Rail for a rail light system and lighting assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a profile-shaped rail (1) for a track lighting system, with an interior area (3) in which a conductor arrangement (7) with conductors (11-15, 21-25) is provided for supplying at least electrical current and a control signal. The interior area is configured to accommodate at least optionally a first adapter (30, 30', 30") for contacting conductors (12-14, 22-24) from a first group (27) and a second adapter (70a-d, 70) for contacting conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) from at least a second group (28) and / or a third group (29). The conductors of the first group comprise conductors (12, 14, 22, 24) for supplying operating current for lighting devices (40, 50, 60) and conductors (13, 23) for supplying the control signal.In a depth direction (T) of the interior, along which the first or second adapter can be inserted into the interior starting from an outwardly open side (8) of the interior, the conductors of the first group are arranged between the conductors of the second and the conductors of the third group. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting arrangement (100) with such a rail.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a profile-shaped rail for a track lighting system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting arrangement comprising such a rail and an adapter inserted into an interior region of the rail and at least one device electrically coupled to the adapter. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Track lighting systems, for example for lighting in buildings, are already known as such.

[0003] A lighting arrangement based on a modular track lighting system is described, for example, in DE 10 2021 202 972 A1, wherein a rail profile open towards the visible side is described, having a first inner region and a second inner region located above the first inner region. In DE 10 2021 202 972 A1, a conductor device for providing electrical energy and a control signal is provided in the second inner region, with a total of, for example, six or ten conductors. The second inner region is designed to accommodate an adapter unit with a converter. The adapter unit can be coupled to the conductor device to receive electrical energy and / or control signals. A lighting module can be inserted into the first inner region from below and is supplied by the adapter unit.

[0004] A rail for a track lighting system is also described in DE 10 2022 204 266 A1. DE 10 2022 204 265 A1 further describes an adapter for use in a track lighting system.

[0005] It would now be desirable to use a rail of a track lighting system to not only provide operating current and a control signal for lighting units that serve a primary lighting purpose of the track lighting system, but also to provide a path for electrical current and / or signal(s) to implement one or more special or additional functions, while at the same time enabling a high degree of flexibility in the use of adapter units. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background, the object of the invention is to create a possibility to equip a track lighting system with a primary function on the one hand and with one or more additional functions on the other hand and at the same time to achieve a flexible and simple usability of adapters.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a rail having the features of claim 1 and / or by a lighting arrangement having the features of claim 12.

[0008] Accordingly, a rail for a track lighting system is proposed, which is designed in a profile-like manner and has an interior region. In the interior region, a conductor arrangement is provided with conductors extending essentially along a longitudinal direction of the rail at least for providing electrical current and a control signal. The interior region is designed to at least selectively accommodate a first adapter for contacting conductors from a first group of conductors and a second adapter for contacting conductors from at least a second group of conductors and / or a third group of conductors. The conductors of the first group comprise conductors for providing operating current for lighting devices and conductors for providing the control signal. The second and third groups are provided for providing at least one additional function.According to the invention, in a depth direction of the inner region, along which the first or second adapter can be inserted into the inner region starting from an outwardly open side of the inner region, the conductors of the first group are arranged between the conductors of the second group and the conductors of the third group.

[0009] Furthermore, a lighting arrangement is provided with such a rail according to the invention, at least one adapter inserted into an interior region of the rail, and at least one device electrically coupled to the adapter. It is provided that the device electrically coupled to the adapter is designed as a lighting device and the adapter contacts conductors from the first group of conductors of the conductor arrangement provided in the inner region of the rail and thereby taps off an operating current and a control signal for the lighting device from conductors of the first group; or that the device electrically coupled to the adapter is provided for providing at least one additional function of the lighting arrangement and the adapter contacts at least conductors from the second group or the third group of conductors of the conductor arrangement provided in the inner region of the rail and thereby taps off an operating current and / or taps off or feeds in a signal for the additional function.

[0010] One idea underlying the invention is to use the arrangement of the first, second, and third groups to ensure that a first adapter, which provides contact with a selection of the total number of conductors present—namely, conductors of the first group—and can tap from these operating current for lighting devices and, for example, additionally a control signal, is not only compatible with the rail according to the invention, but is also functional with simpler rails in which the number of conductors is smaller and limited to the first group. Furthermore, this makes it possible to use the rail according to the invention together with first adapters designed for use only with an arrangement of conductors corresponding to the first group, wherein such adapters can be standard adapters.

[0011] Advantageously, however, the rail according to the invention not only accommodates the first adapter in a functionally contactable manner, but the rail can also be used together with a second adapter capable of contacting conductors of the second and / or third group. The second adapter thus makes it possible to provide, in addition to a primary lighting function supplied via the first group, an additional or special function that can be supplied with power and / or signal(s) via the second or third group, or both, and / or whose signal(s) can be forwarded via the second or third group, or both.

[0012] It goes without saying that the first and second adapters can be used in different sections of the same track, possibly multiple times each. This enables a highly flexible and highly functional lighting arrangement.

