SAFETY ACCESSORY FOR ELECTRIFIED RAILS

Abstract

 The safety accessory (100, 200) according to the present invention serves to prevent abnormal and/or risky electrical connections for the safety of a user between an electrified rail and an electrical connection apparatus; the accessory (100, 200) comprises at least one portion adapted to be inserted into a longitudinal seat of the electrified rail when the accessory (100, 200) is fixed to the electrical connection apparatus or to the electrified rail, so that, when the accessory (100, 200) is fixed to the apparatus or to the rail, only an apparatus and a rail that are electrically compatible between each other can be mechanically properly coupled.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a safety accessory for electrified rails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the lighting sector, electrified rails, devices that extend longitudinally (they can be straight or curved) and are adapted to transmit electrical power and, in some rail models, also electrical signals that are often control signals but can also be measurement or detection signals are very common.

[0003] These are adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupled to "connection apparatuses".

[0004] There is a first category of connection apparatuses adapted to enter electrical power into the electrified rail (and possibly also electrical signals), which will be called "power supply apparatuses" in the following for brevity's sake, and a second category of connection apparatuses adapted to extract electrical power from the electrified rail (and possibly also electrical signals), which will be called "consumer apparatuses" in the following for brevity's sake.

[0005] Typically, the apparatuses of the first category are adapted to be inserted into the rail on one side in the longitudinal direction, while the apparatuses of the second category are adapted to be inserted transversely.

[0006] In order for a rail and an apparatus to be able to be mechanically and electrically coupled, they must have a complementary shape (at least in part). For example, in patent document US 2007/153516 A1 an electrified rail lighting system comprising a connection device between two electrified rails is described and claimed. This connection device is adapted to connect a connection apparatus to a first rail and to a second rail respectively so that the first rail and the second rail are electrically connected to each other.

[0007] However, there is a risk of abnormal electrical connections.

[0008] For example, if the rail is coupled to a 220-volt AC "power supply apparatus" and then they are coupled to a 50-volt DC "consumer apparatus", there will be an abnormal electrical connection that might lead to a non-operation of the "consumer apparatus" and/or to a damage to the "consumer apparatus" and/or the "power supply apparatus".

[0009] Therefore, the one installing the system (in particular an electrician) on the one hand and the one using the system (in particular an end user) on the other hand are those who have to prevent abnormal electrical connections.

SUMMARY

[0010] A general object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of preventing abnormal electrical connections by signalling and/or preventing possible risk situations.

[0012] This general object as well as other more specific objects are achieved thanks to
what is set out in the appended claims which form an integral part
of the present disclosure.

LIST OF FIGURES

[0013] The present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description that follows to be considered together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1A shows a three-dimensional view from a first side of a first embodiment example of an accessory to prevent abnormal electrical connections according to the present invention,

Fig. 1B shows a three-dimensional view from a second side of an embodiment example of an accessory to prevent abnormal electrical connections according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional (partial) view of an electrified rail and of the accessory of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional (partial) view of an electrified rail, of an electrical connection apparatus and of the accessory of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4A shows a side view of an electrical connection apparatus and of the accessory of Fig. 1 and a longitudinal (partial) sectional view of an electrified rail with retracted conductors,

Fig. 4B shows a side (partial) view of the electrical connection apparatus, of the accessory and of the electrified rail with retracted conductors of Fig. 4A coupled together,

Fig. 5A shows a side view of an electrical connection apparatus and of the accessory of Fig. 1 and a longitudinal (partial) sectional view of an electrified rail with not retracted conductors,

Fig. 5B shows a side (partial) view of the electrical connection apparatus, of the accessory and of the electrified rail with not retracted conductors of Fig. 5A partially coupled together,

Fig. 6 shows a three-dimensional (partial) view of a first electrified rail and of a second electrified rail, of a first embodiment example of an accessory to prevent abnormal electrical connections according to the present invention (slightly different from that of Fig. 1) and of an intermediate electrical connection apparatus;

Fig. 7 shows a three-dimensional (partial) view of the first electrified rail and of the second electrified rail, of the accessory and of the intermediate connection electrical apparatus of Fig. 6 coupled together;

Fig. 8 shows a three-dimensional view of an electrified rail and of a second embodiment example of an accessory to prevent abnormal electrical connections according to the present invention,

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a first electrical connection apparatus adapted to be coupled to the electrified rail and to the accessory of Fig. 8 (specifically coupled together), and

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a second electrical connection apparatus not adapted to be coupled to the electrified rail and to the accessory of Fig. 8 (specifically coupled together).

