Insert for a light strip system and light strip system

Abstract

The invention relates to an insert for a linear lighting system, wherein the insert is designed to be inserted into a rail of the linear lighting system and to contact a multi-core electrical through-wiring system arranged inside the rail, wherein the insert comprises an electrical adapter (2) having a housing (4), several spring-loaded electrical contact elements (6) and a linearly displaceable cam element (8), wherein the cam element (8) is displaceable in the housing (4) along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rail and has at least one chamfer (10) which is designed to deflect the electrical contact elements (6) when the cam element (8) is moved, wherein the electrical contact elements (6) protrude from one or more openings (12) of the housing (4) in the deflected state to contact the conductors of the through-wiring system.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to linear lighting systems. In particular, the present invention relates to an insert that is plugged into a rail of a linear lighting system and contacts a multi-core electrical through-wiring, and to a linear lighting system comprising this insert. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of linear lighting systems, it is common practice to establish electrical connections within the track structures to ensure a continuous power supply for lighting units. Common systems typically incorporate rigid or spring-loaded contact elements integrated into the tracks to establish an electrical connection to the conductors of the through-wiring. These contact elements must be reliable and secure to guarantee a stable electrical connection, while also being easy to install and maintain.

[0003] A common approach to creating these electrical connections is the use of contact systems that operate via a rotary mechanism. In these systems, the contact elements are brought into contact with the conductors of the through-wiring by a rotational movement. Although these systems theoretically allow for simple and quick installation, they have several disadvantages in practice. Firstly, the rotational movement can cause the contact elements to be pressed unevenly or firmly enough against the conductors, which can lead to an unreliable electrical connection. Secondly, the mechanical stress from the rotational movement can wear down or damage the contact elements and the conductors over time, thus shortening the system's lifespan.

[0004] Another disadvantage of rotary mechanisms is their susceptibility to mechanical malfunctions. If the rotary mechanism malfunctions, the contact elements may not be correctly positioned, thus failing to establish an electrical connection. This can be particularly problematic in environments subject to vibration or mechanical shock, which can affect the rotary mechanism. Furthermore, the installation and maintenance of systems with rotary mechanisms often requires specialized tools and expertise, increasing both effort and cost.

[0005] Despite the considerable progress in the field of continuous lighting systems, there is still a need for improved contacting systems that ensure a reliable and simple electrical connection without the disadvantages of the known rotary mechanisms.

[0006] Therefore, one of the technical problems underlying the present invention is to provide a continuous lighting system with inserts that enable improved electrical contacting and easy installation. SUMMARY

[0007] The invention solves the problem by means of an insert according to claim 1 and a light strip system according to claim 13.

[0008] The insert for a linear lighting system according to the present invention is designed to be plugged into a rail of the system and thereby makes contact with a multi-core electrical through-wiring system located inside the rail. The insert for the linear lighting system according to the present invention can be, for example, a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire, a spotlight, or emergency lighting. Other examples of such inserts also include additional electronic components in a linear lighting system, such as loudspeakers, sensors, etc. According to a particular feature of the invention, the insert comprises an electrical adapter having a housing, several spring-loaded electrical contact elements, and a linearly displaceable cam element. The cam element is displaceable within the housing along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rail.It has at least one chamfer designed to deflect the electrical contact elements when the cam element is moved. In the deflected state, the electrical contacts protrude from one or more openings in the housing to make electrical contact with the through-wiring. In the initial state of the cam element, the electrical contact elements are located within the housing, allowing the adapter to be inserted into the track of the linear lighting system. Only after insertion are the electrical contact elements deflected into a contacting position by the linear movement of the cam element, in which they electrically connect the electronic components of the insert to the through-wiring in the track.

