WO2021214620A1

WO2021214620A1 - Improvement of electric power system to create display units, luminous signs and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2021214620A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ugo Meloni
Original assignee: Laser Design Srl
Priority date: 2020-04-22
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2021-10-28
Also published as: EP4139605A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a light system comprising:- A support surface (10, 30) on which one or more luminous bodies (40) can be applied to be electrically powered to emit lighting;- One or more of the said luminous bodies which can be electrically supplied to generate a lighting;- An electric assembly (20) to electrically power the said luminous bodies, the said electric assembly comprising one or more electrically conductive tracks (20);- Each one of the luminous bodies is provided with pin (43) assemblies and the support surface (10) comprises one or more receiving holes suitable to receive the pin assemblies of each luminous body.The luminous body can be connected in a removable way to the said support surface with the pins in contact with the track. A magnetic force tends to maintain and/or favour the contact of the pins with the track.

Description

IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM TO CREATE DISPLAY UNITS, LUMINOUS SIGNS AND THE LIKE

Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of display units or furniture in general with luminous bodies as decoration, such as luminous signs, a realisation of shop windows with illuminations and the like.

In particular, the invention concerns an innovative system which enables to power the element to be illuminated, that is the luminous body, without having electric cables or anyway by remarkably reducing the number of electric cables and, in addition, at the same time, with an adaptable solution which allows to readily and quickly change/replace luminous bodies, also in the event of faults.

A brief outline of the known technique

The Italian publication 102017000070680 on behalf of the same applicant, which describes an innovative system for making luminous signs, has been known for some time.

In accordance with the invention, conductive tracks are provided that develop in adherence to the support surface, and that can be in the form of a metallic strip as well as in the form of a conductive material of the pasty type (even a conductive ink) which is applied onto such surface according to a path of electric conduction.

Lights, which are, for example, positioned in the body forming letters and forms in general, connect electrically to such conductive tracks and thus, the luminous sign is created.

According to such a solution, it is no longer necessary to use traditional electric wiring, which obviously renders the structure more structurally complex and less long-lasting.

According to such a solution, a technical drawback is that letters are permanently fastened to the track with fixed electric contacts, such as cables.

Thus, in the event of a fault, it is impossible to change the unlighted letter quickly, but a challenging intervention is necessary on the whole sign, which must be disassembled and serviced.

Moreover, the sign cannot be modified, and thus it is static, and it means that, as it has been projected and realised, it can only be modified by a substantial intervention .

Substantially, such letters cannot be readily replaced by other ones since this would entail a challenging intervention of electric disconnection of letters and a challenging intervention of connection to the new letters.

Moreover, the publication IT B020100 465 in the name of VIABIZZUNO SRL is known.

Summary of the invention

It is, therefore, the purpose of the present invention to provide an innovative lighting system to realise a lighting, such as luminous signs, display units with illuminated logos and/or letters and/or forms in general, furniture and decor in general with illuminated forms, decorative for example in general which resolves the aforesaid technical drawbacks.

In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a system enabling a quick repair and, at the same time, being an adaptable solution, which can even enable to change illuminated forms if needed and thus the overall external appearance, thus creating visual effects modifiable each time. These and other purposes are obtained with the present light system, according to claim 1.

Such light system comprising:

At least one support surface (10, 30) on which one or more illuminable bodies (40) can be applied to be electrically powered to emit light;

One or more of the said illuminable bodies (40) which can be electrically supplied to generate lighting;

An electric assembly (20) to electrically supply the said luminous bodies (40), the said electric assembly comprising one or more electrically conductive tracks (20), preferably at least two tracks separated from each other.

According to the invention, each one of the said illuminable bodies (40) is provided with one or more pin assemblies (43), preferably at least two pin assemblies.

The support surface (10) comprises, in its turn, one or more receiving holes (11a, lib, 11c) suitable to receive the said one or more pin assemblies of each illuminable body.

In that way, each illuminable body can be connected in a removable way to the support surface (10) through the insertion of one or more pin assemblies thereof into the holes and with the electrically conductive track positioned in such a way that at least one, preferably two, of such pin assemblies of the illuminable body, inserted into the holes, are in contact with the said track (20).

Advantageously, a pin assembly can be destined to the positive power (+), and a pin assembly can be destined to the negative power (-).

