Lighting assembly for suspending a ceiling of a building

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting arrangement (1) for suspending from a ceiling of a building, which has several metal support rails (2), wherein at least one of the support rails (2) has at least one busbar (11) with several electrical conductors (12), wherein one of the conductors (12) forms a protective conductor (12') which is electrically connected to the support rail (2), wherein the lighting arrangement (1) has at least one luminaire (16) which is attached to at least one of the support rails (2) and is electrically connected to several of the conductors (12).Improved functionality is achieved by the fact that the support rails (2) form at least two first support rails (2-1) which run parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and next to each other, and at least one second support rail (2-2) which runs perpendicular to the two parallel first support rails (2-1), and that the lighting arrangement (1) has two metal slides (47) for each second support rail (2-2) for holding the respective second support rail (2-2) on the two first support rails (2-1), wherein the respective slide (47) is attached to the respective first support rail (2-1) by means of at least one first fastening element (48) which interacts with the receiving groove (9) of the respective first support rail (2-1) and is electrically connected to it.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting arrangement that can be suspended from the ceiling of a building according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A generic lighting arrangement is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 212 615 A1 and comprises several straight metal support rails, each of which has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile transverse to its longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional profile has two profile legs, a profile base connecting the two profile legs, and a profile opening opposite the profile base. On their facing inner surfaces, in the area of ​​the profile opening, each of the two profile legs forms a receiving pocket, which is open towards the profile base and closed at the profile opening. Furthermore, the cross-sectional profile has a receiving groove on an outer surface of the profile base facing away from the profile opening.At least one of the mounting rails is configured as a current-carrying mounting rail, which has a conductor rail arranged on an inner surface of the profile base facing the profile opening and which has several electrical conductors, one of which forms an electrical protective conductor that is electrically connected to the current-carrying mounting rail. Furthermore, the lighting arrangement includes at least one luminaire that is attached to at least one of the mounting rails and is electrically connected to several of the conductors of the respective conductor rail. The known lighting arrangement is designed as a continuous light strip in which the mounting rails are directly adjacent to one another in their longitudinal direction and abut each other at their ends. Each pair of adjacent mounting rails is mechanically connected to one another by means of a connector, the respective connector being axially inserted into both mounting rails.In the well-known light strip, all mounting rails are configured as current-carrying mounting rails, with the connector also being configured to electrically connect the power rails of adjacent mounting rails.

[0003] Using the familiar lighting arrangement, designed as a linear light strip, only a linear configuration can be achieved on the ceiling. However, there is a need to implement other lighting situations and / or other functionalities on the ceiling.

[0004] Lighting arrangements are known from DE 10 2022 119 424 A1, US 2021 / 0 278 064 A1 and US 2024 / 0 125 463 A1, comprising at least two first support rails parallel to each other and at least one second support rail, wherein the respective second support rail runs perpendicular to the at least two first support rails and is connected to them.

[0005] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment of a lighting arrangement of the type described above, which is characterized in particular by an increased utility value.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention is based on the general concept of equipping the lighting arrangement with at least two sliders configured to allow one such support rail to be attached to two further support rails running perpendicularly to it. The ability to connect the support rails in both a longitudinal and a transverse direction enables a planar configuration for the lighting arrangement, significantly increasing its utility. In particular, the transversely oriented support rails allow for different lighting scenarios that are not possible with exclusively longitudinally oriented support rails. Furthermore, a planar configuration can also be used for other purposes, significantly improving the range of applications for the lighting arrangement.

[0008] In the present context, a "configuration" is synonymous with a "design" and / or "setup", so that the phrase "configured so that" is synonymous with the phrase "designed so that" and / or "set up so that".

[0009] Specifically, it is proposed that the mounting rails consist of at least two first mounting rails running parallel to each other, spaced apart, and side by side, and at least one second mounting rail running perpendicular to the two parallel first mounting rails. Furthermore, the lighting arrangement includes two metal sliders for each second mounting rail to hold the respective second mounting rail to the two first mounting rails. Each slider can then be attached to the respective first mounting rail by means of at least one first fastening element that interacts with the receiving groove of the respective first mounting rail and electrically connected to it.

