EP4632966A1

EP4632966A1 - Kit and related components for connecting two or more beams, preferably electrified, and related method

Info

Publication number: EP4632966A1
Application number: EP25170118.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano Scardovi
Original assignee: Viabizzuno SRL
Current assignee: Viabizzuno SRL
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2025-04-11
Publication date: 2025-10-15

Abstract

Described is a kit (100) for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL), having a width of insertion (LI) along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), comprising a plurality of connector blocks (2); a junction block (3) and/or an articulated block (5).

Description

This invention relates to a kit and the relative components for connecting two or more beams, preferably electrified, and a relative method for connecting said one or more beams.
In the sector of the connection between beams, in particular electrified beams, there are prior art solutions which comprise connectors already having a predetermined shape and, therefore, intended for specific connection configurations.
This makes these systems particularly rigid as well as more complex to produce because, for every type of configuration, it is necessary to make a specific type of connector.
Said connectors can be inserted from a direction parallel with the beam and, therefore, require an insertion before the beams are in the predetermined position. In other words, according to the prior art solutions, the connectors are firstly inserted and the beams are then moved into position. This prevents, for example, the need to subsequently add an intermediate crosspiece between two uprights without having to move them, which may mean having to remove the structure entirely or partly. Thus, even during installation, these systems are much more complex, so much so that they require a prior design of the entire structure and personnel authorised for assembly of the beams. Consequently, the prior design of the structure makes substantial modifications to what has already been designed and prepared impossible.
Lastly, the prior art connectors are designed only for the mechanical connection, whilst the electrical connection is made with independent wiring, which is aesthetically unattractive as well as, from the point of view of installation, lengthening the operations and rendering them more complex.
Some documents which illustrate connection solutions which have the above-mentioned drawbacks are: US9472912B2 , DE2131065A1 and DE2251731A1 .
The aim of this invention is to provide a kit, the relative components and a method for connecting two or more beams which overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
Said aim is fully achieved by the components, the kit and the method according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a kit for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal groove, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
It should be noted that the individual components of the kit are described below which are also protected individually, such as, for example, spare parts for existing kits which require further additions. It should be noted, therefore, that the invention intends to protect both the individual components of the kit and the kit itself.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a connector block for connecting of two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal socket, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The connector block is configured to be combined with other connector blocks and with a junction block in such a way as to define the kit in its entirety and to be able to connect said one or more beams.
The connector block comprises a body. The connector block is configured to be inserted inside the longitudinal socket. The connector block extends along a longitudinal axis between a first and a second end. The body includes an end surface, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and positioned at said first end.
The connector block comprises a connector unit: The connector unit is configured for exerting a gripping force on the corresponding longitudinal socket along the transverse direction.
The connector unit is movable between an extracted position, wherein it projects from the body by a first value, and a retracted position, wherein it projects from the body by a second value, less than the first value, or is inserted inside the body. In the retracted position, the connector unit defines a width of the body along the transverse direction which is less than the insertion width.
The fact that in the retracted position the width of the body is less than that of the socket allows the connector block to be mounted by inserting it in a direction perpendicular to the beam, in an easier and faster manner and with the beams already in the connected position. Moreover, this allows a partial removal of the beams for reassembling them in other configurations without having to remove the entire structure.
The connector block comprises an actuating unit. The actuating unit can be operated by an installer and is configured for switching the connector element between the retracted position and the extracted position.
The connector block comprises a fastening pin. The fastening pin is positioned on the end surface. The fastening pin projects outside the body along the longitudinal axis.
The presence of the fastening pin in combination with the connector unit allows the block to connect with a junction block, as described below, and therefore gives the possibility of resolving the technical problem of being able to connect the beams easily and flexibly.
The connector block is connectable to other connector blocks by means of a junction block, according to one or more features described below.
The advantages achieved with these features are already significant compared with the prior art because they allow a rapid axial constraint between the blocks. This blocks need not, firstly, also be locked in rotation, as this results in a further advantageous dependent solution, as described below.
According to an embodiment, the fastening pin comprises a splined outer surface. The splined outer surface is configured for engaging in a corresponding splined socket of a junction block, in such a way as to prevent a reciprocal rotation between the connector block and the junction block.
It should be noted that the term "socket" is used to mean any shape of the cross section of the pin which allows a rotating contact, for example, a cross section of any geometrical solid having at least three edges, such as a triangle or a square. The number of vertices determines the number of orientations along the longitudinal axis which the connector block (and therefore the respective beam on which it is positioned) may have relative to the junction block.
This feature allows the connector block and the junction block to be locked in rotation about the longitudinal axis.
According to an embodiment, the fastening pin comprises an engagement zone, having a first cross section. The fastening pin comprises a junction zone, having a second cross section. The second cross section is smaller than the first cross section.
This embodiment allows the pin to be inserted in a socket which makes contact with the engagement zone in a direction of disengagement of the fastening pin with respect to the respective seat of the junction block. However, alternatives to this solution are also possible. For example, according to an embodiment, the fastening pin could also have a connection pin, configured to be inserted in a corresponding guide of the junction block, to define a bayonet connection.
