Technical field of the invention

The present invention refers to a unit for supplying an electrical load. The invention refers also to an installation comprising said unit and an electrical load that can be supplied by said unit. The present invention further refers to a use of said unit for supplying an electrical load.

Therefore, the invention pertains to the technical field regarding the supply of electrical loads and can be particularly applied and adapted to supply electrical loads and/or a signal for valuable, luxury, design applications or installations and similar types of high-end and quality applications or installations. The invention meets needs of operability.

The invention is particularly suitable to supply low or extra-low direct current voltage electrical loads; however, it is not excluded the application of the invention to the supply of electrical loads at other voltages and/or with an alternating current.

Prior art

Several modes for supplying an electrical load are known.

A first known mode of supplying consists of connecting an electrical load directly to an electric energy source, such as a supply socket; such mode is typically implemented by connecting an electrical load in proximity of the electric energy source, for example by a plug. An example of such first mode is represented by the connection of a LED sign to a supply socket by means of a supply cable, an end thereof is connected to the LED sign and the other end being provided with an electric plug connectable to the electric socket.

If the electrical load is not placed in proximity of an electric energy source, it is known a second supply mode, which provides to use one or more extensions (or similar electrical supply cables), to remotely supply said electrical load. Such second supply mode is often very difficult to realize because it provides the use of long cables, which are often visible and therefore, in some applications, they are altogether unattractive because their exposed arrangement could be cluttered and can be a source of safety problems. If such cables are not directly exposed, they are often housed inside suitable ducts or analogous containment bodies; however, it is also not always easy to realize and install said ducts or containment bodies.

Patent document W02009003525A1 shows a technical solution suitable to supply LEDs engaged with an edge of a panel. More particularly, document W02009003525A1 discloses a panel provided with a plurality of LEDs arranged in order to cover the prevalent development surface thereof; LEDs are supplied by two bars arranged in proximity of a same edge of the panel (see Figure 2). One bar is connected to a positive pole and the other bar is connected to a negative pole. Such technical solution has reliability and safety problems and therefore is improvable under many points of view.

The Applicant therefore has observed that, in the electrical load supply field, there are substantial opportunities of improving such existing technical solutions.

Particularly, the Applicant has observed that there are possibilities of improving the supply of electrical loads which are or can be located at a determined distance, in other words not in the close surroundings of an electric energy source, such as a supply electric socket.

Objects of the invention

Therefore, a main object of the present invention consists of overcoming the disadvantages beforehand described with reference to the prior art.

Therefore, an object of the present invention consists of providing a unit for supplying an electrical load capable of reliably and efficiently supplying an electrical load, particularly an electrical load arranged at a determined distance from an electric energy source.

A further object of the invention consists of enabling to supply an electrical load (particularly, for retrofitting an existing supply system or plant) which can be made without requiring invasive procedures, such as brickworks or complicated designs or modifications to an existing electric plant.

Moreover, the invention provides a substantially effective technical solution alternative to the solutions of the prior art.

These and other objects are met by a unit for supplying an electrical load, by a use of said unit and by an installation according to the following description, the attached claims, and the following aspects.

Summary of the invention

Aspects of the invention, which are an integral part of the technical matter of the present application are herein described. Said aspects can be used for limiting the claims and/or defining further claims. The technical matter of the present application is also defined by combinations of technical characteristics (such as elements, components, and/or steps) herein disclosed; particularly, the technical matter of the present patent application and the associated disclosure comprise combinations of technical characteristics detailed in the following.

The invention enables to supply an electrical load “in a substantially transparent way” (i.e. by the transparent panel and transparent supply tracks); this enables, among the different entailed effects, to “provide luminosity” to the application where the unit according to the invention is installed because the visible radiation can pass through the panel, therefore also increasing the visibility of components/walls/devices, etcetera, arranged behind the panel.

Moreover, due to the arrangement of the conduction elements in proximity of or at the different edges of the panel, the invention enables to optimally arrange such elements, enabling to separate the portion of the unit at which the connection to the electric energy source is made (“inlet” zone of the electrical connections, for example of the cables) from the portion of the unit at which the connection to the electrical load (“outlet” zone of the electrical connections, for ex- ample of the cables) is made. Such arrangement of the conduction elements with respect to the panel therefore enables to optimize the electrical connections of the electrical supply and to increase the safety of said unit with reference to the electrical isolation. The safety is further increased because the unit is preferably watertight.

The provision of discontinuities, preferably as incisions, enables to delimit one or more conductive tracks between adjacent or consecutive discontinuities/incisions in order to optimize the passage of current in the conductive tracks. The provision of discontinuities/incisions enables to size the width of the conductive tracks by a modulation/selection of the distance between adjacent or consecutive discontinuities/incisions, with the object of ensuring an electrical supply suitable and optimal for the electrical load.

The unit for supplying an electrical load is configured to be used both for new installa- tions/applications and also for retrofitting existing installations/applications.

It is observed that the unit or installation can provide, and/or can be interfaced with do- motics systems.

Numbered aspects of the invention follow.

UNIT FOR SUPPLYING AT LEAST ONE ELECTRICAL LOAD

1 . Unit for supplying at least one electrical load, the unit comprising:

- a substantially transparent and at least partially electrically conductive panel, the panel comprising a plurality of edges,

- a first conduction element, preferably a first conductive bar, associated to the panel and preferably predisposed to be associated to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably a first conduction element being destined to be connected, in operative conditions, to an electric energy source,

- a second conduction element, preferably a second conductive bar, associated to the panel and preferably predisposed to be associated to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably the second conduction element being destined to be connected, in operative conditions, to the electrical load to be supplied,

- optionally, at least one arrangement for the connection to an electrical load, said at least one arrangement being associated to the panel and being electrically connected to the second conduction panel,

- at least one conductive track, optionally a plurality of conductive tracks, developing between the first conduction element and the second conduction element and configured to establish an electrical connection between the first and second conduction elements, said at least one conductive track being configured to electrically supply the electrical load in operative conditions wherein the unit is connected both to the electric energy source and the electrical load.

2. Aspect according to the aspect 1 , wherein said at least one conductive track is substantially transparent.

3. Aspect according to the aspect 1 or 2, wherein the panel has a plurality of discontinuities, preferably a plurality of incisions, and said at least one conductive track is defined between adjacent discontinuities.

4. Aspect according to the aspect 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the first conduction element and the second conduction element are arranged at and/or in proximity of distinct edges of the panel.

5. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are arranged at and/or in proximity of opposite edges of the panel.

6. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one conductive track is associated to and/or is defined on the panel.

7. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one conductive track is associated to and/or is defined on a surface, for example an upper or lower surface, of the panel or of a plate thereof.

8. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel has at least one pair of conductive tracks spaced from each other and developing between the first conduction element and the second conduction element.

9. Aspect according to the aspect 8, the conductive tracks of the pair of conductive tracks being configured to establish an electrical connection between the first and the second conduction elements and being transversal to respective portions distanced from each other of said conduction elements.

10. Aspect according to the aspect 8 or 9, a conductive track of said pair of conductive tracks being associated to a first electric polarity, and the other conductive track of said pair of conductive tracks being associated to a second electric polarity.

11. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel has longitudinal edges and transversal edges developing transversally to the longitudinal edges, the first and second conduction elements being arranged at or in proximity of longitudinal edges opposite to each other or of transversal edges opposite to each other.

12. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one conductive track, particularly each conductive track, is connected both to the first conduction element and second conduction element and has an electric continuity with the first and second conduction elements.

13. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are specularly arranged on the panel.

14. Aspect according to the aspect 13, the specular arrangement being defined with reference to a symmetry plane of the panel, for example with reference to a symmetry plane crossing a dimension of the panel, for example its width and/or its length.

15. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are arranged on a same surface of the panel or of a plate thereof, for example on the upper or lower surface of the panel or of a plate thereof.

16. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel comprises at least one substantially transparent plate, for example of vitreous or plastic and/or polymeric material, and an electrically conductive transparent coating engaged at a surface of the plate, for example an upper or lower surface of the plate.

17. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said discontinuities being made on said coating.

18. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said at least one conductive track being defined at said coating between adjacent discontinuities.

19. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel is layered, preferably the panel comprising at least two plates and each plate forming a layer of the panel.

20. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel comprises a pair of substantially transparent plates and coupled to each other, preferably a plate of said pair of plates being configured to prevent the coating from oxidizing.

21. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conductive track being delimited by at least one pair of adjacent discontinuities.

22. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each discontinuity is or comprises an incision.

23. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel comprises at least two plates coupled with each other, the transparent coating being arranged between said plates and the first and second conduction elements are both arranged at least partially between the plates.

24. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 19 to 23, the transparent coating being engaged at an upper or lower surface of at least one of said plates.

25. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one conductive track, particularly each conductive track, develops between ends opposite to each other and is connected to the first conduction element and to the second conduction element at a respective end.

26. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element is configured to be connected both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity.

27. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first conduction element is configured to be connected both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity and the second conduction element is configured to be connected both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity.

28. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprises one or more conductive bodies, for example one or more conductive bars and/or one or more conductive segments. 29. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein both the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprise one or more respective conductive bodies, for example one or more respective conductive bars and/or one or more respective conductive segments.

30. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprises a single conductive body, for example a single conductive bar or a single conductive segment.

31. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein both the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprise a single respective conductive body, for example a single respective conductive bar, or a single respective conductive segment.

32. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprises a single conductive body, preferably a single conductive bar, destined to be connected both to the first electric polarity and to the second electric polarity.

33. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein both the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprise a single respective conductive body, preferably a single respective conductive bar.

34. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said or each single conductive bar develops for a length comparable or corresponding or substantially equal to the length of the respective edge in proximity of or at which it is arranged.

35. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 29, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprises a plurality of conductive bodies, for example a plurality of conductive bars and/or a plurality of conductive segments.

36. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 29 or the aspect 35, wherein both the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprise a respective plurality of conductive bodies, for example a respective plurality of conductive bars and/or a respective plurality of conductive segments.

37. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 29 or the aspect 35 or 36, wherein at least one between the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprises at least one first and one second conductive bodies destined to be connected to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, respectively.

38. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 29 or the aspect 35 or 36 or 37, wherein both the first conduction element and the second conduction element comprise a respective plurality of conductive bodies.

39. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the one or more conductive tracks develop at least partially transversally, particularly orthogonally, to at least one between the first and the second conduction elements, particularly to both.

40. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the one or more conductive tracks develop along a development direction, preferably a main development direction, which is transversal, particularly orthogonal, to at least one between the first and the second conduction elements, particularly to both.

41 . Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the one or more conductive tracks develop at least partially transversally, particularly at least partially orthogonally, to at least one between the first and second conduction elements, particularly to both.

42. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one or each conductive track has at least one attachment portion, i.e. a portion at which it is connected to the first conduction element, and at least one outlet portion, i.e. a portion at which it is connected to the second conduction element.

43. Aspect according to the aspect 42, wherein at least one or each conductive track has a single attachment portion and a plurality of outlet portions.

44. Aspect according to the aspect 42 or 43, wherein, with reference to the development of the conductive track or of a portion of the conductive track where they are placed, attachment por- tion/s and outlet portion/s are opposite to each other.

45. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements develop for at least a portion of a length of the respective edge at or in proximity of which they are placed.

46. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements develop for at least half the length of the respective edge at or in proximity of which they are placed.

47. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements develop for a length comparable or corresponding or substantially equal to the length of the respective edge at or in proximity of which they are placed.

48. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is configured to not overheat when the electrical load is supplied.

49. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel, particularly at least one plate thereof and/or the coating, is configured to not overheat when the electrical load is supplied.

50. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit further comprises a command member, such as a button and/or a switch and/or a domotics system, configured to selectively command the activation or deactivation of the supply of the electrical load (supply performed by the unit).

51. Aspect according to the aspect 50, the command member being associated and/or being engaged with the panel and being supplied by said at least one conductive track or by a respective conductive track.

52. Aspect according to the aspect 51 , wherein said respective conductive track is separated by said at least one conductive track. 53. Aspect according to the aspect 50 or 51 or 52, said command member being connected both to the first conduction element and to the second conduction element.

54. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 50 to 53, wherein the command member is configured to selectively open or close an electric circuit supplying the electrical load.

INSTALLATION

55. Installation comprising:

- at least one unit according to anyone of the preceding aspects and/or to anyone of the attached claims regarding a unit,

- an electrical load,

- optionally, a domotics and/or data signal systems.

56. Aspect according to the aspect 55, wherein the electrical load is electrically connected to the unit by said at least one arrangement for the connection to an electrical load.

57. Aspect according to the aspect 55 or 56, wherein the unit is configured to supply the electrical load.

58. Aspect according to the aspect 55 or 56 or 57, wherein the electrical load is engaged with the unit without providing visible cables between the electrical load and said arrangement.

59. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 58, wherein the electrical load does not cover a prevalent part of the upper or lower surface of the transparent panel.

60. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 59, wherein the electrical load covers at most 10% or 7% or 5% or 3% of said upper or lower surface, preferably covers less than 5% or 3% of said upper or lower surface.

61 . Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 60, wherein the electrical load is not an obstruction to the visibility through the transparent panel, i.e. it does not compromise, due to its size, the transparency of the panel.

62. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 61 , wherein the installation comprises an electric energy source and/or a bus line of a data signal.

63. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 55 to 62, wherein the installation comprises (at least or only) a first and a second units according to anyone of the preceding aspects and/or to anyone of the attached claims regarding a unit, the panel of the first unit having an electric continuity with the panel of the second unit by corresponding conduction elements.

64. Aspect according to the aspect 63, wherein, in operative conditions of the unit:

- said at least one first conduction element associated to the panel of the first unit has an electric continuity with an electric energy source,

- the one or more conductive tracks associated to the panel of the first unit enable the electric continuity and/or the current conduction from said at least one first conduction element associated to the panel of the first unit to said at least one second conduction element associated to the panel of the first unit,

- said at least one second conduction element associated to the panel of the first unit is electrically associated to, particularly has an electric continuity with, said at least one first conduction element associated to the panel of the second unit,

- the one or more conductive tracks associated to the panel of the second unit enable the electric continuity and/or the current conduction from said at least one first conduction element associated to the panel of the second unit to said at least one second conduction element associated to the panel of the second unit,

- said at least one second conduction element associated to the panel of the second unit is connected to the electrical load so that it can supply the latter.

USE OF THE UNIT

65. Use of a unit according to anyone of the preceding aspects and/or to anyone of the attached claims regarding a unit, for supplying at least one electrical load.

66. Aspect according to the aspect 65, wherein the use of the unit, enables to supply the electrical load in a substantially transparent way due to one or more substantially transparent conductive tracks defined on the substantially transparent coating of the panel.

OTHER ASPECTS

67. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are distinct and distanced from each other.

68. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are directly engaged with the panel, particularly at a same upper or lower surface of the panel or of a plate thereof.

69. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are arranged along an edge of the panel or of a plate thereof.

70. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements are not defined at or in proximity of a same edge of the panel.

71 . Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first and second conduction elements do not form an assembly, i.e. they are separated from each other.

72. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each between the first and second conduction elements is in the shape of at least one conductive bar.

73. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one or each between the first and second conduction elements comprises a single conductive bar.

74. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one or each between the first and second conduction elements comprises a plurality of conductive segments.

75. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conductive bar develops along a main development direction and has a width substantially constant along said main development direction.

76. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is a supply unit of an electrical load.

77. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit operatively acts as a power supply, i.e. as a device configured to electrically supply an electrical load.

78. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein there are no cables arranged on the panel, particularly on its upper surface and/or on its lower surface.

79. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is devised to be interposed between an electric energy source and at least one electrical load in order to supply the electrical load.

80. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit comprises only two conduction elements.

81. Aspect according to the aspect 80, wherein each conduction element comprises a conductive bar.

82. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conduction element is a busbar.

83. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conduction element has a constant or substantially constant width, said width being defined orthogonally to a development longitudinal direction of the conduction element.

84. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the supply of the unit is a DC or AC supply.

85. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the electric energy source is configured to supply the unit by direct or alternating current.

86. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is configured to supply said at least one electrical load by direct current.

87. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is supplied by a low voltage, particularly at 220 V.

88. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is supplied by an extra-low voltage, for example comprised between 12 V and 48 V, particularly equal to 12 V or 24 V or 48 V.

89. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first conduction element is made in a single piece.

90. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 88, wherein the first conduction element comprises a plurality of segments.

91. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the second conduction element is made in a single piece.

92. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 90, wherein the second conduction element comprises a plurality of segments.

93. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first conduction element is engaged with the panel or with a plate thereof, particularly is directly engaged with the panel or a plate thereof.

94. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the second conduction ele- ment is engaged with the panel or with a plate thereof, particularly is directly engaged with the panel or with a plate thereof.

95. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one arrangement for the connection to an electrical load comprises a USB port or an analogous connection element, for example an element using data.

96. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the first electric polarity is a positive electric polarity.

97. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the second electric polarity is a negative electric polarity.

98. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit has a number N of conductive tracks associated to the first polarity and a same number N of conductive tracks associated to the second polarity, N being greater than or equal to one (N > 1 ).

99. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit has a plurality of conductive tracks associated to the first polarity and a plurality of conductive tracks associated to the second polarity.

100. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said unit enables to indirectly supply the electrical load, i.e. the supply is performed by interposing said unit between the electric energy source and the electrical load (substantially, the electrical load is not directly connected to and supplied by the electric energy source, but it is connected to, and supplied by said unit).

101. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conduction element consists only of conductive portions.

102. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conduction element does not comprise both conductive portions and non-conductive portions, particularly does not comprise an alternation of conductive portions and non-conductive portions.

103. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit does not comprise a plurality of electrical loads, such as a plurality of LEDs, engaged with an upper or lower surface of said panel.

104. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is configured to retrofit existing installations/applications, for example.

105. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel is configured to operate in humid/wet environments and/or by immersion.

106. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel is a watertight panel.

107. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the degree of protection of the panel is IP68.

108. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is configured to operate in humid environments and/or by immersion. 109. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is a watertight unit.

110. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the degree of protection of the units is IP68.

111. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is compact and does not have elements forming an additional protrusion from a plan view section of the panel. METHOD OF SUPPLYING AT LEAST ONE ELECTRICAL LOAD

112. Method of supplying at least one electrical load comprising the steps of:

- predisposing at least one unit or one installation according to anyone of the preceding aspects and/or according to anyone of the attached claims,

- connecting the first conduction element to an electric energy source,

- connecting the second conduction element to an or the electrical load by said arrangement for the connection to an electrical load.

113. Aspect according to the aspect 1 12, wherein the method further comprises the step of supplying the electrical load by said unit.

114. Aspect according to the aspect 1 12 or 113, wherein connecting the first conduction element to the electric energy source comprises connecting the first conduction element to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably at opposite portions of the first conduction element or at separated conductive bodies of the first conduction element.

115. Aspect according to the aspect 1 12 or 1 13 or 1 14, wherein connecting the second conduction element to the electrical load comprises connecting the second conduction element to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably at opposite portions of the second conduction element or at separated conductive bodies of the second conduction element.

116. Aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 112 to 115, wherein the method enables to supply the electrical load without using electric cables for establishing the conduction by and/or via the panel (the conduction in the panel is only at said conductive track/s).

FURTHER ASPECTS

117. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, is not embedded in the panel.

118. Aspect according to the aspect 117, wherein the expression “not embedded in the panel” means that the electrical load/s is/are not defined between two or more plates of the unit and/or is/are not covered above and below by plates of the unit.

119. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, is not defined between two or more plates of the unit and/or is not covered above and below by plates of the unit and particularly is not in contact with plates of the unit.

120. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, is not covered both above and below by plates or other elements of the panel or of the unit.

121. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, is not in direct contact both above and below with plates (particularly respective plates) or other elements (particularly respective elements) of the panel or of the unit.

122. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, is in contact only above (i.e. preferably only at an upper surface thereof) or only below (i.e. preferably only at a lower surface thereof) with a plate or other elements of the panel or of the unit.

123. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit and/or installation and/or the panel do not comprise elements, particularly plates, which cover, or which are configured and/or destined to cover, both above and below said at least one electrical load.

124. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit does not comprise plates which cover, or which are configured and/or destined to cover, both above and below said at least one electrical load.

125. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit or the installation does not provide a plurality of electrical loads distributed on the panel and/or on a plate thereof.

126. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit or the installation provides that said at least one electrical load, particularly the plurality of electrical loads, are not sandwiched between two plates of the panel.

127. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit or the installation comprises at least one, or acts as, a Keystone wall plate, or as a plate or an electric socket, the unit or installation being configured to convey current to said at least one Keystone wall plate or plate or electric socket.

128. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the installation comprises a fitting configured to fit the panel to a wall, the panel being engaged or engageable (particularly at an end thereof) with said fitting.

129. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the unit is configured to house the electrical load at least in an operative condition wherein the electrical load is supplied or can be supplied by said unit.

130. Aspect according to the aspect 129, wherein the panel does not comprise elements, particularly plates, configured and/or destined to cover, in said operative condition, both above and below said at least one electrical load.

131. Aspect according to the aspect 127 or 128 or 129 or 130, wherein:

- said at least one electrical load is associated to said at least one Keystone wall plate or plate or electric socket,

- the unit or installation comprises also a switch associated to said at least one Keystone wall plate or plate or electric socket, the switch being configured to operate on, particularly to turn on and turn off, said at least one electrical load.

132. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein each conductive track develops for a prevalent portion defined between said ends, said at least one electrical load, particularly each electrical load, is not engaged with said at least one conductive track along the prevalent portion thereof.

133. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein said at least one electrical load, particularly each electrical load, is engaged with a respective conductive track only at an end of the conductive track.

134. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the plates of the panel are neither configured nor destined to cover both above and below said at least one electrical load.

135. Aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the panel does not comprise element, particularly plates, covering both above and below said at least one electrical load.

Conventions and definitions

It is observed that in the following detailed description corresponding parts/components/elements are indicated by the same numeral references. Figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not to scale representations; consequently, parts/components/elements illustrated in the attached figures and regarding the object of the invention could only refer to schematic representations.

In the context of the present discussion, unless otherwise stated, parts/components/elements can be indicated as coupled, engaged, linked, connected and/or joined together. The terms “coupled”, “engaged”, “linked”, “connected” and/or “joined”, as herein given, are used to indicate a direct connection between two or more parts/components/elements or, as suitable, an indirect connection between said parts/components/elements; the indirect connection can be for example made by one or more further intermediate parts/components/elements. Consequently, the terms “connection”, “connected” and similar to the beforehand cited ones do not necessarily imply a direct contact between the two or more elements. On the contrary, when parts/components/elements are specifically indicated as “directly coupled”, “directly engaged”, “directly linked”, “directly connected” and/or “directly joined” to another component, this means intermediate parts/components/elements are not present or provided. Moreover, the components which are coupled, attached, connected and/or joined together are not necessarily reversibly or permanently fixed to each other. The same is true with reference to coupling, engaging, linking, connecting and/or joining steps, which can comprise the placement, positioning and/or arrangement of the components by a direct connection to each other or by a connection to each other through one or more intermediate parts/components/elements. As suitable and technically pos- sible, the (direct or indirect) connection among parts/components/elements can be of a cabled or not cabled type; with reference to indirect connection, if it is of a cabled type, it can provide one or more cabled intermediate parts/components/elements, while if it is not of a cabled type, it can provide one or more parts/components/elements wirelessly communicating.

In the context of the present discussion, using terms such as “on”, “upper”, “above”, “under”, “bottom”, “below”, “flanked”, “lateral”, “laterally”, “inner”, “inside”, “outer”, “outside”, “horizontal”, “horizontally”, “vertical”, “vertically”, “front”, “forward”, “back”, “rearward”, “right”, “left”, similar terms and respective variants refers, except for specific different indications, to at least one spatial orientation the object of the invention can take in condition of use (for example, see one or more of the attached figures). For example, if the panel and/or plate are in vertical position, the prevalent surfaces of the panel and/or plate can be front and rear surfaces, while when the panel and/or plate are in a vertical position, the prevalent surfaces of the panel and/or plate can be upper and/or lower surfaces. Consequently, when in the following the terms “upper”, “lower”, and derived terms thereof or other terms such as the beforehand cited ones are used for the sake of simplicity, they can be exchanged and/or interpreted also as “front”, “rear”, in dependence of the orientation of the panel of the unit according to the invention.

Except for specific different indications, the terms “condition” or “configuration” can be interchangeably used in the context of the present discussion.

