Built-in module of Ethernet equipment connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to an Ethernet device connector built-in module for a controllable device from lighting, sound, video or special effect engineering to combine the device into a chain of a plurality of devices serially connected over the Ethernet. The Ethernet-based architecture of the Ethernet device connector built-in module allows serial control of complex switchable devices. An Ethernet device connector built-in module provides data supply and provides power supply of a chain of devices interconnected in series, for example through two external insertion locations interconnected via an inserted distributor assembly, the distributor assembly has an Ethernet contact interface on a printed circuit board of an Ethernet device connector built-in module for connecting the Ethernet device connector built-in module inside the apparatus to control electronic devices of the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an Ethernet device connector built-in module for switchable devices from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering, in particular for combining the devices into a chain of multiple devices connected in series. Background Art

[0002] Devices from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering, for example in the form of electrical and electronic equipment and installations, play a central role in the staging of events such as stage or theatre performances, film and television productions, exhibitions and concerts.

[0003] Lighting engineering includes technical measures for influencing light conditions, for example in order to produce impressive, variable set designs and to effectively emphasize the presented moods. Switchable devices in lighting engineering include, for example, lighting units, such as spotlights, luminaires, lasers and LED panels, which are usually connected to one another in a string. Usually, lighting units are part of a programmable lighting system for adaptive lighting, such as scene-related lighting. Adaptive lighting is usually provided by a lighting controller, which can be operated, for example, via a so-called control panel, which controls the operating state (e.g. switching on or off, color selection, intensity) of various lighting units (e.g. stage spotlights).

[0004] Sound engineering includes technical equipment for converting, processing, recording and reproducing acoustic signals. Switchable devices in sound engineering include, for example, amplifiers and loudspeakers, microphones, tone controllers and equipment for producing specific acoustic effects, such as reverberation equipment. Video engineering includes technical equipment for visually displaying images (such as projectors and screens), as well as technical equipment for processing and recording image or video data. Various electrical signals (e.g., audio, video) are combined and controlled by, for example, known mixers.

[0005] Special effects engineering includes technical equipment used to produce special effects using physical or chemical processes. Common special effects equipment includes, for example, fog machines, smoke machines or wind machines. Other configurations include, for example, pyrotechnic equipment or equipment for producing scent elements.

[0006] For example, various devices from lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering can be controlled individually in each case from a central distributor, a so-called hub. This type of installation and control is often used in fixed installations.

[0007] Furthermore, the devices can also be connected in the form of a chain of a plurality of serially connected devices and thus controlled. This is also referred to as a "daisy chain", for example. In this case, a first device is directly connected to a computing unit, for example to a computer or a bus. The further devices are each connected to the preceding device and the succeeding device in a serially connected manner, with the result that the signal transmission to and from each device is provided to the computing unit via the preceding device. The serial connection of a plurality of devices is often used, for example, in temporary structures (e.g. concerts, events or exhibitions), since this can reduce the number of cables.

[0008] In addition to the frequent unplugging and reinsertion of connectors, for example in the case of touring stage productions, connectors for supplying power to the installation and for connecting the installation to the installation controller are often subject to significant mechanical loads even during operation. During stage performances, for example, significant time pressures and the required flexibility often lead to harsh handling of the equipment by artists and stage crew. For example, it is not uncommon for stage crew to brace themselves on the housing of an already plugged-in cable connector or to pull on connecting cables. Cable connectors are therefore usually specially designed to resist mechanical actions and environmental influences both in the plugged-in and unplugged state. In addition, the plugs are often locked to prevent accidental disassembly.

[0009] Devices are usually controlled via analog connections for receiving command signals and optionally additional power signals. For example, so-called XLR connectors (also called XLR connectors) are used for this purpose. XLR plugs are standardized in the international standard IEC 61076-2-103, where 3-pin, 4-pin and 5-pin embodiments of XLR plugs are able to provide not only data transmission but also voltage supply to the terminals.

[0010] For example, the DMX ("Digital Multiplex") protocol for five-pin XLR connectors is commonly used to control lighting engineering and special effects equipment.

