Built-in module for a device of the light, sound, image or effect technology for providing control by means of an ethernet connection

Abstract

The present invention relates to an Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") for a controllable device (14, 15, 16) for lighting, sound, image, or effects technology, for integrating the device (14, 15, 16) into a chain of a plurality of serially Ethernet-connected devices (14, 15, 16). The Ethernet-based design of the Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") allows the serial control of a plurality of complexly switchable devices (14, 15, 16).The Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") provides data and, for example, power supply to a chain of serially connected devices (14, 15, 16) by connecting two outer slots (3A, 3B) via an intermediate distribution component (10) to an Ethernet contact interface (9) of a circuit board (30) of the Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") for the device-internal connection of the Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") to the control electronics of the device (14, 15, 16). The distribution component (10), for example a PoE or PoDL switch, is configured to distribute a data and, if applicable, power supply signal supplied via one of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) to the other of the two outer slots (3A, 3B). Ethernet contact interface of the printed circuit board (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an Ethernet device connector installation module for a switchable device of lighting, sound, image or effects technology, in particular for integrating the device into a chain of a plurality of serially connected devices.

[0002] Lighting, sound, image or effects technology devices, for example in the form of electrical and electronic equipment and systems, play a central role in the organisation of events, e.g. stage or theatre performances, film and television productions, trade fairs and concerts.

[0003] Lighting technology encompasses technical measures for influencing lighting conditions, for example, to create an impressive, variable stage setting and to effectively underline the presented atmosphere. Switchable lighting devices include, for example, lighting units such as spotlights, lamps, lasers, and LED panels, which are often connected in a chain. Typically, the lighting units are part of a programmable lighting system for adaptive, e.g., scene-dependent, lighting. Adaptive lighting is typically provided by a lighting control system, operated, for example, via a so-called control panel, which controls the operating states (e.g., switching on or off, color selection, intensity) of the various lighting units (e.g., stage spotlights).

[0004] Sound technology encompasses technical devices for converting, processing, recording, and reproducing acoustic signals. Switchable sound technology devices include, for example, amplifiers and loudspeakers, microphones, tone controls, and devices for generating specific acoustic effects, such as reverberation devices. Image technology encompasses technical devices for the visual presentation of images, such as projectors and screens, as well as for processing and recording image or video data. The various electrical signals (e.g., audio, video) are combined and controlled, for example, via a so-called mixing console.

[0005] Special effects technology encompasses technical devices for creating special effects using physical or chemical processes. Commonly used special effects devices include fog, smoke, or wind machines. Other designs include pyrotechnic devices or devices for generating scent elements.

[0006] For example, various lighting, sound, image, and effects devices can each be individually controlled via a central distributor (so-called hub). This type of installation and control is often used for fixed installations.

[0007] The devices can also be connected and controlled in the form of a chain of a plurality of serially connected devices. This is also referred to as "daisy chaining." The first device is connected directly to a computing system, for example, a computer or bus. The subsequent devices are connected in series to a preceding or subsequent device, so that signal transmission to and from each device is provided via its predecessors up to the computing system. Serial connection of multiple devices is often used, for example, for temporary setups (e.g., concerts, events, or trade fairs), as this allows the number of cables to be reduced.

[0008] In addition to the frequent disconnection and reconnection of plug connections, e.g. during touring stage performances, the plug connections for supplying power to devices and for connecting the devices to the device control system are often exposed to severe mechanical stress during operation. For example, the extreme time pressure and the desired flexibility during stage performances often lead to rough handling of the equipment by artists and set-up personnel. For example, it is quite common for set-up personnel to lean on the housings of already plugged-in cable connectors or to pull on connecting cables. For this reason, cable connectors are typically specially designed to be resistant to mechanical impact and environmental influences, both when plugged in and unplugged. The connectors are often also locked to prevent accidental disconnection.

[0009] The devices are typically controlled via analog connectors for receiving a command signal and, if necessary, an additional power supply signal. For example, so-called XLR connectors (also called Cannon connectors) are often used for this purpose. XLR connectors are standardized in the international standard IEC 61076-2-103, with 3-, 4-, and 5-pin XLR connectors capable of providing power to end devices in addition to data transmission.

