A power track system comprising interlockable elongated profiles

Abstract

The invention relates to a power track system (1) for providing a grid structure, said power track system (1) comprising: a first elongated profile (2) extending in a first longitudinal direction (X), said first elongated profile (2) comprising a first continuous element (3) extending in said first longitudinal direction (X) and a first intermittent element (4) extending in said first longitudinal direction (X) and being adjacent to said first continuous element (3) in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (X), said first intermittent element (4) comprising at least two first sections (4´, 4´´) and at least a first gap (5) separating the at least two first sections (4´, 4´´); a second elongated profile (6) extending in a second longitudinal direction (Y), said second elongated profile (6) comprising a second continuous element (7) extending in said second longitudinal direction (Y) and a second intermittent element (8) extending in said second longitudinal direction (Y) and being adjacent to said second continuous element (7) in a direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction (Y), said second intermittent element (8) comprising at least two second sections (8´, 8´´) and at least one second gap (9) separating the two second sections (8´, 8´´); wherein at least one of said first continuous element (3), said first intermittent element (4), said second continuous element (7) and said second intermittent element (8) is a power track comprising a mounting rail, and wherein the first gap (5) of said first intermittent element (4) is connectable to the second gap (9) of said second intermittent element (8).

Description

[0001] A power track system comprising interlockable elongated profiles

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a power track system for providing a grid structure, the power track system comprising a first elongated profile and a second elongated profile.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Conventional drop ceilings do not allow for design freedom, and make a space feel smaller. In addition, closed system ceilings have become outdated, and over the last decades, people have started to appreciate the industrial appearance of a building infrastructure. There is therefore a trend towards semi-open or open ceiling structures.

[0006] Due to the needs for flexibility, such structures oftentimes use power tracks.

[0007] In the area of indoor lighting, power track systems for mounting and powering lighting devices (but also sensors, or other devices) offer easier installation of lighting devices and enhanced flexibility.

[0008] A power track typically comprises a mounting rail fitted with internal conductors forming a power bus to which inserted lighting devices are connected upon mounting and installation. The power track is connected to a central power supply unit which supplies power to the entire power bus of the power track and thereby each inserted lighting device.

[0009] However, the creation of a large power track system ceiling requires mechanical robustness which can be provided by longer profile elements.

[0010] In order to create a stable and robust ceiling grid, double back-to-back power track profiles may be used because those are rigid and provide flexibility to attach powersupplying hangers or attach spotlights and sensors at the upper track to hide those devices, or in cases when the bottom track is already occupied by linear light.

[0011] Ceiling grids constructed from power tracks are known, however, those structures usually require dedicated connectors which connect two or more power tracks at their ends. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In view of the shortcomings of the existing solutions there is a need for an improved power track system for providing a grid structure, wherein the system provides increased flexibility, and wherein the need for connectors is eliminated.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a power track system for providing a grid structure.

[0014] The power track system according to the present invention comprises a first elongated profile extending in a first longitudinal direction. The term “elongated” is in the context of the present invention meant to imply that the extension of the first profile in the first longitudinal direction is significantly greater than the extension of the first profile in the direction being perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction, i.e. in the transverse direction.

[0015] The first elongated profile comprises a first continuous element extending in the first longitudinal direction and a first intermittent element extending in the first longitudinal direction and being adjacent to the first continuous element in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction.

[0016] The first intermittent element comprises at least two first sections and at least a first gap separating the at least two first sections.

[0017] It is conceivable that the first intermittent element comprises a plurality of first sections and a plurality of first gaps separating the first sections. At least one first section may have a longitudinal extension being different from the longitudinal extensions of the other first sections.

[0018] The power track system according to the present invention further comprises a second elongated profile extending in a second longitudinal direction.

[0019] The second elongated profile comprises a second continuous element extending in the second longitudinal direction and a second intermittent element extending in the second longitudinal direction and being adjacent to the second continuous element in a direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction.

[0020] In analogy with the above, the second intermittent element comprises at least two second sections and at least one second gap separating the two second sections. At least one second section may have a longitudinal extension being different from the longitudinal extensions of the other second sections.