[0011] For example, an XLR connector can power a chain of serially connected devices and can transmit up to 512 or 1024 different control channels. However, in the case of complex switchable devices such as stage spotlights or LED panels with a variety of different dimming and color settings, and / or when a large number of serially connected devices are used, the options for data and current transmission via XLR connectors are limited because the number of control channels for this purpose is too small. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved control of switchable devices from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering.

[0013] A particular object is to provide improved control of a chain of a plurality of serially connected devices from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering.

[0014] With regard to improving the control of the installations due to combining the installations into a chain of multiple serially connected installations, another object is to provide an easy to implement upgrade of conventional installations from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering.

[0015] According to the invention, relatively complex control is provided by signal transmission and optional power supply via Ethernet. Power supply via Ethernet makes it possible to power a network-enabled device via an Ethernet cable while providing a network connection via the same Ethernet cable. Thus, for example, data and the current for power supply can be transmitted to the device together via the cable. This enables serial connection of multiple devices, each of which is configured for complex switching to control / adapt the operating state of the device.

[0016] The present invention relates to an Ethernet device connector built-in module for controllable devices from lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering, which is configured to be installed in the device as a prefabricated physical component. The built-in module includes a fastening structure for providing the Ethernet device connector built-in module to be installed on the housing of the device, such as a borehole, each of which is arranged to accommodate a fastening member, such as a screw and a pin, for fastening the Ethernet device connector built-in module to the housing of the device. In addition, the Ethernet device connector built-in module includes a double device connector, which has two external insertion positions provided by a common flange element, and when the Ethernet device connector built-in module is in an installed state in the device, each external insertion position is used to insert an Ethernet cable connector so as to combine the device into a chain of multiple devices connected serially via Ethernet. A distributor component arranged on a printed circuit board of the Ethernet device connector built-in module is configured to distribute a data signal provided by one of the two external insertion positions to the other of the two external insertion positions and an Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board. In particular, the distributor assembly may also be configured to distribute data supply signals and power supply signals provided by one of the two external plug-in locations to the other of the two external plug-in locations and the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board.

[0017] The distributor assembly is connected via conductor traces on a printed circuit board to an Ethernet contact interface having mechanically contactable contacts or contacts contactable by soldering, which are used to connect the printed circuit board inside the device to control the device's electronic equipment to control the device (i.e., to transmit data signals and in particular to supply power to the device).

[0018] Lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering each involve the technical equipment mentioned at the beginning. For example, the Ethernet device connector built-in module is configured to be installed in the following equipment: lighting units (e.g., controllable by DMX), such as spotlights, lasers or LED panels; audio equipment (e.g., based on Dante technology), such as active speakers or recorders; video equipment (e.g., based on Dante technology), such as video walls (e.g., LED walls), video recorders or video processing equipment; or special effects devices, such as smoke machines, fog machines or wind machines.

[0019] For example, the external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, and the distributor assembly are designed to operate according to PoE or PoDL technology.

[0020] The abbreviation PoE stands for "Power over Ethernet" and refers to a method of being able to supply power to network-enabled devices via an eight-core Ethernet cable. In addition to the correspondingly backward-compatible variants standardized by IEEE 802.3, there are also some proprietary methods and simple passive variants.

[0021] The abbreviations SPE and PoDL stand for "Single Pair Ethernet" and "Power over Data Line", respectively, and describe the Ethernet-based data and power transmission via only one twisted pair. Existing SPE and PoDL schemes are also standardized in IEEE 802.3. While PoE technology uses at least two or even four core pairs, SPE or PoDL technology allows power to be transmitted via only a single core pair. For example, two-core cables in accordance with IEC 61156 are suitable for PoDL.

[0022] In one embodiment, the external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, and the distributor assembly are configured to operate according to one of IEEE standards 802.3, such as 802.3, 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, 802.3bu.

[0023] In another embodiment, the external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, and the distributor assembly are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol that provides control (ie, data signal transmission and, in particular, power supply) to different types of devices.

