CN113300178B

CN113300178B - Rail system with support members

Info

Publication number: CN113300178B
Application number: CN202110199262.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安托万·穆兰; 劳尔·里卡特; 杰弗里·A·琼斯; 斯文·维斯珀; 马龙·克里斯蒂安·格罗塞尔
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2020-02-21
Filing date: 2021-02-22
Publication date: 2023-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-22
Also published as: CN113300178A; DE102021104012A1

Abstract

The present application relates to a track system having a support member. The support member may be removably and adjustably connected to the track assembly. The support member may include an electrical connector, contacts, and a biasing member. The electrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position. The contact may be connected to an electrical connector and configured to engage a conductor of the track assembly. The contact may be engageable with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position. The contact may be non-engageable with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the second position. The biasing member may be configured to bias the contact into engagement with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

Description

Rail system with support members

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/979,812, filed on 21, 2, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to track systems including support members and tracks and/or support members configured for connection to and removal from the tracks, which may be used in connection with vehicle seats, for example.

Background

The background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Thus, any aspect of the background description is not explicitly or implicitly to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Some track systems may have support members that do not provide adequate functionality, may be complicated to operate and/or assemble, and/or may not operate efficiently. For example, some support members may not provide adequate connection between the electrical contacts (electrical contact) and corresponding conductors of the track.

Accordingly, there is a need for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or drawbacks of support members configured for connection to and removal from a track. The preceding discussion is intended to be illustrative of the examples in the art, and not negative of scope.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the support member may be removably and adjustably connected to the track assembly. The support member may include an electrical connector, contacts, and a biasing member. The electrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position. The contact may be connected to an electrical connector and configured to engage a conductor of the track assembly. The contact may be engageable with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position. The contact may be non-engageable with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the second position. The biasing member may be configured to bias the contact into engagement with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

In an embodiment, a track system may include a track assembly and a support assembly. The track assembly may include a conductor. The support assembly may include a support member that is removably and adjustably connectable to the track assembly. The support member may include an electrical connector, contacts, and a biasing member. The electrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position. The contact may be connected to the electrical connector and configured to engage a conductor of the track assembly. The contact and the conductor may be engageable with each other when the electrical connector is in the first position. The contact and the conductor may be non-engageable with each other when the electrical connector is in the second position. The biasing member may be configured to bias the contact into engagement with the conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

In an embodiment, a track system may include a track assembly and a support assembly. The track assembly may include a plurality of conductors. The support assembly may include a support member that is removably and adjustably connectable to the track assembly. The support member may include an electrical connector, a plurality of contacts, and a plurality of biasing members. The electrical connector may be adjustable to a first position and a second position. The plurality of contacts may be connected to the electrical connector and may be configured to engage corresponding conductors of the plurality of conductors. The plurality of contacts and the plurality of conductors may be engageable with each other when the electrical connector is in the first position. The plurality of contacts and the plurality of conductors may be non-engageable with each other when the electrical connector is in the second position. The plurality of biasing members may be configured to bias corresponding contacts of the plurality of contacts into engagement with corresponding conductors when the electrical connector is in the first position.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities and/or advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

While the claims are not limited to a particular description, an appreciation of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain illustrative inventive aspects. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary description is described in detail by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a track system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a track according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a conductor according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an insulator according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector in a first position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional elevation view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector in a first position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6B is a side view generally illustrating the embodiment of the electrical connector of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C is a perspective view generally illustrating the embodiment of the electrical connector of fig. 6A connected to a support member.

Fig. 7 and 8 are top views generally illustrating embodiments of electrical contacts according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9A and 9B generally illustrate embodiments of electrical contacts in a first rotational position and a second rotational position, respectively, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10A and 10B generally illustrate embodiments of electrical contacts in a first rotational position and a second rotational position, respectively, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 generally illustrates the orientation of an embodiment of an electrical contact in a first rotational position and a second rotational position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector and conductors in a second position of the electrical connector in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a view generally illustrating the electrical connector and conductors of fig. 12 as the electrical connector is being rotated from the second position toward the first position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14A-14C are views generally illustrating the electrical connector and conductors of fig. 12 when the electrical connector is in a first position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15A is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector and electrical contacts when the electrical connector is between a first position and a second position.

Fig. 15B and 15C are views generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector and electrical contacts when the electrical connector is in a second position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16A-16C are views generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector and electrical contacts when the electrical connector is in a first position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17A is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical contact engaged with a conductor in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17B is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a plurality of electrical contacts engaged with respective conductors in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18A is a side view generally illustrating rotational movement of an embodiment of an electrical contact according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18B is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts and an embodiment of a conductor according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 is a diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector including an adjustment portion according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 20A is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of a support member according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 20B is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of a slider according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21A and 21B are views generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector including an adjustment portion in a second position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 22 and 23 are views generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector including an adjustment portion between a second position and a first position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 24 is a view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical connector including an adjustment portion in a first position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in connection with embodiments and/or examples, they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 1, track system 100 may include a support assembly 102 and/or a track assembly/rail assembly 104. The track assembly 104 can be coupled to the mounting surface 106 (e.g., a floor of the vehicle 108) and/or disposed in the mounting surface 106 (e.g., a floor of the vehicle 108), and can facilitate selectively coupling one or more support assemblies to the mounting surface 106. The track assembly 104 may facilitate adjustment of one or more support assemblies 102, for example, relative to a mounting surface 106 and/or within a vehicle 108. The support assembly 102 and/or the track assembly 104 may include an electrical system 110 (e.g., of the vehicle 108) and/or be connected to the electrical system 110 (e.g., of the vehicle 108), and the electrical system 110 may include a controller 112 and/or a power source 114.

In an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 1, the track assembly 104 may include one or more tracks/rails 120, and the support assembly 102 may be connectable to the tracks/rails 120 and adjustable (e.g., slidable). The rail 120 may include one or more metals and/or conductive materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.). The track assembly 104 may include one or more track groups 122, each including one or more tracks 120, which tracks 120 may be configured to engage corresponding portions of the support assembly 102. Several rails 120 and/or rail sets 122 may be connected to a portion of the mounting surface 106 (e.g., floor, wall, ceiling, etc.) and disposed adjacent to each other and/or may extend parallel to each other. The structure of one or more of the tracks 120, 120' may be designed to be identical to each other and/or to be different from each other. The rails 120, 120 'may be offset from one another, for example, in a lateral direction/transverse direction (e.g., Y-direction), such that the rails 120, 120' may generally face the respective outer sides of the support assembly 102.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated generally in fig. 2, for example, the rail 120 may be an elongated member extending in the X-direction. The rail 120 may have a rail base portion 124 and two rail wall portions (e.g., a first rail wall portion 126 and a second rail wall portion 128) that protrude from the rail base portion 124 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in the Y-Z plane (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the X-direction). The U-shaped cross-section may define a track-receiving portion 130, the track-receiving portion 130 being configured to receive and at least temporarily retain a portion of the support assembly 102. The first rail lip 132 and the second rail lip 134 may protrude from the first rail wall portion 126 and the second rail wall portion 128, respectively, toward each other. A rail opening 136 may be defined between the two

