Power distribution system and adapter

Abstract

A power distribution system has a strip-like bus bar (1), conductors (31) arranged in the bus bar (1) and extending along the bus bar (1), and at least one adapter (2) which can be introduced into the bus bar (1). The adapter (2) has contact elements (241) for contacting the conductors (31), wherein when the adapter (2) is introduced into the bus bar (1), the contact elements (241) can be brought into a position contacting the conductors (31) and a position not contacting the conductors. The adapter (2) has an outer housing (20), wherein the contact elements (241) can be moved out of the outer housing (20) in order to achieve the contacting position. The adapter (2) can be pushed into the bus bar in a straight-line direction perpendicular to the bus bar (1) in order to enable a contact between the conductors (31) and the contact elements (241). The contact elements (241) can be pushed out of the outer housing (20) in order to achieve the contacting position.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND ADAPTERS

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a power distribution system and to an adapter and a power distribution unit for use in a power distribution system.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Power distribution systems are known in the art that comprise a strip-shaped power rail and power-collecting adapters that can be attached to it. The adapters are preferably designed as sockets. The power rails are preferably designed as baseboards and extend along the walls of a building's interior. Thanks to the adapters, the position of the sockets can be selected according to the current furniture layout, thus minimizing cable lengths to devices such as lamps, music systems, and computers.

[0007] DE 10 2019 004 574 A1 and DE 298 21 304 U1 disclose such power distribution systems. US 2006 / 0116011 A1 shows a power distribution system with an adapter that can assume a non-contact position and a contact position. To assume the contact position, a part of the adapter must be rotated.

[0008] WO 96 / 12327 A1 shows a strip-shaped busbar into which a plug can be inserted. A flexible strip-shaped housing is arranged in the busbar, which holds three relatively complex conductor structures into which the contact elements of the plug are inserted. The contact elements are accordingly designed to varying lengths.

[0009] GB 2 039 422 A describes an adapter for a busbar that must be inserted into the busbar from below and rotated to make contact. A slider allows the contact elements to be lowered so that the adapter can be removed again. The adapter protrudes on both sides when inserted into and removed from the busbar. This makes it impossible to install the busbar against a wall.

[0010] In EP 2 940 818 A1, the adapter is brought to the busbar from below, hooked in, pivoted, and clicked into the busbar at its other end. The contact elements are moved out of the adapter's housing using a pivoting lever. The busbar therefore cannot be installed close to the floor and protrudes relatively far from the wall.

[0011] The conductor structures of the busbar are relatively complex. They are expensive to manufacture and there is a risk of damage from frequent plugging and unplugging of the adapters, or they may no longer provide sufficient contact after a while. They also require a relatively large amount of space.

[0012] Another disadvantage is that the adapters, with adjustable contact positions, must be rotated so that their pins can contact the power rail. Plugging them in usually requires two hands. Furthermore, the power rail requires a relatively large amount of space, and the flexibility in its arrangement on walls, ceilings, and floors is limited. Furthermore, the shape of the adapter and the positioning of a socket within it are limited due to the rotatability.

[0013] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved power distribution system as well as an improved adapter and an improved power distribution unit.

[0015] This object is achieved by a power distribution system having the features of patent claim 1, an adapter having the features of patent claim 6 and a power distribution unit having the features of patent claim 17.

[0016] The power distribution system according to the invention has a strip-shaped busbar, conductors arranged in the busbar and extending along the busbar, and at least one adapter that can be inserted into the busbar. The adapter has contact elements for contacting the conductors. When the adapter is inserted into the busbar, the contact elements can be brought into a position in which they contact the conductors and a position in which they do not contact. The adapter has an outer housing, wherein the contact elements can be moved out of the outer housing to reach the contacting position. The adapter can be inserted, in particular pushed, into the busbar (1) in a straight line perpendicular to the busbar to enable contact between the conductors and the contact elements. The contact elements can be pushed out of the outer housing to reach the contacting position.

[0017] Preferably, the outer housing has an insertion nose which can be inserted, in particular pushed, into the busbar in a straight direction perpendicular to the busbar.

[0018] The contact elements are preferably arranged in the insertion nose.

[0019] The busbar preferably has a receiving groove for receiving the adapter.

[0020] Preferably, the contact elements are movable into the outer housing in order to remove the adapter from the busbar.