[0024] In this case, in particular, one of the different types is a first type of device from one of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering, and the other of the different types is a second type of device from a field of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering that is different from the first field. In other words, the Ethernet protocol provides a connection between at least two (different) fields of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering. For example, the Ethernet protocol is configured to provide integration and control of one or more active speakers and one or more spotlights in the same daisy chain.

[0025] In another embodiment, the external insertion locations each comprise an RJ45 or SPE jack.

[0026] The 8-pin plug commonly used in the field is called an "RJ45" plug. In certain applications, the standardized RJ45 plug is susceptible to damage and operational interruptions. For example, it is not well suited to repeated insertion and removal because the contacts can easily bend or shift due to incorrect insertion. The plastic latches (spring arms) can fatigue and break, resulting in the plug no longer being securely seated in the jack. The cable itself is susceptible to failure due to repeated bending where the cable enters the jack. In addition, the cable can also be pulled out of the plug due to longitudinal loads. The plug housing is formed from plastic and can easily deform or break, for example if it is accidentally stepped on. The above disadvantages also apply to other cable connections, such as optical waveguides, power cables, etc.

[0027] Therefore, in the field of stage and event technology or in other areas where connectors are exposed to harsh conditions, for example outdoors or in the military field, specially designed cable and device connector arrangements are used, which, for example, protect sensitive RJ45 cable and device connections or generally protect contact elements (for example in the case of proprietary designs). For example, cable plug protectors for preassembled RJ45 cable plugs are commercially available under the trade name NE8MC from the Neutrik Group.

[0028] For example, a cable connector used within the meaning of the present invention comprises a housing, a radially compressible tensioner and a kink protection member. The housing is generally configured so that a mechanically lockable plug-in connection is provided between an insertion position and a cable connector, which matches the insertion position as a mating piece and can be inserted into an insertion opening in the housing at the insertion position. The tensioner is accommodated inside the housing and fixed to the housing against axial tension (along the cable), wherein the radially compressible tensioner engages around the cable and, in a pressed together state, firmly clamps the cable in the housing. This structure obtains a tension relief effect on the cable connected to the cable connector or the insertion position. For example, the tensioner comprises a radially compressible tensioning sleeve, which is radially compressed by a union nut or a clamping nut. The kink protection member is attached to the rear region (towards the cable, away from the insertion opening) on ​​the housing of the cable connector and stabilizes the cable, thereby minimizing the risk of cable kinking. For example, the kink protection member is designed as a reinforcement made of a hard rubber or plastic material, which surrounds the cable.

[0029] In another embodiment, the insertion locations are each configured to establish a precisely matched, mechanically lockable insertion connection with a corresponding cable connector, which is adapted as a mating piece to the insertion location and can be inserted into an insertion opening in the housing of the corresponding insertion location. Here, each insertion location has a receptacle arranged in the corresponding housing, wherein the front part of the housing—the part facing the side to which the cable connector can be brought to the corresponding insertion opening—surrounds at least a part of the receptacle at a distance.

[0030] In another embodiment, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board comprises an RJ45 or SPE plug, for example, wherein the RJ45 or SPE plug is connected to the printed circuit board via a cable. This is advantageous, for example, in the case where the device already has a corresponding mating input.

[0031] Alternatively, the printed circuit board is configured to be inserted into a control unit (eg, PCB) of the device and connected to an external insertion location via a cable (eg, FCC or FPC cable (FCC: Flexible Flat Cable, FPC: Flexible Print Cable)).

[0032] In another alternative, the Ethernet device connector built-in module includes a PCB plug-in module (PCB: printed circuit board) that is connected to the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board via a cable (e.g., an FCC or FPC cable) and is designed to be plugged into a control unit (e.g., PCB) of the device.

[0033] In a basic configuration, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board is provided only in the form of contacts, such as pins, solder points or cable ends, which are to be connected (e.g. soldered or clamped) to the control unit of the device. The size of the contacts makes it possible to achieve manual mechanical or soldered contacting of the contacts, compared to conductor tracks with a width, for example, in the sub-millimeter range (a width of 35 μm for a common track). For example, the contacts extend at least 1 or 2 millimeters in one spatial direction.

