LIGHT STRIP WITH ADDITIONAL DATA LINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a user recognition device comprising a system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Typical systems comprise a luminaire that is elongated in a longitudinal direction and includes a longitudinally elongated mounting rail and a longitudinally elongated mounting body. The mounting rail typically serves to fix the luminaire to a building structure, such as a ceiling. Electrical functional components of the luminaire, such as circuit boards with LEDs, radio modules, electrical cables, and / or control gear, are usually attached to the mounting body. When installing a luminaire, the mounting rail is usually attached to the building structure first, and then the mounting body, which is equipped with the aforementioned electrical functional components of the luminaire, is fixed to the mounting rail. Thus, the mounting rail and mounting body form an interior space in which essential elements of the luminaire, such as circuit boards, control gear, etc., are arranged.Typically, the support rail and mounting body are each elongated in a longitudinal direction, preferably with a longitudinal extent at least five times the extent perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The support rail usually has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, open at one vertical end along a vertical direction, and bounded along a transverse direction by two support rail side walls. These side walls are connected by a support rail base extending vertically from the base along the transverse direction. The support rail is usually attached to a structural element via its support rail base.The mounting body is typically arranged at the open vertical end of the support rail, so that the mounting body and the support rail together form an interior space enclosed by the support rail and mounting body perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. At least in some longitudinal sections, the enclosure of the interior space formed by the support rail and mounting body may be interrupted in sections, for example, to allow access to the interior space, such as for air supply. Preferably, the interior space is continuously enclosed over at least 80%, and in particular at least 90%, of its longitudinal extent.The mounting body often has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, comprising a mounting body base extending in the transverse direction and mounting body side walls extending vertically away from the mounting body base on both transverse sides. Preferably, in an operating position, the mounting body base is arranged at the open end of the mounting rail. The mounting rail and mounting body are generally manufactured separately. Particularly preferably, the mounting rail and / or mounting body are each manufactured from a single sheet of metal by forming. Typically, in an operating state of the luminaire in which the luminaire is used as intended, the mounting body is held on the mounting rail by a retaining spring. Various possibilities for implementing such a retaining spring are known in the prior art.The retaining spring is typically fixed to the mounting body and has retaining projections that allow for elastic deflection in the transverse direction. When mounting the mounting body to the support rail, it is usually pressed onto the support rail along the vertical axis, i.e.,the mounting body is moved towards its open end until it rests against the mounting rail. During this movement, the retaining projections of the retaining spring are deflected towards the transverse center of the mounting body to allow them to pass the mounting rail retaining anchors provided on the inside of the mounting rail side walls. After passing the mounting rail retaining anchors, they are guided elastically transversely outwards and form a positive connection with the mounting rail retaining anchors, in particular snapping into place behind these mounting rail retaining anchors. This secures the mounting body to the mounting rail on the open side of the mounting rail facing away from the mounting rail base, so that the mounting body, the mounting rail base, and the mounting rail side walls enclose the interior of the luminaire. Preferably, the mounting rail retaining anchors are designed as projections.

[0003] A luminaire of this type often also features a conductor rail, usually made of plastic, particularly by extrusion, and also elongated in the longitudinal direction. The conductor rail is typically located on an inner side of the mounting rail facing the interior and is fixed to the mounting rail, particularly to the base of the mounting rail and / or to at least one of the side walls of the mounting rail. The conductor rail extends over a substantial portion of the length of the mounting rail, in particular over at least 80% of its longitudinal extent. The conductor rail typically has several channels arranged side by side along a single direction, open to an access side that is accessible from the interior.The mounting direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, particularly along the aforementioned transverse direction when the conductor rail is mounted on the mounting rail base, and the channels extend over the entire length of the conductor rail. At least one conductor wire is arranged in the luminaire, particularly in at least some of the channels of the conductor rail. The conductor wires are typically connected to an external voltage source, particularly at at least one longitudinal end of the conductor rail, via which electrical energy and, in particular, electrical signals can be applied to the conductor wires. For this purpose, an electrical connection device is typically electrically connected to the conductor wires, and this connection device is typically located at the longitudinal end. Usually, one of these connection devices is provided at each end of the conductor wires, and in particular at each longitudinal end of the conductor rail.The connection devices can, for example, be designed as corresponding connection devices, such as a first plug and a second socket. By providing one connection device at each end of the conductor wires, particularly at each longitudinal end of the busbar, the busbar can be connected at both of its longitudinal ends to corresponding connection devices, so that the conductor wires can form a through-wiring connection.

[0004] Standardized lighting systems are used in a wide range of applications, such as warehouses, production halls, supermarkets, and open-plan offices, employing luminaires with multiple mounting rails and mounting bodies. The basic principle of these systems is that the mounting rails provide the electrical and mechanical infrastructure, while the mounting bodies are attached to the rails and contain the electrical components required for the specific application.Naturally, at least some of the electrical functional elements are usually designed as lighting modules with light sources, in particular comprising LED boards; alternatively or additionally, other electrical functional elements can also be provided on the respective mounting body, such as a presence sensor (e.g., infrared sensor), a camera, a radio module, etc. The electrical functional elements are usually fixed to the mounting body.

[0005] The luminaire typically has a contact device that establishes an electrical contact between the conductor wires and the at least one electrical functional element. A variety of such contact devices are known in the prior art. These contact devices can be designed, for example, as conventional cutting and / or clamping contacts and / or as plug-in contacts, which ensure an electrical tap on the conductor wires, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection between the conductor wires and the respective functional element. In some embodiments of this type, a conductor rail with longitudinally extending channels is arranged on an inner surface of the mounting rail facing the interior, with the conductor wires arranged in the channels.In such embodiments, contact devices can be fixed to the mounting body and have electrical contacts that are inserted into the channels of the busbar while the mounting body is moved vertically towards the mounting rail until it rests against the open end of the mounting rail. In this intended operating state, the contacts are in electrically conductive connection with at least some of the conductor wires, the contact device establishing an electrically conductive connection between the contacts and the at least one electrical functional element, so that the electrical functional element is connected via the contacts to the corresponding conductor wires of the busbar.The electrical connection between the contact device and the functional element typically supplies the electrical element with power. The electrical functional element can also be connected to external electrical components via other conductors, for example, to an emergency power supply and / or a control unit, through which the electrical functional element can receive control signals. In this case, a control line is usually formed in the mounting rail, particularly in the conductor rail, through two of the conductors, via which the control signals can be transmitted to the at least one electrical functional element. In luminaires of this type, these are usually control lines via which control commands are transmitted according to the DALI standard. This DALI standard enables data transmission of approximately...1 kbit / sec, which is certainly sufficient for transmitting relevant control commands to the respective electrical functional element. Furthermore, luminaires with Ethernet connections are known, for example, from documents WO 2017 / 139467 A1 and US 2009 / 145611 A1, enabling high data rates to be exchanged between the luminaires and a network. Additionally, a busbar system is known from DE 10 2018 105 749 A1, in which data lines and supply lines are arranged and can be contacted via a functional insert.

[0006] In typical applications, generic systems are used in such a way that several luminaire components, each comprising a mounting rail designed as described, a mounting body designed as described, and a conductor rail designed as described, are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction to create a luminaire, wherein the mounting rails of the respective luminaire components are mechanically coupled to each other and the conductor wires, in particular the conductor rails, of the luminaire components are electrically connected to each other.

