Arrangement for connecting support profiles of a luminaire support rail system

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminaire support rail system having a plurality of support profiles connected to each other, wherein the support profiles (100, 200) each have a profile portion extending along an axis of longitudinal extent (X) and having a substantially U-shaped cross section with two side walls (110, 210) arranged on either side of the axis of longitudinal extent (X) and a connecting wall (120, 220) connecting the side walls (110, 210), wherein one of the support profiles (100) is provided, at least in an axial end region, with a connecting region which is likewise U-shaped in cross section and into which the other support profile (200) is telescopically inserted; special locking and unlocking elements (10, 40) are provided, with the aid of which the support profiles (100, 200) are releasably connected to each other.

Description

[0001] ARRANGEMENT FOR CONNECTING SUPPORT PROFILES OF A LIGHTING RAIL SYSTEM

[0002] Description:

[0003] The present invention relates to measures for connecting support profiles with which a lighting support rail system is formed. In particular, the present invention relates to locking elements and associated unlocking elements with which support profiles of a lighting support rail system can be connected to one another without tools and in a detachable manner.

[0004] Mounting rail systems for creating lighting systems are known in various forms from the prior art. For example, the applicant markets a system that has been on the market for many years under the name "TECTON." This system is primarily designed for the variable positioning and convenient control of numerous luminaires. However, the ability to also mount other components on the mounting rail system allows the system's functionality to be expanded in many ways beyond mere lighting. A special feature of the TECTON system is that the integrated power rails within the luminaire mounting rail system enable extremely flexible arrangement and power supply of electrical devices, allowing them to be positioned freely on the mounting profiles virtually anywhere along the entire system.

[0005] The present invention primarily relates to the basic design of the units supporting the other components of the lighting track system. Such systems typically have elongated support profiles that, for example, run in a series one behind the other or branch off from each other to form a support structure of any desired length and, if desired, also branched. Within these support profiles, which are often U-shaped in cross-section and open at the bottom, the power supply lines run. In the aforementioned TECTON system, these lines take the form of continuously contactable busbars. All other components of the system, such as luminaires or spotlights, are mechanically coupled to the support structure from below, and the electrical lines, as well as any other lines, are connected via these busbars.Digital signals are transmitted for communication and control of the various components of the system. Since the final structure of the system can be individually adapted to the external conditions and ultimately depends on the consumer's wishes, the corresponding mounting rail system is generally designed as a modular system. This means that a manageable number of differently designed mounting profiles are available, which are then mechanically connected to each other according to the desired overall structure. In this way, the mounting profiles can be connected, for example, in I-, L-, T-, or X-shapes, so that a wide variety of designs for the entire lighting mounting rail system can be realized with manageable effort.

[0006] Since the resulting structure should exhibit a certain degree of stability, existing systems utilize, for example, specially designed mechanical connectors in the form of sheet steel profiles that engage with the end faces of two support profiles to be joined. In this case, the length of a corresponding lighting track system can be adjusted in discrete increments corresponding to the length of the available support profiles.

[0007] To allow for even greater system flexibility, it is also known to design the support profiles in such a way that they can be telescopically inserted into one another, at least partially, with the insertion length being variable to a certain extent. This allows the overall length of the system to be changed not only in predefined increments but also adjusted almost arbitrarily. Telescopic insertion is made possible by providing one of the two support profiles with a connector at its end face. This connector is designed to be larger than the standard cross-section of the support profile, allowing for the insertion of another support profile at its end face. This connector can either be an integral part of the first support profile, in which case its cross-section changes in the connection area, or it can be a separate support profile.

[0008] This approach requires that the telescopically connected support profiles be reliably secured and grounded in their nested state, with securing measures beyond simple friction being particularly advantageous. Specifically, it should be ensured that even under significant axial forces, two connected support profiles cannot easily detach from one another. Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a simple method for securing telescopically nested support rail profiles to one another. In particular, this securing should be tool-free and allow for easy release if necessary.