[0013] With regard to the first and second adapters, the arrangement of the first, second, and third groups can also advantageously enable a first or second adapter designed for use with the rail according to the invention to be dimensioned, at least in cross-section, essentially geometrically identical or similar to a standard adapter for use only with conductors corresponding to those of the first group. This is advantageously achieved by arranging the first group between the second and third groups along the depth direction, whereby neither the second nor the third group requires excessive additional space.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0015] In one embodiment, the conductors of the first group designed to provide operating current for the lighting devices are designed to provide the operating current at mains voltage, in particular as alternating current, for example at a nominal voltage of substantially 230 V.

[0016] In a further development, the first group can provide multiple phases of alternating current for operating the lighting devices. This can, for example, enable the selection of a phase to be used by the first adapter.

[0017] In one embodiment, it is provided that the conductors of the second group comprise conductors for providing an operating current or a signal for the at least one additional function of the track lighting system and / or that the conductors of the third group comprise conductors for providing an operating current or a signal for the at least one additional function of the track lighting system.

[0018] In a further development, the positions of the conductors of the conductor arrangement are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the interior of the rail in a cross-section of the rail. This can contribute to a comparatively simple construction of the rail and, in particular, the conductor arrangement, which also facilitates rail production.

[0019] In one embodiment, in a cross-section of the rail, the positions of the conductors of the conductor arrangement are further arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal center plane of the interior region and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the depth direction. The space required for the conductors, and in particular for the second and third groups, is thus distributed more evenly in the depth direction.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the conductors of the conductor arrangement are arranged on both sides along the long sides of the interior area. In particular, the same number of conductors is arranged along each of the long sides. This allows for a space-saving, compact conductor arrangement, thus a compact track, and overall a compact track lighting system.

[0021] In a further development, the conductor arrangement comprises ten conductors, five of which are arranged along each of the long sides of the interior area, with the first group comprising six of the conductors and the second and third groups each comprising two of the conductors. This enables, for example, both the provision of multiple phases as a power supply for a primary lighting function along with an associated control signal, as well as the provision of the additional function(s) with a sufficient additional number of conductors, which, however, is simultaneously limited in such a way that only a small space requirement results, which can be advantageously divided equally between the second and third groups.

[0022] In a further development, the first group comprises a neutral conductor, a first, a second and a third phase conductor as well as two conductors for the control signal, in particular for a DALI signal.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first group is formed with three subgroups comprising two of the conductors of the first group each, wherein along the depth direction, viewed from the open side of the interior area, The first subgroup comprises the neutral conductor and the third phase conductor, the second subgroup comprises the two conductors for the control signal, and the third subgroup comprises the first phase conductor and the second phase conductor. This can further facilitate a substantially symmetrical construction of the rail, for example, with regard to adapting the conductors to their intended function within the first to third subgroups, as described above.

[0024] In a further development, one of the second or third groups comprises a phase conductor and a neutral conductor of a first special AC circuit, and the other of the second or third groups comprises a phase conductor and a neutral conductor of a second special AC circuit. Thus, two special or additional functions, or, for example, two types of such special / additional functions, can advantageously be supplied separately with alternating current.

[0025] According to another embodiment, one of the second or third groups comprises a phase conductor and a neutral conductor of a special AC circuit, and the other of the second or third groups comprises two conductors for providing the positive and negative poles of a special DC circuit. Thus, special or additional functions, or for example types thereof, can advantageously be supplied with different types of current and / or from different energy sources, such as from an AC mains on the one hand and a storage battery on the other.

[0026] In another embodiment, one of the second or third groups may comprise conductors for positive and negative poles of a first special DC circuit and the other of the second or third groups may comprise conductors for positive and negative poles of a second special DC circuit.

[0027] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that one of the second or third groups comprises a phase conductor and a neutral conductor of a special alternating current circuit or two conductors for providing the positive and negative poles of a special direct current circuit, and that the other of the second or third groups comprises two conductors for providing or forwarding a signal. In addition to an electrical energy supply for an additional function, a signal for this or for a second additional function can thus be provided, or a signal assigned to an additional function can be forwarded. The signal can be, for example, a further control signal, an audio signal, or a data signal. For example, the audio signal can be provided for a loudspeaker, or the data signal can be provided by a sensor device.

[0028] In a further development, the conductors are designed to provide the positive and negative poles of the special direct current circuit or the first and / or second special direct current circuit for providing a direct current at a direct voltage of essentially 24 V.

[0029] In a further development, the phase and neutral conductors for the special alternating current circuit or the first and / or second special alternating current circuit are designed to provide alternating current at mains voltage, for example at a nominal voltage of essentially 230 V.

[0030] In one embodiment, the interior region is divided into an outwardly open first region and an inner second region, wherein the second region is accessible through the first region, the second region is provided for receiving the adapters, and the conductor arrangement is arranged within the second region. Furthermore, the outwardly open first region is configured to receive one or more lighting modules, in particular flat and elongated lighting modules, in the first region, in particular substantially flush with an edge of the rail. This can contribute to accommodating the conductor arrangement in a well-protected manner in the inner second region, wherein a lighting module inserted into the first region can conceal one or more adapters received in the second region. A track lighting system constructed in this way is not only versatile, but also compact and aesthetically pleasing.

