Track system and lighting system

Abstract

The present invention provides a track system and a lighting system. The track system comprises: at least two track segments, wherein each track segment comprises a track housing and a first limiting portion arranged on the track housing; and at least one mechanical connector, comprising a first connecting member and two second connecting members arranged corresponding to the at least two track segments, wherein each second connecting member is rotatably connected to the first connecting member and is provided with a second limiting portion. The first connecting member is separately engaged with the two track housings; each second connecting member has a first rotation position and a second rotation position; in the first rotation position, the projections of the first limiting portion and the corresponding second limiting portion do not overlap in an assembly direction of the two track segments; and in the second rotation position, the projections of the first limiting portion and the corresponding second limiting portion at least partially overlap in the assembly direction of the two track segments.

Description

Track system and lighting system

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to two Chinese patent applications filed on December 13, 2024, entitled "Track System and Lighting System" (application number 202411846203.2) and "Track System and Lighting System" (application number 202423093108.8), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of lighting technology, and more particularly to a track system and a lighting system. Background Technology

[0004] In lighting systems, modular track lighting fixtures are favored for their flexibility and scalability. These fixtures typically consist of multiple track segments and light source components, which users can cascade to create the desired lighting layout. However, in existing technologies, the cascading connection and assembly of track lighting fixtures generally rely on screw fastening.

[0005] While screw-locking provides a degree of stability and secureness for track lighting fixtures, it requires specialized tools and skills, making installation and removal complex and time-consuming. For non-professional users, installing and removing track lighting fixtures can be a challenging task. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a track system comprising: at least two track segments, each track segment including a track housing and a first limiting portion disposed on the track housing; at least one mechanical connector including a first connecting member and two second connecting members disposed corresponding to the at least two track segments, each second connecting member being rotatably connected to the first connecting member and having a second limiting portion; wherein the first connecting member is respectively engaged with the two track housings, and the second connecting member has a first rotational position and a second rotational position; in the first rotational position, the projections of the first limiting portion and its corresponding second limiting portion in the splicing direction of the two track segments do not overlap; in the second rotational position, the projections of the first limiting portion and its corresponding second limiting portion in the splicing direction of the two track segments at least partially overlap.

[0007] In one embodiment, the track housing includes a bottom wall and side walls disposed on both sides of the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side walls forming an installation groove, and the side walls are provided with slots; the first connector includes a bottom plate and side plates disposed on both sides of the bottom plate, the first connector is inserted into the installation groove, such that the bottom plate abuts against the bottom wall and the side plates abut against the slots.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first limiting part is a protrusion disposed in the mounting groove, the second connecting member includes a top plate, and the second limiting part is a baffle disposed at the end of the top plate and facing the first limiting part.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first connector further includes a first bend, and the second connector further includes a second bend disposed on the side of the top plate and corresponding to the first bend, the second bend being rotatable relative to the first bend.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mechanical connector further includes a pivot, and both the first bend and the second bend are provided with a rotating hole for the pivot to pass through.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the first bend and the second bend is provided with a rotating hole, and the other is provided with a protruding shaft facing the rotating hole, the protruding shaft being rotatably connected to the rotating hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second connector further includes a pressing portion disposed at one end of the top plate away from the first limiting portion; and / or, the second connector further includes a lifting portion disposed near the first limiting portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mechanical connector further includes an elastic element located between the first connector and the second connector, one of the first connector and the second connector having a raised rib, and the elastic element being sleeved on the raised rib.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first connector has a clearance portion corresponding to the position of the first limiting portion. When connecting two track segments, the first limiting portion is placed in the clearance portion.

[0015] A lighting system includes a light source assembly and the aforementioned track system, wherein the light source assembly is mechanically and electrically connected to the track system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a track system conforming to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the orbital system shown in Figure 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the track system shown in Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 4 is an assembly diagram of the first connector and the second connector;

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the track system shown in Figure 1 from another angle.

[0021] Reference numerals: 100-track system, 110-track section, 1101-track housing, 1111-bottom wall, 1112-side wall, 1121-slot, 1113-mounting slot, 1102-first limiting part, 120-mechanical connector, 1201-first connecting piece, 1211-bottom plate, 1212-side plate, 1213-first bending part, 1214-protruding rib, 1215-avoidance part, 1202-second connecting piece, 1221-second limiting part, 1222-top plate, 1223-second bending part, 1224-pressing part, 1225-lifting part, 1226-positioning hole. 1203-Spindle, 1231-Anti-detachment part, 1232-Through hole, 1233-Cotter pin, 1204-Rotating hole, 1205-Elastic element, 130-Conductive busbar. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] It should be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention with unnecessary details, only the structures and / or processing steps closely related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0024] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0025] The lighting system includes a track system 100 and a light source assembly (not shown). The light source assembly is mechanically and electrically connected to the track system 100.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The track system 100 includes at least two track segments 110 and at least one mechanical connector 120, which connects two adjacent track segments 110. Each track segment 110 includes a track housing 1101. The mechanical connector 120 includes a first connecting member 1201 and two second connecting members 1202 corresponding to the at least two track segments 110. The track housing 1101 is provided with a first limiting portion 1102. The second connecting members 1202 are provided with a second limiting portion 1221. The two first limiting portions 1102 respectively engage with their corresponding second limiting portions 1221. Through the cooperation of the first limiting portions 1102 and the second limiting portions 1221, quick connection and disassembly between the track segments 110 are achieved.