[0007] This allows for the creation of large, elongated lighting structures, as required in a variety of applications. A luminaire of the respective system thus comprises numerous mounting rails, mounting bodies, and, in particular, conductor rails, all interconnected as described. Such luminaires inherently require connection to external power sources and, in particular, control units, ensuring that the conductor wires, especially those of at least one conductor rail of the luminaire, are always electrically connected to external electrical devices via appropriate electrical connections. Therefore, systems of this type are also fundamentally suitable for transporting electricity for other purposes, especially for electronic data transmission.This is problematic, however, as the luminaires in such systems are typically designed for optimal space utilization, leaving little room for additional components. Furthermore, installing numerous additional wires in the mounting rail is costly. Data transmission using the DALI protocol is hardly feasible for the now common data volumes of several megabits or even gigabits, as the DALI protocol only allows a maximum data transfer rate of a few kilobits per second, which is insufficient for typical data transmissions. Therefore, when using such systems, separate data communication interfaces, such as WLAN modules, must always be provided to transmit data from electrical components like cameras. This data can then be further transmitted via additional WLAN connections or LAN connections provided in the respective application area.While this is technically possible in principle, it involves high installation and maintenance costs.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a user recognition device comprising a system that at least partially eliminates at least one disadvantage of known user recognition devices.

[0009] As a solution to at least one of the described problems, the invention proposes a user recognition device according to claim 1, which is designed for recognizing and tracking users in a sales area to record user purchasing behavior or for recognizing objects in warehouses and production halls to track the objects, and comprises a luminaire comprising a longitudinally elongated support rail and a longitudinally elongated mounting body. The support rail preferably has a U-shaped cross-section formed by a support rail base extending in a transverse direction and two support rail side walls extending vertically from the support rail base, wherein the transverse and vertical directions are each perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and are mutually perpendicular to each other.Similarly, the mounting body preferably has a U-shaped cross-section, formed by a transversely extending mounting body base and two mounting body side walls extending vertically from the mounting body base. At least one electrical functional element is arranged and attached to the mounting body, particularly to its mounting body base, for example by means of a snap-fit ​​connection or a screw connection. At least one electrical functional element is designed as a lighting module comprising light sources, particularly LEDs, and in particular as a circuit board on which light sources, particularly LEDs, are arranged. In preferred embodiments, the system comprises several mounting bodies, each of which can be configured as described, and in particular several mounting rails.In its intended operating state, the luminaire has the mounting body on a vertical side of the mounting rail side walls facing away from the mounting rail base, i.e., on the open side of the mounting rail, forming an interior enclosed by the mounting body, mounting rail base, and mounting rail side walls. Conducting wires run within this interior space, designed to supply the electrical functional element with electrical energy. The system particularly preferably includes a power supply device designed to connect to the conducting wires and to apply a supply voltage to at least some of the conducting wires.The conductor wires are particularly preferably designed to transmit an electrical power of over 100 W, in particular over 500 W, and in particular over 1 kW, from the power supply unit to the electrical functional elements of the luminaire during operation. Particularly preferably, during the system's operating state, the power supply unit is connected to an external electrical power supply source, wherein the at least one electrical functional element is supplied with electrical energy, in particular exclusively, via the conductor wires, in particular via two of the conductor wires, one of which is configured as a neutral conductor and the other as a phase conductor.Particularly preferably, all electrical functional elements of the luminaire, which are arranged on at least one mounting body of the luminaire and have a power consumption of more than 15 W, particularly more than 20 W, are supplied with electrical energy exclusively via the conductor wires, in particular exactly two of the conductor wires, so that the electrical energy supply of these electrical functional elements, which these electrical functional elements require to perform their intended function, is ensured exclusively via the conductor wires. Preferably, all electrical functional elements are supplied exclusively via the conductor wires. Particularly preferably, at least one of the conductor wires is designed as a protective earth (PE) conductor, which is in electrically conductive contact with the mounting body via a contact device.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a conductor rail is arranged on an inner surface of the support rail facing the interior, particularly on the base of the support rail, and this conductor rail has longitudinally extending channels. Preferably, the channels are arranged side by side in the alignment direction and run parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction, with the alignment direction preferably running along the transverse direction. Preferably, the channels are open towards the interior so that they can be directly contacted from the interior by a contact element that is designed to correspond to the channels, i.e., has a cross-section such that it can be inserted into the channels at their open end. Preferably, the channels are open on their vertical side facing away from the base of the support rail, with the conductor rail being arranged and attached to the base of the support rail.In at least some of the channels, one of the conductor wires is arranged, the luminaire having a contact device via which, in the operating state, the at least one electrical functional element is connected to the conductor wires. In particular, at least one further conductor wire is arranged next to the busbar. According to the invention, two of the conductor wires are designed as control lines which, in the operating state, are connected to a DALI interface of the at least one electrical functional element. These two conductor wires are thus configured to transmit DALI commands from a control device connected to these conductor wires to the electrical functional element. Particularly preferably, the system comprises such a DALI control device which is connected to two of the conductor wires that are connected to a DALI interface of the electrical functional element(s).Particularly preferably, in the operating state, DALI commands are transmitted from these two conductor wires to the electrical functional element(s). The conductor wires preferably comprise a first group of conductor wires through which the at least one electrical functional element is supplied with electrical energy, and a second group of conductor wires configured to transmit DALI commands from a control device connected to these conductor wires to the electrical functional element, each group preferably comprising exactly two conductor wires.In one embodiment, the groups are formed by different conductor wires, so that the conductor wires of the second group do not supply power to the functional element and the conductor wires of the first group do not transmit DALI commands, whereas in another embodiment at least one conductor wire is provided through which both a power supply and a transmission of DALI commands take place.

[0011] According to the invention, the system comprises a data interface connected to a data line arranged at least partially in the interior and preferably fixed to the mounting rail, and configured for feeding data into the data line and / or receiving data from the data line at a data rate of over 10 Mbit / s, in particular over 100 Mbit / s, in particular over 200 Mbit / s, in particular over 250 Mbit / s, and in particular over 350 Mbit / s, wherein the data line comprises a first and a second data conductor, and in particular also a third data conductor. In particular, the data line can also include the data interface, wherein the data interface is preferably directly and electrically connected to the data conductors.In particular, the data cable is arranged with a section in the interior that corresponds to at least 30%, in particular 50%, in particular 70% of the length of the data cable, and is preferably fixed to the mounting rail at at least two, in particular three, points, preferably detachably. In one embodiment, in the operating state, the data cable is connected, in particular exclusively, to the data interface and to communication interfaces of the system, in particular of the luminaire, to enable data exchange between the data interface and the communication interfaces. The communication interfaces can be formed, at least partially, in particular completely, by communication interfaces of the at least one electrical functional element that is / are supplied by the conductor wires.In some embodiments, the communication interfaces may also include communication interfaces of other electrical functional elements that consume little energy, in particular a power consumption of less than 20 W, especially less than 15 watts, such as a motion sensor or a camera, wherein these other electrical functional elements are preferably supplied via their communication interfaces.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the system comprises a data converter, which is specifically configured to convert Ethernet data signals into a HomePlug standard (for example, IEEE 1901-FFT, IEEE 1901-Wavelet, or ITU G.hn). In the operating state, the data converter is preferably connected to the data interface, preferably by an electrical conductor. Preferably, the data converter has several contacts, preferably located in a contact area, which are galvanically isolated from one another and are preferably electrically connected to corresponding contacts of the data interface in the operating state. The data converter has a network interface for connection to a network cable.The network interface is preferably a standardized connector, for example an RJ45 socket, into which a preferably complementary, and in particular standardized, connector of the network cable, for example an RJ45 plug, can be inserted. In the operating state, the network interface is preferably connected to the network cable, in particular electrically. In particular, in the operating state, the data converter is configured to be connected via its network interface to a network cable, in particular an Ethernet cable, ensuring bidirectional data exchange between the network cable and the data cable.The data converter is specifically designed to receive and / or send data via the data interface and the network interface during operation. The data converter preferably enables the simultaneous conversion of a data signal received via the data interface, modulated in particular according to the HomePlug standard, into a data signal output via the network interface, modulated in particular according to an Ethernet standard. Furthermore, the data line and the network line differ in their network topology.Preferably, the data converter is connected to at least one of the conductor wires, particularly in the operating state, especially next to the data conductors. In particular, the data converter is arranged on the mounting rail, especially inside the luminaire.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the data converter is configured, particularly during operation, to modulate data signals onto the data line via the data interface according to a PLC standard, in particular according to one of the common PLC standards IEEE 1901-FFT or ITU G.hn, or a standard with the same or a higher transmission rate. In particular, the data signals are receivable by at least one electrical functional element during operation. Preferably, no electrical consumers are supplied with power via the data line, especially those with a power consumption of more than 15 W, and particularly more than 20 W. The inventors have recognized that this avoids interference on the data line that could affect the transmission speed when transmitting data over the data line.

