GUIDE DEVICE FOR INSTALLING A LIGHTING APPARATUS ON A LIGHTING BAR, LIGHTING SYSTEM, POSITIONING METHOD AND KIT

Abstract

 A guide device (5) comprises a guide body (51), comprising a guide seat (52) having a cross section shaped to at least partially accommodate a lighting bar (10) of a lighting system (1) in a relatively sliding manner along the bar axis (X) of the lighting bar (10) and an end portion (53) suitable for abuttingly receiving a base portion (106) of a lighting apparatus. The end portion (53) is configured to be crossable by a first pair of needles (104a) and a second pair of needles (104b) of the lighting apparatus so as to guide the needles so that they are correctly centered during the insertion into an insulating body (24) of the lighting bar (10) when the lighting apparatus (100; 100') in installed on the lighting bar (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device for installing a lighting apparatus on a lighting bar, a lighting system and a related method for installing and positioning a lighting apparatus on the lighting bar, in any axial position with respect thereto.

[0002] Lighting bars suitable for producing a diffused light beam are known.

[0003] Lighting apparatuses suitable for generating a concentrated light beam, i.e., directed to illuminate a specific area or item, are also known.

[0004] Lighting systems are also known, which are capable of combining a diffused light effect produced by a lighting bar with a more concentrated lighting effect directed towards a desired point produced by a lighting apparatus fixed to the lighting bar, as described for example in EP3882513A1 or in Italian applications 102021000004706 and 102021000023348 (not yet published), to the same Applicant of the present invention.

[0005] In particular, the aforesaid known lighting systems which combine a diffused light effect with a more concentrated lighting effect suffer from some critical issues during the step of fixing or repositioning the concentrated light point on the diffused light lighting bar. In fact, during the insertion of the electrical connection needles into the insulating body in which the linear electronic board for the electrical connection with the respective power supply tracks is embedded, it may happen that such needles undergo a deformation or twist when inserted, resulting in the risk of a missing or incorrect connection with the respective power supply tracks.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to provide a guide device for installing a lighting apparatus on a lighting bar of a lighting system which is capable of overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks and, in particular, which is capable of reducing the risks of incorrect positioning of the lighting apparatus and missing or incorrect electrical connection between needles and power supply tracks.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to allow one or more lighting apparatuses along the bar to be repositioned reliably and several times in any desired position.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to suggest a lighting system which allows obtaining the light effects mentioned above, even in outdoor environments, thus having a high degree of protection.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to suggest a lighting system of the aforesaid type, in which the lighting apparatuses can be easily removed from the lighting bar for maintenance or replacement thereof.

[0010] Such objects are achieved by a guide device for installing a lighting apparatus on a lighting bar, by a lighting system, by an installing method, by a method for positioning a lighting apparatus on a lighting bar of a lighting system, by an accessory, and by a kit in accordance with the appended independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the lighting system.

[0011] The features and advantages of the accessory, the lighting system, the guide device, the kit, and the installing method will however become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lighting system according to the invention;
• Figures 2 and 2a show two axial sections of the lighting bar and a connecting portion of a lighting apparatus, in one embodiment, before and after the mutual coupling thereof, respectively;
• Figure 3 shows a cross section of the bar alone;
• Figure 3a shows an axial section of the bar with separate parts; and
• Figure 4 shows a plan view of a portion of the linear electronic board and of the underlying power supply connector;
• Figure 5 shows an axonometric view of an accessory in accordance with the present invention arranged close to a base portion of a lighting apparatus with needles extracted from the accessory;
• Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an accessory in accordance with the present invention coupled to a base portion of a lighting apparatus with needles inserted into the accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 7 shows an axonometric view of an accessory in accordance with the present invention arranged close to a base portion of a lighting apparatus with needles extracted from the accessory, in an opposed configuration with respect to the configuration in Figure 5, i.e., with the accessory rotated by 180°;
• Figure 8 shows a sectional view of an accessory in accordance with the present invention coupled to a base portion of a lighting apparatus with needles inserted into the accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in an opposed configuration with respect to the configuration in Figure 6, i.e., with the accessory rotated by 180°;
• Figure 9 shows an exploded axonometric view of the accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 10 shows an axonometric view of a lighting system installation kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which, on one side, a lighting apparatus being installed on a lighting bar by a guide device can be seen, and on the other side, only the guide device mounted to the lighting bar can be seen, without the lighting apparatus;
• Figure 11 shows an axonometric view of a guide device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 12 shows a top plan view and a front elevation view of the guide device in Figure 11.

