EP3644460B1 - Power busbar system - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a busbar system.

2. Background

Busbars and busbar systems are basically known from the prior art. These are used in particular for electrical devices such as lights in order to supply them with electrical energy (current and/or voltage) and/or data. The busbar usually extends along a longitudinal direction, for example on a ceiling, so that the devices connected to the busbar can be easily electrically connected to the busbar or to the electrical lines running in the busbar via a plug. The power rail also offers the advantage that the lamp can also be mechanically attached to the power rail, for example to a support rail of the power rail.

For example, from the DE 10 2011 114 160 B4 a busbar is known in which electrical lines (electrical conductors) are integrated into contact webs of a busbar profile in order to be provided on two levels of different heights. However, the manufacture of this conductor rail profile is complex, since in particular the electrical lines have to be provided laterally in the respective contact webs. Due to the fact that the electrical lines are accommodated laterally in the contact webs, the electrical lines are also relatively difficult to contact.

The document U.S. 2008/081500 A1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

Proceeding from this state of the art, the present invention sets itself the task of providing a busbar and a busbar system provide that are particularly easier to produce and easier to electrically contact.

These and other objects that may be mentioned or recognized by a person skilled in the art upon reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

3. Detailed Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a busbar, having a busbar profile with a first and a second group (row) of grooves, the grooves of the first group (row) starting at a different depth than the grooves of the second group (row). from the side of the conductor rail profile via which the grooves are accessible to a bottom of the grooves. A respective electrical line is accommodated in each of the grooves and is accessible via the respective groove for electrical contacting.

In other words: the electrical lines of the conductor rail profile can be provided at different levels of the conductor rail or the conductor rail profile simply by virtue of the grooves of different depths or bottoms of the grooves of different heights. The electrical lines of the slots of the first group are thus provided laterally offset from one another in relation to the electrical lines of the slots of the second group. This reduces the production cost of the conductor rail, since the electrical lines, in order to be provided on the levels of different heights, only have to be inserted into the grooves or in the depth direction of the grooves. Consequently, the electrical lines can also be contacted more easily, since a corresponding contact element such as a plug-in contact only has to be inserted into the groove or in the depth direction of the groove, i.e. in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the groove, for electrical contacting of the electrical lines. The power rail is usually - that is, preferably - an elongate busbar with an elongate busbar profile with a direction of extension. This direction of extent is preferably rectilinear, but can also run differently.

The grooves of the first and the second group are preferably accessible from the same side of the busbar profile. This is particularly advantageous for simple electrical contacting of the electrical lines accommodated in the slots.

Preferably, the conductor rail profile alternately has a groove from the first group and a groove from the second group. Thus, for example, a groove of the other group (for example the first group) is provided between two adjacent grooves of one group (for example the second group). Such a nested configuration of the first and the second group allows the conductor rail to be of compact design.

The conductor rail profile can have at least eleven, preferably 15, grooves, and/or the first group preferably has at least five grooves and the second group preferably has at least six grooves. With the corresponding number of electrical lines, the conductor rail profile can therefore be designed with 11 poles or 15 poles.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the grooves of the first group have a greater depth than the grooves of the second group, starting from the side of the conductor rail profile via which the grooves are accessible, down to the bottom of the grooves.

The busbar profile preferably has a direction of extension, with the grooves of the first and second group extending in the direction of extension--that is, along or along the direction of extension. Thus, the bus bar can be made compact. Alternatively or additionally, the busbar, the busbar profile and/or the grooves of the first and the second group can be elongate. Elongated is understood here to mean that the respective length corresponds to a multiple of the respective width.

The respective electrical line preferably extends in each of the grooves in a plane which corresponds to the depth of the respective groove. Alternatively or additionally, the respective electrical line can be accommodated on the bottom of the respective groove or can be arranged on or near the bottom.

The at least two electrical lines can be accommodated in the respective grooves in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

In each of the grooves, the respective electrical line is preferably in non-positive, positive and/or material-locking contact with the respective groove and/or with the bottom of the respective groove. The electrical lines are or were preferably produced directly with the busbar profile, in particular injected at the same time. The conductor rail can thus be produced particularly easily with the electrical lines. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the electrical lines are subsequently introduced into the respective grooves, preferably clipped or rolled in.

The busbar profile is preferably made of plastic.

Preferably, the busbar, particularly preferably the busbar profile, has a fastening means for non-positive and/or positive fastening of the busbar on or in a (light) mounting rail. For example, the mounting rail is part of a lamp housing or forms a lamp housing. For a particularly simple fastening/mounting of the conductor rail on the mounting rail, the fastening means can have at least one latching projection for engaging in a corresponding latching receptacle, in particular in one corresponding contour of the mounting rail, so that the busbar, preferably the busbar profile, can be attached to the mounting rail.

The invention relates to an (elongated) busbar system with a busbar and a plug holder for holding a plug electrically connected to the busbar. The plug holder can cause already known plugs to be used for electrical tapping of the busbar, in particular for electrical tapping of the electrical line provided in the busbar at different levels; the plug holder can therefore serve as a kind of adapter so that an existing plug does not have to be structurally adapted to the busbar.

The busbar of the busbar system is, for example, the busbar described above.

