System for a light strip luminaire with additional data line, and function module therefor

Abstract

A light strip system (1) for a light strip luminaire (2) with a data line is proposed. The system has support profiles (3; 3A, 3B) for attaching light modules (4) and for mounting on a building structure. It also has a number of light modules (4), preferably with LED light sources, which can be attached to the support profile and an electrical supply (23) with several conductors, which is provided in the support profile for the power supply. Furthermore, a data line (10) for user data is provided. According to the invention, it is provided that - that the data line (10) comprises at least one optical fiber, namely a POF (polymer optical fiber) optical fiber (10A, 10B) in or on the support profile; - that an active data coupling unit (12) with a data interface (121, 122) for optical data transmission via POF optical fibers (10A, 10B) is mounted in or on the support profile; and - that the electrical supply (23) of the light band system (1) supplies the active data coupling unit (12).Also proposed is a functional module (60) for a strip lighting system (1) for data transmission via a POF data line. It has an active data coupling unit (12) and fastening means for a support profile (3; 3A, 3B) of a strip lighting system. The active data coupling unit (12) has data interfaces (121, 122) for POF optical fibers (10A, 10B).

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application from EP22735082.4, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety.

[0002] The invention generally relates to a system for an elongated strip light or for a strip light according to the invention, as well as a functional module for such a system. The invention particularly relates to a strip light system or strip light equipped with a data line, as well as a functional module for data transmission for a strip light system.

[0003] Lighting systems for large spaces, particularly in industrial or commercial applications, such as industrial production halls or logistics warehouses, are often implemented in the form of continuous row lighting systems. These typically consist of a number of elongated luminaires, usually in the form of a continuous strip of elongated modules, typically arranged in several parallel rows next to each other to achieve the desired room lighting. Depending on the room height and ceiling, such continuous row lighting systems are typically suspended from the ceiling or mounted directly on the ceiling.

[0004] Due to their modularity, continuous lighting systems allow for a high degree of flexibility in the arrangement and selection of lamps and components used, allowing a wide variety of lighting applications to be realized according to customer requirements. Furthermore, modular continuous lighting systems can be relatively easily adapted to changing requirements, for example, when a room is used for a different purpose. In addition to modular adaptation to lighting requirements, continuous lighting systems offer other advantages, such as safety and cost-effectiveness.

[0005] A typical continuous-row lighting system comprises at least one continuous-row luminaire, usually with several elongated support profiles for attaching light modules to the support profiles. The support profile (also called a carrier profile) is used for installation on a building structure using suitable mounting hardware, typically ceiling-mounted or suspended at a predetermined vertical distance from the ceiling. The support profiles can be designed as support rails and are usually offered in various lengths, generally with a consistent profile cross-section throughout the system. The desired modules or those selected from the system kit, especially light modules, are attached to the support profiles. Light modules with LED light sources, for example, are common today.

[0006] The support profile typically houses an electrical supply with several conductors to power the system components, especially the lighting modules, as well as any additional components. A multi-conductor supply is typically a multi-phase supply with at least three phase conductors for load balancing, the neutral conductor, and the PE protective conductor. If necessary, additional conductors can be provided in the support profile, for example, for the emergency power supply and / or cables for luminaire control, e.g., according to the DALI protocol.

[0007] Fundamentally independent of lighting systems, there is currently a growing need for data networks for IT infrastructure, for example, in connection with the intelligent networking of systems and machines in industry using information and communication technology ("Industry 4.0") and / or the general increase in networking, e.g., towards the so-called "Internet of Things" (also: "Allesnetz"), in English: "IoT" (abbreviated to IoT) or the Industrial IoT ("IIoT"), in almost all sectors, especially industrial ones. Data networks are also part of the basic equipment for non-manufacturing businesses, such as open-plan offices.

[0008] Against this background, it seems desirable to offer or expand light strip systems with data transmission functionality.

