ADAPTER FOR USE IN A TRACK LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT
20230349542 ยท 2023-11-02
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
H01R33/955
ELECTRICITY
F21S8/038
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V23/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
H01R31/06
ELECTRICITY
H01R13/436
ELECTRICITY
H01R33/74
ELECTRICITY
International classification
F21V21/35
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V23/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
H01R31/06
ELECTRICITY
H01R25/14
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
An adapter for use in a track lighting system is designed to be inserted into a track. The track has an electrical conductor means with conductors, the adapter has contact elements, and when the adapter is in an inserted state, contact can be made with the conductors by means of the contact elements. The contact elements can be moved into a contacting position, in which they protrude from the adapter so that they can be connected to the conductors, and into a non-contacting position, in which the adapter can be retracted into or removed from the track. The movement of the contact elements between the contacting position and the non-contacting position can be brought about by an operator by means of a moveably arranged actuating element of the adapter.
Claims
1. Adapter (1) for use in a track lighting system, which is designed to be inserted into a track (2) of the track lighting system, wherein the track (2) has an electrical conductor means (3) with conductors (4), the adapter (1) has contact elements (5), and when the adapter (1) is in an inserted state, contact can be made with the conductors (4) by means of the contact elements (5); wherein the contact elements (5) can be moved into a contacting position in which they protrude from the adapter (1) in order to make contact with the conductors (4), and into a non-contacting position in which the adapter (1) can be inserted into or removed from the track (2); and wherein the movement of the contact elements (5) between the contacting position and the non-contacting position can be brought about by an operator by means of a moveably arranged actuating element (6) of the adapter (1).
2. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1) is designed for insertion into the track (2) in such a way that the conductors (4) run laterally, in particular on both sides, of the adapter (1) when the adapter (1) is inserted, and that in the contacting position, the contact elements (5) protrude laterally on the adapter (1), and in particular that the conductors (4), which can be contacted by the contact elements (5), are arranged parallel to one another.
3. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (6) for moving the contact elements (5) can be actuated by the operator without tools.
4. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1), by actuating the moveably arranged actuating element (6) used to move the contact elements (5), is simultaneously detachably fixable to the track, in particular at a selectable point along a longitudinal direction (17) of the track (2), in an internal space (7) of the track (2) in which the adapter (1) is accommodated when inserted.
5. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (6) can be displaced in a straight line by the operator.
6. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact elements (5) are arranged on a body (8) rotatably mounted in a frame (8) of the adapter (1).
7. Adapter according to claim 6, characterised in that the body (9) is designed with an at least partially cylindrical or cylinder-like outer shape.
8. Adapter according to claim 6, characterised in that the actuating element (6) can be moved relative to the frame (8) of the adapter (1) and the body (9) can be rotated relative to the frame (8) by means of the displacement movement of the actuating element (6).
9. Adapter according to claim 6, characterised in that the actuating element (6) has a flat, plate-shaped section (13), an engagement geometry formed on or in a first main surface area (14) of the plate-shaped section (13) and an engagement geometry in the area of a second main surface area (15) of the plate-shaped section (13), which is opposite the first main surface area (14), has a guide contour (21) formed on an end face (22) of the rotatably mounted body (9) or a steering projection (24) embodied on an element (29) connected in a torque-proof manner to the body (9) on the end face of the body (9), eccentrically arranged relative to an axis of rotation (A) of the body (9), and when moving the actuating element (6), the guide contour (21) acts on the steering projection (24) thereby effecting the rotation of the body (9).
10. Adapter according to claim 9, characterised in that the engagement geometry embodied on or in the first main surface area (14) of the plate-shaped section (13) is formed with a transverse rib (16) projecting from the first main surface area (14).
11. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (6) is arranged in the region of an outer surface (11) of the adapter (1) facing an open side (10) of the track (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state.
12. Adapter according to claim 11, characterised in that the actuating element (6) is arranged flush or set back with respect to a flat surface that forms the outer surface (11) of the adapter (1) on a side of the adapter (1) that faces the open side (10) of the track (2).
13. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the conductors (4) that can come into contact with the contact elements (5) are set up to provide an electrical supply voltage and/or a control signal for lighting devices or lighting modules of the track lighting system and the contact elements (5) are designed to supply the supply voltage or the control signal from the conductors (4).
14. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1) has a device (20) for phase selection, by means of which an assembly that is or can be coupled to the adapter (1), in particular a lighting device (50) or a lighting module, can be electrically coupled in the contacting position to supply the assembly with an electrical phase selectable from a plurality of electrical phases provided by the electrical conductor means (3).
15. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1) is set up to receive a control signal from the electrical conductor means (3) by means of one or more of the contact elements (5) and to interpret the control signal and control an assembly that is or can be coupled to the adapter (1), in particular a lighting device (50) or a lighting module as a function of the control signal and/or pass the control signal on to an assembly that is or can be coupled to the adapter (1), in particular a lighting device (50) or a lighting module.
16. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that a length (L1) of the adapter (1), which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction (17) of the track (2) when the adapter (1) is in the inserted state, is between 300 mm and 400 mm, a height (H1), which is essentially parallel to a depth direction (19) of the track (2) when the adapter (1) is in an inserted state, is between 20 mm and 40 mm, and a width (B1) of the adapter (1) is between 10 mm and 20 mm.
17. Adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter (1) is designed at least in sections with an asymmetrical shape in relation to a longitudinal center plane of the adapter (1) in an outer surface area of the adapter (1) that faces a base of the track (2) when the adapter (1) is inserted.
18. Lighting arrangement (100) with a track (2), at least one lighting device (50) or a lighting module, and at least one adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting the lighting device (50) or the lighting module to an electrical conductor means (3) of the track (2).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] 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:
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[0047] 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.
[0048] 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
[0049] An adapter 1 for use in a track lighting system, for example in an internal space of a building not shown in the figures, is shown in
[0050] The adapter 1 is narrow and elongate and, in the exemplary embodiment, has a length L1 of approximately 356 mm, a width B1 of approximately 14 mm and a height H1 of approximately 30 mm, wherein other dimensions are conceivable. The length L1 is measured along a longitudinal direction 25 of the adapter 1, the width B1 and the height H1 each along a width or height direction normal to the direction 25.
[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, a spotlight-like lighting device 50 is coupled to the adapter 1 by way of example. The lighting device 50 can be coupled to the adapter 1 in a fixed or detachable manner. Instead of the lighting device 50, a different type of lighting module can be coupled or couplable to the adapter 1 in a fixed or detachable manner. The assembly formed with the lighting device 50 or the lighting module is supplied with electricity by means of the adapter 1 for the operation of light-generating devices of the lighting device 50 or the lighting module. In addition, the lighting device 50 or the lighting module can be controlled by means of the adapter 1 depending on control signals that are received and interpreted by the adapter 1, or the adapter 1 can receive control signals and forward them to the lighting device 50 or the lighting module.
[0052] The track lighting system, within which the adapter 1 is used, comprises at least one track 2, see
[0053] The track 2 has a base body 26 which is essentially designed with a U-shaped cross-section and is produced in particular by means of extrusion from a metal material, for example aluminum. Inside the base body 26, inner support profiles 27 are arranged along both legs thereof and are fastened to the base body 26. The carrier sections 27 are preferably made of plastic and, together with a large number of electrical conductors 4, which are accommodated by the carrier sections 27, form an electrical conductor means 3 of the track 2.
[0054] The track 2 has, see
[0055] The adapter 1 can be detachably integrated into the track lighting system in a flush and space-saving manner by inserting it into the internal space 7 of the track 2, wherein the longitudinal direction 25 then runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 17. After being inserted into the internal space 7, the adapter 1 can still be positioned freely in the longitudinal direction 17 and can be easily fixed without tools at a desired point along the track 2 and released again if necessary.
