected by a wave structure with crests and troughs. The wave structure can, in particular, be formed integrally with the side walls it connects. This further simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0020] In a further embodiment, adjacent edge regions of the side walls of the adjacent adapter segments are connected in the connection area by an elastic intermediate section, in particular a plate-like or wall-like elastic intermediate section. The intermediate section can, for example, be formed integrally with the side walls it connects.

[0021] In this further development, the crests of the wave peaks and the troughs of the wave valleys run essentially parallel to the sidewalls connected by the wave structure. This results in good flexibility around a bending axis parallel to the sidewalls. In particular, the directions of the crests and troughs run transversely, for example approximately perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the adapter body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plate-like or wall-like elastic intermediate section is designed as an essentially planar continuation of a main extensional surface of one of the side walls towards an adjacent side wall. Thus, good flexibility can again be achieved with a simple shape.

[0023] In particular, the wave structure in one embodiment can comprise at least two wavelengths, for example, essentially two full wavelengths. This contributes to good bendability both about a bending axis that is, for example, essentially parallel to the ridges and valley floors, and about another bending axis that runs transversely to the ridges and valley floors, for example, essentially perpendicular to them.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one planar support component is accommodated within the interior of at least two adjacent adapter segments. This planar support component carries electrical conductors and, in particular, also electronic components and / or electrical contact devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar support components of the adjacent adapter segments are connected and electrically coupled to one another via a flexible, ribbon-like or film-like connection. In this way, an arrangement of electrical and / or electronic components housed within the adapter body can easily and without damage follow bending of the adapter body. The ribbon-like or film-like connection is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the planar support component is positioned essentially parallel to the cover section between the side walls within the interior. This can, for example, facilitate the arrangement of contact elements such that the contact elements can make contact with the conductor assembly of the mounting rail through recesses in both opposite side walls, and simplify the assembly of the support component. For example, a single-sided support component, such as a single-sided printed circuit board, can be used.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ribbon-like or film-like flexible connection in the connection area is formed with a ribbon-like or film-like flexible material that carries conductive tracks and is arranged in a U-shape within the connection area. In particular, it can be provided that the valley floor of the U-shape runs essentially parallel to the cover sections when the adapter is in its straight state. Due to the flexibility and ribbon-like or film-like nature of the material, as well as the U-shape, this embodiment allows the adjacent support components to move relative to each other in the connection area about more than one axis. Furthermore, the valley floor of the U-shape can, in particular, run transversely to the longitudinal extent of the adapter body.

[0027] In particular, in this further development, the U-shape is arranged in a transverse direction of the adapter between two of the wave structures of the connection area. The U-shaped arrangement of the material thus provides flexibility in the connection area, where the wave structure enables flexibility and bendability of the adapter body.

[0028] In another further development, the U-shape is arranged in a transverse direction of the adapter between two of the elastic intermediate sections of the connection area. The U-shaped arrangement of the material thus provides flexibility in the connection area, where the elastic intermediate section, for example wall- or plate-like, allows for flexibility and bendability of the adapter body.

[0029] In one embodiment, the adapter segments are essentially closed on one side opposite the cover section by means of a base element, the base element being designed as a separate component. The base element can, for example, be snapped into place with the side walls of the adapter segment. Components inside the adapter body can thus be even better protected.

[0030] In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the facing narrow edges of the cover sections of adjacent adapter segments when the adapter body is in its straight state. Here, the narrow edge of the first cover section has a convex contour when viewed in a principal plane of the first cover section, and the narrow edge of the second cover section has a concave contour when viewed in a principal plane of the second cover section. In this embodiment, the convex and concave contours interlock in such a way that the gap remains in the straight state. This prevents the cover sections from colliding or hindering the bending process. At the same time, it ensures that successive cover sections form a largely closed surface.The concave and convex contours, in their interaction, particularly facilitate bending around a bending axis transverse to the main extension planes of the lid sections.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the narrow edge of the second cover section within the concave contour is chamfered. This further facilitates bending about a bending axis essentially parallel to the main planes of extension of the cover sections.

[0032] In this training course, the adapter body is manufactured using at least one plastic material. Using at least one plastic material helps to produce a lightweight component at a lower cost. Furthermore, a plastic material can provide electrically insulating properties if required.