In this way, it is possible to realise the passage of electric power, such as electric current or a tension, from the track to the illuminable body through one or more, preferably two, of the said pin assemblies (43) in contact with the track.

For that purpose, for example, the track can be electrically powered by connecting it to the electric generator, and the illuminable bodies electrically light up.

Such pin assemblies, at least the ones in contact with the track and deputed to power the illuminating body electrically, are thus structured to be electrically conductive .

For that purpose, they can have a conductive element inside, for example.

Moreover, the light system is further configured in such a way as to generate a magnetic force acting onto one or more of the said pin assembly/assemblies, which tends to maintain and/or favour the contact with the track.

In this way, the application of luminous bodies is immediate because it occurs by simply pushing them against the support surface so that pins insert into the hole until they bring the pin assembly in contact with the track.

Holes can have such a size to generate a certain mechanical interference that can ensure a good holding, even rendering the application/removal immediate.

Thus, the provided magnetic force tends to maintain and favour the pin assemblies well joined to each other in contact with the track, thereby ensuring a great electric transmission to power the illumination.

Display units, signs in general and even parts of furniture can be readily realised with such a solution, enabling a continuous modification of the overall drawing obtained with illumination.

In fact, it is possible to change/replace illuminable bodies quickly.

Preferably, electrically conductive tracks are subdivided into two separated branchings.

Advantageously, in this way, one can be destined to a positive connection, and one can be destined to a negative connection of the power unit. Thus, there is a branching with positive polarity and a branching with negative polarity.

Tension, generally a low tension, which powers illuminable bodies, can be thus generated.

Advantageously, the pin assembly (43) can comprise a pin (43') protruding from a surface (41) of the illuminable body.

Advantageously, electrically conductive magnetic media (44) can be included that generate such magnetic attraction .

Advantageously, the said magnetic means are comprised between the said pin (43') and the track (20) when the pin is inserted into the said hole.

Advantageously, the pin assembly (43) can comprise:

A pin (43') axially hollow through an axial through-channel and having a surface of connection to the illuminable body and an opposite surface;

An electrically conductive magnetic element (44) positioned in correspondence of the said surface of the pin opposite to that one of connection to the illuminable body with the magnetic element (44), which is axially hollow with an axial through-channel aligned with the pin's channel;

A screw or insert suitable for being inserted, preferably screwed, into the channel formed by the pin and by the magnetic element in such a way as to join them together protruding for a portion thereof out of the pin's channel on the opposite part to the magnetic element;

The screw or the insert being made of electrically conductive material and being inserted into a hole of the illuminable body in such a way as to power it electrically through the said portion.

Advantageously, the said track comprises, on predetermined points, a magnet of opposite polarity to the magnet of the said pin assembly/assemblies in such a way as to generate the said magnetic attraction.

Advantageously, the track can be devoid of a magnet, but it is made of ferrous material, preferably zinc-coated iron, attracted by the magnet present in the pin assembly.

Advantageously, the said track can comprise on predetermined points a magnet and wherein the said pin assembly comprises:

A pin (43') fully made of ferrous material having a surface of connection to the illuminable body and an opposite surface or, alternatively:

A pin (43') hollow axially through an axial through-channel and having a connection surface to the light fitting and an opposite surface;

An electrically conductive ferrous element (44) and positioned in correspondence of the said surface of the pin opposite to that one of connection to the illuminable body and with the ferrous element (44), which is axially hollow with an axial through-channel aligned with the pin's channel;

A screw or insert suitable for being inserted, preferably screwed, into the channel formed by the pin and by the ferrous element in such a way as to join them together protruding for a portion thereof out of the channel of the pin on the opposite part to the ferrous element;

The screw or the insert being made of electrically conductive material and being inserted into a hole of the illuminable body in such a way as to power it through the said portion electrically.