[0014] The system has at least one contact connection, which is configured in particular as a contact device. In particular, at least one of the contact connections is configured as a communication interface. At least some of the communication interfaces can be configured as communication contact devices, which are configured to be connected to corresponding communication contact devices in order to enable data exchange between the data interface and the corresponding communication contact device, wherein the corresponding communication contact device can be connected to any terminal device, which is in particular one of the electrical functional elements, or to a downstream, in particular external, data line.In general, at least one of the electrical functional elements can be one of the terminal devices, and correspondingly, at least one of the terminal devices can be an electrical functional element, preferably with each terminal device being one of the electrical functional elements. In particular, in the operating state, at least one of the contact terminals is connected to one of the terminal devices, especially via a corresponding contact terminal, and to at least one of the line wires to supply the terminal device with electrical energy. In one embodiment, the data line particularly comprises several of the data conductors that branch off from the first, second, and / or third data conductors as electrical spur lines to the communication interfaces of the terminal devices and that are preferably connected to the data interface, particularly by forming a network. In particular, the network has a bus topology, especially a fieldbus topology.The data interface can, in particular, be a standardized data interface. It is essential that data transmission protocols can be imposed on the data line via the data interface, enabling the transmission of a corresponding data rate. Those skilled in the art are familiar with such data interfaces, for example, interfaces known at the time of filing this application according to the HomePlug standard, or according to the IEEE 1901-FFT, IEEE 1901-Wavelet, or ITU G.hn standards. It is also possible, for example, to implement the interface according to the IEEE 802.3af-2013, -2003, or 802.3at-2009 standards. Generally, such a data interface is preferably designed to allow the transmission of data signals with different carrier frequencies, thus ensuring a sufficiently high data transmission rate.Depending on the interface, data with carrier frequencies in a frequency range greater than 1 kHz is used, particularly in a range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz or 1 MHz to 100 MHz. A key aspect of the present invention is that the system's data interface is connected to a data line, preferably located inside the luminaire, so that data can be communicated at a correspondingly high transmission rate via the data line provided inside the mounting rail. This represents a significant improvement compared to conventional systems, since, according to the present invention, the infrastructure already provided by the mounting rails can simultaneously be used to implement high-rate data transmission.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first data conductor is formed by a first electrical conductor provided in addition to the conductor wires, which is preferably fixed inside the mounting rail and thus on an inner side of the mounting rail. In this embodiment, the first data conductor is therefore provided in addition to the conductor wires described above, which serve to supply the electrical components and, in particular, to provide PE contact and, especially, to transmit DALI control signals during operation. In this embodiment, the second data conductor is formed by one of the conductor wires or by a second electrical conductor provided in addition to the conductor wires.Preferably, the second data conductor can be one of the conductor wires connected to the DALI interface of the electrical functional element, thus preferentially transmitting DALI control commands during operation. Using one of the DALI conductor wires for the data line reduces wiring effort and manufacturing costs. While providing a second electrical conductor in addition to the conductor wires increases manufacturing costs, it effectively prevents interference between the transmission of DALI control commands and the transmission of data at data rates exceeding 10 Mbit / s over the data line.In a particularly advantageous embodiment from a manufacturing perspective, the first and second, i.e., both data conductors of the data line, are each formed from one of the conductor wires. In this embodiment, these two conductor wires, which are connected to a DALI interface and serve to transmit DALI control commands, preferably also function as data conductors of the data line over which the data is transmitted at the specified data rate. The inventors have recognized that this makes the manufacturing of the system particularly simple and inexpensive, while, due to the significant differences in the transmission of DALI control commands compared to the transmission of data at the corresponding data rate according to a conventional data transmission protocol, negative interference effects can still be kept to a minimum.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system comprises a data injector connected to the data interface of the data line, which is specifically designed to inject data into the data interface at a voltage of at most 50 V. In some embodiments, the data injector is preferably configured as a data converter, which may have features of the data injector. In one embodiment, the data injector is configured as a PoE injector (Power-over-Ethernet injector). Such a PoE injector is typically used to output a data signal that simultaneously supplies electrical energy to the electrical devices included in a system. The present advantageous embodiment, however, takes a different approach. According to this embodiment, a corresponding data injector is connected to a separate power supply line, i.e., a dedicated power supply line.The PoE power supply is provided for the wires intended to supply the electrical functional elements with electrical energy, thereby reliably preventing voltage fluctuations in the supply lines from causing interference in data transmission. In one embodiment, the PoE power supply is used only to supply additional electrical functional elements that have a power consumption of less than 20 W, in particular less than 15 W, while the remaining electrical functional elements, in particular all functional elements designed as light sources, are supplied by the wires provided for supply.The data feeder in the system is particularly preferably designed exclusively for feeding data into the data line, so that no electrical energy is fed into the supply line via the data feeder, which is consumed by an electrical functional element to supply its components.

[0017] In one embodiment, the data conductors of the data cables are arranged in the mounting rail such that they run longitudinally and parallel to each other. Particularly preferably, the data conductors run perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, side by side, so that the cross-section of the first data conductor is adjacent to the cross-section of the second data conductor, with the data conductors each running longitudinally and parallel to each other, particularly over more than 80%, and more particularly over more than 90% of the longitudinal extent of the mounting rail. The inventors have recognized that for the standardized production of generic systems or luminaires of generic systems, arranging the conductors parallel to each other is particularly advantageous and enables a particularly cost-effective manufacturing process.The inventors simultaneously recognized that achieving high data transmission rates using these data conductors according to common transmission standards does not necessarily require the data conductors to be twisted or laid in the form of a coaxial cable, but rather that data can be transmitted over a sufficiently long distance, particularly over a length of more than 100 m, and especially over 200 m, using conventional transmission standards.A key finding of the inventors is that for the implementation of a corresponding data line in the system, it is already advantageous if this data line has a high data transmission rate of over 10 Mbit / s, in particular over 100 Mbit / s, and in particular over 200 Mbit / s, whereas data transmission rates of several Gbit / s do not necessarily have to be realized, which is particularly advantageous for realizing a simple data line topology, in particular a fieldbus topology, in which the data line comprises conductors that lead away as spur lines from the parallel lines to the electrical functional elements, in particular end devices, in simple embodiments.It is already advantageous if, in appropriate systems, data can be transmitted to the system's data interface from at least selected electrical functional elements at a correspondingly high transmission rate, for example from high-resolution cameras, although an extremely high data transmission rate is not necessarily required.

