TRACK PROFILE FOR A PROFILE LIGHT OR FOR A TRACK LIGHTING SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a track profile (1) for a profile light or a track lighting system. The track profile has an outer base profile component (2) with an inner area (3) and at least one inner profile component (4; 4′). The outer base profile component and the inner profile component can be produced separately. Furthermore, the outer base profile component and the inner profile component are designed in such a way that, to assemble the track profile, the inner profile component can be loosely inserted into the inner area and the inner profile component, arranged loosely in the inner area along a longitudinal extension (5) of the outer base profile component, can then be latched to the outer base profile component in order to mechanically connect the outer base profile component and the inner profile component to one another.

Claims

1. Track profile (1) for a profile light or for a track lighting system, having: an outer base profile component (2) having an inner area (3); and at least one inner profile component (4; 4′); wherein the outer base profile component (2) and the inner profile component (4; 4′) can be produced separately; and wherein the outer base profile component (2) and the inner profile component (4; 4′) are designed in such a way that, in order to assemble the track profile (1), the inner profile component (4; 4′) can be loosely inserted into the inner area (3) and the inner profile component (4; 4′) arranged loosely along a longitudinal extension (5) of the outer base profile component (2) can subsequently be latched to the outer base profile component (2) in order to mechanically connect the outer base profile component (2) and the inner profile component (4; 4′) together.

2. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer base profile component (2) and the inner profile component (4; 4′) each have a substantially constant cross-section along a longitudinal direction (5, 6) of the outer base profile component (2) or the inner profile component (4; 4′).

3. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer base profile component (2) is produced using extrusion and/or that the inner profile component (4; 4′) is produced using an extrusion process.

4. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the track profile (1) in the assembled state is designed to accommodate an adapter (100) of the profile light or the track lighting system, in particular an adapter (100) that can be or is coupled to a lighting device (200) or a lighting module.

5. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) is designed to accommodate conductors (7) or in that conductors (7) are provided in or on the inner profile component (4; 4′), wherein the conductors (7) are embodied for the provision of electrical current for the operation of at least one lighting device (200) or at least one lighting module and/or for the provision of a control signal.

6. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the track profile (1) has at least two inner profile components (4; 4′).

7. Track profile according to claim 6, characterised in that the two inner profile components (4; 4′) are designed with the same geometry and in particular can be produced using the same tool, and/or are connected to the outer base profile component (2) in a mirror-symmetrical and latching manner.

8. Track profile according to claim 6, characterised in that the two inner profile components (4; 4′) are arranged on different sides of a longitudinal centre plane (8) of the outer base profile component (2) and/or that the outer base profile component (2) is designed with a U-like basic shape and, on both sides of a longitudinal centre plane (8) of the outer base profile component (2), has a receiving area (9) to accommodate one of the inner profile components (4;4′).

9. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) and the outer base profile component (2) are designed to be latched together by means of a pivoting movement (10) of the inner profile component (4; 4′) arranged loosely along the longitudinal extension (5) of the outer base profile component (2) in the inner area (3) relative to the outer base profile component (2).

10. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) has a first, in particular longitudinally rib-like. section (11), which is insertable in a direction (13) transversely to the longitudinal extension (5) of the outer base profile component (2) behind a first undercut (14a, 14b) or behind a first, in particular rounded, inner edge (15a, 15b) of the outer base profile component (2).

11. Track profile according to claim 10, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) can be latched to the outer base profile component (2) by pivoting (10) the inner profile component (4; 4′) around the first section (11).

12. Track profile according to claim 10, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) has an elastically movable latching device (16; 16′) which is provided on a second, in particular longitudinally rib-like, section (12; 12′) of the inner profile component (4; 4′) and a second undercut (17a, 17b) or a second inner edge (18a, 18b) of the outer base profile component (2) can be brought into latching engagement.

13. Track profile according to claim 12, characterised in that the latching device (16) is formed in one piece with a body (23) of the inner profile component (4).