[0021] The adapter according to the invention is part of a power distribution system which has a strip-shaped busbar and conductors arranged in the busbar and extending along the busbar and the adapter which can be inserted into the busbar.

[0022] The adapter according to the invention is preferably used in the power distribution system according to the invention described here.

[0023] The adapter is designed to be inserted into a busbar of the power distribution system. It has contact elements for contacting conductors arranged in the busbar. The adapter has means for bringing the contact elements into a position in which they contact the conductors when the adapter is inserted into the busbar. The adapter has an outer housing from which the contact elements can be moved out in order to reach the contacting position. The outer housing has a protruding insertion nose for inserting, in particular for pushing, the adapter into the busbar. The contact elements are displaceable relative to the outer housing, i.e. they can be pushed out of the outer housing in order to reach the contacting position. When the adapter is inserted into the busbar, the contact elements can be brought into a position in which they contact the conductors and a non-contacting position.

[0024] Preferably, the contact elements are arranged on or in an inner housing. Preferably, the contact elements are displaced, i.e., they are moved relative to the surroundings. In some embodiments, the outer housing is displaced, i.e., it is moved relative to the surroundings.

[0025] The adapter can preferably be inserted into any position in the busbar, in particular pushed in, in order to establish contact with the electrical conductors there.

[0026] Inserting the adapter and / or contact elements in a straight line or moving them along a straight line is easier than rotating them. Inserting the adapter and / or contact elements in a straight line or moving them also makes contacting the conductors easier. In addition, less space is required vertically for moving the contact elements, so that the height of the busbar can be minimized, if desired, or the remaining space on the busbar can be used in another way. The conductors can be flat. Greater flexibility in the design of the adapter is possible. For example, it can be relatively flat and have a square cross-section. Furthermore, a tapping module can be arranged on the side of the adapter. The tapping module can be, for example, a socket, in particular with a T13 connector, and / or a USB-C or other USB connector.Compared to the arrangement on the front, bottom or top of the adapter, the side arrangement results in a space-saving placement of the consumer plug and makes it easier to guide the consumer cable along the busbar.

[0027] Instead of the lateral arrangement, the tapping module, in particular the socket, can be arranged on the front or at the top or bottom. An actuating means for moving the inner housing relative to the outer housing, in this case a button or push-button, is arranged on the same side as the tapping module in some embodiments.

[0028] If the tapping module is located on the side, the push-button or button is preferably on the front. If the tapping module is located at the front, top, or bottom, the push-button or button is preferably located on a different surface.

[0029] The shape of the push-button or knob can be any shape you like. In particular, it can be rectangular, square, oval, or round.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the adapter has an inner housing and the contact elements are displaceable by changing the relative position of the inner housing to the outer housing.

[0031] The contact elements can be displaced in different ways. Preferably, the outer housing and the inner housing can be pressed relative to each other to displace the contact elements. Preferably, the outer and inner housings can be changed relative to each other by applying pressure. Preferably, they can be displaced by applying pressure.

[0032] The adapter can be operated by an adult with one hand, making it easier to attach to the power rail. However, even with two hands, a small child will have difficulty applying enough pressure to prevent an unattended power connection, thus providing a child-safety feature.

[0033] The compression can be achieved in different ways. Preferably, one finger is pressed against the bottom surface of one housing part, and another finger presses against the top surface of the other housing part. Preferably, the bottom surface is part of the inner housing part, and the top surface is part of the outer housing part.

[0034] Preferably, the outer housing and the inner housing can be pressed relative to one another against a spring force, wherein a fixing element is provided to hold the inner and outer housing in the pressed position and the contact elements in the contacting position. This fixes the contacting position of the contact elements for use. Preferably, the contacting position also serves to fix the adapter in the busbar so that the adapter cannot be removed when live. Preferably, in the fixed position, displacement of the adapter in the longitudinal direction of the busbar is not possible or only possible with considerable force.

[0035] Preferably, a strain relief is provided to prevent the adapter from being torn out of the distribution unit. Preferably, an upper and a lower strain relief are provided. The strain relief is preferably provided by means of locking hooks and / or rear grips.

[0036] To remove the adapter from the busbar, the fixing element is preferably detachable, whereby the inner and outer housings can be brought into a rest position relative to each other by means of the spring force, preferably automatically, and the contact elements can be brought into the non-contacting position.