[0031] According to one embodiment, side walls of the rail in the first region are each provided with an engagement geometry, in particular a groove-like or rib-like engagement geometry, for a locking attachment of the lighting modules. This enables simple, quick attachment of the lighting modules, while also allowing longitudinal displacement for easy position adjustments.

[0032] In one embodiment of the lighting arrangement, the adapter is designed as a first adapter and has up to three contact devices on each of its two opposite sides for contacting conductors of the first group. The first adapter can thus be used to implement the primary lighting function during the construction of the lighting arrangement.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the adapter is designed as a second adapter and has at least one contact device on each of its two opposite sides for contacting a conductor of the second or third group, or at least two contact devices on each of its two opposite sides for selectively contacting an associated conductor of the second or third group. Such a second adapter can be used in the implementation of the additional function.

[0034] In a further development, the second adapter can additionally have at least one contact device on each of its two opposite sides for contacting an associated conductor of the first group. This can, for example, enable the use of a control signal provided by conductors of the first group also for use in providing the additional function.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the lighting arrangement, the device electrically coupled to the adapter for providing the additional function is designed as an emergency light module or as an illuminable emergency information device or as an illuminable information device or as a loudspeaker module or as a sensor module.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adapter has a converter for converting the tapped operating current. This makes it possible to operate devices for the primary function or the additional function, in particular lighting devices, at low voltage using an operating current provided by the conductor arrangement as alternating current at mains voltage.

[0037] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0038] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the drawings. In the figures: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rail according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted first adapter of a first type and a direct light module; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted first adapter of a second type and an indirect lighting module; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted first adapter of a third type and an orientable radiator; Fig. 5 an exemplary, perspective opened partial view of the first adapter of the third type from Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted second adapter of a first type and an illuminated, panel-like emergency light module; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted second adapter of a second type and an illuminated, panel-like emergency lighting module; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted second adapter of a third type and an illuminated, panel-like emergency lighting module; Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of the rail from Fig. 1 with an inserted second adapter of a fourth type and an illuminated, panel-like emergency light module; Fig. 10 a perspective opened partial view of a second adapter of a fifth type; and Fig. 11 a lighting arrangement according to an embodiment, with the rail of the Fig. 1 , the first adapter and lighting module of the Fig. 2 as well as the second adapter and the emergency light module of the Fig. 6 .

[0039] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0040] In the figures, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Fig. 1-4 , 6-9 , 11 show a profile-like rail 1 according to an embodiment, which is part of a rail lighting system. In a longitudinal direction L, see Fig. 11 , the rail 1 has a substantially constant cross-section. The rail 1 comprises a profile base body 2 formed from a metal material, in particular an aluminum material, with side walls 2a connected by a web 2b.

[0042] An interior region 3 of the rail 1 is divided into an outwardly open first region 4 and an inner second region 5. The second region 5 is accessible through the first region 4. Within the second region 5, a conductor arrangement 7 is provided, which has a first part 10 and a second part 20, which are arranged on both sides along longitudinal sides 3a, 3b of the interior region 3. Each of the parts 10 and 20 has a holding body 16 or 26 formed from an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material, as well as electrical conductors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 held by the holding body 16, 26. The conductors 11-15, 21-25 can be formed, for example, from copper. In the second area 5, first adapters 30, 30', 30" as well as second adapters 70a-d, 70 can be accommodated essentially completely.

[0043] The conductors 11-15, 21-25 extend in the inner second region 5 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the rail 1. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, each of the parts 10, 20 of the conductor arrangement 7 comprises five conductors 11-15 and 21-25, respectively, and thus the conductor arrangement 7 has a total of ten conductors 11-15, 21-25. The five conductors 11-15 are arranged along the longitudinal side 3a of the inner region 3, and the five conductors 21-25 are arranged along the opposite longitudinal side 3b of the inner region 3.

[0044] Fig. 3 , 4 show a depth direction T of the inner region 3, along which each of the adapters 30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70 can be inserted into the inner region 3 starting from an outwardly open side 8 of the inner region. For this purpose, the adapter 30, 30', 30", 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d or 70 is inserted through the first region 4 in the depth direction T and transversely to the longitudinal direction L into the second region 5.

[0045] In the cross-section of the rail 1, the positions of the conductors 11-15 are arranged symmetrically to the positions of the conductors 21-25 with respect to a longitudinal center plane LM of the inner region 3. Furthermore, the positions of the conductors 11, 12, 21, 22 in the cross-section of the rail 1 are arranged symmetrically to the positions of the conductors 15, 14, 25, 24 with respect to a symmetry plane S running normal to the longitudinal center plane LM of the inner region 3 and normal to the depth direction T, which runs through the two conductors 13, 23, see approximately Fig. 1 und 3 .

[0046] The entirety of ladders 11-15, 21-25 is divided into a first group 27, a second group 28 and a third group 29, see Fig. 4 The first group 27 is formed with the six conductors 12, 13, 14 and 22, 23, 24. The second group 28 is formed with the two conductors 11 and 21, and the third group 29 is formed with the two conductors 15 and 25.