[0012] In said drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a lighting system according to the invention.

[0013] The lighting system 1 comprises a lighting bar 10 and at least one lighting apparatus 100; 100' couplable to the lighting bar, in any axial position along the lighting bar.

[0014] In the example in Figure 1, a projector 100 with adjustable optics and a downlight 100' with fixed optics are coupled to the lighting bar 10, for example. Obviously, other types of apparatuses can be simultaneously connected to the lighting bar 10, according to the coupling modes described below.

[0015] The lighting bar 10 comprises a bar body 12 extending longitudinally along a bar axis X. This bar body 12 is suitable for being fixed to a support, such as a ceiling or a wall, for example, or even recessed or suspended.

[0016] The bar body 12 comprises an inner portion 12a and an outer portion 12b.

[0017] The inner portion 12a forms a central seat 14 defining a longitudinal central opening 16. In other words, the central seat 14 is open along one side of the inner portion 12a, for example one side opposite to that for fixing it to the support.

[0018] For example, the inner portion 12a is made with an extruded section bar, for example made of aluminum.

[0019] The outer portion 12b consists of two side walls 12b' removably fixed to the inner portion 12a.

[0020] Each side wall 12b' forms, with the inner portion 12a, a longitudinal side pocket 122 open at least in the same direction as the central opening 16.

[0021] The lighting bar 10 comprises a linear lighting source 18 housed in the central seat 14. The linear lighting source 18 comprises a linear electronic lighting board 20, i.e., an electronic board with an elongated shape, i.e., in the shape of a strip, along the body axis X. A lighting circuit 22 is provided on the linear electronic board 20, suitable for generating a preferably substantially continuous light beam, directed towards the central longitudinal opening 16 when electrically powered by a first power supply line 25 extending along the linear electronic board 20.

[0022] For example, the lighting circuit comprises a row of LEDs 22' mounted to and uniformly distributed on the electronic board.

[0023] The linear electronic board 20 is embedded or inserted into or covered by an insulating body 24, preferably made of a preferably translucent polymer material, for example a silicone material.

[0024] For example, the linear electronic board 20 is co-molded with the insulating body 24. In an alternative embodiment, the insulating body 24 is crossed by a longitudinal seat and the linear electronic board 20 is then inserted into such a longitudinal seat.

[0025] In one embodiment, the insulating body 24 with the linear electronic board 20 gives the lighting bar 10 a degree of protection suitable for being used in outdoor environments, thus resistant to weathering and dust.

[0026] A second power supply line 26 is obtained along the linear electronic board 20, independent of the first one.

[0027] For example, the two power supply lines 25, 26 consist of electrical conductors substantially extending over the entire length of the linear electronic board 20. For example, such electrical conductors are in the form of tracks obtained on the linear electronic board 20.

[0028] In one embodiment, each power supply line 25, 26 consists of a positive pole and a negative pole, for example at 24V.

[0029] Each lighting apparatus 100; 100' is provided with mechanical connection means 102 suitable for interacting with the bar body 12 for mechanically supporting the lighting apparatus 100; 100' by the lighting bar 10.

[0030] Moreover, each lighting apparatus 100; 100' is provided with electrical connection needles 104 suitable for establishing an electrical contact with the second power supply line 26.

[0031] More in detail, each lighting apparatus 100 is provided with at least a pair of anchoring arms 108, each suitable for being inserted into a respective longitudinal side pocket 122 and suitable for snap-engaging the inner portion 12a and/or the outer portion 12b of the bar body 12 for mechanically supporting the lighting apparatus 100 by the lighting bar 10.

[0032] In one embodiment, the electrical connection needles 104 are suitable for establishing an electrical contact with the second power supply line 26 by passing through the insulating body 24.

[0033] In other words, the electrical connection needles 104 are configured to pierce the insulating body 24 until they abut against the respective conductors of the second power supply line 26.

[0034] In one embodiment, the anchoring arms 108 and the electrical connection needles 104 are configured to simultaneously obtain the mechanical and electrical connection of the lighting apparatus 100; 100' with the lighting bar 10.

[0035] In one embodiment, the anchoring arms 108 and the electrical connection needles 104 extend from a base portion 106 of the lighting apparatus 100; 100' resting against the lighting bar 10 when the anchoring arms 108 are coupled to the lighting bar 10.

