FR3066649A1 - DEVICE FOR FASTENING AND ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING LUMINOUS PLATFORM SUPPORTS - Google Patents

Abstract

Fixation device and electrical connection, in particular for fixing and supplying illuminating shelves, comprising first and second spaced vertical elongated elements (12, 13), which comprise respectively first (12A) and second (13A) common means of fixing and electrical connection for concomitantly fixing and electrically connecting shelves to the device, the first and second common means (12A, 13A) forming a pair of first and second electrical terminals, characterized in that the first and second elongate elements (12, 13) respectively comprise first and second common additional means (12B, 13B) for fixing and electrical connection, which are electrically isolated from the first and second common means (12A, 13A) and form respectively an additional pair of two electrical connection terminals.

Description

DEVICE FOR FIXING AND ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING LIGHTING PLANE SUPPORTS

The invention relates to a device for fixing and electrically connecting illuminating flat supports of the type of shelves, consoles, shelves, the device comprising at least two vertical uprights which conduct electricity, forming in combination means for fixing the illuminating supports to be arranged. horizontally, and means for conveying and supplying electrical power to said supports.

The invention will be more particularly described with regard to a device used in stores to allow the fixing and the electrical connection of illuminating horizontal supports, without however being limited thereto.

Today, stores are increasingly arranging their displays, and in particular their hanging shelves, by providing them with lighting, lighting playing a significant role in the presentation of articles and the atmosphere of the store.

The shelves are fixed on a gantry or a piece of furniture with a decorative bottom panel using two vertical uprights which, on the one hand are metallic to conduct electricity and are electrically connected to the two respective positive and negative terminals d 'a low voltage power supply, and on the other hand include orifices in which engage metal tabs integral with the lighting shelves, ensuring the fixing and the electrical connection concomitantly of the shelves.

The object of the invention is to propose a device using this type of fixing and electrical connection, and also making it possible to provide a fixing of shelves according to different possible arrangements, for example according to two opposite vertical sides, very easily, according to a reduced dimensions, and an electrical connection in a safe way. In addition, the simplicity of implementation and the safety aspect of the device of the invention allow a modification of the arrangement of the shelves extremely quickly (in particular without tools), by anyone, in particular by store staff. without the need for the intervention of a skilled person such as an electrician, and therefore of having to pay for this service. Finally, these interventions with regard to the layout can be as frequent as desired, which provides entertainment in the stores, promoting the attraction of customers.

According to the invention, the fixing and electrical connection device, in particular for fixing and supplying illuminating shelves, comprises first and second spaced vertical elongate elements, which respectively comprise first and second common means of fixing and electrical connection intended for concomitantly fixing and electrically connecting shelves to the device, the first and second common means forming a pair of first and second electrical terminals to define an electrical path from one terminal to the other when at least one shelf is fixed to the two elements , the device being characterized in that the first and second elongate elements respectively comprise first and second additional common means of fixing and electrical connection, which are electrically isolated from the first and second common means and respectively form an additional pair of two connection terminals él ectrique.

Preferably, the first and second electrical connection terminals are arranged in a first coplanar plane in order to arrange the shelves in a first vertical section, while the two additional connection terminals are arranged in a second coplanar plane distinct from the first plane so as to being able to arrange shelves in a second vertical section separate from the first section, in particular the first and second planes are parallel, the shelves of each section being intended to extend in opposite directions.

Consequently, each elongated element is designed to constitute independent means of double electrical connection.

Thus, the device of the invention provides two distinct pairs of electrical connection terminals making it possible to arrange shelves according to different arrangements, for example along two distinct vertical sides, or else to choose to arrange them in a pan by having the possibility to change their place in another separate section without having to uninstall the elongated elements of the device. The elongate elements for fixing and electrical connection once mounted, remain in place, the user only having to associate the shelves which, whatever their location, are systematically electrically connected as soon as they are fixed.