[0010] By fixing and electrically connecting the respective slider to the respective first support rail using the respective first fastening element, its grounding can be transferred to the respective slider.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sliders can be configured such that, with the first mounting elements removed, the respective second mounting rail can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the first mounting rails. This makes it particularly easy to position the respective second mounting rail relative to the first mounting rails and thus within the lighting arrangement using the sliders. Furthermore, the set positions can be easily changed as needed and, for example, adapted to a different usage situation of the lighting arrangement.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sliders on the respective second support rail can be held in a vertical direction by positive locking, perpendicular to an arrangement plane that extends parallel to the longitudinal directions of the respective first and second support rails. Furthermore, the sliders on the respective second support rail can be displaceable in its longitudinal direction between an unlocking position, in which the respective second support rail can be attached to and removed from the first support rail, and a locking position, in which the respective second support rail is firmly connected to the respective first support rail. This measure achieves a particularly high level of assembly reliability and strength or rigidity for the lighting arrangement.The sliding mechanism of the respective second support rail, with the first fastening elements removed, can be present in both the unlocked and locked positions. Typically, the sliding mechanism is smoother in the unlocked position than in the locked position.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective slider can be attached to the respective second support rail in the locking position by means of at least one second fastening element that interacts with the receiving groove of the respective second support rail and is electrically connected to it. This measure secures the locking position and transfers the grounding of the respective slider to the respective second support rail.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment, the respective support rail in the cross-sectional profile can have an undercut contour on the outside at the transition between the two profile legs and the profile base. The undercut contour can be used, for example, for attaching clips that engage positively in the undercut contours and that can be configured for attaching a clamp to secure a suspension element.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective slider can have a hook which, in the locking position, engages the respective undercut contour of the respective first support rail on a side facing away from the second support rail, thereby creating a positive fit. Furthermore, the slider is configured such that, in the unlocking position, the hook is released from the respective undercut contour, thereby disengaging the positive fit. This positive fit enables a particularly effective securing of the respective second support rail to the respective first support rail by means of the slider.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, each slider can have two parallel gripping contours that engage with the two undercut contours of the respective second support rail and are adjustable therein in the longitudinal direction of the rail. This measure simplifies effective fixing of the sliders to the respective second support rail with respect to the vertical direction and their adjustability with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the slider may have a base body that rests on the outside of the profiled base of the second support rail. The two gripping contours are formed on this base body, and a projection extends from it in the longitudinal direction of the second support rail. This projection rests on the outside of the profiled base of the first support rail and includes the hook. Advantageously, the projection on the base body may be arranged eccentrically and dimensioned such that two second support rails can be attached to the same first support rail on opposite sides, ensuring they are coaxially aligned with respect to their longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the slider may be configured as a sheet metal part formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the two profile legs each form a receiving pocket on their facing inner sides in the area of ​​the profile opening. This pocket is open towards the profile base and closed at the profile opening. The lighting arrangement also includes at least one metal node for mechanically connecting at least two support rails perpendicular to each other. Each node has two plug-in tabs on a coupling side for the respective support rail. These tabs are inserted into the two receiving pockets of the respective support rail along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, each node has a support tab on the coupling side for the respective support rail, which rests against the outer surface of the profile base of the respective support rail.Furthermore, the support bracket can optionally be attached to the respective mounting rail by means of a fastening element that interacts with the receiving groove and electrically connected to it. The plug-in tabs and the support bracket mechanically connect the at least two mounting rails to the respective node. The respective fastening element secures the plug-in tabs inserted into the receiving pockets. It also establishes an electrical connection between the respective mounting rail and the node, thus automatically grounding the node. Through the electrical connection of the node to the at least two connected mounting rails, the grounding of a live mounting rail, which is grounded via its electrical connection to the protective conductor, can also be transferred to other mounting rails, even if these are not themselves configured as live mounting rails.This creates a particularly efficient touch protection for the lighting arrangement.

[0019] Preferably, all mounting rails within the lighting arrangement have the same profile cross-section. However, the individual mounting profiles can differ in length. Furthermore, the mounting rails within the lighting arrangement can be configured with a conductor rail as a live mounting rail or without such a conductor rail, and accordingly as a non-live mounting rail. It is also generally possible to mount a luminaire on a non-live mounting rail, which itself does not contain a conductor rail, and to electrically connect it to the conductor rail of a live mounting rail by means of suitable electrical cables, particularly through a junction.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the nodes can be configured as an L-node, designed for the mechanical connection of exactly two support rails running perpendicularly, i.e., at right angles to each other. Each L-node has exactly two coupling sides. The two coupling sides are rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being perpendicular to an arrangement plane that runs parallel to the longitudinal directions of the two support rails. Such an L-node is used, for example, in a rectangular lighting arrangement in the area of ​​a corner.

[0021] In another embodiment, at least one of the nodes may be configured as a T-node for mechanically connecting exactly three support rails, one of which runs perpendicular to the other two parallel or linearly aligned support rails. The respective T-node then has exactly three coupling sides. Two of the coupling sides are directly adjacent to each other and are rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to the aforementioned axis of rotation. Thus, two of these coupling sides are rotated 180° relative to each other with respect to the axis of rotation and are opposite each other.

[0022] According to another embodiment, at least one of the nodes may be designed as an X-node, configured for the mechanical connection of exactly four support rails, two of which run parallel or linearly to each other and perpendicular or at right angles to the other two. Each X-node has exactly four coupling faces.

[0023] The provision and / or use of L-nodes and / or T-nodes and / or X-nodes creates a wide range of possibilities for the design of the lighting arrangement, resulting in extremely high flexibility for different configurations of the lighting arrangement.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment, each node may have a metal node body comprising the coupling faces and from which the plug-in tabs and support tabs project. The node body has a base that defines the node's vertical boundary perpendicular to a plane parallel to the longitudinal directions of the support rails connected to the node. The node body may have an opening in the vertical direction opposite the base, providing access to the node's interior. Furthermore, each node may have a metal cover that closes the opening and is attached to the node body by at least one fastening element, thus providing an electrical connection.The respective node is thus configured in a cuboid shape and, in particular, in a cube shape, and is characterized by high stability.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective coupling side can be open in the longitudinal direction of the adjoining support rail, so that an interior space of the adjoining support rail is open in the longitudinal direction to the interior space of the node. This makes it particularly easy to route electrical cables within the lighting arrangement from the interior of one support rail through the respective node to the interior of another support rail.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the respective coupling side can be open vertically when the cover is removed. With the cover removed, for example, an electrical cable can be inserted vertically into the interior of the node and into the interior of the adjoining mounting rails. This simplifies the electrification of the lighting arrangement, even if the lighting arrangement is already suspended from the ceiling.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the node base may have an opening for attaching a suspension element to the node base, the suspension element being configured to attach the node to the ceiling. Alternatively, the opening can be closed with a plug. In other words, the node can be used to suspend the lighting assembly from the ceiling. For this purpose, a suitably configured suspension element is installed in the area of ​​the opening on the node base. The node is configured to be sufficiently stable to absorb the loads and transfer them to the attached mounting rails. If, however, the node is not used for suspension, the opening can be closed with the plug.The plug is conveniently designed to be removable from the bottom opening, allowing the opening to be used for attaching the suspension element even after the fact. Alternatively, the bottom opening can be configured as a punch-through opening, which, in the new or delivered state of the node, is closed by the material of the node base and reinforced by a predetermined breaking point, such as a perforation, a material weakening, or similar feature. The bottom opening can be opened as needed by pushing or punching through the material sealing it, and can also be closed again with a plug if necessary.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the node body may comprise a sheet metal component formed by forming a single piece of sheet metal. This component includes the node base, the connecting tabs, and the support tabs, and features two side tabs for each coupling side. The connecting tabs project from these side tabs. In principle, the node body could consist solely of this sheet metal component. However, in another embodiment, the node body may also include at least one stiffening element, located inside the node body and attached to the side tabs of the sheet metal component. This stiffening element provides the node body with particularly high stability. The stiffening elements may be welded to the side tabs of the node body and / or to the node base.The stiffening elements can be configured as U-shaped brackets.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lighting arrangement can have at least one mounting element which has at least one holder that interacts with the receiving groove of one of the support rails to hold the mounting element on the respective support rail. This gives the receiving groove of the respective support rail an additional function, namely to secure the respective mounting element to the lighting arrangement.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least two of the support rails can be arranged parallel to each other, spaced apart, and side by side, so that a gap is formed between the two support rails. At least one such mounting element can then be configured to bridge this gap. Furthermore, the respective mounting element can have at least two brackets and be held on both support rails by means of at least one of the brackets on each rail. This allows, in particular, larger mounting elements to be attached to the lighting arrangement, thereby increasing its versatility and further improving its usability.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the respective mounting element can be configured as flat and even. Furthermore, at least one mounting element can be a lighting element, a grille element, a wall element, a sound-absorbing element, or a loudspeaker element. If one of the mounting elements has an electrical load, it can be connected particularly easily to one of the busbars by means of electrical cables, whereby the cable can be routed largely inside the mounting rails and, if necessary, through at least one node. In the area of ​​the respective mounting element, the cable can then be guided through an opening recessed in the profile base.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support rails can be arranged in such a way that they form at least two parallel, spaced-apart and adjacent rows of support rails, in each of which several support rails follow one another in a straight line.