[0009] WO 2021 / 043921 A1 proposes a lighting strip system with a data transmission function which primarily transmits data between components of the lighting strip system, but can also provide, for example, a WLAN access point. In addition to the features of the preamble according to claim 1, this system has a data connection for receiving data and an adapter connected to it, which is designed to transmit the data to a second adapter using a modulation method via electrical conductors of the supply. For this purpose, WO 2021 / 043921 A1 proposes the use of a powerline adapter (also called PLC - Powerline Communications), which modulates data onto existing power lines and demodulates it again from them. In this system, the electrical supply itself is therefore used for data transmission. A solution comparable to the teaching of WO 2021 / 043921 A1 for using PLC in a lighting strip system (Engl.light trunking system) was proposed in EP 3 800 792 A1.

[0010] While the PLC or powerline principle reduces the number of required cables, thus lowering costs, it does come with disadvantages. For example, data transmission is sometimes susceptible to interference or even generates electromagnetic interference in surrounding cables. On the other hand, the system's potential bandwidth is inherently limited, as electrical power supplies are not designed for high-bandwidth data transmission.

[0011] A functional module for WLAN data transmission is known from patent EP 2 512 209 B1. This module is, in principle, suitable for mounting on a strip light and, as an adapter, can provide a WLAN access point and, for example, be integrated into an existing LAN network.

[0012] A first object of the present invention is therefore to propose an alternative, future-proof solution for data transmission in a lighting strip system that allows for low installation costs while enabling reliable and robust information technology (IT). This object is achieved by a functional module having the features of independent claim 1.

[0013] In particular, the aim is to propose a future-proof, IT-enabled or IoT-capable functional module for a strip lighting system. According to further objectives, the module or system should provide high or future-proof data transmission capacity, be relatively cost-effective to implement, and / or relatively easy to install. Furthermore, the proposed solution should preferably also enable the retrofitting of existing strip lighting with future-proof data transmission technology.

[0014] In a generic module or system, the main feature contributing to the solution of the first-mentioned problem is that at least one optical fiber (FO) is used as the data line. A POF (polymer optical fiber) fiber can be used as the optical fiber (FO). The abbreviation POF in this case means a plastic fiber optic cable for data transmission, i.e., a data line with an optical fiber core comprising or consisting of plastic, or a so-called "polymer optical fiber" (also known as a "plastic optical fiber"). The POF fiber optic cable can be designed, in particular, according to IEC 60793-2-40, e.g., of type IEC 60793-2-40 subclass A4a.2. A large-core POF cable is particularly preferred, with a typical core diameter of approximately 980 µm to 1000 µm, or an optical fiber core diameter of 1 mm.

[0015] The data line can, in particular, comprise at least one pair of two polymer optical fibers as optical waveguides, in particular as a duplex POF data line or, in particular, for duplex data transmission. Multiple pairs of optical waveguides can be provided as required. Instead of a fiber pair with one fiber each for the transmit and receive directions, a single fiber or individual POF optical fiber can also be used as the data line, on which, for example, the transmit and receive directions are implemented via two different wavelengths, e.g., using optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or Wavelength Division Multiple Access (WDMA).

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, in combination with a fiber optic data line, a further main feature for achieving the first-mentioned object is proposed that at least one active data coupling unit, e.g., an active data network device, is provided with at least one data interface for optical data transmission via optical fiber, in particular via the POF fiber optic cable or the POF conductor pair, and can be or is mounted in or on the at least one support profile. The data coupling unit can, on the one hand, compensate for the attenuation behavior of a POF data line and / or provide flexibility through additional interfaces to other wired or wireless data lines, in particular to any IoT devices in the broadest sense.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber and data coupling unit can be designed in accordance with ISO / IEC / IEEE 8802, in particular in accordance with ISO / IEC / IEEE 8802-ands3:2017 / Amd.9:2018(E) and / or to implement a data connection in Gigabit ETHERNET technology, preferably of the type 1000BASE-RHx, particularly preferably 1000BASE-RHA or possibly also 1000BASE-RHB.

[0018] Finally, it is proposed as a preferred third main feature of the module or system that it is designed in such a way that, during operation or in the properly installed state, it can also provide or effect the required power supply of the active data coupling unit by means of the supply provided or present in the support profile.

[0019] The combination of the first two aforementioned main features thus enables or realizes – as a key concept of the invention – the provision of a type of active optical network or AON (Active Optical Network) in or with a light strip. Briefly summarized or in other words, the invention relates to a light strip or light strip system with an active optical data network, preferably with POF as the optical fiber, as well as the individual system components essential for this.