[0047] Seen in the depth direction T, Fig. 4 , the conductors 12-14, 22-24 of the first group 27 are arranged between the conductors 11, 21 of the second group 28 and the conductors 15, 25 of the third group 29. In an assembled state of the rail 1, the depth direction T can in particular be oriented substantially vertically, wherein in this assembled state the second group 28 is arranged above the first group 27 and the third group 29 is arranged below the first group 27.

[0048] Conductors 12, 14, 22, 24 are designed to provide operating current for lighting devices 40, 50, 60, which are explained in more detail below, and conductors 13, 23 are designed to provide a control signal. The control signal can be interpreted by the adapter 30, 30', 30" or by the lighting device 40, 50, 60.

[0049] The first group 27 is divided into three subgroups 27a, 27b, and 27c, each formed with two of the electrical conductors 12-14, 22-24 of the first group 27. Starting from the open side 8, along the depth direction T, the third group 29 is followed by the first subgroup 27a, then the second or middle subgroup 27b, then the third subgroup 27c, and then the second group 28.

[0050] The conductors 12, 14, 22, 24 of the first and third subgroups 27a, 27c are designed to provide the operating current for the lighting devices 40, 50, 60 at mains voltage, and in particular as alternating current with a nominal voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. In the rail 1 shown in the figures, a first phase L1 is applied to the conductor 12, a second phase L2 to the conductor 22, a third phase L3 to the conductor 24, and zero to the conductor 14. Thus, the first group 27 provides the phases L1, L2, L3 of the mains alternating current for the operation of the lighting devices 40, 50, 60. An earth contact can be provided by the profile base body 2.

[0051] The first subgroup 27a is formed by conductors 14 and 24, with conductor 14 serving as the neutral conductor and conductor 24 as the third phase conductor. The third subgroup 27c is formed by conductors 12 and 22, with conductor 12 serving as the first phase conductor and conductor 22 as the second phase conductor.

[0052] The second subgroup 27b is formed by the two conductors 13, 23, by means of which the control signal is provided, which can be used in particular to control the lighting devices 40, 50, and / or 60. The control signal is in particular a DALI signal. Instead, in variants, it can be provided that the conductors 13, 23 provide a control signal based on another suitable protocol.

[0053] In the rail lighting system, the first adapter 30, 30', 30" can be designed in particular according to a first type, designated by 30, according to a second type, designated by 30', or according to a third type, designated by 30". The first adapters 30, 30', 30" inserted into the inner second region 5 of the inner region 3 are each configured to contact the conductors 12-14 and 22-24. When inserted and electrically coupled to the rail 1, the adapter 30, 30', 30" preferably contacts all of the conductors 12-14, 22-24. For this purpose, the adapter 30, 30', 30" is equipped with contact devices 312, 313, 314 and 322, 323, 324, which can be pivoted out laterally from a housing thereof and are designed, for example, as pivotable contact tongues, see Fig. 3 and 5 . Regarding the contacting of conductors 12-14, 22-24, the first adapters 30, 30', 30" are designed identically.

[0054] The outwardly open first area 4 is designed to accommodate one or more flat, elongated, linear lighting modules 40, for example to form a light band, such that the lighting module 40 (also referred to as a linear inset), which is intended in particular for direct lighting, is essentially flush with the visible edges 9 of the rail 1, see Fig. 2 .

[0055] The first adapter 30 of the first type enables the supply and control of the lighting module 40. In the area of ​​a side facing the first area 4 after the adapter 30 has been inserted, the adapter 30 has contact elements 41 that can connect with corresponding contact elements of the lighting module 40 to supply the module with electrical power and control the module.

[0056] The side walls 2a of the rail 1 are provided in the first area 4 on the inside in sections 43 each with an engagement geometry 42, which in the embodiment in the figures is partly groove-like, partly rib-like and enables a locking fastening of the lighting modules 40.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows the adapter 30' of the second type inserted into the inner second region 5, which differs from the first adapter 30 in particular in that the contact elements 41 are omitted in the adapter 30'. Instead, the adapter 30' has Fig. 3 upper side, a contact section (not shown in detail) which projects through an opening provided for this purpose in the web 2b. The contact section carries contact elements 51 which contact corresponding contact elements of an indirect lighting module 50 in order to supply it with electrical energy and enable its control. The indirect lighting module 50 is accommodated in a third region 6 which is arranged on a side of the web 2b facing away from the inner, second region 5 and projects outwards, in Fig. 3 upwards. The indirect lighting module 50 is locked into area 6.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows the adapter 30" of the third type inserted into the inner, second area 5, which enables the supply and control of a lighting device 60 designed as an adjustable spotlight. The lighting device 60 is pivotally connected to a rod-like connecting piece 65 and coupled to the adapter 30" via the connecting piece 65, wherein the connecting piece 65 is rotatably mounted on the adapter 30".

[0059] The first adapter 30" is an example to illustrate the contacting of the conductors 12-14, 22-24 as well as a phase selection in Fig. 5 shown in sections with the housing open, whereby the contacting of the conductors 12-14, 22-24 and the phase selection for the first adapters 30, 30' is provided in the same way.