[0014] As can be easily understood, there are various ways of practically implementing the present invention which is defined in its main advantageous aspects in the appended claims and is not limited either to the following detailed description or to the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The idea underpinning the present invention is to provide an electrification system, in particular an electrified rail-based electrification system, which has a higher level of safety than the prior art. In particular, such an electrification system is equipped with at least one safety accessory according to the present invention. Advantageously, the safety accessory according to the present invention has a limited (or even no) impact on the design of the elements making up the system.

[0016] For example, in fact, a three-phase electrification system generally consists of an electrified rail that has a recess onto which three phase electrical conductors and a neutral electrical conductor (these are therefore conductors to conduct electrical power from the rail), at least one "power supply apparatus" and at least one "consumer apparatus" face. Typically, the electrified rail develops along a longitudinal direction and comprises a "C" -shaped cross-section that defines the recess, thus having two side walls facing each other and a bottom wall located between the two side walls. Generally, the electrical conductors of the rail are positioned in pairs, so as to face onto the opposite sides of the recess: two on a first side wall and two on a second side wall, so that, for example, on the first side wall there are two phase electrical conductors and on the second side wall there are a phase electrical conductor and a neutral electrical conductor. It is important to note that the neutral electrical conductor can be positioned closer to the bottom wall of the rail than the phase conductor or further away from the bottom wall of the rail than the phase conductor. However, this does not exclude that additional electrical conductors are positioned on the side walls, for example to conduct electrical control signals, as will be better explained below.

[0017] It has been said that a three-phase electrification system also comprises at least one "power supply apparatus" and at least one "consumer apparatus", i.e. a first electrical connection apparatus adapted to transmit power to the electrical conductors of the rail and a second electrical connection apparatus adapted to receive power from the electrical conductors of the rail. Both these electrical connection apparatuses can be characterized by the presence of the same types of power electrical contacts on their external surfaces, namely three phase electrical contacts and one neutral electrical contact. Similar to the conductors of the rails, also the electrical contacts of the apparatus are positioned in pairs on two opposite side surfaces of the apparatus: two on a first side surface and two on a second side surface so that, for example, on the first side surface there are two phase electrical contacts and on the second side surface there are a phase electrical contact and a neutral electrical contact.

[0018] For a proper and safe operation of the three-phase electrification system, when an electrical connection apparatus is at least electrically coupled to the electrified rail, the condition in which the neutral electrical conductor of the rail is electrically coupled to the neutral electrical contact of the apparatus and/or that the phase electrical conductors of the rail have the same wiring voltage as the electrical contacts of the apparatus, must occur. It is therefore important that the electrified rail and the electrical apparatus(es) coupled thereto have an adequate conformation of electrical conductors and electrical contacts. Conversely, if improper types of conductors were to be connected, for example if the neutral contact of the electrical apparatus were to be connected with a phase conductor of the rail, failures in the electrification system and/or dangers for the user, for example electrocution, might occur. Similarly, these risks might also arise in the event of electrical coupling between a rail and one or more electrical apparatuses having different wiring voltages, for example by coupling electrical conductors/contacts carrying 220 volts AC and electrical conductors/contacts carrying 50 volts DC.

[0019] The safety accessory according to the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to the figures, but such reference is not intended to be limiting. In particular, with reference to the figures from Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 there is shown a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of a first embodiment example of a safety accessory according to the present invention (hereinafter it will be referred to by the abbreviated notation "accessory 100") and with reference to the figures from Fig. 8 to Fig. 10 there is shown a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of a second embodiment example of a safety accessory according to the present invention (hereinafter it will be referred to by the abbreviated notation "accessory 200").