[0036] In one embodiment, the electrical connection needles 104 extend from a connector 120 housed in the base portion 106. This connector 120 is configured to abut against a facing outer surface 24" of the insulating body 24. For example, this outer surface 24" is substantially flat.

[0037] In one embodiment, the connector 120 is configured to create a calibrated interference with the outer surface 24", so as to prevent the penetration of external agents into the area where the insulating body 24 is pierced by the electrical connection needles 104.

[0038] For example, the connector 120 forms, about each electrical connection needle 104 or about the whole area of the electrical connection needles 104, an annular tooth 123 that, when the lighting apparatus 100; 100' is coupled to the bar body 12, interferes with the outer surface 24" of the insulating body 24, for example exerting a calibrated pressure thereon, which prevents the penetration of external agents into the area of the insulating body 24 delimited by each annular tooth 122.

[0039] Returning now to the bar body 12, in one embodiment, the inner portion 12a is made with a substantially "U" shaped section bar, i.e., defining an inner bottom wall 34 and two inner side walls 30.

[0040] In one embodiment, each outer side wall 12b' is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the respective inner side wall 30. Each longitudinal side pocket 122 is thus delimited by an inner side wall 30 and an outer side wall 12b'.

[0041] In one embodiment, the longitudinal side pockets 122 are closed on the opposite side with respect to the insertion opening of the anchoring arms 108.

[0042] In one embodiment, each outer side wall 12b' is provided with a transverse pin 130 inserted with reversible force coupling into a respective pin seat 132 obtained in the central body 12a.

[0043] In one embodiment, each transverse pin 130 has a sawtooth-shaped side surface.

[0044] Preferably, each transverse pin 130 is made in one piece with the outer portion 12b of the bar body 12, i.e., it is a single piece with the bar body 12. In other words, the outer portion 12b of the bar body 12 and each transverse pin 130 are a single drawn piece.

[0045] In one embodiment, each transverse pin 130 is inserted into a cap 136 made of a polymer material.

[0046] Moreover, the cap 136 made of a polymer material favors the stable, but reversible coupling between the transverse pin 130 and the respective pin seat 132.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the transverse pin 130 is completely inserted into the respective pin seat 132, a proximal portion 138 of the respective outer side wall 12b' abuts with positive coupling with a corresponding proximal portion 140 of the inner portion 12a of the bar body 12. The pressure insertion of the transverse pin 130 into the respective pin seat 132 can thus be easily carried out by pressing on the proximal portion 138 of the outer side wall 12b'.

[0048] Moreover, in one embodiment, each transverse pin 130 extends from a thinned portion of the respective side wall (for example, coinciding with the proximal portion 138), which is made with a thickness such as to bend so as to favor the extraction of the transverse pin 130 from the respective pin seat 132.

[0049] The possibility of decoupling the outer side walls 12b' from the inner portion 12a allows access to the anchoring arms 108 for disengaging them from the respective pockets 122 and thus disconnecting the lighting apparatus from the bar 12 for a replacement or maintenance thereof, for example.

[0050] At the same time, the outer side walls 12b', when connected to the inner portion 12a, allow hiding and protecting the anchoring arms 108, which would otherwise be completely exposed to the outside.

[0051] In some embodiments, an undercut 32 facing the respective longitudinal side pocket 122 is obtained in each of the inner side walls 30. Each anchoring arm is provided with a locking tooth 110 engageable by a respective undercut 32 of the inner side wall 30.

[0052] In other words, the anchoring arms 108 are elastic arms snapping into the locking position when the locking tooth 110 meets the undercut 32.

[0053] In some embodiments, the locking tooth 110 has a curvilinear profile, so as to allow a disengagement thereof from the undercut 32 if the lighting apparatus 100; 100' is pulled along the direction of the anchoring arm 108.

[0054] Instead, in other embodiments such as those shown in the drawings, the locking tooth 110 is configured to prevent a separation of the lighting apparatus 100; 100' from the bar 10 by acting along the direction of the anchoring arm 108; here, it is necessary to remove the outer side walls 12b' to bend the anchoring arms 108 outwards, so as to cause the locking tooth 110 to come out of the respective undercut.

[0055] In one embodiment, the electrical connection needles 104 extend between and parallel to the anchoring arms 108.