[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, one of the conductors 4 of the electrical conductor means 3 serves as a neutral conductor, and several other conductors 4 as phase conductors, which provide several phases of alternating electrical current. In particular, alternating current at mains voltage can be applied to the conductors 4 provided for the power supply. Furthermore, one or more other conductors 4 are also preferably provided to supply a control signal, for example a DALI signal or a signal based on another suitable protocol. Of the conductors 4, two conductors 4a and one conductor 4b can be provided on each of the two carrier sections 27, wherein the conductor 4b are arranged between the conductors 4a. The arrangement of the conductors 4a, 4b in the track 2 is symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane 28 of the track 2, but in
[0057] The adapter 1 has a frame 8 which, in the exemplary embodiment, is formed with frame shell parts which are locked together. Electrical and electronic components are arranged within the frame 8 and, in cooperation with one another, serve to supply the lighting device 50 or the lighting module with electrical power for operation and to interpret control signals and switch the lighting device 50 or the lighting module on as a function of these control signals, or to forward the control signals to the lighting device 50 or the lighting module for interpretation in the lighting device 50 or in the lighting module. In particular, the adapter 1 can have a converter accommodated in the frame 8.
[0058] When the adapter 1 is inserted into the track 2, the conductors 4 run laterally on both sides of the adapter 1, see
[0059] 1A-1E show the adapter 1 in a state in which the contact elements 5 are pivoted completely into the frame 8 in the non-contacting position. 2A-2E show the adapter 1 in a second state, in which the contact elements 5 are between the contacting position and non-contacting position and are partially folded out, and
[0060] The electrically conductive contact elements 5, see
[0061] Furthermore, a plate-like fixing element 29 is connected to the body 9 in a torque-proof manner. The fixing element 29 can be a separate part or, as shown in
[0062] The track 2 has an open side 10, see
[0063] The actuating element 6 serves to bring about the movement of the contact elements 5 between the contacting position and the non-contacting position and the pivoting of the fixing element 29. For this purpose, the actuating element 6 can be manually moved by an operator parallel to the longitudinal direction 25 of the adapter 1 relative to the frame 8. This is illustrated for three positions in
[0064] The actuating element 6 is embodied in the manner of an elongated quadrilateral in top view, see
[0065] In a variant, instead of the transverse rib 16, or in addition to it, a transverse indentation, which is not shown in the drawing, could be provided in the first main surface area 14 for the operator to grip with their finger.
[0066] The second main surface area 15, which is opposite to the first main surface area 14, has a guide contour 21, which, when the adapter 1 is in the assembled state, is designed with an essentially rectilinear middle section 33 that extends obliquely to its longitudinal direction 25, and short end portions 34 which are substantially aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction 25 and are rounded at the end, see
[0067] On an end face 22 of the body 9, which is formed in
[0068] The body 9 with the fixing element 29 and the actuating element 6 are arranged in such a way that the steering projection 24 fits into the groove-like guide contour 21 and can slide in the guide contour 21 . When the actuating element 6 is moved, the guide contour 21 acts on the steering projection 24, which is arranged eccentrically to an axis of rotation A of the body 9 defined by the pin 23a and the axle section 23b, and thereby causes the body 9 to rotate about the axis of rotation A.
[0069] When the operator moves the actuating element 6 after inserting the adapter 1 into the track 2 and positioning it at the desired position along the track 2, the body 9 is rotated, as a result of which the contact elements 5 swing out of the frame 8 through the openings 30 and make contact with several of the conductors 4, see
[0070] In the state of
[0071] When the adapter 1 is inserted, the height H1 extends essentially parallel to the depth direction 19 of the track 2, the width B1 essentially parallel to the transverse direction 18 of the track 2, and the length L1 essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 17 of the track 2. A narrow adapter 1 is therefore provided, which is used for connection to the conductors 4 running parallel to one another along both profile sides of the track 2 and which can be inserted into the track 2 in a detachable manner. The folding in and out of the contact elements 5 is achieved by means of a rotational movement of the inner body 9, which can be achieved without tools with the aid of a rectilinear movement of the actuating element 6.