[0020] The accessory 100 is adapted to be mechanically fixed for example to a "power supply" electrical connection apparatus and then the apparatus, together with the accessory, can be mechanically and electrically coupled to an electrified rail (alternatively, the accessory 100 can first be mechanically fixed to the electrified rail and subsequently be mechanically coupled to a "power supply" electrical connection accessory). In particular, the accessory 100 is adapted to signal to the one installing the electrical system, in particular to an electrician, a possible safety risk by preventing the proper mechanical coupling between the electrical connection apparatus and the electrified rail, so that the prevention of the proper mechanical coupling signals to the electrician an electrical coupling between an apparatus and a rail that are not electrically compatible, that is an electrical coupling that is risky for the safety of the electrician and the end user.

[0021] The accessory 200 is adapted to be mechanically fixed to an electrified rail and then an electrical "consumer" connection apparatus can be mechanically and electrically coupled to the rail provided with the accessory. In particular, the accessory 200 is adapted to signal to a user a possible safety risk by preventing the proper mechanical coupling between the "consumer" electrical connection apparatus and the electrified rail, so that the prevention of the proper mechanical coupling signals to a user, in particular to an end user, an electrical coupling between an apparatus and a rail that are not electrically compatible, that is an electrical coupling that is risky for the safety of the user. More in particular, as will be better explained below, the accessory 200 is adapted not only to signal but also to prevent the electrical coupling between an apparatus and a rail that are not electrically compatible.

[0022] It should be noted that the prevention of the proper mechanical coupling between an apparatus and a rail that are not electrically compatible, signalled by the accessory 100 and 200, makes visually evident the possibility that abnormal electrical connections are generated and advantageously prevents a user from using the electrification system with such a configuration. Such prevention may consist in an only partial insertion of the electrical connection apparatus into the electrified rail provided with accessory 100, so that a portion of the electrical connection apparatus comprising the electrical contacts remains partially outside the electrified rail provided with accessory 100 and 200 (see for example Figures 5A and 5B and Figure 10). It should be noted that the accessory 100 and 200 instead allows the perfect mechanical coupling between an apparatus and a rail that are electrically compatible (see for example Figures 4A and 4B and Figure 9).

[0023] Furthermore, from Fig. 2 to Fig. 10 there are shown different views of an electrified rail 800 for lighting systems according to the known art and from Fig. 3 to Fig. 7 and in Fig. 9 and 10 there are shown different views of electrical connection apparatuses 900 for lighting systems according to the known art (similar to each other but not identical). Note that, for clarity of illustration, some numerical references may not have been repeated in all figures.