According to one characteristic, each elongated element has two opposite faces which are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other, said two opposite faces of each elongate element being able to constitute respectively a positive terminal and a negative terminal for electrical connection, by being intended respectively to be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of an electrical energy source, such as a low voltage transformer connected to the mains.

In a preferred embodiment, each elongate element comprises two uprights of electrically conductive material such as metallic material, which are electrically insulated from each other, each provide an electrical connection terminal and include the fixing means intended for fixing at least one shelf.

Each upright, made of electrically conductive material and provided with a plurality of fixing holes (with which are intended to cooperate by engagement of fixing lugs integral with the shelves), constitutes the common means of fixing and electrical connection for fixing and connecting electrically quickly and concomitantly the shelves.

Preferably, each upright has at least one electrically conductive face, the electrically conductive faces of the uprights being arranged opposite in two opposite planes.

According to another characteristic, each elongated element comprises on the one hand a pair of two uprights electrically insulated from one another and each provided with fixing means (for fixing the shelves), and on the other hand electrical insulation means (in particular vis-à-vis the external environment) which surround the pair of uprights while providing at least one opening (one continuous opening or several discontinuous openings) opposite the means of fixing each upright to get there.

In particular, each opening has a depth (horizontal dimension transverse to the vertical longitudinal axis of the upright), which is such that it prevents the passage of a finger. Thus, the fixing holes (means) are accessible for the passage of the shelf fixing lugs for hooking them, without it being possible to touch the uprights, avoiding any risk of electrical contact for the installer.

The pair of uprights of a slender element is intrinsically each provided with common means and additional common means of fixing and electrical connection, respectively, because the body of the uprights is made of electrically conductive material and is provided with fixing means such as orifices.

Each upright has, for example, a U-shape, comprising a core and two opposite wings opposite connected to the core and providing the cavity of the U, the core of each upright comprising a multitude of orifices constituting fixing means, and the amounts being arranged opposite such that the cavities of the U face each other. The wings on each side of the uprights, although aligned, are not abutted but spaced at a spacing of at most 1 to 2 mm to ensure electrical insulation between the two uprights, while minimizing the bulk.

Advantageously, the electrical insulation means (the envelope) comprise two U-shaped profiles each providing a groove opposite, the grooves of the two profiles sandwiching the two uprights facing each other so that the bottom of the grooves profiles extend in planes transverse to the planes of the webs of the uprights and bear against the wings of the uprights.

The electrical insulation means have dimensions suitable for housing and holding the two uprights facing one another as close as possible to minimize the bulk while ensuring their spacing to avoid any electrical contact.

The two profiles of the electrical insulation means are fixed to each other, causing the amounts to be maintained.

According to yet another characteristic, each elongated element comprises first and second electrical connection means, such as lugs, secured to common and additional means of fixing and electrical connection to connect them to the terminals of an electrical power source, in particular each elongated element comprises two uprights (electrically insulated from one another) which each comprises electrical connection means for connecting each upright to an electrical power source, such as a metal fixing lug arranged at one of the free ends of the upright and extending in a plane transverse to the upright.

The invention also relates to a kit for assembling the device according to the invention, comprising at least one aforementioned elongate element forming a one-piece fixing, connection and electrical connection system, ready for installation.

Once two elongated elements are installed remotely and connected to an electrical power source, the installer only has to dispose (by simple hanging without tools) the illuminating shelves between the two elements, ensuring simultaneously their electrical connection and their energy supply.

Finally, the invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one aforementioned device for fixing and electrical connection, and at least one illuminating shelf, in particular shelves fixed and electrically connected to at least one pair of electrical terminals of the elongated elements and according to a vertical panel, and possibly shelves fixed and electrically connected to the additional pair of electrical terminals of the elongated elements and according to another vertical panel.

The shelf (s) comprise fixing means by mutual cooperation with the elongated elements, of the quick-fixing type such as lugs engaging in fixing holes present in the elongated elements, the fixing means also ensuring the electrical connection function and forming two positive and negative electrical supply terminals.