[0020] In particular, several data coupling units, which are designed as active network devices, can be connected by cable segments each consisting of at least one optical fiber, in particular POF optical fiber, particularly in a line or daisy-chain topology. The power supply of the active network devices is preferably provided by the light strip itself.

[0021] The synergy of the three main features mentioned above allows for noticeable savings in material costs and installation effort compared to the previously usual independent, separate installation of lighting on the one hand and a data network on the other.

[0022] The module or system can supply power to the active data coupling unit, in particular using a suitable contact device and predetermined supply conductors in the support profile or also using a supply connection of a component of the lighting strip system that is supplied via the supply. The module or system can therefore supply power to the active data coupling unit directly from the supply inherent in the support profile, in particular using predetermined conductors. Particularly when powered directly from the supply, the active data coupling unit preferably has its own power supply, in particular a switched-mode power supply (SMPS). A switched-mode power supply with a DC-DC converter for providing different operating voltages is particularly preferred.The term "electrical supply" refers here to a supply device that has at least conductors for or serves to supply power. The supply can, in principle, be of any design suitable for a strip light and is preferably located in the support profile. The supply can also include a data line, e.g., a pair of DALI conductors.

[0023] Alternatively, the module or system can also provide or effect the power supply of the active data coupling unit indirectly from the supply, in particular via a dedicated supply connection of a component provided in the lighting strip system, which is intended to be powered from the supply. This could be, for example, a supply connection of an operating device for light sources, in particular a D4i™< connection according to the DALI-2 specification (see https: / / www.dali-alliance.org / d4i / ). It is also conceivable to design the active data coupling unit in such a way that it is supplied via actual supply connections of an operating device, e.g. with 48V DC voltage for LED modules. An indirect supply can noticeably reduce the hardware effort for the supply in the active data coupling unit, e.g. the operating voltages required for suitable DC-DC converters.This enables a cheaper and more compact data coupling unit.

[0024] The use of POF fiber optic cables as data cables offers several advantages. POF fiber optic cables are generally not susceptible to electromagnetic interference and, conversely, do not cause electromagnetic interference in surrounding electrical cables, e.g., for lighting control, or sensitive components, such as LED drivers or operating devices. POF data cables have a noticeably smaller cross-section than CAT-7 copper data cables. Furthermore, POF fiber optic cables have a significantly lower specific weight per length than copper data cables. This makes POF fiber optic cables easier, lighter, and more space-saving to install at any point along the cross-section, particularly in the mounting rail or even on the outside of the mounting rail. This is particularly advantageous if multiple data cables may need to be installed.

[0025] POF fiber optic cables are inexpensive, especially compared to fiber optic data cables, yet offer comparatively high bandwidths and data transmission rates. Unlike fiber optic cables, POF fiber optic cables are comparatively easy to handle and can be installed with simple tools without requiring any additional effort during the manufacture or installation of the light strip. POF fiber optic cables, especially the ETHERNET 1000BASE-RHA type, can be processed and installed by technicians using relatively simple tools and without any specialized knowledge.

[0026] Thanks to the use of the strip lighting, additional material costs can be eliminated. Furthermore, by utilizing the existing power supply of the strip lighting, separate power cables for network devices are no longer necessary. This significantly reduces the installation effort for the data network, especially for long cable lengths, without any noticeable additional work on the strip lighting system.

[0027] State-of-the-art POF data cables can achieve data rates of 1 Gbps or more over distances of up to 50 m. With appropriately arranged data coupling units, e.g., distributed within the light band, the length can be increased even further. Some or all of the data coupling units can always be supplied with power preferentially by the light band, directly or indirectly. Thanks to one or more data coupling units, longer distances at high data rates are possible, possibly despite connections or couplings with increased attenuation between individual cable segments and / or with devices.

[0028] Furthermore, it is expected that material costs for copper cables will continue to rise in the future, while those for POF data cables will likely fall with increasing adoption. The data cable is therefore preferably a non-wire-based cable, particularly a non-copper-wire-based cable, specifically an optical fiber (FOC) and most preferably a POF optical fiber.