[0024] With reference for example to Fig. 2, there is shown a partial three-dimensional view of the rail 800 which develops along a longitudinal direction and comprises three walls: two side walls facing each other and a bottom wall extending between the two side walls, so that the three walls define a longitudinal recess 840. In other words, the cross-section of the rail 800 is "C" shaped and defines a longitudinal recess 840. It should also be noted that at least the two side walls of the rail 800 comprise longitudinal seats 810, 820 and 830 adapted to house electrical conductors so that they face onto the longitudinal recess 840; in particular, a first side wall of the rail 800 comprises first seats 810-1, 820-1 and 830-1 and a second wall of the rail 800 comprises second seats 810-2, 820-2 and 830-2. It should be noted that the seats 810, 820 and 830 can be obtained on a plastic insert mechanically coupled to the rail 800, for example by interlocking union or glued with adhesive material. The recess 840 of the rail 800 is configured to receive and mechanically couple with an electrical connection apparatus for lighting systems, for example as shown in Fig. 3 and indicated with 900, so as to achieve an electrical connection between the rail 800 and the apparatus 900, in particular between electrical conductors of the rail 800 and electrical contacts of the apparatus 900. As will be better explained below, it should be noted that in the examples of Fig. 4B and Fig. 7 the proper mechanical coupling is achieved when the accessory 100 mounted on the apparatus 900 is adjacent to, in particular in abutment with, the extreme transverse surface of the rail 800, whereas in the example of Fig. 9 the proper mechanical coupling is achieved when the accessory 100, in particular a protruding portion of the accessory 100, is housed in an appropriate seat of the apparatus 900 (in particular by making sure that the protruding portion of the accessory fit into the appropriate carved seat of the apparatus). Not only that, when the connection apparatus 900 is properly inserted into the recess 840 of the rail, there are for example two side protrusions 950 of the connection apparatus 900 adapted to be inserted into two side recesses 850 of the rail 800 defined respectively by a portion of the two side walls of the rail 800. In particular, when the side protrusions 950 of the connection apparatus 900 are inserted into the two side recesses 850 of the rail 800, the side wall portions support the side protrusions 950 of the apparatus 900 and therefore there is a proper mechanical coupling, in particular mechanical contact, between the apparatus 900 and the rail 800. In particular, with non-limiting reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 4A and Fig. 5A, the connection apparatus 900 may comprise a portion 940, on which there are electrical and/or mechanical contacts, which is adapted to be inserted into the recess 840 of the rail, in particular completely inserted into the recess 840 of the rail when a proper mechanical coupling is achieved, while the remaining portion of the apparatus 900 is adapted to protrude from the recess. Alternatively, with non-limiting reference to Fig. 6, the entire connection apparatus 900 can be adapted to be completely inserted into the recess 840 of the rail when a proper mechanical coupling is achieved. The safety accessory according to the present invention therefore aims to prevent abnormal electrical connections between the apparatus 900 and the rail 800 by visually signalling to a user - by means of an improper mechanical coupling - when an apparatus and a rail that are not electrically compatible with each other have been coupled (i.e. to ensure a safe electrical coupling between the electrical connection apparatus and the electrified rail). It should be noted that the electrical connection apparatus 900 can be a "power supply" electrical apparatus, typically inserted longitudinally in the recess of the electrified rail from one end of the rail (see for example figures 3 to 7), or a "consumer" electrical apparatus, typically inserted transversely in the recess of the electrified rail in any intermediate position between the two ends of the rail, in particular from the lower open portion of the recess towards the bottom wall of the rail (see for example Fig. 9 and Fig. 10).