Advantageously, the said conductive track can be made of metallic material, such as aluminium or chosen in the form of:

A spreading conductive paste;

A conductive varnish;

A conductive ink. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, thus, there is also described here a light system comprising:

One or more of the said illuminable bodies (40) which can be electrically powered to generate a lighting;

An electric assembly (20) to electrically power the said illuminable bodies (40), the said electric assembly comprising at least one electrically conductive track (20) which develops according to a branching with positive polarity (+) and a branching with negative polarity (-);

According to such advantageous embodiment of the invention, each one of the said illuminable bodies (40) is provided with at least two electrically conductive pin assemblies (43);

The said support surface (10, 30) thus comprises, accordingly, at least two or more receiving holes (11a, lib, 11c), passing through the whole thickness thereof, each one suitable to receive a pin assembly of an illuminable body in such a way that the at least one illuminable body can be connected in a removable way to the said support surface (10, 30) through the insertion of the said at least two pin assemblies thereof into the said holes and with the said electrically conductive track positioned in such a way that the two said electrically conductive pin assemblies of the illuminable body inserted into the holes pass through the through-hole, each one being in contact with a corresponding branching of the said track (20) in such a way as to enable the passage of an electric power from the track to the said illuminable body.

Thus, advantageously, the light system can be further configured in such a way as to generate a magnetic force between the said at least two electrically conductive pin assemblies and the corresponding branchings in such a way as to maintain and/or favour the contact with the track with the said reciprocal magnetic attraction.

Thus, during the application, once a suitable distance between the at least two conductive pin assemblies and the corresponding track's branching, which they are destined to contact, has been reached, a magnetic force of attraction is directly generated between them.

Thus, advantageously, the said at least two electrically conductive pin assemblies and the corresponding track's branching they are destined to contact on the specific point of the branching are configured in such a way to generate a force of magnetic attraction between them directly.

Advantageously, for example, each one of the said two-pin assemblies that are destined to be in contact with the track's branching comprises a pin (43') protruding from a surface (41) of the illuminable body.

Advantageously, in that case, electrically conductive magnetic means (44) can be comprised generating the said magnetic attraction and with such magnetic means which are comprised between the said pin and the corresponding track's branching in the area that the pin is destined to contact.

Thus, exactly between the conductive pin and the track, a magnetic attraction is generated favouring the joint and ensuring an optimal electric transmission.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a light system is described here, comprising:

At least one support surface (10, 30) on which one or more illuminable bodies (40) can be applied to be electrically powered to emit lighting.

One or more of the said illuminable bodies (40) which can be electrically powered to generate a lighting. An electric assembly (20) to electrically power the said illuminable bodies (40), the said electric assembly comprising at least one electrically conductive track (20) and wherein the said at least one electrically conductive track (20) develops according to a branching with positive polarity (+) and a branching with negative polarity (-) and both positioned in correspondence of a side of the said support surface.

According to such further embodiment, each one of the said illuminable bodies (40) is provided with at least two electrically conductive pin assemblies (43).

The said support surface (10, 30) thus comprises at least two or more receiving through holes (11a, lib, 11c), each one of them suitable to receive a pin assembly of each illuminable body in such a way that at least one illuminable body can be connected in a removable way to the said support surface (10, 30) through the insertion of the said at least two pin assemblies thereof into the said corresponding holes and with the said electrically conductive track positioned in such a way that the each one of the said at least two electrically conductive pin assemblies of the illuminable body inserted into the holes is in contact with a branching of the said track (20) in such a way as to enable the passage of an electric power from the track to the said illuminable body.

The said light system is further configured in such a way as to generate a magnetic force of attraction acting onto the said at least two pin assemblies which tend to maintain and/or favour the contact with the track, each one of the at least two pin assemblies (43) comprises a pin (43') protruding from a surface (41) of the illuminable body and wherein electrically conductive magnetic means (44) are comprised generating the said magnetic attraction between the said pin and the corresponding track's branching that the pin is destined to contact. Advantageously, the said magnetic means can be, for example, interposed between the said pin (43') and the track's branching on the contact point of the branching with the pin.

It is also described here a piece of furniture or decor in general, such as a display unit, comprising a light system according to one or more of the above- described features.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present system, according to the invention, will be more clearly seen by the following description of some of its embodiments, made by way of example and not limitation, regarding the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows in an exploded view a front panel 10 and a rear panel 30 inside which the electric conductive track 20 is inserted that for example, can be realised following the previous publication 102017000070680 considered here fully inserted for reference; the front panel has the holes for the removable application of illuminable bodies which are in contact with track 20 to receive electric power;

Figure 2 shows the coupling between the two panels of figure 1; the obtained coupling can realise a luminous light per se, as well as a panel assembly, being part of a piece of furniture, a display unit or any object in general;

Figure 3 shows in an enlarged axonometric view an illuminable body, in this exemplifying case with the shape of a letter, which can be applied to the panel of figure 2, according to the invention and thus completed with fixing pins and magnets at pins' ends;