[0010] For example, a so-called DMX ("Digital Multiplex") protocol for five-pin XLR connectors is often used to control lighting technology and effects devices.

[0011] XLR connectors, for example, enable the supply of power to a chain of serially connected devices and the transmission of up to 512 or 1024 different control channels. However, for complex switchable devices, e.g., stage spotlights or LED panels with several different dimming and color settings, and / or when using a large number of serially connected devices, the possibilities for data and power transmission using XLR connectors are limited due to the insufficient number of control channels. US2016 / 227629A1 is the closest prior art to the invention and discloses a household lighting system with lamps arranged side by side, which are linked together in at least one row via data cables connected between first and second modular connectors of adjacent lamps.US9801262B1 discloses a Power over Ethernet (PoE) interface device for a luminaire, comprising a power supply assembly that passes through a conduit cutout opening defined in the luminaire and is positioned within the luminaire when the cutout adapter is mounted to the luminaire. EP2421100A1 discloses a connector module, i.e., an Ethernet T-connector, for connecting an electronic device to, for example, an Ethernet network, in which an Ethernet frame is transmitted or forwarded to Ethernet ports and device ports.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved control of a switchable device for lighting, sound, image or effects technology.

[0013] A specific task is to provide an improved control of a chain of a large number of serially connected devices for lighting, sound, image or effects technology.

[0014] A further object is to provide an easy-to-achieve upgrade of conventional devices of lighting, sound, image, or effects technology for improved control of the devices for integrating the devices into a chain of a plurality of serially connected devices.

[0015] These problems are solved by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, more complex control systems are provided by signal transmission and, if necessary, power supply via Ethernet. Power supply via Ethernet makes it possible to supply power to a network-capable device via the Ethernet cable and simultaneously provide network connectivity via the same Ethernet cable. For example, data and power for energy supply can be transmitted to the device together via a single cable. This enables the serial connection of a large number of devices, each of which is configured for complex circuits for controlling / adapting the operating state of the device.

[0017] The invention relates to an Ethernet device connector installation module for a controllable device for lighting, sound, image, or effects technology, configured to be installed as a prefabricated physical component in the device. The installation module has a fastening provision for providing installation of the Ethernet device connector installation module to a housing of the device, e.g., bores each provided to receive fastening means such as screws and pins for fastening the Ethernet device connector installation module to the housing of the device.Furthermore, the Ethernet device connector installation module comprises a dual device connector having two outer slots provided by a common flange element, each for inserting—when the Ethernet device connector installation module is installed in the device—an Ethernet cable connector for integrating the device into a chain of a plurality of serially Ethernet-connected devices. A distribution component arranged on a circuit board of the Ethernet device connector installation module is configured to distribute a data signal supplied via one of the two outer slots to the other of the two outer slots and an Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board.In particular, the distribution component can also be configured to distribute a data and power supply signal supplied via one of the two outer slots to the other of the two outer slots and the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board.

[0018] The distribution component is connected to the Ethernet contact interface via conductor tracks of the printed circuit board, wherein the Ethernet contact interface has contacts that can be contacted mechanically or by soldering for the device-internal connection of the printed circuit board to a control electronics of the device for controlling (i.e. transmission of the data signal and in particular for power supply) the device.

[0019] Lighting, sound, image, or effects technology each refers to technical devices as described above. For example, the Ethernet device connector installation module is configured for installation in a lighting unit (e.g., DMX-controllable) such as a spotlight, a laser, or an LED panel; an audio device (e.g., based on Dante technology) such as an active speaker or an audio recorder; a video device (e.g., based on Dante technology) such as a video wall (e.g., LED wall), a video recorder, or a video processing device; or an effects device such as a smoke, fog, or wind machine.

[0020] For example, the outer slots, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board and the distribution component are designed for operation using PoE or PoDL technology.

[0021] PoE stands for "Power over Ethernet" and refers to a process by which network-enabled devices can be supplied with power over an eight-wire Ethernet cable. In addition to the backward-compatible versions standardized by IEEE 802.3, there are several proprietary processes and simple, passive variants.

[0022] The abbreviations SPE and PoDL stand for "Single Pair Ethernet" and "Power over Data Line," respectively, and describe Ethernet-based data and power transmission over a single twisted pair of wires. Existing SPE and PoDL solutions are also standardized in IEEE 802.3. While PoE technology uses at least two or even four pairs of wires, SPE and PoDL technology allows the transmission of electrical energy over a single pair of wires. Two-wire cables according to IEC 61156, for example, are suitable for PoDL.