[0009] One advantage of this design is the simple and reliable connection of the electrical through-wiring by the spring-loaded electrical contact elements, which are deflected by the linear displacement of the cam element. A further advantage arises from the avoidance of a rotary mechanism, as used in the prior art, which simplifies handling and installation of the insert. According to the invention, the insert for the linear lighting system therefore does not have a rotary mechanism to deflect the electrical contact elements. The arrangement of the electrical contact elements and the cam element within the housing also ensures a compact and robust design. The longitudinal displacement along the rail allows the adapter of the insert to be designed to be narrow (e.g., less than 5 cm), so that the insert according to the invention is also suitable for the construction of narrow linear lighting systems.

[0010] In one embodiment, the contact elements protrude through openings on one or two opposite sides of the housing when deflected. This configuration enables improved electrical connectivity and mechanical stability within the linear lighting system. The spring-loaded electrical contacts, deflected by the cam element, emerge from the housing openings, ensuring reliable electrical contact with the multi-core through-wiring in the track. By having the contact elements protrude through openings on both sides of the housing, symmetrical contacting is achieved, reducing the likelihood of contact failures and improving electrical conductivity. This arrangement also offers the advantage of distributing mechanical stress evenly across the contact elements, thus extending their service life.The symmetrical arrangement of the contact elements also allows for simpler and more flexible installation of the insert, as it can be inserted into the rail in either direction without regard to orientation. This simplifies the installation process and reduces the potential for assembly errors. Furthermore, the double-sided contact ensures that the electrical adapter is held securely in the rail, minimizing vibrations and mechanical stresses that could lead to an interruption of the electrical connection. Overall, this design offers a robust and reliable solution for electrical connections in continuous-row lighting systems, improving both electrical performance and mechanical stability.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the insert for the continuous-row lighting system comprises an arrangement in which at least one group of contact elements is arranged in parallel within the housing and can be deflected jointly by means of at least one leading edge of the cam element. This specific arrangement of the contact elements and their joint deflection by the leading edge of the cam element offer several advantages with regard to the electrical and mechanical connection within the continuous-row lighting system. The parallel arrangement of the contact elements in the housing ensures a uniform distribution of the mechanical forces that occur when the cam element is moved. This results in a more stable and reliable electrical connection, since the contact elements are deflected simultaneously and uniformly, minimizing the risk of uneven contacts and the resulting electrical interference.Furthermore, the simultaneous deflection of the contact elements enables simpler and faster installation of the insert in the track of the linear lighting system. Since all contact elements deflect simultaneously, the effort required for manual adjustment and positioning of individual contact elements is significantly reduced. This results in time savings and a reduction in the potential for errors during the installation process. The leading edge of the cam element plays a crucial role here, as it enables the necessary force transmission and deflection of the contact elements. The specific design of the leading edge ensures that the contact elements deflect at an optimal angle to guarantee the best possible contact with the multi-core electrical through-wiring. This improves not only the electrical conductivity but also the mechanical stability of the connection.Overall, this embodiment contributes to increasing the efficiency and reliability of the continuous lighting system by providing a robust and easy-to-install electrical connection. The parallel arrangement and common deflection of the contact elements by the cam element's leading edge thus represents a significant improvement over conventional solutions, where the contact elements may have to be deflected individually and unevenly.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least two groups of contact elements are arranged in the housing. These contact elements are designed such that they can be deflected by a leading edge of a cam element. The leading edges are arranged on opposite sides of the cam element. This means that when the cam element is linearly displaced, it deflects the contact elements of the two groups in opposite directions. The opposite arrangement of the leading edges ensures that the contact elements are deflected uniformly and synchronously, thus reducing the probability of faulty contacts. Furthermore, this arrangement allows for a compact design, as the contact elements can be efficiently housed within the casing. Overall, this embodiment offers a robust and efficient solution for integrating a large number of contact elements within an adapter, e.g.,five or more contact elements on each of the two sides of the adapter.

[0013] In one embodiment, the contact elements are each formed entirely from a spring element. This specific design of the contact elements offers several advantages. First, the use of spring elements ensures a reliable and stable electrical connection. Spring-loaded contact elements are able to adapt to various tolerances and deviations in the position of the through-wiring, which improves contact quality and reduces the likelihood of contact interruptions. Furthermore, the spring action enables a uniform distribution of the contact pressure across the contact points, which reduces mechanical stress and increases the service life of the contact elements.

