Field of the Art

The present invention generally relates to a system of cover panels with built-in services and more particularly to a modular system of cover panels including support members fixed to a structure, panels coupleable to the support members and electricity and fluid supply means for one or more devices associated with the panels.

Background of the Invention

Document JPH 05295815 A proposes the use of cover panels including pipe fasteners pre -mounted on the rear face thereof, and even sanitary elements pre -mounted in the panel. This system allows for the installation of a first panel with such fasteners, the easy installation of pipes following the pattern established by the fasteners and the connection thereof to the sanitary elements, and the subsequent covering of the rear face of the panel with another panel, the installations being concealed.

Document US6079173A describes a movable partition including a frame formed by vertical posts and crossbeams, and a cover panel covering the vertical posts and crossbeams. Fixed mounting connectors in the crossbeams facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the frame. The opposite faces of the vertical posts have at least two connection ports. The crossbeams include connectors that are complementary to the connection ports arranged in the vertical posts. Movable locking members allow locking or unlocking the connectors. The vertical posts and crossbeams define conduits and passages in which power or data troughs and fixing points for connectors are included.

Document WO 2016111628 Al discloses a modular wall system including a panel and support members defining a vertical support plane. The panel has a planar surface parallel to the support plane and side edges and can be hung from the support members. An electrical connector is arranged in a rear portion of the panel, said connector comprising connection pins for forming electrical connections. The connection pins fit into openings on a surface of one of the support members. The connection pins are movably installed in the panel so as to allow movement of the connection pins in a direction parallel to the support plane, between a connection extended position and a disconnection retracted position. The electrical connector includes a loaded spring to apply a force towards the retracted extraction position, and a retainer makes it possible to retain the electrical connector in the extended position. Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides a system of cover panels with built-in services comprising a plurality of support members fixed to a structure and a plurality of cover panels that can be secured to the support members by fastening means. The support members have one or more base electrical connectors connectable to an electrical supply network. One or more of the cover panels has one or more panel electrical connectors connectable to the one or more base electrical connectors and an electrical device electrically connected to the panel electrical connector.

The support members comprise base nodes fixed to the structure in selectable positions defining a support plane. These base nodes include the mentioned one or more base electrical connectors and optionally one or more base fluid connectors connectable to a fluid supply network, as well as base fastening members that are part of the fastening means.

By way of illustrative example, the structure to which the base nodes are fixed can be a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a partition member, or a plurality of props and/or crossbeams provided with respective surfaces arranged on one plane.

The cover panels are of the same or different sizes and proportions, have a polygonal shape defining three or more corners, a front face and a rear face, and have panel fastening members that are part of the fastening means installed on the rear face of each corner, such that one of the panel fastening members of each corner of each cover panel is secured in one of the base fastening members of one of the base nodes.

The mentioned cover panel associated with the electrical device has the one or more panel electrical connectors installed on the rear face of at least one of the corners. Optionally, at least one of the cover panels is associated with a fluid device and one or more panel fluid connectors are installed on the rear face of one or more of the corners. The one or more panel fluid connectors are fluidically connected to the fluid device and are connectable to the one or more base fluid connectors of the base nodes.

The one or more panel electrical connectors and the one or more base electrical connectors are configured and arranged such that they are connected to one another when the cover panel associated with the electrical device is secured to the base nodes. The one or more panel fluid connectors and the one or more base fluid connectors are configured and arranged such that they are connected to one another when the cover panel associated with the fluid device is secured to the base nodes.

The cover panels are configured to be arranged in an operative position in which each one of the corners of each cover panel is superimposed on one of the base nodes, and in which the panel fastening members of the cover panels are secured to the base fastening members of the base nodes, and the panel electrical connector of the at least one cover panel with which the electrical device is associated is connected to the base electrical connector of one of the base nodes. When the system further includes a fluid connection, the panel fluid connector is configured to be connected to the base fluid connector when the cover panel is secured to the base nodes in the operative position.

In one embodiment, the panel fastening members of the cover panels are configured to be secured to the base fastening members of the base nodes by a movement of the cover panel with respect to the base nodes in a direction perpendicular to the support plane, the panel electrical connector of the cover panel is configured to be connected to the base electrical connector of the base node by a movement of the cover panel with respect to the base nodes in the direction perpendicular to the support plane, and if the cover panel system further includes a fluidic connection, the panel fluid connector of the cover panel is configured to be connected to the base fluid connector of the base node by a movement of the cover panel with respect to the base nodes in the direction perpendicular to the support plane.