[0023] In one embodiment, the outer slots, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board and the distribution component are configured to operate according to one of the IEEE 802.3 standards, for example 802.3, 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, 802.3bu.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the outer slots, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board and the distribution component are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol which provides control (i.e. transmission of the data signal and in particular a power supply) of different types of devices.

[0025] In particular, one of the different types is a first device type from one of the four areas of lighting, sound, image, and effects technology, and another of the different types is a second device type from an area of ​​the four areas of lighting, sound, image, and effects technology that is different from the area of ​​the first device type. In other words, the Ethernet protocol provides connectivity between at least two (different) areas from the four areas of lighting, sound, image, and effects technology. For example, the Ethernet protocol is configured to provide integration and control of one or more active loudspeakers and one or more spotlights in the same daisy chain.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the outer slots each have an RJ45 or SPE connector socket.

[0027] A widely used 8-pin connector is known in technical circles as the "RJ45" connector. In some applications, the standardized RJ45 connector is prone to damage and failure. For example, it is not well-suited for repeated plugging and unplugging, as the contacts are easily bent or displaced due to incorrect insertion. The plastic latch (spring arm) can fatigue and break, causing the connector to no longer fit securely in the socket. The cable itself is prone to failure due to repeated bending where the cable enters the socket. Furthermore, the cable can also be torn from the connector due to longitudinal stress. The connector housing is molded from plastic and is easily deformed or broken if, for example, it is accidentally stepped on. These disadvantages also apply to other cable connections, such as fiber optic cables, power cables, and many others.

[0028] In stage and event technology, or in other areas where connectors are exposed to harsh conditions, such as in outdoor or military applications, specially designed cable and device connector assemblies are used to protect sensitive RJ45 cable and device connections, or the contact elements in general (e.g., in proprietary designs). For example, the Neutrik Group markets a cable connector protector for pre-assembled RJ45 cable connectors under the name NE8MC.

[0029] For example, cable connectors used in the sense of the invention comprise a housing, a radially compressible clamping part, and a kink protection device. The housing is often configured to provide a mechanically lockable plug-in connection between the slot and a cable connector that is matched to the slot as a counterpart and can be inserted into an insertion opening in the housing of the slot. The clamping part is accommodated inside the housing and fixed to the housing against axial tension (along the cable), wherein the radially compressible clamping part engages around the cable and, when compressed, clamps the cable firmly in the housing. This design achieves a strain-relieving effect on a cable connected to the cable connector or slot. For example, the clamping part comprises a radially compressible clamping sleeve that is radially compressed by means of a union or clamping nut.The strain relief is attached to the rear of the cable connector housing (toward the cable, away from the insertion opening) and stabilizes the cable, minimizing the risk of kinking. For example, the strain relief is designed as a reinforcement made of a rigid rubber or plastic material that surrounds the cable.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the slots are each configured to precisely establish a mechanically lockable plug connection with a respective cable connector that is matched to the slot as a counterpart and can be inserted into an insertion opening of a housing of the respective slot. The slots each have a plug socket arranged in the respective housing, with a front section of the housing—facing a side from which the cable connector can be inserted into the respective insertion opening—surrounding at least a section of the plug socket at a distance.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board has an RJ45 or SPE connector, e.g., the RJ45 or SPE connector is connected to the circuit board with a cable. This is advantageous, for example, if the device already has a corresponding input counterpart.

[0032] Alternatively, the circuit board is configured to be plugged into a control unit (e.g. a PCB) of the device and connected to the external slots via a cable, e.g. an FCC or an FPC cable (FCC: Flexible Flat Cable, FPC: Flexible Print Cable).

[0033] In a further alternative, the Ethernet device connector installation module comprises a PCB plug-in module (PCB: Printed Circuit Board), which is connected to the Ethernet contact interface of the printed circuit board via a cable, e.g. an FCC or an FPC cable, and is designed to be plugged into a control unit (e.g. a PCB) of the device.