Alternatively, the busbar can have: a busbar profile with grooves, a respective electrical line being accommodated in each of the grooves and being accessible via the respective groove for electrical contacting. The bus bar can be designed like the bus bar described above, with the difference that the bus bar does not require the following: a division into a first and a second group of grooves, the grooves of the first group compared to the grooves of the second group have different depths, starting from the side of the conductor rail profile via which the grooves are accessible, down to a bottom of the grooves. The connector holder has a (connector holder) attachment means for non-positive and/or positive attachment of the connector holder to the busbar. For example, the fastening means fastens the connector to the busbar in such a way that moving the connector holder relative to the busbar, in particular (only) along the (longitudinal) Extension direction or longitudinal axis of the busbar (that is, preferably along with respect to (the direction of extension) of the busbar) is possible. Thus, in particular, it can be achieved that a plug held by the plug holder and in electrical contact with the electrical lines can be moved along the busbar without interrupting the electrical connection between the busbar or electrical lines and the plug; During the movement of the plug holder relative to the busbar, the plug or its plug contacts then slide on the electrical lines. This is particularly advantageous for flexible assembly of the plug or a lamp connected to the plug, since even after the plug holder or plug has been attached to the busbar, the position of the plug holder or plug - and thus, for example, also a connected electrical device such as a lamp - can be changed relative to the power rail. As an alternative to such a floating connection between busbar and connector holder, it is also conceivable that the (connector holder) fastening means connects the connector holder or the connector to the busbar in a fixed manner, i.e. not movable with respect to all degrees of freedom.

The (plug holder) fastening means has at least one latching projection, which engages in a corresponding latching receptacle, in particular in a groove, in the busbar, preferably the busbar profile, so that the plug holder is fastened to the busbar (movable relative to the busbar). The connector holder can thus be attached to the busbar in a particularly simple manner.

The connector holder has at least one elastic element, such as a spring element, which extends into the busbar, preferably into one of the grooves, particularly preferably into a groove of the group of grooves with a smaller depth, and into the busbar, preferably in the respective groove and / or on the respective electrical line is supported in such a way that the connector holder is biased relative to the busbar. Thus, in particular in the event that the connector holder is movable relative to the busbar, a certain inhibition between the connector holder and busbar can be brought about in order to position the connector holder (movable relative to the busbar) securely at a defined position along the busbar.

For easy alignment of the plug holder relative to the busbar, the plug holder preferably has at least one centering and/or guiding element for centering and/or guiding the plug holder relative to the busbar or the current-carrying profile. The centering and/or guiding element is preferably a projection engaging in one of the grooves. The grooves can thus be used at the same time for centering and/or guiding the connector holder relative to the busbar, which is consequently advantageous for compact and simple production of the elements required for centering and/or guiding. The projection particularly preferably engages in a groove of the group of grooves with a greater depth. Due to the relatively large depth, a particularly good centering and/or guidance of the plug holder can be effected. Alternatively or additionally—in particular for particularly good centering and/or guidance of the plug holder—it is preferred that the spring element extends further from the plug holder than the spring element.

The plug holder has insertion openings for inserting plug contacts of a plug into the busbar, preferably into the grooves for contacting the respective electrical lines. This is particularly advantageous for a simple mechanical and electrical connection between busbar and plug; in particular, the insertion openings can guide the plug in such a way that it is automatically fastened to the plug holder, for example via the fastening means mentioned above. The insertion openings are preferably formed as groups, for example corresponding to the groups of grooves, in the plug holder. Alternatively or additionally, the insertion opening can be formed in rows (provided/distributed along the longitudinal direction), in particular as only two rows, in the plug holder. Thus, the insertion openings are distributed not only in the width direction but also in the longitudinal direction of the connector holder, so that the connector holder can be made more compact particularly in terms of its width. For a particularly simple insertion of the plug contacts into the insertion openings or the grooves and clear electrical contacting, the insertion openings preferably each have insertion bevels.

The plug holder preferably has a (further plug holder) attachment means for non-positive and/or positive attachment of the plug holder to a mounting rail connected to the busbar. The hold of the plug holder on the busbar can thus be improved. In addition, the mechanical connection between the connector holder and busbar can be relieved by diverting the power flow to the mounting rail.

The (additional connector holder) fastening means can fasten the connector holder to the mounting rail in such a way that the connector holder can be moved relative to the mounting rail, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail. This is particularly advantageous when the (plug) fastening means movably connects the plug holder to the busbar, as described above. The support rail can thus also serve, for example, as a guide for the connector holder relative to the busbar.

The (additional connector holder) fastening means preferably has at least one latching projection which can engage in a corresponding latching receptacle, in particular in a corresponding contour, of the mounting rail in order to secure the connector holder on the mounting rail to fix. The connector holder can thus be fastened to the mounting rail in a particularly simple manner, in particular in a movable manner.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the busbar system, the busbar and/or the plug holder has reverse polarity protection, which means that the plug holder can be plugged onto the busbar in only one orientation relative to a direction of attachment of the busbar for plugging the plug holder onto the busbar. The push-on direction is generally the depth direction of the respective grooves and/or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the busbar. The (mechanical) protection against reverse polarity is therefore structurally avoided in that a user of the busbar system connects the plug holder to the busbar in the wrong orientation, in which the plug and the busbar would be electrically connected to one another with the wrong polarity. The reverse polarity protection thus offers a so-called poka-yoke solution.

Particularly preferably, the reverse polarity protection has a first projection on the side of the busbar and a second projection on the side of the connector holder, the projections being provided in such a way that the projections collide with one another (are in the way) in at least one orientation of the connector holder relative to the direction in which the busbar is attached. , to prevent the connector holder from being attached to the busbar. Therefore, if the projections collide, the previously mentioned (plug holder) fastening means, in particular, cannot fasten the plug holder on the busbar. This in particular because the locking projection cannot engage in the corresponding locking receptacle due to the distance caused by the projections colliding. In this way, the reverse polarity protection can be provided structurally in a particularly simple manner.