Preferably, the cover panel system is configured such that the mechanical connection of the panel fastening members to the base fastening members, the electrical connection of the panel electrical connector to the base electrical connector, and the optional fluidic connection of the panel fluid connector to the base fluid connector, can be performed all together in one single operation involving the mentioned movement of the cover panel with respect to the base nodes in the direction perpendicular to the support plane.

To install the system of panels, first the base nodes are fixed to the structure in positions selected according to a previously established cover pattern and are connected to the electrical supply network and to the fluid supply network. Then, the cover panels are mechanically secured to the base nodes, and the electrical device is thereby automatically connected to the electrical supply network and the fluid device, if any, is automatically connected to the fluid supply network.

By way of non-limiting example, the electrical device can be, among others, an electrical socket, a signal socket, an electrically operated apparatus, or an electronic apparatus, and the electrical supply network can be an electrical power supply network, an electrical signal supply network, or both. The fluid device can be, among others, a cold water connection, a hot water connection, or an oxygen connection or a connection for another gas, and the fluid supply network can be a cold water supply network, a hot water supply network, an oxygen supply network or a supply network for another gas, or two or more of them.

In one embodiment, the support members further comprise a plurality of conductor support members of the same or different lengths, each of which comprises an elongated body having at the ends thereof connection units mechanically connectable to connection ports included in the base nodes by mechanical connection means. The mechanical connection means preferably comprise a snap fastening device.

One or more of the conductor support members houses one or more electrical conductors and/or one or more fluid conduits connected to the connection units. The connection units are furthermore connectable to the connection ports of the base nodes by electrical connection means, and/or by fluid connection means. The one or more electrical conductors of the conductor support member are electrically connected to the one or more base electrical connectors of the base node by the electrical connection means. The one or more fluid conduits of the conductor support member are connected to the one or more base fluid connectors of the base node by the fluid connection means.

The electrical connection means comprise second base electrical connectors located in the connection ports of the base nodes and electrically connected to the first base electrical connectors and conductor electrical connectors located in the connection units of the conductor support members and electrically connected to the one or more electrical conductors.

The fluid connection means comprise second base fluid connectors located in the connection ports of the base nodes and fluidically connected to the first base fluid connectors and conductor fluid connectors located in the connection units of the conductor support members and fluidically connected to the one or more fluid conduits. The conductor fluid connectors are connectable to the second base fluid connectors.

In one embodiment, the mentioned snap fastening device is configured and arranged such that the conductor support members are mechanically secured to the base nodes by a movement of the conductor support members with respect to the base nodes in a direction perpendicular to the support plane, and the conductor electrical connectors and the second base electrical connectors are configured and arranged such that they are connected to one another by the same movement of the conductor support members with respect to the base nodes in the direction perpendicular to the support plane.

In one embodiment, the conductor fluid connectors comprise retractable connection sleeves associated with controls located in the connection units in accessible positions. By means of these controls, the retractable connection sleeves are movable in a direction parallel to the support plane between a connection extended position, in which the retractable connection sleeves are extended out from the connection units, and a disconnection retracted position, in which the retractable connection sleeves are retracted into the connection units.

If the conductor support members include one or more electrical conductors and/or one or more fluid conduits, they must be mechanically and electrically connected to the base nodes with the retractable sleeves being in the disconnection retracted position. When the conductor support members are mechanically connected to the base nodes, a movement of the retractable connection sleeves to the connection extended position connects the connector fluid connectors to the second base fluid connectors and a movement of the retractable connection sleeves to the disconnection retracted position disconnects the connector fluid connectors from the second base fluid connectors.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover panels have a rectangular shape defining four corners, and the base nodes comprise 360-degree base nodes, 180-degree base nodes and 90- degree base nodes.

The 360-degree base nodes include base fastening members, first base electrical connectors and first base fluid connectors arranged for securing and connecting four adjacent corners of four cover panels and four connection ports configured for being connected to connection units of four conductor support members in a cross-shaped arrangement.