Figure 3A and figure 3B show two exploded views of the example of an illuminable body; Figure 3C is a further exploded view which still shows the illuminable body in question (still in the shape of a letter in this exemplifying case) with separated pins and magnets for clarity's sake;

Figure 4 is a further axonometric view which shows the panel's front side where illuminable bodies are applied and which, in the example of figure 4, are the letter V and a circle which, for example, can be illuminated in such a way as to form a logo/drawing or another symbol in general; tracks 20 which are not represented in this figure face the rear side of the panel 10;

Figure 5 shows a portion of the conductive track (in particular, the positive branching and the negative branching indicated in the figure as "wiring plate") with the two magnets 144 for the two conductive pins which go, respectively, one to the positive pole and the other to the negative pole; also, figure 5 shows a support isolated from the track (indicated as "support" in the figure) with its own magnet 144';

Figure 6 shows an axonometric view of a conductive track (two separated branchings) conformed according to the illuminable bodies that it must power; it is positioned behind the front panel 10, and thus it faces the rear face of panel 10; the same figure 6 shows the possible disc-shaped supports isolated from the track.

Description of some preferred embodiments

Figure 1 schematises a panel according to the present invention.

The subject panel is only a non-limiting example of realisation.

In fact, it can constitute a part of a luminous sign. Still, it could also be part of any piece of furniture, such as a display unit and an armchair to which objects or lighting bodies can be applied that must not necessarily be a letter. Still, they may be of any shape (for example, logos, shapes in general, etc.).

Thus, as explained after this, what has been described regarding a luminous sign is not to be understood as strictly limiting since this technology can be applied to any field to realise objects, in general, having electrically lighting bodies.

Thus, as shown in the example of figure 1, in that case, a front panel 10 and a rear panel 30 are provided, and the electric conductor track 20 is packed between them, that can be realised according to any one of the modalities indicated in the previous publication 102017000070680 considered here as fully inserted in the present text by reference.

Thus, the front panel 10 has a front side visible in figure 1, and the counterposed side faces tracks 20.

In the same way, the rear panel 30 has a front side which is the one visible in figure 1 and which faces tracks 20 and the counterposed side to that one is not visible in figure 1.

Thus, to that purpose, number 20 indicates an electrically conductive track that replaces traditional electric wiring in the form of cables.

Thus, the conductive track develops according to a positive branching (+) and a negative branching (-) and with the said two branchings that are not in contact with each other to avoid the short-circuit.

Track 20, represented in figure 1, is made of aluminium, in this case.

According to the objects connected thereto, such track's branchings will have a predetermined shape to power them electrically.

Thus, the track is preferably connected to panel 30 in correspondence with the front side thereof to face in use the rear side of panel 10. Thus, it adheres to panel 30.

It could anyway be adherent to the front panel 10 or be free and simply packed, thus constrained, between the two panels.

In Figure 1, the front panel 10 comprises fixing holes 11 to which illuminable bodies are fixed (for example, in the form of letters) with LEDS or luminous electric sources in general inside, which are powered just through such conductive tracks 20.

The electric contact of the illuminable body touches the track and is electrically powered, as better explained after this, thereby electrically powering the luminous source positioned inside it, such as the said LED.

Thus, the shape of such tracks 20 depends on the predisposition of objects to be illuminated, and the representation of tracks in geometrical terms is not to be understood in a limiting way since the track's development can be of any shape.

In the case of figure 1, track 20 is of conductive metallic material. In particular, it has been made of aluminium.

Obviously, other conductive materials can be equally used, both metallic and non-metallic materials, on the condition that they are electrically conductive.

In fact, as already described in the previous Italian application 102017000070680 to which reference is made, the conductive track can be, for example, alternatively made of a conductive paste which is applied onto a surface in such a way as to form a track (in this case of the example, the surface belonging to the panel 30, as indicated in figure 1). Once applied, it solidifies remaining adherent to the surface where it is applied, exactly like a varnish.

Alternatively, in a second case, a conductive varnish can be used. Conductive inks can also be equally used, which are well known per se in the state of the art, such as silver- based, graphene-based or other conductive materials in general.

In the case of conductive paste and conductive varnish, and conductive ink, known products already available on the market can be used.