[0034] In another embodiment, the Ethernet device connector built-in module comprises a front side, which is configured to constitute a part of a housing exterior of the device when the Ethernet device connector built-in module is in an installed state in the device, wherein for each of the two external insertion positions, a corresponding insertion opening for receiving a cable connector that can be inserted into the corresponding external insertion position is arranged at the front side. For example, the front side of the Ethernet device connector built-in module matches the mounting opening for the Ethernet device connector built-in module on the device in terms of shape and size, so that after installation, the front side continues (e.g., seamlessly) with the housing exterior of the device housing.

[0035] The common mounting plate has fastening formations, for example in the form of drilled holes, for receiving fastening members for fastening, for example screwing, the mounting plate to the device housing.

[0036] In another embodiment, the common flange element of the dual device connector is configured to provide a mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector built-in module. Thus, the common flange element can have a desired shape, for example, to be received in a housing opening in a device, so that the outer side of the flange element after installation in the housing opening continues to correctly shape the housing exterior of the device housing according to the remaining shape of the device.

[0037] In another embodiment, the contact element of one of the two external insertion positions is connected to the signal input of the distributor assembly inside the module (i.e., inside the Ethernet device connector built-in module). In addition, a first signal output of the distributor assembly different from the signal input is connected to the contact element of the other of the two external insertion positions inside the module, and a second signal output of the distributor assembly different from the signal input and the first signal output is connected to the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board inside the module.

[0038] In another embodiment, the Ethernet device connector built-in module includes a power supply unit connected to the distributor assembly for receiving a current input signal and providing a current output signal for powering the distributor assembly. For example, the Ethernet device connector built-in module includes a separate current connector interface that is connected to the power supply unit and is used to connect to an external power supply for providing the current input signal to the power supply unit. Alternatively or in combination with the separate current connector interface, one of the two external insertion positions that is connected to the signal input end of the distributor assembly inside the module is also connected to the power supply unit and is configured so that the input signal provided via one of the two external insertion positions is divided into a data signal component that provides data transmission and a power signal component that provides power to the power supply unit, wherein the power signal component is provided to the power supply unit and the data signal component is provided to the signal input end of the distributor assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention is explained in more detail below, but only by way of example, based on the exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Generally, the described embodiments are not described in true proportion and should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0040] Figure 1 : shows an exemplary embodiment of the Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram showing two external insertion locations, an internal Ethernet output interface, and exemplary internal connections of a splitter assembly;

[0042] Figure 3 : An exemplary diagram showing the use of the Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention for combining devices into a chain of multiple devices connected serially via Ethernet;

[0043] Figure 4 : An exemplary diagram showing another use of the Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention for providing a method for combining devices from four different fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering into the same chain of multiple devices connected serially via Ethernet;

[0044] Figure 5 : shows an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector used with an Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6: shows an exemplary embodiment of an insertion position used as one of the two external insertion positions of the built-in module of the Ethernet device connector according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 : A schematic diagram showing a circuit of a power supply unit for supplying power to a distributor assembly through a current connector interface according to the present invention, the current connector interface being connected to the power supply unit and being used to connect an external power source;

[0047] Figure 8 : A schematic diagram showing another circuit of a power supply unit for supplying power to a distributor assembly according to the present invention, wherein an input signal provided via an input insertion position is divided into a data signal component and a power signal component; and

[0048] Fig. 9 : shows a schematic arrangement of a distributor component on a printed circuit board of a built-in module of an Ethernet device connector according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an Ethernet device connector built-in module 1 according to the present invention is shown. The Ethernet device connector built-in module 1 comprises a dual device connector 2 providing two external plug-in positions 3A, 3B. In the example shown, the flange element of the dual device connector 2 provides a common mounting plate of the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1 and is configured so that the outer side 4 of the flange element in the state in which it is installed in the device forms part of the housing exterior 5 of the housing 6. The Ethernet device connector built-in module 1 also has further housing parts 7, which are arranged in the interior of the device after the built-in component 1 is installed in the device. As a fastening configuration, the flange element of the dual device connector 2 has a bore 8 for screwing the flange element to the housing 6 of the device.