[0034] In a rudimentary design, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board is provided merely as contacts, e.g., pins, solder joints, or cable ends, that are to be connected (e.g., soldered or clamped) to a control unit of the device. Unlike the conductor tracks, which, for example, have widths in the submillimeter range (frequently used tracks have a width of 35 µm), the contacts are dimensioned to allow manual mechanical or soldered contacting of the contacts. For example, the contacts extend at least 1 or 2 millimeters in one spatial direction.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the Ethernet device connector installation module has a front side, which is provided to form part of the exterior of the device's housing when the Ethernet device connector installation module is installed in the device. On this front side, an insertion opening is arranged for each of the two outer slots for receiving a cable connector that can be inserted into the respective outer slot. For example, the shape and size of the front side of the Ethernet device connector installation module is matched to an installation opening for the Ethernet device connector installation module on the device, so that after installation, the front side (for example, seamlessly) further forms the exterior of the device's housing.

[0036] The common mounting plate has the fastening provision, for example in the form of holes for receiving fastening means for fastening, e.g. screwing, the mounting plate to the housing of the device.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the common flange element of the dual device connector is configured to provide the mounting plate of the Ethernet device connector installation module. The common flange element can thus have the necessary shape to be received, for example, in a housing opening of the device, so that an outer side of the flange element, after installation in the housing opening, further forms the housing exterior of the device in accordance with the remaining shape of the device.

[0038] In a further embodiment, contact elements from one of the two outer slots are connected internally within the module (i.e., within the Ethernet device connector installation module) to a signal input of the distribution component. Furthermore, a first signal output of the distribution component, which differs from the signal input, is connected internally within the module to contact elements of the other of the two outer slots, and a second signal output of the distribution component, which differs from the signal input and the first signal output, is connected internally within the module to the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the Ethernet device connector installation module comprises a power supply connected to the distribution component for receiving a power input signal and providing a power output signal for powering the distribution component. The Ethernet device connector installation module comprises, for example, a separate power connection interface connected to the power supply for connecting an external power supply to supply the power supply with the power input signal.Alternatively, or in combination with the separate power connection interface, one of the two outer slots, which is connected internally to the signal input of the distribution component, is further connected to the power supply unit and configured such that an input signal supplied via one of the two outer slots is split into a data signal component providing data transmission and a power supply signal component providing a power supply to the power supply unit, wherein the power supply signal component is supplied to the power supply unit and the data signal component is supplied to the signal input of the distribution component.

[0040] The Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the figures. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. The described embodiments are generally not drawn to scale and are not to be understood as limiting. In detail,

[0041] Fig. 1: an exemplary embodiment of an Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention; Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an exemplary internal connection of the two outer slots, the inner Ethernet output interface, and the distribution component; Fig. 3: an exemplary representation of an application of the inventive Ethernet device connector installation module for integrating the device into a chain of a plurality of serially Ethernet-connected devices; Fig. 4: an exemplary representation of a further application of the inventive Ethernet device connector installation module for providing an integration of devices from different areas from the four areas of lighting, sound, image, and effects technology in the same chain of a plurality of serially Ethernet-connected devices; Fig.5: an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector for use with an Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention; Fig. 6: an exemplary embodiment of a slot for use as one of the two outer slots of the Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention; Fig. 7: a schematic representation of a circuit of a power supply for supplying power to the distribution component according to the invention, by means of a power connection interface connected to the power supply for connecting an external power supply; Fig. 8: a schematic representation of another circuit of a power supply for supplying power to the distribution component according to the invention, wherein an input signal supplied via the input slot is split into a data signal component and a power supply signal component; Fig.9: a schematic arrangement of the distribution component on a circuit board of the Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 1shows an exemplary embodiment of an Ethernet device connector installation module 1 according to the invention. The Ethernet device connector installation module 1 has a dual device connector 2 that provides two outer slots 3A, 3B. In the example shown, a flange element of the dual device connector 2 provides a common mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector installation module 1 and is designed such that an outer side 4 of the flange element, when installed in the device, forms part of a housing exterior 5 of the housing 6 of the device. The Ethernet device connector installation module 1 also has additional housing parts 7, which are arranged inside the device after the installation module 1 has been installed in the device. The flange element of the dual device connector 2 has holes 8 as a fastening device for screwing the flange element to the housing 6 of the device.