[0027] The length direction of track segment 110 (i.e. the splicing direction of two track segments 110) is set as the x-direction, and the height direction of track segment 110 is set as the y-direction. The x-direction and the y-direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0028] In this embodiment, the track system 100 includes two track segments 110 and a mechanical connector 120.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 3. The first connector 1201 is engaged with the two track housings 1101 respectively. The track housing 1101 includes a bottom wall 1111 and side walls 1112 disposed on both sides of the bottom wall 1111. The bottom wall 1111 and the side walls 1112 form an mounting groove 1113, and the side walls 1112 are provided with a slot 1121.

[0030] Specifically, the first connector 1201 includes a base plate 1211 and side plates 1212 disposed on both sides of the base plate 1211. The first connector 1201 is inserted into the mounting groove 1113. At this time, the base plate 1211 abuts against the bottom wall 1111, and the side plates 1212 abut against the slots 1121, limiting the first connector 1201 in the y-direction within the track housing 1101, preventing it from shaking or shifting in the y-direction within the track housing 1101, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the entire track system 100.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Two second connecting members 1202 are both disposed on and rotatably connected to the first connecting member 1201. The first connecting member 1201 includes a first bent portion 1213. In this embodiment, the first bent portion 1213 protrudes from the base plate 1211. The second connecting member 1202 includes a top plate 1222 and a second bent portion 1223 disposed on the side of the top plate 1222 and corresponding to the first bent portion 1213. The second bent portion 1223 is rotatable relative to the first bent portion 1213. This rotatable connection allows the second connecting member 1202 to easily switch between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the track system 100.

[0032] Specifically, the mechanical connector 120 includes a rotating shaft 1203. One end of the rotating shaft 1203 has an anti-detachment part 1231, and the other end has a through hole 1232. Both the first bent portion 1213 and the second bent portion 1223 have rotating holes 1204 for the rotating shaft 1203 to pass through. After the end of the rotating shaft 1203 with the through hole 1232 is sequentially inserted into the rotating holes 1204 on the first bent portion 1213 and the second bent portion 1223, a cotter pin 1233 is inserted into the through hole 1232, and the head of the cotter pin 1233 is bent to ensure that the cotter pin 1233 does not come out of the through hole 1232. With the anti-detachment parts 1231 and the cotter pin 1233 at both ends of the rotating shaft 1203, the rotating shaft 1203 is limited in the rotating hole 1204 and ensured that it does not come out of the rotating hole 1204. Ultimately, the second bend 1223 can rotate relative to the first bend 1213 around the pivot 1203.

[0033] In another embodiment, one of the first bent portion 1213 and the second bent portion 1223 is provided with a rotating hole 1204, and the other is provided with a protruding shaft (not shown) facing the rotating hole 1204, the protruding shaft being rotatably connected to the rotating hole 1204. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a separate rotating shaft 1203 to achieve relative rotation between the first bent portion 1213 and the second bent portion 1223.

[0034] The second connector 1202 also includes a pressing part 1224 disposed at the end of the top plate 1222 away from the first limiting part 1102. Manually pressing the pressing part 1224 drives the entire second connector 1202 to rotate around the pivot 1203.

[0035] Furthermore, the second connector 1202 also includes a lifting portion 1225 disposed near the first limiting portion 1102. As an example, the lifting portion 1225 provided in this embodiment can be a slot disposed on the top plate 1222. When a person reaches into the lifting portion 1225 and pulls on the lifting portion 1225, the second connector 1202 can be driven to rotate around the pivot 1203.

[0036] In this embodiment, both a pressing part 1224 and a lifting part 1225 are provided, offering dual options for installing and disassembling the track section 110. In other embodiments, either the pressing part 1224 or the lifting part 1225 can be provided, both enabling the rotation of the second connector 1202. The provision of the pressing part 1224 and the lifting part 1225 facilitates user operation of the second connector 1202, allowing it to be easily rotated and adjusted as needed.

