Modular light strip with pre-centering device

Abstract

System for realizing a luminaire, the system comprising a connector 3 extending in a longitudinal direction X and having a coupling section (30), a connection device 4, and a first and a second elongated luminaire assembly 1, 2, each comprising a mounting rail 11, 21 extending in the longitudinal direction X and a conductor rail 12, 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X and attached to the mounting rail 11, 21, with conductor wires 121, 221 extending in the longitudinal direction X. The connector 3 or the connection device 4 has a first centering section 37 and the second luminaire assembly 2 has a second centering section 27.The connection device 4 has a first alignment section 41 and the conductor rail 22 of the second luminaire assembly 2 has a second alignment section 224, which are designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X during the joining movement after the centering sections 27, 37 have engaged with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement and / or to guide the conductor wires 221 of the second luminaire assembly 2 into a connection position by the joining movement in which at least one of the conductor wires 221 of the second luminaire assembly 2 is in contact with the connection device 4.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for realizing a luminaire, a connector for the system and a method for realizing the luminaire.

[0002] These types of luminaires are typically elongated and composed of several luminaire modules, each of which is elongated along a longitudinal axis and can be connected to one another. Such luminaires are mostly used for illuminating large spaces, such as supermarkets, warehouses, offices, etc. For this purpose, the luminaires are usually suspended from the ceiling of the room in such a way that they can illuminate the room with one or more light sources in a main beam direction along a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The luminaire modules are usually of a similar construction. They each comprise a mounting rail that extends elongated along the longitudinal axis and a conductor rail that is also elongated along the longitudinal axis.The lighting assemblies are designed to be connected to each other at one of their respective longitudinal ends to create the luminaire. Most lighting assemblies also include a mounting body to which electrical functional elements, such as... e.g.A light source, e.g., at least one LED, a control gear, a controller, and / or a sensor module, such as a camera module, is fixed to the mounting rail. The conductor rail is typically attached to the mounting rail, especially by a positive locking mechanism. The mounting rail usually has a generally U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, consisting of a base and two side walls extending from the base. The mounting rail thus forms an interior space, which it partially encloses perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, in which the conductor rail is arranged. This interior space can be closed, in particular, by attaching the mounting body to the mounting rail perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. The conductor rail contains conductor wires that often extend along its entire length.Longitudinal extent refers to an extension in the longitudinal direction. Mounting rails and, in particular, conductor rails typically have a considerable longitudinal extent of over 50 cm, often over 1 m, while mounting rails often exceed 2 m, especially over 3 m. The longitudinal extent of the mounting rail is usually at least five times, and in particular at least ten times, the maximum extent perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The luminaire assemblies are usually open at one longitudinal end to allow for connection. Typically, each conductor of a first luminaire assembly is electrically connected to a conductor of a second luminaire assembly, and the luminaire assemblies are fixed relative to each other at their longitudinal ends.The conductor wires are designed for the transmission of electrical signals, for example for the power supply and / or data supply of the functional modules arranged on the mounting body.

[0003] Due to the elongated length and structure of the luminaire assemblies, connecting them to create a complete luminaire is usually a challenge. Various solutions for connecting these assemblies exist in the prior art. A particularly advantageous method has proven to be the use of a connector, which is attached to one of the longitudinal ends of each luminaire assembly to be joined. To mechanically connect the luminaire assemblies, these connectors often feature a coupling section that can be inserted into a corresponding guide recess in the longitudinal ends of the mounting rails.Furthermore, a connection device is usually provided which can be electrically connected or is connected to the conductor wires of the respective lighting assemblies for electrical connection.To connect the lighting assemblies, the connector with its coupling section is inserted into the corresponding guide recess of a mounting rail of a first lighting assembly for mechanical fixation, and then, by means of a joining movement carried out in particular together with the first lighting assembly, is inserted with the coupling section into a guide recess of the mounting rail of a second lighting assembly, and, on the other hand, the connection device is connected to the conductor wires of the lighting assemblies for electrical connection, which is preferably done by sliding the connection device, which is connected to the first lighting assembly together with the coupling section, onto the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly during the joining movement.The connection device can be included by the connector, be a component separate from the connector, or be at least partially included by the busbar of the first lighting assembly.It is essential that, in systems of this type, a joining position of the two luminaire assemblies is first realized, in which the connector mechanically fixes the mounting rails of the luminaire assemblies to each other, at least in one, preferably in two mutually perpendicular spatial directions, wherein in this joining position the connection device is already connected to the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly, either by being integrated into the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly, or by being connected to the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly as a separate component, regardless of how the connector is connected to the mounting rails, or by the connection device being integrated into the connector or being fixed to it in a position-fixed manner and being connected to the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly when the connector is connected to the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly.Since the lighting assemblies have a considerable length and weight, aligning them to achieve the connection has proven problematic, so the connection is usually carried out by several people and / or with external aids to align the components of the lighting assemblies to each other, which is both error-prone and time-consuming.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system in which simple mechanical and electrical connection of the lighting assemblies by means of the connector is ensured and which at least partially eliminates one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] As a solution to the described problem, the invention proposes a system with features according to claim 1. The system serves to implement a luminaire. It comprises a connector that extends longitudinally, i.e., has its maximum extent along the longitudinal direction, which is at least twice, and in particular at least three times, the extent of the connector perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby defining the longitudinal direction of the system. The connector includes a coupling section. The system further comprises a first luminaire assembly and a second luminaire assembly, each of which is elongated longitudinally.The first and second luminaire assemblies are constructed similarly, at least in that they each have a longitudinally elongated mounting rail and a longitudinally elongated conductor rail attached to this mounting rail. The conductor rail comprises longitudinally elongated conductor wires, which are preferably arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The conductor wires are preferably cylindrical, with their longitudinal axis running perfectly straight along the longitudinal direction or, in sections, preferably over less than 10%, and particularly less than 5%, of their longitudinal extent. In particular, the extent of each conductor wire perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is less than 1%, and particularly less than 0.5%, of its longitudinal extent. The luminaire assemblies may also include additional conductor wires.In particular, the conductor wires are arranged in a common plane or in several planes offset from one another in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The planes preferably extend longitudinally and in a transverse direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions. The conductor wires are generally preferably arranged in a row along the transverse direction. Preferably, the conductor wires are arranged alternately in two different planes, so that along the transverse direction, the conductor wires are alternately arranged in a first and a second plane. The busbar particularly preferably has channels, which are open, in particular, to an access side, preferably oriented vertically, in which the conductor wires are arranged.In the present case, channels are generally preferably bounded on their transverse sides by channel walls and on one vertical side by a channel base, and are open on their opposite vertical side. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, several, in particular two, conductor wires are arranged in at least some of the channels of the conductor rail, which are preferably arranged vertically offset from one another, particularly in each of the aforementioned planes. At this point, it should be generally noted that, with regard to the design of the conductor rail and the connection device, the terms "vertical direction" and "transverse direction" denote two mutually perpendicular directions that run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereby preferably the vertical direction and transverse direction are identical to the use of the terms vertical direction and transverse direction, respectively.The transverse direction is relevant in a different context, particularly in connection with the mounting rail and / or the connector. The conductor wires are preferably contactable from the access side, especially over at least 90% of their longitudinal extent. Most preferably, the conductor wires each form a longitudinal end of the conductor rail, i.e., no section of the conductor rail exists that extends along the longitudinal direction in the same direction beyond the longitudinal end and overlaps the longitudinal end perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The system further comprises a connection device. The connection device can be a separate component, be encompassed by the connector, or be encompassed by the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly.The connection device is designed to electrically connect one conductor wire from the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly to one conductor wire from the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly when the mounting rails of the luminaire assemblies are fixedly connected to each other. The connection device is thus designed to electrically connect the two luminaire assemblies, enabling through-wiring between them.In one assembly position of the system, the connector is attached to a longitudinal end of the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly and the connection device is electrically connected to the conductor wires of the first luminaire assembly in such a way that the coupling section of the connector extends from the longitudinal end along the longitudinal direction away from the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly, in particular over at least 30%, in particular at least 45% of its longitudinal extent, and can be inserted into a corresponding guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly for mechanical fixing of the mounting rails to each other, thereby realizing a joining position of the luminaire assemblies to each other.In the mounting position, the connection device extends longitudinally beyond the conductor rail of the first luminaire assembly, to whose conductor wires it is connected. Preferably, it extends within a longitudinal extension area of ​​the coupling section of the connector. Preferably, in the mounting position, the connector is partially, in particular with at least 30%, in particular with at least 45%, in particular with a maximum of 70% of its extension length, inserted into a corresponding guide receptacle in the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly. This secures the connector relative to the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly at least perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, preferably also in the longitudinal direction, with its longitudinal extension section not inserted into the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly projecting beyond it.Preferably, the connector extends in the joining position by at least 5%, and in particular at least 15%, of its longitudinal extent into the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly, especially its guide receptacle. According to the invention, the connector or the connection device further comprises a first centering section and the second lighting assembly a second centering section, wherein preferably in the joining position the first centering section is rigidly connected to further components of the connector, in particular the coupling section, and the second centering section is rigidly connected to further components of the second lighting assembly, in particular the mounting rail and / or the conductor rail.For example, in one embodiment the first centering section is formed by a one-piece sheet metal part, which also forms the coupling side wall sections, which are to be inserted into a respective associated guide section of the guide receptacle of the mounting rail to realize the joining position for the mechanical fixing of the connector relative to the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly.For example, in one embodiment, the first centering section can be formed by the connection device, which is rigidly connected in the joining position to the aforementioned coupling side wall sections, in particular to the rest of the coupling section as a whole, since a corresponding fixing can be provided between the connection device and the connector for this purpose. The centering section is preferably arranged in a longitudinal section of the connection device, with the connection device projecting longitudinally beyond the busbar and its conductor wires, naturally projecting in the direction of the longitudinal end of the connector facing away from the busbar. Particularly preferably, the first centering section or the coupling section forms at least one of the absolute longitudinal ends of the connector. In one embodiment, the coupling section forms both absolute longitudinal ends of the connector.This ensures that the wires of the first luminaire assembly are only electrically connected to the wires of the second luminaire assembly after the mounting rails have been mechanically fixed to one another. The first and second centering sections are designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during a joining movement of the luminaire assemblies relative to each other, starting from the joining position and proceeding in the longitudinal direction to establish a connection position. The connection position is defined as the position of the two luminaire assemblies relative to each other in which the wires of the second luminaire assembly are inserted into their respective contact receptacles of the connection device and are connected to a contact element encompassed by the contact receptacle.Each conductor wire is assigned exactly one contact receptacle of the connection device. Each contact receptacle is preferably designed to receive exactly one of the conductor wires. Each contact receptacle comprises a contact element that, in the connection position, rests against the conductor wire assigned to that contact receptacle. The contact element can, for example, be designed as a fork contact or other spring contact. In one embodiment, the contact element is electrically conductive, with the conductor wire being electrically connected to the contact element in the connection position. In another embodiment, the connection device has an electrical conductor, with the contact element comprising a spring element that presses the conductor wire against the electrical conductor in the connection position. The contact receptacle can comprise further sections or elements of the connection device.For example, each contact point can comprise a housing section of the connection device, in which a receiving opening is formed through which the respective conductor wire can be inserted into the contact point until it rests against the contact element, and in particular, is clamped to it. In the connection position, the conductor wires of the two lighting assemblies are electrically connected to each other via the connection device as described above. The electrical connection is preferably made via the electrical conductor of the connection device.Essential for the electrical connection is that each conductor wire of the second lighting assembly rests against the contact element of its associated contact receptacle and is in electrically conductive contact with the electrical conductor of the connection device via this contact element and / or by means of this contact element, for example, by the contact element pressing the conductor wire against the electrical conductor. Generally, in the connection position, each conductor wire is clamped to the contact element of its associated contact receptacle, for example, by the contact element itself having a clamping receptacle or by the contact element pressing the conductor wire against the electrical conductor of the connection device.It has proven generally advantageous to arrange all contact elements, which are connected to a conductor wire of the busbar of the second lighting assembly in the system's connection position, at the same height with respect to the longitudinal direction. This simplifies the manufacturing and the described electrical connection of the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly.Preferably, the connection device comprises a first group of contact elements which, in the connection position as described, are each in conductive connection with an associated conductor wire of the busbar of the second luminaire assembly, and a second group of contact elements which, both in the mounting position and, of course, in the connection position, are each in electrically conductive connection with an associated conductor wire of the busbar of the first luminaire assembly, wherein, in particular, exactly one contact element of the first group is electrically connected to exactly one contact element of the second group by an electrical conductor encompassed by the connection device. Preferably, the majority of the contact elements, and in particular all contact elements, are identical. Preferably, all contact elements of the first group are located at the same longitudinal position, i.e.,The contact elements of the second group are arranged at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction, and all contact elements of the second group are arranged at the same longitudinal position, i.e., at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal positions of the group are spaced apart from one another, in particular by at least 30%, in particular by at least 50% of the longitudinal extent of the electrical conductor and / or by at least 30%, in particular by at least 50% of the longitudinal extent of the connection device. The joining movement can, for example, be a movement that is continuous from the joining position until the connection position is reached.The joining movement can, for example, be a movement that, starting from the joining position, is only carried out as far as a connection position, but not until the connection position is reached. The connection position is a position of the lighting assemblies relative to each other in which at least one of the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly is in contact with the connection device, without the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly already being in contact with the contact element of their respective assigned contact receptacle of the connection device, or without being clamped to the respective assigned contact element or pressed against the electrical conductor by it. The connection position can thus be an intermediate position in the movement of the lighting assemblies towards each other, between the joining position and the connection position.

[0006] The term "play" refers to the freedom of movement of the centering sections relative to each other, achieved through their interaction. Preferably, the joining movement is accompanied by a movement of the second luminaire assembly and the connector relative to each other, a movement that is dependent on and / or identical to the joining movement. The joining movement is caused by applying an external force, which is applied relative to the two luminaire assemblies from the joining position. Preferably, the joining movement is continuous, particularly linear, from the joining position to the connection position. Most preferably, the joining movement exhibits a continuous, i.e., non-disruptive, motion profile, particularly from the joining position to the connection position.The joining position is to be understood as a position of the system in which the mounting rails are mechanically fixed to one another. Preferably, the fixing is such that, in the joining position, the mounting rails of the two luminaire assemblies are limited in their relative position to each other in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in particular to a clearance of less than 5 mm. At least one of the centering sections, and in particular both, preferably has a guide surface angled to the longitudinal direction, in particular at an angle between 10° and 80°, in particular between 10° and 70°, and in particular between 20° and 60°, on which the other centering section, in particular with its guide surface, can slide, thereby reducing the clearance between the centering sections in at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.In particular, during the joining movement, the centering sections, when brought into contact with one another, translate at least a portion of the joining movement into a centering movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first centering section is inserted into the interior enclosed by the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly along the path of the joining movement, interlocking with the second centering section. In particular, the interaction of the centering sections during the execution of the joining movement, from the joining position to the point of connection, simultaneously limits the play between the conductor rail and the connection device relative to each other, which decreases during the joining movement.

[0007] Preferably, the connection device has a first alignment section and the current guide rail of the second lighting assembly has a second alignment section, both designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during the joining movement, after the centering sections have engaged, with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement. In one embodiment, the connector has the first centering section and the connection device has the first alignment section, so that the first centering section is exclusively assigned to the connector and the first alignment section exclusively to the connection device. In another embodiment also encompassed by the invention, the connection device has both the first centering section and the first alignment section.By providing, on the one hand, the first centering section, which interacts with the second centering section from the joining position during the joining movement to reduce the play between the centering sections, and, on the other hand, the first alignment section on the connection device, which only interacts with the second alignment section of the conductor rail of the second lighting assembly after the two centering sections have engaged, in order to reduce the play between the alignment sections during the joining movement, a particularly damage-preventing and at the same time precise alignment of the connection device relative to the conductor rail of the second lighting assembly can be achieved, since the centering of the connection device to the aforementioned conductor rail takes place in two stages.During the joining movement, which is carried out starting from the described joining position of the lighting assemblies, the centering sections and then the alignment sections interact first. Preferably, the alignment sections engage with each other while reducing the play, while the centering sections still engage, preferably still reducing the play between them. The centering sections can thus serve for coarser initial centering, while the alignment sections can serve for finer secondary centering. Preferably, the first centering section is made of a different material than the first alignment section, and / or the first centering section has the guide surfaces described in more detail below, and the alignment section has the alignment surfaces described in more detail below, wherein the alignment surfaces preferably form a smaller angle to the longitudinal direction than the guide surfaces.Preferably, the first centering section is made of a harder material than the first alignment section. For example, the first centering section is made of metal and the first alignment section of plastic. Correspondingly, different designs can be provided for the second centering section and the second alignment section.In an embodiment that can be combined particularly advantageously with the aforementioned one, the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly can be guided into a connection position by the joining movement, in which at least one of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly rests against the connection device, and subsequently, starting from the connection position, in particular by continuing the joining movement, can be inserted into the respective contact receptacle of the connection device until they rest against the contact element of the respective contact receptacle, in particular until they are clamped to it, wherein preferably the clamping is generated by a clamping force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which is either inherently generated in the contact element or by interaction of the contact element with a further section of the connection device.In this preferred embodiment, the joining movement of the lighting assemblies towards each other, starting from the joining position, brings the connection position to which at least one of the conductor wires rests against the connection device, whereby the lighting assemblies are then moved further towards each other, whereby, by the contact of at least one conductor wire against the connection device starting from the connection position during the further relative movement of the lighting assemblies towards each other until the connection position is achieved, a further alignment of the conductor wire relative to the contact element of the contact connection can be achieved.The staggered arrangement of the centering sections and the design of the connection device and current conductor rail of the second lighting assembly, such that, as explained, the connection position can be reached first and then the terminal position, thus results in a staggered routing of the conductor wires to the contact elements of the contact points during the movement of the lighting assemblies towards each other. Preferably, at least one conductor wire, i.e.,When multiple conductor wires are connected, all conductor wires are connected to an electrically insulating section of the connection device in the connection position. Preferably, the connection device and the conductor rail with conductor wires are configured to correspond to each other in such a way that at least one conductor wire slides along the aforementioned electrically insulating section of the connection device from the connection position until the connection position is reached. Particularly preferably, the centering sections and the alignment sections are engaged during the movement of the luminaire assemblies relative to each other from the connection position to the connection position.Particularly preferably, the system components are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that, in the joining position, there is a greater clearance between the connection device and the conductor wires of the busbar of the second luminaire assembly than during the joining movement after the centering sections have engaged and before the conductor wires contact the connection device and the connection device has engaged; and there is an even smaller clearance after the centering sections and the alignment sections have engaged during the joining movement before reaching the connection position; and the smallest clearance exists after reaching the connection position, while the centering sections and alignment section are still engaged, while the luminaire assemblies are moved relative to each other from the connection position to achieve the connection position.Starting from the connection position, the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly can be inserted into their respective contact receptacles of the connection device, in particular by continuing the joining movement, i.e., by continuously continuing the relative movement of the lighting assemblies to each other, with which they reach the connection position during the joining movement, until they are in contact with the contact element of the receptacle, thus realizing a connection position. Preferably, the lighting unit is implemented in the connection position.Particularly preferred is the generation of the joining movement, starting from the joining position to reach the connection position, by an external force acting between the lighting assemblies, especially in the longitudinal direction, with at least a first force magnitude, and from the connection position to reach the connection position with at least a second force magnitude, wherein the second force magnitude is at least 5%, particularly at least 15%, and particularly at least 25% greater than the first force magnitude. Preferably, the coupling section, the first centering section, and especially the connection device are fixedly connected to one another. This ensures that, during the execution of the joining movement, all of the aforementioned components of the connector can be moved relative to the second lighting assembly without changing their respective relative positions to each other.In particular, in the assembly and joining position, the first centering section projects longitudinally towards the second luminaire assembly, extending over the connection device, and the coupling section projects over the first centering section. This simplifies the interlocking of the centering sections after the coupling section is inserted into the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly and before the conductor wires are inserted into the contacts. Preferably, the coupling section and the first centering section are integrally formed, particularly manufactured from a bent sheet metal part, with the connection device being positively connected to the coupling section.