14. Track profile according to claim 12, characterised in that the latching device (16′) is formed with at least one additional component (30) arranged on the body (23).

15. Track profile according to one of claims 6, characterised in that the inner profile component (4; 4′) has a central area (19), seen in a cross-section thereof, which is designed to accommodate further parts or components, in particular electrical conductors (7), or is equipped with such parts or components and/or which is designed for mechanical coupling to an adapter (100) or module that can be inserted into the track profile (1), and that the first and second sections (11, 12; 11, 12′) are formed adjacently in ends (20, 21) of the central region (19) which are opposite in the cross-section.

16. Track profile according to claim 15, characterised in that the second section (12; 12′) is formed with a slide ramp (22) which is located on the second section (12; 12′) turned away from the central area (19) and the first section (11).

17. Track profile according to claim 10, characterised in that the first and second sections (11, 12; 11, 12′) are designed as longitudinal ribs on the inner profile component (4; 4′) extending transversely to one another, in particular essentially perpendicularly to one another.

18. Track profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer base profile component (2) is formed with a metal material, in particular with aluminium or an aluminium alloy, and/or that the inner profile component (4; 4′) is formed with a plastic material in at least in some areas.

19. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that in the assembled state of the track profile (1) in a cross-section thereof, there is at least one rectangular free space (28) with a side length (29), in particular a width (29), of between approximately 10 millimetres and approximately 20 millimetres, preferably of between approximately 14 millimetres and approximately 16 millimetres.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the drawings. The following are depicted:

[0041] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a short section of a long track profile according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0042] FIG. 2 a perspective view of a track profile according to FIG. 1, wherein a section of an inner profile component is shown extending beyond a section of an outer base profile component to illustrate the configuration of the inner profile component;

[0043] FIG. 3 the track profile of FIG. 1 during assembly in a first assembly step, in a cross-sectional view;

[0044] FIG. 4 the track profile of FIG. 1 during assembly in a second assembly step, in a cross-sectional view;

[0045] FIG. 5 the assembled track profile of FIG. 1 in a cross-sectional view;

[0046] FIG. 6 the assembled track profile of FIG. 1 with an adapter arranged in an inner area thereof, in a cross-sectional view from an opposite viewing direction compared to FIGS. 3-5;

[0047] FIG. 7 an adapter and a lighting device coupled to the adapter for use in a track lighting system together with the track profile of FIGS. 1-6; and

[0048] FIG. 8 a partial cross-sectional view of a track profile during an assembly step, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] The accompanying drawings are provided to clarify the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the mentioned advantages will become apparent when consulting the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown at the same scale.

[0050] In the figures, elements, features and components which are identical and which have the same function and effect each have the same reference signs, unless otherwise stated.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0051] FIGS. 1-5 show a modular or multi-part track profile 1 for a profile light or a track lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment. The track profile 1 is connected to an outer base profile component 2 which is integrally extruded from a metal material, in particular an aluminium material, e.g. an aluminium alloy, and has a cross-section U-like basic shape, and two inner profile components 4 arranged in an inner area 3 of the outer base profile component 2. The inner profile components 4 each have an integral body 23 made by extrusion of a plastic material, wherein the body 23 houses a plurality of conductors 7 adapted to carry electric current for the operation of lighting devices or lighting modules and/or a control signal for the lighting devices or modules, for example a DALI signal or a signal based on another suitable protocol.

[0052] The outer base profile component 2 and the inner profile components 4 are manufactured separately, wherein the outer base profile component 2 has a cross-section essentially constant along a longitudinal extension 5 thereof, and each of the inner profile components 4 also has a cross-section essentially constant along a longitudinal extension 6 of the inner profile component 4. In an advantageous implementation, the inner profile components 4 are each formed with a body 23 that can be produced by means of the same extrusion tool. For example, FIG. 5 shows that the inner profile components 4 are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to one another after they have been connected to the base profile component 2.