According to an embodiment, the engagement zone has a star profile, with a plurality of tips, each of which defines a respective orientation of the connector block about the longitudinal axis relative to a junction block. The star shape is without doubt a very good compromise between the constructional complexity and the flexibility given to the positioning.
According to an embodiment, the connector unit comprises a first shoe, movable along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between a respective extracted position and a respective retracted position. Preferably, the connector unit comprises a second shoe, positioned on a side (transversal) of the body opposite to that in which the first shoe is positioned. The second shoe is movable along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between a respective extracted position and a respective retracted position.
Preferably, the first and the second shoes are configured to move together between the extracted position and the retracted position, to grip the respective wall of the insertion socket.
The presence of the first and second shoes allows a grip on the wall of the centred socket which is reliable and secure.
Preferably, the actuating unit comprises expanding set screws, movable along a thrust direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the transverse direction. The expanding screws are configured to transform a movement of said expanding set screws along the thrust direction into a translation of the first and/or the second shoe along the transverse direction for positioning them in their respective extracted position.
The expanding set screws represent a compact and reliable solution for actuating the shoes.
According to an embodiment, the actuating unit comprises a return element. The return element is connected to the first and/or to the second shoe. The return element is configured to apply on the first and/or on the second shoe a return force oriented towards the body of the block. Thus, the return element is configured to return the first and/or the second shoe to the retracted position. Clearly, in order for the return force to return the first and/or the second shoe to the retracted position it is necessary for the expanding set screws to be withdrawn (that is, translated in the opposite direction to that which expands the shoes in the extracted position).
The return element is preferably a spring, even more preferably a leaf spring.
According to an embodiment, wherein said one or more beams comprise an electrical raceway, positioned on a bottom of the respective longitudinal socket, the connector block comprises an electric module. The electric module can preferably be removably coupled to the body (whilst, according to other embodiments, it might be in one piece with the body). The fact that it is removably fastenable makes the kit suitable for electrified solutions or only for mechanical connection with the same parts, with advantages in terms of standardisation and improvement of the production of the kit.
The electric module comprises a pair of electrical contacts. Each electrical contact comprises a respective first end, configured to come into contact with the electrical raceway of the respective beam, and a second end, configured to come into contact with electrical strips for transferring a current which flows along the electrical raceway.
The presence of the electric module with the respective contacts allows the current to be easily transmitted from one beam to the other, simply by attaching the electric module to the body of the connector block. According to an embodiment, the connector block comprises a pair of electrical strips, each including a respective first end, in contact with the second end of the respective electrical contact, and a second end, configured to come into contact with the second end of a respective electrical contact of another connector block.
It is worth noting that the kit comprises two connector blocks for each pair of electrical strips.
The electrical strips allow a quick integration because they are already integrated in the electric modules and do not need to be installed separately.
Preferably, the second end of the electrical contacts comprises a respective linear track having a corresponding useful extension along the longitudinal axis. In that case, the first end of each electric clip of said pair of electrical strips is movable on the linear track of the respective electrical contact.
This configuration allows the length of the electric clip which is outside the respective connector block to be adapted, to allow a margin when there are particular kit installation configurations.
According to an embodiment, the electric module comprises an attachment unit. The attachment unit includes attachment element. The body comprises a respective seat, in which the attachment element can be inserted by applying a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
This allows the electric module to be fastened securely to the body, avoiding instability of the contacts with the electrical raceway, but at the same time allows a fast removal of the electric module.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit comprises a first attachment element and a second attachment element, spaced along the longitudinal axis of the body by an adjustment distance. Moreover, the seat comprises a first attachment position and a second attachment position, spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis. The first attachment element and the second attachment element can be attached in the first attachment position or in the second attachment position.
This allows an adjustment of the position along the longitudinal axis between the body and the electric module. Consequently, with this further flexibility, many other types of configurations can be achieved which, otherwise, would not be possible with the same components.
According to an embodiment, the electric module comprises a lock, movable between a working position, wherein it prevents a removal of the electric module from the body, and a positioning position, wherein it allows a relative movement between the electric module and the body of the connector block.
This further increases safety of the contacts when the kit is installed.
It is worth noting that, according to an embodiment, the electric module can only form a cover. In that case, the connector block comprises a covering module which does not comprise any electrical contact and is only used to cover the body when the connector block is connecting with the beam.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a junction unit for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal socket, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The junction unit comprising a junction block, configured to be combined with a plurality of connector blocks in such a way as to connect said one or more beams.
The junction block comprises a body, including a first, a second, a third and a fourth facing surface.
The junction block comprises, for each of said first, second, third and fourth facing surfaces, a corresponding first, second, third and fourth splined socket, recessed relative to the respective surface to receive a corresponding fastening pin of a connector block connected to the junction block.
The presence of a splined socket for each facing surface allows a connection of two or more connector blocks in different configurations, with beams which are also perpendicular to each other.
Preferably, each of said first, second, third and fourth splined sockets extends along a respective axis of extension and comprises:

a respective bottom;
a lateral surface, which connects the bottom with the respective first, second, third or fourth facing surfaces.

The lateral surface has a variable distance relative to the axis of extension to define a first zone, having a first thickness along a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension, and a second zone, having a second thickness along a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension.
The first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
In this way, a respective sealing shoulder is defined, which prevents the extraction of the connector block inserted in the respective first second, third or fourth splined socket.
Alternatively, each socket comprises a guide which, together with a pin of the fastening pin, defines a bayonet connection.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the junction block comprises a first shell, including a first connecting surface and a respective first portion of said first, second, third and fourth facing surfaces.
The junction block comprises a second shell, including a second connecting surface and a respective second portion of said first, second, third and fourth facing surfaces.
The junction unit comprises a connector, configured for connecting the first shell to the second shell.
The junction block can be switched between a positioning configuration, wherein the first and the second shell are disconnected from each other and spaced to allow a positioning of the connector block (that is to say, of the fastening pin of a first and a second connector block), and a constraining configuration, wherein the first and the second shell are connected to each other by means of the connector to define the first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (and, in particular, the respective sealing shoulders).
In this way, with the presence of two shells, it is easy to define a block when extracting the connector blocks, which remain constrained in a secure and reliable manner.
According to an embodiment of the junction block, the junction block comprises the first shell and the second shell and, in addition to these, also an intermediate body.
The intermediate block comprises a first connecting wall, facing towards the first shell, and a second connecting wall, facing towards the second shell.
The first and the second connecting walls are inclined to each other, preferably they are perpendicular to each other.
Each of said first and second connecting walls comprise a respective first and second narrowing hole, aligned with a hole of the first and second shells, respectively, in such a way as to house a corresponding first and second narrowing element.
Each of said first and second connecting walls comprise a respective contact surface, configured to come into contact with a respective surface of the first and the second shell, respectively.
Respective intermediate sockets are made on the respective first and second contact surfaces which, when the first and the second shell are connected to the intermediate body, contribute to forming the splined sockets in which the pin of the connector block is inserted.
The coupling between first shell, second shell and intermediate body allows at least three splined sockets to be made, overall, but up to seven splined sockets. The three minimum splined sockets are perpendicular to each other, that is to say, they are perpendicular to three axes at right angles to each other.
The use of the intermediate body with the first and the second shell allows a triple connection to be achieved, on all three of the axes where, on the other hand, in the more generic junction block, it is only possible to connect on a plane.
According to an embodiment, the junction unit comprises a lifting bushing. The lifting bushing includes a first pin connector, removably inserted inside a respective splined socket of the first, second, third or fourth splined sockets, and a second pin connector, oriented in the same direction as the first pin connector but in the opposite direction to the first pin connector, to be removably inserted inside a respective splined socket of a first, second, third or fourth splined socket of a further junction block.
The presence of the lifting bushing completes the possibility of mutual orientation between the two connector blocks, allowing to have, in short, all the possible degrees of freedom. Moreover, it allows crossings of beams to be created which are not necessarily at their ends but also in an intermediate position of the beam.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides an articulated block for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal socket, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The articulated block comprises a first half-shell. The articulated block comprises a second half-shell.
The articulated block comprises a rotation pin configured to connect the first and second half-shells. The rotation pin is configured to allow relative rotation of the first half-shell relative to the second half-shell about the pin. The first and second half-shells comprise a respective fastening pin, configured to be inserted in a splined socket of a junction block.
In this way, it is also possible to rotate between the beams which are connected.
Preferably, the fastening pin of the first half-shell and the fastening pin of the second half-shell are oriented along respective directions perpendicular to the rotation pin.
This is the configuration that allows for more versatility.
As in the case of the fastening pin of the connector block, the fastening pin of the first half-shell and the fastening pin of the second half-shell comprises an engagement zone, having a first cross section, and a junction zone, having a second cross section, less than the first cross section. In this way, the fastening pins of the articulated block can be connected to the splined socket of a junction block.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a kit for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal groove, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The kit comprises a plurality of connector blocks according to one or more of the features described in the invention and a junction block, according to one or more of the features described in the invention. According to an embodiment, the kit comprises an articulated block, according to one or more of the features described in the invention. According to an embodiment, the kit comprises a lifting bushing, according to one or more of the features described in the invention.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction and including a corresponding longitudinal socket, having a width of insertion along a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The method comprises a step of preparing a first beam and a second beam of said two or more beams.
The method comprises a step of preparing a first connector block, including a respective fastening pin and a respective connector element. The method comprises a step of preparing a second connector block, including a respective fastening pin and a respective connector element. The method comprises a step of preparing a junction block, including a first, a second, a third and a fourth splined socket.
The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the first connector block in a splined socket of said first, second, third or fourth splined socket.
The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the second connector block in a splined socket of said first, second, third or fourth splined socket, different from the splined socket in which the fastening pin of the first connector block is inserted.
The method comprises a step of inserting the first connector block in the longitudinal socket of the first beam.
The method comprises a step of inserting the second connector block in the longitudinal socket of the second beam.
The method comprises a step of actuating a first actuating unit for switching the connector element of the first connector block between a respective retracted position, wherein it does not come into contact with the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal socket, and an extracted position, wherein the connector element exerts a pressure on the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal socket to prevent an extraction of the first connector block.
The method comprises a step of actuating a second actuating unit for switching the connector element of the second connector block between a respective retracted position, wherein it does not come into contact with the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal socket, and an extracted position, wherein the connector element exerts a pressure on the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal socket to prevent an extraction of the second connector block.
Preferably, the steps of inserting the fastening pin of the first and/or the second connector block in the respective splined socket comprise a respective step of opening the junction block to define a first shell and a second shell.
The insertion step comprises a step of resting the fastening pin of the first and the second connector block in a portion of the corresponding splined socket positioned on the first shell.
The step of inserting comprises a step of positioning the second shell above the first shell, to define the first, the second, the third and the fourth splined socket, two of which receive the fastening pin of the first and the second connector block.
The inserting step comprises a step of constraining the first shell to the second shell, by actuating a connector, which packs the first and the second shell, preventing the unscrewing of the fastening pin of the first and the second connector block.
The method comprises a step of preparing the articulated block, according to any of the features described in the invention.
The method comprises a step of preparing an additional junction block.
The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the first half-shell in a corresponding splined socket of the junction block.
The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the second half-shell in a corresponding splined socket of the additional junction block. The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the first connector block in a splined socket of the junction block, different from that in which the fastening pin of the first half-shell is inserted.
The method comprises a step of inserting the fastening pin of the second connector block in a splined socket of the additional junction block, different from that in which the fastening pin of the second half-shell is inserted.
Preferably, the method comprises a step of preparing a lifting bushing, including a respective first fastening pin and a second fastening pin, oriented in the same direction as the first fastening pin but in the opposite direction to the first fastening pin.
The method comprises a step of preparing an additional junction block.
The method comprises a step of inserting the first fastening pin inside a respective splined socket of the first, second, third or fourth splined sockets of the junction block.
The method comprises a step of inserting the second fastening pin inside a respective splined socket of said first, second, third or fourth splined sockets of the additional junction block.
According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of positioning a first and a second electric module, each connected to the respective body of a corresponding connector element. In the step of positioning the first and second electric modules, a pair of electrical contacts of each of said first and second electric modules perforates the electrical track on the beam and captures the current.
Moreover, in the positioning step, one or more attachments of the first and second electric modules are housed in corresponding seats of the body of the first and second connector element.
Subsequently, the method comprises a securing step, wherein said one or more attachments are kept en bloc on the body by means of a sliding block, actuated manually by an installer to secure the positioning of the electrical modules and prevent them from releasing.
More generally speaking, by means of one or more combinations of features described above, this invention allows:

(a) inserting the connector and junction blocks in the required positions without the need to insert them longitudinally, avoiding the need to remove other connections (for example, adding or removing a crosspiece fixed between 2 uprights where there are other crosspieces present);
(b) the possibility of freely creating and reconfiguring structures on site without an ad hoc design of the individual elements (each beam only needs to be cut, without the need for special processes);
(c) the possibility of disconnecting (and therefore deciding at a later time) the layout of electrical connections, which can also be reconfigured at any time by acting on the positioning or the removal of the electrical modules. These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figures 1A and 1B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of a connector block according to this invention;
- Figures 2A and 2B show a plan view of a unit including a first shoe, a second shoe and a spring of the connector block and a cross section of a connector block installed in a corresponding beam, respectively;
- Figures 3A and 3B show a perspective view of an electric module and a pair of electric modules connected by a pair of electrical strips, respectively;
- Figures 4A and 4B show perspective views of a junction block in a positioning configuration and in a working configuration, respectively;
- Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a connection kit including an articulated block according to this invention;
- Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G and 6H illustrate progressive steps of a method for assembling a kit and for connecting one or more beams with the assembled kit according to this invention;
- Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a connecting kit including a lifting bushing according to this invention;
- Figure 7A is an exploded perspective view of a connection kit including a junction block provided with an intermediate body;
- Figures 8A and 8B show a side view of a kit according to this invention mounted in a first configuration, with the connector blocks aligned with each other along their longitudinal axis, and a second configuration, with the connector blocks having respective longitudinal axes perpendicular to each other;
- Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show progressive steps of a procedure for inserting the cables of a pair of electrical strips in a cavity defined by the articulated block according to this invention;
- Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show, respectively, a first, a second, a third and a fourth configuration for installing by way of example and in no way limiting the connection kit according to this invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 100 denotes a kit for the connection of one or more beams T1, T2, preferably electrified, that is to say, provided with a respective raceway TE1, TE2.
Before entering into the merits of the kit 100 it appears important to illustrate an example of beam T1, T2 on which the kit 100 may be used.
Each of said beams T1, T2 extends along a longitudinal direction L and comprises a longitudinal socket SL. The longitudinal socket SL extends, along a transverse direction T, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, for an insertion width LI.
The longitudinal socket SL comprises a first and a second lateral wall SL1, SL2 and a bottom wall SL3.
The first and the second lateral wall SL1, SL2 comprise a respective first lateral socket SL11, SL21 and a second lateral socket SL12, SL22.
The second lateral socket SL12, SL22 is connected to the bottom wall SL3 to define a recess, configured for receiving the respective raceway TE1, TE2.
A description is now given below of an example embodiment of the kit.
The kit 100 comprises a plurality of connector blocks 2, which are equal and interchangeable, to the advantage of standardisation of production. Therefore, since said two connector blocks 2 are the same, they will only be described once.
The connector block 2 comprises a body 21. The body comprises an upper surface 21A, a lower surface 21B, a first side wall 21C, a second side wall 21D, a rear surface 21E and a head surface 21F.
The body 21 comprises a first block 211 and a second block 212, which are defined by a cut of the body 21 along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The separation of the body 21 into a first and a second block facilitates the assembly operations.
The body 21 comprises closing elements 213, for example pins 213' which are positioned on the first block 211 that are inserted in corresponding closing holes 213" on the second block 212.
The body 21 comprises a first pair of threaded holes 214, formed on the upper surface 21A. It should be noted that the first pair of threaded holes 214 is defined when the first block 211 and the second block 212 are connected to each other in a pack to form the body 21, since each block contains a semi-circle of the respective threaded hole 214.
The connector block 2 comprises a pair of expanding set screws 22. Each expanding set screw 22 is inserted in a corresponding threaded hole 214 of the first pair.
Each expanding set screw 22 can slide inside the corresponding threaded hole 214 of the first pair along a normal direction N, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse direction, in response to a rotation of the set screw about its axis.
The body 21 comprises a second pair of threaded holes 215, formed on the upper surface 21A. It should be noted that the second pair of threaded holes 215 is defined when the first block 211 and the second block 212 are connected to each other in a pack to form the body 21, since each block contains a semi-circle of the respective threaded hole 215.
The second pair of threaded holes 215 is configured for receiving threaded connectors of external bodies for their connection with the structure, that is to say, with the beams, for example shelves.
According to an embodiment, each of said first and second blocks 211, 212 comprise a respective sliding cavity 2111, 2121. The sliding cavities 2111, 2121 pass through the respective first or second block 211, 212, along the transverse direction T. For this reason, the sliding cavities 2111, 2121 are open on the first side wall 21C or on the second side wall 21D. The sliding cavities 2111, 2121 are positioned, along the normal direction N, between the first pair of threaded holes 214 and the bottom surface 21B. The threaded holes 214 of the first pair are open on the first and on the second sliding cavity 2111, 2121. More in detail, a first semi-circle of the threaded holes 214 is open on the sliding cavity 2111 of the first block 211 whilst the remaining semi-circle of the threaded holes 214 is open on the sliding cavity 2121 of the second block 212. The sliding cavities 2111, 2121 are aligned with each other along the transverse direction T.
The body 21 comprises an attachment seat 216. Preferably, the attachment seat 216 comprises a first attachment seat 216A, made on the first lateral wall 21C, and a second attachment seat 216B, made on the second lateral wall 21D. The first and the second attachment seat 216A, 216B are parallel with each other and parallel with the longitudinal direction L.
Lastly, according to an embodiment, each of said first and second attachment seats 216A, 216B comprise a respective first attachment position 2161A, 2161B and a respective second attachment position 2162A, 2162B. The first and second attachment positions 2161A, 2162A of the first attachment cavity 216A are spaced along the longitudinal direction L. The first and second attachment positions 2161B, 2162B of the second attachment cavity 216B are spaced along the longitudinal direction L.
According to an embodiment, all the attachment seats and in all the positions have the following shape.
The engagement seat comprises a contact wall 217, at least partly perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The contact wall 217 comprises:

(a) a first portion 2171, distant from the longitudinal axis AL of the body 21 by a first distance value,
(b) a second portion 2172, distant from the longitudinal axis AL of the body 21 by a second distance value, less than the first distance value,
(c) a contact portion 2173, perpendicular to the normal direction N, which connects the first portion 271 with the second portion 2172,
(d) an inclined portion (even more optional), which joins the first portion 2171 with the upper surface 21A.

This configuration of the seat allows the insertion of contact tabs which, by exerting a pressure in the normal direction, deform by sliding on the first portion 2171 and, when they reach the second portion 2172 they return due to the elastic return and come into contact on the contact portion 2173 (more details will be discussed when describing the electric module, that is to say, the cover).
The connector block 2 comprises a first shoe 23 and a second shoe 24. The first shoe 23 is inserted in the sliding cavity 2111 of the first block 211 whilst the second shoe 24 is inserted in the sliding cavity 2121 of the second block 212.
The first shoe 23 is slidable inside the sliding cavity 2111 of the first block 211 along the transverse direction T, between an extracted position, wherein it comes into contact with the first side wall SL1 of the longitudinal socket SL, and a retracted position, wherein it is inside the sliding cavity 2111 or it is outside it but by a value less than the value by which it is extracted when it is in the extracted position.
The second shoe 24 is slidable inside the sliding cavity 2121 of the second block 212 along the transverse direction T, between an extracted position, wherein it comes into contact with the second side wall SL2 of the longitudinal socket SL, and a retracted position, wherein it is inside the sliding cavity 2121 or it is outside it but by a value less than the value by which it is extracted when it is in the extracted position.
It should be noted that what is particularly important is that, when the first and the second shoes are in the retracted position, the width along the transverse direction T of the connector block 2 is less than the insertion width LI. When the first and second shoes are in the extracted position, on the other hand, the width along the transverse direction T of the connector block 2 is greater than the insertion width LI, thus preventing the connector block 2 from being extracted.
The first and second shoes 23, 24 are mirrored relative to the longitudinal axis AL of the connector block 2. Thus, for the purpose of this description, the features of a shoe are described in a generic manner, so as to extend them both to the first and the second shoes 23, 24.
Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a respective contact surface 231, 241, inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T and configured to come into contact with an edge defined by the first lateral socket SL11, SL21.
Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a respective plurality of spikes 2311, 2411 positioned on the respective contact surface 231, 241.
Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a transmission surface 23A, 24A facing towards the expanding set screws 22. Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a return surface 23B, 24B, opposite the transmission surface 23A, 24A.
Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a respective first pair of thrust half-shells 232 and second pair of thrust half-shells 242, made on the corresponding transmission surface 23A, 24A. The first and the second pair of thrust half-shells are configured to receive the lower end (which preferably has a conical or spherical shape) of said expanding set screws 22. The first and the second pair of thrust half-shells comprise surfaces inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the normal direction N, in such a way that a translation along the normal direction N of the expanding set screws results in a separation force of the first shoe 23 from the second shoe 24, that is to say, a movement of the first shoe 23 and of the second shoe 24 from the respective retracted position to the respective extracted position.
Each of said first and second shoes 23, 24 comprises a respective first return raceway 233 and second return raceway 243, made on the corresponding return surface 23B, 24B.
The first and second return raceways 233, 243 are raceways which travel along the respective return surface 23B, 24B at least along a longitudinal direction L and configured to receive a return element.
More specifically, the connector block 2 comprises a return element 25 which, in an example embodiment, is a spring 25.
Preferably, the spring 25 is a leaf spring including:

(a) a first lever 251;
(b) a second lever 252, connected to the first lever 251 to define a U-shaped spring.

The first lever 251 is inserted in the first return raceway 233 in such a way as to be constrained to the first shoe 23 when the latter is inserted in the respective sliding cavity 2111.
The second lever 252 is inserted inside the second return raceway 243 in such a way as to be constrained to the second shoe 24 when this is inserted in the respective sliding cavity 2121.
The mutual moving away of the first shoe 23 and the second shoe 24 determines an opening of the return spring 25 which generates an elastic deformation of the spring, thanks to which a return force is generated which tends to move the first shoe 23 and the second shoe 24 towards each other (that is to say, in the form of a pack).
For this reason, until the expanding set screws 22 are lowered, the return force undergoes the constraining force due to the contact on the set screws. When the latter are raised, the shoes 23, 24 no longer make contact with the set screws and can, therefore, return to the retracted position.
Preferably, the first lever 251 comprises a corresponding curved profile 2511, at a relative end opposite that in which it is connected to the second lever 252. The curved profile is configured to be inserted in a corresponding curved seat of the first return raceway 233.
Preferably, the second lever 252 comprises a corresponding curved profile 2521, at an end of it opposite that in which it is connected to the first lever 251. The curved profile is configured to be inserted in a corresponding curved seat of the second return raceway 243.
The coupling between the curved profiles of levers and raceways prevents an involuntary extraction of the spring 25 from the raceways on the shoes 23, 24.
The connector block 2 comprises a fastening pin 26. It should be noted that what will be described with reference to the fastening pin 26 of the connector block 2 can also be extended to other fastening pins which will be described for other components of the kit 100. This is in order to avoid unnecessary repetition and to increase the conciseness of this document. The fastening pin 26 protrudes from the head surface 21F outside the body 21. The fastening pin 26 is configured for inserting in a corresponding seat of a junction block 3.
According to an embodiment, the fastening pin 26 is made in one piece with the body 21, with one half made on the first block 211 and the other complementary half made on the second block 212.
The fastening pin 26 comprises an engagement zone 261, configured for inserting in the seat of the junction block, and a junction zone 262, which connects the engagement zone 261 to the head surface 21F.
The engagement zone 262 has a cross section having an area greater than at least one portion of the junction zone 262. This avoids the unscrewing of the fastening pin 26 when positioned in the respective seat. The fastening pin 26 may be splined, that is to say, according to other embodiments it may have a cross section with at least three edges. This shape allows the connector block 2 to be constrained to the rotation with the respective junction block 3.
Preferably, the engagement zone comprises an inclined surface which, starting from the maximum cross section of the engagement zone 261 converges towards the junction zone 262. In other words, regardless of all the other features described above, the fastening pin 26 has a shape with side walls converging on the longitudinal axis AL of the connector block 2 in the direction oriented from the head surface 21F to the rear surface 21E.
According to an embodiment, the engagement zone comprises a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL with an octagonal or star shape with eight points (which guarantees resistance to greater torque), to define at least 8 relative orientation positions of the connector block 2 relative to the junction block 3 about the longitudinal axis AL.
According to an embodiment, the rear surface 21E is flat. According to an embodiment, the rear surface 21E is free of protrusions.
Preferably, the body 21 is made of steel. Preferably, the shoes 23, 24 are made of steel.
The connector block 2 comprises an electric module 27, configured to allow an electrical connection between the raceways TE1, TE2 of the first and second beams T1, T2.
The electric module 27 is configured to couple integrally to the body 21.
The electric module is configured to constitute a cover of the body 21.
The electric module 27 comprises a respective frame 271, elongate along the longitudinal direction L between a first end 271A and a second end 271B.
The frame 271 comprises a covering plate 2711, extending along the longitudinal direction L, perpendicular to the normal direction N and arranged for covering the body 21.
The frame 271 comprises a first pair of attachment tabs 2712, extending from the covering plate 2711, along the normal direction N towards the respective beam. Each attachment tab 2712 of said pair is positioned on a respective side of the covering plate 2711 in such a way as to be able to engage in the first lateral groove SL11 of the first lateral wall SL1 and in the first lateral groove SL21 of the second lateral wall SL2, respectively. Each attachment tab 2712 of the pair comprises a respective attachment tooth 2712', protruding towards the outside (that is to say, towards the respective first or second lateral wall SL1, SL2 of the longitudinal groove SL) in such a way as to be able to engage in the first lateral groove SL11 of the first lateral wall SL1 and in the first lateral groove SL21 of the second lateral wall SL2, respectively.
The frame 271 comprises a first pair of attachment elements 2713, extending from the covering plate 2711, along the normal direction N towards the respective beam. The frame 271 comprises a second pair of attachment elements 2714, extending from the covering plate 2711, along the normal direction N towards the respective beam.
The first and the second pair of attachment elements 2713, 2714 are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L.
The attachment elements 2713, 2714 of the first and second pair are tabs. Said tabs 2713, 2714 each comprise a respective tip-shaped member 2713', 2714' configured to engage in the attachment seats 216A, 216B of the body 21.
More precisely, a tab 2713 of the first pair engages in the first attachment position 2161A of the first attachment seat 216A whilst the other tab 2713 engages in the first attachment position 2161B of the second attachment seat 216B.
Moreover, a tab 2714 of the second pair engages in the second attachment position 2162A of the first attachment seat 216A whilst the other tab 2714 engages in the second attachment position 2162B of the second attachment seat 216B. This can be seen when the first pair of tabs is engaged in the first attachment positions.