The 180-degree base nodes include base fastening members, first base electrical connectors and first base fluid connectors arranged for securing and connecting two adjacent corners of two cover panels and three connection ports configured for being connected to connection units of three conductor support members in a T-shaped arrangement.

The 90-degree base nodes include one or more base fastening members, one or more first base electrical connectors and one or more first base fluid connectors arranged for securing and connecting just one corner of a single cover panel and two connection ports configured for being connected to connection units of two conductor support members in an L-shaped arrangement.

Therefore, with the system of cover panels with built-in services of the present invention it is possible to cover a structure according to different cover patterns by combining 90-, 180- and 360-degree base nodes, conductor support members of different lengths and cover panels of different sizes and proportions.

To that end, the cover pattern is first established according to the structure to be covered and initial requirements. The 90-, 180- and 360-degree base nodes required are then fixed to the structure in positions selected according to the previously established cover pattern. Next, the 90-, 180- and 360-degree base nodes are connected to one another by means of conductor support members of the selected lengths. Finally, the cover panels of the selected sizes and proportions are secured and connected to the 90-, 180- and 360-degree base nodes to complete the covering.

In one embodiment, the support members further comprise splicing members having, for example at opposite ends thereof, connection ports including respective electrical connectors electrically connected to one another and respective fluid connectors fluidically connected to one another. The connection ports of these splicing members are connectable to the connection units of the conductor support members by mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means similar to the mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means provided for connecting the connection units of the conductor support members to the connection ports of the base nodes.

The splicing members are useful for splicing two conductor supports. Therefore, when two connection units of two conductor support members are mechanically connected to the connection ports of a splicing member, the conductor electrical connectors are connected to the electrical connectors of the splicing member, so the electrical conductors of the two conductor support members are spliced to one another, and/or the conductor fluid connectors can be connected to the fluid connectors of the splicing member by actuating the respective controls, so the fluid conduits of the two conductor support members are spliced to one another. The splicing member is preferably straight and has connection ports at opposite ends thereof for splicing two conductor support members aligned with one another.

The system of the present invention further comprises a final connection module having one or more of the following members: a final electrical power connector connectable to the electrical power supply network by means of a connection cable; a final electrical signal connector connectable to an electrical signal supply network by means of a connection cable; and one or more final fluid connectors connectable to the fluid supply network by means of connection conduits. Optionally, the system includes a final connection module including the final electrical power connector and the final electrical signal connector and another final connection module including one or more of the final fluid connectors.

The final connection module is configured for being connected to one of the connection ports of one of the splicing members or to one of the connection ports of one of the base nodes by mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means similar to the mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means provided for connecting the connection units of the conductor support members to the connection port of the base nodes, which in turn are similar to the mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means provided for connecting the connection units of the conductor support members to the connection ports of the splicing member.

Thus, when the final connection module is mechanically connected to one of the connection ports of one of the base nodes or to one of the connection ports of one of the splicing members, the electrical power and signal connectors of the final connection module are connected to the second base electrical connectors of the connection port of the base node or to the electrical connectors of the connection port of the splicing member, so the first electrical connectors of the base node or the one or more electrical conductors of a conductor support member connected to the other connection port of the splicing member are connected to the electrical power supply network and/or to the electrical signal supply network.

Alternatively or additionally, when the final connection module is mechanically connected to one of the connection ports of one of the base nodes or to one of the connection ports of one of the splicing members, the fluid connectors of the final connection module can be connected to the second base fluid connectors of the connection port of the base node or to the fluid connectors of the connection port of the splicing member by actuating the corresponding controls, so the first fluid connectors of the base node or the one more fluid conduits of a conductor support member connected to the other connection port of the splicing member are connected to the fluid supply network.

In one embodiment, the first panel fastening members that are part of the fastening means for securing the cover panels to the base nodes comprise retaining members located in the base nodes and fastening latches located in the cover panels. The fastening latches are movable between a fastening position, in which the fastening latches are interlocked in the retaining members of the base nodes, and a released position, in which the fastening latches are released from the retaining members.

Optionally, the fastening latches can be of a type available on the market known as a "push to open latch", wherein the fastening latches are elastically loaded and associated with a retaining- release mechanism whereby the latches are interlocked in the retaining members and retained in the fastening position by a first pressure applied on the cover panels against the base nodes, and when they are secured, the fastening latches are arranged in the release position and are released from the retaining members by a second pressure applied on the cover panels against the base nodes.