[0029] The proposed data coupling unit can, for example, comprise an active network device, such as a POF switch or the like, or form such a device or be designed as such. The data coupling unit can be installed in the strip lighting system with comparatively little effort and can be powered from it. This is especially true if the data coupling unit is designed accordingly, particularly with the housing shape. The data coupling unit can, in particular, be designed as a communication device for transmitting or switching network data or user data.

[0030] The housing design of the data coupling unit is preferably suitable for integration, installation or embedding in a light strip.

[0031] The supply (= power supply device) can be implemented, for example, as an electrical supply cable or through-wiring, a busbar, a current-conducting profile, or similar. The supply is typically multi-core, i.e., it comprises several conductors, particularly conductor wires, at least for the power supply of the light modules of the strip light. If the support profile, e.g., a busbar, is itself used as a protective conductor, the supply generally has at least two conductors or wires for the power supply.

[0032] Typically existing multi-conductor power supplies, e.g., a multi-conductor busbar or a multi-conductor power-conducting profile, or similar, can provide an inherently suitable power supply available at any desired longitudinal position along a strip light. Existing, predetermined conductors can be used for this purpose, which, in the sense of an IT supply, supply only data network devices, in particular one or more data coupling units. The individual conductors of the supply are preferably wires, in particular copper wires, especially with a cross-section in the range of ≥0.5mm² to ≤2.5mm².

[0033] The or each data coupling unit preferably has its own switched-mode power supply, preferably with suitable connection means for connecting to selected conductors of the lighting strip's supply. Switched-mode power supplies have, among other things, low no-load power losses. In particular, an electronic SELV switched-mode power supply with a transformer for galvanic isolation of the secondary side from the primary supply is preferred. The switched-mode power supply is preferably embodied as an integrated module and component of the data coupling unit, in particular accommodated in the housing of the data coupling unit. However, the invention also includes separate or external switched-mode power supplies, e.g., a supply via commercially available LED drivers, e.g., with 48V DC, which are specifically designed for installation and operation in the lighting strip.

[0034] The data coupling unit, in particular the optionally integrated switching power supply, is preferably designed specifically in compliance with one or more relevant standards for lighting equipment, similar to drivers for light sources. The data coupling unit, in particular the switching power supply, can be designed in general compliance with EN / IEC 60598-1:2018.9 or DIN EN 60598-1:2018-09 (corresponds to VDE 0711-1). The data coupling unit and in particular the switching power supply should, among other things, have a suitable rated service life. Preferably, the integrated switching power supply of the data coupling unit is designed in compliance with EN / IEC 55015:2019-08 (corresponds to VDE 0875-15-1) and / or EN / IEC 61000-3-2:2014 (corresponds to VDE 0838-2) and / or EN / IEC 61547:2009 (corresponds to VDE 0875-15-2).The switching power supply of the data coupling unit can preferably be specifically designed and suitably configured for a lighting application or lighting devices, particularly with regard to radio interference, unwanted harmonic currents and / or EMC immunity.

[0035] The switching power supply of the data coupling unit can, in particular, be designed with means for power factor correction, e.g., a PFC circuit or PFC stage. The switching power supply can be designed with multiple stages or a single stage. It can advantageously include an EMC filter stage on the input side. The switching power supply, in particular, comprises a DC-DC converter, which can preferably be designed as a flyback converter or a blocking converter (also known as a boost / buck converter).

[0036] In addition to the required voltages for network components or the integrated circuits and interfaces required for this purpose, the switching power supply preferably also provides a 48V DC supply voltage for a PSE unit, in particular for a PoE unit provided in the data coupling unit in a preferred embodiment.

[0037] Selected components of the switching power supply have a nominal service life sufficiently dimensioned for lighting equipment, e.g. according to EN / IEC 60598-1:2018.9 or DIN EN 60598-1 (VDE 0711-1):2018-09.