[0033] In one embodiment, the adjacent adapter segments are joined in one piece at the connection point. This eliminates the need for individual components to be assembled, further simplifying manufacturing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the adapter body is formed in the adapter segments with a first material, in particular a first plastic material, and in the connection areas with a second material different from the first, in particular a second plastic material. The second material can, for example, exhibit higher elasticity than the first material. Thus, the choice of material can be well adapted to the respective function of the adapter segment and connection area. The second material can, for example, be a rubber-like plastic in its solidified state, whereas the first material can be relatively rigid in its solidified state. In particular, the wave structure(s) or the elastic intermediate section(s) can be formed from the second material.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter body is manufactured using an injection molding process. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter body can be manufactured using 3D printing. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the base elements can also be made from the same plastic material. For example, the base elements can be injection molded or 3D printed. The use of an injection molding process enables cost-effective production, especially in larger quantities, whereas a 3D printing process is well-suited for components with complex geometries and avoids the need for an expensive mold, which can be advantageous for smaller production runs.

[0036] In particular, the first and second materials can be processed together in the injection molding or 3D printing process during the manufacture of the adapter body. This allows the areas formed from the first and second materials to be injection molded or 3D printed in a single step, which is advantageous for efficient and cost-effective production.

[0037] In one embodiment, the path followed by the support rail can be a planar curve, wherein, at least in one section of the support rail, the depth direction of the mounting slot deviates from a normal to the plane of the curve, for example, lying in the plane or running obliquely to it. The adapter according to the invention can be used advantageously, particularly with such a curved shape. However, the adapter according to the invention is also useful if the depth direction of the mounting slot is normal to the plane of the curve.

[0038] In another embodiment, the path followed by the mounting rail can be a spatial curve, wherein, at least in one section of the mounting rail, the depth direction of the mounting slot deviates from a binormal of an accompanying tripod of the spatial curve, for example, running along a principal normal or lying in the normal plane spanned by the binormal and the principal normal. However, the adapter according to the invention is also usable and equally useful if the depth direction of the mounting slot runs along or parallel to the binormal. The adapter is thus flexible and versatile.

[0039] In one embodiment, the mounting rail has at least two mounting slots, and the lighting arrangement has at least two of the adapters according to the invention, wherein the adapters are inserted into one of the mounting slots, at least sectionally opposite each other, within a section of the mounting rail where the path is curved. Thus, the same adapter type can be used flexibly and in a variety of ways in several mounting slots of the mounting rail in the curved section and bent differently.

[0040] 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

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the drawings. The figures show: Figs. 1-4: Perspective views of an adapter according to a first embodiment, seen from four different longitudinal sides; Fig. 5: A perspective detail view of a connection area of ​​two adapter segments according to the first embodiment of theFig. 1-4 ; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the adapter of the Fig. 1-4 with one side open; Fig. 7 a perspective exploded view of the adapter of the Fig. 1-4 ; Fig. 8 a view of the adapter of the Fig. 1-4 in a longitudinal center section, as well as a schematically sketched lighting unit; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the adapter of the Fig. 1-4 , cut along a longitudinal median plane of the same; Fig. 10 a section of a lighting arrangement according to a variant of the first embodiment, with a curved support rail, an adapter inserted into a mounting slot of the same according to Fig. 1-4 and a schematically sketched lighting unit; Fig. 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting rail of the lighting arrangement of the Fig. 10 with the adapter used Fig. 1-4 ; Fig. 12 a longitudinal center section of a mounting rail in a section of a lighting arrangement with the inserted adapter of the Fig. 1-4 , according to a further variant of the first embodiment; Fig. 13 a side view of the adapter of the Fig. 1-4 in a bent state, as exemplified by the adapter in the lighting arrangement of the Fig. 12 is used; Fig. 14 a longitudinal center section of a mounting rail in a section of a lighting arrangement, with two adapters inserted opposite each other according to Fig. 1-4 , according to a further variant of the first embodiment; Fig. 15 a perspective view of a curved section of the lighting arrangement of the Fig. 14 during the insertion of the two adapters; Fig. 16 a perspective view of an adapter according to a second embodiment, with one side open; and Fig. 17 a perspective view of an adapter according to a third embodiment, with one side open.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In the figures, identical, functionally equivalent, and similarly acting elements, features, and components are each provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise specified. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0044] Fig. 1-4 show an adapter 1 for a track lighting system, which has an adapter body 2 that is divided along a longitudinal extension 3 of the adapter body 2 into adapter segments 4, 5, 6.