[0037] The mechanical connector 120 also includes an elastic element 1205. One of the first connector 1201 and the second connector 1202 has a raised rib 1214, and the other has a positioning hole 1226 corresponding to the raised rib 1214. The elastic element 1205 is sleeved on the raised rib 1214 and located between the first connector 1201 and the second connector 1202. In this embodiment, the raised rib 1214 is disposed on the first connector 1201, and the positioning hole 1226 is disposed on the second connector 1202. In other embodiments, the positioning hole 1226 may not be a through hole, but a groove structure, with the end of the raised rib 1214 extending into the groove, which also achieves the positioning connection of the first connector 1201 and the second connector 1202.

[0038] Due to the presence of the elastic element 1205, the second connector 1202 can be elastically rotated relative to the first connector 1201 in a resettable manner. When the pressing part 1224 or the lifting part 1225 is activated, the elastic element 1205 is compressed, the pressing part 1224 moves towards the bottom wall 1111, and the lifting part 1225 moves away from the bottom wall 1111. After releasing the hand, the second connector 1202 resets under the action of the elastic element 1205 and the elastic force.

[0039] The first limiting part 1102 is a protrusion disposed in the mounting groove 1113 of the track housing 1101. The second limiting part 1221 is a baffle disposed at the end of the top plate 1222 and facing the first limiting part 1102. Through the snap-fit ​​engagement of the first limiting part 1102 and the second limiting part 1221, the first connecting member 1201 is limited in the track housing 1101 in the x-direction, ultimately realizing the mechanical connection of the two track segments 110. The design of the protrusion and the baffle can restrict the movement of the track segments 110 in the splicing direction. At the same time, this design also facilitates the observation and inspection of the splicing status of the track segments 110.

[0040] In this embodiment, the protrusion is provided on the bottom wall 1111, and the second connector 1202 is connected to the bottom plate 1211 of the first connector 1201. In other embodiments, the protrusion may also be provided on the side wall 1112, and correspondingly, the second connector 1202 is also connected to the side plate 1212 of the first connector 1201. When the two track segments 110 are connected, the first limiting part 1102 and the second limiting part 1221 engage with each other on the side wall 1112 of the track housing.

[0041] The first connector 1201 has a clearance portion 1215 corresponding to the position of the first limiting portion 1102. In this embodiment, the clearance portion 1215 is a slot extending in the x-direction on the base plate 1211. When installed in place, the first limiting portion 1102 is located between the second limiting portion 1221 and the clearance portion 1215. That is, when installed in place, the protrusion (i.e., the first limiting portion 1102) on the bottom wall 1111 of the track housing 1101 is placed into the slot, while the vertical baffle (i.e., the second limiting portion 1221) abuts against the retraction direction of the track housing 1101 to limit the retraction of the protrusion in the x-direction. The snap-fit ​​design of the first limiting portion 1102 and the second limiting portion 1221 ensures a firm connection between the track segments 110, making it difficult to loosen or fall off. When a track segment 110 or mechanical connector 120 malfunctions, it can be quickly disassembled and replaced, reducing maintenance costs and difficulty.

[0042] When the first connector 1201 is engaged with the two track housings 1101, the second connector 1202 has a first rotational position and a second rotational position.

[0043] In the first rotational position, the projections of the first limiting part 1102 and its corresponding second limiting part 1221 in the x-direction do not overlap. That is, the second limiting part 1221 does not restrict the movement direction of the track housing 1101, so the first limiting part 1102 on the track housing 1101 can slide into the slot of the bottom plate 1211 of the first connector 1201 or exit the slot.

[0044] In the second rotational position, the projections of the first limiting part 1102 and its corresponding second limiting part 1221 in the x-direction at least partially overlap. Due to this overlap, the second limiting part 1221 restricts the movement direction of the track housing 1101. Therefore, the first limiting part 1102 on the track housing is blocked by the second limiting part 1221 and confined in the slot of the base plate 1211 of the first connecting member 1201.

[0045] When disassembling the two track segments 110, first touch the pressing part 1224 or the lifting part 1225. The elastic element 1205 is compressed, the second connecting part 1202 rotates around the rotating shaft 1203, and the second limiting part 1221 moves away from the bottom wall 1111 until the projections of the first limiting part 1102 and its corresponding second limiting part 1221 in the x direction do not overlap. Then the two track segments 110 can be pulled apart to achieve the separation of the track segments 110.