[0009] The problem is solved by the components mentioned in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a locking element is proposed with the aid of which support profiles of a lighting track system can be connected to one another in a simple manner, in particular without tools. This locking element is attached to the end face of the aforementioned connector of a support profile and has detent elements which, when two support profiles are joined, detachably engage with the other support profile. The use of the locking element according to the invention thus makes it possible to easily slide two support profiles to be connected into one another until a position is reached in which the locking element engages with the other support profile, thus achieving a secure connection without the need for additional measures such as screwing, clinching, or the like.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a locking element for tool-free, detachable connection of support profiles of a lighting support rail system is proposed,

[0012] • wherein the support profiles each have a profile section extending along a longitudinal axis with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, with two side walls arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis and a connecting wall connecting the side walls,

[0013] • wherein one of the support profiles is provided at least in an axial end region with a connection area also having a U-shaped cross-section, which is designed in such a way that the other support profile can be telescopically inserted into the connection area,

[0014] • and wherein the locking element is attached in the connection area and has several detent elements which, in the joined state of two support profiles, detachably engage with the further support profile. The detent according to the invention is preferably made possible by the locking element having two detent arms arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis, which are designed to engage in corresponding recesses of the further support profile. These detent arms can, in particular, each have outwardly projecting detent projections designed to engage in the recesses of the further support profile, wherein the detent arms are preferably slightly angled at their respective end regions.As explained in more detail below, with the support of these ramps, the locking of two support profiles can be released again if necessary, and a defined storage of a release element described below can be achieved.

[0015] The locking arms can be angled along one of their extension directions in cross-section, preferably at approximately 90°. This ensures—as explained in more detail below—that the locking element is positioned in a defined manner relative to the supporting profile, thus guaranteeing reliable interaction between the locking projections and the corresponding locking recesses of the supporting profile. The locking arms can form part of two side wings arranged on either side of a connecting leg of the locking element, with the connecting leg then being designed for attachment to a connecting wall of the connection area.

[0016] In addition to the locking arms, the side wings can also have grounding arms, which have outward-facing projections designed to rest against the side walls of the support profile being connected. This creates a continuous electrically conductive connection between all support profiles, allowing the entire system to be grounded easily.

[0017] Preferably, the locking elements according to the invention are manufactured in one piece. In particular, they can be appropriately designed sheet metal parts. The locking elements are designed to be very space-saving, so that when arranged on the support profile, as much space as possible remains for the other elements of the system (e.g., a light tap / contact element, connecting cables, etc.).

[0018] The use of the locking elements according to the invention thus enables a tool-free, detachable connection of two support profiles. To release the connection, the aforementioned locking arms must be deflected in such a way that the corresponding projections no longer engage in the recesses of the second support profile, although this is often difficult to do manually due to the limited space available.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is therefore provided to additionally use a release element with the aid of which the connection of two support profiles can be easily released. The release element is designed such that it is movably arranged along the longitudinal axis on the connection area or the locking element and can be displaced from a starting position to a release position in which the release element releases the snap connection of the locking element with the other support profile.

[0020] According to this second aspect of the invention, a release element for releasing the connection of elongated support profiles of a lighting support rail system, which are detachably connected to each other by means of a locking element as described above, is proposed, wherein the release element is movably arranged along the longitudinal axis on the support profile as well as on the locking element itself and can be moved from a starting position to a release position in which the release element releases the snap connection of the locking element with the support profile.

[0021] Preferably, the release element can have release tabs arranged on a central area, which are designed such that, in the release position, they deflect the locking arms of the locking element in such a way that the locking connection between the locking element and the further support profile is released. The central area can be designed to abut the connecting leg of the locking element, so that the release element is inserted into the locking element accordingly and then, if necessary, moved into the release position. In particular, lateral guide projections and / or guide legs can be formed on both sides of the central area for this purpose, enabling a defined insertion of the release element into the support profile and / or the locking element.

[0022] The central area with lateral wings is particularly preferably designed to define a receiving area that enables the defined storage of an electrical connection or power supply element for the lighting track system. The release element according to the invention thus serves not only to release the snap-fit ​​connection of two interconnected support profiles, but also allows a corresponding electrical connection element to be arranged and securely stored in the connection area.

[0023] The unlocking element is also preferably made in one piece, preferably being a suitably designed plastic part.