Each shelf is designed according to an identical electrical connection with systematically the same output arrangement of the positive and negative supply terminals, generating an electrical connection of the pair of uprights of each elongated element to the positive and negative terminals of the supply source in energy.

Each shelf has a monobloc body, the external material of which is electrically insulating, the body integrating inside its electrical wiring, not visible from the outside, connected to lighting means such as a strip of light-emitting diodes, opening externally to the body on the lower side.

The device or the assembly of the invention will be used in particular in the layout of a store.

In the following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "high", "low" are used in the context of a normal installation of the device, that is to say ie relating to a vertical concept according to which the elongated elements are arranged.

The present invention is now described using examples which are only illustrative and in no way limit the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly comprising shelves mounted in two opposite vertical sides using the mechanical fixing device and electrical connection of the invention;

Figure 2 is a partial side and vertical view of the assembly of Figure 1 showing the two opposite vertical sides, and such that the right part corresponds to an elevation view while the left part corresponds to a sectional view;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a long element of the device of the invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of Figure 3;

Figures 5a and 5b are perspective views from below and respectively from above of an illuminating shelf;

Figure 5c is a view of the interior of the shelf of Figure 5b.

The device 1 for fixing and electrical connection of the invention illustrated in the figures and 2 makes it possible to quickly fix and electrically connect lighting shelves 2 and 2 ′ of an assembly E. The shelves are advantageously arranged one above the other others along two opposite vertical sides 10 and 11 respectively. The shelves 2 and 2 ′ are back to back with the device 1 in interface.

The advantage of the device 1 of the invention is that it makes it possible to arrange shelves not only on one presentation face, but on two opposite presentation faces while providing for the device, which constitutes a fixing and supply interface. electrical, reduced dimensions and aesthetic, without altering the functionality of quick connection mechanically and electrically.

Once installed, the device also makes it possible to arrange shelves on only one presentation face (a single vertical panel), without affecting the aesthetics of the opposite face devoid of shelves, and to be able to subsequently change the shelves from face (at the opposite side) quickly and without tools, without having to undo and redo an electrical connection.

The device 1 for fixing and electrical connection of the invention comprises a pair of two vertical long elements 12 and 13 spaced apart, each pair 12, 13 of elements has two opposite faces which are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other 12A , 12B, and 13A, 13B, the two opposite faces of a long element being able to constitute respectively a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a power supply, being intended respectively to be connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal an electrical energy source S, such as a low voltage source of the low voltage transformer type connected to the mains.

Thus, for the face 10 of the assembly E of the first group of illuminating shelves 2 to be fixed and supplied electrically, the first elongated element 12 supplies the negative terminal of electrical supply via its face 12A, and the elongated second elongated element 13 supplies the positive electrical supply terminal via its face 13A, while for the opposite face 11 comprising the second group of shelves 2 ′, the first elongate element 12 supplies the positive electrical supply terminal via its opposite face 12B, and the second elongate element 13 supplies the negative electrical supply terminal via its opposite face 13B. With the same elongate element 12, 13, two opposite terminals of electrical connection are provided.

The distribution of the electrical terminals according to a negative terminal and a positive terminal by elongate element makes it possible to use shelves which are electrically designed in an identical manner with a pair of electrical connection means and advantageously for fixing, here a pair of hanging lugs 20 and 21, which always correspond respectively to the positive and negative supply terminals.

Each elongated element 12 and 13 is identical. The two elongated elements 12 and 13 are installed in an aligned and spaced manner, their spacing corresponding to the spacing of the two fixing lugs 20 and 21 of a shelf.

It will suffice to ensure that the coplanar connection faces 12A and 13A of each of the two elements are electrically connected to the opposite electrical terminal of the power source.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the elongate element 12 (identical to the elongate element 13) comprises two identical vertical uprights 3 and 3 ′, electrical insulation means formed by two profiles 4 and 4 ′ made of a material electrically insulating which vertically envelop the uprights, and preferably a covering such as two sides 5 and 5 ′ in sheet metal or the like, to provide aesthetics to the elongated element.