[0056] In one embodiment, the longitudinal central seat 14 is delimited by the bottom wall 34 and the pair of parallel side walls 30. The linear lighting source 18 rests on the bottom wall 34 and has a light beam emission surface substantially flush with the ends of the side walls 30. For example, the outer surface 24" of the insulating body 24 is substantially flat and coplanar with the ends of the side walls 30.

[0057] When the base portion 106 of the lighting apparatus 100; 100' abuts against the bar body 12, i.e., the side walls 30 thereof, the electrical connection needles 104 and the anchoring arms 108 thus extend completely inside the lighting bar 10.

[0058] As mentioned above, the base portion 106 in contact with the insulating body 24 by means of the connector 120 ensures the degree of protection which allows using the lighting system even outdoors.

[0059] The electrical connection needles 104 are at least four in number: a first pair of needles 104a and a second pair of needles 104b.

[0060] Preferably, the first pair of needles 104a is configured to intercept a first conductor 26a of the second power supply line 26; the second pair of needles 104b is configured to intercept a second conductor 26b of the second power supply line 26.

[0061] Preferably, the first pair of needles 104a is aligned parallel to the bar axis X.

[0062] Preferably, the second pair of needles 104b is aligned parallel to the bar axis X and spaced apart in a direction transverse to the first pair of needles 104a.

[0063] Therefore, if the linear lighting source 18 had a length such as to require, for production needs, interruptions of the copper tracks 26, 26b (as shown in Figure 4), and if a lighting apparatus 100, 100' was randomly positioned precisely straddling one of such interruptions, there would be the certainty that at least one needle of each pair of needles 104a and 104b establishes an electrical contact with the respective conductor 26, 26b.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a positioning example of the pairs of needles 104a, 104b with respect to the linear lighting source 18, where a needle of each pair ends precisely at an interruption - for example of about 1 mm - of the conductors 26a, 26b of the linear electronic board 20. It can be noted that the other needle of each pair of needles is here instead in contact with the respective conductor 26a, 26b. The power supply of the lighting apparatuses 100, 100' is thus always ensured, regardless of the position thereof along the bar 10.

[0065] In one embodiment, the two power supply lines 25, 26 are powered by means of a power supply cable 132 electrically connected thereto at one end of the insulating body 24. For example, in order to ensure a high IP protection degree (for example IP67), the power supply cable is connected to the power supply lines by means of a cap 130 made of an insulating material (such as silicone), co-molded with the insulating body 24.

[0066] In one embodiment, shown in particular in Figure 4, the conductors 25a, 25b of the first power supply line 25 are obtained in a central portion of the linear electronic board 20, so as to intersect the LEDs of a row of LEDs mounted along the median axis of the board. The conductors 26a and 26b of the second power supply line 26 are instead obtained in outermost portions of the linear electronic board 20.

[0067] An accessory 200 is described per se below, for installing a lighting apparatus 100; 100' on a lighting bar 10 of a lighting system 1, of the type described in the present disclosure, i.e., comprising at least one lighting apparatus 100; 100' comprising the first pair of needles 104a configured to intercept a first conductor 26a and the second pair of needles 104b configured to intercept the second conductor 26b of the second power supply line 26.

[0068] In accordance with an embodiment, the accessory 200 comprises an accessory body 200' which extends vertically along a vertical direction Y between a first end 210 and a second end 220 opposite to the first end 210 and which is defined by a side wall 230 extending between the first end 210 and the second end 220 about and along the vertical direction Y. The accessory 200 also comprises a first pair of needle seats 201 suitable for accommodating the first pair of needles 104a, and a second pair of needle seats 201' suitable for accommodating the second pair of needles 104b. The first pair of needle seats 201 is arranged and extends in length mainly along a first vertical plane P1 parallel to the vertical direction Y. The second pair of needle seats 201' is arranged and extends in length mainly along a second vertical plane P2 parallel to the first vertical plane P1 and spaced apart from said first vertical plane P1 along a transverse direction Z perpendicular to the vertical direction Y.

[0069] The accessory 200 also preferably comprises a third pair of needle seats 203 suitable for accommodating the first pair of needles 104a and a fourth pair of needle seats 203' suitable for accommodating the second pair of needles 104b. The third pair of needle seats 203 is arranged and extends in length mainly along a third vertical plane P3 incident to the vertical direction Y. The fourth pair of needle seats 203' is arranged and extends in length mainly along a fourth vertical plane P4 incident to the third vertical plane P3. Such a third vertical plane P3 and such a fourth vertical plane P4 each form an angle of incidence α1, α2 with a plane parallel to the vertical direction Y so that the third pair of needle seats 203 and the fourth pair of needle seats 203' are inclined by such an angle of incidence α1, α2 towards the side wall 230 starting from a central portion 204 of the accessory body.