When the fastening latches used are of the "push to open latch" type, the cover panel includes optionally a locking device configured to lock the cover panel to the base nodes in the operative position in order to prevent undesired detachment of the cover panel caused by an unintentional pressure exerted thereon. The locking device includes, for example, one or more locking latches located at the rear face of the cover panel and actuated by an actuator device controlled by a control element accessible at the front face of the cover panel.

The locking latch is rotatably or slidingly movable by the actuator device between a locked position, in which the locking latch interlocks with a locking retainer located at the base node, and a released position, in which the locking latch does not interfere with the locking retainer. Examples of locking devices useful for the cover panel system of the present invention are a key lock mechanism controlled and actuated by a key, an electromagnetic slide lock mechanism actuated by a solenoid and controlled by a push button, a mechanic slide lock mechanism controlled and manually actuated by a push button, among others.

Alternatively or additionally, the first panel fastening members that are part of the fastening means comprise ferromagnetic members located in the base nodes and permanent magnets located on the rear face of the corners of the cover panels or ferromagnetic members located on the rear face of the corners of the cover panels and permanent magnets located in the base nodes. The permanent magnets are opposite the ferromagnetic members and come into contact with the ferromagnetic members when the cover panels are secured to the base nodes.

Alternatively or additionally, the base fastening members and the panel fastening members that are part of the fastening means comprise hooks located in the base nodes and hook receiving members located on the rear face of the upper corners of the cover panels or hooks located on the rear face of the upper corners of the cover panels and hook receiving members located in the base nodes. When the cover panels are secured to the base nodes, the hooks are hooked to the hook receiving members.

The hooks and hook receiving members can be used in combination with the retaining members and latches and/or with the ferromagnetic members and permanent magnets to support the weight of the cover panels during the operations for installing and disassembling the cover panels with respect to the base nodes. Thus, the hooks and hook receiving members coupled to one another determine an upper fulcrum line with respect to which the cover panel can pivot at the same time that it is supported.

There are envisaged, as an alternative to the hooks and hook receiving members, support cradles located in the base nodes and support legs located on the rear face of the lower corners of the cover panels, the support legs being coupleable to the support cradles to support the weight of the cover panels during the operations for installing and disassembling the cover panels with respect to the base nodes. Therefore, the support legs and the support cradles coupled to one another determine a lower fulcrum line with respect to which the cover panel can pivot at the same time that it is supported.

Even by using the hooks and hook receiving members or the support legs and support cradles, the movement of the cover panel with respect to the base nodes can be considered to be perpendicular to the support surface when the cover panel is secured and connected to the base nodes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of an embodiment which is provided exclusively for non-limiting illustrative purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a framework comprising a plurality of base nodes fixed to a structure and connected to one another by conductor support members that are part of a system of cover panels with built-in services according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the framework of Fig. 1 with a plurality of cover panels secured thereto forming the system of cover panels;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the base nodes of Fig. 1 which constitutes a 360- degree base node;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the 360-degree base node;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the 360-degree base node;

Fig. 6 is a front view of another one of the base nodes of Fig. 1 constituting a 180-degree base node;

Fig. 7 is a front view of yet another one of the base nodes of Fig. 1 constituting a 90- degree base node;

Fig. 8 is a front view of a splicing member that is also part of the framework of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 9 is a side view of the splicing member of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the conductor support members of Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a rear view of the conductor support member of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a front view of the conductor support member of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is an end side view of the conductor support member of Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a front view of a front face of one of the cover panels of Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is a side view of the cover panel of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a view of a rear face of the cover panel of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a partial perspective view showing the rear face of a corner of the cover panel of

Fig. 14;

Fig. 18 is a partial perspective view showing a corner of the cover panel that is about to be secured and connected to the base node constituting the 360-degree base node;

Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view showing the corner of the cover panel once it has been secured and connected to the base node;

Fig. 20 is a partial side view of the corner of the cover panel that is about to be secured and connected to the base node;

Fig. 21 is a partial perspective view of finishing members secured to one of the base nodes constituting the 90-degree base node;

Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view showing a final electrical connection module and a conductor support member that are about to be connected to one another by a splicing member;

Fig. 23 is a front view of the final electrical connection module and of the conductor support member once they have been connected to one another by the splicing member;