Paste and/or varnish and ink are distributed in the form of one or more tracks depending on the necessary track's geometry (for example, in this exemplifying case, as mentioned above, in correspondence of panel 30).

As shown in figure 1, on the front panel 10 some through-holes 11 are provided through the entire thickness of the panel 10.

Figure 1 indicates with number 11 only one of such holes, avoiding indicating the other ones only with clarity's sake of the drawing itself.

Holes are arranged according to a certain geometry which depends on the "design" that one wishes to obtain, in such a way as to house illuminable elements, such as bodies in the form of letters for signs, as well as other elements in general.

The positioning of holes is obviously a function of the track's positioning or vice versa since the track electrically powers illuminable objects fixed to holes, and a physical contact must exist between them.

Figure 2, reproduced below, shows the assembled assembly and the partially highlighted track is the one in Figure 1, so we have a left-hand side that is the negative branching and a right-hand side that is the branching going to the positive pole of the power supply.

In a non-limiting way, figure 3 shows the example of an illuminable body having the shape of the letter V which is or can be applied to the panel of the example of figure 1. Thus, for that purpose, the letter is a three- dimensional element that forms a containment body inside which LEDS and luminous electric sources, in general, are positioned.

Thus, figure 3 shows a letter having a rear fastening base 41 and a front part 42.

Both the front part 42 and the rear fastening base 41 can be of a material transparent to light in such a way as to irradiate the LED's luminosity and, for example, they can possibly have such shades of colours as to modify the colouration of light emitted by the LED.

Both the front part 42 and the rear fastening base 41 can be made of Plexiglass, for example.

For example, only the rear fastening base 41 or only a part thereof could be transparent to light, such as flanks to laterally radiate light.

Alternatively, only the front part 42 or a part thereof could be transparent to light.

Both the rear fastening base 41 and the front part 42 or only parts of them could be equally transparent to light.

As still shown in Figure 3, pin assemblies 43 are provided, preferably but not necessarily cylindrical in shape, which, as explained below, each form an electrically conductive element as well as representing a fastening system.

They branch off from the rear fastening base 41.

Figure 3A shows an exploded view separating the front part 42 from the rear fastening base 41.

For simplicity's sake, the pin assemblies 43 have been removed in this figure, thus depicting the connection holes for them.

Figure 3B shows another view from the rear fastening base 41 instead, or rather from the opposite side to the connection surface with the pin assemblies 43 in such a way as to highlight the inner volume, which is delimited through the application of the front part 42.

In the inner volume (or containment volume) formed by the illuminable body, a LED strip, or anyway electric luminous light in general, is preferably housed.

The LED strip is per se a known product available on the market and is constituted by the support on which LEDS are positioned.

The support has the contact (+) and (-) to power LEDS of the strip.

The support can be a single strip, a strip that can be cut to size, etc.

A reference for this product, such as a roll, known per se, can be the following link: https://www. manomano.it/nastri-ied-2549

Any electric luminous source, single lamp or LED or LED strip, can be obviously used.

However, the advantage of using a LED strip is that it is a product in the form of a strip that can be cut to size and is readily available on the market besides being readily mountable.

Figure 3B shows a passage hole 50 (three holes in the example of figure 3B) of screw 45 or insert in general (preferably of pin M3 with countersunk head) obviously of conductor material.

The electrically conductive screw contacts the luminous source, thereby enabling the illumination thereof when a passage of current occurs.

In the case of an LED strip, this is laid onto the hollow formed by the containment volume, and it is in contact, preferably welded, with the end of screw 45, which comes out into the containment volume.

As an alternative to the welding, the contact may occur by a metallic wire which connects from the screw in the pin to the corresponding pole of the strip. For further greater clarity, figure 3C shows a further exploded view highlighting the structure of the illuminating body according to the invention (such as a letter or any other body with any other shape, also as described above).

Thus, in particular, as already described in the previous figures, figure 3C summarises:

The front part 42;

The rear fastening base 41 to which a predetermined number of electrically conductive pin assemblies (43) are connected and positioned in electric communication with the luminous source.

In greater detail, still regarding figure 3C, each pin assembly is formed by a pin 43' to which a base 44 can be connected (anyway, it is not necessary, as described after this), such as ferromagnetic material, that is a magnet 44.

The pin 43' is preferably made of plastic material, but it could also be made of conductive material and not necessarily of insulating material, such as plastic.