[0018] Preferably, the data conductors extend over at least 60%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90% of the longitudinal extent of the interior, and in particular predominantly, in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the system has at least one electrical connection device. In particular, the electrical connection device is connectable to a corresponding electrical connection device. The electrical connection device can, in particular, be designed as a single unit.Preferably, the electrical connection device is designed in multiple parts, wherein, in particular, a first component of the connection device is configured to electrically connect at least two of the data conductors, especially along the longitudinal direction, and a second component of the connection device is configured to electrically connect at least two of the conductor wires, especially by forming a connection between two of the connection devices. The components can be designed separately from one another, so that, in particular, two of the first components or the second components can be connected to one another without connecting the respective other components of the connection devices. In particular, in the operating state, two of the connection devices are electrically connected to one another.In advantageous embodiments, the connection device can also be formed in one piece and / or the first and second components can be rigidly connected to each other. This makes it possible to establish a connection between several of the data conductors and several of the conductor wires simultaneously, particularly with a single movement. Preferably, the electrical connection device can be connected to the data conductors at one end, and in particular, it can also be connected to further data conductors, ensuring data signal transmission between the data conductors and the further data conductors. Preferably, the further data conductors run, in particular, at least partially, outside the mounting rail. The further data conductors can be connected, in particular, to one of the terminal devices, which is arranged outside the mounting rail.In particular, the additional data conductors are encompassed by the data line and are preferably essentially identical in design to the data conductors. In particular, at least one of the additional data conductors is formed by one of the conductor wires.

[0019] The data conductors are preferably arranged within the interior of the mounting rail in such a way that they can be contacted from within the interior. They are particularly preferably arranged so that they can be contacted by the contact element or a separate contact device, especially an insulating contact device. The data conductors are thus preferably designed to allow free access to them within the interior. This enables a particularly simple electrical connection of the data conductors to terminal devices located within the interior. It has proven particularly advantageous that direct current flows through the data conductors for data transmission. In particular, the data converter, especially the data input device, is designed to imprint the data onto the data conductors by means of direct current flowing through them. This allows interference to be preferably minimized.The data converter, especially the data input, is preferably designed such that a voltage of no more than 50 V is always applied to the data conductors. This significantly reduces the risk of electrical accidents.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, where the data line has a fieldbus topology, the data conductors of the data line, which naturally also includes the other data conductors, are arranged such that they are connected to each other at various branching points, particularly in the operating state. Specifically, the branching points are arranged in a section where the first, second, and especially the third data conductor run parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. Thus, at least one data conductor has a branch at various branching points along the longitudinal extent of the data line.In particular, the system comprises several electrical connection devices, each preferably configured to electrically connect data conductor sections to one another, wherein the data conductor sections branch off from each other at the respective branch point, particularly in a cross or star configuration. In the operating state, at each branch point, one of the data conductor sections is routed away from the data conductor section from which it branches, and in particular to an end device. In the operating state, the data conductor sections are electrically connected to a network with a fieldbus topology via the electrical connection devices at the branch points.In particular, the data line has several branch points, which are preferably arranged in the interior and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal extent of the interior, in particular by at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, in particular at least 50%.

[0021] Particularly preferably, at least one, and in particular at least some, and especially all, electrical functional elements are connected to the conductor wires for the exclusive purpose of supplying them with electrical energy via the conductor wires. In particular, those, and in particular all, of the electrical functional elements are connected to the conductor wires for the purpose of supplying them with electrical energy in the operating state that require an electrical power of more than 30 W, in particular more than 60 W, in particular more than 100 W, and in particular more than 500 W for operation. In particular, the conductor wires are configured to transmit an electrical voltage, in particular a typical operating voltage of more than 100 V, from an electrical power supply source, preferably external, to the terminal devices. In particular, the electrical functional elements can be connected to at least one of the conductor wires that is configured as a data conductor.Preferably, the electrical functional elements, in particular all electrical functional elements, are supplied with electrical energy exclusively via conductor wires that are not data conductors. In particular, the electrical functional elements do not send and / or receive data from or via the conductor wires through which they are supplied with electrical energy as described. Preferably, at least one, in particular a majority, in particular all of the electrical functional elements are configured as one of the terminal devices described herein.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least one of the electrical functional elements is arranged outside the interior on the mounting rail, particularly on a side not illuminated by the light module. Preferably, the light module has a emission side from which it emits light in its operating state. Therefore, preferably, the at least one of the electrical functional elements arranged outside the interior on the mounting rail is located on a side of the light module facing away from the emission side. Preferably, the at least one of these electrical functional elements is directly attached to the mounting rail. In particular, the at least one of these electrical functional elements is essentially supported by the light fixture, especially by the mounting rail of the light fixture. Preferably, at least one, in particular a majority, and in particular all of the electrical functional elements are designed as one of the terminal devices described herein.

[0023] In one embodiment, several terminal devices are connected to the data conductors, preferably directly, via their communication interfaces. Thus, no network splitters, such as switches, are provided between the data interface and the communication interfaces. The terminal devices can preferably be enclosed within the system. Particularly preferably, at least some of the terminal devices, and especially all of them, are configured as at least some of the electrical functional elements of the system. Particularly preferably, in the operating state, the terminal devices receive data and / or transmit data via their communication interfaces and the data conductors. Particularly preferably, the terminal devices are connected to the data conductors in series, i.e., along their longitudinal extent.In this particularly preferred embodiment, the data line thus has a fieldbus topology and not a star topology. The inventors have generally recognized that providing a star topology in a DIN rail, as would initially seem obvious for realizing high-speed data transmission, for example using the Ethernet protocol, is associated with particular difficulties, since this would entail considerable wiring effort in the DIN rail, as a data line would have to be run from each data interface, for example a switch, to each end device. This not only increases manufacturing costs but also makes production fundamentally difficult, since only very limited space is available in the DIN rail.By providing a fieldbus topology in which an end device is connected at various branch points along the longitudinal extent of the data line. These branch points are spaced apart longitudinally and connected to the same data line, ensuring that the data line runs continuously across the branch points, the wiring effort and the space required for the data line in the mounting rail are minimized. The data line preferably has exactly two, and more preferably exactly three, data conductors running longitudinally within the interior of the mounting rail for at least 80% of its length. In particular, the use of three data conductors guarantees a higher data transmission speed, especially by 100 Mbit / s, than with two data conductors. The term "connecting the end devices to the data line in series" is used here to describe a more comprehensive and efficient solution."to the data conductors of the data line" can mean, for example, that the data conductors are looped through the communication interfaces of the terminal devices, or that branch points are provided on the data conductors, which are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and thus along the data line, and from which electrical spur lines branch off to the communication interfaces of the terminal devices.

[0024] Preferably, the system comprises a data converter, specifically one assigned to each of the end devices, which is arranged between the data converter and the end device. In particular, the data converter is configured as a PoE injector. Specifically, the data converter is configured for signal conversion to and / or from a HomePlug standard (for example, IEEE 1901-FFT, IEEE 1901-Wavelet, ITU G.hn, or a comparable standard). This means, in particular, that the data converter is suitable for bidirectionally converting data signals between a PLC standard, for example, ITU G.hn or IEEE 1901-FFT, and, in particular, an Ethernet standard. Thus, the data converter can, in particular, have features of a data converter, wherein, in the operating state, a data signal modulated onto the data line by the data converter is preferably read by the data converter.It is also preferably made possible by the data converter reading a data signal that is modulated onto the data line by the data converter. Preferably, the data converter has a contact terminal by which it is connected to the data line in the operating state. In particular, the data converter has a communication contact device by which it is connected to the terminal device in the operating state. This ensures bidirectional data exchange between the terminal device and the data converter via the data line. In particular, the communication contact device is a connector, preferably a standardized and preferably detachable one, which is designed in particular as an RJ-standard, and in particular an RJ45-standard, connector.In particular, data converters and data transformers differ in that, in its operating state, the data converter transforms a data signal into a PLC standard for transmission over the data line, whereas the data transformer transforms the data signal from a PLC standard, particularly into an Ethernet standard, preferably for transmission to one of the terminal devices. Specifically, the data signal output by the data transformer to the terminal device is transformed in such a way that it can be processed directly by the terminal device. In particularly preferred embodiments, the terminal device can include the data transformer, and in such a case, the data line is connected directly to the terminal device. Preferably, the communication interface of the terminal device includes the data transformer.