[0070] By virtue of the inclination of the third and fourth pairs of needle seats 203, 203' towards the side wall 230, following the insertion of the connection needles 104, the first pair of needles 204a and the second pair of needles are inclined 204b. By virtue of such an inclination, it is possible to compensate for the slight opposite deformation to which the connection needles 104 are subjected during the penetration into the insulating body 24, so as to ensure a perfect and reliable alignment with the first conductor 26a and the second conductor 26b.

[0071] Preferably, the angle of incidence is an acute angle greater than 0° and less than 10°, preferably less than 1°, even more preferably about 0.5°.

[0072] In accordance with an embodiment, the first pair of needle seats 201 and the second pair of needle seats 201' comprise first 211 and second 211' access mouths obtained at the first end 210, respectively. Moreover, the third pair of needle seats 203 and the fourth pair of needle seats 203' comprise third 231 and fourth 231' access mouths obtained at the second end 220, respectively.

[0073] In accordance with an embodiment, the accessory body 200' comprises a hollow base element 240, comprising an inner cavity 241 in which seat half-portions 203a, 203b of the third and fourth pairs of needle seats 203, 203' face. Moreover, the accessory body 200' also consists of a hollow interlocking element 250, engaged with the base element 240 in the inner cavity 241 and comprising an inner interlocking cavity 251 in which second seat half-portions 201a, 201b of the first and second pairs of needle seats 201, 201' face. In addition, an upper closing element 260 is engaged with the interlocking element 250 in the inner interlocking cavity 251 and comprises corresponding second seat half-portions 201c, 201d of the first and second pairs of needle seats 201 , 201', which, together with the second seat half-portions 201a, 201b, form the complete first and second pairs of needle seats 201, 201'. Moreover, a lower closing element 270 is engaged with the base element 240 in the inner cavity 241 and comprises corresponding seat half-portions 203c, 203d of the third and fourth pair of needle seats 203, 203', which, together with the seat half-portions 203a, 203b, form the complete third and fourth pairs of needle seats 203, 203'. This allows obtaining an accessory 200 which is very compact and easy to mold.

[0074] Preferably, the base element 240, the interlocking element 250, the upper closing element 260, and the lower closing element 270 are each a distinct piece and are slidingly engaged with one another along the vertical direction Y.

[0075] It is apparent that the present invention thus relates to a lighting system 1 described in the present disclosure and also comprising an accessory 200 as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0076] In addition, a method is described below, for installing a lighting apparatus 100; 100' on a lighting bar 10 of a lighting system as described in the present disclosure.

[0077] The method comprises the following operating steps:

a) removing the first 104a and second 104b pairs of needles from the first pair of needle seats 201 and the second pair of needle seats 201', respectively;

b) inserting the first 104a and second 104b pairs of needles into the third pair of needle seats 203 and the fourth pair of needle seats 203', respectively;

c) removing the first 104a and second 104b pairs of needles from the third pair of needle seats 203 and the fourth pair of needle seats 203', respectively;

d) mounting the lighting apparatus 100; 100' on the lighting bar 10 with the insertion of the first pair of needles 104a and the second pair of needles 104b through the insulating body 24.

[0078] Preferably, step b) comprises the step of moving the accessory 200 by means of a pivoting movement, i.e., a rotary movement about a point (joystick type), so as to facilitate the ingress of the needles into the relevant seats.

[0079] The aforesaid steps of the method allow the first 104a and second 104b pairs of needles to be restored to the correct position, for example if it is necessary to remove and reposition the lighting apparatus 100; 100' on the lighting bar 10.

[0080] In addition, the present invention relates to a guide device 5 per se, suitable for guiding the installation of the lighting apparatus 100; 100' on the lighting bar 10.

[0081] The guide device 5 comprises a guide body 51, preferably made in a single piece, comprising a guide seat 52 having a cross section shaped to accommodate at least partially the lighting bar 10 in a relatively sliding manner along the bar axis X of the lighting bar 10. In other words, the guide device 5 is placeable on the lighting bar 10 by means of the guide seat 52 thereof and relatively slides with respect to the lighting bar 10, along the bar axis X, i.e., along the direction of greatest extension of the lighting bar 10.