[0024] According to the present invention, an arrangement for tool-free, detachable connection of elongated support profiles of a lighting support rail system is also proposed,

[0025] • wherein the support profiles each have a profile section extending along a longitudinal axis with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, with two side walls arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis and a connecting wall connecting the side walls,

[0026] • wherein one of the support profiles is provided at least in an axial end region with a connection area that is also approximately U-shaped in cross-section and is designed in such a way that the other support profile can be telescopically inserted into the connection area,

[0027] • and wherein the arrangement according to the invention comprises a locking element and an unlocking element as described above.

[0028] Preferably, the locking element and the unlocking element are designed such that the unlocking element, which is arranged on the locking element, is held in its initial position by spring force of the locking arms. In principle, the unlocking element is therefore always in its initial position, in which the locking of the locking element with the supporting profile is not affected. Only when necessary is the unlocking element briefly moved into the release position to disengage the locking connection. It then automatically slides back into its initial position.

[0029] Finally, according to the present invention, a lighting support rail system with several interconnected support profiles is also proposed, wherein the support profiles are detachably connected to each other by means of an arrangement as described above.

[0030] Overall, the present invention provides a means of easily connecting support profiles of a larger system, in particular connecting them without tools, whereby the locking connection provided for this purpose can also be easily released again if necessary by using the unlocking element.

[0031] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0032] Figure i shows the perspective view of two telescopically inserted support profiles, which are to be detachably connected to each other using the measures according to the invention, in particular detachably without tools;

[0033] Figure 2 shows the end face of one of the two support profiles;

[0034] Figure 3 shows in a lateral partial section the end area of ​​a support profile intended for connection with the locking element inserted therein;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a view of the support profile with the locking element from below;

[0036] Figure 5a shows a sectional view of the support profiles connected to each other by means of the locking element, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the system;

[0037] Figure 5b is an enlarged partial view of Figure 5a;

[0038] Figures 6a - 6d show different views of the isolated representation of the invention.

[0039] Locking elements;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a view corresponding to Figure 3, with the release element now additionally arranged on the support profile;

[0041] Figure 8 shows a view corresponding to Figure 4, additionally including the unlocking element;

[0042] Figures 9a - 9f show different views of the unlocking element according to the invention;

[0043] Figures 10 and 11 show views of the interconnected support profiles with electrical connection components incorporated therein; Figures 12 and 13 show views corresponding to Figures 10 and 11, with the additional inclusion of an electrical connection element held by the release element.

[0044] Figures 1 and 2 serve to illustrate the problem underlying the invention, which is explained in more detail below. Figure 1 shows the transition area between two support profiles 100 and 200, which are connected to form a lighting support rail system extending over a considerable distance. Both support profiles 100 and 200 have a U-shaped cross-section, each with two side walls 110 and 210 arranged on either side of a longitudinal axis X, and a connecting wall 120 and 220 connecting the side walls 110 and 210.

[0045] The walls 110, 120, 210, 220 of the two support profiles 100, 200 thus enclose a longitudinally extending, underside-open receiving area, in which, primarily, cables (not shown in detail in the figures) for supplying power to connected devices run to the lighting track system. Analogous to the TECTON system, the cables (not shown) can be provided in the form of busbars, which are freely connectable along their entire length by the units to be connected. Providing discrete connection components at fixed positions would also be conceivable in principle.

[0046] The units to be connected will primarily be luminaires, such as linear lights, spotlights, or similar fixtures. However, modern track lighting systems also offer the option of connecting other components that support or automate the operation of the lighting system or provide additional functionalities. These additional units could include, for example, sensors, cameras, speakers, or even units for providing a wireless communication network. All units to be connected are designed with suitable contact elements that, when connected to the system, engage the mounting area of ​​the 100 and 200 mm support profiles from below and make contact with the cables running there.Mechanical fastening of these units to the support profiles 100, 200 by means of appropriate mechanical locking elements is also typically provided. Since the support profiles 100, 200 are generally only available in certain lengths for production reasons, it is usually necessary to connect several of these support profiles 100, 200 together to ultimately obtain a stable structure on which all other components of the lighting support rail system can be arranged. In the present case, it is provided that the support profiles 100, 200 are telescopically pushed into one another in a transition area, as can be seen in Figure 1. To enable this, one of the two support profiles 100, 200, in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1 the right support profile 100, is designed as a so-called connector.The second support profile 200 is provided with a connection area that allows the corresponding end face of the second support profile 200 to be inserted along the longitudinal axis X in a defined manner, preferably by corresponding interlocking contours ensuring that, due to a resulting positive fit, both support profiles 100 and 200 can only be moved relative to each other along the longitudinal axis X. In other words, relative movement of the interlocking support profiles 100 and 200 is not possible in directions deviating from the longitudinal axis X.