In the context of the present discussion, one or more of the following definitions and conventions can be applied, when required and unless otherwise indicated and/or unless the context excludes them:

- “unit for supplying at least one electrical load” or “supply unit for at least one electrical load” or similar expressions appliable to the object of the invention, mean a device configured to electrically supply at least one electrical load; it is to be noted that the device comprises a determined compact assembly of components as detailed in the attached claims;

- “operative conditions” of the supply unit mean conditions in which the unit is connected both to the electric energy source and to at least one electrical load to be supplied; preferably, in operative conditions the unit supplies said at least one electrical load;

- “conductive”, “conduction”, “to conduct”, “to supply”, “supply” and similar terms having electric implications, respectively mean “electrically conductive”, “electric conduction”, “to electrically conduct”, “to electrically supply”, “electrical supply”, etcetera;

- “bar” means an elongated element, i.e. having a length greater than its width, particularly with a length which is at least 2 or 3 or 4 times its width. The length of a bar (or generally of an elongated element) can be at least of an order of magnitude greater than its width (see Figure 1);

- “segment” means an element without an elongated shape, i.e. an element provided with a limited length (an element which is not particularly elongated); it should be understood in a relative way, so that the length of the segment is less than the length of a bar or an elongated element. It should be considered that also a segment, analogously to an elongated element, can have a length greater than its width, however the length/width ratio thereof being less than the length/width ratio of the elongated element;

- “first conduction element” and “second conduction element” mean conductive elements apt to provide an electrical supply, each of them can consist of one or more conductive bars (busbars) or of one or more conductive segments (substantially each conduction element can be formed by a single body or by a plurality of bodies separated from each other), preferably by a single conductive bar (see Figure 1) or by a single conductive segment (see Figure 12B); in operative conditions, the first conduction element is supplied by the electric energy source and transmits current, by one or more conductive tracks, to the second conduction element, which in turn supplies the electrical load. In the present text, “conduction element” can be interchangeably defined also as “supply element” because it has a supply function. In the present context, in any case, the term “conduction/supply element” does not mean an electric energy source (which is a component separated from the conduction elements; see the following);

- “electric energy source” means a source configured to supply electric energy, as voltage and/or current, to the first conduction element. The term “electric energy source” is a synonym of “electrical supply source”. In operative conditions, the electric energy source is connected to the first conduction element. Examples of electric energy source are: a power supply, a battery, a power grid, etcetera;

- “transparent” means “optically transparent”; therefore, when a material or component is defined as “transparent” it means a material is apt to be passed through by, i.e. to transmit, most of the light which is incident to it, and which reflects a small amount. Therefore, the term “transparent” should be understood according to its conventional meaning;

- when needed and with reference to the conduction elements of a same unit, the expression “are arranged at or in proximity of distinct edges of the panel” can be interchanged with, and it means that, “they are not located at or in proximity of a same edge of the panel”;

- the expression “said/at least one” can be interchanged with “each”;

- “pendent” means “suspended”; a pendent installation is therefore an installation which can be suspended (for example can hang from a ceiling) by at least one suspension element.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to better comprehend the invention and appreciate the advantages, some embodiments thereof will be described in an exemplifying and non-limiting way with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a unit for supplying an electrical load according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the unit of Figure 1 in operative conditions, wherein it is connected to an electrical load (on the left in the figure) and to an electric energy source (on the right in the figure). Therefore, Figure 2 illustrates an installation according to the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates an installation according to an embodiment of the invention provided with two units, also according to the invention;

Figure 3A shows the cross-section obtained at a command member (button) along the sectional plane 3A-3A illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 4 illustrates an installation, according to an embodiment of the invention provided with a first and second units, also according to the invention, arranged orthogonally and electrically connected to each other;

Figure 5 illustrates a pendent installation, according to an embodiment of the invention, provided with a pair of suspension elements which are apt to hold a unit according to the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a pendent installation, according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising a plurality of adjacent supply units, each of them being provided with a respective suspension element;

Figure 7 illustrates a table lamp or ground lamp comprising a unit according to the invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a lighting rosette comprising a pair of units according to the invention; the lighting rosette can be used as a table by turning it upside down (with respect to the orientation shown in Figure 8);

Figure 9 shows a display case implementing two units according to the invention; conductive tracks supplying electrical loads (a command member and a lighting element) are shown; it is observed that the conductive tracks are defined at the lid of the display case, at the lateral wall which the lid is hinged to and at the unit arranged astride the axis of the hinge;

Figure 9A shows the cross-section made along the sectional plane 9A-9A illustrated in Figure 9; an electrical load (lighting element) engaged with a duct is visible in the cross-section;

Figure 10 illustrates a lighting installation destined to be fixed to a wall and comprising a pair of units according to the invention;

Figure 1 1 shows a table or ground lamp comprising units according to the invention, the conductive tracks thereof being destined to supply the turn on/off button of the table or ground lamp and/or of the lighting element;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of an installation (sign) according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising three lighting elements respectively shown, in an exemplifying and nonlimiting way, shaped as letters “L”, “E”, and “D” and an elongated supply element implementing a unit according to the invention;

Figure 12A shows the installation of Figure 12 in assembled conditions;

Figure 12B is a more detailed view of the elongated supply element of Figure 12 and its electrical connections/components;

Figure 13A illustrates a front view of units for supplying an electrical load according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the supply elements are in the shape of segments; the segments of the first conduction element are arranged at a first edge of the panel, while the segments of the second conduction element are arranged in proximity of a second edge of the panel which is opposite to the first edge;

Figure 13B is a rear view of the unit of Figure 13A;

Figure 13C shows a variant of the embodiment of Figures 13A and 13B, wherein it is provided a connection to an electrical load (switch 52’) at a central portion of the panel and where it is provided a fitting to be mounted to a wall.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

Unit for supplying at least one electrical load

A unit according to the invention is generally indicated by the numeral reference 1 in the figures. The unit 1 according to the invention is configured, devised and destined to supply at least one electrical load 50. Preferably, the unit is configured to supply an electrical load 50 at a low or extra-low DC voltage (for example it is supplied at 12 V _D c or 24 V _D c or 48 V _D c, wherein DC means Direct Current). It is worth noting that supplying a load at a low or extra-low voltage enables to ensure an optimal safety of the unit 1 . Moreover, by selecting a suitable voltage such as the just cited ones, it is possible to prevent the unit 1 from heating. However, it is not excluded the application of the invention to DC or AC voltages greater than the indicated ones.

The electrical load 50 suppliable by the unit, can be of different types; as illustrated in the attached figures, it can be or provide one or more lighting elements 51 (for example, of the LED type) and/or a command member 52, 52’ (such as a button 52 or a switch 52’ of other type, see Figures 3, 9 and 11) operating on the unit 1 and apt to manage, particularly turn off/turn on, one or more electrical connections of the unit. Generally, any type of electrical load to be supplied can be provided, preferably any electrical load configured to be supplied at a low or extra-low voltage.

As illustrated in the attached figures, the electrical load 50, particularly the lighting element 51 , is not covered both above and below, for example by plates 3, 4 or other elements of the panel 2 or of the unit 1 ; such arrangement can be applied both to the unit 1 and installation 100 which will be described in the following. Preferably, the electrical load 50, particularly the lighting element 51 , is not in direct contact both above and below with respective plates 3, 4 or with respective other elements of the unit 1. In the embodiments providing a plurality of electrical loads 50 or lighting elements 51 (for example of the LED type), such arrangements wherein the electrical load 50 or lighting element 51 is not covered both above and below by and/or is not in direct contact both above and below with respective plates 3, 4 or other elements, can be applied to each electrical load 50 and/or to each lighting element 51 of the unit 1. Each of such arrangements of the electrical load 50 and/or of the lighting elements 51 is advantageous because makes easier their substitution and their access and control. The unit 1 comprises a substantially transparent panel 2 delimited by a plurality of edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The transparency of the panel 2 enables the visibility through it so that it is useful to make visible components/devices/systems/walls arranged behind the panel 2. Moreover, the transparency of the panel 2 also has an aesthetic/design characteristic which makes the panel particularly suitable to determined high quality or luxury applications, because the transparency makes the unit 1 aesthetically appealing. The transparency of the panel 2 is a characteristic resulting from the material forming it, which can be for example a plastic and/or polymeric transparent material or a transparent vitreous material, such as a transparent glass. As it will be more particularly seen in the following, the panel 2 is further at least partially electrically conductive; the electric conduction capability is a characteristic enabling the panel 2 to supply one or more electrical loads.

The panel 2 comprises at least one plate 3, 4 and a coating 5 applied to the plate (it is to be noted that the coating 5, in Figures 3A and 9A is schematically illustrated by a line because its thickness is much smaller than the thickness of the panel 2, for example it has an order of magnitude of micrometers). The plate 3, 4 is in turn delimited by a plurality of edges, defining the edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d of the panel 2, and has an upper surface and a lower surface; on one of said surfaces the coating 5 is applied. Both the plate 3, 4 and the coating 5 are substantially transparent.