The busbar system preferably also has a plug for making electrical contact with electrical lines running in the busbar, for example the electrical lines, with the plug being held on the busbar by the plug holder. Thus, for example, a simple electrical connection between the power rail and a lamp can be provided via the plug.

The plug can be designed to make electrical contact with the electrical lines from a single defined side of the busbar. Thus, all electrical lines can be easily electrically contacted through the plug in only one plug-in direction, which is, for example, perpendicular to the only defined side (for example the plug-on direction mentioned above).

The plug preferably has plug contacts for making electrical contact with the electrical lines. Thus, depending on the number of electrical lines to be contacted, the plug can have a corresponding number of plug contacts, which are preferably provided detachably with the plug. The plug contacts preferably extend away from the plug with different lengths in order to make electrical contact with the electrical lines provided in the grooves that are preferably of different depths. The plug contacts can thus be provided on a common level, for example in a common housing part of the plug, as a result of which a compact plug can be provided.

The plug and the plug holder are preferably non-detachably connected to one another, in particular formed integrally with one another. Alternatively, the plug and the plug holder can also be connected to one another in a detachable manner, preferably via corresponding connecting means such as, for example, via a snap-in connecting means. The connecting means are preferably designed with a support rail connected to the power rail in power and/or positive contact, for example in a latching contact to come. The detachable connection between the connector and the connector holder is particularly advantageous when existing/existing connectors are to be used for electrical contacting with the conductor rail and mechanical retention by the connector holder.

4. Description of preferred embodiments:

Figur 1a

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Stromschiene in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 1b

die in der Figur 1a gezeigte Stromschienen in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 2

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Stromschiene in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 3

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Stromschiene in einer Seitenansicht;

Figuren 4a und 4b

perspektivische Ansichten eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Stromschienensystems;

Figur 4c

eine Schnittdarstellung des in den Figuren 4a und 4b gezeigten Stromschienensystems;

Figur 4d

eine Seitenansicht des in den Figuren 4a und 4b gezeigten Stromschienensystems;

Figur 5a

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des in den Figuren 4a bis 4d gezeigten Stromschienensystems;

Figur 5b

das in Figur 5a gezeigte Stromschienensystem in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 6a

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Stromschienensystems;

Figur 6b

eine Seitenansicht der in Figur 6a gezeigten Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 7a

eine perspektivische Darstellung des in den Figuren 6a und 6b gezeigten Stromschienensystems mit demontiertem Stecker;

Figur 7b

eine Seitenansicht des in der Figur 7a gezeigten Stromschienensystems;

Figur 8a

eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung des in den Figuren 6a bis 7b gezeigten Stromschienensystems in einem verbauten Zustand;

Figur 8b

eine erste Schnittansicht bzw. eine Seitenansicht des in Figur 8a gezeigten Stromschienensystems; und

Figur 8c

eine zweite Schnittansicht des in Figur 8a gezeigten Stromschienensystems.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the figures, in which advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. In the figures show:

Figure 1a

a first embodiment of the power rail according to the invention in a side view;

Figure 1b

the one in the Figure 1a busbars shown in an exploded view;

figure 2

a second embodiment of the power rail according to the invention in a side view;

figure 3

a third embodiment of the power rail according to the invention in a side view;

Figures 4a and 4b

perspective views of a first embodiment of the busbar system according to the invention;

Figure 4c

a sectional view of the Figures 4a and 4b busbar system shown;

Figure 4d

a side view of the Figures 4a and 4b busbar system shown;

Figure 5a

an exploded perspective view of the Figures 4a to 4d busbar system shown;

Figure 5b

this in Figure 5a busbar system shown in a side view;

Figure 6a

a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of the power rail system according to the invention;

Figure 6b

a side view of the in Figure 6a shown exploded view;

Figure 7a

a perspective view of the Figures 6a and 6b busbar system shown with dismantled plug;

Figure 7b

a side view of the in the Figure 7a busbar system shown;

Figure 8a

a perspective sectional view of in the Figures 6a to 7b busbar system shown in installed condition;

Figure 8b

a first sectional view or a side view of the in Figure 8a busbar system shown; and

Figure 8c

a second sectional view of the in Figure 8a busbar system shown.

the Figures 1a to 3 show an example of a conductor rail 1 according to the invention. The conductor rail 1 is preferably provided to supply electrical energy (current and/or voltage) and/or data (signals etc.) to an electrical device such as a lamp supply. The conductor rail 1 preferably has an elongate configuration, ie it extends along a direction of extension. Elongated is to be understood in such a way that the length corresponds to a multiple of the width. The conductor rail 1 is used, for example, in a lighting system, in particular by being attached/mounted to a ceiling or the like using appropriate fastening means and/or a mounting rail.

The busbar 1 has a busbar profile 2 . The conductor rail profile 2 is also preferably elongate here, i.e. it extends along a (longitudinal) direction of extent, for example the aforementioned direction of extent of the conductor rail 1. For example, the conductor rail 1 is attached via the conductor rail profile 2 at a defined mounting position, for example on a ceiling or a mounting rail , fastened.