[0060] The adapter 30, 30', 30" has a rotary component 35, which is formed in particular in sections with a cylindrical shape, on which the contact devices 312, 313, 314 and 322, 323, 324 designed as contact tongues are arranged. The rotary component 35 is rotatable about an axis which runs parallel to the depth direction T when the adapter 30, 30', 30" is inserted into the second region 5. In this way, the contact devices 312-314, 322-324 can be swung out of the housing of the adapter 30, 30', 30" through associated openings or swung into the housing of the adapter 30, 30', 30". In the swung-out state, see the Fig. 1-4 , the contact devices 312, 313, 314 contact the conductors 12, 13 and 14 respectively and the contact devices 322, 323, 324 contact the conductors 22, 23 and 24 respectively. In this case, three contact devices 312-314 and 322-324 are provided on two opposite long sides of the adapter 30, 30', 30" and can be pivoted out for contacting.

[0061] The rotary component 35 is coupled to a sliding operating element 351 via a mechanism such that, by moving the sliding operating element 351, the rotary component 35 can be rotated between a contact position with pivoted-out contact devices 312-314, 322-324 and a non-contact position with pivoted-in contact devices 312-314, 322-324. The sliding operating element 351 is accessible to an operator through the first area 4 when the adapter 30, 30', 30" is inserted into the second area 5. Additional fixation of the adapter 30, 30', 30" can be achieved via a pivotable section of the rotary component 35 and / or with the aid of locking elements.

[0062] Furthermore, the adapter 30, 30', 30" has a phase selection device 36, which is designed with a rotary selector switch that can be rotated about an axis parallel to the depth direction T in the inserted state by means of a rotary operating element 361, which is also accessible to the operator when the adapter 30, 30', 30" is inserted. By mechanically rotating the rotary selector switch, the phase L1, L2 or L3 to be used to supply the lighting device 40, 50 or 60 can be selected as desired or required and, for example, electrically connected to a converter of the first adapter 30, 30', 30".

[0063] The converter of the first adapter 30, 30', 30" is not shown in detail in the figures and converts the alternating current absorbed by the conductor device 7 according to the selected phase L1, L2 or L3 for the supply of the lighting device 40, 50, 60 with low voltage.

[0064] The rail 1 is further configured to receive a second adapter 70a-d, 70 for contacting the conductors 11, 21 of the second group 28 and / or the conductors 15, 25 of the third group 29. Fig. 6-10 show second adapters 70a-70d and 70 according to a first to fifth type. The second adapter 70a-d, 70 serves to implement a special or additional function of a lighting arrangement constructed on the basis of the modular track lighting system. For this purpose, an electrically operated device 80 is electrically coupled to the adapter 70a-d, 70. The device 80 can be designed as an emergency lighting module or as a luminous emergency information device or as a luminous information device. Alternatively, the device 80 can be designed as a loudspeaker module or as a sensor module. Fig. 6-11 the device 80 is designed, for example, as an emergency lighting module, such as an electrically illuminated emergency information board, which, for example, indicates an escape route, emergency exit or the like and can, for example, simultaneously provide emergency lighting, and is coupled to the second adapter 70a-d, 70 via a connecting piece 85.

[0065] An external geometry of the second adapters 70a-d, 70 essentially corresponds to that of the first adapters 30, 30', 30". However, the adapters 70a-d, 70 differ from the adapters 30, 30', 30" with regard to the contacting of the conductor device 7.

[0066] The second adapter 70a according to the first type in Fig. 6 has on both longitudinal sides thereof pivotable contact devices 715 and 725 for contacting the conductors 15 and 25 of the third group 29 as well as pivotable contact devices 713 and 723 for contacting the conductors 13 and 23 of the first group 27.

[0067] In the configuration of the rail 1 illustrated in the figures, conductor 21 is provided as a phase conductor for providing a phase of a first special alternating current circuit, and conductor 11 is provided as a neutral conductor of the first special alternating current circuit. Furthermore, conductor 25 is provided as a phase conductor of a second special alternating current circuit, and conductor 15 is provided as a neutral conductor of the second special alternating current circuit. The first and second special alternating current circuits can each provide alternating current as operating current for the additional function(s), for example with a nominal voltage of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. For example, the second and third groups 28, 29 can be supplied from one or more different energy sources than the first group 27, which serves the primary lighting function.

[0068] By means of the second adapter 70a of the first type, the device 80, which provides the additional function, such as emergency lighting and / or an illuminated sign, is supplied with electrical power via the second special AC circuit from the third group 29. Control can be achieved, for example, via the existing DALI conductors 13, 23.

[0069] In the second adapter 70b according to the second type in Fig. 7 The contact devices 713, 723 are omitted, so that control via the DALI conductors 13, 23 is eliminated. This allows for a simple adapter 70b, for example, if the device 80 is to be operated without the need for a controller.

[0070] The second adapter 70c according to the third type in Fig. 8 has, on both longitudinal sides thereof, pivotable contact devices 711 and 721 for contacting conductors 11 and 21 of the second group 28, as well as pivotable contact devices 713 and 723 for contacting conductors 13 and 23 of the first group 27. By means of the second adapter 70c of the third type, the device 80, which provides the additional function, such as the emergency light and / or an illuminated sign, is supplied with electrical energy via the first special AC circuit from the second group 28. Control can be effected, for example, via the existing DALI conductors 13, 23.