[0033] It may be advantageous to provide that the two rows of support rails are connected to each other by at least one support rail running perpendicular to the rows of support rails, which is connected to at least one support rail of each support rail row by means of one of the nodes. For example, each support rail can be connected to exactly one support rail of one support rail row via an L-node at the end of one support rail row. Furthermore, each support rail can be connected to exactly two support rails of the respective support rail row via a T-node.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment, the two support rail rows can be connected to each other by at least one support rail running perpendicular to the support rail rows, which is connected to one of the support rails of the respective support rail row by means of one of the slides in each of the two support rail rows. The respective support rail can then be positioned virtually arbitrarily along the support rail rows, for example between the longitudinal ends of a support rail of the respective support rail row and / or between two nodes that each connect two adjacent support rails of the respective support rail row.

[0035] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the support rails are arranged to form at least two parallel, spaced-apart, and adjacent rows of support rails, in each of which several first support rails follow one another in a straight line. Furthermore, the two rows of support rails are connected to each other by at least two third support rails running parallel to each other and perpendicular to the two rows of support rails, each of which is connected to at least one of the first support rails of the respective support rail row by means of one of the nodes. Since at least two third support rails are connected to the first support rails of the two rows of support rails via two nodes each, the lighting arrangement comprises at least four nodes.The at least four nodes connecting the two third support rails to the at least two first support rails define four corners of a rectangle in the lighting arrangement, each side of which is formed by at least one of the support rails. Furthermore, it can be provided that the support rails form at least one second support rail running perpendicular to the first support rails or perpendicular to the third support rails, which is connected to the two first support rails or to the two third support rails by means of the sliders. This allows the lighting arrangement to be used in a particularly versatile manner.

[0036] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0037] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0039] They show, schematically, Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of a section of a lighting arrangement whose support rails are connected to each other by nodes and sliders; Figure 2 is an isometric view from above of a section of the lighting arrangement whose support rails are connected to each other only by nodes; Figure 3 is an isometric view from below of the section of the lighting arrangement made of Figure 2 Figure 4 shows an isometric view from above of a section of the lighting arrangement, the support rails of which are connected to each other only by sliders; Figure 5 shows an isometric view from below of the section of the lighting arrangement made of Figure 4Figure 6 is an isometric top view of the lighting arrangement in another embodiment, Figure 7 is an isometric top view of the lighting arrangement in a further embodiment, Figure 8 is a cross-section of a mounting rail of the lighting arrangement, Figure 9 is an isometric, unfolded view of a node of the lighting arrangement, Figure 10 is an isometric view of the node, Figure 11 is an isometric view of the node, but in another embodiment, Figure 12 is a top view of the node in various embodiments a, b and c, Figure 13 is a bottom view of the lighting arrangement in the area of ​​a node, Figure 14 is an isometric top view of the lighting arrangement in the area of ​​a node, Figure 15 is an isometric view as in Figure 10, however, in a separated representation, Figure 16 shows different views of the lighting arrangement in the area of ​​a slider in different assembly states a, b and c, Figure 17 shows different views of the lighting arrangement in the area of ​​an attachment element in different assembly states a, b and c.

[0040] According to the Figures 1 to 7 The lighting arrangement 1, configured for suspension from a ceiling of a building (not shown here), comprises several straight metal support rails 2, each having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile 3 perpendicular to its longitudinal direction X, as can be seen in Figure 8. The longitudinal direction X is indicated in the figures by double arrows. Figure 8 The longitudinal direction X of the rail is perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0041] Accordingly Figure 8The U-shaped cross-sectional profile 3 has two profile legs 4, a profile base 5 that connects the two profile legs 4, and a profile opening 6 opposite the profile base 5. Figure 8 The two profile legs 4 are shown on the left and right, the profile base 5 is shown at the top, and the profile opening 6 is shown at the bottom. The two profile legs 4 are shaped such that they each form a receiving pocket 7 on their facing inner surfaces in the area of ​​the profile opening 6, with each receiving pocket 7 facing towards the profile base 5, i.e., in Figure 8 The profile is open at the top and closed at the bottom at the profile opening 6. The cross-sectional profile 3 also has a receiving groove 9 on an outer surface 8 of the profile base 5 facing away from the profile opening 6. The receiving groove 9 is, in this example, the Figure 8 configured as an undercut and can be used to define a suspension element 10.