[0045] The adjacent adapter segments 4 and 5 are connected to each other in a connection area 7, and the adapter segments 6 and 5 are connected to each other in a further connection area 8. The connection areas 7 and 8 are constructed in the same manner and each allow flexible bending of the adapter body 2 about at least a first bending axis 9 and a second bending axis 10, wherein the first and second bending axes 9 and 10 each extend substantially at a right angle, and thus perpendicular, to the longitudinal extent 3. The bending axes 9 and 10 are also substantially perpendicular to each other. In particular, the second bending axis 10 extends along a transverse direction 23 of the adapter 1. It is understood that, in particular, two or more bending axes are possible which are at other angles to each other and are not parallel to the longitudinal extent 3.The bending axes 9, 10 each run through the connection area 7 and 8, but for the sake of clarity are only shown for connection area 7 in . Fig. 1 marked.

[0046] The adapter body 2 is located in the Figuren 1-15 The first embodiment shown in the drawing and its variants, which is formed with a one-piece component made of a plastic material and, for example, injection molded or 3D printed, forms a component of a housing of the adapter 1 and has an elongated box-like shape.

[0047] In adapter segments 4, 5, and 6, the adapter body 2 is each formed with a plate-shaped cover section 14a, 15a, 16a, substantially flat side walls 14b, 15b, 16b, and unspecified end walls, wherein the side walls 14b, 15b, 16b, the cover sections 14a, 15a, 16a, and, in the case of adapter segments 4 and 6, one of the end walls, respectively, define an interior space 14c, 15c, or 16c of the adapter segment 4, 5, or 6. The cover sections 14a, 15a, 16a, side walls 14b, 15b, 16b, and end walls are preferably formed integrally in adapter segments 4, 5, and 6, respectively.

[0048] In each of the connection areas 7 and 8, adjacent edge regions of the side walls 14b, 15b and 15b, 16b of the adjacent adapter segments 4, 5 and 5, 6 are connected by a wave structure 11 with wave crests 12 and wave troughs 13, wherein the wave structure 11 is integrally formed with the side walls 14b, 15b and 15b, 16b, respectively, by which it is connected. In the adapter body 2, the cover sections 14a, 15a, 16a, the side walls 14b, 15b, 16b together with the end walls, and the wave structures 11 can be formed with the same plastic material.

[0049] The wave structure 11 is clearly evident, especially in Fig. 5-7 The design is recognizable and essentially comprises two full wavelengths to allow for high flexibility and bendability in the connection areas 7, 8. However, in variations, the number of wave crests and troughs 12, 13 can be modified compared to the design shown in the figures.

[0050] The directions of the crests of the wave peaks 12 and of the valley floors of the wave troughs 13 extend transversely, in particular approximately perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent 3 of the adapter body 2, and thus run essentially parallel to the side walls 14b, 15b and 15b, 16b connected by the wave structure 11. In some variants, one or more of the crests and / or valley floors may deviate in their orientation by a few degrees from a normal to the longitudinal extent 3, for example by up to 5 degrees.

[0051] The wave structures 11 enable the adapter body 2 to be bent about two axes in the connection areas 7, 8, in particular about both the first bending axis 9 and the second bending axis 10. The directions of the crests of the wave peaks 12 and the valley floors of the wave troughs 13 run in the figures essentially parallel to the first bending axis 9 and essentially normal to the second bending axis 10.

[0052] The adapter body 2 is designed to be more flexible in connection areas 7 and 8 than in the area of ​​adapter segments 4, 5, 6, by means of the wave structures 11. This allows for good bendability of the adapter 1, while at the same time providing good protection for the components housed within the interior spaces 14c, 15c, 16c of the relatively rigid adapter segments 4, 5, 6 outside the connection areas 7, 8. These components are explained in more detail below.

[0053] In the interior spaces 14c, 15c, 16c, a planar support component 17, 18, 19 is accommodated and can be reliably and precisely held there by the relatively rigid design of the adapter segments 4, 5, 6, compared to the connection areas 7 and 8. The support components 17, 18, 19 are preferably designed as printed circuit boards and each carries electrical conductors. Electronic components can be provided on at least one of the support components 17, 18, and 19, which serve to supply electrical power to a lighting unit 150 that can be coupled to or is coupled to the adapter 1 and / or are used in controlling the lighting unit 150 by means of one or more control signals that can be received by the adapter 1. In the figures, the support component 17 carries, by way of example, two spring-loaded contact elements 64, and the support component 19 carries two spring-loaded contact elements 66.The contact elements 64 each protrude through an associated recess in one of the opposing side walls 14b, while the contact elements 66 each protrude through an associated recess in one of the opposing side walls 16b. The support components 17, 18, 19 can, for example, be mounted on one side, in . Fig. 6-9 It should be equipped on the underside.