[0071] In the second adapter 70d according to the fourth type in Fig. 9 Starting with the second adapter 70c of the third type, the contact devices 713, 723 are again omitted, so that control via the DALI conductors 13, 23 is eliminated. This in turn enables a simplified adapter 70d.

[0072] Fig. 10 illustrates the second adapter 70 of the fifth type in perspective view with the housing open. The adapter 70 of the fifth type combines all the contacting options that are Fig. 6-9 for the first to fourth types of the second adapter and can thus be selected as needed for the fifth type of the second adapter 70. The second adapter 70 thus offers even greater flexibility in use.

[0073] The second adapter 70 of the fifth type has a rotary component 75, which is designed essentially analogously to the rotary component 35 of the adapter 30, 30', 30" and can be pivoted by an operator via a sliding control element 751 when the adapter 70 is inserted into the second area 5. In contrast to the first adapter 30, 30', 30", however, the rotary component 75 carries only two contact devices 713, 723 arranged in the middle position and designed as contact tongues, analogous to the contact devices 313, 323, in order to selectively contact or not contact both conductors 13, 23, depending on the position of the sliding control element 751 and the resulting rotational position of the rotary component 75.

[0074] Furthermore, the adapter 70 of the fifth type has a pivoting component 77 which can be pivoted in a rocker-like manner about an axis running parallel to the depth direction T when the adapter 70 is inserted. The tongue-shaped contact devices 711, 721, 715, 725 are arranged on the pivoting component 77 such that the contact devices 711, 715 on one longitudinal side and the contact devices 721, 725 on the other longitudinal side of the adapter 70 can be pivoted out through associated housing openings. Here, the pivoting component 77 with the contact devices 711, 715, 721, 725 is configured such that either the conductors 11, 21 can be contacted by the contact devices 711, 721 or instead the conductors 15, 25 can be contacted by the contact devices 715, 725, but not all conductors 11, 15, 21, 25 at the same time. The pivoting component 77 thus also enables a selection of the special or emergency circuit.For insertion into or removal from the rail 1, the pivoting component 77 is moved to a central position. The pivoting of the pivoting component 77 is enabled by a sliding control element 771, which is accessible to the operator when the adapter 70 is inserted and is coupled to the pivoting component 77 via a mechanism not shown in detail.

[0075] Starting from the second adapter 70 according to the fifth type, a second adapter, which, for example, has the contacting function of the second adapters 70b, 70d of the second and fourth types and thus selectively and alternatively contacts the second or third group 28 or 29, can be formed by omitting the rotary component 75. Furthermore, in further variants, by additionally omitting the contact devices 711, 721 or 715, 725, the adapter 70b can be formed only for contacting the third group 29 or the adapter 70d can be formed only for contacting the second group 28. If, however, contact devices 711, 721 or instead 715, 725 are omitted from the pivoting component 77 and the rotary component 75 is also provided, an adapter 70a for contacting the third group 29 and optionally additionally the DALI conductors 13, 23 or an adapter 70c for contacting the second group 29 and optionally additionally the DALI conductors 13, 23 can be formed. Fig. 6-9 In addition, all contact situations shown can be optionally achieved using the second adapter 70 of the fifth type.

[0076] The second adapter 70a-d, 70 may include a converter to operate the device 80 at low voltage.

[0077] In variants of the exemplary embodiment, the second group 28 and / or the third group 29 can be assigned and used differently than described above. For example, it can be provided that only the conductors 11, 21 provide neutral or phase of a special alternating current circuit of the second group 28 or instead only the conductors 15, 25 of the third group 29 provide neutral or phase of a special alternating current circuit, with the other two conductors 15, 25 or 11, 21 of the respective other group 29 or 28 providing the positive and negative poles of a direct current circuit, for example at a direct voltage of 24 volts. It is conceivable, for example, to supply the direct current circuit via an accumulator so that the special or additional function, such as the illumination of the information panel 80 with emergency light, is retained in the event of a power failure.It is understood that in other variants both second and third groups 28, 29 can each provide poles of an associated one of two DC circuits.

[0078] Furthermore, the conductors 11, 21 of the second group 28 and / or the conductors 15, 25 of the third group 29 can be used to provide a signal for an additional function instead of for an AC or DC power supply. For example, the device 80 can be configured as a sensor module or a loudspeaker module instead of an illuminated panel or emergency light. In such variants, the conductors 11, 21 and / or 15, 25 can transmit a signal from the sensor module via the second adapter 70a-d, 70 or, instead, can transmit an audio signal to the loudspeaker module via the second adapter.

[0079] It is understood that one of the groups 28, 29 can be used for such a signal and the other of the groups 28, 29 can be used for an emergency or special operating current, as alternating current or as direct current.