The plate 3, 4 can be in single plastic and/or polymeric transparent material or in a vitreous transparent material, particularly transparent glass. It is observed that the panel 2 can comprise two or more plates 3, 4 coupled to each other (see Figures 3A and 9A). Coupling a second plate 4 to a first plate 3, which the coating 5 was beforehand applied to, prevents the coating 5 from oxidizing (antioxidant function of the second plate 4). Moreover, it is observed that coupling a second plate 4 to a first plate 3 can be made by using an adhesive and/or gluing substance, preferably by a glue. The preferred embodiments of the invention provide a panel 2 having at least two plates 3, 4, particularly only two plates 3, 4, among which the coating 5 is arranged. Preferably, the panel 2 is therefore a layered panel, wherein each plate 3, 4 forms a layer of the panel 2. In the embodiments where several plates 3, 4 are provided, for example two plates 3, 4, the characteristics hereinbefore or hereinafter described with reference to a plate, can be applied to each plate 3, 4. The plates 3, 4 have preferably the same dimensions, particularly with reference to the plan view cross-section (width and length) and optionally have the same thickness.

As illustrated in the attached figures, the prevalent part of the plate 3, 4 and therefore of the panel 2 are devoid of non-transparent covering elements (among which, electrical loads 50); this enables to maximize the transparency characteristic of the panel 2. Particularly, also in embodiments wherein an electrical load 50 is predisposed to partially cover the upper and/or lower surfaces of the panel 2, it does not cover a prevalent part of the upper or lower surface of the transparent panel 2. Particularly, the electrical load/s 50 covers/cover at most 10% or 7% or 5% or 3% of the upper or lower surface of the panel 2 and preferably cover/s less than 5% or 3% of the upper or lower surface of the panel 2. Preferably, the invention does not provide a plurality of electrical loads distributed on the panel 2.

As illustrated in the attached figures, it is to be noted that the panel 2 does not comprise elements neither configured nor destined to cover both above and below the electrical load 50 or electrical loads 50. Particularly, it is to be noted that the plates 3, 4 of the panel 2 are neither configured nor destined to cover both above and below the electrical load 50 or the electrical loads 50. Therefore, the invention preferably provides that the electrical load 50 or the electrical loads 50 are uncovered at least at one upper surface thereof or at one lower surface thereof, so that they are not arranged as a sandwich between two or more plates 3, 4. Arranging the electrical load 50, particularly the lighting elements 51 , to be uncovered both above and below by the plates 3, 4 makes easier the substitution (for example for a maintenance and/or failure) and makes easy the access and control.

The coating 5 is electrically conductive; such property of the coating 5 enables the panel to supply at least one electrical load 50. The techniques for applying the coating 5 to the plate are per se known.

Moreover, the unit comprises at least one first conduction element 7 and a second conduction element 8. As illustrated in the attached figures, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are arranged at or in proximity of distinct edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d of the panel 2. After all, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are distanced from each other so that they do not develop at or in proximity of a same edge 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d of the panel 2. Preferably, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are arranged at or in proximity of opposite edges of the panel 2; see for example Figure 1 where the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are respectively arranged at the pair of opposite edges 2d, 2b of Figure 5 where the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are respectively placed at the pair of opposite edges 2c, 2a. The first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are engaged with the panel at a same face/surface of the panel 2 or at a plate 3,4 forming it. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the panel 2 comprises two plates 3, 4 and the coating 5 is arranged between them, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are placed at least partially between the plates 3, 4; such arrangement of the conduction elements 7, 8 enables them to be in contact with the coating 5 and therefore with the conductive tracks 9, which will be detailed in the following, for enabling the electric continuity (current conduction). In some embodiments, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are specularly arranged on the panel 2. Particularly, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the conduction elements 7, 8 can be specular to a symmetry plane crossing the centerline of the length of the panel 2.

Each conduction element 7, 8 is arranged to be associated to at least one between a first electric polarity (positive electric polarity) and a second electric polarity (positive electric polarity). Preferably (for example see Figure 1 and Figure 2 where the positive and negative electric polarities are respectively indicated by “+” and each conduction element 7, 8 is arranged to be associated both to the first electric polarity and to the second electric polarity.

The difference between the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 is of a functional type and consists of their operative connection; indeed, in operative conditions, the first conduction element 7 is connected to an electric energy source 21 and the second conduction element 8 is connected to the electrical load 50. To this end, see Figures 2 and 3, illustrating the unit 1 in operative conditions. From the structural point of view, the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 can be substantially similar or corresponding or identical or specular; Figure 1 shows, for example, structurally identical conduction elements 7, 8. In other embodiments, the conduction elements 7, 8 could be dimensionally different, for example in terms of length and/or in terms of trend (shape).

As illustrated in the attached figures (for example, see Figures 1 and 2), each conduction element 7, 8 can develop along a main development direction and can exhibit an elongated shape. In alternative embodiments, each conduction element 7, 8 can have any development, for example a trend having a plurality of trend directions, such as a trend formed by a polygonal line and/or a shaped trend which does not develop along a single development direction.

Each conduction element 7, 8, or only one between the first and second conduction elements 7, 8, can be formed by a single conductive body 7’, 8’ or by a plurality of conductive bodies 7”, 8”. Particularly, each conductive body 7, 8 can be a conductive bar or a conductive segment. Substantially, at least one or each conduction element 7, 8 can be in one piece (for example, see Figures 1 and 2) or can be formed by a plurality of segments 7”, 8” distanced from each other but developing anyway in proximity of or at distinct edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d or the panel 2 (see the panel at the left top in Figure 3, where each conduction element 7, 8 is formed by a plurality of segments 7”, 8”). Figure 13A shows a unit wherein both the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 are formed by two segments 7”, 8”; the segments 7” are distanced from the segments 8”. The segments 7” are arranged at the body 2c of the panel 2, while the segments 8” are arranged in proximity of the edge 2a (curvilinear edge) of the panel 2, which is opposite to the edge 2c, and in proximity of a portion (lower portion, with reference to the orientation of Figure 13A) of the lateral edges 2b and 2b of the panel 2 distanced from the edge 2c. The two segments 7” are close to each other, as the two segments 8” are close to each other.

In summary, at least one conduction element 7, 8, particularly both the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 can be made in one elongated piece 7’, 8’ (i.e. it can be made in a conductive bar 7’, 8’ - see, for example, Figure 1 ) or in one piece 7”, 8” having a limited length (see Figure 12B) or can be formed by a plurality of segments 7”, 8” having a limited length (for example, see Figures 3, 4, 5, 13A, and 13B). The concept of a “limited length” is relative and therefore it should be understood with reference to the concept of “elongated element” (a segment 7”, 8” has a length less than an elongated element 7’, 8’ such as a bar); to this end, see the section regarding the conventions and definitions. Typically, a determined number of first conduction elements 7, 8 (or the bodies 7’, 8’, 7”, 8” thereof) is matched by a same number of second conduction elements (or the bodies 7’, 8’, 7”, 8” thereof); for example see Figure 1 where a first conduction element 7 is matched by a second conduction element 8 or the panel at the left top of Figure 3 where three segments 7” of the first conduction element 7 are matched by three segments 8” of the second conduction element 8 or Figures 13A and 13B where two segments 7” of the first conduction element 7 are matched by two segments 8” of the second conduction element 8. In other embodiments, a determined number of first conduction elements 7 (or the bodies 7’, 7” thereof) is matched by a different number of second conduction elements 8 (or by the bodies 8’, 8” thereof); see for example the panel 2 at the right in Figure 3 where each of the two segments 7” of the first conduction element 7 arranged on the left edge 2b of said panel 2 is matched by two respective segments 8” of the second conduction element 8 arranged on the right edge 2d of said panel 2, for a total amount of two segments 7” of first conduction element 7 and of four segments 8” of second conduction element 8. To this end, see moreover the panel 2 of Figure 13C where two segments 7” of the first conduction element 7 are matched by two pairs of segments 8”.

Referring back to the coating 5, it is necessary to note that a plurality of discontinuities 5’ delimiting one or more conductive tracks 9, are made on the former. More particularly, each conductive track 9 is defined between adjacent or consecutive discontinuities 5’. Each conductive track is associated, by the coating, which it is defined on, to an upper or lower surface of the panel 2 or of a plate 3, 4 of the panel 2. As illustrated in the attached figures, each conductive track 9 develops between the first conduction element 7 and the second conduction element 8 and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the first and second conduction elements 7, 8. One or more conductive tracks 9, optionally each conductive track 9, is therefore configured to electrically supply, or to contribute to the electrical supply of, the electrical load 50 in operative conditions of the unit 1. Preferably, at least two conductive tracks 9 are provided, one for the positive polarity and one for the negative polarity. Each conductive track 9 exhibits at least one attachment portion 9a, i.e. a portion at which it is connected to the first conduction element 7, and at least one outlet portion 9b, i.e. a portion at which it is connected to the second conduction element 8 (see Figure 12B). With reference to the development of the conductive track 9, the attachment portion 9a is opposite to the outlet portion 9b. In some embodiments, each conductive track 9 can have only one attachment portion 9a and a plurality of outlet portions 9b; to this end, see the unit 1 at right in Figure 3, wherein each conductive track 9 has only one attachment portion 9a and two outlet portions 9b. It is to be noted that non-conductive, coated or uncoated portions 10 can be provided; coated non-conductive portions 10 are illustratively shown in Figure 1 .