[0054] The support components 17 and 18, as well as 18 and 19, are each electrically coupled and connected in the connection area 7 and 8, respectively, by a flexible connection 20 and 21, which is formed in a ribbon-like or film-like manner. The connection 20 and 21 is each formed with a flexible, ribbon-like or film-like material, for example, an insulating plastic tape or film, wherein this material carries conductive traces and is arranged in a U-shape in the connection area 7, 8 (see in particular). Fig. 6-9 .

[0055] The essentially flat, plate-like support components 17, 18, and 19 are accommodated in the interior space 14c, 15c, and 16c, respectively, essentially parallel to the cover sections 14a, 15a, and 16a, between the opposing side walls 14b, 14b, 15b, 15b, and 16b, 16b. A valley bottom 22 of the U-shape runs, in the straight state of the adapter 1, essentially parallel to the cover sections 14a, 15a, and 16a, and essentially transverse to the longitudinal extent 3.

[0056] The arrangement of electrical and / or electronic components housed in the adapter body 2 by means of the support components 17, 18, 19 thus follows bending of the adapter body 2 without damage and reliably. The tape- or foil-like connection 20 and 21 can be manufactured relatively easily and cost-effectively. The tape- or foil-like material of the connections 20, 21 can be connected to the support components 17, 18 or 18, 19 at their respective facing edges or can extend into the support components 17, 18, 19. The plate-like support components 17, 18, 19 and the connections 20, 21 can together be designed as a so-called rigid-flex PCB, where PCB stands for printed circuit board.

[0057] Fig. 6 und 7 The figures further show that the ribbon-like or film-like flexible connections 20 and 21 are each arranged between two of the wave structures 11 in the transverse direction 23 of the adapter 1. The flexible connections 20, 21 thus enable bendability in conjunction with the wave structures 11, particularly about the bending axes 9, 10.

[0058] In the area of ​​each of the adapter segments 4, 5 and 6, the adapter body 2 is closed on a side opposite the cover section 14a, 15a and 16a by a base element 44, 45 and 46 respectively, see in particular Fig. 1 , 4 , 7 , 8 The base elements 44, 45, and 46 are separate components, for example, made of a plastic material, in particular injection-molded or 3D-printed. The base elements 44, 45, and 46 are snapped into place with the side walls 14b, 15b, and 16b, respectively, of the adapter segment 4, 5, and 6 to which the base element 44, 45, and 46 is assigned.

[0059] In the cover section 15a, the central adapter segment 5 has, for example in the middle, a coupling device 50 which serves for electrical coupling, or electrical and mechanical coupling, of the adapter 1 with a lighting unit 150. The lighting unit 150 is in Fig. 8 This is purely an exemplary and schematic illustration and can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. The coupling using the coupling device 50 can be fixed or detachable.

[0060] The narrow side edges of the base elements 44 and 45, as well as 45 and 46, which face each other and are not further specified, are each formed with a convex contour, whereby in the unbent state of the adapter 1 a gap remains between the base elements 44, 45 and 45, 46, see for example Fig. 7 and 8 .

[0061] A gap is provided between the narrow side edges 24a and 25a of the cover sections 14a and 15a facing each other, and between the narrow side edges 25b and 26a of the cover sections 15a and 16a facing each other in the unbent state of the adapter body 2 and thus of the adapter 1.

[0062] The narrow side edges 24a and 26a are each provided with a concave contour 29 as viewed in a principal plane of the cover section 14a and 16a, respectively, and are additionally formed with a chamfer 30 in the thickness direction of the cover section 14a and 16a in the area of ​​the concave contour 29. The narrow side edges 25a and 25b are each provided with a convex contour 28 as viewed in a principal plane of the cover section 15a.

[0063] The convex contour 28 and the concave contour 29 interlock in the connection areas 7 and 8 in such a way that, in the unbent state, the gap between the contours 28 and 29 remains. When the adapter 1 is bent, this prevents the cover sections 14a, 15a, and 16a from colliding with each other, at least within a defined range of radii of curvature. At the same time, the following Fig. 3 On the upper side of adapter 1, the cover sections 14a, 15a, 16a are neatly and consecutively aligned with small gaps between them.