[0072] Advantageously, the operator can also insert the adapter 1 flush into the internal space 7 in an unfavorable position, for example overhead, without a tool, and can freely position it along the longitudinal direction 17 and at the desired point along the track 2 in a simple manner, by means of linear, rectilinear movement of the actuating element 6 and can thereby detachably secure it and create a connection by simply applying a force in a straight direction using their finger. The adapter 1 can be released by moving the actuating element 6 in the opposite direction, i.e. from the state of
[0073] Reference is made to
[0074] In addition, the wall 35 forms a further latching edge 39 adjacent to a transition between the middle section 33 and one of the end sections 34 and in the area of the same longitudinal side of the element 6 as the latching recess 36.
[0075] The latching edge 39 and the latching recess 36 are thus embodied adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges of the actuating element 6 by means of the wall 35 of the latter. Between the latching recess 36 and the latching edge 39, an outer boundary of the wall 35 is provided with a V-shaped contour 40 that slopes flatly inwards in opposite directions in order to facilitate the movement of the latching projection 38 between the two end positions of the actuating element 6 when sliding into the recess 36 or behind the latching edge 39.
[0076] Furthermore, 1B, 2B, 3B and 4 show that the adapter 1 is equipped with a device 20 for phase selection. The device 20 is designed as a mechanical rotary switch, which makes it possible to connect the lighting device 50 coupled to the adapter 1 or the lighting module coupled to the adapter 1 with a selectable electrical phase provided by some of the conductors 4 and in contact with contact elements 5. The device 20 thus makes it possible to select a phase which, for example, is used to supply the lighting device 50 or the lighting module with electricity. In particular, it is possible to use the device 20 to avoid selecting any of the phases, and thus to disconnect the lighting device(s) 50 coupled to the adapter 1 or the lighting module(s) coupled or capable of being coupled to the adapter 1 from all of the electrical phases.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment, the adapter 1 has six contact elements 5, so that a connection is not made with all of the available conductors 4. In variants, the number of conductors 4 and/or the contact elements 5 can vary and, for example, can also be the same.
[0078] Furthermore, the adapter 1 and the track 2 are designed to ensure that the adapter 1 is always correctly inserted into the track 2 in such a way that the contact elements 5 each come into contact with the intended conductors 4 as desired. For this purpose, see
[0079] A lighting arrangement 100 can thus be embodied with one or more tracks 2, one or more lighting devices 50 and/or other types of lighting modules, and with at least one adapter 1 or several adapters 1, as described above with reference to
[0080] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to these exemplary embodiments and can be modified in a variety of ways.
[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. 102022204265.4, 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 adapter
[0087] 2 track
[0088] 3 electrical conductor means
[0089] 4 conductor
[0090] 5 contact element (adapter)
[0091] 6 actuating element (adapter)
[0092] 7 internal space (track)
[0093] 8 frame (adapter)
[0094] 9 body
[0095] 10 open side (track)
[0096] 11 outer surface (adapter)
[0097] 12 side (adapter)
[0098] 13 plate-shaped section (actuating element)
[0099] 14 first main surface area
[0100] 14 second main surface area
[0101] 16 transverse rib
[0102] 17 longitudinal direction (track)
[0103] 18 transverse direction (track)
[0104] 19 depth direction (track)
[0105] 20 device for phase selection
[0106] 21 guide contour
[0107] 22 end face
[0108] 23a swivel pin
[0109] 23b rotary axis section
[0110] 24 steering projection
[0111] 25 longitudinal direction (adapter)
[0112] 26 base body (track)
[0113] 27 carrier section (electrical conductor means)
[0114] 28 longitudinal center plane
[0115] 29 fixing element
[0116] 30 opening
[0117] 31 opening
[0118] 32 sloping surface
[0119] 33 middle section (guide contour)
[0120] 33 end section (guide contour)
[0121] 35 wall
[0122] 36 latching recess
[0123] 37 section (carrier section)
[0124] 38 latching projection
[0125] 39 latching edge
[0126] 40 V-shaped contour
[0127] 41 elevation
[0128] 42 recessed area
[0129] 43 projection
[0130] 44 projection
[0131] 45 intermediate space
[0132] 46 recess
[0133] 47 sloping surface
[0134] 48 sloping surface
[0135] 50 lighting device
[0136] 100 lighting arrangement
[0137] A axis of rotation
[0138] B1 width (adapter)
[0139] H1 height (adapter)
[0140] L1 length (adapter)