As it will be more particularly shown with reference to the incisions, each discontinuity 5’ can correspond to a local absence of the coating 5, apt to locally interrupt the electric conduction of the coating 5. The coating 5 preferably has at least two pairs of discontinuities 5’, where- in each pair of discontinuities delimits a respective conductive track 9. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , wherein the unit 1 is specular with respect to two symmetry planes which cross respective centerlines of the panel 2 (the centerline of its length and the centerline of its width, wherein the length and width of the panel can be identified respectively as the horizontal and vertical dimensions in Figure 1) four discontinuities 5’ in the upper portion of the panel 2 and four specular discontinuities 5’ in the lower portion of the panel 2 are provided; each group of four discontinuities 5’ delimits respectively three conductive tracks 9.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the discontinuities are in the shape of incisions 5’. Substantially, each incision 5’ is a local absence of the coating 5; since the conductive coating 5 is absent, the incision 5’ enables to locally interrupt the electric conduction of the coating 5, concentrating it in the coating 5 portion defined between adjacent incisions 5’. In other words, with reference to adjacent conductive tracks 9 separated by an incision 5’, the current does not flow from a conductive track 9 to the adjacent conductive track 9 due to the physical separation determined by the incision 5’ defined between them.

The discontinuities 5’, particularly the incisions, can be made by laser after coupling the coating 5 to the plate 3, 4; this operation can therefore provide to laser etch the coating 5 coupled to the plate 3, 4.

With reference to Figure 1 , it is shown a unit 1 wherein both the first and second conductive elements 7, 8 are formed by a single respective elongated conductive body 7’, 8’ (a respective conductive bar), while in the panels 2 of Figure 3, first and second conduction elements 7, 8 respectively formed by a plurality of conductive bodies 7”, 8” (conductive segments) are shown. More particularly, the panel at the left of Figure 3, implements a unit 1 provided with a first conduction element 7 which comprises five conductive bodies 7” supplying two electrical load 52, 52’ (a button 52 and a switch 52’) and an arrangement 11 (a USB port) for the connection to an electrical load and provided with a second conduction element 8 which comprises five respective conductive bodies 8”; to the button 52 and to the USB port 11 are associated, by two respective conductive tracks 9, two conductive bodies 7” of the first conduction element 7 and two corresponding conductive bodies 8” of the second conduction element 8, while to the switch 52’ are associated, by a conductive track 9, a conductive body 7” of the first conduction element 7 and a conductive body 8” of the second conduction element 8. To the panel at the right in Figure 3, are associated two conductive bodies 7” forming the first conduction element 7; each conductive body 7” is associated, by a respective conductive track 9 splitting in two branches, to a respective pair of conductive bodies 8” forming the second conduction element 8 (to each branch of the conductive track 9 is connected a respective conductive body 8”, for a total amount of four conductive bodies 8” of the second conduction element 8); downstream the second conduction element 8, arrangements 78 for the connection to a pair of electrical loads 50 are shown, wherein the ondulated continuous lines schematically illustrate electric cables 77, which are just an example of possible modes of connection 78 to an electrical load 50. The arrangement 78 can comprise flexible electric cables 77 and/or stiff elements. In the following, more details will be given.

With reference to the segments 7”, 8”, it is worth noting that each segment 7”, 8” can be as long as the width of one or more conductive tracks 9 which it is connected to or can have a dimension greater than it/them or can have a dimension smaller than it/them (see Figures 13A and 13B). It is to be noted that some figures schematically show the conduction elements 7, 8; for example, the figures show schematic illustrations wherein, in some cases, the conduction elements 7, 8 or the segments 7”, 8” thereof are longer than the width of the corresponding conductive track 9 (see Figures 7, 8, 10, 11), this characteristic does not want to be a limitation of the length of the conduction elements 7, 8 and of the segments 7”, 8” thereof. Moreover, the conduction elements 7, 8 or the segments 7”, 8” thereof are sometimes illustrated as provided with a determined depth (for example, see Figures 7, 8 and 11); it is to be noted that such illustrations are absolutely schematic and are not indicative of the real thickness of the conduction elements 7, 8 or of the segments 7”, 8” thereof, because they preferably have a limited thickness; they can be for example formed by sheets, therefore by thin or relatively thin elements. Figures 7, 8 and 11 are used to illustrate that the conduction elements 7, 8 can be integrated (housed) in other elements of an installation 100, such as a base or an upper portion.

As beforehand anticipated, preferably the unit 1 comprises at least one arrangement 11 , 78 to be connected to an electrical load 50, said arrangement 11 , 78 is associated to the panel 2 and establishes an electrical connection with the second conduction element 8. The arrangement 11 , 78 to be connected to the electrical load 50 can be and/or provide, a USB port 11 and/or a data connection, or one or more cables 77 (see Figure 3), a socket or any other component/connection/attachment apt to electrically connect an electrical load 50 to the second conduction element 8 in order to supply the electrical load 50.

Preferably, the unit 1 does not provide visible cables. If the unit 1 does not provide visible cables, the cables can be completely absent or can be directly visible (“hidden” cables). For example, the cables can be housed inside suitable ducts 79 (for example, see Figure 9A, wherein the sectioned component provided with a sloped wall is a duct) or other containment bodies suitably arranged for limiting o almost eliminating their visibility, therefore without compromising the transparency of the unit 1 .

Moreover, the unit 1 can comprise further components, in dependence of the specific application and/or design choices. For example, Figure 3 shows that the unit 1 can comprise ele- ments/boards, such as control elements/boards. More particularly, Figure 3 illustrates that upstream the panel 2, it is possible to provide a relay board or dimmer board 80 or DALI board (upstream the button 52) to which an electric cable 5T (for example, a LED or ON/OFF type lighting element), a control board 81 (a 12/24 V board, upstream the switch 52’) can be connected. The touch metal switch 52’ can be configured to manage the supply or interruption of the supply to the right unit 1 . The unit 1 can comprise, and/or can interface with, one or more domotics systems. With reference to Figure 3, the element indicated by 81 can be a board suitable to manage the domotics and the element indicated by 52’ could be a command input delivering a data signal to the board 81 , which indexes the data signal. In such installation 100, a plurality of electrical loads 50 can be provided, each of them is associated to a unique IP address; the domotics system, by the data signal, can manage the commands to the IP addresses and therefore can in this way manage the electrical loads 50 (for example, lighting elements 51 ). In such an embodiment, it is not required a dedicated switch because the board 81 commands the activa- tion/deactivation of each electrical load 50 (with the possibility to command by a computer). All the electrical loads 50 can be connected to a same data bus line. Despite the possibility of providing a single data bus, by the IP addresses associated to the electrical loads it is possible to supply a determined electrical load 50 or a subset of the plurality of electrical loads 50. The domotics signal (apt to enable to manage a data signal) can be for example provided by one among: a “DALI” system, a “Konnex” (KNX) system or a “1-10V” system.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the unit 1 is preferably a watertight unit. Particularly, the unit 1 can be configured to operate in humid/wet environments and/or by immersion (underwater applications). In the preferred embodiment, wherein the panel 2 is layered and provides at least two plates 3, 4, the unit 1 is configured to prevent water from entering between the two plates 3, 4, in order to ensure the electric conduction at the coating 5 and consequently of the conductive tracks 9. The degree of protection of the unit 1 can be IP68; therefore, it can be used in a humid/wet environment or by immersion. For example, the unit 1 can be used in humid/wet environments without the risk of oxidation (therefore without the risk of forming rust in the metal components); the unit 1 can be therefore used in external environments, which are subjected to humidity.

In some embodiments, the unit 1 is configured to enable the flow of current astride an element forming a continuity solution, for example a continuity solution between surfaces, such as a hinge. To this end, see Figure 9, which illustrates a display case 100 wherein a unit 1 is arranged astride the axis of a hinge and is configured to conduct current between the first and second conduction elements 7, 8 due to the conductive track 9 which develops astride the axis of a hinge. Said unit 1 can comprise two panels 2 apt to rotate with respect to each other or an articulated panel, wherein the panel comprises two rotatable portions due to a mechanical and/electric joint (for example, a ribbon cable or flat cable). Preferably, said unit does not form the hinge between the lid 101 and the wall 102 of the display case 100 (the unit 1 is not apt to support the weight); the component acting as a hinge is not shown in Figure 9. As in the embodiment of Figure 9 (wherein the unit 1 is not a weight supporting structural element), generally the unit 1 can be applied also to display cases or other existing systems (retrofitting) in order to provide electric properties to said systems and to therefore enable to supply one or more electrical loads 50. A touch metal type switch 52’ is provided on the lid 101 ; however, instead of the switch 52’, an electric different load 50 (for example a lighting element 51 ) can be provided on the lid 101 ; in this case, two units 1 of the just described type can be provided astride the axis of a hinge (for example, parallel at each other), each of them comprises a respective conductive track 9 destined to be connected to a respective electric polarity.