[0025] Preferably, the data converter is connected to at least two of the conductor wires. In particular, the data converter connects the communication contact device to the conductor wires, and the data converter is preferably configured to transmit electrical power to the communication contact device. Specifically, the data converter is configured to simultaneously ensure bidirectional data exchange between the terminal device and the data interface via the data line and an electrical supply to the terminal device via the conductor wires by connecting the data line to the communication contact device and by connecting the conductor wires to the communication contact device. Thus, the data converter is configured to provide both a power supply connection and a data supply connection simultaneously via its communication contact device.Preferably, the data converter has a contact connection for connecting to the data line and a separate power supply connection for connecting to the line wires, with the communication contact device preferably being designed as a single connection. In one embodiment, the system is configured such that any electrical power supply to energy consumers with a power consumption of more than 15 W, in particular more than 20 W, especially to all energy consumers, especially to the at least one electrical functional element, especially to all electrical functional elements, especially some, especially all terminal devices, is provided exclusively via electrical conductors separate from the data conductors, in particular exclusively via the line wires.This embodiment has proven particularly advantageous because it minimizes interference that can occur due to the electrical supply, as no significant, and in particular no, electrical energy is transmitted via the data line to power consumers. Preferably, the consumers are at least partially the end devices, and especially at least partially the electrical functional elements. Preferably, the electrical power supply within the luminaire is provided exclusively via conductor wires, which, as explained, are preferably arranged in the channels of the busbar.Particularly preferably, the data conductors are spaced apart from the conductor wires supplying the electrical power to the energy consumers over more than half the length of the busbar along the direction of assembly. Particularly preferably, in the operating state, two of the conductor wires supply the at least one electrical functional element with the electrical energy required for its intended operation, wherein the data conductors are spaced apart from these two conductor wires over more than half the length of the busbar along the direction of assembly, and in particular over more than half the transverse length of the busbar. Particularly preferably, the data conductors are spaced apart from the aforementioned conductor wires over more than ¾ of the length of the busbar along the direction of assembly, and in particular along its transverse length.Spacing the data conductors as far apart as possible from the power supply wires is particularly advantageous to avoid interference that can arise from the transmission of electrical power supply to the data conductors via the power supply wires.

[0026] In one embodiment, the data conductors are arranged in one of the channels of the busbar. In another embodiment, the data conductors are encompassed by the conductor wires, wherein, in particular, some of the data conductors are arranged in one of the channels of the busbar. In a further embodiment, at least one of the data conductors, and in particular both data conductors, are formed by electrical conductors provided in addition to the conductor wires. In this embodiment, the busbar has a first busbar section in which the channels in which the conductor wires are arranged are provided, and the busbar has a second busbar section in which the channel(s) in which the data conductor(s) is / are provided is / are provided. The channel(s) for the data conductor(s) is / are provided.The data conductors can be designed analogously to the channels, as described above with reference to the channels in which the conductor wires are arranged. At this point, it should be noted generally, and thus not exclusively with regard to the busbar, that the system, in particular the luminaire comprising the mounting rail, mounting body, and busbar, can exhibit features that are explained above in connection with generic systems or luminaires. By arranging the data conductors in one of the channels of the busbar, the manufacturing of the system can be significantly simplified, since the same wiring technique can be used that is already employed for routing the conductor wires in the busbar.In this embodiment, the contact device is particularly preferably designed such that an electrical connection between the communication interface of the at least one electrical functional element and the data line is provided via the contact device. Particularly preferably, the contact device is designed such that contacting the electrical functional element, and thus the electrical connection of the electrical functional element to the conductor wires or additional electrical conductors of the busbar, is enabled by moving the mounting body with the attached contact device and electrical functional element along the vertical direction towards the mounting rail until the mounting body rests against the mounting rail on the vertical side facing away from the mounting rail base, and the contact device and the electrical functional element are arranged inside the mounting body.

[0027] In one embodiment, the data conductors are each designed as electrical conductors in addition to the conductor wires, wherein the conductor wires are arranged in the busbar and the data conductors are arranged in a holding device spaced apart from the channels of the busbar and are thereby, i.e., by means of the holding device, attached to the mounting rail. In another embodiment, the holding device is designed separately from the busbar. For example, the holding device can include a fastening device that corresponds to a fastening device provided on the mounting rail.This corresponding mounting device for the mounting rail can be formed, in particular, on one of the mounting rail's side walls, wherein the mounting device of the retaining device is connected to the corresponding mounting device of the mounting rail in the operating state, for example, via a snap-fit ​​or clamping connection. The retaining device is generally preferably made of plastic. The retaining device can, for example, have a longitudinally extending opening in which the data conductors are arranged in the operating state, wherein the data conductors are at least partially enclosed by the retaining device in the operating state. In one embodiment, the retaining device is manufactured integrally with the conductor rail.This can be achieved, for example, by manufacturing the conductor rail and the mounting device together using an extrusion process, or by welding the mounting device to a plastic component in which the channels are provided, thus forming the conductor rail. In the described embodiment, the mounting device and the conductor rail form a single, integral component. In this component, one section is designed as the section in which the conductor rail has the channels, and a section of the component spaced perpendicular to this section serves as the mounting device for the data conductors. The mounting device is spaced perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from the channels of the conductor rail, in particular by at least 5 mm, and in particular by at least 1 cm. For example, the mounting device can be connected to the conductor rail via a film hinge.By providing a spaced-apart mounting device and conductor rail, interference from current flowing through the conductor wires on the data conductors can be particularly effectively reduced. The mounting device is preferably designed and arranged on the mounting rail such that, in the operating state, the data conductors are spaced less than 5 mm, and in particular less than 3 mm, from the mounting rail base and / or one of the mounting rail side walls.

[0028] In one embodiment, a data interface between an end device and the data line is provided by an electrical contact device or an electrical connection device as described above, which is electrically conductive in contact with the data conductors, wherein an electrical line, in particular a two-wire electrical line formed from the contact device or connection device, extends to the end device. The length of this electrical line is particularly preferably at least 10 cm, and more preferably at least 20 cm. A pre-installed plug or socket contact, which is electrically connected to the data conductors, is particularly preferably provided as the contact device or connection device.A connecting device, such as an insulation displacement contact, a spring contact, or a piercing contact, is provided, which can be connected to the data conductors after the data conductors have been fixed to the mounting rail and thus fixed in position on the mounting rail. The contact device or connecting device is particularly preferably designed such that, when mounting the mounting body on the mounting rail with the terminal device fixed to the mounting body, the contact device can first be connected to the data conductors fixed to the mounting rail. The mounting body is then moved vertically towards the mounting rail until it rests against the mounting rail on the vertical side facing away from the mounting rail base. Generally, the contact device is particularly preferably electrically isolated from the data conductors in the operating state.In this embodiment, a conventional contact device can be used, via which the at least one electrically functional element is connected to the conductor wires as explained, so that it is electrically connected to these conductor wires in the operating state, while independently an electrical contact is established between the data conductors and the electrically functional element.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system comprises several mounting rails, several mounting bodies, several data conductors, several conductor wires, and several electrical functional elements. In the operating state, the luminaire of the system preferably comprises a first luminaire component comprising the mounting rail, the mounting body, the conductor wires, and the data conductors. In particular, in this embodiment, a second luminaire component of the luminaire is formed in the operating state, comprising a further mounting rail, a further mounting body, further conductor wires, and at least two further data conductors. In particular, the further mounting rail, the further mounting body, the further conductor wires, and the further data conductor are interconnected in the operating state.Preferably, the system comprises a coupling for mechanically connecting the mounting rails of the two luminaire components, i.e., the mounting rail of the first luminaire component and the mounting rail of the second luminaire component. In particular, the system comprises a connection device for connecting the conductor wires of the first of the two luminaire components to the conductor wires of the second of the two luminaire components and for connecting the data conductors of the first of the two luminaire components to the data conductors of the second of the two luminaire components. The connection device ensures that, in the operating state, each conductor wire and conductor wire, as well as each data conductor and conductor wire, together form a continuous electrical through-wiring connection. Particularly preferably, the system can comprise a plurality of luminaire components, which, analogous to the first, or second, are connected in the same way.second luminaire component, wherein the luminaire components can each be connected to each other, in particular modularly, forming the luminaire, in particular forming through-wirings running over a multitude, in particular all of the luminaire components.