[0047] Both support profiles 100 and 200 have slightly different cross-sections, which allows for telescopic insertion. However, the shape of the mounting space for the lighting rail system should remain essentially unchanged even when interlocked, so that luminaires or other units can still be connected to the system in this overlapping area of ​​the interlocking profile sections 100 and 200. For aesthetic reasons, the configurations of the two support profiles 100 and 200 should also differ only slightly.

[0048] A special feature of the first support profile 100 forming the connection area, which can be seen in Figure 2, is that the profile structures 111 on the undersides of the two side walls 110, which enable the mechanical fastening of the units to be connected to the system or can also be used to attach covers to the undersides of the support profiles 100, 200, do not extend completely to the end face 105 of the support profile 100. The end of these profile structures 111 marks the position to which the further support profile 200 is ideally inserted into the connection area.Since corresponding profile structures, not visible in the figures, are also provided on the undersides of the side walls 210 of the second support profile 200, but these now extend completely to the end face of the second support profile 200, this means that in the assembled state of the two support profiles 100, 200 these.

[0049] Profile structures 111 are continued continuously over the entire length of the system.

[0050] It should be noted that the telescopic insertion of the support profiles 100 and 200 allows for a degree of flexibility in selecting the insertion length. This enables stepless adjustment of the overall system length as needed by not fully inserting the second support profile 200 to its end stop. In this case, a short gap may occur in the profile structures 111, potentially preventing the mechanical locking of units to the support profiles 100 and 200. However, this design offers the advantage that, as mentioned, the overall system length is not limited to predetermined length units but can be continuously adjusted as required.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the connection area, into which the telescopic insertion of the additional support profile 200 is possible, can, as shown, represent an independent support profile 100. In this case, the support profile 100 would have the extended cross-section along its entire length, so that the additional support profiles 200 can be inserted from both sides. This support profile 100 is then often also referred to as a connector, and this term will also be used in the following. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to design the support profiles in such a way that they only have a corresponding connection area at one end face, whereby this can be an integral part of the support profile or attached to it as a separate element.

[0052] The present invention primarily concerns the question of how the nested support profiles 100 and 200, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, can be secured to one another in such a way that they can no longer be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis X, so that a stable connection between the two support profiles 100 and 200 is achieved in all directions. In principle, it would of course be conceivable to screw the nested support profiles 100 and 200 together or to lock them together in some other way. However, the solution described in more detail below makes it possible to secure the support profiles 100 and 200 to one another without tools and, if necessary, to release this locking mechanism without tools. This will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.A first essential component of the concept according to the invention is formed by a so-called locking element, which is provided on the connector 100 and is generally designated by the reference numeral io in the figures. This locking element io is preferably a one-piece, appropriately configured sheet metal part, which is arranged and fixed on the connecting leg 120 of the first support profile or the connector 100, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the position of the locking element 10 is chosen such that it coincides with the end of the previously described profile structures 111 at the lower ends of the side walls 110 of the connector 100. In other words, the locking element 10 is located at the point to which the additional support profile 200 can be telescopically inserted into the connector 100 to its maximum extent. If, however, it is desired that the additional support profile 200 is not inserted completely against the profile structures 111, as mentioned above, the locking element 10 must be fixed at a correspondingly offset position on the connector 100. The position shown in Figures 3 and 4 ensures that the additional support profile 200 is fully inserted into the overlap area, thus ensuring the continuous continuation of the profile structures 111.The locking element 10 can be attached to the first support profile 100 in various ways. It is essential that it is securely fixed to the first support profile 100, as it must absorb forces occurring, in particular along the longitudinal axis X, between the two support profiles 100 and 200 to be connected.