[0008] The system according to the invention offers a multitude of advantages. The interaction of the centering sections achieves pre-centering, ensuring that the connector and the second luminaire assembly are aligned perpendicular to each other in the connection position. This guarantees that the wires of the second luminaire assembly can be inserted into their respective contacts with minimal damage or error. The inventors unexpectedly discovered that connecting the luminaire assemblies of the system according to the invention using the connector is so simplified that it is sufficient to connect the luminaire assemblies by performing the joining movement, starting from the joining position. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the system to create the luminaire.Even more precise centering is possible if, in addition to the centering sections, the aforementioned alignment sections are provided, the direct interaction of which improves the tolerance chain acting between the conductor rail and the connection device. Preferably, at least one of the conductor rails comprises at least eleven, and in particular at least thirteen, conductor wires, each with a conductor wire cross-sectional diameter of at least 2 mm, and in particular at least 2.5 mm. Precise coordination of the conductor rail and the connection device is necessary because, according to the intended use, the conductor wires must be arranged in a very limited installation space, as the extension of the conductor rail perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is limited by the dimensions of the mounting rail.Generally preferred, the ratio of the distance between the conductor wires furthest apart in the transverse direction and provided in the conductor rail, wherein the conductor wires are arranged side by side in the transverse direction and run longitudinally, measured in centimeters at the connection position, to the total number of conductor wires in the conductor rail, is a maximum of 5 cm, and in particular a maximum of 4 cm. Generally preferred, the ratio of the maximum transverse extent of the mounting rail, measured in centimeters, to the total number of conductor wires in the conductor rail is a maximum of 6 cm, and in particular a maximum of 5 cm. Even with such a high density of conductor wires, relative to the number of conductor wires in the available space, the pre-centering described above can prevent damage to the conductor wires at the connector of the lighting assemblies.In general, features that are not clearly assigned to one of the luminaire assemblies or one of their components are to be understood as generally advantageous features for at least one of the luminaire assemblies, and in particular for both of the luminaire assemblies or their components. The provision of alignment sections eliminates the need for centering means that are separately designed for each of the conductor wires. The luminaire assemblies can be connected to one another without tools. The simplified and accelerated connection of the luminaire assemblies is particularly advantageous because, for reasons of occupational safety, complex movements should be avoided whenever possible when mounting the system to implement the luminaire on a ceiling that is typically several meters away from the floor; this is facilitated by the present invention.Particularly preferably, the system can be detached from the connection position by a release movement in the opposite direction to the joining movement, especially until the lighting assemblies are completely separated from one another. This ensures simplified disassembly of the system in addition to simplified assembly. The release movement is preferably carried out by the lighting assemblies relative to each other, in particular as a longitudinal displacement of the lighting assemblies relative to each other and at least one of the lighting assemblies relative to the connector.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the first centering section has at least one guide surface extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the first centering section has several guide surfaces extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction and pointing in opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a further embodiment, particularly one combining the two aforementioned, the second centering section has at least one guide surface extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the second centering section has several guide surfaces extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction and pointing in opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.The guide surfaces are designed to limit the play, which decreases during the joining movement, by sliding against the corresponding centering section, particularly its guide surfaces, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the corresponding centering section, with at least one section, particularly its guide surfaces, is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the guide surfaces. The guide surfaces of the second centering section are particularly preferably located on the mounting rail and / or the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly.Particularly preferably, the centering sections are configured to correspond to one another such that, starting from the joining position, the distance between the respective guide surface and the corresponding centering section is reduced, particularly continuously, until at least one of the guide surfaces contacts the corresponding centering section. Particularly preferably, the inclined guide surfaces extend longitudinally to the corresponding centering section, at least in the joining position. In particular, the guide surfaces extend longitudinally, particularly over at least 30%, particularly at least 50%, of their longitudinal extent at an angle of at most 65°, particularly at most 45°, particularly at most 30°, particularly at most 20°, to the longitudinal direction.This ensures smooth interlocking despite the sliding contact of the centering sections. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second centering sections each have two guide surfaces, with one of the guide surfaces of the first centering section forming a pair with one of the guide surfaces of the second centering section. At least one of the guide surfaces of each pair of guide surfaces is inclined to the longitudinal direction, and the pairs of guide surfaces are designed to reduce play during the joining movement. Preferably, the guide surfaces are designed to translate the longitudinal joining movement, by means of a wedge-like action, at least partially into a movement with a component perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, particularly along the transverse direction, through sliding contact with the corresponding centering section.Particularly preferably, the first and / or the second centering section has exactly two guide surfaces, each extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in opposite directions, particularly continuously. The provision of these guide surfaces enables a simple sliding guide by means of which the centering sections can be centered relative to each other.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, in the joining position, the connector secures the support rails to each other by interlocking the coupling section and the guide receptacle, limiting play in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, as explained above, the conductor wires are arranged side by side in the transverse direction. This means, in particular, that in the joining position, the connector allows at least one longitudinal displacement of the support rails relative to each other. Preferably, the connector is designed to correspond to the support rails in such a way that when the support rails are moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction from the joining position, a frictional engagement between the support rails and the connector must be overcome, thus inhibiting longitudinal displacement.Preferably, in the joining position, the connector further secures the support rails relative to each other by the interlocking of the coupling section and the guide receptacle, limiting play along the vertical direction. The securing of the elements relative to each other in a particular direction naturally implies that any parallel displacement of the elements relative to each other in precisely that direction is limited, preferably to less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the centering sections, by interlocking during the joining movement, limit the play of the current conductor rail of the second lighting assembly relative to the connection device along the transverse direction, a play that decreases during the joining movement.Starting from the joining position, the movement of the mounting rails relative to each other along the transverse direction is thus restricted during the joining movement by the connector, and preferably subsequently, the movement of the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly relative to the connection device of the connector is also restricted along the transverse direction. This is particularly advantageous because the conductor rail is attached to the mounting rail perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a certain degree of movability, and this movement is further restricted after the mounting rails are connected by the interaction of the centering sections.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second centering sections are configured such that one of the centering sections has a centering projection and the other of the two centering sections has a centering receptacle, and in particular each consists of these. The centering projection extends longitudinally beyond adjacent areas of the component forming the centering projection and is thus configured as a longitudinal projection. The centering receptacle defines a receiving area corresponding to the centering projection. Within this receiving area, the centering projection is positioned in the connection position with its entire longitudinal extent. Thus, the receiving area is to be understood as a free space whose longitudinal extent is equal to or greater than the entire longitudinal extent of the centering projection.By positioning the centering projection within the receiving area defined by the centering receptacle, the centering sections interlock. Preferably, the centering receptacle and centering projection are designed to correspond to each other such that, in the connection position, the centering projection fills at least 80%, and particularly at least 90%, of the receiving area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the guide surfaces of the centering section encompassing the centering projection form transversely outwardly projecting outer surfaces of the centering projection. Preferably, the guide surfaces of the centering section encompassing the centering receptacle form transversely inwardly projecting inner surfaces of the centering receptacle.In particular, the centering projection and / or the receiving area tapers over at least 20%, in particular at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 50% of its longitudinal extent. This means that the cross-section of the centering projection and / or the receiving area decreases along the tapered portion of its longitudinal extent, in particular continuously, by at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, and / or by a maximum of 30%, in particular by a maximum of 20%. Most preferably, the centering projection has at least five times, in particular at least ten times, in particular at least twenty times its (in particular constant) vertical extent along the transverse direction and / or a maximum of 30%, in particular by a maximum of 20% of its longitudinal extent. Most preferably, the first centering section comprises the centering projection and the second centering section comprises the centering receptacle.Preferably, the centering projection, in particular made of a sheet metal, is integrally formed with the coupling section. Preferably, the receiving area is open along one direction in the vertical direction, i.e., the centering receptacle limits the receiving area along the transverse direction and, in particular, along the longitudinal direction, whereby the centering sections are the components crucial for their interaction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the alignment sections each have alignment surfaces, wherein the alignment surfaces of the first alignment section are designed to limit the play between the alignment sections, which decreases during the joining movement, by sliding against the alignment surfaces of the second alignment section. Preferably, at least two of the alignment surfaces extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction; preferably, an alignment surface of the first alignment section and an alignment surface of the second alignment section each form a pair of alignment surfaces, wherein at least one of the alignment surfaces in each pair extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction.By allowing the alignment surfaces of the two alignment sections to slide against each other, thereby reducing the play between them, the alignment of the connection device and the busbar of the second assembly can be achieved easily and, in particular, smoothly during the joining process. It is not necessary for multiple alignment surfaces of the first alignment section to slide simultaneously along multiple alignment surfaces of the second alignment section; rather, depending on the relative positioning, a varying number of alignment surfaces can slide against each other. However, the alignment surfaces are designed in such a way that, depending on their actual positioning, they allow for a sliding contact with one another during the joining process. In one embodiment, the alignment surfaces comprise vertical alignment surfaces that point vertically and, in particular, longitudinally towards each other.Pairs of vertical alignment surfaces are formed, pointing vertically and, in particular, longitudinally towards each other, with each vertical alignment surface being formed by a different alignment section. By pointing vertically towards each other, the vertical alignment surfaces enable vertical alignment of the alignment sections, and thus of the busbar and connection device, during the joining process. Because they point towards each other both vertically and longitudinally, and thus in both directional components, and therefore also obliquely to both the vertical and longitudinal directions, the vertical alignment surfaces can enable a precisely controlled, successive vertical alignment. In one embodiment, the alignment surfaces include transverse alignment surfaces that point transversely and, in particular, longitudinally towards each other.As explained in relation to the vertical alignment surfaces, pairs, or at least one pair, of transverse alignment surfaces are also provided here, with each transverse alignment surface of the pair being formed by a different of the two alignment sections. The transverse alignment surfaces can reduce the transverse play between the connection device and the conductor rail during the joining process. For this purpose, they are preferably oriented so that they point towards each other in both the transverse and longitudinal directions, and thus run obliquely in both directions.The alignment surfaces preferably comprise transverse-vertical alignment surfaces that point towards each other in the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions, preferably all running obliquely to the longitudinal direction, so that, through their interaction, particularly when at least one pair of transverse-vertical alignment surfaces as described above is provided, each pair being formed by one of the other two alignment sections, they can reduce both the vertical and transverse play between the connection device and the conductor rail. The vertical alignment surfaces are generally preferably wing-shaped, in particular either arranged transversely between transverse alignment surfaces or arranged transversely enclosing transverse alignment surfaces.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, one of the alignment sections has an alignment projection and the other has an alignment receptacle. Preferably, the vertical alignment surfaces are each formed as part of the alignment projection and / or the alignment receptacle.