[0038] The switched-mode power supply preferably has a converter circuit, e.g., a DC-DC converter, with at least one power transistor, a rectifier diode, and at least one storage capacitor, in particular an electrolytic capacitor. Preferably, the at least one electrolytic capacitor of the switched-mode power supply, which acts as an energy storage device, e.g., depending on the architecture, as an intermediate circuit buffer or output buffer, has a nominal service life of at least 8,000 operating hours, preferably at least 10,000 operating hours, in each case at an operating temperature of 105°C, or at least one high-temperature electrolytic capacitor is preferably used. As tests on operating devices for lighting devices have shown, such electrolytic capacitors are usually decisive for the service life of switched-mode power supplies.With appropriate design, the nominal service life of the data coupling unit can be sufficient at typical application temperatures in the light strip to avoid its premature replacement or to enable replacement during maintenance together with light modules, especially LED modules, which usually have a nominal service life of 50,000 hours.

[0039] The data coupling unit as a whole, in particular the integrated switched-mode power supply, is preferably designed with exclusively passive cooling or passively cooled, in particular without its own fan or fanless and / or without active cooling components that consume power. This minimizes the power consumption or the power consumption of the switched-mode power supply. A light strip generally offers suitable conditions for passive cooling, among other things by utilizing the support profile and / or the device carrier as a heat sink. Accordingly, the data coupling unit is preferably designed such that, when installed as intended, a sufficiently thermally conductive connection with the support profile can be realized, if necessary by means of a corresponding support element or device carrier that is to be attached to the support profile.

[0040] The housing of the active data coupling unit preferably has a visually marked tc point on its exterior. At this measuring point, compliance with the nominal maximum housing temperature (=tc according to IEC / EN 61347) can be determined in a test setup in the desired lighting system or the planned application. This is the highest permissible temperature that may occur on the outer surface (if applicable, at the marked location) under normal operating conditions. Accordingly, the tc point is positioned directly above components, such as the aforementioned storage capacitor, that are critical for temperature and service life. A suitable temperature measurement option is advantageous for the qualification of lighting systems or for determining the service life of the data coupling unit, especially for passively cooled data coupling units, to ensure that premature failure of the data network, i.e., maintenance costs, is not risked.

[0041] The fiber optic data cable itself can be installed as a separate cable, e.g., independently of the power supply, on or in the support profile, and can also be easily retrofitted. However, the fiber optic data cable can also be installed together with the power supply, e.g., pre-installed in a so-called power supply profile or retrofitted into it.

[0042] Furthermore, the main features proposed above allow the light strip itself to be used as a protection or mounting device for the optical fibers, so that the material and time required to produce the data infrastructure is reduced overall because, for example, significantly fewer cable ducts or the like are required.

[0043] Furthermore, the spatial positioning of the light strips offers advantages, including additional security against mechanical damage, e.g., caused by mobile equipment in a warehouse. With regard to antenna positioning for wireless networks, e.g., via WLAN, WiFi, or future-oriented standards such as WiFi 6 or IEEE Standard 802.11ax, light strips mounted or mountable at a suitable height already allow good network coverage over large spaces without additional installation effort for antenna positioning. While the light distribution curve and antenna characteristics are fundamentally independent, the position of the light strip makes it comparatively easy to achieve relatively good wireless coverage in a large space, without any special additional effort for installation and cabling of the wireless network devices.

[0044] The proposed solution thus offers a cost-effective yet future-proof option for the provision of data networks, in particular mixed radio data networks and fiber optic data networks, in large-area rooms, both for new installations and for retrofitting.

[0045] Data cables integrated into the light strip system enable numerous additional advantages, e.g. the integration of control and analysis functions and components, such as sensors for heat mapping, asset tracking, indoor positioning, etc. or sensors and actuators, e.g. for building management in general and specifically for lighting control, e.g. using an Ethernet-to-DALI adapter, or for connecting other IoT components to a data network. This means that the light strip system expanded with a data cable can also be easily and cost-effectively integrated into future-proof IoT or Industry 4.0 applications via suitable interfaces and / or the relevant infrastructure, in particular data network infrastructure, can be provided for this purpose cost-effectively. The light strip system proposed here is particularly suitable for use as part of an IoT system.

[0046] The fiber optic data line, in particular a POF data line, can be used in particular for transmitting data external to the lighting strip (useful data), e.g., for any IT or IoT application, IIoT application, or the like. The data line can, if necessary, additionally transmit measurement and / or control data from the lighting system itself, possibly together with data from other building automation devices. However, the fiber optic data line according to the invention is preferably intended and suitable for a network installation for data transmission, i.e., primarily for external use data, i.e., data external to the lighting strip.