[0053] FIG. 4, for example, shows that on both sides of a longitudinal centre plane 8 of the outer base profile component 2, each of the base profile components 2 has a receiving area 9 in order to receive one of the inner profile components 4.

[0054] In the case of the track profile 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, the inner profile components 4 and the outer base profile component 2 can not only be manufactured separately, but can also be connected to one another in a particularly simple, cost-effective and expedient manner. Without unduly stringent requirements relating to the tolerances on the geometry and/or dimensions of the components 2 and 4, they can be connected to one another without binding or binding.

[0055] In the following, it is initially assumed that, as described above, the inner profile components 4 are embodied in the same way on both sides of the longitudinal centre plane 8, for example formed with two pieces of an extruded plastic profile body 23, cut to the length of the base profile component 2 and provided with conductors 7.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the inner profile component 4, seen in cross-section, has a central area 19 which is provided with a plurality of mutually parallel, outwardly widening grooves, at the base of which one of the conductors 7 mutually parallel to the component 4 is located. Furthermore, the inner profile component 4 has a plurality of sections 11, 12, 24a-24c designed as longitudinal ribs.

[0057] Specifically, the body 23 of the inner profile component 4 has a first longitudinal rib-like section 11 which extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal centre plane 8 when the inner profile component 4 is connected to the outer base profile component 2. The first section 11 extends away from a first end 20 of the central area 19 adjacent to a first end 20 thereof as an extension of a main extension surface of the latter. The second section 12 is embodied on the body 23 adjacent to a second end 21 of the central area 19, wherein the second end 21 is opposite the first end 20 of the central area 19 in the cross-section of the inner profile component 4. The first and second sections 11, 12 extend as longitudinal ribs of the body 23 transversely and perpendicularly to one another.

[0058] The further longitudinal ribs 24a, 24b, 24c extend outwards at the rear and thus on a side of the central area 19 which faces away from the side thereof from which the conductors 7 are accessible, essentially parallel to the second section 12 and to one another.

[0059] On the second, longitudinally rib-like section 12 of the inner profile component 4, an elastically movable latching device 16 is integrally formed with the section 12, which has a slide ramp 22 formed on the second section 12 and a retaining surface 27, for example, which is aligned essentially perpendicular to the section 12. The slide ramp 22 is arranged on the second section 12 facing away from the central area 19 and the first section 11. The sloping slide ramp 22 is inclined towards the main extension surface of the central area 19 and points outwards away from it.

[0060] In order to connect the inner profile components 4 to the outer base profile component 2 one after the other, and thus to assemble the track profile 1, the inner profile component 4 is first loosely inserted into the inner area 3, see in particular FIGS. 3-5. As the inner profile component 4—shown in FIG. 4 e.g. for the component 4 on the right side of the track profile 1, in FIG. 3 for those on the left side—is still movable with a lot of play in its loose state relative to the base profile component 2, it can be introduced without difficulty into the inner area 3, transverse to the longitudinal extension of the base profile component 2, through the space between the legs of the U-shape of the component 2.

[0061] For example, the outer base profile component 2 and the inner profile component 4 can be arranged approximately flush with one another at the front, even before the inner profile component 4 is introduced into the inner area 3. Then, roughly in the direction of the arrow 13, the first section 11 is inserted transversely to the longitudinal extension 5 behind a first undercut 14a, which is formed by a first rounded inner edge 15a of the outer base profile component 2, viewed from the longitudinal centre plane 8.

[0062] Alternatively, the inner profile component 4 can be loosely inserted into the inner area 3 from the end face of the base profile component 2, whereby it can be pushed in loosely due to the large amount of play and does not jam.

[0063] The inner profile component 4 is now (see for example in FIG. 4 on the right side) arranged with its longitudinal extension 6 parallel to the longitudinal extension 5 of the outer base profile component 2, wherein the first section 11 reach behind the inner edge 15a.