[0082] Preferably, the guide seat 52 is a seat shaped to have a cross section, i.e., a section perpendicular to the bar axis X, which is C-shaped, U-shaped or the like.

[0083] The guide device 5 comprises an end portion 53, preferably made in a single piece with the guide body 51, suitable for abuttingly receiving the base portion 106 of the lighting apparatus, in particular a region of the base portion 106 about the first pair of needles 104a and the second pair of needles 104b, for example the connector 120 housed in the base portion 106.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the guide device 5 mainly extends along a main direction thereof, parallel to the sliding direction of the guide device 5 on the lighting bar 10, i.e., parallel to the bar axis X, in a less predominant manner along a transverse direction K, orthogonal to the main direction thereof, and in an even less predominant manner along a third extension direction, orthogonal to both the main direction and the transverse direction K.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the end portion 53 is a portion which protrudes from the guide body 51 along a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the guide device 5 on the lighting bar 10.

[0086] Preferably, the end portion 53 is a plate which protrudes from the guide body 51. Preferably, the end portion 53 has a solid cross section, i.e., is not C- or U-shaped like the guide body 51.

[0087] Preferably, the end portion 53 is shaped to slide over the insulating body 24 of the lighting bar 10.

[0088] The end portion 53 is configured to be crossable by the first pair of needles 104a and the second pair of needles 104b so as to guide the needles so that they are correctly centered during the insertion into the insulating body 24 when the lighting apparatus 100; 100' is installed on the lighting bar 10.

[0089] In particular, the end portion 53 comprises a first guide seat 54 and a second guide seat 54', suitable for accommodating the first pair of needles 104a and the second pair of needles 104b, respectively.

[0090] In particular, the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54' are openings or holes spaced apart from each other, or guide walls spaced apart from each other. In particular, the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54' are spaced apart by a distance equal to the distance between the first pair of needles 104a and the second pair of needles 104b. In particular, the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54' are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction K, orthogonal to the sliding direction of the guide device 5 on the lighting bar 10, i.e., orthogonal to the bar axis X.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54' are slots having a main extension along the bar axis X. Preferably, the end portion 53, together with the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54' are shaped to form a trident or three-arm fork shape, preferably having side teeth/arms with ends at a lower height than the central tooth/arm. Such a shape allows preserving the possibility of extracting or inserting the guide along the sliding direction of the guide device 5 on the lighting bar 10, even with the needles inserted into the first guide seat 54 and into the second guide seat 54'.

[0092] Preferably, the end portion 53 comprises a first guide side wall 55 and a second guide side wall 55', arranged outside the first guide seat 54 and the second guide seat 54', respectively, and suitable for guiding the anchoring arms 108 of the lighting device 100; 100' to the correct centering position on the lighting bar 10.

[0093] Preferably, the end portion 53 has a smaller width than the width of the guide body 51 in the transverse direction K.

[0094] Preferably, the end portion 53 has a suitable thickness along the third dimension for preventing the needles from coming into electrical contact with the power supply lines 25, 26 when the connector 120 abuts against an upper surface of the end portion 53 or the guide body 51. For example, the end portion 53 has a thickness of at least one millimeter, preferably at most 9 millimeters.

[0095] This allows positioning the lighting apparatus by inserting the needles into the insulating body, but without them being in contact with the power supply lines 25, 26, since the connector 120 abuts against an upper surface of the end portion 53 or the guide body 51 and not against the insulating body 24. Once the guide device 5 has been removed by sliding along the guide axis X, it is then possible to further press the lighting apparatus onto the lighting bar until the needles are completely inserted and the electrical contact between the needles and the power supply lines 25, 26 is obtained. Optionally, the aforesaid further pressing action also causes the snap engagement of the pair of anchoring arms 108 in the respective longitudinal side pocket 122 of the lighting bar 10, for a secure tightening. The aforesaid steps of the method for positioning the lighting apparatus by means of the guide device 5 are also the object of the present invention.

[0096] Therefore, by virtue of the guide device 5, the installation of the lighting device is highly simplified. Moreover, the risk of a possible failure to center the needles with respect to the power supply tracks is minimized (if not even eliminated), exactly by virtue of the guidance provided by the guide device being installed, i.e., when inserting the needles into the insulating body 24 by manually pressing the lighting device on the lighting bar 10 by an operator.

[0097] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a lighting kit comprising a lighting bar 10, having one or more of the features described above in the present disclosure, and a guide device 5 described above.