[0014] The alignment support, particularly with its transverse alignment surfaces, defines an alignment support area corresponding to the alignment projection in the transverse direction. Within this alignment support area, the alignment projection is positioned in its connection position with its entire longitudinal extent. Thus, the alignment support area is to be understood as a free space whose longitudinal extent is equal to or greater than the entire longitudinal extent of the alignment projection. Preferably, the vertical alignment surfaces project beyond the alignment support area in the transverse direction. By arranging the alignment projection within the alignment support area defined by the alignment support, the alignment sections interlock. Particularly preferably, the alignment surfaces of the alignment section encompassing the alignment projection form transversely outward-facing outer surfaces of the alignment projection.In particular, the alignment projection and / or the receiving area tapers over at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, in particular at least 20% of its longitudinal extent.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the first alignment section has the alignment projection and the second alignment section has the alignment receptacle. Preferably, the alignment projection, particularly made of plastic, is integrally formed with the connection device. Particularly preferably, the alignment projection extends at least partially vertically into a recess of the coupling section, which improves centering accuracy and fixes the connection device to the coupling section. In a preferred embodiment, the second alignment section has the alignment projection and the second alignment section has the alignment receptacle, wherein the alignment projection, particularly made of plastic, is preferably integrally formed with the current conductor rail.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connector and the connection device each have at least one first retaining section and at least one second retaining section. To fasten the connector and connection device to one another, as is the case, for example, in the joining position, the connecting position, and the connection position, preferably unchanged, so that the connection device has the same fixed position relative to the connector in all of these positions, the first retaining section of the connector rests against the first retaining section of the connection device at a first contact point, and the second retaining section of the connector rests against the second retaining section of the connection device at a second contact point. The first and second contact points thus describe the contact points between the first retaining sections and the second retaining sections of the connector and the connection device, respectively.The inventors recognized that this ensures a particularly reliable fixation of the connector to the connection device. Preferably, the first contact point extends over a first longitudinal section and the second contact point extends over a second longitudinal section, with the two contact points being spaced apart from each other longitudinally.Particularly preferably, the first holding section of the connector is arranged vertically above the first holding section of the connection device, and the second holding section of the connector is arranged vertically below the second holding section of the connection device, so that the connector and connection device can be held pressed together by a vertical force exerted between the two contact points, wherein "above" and "below" are relative movements based on the vertical relative position of the holding sections without absolute reference to an absolute "top" or "bottom".Particularly preferably, the connecting device is fixed to the connector via the interaction of the retaining sections in such a way that it is fixed in its longitudinal position relative to the connector and the centering section and / or alignment section formed by the connecting device is vertically movable relative to the connector, in particular over a vertical distance range of at least 3 mm, while at least at one of the two contact points a pair of retaining sections, . dhFirst retaining sections or second retaining sections remain in contact with each other. Particularly preferably, the connector and the connecting device each have two first retaining sections spaced apart longitudinally, wherein one of the first retaining sections of the connecting device is assigned to exactly one of the first retaining sections of the connector, and this pair of assigned first retaining sections rests against each other at a first contact point assigned to this pair of first retaining sections for fastening the connecting device to the connector.Particularly preferably, the connector and the connection device each have two second retaining sections spaced apart longitudinally, wherein one of the second retaining sections of the connection device is assigned to exactly one of the second retaining sections of the connector, and this pair of second retaining sections abuts each other at a second contact point assigned to this pair of second retaining sections for fastening the connection device to the connector. The two aforementioned embodiments can be combined particularly advantageously, so that both the connector and the connection device each have several first and several second retaining sections. Preferably, all contact points formed on each pair of retaining sections for fastening the connector and connection device to each other are spaced apart longitudinally.In one embodiment, all first contact points are vertically offset from all second contact points. In another embodiment, all first contact points and all second contact points are at the same vertical height. Particularly preferably, the retaining sections are configured to correspond to one another such that the connecting device can be locked to the connector via the retaining sections, particularly preferably by a purely vertical relative movement of the connecting device and the connector. Generally, the retaining sections of the connecting device are preferably made of plastic and the retaining sections of the connector are preferably made of metal.Particularly preferably, at least one of the first retaining sections has detent elements spaced apart from each other perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the detent elements can be engaged by a movement of the connecting device towards the connector with a corresponding first retaining section of the connector. Preferably, the detent movement is a linear movement, particularly in the vertical direction, or a rotational movement. Preferably, the connecting device is rotatable relative to the connector in the engaged state about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the direction in which the detent elements are spaced apart from each other.Preferably, the locking elements are elastically deflected perpendicular to the vertical direction and connected to a base body of the connecting device. By vertically moving the base body of the connecting device towards the connector, and thereby elastically deflecting the locking elements, the connecting device can be locked to the connector, thus fixing the connecting device to the connector. More preferably, the first retaining section of the connector is designed as a recess, wherein the first retaining section of the connecting device has the locking elements that can be engaged in the recess under elastic deformation. Particularly preferably, the connecting device has two such first sections, with the connector correspondingly having two associated first retaining sections.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly has at least one first plug-in section at one of its longitudinal ends, and the connection device has, particularly at one of its longitudinal ends, at least one corresponding second plug-in section. The first plug-in section is designed to engage with the at least one corresponding second plug-in section of the connection device in a comb-like manner during the joining movement, after the centering sections have engaged, preferably reducing the displacement of the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly relative to the connection device perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and limiting play of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly relative to the contact receptacles of the connection device or to its contact elements perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, preferably analogous to the centering sections.The alignment sections are explained with reference to the transverse and vertical directions. This creates a supplementary centering process after pre-centering has been achieved using the centering sections and / or the alignment sections. This process aligns the conductor wires perpendicular to the longitudinal direction relative to the contact elements of their respective associated contact receptacles. In one embodiment, the first plug-in section formed by the conductor rail is encompassed by the second alignment section formed by the conductor rail.In an alternative embodiment, the first plug-in section and the second alignment section are formed by different, non-overlapping sections of the busbar, wherein, in this embodiment, the alignment sections engage before the plug-in sections during the joining movement, with the second alignment section preferably projecting longitudinally beyond the first plug-in section. In one embodiment, the second plug-in section formed by the connection device is encompassed by the first alignment section formed by the connection device.In an alternative embodiment, the second plug-in section and the first alignment section are each formed by different, non-overlapping sections of the connection device. In this embodiment, during the joining movement, the alignment sections engage before the plug-in sections engage, with the first alignment section preferably projecting longitudinally beyond the second plug-in section. Particularly preferably, during the joining movement, starting from the joining position, the centering sections engage first, reducing the play; then the alignment sections engage, further reducing the play; and finally the plug-in sections engage, further reducing the play.The successive interlocking of increasingly precise alignment sections of the connection device and the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly allows for particularly simple and precise alignment of these two system components. Preferably, the first alignment section formed by the connection device is shaped like a projection that extends longitudinally in front of the plug-in section. Preferably, the centering section and / or alignment section each have a transverse extension that is less than half the extension of the two plug-in sections. Preferably, the plug-in sections extend transversely across all conductor wires of the conductor rail.Preferably, the plug-in sections form channels continuously in the connection position, and especially already in the connection position, up to the point where the connection position is reached. Each of the conductor wires is arranged in one of its assigned channels, particularly exactly one conductor wire in exactly one of these channels. The first and / or the second plug-in section is particularly preferably comb-shaped. The conductor wires of the second lighting assembly particularly preferably extend within the first plug-in section, preferably across the first plug-in section. With the plug-in sections interlocking in a comb-like manner, the conductor wires of the busbar of the second lighting assembly are particularly preferably guided longitudinally through the second plug-in section to connect to the contact elements of their respective assigned contacts.Preferably, the connection device is designed such that the second plug-in section is arranged closer to an absolute longitudinal end of the connector than the contact elements of the contact receptacles. This ensures that the plug-in sections engage before one of the conductor wires rests against the contact element of its associated contact receptacle and / or before any of the conductor wires are even inserted into its associated contact receptacle. Preferably, the contact elements are spaced further away from the longitudinal end of the second plug-in section, with which it forms a longitudinal end of the connection device, by more than half the longitudinal length of the second plug-in section, and in particular, are arranged offset longitudinally from the second plug-in section.The longitudinal extension of the second plug-in section is defined by the length over which it can engage with the first plug-in section formed by the conductor rail in a comb-like manner. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor wires themselves form the first plug-in section of the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly. It is generally preferred that at least the first plug-in section and / or the second plug-in section are made of an electrically insulating material. This ensures that an electrically conductive connection between the connection device and the second luminaire assembly, and in particular between the two luminaire assemblies, is not established simply by the plug-in sections engaging. It is particularly preferred that both the first and second plug-in sections are designed in a comb-like manner.Preferably, both the first and second plug-in sections have several projections and recesses arranged alternately one behind the other, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In particular, each plug-in section has at least two projections and / or recesses. Specifically, each plug-in section has a projection or recess at the level of each of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly. To reduce the displacement of the busbar relative to the connection device, the projections and recesses are designed to interlock after the centering sections have engaged, such that one projection of one plug-in section is located in one recess of the other plug-in section, and in particular, each projection of one plug-in section rests against one projection of the other plug-in section in the connection position, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.The reduction of the conductor rail's displacement relative to the connection device perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is understood to mean that the freedom of movement of the conductor rail relative to the connection device perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which exists in the joining position and after the centering sections have engaged, is reduced by at least 10%, and more specifically by at least 20%, compared to the state of the system during the joining movement before the interlocking of the plug-in sections. It is particularly preferred that all projections and recesses of the first plug-in section are arranged alternately along the transverse direction, such that a projection and a recess alternate along the arrangement.The additional provision of projections and recesses allows for further improved alignment of the connection device relative to the conductor wires. After the mounting rails of both luminaire assemblies are first fixed using the coupling section of the connector, and the conductor wires are pre-centered relative to the connection device by the interlocking centering sections, the subsequent interlocking of the plug-in sections enables even more precise alignment of the conductor wires relative to the connection device and its associated contact element. Preferably, the projections and / or recesses have insertion ramps that allow the plug-in sections to slide against each other for alignment during insertion.Preferably, the insertion ramps are formed on the longitudinal ends of the plug-in sections that face each other during the joining movement when the plug-in sections interlock.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact receptacles each comprise a housing section, a receiving space, and an electrical conductor. The housing section defines the receiving space in which the contact element of the contact receptacle and the electrical conductor are arranged, at least partially. The electrical conductor is configured to be electrically connected to one of the conductor wires. Preferably, the contact element is electrically connected to the electrical conductor, at least indirectly via the conductor wire in the connection position, and more preferably directly in each of the described positions. In one embodiment, the electrical conductor and contact element are integrally connected.In one embodiment, the electrical conductor and the contact element are separate components connected to each other via a housing of the connection device and / or directly, wherein, in particular, the electrical conductor and the contact element are interlocked. The housing section forming the receiving space is designed to receive at least the portion of the conductor wire associated with the respective contact receptacle for electrically conductive connection to the conductor to realize the connection position. The receiving space defined by the housing section is opened by a connection opening, preferably extending longitudinally towards a connection side, through which the conductor wire associated with the respective contact receptacle can be inserted into the receiving space. Preferably, in at least some of the contact receptacles, the connection opening is limited perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by an insertion ramp.Preferably, to reach the connection position, each conductor wire can only be inserted into its associated contact opening through the connection opening, starting from the joining position. Particularly preferably, the receiving space is completely enclosed transversely, i.e., on both transverse sides, by the housing section. When inserting the conductor wires from the connection position into the contact element of their respective associated contact receptacle of the connection device through the respective connection opening, the conductor wire is guided into the receiving space of its respective contact receptacle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by interaction with, and in particular by sliding contact with, the insertion ramp, with a play that decreases during insertion.This applies, of course, only to those contacts and their associated conductors where the connection opening has an insertion ramp. Preferably, the connection opening of at least 30%, and in particular at least 50%, of the contacts, and especially of all contacts, has an insertion ramp with at least the aforementioned properties. Preferably, the conductor can be clamped to the electrical conductor by reversibly deflecting the contact element arranged in the receiving space to achieve the connection position, and thereby electrically connected to it, with the contact element clamping the conductor against the electrical conductor and ensuring the electrically conductive connection between the conductor and the electrical conductor.The contact element in the connection position preferably interacts with the conductor wire in such a way that moving the conductor wire in a direction along which the joining movement can be performed requires less force along the longitudinal direction, in particular one-third less, and in particular half as much, as moving the conductor wire longitudinally in a direction opposite to the direction of the joining movement. The insertion chamfer thus ensures reliable insertion of the conductor wire into the receiving space of the housing section of the contact receptacle. Generally preferably, the housing sections of at least some of the contact receptacles are formed within the second plug-in section formed by the connection device. Thus, the second plug-in section formed by the connection device preferably forms the housing sections of at least some of the contact receptacles.Preferably, the housing sections of at least 30%, and in particular at least 40%, of the contacts are located within the second plug-in section formed by the connection device. By having the housing sections located within the second plug-in section, or by forming at least sections of it, and in particular completely, the housing sections can contribute to improved alignment of the busbar and the connection device, as explained in the section on plug-in sections. Particularly preferably, the advantageously provided projections of the second plug-in section, as explained above, are formed by housing sections of at least some of the contacts.Particularly preferably, these housing sections forming the projections of the second plug-in section, as advantageously explained above, have a connection opening that is bounded perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by an insertion ramp, wherein the insertion ramp can be designed as described above and can thereby offer the corresponding advantages. The inventors have recognized that it is particularly advantageous to form the projections of the second plug-in section by such housing sections, since this allows the alignment of the two relative to each other at an early stage of connecting the busbar and the connection device during the joining movement, so that the conductor wires can be inserted into the contact receptacles with as little damage as possible and can be brought into contact with the contact elements of the contact receptacles.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plug-in sections have at least one pair of projections that abut each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the connection position. A first of these projections is formed by the busbar and a second by the connection device. Thus, preferably one of the projections of the pair is formed by the first plug-in section described above and the other by the second plug-in section described above. Both projections of the pair each form a channel section open on the same vertical side. This side is preferably on the same side as the access side of the busbar, so that the channel section formed by the projection of the busbar is open on the access side of the busbar. The channel section formed by the respective projection is bounded on its two transverse sides by channel wall sections.The two projections of the pair each abut one of their channel wall sections. In a particularly preferred embodiment, one of the abutting channel wall sections formed by the pair of abutting projections projects vertically beyond the other of these channel wall sections and overlaps it by extending transversely above it. Preferably, the channel wall section projecting beyond the other channel wall section has a step-like configuration, wherein one section of the step abuts the other channel wall section and a step section transversely offset from it extends above the other channel wall section.Preferably, the section projecting beyond the other channel wall section has a stepped wall thickness with which it abuts the other channel wall section, the stepped change in wall thickness forming the aforementioned step. By overlapping the other channel wall section, one channel wall section can have a sufficient width in at least one section of its considerable vertical extent to be sufficiently stable. Preferably, it can also be supported vertically downwards against the other channel wall section, which can advantageously contribute to the stability of the system in the connection position. Preferably, the busbar has channels in which the conductor wires are arranged, wherein the channels are bounded on their transverse sides by channel sidewalls, and a first group of channels is bounded by higher channel sidewalls than a second group of channels.In this configuration, at least one, and in particular both, of the channel sidewalls of the first group of channels is higher than all channel sidewalls of the second group of channels. Preferably, the connection device has channels in which the electrical conductors are arranged, wherein the channels are bounded on their transverse sides by channel sidewalls, and a first group of channels is bounded by higher channel sidewalls than a second group of channels. In this configuration, at least one, and in particular both, of the channel sidewalls of the first group of channels is higher than all channel sidewalls of the second group of channels. By having some of the channels bounded by higher channel walls, a coding effect can be achieved, which prevents incorrect insertion of, for example, a contact device or a feed-in contact device used for tapping or...Electrical signals are fed into the busbar and / or the connection device, which is vertically plugged in. Preferably, the first group of channels of the busbar are aligned with the first group of channels of the connection device in the connection position, and the second group of channels of the busbar are aligned with the second group of channels of the connection device in the connection position. In the connection position, the projections of the plug-in sections abut each other in an overlap area and thus run parallel to each other across this overlap area. Channel sections are thus formed jointly by the two plug-in sections in this overlap area, with the channel sections being separated from each other by the adjacent channel wall sections of the projections of the plug-in sections.Preferably, the channels of the first group of channels of the conductor rail extend in a flush, and in particular uninterrupted, transition across the overlap area into the channels of the first group of channels of the connection device, wherein they are separated from each other in the overlap area on both sides by adjacent channel wall sections of an adjacent pair of projections designed as described.In this arrangement, on a first side of a first such channel section formed in the overlap area, the vertically overlapping channel wall section is formed by one of the projections of the conductor rail, and the other vertically overlapping channel wall section is formed by one of the projections of the connection device. Similarly, on a second side of a second such channel section formed in the overlap area, the vertically overlapping channel wall section is formed by one of the projections of the connection device, and the other vertically overlapping channel wall section is formed by one of the projections of the conductor rail. The first and second channel sections can be formed by the same channel section or by two different channel sections, which are spaced apart from each other, particularly in the transverse direction.By forming the upper end of a first side of a first of the jointly formed channel sections of the first group of channels with a projection of the connection device and the upper end of a second side of a second of the jointly formed channel sections with the conductor rail in the overlap area, it can always be ensured, even with a longitudinal displacement of the conductor rail and connection device tolerated due to thermal expansion, that at least one side has an upper end at such a height that sufficient coding is achieved. Preferably, the conductor rail and the connection device each have at least two, and in particular at least three, channels belonging to the first group of channels. Preferably, the conductor rail and the connection device have more channels belonging to the second group of channels than channels belonging to the first group of channels.

[0020] Preferably, the projections of each of the plug-in sections, which in the connection position are arranged in the recesses of the other plug-in section, are arranged to be longitudinally displaceable within these recesses. The plug-in sections can thus be engaged with one another in a comb-like manner, such that while engaged and thus with the projections of one plug-in section arranged in the recesses of the other plug-in section, they are longitudinally displaceable. During this displaceability, the projections remain in the recesses. Due to this arrangement, each projection of one plug-in section rests perpendicular to the longitudinal direction against one of the projections of the other plug-in section, with the recesses of each plug-in section being formed between two adjacent projections of the plug-in section.The recesses therefore necessarily have a clear width in which, in the connection position, the respective projection of the other plug-in section is arranged. This clear width is designed to correspond to the projection such that, during its arrangement within the clear width of the recess, the projection is longitudinally displaceable relative to the recess and thus to the adjacent projection of the other plug-in section. It has proven particularly advantageous that the recesses of the plug-in sections, in which one of the projections of the other plug-in section is arranged, have a constriction, reducing their clear width, within which the respective projection of the other plug-in section is arranged.This constriction reliably prevents unwanted contact with a conductor wire running in a channel that is partially formed by one of the recesses of one connector section and the projection of the other connector section located within that recess. This is because, by providing a sufficiently large clear width that allows the projection to slide within the recess, there is an increased risk of the conductor wire being touched by a finger from the access side, particularly in that longitudinal section of the recess where the projection is not located. It should be noted that the projection extends to varying depths into the recess depending on the relative longitudinal position of the connector sections, so that usually one longitudinal section of the recess is free of the projection.By providing a constriction in the recess, the clear width of the recess can be reduced to such an extent that increased protection against contact is achieved, while the partial constriction still allows for easy insertion of the projection into the recess and its displacement within the recess. Particularly preferably, the clear width of the recess exhibits its minimum value over a defined longitudinal extension, wherein this defined longitudinal extension has a length of less than 50%, particularly less than 30%, and particularly less than 20% of the longitudinal extension of the recess. Preferably, this defined longitudinal extension is spaced from the longitudinal ends of the recess by more than 20% of the longitudinal extension of the recess.Preferably, the constriction extends over less than 50%, in particular less than 30%, and in particular less than 20% of the longitudinal length of the rebate. Preferably, the constriction is spaced at least 20% of the longitudinal length of the rebate and / or at least 20% of the overlap length described below from the longitudinal end of the plug-in section where the plug-in section is inserted into the other plug-in section. Preferably, the clear width of the rebate within the longitudinal extent of the constriction is reduced, starting from its maximum value within the longitudinal extent of the constriction, by at least 0.3 mm, in particular by at least 0.4 mm, in particular by at least 10%, in particular by at least 15%, and in particular by at least 20% of the maximum value.Preferably, the clear width within the longitudinal extent of the constriction decreases continuously from its maximum value within the constriction over at least 10%, in particular at least 15%, and in particular at least 20% of the overlap length. This can particularly facilitate the sliding action of the nested plug-in sections. More generally, the clear width has its minimum value at a longitudinal position that is spaced from the longitudinal end of the plug-in section with which the plug-in section is inserted into the other plug-in section, in particular by at least 20% of the longitudinal extent of the rebate and / or by at least 20% of the overlap length described below.The term "clear width" preferably describes a value of the clear width of the recess averaged along the vertical direction for a specific longitudinal position, wherein the clear width is averaged over half the vertical extent of the recess, the vertical end of which lies at the access side. The longitudinal extent of the recess is preferably defined as the longitudinal extent of the recess within which the projection can be arranged while the plug-in sections are plugged into each other as intended.

[0021] In one embodiment, the adjacent projections of the plug-in sections are each arranged in a recess of the other plug-in section, wherein, in a maximally interlocked position of the plug-in sections, the projections of one plug-in section extend as far as possible into the recesses of the other plug-in section. The maximally interlocked position thus denotes the position of the plug-in sections in which they are moved longitudinally as far as possible towards each other while interlocking like a comb. In the maximally interlocked position, the adjacent projections of the plug-in sections run parallel to each other over a longitudinally extending overlap length.As explained above in the preferred embodiment, the projections each form a channel section open on the same vertical side, in which one of the described conductor wires is arranged. Preferably, the projections each have a channel wall thickness that varies along the overlap length, increasing from one longitudinal end of the respective plug-in section along the longitudinal direction. This increase in channel wall thickness can ensure particularly good protection against contact. Firstly, the increasing channel wall thickness can form the constriction of the recess described above, which is formed between two adjacent projections. Secondly, the increasing channel wall thickness can provide greater stability to the channel wall formed by the projection.The channel wall section formed by the projection allows for more reliable protection against contact. By increasing the channel wall thickness from the longitudinal end of each plug-in section, where it is inserted into the other, the plug-in sections can be inserted particularly easily. This is because the increased channel wall thickness, and thus the constriction and / or increased stabilization of the channel walls formed by the projection, is created at a distance from the longitudinal end, allowing the longitudinal end to easily engage with the other plug-in section. Preferably, the channel wall thickness decreases again after reaching a maximum thickness within the overlap length.Particularly preferably, the channel wall thickness reaches its maximum value in a defined longitudinal region of the overlap length, wherein the maximum value of the channel wall thickness is at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm greater than a value of the channel wall thickness averaged over 20%, in particular 30%, of the overlap length starting from the aforementioned longitudinal end of the connecting section. Preferably, the maximum value of the channel wall thickness, which thus corresponds to the maximum channel wall thickness, is at least 110%, in particular at least 120%, of the value of the channel wall thickness averaged over the aforementioned 20%, in particular 30%, of the overlap length starting from the longitudinal end.Particularly preferably, the defined longitudinal section lies in a central region of the overlap length and is thus spaced at least 20% of the overlap length from each longitudinal end of the overlap length, wherein the longitudinal end of the overlap length refers to the longitudinal end of the region in which the two adjacent projections run side by side in the longitudinal direction in their maximally interlocked position. The channel wall thickness is preferably the amount of the channel wall thickness averaged along the vertical direction over 50% of the vertical extent of the projection starting from the access side. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projections of each of the plug-in sections each form a channel section open on one vertical side, i.e., on the access side, as described above, wherein the channel section has a clear width for receiving a conductor wire, wherein the channel walls formed by the respective projection areChannel wall sections, between which the clear width of the channel is formed, have a changing channel wall thickness within the overlap area such that two adjacent projections of one of the connecting sections form a constriction of the recess formed between them due to the change in channel wall thickness, whereas their clear width does not change due to the channel wall thickness change forming the constriction, so that the channel wall thickness change is only formed on the outside of the projections and thus leaves the clear width of the channels formed by the projections unchanged.