[0064] The undercut 14a and the edge 15a are formed on one of the two sides of an elevation provided in the middle area of the bottom of the U-like base profile component 2, on the section connecting the U-legs. A further first undercut 14b and a further first rounded inner edge 15b are provided on the other side of the elevation symmetrically to the undercut 14a and the edge 15a.

[0065] When the inner profile component 4 is pivoted about the first section 11, see reference signs 10 in FIG. 4, the latching device can be pushed back in an elastically resilient manner with the help of the slide ramp. After the pivoting is complete, the latching device 16 springs back and is brought into latching engagement with a second under-cut 17a and a second inner edge 18a, which are formed on one of two longitudinal ribs of the base profile component 2 projecting into the inner area 3. The movability of the latching device 16 is realized by means of the elasticity of the material of the body 23. A further second undercut 17b with a further second inner edge 18b is embodied at a point symmetrical to the undercut 17a and the edge 18a on the other of the longitudinal ribs projecting into the inner area 3.

[0066] This process is carried out for both inner profile components 4, wherein the profile component 4 pivots about the section 11 and the section 11 moves around the rounded inner edge 15 in each case. The components 2, 4 can thus be locked and connected with little friction. After latching, the inner profile component 4 is firmly mechanically connected to the outer base profile component 2. The process is carried out in the sequence shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first for the profile component 4 on the left, then for that on the right, wherein it is possible for the sequence to be reversed.

[0067] The longitudinal rib-like section 24a, which is embodied essentially perpendicular to the first section 11 on the inner profile component 4 and is also arranged in the area of the first end 20 of the central area 19, has the effect that after the end of the pivoting process 10, the first section 11 rests securely against the undercut 14 embodied as a step. For this purpose, in the locked state, a free end of the section 24a in the receiving area 9 rests on a lateral inner surface 26 of the outer base profile component 2. This prevents the inner profile component 4 from becoming detached during use of the profile 1 when the first section 11 moves back.

[0068] The sections 24b-c also support the inner profile component 4 and in particular the central area 19.

[0069] In the assembled state of the track profile 1, in a cross-section thereof, see FIG. 5, an intermediate space is formed between the inner profile components 4 within the inner area 3, wherein the intermediate space is embodied with at least one rectangular free space 28 between the inner profile components 4. The rectangular free space 28 in the cross-section of the track profile 1, has a width 29 of between about 10 millimetres and about 20 millimetres, preferably between approximately 14 millimetres and approximately 16 millimetres, measured in the transverse direction of the track profile 1, normal to a depth direction thereof and normal to the longitudinal extensions 5, 6, as one of the side lengths of the free space 28.

[0070] In the assembled state, the track profile 1 is set up to receive an adapter 100 of a profile light or a track lighting system. A received adapter 100 is shown by way of example in FIG. 6, wherein several of the conductors 7 come into contact with contacting devices of the adapter 100 designed for this purpose. The width 29 of the free space 28 is selected to accommodate the adapter 100.

[0071] 7 shows the adapter 100, which is coupled to a lighting device 200 by way of example. The connection of the lighting device 200 to the adapter 100 can be fixed, or the lighting device 200 can be detachably connected to the adapter 100. A lighting module or another suitable lighting device can take the place of the spotlight or linear lighting device 200 in FIG. 7.

[0072] On the side of the central area 19 where the conductors 7 are accessible and which faces the adapter 100 when this is inserted into the profile 1, each inner profile component 4 has a step 25 in the central area 19 which is arranged adjacent to the second section 12. The steps 25 of the two inner profile components 4 point towards one another when the track profile 1 is in the assembled state. For the mechanical coupling of the profile 1 with the adapter 100, or instead with a lighting module not shown in the figures, which could be provided with contact elements to create a connection with the conductors 7, the step 25 on either side of the adapter 100 or module can be grasped from behind by means of suitable engagement elements, in particular detachably, in order to hold the adapter 100 or the module on the track profile 1.