rail lips

132, 134. A portion of the support assembly 102 may be inserted into the rail opening 136 and selectively retained within the rail receiver 130. The rail 120 can include an insulator receiver (insulator receptacle) 138, the insulator receiver 138 configured to receive and retain an insulator 170. The insulator receptacle 138 may be generally open in the Y-direction. The insulator receptacles 138, 138' may be defined by the

track wall portions

126, 128, the

track lips

132, 134, and/or one or

more track protrusions

140A, 140B, 140C extending from the

track wall portions

126, 128. Additionally and/or alternatively, the insulator receptacle 138 may be defined by the

rail wall portions

126, 128, the

rail lips

132, 134, and/or the rail base portion 124.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1 and 3, the rail 120 may include one or more electrical conductors 150 (e.g., bus bars). Conductors 150 may be operably connected to controller 112 and/or power source 114. The conductor 150 may be connected to the first track wall portion 126 and/or the second track wall portion 128 of the track 120 and/or any other portion of the track 120. The conductors 150 may be disposed and connected to the rails 120 such that the conductors 150 are capable of contacting (e.g., electrically connecting) corresponding electrical contacts 220 of the support assembly 102. For example, the conductor 150 may be an elongated member extending in the X-direction. Conductor 150 may have a conductor base portion 152 and two conductor wall portions (e.g., a conductor top portion 154 and a conductor bottom portion 156) that protrude from conductor base portion 152 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section that is generally open in the Y-direction in the Y-Z plane. In an example such as generally illustrated in fig. 17B, the conductor 150 may have a single curved wall portion 158 and/or may have a generally C-shaped cross-section. When engaged by the electrical contacts 220, the curved wall portion 158 and/or the C-shaped cross-section of the conductor 150 may guide and/or bias the electrical contacts 220 toward a central position where a contact surface area between the electrical contacts 220 and the conductor 150 may be greatest and/or may facilitate alignment of the electrical contacts 220 relative to the Y-direction and/or the Z-direction.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 15B, 16A, 16B, and/or 17B, for example, the track 120 may include a plurality of conductors 150, such as a first conductor 150A, a second conductor 150B, and/or a third conductor 150C. The first conductor 150A, the second conductor 150B, and the third conductor 150C may be arranged in a stacked configuration such that they are generally aligned and/or extend parallel to each other in the X-direction when viewed from the Z-direction.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1 and 4, for example, the rail 120 may include an insulator 170, which insulator 170 may include an electrically insulating material, for example. Insulator 170 may include a body/structure configured to receive and/or retain one or more conductors 150. The insulator 170 may be electrically insulating and/or may be configured to electrically insulate/isolate the conductor 150 from the track 120 and/or other portions of the track assembly 104. The insulator 170 may be an elongated body that may extend in the X-direction. The insulator 170 may include one or more insulator recesses 172 configured to receive one or more conductors 150. The conductor 150 may slide and/or snap into the insulator recess 172, for example. The insulator recess 172 may be open in the Y-direction and/or may include a tapered opening 174, which tapered opening 174 is configured to engage one or more alignment protrusions 282 and/or electrical contacts 220 of the electrical connector 210, e.g., to guide the electrical contacts 220 into engagement, contact, and/or abutment with the corresponding conductors 150, and/or to facilitate proper alignment of the electrical connector 210 and/or electrical contacts 220 in the Z-direction. The insulator 170 may be disposed within the track receptacle 130 and/or may be connected to the first track wall portion 126 and/or the second track wall portion 128 and/or another portion of the track 120. The insulator 170 can slide and/or snap into the insulator receiver 138 of the rail 120.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 4, 15B, 16A, 16B, and/or 17B, for example, the insulator 170 may include a plurality of insulator recesses 172 and/or a plurality of tapered openings 174, such as a first insulator recess 172A, a second insulator recess 172B, and/or a third insulator recess 172C, each of which may have a respective

tapered opening

174A, 174B, 174C. The first, second, and third insulator recesses 172A, 172B, 172C may be configured to receive and/or retain the first, second, and/or

third conductors

150A, 150B, 150C, respectively. The first, second, and third insulator recesses 172A, 172B, 172C may be arranged in a stacked configuration such that they are generally aligned and/or extend parallel to one another in the X-direction when viewed from the Z-direction.

In an embodiment such as generally illustrated in fig. 1, the track assembly 104 may include a track set 122, the track set 122 including a first track 120 and a second track 120'. The first rail 120 may include a rail base portion 124, a first rail wall portion 126, a second rail wall portion 128, a first rail lip 132, a second rail lip 134, a rail receiver 130, a rail opening 136, an insulator receiver 138, and/or a plurality of

rail protrusions

140A, 140B, 140C. The first rail 120 may include an insulator 170 having a plurality of insulator recesses 172A, 172B, 172C and/or a plurality of

electrical conductors

150A, 150B, 150C. The second rail 120' may include a rail base portion 124', a first rail wall portion 126', a second rail wall portion 128', a first rail lip 132', a second rail lip 134', a rail receiver 130', a rail opening 136', and/or a plurality of rail protrusions 140A ', 140B ', 140C ', some or all of which may be configured in the same or similar manner as corresponding features of the first rail 120. The second rail 120' may include an insulator receptacle 138' defined by a rail wall portion 126' and rail protrusions 140A ', 140B '. The second track 120' may include an insulator 170' having a single insulator recess 172', a single tapered opening 174', and a single conductor 150'. In other examples, the first rail 120 and/or the insulator 170 may include the same or similar configuration (e.g., mirror image configuration) as the second rail 120 'and/or the insulator 170', or vice versa.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated generally in fig. 1, for example, the support assembly 102 may include a support member 200. The support assembly 102 and/or the support member 200 may be adjusted and/or moved along the track 120 and/or the track assembly 104 (e.g., in the X-direction) manually and/or via an actuator (e.g., a motor operably connected to the support assembly 102 and/or the track assembly 104). The support member 200 may be configured for connection with the track assembly 104 and removal from the track assembly 104 (e.g., in the Z-direction), such as connection with the track assembly 104 and removal from the track assembly 104 at a plurality of locations along the track assembly 104. The support member 200 may include, for example, but is not limited to, a seat (e.g., a vehicle seat) and/or one or more other components (e.g., a console, cargo rack, etc.), be connected to a seat (e.g., a vehicle seat) and/or one or more other components (e.g., a console, cargo rack, etc.), and/or support a seat (e.g., a vehicle seat) and/or one or more other components (e.g., a console, cargo rack, etc.). The support member 200 and/or one or more components connected to the support member 200 may include one or more electrical components 202 (e.g., a controller, a power source, a seat heater, an air bladder, an air cushion, a fan, etc.). The support member 200 may be configured as, for example, a base, legs, and/or support structure.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated generally in fig. 1, for example, the support member 200 may include one or more electrical connectors 210 that may be configured for selective connection with the rails 120 of the rail assembly 104. The electrical connector 210 may be configured to selectively electrically connect with the track assembly 104, such as with a conductor 150 (e.g., a bus bar) of the track assembly 104. The electrical connection between the electrical connector 210 and the conductor 150 may allow, for example, for providing power and/or one or more signals (e.g., control signals, sensor data signals, etc.) to the support member 200 (e.g., electrical component 202) and/or receiving power and/or one or more signals (e.g., control signals, sensor data signals, etc.) from the support member 200 (e.g., electrical component 202) via the wires 204. The electrical connector 210 (and/or housing thereof) may include, for example, an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic, polymer, etc.).