[0046] When connecting two track segments 110, first assemble the first connector 1201 and two second connectors 1202 into a complete mechanical connector 120. Align one end of the side plate 1212 of the first connector 1201 with the slot 1121 of one of the track housings 1101 and insert it. Activate the pressing part 1224 or lifting part 1225 of the second connector 1202 on the connected side, compressing the elastic element 1205 on that side. Locate the position of the first limiting part 1102 and place it into the slot of the bottom plate 1211 of the first connector 1201. Then release the pressure to allow the elastic element 1205 to... Upon rebound, the other end of the side plate 1212 of the first connector 1201 is inserted into the slot 1121 of the other track housing 1101. Similarly, the pressing part 1224 or the lifting part 1225 on that side is activated to place the first limiting part 1102 into the slot of the bottom plate 1211 of the first connector 1201. Finally, it is ensured that both first limiting parts 1102 are located between the two second limiting parts 1221. The projections of the first limiting part 1102 and its corresponding second limiting part 1221 in the x direction at least partially overlap, and the two track segments 110 are limited in the x direction, indicating that the two track segments 110 are connected in place.

[0047] It is understandable that there is a certain assembly gap between the first limiting part 1102 and the second limiting part 1221, and consequently, there is also such an assembly gap between the two track segments 110, which is within the allowable range.

[0048] The track system 100 also includes a conductive bus 130 located in the mounting slot 1113. The conductive bus 130 provides a stable power supply to the light source assembly. Since much information regarding the conductive bus 130 has been disclosed in the prior art, it will not be described in detail in this embodiment to avoid unnecessary length.

[0049] In summary, the track system 100 of the present invention, by setting the second connector 1202 to be elastically rotate about the pivot 1203 relative to the first connector 1201, allows the first limiting part 1102 and the second limiting part 1221 to engage and disengage, thereby easily realizing the connection and disassembly of the two track segments 110.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An orbital system, comprising: At least two track segments (110), each track segment (110) including a track housing (1101) and a first limiting part (1102) disposed on the track housing (1101); At least one mechanical connector (120) includes a first connector (1201) and two second connectors (1202) provided corresponding to the at least two track segments (110), each of the second connectors (1202) being rotatably connected to the first connector (1201) and having a second limiting part (1221); The first connector (1201) is engaged with the two track housings (1101) respectively, and the second connector (1202) has a first rotation position and a second rotation position. In the first rotation position, the projections of the first limiting part (1102) and its corresponding second limiting part (1221) in the splicing direction of the two track segments (110) do not overlap. In the second rotation position, the projections of the first limiting part (1102) and its corresponding second limiting part (1221) in the splicing direction of the two track segments (110) overlap at least partially.

2. The orbital system according to claim 1, wherein, The track housing (1101) includes a bottom wall (1111) and side walls (1112) disposed on both sides of the bottom wall (1111). The bottom wall (1111) and the side walls (1112) form an installation groove (1113). The side walls (1112) are provided with slots (1121). The first connector (1201) includes a base plate (1211) and side plates (1212) disposed on both sides of the base plate (1211). The first connector (1201) is inserted into the installation groove (1113), so that the base plate (1211) abuts against the bottom wall (1111) and the side plates (1212) abut against the slots (1121).

3. The orbital system according to claim 2, wherein, The first limiting part (1102) is a protrusion provided in the mounting groove (1113), the second connecting member (1202) includes a top plate (1222), and the second limiting part (1221) is a baffle provided at the end of the top plate (1222) and facing the first limiting part (1102).

4. The orbital system according to claim 3, wherein, The first connector (1201) further includes a first bent portion (1213), and the second connector (1202) further includes a second bent portion (1223) disposed on the side of the top plate (1222) and corresponding to the first bent portion (1213), the second bent portion (1223) being rotatable relative to the first bent portion (1213).

5. The orbital system according to claim 4, wherein, The mechanical connector (120) also includes a rotating shaft (1203), and both the first bent portion (1213) and the second bent portion (1223) are provided with rotating holes (1204) for the rotating shaft (1203) to pass through.

6. The orbital system according to claim 4, wherein, One of the first bent portion (1213) and the second bent portion (1223) is provided with a rotating hole (1204), and the other is provided with a protruding shaft facing the rotating hole (1204), the protruding shaft being rotatably connected to the rotating hole (1204).

7. The orbital system according to claim 3, wherein, The second connector (1202) further includes a pressing part (1224) disposed at one end of the top plate (1222) away from the first limiting part (1102); and / or, the second connector (1202) further includes a lifting part (1225) disposed near the first limiting part (1102).

8. The orbital system according to claim 1, wherein, The mechanical connector (120) further includes an elastic element (1205) located between the first connector (1201) and the second connector (1202), one of the first connector (1201) and the second connector (1202) having a raised rib (1214), and the elastic element (1205) being sleeved on the raised rib (1214).

9. The orbital system according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector (1201) has a clearance part (1215) at the position corresponding to the first limiting part (1102).

10. A lighting system, characterized in that, It includes a light source assembly and a track system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light source assembly is mechanically and electrically connected to the track system.

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