[0073] A modular profile 1 to accommodate the conductor tracks 7 and one or more adapters 100 of a profile light or a track lighting system is described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the inner profile components 4 can be connected to the outer base profile component 2 with little effort, in a simple manner and without unnecessarily strict tolerances in terms of geometry and dimensions. This is achieved by dividing the profile 1 into several components 2, 4, which are manufactured separately and then connected simply and inexpensively—including the outer base profile 2 and two inner profile elements 4 which can be clipped into the outer base profile 2 on both sides—which accommodate further components such as the electrical conductors 7 permanently installed in the body 23. The adapter 100 can be detachably inserted and removed from the profile 1.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, each of the inner profile components 4 has five electrical conductors 7, whereby the figure shows a 10-pole track profile 1, for example for a track lighting system. In a variant, it can be provided, for example, that each of the inner profile components 4 is equipped with fewer conductors 7, for example three conductors 7 to form a 6-pole profile 1. Alternatively, a different number of conductors can be provided on each inner profile component 4. In addition, it is conceivable that the two inner profile elements 4 could be equipped with different numbers of conductors 7. It is thus also possible to equip the outer base profile component 2 in a mechanically identical way in a modular manner with different types of inner profile components 4.

[0075] The conductors 7 can include, for example, a neutral conductor and one or more phase conductors in order to provide an alternating electrical current, as well as signal conductors.

[0076] In further exemplary embodiments, provision can be made for the latching device 16 not to be formed in one piece with the body 23 of the inner profile component 4, but rather with one or more separate, additional and in particular movable components, which enable the inner profile component 4 to lock into place on the outer base profile component 2, wherein the movable component(s) can hereby be manufactured separately and connected to the body 23.

[0077] FIG. 8 outlines an exemplary embodiment in which a latching device 16′ with an elastically movable spring 30 is embodied as a further component, for example made of a metal material. In particular, a large number of such springs 30 can be arranged along the longitudinal extension 6 on a second longitudinal rib-like section 12′ of an inner profile component 4′. Section 12′ differs from section 12 in FIGS. 1-6 in the alternative design of the free end of section 12′ without the slide ramp 22, but has, for example, recesses to accommodate the springs 30. The spring 30 engages after pivoting 10 behind the edge 18a or 18b. In addition to FIG. 8, reference is made to the explanations for FIGS. 1-7.

[0078] In the preceding exemplary embodiments, it can be provided that the pivoting 10 takes place manually or by means of a device set up for this purpose.

[0079] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to these exemplary embodiments and can be modified in a variety of other ways.

[0080] In particular, it is conceivable that the same or different inner profile components could be arranged on the base profile component and/or that more than two inner profile components could be provided.

[0081] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0082] In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

[0083] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding German application No. 102022204266.2, filed Apr. 29, 2022, are incorporated by reference herein.

[0084] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

[0085] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

REFERENCE LIST

[0086] 1 track profile

[0087] 2 outer base profile component

[0088] 3 inner area (base profile component)

[0089] 4, 4′ inner profile component

[0090] 5 longitudinal extension (base profile component)

[0091] 6 longitudinal extension (inner profile component)

[0092] 7 conductor

[0093] 8 longitudinal central plane (base profile component)

[0094] 9 receiving area

[0095] 10 pivoting movement

[0096] 11 first longitudinal rib-like section

[0097] 12, 12′ second longitudinal rib-like section

[0098] 13 direction transverse to the longitudinal extension 5

[0099] 14a, 14b undercut

[0100] 15a, 15b rounded inner edge 16, 16′ latching device

[0101] 17a, 17b undercut

[0102] 18a, 18b inner edge

[0103] 19 central area (inner profile component)

[0104] 20 first end (central area)

[0105] 21 second end (central area)

[0106] 22 slide ramp (second section)

[0107] 25 23 body

[0108] 24a-24c further longitudinal rib-like sections

[0109] 25 step

[0110] 26 lateral inner surface

[0111] 27 retaining surface

[0112] 28 free space

[0113] 29 side length (free space)

[0114] 30 spring

[0115] 100 adapter

[0116] 200 lighting device