[0098] In addition, the present invention also relates to an installation kit comprising an accessory 200 in accordance with the present invention, a lighting bar 10 having one or more of the features described above in the present disclosure, and a guide device 5 described above.

[0099] In addition, the present invention also relates to a system installation kit comprising a lighting system and a guide device 5 previously described according to the present invention.

[0100] Innovatively, by virtue of the guide device according to the present invention, the chances of a missing or incorrect connection of the needles with the respective conductors for the power supply are drastically reduced (if not eliminated).

[0101] Moreover, by virtue of the slight inclination of the needles by the needle seats of the accessory, any possible return of the needles by the insulating body, responsible for any missing/incorrect connections, is compensated for, thus further reducing any error possibility.

[0102] Moreover, advantageously, the accessory is highly compact and affordable to manufacture and therefore can be supplied together with the lighting system mounting kit.

[0103] In addition, the present invention allows the lighting apparatuses to be removed and reliably repositioned several times at will. In fact, even in the case of deformation of the connection needles, it is first possible to correctly align and separate the needles by inserting them into the first and second pairs of needle seats, and then, by turning the accessory 200 by 180° about an axis parallel to the transverse direction Z, it is possible to give a slight inclination to the needles to compensate for the elastic return during the insertion into the insulating body, so as to ensure an always reliable electrical connection of the needles.

[0104] In order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make changes and adaptations to the embodiments of the present invention or may replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described above as belonging to one possible embodiment may be implemented irrespective of the other embodiments described.

Claims

1. A guide device (5), suitable for guiding the installation of a lighting apparatus (100;100') of a lighting system (1), wherein said lighting system (1) comprises a lighting bar (10) and at least one lighting apparatus (100; 100') couplable to the lighting bar in any position along said lighting bar, and wherein the lighting bar comprises a bar body (12) which longitudinally extends along a bar axis and comprises an inner portion (12a) and an outer portion (12b), wherein the inner portion forms a central seat (14) defining a longitudinal central opening (16) in the inner portion, and wherein the outer portion (12b) consists of two side walls removably fixed to the inner portion, each side wall forming, with the inner portion, a longitudinal side pocket (122) open at least in the same direction as the central opening (16), and wherein said lighting system (1) comprises a linear lighting source (18) housed in said central seat (14) and comprising at least one linear electronic lighting board (20) on which a lighting circuit (22) is obtained, suitable for generating a light beam directed towards said longitudinal central opening (16) when electrically powered by a first power supply line (18) extending along the linear electronic board (20), a second power supply line (26) independent from the first one being obtained along the linear electronic board (20), said linear electronic board (20) being embedded or inserted into or covered by an insulating body (24) made of a polymer material and inserted into the central seat (14), and wherein each lighting apparatus (100; 100') is provided with at least a pair of anchoring arms (108), each arm suitable for being inserted into a respective longitudinal side pocket (122) and for reversibly snap-engaging the inner portion and/or the outer portion of the bar body (12) for mechanically supporting the lighting apparatus (100; 100') by the lighting bar (10), and with electrical connection needles (104) suitable for establishing an electrical contact with the second power supply line (26) so as to electrically power the lighting apparatus, said electrical connection needles (104) being suitable for establishing the electrical contact with the second power supply line (26) passing through the insulating body (24), said connection needles (104) comprising a first pair of needles (104a) to intercept a first conductor (26a) of the second power supply line (26) and a second pair of needles (104b) to intercept a second conductor (26b) of the second power supply line (26),

wherein said guide device (5) comprises a guide body (51), comprising a guide seat (52) having a cross section shaped to accommodate at least partially the lighting bar (10) in a relatively sliding manner along the bar axis (X) of the lighting bar (10) and an end portion (53) suitable for abuttingly receiving a base portion (106) of the lighting apparatus,

wherein the end portion (53) is configured to be crossable by the first pair of needles (104a) and the second pair of needles (104b) so as to guide the needles so that they are correctly centered during the insertion into the insulating body (24) when the lighting apparatus (100; 100') in installed on the lighting bar (10).

2. Guide device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the end portion (53) comprises a first guide seat (54) and a second guide seat (54'), suitable for accommodating the first pair of needles (104a) and the second pair of needles (104b), respectively, and wherein the first guide seat (54) and the second guide seat (54') are openings or holes spaced apart from each other.