[0021] The first gap of the first intermittent element is connectable to the second gap of the second intermittent element. According to the present invention, at least one of the first continuous element, the first intermittent element, the second continuous element and the second intermittent element is a power track comprising a mounting rail.

[0022] The mounting rail is configured to power a device that is mounted to the mounting rail. The mounting rail is further configured to allow the device to be mounted at any position along the mounting rail, to be repositioned along the mounting rail when mounted, and to be removed from the mounting rail.

[0023] The power track in the context of the present invention may be of any conventional type known in the art.

[0024] As is evident from the above, the present invention thus offers the advantage of increased flexibility, since a set of first profiles and second profiles may be used for creating an open ceiling grid system. Depending on the geometrical orientation of the profiles relative the surface to which they are attached and also relative each other, virtually any pattern of the power track system may be obtained. For instance, a set of parallel upward- oriented first profiles may be combined with a set of downward-oriented second profiles, wherein the second profiles are arranged perpendicularly in relation to the first profiles. Dependent on the exact mechanics, only the first profiles may be mounted to a wall / ceiling while the transverse oriented second profiles may be resting on those (or vice versa).

[0025] The first longitudinal direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction when the first elongated profile is attached to the second elongated profile. It is further conceivable that the angle between the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction may be deviating from 90°, depending on the desired pattern of the 2D grid that the power track system is forming.

[0026] The first and / or the second elongated profiles may be cut-to-measure, depending on the desired 2D structure of the power track system.

[0027] The present invention enables the creation of a power track-based grid structure, in particular a ceiling grid. For instance, a user may start by mounting the first elongated profiles to a ceiling or walls, and then mount the second elongated profiles on top of those.

[0028] The connection between the first gap of the first elongated profile and the second gap of the second elongated profile may be mechanical or both mechanical and electrical. In the latter case, the power track system may comprise a connecting element for electrically connecting the first elongated profile and the second elongated profile. Such a connecting element may be arranged in at least one of the first and the second gaps. It is further conceivable to provide electrical connection by means of e.g. pins / socket connection at the intersection point of the first and the second elongated profiles.

[0029] The connection between the first elongated profile and the second elongated profile may be permanent. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing a robust and reliable grid structure. Alternatively, the connection between the first elongated profile and the second elongated profile may be releasable. In other words, it is possible to disassemble and reposition the first and the second elongated profiles relative each other. Such an embodiment provides a higher degree of flexibility.

[0030] The first elongated profile and / or the second elongated profile may be manufactured from metal, composite, wood, plastic or combinations thereof. Preferably, the first and the second elongated profiles are manufactured from the same material in order to create a 2D grid having a seamless and aesthetically appealing appearance.

[0031] When mounting the power track system of the present invention in a space wherein such a system is intended to be used, the first or the second elongated profiles may be attached to a surface, such as a wall or a ceiling. Such an attachment may be provided by any attachment means known in the art, such as adhesive or screw. The first elongated profile or the second elongated profile may in such an embodiment comprise an attachment element for attaching the power track system to a surface.

[0032] Alternatively, the power track system may be suspended from a surface, such as a ceiling. In such an embodiment, the power track system comprises a suspension device for suspending the power track system from a surface. The suspension device may comprise a connecting device, such as a wire, for electrically connecting the power track system to a power grid. Alternatively, power could also be provided to the power track system by a connecting unit that may be attached to the first or the second elongated profile. Such a connecting unit may have a cable for connection to the power grid, wherein the cable is not used for mechanical suspension.

[0033] As mentioned above, the power track system of the present invention offers an unprecedented flexibility. For instance, the first intermittent element may be a linear lighting device and the second intermittent element may be a power track. Alternatively, the first intermittent element may be a power track, and the second intermittent element may be a linear lighting device. For instance, the first elongated profiles may have intermittent linear lighting device oriented towards a user, while the second elongated profiles comprise intermittent power tracks oriented away from the user, wherein elements such as sensors, Wi- Fi-routers, ambient lighting devices may be hidden. Each of the first intermittent element and the second continuous element may be a power track. In such an embodiment, power transfer must be enabled between the first sections of the first intermittent element. To this end, the power track system may comprise a first power transfer element bridging the first gap. The first power transfer element may be integrated into the first elongated profile. For instance, the first power transfer element may be in the form of integrated back-to-back power connectors, or a power connector arranged in the first gap, e.g. surface electrodes.