[0054] The design of the locking element 10 can be seen in particular in Figures 6a - 6d. As already mentioned, it is a sheet metal part which, analogous to the support profiles 100 and 200, is approximately U-shaped and has a connecting leg 12, on the two sides of which two symmetrically arranged side wings 20 are formed.

[0055] The connecting leg 12 is designed to be flat on its upper surface and is intended to abut against the connecting leg 120 of the support profile 100, whereby several openings – or bores 13 – may be provided that can be used to fasten the locking element 10 to the support profile 100. As can also be seen, a central area of ​​this connecting leg 12 may be slightly raised compared to the lateral areas. On both sides of the connecting leg 12, the aforementioned side wings 20 of the locking element 10 are formed, which initially create two longitudinally extending locking arms 22 aligned with the second support profile to be inserted.As can be seen in particular from the view according to Figure 6b, the locking arms 22 are formed in the angled area of ​​a step 11, so that the locking arms 22 themselves form two essentially perpendicular legs or webs 23 and 24 which are slightly angled at the front end - i.e. by about 45°. 0 - are angled. This cross-sectional shape of the locking arms 22 is chosen such that, as can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b, they can be precisely aligned with a correspondingly angled profiled area of ​​the connector 100 or the second support profile 200, thus ensuring a centered, defined positioning of the locking element 10. The configuration of the locking arms 22 and the locking element 10 as a whole, as shown here, is therefore tailored to the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the support profiles 100 and 200 to be connected. If necessary, it can therefore be adjusted accordingly.

[0056] The axial locking of the further support profile 200 is achieved by outwardly projecting locking projections 25 on the vertically oriented legs 24, which are particularly visible in Figure 6b and also in Figure 6c. In the assembled state of both support profiles 100 and 200, which can be seen in Figure 5a and significantly enlarged in Figure 5b, these locking projections 25 engage in corresponding recesses provided on the support profile 200 to be inserted, thus creating a locking connection that prevents the support profiles 100 and 200 from shifting relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X.

[0057] The locking projections 25 are preferably designed such that they form a chamfer, so that the corresponding webs 24 of the locking arms 22 are deflected automatically when the two support profiles 100, 200 are pushed together to achieve the locking connection, before they snap back into the locking position. The area of ​​the locking projections 25 opposite the chamfer, however, is designed such that a step is formed, which prevents the locking connection from being unintentionally released when the second support profile 200 is pulled. Instead, in this case, the locking connection can only be released by deliberately pushing or deflecting both locking arms 22 inwards in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5b, in order to release the engagement between the locking projections 25 and the corresponding locking openings of the second support profile 200.Only by a deliberate unlocking process can the axial locking between the two support profiles 100 and 200 be released. As can be seen in the figures, it is preferably provided that further arms 30 are formed at the lower ends of the side wings 20 of the locking element 10, extending parallel to the direction of the locking arms 22 towards the second support profile 200 to be inserted into the connector 100. These further arms 30 are also provided at their front end region with an outwardly projecting, preferably sharp-edged or pointed projection 32, which, in the assembled state of the two support profiles 100 and 200, rests against the inside of the corresponding side wall 210 of the second support profile 200. The pointed shape of these further projections 32 is chosen such that they may, if necessary,The arms 30 can also penetrate an electrically non-conductive coating or paint finish on the second support profile 200 and thus come into direct contact with an electrically conductive base of the support profile 200. The function of these additional arms 30 is that, when both support profiles 100 and 200 are joined, an electrically conductive connection suitable for grounding is established between the support profiles.

[0058] Ultimately, this means that the locking element 10 according to the invention must first be attached to the first support profile 100 or the connector in the desired position. In the following step, the further support profile 200 can then be inserted telescopically into the end face of the connector 100, as already described. The insertion process continues until the end face of the second support profile 200 deflects the locking arms 22 as described above, and upon reaching the final position, the projections 25 snap into the corresponding recesses of the second support profile 200. Simultaneously, the sharp or pointed projections 32 of the further arms 30 scrape along the inner sides of the side walls 210 of the further support profile 200, thus ensuring the aforementioned electrical connection used for grounding.In this state, both support profiles 100 and 200 are secured to each other and cannot be separated without additional measures. This results in a stable structure capable of reliably absorbing the forces generated by the weight of the connected units, even over a considerable length.