[0042] At least one of the mounting rails 2 of the lighting arrangement 1 can be configured as a current-carrying mounting rail 2', which according to Figure 8 is equipped with at least one busbar 11. In the example of the Figure 8 Two busbars 11, each comprising several electrical conductors 12, are arranged in the current-carrying mounting rail 2'. The busbars 11 are arranged on an inner side 13 of the profile base 5 facing the profile opening 6. At least in one of the busbars 11, one of the conductors 12 forms an electrical protective conductor 12', which is electrically connected to the current-carrying mounting rail 2' in a suitable manner. Figure 8 A connector 14 is shown, which in the example of the Figure 8It is configured to interact only with the busbar 11 shown on the left and to be electrically connected to its conductor 12. The plug 14 can, for example, be configured as a power inlet for supplying electrical energy to the conductors 12 or as a power outlet for drawing electrical energy from the conductors 12. By way of example only, and without limiting generality, the electrical contact between the live mounting rail 2' and the protective conductor 12' is achieved by means of a connecting element 15 formed on the plug 14, which electrically contacts both the protective conductor 12' and the mounting rail 2.

[0043] The lighting arrangement 1 shows, according to the Figures 3 , 5 and 8Furthermore, at least one luminaire 16 is mounted on at least one of the mounting rails 2 and electrically connected via appropriate wiring to several of the conductors 12 of such a busbar 11. Short electrical cables result when the respective luminaire 16 is arranged on a live mounting rail 2'. However, it is also possible to mount a luminaire 16 on a mounting rail 2 that does not itself contain a busbar 11 using correspondingly longer electrical cables. Figure 8The respective luminaire 16 can, for example, be formed on a mounting bracket 17, which is configured such that it can be clipped into the cross-sectional profile 3 of the respective mounting rail 2 in the area of ​​the profile opening 6, with the respective mounting bracket 17 closing the profile opening 6. Corresponding locking contours can be formed on the profile legs 4 in the area of ​​the receiving pockets 7, which interact with a complementary outer contour of the mounting bracket 17. In the example of the Figure 8The luminaire 16 comprises a straight circuit board 18 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the rail and featuring a plurality of light-emitting elements 19 arranged successively in the longitudinal direction X of the rail. Furthermore, the luminaire 16 includes optics 20 with a lens 21 to generate the desired light emission. Advantageously, the device carrier 17 can be dimensioned to be the same length as the mounting rail 2, so that the device carrier 17 closes the profile opening 6 along the entire length of the mounting rail 2. In other embodiments, the device carrier 17 can also be shorter than the mounting rail 2. The remaining sections of the mounting rail 2, which are then not covered by the device carrier 17, can then be provided with closing elements that can also be advantageously clipped into the cross-sectional profile 3 to close the profile opening 6.For mounting rails 2 that do not have a light 16, the profile opening 6 can be closed with such locking elements and / or with such device carriers 17, whereby the device carriers 17 can then have no light 16, but at least one other electrical consumer of any kind, such as a surveillance camera and / or an illuminated emergency exit sign.

[0044] In the example of the Figure 8 In the cross-sectional profile 3, a separating web 62 is formed on the inside 13 of the profile base 5 to create two separate receiving spaces on the profile base 5, each configured to receive a busbar 11. The separating web 62 is hollow and serves to form the receiving groove 9 on the outside 8 of the profile base 5.

[0045] According to the Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7The lighting arrangement 1 shown here is equipped with several metal nodes 22, which are also described individually in the Figures 9 to 15 The nodes 22 are configured for the mechanical connection of at least two mutually perpendicular support rails 2. According to the Figures 9 to 12 and 15 Each node 22 for the respective support rail 2 has two plug-in tabs 24 on a coupling side 23, which can be inserted into the two receiving pockets 7 of the respective support rail 2 in the longitudinal direction X of the respective support rail 2, or are inserted in the assembled state. Furthermore, each node 22 for the respective support rail 2 has a support tab 25 on the respective coupling side 23, which, in the assembled state, rests on the outer side 8 of the profile base 5 of the respective support rail 2 and is secured in the assembled state by means of a fastening element 26 that interacts with the receiving groove 9 and is located in the Figure 14 and 15 It is recognizable that the respective mounting rail 2 is attached to and electrically connected to it. For this purpose, the respective mounting rail 25 is equipped with a through-opening 27. The fastening element 26 is designed here as a metal screw, the thread of which is matched to the through-opening 27 and the receiving groove 9 such that, when screwed in, the fastening element 26 creates an electrical contact on the one hand with the node 22 and on the other hand with the mounting rail 2. For example, the thread of the metal screw can penetrate a paint or coating on the mounting rail 2 and / or the node 2 and cut into the material or metal of the node 22 and the mounting rail 2.

[0046] According to Figure 12aAt least one of the nodes 22 can be configured as an L-node 22-L, which is configured for the mechanical connection of exactly two mutually perpendicular support rails 2. The L-node 22-L has exactly two coupling sides 23. These are rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to a rotation axis 28, wherein this rotation axis 28 is perpendicular to an arrangement plane 29 in which the longitudinal directions X of the two support rails 2 extend or which runs parallel to the longitudinal directions X of the two support rails 2. In the Figures 12a to 12c The arrangement plane 29 extends parallel to the drawing plane and the axis of rotation 28 is perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0047] According to Figure 12bAt least one of the nodes 22 can be configured as a T-node 22-T, which is configured for the mechanical connection of exactly three support rails 2, wherein one of the three support rails 2 runs perpendicular to the other two support rails 2, and the other two support rails 2 run parallel to each other. Accordingly, the T-node 22-T has exactly three coupling sides 23. The coupling sides 23 are arranged on the T-node 22-T such that any two immediately adjacent coupling sides 23 are rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 28, while the two non-immediately adjacent coupling sides 23 are rotated 180° relative to each other and are opposite each other.