[0022] In one embodiment, the busbar has an access side where its channels are open and from which the conductor wires are accessible. Preferably, the channels are arranged side by side in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the access side being a vertical side of the busbar and thus pointing vertically. Particularly preferably, inclined surface sections of the insertion ramp formed by the housing sections each have a longitudinal slot through which a conductor wire arranged in the contact receptacle is accessible from the access side. In the described advantageous embodiment, the inclined surface sections run vertically above the side of the conductor wires that forms a section of the access side of the busbar. The insertion ramp of the respective housing section is, of course, taken into account with respect to the housing section or...The term "conducting wire" refers to the contact receptacles forming the housing section. Furthermore, it is only applicable to housing sections that have such an inclined surface section of the insertion ramp. Since the inclined surface sections have a longitudinal slot through which the conductor wire, arranged in the contact receptacle in the connection position, is accessible from the access side, the conductor wire can be contacted from the access side over the largest possible longitudinal area, even in the connection position where it is in electrically conductive contact with the contact element of the connection device, for example, by a contact device designed as described. Particularly preferably, the longitudinal slot has a slot width that is less than the width of the conductor wire arranged in the contact receptacle forming the insertion ramp in the connection position.Thus, the conductor wire cannot slide out of the contact through the longitudinal slot, but can be contacted through the longitudinal slot.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the housing section and the electrical conductor each have an inclined surface section of the insertion ramp. At least one of the inclined surface sections formed by the housing section can have a longitudinal slot, as described above, and thus be configured as described above. The inclined surface sections are designed to limit the play perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, particularly in the vertical direction, which decreases during insertion due to the insertion ramp. This play refers to the freedom of movement of at least one section of the respective conductor wire relative to the contact point perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The inclined surface sections are angled such that they point longitudinally towards the connection side.The inclined surface sections formed by the electrical conductor and the housing section are arranged relative to each other such that they point perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the insertion ramp and the conductor wire are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that, when the conductor wire is inserted, it first comes into contact with the inclined surface section formed by the housing section, thus ensuring particularly controlled insertion of the conductor wire. Preferably, the inclined surface section of the electrical conductor is offset backwards in the longitudinal direction relative to the inclined surface section of the housing section.The inclined surface section of the housing section thus projects towards the conductor rail and therefore towards the conductor wires of the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly in the joining position, so that during the joining movement the conductor wire is first brought along the longitudinal direction to the level of the inclined surface section of the housing section and then to the level of the inclined surface section of the electrical conductor. In particular, the inclined surface section of the electrical conductor is arranged between the connection opening and an inclined surface extension formed by the housing section, which adjoins the inclined surface section of the electrical conductor and continues its extension. This means, in particular, that the inclined surface extension points longitudinally towards the connection side, with the inclined surface extension and the inclined surface section formed by the housing section being perpendicular to each other in the longitudinal direction.The inclined surface extension preferably continues the length in such a way that it, too, is designed to limit the decreasing play by sliding against the respective conductor wire. Preferably, the extent of the inclined surface section formed by the housing section along the longitudinal direction is at least 1.5 times, in particular at least three times, in particular at least five times, in particular at least seven times, the extent of the inclined surface section formed by the electrical conductor along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the extent of the inclined surface extension along the longitudinal direction is at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 85% of the extent of the inclined surface section formed by the housing section along the longitudinal direction.This allows the conductor wire, when it reaches the mounting surface on the inclined surface section formed by the housing section or when it reaches the mounting surface on the inclined surface extension, to enter the sliding position early and be guided particularly reliably through the receiving opening into the receiving space. In particular, a first acute angle, at which the inclined surface section formed by the housing section runs obliquely to the longitudinal direction, i.e., which is applied between the longitudinal direction and the inclined surface section, is as large as or smaller than a second acute angle, at which the inclined surface section formed by the electrical conductor runs obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first acute angle is at most 100%, more preferably at most 80%, and more preferably at most 60% of the second acute angle.In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the conductor wires is configured such that it has a conductor wire end section that comprises an absolute longitudinal end of the respective conductor wire. The conductor wire end section extends along the longitudinal direction by at least 5 cm, and in particular at least 10 cm. In the region of the conductor wire end section, the conductor wire is preferably tapered towards its longitudinal end, in particular tapering to a point, especially with an insertion ramp corresponding to the insertion ramp of the contact. Preferably, the conductor wire in its conductor wire end section tapers towards its longitudinal end in two mutually perpendicular directions, preferably in the manner of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid.Preferably, the cross-section of the conductor wire at its longitudinal end is less than 20%, and in particular less than 10%, of its cross-section averaged over its entire longitudinal extent, referring, of course, to a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the cross-section of the conductor wire end section decreases perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in particular over at least 10%, in particular at least 25%, and in particular at least 50% of its length, along the longitudinal direction, and in particular continuously, towards the absolute longitudinal end. In preferred embodiments, the insertion ramp is formed on the conductor wire end section, whereas no insertion ramp is formed at the contact receptacle. The inventors have found that this can be sufficient to reliably guide the respective conductor wire into the receiving space of the respective contact receptacle.The design of the conductor wire end section as tapered has generally proven to be particularly advantageous, even independently of the provision of a centering and alignment section, especially in embodiments in which the conductor wires with their respective conductor wire end section project longitudinally beyond the channels of the conductor rail, so that this design of the conductor wire end sections of the conductor wires in itself constitutes an invention based on generic systems, so that the invention relates with a solution to generic systems with such conductor wires, especially together with further advantageous properties of further solutions or embodiments of the invention.In preferred embodiments, the conductor wire end section is designed such that it curves along its entire length for insertion into the contact receptacle associated with its conductor wire. Preferably, the conductor wire end section has a curvature about the transverse direction along its arc-like extension, so that when the busbar is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction, the conductor wire end section is located at different vertical positions along its length. Preferably, the conductor wire end section has such a curvature along its length that a tangent applied to it, which runs perpendicular to the transverse direction, forms an angle of less than 20°, and in particular less than 10°, with the longitudinal direction.The inventors have determined that such an arc-shaped embodiment of the conductor wire end section works particularly advantageously in conjunction with the insertion ramp of the contact receptacle for the reliable insertion of the conductor wire into the receiving space of the associated contact receptacle, especially before establishing direct contact with the electrical conductor.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least some of the contact elements are designed for spring-elastic crimping of the respective associated electrical conductor to the conductor wire resting against it in the connection position. It should be noted that each contact receptacle has one contact element, and each contact receptacle is assigned exactly one electrical conductor and, in the connection position, exactly one conductor wire of the second busbar. Preferably, the contact elements are designed to exert a crimping force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the conductor wire in the connection position. The crimping force is generated by a spring-elastic deflection of the contact elements in the connection position. The spring-elastic deflection refers to a deflection starting from the rest position, in which the connection device is unloaded. dhNo external forces act on the connection device, and no conductor wire is arranged in the contact point, as is the case, for example, in the joining position. Preferably, the spring-elastic deflection is a deflection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, particularly along the vertical direction, wherein, in particular, the access side of the conductor rail points in the vertical direction so that the conductor wires of the conductor rail are accessible along the vertical direction at its access side, and wherein, in particular, the channels of the conductor rail, and thus also the conductor wires of the conductor rail, are arranged side by side in a transverse direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions. Preferably, the aforementioned contact elements each have a retaining section to which the electrical conductor is fixed in position.Preferably, the electrical conductor is a component separate from the contact element and is detachably fixed to the holding section, for example, by snapping it into place. Preferably, the electrical conductor is fixed to the holding section by interlocking the holding section and the electrical conductor so that they cannot be moved relative to each other without being separated. Preferably, the electrical conductor and the holding section can be locked together for positional fixation by elastically deflecting the holding section from its rest position and then reversibly detaching it from a positionally fixed position by further elastic deflection of the holding section from that position.The aforementioned contact elements further comprise a contact section connected to the holding section via a spring arm. This contact section is spaced apart from the electrical conductor, forming a receptacle for the conductor wire associated with the respective contact element. In a state where the electrical conductor is fixed in position to the holding section, a receptacle for the associated conductor wire is thus formed. The contact section is spaced apart from the electrical conductor, and the space between the conductor and the contact element is opened by spring-elastic deflection of the spring arm, increasing the distance between the conductor and the contact element. This spring-elastic deflection of the spring arm causes the contact section to exert a pressing force on the conductor wire towards the electrical conductor.Preferably, the contact section is vertically spaced from the electrical conductor, and the spring arm is spring-elastically deflectable in the vertical direction, so that in the connection position, the spring arm exerts a pressing force vertically on the conductor wire towards the electrical conductor. Thus, preferably, in the connection position, the conductor wire associated with the respective contact receptacle is arranged in the receptacle, and the spring arm is deflected from its rest position, exerting a pressing force on the conductor wire towards the electrical conductor. The rest position always refers to the position in which the elements of the connection device are located when the connection device is at rest without the influence of external forces, and therefore no conductor wire is arranged in a contact receptacle.The retaining section can, for example, have lateral ribs that extend longitudinally on both sides of the conductor wire and are locked to it on both sides. Preferably, the ribs are arranged on the two transverse sides of the conductor wire and bear against it, in particular with a pressing force acting in the transverse direction, which can be achieved especially by spring-elastic deflection of the retaining section. Particularly preferably, the contact elements mentioned have two fixing legs spaced apart longitudinally from each other, each extending away from the retaining section, wherein the spring arm is designed as a bridge connecting the fixing legs and is spaced apart from the electrical conductor.In this particularly preferred embodiment, a spring-elastic deflection of the spring arm can be ensured in a particularly targeted manner, independent of the fixing of the holding section to the electrical conductor. This allows for a particularly precise application of a spring-elastic force with which, in the connection position, the contact section presses the conductor against the electrical conductor. The inventors have recognized that providing a spring arm designed as a bridge, which is connected to the holding section via the two fixing legs, is particularly advantageous for this purpose. The two fixing legs thus form bridge piers, via which the spring arm is connected to the holding section and thus to the electrical conductor. The spring arm can deform elastically between these bridge piers while the associated conductor wire is inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle is preferably formed between the electrical conductor and the spring arm.Preferably, the spring arm is spaced vertically away from the electrical conductor and the holding section. Preferably, the fixing legs extend vertically away from the holding section. Preferably, the fixing legs are each configured in the manner of a [missing information]. U-The U-shaped bracket is formed, wherein the holding section comprises two webs arranged on both sides of the electrical conductor, and the U-shaped legs of the U-shaped bracket are connected to opposite legs of the holding section on opposite sides of the conductor wire. Thus, the receptacle for the conductor wire can be formed between the U-shaped legs of the U-shaped bracket, which are configured as the fixing legs. Particularly preferably, the contact section is formed longitudinally between the fixing legs and longitudinally spaced from the two fixing legs as a projection facing the electrical conductor.Preferably, the spring arm forms the contact section, wherein the contact section represents a local minimum in the distance of the spring arm from the electrical conductor, and the spring arm extends longitudinally on both sides, increasing in distance from the electrical conductor with increasing distance from the contact section, in particular forming a local maximum in its distance to the electrical conductor on both sides of the contact section with respect to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the spring arm is wave-like, in particular in the form of a W. The inventors have recognized that such a design of the spring arm is particularly advantageous for a targeted spring-elastic property of the spring arm, especially in conjunction with its connection to the holding section via the two longitudinally spaced fixing legs.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connection device has a housing in which the electrical conductors are arranged with insulation from each other. The housing has a cavity for each contact element and / or for each electrical conductor, in which the respective contact element and / or the respective electrical conductor is held fixed in a longitudinal position. The housing is preferably made of a plastic, in particular by injection molding. In one embodiment, the housing can have cavities extending longitudinally, with each cavity containing an electrical conductor and each longitudinal end region of the electrical conductor containing a contact element. In one embodiment, the connection device has a cavity for each contact element and a cavity for each electrical conductor. The cavity in which the respective electrical conductor or...The respective contact element has a wall facing the electrical conductor or contact element with a contour that corresponds to an outer contour of the electrical conductor or contact element such that the wall and the contour interlock, thereby holding the electrical conductor or contact element in a positionally fixed manner within the cavity, at least longitudinally, and particularly in any direction. Preferably, the electrical conductor has several lateral constrictions along its longitudinal extent into which locking projections of the housing engage. These projections are formed by the wall of the cavity in which the electrical conductor is arranged. Correspondingly, the electrical conductor has projections between its constrictions that engage into recesses formed in the wall.This preferably applies to at least the majority of the electrical conductors, in particular to all electrical conductors and their respective associated cavities. Preferably, the contact elements have laterally projecting protrusions that engage in recesses provided in the housing, the recesses preferably being formed in the wall of the respective cavity in which the respective contact element is received.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the conductor rail of the second luminaire assembly is attached to the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly, forming an eccentric gap, particularly with respect to the mounting rail perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, and enclosed by the mounting rail and the conductor rail perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. The first and second centering sections are configured to correspond to each other such that the second centering section engages with the first centering section in the gap, starting from the joining position. Particularly preferably, the conductor rail is arranged abutting a mounting rail base, with the gap between the conductor rail and the mounting rail base being formed. This avoids potential collisions with other system components and conceals the centering sections from the outer surface of the mounting rail.Preferably and generally advantageously, the connector is designed to correspond to both luminaire assemblies in such a way that in the connection position it is arranged completely in the interior of the luminaire assemblies and is thus hidden from the aforementioned outside by the mounting rail of the luminaire assemblies, which is advantageous from an aesthetic point of view and ensures improved protection against environmental influences.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the centering sections and / or the alignment sections are designed to interlock while maintaining their respective shape.

[0028] This means that when the centering sections or alignment sections interlock, neither section is deflected. The centering sections and / or alignment sections are preferably rigidly designed. In particular, the centering sections and / or alignment sections are designed to interlock without deformation from the joining position to the connection position, especially to the connection position. It is particularly preferred that the centering sections and / or alignment sections can be disengaged from each other by a movement relative to each other along the longitudinal direction, while maintaining their respective shape, from any position in which they interlock. The centering sections or alignment sections thus serve only to pre-center the luminaire assemblies relative to each other.of the connector relative to the second luminaire assembly, without directly contributing to the determination of the luminaire assemblies relative to each other or to the determination of the connector relative to the second luminaire assembly with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0029] Particularly preferred are the first and second centering sections, especially their centering projection and centering receptacle, and / or the first and second alignment sections, configured to correspond to each other such that they interlock off-center along a first direction and along a second direction perpendicular to the first, with respect to the extension of the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly. The first and second directions each run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More generally preferred are the first and second centering sections and / or the first and second alignment sections arranged offset with respect to the transverse direction from the transverse center of the conductor rail, from the transverse center of the connector, and from the transverse center of the connection device, both in the joining position and in the connection position.Such an arrangement of the centering or alignment sections creates a misconnection protection feature, since the connector can only be connected to the one of the longitudinal ends of the second luminaire assembly that is intended for connection to the connector. In particular, in the connection position and / or the connection position, the centering projection is spaced along the transverse direction from a first absolute transverse end of the connector by a transverse distance that is, in particular, at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, in particular at least 30% smaller than from an opposite second absolute transverse end of the connector. Generally, "transverse" is to be understood as referring to the transverse direction, "vertical" as referring to the vertical direction, and "longitudinal" as referring to the longitudinal direction.The centering sections and / or the alignment sections are preferably designed to correspond to each other in such a way that they engage behind each other exclusively perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during the joining movement, preferably from the joining position to the connection position, and especially also in the connection position, and thus not in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the centering sections or alignment sections do not restrict any relative movement of the lighting assemblies along the longitudinal direction. The coupling section, the first centering section, and preferably the connection device are generally fixedly connected to each other in the joining position, the connection position, and the connection position. The first centering section is particularly preferably manufactured integrally with the coupling section, especially from sheet metal.Preferably, the first centering section projects longitudinally towards the second luminaire assembly in both the assembly and joining positions, extending beyond the connection device. Preferably, the coupling section projects longitudinally beyond the first centering section in both the assembly and joining positions. Particularly preferably, the first centering section projects longitudinally beyond the first alignment section in both the assembly and joining positions. Particularly preferably, the first alignment section projects beyond the contact surfaces of the connection device in both the assembly and joining positions, and especially also beyond the second plug-in section formed by the connection device. This projection can, of course, also be advantageously present in both the connection and joining positions, preferably continuing unchanged from the joining position until reaching the connection position.

[0030] In an embodiment according to the invention of a system comprising at least two support rails and a connector for connecting the support rails, and in particular comprising at least two conductor rails, the connector, in particular the coupling section of the connector, comprises a coupling base and two coupling side walls rigidly connected perpendicular to the longitudinal direction through the coupling base, which preferably extend away from the coupling base along the longitudinal direction, and in particular along the transverse direction.The corresponding design of a connector for joining two mounting rails of a corresponding system, which comprises mounting rails and, in particular, conductor rails with conductor wires as explained, is generally advantageous and, even apart from other features of the solution described herein, constitutes an independent invention which is advantageous in itself, but is particularly preferably combined with other inventive solutions described herein. As explained for generic systems, such a connector is typically used for the robust, positionally fixed fixing of two mounting rails to one another. To connect two mounting rails, the connector is inserted with its coupling side walls into corresponding guide recesses of the two mounting rails.These guide recesses are open at one longitudinal end of the respective mounting rail, allowing the connector to be inserted into the guide recesses with its coupling side walls. Each coupling side wall has a vertically upper and a vertically lower end, which are connected by a coupling side wall section running vertically between them with a vertical side wall height. In a luminaire constructed with this system, comprising two mounting rails that are fixedly connected by the connector, the connector rests in the guide recess of each mounting rail with its upper and lower coupling side wall ends. The coupling base can be inserted along the mounting rail base when the coupling side walls are inserted.Preferably, the guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly has several guide sections. The coupling side walls can be inserted into these guide sections while mechanically securing the mounting rails of the first and second lighting assemblies against each other. The coupling side walls each engage with their upper vertical end against an upper vertical guide end of the guide sections and with their lower vertical end against a lower vertical guide end of the guide sections, forming a clamped connection.In the present solution according to the invention, which in itself serves a particularly precise alignment of the support rails and thus, independently of the solution explained above, represents in itself a solution to the objective technical problem underlying the invention, but can be combined particularly advantageously with the solution explained above and its various embodiments, the coupling side wall section of each coupling side wall comprises a spring section which, starting from a rest position of the connector, can be compressed vertically elastically by a vertical deflection while reducing the side wall height, wherein a stop is provided within the spring section which limits the vertical deflection to an amount of less than 5%, in particular less than 3%, in particular less than 2%, in particular less than 1% of the side wall height provided in the rest position of the connector.The invention is thus based on the special idea of ​​providing a spring section in the coupling side wall section, which connects the coupling side wall ends in the vertical direction and should be designed to be as rigid as possible so that the connector can be held rigidly in the guide recess of the respective support rail and thus rigidly connect the support rails to each other, which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction.However, by integrating a stop within the spring section itself, which limits the deformability of the spring section in the vertical direction to a very small amount, the spring section can compensate for tolerances and thus prevent excessive compression of a coupling side wall into a guide receptacle or play between the coupling side wall and the guide receptacle, without allowing significant movement of the connector relative to the support rail when the coupling side wall is received in the guide receptacle. Particularly preferably, the coupling side wall section has a wall area extending in a plane spanned by the vertical and longitudinal directions, which continuously connects the upper and lower ends of the coupling side wall.This wall section lies entirely within the aforementioned plane, ensuring the most inelastic connection possible between the coupling sidewall ends. This wall section can, for example, surround a stiffening rib provided for additional stiffening of the coupling sidewall. The sidewall section can, for example, include the spring section, such as by forming the spring section as a region of the wall area that comprises a recess in the wall area and an adjacent wall area section. Preferably, the upper and lower coupling sidewall ends are offset from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions by less than 3%, and particularly by less than 1%, of the maximum transverse distance between the coupling sidewalls.This ensures high rigidity of the coupling side wall between the upper and lower ends, with respect to the vertical direction. Preferably, the spring section extends longitudinally over less than 10%, particularly less than 5%, and especially less than 3% of the total longitudinal length of the connector. Due to the short longitudinal extent of the spring section, it can exhibit sufficient vertical stiffness. Preferably, the spring section comprises a longitudinally extending recess in the coupling side wall section, the recess having a vertical height whose magnitude defines the vertical deflection of the spring section.Thus, the vertical height of the recess can be less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1% of the side wall height provided in the connector's rest position. The longitudinal extent of the recess is limited to the longitudinal extent of the spring section. Preferably, the recess is provided at a vertical height of the coupling side wall that is less than one-quarter, less than one-fifth, or less than one-sixth of the side wall height vertically from the upper or lower end of the coupling side wall. This ensures sufficient elasticity in the section of the coupling side wall located between the recess and the coupling side wall end.Particularly preferably, the lower and / or upper end of the coupling side wall is formed by at least one coupling side wall projection, the longitudinal extent of which is less than 5%, and in particular less than 3%, of the total longitudinal length of the connector. The coupling side wall projection is a vertical projection of the coupling side wall and thus projects vertically with respect to longitudinally adjacent areas of the coupling side wall. Particularly preferably, all coupling side wall projections forming the lower end of the coupling side wall together have a longitudinal extent of less than 5%, and in particular less than 3%, of the total longitudinal length of the connector.Particularly preferably, all coupling sidewall projections forming the upper coupling sidewall end have a common longitudinal extent of less than 5%, and particularly less than 3%, of the total longitudinal length of the connector. By providing such coupling sidewall projections, a precise vertical fit between the connector and the upper and lower ends of the guide receptacle can be ensured without causing excessive compression between the connector and the support rail, which would make inserting the connector into the support rail too difficult. Particularly preferably, at least one of the coupling sidewall projections is arranged within a longitudinal extent of the spring section. This ensures elasticity of the coupling sidewall, especially at the longitudinal height of the sidewall projection. Preferably, the coupling sidewall section has several spring sections that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.Preferably, a side wall projection is provided within the longitudinal extent of each of these multiple spring sections. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connector has a first and a second longitudinal end, which thus form the two longitudinal ends of the connector that face away from each other. The first longitudinal end is formed by a first longitudinal end section, and the second longitudinal end is formed by a second longitudinal end section of the connector. The longitudinal end sections thus extend from their respective longitudinal ends to the other longitudinal ends. In the particularly advantageous embodiment, the connector has at least one spring section in each of its first and / or its second longitudinal end sections.Particularly preferably, the connector has at least one coupling sidewall projection in its first and / or second longitudinal end section, each associated with the respective spring section, and this projection preferably extends within the longitudinal extent of the associated spring section. Preferably, the coupling sidewall projection extends exclusively within the longitudinal extent of the associated spring section. Particularly preferably, the connector has an upper coupling sidewall projection forming the upper coupling sidewall end and a lower coupling sidewall projection forming the lower coupling sidewall end in its first and / or second longitudinal end section. The upper coupling sidewall projection is preferably arranged closer to the longitudinal end of the connector formed by the longitudinal end section than the lower coupling sidewall projection.The inventors recognized that this design particularly advantageously addresses the static requirements for fixing two support rails using the connector. It is especially preferred that the lower coupling side wall projection in the connection position is spaced less than 20%, and particularly less than 15%, from the longitudinal end of the support rail in which the longitudinal end section is located.Particularly preferably, at least the longitudinal end section of the connector, which is inserted into the guide receptacle of the first support rail in the joining position, has the upper coupling side wall projection and the lower coupling side wall projection described above, wherein, for example, the other longitudinal end section, which is to be inserted into the second support rail to reach the joining position, may only have a lower coupling side wall projection, which is spaced accordingly by less than 20%, in particular less than 15%, from the longitudinal end of the second support rail in the connection position.In one embodiment, the coupling section is designed to correspond to the guide recesses of the support rails such that the coupling section can be inserted into a guide recess of a first support rail, creating a vertical interference fit between the coupling section and the support rail, and that the coupling section can be inserted into a guide recess of a second support rail, creating a vertical clearance fit between the coupling section and the support rail. The clearance fit is preferably less than 1 mm, and in particular less than 0.5 mm. This allows for easy insertion of the connector into the second support rail.