[0064] Adapter 1 is part of a track lighting system and is used to assemble a lighting arrangement, for example, to assemble a lighting arrangement 200 according to the variant in Fig. 10 , for the construction of a lighting arrangement 300 according to the further variant in Fig. 12 , or for setting up a lighting arrangement 400 according to the further variant in Fig. 14 and 15 .

[0065] The track lighting system includes, in the variant of Fig. 10, 11 At least one support rail 100, which follows a path 101 along a longitudinal extent 102. The path 101 is curved, at least in sections. Along the longitudinal extent 102, the support rail 100 has an elongated mounting slot 103 with a depth direction 104.

[0066] The adapter 1 can be inserted into the mounting slot 103, mechanically coupled to the mounting rail 100, and a conductor assembly 106 arranged within the mounting slot 103, see Fig. 11 The adapter 1 is contacted by means of contact elements 64 and 66. The conductor assembly 106 is provided, for example, as a two-part assembly on both sides of the inserted adapter 1 in the mounting slot 103 and provides an electrical supply voltage, in particular low voltage, as well as a control signal, for example a DALI signal. The adapter 1 is mechanically held in place on the mounting rail 100 by means of locking elements 70, which are formed integrally with the side walls 14b, 15b, 16b.

[0067] The exemplary lighting arrangement 200, based on the track lighting system, comprises the mounting rail 100, the adapter 1 inserted into the mounting slot 103 and electrically contacting the conductor assembly 106, and the lighting unit 150. The lighting unit 150 serves to generate light, is coupled to the adapter 1, for example supported by the adapter 1, and is supplied with the electrical energy provided by the conductor assembly 106 for the operation of the lighting unit 150 and with the control signal provided by the conductor assembly 106, or is controlled on the basis of the control signal, via the adapter 1.

[0068] The adapter 1 can be used flexibly and in a variety of ways in mounting rails 100 that are curved in different ways. The mounting rail 100 can be curved in a plane or in space. The mounting slot 103 can open outwards at various points in the cross-section of the curved mounting rail 100. Due to its flexibility around at least two bending axes, such as bending axes 9 and 10, which are non-parallel and, in particular, transverse to the longitudinal extent 3, the adapter 1 can be reliably used with such mounting slots 103.

[0069] For example, if the path 101 is a planar curve, the depth direction 104 of the mounting slot 103 can deviate from a normal to the plane of the curve in at least one section of the support rail 100, for example, lying in the plane of the curve or being inclined to it. The adapter can also be used advantageously if the depth direction 104 is normal to the plane of the curve.

[0070] If, however, the path 101 is a spatial curve, then at least in one section of the support rail 100 the depth direction 104 can deviate from a binormal of an accompanying tripod of the spatial curve, for example, running along a principal normal or lying in the normal plane spanned by the binormal and the principal normal. The adapter 1 can be used equally if the depth direction 104 runs along the binormal or parallel to it.

[0071] At the in Fig. 10 In the lighting arrangement 200 shown, the adapter 1 inserted into the mounting slot 103 is bent due to the curvature of the path 101 about the first bending axis 9. Only a section of the curved support rail 100 is shown here by way of example. In lighting arrangements according to other advantageous embodiments, the support rail 100 or a section thereof, and thus the path 101, can instead be curved such that the inserted adapter 1 is bent in the connection areas 7, 8 about the second bending axis 10, or simultaneously about both the first bending axis 9 and the second bending axis 10.

[0072] At the in Fig. 12 In the longitudinal section of the lighting arrangement 300 shown in section according to the further variant, a modified mounting rail 100' is provided, which has mounting slots 103 and 130 on opposite longitudinal sides of the same rail. The mounting rail 100' is thus provided with two mounting slots 103, 130, in each of which an adapter 1 can be inserted. In particular, each of the two mounting slots 103, 130 is equipped with a conductor assembly 106, for example analogously. Fig. 11 , provided which can be electrically contacted by the contact elements 64, 66 of the respective adapter 1 used, in order to tap a supply voltage and in particular also a control signal. Fig. 12 The figure also shows a depth direction 104 of the mounting slot 103, which opens by way of example from an inner radius of the curved section of the support rail 100', and a depth direction 140 of the mounting slot 130, which opens by way of example from an outer radius of the curved section of the support rail 100'.

[0073] In Fig. 12 An adapter 1 is inserted into the mounting slot 103. To follow the curvature of the path 101 of the support rail 100', the adapter 1 is bent about the second bending axis 10 in each of the connection areas 7, 8. The adapter 1 bent in this way is Fig. 13 shown again separately.