[0014] Another advantage of contact elements made entirely of spring elements lies in their ability to absorb vibrations and mechanical shocks. This is particularly important in applications where the linear lighting system is subjected to mechanical stresses, such as in industrial environments or in transportation. The spring contact elements can cushion such stresses and thereby maintain the integrity of the electrical connection.

[0015] The design of the contact elements as spring elements also simplifies the construction and assembly of the insert. Since the contact elements are made from a single material, there is no need for additional components or complex assembly steps. This leads to a reduction in manufacturing costs and an increase in the reliability of the overall system, as fewer components are potentially subject to failure.

[0016] Furthermore, the spring-loaded contact elements contribute to the miniaturization of the insert. Since the spring function is integrated directly into the contact elements, additional spring mechanisms are unnecessary, resulting in a more compact design. This is particularly advantageous in applications where available space is limited and a compact design is required.

[0017] Finally, the contact elements, which are entirely composed of spring elements, offer a high degree of flexibility in the design of the application. The shape and geometry of the spring elements can be adapted to specific requirements to ensure optimal contact conditions. This enables a customized solution for various applications and increases the versatility of the continuous-row lighting system.

[0018] In one embodiment, the contact elements are rigidly attached to the housing at one end and are preferably connected at this end to conductor tracks inside the housing. This specific arrangement of the contact elements offers several advantages with regard to the mechanical stability and electrical reliability of the application. The rigid attachment of the contact elements to one end of the housing ensures that they remain firmly in place and cannot be displaced by external influences or vibrations. This is particularly important in environments where the linear lighting system could be subjected to mechanical stresses, such as in industrial applications. The rigid attachment minimizes the risk of intermittent contacts or interruptions in the electrical connection, thus increasing the reliability and longevity of the system.Furthermore, connecting the contact elements to internal wiring within the housing allows for a compact and protected arrangement of the electrical conductors. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the conductor tracks from external influences and simultaneously simplifies system installation and maintenance. Another advantage of this configuration is the improved electrical contact quality.

[0019] In one embodiment, the insert for a linear lighting system is designed such that the cam element can be moved by means of a lever. The lever protrudes laterally from the housing and is preferably arranged approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cam element. This specific lever design enables simple and ergonomic operation of the cam element, which significantly simplifies handling the insert. The lever offers a mechanical advantage by allowing it to be operated externally without tools. The laterally protruding lever allows for better accessibility, particularly in confined spaces where it might be difficult to directly reach and move the cam element. The perpendicular arrangement of the lever to the direction of movement of the cam element ensures that the lever's movement is intuitive and easy to understand, further simplifying operation.Furthermore, this arrangement contributes to the mechanical stability of the system, as the forces acting on the cam element are distributed evenly. This minimizes the risk of damage to the housing or the electrical contact elements and increases the service life of the unit. Another advantage of this design is the ability to use the lever as a visual and tactile feedback element, indicating to the user whether the electrical contact elements are correctly aligned and in contact with the through-wiring.