[0031] In the connection position of the system, the connector is preferably arranged with a first longitudinal section in the first support rail and with a second longitudinal section in the second support rail, fixing these two support rails to each other. At least one of the coupling side walls extends with a first longitudinal end region at an angle to the longitudinal direction relative to the other coupling side wall, such that the connector has a transverse width that decreases towards its first longitudinal end. The first longitudinal end is a specific longitudinal end of the connector, and the first longitudinal end region is the longitudinal end region that forms at least a section of the specific longitudinal end. The longitudinal end region can be formed from the longitudinal end section described above. The first longitudinal end, orThe specified longitudinal end is preferably the longitudinal end of the connector with which it is positioned outside the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly in the assembly position and with which it is inserted into the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly to reach the joining position. The other or second longitudinal end of the connector, with which it is positioned within the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly in the assembly position, can be designed accordingly. The terms "first" and "second" longitudinal end, or "first" and "second" longitudinal end section, are used here solely to identify exactly one of the longitudinal ends of the connector. Similarly, in the following explanation, the designation of one of the coupling side walls as "first" or "second" coupling side wall serves only to distinguish between the coupling side walls.The mounting rail of the first lighting assembly is hereinafter also referred to as the first mounting rail, and the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly is hereinafter also referred to as the second mounting rail. Due to the angled first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall and the resulting reduction in the transverse width of the connector at its first longitudinal end, the connector can be inserted into the second mounting rail particularly easily to achieve the joining or connection position. The first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall forms at least a section of the first longitudinal end, in particular the absolute first longitudinal end, of the connector, preferably the part of the absolute first longitudinal end of the connector formed by the first coupling side wall. Similarly, the second coupling side wall and the coupling base each form a section of the first longitudinal end of the connector.The first longitudinal end of the connector is thus formed by the first longitudinal end regions of the two coupling side walls and the coupling base. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that, contrary to the usual design of couplings with coupling side walls running as parallel as possible to the longitudinal direction—which allows for both a space-saving and a highly stable design of the connector—it offers a particular advantage if at least the first coupling side wall has at least one first longitudinal end region that forms its first longitudinal end, in particular its absolute first longitudinal end, and that runs at an angle to the longitudinal direction towards the second coupling side wall. The first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall thus extends with a component in the transverse direction towards the second coupling side wall.Contrary to the usual approach, the inventors discovered that this design allows for the creation of a connector whose coupling side walls lie as close as possible to the mounting rail side walls in the connection position, while still allowing its first longitudinal end to be easily inserted into the second mounting rail to achieve the joining or connection position. It proved particularly advantageous to provide such an angled longitudinal end section on the connector, which is stiffer than the mounting rail and allows for the efficient and space-saving integration of this angled longitudinal end section.It has proven particularly advantageous that the second coupling side wall also extends at an angle to the longitudinal direction relative to the first coupling side wall, with a first longitudinal end region. This first longitudinal end region of the second coupling side wall forms a section of the first longitudinal end, in particular the absolute first longitudinal end, of the connector, preferably the section of the absolute first longitudinal end of the coupling formed by the second coupling side wall. The first longitudinal end region of the second coupling side wall may preferably have features that are explained here in connection with the longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall. It should be noted here that a longitudinal end defines the end of an object with respect to the longitudinal direction over its entire extent perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereas an absolute longitudinal end defines its outermost extent with respect to the longitudinal direction.Particularly preferably, the first longitudinal end regions of the first and second coupling side walls are angled at the same angle relative to the longitudinal direction. More generally, the first longitudinal end regions of the coupling side walls, or at least the first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall, are preferably completely flat over at least 80% of their surface area. More generally, the first longitudinal end regions, or the first longitudinal end region, of the first and / or second coupling side wall are angled towards the longitudinal direction over their entire surface area, or towards the other coupling side wall. Preferably, the first longitudinal end region transitions directly via a kink provided in the coupling side wall into a region of the coupling side wall that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction.Providing an angled first longitudinal end section on at least the first coupling side wall at the first longitudinal end of the connector has proven particularly advantageous for connecting the first and second support rails on a construction site, if the first support rail is delivered to the construction site already with the connector mounted on it, wherein the connector is arranged with its second longitudinal section in the first support rail and fixed to it, and its first longitudinal section projects beyond the first support rail and is to be inserted into a longitudinal end of the first support rail that points towards the longitudinal end of the first support rail in which the connector is arranged, in order to connect the first and second support rails.In advantageous embodiments, a correspondingly angled second longitudinal end region can also be provided at the second longitudinal end of the connector, such that the first coupling side wall extends with a correspondingly angled second longitudinal end region towards the longitudinal direction towards the second coupling side wall, or the second coupling side wall extends with a second longitudinal end region angled towards the longitudinal direction towards the first coupling side wall, wherein the longitudinal end regions of the coupling side walls form the respective section of the second longitudinal end of the connector that is formed by the respective coupling side wall.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal end region at the first longitudinal end of the connector has a vertical height that is less than 80%, particularly less than 70%, and particularly less than 60% of its maximum vertical height. Preferably, the first longitudinal end region at the first longitudinal end of the connector has a vertical height that is at least 10%, and particularly at least 20%, of its maximum vertical height. The maximum vertical height is the vertical extension length that the connector has along its entire length in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The longitudinal end region can be continuous along the vertical direction or have vertically spaced subsections, in the latter case being the sum of the vertical extension lengths of the subsections.By having the first longitudinal end section of the first coupling side wall at its first longitudinal end less than the maximum height of the connector, the first longitudinal section can be inserted into the second support rail particularly easily. It should be noted that the first longitudinal end section preferably forms a section of the absolute first longitudinal end of the connector. It should be generally pointed out here that all the advantageous properties described herein with regard to the first longitudinal end section of the first coupling side wall can also preferably be provided in the first longitudinal end section of the second coupling side wall, and in particular, equally preferably in the second longitudinal end section of the first coupling side wall and / or the second longitudinal end section of the second coupling side wall. By having a not insignificant vertical extension length, i.e.,Having a vertical height, the connector can ensure particularly good guidance. Preferably, the connector has a clear transverse width at its first longitudinal end, at the level of the first longitudinal end region of the first and, in particular, the second coupling side wall, between its coupling side walls, which is greater than 80% of its clear transverse width averaged over its longitudinal length. The clear transverse width is the transverse distance that the coupling side walls have from the coupling base, such that the transverse width defines the transverse length between the coupling side walls over which an object can be inserted into the U-shaped cross-section of the connector. The clear width of the first longitudinal end at the level of the first longitudinal end region is the width across the vertical area over which the first longitudinal end region extends.By having a clear transverse width at its first longitudinal end that is only slightly smaller than its average clear transverse width over its longitudinal length, the connector provides sufficient space at this first longitudinal end to accommodate components of the luminaire within the connector or the first mounting rail in the connection position. Simultaneously, the angled shape of the first longitudinal end section facilitates the insertion of the connector into the second mounting rail. Preferably, the first longitudinal end section of the first coupling side wall is spaced from the base of the second mounting rail and / or from the coupling base, preferably by at least 5%, particularly by at least 10%, and particularly by at least 20% of the maximum vertical height of the coupling.Preferably, the first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall is spaced away from the absolute vertical end of the second support rail opposite the support rail base, which is formed by its support rail side walls, preferably by at least 5%, more preferably by at least 10%, and more preferably by at least 20% of the maximum vertical height of the coupling. This ensures that the connector has the largest possible clear transverse width near its coupling base and / or that the first longitudinal end region lies outside of any transverse contours of the support rail that are relevant to its function. Furthermore, this can further improve the insertion of the first longitudinal end of the connector into the second support rail.Preferably, a conductor rail is arranged on the base of the second support rail, the conductor rail being arranged vertically between the base of the support rail and the first longitudinal section. Preferably, the conductor rail extends vertically along the longitudinal end region, or within the same vertical region as the longitudinal end region, with a volume fraction of less than 10% of its total volume. By spacing the first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall from the coupling base, the first longitudinal end region is formed as a projection of the first coupling side wall. The first longitudinal end region thus preferably forms a section of the absolute first longitudinal end of the connector, so that the connector does not extend beyond the longitudinal end region at the first longitudinal end.In contrast, the coupling side wall preferably forms a further section of the first longitudinal end of the connector outside the first longitudinal end region. This section does not constitute the absolute first longitudinal end of the connector, but is set back compared to it. More generally, the first longitudinal end region of the first coupling side wall is preferably spaced vertically away from both the coupling base and the absolute vertical end of the connector opposite the coupling base, which further improves the insertion of the connector.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal end section extends at an angle to the other coupling side wall over a longitudinal length of at least 3 mm, and in particular at least 5 mm. The longitudinal length of the first longitudinal end section defines the length over which it extends. Naturally, due to its angle to the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal end section also has a component perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, but it also extends a certain length in the longitudinal direction. By providing a correspondingly large longitudinal length of at least 3 mm, and in particular at least 5 mm, and in particular at least 7 mm, the insertion of the connector into the first support rail is further improved.In one embodiment, the first longitudinal end section extends at an angle to the longitudinal direction over a transverse length that is at least twice the wall thickness of the support rail side walls. In the case of uneven wall thicknesses, the average wall thickness of the first support rail is used. Due to its angled orientation, the first longitudinal end section reduces the clear width of the connector along its longitudinal length towards the first longitudinal end of the connector by its transverse length, provided the opposite coupling side wall runs parallel to the longitudinal direction. If the first and second coupling side walls have identically designed first longitudinal end sections, the clear width is reduced by the sum of the transverse lengths of the first longitudinal end sections.Preferably, the first longitudinal end section extends over at least 10%, particularly at least 20%, and especially at least 30% of the maximum vertical height of the coupling. Thus, the first longitudinal end section has a considerable vertical length relative to the maximum vertical height of the connector. The maximum vertical height of the connector is its maximum vertical length over its entire transverse and longitudinal extent. This considerable vertical length of the first longitudinal end section ensures particularly good guidance of the connector when its first longitudinal end is inserted into the second mounting rail.Preferably, the longitudinal extension length of the first longitudinal end region, over which it runs at an angle to the longitudinal direction towards the other coupling side wall, is less than 30%, particularly less than 20%, particularly less than 10%, particularly less than 5%, and particularly less than 3% of the longitudinal extension length of the coupling. This refers, of course, to the entire longitudinal extension length of the connector between its absolute longitudinal ends.

[0034] In one embodiment, both coupling side walls, with their respective first longitudinal end regions forming the first longitudinal end of the connector, are angled towards the other coupling side wall in the longitudinal direction. As explained above, the first longitudinal end regions of the coupling side walls preferably each form the absolute longitudinal end of the respective coupling side wall and, in particular, also a section of the absolute longitudinal end of the connector, or at least the section of the absolute longitudinal end of the connector formed by the respective coupling side wall. By having both coupling side walls angled with their first longitudinal end regions in the longitudinal direction, particularly good guidance of the connector can be ensured when its first longitudinal end is inserted into the first support rail.Particularly preferably, the first longitudinal end regions of the two coupling side walls are angled at substantially the same angle to the longitudinal direction, with the angles preferably being at least 10°, particularly at least 20°, particularly in the range of 10° to 45°, and particularly 15° to 35°. More generally, the first longitudinal end regions of the two coupling side walls are at the same height. The two first longitudinal end regions thus extend over the same vertical distance, preferably exclusively within the same vertical section, which can particularly facilitate the insertion of the first longitudinal end of the connector into the second support rail.Preferably, the first longitudinal end regions of the first and second coupling side walls are designed to correspond to the support rails of the system such that the clear transverse width at the first longitudinal end between the first longitudinal end regions is smaller than the clear transverse width at the longitudinal ends of the support rails, in particular by at least 2 mm, in particular by between 2 mm and 10 mm, and in particular by between 2 mm and 7 mm. Preferably, the clear transverse width at the first longitudinal end between the first longitudinal end regions is at least 3 mm smaller than the clear transverse width averaged over the entire longitudinal extent of the connector, wherein, for the averaging over the longitudinal extent, the smallest clear width between the coupling side walls at each longitudinal position is used, i.e., the width at the vertical position where the width is smallest.Generally, the coupling side walls preferably have an average wall thickness over their entire extent, wherein the first longitudinal end regions have an average wall thickness over their entire extent that is at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90% of the average wall thickness over the entire extent of the respective coupling side wall by which they are each enclosed.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting assemblies are both connected to the connector in the same manner in the connection position, in particular such that the coupling section of the connector can be inserted into a corresponding guide recess of the mounting rail of the first lighting assembly for mechanically securing the mounting rail of the first and second lighting assemblies to each other, and that a further centering section of the connector designed as a first centering section and a further centering section of the first lighting assembly designed as a second centering section are formed.During an insertion movement performed by the connector along the longitudinal direction to the first lighting assembly, after the coupling section has been inserted into the guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the first lighting assembly, the two components engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a play that decreases during the insertion movement until a position is reached in which at least one of the conductor wires of the first lighting assembly rests against the connection device, and that the conductor wires of the first lighting assembly can be inserted from this position into their respective corresponding contact receptacles of the connection device, thus realizing the mounting position. The insertion movement can particularly preferably have features of a joining movement, wherein the insertion movement involves a movement of the connector relative to the first lighting assembly.especially in a direction of movement opposite to the joining movement. The further centering sections, designed as first and second centering sections, can each have features that are disclosed in connection with the first centering section and the second centering section, respectively. The guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly can have features that are disclosed in connection with the guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the second luminaire assembly; the conductor wires of the first luminaire assembly can have features that are disclosed in connection with conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly, especially in conjunction with the connection device. The person skilled in the art understands this to mean,that features relating to the second luminaire assembly in the aforementioned context are transferable to the first luminaire assembly. The connector is thus preferably designed to be essentially symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the first centering section and the further first centering section are arranged eccentrically with respect to the extension of the connector perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in particular at the same height. Preferably, the contact receptacles of the connection device assigned to the conductor wires of the first luminaire assembly are each electrically connected to a contact receptacle of the connection device assigned to one of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly, in particular by sharing their electrical conductors.

[0036] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a connector and a connection device for a system according to the invention for connecting two lighting assemblies. Each lighting assembly comprises a longitudinally elongated mounting rail and a longitudinally elongated conductor rail attached to the mounting rail. The conductor rail comprises longitudinally elongated conductor wires. The connector has a coupling section. The connection device is fixed to the connector. To achieve a mounting position for the system, the connector can be attached to one longitudinal end of the mounting rail of the first lighting assembly of the system and electrically connected to the conductor wires of the first lighting assembly via the connection device.The fastening is effected in such a way that a coupling section of the connector extends from the longitudinal end along the longitudinal direction away from the mounting rail of the first lighting assembly for the mechanical fixing of the mounting rails of both lighting assemblies to one another, thereby realizing a joining position of the lighting assemblies relative to each other, and that the coupling section can be inserted into a corresponding guide receptacle of the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly, in particular at a longitudinal end of the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly, in particular in such a way that the connector overlaps at least with a section of its coupling section along the longitudinal direction with the mounting rail of the second lighting assembly.Preferably, the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly are arranged at least partially at this longitudinal end, wherein, particularly and generally advantageously, each of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly has an absolute longitudinal end pointing towards the longitudinal end along the longitudinal direction. Particularly preferably, the first luminaire assembly of the system and the assembly are designed to correspond to each other in such a way that the connection device can be electrically connected to the conductor wires of the first luminaire assembly after the connector is attached to the longitudinal end of the mounting rail of the first luminaire assembly of the system. Thus, an electrically conductive connection between the conductor wires of the first luminaire assembly and the connection device is preferably only established after the joining position of the luminaire assemblies has been reached relative to each other. The assembly, i.e.,The connector and the connection device each have a first centering section, and the second luminaire assembly has a second centering section. These sections are designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during a joining movement of the luminaire assemblies, starting from the joining position and proceeding longitudinally to achieve a connection position. This engagement occurs with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement. In the connection position, the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly are each inserted into their corresponding contact receptacles in the connection device. The assembly is thus specifically designed to correspond to the busbars and / or luminaire assemblies.In one embodiment, the connection device has a first alignment section and the current conductor of the second luminaire assembly has a second alignment section, both designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during the joining movement, after the centering sections have engaged, with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement. In another embodiment, the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly can be guided into a connection position by the joining movement, in which at least one of the conductor wires of the second luminaire assembly rests against the connection device, and then, starting from the connection position, in particular by continuing the joining movement, can be inserted into their respective corresponding contacts of the connection device, thus realizing the connection position.