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 5, 6A, 6B, and/or 6C, the electrical connector 210 may include a first connector section 212 and/or a second connector section 214. The first connector section 212 may be connected to the support member 200 and extend from the support member 200, e.g., extend downward in the Z-direction. The second connector section 214 may be connected to the first connector section 212 and/or may extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the first connector section 212. The first connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214 may comprise, for example, an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic). The first connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214 may be configured to engage the rail 120, for example, by being inserted into the rail receiver 130 through the rail opening 136. At least a portion of the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the first connector section 212) may engage the recess 206 of the support member 200 and/or may be disposed in the recess 206 of the support member 200 (e.g., see fig. 6C). When engaged with the recess 206, the electrical connector 210 may be movable (e.g., adjustable, slidable, etc.) at least to some extent (generally in the Z-direction) to facilitate alignment of the electrical contact 220 and the conductor 150. Removal of the electrical connector 210 from the recess 206 (e.g., generally in the Z-direction) may be limited by and/or blocked by one or more portions of the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the adjustment portion 284) and/or one or more portions of the support member 200 (e.g., the protrusion, flange, stop, and/or guide member/guide portion 208) and/or one or more portions of the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the adjustment portion 284) and/or one or more portions of the support member 200 (e.g., the protrusion, flange, stop, and/or guide member/guide portion 208).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1 and/or 12-18B, for example, the electrical connector 210 may be adjustable to a first position in which one or more electrical contacts 220 of the support assembly 102 are engaged within (e.g., in electrical contact with) corresponding conductors 150 of the track assembly 104 (see, e.g., fig. 1, 14A-14C, 16A-16C, 17A and 17B) and a second position in which the electrical contact(s) 220 are not engaged with corresponding conductors 150 of the track assembly 104 (see, e.g., fig. 12, 15A-15C, 18A and 18B). The electrical connector 210 may be rotated to a first position and/or a second position, such as about a connector rotation axis 216 (see, e.g., fig. 13). The electrical connector 210 may be rotated, for example, but not limited to, via an actuator (e.g., motor, lever, and/or slide 288) of the support member 200. The slide 288 may slide in the X-direction relative to the support member 200 and the electrical connector 210, e.g., to engage/rotate the electrical connector 210.

In embodiments, the connector rotation axis 216 may extend substantially parallel to the Z-direction and/or may be a central longitudinal axis of the first connector section 212. When in the first position, the first connector section 212 may extend in a direction generally parallel to the Z-direction, the second connector section 214 may extend in a direction generally parallel to the Y-direction, and/or the electrical connector 210 may at least somewhat limit removal of the support member 200 from the track assembly 104 generally in the Z-direction (e.g., the second connector section 214 may overlap a portion of the track 120 (e.g., the lip 132) in the Z-direction). When in the second position, the first connector section 212 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the Z-direction, the second connector section 214 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the X-direction, and/or the electrical connector 210 may not substantially limit removal of the support member 200 from the track assembly 104.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 6B, and/or 12-18B, for example, the electrical connector 210 may include one or more electrical contacts 220 configured to contact/engage corresponding conductors 150 of the track 120. The electrical contacts 220 may include, for example, one or more conductive materials, such as aluminum, copper, and/or alloys, etc. The electrical contacts 220 may be electrically connected at least indirectly (e.g., via wires/cables 204) to the electrical component 202 of the support member 200. When the support assembly 102 is disposed on the track assembly 104, adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the electrical connector 210 may adjust the position of the electrical contacts 220 to (i) engage the electrical contacts 220 and the corresponding conductors 150 to establish an electrical connection and/or (ii) disengage the electrical contacts 220 and the corresponding conductors 150 to break and/or open the electrical connection. As the support member 200 moves along the track 120, the electrical contacts 220 may remain and/or remain in contact with the conductors 150, which may cause one or more portions of the electrical contacts 220 (e.g., the third surface 244 and/or the sixth surface 250) configured to contact the conductors 150 to experience wear (e.g., wear of about 0.5 mm) over time. As such, one or more portions of the electrical contact 220 may be configured to counteract potential wear, for example, by including additional materials and/or structures designed to bend the protrusions (e.g., see the third surface 244 and/or the sixth surface 250).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 5, 7, and/or 8, for example, the electrical contact 220 may have a base end 222 and a distal end 224 disposed opposite the base end 222. The distal end 224 of the electrical contact 220 may be at least partially disposed outside of the electrical connector 210 and/or may extend beyond the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the first connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214). The distal end 224 of the electrical contact 220 may be configured to engage, contact, and/or be received within the conductor 150. The distal end 224 of the electrical contact 220 may be curved/rounded and/or may be tapered to form a tip/point 226 (e.g., tapered toward the contact rotational axis 228), which may facilitate insertion of the electrical contact 220 into the conductor 150 (e.g., see fig. 7). Additionally and/or alternatively, the distal end 224 of the electrical contact 220 may include one or more lateral and/or radial projections/

wings

230A, 230B (see, e.g., fig. 8). The base ends 222 of the electrical contacts 220 may be directly and/or indirectly movably connected to the electrical connector 210. The base end 222 of the electrical contact 220 may be at least partially disposed within the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the first connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 7, 8, and/or 12-16C, for example, the electrical contacts 220 may be adjustable, such as rotatable about a contact rotation axis 228. The contact rotation axis 228 may extend generally parallel to the Y-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position, and the contact rotation axis 228 may extend generally parallel to the X-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position. The contact rotation axis 228 may extend obliquely or perpendicularly to the connector rotation axis 216.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 6A, and/or 16A, for example, the electrical contacts 220 may move relative to the electrical connector 210 about the contact rotational axis 228 and/or may not move/tilt in the Z-direction relative to the electrical connector 210 to a substantial extent with respect to some configurations (see, for example, electrical contacts 220B). Alternatively, the contacts 220 may be configured to facilitate Z-direction alignment of themselves and/or other electrical contacts 220 with corresponding conductors 150 of the track 120 (see, e.g.,