[0037] The adapter can thus be inserted, specifically pushed in, in a straight line perpendicular to the busbar and removed again in the opposite straight line. No turning or tilting is necessary. This facilitates insertion and allows for greater flexibility in the design and arrangement of the power distribution system, the power distribution unit, and the adapter.

[0038] Preferably, the busbar has a top surface, to which a top surface of the adapter connects in a flush and thus seamless manner. The inclinations of the two surfaces can be different, but preferably they are the same. The angle of the two inclinations can be 0°, meaning the surfaces run horizontally, or they can be at an angle to the horizontal. This optimizes the visual appearance.

[0039] The adapter's rear end is preferably positioned against the power rail, while its front end is parallel to the power rail and / or the wall. This ensures a discreet appearance and doesn't interfere with the room's furnishings.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the contact elements are arranged in the inner housing, with the outer housing preferably having windows through which the contact elements can pass. Instead of windows, the outer housing can also have a recess, or the outer housing can be completely omitted in the area of ​​the contact elements. The windows have the advantage that the contact elements are protected in the outer housing when not in contact. The housings can thus be manufactured with simple geometries and in a variety of shapes. Furthermore, the contact elements are in a protected position when the adapter is not in use.

[0041] The contact elements can be designed as rigid pins or in other forms. However, they are preferably flat springs or spring tongues. The springs preferably have a base and a bent end approximately perpendicular to the base. The bent end contacts one of the conductors, thus forming the contact surface. Thanks to their spring design, the contact elements can be optimally pressed against the conductors and ensure a reliable electrical connection even with multiple uses.

[0042] Stability and reliability are increased when the bent end of each contact element is held on a supporting, electrically insulating contact element core.

[0043] The housings can have any shape, for example, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, or spherical. However, in preferred embodiments, the outer housing has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a protruding insertion lug and a lower receiving opening, and the inner housing has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a pocket open at the top.

[0044] Preferably, the contact elements are arranged on a carrier that can be fastened in the inner housing. This facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the adapter.

[0045] The adapter can already be a plug of a consumer device, for example a power plug of a computer. However, the adapter preferably has a tapping module for receiving a plug of a consumer device. The tapping module is, for example, a socket, a USB-C or another USB port. Adapters in the form of plugs and adapters with other types of tapping modules can preferably be used together in the same power rail. Preferably, the adapter has only a single tapping module. However, multiple tapping modules can also be arranged in the same adapter. The adapter preferably has a side facing the power rail, a side facing away from the power rail, a top side, a bottom side and two side walls, wherein the tapping module is open towards one of the two side walls.This is a visually appealing arrangement, requires little space, barely interferes with the positioning of adjacent furniture, and allows the appliance cable to be routed along the power track or wall. The plugged-in plug also barely interferes with cleaning the room. Such an adapter, as specified in this paragraph, is claimed as an independent invention, regardless of the other features.

[0046] The power distribution unit according to the invention is part of a power distribution system comprising a strip-shaped busbar and conductors arranged in the busbar and extending along the busbar. Furthermore, the power distribution system comprises an adapter insertable into the busbar, having contact elements that can be brought into contact with the conductors. The adapter is preferably one of the adapters described above. However, it can also be a different adapter. The conductors are part of a common conductor strip that extends along the busbar and can be inserted into the busbar. Each conductor forms a flat, planar strip extending along the busbar. The conductor strip is flexible, can be rolled up, and can be cut to length. It can preferably be cut to length by hand and / or with hand tools.

[0047] Thanks to the flat, non-folded conductors, the conductor strip is sufficiently flexible to be rolled up and thus available in large lengths. This allows the conductor strip to be sold by the meter, which then needs to be cut to the desired length on-site. This makes it possible to install a single, one-piece conductor strip across the entire length of a wall and / or across additional walls.

[0048] The busbars or their base sections can first be fixed in place at the desired length, for example, by joining them together or shortening them to the desired length. The conductor strip can then be pulled in over the entire desired length. This eliminates the need for plug connections or other electrical connections between conductor strip sections. This greatly simplifies the installation of the power distribution device.

[0049] Preferably, the busbar has a base strip for attachment to a wall or ceiling, and the conductor strip can be attached to the base strip when the base strip is permanently mounted. This also simplifies installation.

[0050] Preferably, the conductor strip has electrically insulating longitudinal ribs running parallel to one another, which separate the individual conductors from one another, wherein the spaces between them are designed to receive the contact elements of the adapter for the purpose of contacting the conductors.