[0020] In one embodiment, the insert for a linear lighting system is designed such that the lever is rigidly connected to the cam element, with the cam element and the lever being integrally formed. This means that the lever and the cam element are either manufactured as a single component or are rigidly connected so that they move together. This design offers several advantages in terms of the functionality and reliability of the insert. The rigid connection ensures that the movement of the lever is transmitted directly and without play to the cam element. This results in a precise and controlled deflection of the electrical contact elements, which in turn increases the reliability of the electrical contact with the through-wiring. Furthermore, an integral design of the lever and the cam element reduces the number of individual parts and thus the complexity of the assembly and maintenance of the insert.This can reduce production costs and increase the robustness of the overall system, as there are fewer connection points that could potentially fail.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cam element, in a position where the contact elements protrude from the housing, is detachably fixed to an element connected to the housing by a detent connection. The element connected to the housing can, in particular, be a detent projection or a detent recess into which a detent hook or detent lug engages to form the detent connection. This specific design enables improved handling and safety during the installation and maintenance of the continuous-row lighting system. The detent connection, which secures the lever in this position, ensures that the contact elements remain stable and secure in the desired position without any unintentional retraction or disengagement of the contact elements. This is particularly advantageous because deflection of the spring-loaded electrical contact elements can exert a restoring force on the leading edge of the cam element.The detent connection effectively prevents the cam element from springing back unintentionally due to mechanical shocks. Furthermore, the detachable locking mechanism allows for quick and easy removal of the insert should maintenance or replacement be required. The detent mechanism also provides clear tactile and audible feedback when the lever is moved into the correct position, enhancing ease of use and safety during installation. The combination of lever and detent connection thus represents an efficient and reliable solution for electrical contacting in continuous-row lighting systems, improving both operational safety and ease of maintenance.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cam element, in a second position where the contact elements are completely retracted into the housing, is detachably secured to a second element of the housing by a snap-fit ​​connection. As in the previously described embodiment, the second element, which is fixedly connected to the housing, can be a snap-fit ​​projection or a snap-fit ​​recess, and the snap-fit ​​element on the cam element can be formed by a snap hook or a snap-fit ​​lug. This embodiment offers the advantage that, even when the adapter is inserted into the rail, the spring-loaded contact elements do not unintentionally spring out of the adapter, thus preventing the risk of bending the contact elements when the insert is placed into the rail.

[0023] In one embodiment, the spring-mounted electrical contact elements have a spring travel dimensioned such that they are able to interact with the conductors of the through-wiring within the rail, even if these conductors are arranged at varying distances from the adapter housing. In particular, the conductors are arranged at alternating distances from the adjacent side of the housing. This arrangement of through-wiring conductors is preferred for rails because it allows more conductors to be accommodated within the rail. The spring-mounted electrical contact elements are designed to adapt to the varying distances of the conductors by moving according to the spring travel. This ensures that the contact elements always establish a stable and secure contact with the conductors.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the continuous-row lighting system comprises at least one insert, as described in the preceding embodiments, and a rail that has through-wiring on at least one inner surface. The insert allows for linear displacement of the cam element, thus replacing the conventional rotary mechanism. An advantage of this system lies in the improved efficiency and reliability of the electrical connection due to the through-wiring. Another advantage is the simplified installation and maintenance of the continuous-row lighting system, since the rail offers integrated electrical wiring.

[0025] In one embodiment, the rail has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the light strip. The electrical through-wiring is attached to two opposing inner surfaces of the U-shaped rail. The U-shaped rail provides a stable and efficient structure for accommodating the electrical wiring, thus facilitating easy installation and maintenance. Arranging the wiring on the opposing inner surfaces of the rail ensures an even distribution of the mechanical load transferred to the rail by the contact elements. In an alternative embodiment, the through-wiring can be arranged on the inner surface of the bottom of the U-shaped rail. However, for a given rail width, mounting the wiring within the walls often provides more space to accommodate as many conductors as possible in the through-wiring.This is particularly advantageous if the conductors also contain control lines in addition to the power supply and, if applicable, an emergency power supply.

[0026] In one embodiment, the conductors of the through-wiring are arranged at at least two different, in particular alternating, distances from at least one side wall of the housing. This means that the conductors of the through-wiring do not run at a constant distance from the side wall of the housing, but at two varying distances that alternate. This arrangement has the advantage that more conductors of the through-wiring can be accommodated on a given side wall area, as already explained above.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear in the following description of an exemplary embodiment, which is given in conjunction with the figures. The figures illustrate the following: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter for an insert for a continuous-row lighting system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the adapter of the Figure 1 , with one housing half removed. Figure 3a shows a top view of the adapter with a partially transparent housing in a first position of the cam element with the contact elements recessed. Figure 3b shows a top view corresponding to the Figure 3a in a second position of the cam element with deflected contact elements.