Fig. 24 is a partial perspective view showing a final fluid connection module and a conductor support member that are about to be connected to one another by a splicing member; and

Fig. 25 is a front view of the final fluid connection module and of the conductor support member once they have been connected to one another by the splicing member. Detailed Description of an Exemplary Embodiment Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, a system of cover panels with built-in services according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below. The system of panels essentially comprises a plurality of support members, including base nodes 1 (shown in detail in Figs. 3-7) fixed to a structure (not shown) in predetermined positions defining a support plane, a plurality of conductor support members 9 (shown in detail in Figs. 10-13) connected by their ends to the base nodes 1, and a plurality of cover panels 3 (shown in detail in Figs. 14-17) that can be secured to the base nodes 1 by fastening means.

In the embodiment shown, the cover panels 3 have a rectangular shape defining four corners, a front face and a rear face, although they could alternatively have any other polygonal shape defining three or more corners, and the base nodes 1 include 360-degree base nodes 1 (best shown in Figs. 3-5), 180-degree base nodes 1 (best shown in Fig. 6) and 90-degree base nodes 1 (best shown in Fig. 7). The four corners of each of the cover panels 3 are secured and connected to four of the base nodes 1.

As best shown in Figs. 3-7, all the base nodes 1 have in common a base plate 30 provided with fixing holes 31 for fixing the base node 1 to the structure by means of screws or the like, a rectangular prismatic-shaped fluid connection block 32 provided with a raised front surface and four side surfaces, four pairs of first base fluid connectors 7 located on the front surface of the fluid connection block 32, and a pair of second base fluid connectors 15 located on each of the four side surfaces of the fluid connection block 32. Each of the first base fluid connectors 7 of each pair is in fluid connection with one of the second fluid connectors 15 of each pair.

The base nodes 1 further have in common base connection ports 25 opposite the side surfaces of the fluid connection block 32, a pair of elastic tabs 33 parallel to one another and perpendicular to the corresponding side surface of the fluid connection block 32 laterally demarcating each of the base connection ports 25, a first base electrical connector 2 located in each of the spaces demarcated by two of the elastic tabs 33 that are adjacent and perpendicular to one another belonging to two adjacent base connection ports 25, a second base electrical connector 13 located in each base connection port 25, and a pair of hook-shaped retaining members 5 located perpendicular to one another and adjacent to each of the first base electrical connectors 2. Each of the first base electrical connectors 2 is in electrical connection with one of the second base electrical connectors 13. Each base connection port 25 is configured and arranged for connecting one of the conductor support members 9.

As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the 360-degree base nodes 1 include four base connection ports 25, four pairs of retaining members 5, four first base electrical connectors 2 in connection with four corresponding second base electrical connectors 13, and four pairs of first base fluid connectors 7 in connection with four corresponding pairs of second base fluid connectors 15. Therefore, the 360-degree base nodes 1 are suitable for securing and connecting four adjacent corners of four cover panels 3 and for being connected to four conductor support members 9 in a cross-shaped arrangement.

Fig. 6 illustrates one of the 180-degree base nodes 1 including three base connection ports 25, two pairs of retaining members 5, two first base electrical connectors 2 in connection with two corresponding second base electrical connectors 13, and two pairs of first base fluid connectors 7 in connection with two corresponding pairs of second base fluid connectors 15. Therefore, the 180-degree base nodes 1 are suitable for securing and connecting two adjacent corners of two cover panels 3 and for being connected to three conductor support members 9 in a T-shaped arrangement.

The 90-degree base nodes 1 include, as shown in Fig. 7, two adjacent base connection ports 25, a pair of retaining members 5, a first base electrical connector 2 in connection with a corresponding second base electrical connector 13, and a pair of first base fluid connectors 7 in connection with a corresponding pair of second base fluid connectors 15. Therefore, the 90-degree base nodes 1 are suitable for securing and connecting a corner of a single cover panel 3 and for being connected to two conductor support members 9 in an L-shaped arrangement.

Optionally, to simplify the manufacture of the components, the 90- and 180-degree base nodes 1 may include four pairs of first base fluid connectors 7 on the front surface of the fluid connection block 32 and a pair of second base electrical connectors 13 and a pair of second base fluid connectors 15 in each base connection port 25, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, although only those that are strictly needed will be operative.