As illustrated in Figure 9, where the just described unit 1 is applied astride the lid 101 and the adjacent wall 102 which the lid is hinged to, where the lid 101 and wall 102 are both transparent, it should be considered that the unit 1 can be applied to any transparent flat surface.

Use

Moreover, the invention refers to a use of the beforehand described unit 1 for supplying at least one electrical load 50. As beforehand said, the unit 1 can be used in humid or wet environments or by immersion (underwater use).

The unit 1 for supplying an electrical load 50 is suitable to be used both for new installa- tions/applications and also for retrofitting existing installations/applications, particularly for avoiding brickworks. Illustratively, it is worth noting that the retrofit can be for example performed any time someone desires to substitute an existing supply mode of an electrical load 50 with the unit 1 according to the invention, updating in this way the supply of the electrical load 50, improving the electric performance of the obtained installation 100 and/or providing aesthetic quality to the installation 100.

Installation

Moreover, the invention refers to an installation 100 comprising a unit 1 of the beforehand described type and at least one electrical load 50 to be supplied.

The installation 100 is associated to an electric energy source 21 suitable to supply the unit 1 . In operative conditions, the electric energy source 21 is connected to the first conduction element 7 of the unit 1 . Optionally, the installation 100 comprises the electric energy source 21 , for example when this one is implemented by a power supply or a battery.

The installation can comprise a single unit 1 or a plurality of units T, 1 ”. With reference to some embodiments, the installation can comprise a first unit T and a second unit 1”, wherein the first unit T is interposed between the electric energy source 21 and the second unit 1”, while the second unit 1” is interposed between the first unit T and the at least one electrical load 50. Therefore, the first unit T is electrically connected to the electric energy source 21 and the second unit 1 ” and enables to supply the second unit 1” while the second unit 1”, which is electrically connected to the first unit T and to the at least one electrical load 50, enables to supply the electrical load 50. The electrical connections of an installation 100 made in this way can be therefore the following:

- the at least one first conduction element 7 of the panel 2’ of the first unit T is suitable to establish an electric continuity with the electric energy source 21 , - the one or more conductive tracks 9 associated to the panel 2’ of the first unit 1 ’ enable the electric continuity (current conduction) from the at least one first conduction element 7 associated to the panel 2’ of the first unit 1 ’ to the at least one second conduction element 8 associated to the panel 2’ of the first unit 1

- the at least one second conduction element 8 associated to the panel 2’ of the first unit 1 ’ is electrically associated to, particularly establishes an electric continuity with, the at least one first conduction element 7 associated to the panel 2” of the second unit 1”,

- the one or more conductive tracks 9 associated to the panel 2” of the second unit 1 ” enable the electric continuity (current conduction) from the at least one first conduction element 7 of the panel 2” of the second unit 1 ” to the at least one second conduction element 8 associated to the panel 2” of the second unit 1”,

- the at least one second conduction element 8 associated to the panel 2” of the second unit 1 ” is connected to the electrical load 50 in order to be capable of supplying it.

An installation 100 made in this way which comprises both a first and second units 1 ’, 1” is illustrated in Figure 4. The installation of Figure 4 comprises a base 103 and a wall 104 transversal to the base 103; the wall 104 and base 103 comprise a respective panel 2’, 2”. More particularly, the base 103 and the wall 104 comprise and implement a respective unit T, 1” according to the invention and are electrically connected to each other by the conduction elements 7 (segments 7”), 8 (segments 8”) of said units T, 1 ”. The first unit T therefore consists of the base 103 and the second unit 1 ” consists of the transversal wall 104.

Generally, in the embodiment of Figure 4 as also in other embodiments, the first unit T is connected to an electric energy source 21 and therefore acts as an electric energy source for the second unit 1 ”, while the second unit 1 ” is connected to the electrical load 50 to be supplied; it is understood that such modes of connection can be made, when required also by more than two units 1 , T, 1 ”, for example by providing one or more intermediate units 1 interposed between the first and second units T, 1”.

As beforehand introduced, the installation 100 can comprise a domotics system, for example of the beforehand described type.

Other examples of installation 100 according to the invention are the following: installations provided with one or more command members 52, 52’ (see Figure 3 and Figure 9), installations provided with a base 103 (see Figure 4), pending installations (see Figures 5 and 6), table or ground lamps (see Figures 7 and 11), rosettes for lighting and/or tables (see Figure 8), display cases (see Figure 9) or other display installations, lighting installations destined to be fixed to a wall (see Figure 10), installations provided with a supply elongated element implementing a unit 1 according to the invention (see Figure 12). Some details regarding said installations will follow.

The installation 100 of Figure 3 provides a first panel (left panel) provided with a button 52, a USB port 11 and a touch metal type switch 52’ (in figure, from left to right). The button 52 and the switch 52’ are types of command members; as illustrated in Figure 3, in order to supply the button two conductive tracks 9 are required, while for supplying the touch metal type switch 52, one conduction track 9 is sufficient. Figure 3A shows a section made at the button 52, illustrating how it can be received inside a housing 34 provided by two plates 3, 4 forming the panel 2 which is through with respect to both; in other embodiments, the button 52 can be received in a housing 34 being through only with respect to one of the two plates 3, 4. Also the embodiments of Figures 13A and 13B show a panel 2 provided with a housing 34 which is through with respect to the two plates 3, 4 forming the panel 2.

With reference to Figure 4, the illustrated installation 100 is suitable to be installed, due to the provision of a base 103, on a horizontal surface, for example a floor.

Figure 5 illustrates a pending installation 100 provided with a pair of suspension elements

105 which are apt to support a unit 1 according to the invention. The suspension elements 105 can house supply cables which connect an electric energy source (not shown in Figure 5) to the first conduction element 7, which consists of two conductive bodies 7”.

Figure 6 illustrates a pending installation 100, according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising a plurality of adjacent supply units 1 , each of them being provided with a respective suspension element 105. The suspension elements 105 can house supply cables connected to the first conduction element 7.

Figures 7 and 11 show table or ground lamps (in dependence of their height, for example given by the length of the support holding the one or more lighting elements 51 ) 100; the lamp

100 of Figure 1 1 is provided with a button 52 apt to turn on/turn off the lighting element 51. In Figure 1 1 , the button 52 is illustrated at an upper portion of the installation 100; it is understood that in other embodiments, it can be provided on the support holding the one or more lighting elements 51 or on the lower portion (base) of the lamp 100.

Figure 8 shows an installation 100 configured to operate according to a double use; with the orientation of Figure 8 it acts as a lighting rosette, while when it is upside down, it acts as a table or ground, the abutment surface thereof being the lower surface of the rosette.

The display case 100 of Figure 9 is apt to contain, by keeping visible, a display element

106 arranged inside a volume delimited by a lid 101 and by a plurality of lateral walls, the lid

101 being hinged to one of them (wall 102). The display case 100 is provided with a lighting element 51 arranged at an edge of the panel 2, 102 which supplies it; the detail of Figure 9A illustrates both the lighting element 51 , which can be of the LED type, and the duct 79, which can be used for further not illustrated lighting elements.

The installation 100 of Figure 10 is suitable to be installed on a wall and comprises two units 1 placed at respective supports 108 apt to install the installation to a wall and two lighting elements 51 , each of them being connected to and supplied by a respective unit 1. The lighting elements 51 are embedded in a same cylindrical element 109; it is understood that in other embodiments, the shape of said element 109 can be different from the cylindrical one. The supports 108 are apt to be installed on a wall by a plate 110. The first conduction element 7 of each unit 1 is arranged behind the plate 110, while the second conduction element 8 of each unit 1 is embedded in the cylindrical element 109.