[0028] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter 2 of an insert for a linear lighting system according to one embodiment. The adapter 2 comprises a housing 4 in which several spring-loaded electrical contact elements 6 are arranged. These contact elements 6 are designed to protrude through openings 12 in the housing 4 to contact the conductors of the electrical through-wiring (not shown in the figures). A linearly displaceable cam element 8 is displaceable within the housing 4 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rail. The cam element 8 has chamfers 10 which deflect the contact elements 6 when the cam element 8 is displaced. A lever 14, which projects laterally from the housing 4, enables the cam element 8 to be displaced. Additionally, terminal blocks 20 and a phase selector switch 22 are attached to the housing 4.

[0029] Figure 2shows a perspective view of adapter 2 of the Figure 1 , with one half of the casing removed to make the internal components more visible.

[0030] Cam element 8 is clearly visible and shows the chamfers 10 that deflect the contact elements 6. The contact elements 6 are positioned in a parallel arrangement within the housing 4. The lever 14 is rigidly connected to the cam element 8 (in the illustrated embodiment even integrally) and allows its displacement.

[0031] A detent projection 16 on an inner surface of the base of the housing 4 and a detent hook 18 on the cam element 8 are also visible. These detent connections serve to fix the cam element 8 in the position in which the contact elements are deflected. A corresponding detent connection (in the Figures 1 and 2A further locking mechanism (concealed) between housing 4 and cam element 8 is provided to fix the cam element 8 in a position in which the contact elements 6 are retracted into the housing. Both locking connections can be released by overcoming a small resistance, so that the cam element 8 can be moved back and forth between the two positions by means of the lever 14, as described in connection with the Figures 3a and 3b depicted.

[0032] Furthermore, the adapter has two terminal blocks 20, which are electrically connected to the contact elements 6. The terminal blocks 20 serve to establish a loose wiring connection from the adapter 2 to the insert. The insert (not shown in the figures themselves) can, for example, comprise a light fixture (in particular a linear light or spotlight). Inserts with sensors, loudspeakers, or other electrical devices for a building installation can also be provided.

[0033] Furthermore, the adapter has a switch 22 for phase selection. The switch 22 is connected between the electrical connection of the contact elements 6 and one of the terminal blocks 20 and serves to change the assignment between the positions of the terminal block 20 and the contact elements 8. The phase selector switch allows, for example, the selection of a phase that is on one of the conductors of the through-wiring, so that, with several inserts connected in series, different phases can be selected for the power supply of the electrical component in the inserts.

[0034] The Figures 3a and 3b Each shows a top view of adapter 2 of the Figure 1 with a partially transparent housing 4 in two different positions of the cam element 8. In Figure 3a The contact elements 6 are recessed, so that the width of the adapter s, measured in a cross-section through the contact elements, is b1. Figure 3b The contact elements 8 are disengaged (i.e., deflected from the cam element 8), so that the width in the aforementioned cross-section increases to b2. This illustrates the function of the cam element 8 and the leading edges 10, which deflect the contact elements 6. In the position of the cam element according to Fig. 3b The contact elements protrude from the side walls of the housing 4 by (b2-b1) / 2 each.

[0035] In the Figures 3a and 3b In the top view, only two contact elements 6 are visible at a time. However, it is understood that several of the contact elements 6, as shown in the perspective drawings, are stacked one above the other (i.e., perpendicular to the image plane). Fig. 3a / 3b are arranged.

[0036] The chamfers 6 can be provided individually for each contact element 8, as shown in the perspective view of the Figure 2shown. However, it is also possible that a continuous chamfer is provided for each group of contact elements 6 on one side of the adapter 2.