electrical contacts

220A, 220C). For example, but not limited to, the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C may be connected to the electrical connector 210 via a ball joint connection 232 that may allow the electrical contact 220 to (i) move relative to the electrical connector 210 parallel to the rotational axis 228 and/or along the contact rotational axis 228 to compensate for misalignment in the Y-direction (e.g., about 1 mm), (ii) rotate relative to the electrical connector 210 about the Z-aligned rotational axis 234 to compensate for misalignment in the Z-direction (e.g., may move about 1mm or less, such as about 0.6mm, in the Z-direction), and/or (iii) rotate about the contact rotational axis 228 to engage the conductor 150 (e.g., rotate about 10 ° or less, such as about 8.5 °, and/or move about 0.5mm or less in the Z-direction). Additionally and/or alternatively, the electrical contact 220 may be generally adjustable (e.g., movable, slidable, etc.) in the Z-direction and/or the Y-direction relative to the support member 200 and/or the other electrical contact 220. In an example such as generally illustrated in fig. 17B, each of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may be generally adjustable independently of each other in the Z-direction and/or the Y-direction. Additionally and/or alternatively, the Z-direction alignment of the electrical contacts 220 may be facilitated via movement of the electrical connector 210 and/or the support member 200 in the Z-direction and/or the Y-direction as a whole. For example, the electrical connector 210 may be connected to the support member 200 (e.g., via the recess 206) such that the electrical connector 210 may move or float (e.g., about 3mm or less, such as about 2.6 mm) in the Z-direction generally relative to the support member 200. In some embodiments, such as those in which the electrical contacts 220 are connected to the electrical connector 210 via the ball joint connection 232, the electrical connector 210 may be substantially fixed in the Z-direction relative to the support member 200 (e.g., the electrical contacts 220 may be configured to substantially compensate for misalignment in the Z-direction).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in at least one of fig. 9A-11, for example, the electrical contact 220 may include a plurality of outer surfaces, such as a first surface 240, a second surface 242, a third surface 244, a fourth surface 246, a fifth surface 248, and/or a sixth surface 250. The first surface 240 may be substantially planar (e.g., a first planar surface), and/or may extend between the second surface 242 and the sixth surface 250 and connect the second surface 242 and the sixth surface 250. The second surface 242 (e.g., a first transition surface) may extend between the first surface 240 and the third surface 244 and connect the first surface 240 and the third surface 244, and/or a transition 252 may be defined between the first surface 240 and the third surface 244. The second surface 242 may extend generally radially with respect to the contact rotational axis 228 such that the transition 252 is a stepped transition. The third surface 244 may be curved (e.g., a first curved surface), and/or may extend between the second surface 242 and the fourth surface 246 and connect the second surface 242 and the fourth surface 246. At least a portion of the third surface 244 (e.g., a portion in the region of the transition 252) may be disposed radially farther from the contact rotational axis 228 than the first surface 240. Fourth surface 246 (e.g., second planar surface) may be substantially planar and/or may extend between third surface 244 and fifth surface 248 and connect third surface 244 and fifth surface 248. Fifth surface 248 (e.g., a second transition surface) may extend between fourth surface 246 and sixth surface 250 and connect fourth surface 246 and sixth surface 250, and/or may define a second transition 254 between fourth surface 246 and sixth surface 250. The fifth surface 248 may extend generally radially relative to the contact rotational axis 228 such that the second transition 254 is a stepped second transition. The sixth surface 250 may be curved (e.g., a second curved surface), and/or may extend between the fifth surface 248 and the first surface 240 and connect the fifth surface 248 and the first surface 240. At least a portion of the sixth surface 250 (e.g., a portion in the region of the second transition 254) may be disposed radially further from the contact rotational axis 228 than the fourth surface 246.

With respect to embodiments such as generally illustrated in at least one of fig. 9A-11, the first, second, and/or

third surfaces

240, 242, 244 may be disposed opposite the fourth, fifth, and/or

sixth surfaces

246, 248, 250. The first surface 240 and the fourth surface 246 may extend substantially parallel to the contact axis of rotation 228 and/or parallel to each other. In an example, the first surface 240 and the third surface 244 may be directly connected to one another, and/or the fourth surface 246 and the sixth surface 250 may be directly connected to one another, such that the electrical contact 220 does not include the second surface 242, the stepped transition 252, the fifth surface 248, and/or the stepped second transition 254 (e.g., see fig. 18A). Examples of potential orientations of the electrical contacts 220 when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position are generally illustrated in fig. 9A and 10A. Examples of potential orientations of the electrical contacts 220 when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position are generally illustrated in fig. 9B and 10B. The potential orientations of the electrical contacts 220 when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position (solid outline) and when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position (dashed outline) are shown in fig. 11. As generally depicted in fig. 17A-18B, the electrical contact 220 may have, for example, one or more outer surfaces that form an elongated profile with rounded ends, an oval profile, and/or any other desired shape.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 6A, 6B, 15A-16C, and/or 17B, for example, the electrical connector 210 may include a plurality of electrical contacts 220, such as a first electrical contact 220A, a second electrical contact 220B, and/or a third electrical contact 220C. One or more of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may be configured the same as and/or different from at least one other

electrical contact

220A, 220B, 220C. The first, second, and third

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may be disposed in a stacked configuration such that the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C are substantially aligned when viewed from the Z-direction. The first, second, and third

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may each be rotatable about a respective contact

rotational axis

228A, 228B, 228C, e.g., via a

respective biasing member

276A, 276B, 276C.

In embodiments such as those generally illustrated in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 7, and/or 8, the electrical contact 220 may include a stabilizer portion 258. The stabilizer portion 258, for example, includes an elongated member and/or may be configured to facilitate connection of the electrical contact 220 to the electrical connector 210 and/or to at least somewhat stabilize the electrical contact 220. The stabilizer portion 258 may be movably connected to the electrical connector 210 and/or may be at least partially disposed within the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the first connector section 212 and/or the second connector section 214). The stabilizer portion 258 may be connected to and extend from the base end 222 of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., along the contact rotational axis 228), and/or may movably connect the electrical contact 220 to the electrical connector 210. The stabilizer portion 258 may be configured to move (e.g., along the contact rotational axis 228) and/or rotate (e.g., align the rotational axis 234 about the contact rotational axis 228 and/or Z) with the electrical contact 220.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1, 8, and/or 17B, the electrical contacts 220 and/or the stabilizer portion 258 may include an aperture 260 through/into which one or more wires/cables 204 may pass. The first wire 204A may be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the first electrical contact 220A and/or may extend into the first aperture 260A of the first electrical contact 220A. The second wire 204B may be connected to the second electrical contact 220B, may pass through a first aperture 260A of the first electrical contact 220A (e.g., disposed over the second electrical contact 220B), and/or may extend into a second aperture 260B of the second electrical contact 220B. The third wire 204C may be connected to a third electrical contact 220C (e.g., disposed below the first and second

electrical contacts

220A, 220B), may extend through a first aperture 260A in the first electrical contact 220A, may extend through a second aperture 260B in the second electrical contact 220B, and/or may extend into a third aperture 260C of the third electrical contact 220C. In an example, the first aperture 260A of the first electrical contact 220A, the second aperture 260B of the second electrical contact 220B, and the third aperture 260C of the third electrical contact 220C may generally, when viewed from the Z-direction

Aligned with each other.