[0025] With reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, there is shown a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of a first embodiment example of an accessory 100 adapted to be mechanically fixed to the electrical connection apparatus 900 so that, when the accessory 100 is fixed to the electrical connection apparatus 900, in particular a "power supply" apparatus, and both are subsequently mechanically coupled to a rail 800, it is signalled to a user when there is a proper mechanical coupling (and therefore a safe electrical coupling between a rail and an apparatus that are electrically compatible with each other, see for example Fig. 4B) and when there is improper mechanical coupling (and therefore an electrical coupling between a rail and an apparatus that are electrically incompatible with each other that can cause failures in the electrification system and/or dangers for the user, see for example Fig. 5B). It should be noted that the accessory 100 can also be fixed to the rail 800 to which a "power supply" apparatus is subsequently coupled so that it is signalled to a user when there is a proper mechanical coupling (and therefore a safe electrical coupling between a rail and an apparatus that are electrically compatible with each other, see for example Fig. 4B) and when there is improper mechanical coupling (and therefore a lack of electrical coupling between a rail and an apparatus that are electrically incompatible with each other that can cause failures in the electrification system and/or dangers for the user, see for example Fig. 5B). In particular, it should be noted that an improper mechanical coupling can be understood as a partial insertion of the apparatus into the rail, so that a portion of the apparatus comprising the electrical contacts remains partially outside the electrified rail provided with the accessory 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the accessory 100 comprises a body 110 and at least one protruding element 131 and 132 that protrudes from the body 110, in particular in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the accessory 100 is made of a plastic material. With non-limiting reference to Fig. 1A, the body 110 comprises a plate, for example square or rectangular in shape, having a hole 140, in particular a suitably shaped through hole, configured to receive at least a portion of the connection apparatus, in particular a portion on which mechanical and/or electrical contacts are provided, so that such portion emerges from the hole 140 and the (proper or improper) mechanical and electrical connection between a connection apparatus and a rail is allowed. The accessory 100 further comprises at least one portion, in particular a protruding element (in Fig. 1 there are shown two protruding elements 131 and 132, for example two pegs) that protrudes from the body 110, in particular extending in the longitudinal direction. As already mentioned, the accessory 100 is adapted to be mechanically fixed to the electrical connection apparatus 900 or to the rail 800 and the protruding element 131 and 132 is adapted to be inserted, in particular completely inserted, into a longitudinal seat of the rail 800 facing onto the recess 840, in particular a seat of the rail 800 adapted to house an electrical conductor. According to a preferred embodiment, the accessory 100 is mechanically fixed to the apparatus 900 by mechanical means, in particular by means of two tabs 121 and 122, advantageously two elastic tabs, adapted to couple with a portion of the apparatus 900, in particular with a portion of the apparatus 900 on which there are electrical and/or mechanical contacts, so as to prevent rotations of the accessory 100 with respect to the apparatus 900. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show respectively a three-dimensional (partial) view of the rail 800 and of the accessory 100 before coupling and of the rail 800, of the electrical apparatus 900 and of the accessory 100 before fixing and coupling. The rail 800 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 has for example on each side wall three seats (see respectively references 810-1, 820-1 and 830-1 for the first side wall and references 810-2, 820-2 and 830-3 for the second side wall) that house the conductors of the rail. Note that in the following a first seat is indicated generically with reference 810, a second seat with reference 820 and a third seat with reference 830. In particular, the first seat 810 houses a first power conductor, the second seat 820 houses a second power conductor and the third seat 830, located for example between the first seat 810 and the second seat 820, houses a control conductor. Typically, the power conductors placed in the seats 810 and 820 are retracted with respect to the end portion of the rail 800 for safety reasons. In other words, the power conductors of the rail 800 stop before the extreme transverse surfaces of the rail (the distance between the end of the conductor and the extreme transverse surface of the rail is called the "air clearance"). Typically, under rail manufacturing conditions, the control conductor placed in the seat 830 is also retracted with respect to the end portion of the rail 800 for safety reasons (see, for example, the cross-sectional view of an end of the rail 800 in Fig. 4A). When the control conductor located in the seat 830 is also retracted and the accessory 100 is fixed on the connection apparatus 900 (in particular by inserting the hole 140 in the portion of the connection apparatus that will subsequently be coupled to the rail 800, in particular a portion on which there are mechanical and/or electrical contacts), the connection apparatus 900 can in turn be mechanically properly coupled to one end of the electrified rail 800, so that the protruding elements 131 and 132 of the accessory 100 are completely inserted in the end portion of the seat 830; in particular, the protruding elements 131 and 132 are inserted in the portion of the seat 830 left free by the control conductor, i.e. between the retracted conductor and the extreme side surface of the rail 800. When such a situation occurs, the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is adjacent to, in particular in abutment with, the extreme side surface of the rail 800. In this way, the connection apparatus 900 is mechanically properly coupled to the electrified rail 800 (as shown for example in Fig. 4B) and the electrical coupling is safe. Advantageously, when a connection apparatus 900 and a rail 800 that are electrically compatible with each other are mechanically properly coupled (see for example Fig. 4B and Fig. 7), the body 110 of the accessory 100 is however adapted to remain outside the rail so that it is signalled to a user that this rail 800 has the control conductors retracted with respect to the extreme transverse surface of the rail 800; in particular, the body 110 of the accessory 100 is adapted to protrude longitudinally and/or transversely from the rail 800. In particular, with reference to Fig. 4B, the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is shown protruding from the rail 800 substantially in the longitudinal direction, whereas in Fig. 7 the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is shown protruding from the rails 800-1 and 800-2 both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction. Even more advantageously, the body 110 of the accessory 100 can have a striking colour compared to the rail 800 and the connection apparatus 900.