[0030] The use of a disclosed system in the operating state is further disclosed, wherein at least one electrical functional element, which is in particular designed as a lighting module, is arranged on the luminaire, which comprises the longitudinally elongated support rail and the longitudinally elongated mounting body, wherein the support rail has a U-shaped cross-section formed by the transversely extending support rail base and the two support rail side walls extending vertically away from the support rail base, and wherein the mounting body of the luminaire is arranged on the vertical side of the support rail side walls facing away from the support rail base, forming the interior space enclosed by the mounting body, support rail base and support rail side walls, wherein conductor wires run in the interior space, and wherein the luminaire has the contact device.via which at least one electrical functional element is connected to the conductor wires, wherein the conductor wires supply the electrical functional element with electrical energy, wherein in particular two of the conductor wires are designed as control lines which are connected to the DALI interface of the electrical functional element, wherein the system comprises the data interface which is connected to the data line arranged in the interior and fixed to the mounting rail and by means of which data is fed into the data line and / or data is received from the data line, with a data rate of over 10 Mbit / s, in particular over 100 Mbit / s, wherein the data line comprises the first and the second data conductor, wherein in particular the data line, preferably exclusively,The device is connected to the data interface and to communication interfaces to enable data exchange between the data interface and the communication interfaces, wherein the data line in particular has the fieldbus topology. The use may further relate to features which, in particular those mentioned above, are associated with generic and / or advantageous embodiments.

[0031] Furthermore, a network comprising at least one system is disclosed. In particular, the network comprises a plurality of systems and, more specifically, a plurality of luminaires, which are preferably connected to one another to form a luminaire arrangement, particularly an elongated one. The network comprises several electrical functional elements, in particular terminal devices, and more specifically, several luminaires. Preferably, the electrical functional elements are electrically connected to one another in the operating state, preferably via a fieldbus topology connection, particularly for the simultaneous exchange of a plurality of data, wherein, in particular, at least one section of the fieldbus topology connection is implemented by a network cable according to the Ethernet standard. In particular, the terminal devices in the network are connected to one another in the operating state for the simultaneous exchange of data, particularly via the data line.In particular, bidirectional communication between the electrical functional elements is ensured via the data line during operation. Specifically, bidirectional communication between the data converter and the data converters is ensured via the data line during operation. In particular, at least one of the electrical functional elements is configured as a mobile communication device, preferably a DECT device and / or a Wi-Fi access point. For example, the Wi-Fi access point can provide WLAN for connection to WLAN devices during operation. Alternatively or additionally, the Wi-Fi access point can have other interfaces, such as Bluetooth or a common mobile communication standard, in particular 4G, 5G, and the like.Preferably, one of the electrical functional elements is configured as a sensor, preferably as a user recognition sensor and / or as a camera, in particular a surveillance camera, and / or as an output device, preferably as a projector and / or screen and / or loudspeaker, and / or as an input device. This allows the network to create a suitable infrastructure, for example in warehouses, production halls, supermarkets or open-plan offices, enabling communication with various users. For example, customers in a sales area can be informed or entertained visually via a projector or screen and / or audibly via a loudspeaker.An input device, which for example has a user interface for entering data or commands, can be used to store information in a device, such as local storage, a central facility or a machine, or to control a device connected to the data line or a network line connected to the data line via the data interface.

[0032] The network and its advantageous embodiments make it possible to easily equip very large and diverse areas with an infrastructure of various electrical functional elements. The network is particularly suitable for use in commercial spaces (warehouses, production halls, supermarkets, or open-plan offices, etc.) where complex requirements exist for the distribution of electrical power, electrical functional elements, and the like, which would otherwise require considerable effort in connecting cables to create a standard network.

[0033] Furthermore, a mobile communication network comprising at least one system is disclosed. The mobile communication network includes at least one electrical functional element, preferably several electrical functional elements, each of which is configured as a mobile communication device and is preferably interconnected bidirectionally via the data line in a fieldbus topology. In addition, the mobile communication devices are preferably configured, particularly wirelessly, to be connected to mobile communication terminals for data transmission. It is specifically ensured that mobile communication terminals connected to at least one of the mobile communication devices can also receive and / or send data via the data line during operation.Mobile communication terminal equipment includes, for example, telephones, DECT handsets, computers, printers, smartphones, scanners, automation and / or, in particular, interconnected manufacturing equipment.

[0034] Furthermore, a WLAN network is disclosed, in particular a disclosed communication network comprising at least one disclosed system. The WLAN network comprises several electrical functional elements, wherein at least one, and in particular the majority, of the electrical functional elements are configured as a WLAN access point for wireless connection with WLAN devices. WLAN devices are understood to be all devices, in particular mobile communication terminals, that have a WLAN interface for connection to a WLAN network.

[0035] Furthermore, a DECT network with features of a disclosed mobile communications network, comprising at least one disclosed system, is disclosed. The DECT network comprises several electrical functional elements, wherein at least one, and in particular the majority, of the electrical functional elements are configured as DECT devices. The DECT devices are configured for wireless communication with DECT handsets, in particular for telephony. In particular, the DECT devices are configured to send data to the DECT handsets and / or receive data from the DECT handsets in the operating state.In particular, telephony via the DECT handsets is enabled in such a way that data is modulated onto the data line as a data signal via the data converter according to a HomePlug standard, wherein the data signal is converted, in particular after a branch provided in the data line, in particular by the data converter, into another data signal, in particular according to the Ethernet standard, and supplied to one of the DECT devices, wherein the DECT device transmits the data wirelessly from the DECT device to the DECT handset using a DECT standard, wherein preferably the DECT handset converts the data it receives from the DECT device into an audio signal and outputs it via a speaker assigned to it.Similarly, audio signals from the DECT handset can preferably be transmitted via the DECT base station and subsequently via the data converter, wherein the DECT handset receives the audio signals via an associated microphone and transmits them wirelessly from the handset to the DECT base station using a DECT standard. In particular, the DECT handsets are mobile communication terminals that have a DECT interface.

[0036] Furthermore, a Bluetooth network configured according to a disclosed mobile communication network, comprising a disclosed system, is disclosed. The Bluetooth network preferably comprises at least one, and in particular several, terminal devices, especially electrical functional elements, which are configured as Bluetooth access points for wireless communication with Bluetooth devices, i.e., communication terminal devices that have a Bluetooth interface.

[0037] A surveillance camera system comprising at least one system with features according to the invention is further disclosed, wherein at least one, and in particular the majority, of the electrical functional elements are configured as surveillance cameras. The surveillance cameras are connected to the data interface via the data line, in particular in a fieldbus topology, ensuring a bidirectional communication connection. The surveillance cameras are preferably connected via the data line, in particular in a fieldbus topology, to a central unit, which is specifically configured to process and store data from the surveillance cameras and to send data to the surveillance cameras. Preferably, the surveillance cameras are interconnected via the data line to ensure bidirectional communication.The surveillance cameras are preferably designed to receive and / or send data, in particular image data, especially video data, via the data line. In particular, at least one surveillance camera includes a storage device on which data can be stored. This storage device may also be integrated into the system itself.