Preferably, the busbar 1, for example the busbar profile 2, has a fastening means 3, with which the busbar is non-positively and/or positively connected to a (light) mounting rail 10 (compare in particular Figures 6a to 8c ) can be attached. Fastening means 3 is preferably formed integrally with busbar profile 2 . The fastening means 3 can extend along the direction of extension of the busbar profile 2, ie in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the fastening means 3 has at least one latching projection 31 which, as in particular in FIG Figure 8b easily recognizable - can engage in a corresponding locking receptacle of the mounting rail 10. The at least one latching projection 31 is preferably provided on the side of the busbar profile 2 and/or extends outwards away from the busbar profile 2, preferably from a bottom region of the busbar profile 2, for example in the form of a wing. The corresponding snap-in receptacle of the support rail 10 is preferably formed by a contour 11 which at least partially corresponds to the snap-in projection 31 . The contour 11 preferably also extends elongate, for example along the direction in which the mounting rail 10 extends. The contour 11 can be formed by bending a metal sheet of the mounting rail 10 . The contour 11 is preferably designed as a bulge in the support rail 10 .

The fastening means 3 preferably has a further locking projection 32 in addition to the locking projection 31 . The further latching projection 32 is designed essentially in accordance with the latching projection 31 , so that what was said with regard to the latching projection 31 applies analogously to the further latching projection 32 . The two latching projections 31, 32 are preferably provided on the side of the conductor rail profile 2 and/or on opposite sides of the conductor rail profile 2; the bottom area of the conductor rail profile 2 is therefore preferably provided between the two locking projections 31, 32. In a corresponding manner, the support rail 10 can have a further locking receptacle, for example in the form of a further contour 12, into which the locking projection 32 can engage. What was said with regard to the contour 11 also applies analogously to the further contour 12 . For a particularly secure hold of the busbar 1 or busbar profile 2 in/on the mounting rail 10, it is particularly advantageous if, when the busbar 1 is installed with the mounting rail 10, the busbar 1 or the busbar profile 2 is provided between the contours 11, 12 is. The mounting rail 10 preferably has a U-shape, in which at least the busbar 1 and preferably the components of the busbar system described below can be used.

As in particular in the Figures 1a to 3 recognizable, the conductor rail profile 2 has a first group or row of grooves (ie slots or channels) 4 and a second group or row of grooves 5; the grooves are therefore formed in two rows in the conductor rail profile 2 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the conductor rail profile has eleven grooves, which are distributed, for example, to the groups 4, 5 in such a way that the first group 4 has five grooves and the second group 5 has six grooves. In other embodiments this can be done Conductor rail profile 2 also have more than eleven grooves, for example 15 grooves. These can then be distributed to the groups 4, 5, for example, in such a way that the first group 4 has seven grooves and the second group 5 has eight grooves.

Each of the grooves has an opening through which the respective groove is accessible and a bottom. The openings of the grooves are preferably provided in a common plane, and/or the grooves of the first and the second group 4, 5 are preferably accessible from the same side of the busbar profile 2. The grooves are preferably formed by webs which separate the grooves from one another. The grooves preferably have an elongate configuration, ie they are preferably configured as longitudinal grooves. The grooves preferably extend in the same direction, for example in the direction of extension of the busbar 1. The grooves can have the same length. The grooves are preferably distributed (uniformly) in the width direction of the busbar 1 or busbar profile 2 .

Especially in the Figures 1a to 3 it can be seen that the grooves of the first group 4 have a different, in particular greater, depth than the grooves of the second group 5, starting from the side of the conductor rail profile 2 via which the grooves are accessible, down to the bottom of the grooves. In other words, each of the grooves of the first group 4 has a first distance between respective opening and respective bottom, and each of the grooves of the second group 5 has a second distance between respective opening and respective bottom, the first distance being greater than the second distance. The grooves in group 4 are therefore deeper than the grooves in group 5.

As shown in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the conductor rail profile 2 (along the width direction of the conductor rail profile 2) can alternately have a groove of the first group 4 and a second group 5 groove. The two outermost grooves with respect to the busbar profile 2 preferably belong to the second group 5 .

At the points of the busbar profile 2 where a groove of the second group 5, i.e. a groove with a smaller depth, is provided, the corresponding bottom area (seen in plan view) of the busbar profile 2 - i.e. the area or side of the busbar profile 2 which faces away from the side via which the grooves are accessible--preferably with a respective recess 6, in order to reduce the weight of the busbar profile 2. For example, the recess 6 corresponds to the respective groove, ie it is in particular of elongate design. The at least one recess 6 has no negative effects on the mechanical stability of the busbar profile 2, since the respective grooves, ie the grooves of group 5, are less deep at these points. Thus, preferably at least four or more (e.g. six) recesses 6 can be formed in the bottom area.

A respective electrical line (electrical conductor) 7 is accommodated in each of the grooves of the groups 4, 5. The respective electrical line 7 is accessible for electrical contacting via the respective groove, ie for example via the respective opening of the respective groove. The electrical lines 7 can be accommodated in the respective grooves in a detachable or non-detachable manner. The respective electrical line 7 can be accommodated in the respective groove, for example, in that the respective electrical line 7 is in non-positive, positive and/or material-to-material contact with the respective groove and/or the bottom of the respective groove. In particular, it can be provided that the respective groove is partially designed to correspond to the respective electrical line 7 in order to securely accommodate the respective electrical line 7 via the corresponding connection. The bottom and preferably partially the webs delimiting the respective groove are particularly preferred designed to correspond to the respective electrical line 7 in order to thus accommodate the respective electrical line 7 .