However, a configuration can be expected wherein the first pair of tabs is free and wherein a tab 2714 of the second pair engages in the first attachment position 2161A of the first attachment seat 216A whilst the other tab 2714 engages in the first attachment position 2161B of the second attachment seat 216B.
In other words, the engagement seats can receive either the first or the second pair 2713, 2714, allowing an adjustment of the position along the longitudinal direction L of the electric module 27.
The electric module 27 defines an inner space, defined by the frame 271. The electric module 27 comprises a pair of electrical contacts 272. Each of said electrical contacts 272 comprises a respective first end 272A, positioned outside the inner space and facing towards the electrical raceway TE1, TE2 of the corresponding beam T1, T2. Said first end 272A faces along the normal direction.
Said first end 272A has a pointed shape or in any case such as to allow a perforation of the electric raceway TE1, TE2 and the reaching of the electrical wires for capturing the current.
Each of said electrical contacts 272 comprises a respective second end 272B, positioned inside the inner space and facing in a longitudinal direction L.
Each of said electrical contacts is L-shaped, with a first bar B1 oriented along the normal direction N and culminating in the first end 272A, and a second bar B2 oriented along the longitudinal direction L and culminating in the second end 272B. The first and the second bar B1, B2 are preferably made in one piece.
The two electrical contacts 272 are parallel to each other and included in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction T.
The second bar B2 defines a linear contact track 272C.
The electric module 27 comprises a pair of electrical strips 273, configured to make contact with the electrical contacts to receive the electric current. More specifically, each of the electrical strips 273 comprises a respective terminal 2731, configured to come into contact with a corresponding electrical contact 272, at the corresponding linear contact track 272C. The fact that the terminal 2731 of the clip 273 can slide on the linear track 272C allows adjustment of the relative position between a connector block 2 and the one connected by means of the junction block 3. Therefore, once again, the maximum flexibility of the kit 100 is achieved.
The electric module 27 comprises a lock 274. The lock 274 is configured to prevent an undesired re-entry of the tabs of the first pair of attachment tabs 2712, which would result in a detachment of the electrical contacts 272.
The lock 274 comprises a sliding block 2741, slidable along the longitudinal direction L, between a locked position, wherein it is aligned along the transverse direction T with the tabs 2712 of said first pair, and a free position, wherein it is not aligned, along the transverse direction T with the tabs 2712 of said first pair.
In effect, in the locked position, since the sliding block 2741 is interposed between the two tabs 2712 (or in any case transversely aligned with at least one of them), the tabs 2712 cannot re-enter even voluntarily and it is not therefore possible to detach the electric module.
The lock 274 comprises an activating tooth 2742 which, through an opening on the frame 271, can be operated by a user. The activating tooth 2742 faces towards the outside of the beam, in the opposite direction to that where the electrical contacts 272 face.
The activating tooth 2742 is constrained to longitudinal sliding with the sliding block 2741, in such a way that a movement of the activating tooth 2742 causes a relative movement of the sliding block between the locked position and the free position.
It should be noted that according to an embodiment, the connector block 2 comprises, instead of the electric module, only a covering module, which does not perform the electrical transfer function but only the covering function of the body 21.
In that case, the covering module comprises the frame 271 of the electric module, the first pair of attachment tabs 2712, the first pair of attachment elements 2713 and the second pair of attachment elements 2714. However, as it does not have to transfer electricity, there are no electrical contacts, strips and lock.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a junction block 3. The junction block 3 is configured to be interposed between two connector blocks 2 interposing, in some cases, some other component of the kit which will be described below.
The junction block 3 comprises six faces 30, since, preferably, the junction block 3 is cube-shaped.
Preferably, the junction block 3 is made of steel.
The junction block 3 comprises a first splined socket 31, a second splined socket 32, a third splined socket 33 and a fourth splined socket 34.
The first, second, third and fourth sockets 31, 32, 33, 34 are positioned on respective faces of the block 3 which are consecutive, leaving, in effect, two connecting faces 35, 36 opposite each other without splined sockets. On said opposite connecting faces 35, 36 there are two respective closing holes 351, 361, which pass entirely through the block 3 from one face to the other.
Preferably, the junction block 3 comprises a first shell and a second shell 3B. Each of said first and second shells 3A, 3B comprise a respective (entire) connecting face 35, 36 in which is positioned the respective closing hole 351, 361. Moreover, each of said first and second shells 3A, 3B comprise a portion of the first, second, third and fourth sockets 31, 32, 33, 34. Clearly, the portions of the first, second, third and fourth sockets 31, 32, 33, 34 on the first shell 3A are complementary to the portions of the first, second, third and fourth sockets 31, 32, 33, 34 on the second shell 3B.
The junction block 3 comprises a fastener 37, configured to be inserted in the closing holes 351, 361 in such a way as to connect the first shell 3A to the second shell 3B, one packed on the other, to define the first, the second, the third and the fourth sockets 31, 32, 33, 34.
In this regard, it should be noted that the junction block 3 is configurable between a positioning configuration, wherein the first and the second shell 3A, 3B are spaced from each other, and an operating configuration, wherein the first and the second shell 3A, 3B are packed together. This switching occurs by tightening the fastener 37 or removing it.
Each of said splined sockets 31, 32 33, 34 extends starting from a respective facing surface along an axis of extension AE towards the inside of the block 3.
Each of said splined sockets 31, 32 33, 34 comprises a bottom 311, 321, 331, 341 and a lateral surface 312, 322, 332, 342. The lateral surface 312, 322, 332, 342 is divergent, in a direction perpendicular to the respective face in the direction which proceeds towards the junction block 3. In this way, a respective sealing shoulder 313, 323, 333, 343 is defined for each of said splined sockets which comes into contact with the lateral surface of the fastening pin of the connector block 2.