[0050] In the example shown, the flange element / mounting plate matches the mounting opening for the Ethernet device connector built-in module on the device housing 6 in shape and size, so that the outer side 4 of the flange element / mounting plate (the front side of the Ethernet device connector built-in module) seamlessly continues the housing exterior 5 of the device housing 6 after installation.

[0051] The two external insertion positions 3A, 3B are connected to the Ethernet contact interface 9 on the printed circuit board of the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1, and the Ethernet contact interface provides an internal Ethernet output interface, which is used to connect the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1 inside the device to control the electronic equipment of the device to control the device. A distributor component is inserted between the two external insertion positions 3A, 3B and the (internal) Ethernet contact interface 9 on the printed circuit board, and the distributor component (not shown; see Figure 2 ) is configured to distribute data and power signals provided via one of the two external insertion locations 3A, 3B to the other of the two external insertion locations 3A, 3B and the internal Ethernet contact interface 9. For example, the distributor component is designed as a PoE or PoDL switch.

[0052] Figure 2 Shown from Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an Ethernet device connector built-in module 1, as well as two external plug-in locations 3A, 3B, an Ethernet contact interface 9 of a printed circuit board and an exemplary internal connection of a distributor component 10.

[0053] One of the two external insertion positions (also referred to as input insertion position 3A) is connected inside the module to the signal input terminal 11 of the distributor assembly 10. A first signal output terminal 12 of the distributor assembly 10, which is different from the signal input terminal 11, is connected inside the module to the other of the two external insertion positions (also referred to as output insertion position 3B), and another signal output terminal 13 of the distributor assembly 10, which is different from the signal input terminal 11 and the first signal output terminal 12, is connected inside the module to the Ethernet contact interface 9 on the printed circuit board.

[0054] The device using the Ethernet device connector built-in module upgrade according to the present invention is used, for example, in a theater or concert, and as Figure 3 and Figure 4 Schematically shown, it is used to combine multiple devices into a device chain via Ethernet serial connection.

[0055] Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which an Ethernet device connector built-in module provides a connection for forming a chain of devices (in this case, a chain of lighting devices 14, for example) connected via Ethernet serial connection from the same of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering. In this case, the Ethernet-based construction of the Ethernet device connector built-in module allows serial control of multiple complex switchable devices (e.g., stage spotlights or LED panels), each device having multiple switchable configuration options for dimming and color settings.

[0056] Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown, in which the Ethernet device connector built-in module provides connections between devices from different areas of four areas: lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering. In the example shown, the Ethernet device connector built-in module is configured to provide a chain of lighting units 14, audio devices 15 (in this case speakers) and special effects devices 16 (in this case wind turbines) connected via Ethernet serial connections.

[0057] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a cable connector 17 for use with an Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention is shown. In this case, the cable connector 17 is in the form of a cable plug protector for a pre-assembled RJ45 cable plug 18 and has a housing 19 designed to be inserted into a receptacle in an insertion position (see FIG. Figure 6 ). In the assembled state of the plug arrangement, the RJ45 cable plug 18 is accommodated inside the housing 19 and fixed by means of a tensioning element. In this case, the tensioning element has a radially compressible clamp which engages around the cable and clamps the cable securely in the clamp in the compressed state. In the assembled state, the housing 19, the tensioning element and the cable are clamped relative to each other, so that there is a tension relief effect on the core of the cable.

[0058] At the rear end of the housing 19 , that is to say on the side facing the cable, a so-called kink protection piece 20 is additionally attached, which stabilizes the cable introduced into the cable connector 17 and thereby minimizes the risk of the cable becoming kinked.

[0059] Furthermore, the housing 19 typically comprises a portion of a locking mechanism for preventing the cable connector 17 from being accidentally removed from the insertion position. In the example shown, the housing 19 comprises for this purpose a snap catch fitting or a spring catch fitting 21 for detachably connecting the cable connector 17 to the insertion position. For example, for the purpose of fixing, the spring catch of the insertion position on the outer side of the housing 19 engages in a recess provided by the snap catch or spring catch fitting 21. Preferably, the snap catch or spring catch fitting or a recess otherwise provided for undercutting is arranged on the top side of the cable connector.