[0074] Instead of the in Fig. 13 The bending shown allows the adapter 1 to be compared with the bending axis 10 in the connection areas 7, 8. Fig. 13 can also be bent in the other direction. Fig. 14 Figure 400 illustrates the lighting arrangement in which two adapters 1 are positioned opposite each other in the curved section of the mounting rail 100'. One of the adapters 1 is inserted into the mounting slot 103 and bent as shown in Figure 400. Fig. 12 The other adapter 1 is inserted into the mounting slot 130 and is therefore bent in the opposite direction to the adapter 1 inserted into the mounting slot 103 in the connection areas 7 and 8 about the second bending axis 10. Furthermore, reference should be made to the above statements regarding Fig. 12 referred.

[0075] Inserting one of the adapters 1 into the mounting slot 103 along a first insertion direction E1, for example essentially parallel to the depth direction 104 at the location of the center of one adapter 1, and inserting the second of the adapters 1 into the mounting slot 130 along a second insertion direction E2, for example essentially parallel to the depth direction 140 at the location of the center of the second adapter 1, shows perspective Fig. 15. Fig. 15 This shows adapter 1 in its unbent state.

[0076] An adapter 1' according to a second embodiment shows Fig. 16 The differences between adapter 1 and adapter 1 are explained below, with the above explanations for adapter 1 also applying to adapter 1'. Adapter 1' can be used as described above as part of a track lighting system in a lighting arrangement, for example, in a lighting arrangement of 200, 300, or 400 as shown in [reference to lighting arrangement]. Fig. 10 bis 15 sketched, used.

[0077] Adapter 1' differs from adapter 1 in that in Fig. 16 An adapter body 2' is provided, formed from a first plastic material and a second plastic material, wherein the first and second plastic materials are different. In particular, the adapter body 2' is formed as a single component, injection-molded or 3D-printed from the first and second plastic materials in one operation. The second plastic material is more elastic than the first plastic material. While the first plastic material, which is relatively rigid after hardening, is used in the area of ​​adapter segments 4, 5, and 6, the second plastic material, which is elastic after hardening and, for example, rubber-like, is used in the connection areas 7' and 8' to form the wave structures 11'. During manufacturing, in particular by injection molding or 3D printing, the wave structures 11' are firmly bonded to the adjacent side walls 14b', 15b' and 15b', 16b' of the adapter segments 4, 5, and 6, respectively.5, 6 joined in one piece.

[0078] The more pliable, flexible material of the wave structures 11' further improves the advantageous bendability of the adapter 1', especially around the bending axes 9 and 10. For in Fig. 16 For example, the first, relatively rigid plastic material is also used in the adapter 1' (not shown) for the floor elements 44, 45, 46.

[0079] Fig. 17 Figure 1 shows an adapter 1" according to a third embodiment, which is modified compared to the first embodiment. The differences between adapter 1" and adapter 1 are explained below, with further reference to the above explanation of adapter 1 according to the first embodiment. As described above, adapter 1" can be used as part of a track lighting system in a lighting arrangement, for example, in a lighting arrangement 200, 300, or 400 as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 10 bis 15 shown, used.

[0080] The adapter 1" has an adapter body 2" which is divided along the longitudinal extent 3 into the adapter segments 4, 5, 6. In the third embodiment, the adapter segments 4, 5, 6 are connected in connection areas 7", 8", the connection areas 7", 8" in turn enabling bendability about two mutually non-parallel bending axes, which run non-parallel and in particular transversely to the longitudinal extent 3, in particular about the first and second bending axes 9, 10.

[0081] Analogous to the second embodiment, the adapter body 2" is formed with a first plastic material and a second plastic material, wherein the first and second plastic materials are different, and the second plastic material is more elastic than the first. The first plastic material is thus relatively rigid, whereas the second plastic material is elastic and, in particular, rubber-like. In the third embodiment, two essentially flat, wall- or plate-like elastic intermediate sections 11" are provided in the connection areas 7", 8". The intermediate sections 11" connect adjacent edge regions of the side walls 14b", 15b" and 15b", 16b" of the adjacent adapter segments 4, 5 and 5, 6 in a substantially straight continuation of the main extension planes of the side walls 14b", 15b" and 15b", 16b". The intermediate sections 11" can be, see Fig. 17 , as essentially solid, elastic or rubber-like plate sections.