For a particularly simple accommodation of the electrical lines 7 in the grooves, provision can be made for the electrical lines 7 to be produced directly with the conductor rail profile 2, in particular to be injected at the same time. For example, in a first production step, the electrical lines 7 can be placed in a corresponding mold, with the mold being filled with the material of the conductor rail profile 2 in a subsequent second production step, ie in particular a material being injected into the mold. Alternatively, however, provision can also be made for the electrical lines 7 to be subsequently introduced into the respective grooves, for example by clipping. For example, at least one latching projection, preferably two latching projections, can be provided in each of the grooves, via which the electrical lines 7 can be clipped into the grooves. The at least one latching projection can be provided, for example, by the previously mentioned partially corresponding design of the groove. Alternatively, however, provision can also be made for the electrical lines 7 to be subsequently introduced into the grooves by being rolled into the grooves. This is preferably done by plastically deforming the respective electrical line 7 in order to bring about a press fit between the electrical line 7 and the respective groove.

The electrical lines 7 are preferably stripped, ie provided without insulation in the grooves. The busbar 2 can provide the electrical energy and/or the data for an electrical device such as a lamp via the electrical lines 7 . Preferably, the electrical lines 7 are made of a metal such as copper. As in the Figures 1a and 1b recognizable, the cross section of the respective electrical line 7 is, for example, round.

In the Figures 2 and 3 further exemplary embodiments of the conductor rail 1 are shown. It can be seen that this differs from the previously described first embodiment of the conductor rail 1 according to FIG Figures 1a and 1b differ in particular in that the cross section of the respective electrical line 7 is configured differently. In figure 2 the cross section of the respective electrical line 7 is round and additionally has two projections, each of which extends into one of the webs delimiting the respective groove; the cross section of the respective electrical line 7 is thus essentially elliptical. In figure 3 corresponds to the cross section of the respective electrical line 7 essentially in figure 2 shown cross section of the respective electrical line 7, but with the difference that directed to the respective opening of the respective groove part of the electrical line 7 is flat.

the Figures 4a to 5b show a first exemplary embodiment of a busbar system 100 according to the invention with a busbar, which is designed, for example, like the previously described busbar 1, and a plug holder 20. Alternatively, the busbar can also (only) have: a busbar profile with grooves, in each of the grooves a respective electrical line was added and is accessible via the respective groove for electrical contacting. The connector holder 20 is formed into a Figures 4a to 5b not shown plug, which is electrically connected to the busbar 1 to keep. An exemplary connector is described below with reference to the Figures 6a to 8c described.

As in particular in the Figure 4c recognizable, the plug holder 20 can have a fastening means 21 for the non-positive and/or positive fastening of the plug holder 20 to the busbar 1 . The fastening means 21 is preferably designed to attach the connector holder 20 to the busbar 1 in such a way that moving the connector holder 20 relative to the busbar 1, in particular along the Longitudinal direction of the conductor rail 1 is possible. The busbar 1 thus acts as a guide for the connector holder 20 along the direction of extension of the busbar 1. According to a preferred embodiment, which is particularly shown in FIG Figure 4c As can be seen, the fastening means 21 for fastening the plug holder 20 to the busbar 1 can have at least one latching projection 211 which engages in a corresponding latching receptacle which is formed in the busbar 1 . The snap-in receptacle preferably extends in the extension or longitudinal direction of the conductor rail 1 or the conductor rail profile 2 and/or is designed as a groove 212 in the conductor rail 1, preferably in the conductor rail profile 2. The groove 212 is preferably formed at the level of the first group 4 of grooves in the conductor rail profile 2 and/or on the side of the conductor rail profile 2 .

The fastening means 21 preferably has a further locking projection 213 in addition to the locking projection 211 . The latching projection 213 is preferably formed essentially in accordance with the latching projection 211, so that what was said with regard to the latching projection 211 applies analogously to the further latching projection 213. The latching projection 213 engages in a corresponding manner in a corresponding latching receptacle such as, for example, in a further groove 214 . The groove 214 is preferably formed substantially corresponding to the groove 212, so that what was said for the groove 212 applies analogously to the further groove 214. The latching projections 211, 213 are preferably provided on the plug holder 20 in such a way that when the busbar 1 is connected to the plug holder 2, the busbar 1 or the busbar profile 2 is provided or clamped between the latching projections 211, 213. An even further improved attachment of the plug holder 20 to the conductor rail 1 can thus be aimed at by means of the further latching projection 213 .

The plug holder 20 preferably has at least one elastic element 22 which extends into one of the grooves and itself in the respective groove and/or on the respective electrical line 7 is supported in such a way that the connector holder 20 is prestressed in relation to the busbar 1 or the busbar profile 2 . The prestressing is preferably effected by the restoring force of the elastic element 22 pressing the fastening means 21 or the at least one locking projection 211, 213 against the locking receptacle or groove 212, 213 formed in the conductor rail profile 2. The elastic element 22 can be embodied as a spring element, which is preferably embodied integrally with the plug holder 20 and/or as a spring arm. As in particular in Figure 4c recognizable, it is preferred if the elastic element 22 extends into a groove of the second group 5 and is supported in this in the manner described above. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the elastic element 22 extends into a groove of the first group 4 . The plug holder 20 preferably has a plurality of, in particular at least six or at least eight, elastic elements 22 which are preferably uniformly distributed on the plug holder 20 (in the width direction) and are each supported in one of the grooves of the second group 5 in the manner described above. The restoring force of the elastic elements 22 can thus be summed up in order to bring about an even greater inhibition between the busbar 1 and the connector holder 20 .