[0037] The contact elements 6 have an angle in the area of ​​the chamfer 10, wherein the chamfer 10 lies within the angle when the contact elements 6 are retracted, as shown in Figure 3a shown. With disengaged contact elements, as in Figure 3bAs shown, the chamfer lies outside the angled section at the contact elements 6. The angled section allows for a large spring travel, which in some embodiments is even so large that the contact elements 6 can make contact with conductors of a through-wiring system that are arranged at different distances from the respective housing side. In some embodiments, the linear lighting system has rails with through-wiring that are arranged at different distances from the adapter housing, so that more conductors can be accommodated on the inner sides of the rails across the given width of the corresponding U-shaped leg.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, five contact elements 6 are provided on each side of the housing 2. For this purpose, the cam element has at least two opposing chamfers 10. In alternative embodiments, however, more or fewer than five contact elements 8 can be provided on each side of the adapter 2. Furthermore, it is also possible for different groups of contact elements 8 to be arranged one after the other along the longitudinal direction of the rail in the adapter and actuated by one or more cam elements. According to the invention, however, at least several contact elements can be deflected by a cam element, preferably on two different sides of the adapter.

[0039] In summary, the figures illustrate the construction and function of an adapter 2 for a linear lighting system, which enables an efficient and safe electrical connection within the track of the linear lighting system. Reference symbol list

[0040] 2 Adapter 4 Housing 6 Contact element 8 Cam element 10 Lead-in chamfer 12 Opening 14 Lever 16 Detent projection 18 Detent hook 20 Terminal block 22 Phase selector switch

Claims

1. Insert for a linear lighting system, wherein the insert is designed to be inserted into a rail of the linear lighting system and to contact a multi-core electrical through-wiring system arranged inside the rail, wherein the insert comprises an electrical adapter (2) having a housing (4), several spring-loaded electrical contact elements (6) and a linearly displaceable cam element (8), wherein the cam element (8) is displaceable in the housing (4) along a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rail and has at least one chamfer (10) designed to deflect the electrical contact elements (6) when the cam element (8) is moved, wherein the electrical contact elements (6) protrude from one or more openings (12) of the housing (4) in the deflected state to contact the conductors of the through-wiring system.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the contact elements (6) protrude through openings (12) in one or two opposite sides of the housing (4) when deflected.

3. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one group of the contact elements (6) are arranged in parallel in the housing (4) and can be deflected together by the at least one leading edge (10) of the cam element (8).

4. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two groups of contact elements (6) are arranged in the housing (4), wherein the contact elements (6) of each group are deflectable by a leading edge (10) of the cam element (8), wherein the two groups of contact elements (6) and the leading edges (10) assigned to the groups are arranged on opposite sides of the cam element (8).

5. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (6) are each formed entirely from a spring element.

6. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (6) are rigidly attached at one end to the housing (4) and are preferably connected at this end to conductor tracks in the housing (4).

7. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam element (8) is displaceable by means of a lever (14), wherein the lever (14) protrudes laterally from the housing (4), preferably approximately perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the cam element (8).

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the lever (14) is rigidly connected to the cam element (8), in particular being integrally formed with it.

9. Use according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cam element (8) is detachably fixed to an element (16) which is connected to the housing (4) by a snap connection (16, 18) in a first position in which the contact elements (6) protrude from the housing (4).

10. Use according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the cam element (8) is detachably fixed in a second position in which the contact elements (6) in the housing (4) are completely retracted, to an element which is connected to the housing (4) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection.

11. Use according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded electrical contact elements (6) have a spring travel which is dimensioned such that the contact elements (6) can be contacted with the conductors of the through-wiring in the rail, wherein the conductors are arranged at different distances from the housing (4) of the adapter, in particular arranged alternately with two different distances.

12. Lighting system comprising at least one insert according to the preceding claims, and a rail comprising on at least one inner side the conductors of the electrical through-wiring.

13. Light strip system according to the preceding claim, wherein the rail is U-shaped in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the light strip and the electrical through-wiring is attached to two opposite inner sides of the U-shaped rail.

14. Light strip system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the conductors of the through-wiring are arranged at at least two different, in particular alternating, distances to at least one side wall of the housing (4).

Images