[0047] The data coupling unit preferably comprises at least one component, e.g. an integrated circuit, for digital signal processing.

[0048] The data coupling unit can be embodied, in particular, as an active network device that forwards data (e.g., frames), preferably based on information from the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. The data coupling unit can be embodied, for example, as a so-called switch or a multiport bridge, more precisely referred to as a so-called "bridging hub," "switching hub," or "MAC bridge" (in the IEEE 802.3 standard). The data coupling unit enables data communication, in particular, via the POF data line. The data coupling unit preferably comprises a suitable, known switch unit or switch hardware, preferably an ETHERNET switch. The switch unit can be embodied, in particular, as a corresponding integrated circuit, switch processor, switch engine, ASIC, or the like. The data coupling unit can be embodied as a digital repeater that regenerates and forwards data.However, a data coupling unit with switch functionality is preferred. For this purpose, switch hardware, e.g., a switch processor or switch engine, can be used, which can be configured or preconfigured, particularly port-specifically, for latency-optimized forwarding of data, especially data packets.

[0049] The switch of the data coupling unit is preferably configurable, among other things, such that it is set up for latency-optimized data forwarding between selected or all data interfaces for optical data transmission, in particular for cut-through switching, preferably fast-forward cut-through switching.

[0050] Alternatively, forwarding to network layer 1 (Layer 1), in the sense of a (repeater) hub, can be configured port-specifically between the data interfaces for optical data transmission. The coupling therefore does not have to be established via the data link layer. A data coupling unit with a simplified repeater function, e.g., as an (OSI) Layer 1 repeater hub, would also be conceivable, although less preferred. Coupling for digital data communication with appropriate digital signal processing is preferred. Digital processing and regeneration of the signals of the POF data line is advantageous over a theoretically conceivable purely analog signal amplification of optical signals. In any case, the data coupling unit is preferably supplied with power directly or indirectly from the light band supply.

[0051] Preferably, at least two POF data line segments are provided, which are laid or can be laid in the light band and can be coupled or connected to one another by the active data coupling unit for data transmission. Data line segments with at least one optical fiber pair, in particular a pair of duplex POF optical fibers, are particularly suitable. As used in connection with the data coupling unit, the term "coupled" or "coupling" is to be understood in a data-related sense, i.e., relating to the establishment of a connection for data transmission, and typically includes signal conversion and electronic data processing in the data coupling unit, e.g., for packet switching, signal refresh, etc.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the optical data line comprises at least one duplex conductor pair made of POF optical fibers, for a half-duplex or full-duplex data connection, between two nodes, in particular between data coupling units, which are preferably designed for half-duplex or full-duplex data transmission via duplex POF.

[0053] With regard to the network topology into which the fiber optic data line is integrated, a preferred embodiment provides for several fiber optic data line segments and active data coupling units to be connected or connectable in the light strip to form a line or daisy-chain topology. The data coupling units are connected in series, preferably each via a POF fiber optic pair. Each segment of the data line can connect two data coupling units as network nodes. A bus topology or, in particular, a ring topology is also within the scope of the invention; however, a line or daisy-chain topology is particularly preferred, as it minimizes installation effort. Compared to the star topology typical for ETHERNET networks, these topologies require a significantly smaller number of data lines or reduced line lengths, thus reducing costs.In particular, a daisy-chain topology (also known as a line topology) or a bus topology are particularly compatible with the compact, long design of light strips and / or with their typical installation work. Especially for the implementation of a daisy-chain, bus, or ring topology, the system can comprise multiple data line segments made of POF fiber optic cables and multiple active data coupling units. In this case, two consecutive data line segments made of POF fiber optic cables can be coupled or connected in series via a data coupling unit, so that the POF fiber optic data line(s) in light strips can cover typical installation lengths, e.g., several tens of meters, with high bandwidth.

[0054] Depending on the application, strip lights can be remarkably long and are typically constructed from several support profiles connected longitudinally, as well as the desired lighting modules. Especially for long lengths, several POF data cable segments are preferably installed or can be installed within the strip light, and several data coupling units are used to connect them. This allows for high data rates even over any length.