Figs. 10-13 show one of the conductor support members 9, which can be of the same or different lengths. Each conductor support member 9 comprises an elongated body having at the ends thereof connection units 10 mechanically connectable to the base connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1 by mechanical connection means comprising a snap fastening device.

In the embodiment shown, the snap fastening device includes trunnions 34 which project from side surfaces of the connection units 10 and which, when the connection unit 10 of the conductor support member 9 is pressed against the base connection port 25 of the base node 1 in a direction perpendicular to the support plane, are interlocked in retaining holes 35 located in the elastic tabs 33 of the base nodes 1 by elastic deformation and recovery of the elastic tabs 33.

One or more of the conductor support members 9 houses one or more electrical conductors 11 connected to corresponding conductor electrical connectors 14 located in the connection units 10 and one or more fluid conduits 12 connected to corresponding conductor fluid connectors 16 located in the connection units 10.

The conductor electrical connectors 14 of the conductor support members 9 include pins

(not shown) arranged in directions perpendicular to the support plane, and the second base electrical connectors 13 of the base nodes 1 have terminals that are arranged opposite holes located on a plane parallel to the support plane, such that the pins of the conductor electrical connectors 14 are plugged into the terminals of the second base electrical connectors 13 of the base nodes 1 by means of movement in the direction perpendicular to the support plane which is the same as the movement of the conductor support members 9 with respect to the base nodes 1 when the conductor support members 9 are mechanically coupled to the base nodes 1.

The conductor fluid connectors 16 of the conductor support members 9 comprise retractable connection sleeves 17 associated with accessible controls 18 in the connection units 10 whereby the retractable connection sleeves 17 are movable in a direction parallel to the support plane between a connection extended position (Fig. 12), in which the retractable connection sleeves 17 are extended out from the connection units 10, and a disconnection retracted position (Fig. 11), in which the retractable connection sleeves 17 are retracted into the connection units 10.

When one of the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 is mechanically connected to the base connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1 and the retractable connection sleeves 17 are moved to the connection extended position by actuating the corresponding control 18, the retractable connection sleeves 17 are connected to the second base fluid connectors 15 located in the corresponding side surface of the fluid connection block 32 of the base node 1. When the retractable connection sleeves 17 are moved to the disconnection retracted position by actuating the control 18, the retractable connection sleeves 17 are disconnected from the second base fluid connectors 15.

The second base fluid connectors 15 comprise holes provided with sealing gaskets. Therefore, when the retractable sleeves 17 are plugged into the second base fluid connectors 15, the sealing gaskets assure the leak-tightness of the fluid connection between both.

Thus, the one or more electrical conductors 11 of the conductor support members 9 are electrically connected to the first base electrical connectors 2 of the base node 1, and the one or more fluid conduits 12 of the conductor support members 9 are connected to the base fluid connectors 7 of the base node 1.

The system further comprises splicing members 19, one of which is shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The splicing member 19 comprises a base plate 36, a central body 37 provided with end surfaces perpendicular to the base plate, and splicing connection ports 26 opposite the end surfaces. The base plate 36 has holes 38 for fixing the splicing member 19 to the structure by means of screws or the like.

The splicing connection ports 26 have respective electrical connectors 39 electrically connected to one another and respective fluid connectors 40 fluidically connected to one another. The electrical connectors 39 are located on a plane parallel to the base plate 36, and the fluid connectors 40 are located on the end surfaces perpendicular to the base plate. The configuration of the electrical connectors 39 and of the fluid connectors 40 is similar to the configuration of the second base electrical connectors 13 and second base fluid connectors 15 of the connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1. Each splicing connection port 26 is laterally demarcated by elastic tabs 41 provided with retaining holes (not seen in Figs. 8 and 9) similar to the elastic tabs 33 and retaining holes 35 of the base connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1.

Thus, the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 are connectable to the splicing connection ports 26 of the splicing member 19 by mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means similar to the mechanical connection means, electrical connection means and fluid connection means whereby the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 are connected to the base connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1. The base nodes 1 in combination with the conductor support members 9 and eventually with the splicing members 19 provide one or more electrical circuits and one or more fluid circuits which are concealed when the cover panels are secured in the base nodes 1. To connect the electrical circuits to the electrical supply network and the fluid circuits to the fluid supply network, the system includes a final electrical connection module 20 (shown in Figs. 22 and 23) and a final fluid connection module 23 (shown in Figs. 24 and 25) which are connectable to one of the base connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1 or to one of the splicing connection ports 26 of the splicing members 19.