[0051] Because the conductors are flat, even tracks, they are not subjected to any forces when making or breaking contact with the contact elements, and thus are not damaged. Since the conductors run side by side at the same height, they are also easier for the contact elements to reach. This optimizes contacting.

[0052] The conductor strip preferably has a flat base body, onto which the longitudinal ribs are integrally formed and protrude. On the side opposite the longitudinal ribs, a plug-in element, e.g., a hook, is preferably formed, with which the conductor strip can be secured in the busbar.

[0053] The conductor strip is preferably flexible. It is preferably made of a flexible plastic or another suitable material. It can preferably be rolled up and sold by the meter. It can preferably be easily shortened, in particular cut, to the desired length. It can preferably be shortened using a knife, cutter, pliers, a saw, or another suitable cutting tool.

[0054] The busbar is preferably constructed in two or more parts. The busbar preferably comprises a base strip for attachment to a wall and a cover strip. The base strip preferably comprises a first fastening groove for fastening the conductor strip. The cover strip can be fastened to the base strip at a distance from the fastening groove in order to form, together with the base strip, a receiving groove for receiving the adapter. The arrangement of the conductor strip in the base strip enables simple installation, as one part, i.e. the base strip, can already be fixed in place before the conductor strip is inserted. The risk of the busbar being damaged when inserting the conductor strip is thus reduced.

[0055] The cover strip serves a safety purpose. It also provides privacy and can be designed as desired. It preferably has a flat surface that matches the wall of the room. In preferred embodiments, an LED strip is attached or can be attached to the cover strip, which can preferably extend over the entire length of the cover strip. Alternatively or additionally, the power rail can also be equipped with light sources, particularly LEDs, at other locations. The adapter can also be equipped with appropriate light sources. This allows for the illumination of the building space.

[0056] In some embodiments, a cavity is formed in the busbar, which can also be used. It preferably serves as a cable duct. The cavity is easily accessible when located between the base strip and the cover strips that can be attached to it. The cover strip can preferably be removed and reattached without damaging it. For safety reasons, it can preferably only be removed using a tool.

[0057] A gap is preferably formed between the cover strip and the base strip, which preferably extends over the entire length of the busbar. The adapter can be inserted, in particular pushed, into this gap at any location along the busbar. The gap is preferably so narrow that even small children's fingers cannot be bent in the gap to make contact with the conductors. Child protection is increased if the conductors are arranged on top of the gap. Child protection is further increased if downward-projecting longitudinal ribs are provided which are sufficiently small in distance from one another so that neither small children's fingers nor electrically conductive objects, such as metal pins, can become inserted.

[0058] The power distribution system according to the invention comprises one of the above-mentioned adapters and one of the above-mentioned power distribution units.

[0059] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve merely as an illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting. The drawings show: Figure 1, a section of a power distribution system according to the invention with a power distribution unit and an adapter in a first embodiment;

[0062] Figure 2 shows a section of a power distribution system according to the invention with a power distribution unit and an adapter in a second embodiment;

[0063] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the power distribution unit according to Figure 1 without adapter;

[0064] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through the power distribution unit according to Figure 3 with adapter in one view;

[0065] Figure 5 shows a base bar of a busbar of the power distribution unit according to Figure 3;

[0066] Figure 6 shows the assembled base strip according to Figure 5 with an attached conductor strip;

[0067] Figure 7 shows the assembled base strip according to Figure 6 with the cover strip installed;

[0068] Figure 8 shows an enlarged section of Figure 3;

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the adapter according to the invention shown in Figure 1;

[0070] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a contact module of the adapter according to Figure 9;

[0071] Figure 11 shows the adapter according to Figure 9 in assembled state, without outer housing;

[0072] Figure 12 shows the adapter according to Figure 11 with the outer housing in a non-contact position;

[0073] Figure 13 shows the adapter according to Figure 12 in a contact-ready position; Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section through the assembled adapter according to Figure 12 in the non-contact-ready position and

[0074] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section through the assembled adapter according to Figure 13 in the contact-ready position.

[0075] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Figure 1 shows a power distribution system according to the invention. It comprises a busbar 1, which can be mounted along a wall as a baseboard or at other heights, or on a ceiling. It can also be recessed into the wall. Furthermore, this busbar can also be mounted on or in furniture. The term "wall" used in this text thus also includes furniture and similar objects that can be equipped with busbars. Adapters 2 can be inserted into the busbar 1. They can be inserted into a corresponding receiving groove 12 at any point along the busbar 1 using an insertion lug 200. The adapters 2 preferably rest against the busbar 1 with their rear wall. They preferably rest against the busbar 1 above and below the receiving groove 12. This is clearly visible in Figure 4.