[0059] The design of the locking element 10, as shown in the figures, results in a very space-saving arrangement within the support profile 100, since the C- or U-shaped component fits snugly into the base area of ​​the support profile 100. This means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the support profile 100 is hardly affected, leaving sufficient space for other system components, such as contact elements for connected devices, connecting cables, and the like, which are arranged in this area. The locking element io according to the invention thus enables several support profiles to be easily plugged together or connected to each other in a modular system and to be automatically locked together, so that the entire lighting support rail system can be easily assembled.If the support profiles 200 are to be separated again, the locking mechanism created by the locking projections 25 must be released. As described above, this requires deflecting or bending the locking arms 22, in particular the vertical webs 24, inwards so that the locking projections 25 can completely disengage from the corresponding locking recesses of the second support profile 200. While this can theoretically be done manually, it is relatively difficult due to the limited space within the support profiles 100 and 200, as well as the relatively small size of the corresponding angled end sections of the two webs 23 and 24 of the locking arms 22.

[0060] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a further aspect of the invention provides for the use of a release element 40 in combination with the locking element 10, with the aid of which the locking mechanism between the two support profiles 100, 200 can be easily and conveniently released. This release element 40 is shown in various views in Figures 9a to 9f; Figures 7 and 8 show the connection area of ​​the first support profile 100 with the locking element 20 arranged therein and the additional release element 40 arranged thereon.

[0061] Analogous to the locking element 10, the unlocking element 40 is also approximately U- or C-shaped, with a central section 42 and two lateral wings 50. The upper surface 43 of the central section 42, i.e., the side facing away from the lateral wings 50, is essentially flat and is designed to come into contact with the central leg 12 of the locking element 10. More precisely, the unlocking element 40 is designed to be inserted along the longitudinal axis X in the area of ​​the connecting leg 120 of the support profile 100 and then inserted into the locking element 10 in such a way that it is movably mounted there over a certain longitudinal area.

[0062] For this purpose, the central area 42 is initially limited at one end by a narrow web 44, the ends of which project slightly beyond the central area 42 on both sides, thereby forming small guide projections 44a. During the assembly of the release element 40, these guide projections 44a are inserted into corresponding grooves 122, which are formed by the profiled shape of the support profile 100 in the area of ​​the connecting leg 120. Simultaneously, two lateral arms 45 extend from the opposite end of the central area 42, the upper surface of each of which forms a guide leg 46 that widens in sections. These arms 45, more precisely the guide legs 46, are also designed to engage in the grooves 122 of the support profile 100, whereby the assembly of the release element 40 is then carried out as follows:

[0063] First, the unlocking element 40 is threaded into the end face of the support profile 100 – which is already fitted with the locking element 10 – using the two guide projections 44a. It is then inclined or tilted relative to the connecting leg 120 and moved along the support profile 100 until it reaches the position of the locking element 10. At this point, the end of the unlocking element 40 opposite the guide projections 44a is pressed by the arms 45 towards the connecting leg 120 of the profile section 100 or the locking element 10. Due to the expanding configuration of the guide legs 46, the arms 45 are initially deflected inwards before the guide legs 46 also snap into the grooves 122. The resulting assembly consisting of connector 100, locking element 10 and unlocking element 40 can then be used to insert the further support profile 200 and lock it into place with the connector 100.

[0064] The position of the release element 40 in the longitudinal direction X is determined by a specific interaction between the locking element 10 and the release element 40. On the release element 40, release lugs 49 are provided below the guide projections 44a. Additionally, the side wings 50, which will be explained in more detail below, each have a positioning projection 55, which is particularly visible in Figure 9f. The release lugs 49 and the positioning projection 55 interact with the angled end regions of the webs 23 and 24 of the locking arms 22 of the locking element 40, respectively. As shown in Figure 8, the release lugs 49 abut the webs 24 from the left, and the positioning projections 55 abut the webs 23 from the right.