[0037] The invention further relates to a set of components for realizing an assembly according to the invention. In the assembly, connectors and connection devices are positioned relative to each other and / or fixed to each other as described above. The set of components comprises several connection devices, each having two connection sides, a first connection side being suitable for connecting to the busbar of the first lighting assembly and a second connection side being suitable for connecting to the busbar of the second lighting assembly. In the mounting position of the system using an assembly realized by means of the set of components, the connection device is thus electrically connected to the conductor wires of the first lighting assembly via its first connection side, and in the connection position, it is also electrically connected to the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly via its second connection side.The electrically conductive connection can be implemented as described above for embodiments according to the invention. The connection devices each have several electrical conductors, each of which is connected to a contact element within its two longitudinal end regions. The connection devices are each designed to implement the connection position of the system by electrically connecting each of their electrical conductors, by means of one of the contact elements, to a conductor wire of the busbar of the first luminaire assembly and to a conductor wire of the busbar of the second luminaire assembly.Each connection device thus comprises, as explained above, two groups of contact elements, wherein the first group of contact elements is connected to the conductor wires of the busbar of the first luminaire assembly in the connection position of the system, and the second group of contact elements is connected to the conductor wires of the busbar of the second luminaire assembly. Particularly preferably, the contact elements of each group are positioned at a longitudinal position assigned to that group such that they extend exclusively over the same longitudinal area, so that they are identically positioned with respect to a housing of the connection device in the longitudinal direction and are merely arranged next to each other. Particularly preferably, the assembly set has at least two different connection devices.In a first type of connection device, the electrical conductors are connected to a contact element only at their two longitudinal end regions. The two contact elements belong to different groups of contact elements. Preferably, the electrical conductors run without any branches between the connection sides. In any case, no further contact elements are arranged in the longitudinal region of the electrical conductor that extends between the two contact elements provided at the two different connection sides of the connection device. In a second type of connection device, the electrical conductors are connected to a contact element at their two longitudinal end regions as described for the first type of connection device, except that the electrical conductors of the second type of connection device each have a branch within a longitudinal mid-region, which is connected to a further contact element.Preferably, the electrical conductors have a section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, forming the branch, at the end of which a further contact element is arranged. The longitudinal mid-range preferably extends over less than 70%, particularly less than 50%, and particularly less than 30% of the geometric longitudinal midpoint of the respective electrical conductor. The longitudinal end-ranges preferably extend over less than 40%, particularly less than 30%, and particularly less than 20% of the total longitudinal extent of the electrical conductor, starting from the respective absolute longitudinal end. Providing the branch with an additional contact element ensures a further connection option.For example, the additional contact elements of the electrical conductors can be used to supply power to the connection device via a supply line or to tap off the electrical conductors. This tap or supply can be made via a supply line that enters the mounting rail from the outside, perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, when the system is in the connection position. Particularly preferably, the connection devices each have channels in which their electrical conductors are arranged and which are accessible from an access side of the respective connection device. The electrical conductors can thus be contacted from the access side of the connection device, since the channels are open on this access side. The access side is preferably a vertical side of the connection device and thus points in the vertical direction.Preferably, the access side of the connection device in the realized assembly faces the same side as the access side of the busbar, with reference being made to the connection position of the system when the assembly is used in a system according to the invention. Preferably, the further contact elements of the second connection device are accessible from a side facing away from the access side. Preferably, at least one of the mounting rails has an opening in its base through which the further contact elements are accessible when the second connection device is used to realize the connection position. The further contact elements can, for example, be enclosed by a socket device into which a corresponding plug can be inserted for tapping or supplying the electrical conductors.Preferably, this socket assembly extends outwards through the mounting rail base, which has the aforementioned opening, in the connection position. This embodiment of the assembly set according to the invention ensures a particularly high degree of modularity, since, depending on the desired power supply or tap position, with reference to a power supply or tap via a supply line or output running outside the mounting rail, a power supply or tap can be made at the level of the connection device and thus in a connection area of ​​two lighting assemblies or at a longitudinal end of one of the lighting assemblies in the connection position of the system.

[0038] The invention further relates to a conductor rail for a system according to the invention. The conductor rail is thus fundamentally designed to be combined with further system components specifically tailored to it for the realization of a system with the described properties, for example with a specifically designed connector, a specifically designed connection device and a specifically designed mounting rail.

[0039] Of course, the busbar can also be used in other systems where, together with the other system components, it does not exhibit all the properties of a system according to the invention. The busbar has several conductor profiles, each of which has a plug-in section at both of its longitudinal ends, through which they are connected to each other in a longitudinally overlapping manner. One of the conductor profiles is the outermost conductor profile of the busbar in the longitudinal direction and, together with one of its plug-in sections, forms the first plug-in section encompassed by the busbar.In one embodiment, the overlapping plug-in sections of longitudinally adjacent conductor profiles have several projections and recesses arranged alternately one behind the other, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and interlocking such that one projection of the plug-in section of one of these two conductor profiles is located within one recess of the plug-in section of the other conductor profile. Preferably, each projection abuts another projection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the adjacent projections being formed by the plug-in section of one of the other conductor profiles. Particularly preferably, the plug-in sections of the conductor profiles are electrically insulating and together enclose at least one of the conductor wires of the conductor rail.The plug-in sections of each pair of longitudinally arranged conductor profiles can be configured to correspond to one another, as explained with reference to the plug-in sections of the connection device and conductor rail in embodiments according to the invention. In particular, the plug-in sections can be comb-shaped and interlock in a comb-like manner, especially having at least one pair of adjacent projections as explained for the connection device and conductor rail, the channel wall sections of which abut each other, wherein in particular one of these channel wall sections projects vertically beyond and overlaps the other of these channel wall sections.Furthermore, for example, as explained above with reference to the plug-in sections of connection devices and conductor rails in the preferred embodiment, the interlocking plug-in sections of successive conductor profiles of the conductor rail that overlap with these plug-in sections can be designed in such a way that the recesses of the plug-in sections, in which one of the projections of the other plug-in section is arranged, have a constriction reducing their clear width, within which the respective projection of the other plug-in section is arranged.For example, the adjacent projections of the plug-in sections can each be arranged in a recess of the other plug-in section, wherein, in a maximally interlocked position of the plug-in sections, the projections of one plug-in section extend as far as possible into the recesses of the other plug-in section, wherein, in the maximally interlocked position, the adjacent projections of the plug-in sections run side by side over a longitudinally extending overlap length, each having a channel wall thickness that varies over the overlap length, the value of which increases along the longitudinal direction starting from a longitudinal end of the respective plug-in section. Further explanations and advantageous embodiments relating to the plug-in sections of the connection device and the busbar are referred to below.In particular, the described properties of the interlocking plug sections can only be provided for the plug sections of the successive conductor profiles, while other plug sections can be designed differently or with comparable properties, independent of this definition of interlocking plug sections of the conductor profiles. The described advantageous properties of the interlocking plug sections can, for example, be provided for interlocking plug sections of conductor profiles and / or for the described overlapping plug sections of the conductor rail and the connection device.Particularly preferably, the plug-in sections of at least some of the conductor profiles of the conductor rail are designed as corresponding plug-in sections, so that two identical conductor profiles, as described, can be arranged adjacent to each other longitudinally with their corresponding plug-in sections and connected to one another. It is particularly advantageous that the projections of the plug-in sections each have insertion ramps, especially on their two transverse sides and preferably also on at least one vertical side, so that the projections of the different plug-in sections can slide smoothly into one another when the conductor profiles are joined.The conductor rail preferably comprises several conductor profiles, each having a first plug-in section at its first longitudinal end and a second plug-in section at its second longitudinal end, wherein the first plug-in sections of the conductor profiles are identical and the second plug-in sections of the conductor profiles are identical. Preferably, these multiple conductor profiles of the conductor rail constitute the majority of the conductor profiles of the conductor rail. Preferably, all conductor profiles of the conductor rail have a first plug-in section at their first longitudinal end and a second plug-in section at their second longitudinal end, wherein only one of the conductor profiles differs from the plug-in sections of the other conductor profiles with only one of its plug-in sections. This conductor profile is preferably an outermost conductor profile of the conductor rail, forming one longitudinal end of the conductor rail.By designing the plug-in sections of the conductor profiles to be as identical as possible, manufacturing costs and assembly can be significantly reduced and simplified. Furthermore, by providing an outermost conductor profile, whose plug-in section differs from those of conventional conductor profiles and forms a longitudinal end of the conductor rail, targeted connection of the conductor rail to a corresponding connection device is possible. Preferably, this conductor profile, with its plug-in section differing from those of the other conductor profiles, forms the first plug-in section of the conductor rail of the second lighting assembly, as described in connection with a system according to the invention, so that in one embodiment the conductor rail according to the invention is the conductor rail of the second lighting assembly of the system.Preferably, an identical conductor rail is used as the conductor rail of the first lighting assembly.

[0040] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a connection device and a busbar. The assembly is suitable for a system according to the invention and is thus suitable for its connection device and busbar to be used to implement the connection position of the system, wherein the busbar of the assembly is the busbar of the second lighting assembly of the system.The busbar can be connected to the connection device to achieve a connection position of the assembly in which the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly are each inserted into their respective contact receptacles of the connection device on a contact element of the contact receptacle. Starting from a starting position of the assembly in which the connection device is longitudinally spaced from the busbar, the connection position can be achieved by a connection movement of the busbar relative to the connection device. The relative position of the connection device and the busbar in the connection position of the assembly preferably corresponds to the relative position in the connection position of the system when the assembly is used, as explained, to implement the system.The connection position of the system is used, wherein the connection movement preferably corresponds to the joining movement and the starting position describes the relative position of the busbar and connection device in which they are located in the joining position of the system. In the assembly according to the invention, the connection device has a first alignment section and the busbar has a second alignment section. The alignment sections are designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during the connection movement with a clearance that decreases during the course of the connection movement.Additionally or alternatively, the conductor wires of the busbar can be guided into a connection position by the connection movement, in which at least one of the conductor wires rests against the connection device, and subsequently, starting from the connection position, can be brought into contact with their associated contact element by continuing the connection movement, thereby realizing the connection position of the assembly. When the assembly is used in a system according to the invention, the connection position of the conductor wires with respect to the assembly corresponds to the connection position of the conductor wires in the system.

[0041] The invention further relates to a connector on its own, which is suitable for connecting the mounting rails of two lighting assemblies and has features which are described with reference to the connector itself in connection with the systems according to the invention described herein.

[0042] The invention further relates to a method for realizing a luminaire, preferably by means of a system according to the invention. In the method according to the invention, a connector is attached to a mounting rail of a first luminaire assembly and then inserted into a mounting rail of a second luminaire assembly, mechanically fixing the mounting rails of the two luminaire assemblies to one another and creating a joining position of the luminaire assemblies relative to each other. Furthermore, a connection device is electrically connected to the conductor wires of the luminaire assemblies, creating a connection position of the system in which the mounting rails are fixed to one another by the connector, wherein the mounting rails preferably abut each other at their longitudinal ends in the connection position, preferably directly abutting each other. Furthermore, in the connection position, the conductor rails are electrically connected to one another by the connection device, i.e.,h. that each conductor wire of each busbar is electrically connected to exactly one conductor wire of the other busbar via the connection device.

[0043] According to the invention, in the method, after the joining position has been achieved, the first lighting assembly with the connector is moved relative to the second lighting assembly in a longitudinal joining movement. During the joining movement, a first centering section of the connector or the connection device and a second centering section of the second lighting assembly are engaged, wherein, during the joining movement, the centering sections interlock perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement, so that the clearance between the centering sections is reduced by the interlocking of the centering sections during the joining movement due to their shape.In one embodiment, a first alignment section of the connection device and a second alignment section of the conductor rail of the second lighting assembly are engaged after the centering sections have been engaged during the joining movement. They interlock perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement, so that, due to their geometric design, the clearance between them is reduced during the joining movement. However, the interlocking of the alignment sections to reduce the clearance between them, and thus between the connection device and the conductor rail, only occurs after the centering sections have been engaged and, due to their geometric shape, have already reduced the clearance.In an embodiment, which is preferably combinable with the aforementioned, the joining movement creates a connection position of the system in which at least one conductor wire and several conductor wires of the second lighting assembly are connected to the connection device, after which the conductor wires of the second lighting assembly are each inserted into an associated contact receptacle of the connection device, in particular by continuing the joining movement, thereby realizing the connection position.

[0044] The invention further relates to a lamp, manufactured, in particular by carrying out the method according to the invention, with a system according to the invention. The lamp may include features that are disclosed in connection with generic systems, the system according to the invention, the connector according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention.

[0045] A method, assembly, busbar, connector, and luminaire according to the invention may have further features that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of embodiments of the system according to the invention. It should be noted in general that, of course, the various described embodiments of different solutions according to the invention can be combined with one another in any way, and that the various solutions according to the invention may each have features that are described in connection with other solutions according to the invention and / or generic systems.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and five figures.

[0047] They show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in the assembly position; Figure 2: schematic representations of various components of the embodiment according to the invention. Figure 1 in different positions of the system and with different views; Figure 3: in a schematic diagram of the system components of the embodiment according to Figure 1 Figure 4: Components of the system in different positions within the system in various schematic diagrams; Figure 5: Components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention in various views; Figure 6: Components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention in various schematic diagrams; Figure 7: Components of the embodiment according to the invention in schematic diagrams Figure 6in the connection position of the system; Figure 8: in various schematic principle representations, views of a current-conducting profile of an embodiment of a system according to the invention; Figure 9: in a schematic principle representation, a view of components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention; Figure 10: in a schematic principle representation, a view of components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention; Figure 11: in schematic principle representations, views of a connector of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0048] In Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows an embodiment of the system with various system components in the system's assembly position, in which the system components are positioned relative to each other. The system comprises a first luminaire assembly 1 and a second luminaire assembly. 2.Each of the luminaire assemblies 1, 2 comprises a mounting rail 11, 21 in which a conductor rail 12, 22 with conductor wires 121, 221 arranged therein is held. In the illustrated mounting position, the connector 3 of the system with its coupling section is inserted into the guide receptacle of the mounting rail 11 of the first luminaire assembly 1 and fixed in position on the mounting rail 11. The [missing information] also contributes to this. Figure 1 The illustrated scratch spring is attached to the coupling side walls 32, 33 of the connector 3 and presses elastically against the inner sides of the support rail side walls of the support rail 1, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. In the assembly position, the connection device 4 of the system is fixed in position to the connector 3. In the assembly position, the Figure 2 The conductor 413 of the connection device 4, which was explained in more detail, is already electrically connected to the conductor wires 121 of the first lighting assembly 1. Figure 1 It is already apparent that the connector 3 has a first centering section 37 designed as a centering projection and that the connection device 4 has an alignment section 41 designed as an alignment projection. In the described embodiment, the connector 3 is manufactured in one piece from a sheet metal part, whereas the connection device 4 has a housing made of plastic in which the conductors 413 are held insulated from each other and which forms the alignment section 41. It should be noted generally at this point that the connector 3, with its coupling section 30, connects the mounting rails 11, 21 to each other in a positionally fixed manner for the purpose of creating a luminaire, wherein the coupling section 30 comprises a coupling base 31 and coupling side walls 32, 33.

[0049] In Figure 2 comprehensive the Figures 2a , 2b , 2c and 2dare various components of the system according to Figure 1 The system is schematically represented in principle diagrams at various positions. Figure 2a Components of the system can be identified in the system's connection position. The conductor rail 22 of the second lighting assembly 2 is pushed onto the connector 3 and the connection device 4 in the longitudinal direction X such that the conductor rail 22 is precisely aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X with the connector 3 and the connection device 4. Figure 2aIt can further be seen that the first centering section 37 is received in a second centering section 27 of the conductor rail 22, which is designed as a receptacle, and that the connecting device 4 is held in a fixed position on the connector 3. This is achieved, firstly, by the first and second retaining sections 44, 45, and secondly, by the fact that the first alignment section 41 is guided and held in a recess of the connector 3. This ensures that the position of the alignment section 41 relative to the connector 3 is precisely defined, which is particularly advantageous when the alignment section 41 is brought into engagement with the conductor rail 22 during a joining movement in the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 2aIt is already apparent that the coupling side wall 33 is particularly robust and designed for precise alignment, since it has, firstly, a stiffening formation 330, and secondly, a lower side wall end formed by a coupling side wall projection 332, which is integrated into a spring section of the coupling side wall 33 that includes a recess. The integration of the coupling side wall projection 332, which forms the coupling side wall end, into the spring section is generally advantageous according to the invention. Furthermore, it is evident from Figure 2aIt can be seen that the connector 3 has cutouts 300 in its coupling base 31, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. These cutouts 300 are punched in the coupling base 31. In these punched incisions 300, a completely closed, circumferential punched area is cut out of the coupling base 31, but is then pressed back into the coupling base 31 by a rolling process, so that a dust-tight connection is ensured. This connection can be released by pressing out the punched area, whereby pressing out the punched area creates an opening through which a supply line can be guided into the interior of the mounting rail 21 of the second lighting assembly 2. Figures 2b and 2c The interaction of the conductor rail 22 and the connection device 4 during the joining movement to reach the connection position is particularly easy to see. From Figure 2bIn the figure, which depicts a state during the joining movement in which the centering projections 37, 27 are already interlocking, it can be seen that, with further movement of the luminaire assemblies 1, 2 towards each other in longitudinal direction X, the first alignment section 41 can be brought into engagement with the second alignment section 224. The alignment sections 41, 224 each have alignment surfaces 410, 411, 412, 2240, which are designed to slide past each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, reducing any play between the conductor rail 22 and the connection device 4.For this purpose, the first alignment section 41 has vertical alignment surfaces 410 designed to reduce vertical play, as well as transverse alignment surfaces 412 designed to reduce transverse play, wherein the vertical alignment surfaces 410 and the transverse alignment surfaces 412 each run obliquely to the longitudinal direction X to enable continuous alignment. Furthermore, additional transverse alignment surfaces 411 are provided, which interact with the corresponding transverse alignment surfaces of the second alignment section 224, as shown in [reference]. Figure 2b This becomes apparent when considering that the connection device 4 is moved further in longitudinal direction X towards the conductor rail 22. Furthermore, it is evident from Figure 2bIt can be seen that the busbar 22 has a first plug-in section 222 and the connection device 4 has a second plug-in section 42, which, after the centering sections 27, 37 and after the alignment sections 41, 224 have engaged, are designed to interlock in a comb-like manner and, in the interlocked state, form channels for the conductor wires 221, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Figure 2b A cross-sectional view of the system at the connection point is shown. Figure 2c It can be seen that the conductor wire 221, when the joining movement continues from the position according to Figure 2bThe conductor 413 can be inserted into the connection opening 414 and thereby introduced into the contact receptacle 400, while sliding along the inclined surface sections 4151, 4152 formed by the housing section and the conductor 413 until it is held pressed against the conductor 413 in the connection position by the contact element 416, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Figure 2d It can be seen that the coupling side walls 32, 33 with their coupling side wall ends abut an upper guide end section 202 and a lower guide end section 201, ensuring a precise fit and thus stable fixation of the support rails 11, 21 to each other.

[0050] In Figure 3 is the connector 3 connected to the connection device 4 of the system according to Figure 1 schematically represented in a principle diagram. From Figure 3It can be seen that the connecting device 4 is fixed in position to the connector 3 via the first and second retaining sections 44, 45. Furthermore, it can be seen that the connector has two longitudinal ends, each formed by an associated longitudinal end section. The coupling side wall 33, and analogously the coupling side wall 32, has in the first longitudinal end section, which is intended to be inserted into the guide receptacle of the mounting rail 11 of the first luminaire assembly 1 to achieve the mounting position, a coupling side wall projection 334 forming the upper coupling side wall end and a coupling side wall projection 332 forming the lower coupling side wall end. This is generally advantageous according to the invention.The coupling side wall projections 334, 332 are each arranged within the longitudinal extent of a spring section of the coupling side wall 33, the spring section comprising a recess 331, 333. Upon vertical compression, the coupling side wall 33 can yield vertically along the longitudinal height of the recess 331, 333, the amount by which the coupling side wall can yield vertically being limited by the height of the recess 331, 333, so that the spring section itself has an integrated stop that limits its deflection. The second longitudinal end section, however, has only one coupling side wall projection 334 forming the lower end of the coupling side wall, but not one forming the upper end of the side wall.This makes it possible to insert the second longitudinal end section of the connector 3 particularly easily into the guide receptacle 200 of the mounting rail 21 of the second lighting assembly 2.