[0043] In the example shown, the flange element / mounting plate is matched in shape and size to an installation opening for the Ethernet device connector installation module on the housing 6 of the device, so that the outer side 4 of the flange element / mounting plate (front side of the Ethernet device connector installation module) seamlessly forms the housing exterior 5 of the housing 6 of the device after installation.

[0044] The two outer slots 3A, 3B are connected to an Ethernet contact interface 9 of a printed circuit board of the Ethernet device connector installation module 1, which provides an internal Ethernet output interface for the device-internal connection of the Ethernet device connector installation module 1 to a control electronics of the device for controlling the device. A distribution component is connected between the two outer slots 3A, 3B and the (inner) Ethernet contact interface 9 of the printed circuit board (not shown, see Fig. 2 ), configured to distribute a data and power supply signal supplied via one of the two outer slots 3A, 3B to the other of the two outer slots 3A, 3B and the inner Ethernet contact interface 9. For example, the distribution component is designed as a PoE or PoDL switch.

[0045] Figure 2shows a schematic representation of the Ethernet device connector installation module 1 from Figure 1 and an exemplary internal connection of the two outer slots 3A, 3B, the Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board and the distribution component 10.

[0046] One of the two outer slots, also called input slot 3A, is connected internally to a signal input 11 of the distribution component 10. A first signal output 12 of the distribution component 10, which differs from signal input 11, is connected internally to the other of the two outer slots, also called output slot 3B, and another signal output 13 of the distribution component 10, which differs from signal input 11 and the first signal output 12, is connected internally to the Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board.

[0047] Devices equipped with an Ethernet device connector module according to the present invention are used, for example, in theaters or concert events and serve, as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 schematically shown, the integration of a large number of devices into a chain of serial Ethernet-connected devices.

[0048] Figure 3shows an embodiment wherein the Ethernet device connector installation module provides connectivity for forming a chain of serially Ethernet-connected devices from the same area of ​​the four areas of lighting, sound, image and effects technology, here for example a chain of lighting units 14. The Ethernet-based structure of the Ethernet device connector installation module allows the serial control of a large number of complex switchable devices, e.g. stage spotlights or LED panels, each with a large number of switchable configuration options for dimming and color settings.

[0049] Figure 4shows a further embodiment, wherein the Ethernet device connector module provides connectivity between devices from different areas of the four areas of lighting, sound, image, and effects technology. In the example shown, the Ethernet device connector module is configured to provide a serial Ethernet-connected chain of a lighting unit 14, an audio device 15, here a loudspeaker, and an effects device 16, here a wind machine.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector 17 for use with an Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention. The cable connector 17 is designed here as a cable connector protector for a pre-assembled RJ45 cable connector 18 and has a recess for insertion into a socket of a slot (see Fig. 6) designed housing 19. When the connector assembly is assembled, the RJ45 cable connector 18 is housed inside the housing 19 and secured by means of a clamping part. The clamping part has a radially compressible collet chuck that grips the cable and, when compressed, clamps the cable firmly in the collet chuck. When assembled, the housing 19, the clamping part, and the cable are clamped together, creating a strain-relieving effect on the cable wires.

[0051] At the rear end of the housing 19, ie towards the cable side, a so-called kink protection 20 is also attached, which stabilizes the cable inserted into the cable connector 17, so that the risk of kinking of the cable is minimized.

[0052] Furthermore, the housing 19 typically includes part of a locking mechanism to prevent accidental removal of the cable connector 17 from the slot. In the example shown, the housing 19 includes a snap-lock counterpart or a spring-lock counterpart 21 for releasably connecting the cable connector 17 to the slot. For example, for securing the connector, a spring-lock latch of the slot engages from the outside of the housing 19 into the recess provided by the snap-lock or spring-lock counterpart 21. Preferably, the snap-lock or spring-lock counterpart or a recess otherwise provided for an undercut is arranged on the top side of the cable connector.

[0053] A well-known example of such a cable connector for a robust and lockable connection with a device connector is the connector assembly for a cable connector protector for pre-assembled RJ45 cable connectors, sold by the Neutrik Group under the designation NE8MC.