[0065] The spring force of the locking arms 22 of the locking element 20 causes the release element 40, which is arranged on the locking element 20, to be springily pre-tensioned into a starting position on the locking element 20. In this position, which is particularly visible in the top view in Figure 8, the hook-shaped release lugs 49 engage in the correspondingly angled front end regions of the vertical lugs 24 of the locking arms 22 of the locking element 20. However, the spring force exerted by the locking element 20 is so high that in this starting position the locking arms 22 are not yet deflected, and thus the locking projections 25 can engage in the corresponding recesses to axially secure the further support profile 200.

[0066] However, if the release element 40 is now moved in the direction indicated by the two arrows in Figure 8, i.e., to the right in the illustration, the release ribs 49 cause the ribs 24, and thus the locking arms 22 of the locking element 10, to be pushed towards each other, i.e., away from the side walls 110 of the support profile 100 and towards the interior. This corresponds to the actuation of the locking arms 22 required to release the locking mechanism of the support profiles 100, 200, as previously mentioned.

[0067] In other words, by moving the release element 40 in the manner described above, the locking of the two support profiles 100, 200 to each other by the locking element 20 can be released. For this purpose, it can be provided, in particular, that a vertical wall section 47 is formed at the end of the central area 42 of the release element 40, to which the aforementioned release webs 49 are laterally connected, and over which the release element 40 can be easily moved manually. As can be seen in the figures, the corresponding actuation of the release element 40 is facilitated by the fact that this wall section 47 is concavely curved and provided with a knurled surface 48, so that the required actuation of the release element 40 can be carried out using only a single finger.

[0068] Just as the locking element 20 allows two support profiles 100 and 200 to be easily interlocked and thus axially secured to one another, the unlocking element 40 allows the locking mechanism to be released, if necessary, by simply actuating it, thus enabling the two support profiles 100 and 200 to be separated. The necessary locking and unlocking steps can be performed by a single person without the need for any tools, resulting in very simple assembly and disassembly of the system. The unlocking element 40, which is preferably a single-piece component, particularly a one-piece injection-molded plastic part, can also perform a further function.The side wings 50 can enclose a receiving area that can be used to mount additional system components. In particular, the release element 40 is suitable for the defined storage of electrical connection or linking components. Naturally, such components are often required in the transition area between two support profiles to be joined, in order to route the system's wires. However, due to the mechanical coupling of the support profiles, the available receiving area often has circumferential or guide surfaces that are not precisely defined. Therefore, the dimensions of any connection components to be positioned in this area should be chosen to ensure that they can be placed there under all circumstances.In most cases, however, this leads to the supporting profiles surrounding these connecting components with a certain amount of play, and consequently, no defined support for such elements is achieved.

[0069] However, this inaccuracy can be compensated for by means of the wings 50 of the release element 40, which abut the side walls 110, 210 of the support profiles 100, 200, and a receiving area can now be created which, due to its appropriately shaped side walls, enables a defined storage of the electrical connection components or other components. In the illustrated case, the two wings 50 of the release element 40 are provided on their mutually facing inner surfaces 51 with vertically extending centering surfaces 53, which enable simple but reliable storage of, for example, an electrical connection element. These centering surfaces 53 are slightly angled along their entire longitudinal length, so that insertion areas are formed from both sides towards the center, which allow the insertion of the connection element to be stored.However, two central wall areas 54 of the centering surfaces 53 then run parallel to each other, so that they enable reliable support of the connecting element.

[0070] The aspect just described is evident in Figures 10 to 13, with Figures 10 and 11 initially showing views of the interconnected support profiles 100 and 200, in which corresponding conductors of a busbar 250 of the second support profile 200 are guided to just before the assembly formed by the locking element 20 and the unlocking element 40. When the support profiles 100 and 200 are joined, an additional electrical connecting element 160, visible in Figures 12 and 13, can then be used, for example, for electrical coupling with components of the first support profile 100. This additional connecting element, as previously described, can be arranged and held in the interior of the support rails 100 and 200, as defined by the unlocking element 40.

[0071] Ultimately, the measures according to the invention, in particular the locking element and the cooperating unlocking element, enable support profiles for forming a lighting support rail system to be easily connected and separated from each other without tools. In addition, the components according to the invention also allow for the advantageous arrangement and positioning of electrical connection components in the transition area of ​​the two support profiles, so that the measures required to establish the necessary electrical connection can also be carried out in a simple manner.