[0038] The user recognition device according to the invention comprises several further electrical functional elements configured as a sensor device for detecting the presence, in particular the spatial position, of a user, and especially a change in the spatial position of the user, wherein the sensor device is configured to send and / or receive data via the data line. The sensor device has at least one sensor, for example a photoelectric sensor, an infrared sensor, or an image sensor. A multitude of sensors suitable for inclusion in the sensor device for user recognition are known to those skilled in the art. This is particularly advantageous, for example, for recording the purchasing behavior of users in a sales area, such as a supermarket, in order to optimize the sales offerings in the sales area.User recognition systems are particularly well-suited for implementation in warehouses and production halls, for example, to optimize processes and track the flow of goods. Therefore, user recognition systems are also fundamentally suitable for identifying and tracking one or more objects with specific characteristics.

[0039] Furthermore, a user information device comprising at least one system with features according to the invention is disclosed. The user information device preferably comprises several electrical functional elements configured as output devices for the acoustic and / or visual output of information. Suitable electrical functional elements include, for example, screens, touchscreens, projectors, loudspeakers, or the like. In particular, the output devices are interconnected via the data line in a fieldbus topology, providing a bidirectional communication link. The output devices are configured to send and / or receive data, in particular image data, in particular video data, and in particular audio data, via the data line. Specifically, the output devices output the received data to at least one user, and in particular to an indefinite number of users.

[0040] Particularly preferred by the invention is a structure which, in addition to the user recognition device according to the invention, includes several networks and / or systems.

[0041] The invention also encompasses a method for operating a user recognition device according to the invention. The method particularly includes transmitting data to an electrical functional element, wherein an Ethernet data signal transmitted via a network line is converted into a PLC data signal and subsequently fed into the data line. Preferably, an Ethernet data signal converted into a PLC data signal is modulated onto the data line. After a branch provided in the data line, in particular by a data converter, the PLC data signal is converted into another Ethernet data signal and supplied to the electrical functional element. The method may include features mentioned in connection with embodiments of the disclosed system or network or other disclosed devices or generic systems.Preferably, the method can also include, in particular, the transmission of data from the electrical functional element, wherein a signal transmitted by or via the electrical functional element, in particular by a data converter, is converted into a PLC data signal and subsequently fed into the data line, wherein the data signal, after a branch provided in the data line, is converted by the data converter into an Ethernet data signal and transmitted via the network line. In particular, the method comprises a combination of transmitting data to the electrical functional element and sending data from the electrical functional element. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to five figures and exemplary embodiments.

[0042] They show: Figure 1: Schematic diagram showing components of a first embodiment of a system of a user recognition device according to the invention; Figure 2: Schematic diagram showing components of a further embodiment of a system of a user recognition device according to the invention; Figure 3: Schematic diagram showing components of a further embodiment of a system of a user recognition device according to the invention; Figure 4: Schematic diagram showing components of a further embodiment of a system of a user recognition device according to the invention; Figure 5: Schematic diagrams illustrating the topology of the data line of an embodiment according to the invention.

[0043] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows a purely schematic embodiment of a user recognition device system according to the invention for illustrative purposes. The system has a support rail 1 with a support rail base 10 and two side walls 11 extending away from the support rail base 10 along the vertical direction Z. A current conductor 5, encompassed by the system, is arranged on the support rail base 10 and contains channels. These channels contain... Figure 1Conducting wires (not shown) are arranged in the channels. The channels are open on their side facing the interior and on the side facing away from the mounting rail base 10 along the vertical direction Z, so that the conducting wires arranged in the channels are easily accessible from the interior. The system further comprises a mounting body 2 with a mounting body base 20 and two mounting body side walls 21 extending away from the mounting body base 20 along the vertical direction Z. A contact device 4 and an electrical functional element 3 are arranged on the mounting body 2. The electrical functional element 3 is electrically connected to a contact device 32 via an electrical conductor 31.

[0044] The contact device 32 is designed as an insulation displacement connector, which is electrically conductive in contact with the data conductors 61, 62 of the data line 6. The data line 6 is fixed in position at a distance from the conductor rail 5 on the inside of one of the mounting rail side walls 11. Figure 1 It is evident that, to implement the system, the electrical functional element 3 can first be connected to the data line 6 of the system via the electrical contact device 32, so that the communication interface of the electrical functional element 3 is connected to the data line 6, enabling the electrical functional element 3 to receive and send data via the data line 6. The data line 6 is connected to a Figure 1The electrical functional element 3 is connected to a data interface (not shown) which, in the operating state, is connected to an external communication device, in particular a router. After the electrical functional element 3 has been connected to the data line 6, the mounting body 2 can then be moved along the vertical direction Z towards the mounting rail 1 until the mounting body 2 rests against the vertical side of the mounting rail side walls 11 facing away from the mounting rail base 10. During this vertical movement of the mounting body 2 towards the mounting rail base 10, the contact device 4 can engage the channels of the conductor rail 5 via contacts provided thereon to contact the electrical functional element 3 with the conductor wires arranged in the channels of the conductor rail 5.

[0045] In Figure 2 comprehensive the Figure 2a and 2bAnother embodiment of a user recognition system according to the invention is shown. This system differs from the system according to Figure 1 This is achieved essentially by the fact that, in this embodiment, the retaining device 7, by which the data line 6 is fixed to the mounting rail 1, is designed as a separate component from the conductor rail 5 and is supported by the conductor rail 5 and a projection formed by the side wall 11 of the mounting rail. This allows the system to be manufactured in a particularly simple manner, ensuring that the data line 6 is spaced as far as possible from the power supply wires arranged in the channels of the conductor rail 5 and is positioned as close as possible to the side wall 11 of the mounting rail, which is particularly advantageous for saving space.

[0046] In Figure 3Another embodiment of a user recognition system according to the invention is shown schematically. The embodiment according to Figure 3 differs from the embodiment according to Figure 2 Essentially, the retaining device 7 is provided along the alignment direction next to the channels of the busbar 5, in particular at the same vertical height as at least some of the channels, wherein the retaining device 7 is manufactured integrally with the busbar 5 and is designed in the manner of a channel for holding the data conductors 61, 62 of the data line 6. According to the invention, this is generally advantageous for a wide variety of embodiments. Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Figure 3 The contact device 32 is designed as a tap that is latched to the holding device 7 and directly contacts the data conductors 61, 62 of the data line 6.

[0047] In Figure 4Another embodiment of a user recognition system according to the invention is shown schematically. The embodiment according to Figure 4 This embodiment differs from the embodiments already described essentially in that the holding device 7 is manufactured integrally with the conductor rail 5 and is connected to the conductor rail 5 via a film hinge, wherein the holding device forms channels in which the data conductors 61, 62 of the data line 6 are arranged and held, which is generally advantageous according to the invention. In the Figure 4 In the described embodiment, the holding device 7 is arranged on one of the support rail side walls 11 of the support rail 1 and forms channels that are open on their side facing the opposite support rail side wall 11. This is generally advantageous in various embodiments according to the invention.

[0048] In a further embodiment, not shown in the figures, the conductor rail 5 has a plurality of channels arranged side by side along a mounting direction, the mounting direction preferably being transverse, wherein the conductor wires are arranged in some of the channels and the data conductors 61, 62 are arranged in others, wherein the channels in which the data conductors 61, 62 are arranged are particularly preferably open on the same side as the channels in which the conductor wires are arranged. Particularly preferably, the channels in which the conductor wires are arranged and the channels in which the data conductors are arranged are each open on their vertical side facing away from the mounting rail base 10, wherein the conductor rail 5 is attached to the mounting rail base 10.Particularly preferred are the channels in which the conductor wires are arranged, which are identical in design to the channels in which the data conductors 61, 62 are arranged. This described embodiment of the system of a user recognition device according to the invention is generally advantageous.