The uprights 3 and 3 'are made of an electrically conductive material, such as metallic. Each one has a U-shape here, comprising a core 30 and two parallel facing wings 31 and 32, connected to the core and providing the interior cavity of the U.

The core 30 of the uprights comprise fixing means 6, such as a multitude of orifices spaced regularly according to the height of the upright. These holes 6 are intended to receive the brackets for fixing the shelves.

Each upright 3, 3 'has at its free end, for example the upper end, an electrical connection lug 7, 7' for electrically connecting each upright to a positive, respectively negative, terminal of the electric power source. To facilitate connection, the terminal extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the upright and towards the inside of the U.

The uprights 3 and 3 'are embedded in the two insulating sections 4 and 4'. They are installed so that the U cavities face each other; the cores 30 are therefore opposite in two opposite planes and separated by the wings of the uprights. The uprights are held in the envelope of the profiles so as not to touch each other; they must in fact be electrically isolated from each other since they are intended to be connected to the two separate electrical terminals of the power source.

Each section 4, 4 ′ is identical and has a U shape defining a groove 40 with bottom 41 and opposite walls 42 and 43.

The sections 4 and 4 'are placed opposite one another so that the cavities of the U form a rectangular housing with a rectangular section accommodating the uprights. The dimensions of the grooves are such that the uprights 3 and 3 'are kept tight in said grooves. The grooves 40 of the profiles have their bottom 41 arranged in two opposite vertical parallel planes which are perpendicular to the planes of the cores 30 of the uprights. The wing 31 of the upright 3 and the wing 32 of the opposite upright 3 'are aligned and rest against the bottom 41 of the groove 40 of the first section 4, while the wing 32 of the upright 3 and the wing 31 of the upright opposite 3 'are aligned and pressed against the bottom 41 of the groove 40 of the opposite profile 4'. The cores 30 of the uprights 3 and 3 'are blocked by the walls 42, 43 of the sections 4, 4' which face each other.

The profiles 4 and 4 'are arranged / assembled so as to be spaced to provide opposite longitudinal openings 44 and 44' whose dimensions (width and depth) are designed so that the user cannot pass his fingers, for reasons of security.

The assembly of the uprights 3, 3 'with the profiles 4, 4' is for example made by screwing means or riveting 45 passing through the webs 30 of the two profiles 4 and 4 ', and facing bores provided in the wings of the amounts 3 and 3 '.

The covering sides 5 and 5 ′ are added against the profiles 4 and 4 ′ for example by clipping, and cover the external assembly of the U-shaped bodies of the profiles.

The elongate elements 12 and 13 each form a one-piece system ready to be installed as illustrated in FIG. 3. Each element 12, 13 has surfaces 8 for securing each element to an upper surface, such as a ceiling, for example by screwing, these surfaces being in particular located at the upper end of the covering flanks 5, 5 '.

The lighting shelves 2, 2 ′ are advantageously quick-fixing, and are aesthetically devoid of electrical wires visually, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b.

Each shelf in the mounted position is electrically insulated.

Each shelf has a one-piece body, the external material of which is electrically insulating, the body comprising an upper face 22, a rear face 23 and a lower face 24. The body which integrates inside its interior (FIG. 5c) an electrical wiring 25, not visible externally, connected to lighting means 26 such as a strip of light-emitting diodes, opening onto the underside 23.

Each shelf has the two fixing lugs 20 and 21 constituting the respective positive and negative supply terminals, these lugs being made of electrically conductive material, such as metal lugs, which are integral and projecting from the rear face 23 of the shelf, and being connected inside the body to the electrical wiring 25.

Such shelves are in particular described in the patent application WO2016170295A1 of the Applicant.

The assembly of a shelf and its electrical connection takes place simultaneously and very quickly, the mechanical fixing means 20 and 21 being designed for the projecting part of the body of the shelf, so as to cooperate by hooking with orifices 6 of the two elongated elements 12 and 13.