Claims

Claims:

1. Locking element (io) for tool-free, detachable connection of support profiles (100, 200) of a lighting support rail system, • wherein the support profiles (100, 200) each have a profile section extending along a longitudinal axis (X) with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, having two side walls (110, 210) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis (X) and a connecting wall (120, 220) connecting the side walls (110, 210), • wherein one of the support profiles (100) is provided at least in an axial end region with a connection area also having a U-shaped cross-section, which is designed such that the other support profile (200) can be telescopically inserted into the connection area, • and wherein the locking element (10) is attached in the connection area and has several locking elements (25) which, in the joined state of two support profiles (100, 200), detachably lock with the further support profile (200).

2. Locking element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has two locking arms (22) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal extension axis (X), which are designed to lock into corresponding recesses of the further support profile (200).

3. Locking element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking arms (22) each have outwardly pointing locking projections (25) which are designed to engage in the recesses of the support profile (200), wherein the locking arms (22) are preferably angled at their respective end regions.

4. Locking element (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking arms (22) are each angled in cross-section along an extension direction of the arms (22), preferably angled by about 90°. 5- Locking element (io) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the locking arms (22) are part of two side wings (20) which are arranged on both sides of a connecting leg (12) of the locking element (10), wherein the connecting leg (12) is provided for attachment to a connecting wall (120) of the support profile (100).

6. Locking element (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the side wings (20) have grounding arms (30) in addition to the locking arms, which have outwardly pointing projections (32) provided for abutting the side walls (210) of the further profile part (200).

7. Locking element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made in one piece, preferably in the form of a sheet metal part.

8. Release element (40) for releasing the connection of elongated support profiles (100, 200) of a lighting support rail system, which are detachably connected to one another by means of a locking element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release element (40) is movably arranged along the longitudinal axis (X) on the support profile (100) and / or the locking element (10) and is displaceable from an initial position to a release position, in which the release element (40) releases the snap connection of the locking element (10) with the further support profile (200).

9. Unlocking element (40) according to claim 8, characterized in that it has unlocking webs (49) arranged on a central area (42) which, in the release position, deflect the locking arms (22) of the locking element (20) such that the locking connection with the further support profile (200) is released.

10. Unlocking element (40) according to claim 9, characterized in that the central area (42) is designed to abut the connecting leg (12) of the locking element (10) is designed 11. Unlocking element (40) according to claim 10, characterized in that lateral guide projections (44a) and / or guide legs (46) are formed on both sides of the central area (42), which enable a defined insertion of the unlocking element (40) into the support profile (100) and / or the locking element (10).

12. Unlocking element (40) according to claim 11, characterized in that the central area (42) with lateral wings (50) defines a receiving area which enables a defined storage of an electrical connection element for the lighting mounting rail system.

13. Unlocking element (40) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it is made in one piece, preferably in the form of a plastic part.

14. Arrangement for tool-free, detachable connection of elongated support profiles (100, 200) of a lighting support rail system, • wherein the support profiles (100, 200) each have a profile section extending along a longitudinal axis (X) with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, having two side walls (110, 210) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis (X) and a connecting wall (120, 220) connecting the side walls (110, 210), • wherein one of the support profiles (100) is provided at least in an axial end region with a connection area also having a U-shaped cross-section, which is designed such that the other support profile (200) can be inserted telescopically into the connection area, characterized in that the arrangement has a locking element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and an unlocking element (40) according to one of claims 8 to 13. 15- Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the unlocking element (40) arranged on the locking element (10) is pre-tensioned to an exit position on the unlocking element (10) by spring force of the locking arms (22).

16. Lighting support rail system with several interconnected support profiles, • wherein the support profiles (100, 200) each have a profile section extending along a longitudinal axis (X) with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, having two side walls (110, 210) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis (X) and a connecting wall (120, 220) connecting the side walls (110, 210), • wherein one of the support profiles (100) is provided at least in an axial end region with a connection area also having a U-shaped cross-section, into which the other support profile (200) is telescopically inserted, characterized in that both support profiles (100, 200) are detachably connected to each other by means of an arrangement according to one of claims 14 and 15.

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