In embodiments such as those generally illustrated in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 7, 8, and/or 16A, the electrical contact 220 may include a connecting portion 264. The connecting portion 264 may be connected to the stabilizer portion 258 and/or may be an integral part of the stabilizer portion 258. The electrical contacts 220 and/or the stabilizer portion 258 may be connected to the electrical connector 210 via the connection portion 264.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 6A, 8, and 16A, for example, the connection portion 264 may include a ball joint portion 266, which ball joint portion 266 may connect the electrical contact 220 to the electrical connector 210 via the ball joint connector 232. The ball joint portion 266 and/or ball joint connector 232 may allow the electrical contacts 220 to (i) move parallel to and/or along the contact rotational axis 228 relative to the electrical connector 210 to compensate for Y-directional misalignment, (ii) rotate about the Z-aligned rotational axis 234 relative to the electrical connector 210 to compensate for Z-directional misalignment, and/or (iii) rotate about the contact rotational axis 228 to engage the conductors 150. The Z-aligned rotational axis 234 may (i) extend through the ball joint portion 266, (ii) extend substantially perpendicular to the contact rotational axis 228, (iii) extend substantially parallel to the X-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position, and/or (iv) extend substantially parallel to the Y-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 7, and 16A, for example, the connecting portion 264 may include a mounting portion 268 that may limit and/or substantially prevent rotation of the electrical contact 220 relative to the electrical connector 210 in the Z-direction (e.g., about the Z-alignment axis of rotation 234). Additionally and/or alternatively, the mounting portion 268 may allow the electrical contacts 220 to move parallel to and/or along the contact rotational axis 228 relative to the electrical connector 210.

In embodiments such as those generally illustrated in fig. 8, 10A, 10B, and 16A, the electrical contact 220 may include a support protrusion 272 configured to support the biasing member 276 and/or to interface with the biasing member 276. The support protrusion 272 may be connected to the electrical contact 220 and/or the stabilizer portion 258 and/or may be an integral part of the electrical contact 220 and/or the stabilizer portion 258. The support protrusion 272 may extend away from the stabilizer portion 258 (e.g., radially away from the contact rotational axis 228), and/or may extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the stabilizer portion 258 (e.g., the stabilizer portion 258 may extend in the Y-direction and the support protrusion 272 may extend in the X-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position).

In embodiments such as those generally illustrated in fig. 8, 10A, 10B, and 16A, the electrical contact 220 may include an engagement protrusion 274, the engagement protrusion 274 being configured to engage the biasing member 276 and/or limit movement of the biasing member 276 relative to the electrical contact 220 (e.g., the support protrusion 272). For example, the engagement protrusion 274 may be configured to be at least partially received within a biasing member 276 (e.g., a coil spring). The engagement protrusion 274 may be connected to the electrical contact 220, the stabilizer portion 258, and/or the support protrusion 272 and/or may be an integral part of the electrical contact 220, the stabilizer portion 258, and/or the support protrusion 272. The engagement protrusion 274 may be provided on the support protrusion 272 and/or protrude from the support protrusion 272. The engagement protrusion 274 may extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the support protrusion 272 and/or the stabilizer portion 258 (e.g., the stabilizer portion 258 may extend in the Y-direction, the support protrusion 272 may extend in the X-direction, and the engagement protrusion 274 may extend in the Z-direction when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example, generally in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 9A-10B, 12-14C, and/or 16A, the electrical connector 210 may include a biasing member 276 (e.g., a spring) configured to bias the electrical contact 220 into engagement and/or abutment with the conductor 150 so as to maintain an electrical connection between the electrical contact 220 and the corresponding conductor 150 of the track 120. The biasing member 276 may be disposed at least partially within the electrical connector 210 and/or may extend generally parallel to the Z-direction and/or the connector rotational axis 216. The biasing member 276 may be configured to apply a force to the electrical contact 220, such as in a direction substantially parallel to the Z-direction. The biasing member 276 may be disposed offset from the contact rotational axis 228, for example, at least in the X-direction, and the biasing member 276 may bias the electrical contact 220 about the contact rotational axis 228. For example, the biasing member 276 may bias the electrical contact 220 about the contact rotational axis 228 in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise in fig. 9A-12 and 16A) or a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise relative to the electrical contact 220 in fig. 18A).

With respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example, generally in fig. 1, 5, 6A, 9A-10B, 12-14C, and/or 16A, the biasing member 276 may be disposed on the electrical contact 220 and supported by the electrical contact 220. The biasing member 276 may be disposed directly on a surface (e.g., the first surface 240; see, e.g., fig. 9A, 9B) of the electrical contact 220. Additionally and/or alternatively, the biasing member 276 may be disposed on the support protrusion 272 of the electrical contact 220 (see, e.g., fig. 10A, 10B, and/or 16A). The biasing member 276 may be configured to engage and/or receive the engagement protrusion 274 of the electrical contact 220, for example, to facilitate connection between the biasing member 276 and the electrical contact 220. The engagement between the biasing member 276 and the engagement protrusion 274 may limit movement of the biasing member 276 relative to the support protrusion 272 at least to some extent. For example, and without limitation, the engagement protrusions 274 may limit/prevent the biasing member 276 from sliding off of the support protrusion 272 during rotation of the electrical contact 220 about the contact rotational axis 228 (see, e.g., fig. 10A, 10B). The biasing member 276 may be disposed on a biasing member support 278 of the electrical connector 210 and/or connected to a biasing member support 278 of the electrical connector 210 (see, e.g., fig. 9A-10B), which may support one end of the biasing member 276 opposite the electrical contact 220 (e.g., the biasing member 276 may be disposed generally between the electrical contact 220 and the biasing member support 278). The biasing member support 278 may be configured similar to the support protrusion 272 and/or the engagement protrusion 274 and may be fixed relative to the electrical connector 210.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example, generally in fig. 1, 14A-14C, 16A-16C, 17A, and/or 17B, when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position, the biasing member 276 may bias the electrical contact 220 into engagement and/or physical contact with the conductor 150 to facilitate an electrical connection therebetween. The biasing member 276 may bias a first portion (e.g., the

third surface

244, 244A, 244B, 244C) of the electrical contact 220 into abutment with a portion of the conductor 150 (e.g., an inner surface of the

conductor top portion

154, 154A, 154B, 154C) and a second portion (e.g., the

sixth surface

250, 250A, 250B, 250C) of the electrical contact 220 into physical contact with another portion of the conductor 150 (e.g., an inner surface of the

conductor bottom portion

156, 156A, 156B, 156C; see, e.g., fig. 14B and 16A). With this configuration, the contact 220 may be electrically connected to the same conductor 150 at two different locations, for example.