The plug holder 20 preferably has at least one centering and/or guide element 23 for (leading) centering or guiding of the plug holder 20 relative to the busbar 1 or to the current-carrying profile 2 . How in particular Figure 4c can be seen, the centering and / or guiding element can be a projection for this, which engages in one of the grooves. For example, the projection is a projection 231 which extends into a groove of the first group 4 of grooves, ie the group of grooves with a greater depth, or engages in the respective groove. Accordingly, the projection 231 can extend further away from the plug holder 20 than the elastic element or spring element 22, preferably so far that the projection 231 is in contact with the groove in the respective first group 4 recorded electrical line 7 comes into (non-conductive) contact. Alternatively or additionally, the centering and/or guiding element 23 can have a further projection 232, which extends into a groove of the first group 4, but preferably extends less far away than the elastic element or spring element 22; the further projection 232 is therefore preferably shorter than the projection 231. It is preferred if the plug holder 20 has at least two projections 231 and/or at least two, preferably three, projections 232 which (only) engage in grooves of the first group 4. The respective projection 231 or 232 is preferably provided between two elastic elements 22 .

Like those in particular Figures 4a and 4b can be seen, the connector holder 20 may have insertion openings 24 for inserting plug contacts of a connector into the grooves for contacting the respective electrical lines. Preferably, the insertion openings 24--for example corresponding to the groups 4, 5 of grooves--have a first group 241 of insertion openings and a second group 242 of insertion openings. The number of insertion holes of the first group 241 preferably corresponds to the number of grooves of the first group 4, and the number of insertion holes of the second group 242 preferably corresponds to the number of grooves of the second group 5. The groups 241, 242 of insertion holes are preferably in rows , In particular as (only) two rows (e.g. one row per group) of insertion openings in the plug holder 20; the rows are preferably provided or distributed along the longitudinal direction (of the conductor rail 1 or the conductor rail profile 2) in the plug holder 20. Good contacting of the electrical lines 7 can thus be achieved with a simultaneously compact configuration of the plug holder 20, particularly in the width direction. The insertion openings 24 preferably each have insertion bevels for easier insertion of the respective plug contacts.

As in particular in Figure 4d As can be seen, the plug holder 20 and/or the busbar 1 or the busbar profile 2 can have polarity reversal protection 25, which causes the plug holder 20 to be positioned in only one orientation relative to a direction of attachment of the busbar 1 for plugging the plug holder 20 onto the busbar 1 the power rail 1 can be attached. In Figure 4d an example of an orientation of the connector holder 20 relative to the busbar 1 is shown, in which the connector holder 20 cannot be plugged onto the busbar 1 or the busbar profile 2 . It can be seen that in this orientation the fastening means 21 of the plug holder 20 cannot engage with the busbar 1 because of the reverse polarity protection 25 in order to fasten the plug holder 20 to the busbar 1 . A fitter will recognize this and rotate the plug holder 20 accordingly, in particular by 180° around the plug-on direction, so that the plug holder 20 can be attached to the busbar 1 via the attachment means 21 . This (with respect to polarity correct) orientation of the connector holder 20 relative to the busbar 1 is an example in Figure 4c recognizable.

According to a preferred embodiment, which is exemplified in particular in the Figures 4c and 4d As can be seen, the reverse polarity protection 25 can have reverse polarity protection structures such as a first projection 251 on the side of the busbar 1 and a second projection 252 on the side of the plug holder 20 . The projections 251, 252 are now provided in such a way that in at least one orientation of the connector holder 20 relative to the direction in which the busbar 1 is plugged on—that is to say in an orientation in which an (undesirable) polarity reversal would be effected (cf Figure 4b ) - the projections 251, 252 collide, in order to prevent plugging of the plug holder 20 onto the busbar 1 or engagement of the fastening means 21 in the busbar 1. The projection 251 can be formed between the fastening means 3 or latching projection 31 and the grooves of the first group 4 in a plan view of the busbar profile 2 . The lead 252 can be formed laterally in the plug holder 20, for example integrally with the locking projection 211. As in FIG Figure 4c clearly recognizable, when the connector holder 20 is correctly installed with the busbar 1, the projection 252 preferably extends in an area next to the locking projection 32, which corresponds to the area in which the projection 251 is provided next to the locking projection 31, but with the difference that that there is no protrusion for protrusion 252 to encounter; the fastening means 21 can thus come into engagement with the conductor rail 1 or the conductor rail profile 2 .

The plug holder 20 preferably has a (further) fastening means 26 for non-positive and/or positive fastening of the plug holder 20 to a mounting rail 10 connected to the busbar 1; this connected state between fasteners 26 and support rail 10 is, for example, in the Figure 8b clearly visible. The fastening means 26 fastens the connector holder 20 to the mounting rail 10, preferably in such a way that the connector holder 20 can be moved relative to the mounting rail 10, ie in particular in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the connector holder 20 is preferably guided through the mounting rail 10 . It is thus possible, for example, for the plug holder 20 to be movable both relative to the busbar 1 and relative to the mounting rail 10 . The fastening means 26 preferably has a latching projection 261 which can engage in a corresponding latching receptacle of the mounting rail 10 in order to fasten the plug holder 20 to the mounting rail 10 . This latching receptacle is, for example, a contour or groove 13 that at least partially corresponds to the latching projection and extends in particular in the longitudinal direction.

In addition to the locking projection 261, the fastening means 26 preferably has a further locking projection 262 which essentially is formed according to the locking projection 261; what was said with regard to the latching projection 261 also applies analogously to the further latching projection 262 . In a corresponding manner, the latching projection 262 engages in a further corresponding latching receptacle of the lamp housing 10, for example in a further contour or groove 14. The groove 14 is designed essentially corresponding to the groove 13 so that what was said with regard to the groove 13 applies analogously to the further groove 14 . The latching projections 261, 262 are preferably provided on opposite sides of the plug holder 20.