[0051] In Figure 4 comprehensive the Figures 4a , 4b and 4c are components of the system according to Figure 1 The system is schematically represented in principle diagrams at various positions. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between the connection device 4 and the conductor rail 2 of the second lighting assembly 2. Figure 4aThe system is shown in the joining position, in which the connector 3, with its first longitudinal end section, is inserted into the guide receptacle of the mounting rail 11 of the first luminaire assembly 1 up to a stop 35 formed by it. Providing such a stop integrated into the connector 3, which limits the path over which the connector 3 is inserted in the longitudinal direction X into the guide receptacle of the mounting rail 11, 21, is generally advantageous according to the invention. Preferably, the stop 35 is designed such that, as shown in Figure 4c As shown, in the connection position of the system, the mounting rails 11, 21 of the two luminaire assemblies 1, 2 are in direct contact with each other at their longitudinal ends, and the stop 35 is arranged in a recess 331, 333 formed jointly by the mounting rail side walls of both mounting rails 11, 21. Figure 4aIt can be seen that in the joining position of the connector 3, it is already inserted into the guide receptacle 200 of the mounting rail 21 of the second luminaire assembly 2, thus defining the relative position of the two mounting rails 11, 21 with respect to all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. However, the centering sections 27, 37 and the alignment sections 41, 224, 224 are not yet engaged. Figure 4b The connection position of the system is shown, in which the conductor wires 221 with their conductor wire end sections 2211 are each brought into contact with an associated inclined surface section 4152 of the connection device 4, wherein this inclined surface section 4152 is formed by the housing of the connection device 4, as is also shown in Figure 2c shown. Starting from the connection position, which is shown in Figure 4b is shown, and starting from the joining position according to Figure 4aThis is achieved by a longitudinal joining movement in direction X of the lighting assemblies 1, 2 and thus of the mounting rails 11, 21 relative to each other, and by continuing the joining movement in longitudinal direction X, the Figure 4c The connection position of the system shown is realized. In the connection position, the plug-in sections 42, 222 of the connection device 4 and the busbar 22 overlap, forming channels in which the conductor wires 221 are arranged. The conductor wires 221 are received in the contact receptacles of the connection device 4, and each conductor wire section 2211 is electrically conductive and in contact with an electrical conductor 413 of the connection device 4. Figure 4It can further be seen that the fixing of the lighting assemblies 1, 2 to each other is further supported by a scratch spring 38, which is attached to each coupling side wall 32, 33 of the connector 3 and presses with scratch lugs in the transverse direction Y inwards against the support rail side walls of the support rails 11, 21, generating at least a frictional connection, in particular a positive connection with the support rail side walls generated by the tips of the scratch lugs. This force or positive connection can be overcome by applying a sufficient relative force in the longitudinal direction X, with which the support rails 11, 21 can be pulled apart in the longitudinal direction X, so that starting from the in Figure 4c The connection position shown allows the lighting assemblies 1 and 2 to be separated from each other by connecting the various components. Figure 4c , 4b and 4aThe positions shown are each passed through, and then the two lighting assemblies 1,2 are completely separated from each other.

[0052] In Figure 5 comprehensive the Figures 5a , 5b , 5c and 5dA further embodiment of a system according to the invention is shown in schematic diagrams. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown above primarily in the different design of the retaining sections 44, 45 of the connection device 4 and in the different design of the overlap areas between the connection device 4 and the conductor rails 12, 22. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the retaining sections 44, 45 do not have elastic locking elements but are each designed as continuous projections that are brought into contact with corresponding retaining sections 44, 45 of the connector 3 in a press fit to fasten the connection device 4 to the connector 3. In the overlap areas, the connection device 4 and the conductor rails 12, 22 mutually interlock in the transverse direction Y. As shown in Figure 5cThe connecting device 4, with transverse side wall sections 2220 at one longitudinal end of the connecting device 4, is shown. At the opposite longitudinal end of the connecting device 4, the connecting device 4 forms transverse side walls 43 with which it transversely encompasses the connecting device 12 of the first lighting assembly 1. The transverse encompassing of the connecting device 4 and the connecting device 12, 22 is generally advantageous according to the invention and can, of course, also be realized by having the connecting device 4 transversely encompass both connecting device 12, 22 at its two longitudinal ends, or by having it transversely encompass the connecting device 22 of the second lighting assembly 2 and be transversely encompassed by the connecting device 12 of the first lighting assembly 1.In general, it is particularly advantageous for the connection device 4 to be designed corresponding to the conductor rails 12, 22 such that it transversely encompasses one of the conductor rails 12, 22 at one longitudinal end and is transversely encompassed by the other conductor rail 12, 22 at the other of its longitudinal ends. This can particularly favor a modular design of the system, since the conductor rails 12, 22 themselves can preferably be designed with their ends such that they can also encompass each other, or, if a connection device 4 is arranged between them, an overlap between the conductor rails 12, 22 and the connection device 4 can be realized at both longitudinal ends of the connection device. Figure 5It can further be seen that the connector 3 has a first positioning device 39 in its first longitudinal end section, which is to be inserted into the mounting rail 11 of the first luminaire assembly 1 to reach the joining position. This first positioning device is designed as a projection in the form of a bent tab. The second longitudinal end section has a second positioning device, designed as a recess. The positioning devices 39 reliably hold the connection device 4 in a position relative to the connector 3.For this purpose, the connection device 4 has corresponding positioning devices 39, wherein the positioning device corresponding to the first positioning device 39 is designed as a receptacle and the positioning device corresponding to the second positioning device is designed as a projection, in this case by a vertical section of the alignment section 41, which projects into the recess 331, 333 of the connector 3. Preferably, the connection device 4 is fixed at at most one of its longitudinal ends in the connection position to the conductor rail 12, 22 arranged at that longitudinal end, preferably not to either of the conductor rails 12, 22.This prevents movement of the conductor rails 12, 22 relative to the mounting rails 11, 21 caused by differing thermal expansion of the conductor rails 12, 22 and the mounting rails 11, 21, since, accordingly, the conductor rail 12, 22 can move in the longitudinal direction X relative to the connection device 4 at least at one longitudinal end during such thermal expansion. Figure 5It is further evident that the connection device 4, in addition to the second plug-in section 42 formed in one longitudinal end section, forms a further plug-in section in the other longitudinal end section, which forms the transverse side walls 43 described above. Both plug-in sections 42, 222 have projections designed to engage in corresponding recesses on the longitudinal ends of the conductor rails 12, 22.This is generally advantageous according to the invention, and these projections also generally advantageously have insertion ramps 420, 430 at their longitudinal ends facing the conductor rails 12, 22, wherein preferably, and as implemented in the present embodiment, the conductor rails 12, 22 have corresponding projections with corresponding insertion ramps 420, 430, and when the conductor rails 12, 22 and the connection device 4 are inserted into each other, the projections are pushed towards each other in the longitudinal direction X such that projections of the connection device 4 are arranged in recesses provided between the projections and the conductor rails 12, 22, and projections of the conductor rails 12, 22 are arranged in recesses provided between the projections of the connection device 4. This forms the channels described above in the overlap area between the connection device 4 and the conductor rails 12, 22 in the connection position.Out of . Figure 5 It is further evident that the connection device 4, as is generally advantageous, has spacer sections 46 with which the connection device can support itself in the vertical direction Z on the base of the support rails 12, 22, ensuring a sufficient vertical distance between its electrical conductors 413 and the base of the support rails and thus sufficient electrical insulation.

[0053] In Figure 6 Various schematic diagrams show views of components of an embodiment of a system according to the invention. Figure 6 comprehensive the Figures 6a , 6b , 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f The illustrated embodiment features a particularly advantageously designed connection device 4, which in its entirety is Figure 6aThe connection device 4 has two different plug-in sections at its longitudinal ends, with the second plug-in section 42 formed by the connection device 4 being located at one longitudinal end. The connection device 4 also has a first alignment section 41 with alignment surfaces 410, 411, 412, as shown above, for example, with reference to Figure 2 explained. Compared to the in Figure 5 The connection device 4 shown has the connection device 4 according to Figure 6The device comprises specially designed contact elements 416 and specially designed insertion ramps 420, as well as a specially designed conductor 413 and specially designed inclined surface sections 4151, 4152, 4153. The housing section of the connection device 4 forms two inclined surface sections 4152, 4153, which are opposite each other in a vertical direction Z and converge towards each other in the longitudinal direction X, starting from the longitudinal end of the projection, with their distance from each other decreasing. This is generally advantageous according to the invention. Furthermore, the conductor wire 413 forms another inclined surface section 4151, as already described in connection with Figure 5 was explained. According to the invention, it is generally advantageous and, in the embodiment shown, Figure 6The inclined surface section 4151 formed by the conductor wire 413 is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction X from an inclined surface section 4153 formed by the housing section of the connection device 4, wherein the inclined surface section 4151 formed by the electrical conductor 413 is further away in the longitudinal direction X from the longitudinal end of the projection than the inclined surface section 4153 formed by the housing section. When a conductor wire 221 is inserted into the contact receptacle 400 through the connection opening 414, the conductor wire 221 thus first comes into contact with the inclined surface section 4153 formed by the housing section before it comes into contact with the inclined surface section 4151 formed by the electrical conductor 413.This is generally advantageous according to the invention, since it allows a sufficiently wide slope to be provided in a simple manner via the housing section, guiding the conductor wire towards the electrical conductor, after which the conductor wire 221 is already guided along the electrical conductor 413 by the slope formed by its inclined surface section 4151. Furthermore, it is generally advantageous according to the invention, and implemented in the present embodiment, that the connection device 4 has channels in which its electrical conductors 413 are arranged, the channels being open on an access side of the connection device 4. It is generally advantageous that the connection position of one of the inclined surface sections 4153 of the connection device 4, which is formed by the housing section of the connection device 4, is located in the connection position of the system on the side of the conductor wire 221.of the electrical conductor 413, which is arranged on the access side of the connection device 4 and is thus accessible through the opening of the channels of the connection device 4 provided on the access side of the connection device 4. This inclined surface section 4153 has a longitudinal slot 4150 through which the conductor wire 221 in the connection position is accessible from the access side of the connection device 4, as shown in particular in . Figure 6fThis can be seen. The longitudinal slot 4150 has a slot width that is less than 80%, in particular less than 70%, of the width of the conductor wire 221, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Furthermore, the longitudinal slot extends over a longitudinal length that is more than twice, in particular more than three times, the slot width, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. The special design of the inclined surface sections 4151, 4152, 4153 and the provision of the longitudinal slot 4150 simultaneously ensure particularly advantageous guidance of the conductor wire into the contact receptacle 400 and ensure accessibility of the conductor wire 221 in the connection position from the access side, which allows for variable positioning of a contact device in the longitudinal direction X along the busbars or the connection device of the system. From the overall view of the Figures 6b , 6c, 6d, and 6eFurthermore, the particularly advantageous design of the electrical conductor 413 and the contact elements 416 of the described embodiment is evident. The conductor wires 413 are connected to a contact element 416 at each of their longitudinal end regions. The connection device 4 thus has two groups of contact elements 416, a first group being arranged at a first longitudinal end of the electrical conductors 413 and a second group at a second end of the electrical conductors 413. The electrical conductors 413 each have lateral projections 4131, between which the electrical conductors 413 have constrictions. The projections 4131 are thus spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X by the constrictions.The contact elements 416 each have a retaining section 4161 in which recesses 4160 are provided that correspond to the projections 4131, wherein in the connection device 4 an electrical conductor 413 is fixed to two contact elements 416 by its projections 4131 extending into the recesses 4160 that extend through the retaining section 4161 of the respective contact element 416, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. This ensures reliable fixation of the electrical conductor 413 to the contact element 416. The contact elements 416 each also have two fixing legs 4162, which are formed in a U-shaped bracket and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The fixing legs 4162 extend vertically Z away from the retaining section 4161.The two fixing legs 4162 are connected to each other by a spring arm 4163, which is held vertically spaced from the electrical conductor 413 by the fixing legs 4162. The spring arm 4163 thus forms a bridge between the fixing legs 4162. The spring arm 4163 has a projection facing the electrical conductor 413, which is provided in a longitudinal center region of the spring arm 4163 and forms the contact section of the contact element 416. The longitudinal center region extends over a distance of less than 50% of the distance between the fixing legs, with respect to the longitudinal direction X, around the longitudinal center of the distance between the fixing legs, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Due to the particular design of the spring arm 4163, as shown in . Figure 6eAs shown, a conductor wire 221 is reliably held pressed against the electrical conductor 413 by spring-elastic deflection of the spring arm 4163, in that the contact section formed by the projection of the spring arm 4163 presses vertically against the conductor wire 221. For this purpose, the electrical conductor 413 further has, as is generally advantageous according to the invention, a receiving area 4130 adjacent to the inclined surface section 4151 formed by it, in which the inclined surface section has a contour that is adapted to the contour of the conductor wire 221. This contour is curved, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. Furthermore, the electrical conductor 413 has a top surface A, which forms a section of the access side of the connection device 4 and which is accessible from the access side over the entire longitudinal extent of the electrical conductor 413, which is generally advantageous according to the invention.It is generally advantageous that the holding section 4161 of the contact element 416 is arranged on the underside B of the electrical conductor 413, which faces away from the top A.

[0054] In Figure 7 are components of the embodiment according to Figure 6 schematically represented in various principle diagrams. Figure 7The illustration shows, firstly, a view of a section through a seventh conductor wire 221, and secondly, a view of a section through a sixth conductor wire 221, wherein the sixth and seventh conductor wires 221 are adjacent conductor wires 221 in the transverse direction. The illustration clearly shows that, in the depicted connection position, the plug-in sections of the connection device 4 overlap with plug-in sections of the busbars, whose conductor wires are electrically connected to the electrical conductors 413 of the connection device 4. The conductor wires 221 are each electrically crimped to the respective conductor wire 221 by a contact element 416.Due to the different cross-sections, it is evident that the projections of the second plug-in section formed by the connecting device 4 have an inclined surface section 4153 which has a longitudinal groove 4150, whereas such an inclined surface section is not provided for the recesses. The inclined surface section 4351 is formed leading up to the inclined surface section 4151 formed by the electrical conductor 413.

[0055] In Figure 8Schematic diagrams of a current-conducting profile 7 of an embodiment of a system according to the invention are shown in various views. The current-conducting profile 7 has a first plug-in section 72 and a second plug-in section 71. The first plug-in section 72 of the current-conducting profile 7 is identical to the first plug-in section of the current-conducting rail of the second lighting assembly of a system according to the invention in the described embodiment, wherein the illustrated current-conducting profile forms the outermost current-conducting profile of the current-conducting rail, which, with its first plug-in section 72, forms the first plug-in section of the current-conducting rail. Figure 8It can be seen that the first plug-in section 72 forms inclined surfaces 74 on its underside, which are designed to engage a connection device 4 during the connection of the conductor profile 7 to the connection device 4 by connecting its first plug-in section 72 to the second plug-in section 42, as occurs during the joining movement of the system. Furthermore, it is evident that the conductor rail 7 forms channel sections in its first plug-in section 72, which are bounded on their transverse sides by channel wall sections, some of which are lower than other channel wall sections 732, 7311. The plug-in sections 71, 72 of the conductor profile 7 are configured to correspond to each other, and the second plug-in section 42 of the connection device 4 is configured to correspond accordingly. Figure 6 to the first plug section 72 of the current-conducting profile 7 according to Figure 8trained. It is evident that when the connection device 4 is joined according to Figure 6 with the current conduction profile 7 according to Figure 8, in which the second plug-in section 42 of the connection device 4 is pushed longitudinally into the first plug-in section 72 of the current-conducting profile 7, the projections of the respective plug-in sections 72, 42 are inserted into the recesses of the other plug-in section 42, 72, so that in the connection position the projections of the plug-in sections 42, 72 ultimately abut each other in the transverse direction, with their channel wall sections abutting each other. Accordingly, two identically designed current-conducting profiles 7 with their first and second plug-in sections can be joined together. This forms a pair of projections whose channel wall sections abut each other, with one of these channel wall sections 7310 projecting vertically beyond the other of these channel wall sections 7311 and overlapping this other channel wall section 7311 by running vertically above it and transversely overlapping it. Furthermore, it is made of Figure 8It can be seen that in the connection position, the joined plug sections 71, 72, 42 jointly form continuous channel sections, which are formed by the projections of one of the plug sections inserting into the recesses of the other plug sections. Some of these jointly formed channel sections are bounded by channel wall sections formed by the described pair of channel wall sections 7310, 7311, wherein these channel sections are bounded on one side by a first pair of channel wall sections 7310, 7311 and on the other side by another pair of channel wall sections 7310, 7311, wherein each of these pairs of channel wall sections vertically overlaps the other as described above, and wherein the overlapping channel wall section of one of these pairs is formed by the connection device and the overlapping channel wall section of the other pair is formed by the current-conducting profile.This is generally advantageous according to the invention. For even in the case of relative movement between the current-conducting profile and the connection device, which can occur, for example, due to thermal expansion, it is then ensured that at least one side of such a channel is bounded by a uniformly high channel wall over the largest possible area.

[0056] In Figure 9A schematic diagram shows a view of components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly special in that the connection device 4 has further contact elements 417, which are provided at each branch of one of the conductor wires 413 of the connection device 4. These further contact elements 417 together form a plug device that is accessible along the vertical direction. In the connection position, this plug device extends through the base of one of the mounting rails, so that a corresponding socket device for feeding or tapping electrical signals into or from the electrical conductors 413 can be connected particularly easily from outside the mounting rail.

[0057] In Figure 10 comprehensive the Figures 10a, 10b , 10c and 10dVarious sections and views of an embodiment of a current conductor rail according to the invention, which can also be used in a system according to the invention, are shown in different schematic diagrams. The current conductor rail comprises several current-conducting profiles 120, 220, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction X. The current-conducting profiles 120, 220 each have a plug-in section at their longitudinally facing ends. Figure 10The plug-in sections of the conductor profiles 120, 220 are shown, whereas the areas of the conductor profiles 120, 220 adjoining the plug-in sections are by no means fully shown, so that the plug-in sections can be depicted in sufficient detail. Naturally, the conductor profiles, with their actual conductor bodies in which they form channels for conductor wires, extend over a multiple, in particular at least ten times, of the length of the plug-in sections. The conductor profiles 120, 220 interlock with their plug-in sections and are thus connected to each other in a longitudinally overlapping manner in direction X. While the conductor profiles 120, 220 extend over the substantial portion of their respective longitudinal extent, which is shown in Figure 10Not shown, the channels with continuously continuous channel walls 1273, 2273 form alternating projections 1274, 2274 and recesses 1271, 2271 in their connecting sections. A recess 1271, 2271 of each connecting section is formed between two projections 1274, 2274 of the respective connecting section. The recesses 1271, 2271 are designed such that they are suitable for receiving one projection 1274, 2274 of the other connecting section. In the Figures 10a and 10b The conductive profiles 120 and 220 are shown with their plug-in sections inserted into one another. Figure 10a The current-conducting profiles 120, 220, and thus the current-conducting rail, are shown mounted in a mounting rail 11. Figure 10c is the plug section of one of the current-conducting profiles 120, in Figure 10dThe corresponding plug-in section of a second of the current-conducting profiles 220 is shown, wherein these corresponding plug-in sections are arranged plugged into one another to realize a current-conducting rail according to the invention, as shown in the Figures 10a and 10b shown.