In an embodiment, a portion and/or surface of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., the first surface 240; see, e.g., fig. 9A, 11 and 14B) and/or a surface of the support protrusion 272 (e.g., see, e.g., fig. 10A and 16A) may be disposed at an angle 280A relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position. During insertion of the electrical contact 220 into the conductor 150 (e.g., via rotation of the electrical connector 210 as shown in fig. 13), engagement between the electrical contact 220 and the conductor 150 may cause the electrical contact 220 to rotate, at least to some extent, against the force of the biasing member 276. When the electrical connector 210 is in the second position, a surface of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., the first surface 240; see, e.g., fig. 9B, 11, and 12) and/or a surface of the support protrusion 272 (e.g., see fig. 10B) may be disposed at an angle 280B (e.g., 15 °) relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontal plane), which may be greater than the angle 280A. When the electrical connector 210 is in the second position, a portion and/or surface of the biasing member 276 may be disposed spaced apart from a surface (e.g., the first surface 240) of the electrical contact 220 and/or a surface of the support protrusion 272, which may allow rotational movement of the electrical contact 220 about the contact rotational axis 228, at least to some extent. In an example, when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position, a surface of the biasing member 276 may be disposed substantially flush with a surface of the electrical contact 220 (e.g., the first surface 240) and/or a surface of the support protrusion 272 (e.g., see fig. 14B). Additionally and/or alternatively, a portion and/or surface of the biasing member 276 may contact and/or abut a surface (e.g., the first surface 240) of the electrical contact 220 and/or a surface of the support protrusion 272 when the electrical connector 210 is in the first and/or second positions such that an angle is defined therebetween that may be the same or different than the

angles

280A, 280B.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1, 5-6B, and/or 12-16C, the electrical connector 210 may include an alignment protrusion 282, which alignment protrusion 282 may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electrical connector 210 and/or the electrical contact 220 with the track 120 and/or the conductor 150. The alignment protrusion 282 may be disposed on the electrical connector 210 and/or connected to the electrical connector 210 and/or may extend (e.g., tilt, substantially perpendicular, etc.) from the electrical connector 210. In an example, the second connector section 214 of the electrical connector 210 may be configured as an alignment protrusion 282, and/or the alignment protrusion 282 may define the second connector section 214 of the electrical connector 210. The alignment protrusion 282 may be configured to engage the insulator 170 and/or be at least partially received in the insulator 170 (e.g., in the tapered opening 174 of the recess 172). For example, and without limitation, as the electrical connector 210 is rotated toward the first position, the alignment protrusion 282 may engage and/or interact with the rail 120 (e.g., the tapered opening 174), which may move the electrical connector 210 generally upward in the Z-direction relative to the rail 120 and/or the support member 200, rotate the one or more electrical contacts 220 (e.g., via the ball joint connection 232) about the respective Z-alignment rotation axis 234, and/or align the one or more electrical contacts 220 with the corresponding conductors 150 in the Z-direction.

In embodiments such as those generally illustrated in fig. 6B, 15A-15C, 16B, and/or 16C, the alignment protrusion 282 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, and without limitation, the alignment protrusion 282 may include a fin-like configuration that may extend in substantially the same direction as the electrical contact 220 and/or may have a height that tapers/decreases in a radially outward direction and/or in a circumferential direction (e.g., in the Z-direction) relative to the connector rotational axis 216. The height of the alignment protrusion 282 may taper in a circumferential direction about the connector rotational axis 216 such that the height is minimal near the portion of the alignment protrusion 282 that first engages the rail 120 and/or insulator 170 and increases such that further engagement of the alignment protrusion 282 with the rail 120 and/or insulator 170 may move the electrical connector 210 in the Z-direction, which may move the electrical contact 220 into alignment with the corresponding conductor 150 in the Z-direction.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 1, 5, 6A, and/or 15A-16C, for example, the first, second, and/or third

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, and/or 220C may include

respective stabilizer portions

258A, 258B, 258C, respective connecting

portions

264A, 264B, 264C,

respective support protrusions

272A, 272B, 272C, and/or

respective engagement protrusions

274A, 274B, 274C. The

support tabs

272A, 272B, 272C of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may be disposed offset from one another in a direction parallel to the contact

rotational axes

228A, 228B, 228C, which may allow the plurality of biasing

members

276A, 276B, 276C to be disposed adjacent to one another and extend generally parallel to one another in the Z-direction. The biasing

members

276A, 276B, 276C may each be associated with a corresponding

electrical contact

220A, 220B, 220C and contact a corresponding biasing

member support

278A, 278B, 278C.

With respect to an embodiment, the electrical connector 210 may include an alignment protrusion 282 disposed adjacent to the second electrical contact 220B, which may be disposed between the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C. The alignment protrusion 282 may facilitate Z-direction alignment of at least the second electrical contact 220B and the second conductor 150B, such as by adjusting the electrical connector 210 generally in the Z-direction and/or the Y-direction (e.g., within the recess 206) relative to the support member 200 and/or the rail 120. The first and/or third

electrical contacts

220A, 220C may include respective ball

joint portions

266A, 266C and/or may be connected to the electrical connector 210 via respective ball

joint connectors

232A, 232C. In some cases (e.g., due to manufacturing variations/tolerances), after the alignment protrusion 282 aligns the second contact 220B and the second conductor 150B in the Z-direction, the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C may not be directly aligned with the first and

third conductors

150A, 150C in the Z-direction (e.g., if they remain parallel to the Y-direction). In this case, the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C may be rotated about the

axes

234A, 234C to compensate for Z-direction misalignment and facilitate insertion of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C into the

conductors

150A, 150C. Such rotation of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C may result in at least one of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220C being disposed at an angle relative to an X-Y plane (e.g., a horizontal plane). Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more of the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C may be adjusted, moved, slid, etc. along the respective contact