[0080] A lighting arrangement 100 with a rail 1, adapters 30 and 70a inserted into the interior area 3, a lighting module 40 electrically coupled to the first adapter 30 for a primary lighting function and a device 80 electrically coupled to the second adapter 70a, which is designed as a luminous emergency information panel, is shown by way of example in FIG. Fig. 11 The lighting device 40 is supplied and controlled via the adapter 30 based on the alternating current and signal provided by the first group 27. The device 80 is, see also Fig. 6 , for example, via the second adapter 70a based on the separate circuit provided by the third group 29, wherein the adapter 70a additionally enables control of the device 80 based on the DALI signal present on the conductors 13, 23 of the first group 27. The device 80 thus offers an additional function that is separately supplied with electrical energy.

[0081] The adapters 30, 30', 30" with associated lighting units 40, 50, 60 and the adapters 70a-d, 70 with associated device 80 of different types can be combined in a variety of ways along the rail 1 and may be present in multiples if necessary.

[0082] In particular, based on the Figuren 1-4 , 6-9It becomes apparent that the arrangement of the first, second, and third groups 27, 28, 29, with the first group 27 having six conductors being located between the second and third groups 28, 29, each with two conductors, allows the rail 1 to be constructed compactly. At the same time, it becomes possible to use first adapters 30, 30', 30" of different types to implement a lighting function as the primary function of the rail lighting system by means of, for example, the lighting devices 40, 50, 60. Furthermore, it becomes possible to use second adapters 70, 70a-d of different types in the same rail 1, which access the conductors 11, 21 and 15, 25 of the second and / or third group 28, 29, respectively, and in some variants, the conductors 13 and 23.At the same time, for example, a first adapter 30, 30', 30" can also be used without any problem with a simpler rail which only has conductors corresponding to those of the first group 27, and standard adapters designed for just such simpler rails can equally be used in the rail 1, as described above with reference to the . Fig. 1-11 As explained, this allows for an exceptionally high level of flexibility and versatility of the track lighting system.

[0083] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0084] 1Rail 2Profile base body 2aSide wall 2bWeb 3Inner area 3a, 3bLong side (inner area) 4First area 5Second area 6Third area 7Ladder arrangement 8Outwardly open side 9Edge 10First part (ladder arrangement) 20Second part (ladder arrangement) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15Ladder 16Holding body 21, 22, 23, 24, 25Ladder 26Holding body 27First group 27aFirst subgroup (first group) 27bSecond subgroup (first group) 27cThird subgroup (first group) 28Second group 29Third group 30, 30', 30"First adapter 35Rotating component 351Sliding control element 36Phase selection device 361Rotary control element 312-314, 322-324Contact device 40Lighting module 41Contact element 42Engagement geometry 43Section (side wall) 50Indirect lighting module 51Contact element 60Spotlight 65Connecting piece 70a, 70bSecond adapter 70c, 70dSecond adapter 70Second adapter 75Rotary component 751Sliding control element 77Swivel component 771Sliding control element 711, 721Contact device 713, 723Contact device 715,725Contact device 80Device 85Connecting piece 100Lighting arrangement LLongitudinal direction (rail) LMLongitudinal center plane (interior) SSymmetry plane TTepth direction (interior),

Claims

1. Rail (1) for a rail lighting system, which is designed in a profile-like manner and has an inner region (3), wherein in the inner region (3) a conductor arrangement (7) is provided with conductors (11-15, 21-25) extending substantially along a longitudinal direction (L) of the rail (1), at least for providing electrical current and a control signal, wherein the inner region (3) is designed to at least selectively accommodate a first adapter (30, 30', 30") for contacting conductors (12-14, 22-24) from a first group (27) of the conductors (11-15, 21-25), and a second adapter (70a-d, 70) for contacting conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) from at least a second group (28) of the conductors (11-15, 21-25) and / or a third group (29) of the conductors (11-15, 21-25), wherein the conductors (12-14, 22-24) of the first group (27) are conductors (12, 14, 22, 24) for providing operating current for lighting devices (40, 50,60) and conductors (13, 23) for providing the control signal, wherein the second and third groups (28, 29) are provided for providing at least one additional function, and wherein in a depth direction (T) of the inner region (3), along which the first or second adapter (30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70) can be inserted into the inner region (3) starting from an outwardly open side (8), the conductors (12-14, 22-24) of the first group (27) are arranged between the conductors (11, 21) of the second group (28) and the conductors (15, 25) of the third group (29).

2. Rail according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe conductors (12, 14, 22, 24) of the first group (27) designed to provide operating current for the lighting devices (40, 50, 60) are designed to provide the operating current at mains voltage, in particular as alternating current, for example at a nominal voltage of substantially 230 V; and / or that several phases of an alternating current for operating the lighting devices (40, 50, 60) can be provided by the first group (27); and / or that the conductors (11, 21) of the second group (28) comprise conductors for providing an operating current or a signal for the at least one additional function of the rail lighting system and / or the conductors (15, 25) of the third group (29) comprise conductors for providing an operating current or a signal for the at least one additional function of the rail lighting system.

3. Rail according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatin a cross-section of the rail (1), positions of the conductors (11-15, 21-25) of the conductor arrangement (7) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane (LM) of the inner region (3); and in particular that in a cross-section of the rail (1), the positions of the conductors (11-15, 21-25) of the conductor arrangement (7) are further arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (S) running transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal center plane (LM) of the inner region (3) and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the depth direction (T).