With reference to the installation of Figure 12, it is substantially a sign 100 provided with three lighting elements 51 supplied by an elongated transparent supply element 111 which comprises and implements a unit 1 ; it is understood that, in other embodiments, the lighting elements 51 can be in a different number and/or they can consist of any other electrical load 50. Substantially, due to the provision of a unit 1 according to the invention by the elongated supply element 111 , the supply elongated element 111 enables to supply electrical loads 50 arranged at a determined distance from an electric energy source 21 . The elongated supply element 111 therefore acts as a transparent “extension” apt to convey current, to a desired distance from an electric energy source 21 , i.e. where the current is required to operate one or more electrical loads 50. Referring again to the specificity of the embodiment of Figure 12, the electrical loads 50 are three lighting elements 51 respectively shown, in an exemplifying and non-limiting way, in the shape of letters “L”, “E”, and “D”; it is understood that they can be shaped differently. Figure 12 schematically shows the three pairs of conductive bodies 8” forming the second conduction element 8 (assembled as shown in Figure 12A); the electric components of the unit 1 are more particularly illustrated in Figure 12B. Figure 12B shows a first conduction element 7 comprising two conductive bodies 7” (two segments) opposite to each other at a central portion of the elongated supply element 111 ; an attachment portion 9a of the conductive track 9 extends from each conductive body 7”, the attachment portion then splits in three branches, each of them is terminated by a respective outlet portion 9b engaged with a conductive body 8” of the second conduction element 8. With reference to the orientation of the elongated supply element 111 of Figure 12B, the upper conductive body 7” of the first conduction element 7 is associated to a positive polarity, while the lower conductive body 7” of the first conduction element 7 is associated to a negative polarity; each of said conductive bodies 7” is shown as associated to the respective polarity by a cable. It is understood that in other embodiments, the arrangement can be inverted and/or different with reference to the number and/or development of the conductive tracks or to other details. The elongated supply element 111 further comprises holes 112 apt to enable to position the sign, for example on a wall, by suitable fixing means.

With reference to the installation 100 of Figures 13A and 13B, it shows a unit 1 and two LED type lighting elements 51 ; it is understood that the LED type lighting elements 51 can be in a number different from two. It is understood that the lighting elements 51 can be replaced with one or more electrical loads 50, for example with a command member (button) 52, (switch, for example of the touch metal type) 52’. The unit 1 is configured to supply the LED type lighting elements 51. The panel 2 of the unit comprises two plates 3, 4; these are crossed by the through housing 34, which is in the shape of a through hole.

The unit 1 of Figures 13A and 13B can be part of an installation 100 comprising a fitting 121 which an end of the panel 2 is engaged with; such arrangement is shown, with reference to a variant, in Figure 13C. The fitting 121 is configured to install the unit 1 to a wall, for example made of bricks or plasterboard or other suitable material. Preferably, the fitting 121 has a housing (particularly a slit) 122 configured to receive an end of the panel 2.

Figure 13C shows a variant of the embodiment of Figures 13A and 13B, wherein it can be provided a connection to an electrical load 50 (switch 52’) also at a central portion of the panel 2. In other embodiments, such connection to an electrical load 50 can be provided at other portions of the panel 2. The switch 52’ can be used to operate the one or more lighting elements 51 or one or more other electrical loads 50 of the unit 1. The unit 1 , when is provided with a switch 52’ and when is mounted (or is configured to be mounted) to the fitting 121 , substantially performs the function of a Keystone wall plate or a plate or an electric socket.

In other embodiments, the fitting 121 can be provided independently from the presence of two arrangements for the connection to electrical loads 50 placed in different portions of the panel 2 (the configuration of Figure 13C) and viceversa. Moreover, the arrangements for the connection to electrical loads 50 and the electrical loads 50 can be in a number different from the ones shown in Figures 13A-13C.

Clearly, the above just described examples are only ones of possible installations 100; it is understood that many alternative installations 100 can be made, which have in common the use of one or more units 1 according to the invention.

Method of supplying at least one electrical load

Moreover, the present invention refers to a method of supplying at least one electrical load 50 by at least one unit 1 of the beforehand described type.

The method provides to have at least one unit 1 or at least one installation 100 of the beforehand described type. The method comprises the steps of connecting the first conduction element 7 to an electric energy source 21 and connecting the second conduction element 8 to the electrical load 50, particularly by an arrangement 11 , 78 for the connection to an electrical load 50.

The connection of the first conduction element 7 to an electric energy source 21 provides to connect the first conduction element 7 to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably at opposite portions of the first conduction element 7 (particularly in case the first conduction element with a single body 7”, see for example Figure 1 ) or at the separated conductive bodies 7” of the first conduction element 7 (for example, see Figure 3 or Figure 12).

The connection of the second conduction element 8 to the electrical load 50 provides to connect the second conduction element 8 to at least one between a first electric polarity and a second electric polarity, optionally both to a first electric polarity and to a second electric polarity, preferably at opposite portions of the second conduction element 8 (particularly in case of a second conduction element with a single body 8’, for example see Figure 1) or at separated conductive bodies 8” of the second conduction element 8 (for example, see Figure 3).

Further, the method comprises the step of supplying the electrical load 50 by said unit 1. In some embodiments, the method enables to supply the electrical load 50 without using electric cables for performing the conduction by/through the panel 2; in other words, the conduction of the panel 2 occurs only at said conductive track/s 9.

Examples of possible modifications

The present invention can be subjected to modifications and/or further provisions.

For example, the material of each plate 3, 4 can be different from the beforehand described plastic and/or polymeric and/or vitreous materials, as long as the material used for each plate 3, 4 is transparent.

Moreover, the path defined by each conductive track 9 can be different from the ones illustrated in the attached figures, which are given only in an illustrative way. The specific paths of the conductive tracks 9 are a function of the specific applications and can meet specific design choices.

The number of electrical loads 50 is at least equal to one or can be a function of the specific application/installation where the unit 1 is destined to operate. Analogously, the type of electrical load/s is function of the specific application/installation where the unit 1 is destined to operate. Therefore, the number and type of electrical loads 50 can be clearly different from the ones illustrated in the attached figures and herein described; for example the installation of Figure 2, where only one electrical load 50 and only one electric energy source 21 are shown, in other embodiments could comprise two or three electrical loads and/or two or three electric energy sources connected to the unit 1 (this being possible due to the electrical connections there illustrated).

It should be generally considered that the conduction elements 7, 8 are not necessarily arranged at opposite edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d of the panel 2; for example, a conduction element 7, 8, particularly the second conduction element 8 or only its conductive body 8’, 8”, can be provided in a more or less central zone of the panel 2 (for example in a more or less central zone in proximity of a body 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d); for example, see Figure 3 where, in the left unit, the conductive bodies 8” of the second conduction element 8 are arranged in proximity of the upper edge 2c of the panel 2.

Generally, the lighting elements 51 , if provided, can be of a LED type or of another type, optionally commanded by a command member 52, 52’, for example a button 52 or a data bus.

Further or alternative provisions can be provided in light of specific requirements or contingencies regarding the specific implementations of the invention.

The invention, particularly the unit 1 or installation 100, is suitable to be used in many applications; for example, in addition to the beforehand described applications, the unit 1 or instal- lation 100 can be used to convey current to Keystone wall plates or plates or electric sockets, preferably by providing a fitting 121 (see Figure 13C); in case a switch 52’ is integrated in the Keystone wall plates or plates or electric sockets, the invention enables to obtain a unit 1 and/or installation 100 containing a switch 52’, which are substantially transparent. Since the switch 52’ is substantially transparent, such unit 1 or installation 100 is, besides being technically sound, also aesthetically appealing.

Further advantages and final considerations

Advantageously, the invention enables to supply one or more electrical loads 50 if it is not present an electric source 21 in the close surroundings, because the unit 1 is configured to convey electric energy via the conductive tracks 9.

Moreover, even though an electric energy source 21 is available, the invention enables to supply at least one electrical load 50 in a not invasive and technically efficient way and pleasant from the aesthetic point of view (due to the transparency of the panel 3, 4, coating 5 and conductive tracks 9 there made).

Moreover, it is to be noted that the unit 1 according to the invention is compact and does not preferably show elements protruding from a plan cross-section of the panel 2. Substantially, the unit 1 , according to the invention, is capable of supplying one or more electrical loads 50 by a compact volume typical of the panel; it is observed that the dimensions of the panel 2 are more or less limited in dependence of the application and/or design choices.

In addition, the invention enables to supply one or more electrical loads 50 without invasive brickworks; indeed, the unit 1 can be simply connected, besides to the load or to the electrical loads 50, also to an electric energy source 21 such as a wall socket so that it can operate.

The rights given by the claims extend to each element, component and/or step of the invention, equivalent to the claimed one/s.

It is understood that each element, component and/or step of the product/method according to the invention, can be substituted with an equivalent element, component and/or step (in the following called “equivalent/s”); such equivalent/s can be already existing at the filing or priority date of the present patent application or may be subsequently conceived/developed.