In the mounted position of the shelves along the two opposite sides 10 and 11, as visible in FIG. 2, the fixing lug 21 corresponding to the negative terminal of each shelf 2 of the first panel 10 is connected to the conductive face 12A of the first upright 3 of the first elongate element 12, while on the opposite for the shelves 2 ′ of the second panel 11, the opposite fixing lug 20 corresponding to the positive terminal is connected to the conductive face 12B of the second upright 3 ′ of the first and same elongated element 12.

The shelves can include functional elements linked to their destination, for example as illustrated pairs of holes brought together at a vertical return associated with the rear face to accommodate branches of pairs of glasses when the shelf is used as display of glasses in an optical store for example.

Claims (11)

10 CLAIMS 1. Fixing device and electrical connection, in particular for fixing and supplying illuminating shelves, comprising first and second spaced vertical longilinear elements (12, 13), which respectively comprise first (12A) and second (13A) common fixing means and electrical connection intended to concomitantly fix and electrically connect shelves to the device, the first and second common means (12A, 13A) forming a pair of first and second electrical terminals, characterized in that the first and second elongated elements ( 12, 13) respectively comprise first and second additional common means (12B, 13B) for fixing and electrical connection, which are electrically isolated from the first and second common means (12A, 13A) and respectively form an additional pair of two connection terminals electric. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second electrical connection terminals (12A, 13A) are arranged in a first coplanar plane to arrange the shelves according to a first vertical section (10), while the two terminals additional connection (12B, 13B) are arranged in a second coplanar plane separate from the first plane so that shelves can be arranged in a second vertical panel (11) separate from the first panel (10), in particular the first and second planes are parallel, the shelves of each pan (10,11) being intended to extend in opposite directions. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each elongated element (12, 13) has two opposite faces which are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from one another (12A, 12B; 13A, 13B), said two opposite faces (12A, 12B; 13A, 13B) of each elongated element (12,13) being able to constitute respectively a positive terminal and a negative terminal for electrical connection. 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each elongate element (12, 13) comprises two uprights (3, 3 ') of electrically conductive material such as metallic material, which are electrically insulated the one from the other, each provide an electrical connection terminal (12A, 12B; 13A, 13B) and comprise the fixing means such as orifices. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each elongated element (12,13) comprises on the one hand a pair of two uprights (3, 3 ') electrically isolated from each other and each provided with fixing means, and on the other hand electrical insulation means (4,4') which surround the pair of uprights (3, 3 ' ) while providing at least one opening (44) opposite the means for fixing each upright to access it, in particular the opening having a depth which is such that it prevents the passage of a finger. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each elongated element (12, 13) comprises first and second electrical connection means (7, 7 ') integral with the common and additional means of fixing and connection electrical (12A, 13A; 12B, 13B), in particular each elongated element comprises two uprights (3.3 ′) which each comprises electrical connection means (7, 7 ′), such as a metal fixing lug arranged at one of the free ends of the upright and extending in a plane transverse to the upright. 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a elongate element (12, 13) forms a one-piece fixing, connection and electrical connection system, ready for installation. 8. An assembly comprising at least one device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one illuminating shelf (2, 2 '), in particular fixed shelves and electrically connected to at least one pair of electrical terminals of the elongated elements and according to a vertical section, and optionally shelves fixed and electrically connected to the additional pair of electrical terminals of the elongated elements and according to another vertical section. 9. An assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shelf (s) (2,2 ′) comprise fixing means (20,21) by mutual cooperation with the elongated elements, of the quick-fixing type, such as legs attachment engaging in fixing holes (6) present in the elongated elements (12,13), the fixing means also ensuring the electrical connection function and forming two positive and negative electrical supply terminals. 10. The assembly of claim 8 or 9, characterized in that each shelf (2, 2 ') comprises a one-piece body whose outer material is electrically insulating, the body integrating inside its electrical wiring (25), not visible externally , connected to lighting means (26) such as a strip of light-emitting diodes, opening outwardly to the body on the underside. 11. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or an assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in the arrangement of a magazine for fixing and electrical connection of horizontal supports illuminating.