rotational axes

228A, 228B, 228C to compensate for any Y-directional misalignment between the

electrical contacts

220A, 220B, 220C and the

conductors

150A, 150B, 150C.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated generally in fig. 1, for example, the support member 200 may include a first electrical connector 210 and a second electrical connector 210', each of which may rotate about a respective connector rotation axis 216, 216'. The second electrical connector 210' and its components may be configured the same, similar, and/or different than the first electrical connector 210 and its corresponding components, or vice versa. For example, the second electrical connector 210 'may include a first connector section 212', a second connector section 214', an electrical contact 220' rotatable about a contact rotational axis 228', a wire 204', a stabilizer portion 258', a connecting portion 264', a mounting portion 268', and/or an alignment protrusion 282', some or all of which may be configured in the same or similar manner as corresponding features of the electrical connector 210.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 19 and 21A-24, for example, the electrical connector 210 may include an adjustment portion 284, the adjustment portion 284 configured to facilitate adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the electrical connector 210 to the first position and/or the second position. The adjustment portion 284 may be connected to the electrical connector 210 (e.g., the first connector section 212) and/or integrally formed as part of the electrical connector 210. The adjustment portion 284 may include a first adjustment section 284A and a second adjustment section 284B, which may protrude from the adjustment body 284C and/or may be disposed opposite each other. For example, the adjustment body 284C may extend generally in the Y-direction at least when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position. For example, the first adjustment section 284A and/or the second adjustment section 284B may extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to the adjustment body 284C and/or the Y-direction, at least when the electrical connector 210 is in the first position.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 20A-24, for example, the support member 200 may include a slide 288 configured to facilitate adjustment (e.g., rotation) of the electrical connector 210 to the first position and/or the second position. The slide 288 may be configured to engage the adjustment portion 284 of the electrical connector 210. The slide 288 may include a slide protrusion 290, which may extend generally in the Y-direction. The slide 288 may include a slide receiver 292 that may extend and/or protrude into the slide 288, such as generally in the Y-direction. The slider receiver 292 may be configured to engage and/or receive a portion of the adjustment portion 284 (e.g., the first adjustment section 284A). The slide 288 may include a guide surface 294 configured to engage, contact, and/or abut the adjustment portion 284 (e.g., the first adjustment section 284A and/or the second adjustment section 284B). The slide 288 and/or guide surface 294 may extend generally in the X-direction. The guide surface 294 may include a first section 294A and/or a second section 294B, which may at least partially define the slider protrusion 290. The third section 294C may extend from the first section 294A, e.g., generally in the X-direction. The fourth section 294D may extend from the second section 294B, e.g., generally in the X direction, e.g., in the opposite direction of the third section 294C.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 21A, 21B, and/or 24, for example, when the electrical connector 210 is in the second position, the first adjustment section 284A may be disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with the third section 294C of the guide surface 294, the first connector section 212 may be disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with the first section 294A of the guide surface 294, and/or the second adjustment section 284B may be disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with the fourth section 294D of the guide surface 294 (see, e.g., fig. 21A and 21B). When the electrical connector 210 is in the first position (e.g., see fig. 24), the first adjustment section 284A may be at least partially disposed in the slide receiver 292 of the slide 288 and/or engage the slide receiver 292 of the slide 288, and/or the second adjustment section 284B may be disposed spaced apart from the guide surface 294 such that, for example, the adjustment section 284 extends at least partially across the rail opening 136 of the rail 120.

With respect to the embodiments illustrated generally in fig. 21A-24, for example, the slide 288 and/or the electrical connector 210 may be adjusted (e.g., generally in the X-direction), moved, slid, etc., which may cause the adjustment portion 284 to interact with the guide surface 294, which may cause the electrical connector 210 to be adjusted (e.g., rotated) toward the first and/or second positions. When the slide 288 and/or the electrical connector 210 are moved to adjust the electrical connector 210 toward the first position, such as from the second position (e.g., see fig. 21A and 21B), the first adjustment section 284A may slide along the third section 294C of the guide surface 294 and engage the slide receiver 292, and/or the second adjustment section 284B may slide along the fourth section 294D of the guide surface 294 into engagement with the slide protrusion 290 (e.g., see fig. 22). Continued adjustment of the slide 288 and/or the electrical connector 210 may cause the second adjustment section 284B to slide along the second section 294B of the guide surface 294 (e.g., see fig. 23), which may cause the adjustment portion 284 and/or the electrical connector 210 (e.g., about a Z-direction axis) to rotate toward the first position (e.g., see fig. 24), which may facilitate or cause the first adjustment section 284A to engage the slide receiver 292 such that further movement of the slide 288 causes further rotation of the electrical connector 210 via the first adjustment section 284A. The slide 288 and/or the electrical connector 210 may be adjusted/moved, for example, in an opposite direction to adjust the electrical connector 210 toward the second position, which may involve performing the above-described process in an opposite manner.

In embodiments, the slide 288 may be actuated/moved in one or more of a variety of ways. For example, the user may move the slide 288 directly and/or via a handle/lever/linkage. Additionally or alternatively, the slide 288 may be actuated, for example, via an actuation shaft 298 and/or a pinion 300 connected thereto, which actuation shaft 298 and/or pinion 300 may engage with the teeth 296 of the slide 288 (e.g., the slide 288 may include a rack portion). For example, the actuation shaft 298 may be actuated manually and/or via a powered actuator (e.g., an electric motor).

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from this disclosure. A particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined in whole or in part with features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation, provided such combination is not inconsistent or nonfunctional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

The present application also provides the following aspects:

1) A support member connectable to a track assembly so as to be removable and adjustable, the support member comprising:

an electrical connector adjustable to a first position and a second position, the electrical connector comprising:

a first contact configured to engage a first conductor of the track assembly; and

a biasing member;

wherein the first contact is engageable with the first conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position;

wherein the first contact is disposed at a distance from the first conductor when the electrical connector is in the second position; and is also provided with

Wherein the biasing member is configured to rotationally bias the first contact into engagement with the first conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position.

2) The support member according to 1), wherein:

the first contact includes a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface; and is also provided with

The second surface extends between and connects the first surface and the third surface, defining a transition between the first surface and the third surface.

3) The support member according to 2), wherein:

the first contact includes a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface;

the third surface extends between and connects the second surface and the fourth surface;

the fifth surface extending between and connecting the fourth surface and the sixth surface, thereby defining a second transition between the fourth surface and the sixth surface; and is also provided with

The sixth surface extends between and connects the fifth surface and the first surface.

4) The support member according to 3), wherein:

the first surface and the fourth surface are substantially planar;

the third surface and the sixth surface are curved;

in the region of the transition, the third surface is arranged radially further from the axis of the first contact than the first surface; and is also provided with

In the region of the second transition, the sixth surface is arranged radially further from the axis of the first contact than the fourth surface.

5) The support member according to 1), wherein:

the electrical connector has a connector axis of rotation;

the first contact protrudes from the electrical connector;

the first contact has a contact axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the connector axis of rotation; and is also provided with

The first contact is rotatable about the contact rotational axis.

6) The support member of 5), wherein when the electrical connector is in the first position:

the contact rotation axis extends generally in a lateral direction of the support member; and is also provided with

The biasing member is offset from the contact rotational axis in a longitudinal direction of the support member.

7) The support member of 6), wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a force to the first contact in a generally vertical direction when the electrical connector is in the first position such that the first contact is rotationally biased into engagement with the first conductor.