[0054] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a single device connector 22, which has essentially the same features as the respective slots 3A, 3B of the dual device connector according to the present invention. The device connector comprises a housing 23 with an insertion opening 24 for a complementary cable connector (see Fig. 5). The connector socket 25, here, for example, a pre-assembled RJ45 connector socket, is arranged in the housing 23, wherein the housing 23 surrounds the connector socket 25 at a distance in a front section, i.e., on the side from which the cable connector is inserted into the insertion opening 24. Also arranged on the housing 23 is an actuating element 26 of a locking mechanism for preventing accidental removal of the cable connector plugged into the device connector 22.

[0055] For example, the actuating element 26 unlocks a locking arm pre-tensioned into a closed position, which is used to lock the cable connector into a latch counterpart arranged on the cable connector (see Fig. 5) engages. The actuating element 26 protrudes forward, for example with an operating tab, beyond the plug-in end of the housing 23 so that it can be easily reached and actuated by the user. Preferably, the actuating element 26 (and typically the locking mechanism cooperating with it) is arranged on the top side of the device connector 22.

[0056] Figures 7 and 8 show schematic representations of two possible circuits of a power supply unit 27 for supplying power to the distribution component, wherein the two outer slots 3A, 3B, the Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board and the distribution component are arranged as in Figure 2 are arranged.

[0057] In the Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the Ethernet device connector installation module 1' has a separate power connection interface 28 connected to the power supply 27 for connecting an external power supply to supply the power supply 27 with a power input signal. For example, the device to be equipped with the Ethernet device connector installation module 1' has its own power supply, and the power connection interface 28 is connected to an internal power output of the device. In another embodiment, the power connection interface 28 is accessible from the outside, for example—when the Ethernet device connector installation module 1' is installed in the device—and thus provides a power connection option that is also independent of the device.

[0058] In the Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment of the Ethernet device connector installation module 1", the input slot 3A is connected internally to the signal input 11 of the distribution component and to the power supply unit 27. An input signal supplied via the input slot 3A is split into a data signal component 29A and a power supply signal component 29B, with the power supply signal component 29B being supplied to the power supply unit 27 and used by the latter to supply power to the distribution component 10.

[0059] Figure 9schematically shows an arrangement of the distribution component 10 on a printed circuit board 30 of the Ethernet device connector installation module according to the invention, wherein the distribution component 10 is connected via conductor tracks 31 of the printed circuit board 30 to the Ethernet contact interface 9, which provides mechanically or solderably contactable contacts 32 for the internal connection of the printed circuit board 30 to the control electronics of the device. In the example shown, the contacts 32 of the Ethernet contact interface 9 are rudimentarily designed as contacts for ("manually") establishing a mechanical or soldered connection. In contrast to the thin conductor tracks 31 with a thickness of a few micrometers, the contacts 32 have, for example, a rectangular shape of at least 2 x 4 mm.

[0060] In further embodiments (not shown), the Ethernet contact interface 9 is configured such that the contacts 32 are provided by an RJ45 or SPE connector connected to the conductive traces 31. Alternatively, the Ethernet contact interface 9 is connected via a cable to a PCB plug-in module for insertion into a printed circuit board of the device, or the printed circuit board 9 of the Ethernet device connector installation module is itself designed as a plug-in module for insertion into the printed circuit board of the device (e.g., a main PCB of the device).

[0061] It is understood that these figures only schematically depict possible embodiments. The various approaches can also be combined with each other and with prior art methods.

Claims

1. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") for a controllable apparatus (14, 15, 16) from lighting, sound, video or effects engineering, configured to be installed into the said apparatus (14, 15, 16) as a premanufactured physical component, comprising • a fastening provision (8) for providing an installation of the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") on a housing (6) of the apparatus (14, 15, 16), in particular drilled holes each provided to accommodate fastening means for fastening the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") to the housing (6) of the apparatus (14, 15, 16), • a double device connector (2) having two external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) provided by a common flange element and each serving - when the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") is in the installed state in the apparatus (14, 15, 16) - to plug in an ethernet cable connector (17) in order to incorporate the apparatus (14, 15, 16) in a chain of a plurality of apparatuses (14, 15, 16) serially connected by ethernet, • a distributor component (10) arranged on a printed circuit board (30) of the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") and configured to distribute a data signal and in particular a power supply signal supplied by one of the two external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) to the other one of the two external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) and to an ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30), with the distributor component (10) being connected via conductor tracks (31) on the printed circuit board (30) to the ethernet contact interface (9) and the ethernet contact interface (9) having mechanically contactable contacts (32), or contacts (32) contactable by soldering, that serve the connection, in the interior of the apparatus, of the printed circuit board (30) to control electronics of the apparatus (14, 15, 16) for controlling the apparatus (14, 15, 16).

2. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to Claim 1, wherein the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B), the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30) and the distributor component (10) are designed for operation according to PoE or PoDL technology.

3. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B), the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30) and the distributor component (10) are configured for operation according to one of the IEEE standards 802.3.

4. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B), the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30) and the distributor component (10) are configured for operation according to an ethernet protocol which provides for a control of different types of apparatuses (14, 15, 16).

5. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to Claim 4, wherein one of the different types is a first type of apparatus from one of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and effects engineering and a further type of the different types is a second type of apparatus from a field of the four fields of lighting, sound, video and effects engineering which differs from the first field.

6. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) each comprise an RJ45 or SPE jack.

7. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) are each configured to establish a precisely fitting mechanically lockable plug-in connection with a respective cable connector (17) which is adapted to the plug-in location (3A, 3B) as a mating piece and insertable into a plug-in opening (24) in a housing (23) of the respective plug-in location (3A, 3B), with the plug-in locations (3A, 3B) each having a jack (25) arranged in the respective housing (23), with a front portion of the housing (23) - a portion facing a side from which the cable connector (17) can be brought to the respective plug-in opening (24) - surrounds at least one portion of the jack (25) at a distance.

8. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30) comprises an RJ45 or SPE plug.

9. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the printed circuit board (30) is configured to be plugged into a control unit of the apparatus (14, 15, 16) and is connected to the external plug-in locations (3A, 3B) via a cable, in particular an FCC or FPC cable.

10. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising a PCB plug-in module which is connected to the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30) via a cable, in particular an FCC or an FPC cable, and is designed to be plugged into a control unit of the apparatus (14, 15, 16).

11. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a front side (4) configured to constitute a part of the housing exterior (5) of the housing (6) of the apparatus (14, 15, 16) when the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") is in the installed state in the apparatus (14, 15, 16), with a respective plug-in opening for receiving a cable connector (17) that is insertable into the respective external plug-in location (3A, 3B) being arranged at this front side (4) for each of the two external plug-in locations (3A, 3B).

12. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a common mounting plate and further housing parts provided for an arrangement - when the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") is in the installed state in the apparatus (14, 15, 16) - in the interior of the apparatus (14, 15, 16), with the common mounting plate having the fastening provision (8), in particular in the form of drilled holes for receiving fastening means for fastening the mounting plate to the housing (6) of the apparatus (14, 15, 16).

13. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to Claim 12, wherein the common flange element of the double device connector (2) is configured to provide the mounting plate of the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1").

14. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein • contact elements of one of the two external plug-in locations (3A) are connected in the interior of the module to a signal input (11) of the distributor component (10), • a first signal output (12) of the distributor component (10), which differs from the signal input (11), is connected in the interior of the module to contact elements of the other one of the two external plug-in locations (3B) and • a second signal output (13) of the distributor component (10), which differs from the signal input (11) and from the first signal output (12), is connected in the interior of the module to the ethernet contact interface (9) on the printed circuit board (30).

15. Ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") according to Claim 14, comprising a power supply unit (27) connected to the distributor component (10) and serving to receive a current input signal and provide a current output signal for supplying the distributor component (10) with power, wherein • the ethernet device connector built-in module (1, 1', 1") further comprises a separate current connector interface (28) connected to the power supply unit (27) and serving to connect to an external power supply for supplying the power supply unit (27) with the current input signal, and / or • the external plug-in location (3A) of the two that is connected in the interior of the module to the signal input (11) of the distributor component (10) is further connected to the power supply unit (27) and configured such that an input signal supplied via the one of the two external plug-in locations (3A) is split into a data signal component (29A) providing data transmission and a power supply signal component (29B) providing a power supply of the power supply unit, with the power supply signal component (29B) being supplied to the power supply unit (27) and the data signal component (29B) being supplied to the signal input (10) of the distributor component (10).

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