[0048] According to Figure 12cAt least one of the nodes 22 can be configured as an X-node 22-X, which is configured for the mechanical connection of exactly four support rails 2, two of which run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the other two support rails 2. For this purpose, the respective X-node 22-X has exactly four coupling sides 23. The four coupling sides 23 are arranged on the X-node 22-X such that any two coupling sides 23 that are not immediately adjacent to each other are rotated 180° relative to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 28 and are opposite each other, while immediately adjacent coupling sides 23 are each rotated 90° relative to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 28.

[0049] According to the Figures 9 to 11Each node 22 has a metal node body 30, which has coupling sides 23 and from which the plug-in tabs 24 and the support tabs 25 project. This node body 23 has a node base 31, which limits the node 22 in a vertical direction Z that runs perpendicular to the arrangement plane 29, which runs parallel to the longitudinal rail directions X of the support rails 2 connected to each other by means of the node 22. Thus, the vertical direction Z extends parallel to the aforementioned axis of rotation 28. The node body 30 has a node opening 32 in the vertical direction Z opposite the node base 31, through which an unspecified interior space of the node 22 is accessible. The node opening 32 is only in Figure 9The node 22 is recognizable. Furthermore, each node 22 has a metal cover 33 that closes the node opening 32 and is attached to the node body 30 by means of at least one fastening element 34, thus creating an electrical connection. For this purpose, corresponding screw openings 35 can be provided on the cover 33 and the node body 30. Here, too, the fastening elements 34 can be configured as metal screws, which are aligned with the screw openings 35 such that the screw threads cut into the material of the cover 33 and the node body 30, thereby creating the electrical connection for the protective conductor.

[0050] How in particular the Figures 9 to 11 As can be seen, the nodes 22 are configured such that the respective coupling side 23 is open in the longitudinal direction X of the adjoining support rail 2, so that an unspecified interior space of the adjoining, in the Figures 9 to 11However, the support rail 2, not shown, is open in the longitudinal direction X towards the interior of node 22. Furthermore, with the cover 33 removed, the respective coupling side 23 is also open in the vertical direction Z. This means, for example, that according to the Figure 13 and 15 possible, an electrical cable 36 in the vertical direction Z, which in Figure 13 running perpendicular to the drawing plane, it is to be inserted into the interior of node 22 and into the interior of the adjoining support rails 2. It is clearly visible that it extends into Figure 13 cable 36 from a connector 14, which is in the Figure 13 vertically extending support rail 2 is inserted into the current rail 11 arranged there, through the node 22 to a plug 14 which is in the Figure 13 the horizontally running support rail 2 is inserted into the power rail 11 arranged there.

[0051] According to the Figures 9 to 15The node base 30 can optionally be equipped with a bottom opening 37, wherein in the area of ​​the bottom opening 37 on the node base 31 according to the Figure 9 , 10 , 14 and 15 A suspension element 10 can be attached, configured to fasten the node 22 to the ceiling. The suspension element 10 can include a steel cable 38 and a fitting 39 for fastening the steel cable 38 to the node base 31. The fitting 39 penetrates the base opening 37 and is secured to the node base 31 by a nut 40. If the node base 31 is equipped with such a base opening 37, but the associated node 22 is not required for suspending the lighting arrangement 1, the base opening 37 can be configured according to the Figure 11 and 12 be closed by means of a plug 41.

[0052] The node body 30 can advantageously be designed as a sheet metal part 42 or comprise a sheet metal part 42 formed by forming a single piece of sheet metal. The node base 31, the locking tabs 24, and the support tabs 25 are formed on this sheet metal part 42. Furthermore, two side tabs 43 are formed on this sheet metal part 42 for each coupling side 23. The locking tabs 24 project from these side tabs 43. The node body 30 also has at least one stiffening element 44, which is arranged in the node body 30 and is attached to the side tabs 43 and / or to the node base 31, for example, by welding. In the X-node 22-X shown in Figures 9 to 11 and 12c, the node body 30 has two such stiffening elements 44, each configured as a U-shaped bracket, which is attached to four side tabs 24 and to the node base 31.The screw openings 35, which serve to fasten the cover 33 to the node body 30, are also formed on the respective stiffening element 44. In addition, two guide tabs 45 are formed on each coupling side 23 of the respective stiffening element 44, which engage in the cover 33 when it is placed on the node body 30 and thereby align the cover 33 with the node body 30. Figure 9 and 15 are recognizable.

[0053] At the L-junction 22-L according to Figure 12a The node body 30 also has two closed side walls 46, each opposite one of the coupling sides 23. Advantageously, the sheet metal part 42 also has these two closed side walls 46. The L-node 22-L also has two stiffening elements 44, each designed as a U-shaped bracket and attached to the side tabs 43, the node base, and the two closed side walls 46. The T-node 22-T according to Figure 12b The node body 30 has only one such closed side wall 46, which is opposite the coupling side 23 that directly adjoins the other two coupling sides 23. The T-node 22-T also has two stiffening elements 44, each designed as a U-shaped bracket, which are attached to the side tabs 43, the node base 41, and the closed side wall 46.

[0054] In the examples of Figures 1 to 3 Four nodes 22 are identifiable, namely one L-node 22-L, two T-nodes 22-T and one X-node 22-X. In the examples of the Figures 6 and 7 A total of nine nodes 22 are identifiable, namely four L-nodes 22-L, four T-nodes 22-T and one X-node 22-X. In the example of the Figure 3 Nine suspension elements 10 are indicated for suspending the lighting arrangement 1, each of which is connected to one of the nodes 22, so that the suspension of the lighting arrangement 1 is carried out exclusively by means of the nodes 22.