[0082] In the area of ​​adapter segments 4, 5, and 6, the first plastic material is used for the adapter body 2", while the second, elastic and, for example, rubber-like plastic material after hardening, is used to form the intermediate sections 11". Specifically, the adapter body 2" is formed as a single component injection-molded or 3D-printed from the first and second plastic materials in one go. Similarly, the base elements 44, 45, and 46 of the adapter 1" are preferably formed from the first plastic material.

[0083] While in the Figuren 1-17In the illustrated embodiments of adapters 1, 1' and 1" each having three adapter segments 4, 5, 6, it is understood that in further, modified embodiments two adapter segments or more than three adapter segments, for example four or five, may be provided.

[0084] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many different ways. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0085] 1, 1', 1" adapter 2, 2', 2" adapter body 3 Longitudinal extension (adapter body) 4, 5, 6 Adapter segment 7, 7', 7", 8, 8', 8" Connection area 9 First bending axis 10 Second bending axis 11, 11' Wave structure 11" Elastic intermediate section 12 Wave crest 13 Wave trough 14a, 15a, 16a Cover section 14b, 15b, 16b Sidewall 14b', 15b', 16b' Sidewall 14b", 15b", 16b" Sidewall 14c, 15c, 16c Interior 17, 18, 19 Planar support component 20, 21 Ribbon or foil-like flexible connection 22 Valley bottom (U-shape) 23 Transverse direction (adapter) 24a, 25a, 25b, 26a Narrow side edge 28 Convex contour 29 Concave contour 30 Bevel 44, 45, 46 Base element 50 Coupling device 64, 66 Contact elements 70 Locking elements 100, 100' Mounting rail 101 Path 102 Longitudinal extent (mounting rail) 103 Mounting slot 130 Mounting slot 104 Depth direction (mounting slot) 140 Depth direction (mounting slot) 106 Ladder device (mounting rail) 150 Lighting unit 200, 300, 400 Lighting arrangement E1, E2 Insertion direction

Claims

1. An adapter (1; 1'; 1") for a rail lighting system, comprising a support rail (100; 100') which is shaped to follow an at least partially curved path (101) and is provided with at least one mounting slot (103; 103, 130) along a longitudinal extent (102) of the support rail (100; 100'), wherein the adapter (1; 1'; 1") is insertable into the mounting slot (103; 103, 130) for electrically contacting a conductor device (106) of the support rail (100; 100'), wherein the adapter (1; 1'; 1") has an adapter body (2; 2'; 2") which is divided into two or more adapter segments (4, 5, 6) along a longitudinal extent (3) of the adapter body (2; 2'; 2"), wherein each adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are connected to one another in a connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8"), wherein the connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8") each enables flexible bendability of the adapter body (2; 2';2") about at least two bending axes (9, 10), the two bending axes (9, 10) being non-parallel to one another and each running non-parallel to the longitudinal extension (3) of the adapter body (2; 2'; 2"), and the adapter body (2; 2'; 2") being designed to be more flexible in the connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8") than in the region of the adapter segments (4, 5, 6).

2. Adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the two bending axes (9, 10) are substantially perpendicular to one another and / or extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (3) of the adapter body (2; 2'; 2").

3. Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe connecting region(s) (7, 8; 7', 8') is / are each formed with at least one wave structure (11; 11') with wave crests (12) and wave troughs (13) and in particular that directions of the crests of the wave crests (12) and the valley floors of the wave troughs (13) are not parallel, in particular substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal extension (3) of the adapter body (2; 2').

4. Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting region(s) (7", 8") is / are each formed with at least one elastic intermediate section (11") and in particular that the elastic intermediate section (11") is plate-like or wall-like.

5. Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe adapter body (2; 2'; 2") has a box-like shape and the adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are each formed with a cover section (14a, 15a, 16a), side walls (14b, 15b, 16b; 14b', 15b', 16b'; 14b", 15b", 16b") and an interior space (14c, 15c, 16c).

6. Adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that in each case in the connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8') adjacent edge regions of the side walls (14b, 15b, 16b; 14b', 15b', 16b') of the adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are connected by a wave structure (11; 11') with wave crests (12) and wave troughs (13), or in each case in the connecting region (7", 8") adjacent edge regions of the side walls (14b", 15b", 16b") of the adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are connected by an elastic intermediate section (11"), in particular a plate-like or wall-like elastic intermediate section (11").