[0055] Particularly with regard to the installed state of the light strip, a data coupling unit can be provided on or in every nth support profile with n≥2. The optical data cable then preferably runs continuously through the intermediate support profiles, or at least continuously in each intermediate support profile. If the optical data cable is installed at the factory, it may be necessary to connect it with optical couplings at the front ends or between two adjacent support profiles.

[0056] Preferably, the POF optical fibers and / or the data coupling units are arranged in the light strip or mounted on it, in particular in or on the support profile of the light strip.

[0057] Support profiles of the continuous lighting system can be provided in different modular lengths and can each be connected modularly, lengthwise and, if necessary, using T-connectors, L-connectors or cross connectors. The support profile itself has a cross-section that is essentially constant lengthwise and is preferably designed as a trough-shaped hollow profile that is open on one side and / or has a U-shaped cross-section. The open side or access opening is used to attach and partially hold the modules and enables, among other things, access to the supplies. When installed or ready for operation, the profile is directed with the access opening vertically downwards, towards the floor of the room.

[0058] Regarding the design of the support profile and the light modules, all suitable solutions are generally possible, especially well-known solutions, such as the design of the E-Line or E-Line Next series of continuous lighting systems from TRILUX GmbH & Co. KG (D-59759 Arnsberg) or comparable commercially available continuous lighting systems. The support profile can also be part of a so-called conductor rail, e.g., of the EUTRAC ® type or similar, or be formed by the metal profile of a conductor rail.

[0059] The support profile can also be referred to or designed as a support rail. Typically, it has a profile base, which is opposite the open side or access opening and, when installed, is positioned vertically at the top. The term profile base can be understood here as a synonym for the term profile roof, since, in the installed position, the profile base represents the roof of the support profile. Two opposite side walls run vertically away from the profile base or downwards. Between the profile base and the side walls, the support profile or support rail defines the usable interior space, among other things for protected contact and accommodation of the components. The support profiles offer, or the support rail offers, on the narrow side of the side walls facing the access opening, preferably a device for attaching the modules of the continuous lighting system, which have corresponding fastening means. All common or suitable solutions are within the scope of the invention, e.g.a suitable connecting profile as part of the supporting profile. A device for attaching the modules of the continuous-row rooflight system can be provided, for example, by appropriately shaping the respective narrow side of the side walls and / or by providing separate devices for this purpose.

[0060] There are different options for implementing the electrical supply in the support profile.

[0061] The electrical supply can be implemented by a current-conducting profile with the desired number of cores or wires. The supply can in particular be or comprise a current-conducting profile, preferably made of plastic, running longitudinally on the floor of the interior space, with a plurality of conductors held therein. The conductors can preferably be contacted as required by means of freely positionable contact devices. The current-conducting profile can in particular be arranged on the floor of the profile, i.e. horizontally in the assembled state or opposite the access opening, e.g. to enable contact to be made by inserting it vertically from below. At least one current-conducting profile can also be arranged laterally on one or both side walls of the support profile, in particular vertically aligned, with contact preferably being made in the horizontal (plug-in) direction. Contact can then be made by a rotating movement of the contact device.can be achieved.

[0062] The electrical supply can be provided by a busbar, e.g., of the EUTRAC ® type or a similar design. The supply can be implemented, in particular, in the form of at least one lateral busbar, or two opposing busbars, with several conductors or wires running laterally along the side walls in the longitudinal direction. The wires can be contacted as needed, in particular, using freely positionable rotary contact devices. Two opposing busbars can be provided on the side walls or vertically.

[0063] A mechanism for contacting the lateral busbar(s) can optionally also provide mechanical fastening of the module to the support profile or vice versa, but both can also be done separately.

[0064] Alternatively, the electrical supply can also be provided cost-effectively as a permanently installed cable or wiring, e.g. using ribbon cabling or similar through-wiring. This is preferably designed as multi-core through-wiring with insulated conductors permanently laid in the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail, in particular on the base or on the profile base (or profile roof). The through-wiring can be equipped with contact devices, in particular taps, preferably connector sockets, at predetermined longitudinal positions to enable supply at different points on the profile. The connector sockets can preferably be designed in the form of insulation displacement cable holders with an upper part with sockets and a lower part as a counterpart for attachment to the profile base, e.g. by means of a snap-in connection.The spacing between the pre-assembled contact devices is preferably specified according to a regular grid, in particular according to a basic modular dimension, e.g., corresponding to the shortest module length or half the length of a selected module, e.g., at least 375 mm if the shortest module in the system is 750 mm or, for example, 1000 mm or 1500 mm long, or n times the basic modular dimension. The through-wiring can be continuous over the length of the respective support profile.