3. Guide device (5) according to claim 2, wherein the end portion (53) comprises a first guide side wall (55) and a second guide side wall (55'), arranged outside the first guide seat (54) and the second guide seat (54'), respectively, and suitable for guiding the anchoring arms (108) of the lighting device (100; 100') to the correct centering position on the lighting bar (10).

4. Guide device (5) according to claim 3, wherein the guide seat (52) is a seat shaped to have a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section, and wherein the end portion (53) is a plate which protrudes from the guide body (51) along a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the guide device (5) on the lighting bar (10).

5. Guide device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, made in a single piece.

6. Guide device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guide device mainly extends along a main direction thereof, parallel to the sliding direction of the guide device (5) on the lighting bar (10), i.e., parallel to the bar axis (X), extends in a less predominant manner along a transverse direction (K), orthogonal to the main direction thereof, and extends in an even less predominant manner along a third extension direction, orthogonal to both the main direction and the transverse direction (K),
and wherein the end portion (53) has a suitable thickness along the third dimension for preventing the needles from coming into electrical contact with the power supply lines (25, 26) when a connector (120) of the power supply apparatus (100; 100') abuts against an upper surface of the end portion (53) or the guide body (51).

7. Guide device (5) according to claim 6, wherein the end portion (53) has a thickness along the third direction of at least one millimeter and at most 9 millimeters.

8. Guide device (5) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the end portion (53), together with the first guide seat (54) and the second guide seat (54') are shaped to form a trident or three-arm fork shape, preferably having side teeth/arms with ends at a lower height than the central tooth/arm.

9. A system installation kit comprising a lighting system comprising a lighting bar (10) and at least one lighting apparatus (100; 100') couplable to the lighting bar, in any position along said lighting bar,
wherein:

- the lighting bar comprises:

- a bar body (12) longitudinally extending along a bar axis, suitable for being fixed to a support, such as a ceiling, a wall, suspension cables, and comprising an inner portion (12a) and an outer portion (12b), wherein the inner portion forms a central seat (14) defining a longitudinal central opening (16) in the inner portion, and wherein the outer portion (12b) consists of two side walls removably fixed to the inner portion, each side wall forming, with the inner portion, a longitudinal side pocket (122) open at least in the same direction as the central opening (16);

- a linear lighting source (18) housed in said central seat (14) and comprising at least one linear electronic lighting board (20) on which a lighting circuit (22) is obtained, suitable for generating a light beam directed towards said longitudinal central opening (16) when electrically powered by a first power supply line (18) extending along the linear electronic board (20), a second power supply line (26) independent from the first one being obtained along the linear electronic board (20), said linear electronic board (20) being embedded or inserted into or covered by an insulating body (24) made of a polymer material and inserted into the central seat (14);

- each lighting apparatus (100; 100') is provided with at least a pair of anchoring arms (108), each suitable for being inserted into a respective longitudinal side pocket (122) and for reversibly snap-engaging the inner portion and/or the outer portion of the bar body (12) for mechanically supporting the lighting apparatus (100; 100') by the lighting bar (10), and with electrical connection needles (104) suitable for establishing an electrical contact with the second power supply line (26) so as to electrically power the lighting apparatus, said electrical connection needles (104) being suitable for establishing the electrical contact with the second power supply line (26) passing through the insulating body (24), said connection needles (104) comprising a first pair of needles (104a) to intercept a first conductor (26a) of the second power supply line (26) and a second pair of needles (104b) to intercept a second conductor (26b) of the second power supply line (26),

said installation kit further comprising a guide device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method for positioning a lighting apparatus (100; 100') on a lighting bar (10) of a lighting system according to claim 9, said method comprising the steps of:

- positioning the lighting apparatus (100; 100') by inserting the needles into the insulating body (24), and so that a connector (120) of the lighting apparatus (100; 100') abuts against an upper surface of the end portion (53) or of the guide body (51) and without the needles being in contact with the power supply lines (25, 26);

- once the guide device (5) has been removed by sliding along the guide axis (X), then exerting a further pressure of the lighting apparatus onto the lighting bar until the needles are completely inserted and the electrical contact between the needles and the power supply lines 25, 26 is obtained.

11. Method for positioning a lighting apparatus (100; 100') according to claim 10, wherein the aforesaid further pressing also causes the snap-engagement of the anchoring arms (108) in the respective longitudinal side pocket (122) of the lighting bar (10), for a secure tightening.

Drawing