[0077] As can also be clearly seen in Figure 4, the top surface of the adapter seamlessly connects to the top surface of the busbar 1, here the base bar 10. Their inclinations are identical, so that they form a uniformly shaped and aligned common surface of the power distribution system.

[0078] The busbar 1 is preferably made of plastic or wood. It can also be made of metal, such as aluminum. It is preferably sold by the meter and can be shortened to the desired length, for example, to the length of the wall, using simple cutting tools and on-site.

[0079] A conductor strip 3 is held in the busbar 1. It is preferably located in the upper region of the busbar 1, preferably above the receiving groove 12. The conductor strip 3 has a base body 30 and electrical conductors 31 arranged therein. In this example, there are three conductors 31 running parallel and spaced apart from one another.

[0080] The adapter 2 has contact elements (not visible in Figure 1) that, when the adapter 2 is plugged in and activated, create an electrical connection between the conductors 31 and a tapping module arranged in the adapter. Depending on the embodiment, the tapping module is a socket and / or a data port, for example, a USB cable or another USB port. In Figure 1, it is a CH T13 high-current socket 210, and in Figure 2, it is a USB-C low-current port 211. The tapping module is provided with the reference numeral 211. Preferably, the tapping module is arranged laterally, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2.

[0081] The adapter 2 is activated after being inserted into the groove 12 by moving the invisible contact elements upwards. This is done, as will be explained in more detail below, preferably by moving two housing parts 20, 25 of the adapter 2 relative to one another. This can be done, for example, by one or more fingers engaging in a recess 255 on the underside of the adapter 2 and one or more fingers exerting counterpressure on an opposite upper surface, called the pusher surface 205. The manual counterpressure is optional because the adapter is arranged in the rail 1. In Figures 1 and 2, this has already happened, so that an inner housing 25 has already been moved relative to an outer housing 20 and the originally invisible contact elements have thus been pushed upwards.

[0082] The adapter 2 is now fixed in the power rail 1.

[0083] The adapter 2 can be removed from the busbar 1 again by releasing the locking mechanism that holds the contact elements in their raised position. In this example, this is done by pressing a button or pusher 22 inward, thus releasing the internal locking mechanism. Thanks to the spring force of the return springs 23, the two housing parts 20, 25 move relative to each other again, and the invisible contact elements move away from the conductor strip. The insertion lug of the adapter 2 can be pulled out of the busbar 1 again.

[0084] The return springs 23 are clearly visible in Figure 9, arranged between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 25. They are preferably spiral springs.

[0085] The adapter 2 can therefore be installed and removed exclusively perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the busbar. No pivoting or tilting movements are necessary. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the busbar 1. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate how the busbar 1 can be installed and assembled on-site. Figure 4 again explains the insertion of the adapter 2.

[0086] The power rail 1 has a base strip 10 in the form of a profile. The base strip 10 can be attached to a wall or ceiling. Depending on the design, it can be glued and / or screwed on, for example. The corresponding screws 4 are shown in Figure 5.

[0087] The base strip 10 has a first fastening groove 100 into which the conductor strip 3 can be inserted. This is shown in Figure 6. The conductor strip 3 has resilient plug-in elements 302 for this purpose, as can be seen in Figure 8. The conductor strip 3 can be clipped in while the base strip 10 is mounted or even before its installation. The conductor strip 3 preferably extends over the entire length of the busbar 1. It can also preferably be shortened to the desired length.

[0088] The conductor strip 3 is preferably protected by an outer wall of the base strip, which simultaneously forms an upper stop surface 101 for the adapter 2. This is clearly visible in Figures 4 and 6. In Figure 4, the adapter is shown in the contacting position of the contact elements described in more detail below.