8) The support member according to 1), wherein:

the electrical connector includes a second contact, a second biasing member, and an alignment protrusion;

the second contact is configured to engage a second conductor of the track assembly when the electrical connector is in the first position;

The alignment protrusion is disposed adjacent the second contact and is configured to engage the track assembly to facilitate alignment of the second contact with the second conductor;

the electrical connector is rotatable about and adjustable along a connector axis of rotation such that when the electrical connector is rotated from the second position toward the first position, the electrical connector is adjusted along the connector axis of rotation via engagement of the alignment protrusion and the track assembly to substantially align the second contact with the second conductor; and is also provided with

The first contact is rotatable about an axis of rotation to compensate for misalignment of the first contact with the first conductor.

9) The support member according to 5), wherein:

the biasing member includes a spring;

the first contact includes a stabilizer portion, a support protrusion connected to the stabilizer portion, and an engagement protrusion extending from the support protrusion;

the engagement projection engages with the spring to limit movement of the spring relative to the support projection.

10 The support member according to 1), wherein:

the first contact has a contact rotation axis and is rotatable about the contact rotation axis;

The electrical connector has a connector axis of rotation and is rotatable about the connector axis of rotation;

the contact axis of rotation and the connector axis of rotation extend obliquely or perpendicularly relative to each other; and is also provided with

The electrical connector is adjustable to the first position and the second position via rotation about the connector axis of rotation.

11 1) the support member of 1), wherein the first contact includes a ball joint portion, a first axis of rotation, and a second axis of rotation.

12 A track system, comprising:

the support member of 1); and

the track assembly;

the track assembly includes a track and an insulator; and is also provided with

The first conductor is connected to the track via the insulator.

13 The track system of 12), wherein the biasing member (i) biases the first portion of the first contact toward a top inner surface of the first conductor and (ii) biases the second portion of the first contact toward a lower inner surface of the first conductor when the first contact is engaged with the first conductor.

14 The track system of 13), wherein the first conductor is received and retained within a recess of the insulator.

15 The track system of 14), wherein:

the electrical connector includes an alignment protrusion; and is also provided with

The recess of the insulator includes a tapered opening configured to engage the alignment protrusion such that the first contact and the first conductor are substantially aligned with each other via engagement of the tapered opening and the alignment protrusion when the electrical connector is adjusted from the second position toward the first position.

16 The track system of 14), wherein:

the first conductor has a U-shaped profile that is open in a transverse direction and is configured to at least partially receive the first contact; and is also provided with

The insulator extends beyond the first conductor such that the first contact can be guided into the first conductor via a tapered opening of the recess of the insulator when the electrical connector is adjusted towards the first position.

17 The track system according to 12), wherein:

the first contact includes a first planar surface, a first transition surface, a first curved surface, a second planar surface, a second transition surface, and a second curved surface;

the first planar surface extends between and connects the second curved surface and the first transition surface;

The first transition surface extends between and connects the first planar surface and the first curved surface, defining a transition between the first planar surface and the first curved surface;

the first curved surface extends between and connects the first transition surface and the second planar surface;

the second planar surface extends between and connects the first curved surface and the second transition surface;

the second transition surface extends between and connects the second planar surface and the second curved surface, defining a second transition between the second planar surface and the second curved surface; and is also provided with

The second curved surface extends between and connects the second transition surface and the first planar surface.

18 The track system of 17), wherein:

the first conductor has a generally U-shaped profile; and is also provided with

The first contact has a first contact rotational axis and is rotationally biased about the first contact rotational axis via the biasing member such that when the electrical connector is in the first position, (i) the first contact is disposed within the first conductor, and (ii) the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the first contact are biased into contact with opposing surfaces of the first conductor.

19 The track system according to 12), wherein:

the track assembly includes a second conductor;

the electrical connector includes a second contact and a second biasing member;

the second contact is configured to engage the second conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position; and is also provided with

The first contact is configured to rotate about a plurality of axes to facilitate engagement between the first contact and the first conductor.

20 The track system of 19), wherein:

the electrical connector includes an alignment protrusion;

the alignment protrusion is configured to engage the insulator such that the second contact and the second conductor are substantially aligned with each other via engagement of the alignment protrusion and the insulator when the electrical connector is adjusted from the second position toward the first position; and is also provided with

The first contact is connected with the electrical connector via a ball joint connection such that the first contact is (i) rotatable about a first axis of the plurality of axes to contact the first conductor, and (ii) rotatable about a second axis of the plurality of axes to compensate for misalignment of the first contact and the first conductor.

Claims

1. A support member connectable to a track assembly so as to be removable and adjustable, the support member comprising:

a biasing member;

wherein the first contact is disposed at a distance from the first conductor when the electrical connector is in the second position;

wherein the biasing member is configured to rotationally bias the first contact into engagement with the first conductor when the electrical connector is in the first position; and is also provided with

Wherein the first contact is rotatable about a contact rotational axis to compensate for misalignment of the first contact with the first conductor.

2. The support member of claim 1, wherein:

3. The support member of claim 2, wherein:

4. A support member according to claim 3, wherein:

the first surface and the fourth surface are substantially planar;

The third surface and the sixth surface are curved;

5. The support member of claim 1, wherein:

the electrical connector has a connector axis of rotation;

the first contact protrudes from the electrical connector;

the contact axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the connector axis of rotation.

6. The support member of claim 5, wherein when the electrical connector is in the first position:

7. The support member of claim 6, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a force to the first contact in a generally vertical direction when the electrical connector is in the first position such that the first contact is rotationally biased into engagement with the first conductor.

8. The support member of claim 1, wherein:

the electrical connector is rotatable about and adjustable along a connector axis of rotation such that when the electrical connector is rotated from the second position toward the first position, the electrical connector is adjusted along the connector axis of rotation via engagement of the alignment tab and the track assembly to substantially align the second contact with the second conductor.

9. The support member of claim 5, wherein:

the biasing member includes a spring;

10. The support member of claim 1, wherein:

11. The support member of claim 1, wherein the first contact comprises a ball joint portion, a first axis of rotation, and a second axis of rotation.

12. A track system, comprising:

the support member of claim 1; and

the track assembly;

the track assembly includes a track and an insulator; and is also provided with

The first conductor is connected to the track via the insulator.

13. The track system of claim 12, wherein the biasing member biases (i) a first portion of the first contact toward a top inner surface of the first conductor and (ii) a second portion of the first contact toward a lower inner surface of the first conductor when the first contact is engaged with the first conductor.

14. The track system of claim 13, wherein the first conductor is received and retained within a recess of the insulator.

15. The track system of claim 14, wherein:

16. The track system of claim 14, wherein:

17. The track system of claim 12, wherein:

18. The track system of claim 17, wherein:

the first conductor has a generally U-shaped profile; and is also provided with

19. The track system of claim 12, wherein:

the track assembly includes a second conductor;

the electrical connector includes a second contact and a second biasing member;

20. The track system of claim 19, wherein:

the electrical connector includes an alignment protrusion;

the alignment protrusion is configured to engage the insulator such that the second contact and the second conductor pass through the insulator when the electrical connector is adjusted from the second position toward the first position

The engagement of the alignment protrusion and the insulator being substantially aligned with each other; and is also provided with