7. Adapter according to claim 6, characterized in thatthe crests of the wave peaks (12) and troughs of the wave troughs (13) run substantially parallel to the side walls (14b, 15b, 16b; 14b', 15b', 16b') connected by the wave structure (11; 11') or that the plate-like or wall-like elastic intermediate section (11") is designed as a substantially planar continuation of a main extension surface of one of the side walls (14b", 15b", 16b") in the direction of an adjacent one of the side walls (14b", 15b", 16b").

8. Adapter according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in thatin the interior spaces (14c, 15c, 16c) of at least two of the adapter segments (4, 5, 6) which are adjacent to one another, at least one planar carrier component (17, 18, 19) is accommodated, wherein the planar carrier component (17, 18, 19) carries electrical conductors, and in particular further electronic components and / or electrical contacting devices, and in that the planar carrier components (17, 18, 19) of the adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are connected to one another and electrically coupled via a band-like or film-like, flexible connection (20, 21).

9. Adapter according to claim 8, characterized in that the planar support component (17, 18, 19) is received in the interior space (14c, 15c, 16c) essentially parallel to the cover section (14a, 15a, 16a) between the side walls (14b, 15b, 16b; 14b', 15b', 16b'; 14b", 15b", 16b").

10. Adapter according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in thatthe band-like or film-like, flexible connection (20, 21) in the connection region (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8") is formed with a band-like or film-like, flexible material which carries conductor tracks and is arranged bent in a U-shape in the connection region, and in particular that a valley floor (22) of the U-shape runs essentially parallel to the cover sections (14a, 15a, 16a) in an unbent state of the adapter (1; 1'; 1").

11. Adapter according to claim 10 in conjunction with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the U-shape is arranged in a transverse direction (23) of the adapter (1; 1') between two of the wave structures (11; 11') of the connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8') or that the U-shape is arranged in a transverse direction (23) of the adapter (1") between two of the elastic intermediate sections (11") of the connecting region (7", 8").

12. Adapter according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in thata gap is provided between mutually facing narrow side edges (24a, 25a, 25b, 26a) of the cover sections (14a, 15a, 16a) of the adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) in an unbent state of the adapter body (2; 2'; 2"), wherein the narrow side edge (25a, 25b) of a first of the cover sections (15a) is formed with a convex contour (28) as seen in a main extension plane of the first cover section (15a) and the narrow side edge (24a, 26a) of a second of the cover sections (14a, 16a) is formed with a concave contour (29) as seen in a main extension plane of the second cover section (14a, 16a), and the convex and concave contours (28, 29) engage in such a way that in the gap remains in the unbent state; and in particular that the narrow side edge (24a, 26a) of the second cover section (14a, 16a) is provided with a bevel (30) within the concave contour (29).

13. Adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter body (2; 2'; 2") is made of at least one plastic material; and / or that the adjacent adapter segments (4, 5, 6) are integrally connected in the connecting region (7, 8; 7', 8'; 7", 8"); and / or that the adapter body (2'; 2") is formed in the adapter segments (4, 5, 6) with a first material, in particular a first plastic material, and in the connecting regions (7', 8'; 7", 8") with a second material different from the first material, in particular a second plastic material; and / or that the adapter body (2; 2'; 2") is manufactured using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process.

14. Lighting arrangement (200; 300; 400), with a support rail (100; 100') which is shaped to follow an at least partially curved path (101), is provided with at least one mounting slot (103; 103, 130) along a longitudinal extent (102) of the support rail (100; 100') and has a conductor device (106); at least one adapter (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 13, which is inserted into the mounting slot (103; 103, 130) and is in electrical contact with the conductor device (106); and a lighting unit (150) for generating light, which is coupled to the adapter (1; 1'; 1") and can be supplied by means of the adapter (1; 1'; 1") at least with electrical energy provided by the conductor device (106) for operating the lighting unit (150) or at least with electrical energy provided by the conductor device (106) and a control signal provided by the conductor device (106).

15. Lighting arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the path (101) is a planar curve and at least in one section of the support rail (100; 100') a depth direction (104; 104, 140) of the mounting slot (103; 103, 130) deviates from a normal to the plane of the curve, or that the path (101) is a space curve and at least in one section of the support rail (100; 100') a depth direction (104; 104, 140) of the mounting slot (103; 103, 130) deviates from a binormal of an accompanying tripod of the space curve; and / or that the support rail (100') has at least two mounting slots (103, 130) and that the lighting arrangement (300; 400) has at least two adapters (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 13, which are inserted into one of the mounting slots (103, 130) at least partially opposite one another within a section of the support rail (100') within which the path (101) is curved.

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