[0060] A known example of such a cable connector for a secure, lockable connection to a device connector is the plug device offered by the Neutrik Group under the trade name NE8MC, a cable plug protector for pre-assembled RJ45 cable plugs.

[0061] Figure 6An exemplary embodiment of a single device connector 22 is shown, which has substantially the same features as the corresponding insertion positions 3A, 3B of a double device connector within the meaning of the present invention. The device connector comprises a housing 23 with an insertion opening 24 for a complementary cable connector (see Figure 5 ). A socket 25, here for example a preassembled RJ45 socket, is arranged in a housing 23, which surrounds the socket 25 at a distance at the front (that is to say on the side where the cable connector is brought to the insertion opening 24). Furthermore, an actuating element 26 of a locking mechanism for preventing an accidental removal of the cable connector inserted into the device connector 22 is arranged on the housing 23.

[0062] For example, the actuating element 26 unlocks a locking arm which is pretensioned in the closed position and which engages a capture mating element arranged on the cable connector in order to lock the cable connector. Figure 5 ). For example, with an operating lug, the actuating element 26 protrudes forward beyond the insertion-side end of the housing 23 so that the user can easily reach and actuate the actuating element. Preferably, the actuating element 26 (and the closing mechanism that usually interacts with it) is arranged on the top side of the device connector 22.

[0063] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagrams showing two possible circuits of a power supply unit 27 for supplying power to a distributor assembly, wherein two external plug-in locations 3A, 3B, an Ethernet contact interface 9 on a printed circuit board and a distributor assembly such as Figure 2 Arrange it like that.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1' includes a separate current connector interface 28, which is connected to the power supply unit 27 and is used to connect to an external power supply for providing a current input signal to the power supply unit 27. For example, the device to be equipped with the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1' includes a dedicated power supply, and the current connector interface 28 is connected to the current output terminal of the device located inside the device. In another embodiment, when the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1' is in a built-in state in the device, for example, the current connector interface 28 can be accessed from the outside, thereby also providing a current connection option independent of the device.

[0065] exist Figure 8In the embodiment of the Ethernet device connector built-in module 1″ shown, the input insertion position 3A is connected to the signal input terminal 11 of the distributor component and the power supply unit 27 inside the module. The input signal provided by the input insertion position 3A is divided into a data signal component 29A and a power signal component 29B, wherein the power signal 29B is provided to the power supply unit 27 and is used by the latter to supply power to the distributor component 10.

[0066] Fig. 9 The arrangement of a distributor assembly 10 on a printed circuit board 30 of a built-in module of an Ethernet device connector according to the present invention is schematically shown, wherein the distributor assembly 10 is connected to an Ethernet contact interface 9 via conductor tracks 31 of the printed circuit board, which Ethernet contact interface provides mechanically contactable contacts 32 or contacts 32 contactable by soldering, which are used to connect the printed circuit board 30 inside the device to control the electronic equipment of the device. In the example shown, the contacts 32 of the Ethernet contact interface 9 have the basic form of contacts for ("manually") establishing a mechanical or soldering connection. In contrast to the thin conductor tracks 31 with a thickness of several micrometers, the contacts 32 have, for example, a rectangular shape of at least 2×4 mm.

[0067] In a further embodiment (not shown), the Ethernet contact interface 9 is configured so that the contacts 32 are provided by an RJ45 or SPE plug connected to the conductor traces 31. Alternatively, the Ethernet contact interface 9 is connected via a cable to a PCB plug-in module for plugging into a printed circuit board of a device, or the printed circuit substrate 9 of the Ethernet device connector built-in module is itself designed as a plug-in module to be plugged into a printed circuit board of a device (e.g., a main PCB of the device).

[0068] It should be understood that these depicted figures only schematically show possible exemplary embodiments. The various methods can also be combined with each other and with methods of the prior art.