4. Rail according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductors (11-15, 21-25) of the conductor arrangement (7) are arranged on both sides along longitudinal sides (3a, 3b) of the inner region (3) and in particular that the same number of the conductors (11-15, 21-25) are arranged along each of the longitudinal sides (3a, 3b).

5. Rail according to claim 4, characterized by thatthe conductor arrangement (7) comprises ten conductors (11-15, 21-25), of which five conductors are arranged along each of the longitudinal sides (3a, 3b) of the inner region (3), wherein the first group (27) comprises six of the conductors (11-15, 21-25) and the second and third groups (28, 29) each comprise two of the conductors (11-15, 21-25).

6. Rail according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first group (27) comprises a neutral conductor (14), a first (12), a second (22) and a third phase conductor (24) as well as two conductors (13, 23) for the control signal, in particular a DALI signal.

7. Rail according to claim 6, characterized by thatthe first group (27) is formed with three subgroups (27a, 27b, 27c) each comprising two of the conductors (12-14, 22-24) of the first group (27) and that along the depth direction (T), viewed from the open side (8) of the inner region (3), the first subgroup (27a) comprises the neutral conductor (14) and the third phase conductor (24), the second subgroup (27b) comprises the two conductors (13, 23) for the control signal, and the third subgroup (27c) comprises the first phase conductor (12) and the second phase conductor (22).

8. Rail according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises a phase conductor (21) and a neutral conductor (11) of a first special AC circuit and the other of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises a phase conductor (25) and a neutral conductor (15) of a second special AC circuit.

9. Rail according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by thatone of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises a phase conductor (21, 25) and a neutral conductor (11, 15) of a special alternating current circuit and the other of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises two conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) for providing the positive and negative poles of a special direct current circuit, or that one of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises a phase conductor (21, 25) and a neutral conductor (11, 15) of a special alternating current circuit or two conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) for providing the positive and negative poles of a special direct current circuit, and the other of the second or third groups (28, 29) comprises two conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) for providing or forwarding a signal; and in particular that the conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) are designed to provide the positive and negative poles of the special direct current circuit for providing a direct current at a direct voltage of substantially 24 V.

10. Rail according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner region (3) is divided into an outwardly open first region (4) and an inner second region (5), wherein the second region (5) is accessible through the first region (4), the second region (5) is provided for receiving the adapters (30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70) and the conductor arrangement (7) is arranged within the second region (5), and further that the outwardly open first region (4) is designed to receive one or more lighting modules (40), in particular flat and elongated lighting modules (40), in the first region (4), in particular to receive them substantially flush with an edge (9) of the rail (1).

11. Rail according to claim 10, characterized in thatSide walls (2a) of the rail (1) in the first region (4) are each provided with an engagement geometry (42), in particular a groove-like or rib-like engagement geometry (42), for a locking fastening of the lighting modules (40).

12. Lighting arrangement (100) with a rail according to one of the preceding claims, at least one adapter (30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70) inserted into an interior region (3) of the rail, and at least one device (40, 50, 60, 80) electrically coupled to the adapter (30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70); wherein the device electrically coupled to the adapter (30, 30', 30") is designed as a lighting device (40, 50, 60) and the adapter (30, 30', 30") contacts conductors (12-14, 22-24) from the first group (27) of conductors (11-15, 21-25) of the conductor arrangement (7) provided in the inner region (3) of the rail (1) and thereby taps off an operating current and a control signal for the lighting device (40, 50, 60) from conductors (12-14, 22-24) of the first group (27);or wherein the device (80) electrically coupled to the adapter (70a-d, 70) is provided for providing at least one additional function of the lighting arrangement (100) and the adapter (70a-d, 70) contacts at least conductors (11, 21, 15, 25) from the second group (28) or the third group (29) of conductors (11-15, 21-25) of the conductor arrangement (7) provided in the inner region (3) of the rail (1) and thereby taps off an operating current and / or taps off or feeds in a signal for the additional function.; 13. Lighting arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the adapter (30, 30', 30") is designed as a first adapter (30, 30', 30") and has up to three contact devices (312-314, 322-324) on each of two opposite sides thereof for contacting conductors (12-14, 22-24) of the first group (27).

14. Lighting arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in thatthe adapter (70a-d, 70) is designed as a second adapter (70a-d, 70) and has at least one contact device (711, 721, 715, 725) on each of its two opposite sides for contacting a conductor (11, 21, 15, 25) of the second or third group (28, 29), or has at least two contact devices (711, 721, 715, 725) on each of its two opposite sides for selectively contacting an associated conductor (11, 21, 15, 25) of the second or third group (28, 29); and in particular that the second adapter (70a-d, 70) additionally has at least one contact device (713, 723) on each of its two opposite sides for contacting an associated conductor (13, 23) of the first group (27).

15. Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in thatthe device (80) electrically coupled to the adapter (70a-d, 70) for providing the additional function is designed as an emergency light module (80) or as a luminous emergency information device or as a luminous indication device or as a loudspeaker module or as a sensor module; and / or that the adapter (30, 30', 30", 70a-d, 70) has a converter for converting the tapped operating current.

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