[0034] When the power transfer to the first sections is solved by means of integrated back-to-back power connectors, the power track system may be built using a single elongated profile type. In other words, the first and the second elongated profiles are identical. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of increased flexibility and decreased cost.

[0035] Alternatively, the first power transfer element may be a separate element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first power transfer element may be the suspension device described above. The separate first power transfer element may be mounted after mechanically connecting the first and the second elongated profiles to each other.

[0036] As described above, only one side of the elongated profile comprises the continuous or intermittent power track, e.g. the side that is facing the user. Such an embodiment requires two profile types, a first profile type with the continuous power track and intermittent backside, and a second profile type with a continuous backside having an intermittent power track.

[0037] According to the present invention, each of the first continuous element, the first intermittent element, the second continuous element and the second intermittent element may be a power track comprising a mounting rail. In such an embodiment, the power track system may comprise a first power transfer element bridging the first gap, and a second power transfer element bridging the second gap.

[0038] The first continuous element and the first intermittent element may be arranged in a first back-to-back configuration, and the second continuous element and the second intermittent element may be arranged in a second back-to-back configuration.

[0039] Indeed, the power track system according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of first elongated profiles, each first elongated profile comprising a first intermittent element comprising a plurality of first sections and a plurality of first gaps. Further, the power track system may comprise a plurality of second elongated profiles, each second elongated profile comprising a second intermittent element comprising a plurality of second sections and a plurality of second gaps. Each of the first gaps is connectable to a second gap. The number of first gaps may be equal to or different from the number of the second gaps. The gaps that are not connected to other gaps may be hidden by a cover element in order to create a visually satisfying appearance.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 illustrates a power track system according to the present invention;

[0043] Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate a power track system comprising a separate power transfer element;

[0044] Fig. 3 illustrates a power track system using a single type of elongated profiles;

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a power track system comprising elongated lighting devices.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0048] Fig. 1 illustrates a power track system 1 for providing a grid structure. The power track system 1 according to the present invention comprises a first elongated profile 2 extending in a first longitudinal direction X. The term “elongated” is in the context of the present invention meant to imply that the extension of the first profile 2 in the first longitudinal direction X is significantly greater than the extension of the first profile 2 in the direction being perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction X, i.e., in the transverse direction. The first elongated profile 2 comprises a first continuous element 3 extending in the first longitudinal direction X and a first intermittent element 4 extending in the first longitudinal direction X and being adjacent to the first continuous element 3 in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction X. The first intermittent element 4 comprises two first sections 4', 4' ' and a first gap 5 separating the two first sections 4 , 4".

[0049] The power track system 1 depicted in Fig. 1 further comprises a second elongated profile 6 extending in a second longitudinal direction Y. The second elongated profile 6 comprises a second continuous element 7 extending in the second longitudinal direction Y and a second intermittent element 8 extending in the second longitudinal direction Y and being adjacent to the second continuous element 7 in a direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction Y. In analogy with the above, the second intermittent element 8 comprises two second sections 8', 8” and one second gap 9 separating the two second sections 8', 8”.

[0050] As may be seen in Fig. 1, the first intermittent element 4 and the second continuous element 7 are power tracks comprising a mounting rail. The first gap 5 of the first intermittent element is connectable to the second gap 9 of the second intermittent element 8.

[0051] The first longitudinal direction X is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction Y when the first elongated profile 2 is attached to the second elongated profile 6.

[0052] The present invention enables the creation of a power track-based grid structure, in particular a ceiling grid. For instance, a user may start by mounting the first elongated profiles 2 to a ceiling or walls, and then mount the second elongated profiles 6 on top of those.

[0053] The connection between the first gap 5 of the first elongated profile 2 and the second gap 9 of the second elongated profile 6 may be mechanical or both mechanical and electrical. In the latter case, the power track system 1 may comprise a connecting element (not shown) for electrically connecting the first elongated profile 2 and the second elongated profile 6. Such a connecting element may be arranged in at least one of the first and the second gaps 5, 9. For instance, the power track system may comprise connections between both back-to-back tracks. Thus, providing power from one first section 4' to another first section 4” can be arranged by having electrical connections between the first continuous element 3 and the first intermittent element 4. In such an embodiment, there should be at least one such connection per first section 4', 4 " .