[0049] In Figure 5 comprehensive the Figures 5a and 5b is based on an exemplary embodiment that is in Figure 5a The topology of data line 6 is shown and explained. Figure 5aIt is evident that the data line has a fieldbus topology in which the end devices, in this case LED modules 3 and sensors 300 designed as electrical functional elements, are connected serially along the data conductors 61 and 62 of the data line 6. A data input 8 is thus provided, through which data is fed into the data line 6, and the electrical functional elements 3 and 300 are connected to branch points of the data line 6 via spur lines. The in Figure 5a The depicted topology enables the transmission of data via data line 6 to and from the electrical functional elements 3, 300 with very simple wiring. Figure 5bInstead, the typical star topology used in conventional networks operating according to the Ethernet standard is shown. In such a topology, a data input 8, for example a switch, is provided, and a data line 6 must be run from this data input 8 to each electrical functional element 3, 300 to avoid data collisions. It is obvious that such a topology, commonly used in Ethernet networks, is hardly suitable for use in DIN rails 1.

Claims

1. User recognition device for recognizing and tracking users in a sales room for detecting a purchasing behaviour of the users or for recognizing objects in warehouses and production halls for tracking the objects, the user recognition device comprising a system comprising a luminaire which comprises a support rail (1) which is elongated in the longitudinal direction and a mounting body (2) which is elongated in the longitudinal direction and on which at least one electrical functional element (3) which is in the form of a lighting module is arranged, wherein the support rail (1) has a cross section in the manner of a U-shape which is formed by a transversely running support rail base (10) and two support rail side walls (11) which run vertically away from the support rail base (10), and wherein, in an operating state of the luminaire, the mounting body (2) is arranged on a vertical side of the support rail side walls (11) which faces away from the support rail base (10), forming an interior space which is enclosed by the mounting body (2), support rail base (10) and support rail side walls (11), wherein lead wires run in the interior space, wherein the luminaire has a contact unit (32) via which, in the operating state, the at least one electrical functional element (3) is connected to the lead wires, wherein the lead wires supply the electrical functional element (3) with electrical energy, wherein two of the lead wires are in the form of control lines which, in the operating state, are connected to a DALI interface of the electrical functional element (3), wherein the system comprises a data interface which is connected to a data line (6) which is arranged in the interior space and is fixed to the support rail (1) and which is designed for feeding data into the data line (6) and / or receiving data from the data line (6) at a data rate of more than 10 Mbit / s, in particular more than 100 Mbit / s, wherein the data line (6) comprises a first and a second data conductor (61, 62), wherein, in particular, in the operating state the data line (6) is connected to the data interface and to communication interfaces for enabling a data exchange between the data interface and the communication interfaces, wherein, in particular, the data line (6) has a Fieldbus topology, wherein the user recognition device comprises a plurality of further electrical functional elements (3) which are each in the form of a sensor device for recognizing a presence, in particular a spatial position, of a user or object, wherein the sensor devices each have at least one sensor and are connected to the data line (6) and are designed for sending and receiving data via the data line (6).

2. User recognition device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises a data conversion unit (8) which has a network interface for connection to a network line, wherein, in the operating state, the data conversion unit (8) is connected to the data interface, ensuring a connection between the data interface and the network interface, wherein, in the operating state, the data conversion unit (8) is designed for being connected via its network interface to a network line which is in particular in the form of an Ethernet line, ensuring a bidirectional data exchange between the network line and the data line (6).

3. User recognition device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the data conversion unit (8) is designed for modulating data signals onto the data line (6) via the data interface in accordance with a PLC standard.

4. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conducting rail (5) is arranged on an inner side of the support rail (1) which faces the interior space, which has channels which run in the longitudinal direction, wherein, in at least some of the channels, one of the lead wires is arranged, wherein, in particular, the data conductors (61, 62) are each arranged in a respective one of the channels of the conducting rail (5), wherein, in particular, in the operating state two of the lead wires supply the at least one electrical functional element (3) with electrical energy which is required for its intended operation, and the data conductors (61, 62) are spaced apart from these two lead wires by more than half of the transverse extent of the conducting rail (5).

5. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first data conductor (61) is formed by a first electrical conductor which is provided in addition to the lead wires and is fixed to the support rail (1) in the interior space, and the second data conductor (62) is formed by one of the lead wires or a second electrical conductor which is provided in addition to the lead wires.

6. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises a data feeder (8) which is connected to the data interface of the data line (6) and which is designed for feeding data into the data interface with a voltage of at most 50 V, wherein the data feeder (8) is in particular in the form of a PoE injector, wherein in particular the data feeder (8) is designed exclusively for feeding data into the data line (6).

7. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data conductors (61, 62) run in the longitudinal direction and parallel to one another.

8. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data conductors (61, 62) extend over at least at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, of the longitudinal extent of the interior space in the longitudinal direction, wherein, in particular, the system has at least one electrical connection device which, preferably at one end of the data conductors (61, 62), can be connected to the data conductors (61, 62) and, furthermore, can be connected to further data conductors, ensuring a data signal transmission between the data conductors (61, 62) and the further data conductors, wherein the further data conductors run in particular at least in sections outside the support rail (1).

9. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data conductors (61, 62) can be contacted from the interior space, in particular by the contact unit (4) or a separate contact device (32).

10. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that direct current flows through the data conductors (61, 62) for transmitting the data.

11. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data line (6) has the Fieldbus topology in the operating state, wherein, along the longitudinal extent of the data line (6), at least one data conductor (61, 62) has a branch at different branch points of the data line (6), wherein, in particular, the system has a plurality of electrical connecting devices which are each designed to electrically conductively connect to one another, in the operating state, data conductor sections which branch off from one another at the respective branch point.

12. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the electrical functional elements (3) are connected to the lead wires for supplying electrical energy, in particular without sending and / or receiving data via these lead wires.

13. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the electrical functional elements (3) is arranged outside the interior space on the support rail (1) and in particular on a side which is not illuminated by the lighting module.

14. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of end devices are connected to the data conductors (61, 62) by way of their communication interfaces, which, in the operating state, receive and / or send data via the data conductors (61, 62), wherein, in particular, the end devices are connected to the data conductors (61, 62) serially one behind the other along the data conductors (61, 62).

15. User recognition device according to Claims 14 and 2, characterized in that the system comprises at least one data converter which is assigned to one of the end devices and is arranged between the data conversion unit (8) and the end device, wherein the data converter, which is in particular in the form of a PoE injector, has a contact connection by way of which, in the operating state, it is connected to the data line (6), wherein the data converter has a communication contact device by way of which, in the operating state, it is connected to the end device for ensuring a bidirectional data exchange between the end device and the data conversion unit (8) via the data line (6), wherein, in particular, the data converter is connected to at least two of the lead wires, wherein the data converter connects the lead wires to the communication contact device for supplying electrical energy to the communication contact device and for transmitting data to the communication contact device.

16. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed such that any electrical energy supply to energy consumers of the system, in particular to the at least one functional element (3), takes place exclusively via electrical conductors which are separate from the data conductors (61, 62), in particular exclusively via the lead wires.

17. User recognition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the operating state, the system forms a first luminaire part comprising the support rail (1), the mounting body, the lead wires and the data conductors (61, 62), wherein the system comprises a further support rail which is elongated in the longitudinal direction, a further mounting body which is elongated in the longitudinal direction, further lead wires and further data conductors which, in the operating state, are connected to one another realizing a second luminaire part, wherein the system has a coupling for mechanically connecting the support rails of the two luminaire parts and has a connection device for connecting the lead wires of the two luminaire parts and for connecting the data conductors (61, 62) of the two luminaire parts.

18. Method for operating a user recognition device according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that an ethernet data signal which is sent via a network line is converted into a PLC data signal and is then fed into the data line (6), wherein, after a branch which is provided in the data line (6), the PLC data signal is converted into a further ethernet data signal and is fed to an end device.