The plug holder 20 is preferably made of plastic.

As the Figures 6a to 8c can be seen, the busbar system 100 can also have a plug 40 for making electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 . The plug 40 is, for example, functionally connected between the busbar 1 and an electrical device such as a lamp, for example, in order to supply the electrical device with the electrical energy and/or data provided by the busbar 1 . The state in which the plug 40 is held by the plug holder 20 on the bus bar 1 is in FIGS Figures 8a to 8c recognizable as an example.

The plug 40 is preferably designed to make electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 from a single defined side of the busbar 1 . For example, the previously defined push-on direction of the busbar 1 forms the normal vector of this side or plane. The plug 40 is preferably like that in FIG DE 20 2015 106 730.5 described plug formed. The plug holder 20 thus has the effect, in particular, that already known plugs can be used with the busbar 1 .

The plug 40 preferably has plug contacts (contact elements) 41 for making electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 . When connecting the connector 40 with the connector holder 20 so the Plug contacts 41 passed through the insertion openings 24 of the plug holder 20 to finally engage in the grooves of the first and second group 4, 5 and contact the respective electrical lines 7 there. Like those in particular figures 6b and 7b can be seen, the plug contacts 41 are preferably designed to make electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 provided on levels of different heights due to the grooves of different depths. This is preferably done by the plug contacts 41 extending away from the plug 40 for different lengths; the plug contacts 41 thus have longer plug contacts 411 (for the deeper grooves or lines) and shorter plug contacts 412 (for the higher grooves or lines). The plug contacts 411, 412 are preferably provided in accordance with the groups 241, 242 at insertion openings in the plug 40, for example in groups and/or as rows (arranged/distributed in the longitudinal direction of the busbar system 100), preferably (only) two rows. the Figures 8a and 8b show by way of example how the plug-in contacts 412 make electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 of the second group 5 at grooves. Figure 8c shows by way of example how the plug contacts 411 make (partial) electrical contact with the electrical lines 7 provided in the first group 4 of grooves.

The plug contacts 41 can each be releasably provided in the plug 40, for example via a plug contact holder. For example, the plug contacts 41 can be inserted into the plug 40. Thus, the number of plug contacts 41 and thus the number of electrical contacts between electrical lines 7 and plug 40 can be varied depending on the need for the desired electrical contact between busbar 1 and plug 40 .

Each of the plug contacts 41 can have a contact area 42 to provide the electrical connection between the plug 40 and the electrical device (for example a lamp). For example, the contact area 42 has an insertion opening for carrying out a electrical conductor of the electrical device and/or a clamping area for clamping one or the electrical conductor of the electrical device, in order to thus bring about an electrical connection between the electrical device and plug 40 .

As in the Figures 7a to 8c recognizable, the plug 40 and the plug holder 20 are preferably releasably connected to one another. For this purpose, the plug 40 and the plug holder 20 can have corresponding connecting means 43 . The corresponding connection means have, for example, snap-in connection means such as a snap-in projection 431 provided on the side of the plug 40 , which engages in a correspondingly designed snap-in receptacle on the side of the plug holder 20 . The connecting means 43 preferably has two such latching projections 431, 432 provided on opposite sides of the plug.

For simplified connection of the plug 40 to the plug holder 20, the plug 40 can have a search finger 44, which can or does engage in a search opening 45 that is preferably formed integrally with the plug holder 20.

The plug 40 and/or the connecting means 43 described above can also be designed to come into force-fitting and/or form-fitting contact with the mounting rail 10, for example a latching contact. For this purpose, the connecting means 43 can have, for example, at least one corresponding latching projection which can engage in a corresponding contour of the support rail 10 .

Provision can also be made for the plug 40 and the plug holder 20 to be permanently connected to one another, in particular to be formed integrally with one another. Thus, in particular, fastening means for fastening the plug 40 to the plug holder 20 can be dispensed with. Furthermore, this reduces the assembly steps for mechanically and electrically connecting the plug 40 to the busbar 1.

However, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing preferred embodiments as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. A power rail system (100) comprising a power rail (1) and a plug holder (20) for holding a plug connector (40) electrically connected to the power rail (1),

   the plug holder (20) including at least one elastic element (22) which extends into the power rail (1) and rests in the power rail (1) such that the plug holder (20) is prestressed vis-à-vis the power rail (1),

   characterized in that

   the plug holder (20) includes a fastener (21) for non-positive and/or positive fastening of the plug holder (20) on the power rail (1), the fastener (21) including at least one detent projection (211, 213) which engages in a mating detent seat so that the plug holder (2) is fastened on the power rail (1),

   wherein the plug holder (20) comprises insertion holes (24) for inserting plug-in contacts (41) of a plug connector (40) into the power rail (1).
2. The power rail system (100) according to claim 1, the power rail (1) comprising:
   a power rail profile (2) including grooves, wherein a respective electric line (7) is received in each of the grooves and is accessible via the respective groove for establishing an electric contact.
3. The power rail system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, the power rail (1) comprising:
   a power rail profile (2) including first and second groups/rows (4, 5) of grooves, the grooves of the first group/row (4) having a depth different as compared to the grooves of the second group/row (5), starting from the side of the power rail profile (2) via which the grooves are accessible to a bottom of the grooves, wherein in each of the grooves a respective electric line (7) is received and is accessible via the respective groove for establishing an electric contact.
4. The power rail system (100) according to claim 3,

   wherein the power rail profile (2) alternately includes a groove of the first group (4) and a groove of the second group (5), and