[0089] The conductor strip 3 can be clearly seen in Figure 8. It has an electrically insulating base body 30. It is preferably made of plastic or another suitable material. It is preferably flexible and can thus be rolled up. The base body 30 has a flat base surface 300 that rests on a groove bottom of the base strip 1. The aforementioned plug-in elements 302 project upwards into the tapered first fastening groove 100 of the base strip 1. Longitudinal ribs 301, which run parallel and spaced from one another, project downwards. Three conductors 31 are arranged spaced from one another between the longitudinal ribs 301. They are long, flat strips. They are preferably at the same height. However, they can also be arranged at different heights. The distance between the longitudinal ribs 301 decreases towards the conductors 31. The stop surface 101 of the base strip 10 preferably extends downwards to or even beyond the longitudinal ribs 301.This protects the conductor strip 3 from the outside and is not easily accessible. As can be clearly seen in Figures 3 and 7, a cover strip 11 is provided. It can be plugged onto the base strip 10 at a distance from the conductor strip 3. For this purpose, the base strip 10 has an upper retaining lug 102 and a lower second fastening groove 103. The cover strip 11 is clamped with an upper wall below the retaining lug 102 and held in the second fastening groove 103 by a lower fastening bead 111. This forms a channel 13 which can be used for different purposes or can remain unused. One use is, for example, the passage of cables. The cover strip 11 also has a lower groove 112 which is open at the bottom.

[0090] The adapter 2 is clearly visible in Figures 9 to 15. Its individual components are visible in Figure 9. The adapter 2 has an outer housing, here outer housing 20, and an inner housing, here inner housing 25. A socket insert 21 with the socket opening 210 and the terminal holders 212 and the terminals 213 are held in the inner housing 25. A contact module 24 is also held in the inner housing 25. The inner housing 25 has a base body 250, which forms a corresponding pocket 253 for receiving these components.

[0091] The lower portion of the inner housing 25 is closed, but recessed, and forms a recess 255. The recess 255 serves to accommodate at least one finger for the purpose of operating the adapter.

[0092] The contact module 24 is shown in detail in Figure 10. It comprises a rigid support 240 with various receiving grooves and screw holes, as well as contact elements 241, here three contact elements 241, cable connections 242, and fastening screws 243. As can be seen in Figure 9, the contact elements 241 are screwed onto the support 240 by means of the screws 243, whereby the cable connections, for example, cable lugs, 242 are also clamped into the grooves of the support 240.

[0093] The contact elements 241 are preferably elongated and flat. They are preferably flat springs. One end of each of these spring tongues is bent upward. At these ends, they form a downwardly open U and thus create resilient contact element shells 2410, 2411, or contact surfaces, that surround the rigid contact element cores 254 described further below. Reference numeral 2411 designates the contact element shell of the ground contact, also called the protective conductor contact. The corresponding contact element 241 is arranged in advance of the two other contact elements 241.

[0094] The cables leading from the cable connectors 242 to the terminal holders 212 and terminals 213, and thus to the socket 21, are not shown in the figures. However, they are well known.

[0095] The inner housing 25 and the outer housing 20 are preferably made of a hard or rigid plastic. They have a substantially rectangular basic shape. The outer housing 20 can be slipped over the inner housing 25. For this purpose, the outer housing 20 forms a receiving opening 204 on its underside.

[0096] For insertion into the receiving groove 12 of the busbar 1, the outer housing 20, as already mentioned, has the insertion lug 200. This is preferably essentially cuboid-shaped. It has first windows 201. A second window 202 on the side facing away from the busbar 1 serves to accommodate the button or push-button 22. A third window 203 allows access to the socket 21 when the adapter 2 is assembled.

[0097] In this example, the push button 22 has a flat push button surface 220, an upwardly directed tongue 221 and an elongated hole 222 located therebetween.

[0098] The push button 22 forms the counterpart to a latch 251, which is arranged on the side of the inner housing 25 facing away from the busbar. It is preferably formed integrally with the inner housing 25.

[0099] As can also be seen in Figure 9, the inner housing 25 has, in its upper region facing the busbar 1, a balcony with contact element cores 254 and locking hooks 252 projecting at least approximately vertically upwards.

[0100] Figure 11 shows the assembled adapter 2, but without the outer housing 20. The return springs 23 are clearly visible.

[0101] Figures 12 and 14 show the adapter 2 in its resting state. That is, in a state in which the contact elements 241, or more precisely the contact element sleeves 241 plugged onto the contact element cores 254, are arranged in a protected manner and no electrical connection is possible. The pusher 22 is aligned with the outer surface of the outer housing 20. Figure 12 clearly shows how the first windows 201 are empty. Figure 14 shows how the return springs 23 distance the outer housing 20 from the inner housing 25.