Such ferromagnetic material 44 is electrically conductive besides generating a magnetic attraction towards a component of opposite polarity, as well known in state of the art.

The connection between such base 44 of ferromagnetic material 44 and pin 43' occurs via screw 45 of conductive material as well.

Pin 43' and base 44 (preferably in the form of the disc) of the magnet are in fact holed (preferably internally threaded) to enable the passage (preferably the screwing in) of screw 45 whose end protrudes into the containment volume of figure 3B thereby electrically powering luminous sources with which it is in contact (preferably by welding).

Practically, in this solution described in figure 3C, pin 43' is fixed to the rear fastening base 41 via screw 45 or the threaded insert, which is screwed into the threaded channel of pin 43' and the magnetic base 44, thereby inserting into the suitable hole 50 and partially protruding inside the volume of the illuminable object.

The magnetic base and the screw are electrically conductive. Thereby the screw's end, which partially protrudes from hole 50 and penetrates the inner volume, is positioned in contact with the luminous source (such as the pole of the LED strip) while the magnetic base 44 is in physical and electric contact with track 20 (either the positive branching or the negative branching).

This enables the electric transfer from the track to the luminous source.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from figure 3C, the magnetic base 44 can be disc-shaped with a hollow that serves to house the screw's head so that the head is contained in such hollow and the magnetic base can lean onto the track.

More particularly, advantageously, the magnet touches the track and conducts current to the luminous source via the screw or conductive metallic insert, which is screwed into it.

Thus, the ferromagnetic material 44 is the conductive material that is in contact with track 20 on a predetermined point of the track and which receives and enables the passage of current from the track towards the luminous source at the same time besides ensuring a good holding via magnetic attraction towards the track.

Obviously, as also explained below, the magnetic attraction requires an opposite polarity on the pin assembly's contact point with the track.

Thus, depending on the construction material of the track, a magnet in the track in the contact point can be provided or omitted to create such magnetic attraction.

If the track is made of aluminium, obviously, a magnet of opposite polarity fastened on the point to the track will be needed in the track on the contact point with the pin assembly. In this way, magnets (the pin's magnet and the track's magnet) attract, thus generating a connection between the pin assembly of the bodies and the track, which enables the holding and the passage of current at the same time. This solution is the preferred one since it ensures a better holding.

This is highlighted in figure 5 and 6, which suppose a track, for example, made of aluminium and thus provided with magnets 144 disseminated on the track in correspondence of holes 11 in such a way that the pin assembly of each body, once it has been inserted into the hole, is magnetically coupled with the track on the said points.

If the track per se is made of ferrous material, then it is sufficient that the single pin 43' has a magnet 44 as described, and the track doesn't need to have an opposite magnet, for example, with tracks of zinc-coated iron.

If the track is not made of ferrous material, then two magnets of opposite polarity can be selected, that is one to the pin's end and the other on the point of the track as already described, for example in the attached figures, or alternatively, there can be provided with a pin 43' whose end is made of ferrous material (in place of the magnet 44), or a base of ferrous material is applied thereto (in place of the magnet 44) with a single magnet 144 positioned in the track on the preset track's point.

Without prejudice to what has been described above for the track, in a further embodiment, the whole pin 43' could be made of magnetic material.

Thus, in all the cases above, it is anyway to be understood that a force of magnetic attraction between the track and the pin assembly is provided and with the pin assembly electrically conductive in such a way that, after the contact, strengthened by the magnetic attraction, also a passage of current occurs from the track along with the pin assembly.

Thus, more particularly, ferromagnetic means are interposed between track 20 and pin 43'.

The pin assembly (that is, pin 43 and its base 44) has such a size as to insert into the holes of panel 10.

For example, figure 2 shows the three holes (11a, lib, 11c) destined to house the pin assembly 43 relative to the example of letter V shown in figure 3.

The holes, and thus the corresponding electric track's conformation, are realised as a function of letters or anyway illuminable bodies to be applied and illuminate to create a certainly needed geometry.

Tracks realise contact points destined to enter in contact with the bases 44 of pins 43' so that the magnetic force that causes an attraction between the track and pin assembly occurs.

Following this described solution, it is evident that the illuminable body/bodies is/are applied to the panel in an easy, quick and firm way by inserting the pin assembly into the corresponding holes of the panel. Pins will reach track 20 so that the ferromagnetic elements go into action, thus realising the connection between track and pins, besides realising a firm physical and electric connection between track and pin, thanks to the magnet's force of attraction .