[0055] According to the Figure 1 , 4 and 5 The support rails 2 can form at least two first support rails 2-1, which run parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and side by side, and at least one second support rail 2-2, which runs perpendicular to the two parallel first support rails 2-1. The lighting arrangement 1 can now have two metal sliders 47 for each second support rail 2-2, which are configured to hold the respective second support rail 2-2 on the two first support rails 2-1. In the Figures 16a, 16b and 16cFigure 1 shows an enlarged section of the lighting arrangement 1 in the area of ​​one of these sliders 47 in various views and different mounting states. Each slider 47 can be attached to and electrically connected to the respective first support rail 2-1 by means of at least one first fastening element 48, wherein the respective first fastening element 48 interacts with the receiving groove 9 of the respective first support rail 2-1. For example, the first fastening element 48 can again be designed as a metal screw whose thread cuts into both the material of the slider 47 and the material of the support rail 2. The sliders 47 can advantageously be configured such that the respective second support rail 2-1 is displaceable along the first support rails 2-1 in their longitudinal direction X when the first fastening elements 48 are missing or removed. A corresponding displaceability 49 is shown in the Figure 1 ,4 , 5 and 16 Each indicated by a double arrow.

[0056] Each slide 47 is held on the respective second support rail 2-2 in the vertical direction Z by a positive fit. Furthermore, the slides 47 are configured such that they are held on the respective second support rail 2-2 in its longitudinal direction X between a Figure 16b shown unlocking position EP and one in Figure 16a The locking position VP shown is movable. In the unlocking position EP according to Figure 16b The respective second support rail 2-2 in the vertical direction Z according to a double arrow 66 in Figure 16bThe second support rail 2-2 can be attached to and removed from the first support rail 2-1. In other words, the second support rail 2-2 can be moved in the vertical direction Z relative to the first support rail 2-1, namely removed upwards and attached downwards. In the locking position VP, however, the respective second support rail 2-2 is fixedly connected to the respective first support rail 2-1. In the locking position VP, the respective slide 47 can be attached to the respective second support rail 2-2 by means of at least one second fastening element 50 and electrically connected to it, the respective second fastening element 50 interacting with the receiving groove 9 of the respective second support rail 2-2. The second fastening elements 50 can also be configured as metal screws, the threads of which cut into the material of the slide 47 and the material of the second support rail 2-2 when the slide 47 is attached to the second support rail 2-2.To move the slider 47 between the locking position VP and the unlocking position EP, the first and second fastening elements 48, 50 must be loosened and / or removed.

[0057] According to Figure 8 Each mounting rail 2 has an undercut contour 52 in its cross-sectional profile 3 on the outside at a transition 51 between the two profile legs 4 and the profile base 5, with respect to the vertical direction Z. It is noteworthy that all mounting rails 2 within the lighting arrangement 1 can have the same cross-sectional profile 3. All mounting rails 2 can therefore be configured identically. However, the mounting rails 2 can expediently be configured with different lengths with respect to their longitudinal direction X, for example, to adapt the lighting arrangement 1 to local conditions.

[0058] According to the Figures 16a to 16cThe respective slide 47 can be equipped with a hook 53 which, in the locking position VP, according to the Figure 16a and 16c on a side facing away from the second support rail 2-2, it engages in the respective undercut contour 52 of the respective first support rail 2-1. In the unlocking position EP according to Figure 16b The hook 53, on the other hand, comes free from the respective undercut contour 52. In other words, in the unlocking position EP, the hook 53 is moved sufficiently far out of the undercut contour 52 to allow the slider 47, and thus the second support rail 2-2, to be lifted upwards from the first support rail 2-1.

[0059] The respective slide 47 can be expediently adjusted according to the Figures 16a to 16cThe slide 47 has two parallel gripping contours 54, configured to engage with the two undercut contours 52 of the respective second support rail 2-2, thus creating a positive fit and being adjustable in the longitudinal direction X of the second support rail 2-2. Advantageously, the slide 47 may have a slide base 55 that rests on the outer surface 8 of the respective profile base 5, i.e., on the outside of the profile base 5 of the respective second support rail 2-2. The two gripping contours 54 are formed on this slide base 55. Furthermore, a projection 56 extends from the slide base 55 in the longitudinal direction X of the respective second support rail 2-2.

[0060] This projection 56 rests on the outer surface of the profile base 5 of the respective first support rail 2-1 and has the aforementioned hook 53. The projection 56 is expediently arranged off-center on the slide base body 55, such that, according to the Figure 1 and 4 Two second support rails 2-2 can be attached to the same first support rail 2-1 on opposite sides such that they are coaxially or linearly aligned with respect to their longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, it can be provided that the respective slide 47 is configured as a sheet metal part, which is manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal by forming.

[0061] According to the Figure 1 , 4 and 5 The lighting arrangement 1 has several attachment elements 57, each attachment element 57 having at least one holder 58 which interacts with the receiving groove 9 of one of the support rails 2 to hold the attachment element 57 on the respective support rail 2. According to the Figures 17a to 17c The mounting elements 57 are attached to the respective support rail 2 from above and laterally, such that the bracket 58 can be inserted into the respective receiving groove 9 on the outer side 8 of the respective profile base 5. According to the Figures 17a to 17c The respective holder 58 may have a tab 67 which, according to an arrow 68, points in Figure 17c the mounting groove 9 engages. The bracket 58 is configured here so that, in the mounted state, it fits according to Figure 17c The attachment element 57 rests laterally against the support rail 2 and, in particular, is flush with it.

[0062] The Figure 1 , 4 and 5 It can also be seen that at least two of the support rails 2 run parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and next to each other, such that a distance 59 is formed between the two support rails 2. In the examples of Figure 1 , 4 and 5Three parallel, essentially horizontal support rails 2 are visible, with the middle support rail 2 having a larger distance 59 from the upper support rail 2 and a smaller distance 59 from the lower support rail 2. Two attachment elements 57 are configured to bridge the respective distances 59. Each attachment element 57 has two brackets 58 and is held to two of the support rails 2 by at least one of the brackets 58. The attachment elements 57 are flat and essentially planar. At least one attachment element 57 can be configured as a lighting element, a grille element, a wall element, a sound-absorbing element, or a loudspeaker element. It is clear that any other configuration for the attachment elements 57 is also conceivable.