[0054] The connection between the first elongated profile 2 and the second elongated profile 6 may be permanent. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing a robust and reliable grid structure. Alternatively, the connection between the first elongated profile 2 and the second elongated profile 6 may be releasable. In other words, it is possible to disassemble and reposition the first and the second elongated profiles 2, 6 relative each other. Such an embodiment provides a higher degree of flexibility.

[0055] When mounting the power track system 1 in a space wherein such a system is intended to be used, the first or the second elongated profiles 2, 6 may be attached to a surface, such as a wall or a ceiling. Such an atachment may be provided by any atachment means known in the art, such as adhesive or screw. The first elongated profile 2 or the second elongated profile 6 may in such an embodiment comprise an atachment element (not shown) for ataching the power track system 1 to a surface.

[0056] As described above, only one side of the first elongated profile 2 and the second elongated profile 6 comprises the continuous or intermitent power track 7, 4, respectively. Such an embodiment requires two profile types, a first profile type with the continuous power track and intermitent backside, such as the second elongated profile 6, and a second profile type with a continuous backside having intermitent power track, such as the first elongated profile 2.

[0057] Fig. 2a illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. The power track system 101 depicted in Fig. 2a comprises a first elongated profile 102 extending in a first longitudinal direction X. The first elongated profile 102 comprises a first continuous element 103 extending in the first longitudinal direction X and a first intermitent element 104 extending in the first longitudinal direction X and being adjacent to the first continuous element 103 in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction X. The first intermitent element 104 comprises two first sections 104', 104" and a first gap 105 separating the two first sections 104', 104 ".

[0058] The power track system 101 depicted in Fig. 2a further comprises a second elongated profile 106 extending in a second longitudinal direction Y. The second elongated profile 106 comprises a second continuous element 107 extending in the second longitudinal direction Y and a second intermitent element 108 extending in the second longitudinal direction Y and being adjacent to the second continuous element 107 in a direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction Y. In analogy with the above, the second intermitent element 108 comprises two second sections 108', 108" and one second gap 109 separating the two second sections 108', 108”.

[0059] The first longitudinal direction X is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction Y when the first elongated profile 102 is atached to the second elongated profile 106.

[0060] As may be seen in Fig. 2a, each of the first continuous element 103, the first intermitent element 104, the second continuous element 107 and the second intermitent element 108 are power tracks comprising a mounting rail. The first continuous element 103 and the first intermitent element 104 may be arranged in a first back-to-back configuration, and the second continuous element 107 and the second intermittent element 108 may be arranged in a second back-to-back configuration.

[0061] The power track system 101 comprises a first power transfer element 110 bridging the first gap 105, shown in Fig. 2b. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2b, the power track system 101 may be suspended from a surface, such as a ceiling. In such an embodiment, the power track 101 system comprises a suspension device 111 for suspending the power track system 101 from a surface. The first power transfer element 110 is integrated into the suspension device 111. The separate first power transfer element 110 may be mounted after mechanically connecting the first and the second elongated profiles 102, 106 to each other.

[0062] The suspension device 111 may comprise a connecting device, such as a wire, for electrically connecting the power track system 101 to a power grid.

[0063] The power track system 201 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a plurality of first elongated profiles 202, each first elongated profile 202 comprising a first intermittent element 204 comprising a plurality of first sections 204' and a plurality of first gaps 205. Further, the power track system 201 comprises a plurality of second elongated profiles 206, each second elongated profile 206 comprising a second intermittent element 208 comprising a plurality of second sections 208' and a plurality of second gaps 209. Each of the first gaps 205 is connectable to a second gap 209. The number of first gaps 205 is equal to the number of the second gaps 209.

[0064] When the power transfer to the first sections 204' is solved by means of integrated back-to-back power connectors 210, the power track system 201 may be built using a single elongated profile type, as may be seen in Fig. 3. In other words, the first and the second elongated profiles 202, 206 are identical. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of increased flexibility and decreased cost.