More particularly, magnet 44 is attracted by the magnet 144 of the track, regarding figure 5 or 6.

As shown in figure 2A, enlargement of the detail -A, the track ends with ends connecting to the generator of tension. In fact, the figure shows signs (+) and (-) concerning the connection to the generator or electric power unit, which connects to the track's positive and negative poles via standard cables. As shown in figure 2, there are branchings of a negative track, two negative poles, and a positive branching with two positive poles and separated from the negative branching.

The two positive poles are connected to the two positive poles of the generator, and the two negative poles are connected to the negative poles of the generator.

For safety reasons, the system preferably works with low tension, such as tensions of 12V and 24V.

Thus, figure 2 shows a panel solution assembled with holes ready to receive letters, or other illuminable bodies in general, which immediately connect with them by inserting the pin assembly into the holes.

When each body (letter/form or image) is connected through the pins 43' inserted into the holes, they will touch the track with their magnetic end 44, thereby creating an electric contact fully equal to an electric connection that would occur with a cable.

Thus, this solution enables the immediate application and removal of any illuminating body, on condition that it has the described pins and with the pins positioned in such a way as to be inserted into such holes.

Each illuminating body generally has more than one pin (such as the V of figure 3 has three-pin assemblies) as a function of sizes and shape.

By and large, the preferred solution provides only two pins powering the illuminable body. Thereby one is connected to the track's negative branching and one connected to the positive branching in such a way that the tension can be correctly powered to the illuminable bodies.

If, for example, a LED strip is used, this strip has a pole (+) and a pole (-). Each of the two positive and negative poles is thus connected, preferably by welding, to a pin and such two pins (the positive pin and the negative pin) go in contact with their own positive and negative branching, as mentioned, with the contact strengthened by magnets present in pins which generate the force of magnetic attraction with the track.

On the contrary, if the letter is big (see the example of V of the figure), other pins could be necessary, but generally, they do not have a function of electric conduction, although they are preferably built in an identical way to the two pins powering the LED strip and thus as described above. Their only purpose is structural to firm the connection to the panel.

Thus, each illuminating body has preferably two-pin assemblies which magnetically connect with the track while the function of other pins is generally of mechanical support.

In that case, as shown in figure 5 and 6, single supports in the form of a disc (or another form) can be disseminated onto the track, of the same size of the track and with magnet 144' which serves for attracting the magnet of the corresponding pin assembly that it contacts.

However, such supports are electrically insulated and separated from the track, since, as mentioned, their only function is to support the remaining pin of the letter or the illuminable body, only to create firm support, since generally, two-pin assemblies must contact the track, as mentioned, or rather the one that goes to the positive branching and the one that goes to the track's negative branching.

The same solution can be chosen even if the illuminable body contains inside a single disseminated luminous source-separated from each other and positioned on a suitable support. Each of them must be electrically powered through its own positive and negative pole.

In that case, all the luminous sources will have a small electric cable that goes from their positive pole to the pin (+) and another electric cable that goes from their negative pole of all sources to the other pin (-) as already described.

The pin (+) contacts the track (+), the negative pin contacts the track (-) and the feeding unit powers the low tension.

Thus, from the described solution, it is evident that any sign or any object with illuminable bodies can be realised immediately.

The same technology can be used in display units of any size and even in furniture realisation.

For example, what has been described in figure 2, can even be or constitute part of the bed-head.

Thus, the track is conformed according to the positioning that illuminating bodies must have.

Illuminating bodies are quickly inserted interchangeably, thanks to such solution and pin, and in the event of a fault, the illuminating body is removed and is replaced by a new, different or equivalent one immediately.

This solution also enables to change the appearance of the created object each time, thus changing the shape of the applied illuminating body when needed.

In all the described embodiments, as described in figure 1, a single holed panel with the track behind it could be sufficient, thereby without the rear panel.

Panels can be made of any material, even glass.