[0102] Figures 13 and 15 show the adapter in its active position. This means that the contact elements 241, more precisely the contact element shells 2410, and the contact element cores 254, protrude through the first windows 201. The locking hooks 252 also protrude through the first windows 201. The pusher 22 protrudes from the outer surface of the outer housing 20. As can be seen in Figure 15, the springs 23 have now been compressed, i.e., the inner housing 25 has been displaced relative to the outer housing 20, so that the contact elements protrude through the first windows 201 and can thus establish a power connection.

[0103] This active position can be locked in different ways. In this example, a lower end of the latch 251 extends below the second window 202 and rests against the inner wall of the outer housing 20, as can be seen in Figure 14. If the inner housing 25 is then pushed upward by pressure on the engagement 255 and counterpressure on the upper surface 205 of the outer housing, the latch 251 slides upward and slides into the second window 202. It pushes the pusher 22 outwards and wedges itself in this position. The relative position of the two housing parts 20, 25 to one another and thus also the raised position of the contact elements is fixed against the restoring force of the return springs 23. This can be seen in Figure 15. To release this fixation, it is sufficient to push the pusher 22 inwards so that the return springs 23 can push the two housing parts 20, 25 apart again.

[0104] Since the insertion nose 200 is inserted into the groove 12, a counter pressure on the upper surface 205 is not absolutely necessary during activation, but is advantageous.

[0105] As can be seen in Figures 14 and 15, the inner housing 25 has an upwardly projecting rib 256 at its lower end. This rib can be relatively narrow. In other embodiments, it is relatively wide or extends across the entire width of the inner housing 25. It forms an upwardly open groove with the rear wall of the inner housing 25. The rib 256 engages the lower groove 112 of the cover strip 11.

[0106] If the adapter 2 is inserted into the distribution rail 1 and the inner and outer housings 25, 20 are subsequently moved relative to each other, the locking hooks 252 engage in an upper groove 104 of the base strip 10, and the rib 256 engages in the lower groove 112 of the cover strip 11. This provides optimal tension protection, preventing the adapter from tearing out during use. This locking mechanism is also released by pressing the pusher 22, allowing the adapter 2 to be pulled out of the distribution rail 1.

[0107] The inner and outer housings 25, 20 preferably further comprise elastic locking means that allow the two housings 25, 20 to be joined together, but preferably prevent non-destructive separation of the two housings 25, 20. The locking means are preferably locking hooks and recesses. They are known in the art.

[0108] The adapter according to the invention is easy to manufacture and easy to use, and the power distribution unit according to the invention is easy to assemble, aesthetically pleasing, robust, and child-safe.

[0109] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0110] Busbar, 220 Handle surface Distribution rail 221 Tongue Base strip 222 Slotted hole First fastening groove 23 Return spring Stop surface 24 Contact module Retaining lug 240 Support Second fastening groove 241 Contact element Upper groove 2410 First contact element cover Cover strip 2411 Second contact element cover Fastening bead 242 Cable connection Lower groove 243 Screw Receiving groove 25 Inner housing Channel 250 Base body

[0111] 251 grids

[0112] Adapter 252 Snap-in hook Outer housing 253 Pocket Insertion lug 254 Contact element core First window 255 Recess Second window 256 Rib Third window Receiving opening 3 Conductor strip Push-button surface 30 Base body Tap-off module, 300 Base surface CH T13 socket 301 Longitudinal rib LISB-C Low-current 302 Plug-in element Connection 31 Conductor Terminal holder Terminals 4 Screw Push-button

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A power distribution system with a strip-shaped busbar (1), with conductors (31) arranged in the busbar (1) and extending along the busbar (1), and at least one adapter (2) that can be inserted into the busbar (1), wherein the adapter (2) has contact elements (241) for contacting the conductors (31), wherein the contact elements (241) can be brought into a position contacting the conductors (31) and a non-contacting position when the adapter (2) is inserted into the busbar (1), and wherein the adapter (2) has an outer housing (20), wherein the contact elements (241) can be moved out of the outer housing (20) in order to reach the contacting position, characterized in that the adapter (2) can be inserted, in particular pushed, into the busbar (1) in a straight direction perpendicular to the busbar (1) in order to establish contact between the conductors (31) and the contact elements (241) to enableand that the contact elements (241) can be pushed out of the outer housing (20) in order to reach the contacting position., 2. Power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing (20) has an insertion nose (200) which extends in a straight line perpendicular to the busbar (1) can be inserted, in particular pushed, into the busbar (1).