The final electrical connection module 20 has a final electrical power connector 21 located at a first end and connected to an electrical power connector (not seen in Figs. 22 and 23) located at a second end, as well as a final electrical signal connector 22 located at the first end and connected to an electrical signal connector (not seen in Figs. 22 and 23) located at the second end. The final electrical power connector 21 is connectable to an electrical power supply network by a power cable 43 and the final electrical signal connector 22 is connectable to an electrical signal supply network by a signal cable 44. The electrical power connector and the electrical signal connector (not shown) are similar to the conductor electrical connectors of the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 described above.

The final fluid connection module 23 has two final fluid connectors 24 located at a first end and connected to two corresponding fluid connectors (not seen in Figs. 22 and 23) located at a second end. The two final fluid connectors 24 are connectable to two different fluid supply networks by respective fluid conduits 45. The two fluid connectors include respective retractable connection sleeves associated with a control 46, the retractable connection sleeves and the control 46 being similar to the retractable connection sleeves 17 and to the control 18 of the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 described above.

Both the final electrical connection module 20 and the final fluid connection module 23 have trunnions 47 projecting from side surfaces thereof. These trunnions are similar to the trunnions 34 existing in the connection units 10 of the conductor support members 9 described above.

Thus, the final electrical connection module 20 and the final fluid connection module 23 are connectable to both one of the connection ports 25 of the base nodes 1 and one of the connection ports 26 of the splicing members 19. The leak-tightness of the fluid connection between the retractable sleeves of the final fluid connection module 23 and the second base fluid connectors 15 of the base nodes or fluid connectors 40 of the splicing members 19 is assured by the corresponding sealing gaskets.

When the final electrical connection module 20 is connected to one of the base nodes 1 or to one of the splicing members 19, one of the electrical circuits provided by the base nodes 1, conductor support members 9 and splicing members 19 is connected to the electrical power supply network and the other one of the electrical circuits provided by the base nodes 1, conductor support members 9 and splicing members 19 is connected to the electrical signal supply network. When the final fluid connection module 23 is connected to one of the base nodes 1 or to one of the splicing members 19, the two fluid circuits provided by the base nodes 1, conductor support members 9 and splicing members 19 are connected to the respective fluid supply networks.

The cover panels 3, best shown in Figs. 14-17, have fastening latches 6 that are part of the fastening means and are coupled to the retaining members 5 of the base nodes 1 for securing the cover panels 3 to the base nodes 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening latches 6 are of a type known as "push to open latches", where the fastening latches 6 are movable between a fastening position and a released position, are elastically loaded and associated with a retaining -release mechanism. In the fastening position, the fastening latches 6 are interlocked in the retaining members 5 of the base nodes 1 and the retaining-release mechanism keeps them in the fastening position. In the released position, the fastening latches 6 are released from the retaining members 5 and are maintained in the released position by the elastic load.

To perform an operation for securing a cover panel 3 to the base nodes 1, movement of the cover panel 3 with respect to the base nodes 1 in a direction perpendicular to the support plane is caused, and the fastening latches 6 are interlocked in the retaining members 5 by a first pressure applied on the cover panels 3 against the base nodes 1. If a second pressure is applied on the cover panel 3 against the base nodes 1 when the cover panel 3 is secured to the base nodes 1, the fastening latches are released from the retaining members 5 and the cover panel can be uninstalled.

Each cover panel 3 has a pair of fastening latches 6 located on the rear face of each corner in positions perpendicular to one another and in correspondence with the positions of the retaining members 5 of the base nodes 1 fixed to the structure. Therefore, the pair of fastening latches 6 located in each corner of each cover panel 3 is secured in the corresponding pair of retaining members 5 of one of the four corresponding base nodes 1. Thus, each cover panel 3 is secured by its four corners in four corresponding base nodes 1.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, one of the cover panels 3 has an electrical device 28 and a fluid device 29 (symbolically represented by respective rectangles drawn with discontinuous lines) preferably located on the front face of the cover panel 3 and panel electrical connectors 4 and panel fluid connectors 8 located on the rear face. The panel electrical connectors 4 are electrically connected to the electrical device 28 and the panel fluid connectors 8 are fluidically connected to the fluid device 29.