[0026] However, as already mentioned, the rail 800 could be modified with respect to the manufacturing conditions; for example, it could be customized, in particular shortened by cutting one or both extreme portions of the rail 800, by a user or an electrician; in this way, the safety condition of retraction of the conductors with respect to the end of the rail could not be guaranteed and therefore electrical anomalies and/or safety risks for the user might occur. With non-limiting reference to Fig. 5A, for example, it may happen that, after an end portion of the electrified rail 800 has been cut to shorten the rail, the air clearance of the power conductors but not that of the control conductors has been restored. According to a first possibility, the situation may occur in which the electrical conductor housed in the seat 830 extends as far as the new extreme transverse surface of the rail 800 defined by the cuts (note that this may occur at only one extreme portion of the rail 800 or at both extreme portions of the rail 800). According to a second possibility, the situation may occur in which the electrical conductor housed in the seat 830 has been retracted insufficiently to ensure the safety of the user (too short air clearance) and therefore the conductor extends as far as the proximity to the new extreme transverse surface of the rail 800 defined by the cut. Accordingly, to prevent electrical anomalies and/or safety risks to the user in the above-mentioned cases, the apparatus 900 and the rail 800 should not be electrically coupled to each other.

[0027] Therefore, in the event that the accessory 100 is fixed on the connection apparatus 900 and, in turn, the connection apparatus 900 is mechanically coupled to the rail 800 (at an extreme portion of the rail), the protruding elements 131 and 132 abut against the control conductors housed in the seat 830; consequently, the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is not adjacent to, in particular in abutment with, the extreme transverse surface of the rail 800 but there is a gap between them, in particular due to the portion of the protruding elements 131 and 132 that cannot be inserted into the end portion of the seat 830 as it is totally or partially occupied by the control conductor. In this way, the connection apparatus 900 does not appear to be mechanically properly coupled to the electrified rail 800, as shown for example in Fig. 5B. In other words, when an apparatus 900 and a rail 800 that are electrically incompatible with each other are mechanically coupled to each other and the accessory 100 is fixed to the apparatus 900 or to the rail 800, the protruding elements 131 and 132 are adapted to be partially inserted into the end portion of the seat 830 of the rail 800, so that there is a gap between the apparatus 900 and the rail 800. By means of the accessory 100, therefore, the user easily visually detects this coupling abnormality, so as to prevent also the electrical coupling from being completed (thus preventing electrical anomalies and/or safety risks for the user). As already mentioned, there may be connection apparatuses 900 that are adapted to be completely inserted into the recess of the rail; in particular, with non-limiting reference to Fig. 6, a first portion of such connection apparatuses 900 is adapted to be mechanically coupled to a first electrified rail 800-1 so that the first portion is completely inserted into recess 840-1 of the rail 800-1 and a second portion of such connection apparatuses 900 is adapted to be mechanically coupled to a second electrified rail 800-2 so that the second portion is completely inserted into recess 840-2 of the rail 800-2 (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). Advantageously, the accessory 100 provides a first pair of protruding elements 131-1 and 132-1 placed on a first side of the body 110 and a second pair of protruding elements 131-2 and 132-2 (note that in Fig. 6 only the element 131-2 is visible) placed on a second side of the body 110 opposite to the first one, so that the first pair of protruding elements 131 - 1 and 132-1 is inserted in the longitudinal direction into a first seat housing an electrical conductor (in particular a control conductor) of the first rail 800-1 and the second pair of protruding elements 131-2 and 132-2 is inserted in the longitudinal direction into a second seat housing an electrical conductor (in particular a control conductor) of the second rail 800-2 when the apparatus 900 is mechanically coupled to the first rail 800-1 and to the second rail 800-2. In particular, when the electrical conductors of the first rail 800-1 and of the second rail 800-2 are properly retracted, the first pair of protruding elements 131-1 and 132-1 is completely inserted into the first seat of the first rail 800-1 and the second pair of protruding elements 131-2 and 132-2 is completely inserted into the second seat of the first rail 800-2; in other words, when the electrical conductors (in particular the control conductors) of the first rail 800-1 and of the second rail 800-2 are properly retracted, the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is adjacent to, in particular in abutment with, the extreme transverse surfaces of the first rail 800-1 and of the second rail 800-2. In this way, the connection apparatus 900 is mechanically properly coupled to the electrified rails 800-1 and 800-2 (as shown for example in Fig. 7) and the electrical coupling is safe. As already explained above, instead, when the electrical conductors of the first rail 800-1 and/or of the second rail 800-2 are not properly retracted, the first pair of protruding elements 131-1 and 132-1 and/or the second pair of protruding elements 131-2 and 132-2 come into abutment against the control conductors housed in the seat 830 of the first rail 800-1 and/or of the second rail 800-2; consequently, the accessory 100, in particular the body 110, is not adjacent to, in particular in abutment with, the extreme transverse surface of the first rail 800-1 and/or of the second rail 800-2 but there is a gap between them, in particular due to the length of the protruding elements 131-1 and 132-1 and/or 131-2 and 132-2 which cannot be inserted into the end portion of the seat 830 left free by the control conductor.