3. Power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the contact elements (241) are arranged in the insertion nose (200).

4. Power distribution system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the busbar (1) has a receiving groove (12) for receiving the adapter (2).

5. Power distribution system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact elements (241) are movable into the outer housing (20) in order to connect the adapter (2) from the busbar (1).

6. Adapter, in particular for use in a power distribution system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adapter (2) is designed for insertion into a busbar (1) of the power distribution system, wherein the adapter (2) has contact elements (241) for contacting conductors (31) arranged in the busbar (1), wherein the adapter (2) has means for bringing the contact elements (241) into a position contacting the conductors (31) when the adapter (2) is inserted into the busbar (1), and wherein the adapter (2) has an outer housing (20) from which the contact elements (241) can be moved in order to reach the contacting position, characterized in that the outer housing (20) has a protruding insertion nose (200) for inserting, in particular for pushing, the adapter into the busbar (1) and that the contact elements (241) can be pushed out of the outer housing (20). are,to reach the contacting position., 7. Adapter according to claim 6, wherein it has an inner housing (25) and wherein the contact elements (241) are displaceable by changing the relative position of the inner housing (25) to the outer housing (20).

8. Adapter according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the outer housing (20) and the inner housing (25) are pressed relative to each other in order to displace the contact elements (241), in particular the inner housing (25) and the outer housing (20) are displaceable relative to each other by means of pressure.

9. Adapter according to claim 8, wherein the inner housing (25) and the outer housing (20) can be pressed relative to one another against a spring force, wherein a fixing element (251) is provided in order to hold the inner and outer housing (25, 20) in the pressed position and the contact elements (241) in the contacting position and wherein the fixing element (251) is releasable, whereby the inner and outer housing (25, 20) can be brought into a rest position relative to one another by means of the spring force and the contact elements (241) can be brought into the non-contacting position.

10. Adapter according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the contact elements (241) are arranged in the inner housing (25), wherein the outer housing (20) preferably has windows (201) through which the contact elements (241) can pass.

11. Adapter according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the contact elements (241) are springs with a base surface and an end (2410) bent approximately perpendicular to the base surface.

12. Adapter according to claim 11, wherein the bent end (2410) of each contact element (241) is held on a supporting, electrically insulating contact element core (254).

13. Adapter according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the outer housing (20) has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a lower receiving opening (204), wherein the insertion nose (200) protrudes, and wherein the inner housing (25) has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a pocket (253) open at the top.

14. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the contact elements (241) are arranged on a carrier (240) which can be fastened in the inner housing (25).

15. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the adapter (2) has a tapping module (21) for receiving a plug of a consumer.

16. Adapter according to claim 15, wherein the adapter (2) has a side facing the busbar (1), a side facing away from the busbar (1), a top side, a bottom side and two side walls, wherein the socket (21) is open towards one of the two side walls.

17. Power distribution unit, in particular for use in a power distribution system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power distribution unit comprises a strip-shaped busbar (1) and conductors (31) arranged in the busbar (1) and extending along the busbar (2), and wherein the power distribution system further comprises an adapter (2) which can be inserted into the busbar (1) and has contact elements (241) which can be brought into a contacting position with the conductors (31), in particular an adapter (2) according to a of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that the conductors (31) are part of a common conductor strip (3) which extends along the busbar (1) and which can be inserted into the busbar (1), that each conductor (31) forms a flat, planar strip extending along the busbar (1), and that the conductor strip (3) is flexible, can be rolled up and cut to length.

18. Power distribution unit according to claim 17, wherein the busbar has a base bar and the conductor strip (3) can be fastened in the base bar (1) when the base bar (1) is fixedly mounted. 19 Power distribution unit according to claim 18, wherein the base strip (10) has an upper fastening groove (100) into which plug-in elements (302) of the conductor strip (3) can be inserted. 20 Power distribution unit according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the base strip (10) has a base body (30) with a flat base surface (300) which rests on a groove bottom of the base strip (10).

21. Power distribution unit according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the conductor strip (3) has electrically insulating longitudinal ribs (301) running parallel to one another, which separate the individual conductors (31) from one another, wherein the spaces between them are designed to receive the contact elements (241) of the adapter (2) for the purpose of contacting the conductors (31).

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