As best shown in the detail of Fig. 17, the cover panels 3 have fixed on the rear face a frame 42 parallel to the side edges of the cover panel 3 and separated a relatively short distance from the side edges of the cover panel 3. A panel electrical connector 4 and one of the pairs of fastening latches 6 are installed in each corner of the frame 42. A pair of panel fluid connectors 8 is installed on the rear face of each corner of the cover panel. The fastening latches 6, the panel electrical connectors 4 and the panel fluid connectors 8 are located in correspondence with the positions of the retaining members 5, the first base electrical connectors 2 and the first base fluid connectors 7 of the base nodes 1 fixed to the structure.

The panel fluid connectors 8 comprise fixed sleeves projecting from a surface of the front face of the cover panels 3 perpendiculars to the support plane, and the first base fluid connectors 7 comprise corresponding holes provided with sealing gaskets. Therefore, when the cover panels 3 are secured to the base nodes 1, the panel fluid connectors 8 are plugged into the first base fluid connectors 7 and the sealing gaskets assure the leak-tightness of the fluid connection between both.

The panel electrical connectors 4 of the cover panels 3 include pins (not shown) arranged in directions perpendicular to the support plane, and the first base electrical connectors 2 of the base nodes 1 have terminals that are arranged opposite holes located on a plane parallel to the support plane, such that the pins of the panel electrical connectors 4 are plugged into the terminals of the first base electrical connectors 2 of the base nodes 1 by means of the same movement in the direction perpendicular to the support plane which the cover panels 3 effect with respect to the base nodes 1 when the cover panels 3 are secured to the base nodes 1. Therefore, the panel electrical connector 4 and the panel fluid connector 8 are connected to the base electrical connector 2 and to the base fluid connector 7, respectively, when the cover panel 3 is secured to the base nodes 1.

Figs. 18 and 20 show a corner of the cover panel 3 arranged opposite one of the 360- degree base nodes 1 that is about to be secured and connected thereto, and Fig. 19 shows the corner of the cover panel 3 once it has been secured and connected to the 360-degree base node 1. The operation for securing and uninstalling the cover panel 3 is similar for the 90- and 180-degree base nodes 1.

As shown in Fig. 21, the system includes finishing members 27 which are secured to the base nodes 1 along the edges of the surface covered by the cover pattern. These finishing members 27 have different lengths in accordance with the dimensions of the different cover panels 3 and serve to conceal portions of the base nodes 1 that are not covered by the cover panels 3 on the edges of the cover pattern (see Fig. 2).

The fastening means for securing the cover panels 3 to the base nodes 1 optionally comprise ferromagnetic members (not shown) located in the base nodes 1 and permanent magnets (not shown) located on the rear face of the corners of the cover panels 3, or alternatively ferromagnetic members (not shown) located on the rear face of the corners of the cover panels 3 and permanent magnets (not shown) located in the base nodes 1. When the cover panels 3 are secured to the base nodes 1 the permanent magnets are opposite and in contact with the ferromagnetic members. These ferromagnetic members and permanent magnets can replace or complement the retaining members 5 and fastening latches 6.

The fastening means for securing the cover panels 3 to the base nodes 1 also optionally comprise hooks (not shown) located in the base nodes 1 and hook receiving members (not shown) located on the rear face of the upper corners of the cover panels 3, or alternatively hooks (not shown) located on the rear face of the upper corners of the cover panels 3 and hook receiving members (not shown) located in the base nodes 1. When the cover panels 3 are secured to the base nodes 1, the hooks are hooked to the hook receiving members.

These hooks and hook receiving members complement the retaining members 5 and fastening latches 6 and/or the ferromagnetic members and permanent magnets, and are used to support the weight of the cover panel 3 during the operations for securing and uninstalling the cover panel 3 in the base nodes 1. The weight of the cover panel 3 can alternatively be supported during the operations for securing and uninstalling by means of support cradles (not shown) located in the base nodes 1 and support legs (not shown) located on the rear face of the lower corners of the cover panels 3, the support legs being coupleable to the support cradles.

The scope of the present invention is defined in the attached claims.