[0028] Figures 8 to 10 show an accessory 200 according to a second embodiment example. With non-limiting reference to Fig. 8, the accessory 200 mainly develops along a longitudinal direction and is adapted to be mechanically fixed to an electrified rail 800. Note that in the embodiment example shown in Fig. 8 the accessory 200 is inserted into the recess 840 (and possibly extracted) longitudinally from an end of the rail 800 (see the double black arrow in Fig. 8). Alternatively, according to a further example not shown in any figure, the accessory 200 could be inserted into the recess 840 (and possibly extracted) transversely, in particular from the open lower portion of the recess towards the bottom wall of the rail 800. Advantageously, the accessory 200 is configured to extend substantially along the entire longitudinal length of development of the rail 800, in particular from a first extreme portion of the rail 800 to a second extreme portion of the rail 800 opposite to the first one. According to the example shown in figures 8 to 10, the accessory 200 comprises a body 210 and at least one protruding element 231 that protrudes from the body 210, in particular in a transverse direction. When the accessory 200 is fixed to the rail 800, more precisely it is housed in a longitudinal seat 860 that faces onto the recess 840 of the rail 800, the protruding element 231 protrudes in a transverse direction towards the recess 840. Advantageously, the seat 860 is located on the bottom wall of the electrified rail 800. According to the example shown in figures 8 to 10, the accessory 200 is mechanically fixed to the rail 800 by mechanical means, in particular one or more screws 221, so that, when the accessory 200 is fixed to the electrified rail 800, only one apparatus 900 (or a plurality of apparatuses 900), in particular a "consumer" apparatus, and a rail 800 that are electrically compatible with each other can be mechanically properly coupled, i.e. a safe electrical coupling for the safety of the user. In particular, the accessory 200 is adapted to prevent the mechanical coupling of an apparatus 900 and a rail 800 that are not electrically compatible with each other, which can therefore cause failures in the electrification system and/or risks for the safety of the user, in particular of the end user of the electrical system, for example by preventing reversals of electrical polarity, as better explained below. It should be in fact noted that the protruding element 231 is placed in an asymmetrical position so that the coupling between the connection apparatus 900 and the rail 800 is permitted only in one insertion direction (hereinafter referred to as "proper insertion direction") of the electrical apparatus 900, thus ensuring the proper coupling between the phase and neutral electrical contacts of the apparatus 900 and the phase and neutral electrical conductors of the rail 800 (hereinafter referred to as "compatibility condition between rail and apparatus").

[0029] With non-limiting reference to Fig. 9, there is shown a cross section of an electrical connection apparatus 900 adapted to be coupled to the electrified rail 800 on which the accessory 200 is fixed: in fact, the connection apparatus 900 provides a longitudinal seat, in particular a groove that is not symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane to the apparatus 900, and the protruding element 231 is adapted to be inserted transversely into the longitudinal seat of the apparatus 900. Advantageously, the protruding element 231 is adapted to be completely inserted into the longitudinal seat of the apparatus 900 when the apparatus 900 is coupled to the rail according to the proper insertion direction. In this way, the apparatus 900 is properly coupled to the rail 800 both from a mechanical point of view (i.e. so that the side protrusions 950 of the connection apparatus 900 can be inserted into the two side recesses 850 of the rail 800 and in particular they are supported by the side wall portions of the rail 800 that respectively define the two side recesses 850) and from an electrical point of view (the proper insertion direction of the apparatus is guaranteed and therefore the condition of compatibility between the rail and the apparatus is met).