[0065] Fig. 4 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention. The second intermittent element 308 is a linear lighting device and the first intermittent element 304 is a power track. Alternatively, or additionally, the first continuous element 303 may be the power track. Thus, the second elongated profiles 306 have intermittent linear lighting device oriented towards a user, while the first elongated profiles 302 comprise intermittent power tracks oriented away from the user, wherein elements such as sensors, Wi-Fi-routers, ambient lighting devices may be hidden. It is further conceivable that the first continuous element 303 may be a linear lighting device. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contraiy, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power track system (1) for providing a grid structure, said power track system (1) comprising: a first elongated profile (2) extending in a first longitudinal direction (X), said first elongated profile (2) comprising a first continuous element (3) extending in said first longitudinal direction (X) and a first intermittent element (4) extending in said first longitudinal direction (X) and being adjacent to said first continuous element (3) in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (X), said first intermittent element (4) comprising at least two first sections (4 , 4 ") and at least a first gap (5) separating the at least two first sections (4", 4' '); a second elongated profile (6) extending in a second longitudinal direction (Y), said second elongated profile (6) comprising a second continuous element (7) extending in said second longitudinal direction (Y) and a second intermittent element (8) extending in said second longitudinal direction (Y) and being adjacent to said second continuous element (7) in a direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction (Y), said second intermittent element (8) comprising at least two second sections (8", 8") and at least one second gap (9) separating the two second sections (8", 8"); wherein the first gap (5) of said first intermittent element (4) is connectable to the second gap (9) of said second intermittent element (8), and wherein at least one of said first continuous element (3), said first intermittent element (4), said second continuous element (7) and said second intermittent element (8) is a power track comprising a mounting rail, the mounting rail being configured to power a device mounted to the mounting rail, and to allow the device to be mounted at any position along the mounting rail, to be repositioned along the mounting rail when mounted, and to be removed from the mounting rail.

2. The power track system (101) according to claim 1, wherein said power track system (101) comprises a connecting element (110) for electrically connecting said first elongated profile (102) and said second elongated profile (106).

3. The power track system (101) according to claim 2, wherein said connecting element (110) is arranged in at least one of the first and second gaps (105, 109).

4. The power track system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first elongated profile (2) and / or said second elongated profile (6) is manufactured from metal, composite, wood, plastic or combinations thereof.

5. The power track system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said power track system (101) comprises a suspension device (111) for suspending the power track system (101) from a surface.

6. The power track system (101) according to claim 5, wherein said suspension device (111) comprises a connecting device for electrically connecting said power track system (101) to a power grid.

7. The power track system (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said first elongated profile (2) or said second elongated profile (6) comprises an attachment element for attaching said power track system (1) to a surface.

8. The power track system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first longitudinal direction (X) is substantially perpendicular to said second longitudinal direction (Y) when said first elongated profile (2) is attached to said second elongated profile (6).

9. The power track system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first intermittent element (4) is a linear lighting device and said second intermittent element (8) is a power track.

10. The power track system (101) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein each of said first intermittent element (104) and said second continuous element (107) is a power track, and wherein said power track system (101) comprises a first power transfer element (110) arranged for bridging the first gap (105).

11. The power track system (201) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein each of said first continuous element (203), said first intermittent element (204), said second continuous element (207) and said second intermittent element (208) is a power track comprising a mounting rail, wherein said power track system (201) comprises a first power transfer element bridging the first gap (205), and a second power transfer element bridging the second gap (209).

12. The power track system (201) according to claim 11, wherein said first continuous element (203) and said first intermittent element (204) are arranged in a first back-to-back configuration, and wherein said second continuous element (207) and said second intermittent element (208) are arranged in a second back-to-back configuration.

13. The power track system (201) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the first power transfer element (210) is integrated into said first elongated profile (202).

14. The power track system (101) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the first power transfer element (110) is a separate element.

15. The power track system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said power track system (101) comprises a plurality of first elongated profiles (102), each first elongated profile (102) comprising a first intermittent element (104) comprising a plurality of first sections (104', 104 ") and a plurality of first gaps (105), wherein said power track system (101) comprises a plurality of second elongated profiles (106), each second elongated profile (106) comprising a second intermittent element(108) comprising a plurality of second sections (108', 108”) and a plurality of second gaps(109), and wherein each of the first gaps (105) is connectable to a second gap (109).

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