Claims

1. An Ethernet device connector built-in module for a controllable device from a lighting, sound, video or special effects project, the Ethernet device connector built-in module being configured to be installed into the device as a prefabricated physical component, It is characterized in that The Ethernet device connector built-in module includes: a fastening structure for providing mounting of the Ethernet device connector built-in module on the housing of the device, a dual device connector having two external insertion positions provided by a common flange element, each of the external insertion positions being used to insert an Ethernet cable connector when the Ethernet device connector built-in module is in an installed state in the device so as to combine the device into a chain of multiple devices connected serially via Ethernet, A distributor component is arranged on the printed circuit board of the built-in module of the Ethernet device connector and is configured to distribute the data signal and the power signal provided by one of the two external insertion positions to the other of the two external insertion positions and the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, the distributor component is connected to the Ethernet contact interface via the conductor traces on the printed circuit board, and the Ethernet contact interface has mechanically contactable contacts or contacts contactable by welding, and the contacts are used to connect the printed circuit board inside the device to control the electronic equipment of the device to control the device.

2. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board and the distributor assembly are designed to operate according to PoE or PoDL technology.

3. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, and the distributor assembly are configured to operate in accordance with one of IEEE Standards 802.

3.

4. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The external plug-in location, the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board, and the distributor assembly are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol that provides control for different types of devices.

5. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 4, characterized in that: One of the different types is a first type of device from one of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering, and another of the different types is a second type of device from a field different from the first field among the four fields of lighting, sound, video and special effects engineering.

6. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The external insertion locations each include an RJ45 or SPE jack.

7. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The external insertion locations are each configured to establish a precisely fitting, mechanically lockable insertion connection with a corresponding cable connector, which is adapted as a mating piece to the insertion location and can be inserted into an insertion opening in a housing of the corresponding insertion location, wherein the insertion locations each have a socket arranged in the corresponding housing, wherein the front part of the housing is the part facing the side of the cable connector that can be brought to the corresponding insertion opening, and the front part of the housing surrounds at least a part of the socket at a certain distance.

8. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board includes an RJ45 or SPE plug.

9. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The printed circuit board is configured to be plugged into a control unit of the device and connected to the external plug-in location via a cable.

10. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A PCB plug-in module is included, which is connected to the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board via a cable and is designed to be plugged into a control unit of the device.

11. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The device comprises a front side, the front side being configured to constitute a part of the housing exterior of the housing of the device when the Ethernet device connector built-in module is in an installed state in the device, wherein for each of the two external insertion positions, a corresponding insertion opening for receiving a cable connector that can be inserted into the corresponding external insertion position is arranged at the front side.

12. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The invention comprises a common mounting plate and an additional housing component, wherein when the Ethernet device connector built-in module is in an installed state in the device, the additional housing component is configured to be arranged inside the device, wherein the common mounting plate has the fastening structure for receiving the fastening member for fastening the mounting plate to the housing of the device.

13. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The common flange member of the dual device connector is configured to provide the mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector built-in module.

14. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The contact element of one of the two external plug-in locations is connected inside the module to a signal input of the distributor assembly, A first signal output of the distributor assembly, different from the signal input, is connected inside the module to a contact element of the other of the two external plug-in locations, and A second signal output of the distributor component, which is different from the signal input and the first signal output, is connected inside the module to the Ethernet contact interface on the printed circuit board.

15. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 14, comprising a power supply unit connected to the distributor component for receiving a current input signal and providing a current output signal for supplying power to the distributor component, characterized in that: The Ethernet device connector built-in module further comprises a separate current connector interface, the separate current connector interface being connected to the power supply unit and being used to connect to an external power source for providing the current input signal to the power supply unit, and / or The external insertion position of the two external insertion positions that is connected to the signal input end of the distributor component inside the module is also connected to the power supply unit and is configured so that the input signal provided via the one of the two external insertion positions is divided into a data signal component that provides data transmission and a power supply signal component that provides power to the power supply unit, wherein the power supply signal component is provided to the power supply unit and the data signal component is provided to the signal input end of the distributor component.

16. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening formations are bores, each of which is configured to receive a fastening member for fastening the Ethernet device connector built-in module to the housing of the apparatus.

17. The Ethernet device connector built-in module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The cable is an FCC or FPC cable.

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