Claims

1. A light system comprising:

At least one support surface (10, 30) on which one or more illuminable bodies (40) can be applied to be electrically powered to emit lighting;

An electric assembly (20) to electrically power the said luminous bodies (40), the said electric assembly comprising one or more electrically conductive tracks (20);

Characterised by the fact that each one of the said illuminable bodies (40) is provided with one or more pin assemblies (43), the said support surface (10) comprising one or more receiving holes (11a, lib, 11c) suitable to receive the said one or more pin assemblies of each illuminable body in such a way that the at least one illuminable body can be connected in a removable way to the said support surface (10) through the insertion of the said at least one or more pin assemblies thereof into the said holes and with the said electrically conductive track positioned in such a way that at least one, preferably two or at least one part, of the said pin assemblies of the illuminable body inserted into the holes are in contact with the said track (20) in such a way as to enable the passage of an electric power from the track to the said illuminable body through one or more of the said pin assemblies (43) in contact with the track, and wherein the said light system is further configured in such a way as to generate a magnetic force acting onto one or more of the said pin assembly/assemblies which tends to maintain and/or favour the contact with the track.

2. The light system, according to claim 1, wherein the pin assembly (43) comprises a pin (43') protruding from a surface (41) of the illuminable body.

3. According to claim 1 or 2, the light system comprises electrically conductive magnetic means (44), which generate the said magnetic attraction.

4. The light system, according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the said magnetic means are comprised between the said pin (43') and the track (20) when the pin is inserted into the said hole.

5. The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pin assembly (43) comprises:

An electrically conductive magnetic element (44) positioned in correspondence of the said surface of the pin opposite to that one of connection to the illuminable body and with the magnetic element (44), which is axially hollow with an axial through-channel aligned with the pin's channel;

A screw or insert suitable for being inserted, preferably screwed, into the channel formed by the pin and by the magnetic element in such a way as to join them together protruding for a portion thereof out of the channel of the pin on the opposite part to the magnetic element;

6. A light system, according to claim 5, wherein the said track comprises, on predetermined points, a magnet of opposite polarity to the magnet of the said pin assembly/assemblies in such a way as to generate the said magnetic attraction.

7 . The light system, according to claim 5, wherein the track is devoid of a magnet, but it is made of ferrous material, preferably zinc-coated iron, which is attracted by the magnet present in the pin assembly.

8. The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 4, wherein the said track comprises on predetermined points a magnet and wherein the said pin assembly comprises:

An electrically conductive ferrous element (44) and positioned in correspondence of the said pin's surface opposite to that one of connection to the illuminable body and with the ferrous element (44), which is axially hollow with an axial through-channel aligned with the pin's channel;

A screw or insert suitable for being inserted, preferably screwed, into the channel formed by the pin and by the ferrous element in such a way as to join them together protruding for a portion thereof out of the channel of the pin on the opposite part to the ferrous element; The screw or the insert being made of electrically conductive material and being inserted into a hole of the illuminable body in such a way as to power it through the said portion electrically.

9. The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the said conductive track is made of metallic material, such as aluminium or alternatively chosen in the form of:

A spreading conductive paste;

A conductive varnish;

A conductive ink.

10. The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electrically conductive track (20) develops according to a branching with positive polarity (+) and a branching with negative polarity (-).

11. According to claim 10, the light system wherein the two said branchings have no electric contact with each other, preferably being separated from each other.

12. According to one or more of the preceding claims, the light system wherein the said support surface is formed by a front panel (10) behind which the said conductive track (20) is positioned.

13. According to claim 12, the light system comprises a rear panel (30) and wherein the said conductive track is comprised between the said front panel and the rear panel.

14. The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the said front panel comprises the said one or more receiving holes (11a, lib, 11c) that are passing through the whole thickness thereof and a corresponding pin assembly is inserted inside each one of them.

15 . The light system, according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the said pin assemblies are electrically conductive and are positioned in such a way as to come in contact with the corresponding track's branching when they are inserted into the said through-holes of the front panel, and wherein the said light system is further configured in such a way as to generate a magnetic force acting between the said two electrically conductive pin assemblies and the corresponding track's branching with which each one comes in contact in such a way that they attract each other.

16. According to claim 14, the light system wherein the said electrically conductive pin assemblies and/or the corresponding track's branching with which they are in contact are configured so that the said force of magnetic attraction is generated between them.

17 . The light system, according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the pin assembly (43) comprises a pin (43') protruding from a surface (41) of the illuminable body and wherein electrically conductive magnetic means (44) are comprised generating the said magnetic attraction and wherein the said magnetic means are interposed between the said pin (43') and the track (20).

18 . A piece of furniture or decor in general, for example, a display unit, comprising a light system according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 16.