[0030] With non-limiting reference to Fig. 10, there is shown a cross section of an electrical connection apparatus 900 not adapted to be coupled to the electrified rail 800 on which the accessory 200 is fixed: as shown in the example of Fig. 10, the protruding element 231 abuts against a surface of the apparatus 900 preventing the proper insertion of the apparatus 900 into the recess 840. In this way, the apparatus 900 cannot be mechanically properly coupled to the rail 800 (note that the side protrusions 950 of the connection apparatus 900 would not be able to be inserted into the two side recesses 850 but would come into abutment with the side wall portions of the rail 800 that define the two side recesses 850 respectively and therefore being not able to be supported by these wall portions). As a result, also the electrical coupling is prevented (note that the electrical contacts of the apparatus 900 are out of phase with respect to the electrical conductors of the rail 800).

[0031] The present invention further concerns a kit comprising an electrified rail 800 and at least one accessory 200 (see for example Fig. 8).

[0032] The present invention further concerns a kit comprising an electrical connection apparatus 900 and at least one accessory 100 (see for example Fig. 2).

Claims

1. An accessory (100, 200) to prevent abnormal electrical connections between an electrified rail (800) and an electrical connection apparatus (900), wherein the rail (800) extends longitudinally and comprises three walls, two walls being side walls facing each other and one wall being a bottom wall so that the three walls define a longitudinal recess (840), the walls comprising longitudinal seats (810, 820, 830) adapted to house electrical conductors so that they face onto the longitudinal recess (840),

wherein the apparatus (900) is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the rail (800) so as to obtain an electrical connection between the rail (800) and the apparatus (900),

wherein said accessory (100, 200) is adapted to be mechanically fixed to the electrical connection apparatus (900) or to the electrified rail (800),

wherein said accessory (100, 200) comprises at least a portion adapted to be inserted into a longitudinal seat (830, 860) of the rail (800) facing onto the recess (840),

wherein when the accessory (100, 200) is fixed to the apparatus (900) or to the rail (800), only an apparatus (900) and a rail (800) that are electrically compatible with each other can be mechanically properly coupled.

2. The accessory (100, 200) according to claim 1, comprising mechanical means (121, 122, 221) for mechanically fixing the accessory (100, 200) with an electrical connection apparatus (900) or an electrified rail (800).

3. The accessory (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a body (110) and at least one protruding element (131, 132) that protrudes from said body (110),
wherein when the accessory (100) is fixed to the apparatus (900) or to the rail (800), said protruding element (131, 132) is adapted to be inserted longitudinally into a seat (830) of the rail (800) which houses an electrical conductor.

4. The accessory (100) according to claim 3, wherein said protruding element (131, 132) is adapted to be completely inserted into an end portion of the seat (830) of the rail (800) when an apparatus (900) and a rail (800) that are electrically compatible with each other are mechanically properly coupled together.

5. The accessory (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said protruding element (131, 132) is adapted to be partially inserted in an end portion of the seat (830) of the rail (800) when an apparatus (900) and a rail (800) that are electrically incompatible with each other are mechanically coupled together so that there is a gap between them.

6. The accessory (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said body (110) is adapted to remain outside the rail (800), in particular to protrude longitudinally and/or transversely from the rail (800) when an apparatus (900) and a rail (800) that are electrically compatible with each other are mechanically coupled together.

7. The accessory (100) according to claim 3 or 4 or 5 or 6, wherein said body (110) has a hole (140) configured to receive at least a portion of an electrical connection apparatus (900).

8. The accessory (200) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a body (210) and at least one protruding element (231) that protrudes from said body (210), wherein when the accessory (200) is fixed to the rail (800), said protruding element (231) is adapted to protrude towards the recess (840) of the rail (800).

9. The accessory (200) according to claim 8, wherein said protruding element (231) is adapted to be completely inserted into a longitudinal seat of the apparatus (900) when an apparatus (900) and a rail (800) that are electrically compatible with each other are mechanically properly coupled together.

10. The accessory (200) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said accessory (200) is adapted to extend throughout the length of the rail (800).

11. A kit comprising an electrified rail (800) and at least one accessory (200) according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10.

12. The kit comprising an electrical connection apparatus (900) and at least one accessory (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7.

Drawing