[0063] According to the Figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7The support rails 2 can be arranged such that they form at least two parallel, spaced-apart, and adjacent rows of support rails 60, in each of which several first support rails 2-1 follow one another in a straight line or linear sequence. In the examples of Figures 1 to 3 Two such support rail rows 60 are shown. In the examples of Figures 6 and 7 Three such support rail rows 60 are shown. Each pair of support rail rows 60 is connected to each other by at least one third support rail 2-3 running perpendicular to the support rail rows 60, which is connected to at least one first support rail 2-1 of the respective support rail row 60 by means of one of the nodes 22 at each of the two support rail rows 60. In the example of the Figure 1Three support rails 2 are visible, running perpendicular to the two support rail rows 60 and connecting the two support rail rows 60 to each other. Two of these three support rails 2 form third support rails 2-3 and are each connected to the two support rail rows 60 by means of two nodes 22. Figure 1 The upper, essentially horizontal third support rail 2-3 is connected to an essentially vertical first support rail 2-1 of the respective support rail row 60 by means of an L-node 22-L and a T-node 22-T. The lower, essentially horizontal third support rail 2-3, on the other hand, is connected to two essentially vertical first support rails 2-1 of the respective support rail row 60 by means of a T-node 22-T and an X-node 22-X.

[0064] Furthermore, in Figure 1The middle, essentially horizontal support rail 2 also includes a second support rail 2-2 of the type described above, which is connected to the two sliders 47, each of which is connected to one of the essentially vertical first support rails 2-1 of the two support rail rows 60. In other words, in the support rail rows 60, first support rails 2-1 are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction X of the rails, and the support rails 2 running transversely to them then form the second support rails 2-2 and the third support rails 2-3. The upper and the lower third support rails 2-3 are in the lighting arrangement 1 of the Figure 1 Each of the two second support rails 2-2 is connected via two nodes 22 to at least one first support rail 2-1. The middle second support rail 2-2, on the other hand, is connected via two sliders 47 to a first support rail 2-1 of the respective support rail row 60.

[0065] In other words, in Figure 1The support rails 2 are arranged such that they form at least two parallel, spaced-apart, and adjacent rows of support rails 60, in each of which several first support rails 2-1 follow one another in a straight line. Furthermore, the two rows of support rails 60 are connected to each other by at least two third support rails 2-3 running parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rows of support rails 60, which are connected to at least one of the first support rails 2-1 of the respective row of support rails 60 by means of one of the nodes 22. Since at least two third support rails 2-3 are connected to the first support rails 2-1 of the two rows of support rails 60 via two nodes 22 each, the lighting arrangement 1 comprises at least four nodes 22.The at least four nodes 22, which connect the two third support rails 2-3 with the at least two first support rails 2-1, define four corners 63 of a rectangle 64 in the lighting arrangement 1, the sides of which are each formed by at least one of the support rails 2, namely by two first support rails 2-1 and two third support rails 2-3. Furthermore, it is provided that the support rails 2 form at least one second support rail 2-2 running perpendicular to the first support rails 2-1 (or perpendicular to the third support rails 2-3) and thus parallel to the third support rails 2-3 (or parallel to the first support rails 2-1), which is connected to the two first support rails 2-1 (or to the two third support rails 2-3) by means of the sliders 47.The second support rail 2-2 is arranged between the two third support rails 2-3 (or between the two first support rails 2-1) and is attached between their nodes 22 on the respective first support rail 2-1 (or on the respective third support rail 2-3). The bracketed expressions indicate an alternative variant not shown.

[0066] In the Figures 5 and 6 In the embodiments shown, three support rail rows 60 are provided, each having two first support rails 2-1 and each being connected to each other via three third support rails 2-3, wherein the third support rails 2-3 are each connected via two nodes 22 to at least one first support rail 2-1 of the respective support rail row 60.

[0067] In the Figures 1 to 5It is also indicated that several connecting elements 10 are attached to the support rails 2 by means of suspension clamps 61. The suspension clamps 61 engage in the undercut contours 52 of the respective support rail 2. In the example of the Figure 1The suspension elements 10 are only attached to those support rails 2 that are rigidly connected to other support rails 2 via nodes 22. Support rails 2 that are only connected to other support rails 2 via the slides 47 are not used for suspending the lighting arrangement 1. The support rails 2 rigidly connected to each other via the nodes 22 form a support structure 65, which has load-bearing support rails 2, while the support rails 2 equipped with the slides 47 form supported support rails 2, which are held on the load-bearing support rails 2 or on the support structure 65 by means of the slides 47. Both the load-bearing support rails 2 and the supported support rails 2 can be used for attaching the mounting elements 57.

Claims

1. Lighting arrangement (1) for suspension from a ceiling of a building, - wherein the lighting arrangement (1) comprises several straight metal support rails (2) which each have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile (3) transverse to their longitudinal direction (X), - wherein the cross-sectional profile (3) comprises two profile legs (4), a profile base (5) connecting the two profile legs (4) and a profile opening (6) opposite the profile base (5), - wherein the cross-sectional profile (3) has a receiving groove (9) on an outer surface (8) of the profile base (5) facing away from the profile opening (6), - wherein at least one of the support rails (2) is configured as a current-carrying support rail (2') which has at least one conductor rail (11) arranged on an inner surface (13) of the profile base (5) facing the profile opening (6) and which has several electrical conductors (12),- wherein one of the conductors (12) forms an electrical protective conductor (12') which is electrically connected to the respective current-carrying mounting rail (2'), - wherein the lighting arrangement (1) comprises at least one luminaire (16) which is attached to at least one of the mounting rails (2) and is electrically connected to several of the conductors (12), , characterized by - that the support rails (2) form at least two first support rails (2-1) that run parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and side by side, and at least one second support rail (2-2) that runs perpendicular to the at least two parallel first support rails (2-1), - that the lighting arrangement (1) for each second support rail (2-2) has two metal sliders (47) for holding the respective second support rail (2-2) on the at least two first support rails (2-1), - thatthe respective slider (47) is attached to the respective first support rail (2-1) by means of at least one first fastening element (48) which interacts with the receiving groove (9) of the respective first support rail (2-1) and is electrically connected to it.

2. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by - that the sliders (47) are configured such that the respective second support rail (2-2) can be moved along the first support rails (2-1) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the rails when the first fastening elements (48) have been removed.

3. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by - that the sliders (47) are held on the respective second support rail (2-2) in a vertical direction (Z) by positive locking, which runs perpendicular to an arrangement plane (29) which extends parallel to the longitudinal directions (X) of the respective first support rails (2-1) and the respective second support rail (2-2), - that the sliders (47) on the respective second support rail (2-2) in its longitudinal direction (X) are movable between an unlocking position (EP), in which the respective second support rail (2-2) can be attached to and removed from the first support rails (2-1) in the vertical direction (Z), and a locking position (VP), in which the respective second support rail (2-2) is firmly connected to the respective first support rail (2-1).

4. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized by - that the respective slider (47) is attached to the respective second support rail (2-2) in the locking position (VP) by means of at least one second fastening element (50) which interacts with the receiving groove (9) of the respective second support rail (2-2) and is electrically connected to it.

5. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - thatthe respective support rail (2) in the cross-sectional profile (3) has an undercut contour (52) on the outside at the respective transition (51) between the two profile legs (4) and the profile base (5).

6. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized by - that the respective slider (47) has a hook (53) which, in the locking position (VP), engages on a side away from the second support rail (2-2) in the respective undercut contour (52) of the respective first support rail (2-1) and, in the unlocking position (EP), is released from the respective undercut contour (52).

7. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by - thatthe respective slider (47) has two parallel gripping contours (54) which engage with the two undercut contours (52) of the respective second support rail (2-2) and are adjustable therein in the longitudinal direction (X) of the respective second support rail (2-2).

8. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized by - that the respective slide (47) has a slide base body (55) which rests on the outside of the profile base (5) of the respective second support rail (2-2), on which the two gripping contours (54) are formed and from which a projection (56) extends in the longitudinal direction (X) of the respective second support rail (2-2), - that the projection (56) rests on the outside of the profile base (5) of the respective first support rail (2-1) and has the hook (53).

9. Lighting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - thatthe two profile legs (4) each form a receiving pocket (7) on their facing inner sides in the area of ​​the profile opening (6), which is open towards the profile base (5) and closed at the profile opening (6), - that the lighting arrangement (1) has at least one metal node (22) for mechanically connecting at least two perpendicular support rails (2), - that The respective node (22) for the respective support rail (2) has two plug-in tabs (24) on a coupling side (23) which are inserted into the two receiving pockets (7) of the respective support rail (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the respective support rail (2), - thatThe respective node (22) for the respective support rail (2) has a support tab (25) on the coupling side (23) which rests on the outside (8) of the profile base (5) of the respective support rail (2) and is attached to the respective support rail (2) by means of a fastening element (26) which cooperates with the receiving groove (9) and is electrically connected to it.

10. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized by - that the respective node (22) has a node body (30) made of metal, which has the coupling sides (23) and from which the plug-in tabs (24) and the carrying tabs (25) protrude, - that the node body (30) has a node base (31) that limits the node (22) in a vertical direction (Z) that is perpendicular to an arrangement plane (29) that extends parallel to the longitudinal directions (X) of the support rails (2) connected to each other by means of the node (22), - thatthe node body (30) has a node opening (32) in the vertical direction (Z) opposite the node base (31), through which an interior of the node (22) is accessible, - that The respective node (22) has a metal cover (33) that closes the node opening (32) and is attached to the node body (30) by means of at least one fastening element (34) and is thus electrically connected.

11. Lighting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - that the lighting arrangement (1) includes at least one attachment element (57) which has at least one holder (58) which cooperates with the receiving groove (9) of one of the support rails (2) to hold the respective attachment element (57) on the respective support rail (2).

12. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 11, characterized by - thatat least two of the support rails (2) run parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and next to each other, such that a gap (59) is formed between the at least two support rails (2), - that at least one such attachment element (57) is configured to bridge the gap (59), - that the respective attachment element (57) has at least two supports (58) and is held on the at least two support rails (2) by means of at least one of the supports (58) each.

13. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by - that the respective attachment element (57) is designed to be flat and even, and / or - that at least one such attachment element (57) is a lighting element, a grid element, a wall element, a sound insulation element or a loudspeaker element.

14. Lighting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - thatthe support rails (2) are arranged such that they form at least two parallel, spaced apart and adjacent rows of support rails (60), in each of which several support rails (2) follow one another in a straight line, - that the at least two support rail rows (60) are connected to each other by at least one support rail (2) running perpendicular to the support rail rows (60), which is connected to one of the support rails (2) of the respective support rail row (60) by means of one of the slides (47) on the at least two support rail rows (60).

15. Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or according to claim 9 and one of the preceding claims, characterized by - thatthe support rails (2) are arranged such that they form at least two parallel, spaced apart and adjacent rows of support rails (60), in each of which several first support rails (2-1) follow one another in a straight line, - that the at least two support rail rows (60) are connected to each other by at least two third support rails (2-3) running parallel to each other and perpendicular to the support rail rows (60), which are connected to at least one of the first support rails (2-1) of the respective support rail row (60) by means of one of the nodes (22) on the at least two support rail rows (60), - that the at least four nodes (22) which connect the at least two third support rails (2-3) with the at least two first support rails (2-1) define in the lighting arrangement (1) four corners (63) of a rectangle (64) whose sides are each formed by at least one of the support rails (2), - thatthe support rails (2) form at least one second support rail (2-2) perpendicular to the first support rails (2-1) or perpendicular to the third support rails (2-3), which is connected to the at least two first support rails (2-1) or to the at least two third support rails (2-3) by means of the slides (47).

Images