   wherein the grooves of the first group (4) have a larger depth, as compared to the grooves of the second group (5), starting from the side of the power rail profile (2) via which the grooves are accessible to the bottom of the grooves.
5. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the claims 2 to 4,

   wherein the grooves, preferably the grooves of the first and second groups (4, 5), are accessible from the same side of the power rail profile (2), and

   wherein the power rail profile (2) includes at least 11, preferably 15 grooves, and/or wherein the first group (4) includes at least five, preferably seven grooves and the second group (5) includes at least six, preferably eight grooves, and wherein the power rail profile (2) has an extension direction,

   and wherein the grooves, specifically preferred the grooves of the first and second groups (4, 5), extend in the extension direction, and/or wherein the power rail (1), the power rail profile (2) and/or the grooves, preferably the grooves of the first and second groups (4, 5), have an elongate design.
6. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the claims 2 to 5,

   wherein in each of the grooves the respective electric line (7) extends in a plane corresponding to the depth of the respective groove and/or is received at the bottom of the respective groove, and

   wherein the electric lines (7) are received detachably or non-detachably in the respective grooves, and

   wherein in each of the grooves the respective electric line (7) is in non-positive, positive and/or adhesive contact with the respective groove and/or with the bottom of the respective groove, the electric lines (7) being manufactured preferably directly with the power rail profile (2), specifically being injection-molded with the latter, or being subsequently introduced, specifically clipped or rolled, into the respective grooves.
7. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the power rail profile (2) is made of plastic material.
8. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the power rail (1), preferably the power rail profile (2), includes a fastener (3) for non-positive and/or positive fastening of the power rail (1) to or into a mounting rail,

   wherein preferably the fastener (3) includes at least one detent projection (31, 32) for engaging in a mating detent seat, specifically in a mating contour (11, 12) of the mounting rail (10), so that the power rail (1), preferably the power rail profile (2), can be fastened to the mounting rail (10).
9. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the fastener (21)

   • fastens the plug holder (20) to the power rail (1) so that the plug holder (20) can move relative to the power rail (1), and

   • the at least one detent projection (211, 213) engages in a groove (212, 214) of the power rail (1), preferably of the power rail profile (2), so that the plug holder (2) is fastened on the power rail (1).
10. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the elastic element (22), preferably a spring element, extends into one of the grooves, particularly preferred into a groove of the group (5) of the grooves having a smaller depth, and rests in the respective groove and/or on the respective electric line (7) such that the plug holder (20) is prestressed vis-à-vis the power rail (1).
11. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

    wherein the plug holder (20) includes at least one centering and/or guiding element (23) for centering and/or guiding the plug holder (20) relative to the power rail (1) and to the power guiding profile (20), respectively, wherein the centering and/or guiding element (20) preferably is a projection (231, 232) engaging in one of the grooves which preferably engages in a groove of the group (4) of the grooves having a larger depth and/or extends further from the plug holder (20) than the elastic element (22), and

    wherein the insertion holes (24) are preferably provided for inserting plug-in contacts (41) of a plug connector (40) into the grooves for establishing a contact with the respective electric lines (7), the insertion holes (24) being configured as groups (241, 242), such as corresponding to the groups (4, 5) on grooves, and/or in rows in the plug holder (20), each of the insertion holes (24) preferably including inclined insertion surfaces.
12. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

    wherein the plug holder (20) includes an additional fastener (26) for non-positive and/or positive fastening of the plug holder (20) to a mounting rail (10) connected to the power rail (1),

    wherein the additional fastener (26)

    • fastens the plug holder (20) to the mounting rail (10) such that the plug holder (20) can move relative to the mounting rail (10), and

    • includes at least one detent projection (261, 262) which can engage in a mating detent seat, specifically in a mating contour (13, 14), of the mounting rail (10) to fasten the plug holder (20) on the mounting rail (10).
13. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

    wherein the power rail (1) and/or the plug holder (20) have/has a reverse battery protection (25) which allows the plug holder (20) to be attached onto the power rail (1) in only one orientation relative to an attachment direction of the power rail (1) for attaching the plug holder (20) onto the power rail (1),

    wherein preferably the reverse battery protection (25) includes a first projection (251) on the side of the power rail (1) and a second projection (252) on the side of the plug holder (20), and

    wherein the projections (251, 252) are provided so that in at least one orientation of the plug holder (20) relative to the attachment direction of the power rail (1) the projections (251, 252) abut against each other to prevent the plug holder (20) from being attached onto the power rail (1).
14. The power rail system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plug connector (40) for establishing an electric contact with electric lines (7) extending in the power rail (1), such as the electric lines (7), wherein the plug connector (40) is held on the power rail (1) by the plug holder (20),

    wherein the plug connector (40) is preferably configured to establish an electric contact with the electric lines (7) from one single defined side of the power rail (1),

    wherein the plug connector (40) preferably includes plug-in contacts (41; 411, 412) for establishing an electric contact with the electric lines (7),

    wherein the plug contacts (41; 411, 412) preferably extend at different lengths from the plug connector (40) to establish an electric contact with the electric lines (7) provided in the grooves preferably having different depths.
15. The power rail system (100) according to claim 14,

    wherein the plug connector (40) and the plug holder (20) are connected permanently to each other, specifically are formed integrally with each other, or

    wherein the plug connector (40) and the plug holder (20) are connected detachably to each other, preferably via corresponding connectors (43) such as via a detent connector (431), wherein the connectors (43) are preferably configured to get in non-positive and/or positive contact, such as in engaging contact, with a mounting rail (10) connected to the power rail (1).

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