In the same way, each of said splined sockets 31, 32, 33, 34 has a shape having at least three vertices and, preferably, an eight-star shape, which engages with the respective fastening pin.
In other words, the splined sockets of the junction block 3 are complementary to the shape of the fastening pins.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a lifting bushing 4.
The lifting bushing 4 comprises a respective first fastening pin 41. Said first fastening pin 41 is specular to that of the connector block 2 in such a way as to be able to engage in the splined sockets of the junction block 3. The lifting bushing 4 comprises a respective second fastening pin 42. Said second fastening pin 42 is specular to that of the connector block 2 in such a way as to be able to engage in the splined sockets of the junction block 3.
The lifting bushing 4 comprises a respective spacer 43, having an extension at least equal to the difference between the depth of the longitudinal groove L and the height of the junction block 3, in such a way that the second fastening pin 42 is outside the socket and can connect to a further junction block 3.
According to an embodiment of the junction block 3, illustrated in Figure 7A, the junction block 3 comprises the first shell 3A and the second shell 3B and, in addition to these, also an intermediate body 3I.
The intermediate block 3I comprises a first connecting wall 31', facing towards the first shell 3A, and a second connecting wall 32', facing towards the second shell 3B.
The first and second connecting walls 31', 32' are inclined to each other, preferably perpendicular to each other.
Each of said first and second connecting walls 31', 32' comprise a respective first and second narrowing hole 311', 321', aligned with a hole of the first and the second shell 3A, 3B, respectively, in such a way as to house a corresponding first and second narrowing element 312', 322'. Each of said first and second connecting walls 31', 32' comprise a respective contact surface 313', 323', configured to enter into contact with a respective surface of the first and second shells 3A, 3B, respectively. Respective intermediate sockets are made on the respective first and second contact surfaces 313', 323' which, when the first and the second shells 3A, 3B are connected to the intermediate body 3I, contribute to forming the splined sockets in which the pin of the connector block is inserted.
The coupling between first shell 3A, second shell 3B and intermediate body 3I allows at least three splined sockets to be made, but up to seven splined sockets. The minimum three splined sockets are perpendicular to each other, that is to say, they are perpendicular to three axes at right angles to each other.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides an articulated block 5.
The articulated block 5 is configured to connect to a first junction block (in turn connected to a connector block) and to a second junction block (in turn connected to a connector block).
The articulated block 5 comprises a first half-shell 51 and a second half-shell 52. The articulated block 5 comprises a rotation pin 53 which can be inserted in corresponding holes of the first and second half-shells 51, 52 to keep them in the closed position and allow reciprocal rotation between the first and second half-shells 51, 52.
The first and second half-shells 51, 52 define a respective inner cavity, externally delimited by a cylindrical wall 511, 521. When the first and second half-shells 51, 52 are packed together, the two cylindrical walls 511, 521 meet to define a single internal cavity.
According to an embodiment, each of the cylindrical walls 511, 521 comprises a respective notch 5111, 5211.
According to an embodiment, each of said cylindrical walls 511, 521 comprises a respective head surface 5112, 5212. The head surfaces 5112, 5212 are zigzag-shaped surfaces configured to be coupled to each other to prevent a relative sliding three the first and the second half-shells 51, 52.
The articulated block 5 also comprises two covering discs 54, 55 which, after the rotation pin 53 has been fixed to the two half-shells 51, 52, are positioned on the half-shells to cover the rotation pin 53.
The notches 5111, 5211 form a window on the inner cavity of the articulated block 5, in which the electric wires, that is, the electrical strips, can be inserted.
In this regard, it is worth illustrating in detail the procedure which allows the cables of the electrical strips to be easily inserted in the inner cavity of the articulated block 5.
In this regard, it should be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, this invention provides an electric transfer unit, which comprises a first electric module 27' and a second electric module 27" with the pair of strips which extend from the first to the second electric module 27', 27" for transferring the electric current. This greatly simplifies the assembly operations.
Having said that, when there is an articulated block 5, the following procedure can be used for mounting the electric module.
The cables of the electrical strips 273 are folded in such a way as to define an insertion end 273E which connects a first branch of said strips 273R1 and a second branch of said strips 273R2. The first and second half-shells 51, 52 are rotated about the respective rotation pin 53 until the respective notches 5111, 5211 adopt the same circumferential position, thus defining the window 54.
The insertion end 273E, with part of said first branch of said strips 273R1 and second branch of said strips 273R2, is inserted inside the window 54. Next, the first and second half-shells 51, 52 are rotated about the respective rotation pin 53 in such a way that the respective notches 5111, 5211 are not aligned, thus separating the window 54 into a first window 54A and a second window 54B. After this rotation, the first branch of said strips 273R1 comes out of the first window 54A whilst the second branch of said strips 273R2 comes out of the second window 54B.
Then, clearly, the rotation pin 53 is tightened, fixing the relative position between the first and the second half-shells 51, 52.
Each of said first and second half-shells 51, 52 comprises a respective fastening pin 54, 55 which extends along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotation pin 53.
The components of the kit 100 described above may be mounted in numerous configurations.
The simplest configuration is that which comprises two connector blocks 2 and a junction block 3. Another configuration comprises two connector blocks 2, two junction blocks and an articulated block 5. Lastly, another configuration comprises two connector blocks 2, two junction blocks 3 and a lifting bushing 4.
According to an aspect of the invention, the invention also provides an electrified structure comprising:

a plurality of electrified beams T1, T2 with respective electrical raceways TE1, TE2;
a plurality of connector blocks 2 according to any of the features described in the invention;
a plurality of junction blocks 3 according to any of the features described in the invention;
a plurality of articulated blocks 5 according to any of the features described in the invention;
a plurality of lifting bushes 4 according to any of the features described in this invention.

Claims

A connector block (2) for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) having an insertion width (LI) along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L),
wherein the connector block (2) is configured to be combined with other connector blocks (2) and with a junction block (3) so as to be able to connect said one or more beams,

wherein the connector block (2) comprises:
- a body (21), configured to be inserted into the longitudinal groove (SL) and extending along a longitudinal axis (AL) between a first and a second end, wherein the body (21) includes a head surface (21F), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and located at said first end;

- a connecting unit (23, 24), configured to exert a gripping force on the corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) along the transverse direction (T) and movable between an extracted position, where it protrudes from the body (21) by a first value, and a retracted position, where it protrudes from the body (21) by a second value, smaller than the first value, or is inserted into the body (21) to define a width of the body (21) along the transverse direction (T), smaller than the insertion width (LI);

- an actuating unit (22), operable by an installer and configured to switch the connecting element (23, 24) between the retracted position and the extracted position,

characterised in that it comprises a fastening pin (26), located on the head surface (21F) and protruding outwards from the body (21) along the longitudinal axis (AL).
The connector block (2) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening pin (26) comprises a splined outer surface, configured to be engaged in a splined socket (31, 32, 33, 34) of a junction block (3), so as to prevent the connector block (2) and the junction block (3) from rotating relative to each other.
The connector block (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening pin (26) comprises an engagement zone (261), having a first cross section size, and a junction zone (262), having a second cross section size, smaller than the first cross section size.
The connector block (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting unit comprises a first shoe (23), movable along the transverse direction (T) between a respective extracted position and a respective retracted position, and a second shoe (24), positioned on an opposite side of the body (21) with respect to the side where the first shoe (23) is positioned and movable along the transverse direction (T) between a respective extracted position and a respective retracted position, wherein the first and the second shoe (23, 24) are configured to move together between the extracted position and the retracted position, so as to grip the respective wall of the longitudinal groove (SL), wherein the actuating unit comprises expanding set screws (22), movable along a thrust direction (N), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and to the transverse direction (T) and configured to convert a movement of the expanding set screws (22) along the thrust direction (N) into a translational movement of the first and the second shoe (23, 24) along the transverse direction (T).
The connector block (2) according to claim 4, wherein the actuating unit comprises a spring element (25), connected to the first and the second shoe (23, 24) and configured to exert on the first and the second shoe (23, 24) a spring force which is directed towards the body (21) of the connector block (2).
The connector block (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be connected to said one or more beams, which comprise an electrical raceway (TE1), located on a bottom (SL3) of the respective longitudinal groove (SL),
wherein the connector block (2) comprises an electric module (27), releasably attachable to the body (21) and including:
- a pair of electric contacts (272), each including a respective first end (272A), configured to come into contact with the electrical raceway (TE1) of the respective beam, and a second end (272B), configured to come into contact with electrical strips (273) to transfer a current flowing in the electrical raceway (TE1).
The connector block (2) according to claim 6, comprising a pair of electrical strips (273), each including a respective first end, in contact with the second end of the respective electric contact, and a second end (2731) configured to come into contact with the second end (272B) of a respective electric contact (272) of another connector block (2),
wherein the second end (272B) of the electric contacts (272) comprises a respective linear track (272C) having a corresponding working extension along the longitudinal axis (AL) and wherein the first end (2731) of each electrical strip (273) of said pair of electrical strips is movable on the linear track (272C) of the respective electric contact (272).
The connector block (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said electric module (27) comprises an attachment unit, including an attachment element (2713, 2714), and wherein the body (21) comprises a respective socket (216A, 216B) into which the attachment element (2713, 2714) is insertable by applying a force which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL).
A junction unit for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) having an insertion width along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L),
the junction unit comprising a junction block (3), configured to be combined with a plurality of connector blocks (2) so as to be able to connect said one or more beams,

wherein the junction block (3) comprises a body which includes a first, a second, a third and a fourth facing surface,

characterised in that the junction block (3) comprises, for each of the first, second, third and fourth facing surfaces, a corresponding first, second, third and fourth splined socket (31, 32, 33, 34) which is recessed relative to the respective surface to receive a corresponding fastening pin (26) of a connector block (2) connected to the junction block (3).
The junction unit according to claim 9, wherein the first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34) each extend along a respective axis of extension (AE) and comprises:
- a respective bottom (311, 321, 331, 341);

- a lateral surface (312, 322, 332, 342), which connects the bottom (311, 321, 331, 341) with the respective first, second, third and fourth facing surfaces,
wherein the lateral surface (312, 322, 332, 342) has a variable distance from the axis of extension to define a first zone which has a first thickness along a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension (AE), and a second zone, which has a second thickness along a direction perpendicular to the axis of extension (AE), wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, so as to define a respective locking shoulder (313, 323, 333, 343) which stops the connector block (2) from being extracted from the respective first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34).
The junction unit according to claim 10, wherein the junction block (3) comprises:
- a first shell (3A), including a first connecting surface (35) and a respective first portion of said first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34);

- a second shell (3B), including a second connecting surface (36) and a respective second portion of said first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34),

and wherein the junction unit comprises a fastener (37), configured to fasten the first shell (3A) to the second shell (3B),

wherein the junction block (3) is switchable between a positioning configuration, in which the first and the second shell (3A, 3B) are disconnected and spaced from each other to allow positioning the connector block (2) and a fastened configuration, in which the first and the second shell (3A, 3B) are fastened to each other by the fastener (37) to define the first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34).
An articulated block (5) for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) having an insertion width (LI) along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L),
wherein the articulated block (5) comprises:
- a first half-shell (51);

- a second half-shell (52);

- a rotation pin (53), configured to connect the first and the second half-shell (51, 52) and to allow the first half-shell (51) to rotate relative to the second half-shell (52) about the rotation pin (53),

wherein the first and the second half-shell (51, 52) each comprise a respective fastening pin (54, 55) configured to be inserted into a splined socket (31, 32, 33, 34) of a junction block (3).
The articulated block (5) according to claim 12, wherein the fastening pin (54) of the first half-shell (51) and the fastening pin (55) of the second half-shell (52) each comprise an engagement zone, having a first cross section size, and a junction zone, having a second cross section size, smaller than the first cross section size.
A kit (100) for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) having an insertion width (LI) along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the kit (100) comprising:
- a plurality of connector blocks (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10;

- a junction unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14.
A method for connecting two or more beams, extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and including a corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) having an insertion width (LI) along a transverse direction (T), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the method comprising the following steps:
- providing a first beam (T1) and a second beam (T2) of said two or more beams;

- providing a first connector block (201), including a respective fastening pin (26) and a respective gripping element (23, 24), and a second connector block (202), including a respective fastening pin (26) and a respective gripping element (23, 24), and a junction block (3), including a first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34);

- inserting the fastening pin (26) of the first connector block (201) into a splined socket of said first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34);

- inserting the fastening pin (26) of the second connector block (202) into a splined socket of said first, second, third and fourth splined sockets (31, 32, 33, 34), different from the splined socket into which the fastening pin (26) of the first connector block (201) is inserted;

- inserting the first connector block (201) into the longitudinal groove (SL) of the first beam (T1);

- inserting the second connector block (202) into the longitudinal groove (SL) of the second beam (T2);

- operating an actuating unit (22) of the first connector block (201) to switch the gripping element (23, 24) of the first connector block (201) between a respective retracted position, where it is not in contact with the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal groove (SL), and an extracted position, where the gripping element (23, 24) exerts pressure on the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) to prevent the first connector block (201) from being extracted and/or from sliding along the longitudinal direction (L);

- operating an actuating unit (22) of the second connector block (202) to switch the gripping element (23, 24) of the second connector block (202) between a respective retracted position, where it is not in contact with the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal groove (SL), and an extracted position, where the gripping element (23, 24) exerts pressure on the lateral surfaces of the corresponding longitudinal groove (SL) to prevent the second connector block (202) from being extracted and/or from sliding along the longitudinal direction (L).