[0058] From the Figures 10c and 10d It is evident that the projections of both plug-in sections each have insertion chamfers 1272, 2272 at their longitudinal ends, with which they form the longitudinal ends of the respective plug-in section. The projections each form a section of a channel of the conductor rail. As can be seen in particular from Figure 10aAs can be seen, a recess 1271, 2271 of one of the conductor profiles 120, 220, together with the projection 1274, 2274 of the other conductor profile 120, 220 arranged therein, jointly form a section of the conductor rail channel. The conductor profiles 120, 220 are mounted so as to be slidably relative to each other in the longitudinal direction X, while the projections 1274, 2274 of the interlocking plug-in sections are located in the recesses 1271, 2271 of the respective other plug-in section and are mounted so as to be slidably slidable in the longitudinal direction X. Figure 10It is evident that the projections 1274, 2274 each form a channel section bounded in the transverse direction Y by two channel wall sections. In these channel wall sections, the projections each have a channel wall thickness that varies with the longitudinal direction X. In a defined longitudinal region 1275, 2275, the projections 1274, 2274 each have their maximum wall thickness. This defined longitudinal region 1275, 2275 is spaced apart from the respective longitudinal end of the plug section, which forms the respective longitudinal end of the respective current-conducting profile 120, 220. Furthermore, this defined longitudinal region is spaced apart from the longitudinal ends of the respective projection 1274, 2274 and thus also from the longitudinal ends of the recess 1271, 2271 of the plug section formed between two adjacent projections 1274, 2274 of one of the plug sections.This ensures, firstly, and particularly in combination with the advantageous insertion ramps 1272, 2272 provided in the present embodiment, simple longitudinal insertion of the current-conducting profiles 120, 220, since the respective recess 1271, 2271, which receives the associated projection 1274, 2274 of the other plug-in section, has a sufficiently large clear width at its longitudinal end to accommodate this projection 1274, 2274 with minimal friction. Furthermore, in the maximally inserted position of the corresponding plug-in sections, which is shown in the... Figure 10not shown, and in which the projections 1274, 2274 are inserted as far as possible into the recesses 1271, 2271 of the respective other plug-in section, friction between the nested plug-in sections, which prevents a relative longitudinal displacement of the plug-in sections relative to each other, is reduced as far as possible, since the channel wall thickness only has its maximum value over a small defined longitudinal area and thus the constriction of the recesses 1271, 2271 formed between two projections is limited to the smallest possible longitudinal extent. At the same time, however, as can be seen from the Figures 10b and 10cAs can be seen, reliable protection against contact is ensured by the thickening of the channel wall thickness in the defined longitudinal area. It should be taken into account that, especially in such a relative position of the conductor profiles 120, 220 to each other, in which their plug-in sections overlap only slightly in the longitudinal direction X, as can occur, for example, at high temperatures and the resulting thermal expansion during use in a system according to the invention, the projections 1274, 2274 extend only slightly into the corresponding recesses 1271, 2271 of the other plug-in section. Thus, simplified access to the conductor wires 9 arranged in the channels of the conductor rail, which are formed by the conductor profiles 120, 220 of the conductor rail, is provided across the clear width of the recesses 1271, 2271. Due to the increased channel wall thickness, or...The resulting constriction ensures greater stability and thus reduces the bending of the channel walls formed by the projections 1274, 2274, and furthermore, the clear width of the recesses 1271, 2274 is reduced, which ensures effective protection against contact. [A section of the...] Figures 10b and 10c The exemplary contact finger 8 is thus effectively prevented by the thickening from reaching the conductor wires 9, even when the current-conducting profiles 120, 220 are in their maximum possible spread position, within the longitudinal extent of the recesses 1271, 2271.

[0059] In Figure 11 comprehensive the Figure 11a and 11b The connector 3 of an embodiment of a system according to the invention is shown schematically in two different views. The connector 3 comprises a coupling base 31, a first coupling side wall 32, and a second coupling side wall 33. Figure 11aA view of the second longitudinal end of coupling 3 is shown, in Figure 11bA view of the first longitudinal end of the coupling 3. At both longitudinal ends, the connector 3 has a longitudinal end region 326, 336 on each of its coupling side walls 32, 33, which runs at an angle to the longitudinal direction X. The first longitudinal end regions 326, 336 at the first longitudinal end of the connector 3 together form the absolute first longitudinal end of the connector 3, and the second longitudinal end regions 326, 336 at the second longitudinal end of the connector together form the absolute second longitudinal end of the connector 3. The coupling base 31 has a centering section 37 at each of its two longitudinal ends, which in this case is designed as a centering projection. The coupling side walls 32, 33 have lower coupling side wall projections 332 and upper coupling side wall projections 334 as well as recesses 331, 333.Furthermore, stiffening ribs 330 are provided in the coupling side walls 32, 33, while a flat wall area connects the upper and lower coupling side wall ends of the two coupling side walls 32, 33, these coupling side wall ends being formed by the coupling side wall projections 332, 334. In addition, a stop 35 is provided on each coupling side wall 32, 33, which is designed to limit the insertion depth of the coupling 3 in a support rail 1. In addition, a scratch spring 38 is provided on each of the coupling side walls 32, 33, which forms scratch lugs 381 by means of which it can bear against a respective support rail side wall for fixation and electrical contact. In addition, recesses 300 are provided in the coupling base 31 for passing electrical conductors through the coupling base 31.Each coupling side wall 32, 33 has a receptacle 360 ​​that forms an undercut in the respective coupling side wall, allowing a special disassembly tool to engage with the undercut and thereby easily remove the connector 3 from a support rail 1. Furthermore, each coupling side wall 32, 33 has a further receptacle 361, the further receptacles 361 being aligned with each other in the transverse direction Y, so that a disassembly tool, for example a rod-shaped disassembly tool, can be inserted through both further receptacles 361. With this tool, a pulling force can then be easily applied to the connector 3 relative to the support rail 1 in order to pull the connector 3 out of or disassemble it from the support rail 1. Reference symbol list

[0060] 1 First lighting assembly 2 Second lighting assembly 3 Connector 4 Connection device 7 Conductor profile 11 Mounting rail 12 Conductor rail 21 Mounting rail 22 Conductor rail 27 Second centering section 30 Coupling section 31 Coupling base 32 Coupling side wall 33 Coupling side wall 35 Stop 37 First centering section 38 Scratch spring 39 First positioning device 41 First alignment section 42 Second plug-in section 43 Side wall 44 Retaining section 45 Retaining section 46 Spacing section 71 Plug-in section 72 Plug-in section 74 Slanted surface 120 Conductor profile 121 Conductor wire 200 Guide receptacle 201 Lower guide end section 202 Upper guide end section 220 Conductor profile 221 Conductor wire 222 First plug-in section 224 Second alignment section 300 Cutout 326 Longitudinal end area 336 Longitudinal end area 330 Stiffening forming 331 Recess 332 Coupling side wall projection 333 Recess 334 Coupling side wall projection 360 Receptacle 361 Further receptacle 371 Guide surface 381 Scratch nose 400 Contact point410 Alignment surface 411 Alignment surface 412 Alignment surface 413 Conductor 414 Connection opening 416 Contact element 417 Further contact element 420 Lead-in chamfer 430 Lead-in chamfer 451 Locking element 452 Locking element 720 Lead-in chamfer 731 Channel wall section 732 Channel wall section 1271 Recess 1272 Lead-in chamfer 1273 Channel wall 1274 Projection 1275 Defined longitudinal area 2211 Conductor wire end section 2220 Transverse side wall section 2240 Alignment surface 2271 Recess 2272 Lead-in chamfer 2273 Channel wall 2274 Projection 2275 Defined longitudinal area 4130 Receiving area 4131 Projection 4150 Longitudinal slot 4151 Slanted surface section 4152 Slanted surface section 4153 Slanted surface section 4160 Recess 4161 Retaining section of the contact element 4162 Fixing leg 4163 Spring arm 7310 Channel wall section 7311 Channel wall section XLanterior direction Ytransverse direction Zvertical direction

Claims

1. System for realizing a luminaire, the system comprising a connector (3) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) and having a coupling section (30), a connection device (4), and a first and a second elongated luminaire assembly (1, 2), each comprising a mounting rail (11, 21) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and a conductor rail (12, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and attached to the mounting rail (11, 21) with conductor wires (121, 221) extending in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the connector (3) is attached in a mounting position to a longitudinal end of the mounting rail (11) of the first luminaire assembly (1) and the connection device (4) is electrically connected to the conductor wires (121) of the first luminaire assembly (1),that the coupling section (30) extends from the longitudinal end along the longitudinal direction (X) away from the mounting rail (11) of the first lighting assembly (1) and can be inserted into a corresponding guide receptacle (200) of the mounting rail (21) of the second lighting assembly (2) for the mechanical fixing of the mounting rails (11, 21) to each other, thereby realizing a joining position of the lighting assemblies (1, 2) to each other. characterized by the fact thatthe connector (3) or the connection device (4) has a first centering section (37) and the second luminaire assembly (2) has a second centering section (27), which are designed to engage with each other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) during a joining movement of the luminaire assemblies (1, 2) starting from the joining position in the longitudinal direction (X) to realize a connection position of the luminaire assemblies (1, 2) with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement, wherein in the connection position the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) are inserted into a contact receptacle (400) of the connection device (4) assigned to them, bearing against a contact element (416) of the contact receptacle, and that the connection device (4) has a first alignment section (41) and the conductor rail (22) of the second luminaire assembly (2) has a second alignment section (224), which are designed toduring the joining movement, after the centering sections (27, 37) have engaged, the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) are to engage with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), and / or the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) can be guided by the joining movement into a connection position in which at least one of the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) rests against the connection device (4), and subsequently, starting from the connection position, in particular by continuing the joining movement, the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) can be brought into direct contact with their respective associated contact element (416).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe first and / or the second centering section (37, 27) each have guide surfaces (371) extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction (X) and pointing in opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), which are designed to limit the play decreasing during the joining movement by sliding contact with the respective corresponding centering sections (37, 27) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein in particular the guide surfaces (371) each extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction (X) at least in longitudinal sections at an angle of at most 65°, in particular at most 45°.

3. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatone of the centering sections (37, 27) has a centering projection and another of the centering sections (37, 27) has a centering receptacle which defines a receiving area corresponding to the centering projection in which the centering projection is arranged in the connection position with its entire extension in the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein in particular the centering projection and / or the receiving area tapers over at least 20%, in particular at least 40%, of its longitudinal extension.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe alignment sections (41, 224) each have alignment surfaces (410, 411, 412, 2240), wherein the alignment surfaces (410, 411, 412) of the first alignment section (41) are designed to limit the play between the alignment sections (41, 224) during the joining movement by sliding against the alignment surfaces (2240) of the second alignment section (224), wherein at least two of the alignment surfaces (410, 411, 412, 2240) extend obliquely to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein in particular the alignment surfaces (410, 411, 412, 2240) comprise vertical alignment surfaces that point vertically and in particular in the longitudinal direction (X) towards each other, and / or that the alignment surfaces (410, 411, 412, 2240) comprise transverse alignment surfaces that point transversely and, in particular, longitudinally (X) to each other.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe connector (3) and the connection device (4) each have at least one first retaining section (45) and one second retaining section (44), wherein, for fastening the connector (3) and the connection device (4) to one another, the first retaining section (45) of the connector (3) rests at a first contact point on the first retaining section (45) of the connection device (4) and the second retaining section (44) of the connector (3) rests at a second contact point on the second retaining section (44) of the connection device (4), wherein, in particular, the connector (3) and the connection device (4) each have two first retaining sections (45) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (X),wherein each of the first retaining sections (45) of the connecting device (4) is assigned to exactly one of the first retaining sections (45) of the connector (3) and this pair of assigned first retaining sections (45) abuts each other at a first contact point assigned to this pair of first retaining sections (45) for fastening the connecting device (4) to the connector (3), and / or wherein the connector (3) and the connecting device (4) each have two second retaining sections (44) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein each of the second retaining sections (44) of the connecting device (4) is assigned to exactly one of the second retaining sections (44) of the connector (3) and this pair of assigned second retaining sections (44) abuts each other at a second contact point assigned to this pair of second retaining sections (44) for fastening the connecting device (4) to the connector (3).

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe conductor rail (22) of the second luminaire assembly (2) has at least one first plug-in section (222) at one of its longitudinal ends, which is configured to engage in a comb-like manner with at least one corresponding second plug-in section (42) of the connection device (4) during the joining movement after the centering sections (37, 27) have engaged, wherein in particular the first plug-in section (222) and the second plug-in section (42) are each configured in a comb-like manner, wherein in particular the first and the second plug-in section (222, 42) have several projections (1274, 2274) and recesses (1271, 2271) which are arranged alternately one behind the other perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), and which are configured to engage only after the centering sections (37, 27) have engaged and / or only after the alignment sections (41, 224) have engaged, such that one of the projections (1274, 2274) one of the plug sections (222,42) is arranged in one of the recesses (1271, 2271) of the other of the plug-in sections (222, 42), and in particular each of the projections (1274, 2274) in the connection position is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) against one of the projections of the other of the plug-in sections (222, 42), wherein in particular the plug-in sections (222, 42) are electrically insulating and together enclose at least one of the conductor wires (221) section by section.

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe contact receptacles (400) each comprise a housing section that defines a receiving space in which an electrical conductor (413) is arranged at least section by section, the receiving space having a connection opening (414), wherein the connection opening (414) of the housing section of at least some of the contact receptacles (400) is limited perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) by an insertion ramp, wherein, in particular, when inserted into their respective associated contact receptacles (400) of the connection device (4), the conductor wires (221) are guided from the connection position through a respective connection opening (414) with a clearance that decreases during insertion due to the insertion ramp, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), into the receiving space of the respective associated contact receptacles (400) for the electrically conductive system on the electrical conductor (413).wherein in particular the housing sections of at least some of the contact receptacles (400) are formed within the second plug-in section (42) formed by the connection device (4), wherein in particular the busbar (12, 22) has an access side on which its channels are open and from which the conductor wires (121, 221) are accessible, wherein inclined surface sections (4153) of the insertion ramp formed by the housing sections each have a longitudinal slot (4150) through which a conductor wire (121, 221) arranged in the contact receptacle (400) is accessible from the access side, wherein in particular the longitudinal slot (4150) has a slot width that is less than a width of the conductor wire (121, 221) arranged in the connection position in the contact receptacle (400) forming the insertion ramp.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatThe housing section and the electrical conductor (413) each form an inclined surface section (4151, 4152) of the insertion ramp, wherein the inclined surface sections (4151, 4152) are designed to limit the play perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) that decreases during insertion through the insertion ramp by sliding contact with the respective conductor wire (121, 221), wherein the inclined surface sections (4151, 4152) point in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the connection side and the inclined surface sections (4151, 4152) of the electrical conductor (413) and the housing section point perpendicular to each other in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein in particular the inclined surface section (4151) of the electrical conductor (413) is offset to the rear in the longitudinal direction (X) relative to the inclined surface section (4152) of the housing section.

9. System according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized by the fact thata length of the inclined surface section (4152) formed by the housing section along the longitudinal direction (X) is at least 1.5 times, in particular at least 3 times, in particular at least 7 times, of a length of the inclined surface section (4151) formed by the electrical conductor (413) along the longitudinal direction (X), wherein in particular a first acute angle at which the inclined surface section (4152) formed by the housing section is inclined to the longitudinal direction (X) is at most 100% of a second acute angle at which the inclined surface section (4151) formed by the electrical conductor (413) is inclined to the longitudinal direction (X).

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least one of the conductor wires (121, 221) has a conductor wire end section (2211) comprising an absolute longitudinal end of the respective conductor wire (121, 221), the cross-section of which decreases perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) at least over 10%, in particular at least over 25%, in particular at least over 50% of its course along the longitudinal direction (X) towards the absolute longitudinal end and / or wherein the conductor wire end section (2211) extends in an arc-like manner along its entire extent for insertion into the contact receptacle (400) associated with its conductor wire (221).

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least some of the contact elements (416) are designed for spring-elastic crimping of the respective associated electrical conductor with the conductor wire resting against it in the connection position, wherein these contact elements have a retaining section (4161) on which the electrical conductor (413) is fixed in position, and a contact section which is connected to the retaining section (4161) via a spring arm (4163), wherein the contact section is spaced apart from the electrical conductor (413) forming a receptacle for the conductor wire (121, 221) associated with the respective contact element, wherein in the connection position the conductor wire (121, 221) associated with the respective contact receptacle (400) is arranged in the receptacle and the spring arm (4163) is deflected from its rest position and exerts a crimping force on the conductor wire (121, 221) towards the electrical conductor (413),wherein, in particular, the contact elements (416) designed for spring-elastic crimping of the respective associated electrical conductor (413) with the conductor wire (121, 221) resting on it in the connection position have two fixing legs (4162) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and each extending away from the holding section (4161), wherein the spring arm (4163) is designed as a bridge connecting the fixing legs (4162) to each other and spaced apart from the electrical conductor (413), wherein, in particular, the contact section is designed as a projection facing the electrical conductor (413) and is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X) between the fixing legs (4162) and from the two fixing legs (4162), wherein, in particular, the contact element (416) is designed such that, during insertion of the associated conductor wire (121,221) in the receptacle the fixing legs (4162) remain rigid and only the spring arm (4163) undergoes elastic deformation.

12. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the conductor rail (22) of the second luminaire assembly (2) is attached to the mounting rail (21) of the second luminaire assembly (2) forming a gap enclosed by the mounting rail (21) and the conductor rail (22) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), in which the second centering section (27) engages with the first centering section (37) starting from the joining position.

13. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe centering sections (37, 27) and / or the alignment sections (41, 224) are designed to interlock while maintaining their respective shape, wherein in particular the centering sections (37, 27) and / or the alignment sections (41, 224) interlock behind each other exclusively perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) during the joining movement, in the connection position and / or in the connection position, and / or that the coupling section (30), the first centering section (37) and in particular the connection device (4) are fixedly connected to each other, wherein in particular the first centering section (37) projects in the assembly position and in the joining position in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the second luminaire assembly (2) over the connection device (4) and the coupling section (30) projects over the first centering section (37).

14. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe centering sections (27, 37) and / or the alignment sections (41, 224) are designed to interlock along a first direction and along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) eccentrically with respect to an extension of the mounting rail (21) of the second luminaire assembly (2), wherein, in particular in the connection position and / or in the connection position, the centering projection (37) is spaced along the transverse direction (Y) from a first absolute transverse end of the connector (3) by a transverse distance, in particular by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, less than from an opposite second absolute transverse end of the connector (3).

15. Luminaire realized by means of a system according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the system is located in the connection position.

16. Method for realizing a luminaire, wherein a connector (3) is attached to a mounting rail (11) of a first luminaire assembly (1) and is subsequently inserted into a mounting rail (21) of a second luminaire assembly (2), mechanically fixing the mounting rails (11, 21) of the two luminaire assemblies (1, 2) to one another, realizing a joining position of the luminaire assemblies (1, 2) to one another, wherein a connection device (4) is electrically connected to the conductor wires (121, 221) of the luminaire assemblies (1, 2), realizing a connection position of the system in which the mounting rails (11, 21) are fixed to one another by the connector (3), wherein in the connection position they are in contact with each other, in particular with their longitudinal ends, and in which the conductor rails (12, 22) are electrically connected to one another by the connection device (4). characterized by the fact thatAfter the joining position has been established, the first luminaire assembly (1) with the connector (3) is moved relative to the second luminaire assembly (2) by a joining movement in a longitudinal direction (X), and that during the joining movement a first centering section (37) of the connector (3) or the connection device (4) and a second centering section (27) of the second luminaire assembly (2) are brought into engagement and interlock perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement, wherein a first alignment section (41) of the connection device (4) and a second alignment section (224) of the busbar (22) of the second luminaire assembly (2) are brought into engagement after the centering sections (37,27) are brought into engagement during the joining movement and interlock with a clearance that decreases during the joining movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and / or a connection position of the system is created by the joining movement in which at least one conductor wire (221) of several conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) rests against the connection device (4), after which the conductor wires (221) of the second luminaire assembly (2) are each brought into contact with a contact element (416) of the connection device (4) assigned to them, in particular by continuing the joining movement, thereby realizing the connection position.

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