[0065] Typically, the length of a single support profile is a multiple of the basic modular dimension of the luminaire modules (module length), e.g. 3000mm or 4500mm, with a basic dimension of 750mm.

[0066] By means of suitable power taps (short: tap) on the supply, preferably connector sockets or tap sockets, a plug connection can then be achieved in a simple manner and if necessary without tools using a corresponding or interacting counterpart provided on the component, e.g. a tap plug, for the electrical connection, in particular for the power supply. Suitable, known plug-socket couplings, e.g. with so-called cable holders, can be used as contact devices in this case. The contact devices, in particular tap sockets, can be connected to the through-wiring using insulation displacement technology and enable detachable contacting by means of suitable connectors. The tap plug can be designed in such a way that phase selection or contacting with the desired predetermined conductor can be set by adjusting a plug pin. In this way, if necessary.Existing, system-compatible tap connectors can also be used for an independent power supply of the data coupling unit.

[0067] The at least one POF optical fiber, in particular a pair of POF optical fibers, can be laid in particular in the support profile or in the inner receiving space of the support profile, which is made possible, among other things, by the comparatively small cross-section of the optical fibers. Thus, the POF optical fiber(s) run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the support profile.

[0068] Depending on the selected design of the support profile, especially the power supply design, the data cable can be arranged in different ways, either pre-installed at the factory or retrofitted. One of the following designs is particularly suitable.

[0069] In a design that is particularly suitable for retrofitting or subsequent installation of the data cable, the at least one POF optical fiber can be releasably held or releasably mounted laterally offset next to the supply by means of a number, i.e., one or more, suitable holder elements. In this case, the optical fiber can be attached, in particular, in an area along a side wall or the profile base, by means of one or more holder elements arranged in the support profile and distributed longitudinally, and can also be easily retrofitted, for example. In this case, the holder elements for holding the POF optical fiber can be fastened in the support profile with a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection or can be designed to match the support profile for a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection. The holder elements can, in particular, be latchable in the support profile. The holder elements can be designed as separate components, in particular as plastic molded parts, e.g.as tongue-shaped tabs with a holding area for the POF fiber optic cable(s) and a connecting area for attachment to the support profile. Using suitable holder elements, POF fiber optic cables can be retrofitted into almost all known light strips. Holders manufactured together with an existing component, e.g., brackets on a power-conducting profile, are also conceivable, thus further reducing installation effort.

[0070] In a second design, the at least one POF optical fiber is laid on the floor next to the power supply, particularly in the form of a through-wiring system. In this case, the fiber optic cable can be held in the support profile together with the power supply, particularly by appropriately designed means.

[0071] In particular, but not exclusively, with this second design, at least one contact device can preferably have at least two optical connections for coupling to POF optical fibers, so that the contact device, e.g. a tap for the power supply, also simultaneously provides a connection to the data line to which the data coupling unit is connected.

[0072] In a further, third design, it can be provided that the at least one POF optical fiber is integrated into the current conducting profile, in particular into a current conducting profile made of plastic. In this case, one optical fiber, in particular a POF optical fiber, or several optical fibers or POF optical fibers can be provided, in particular on a web of a current conducting profile made of plastic, which web can preferably be separated via a predetermined breaking point. This allows the optical fiber to be detached as needed, e.g. for the purpose of coupling it to a device, in particular a data coupling unit, or for connecting it to a subsequent optical fiber section in the next adjacent support profile. With this design, the or each POF optical fiber can be integrated or incorporated into the current conducting profile together with the wire lines of the supplies during production, e.g. in an extrusion process or in another suitable manner.

[0073] The current-conducting profile within a support rail or within a support rail segment can be extruded in one piece or consist of several individually extruded parts, particularly with conductors inserted during extrusion. Alternatively, the conductors can also be subsequently installed into such an extruded profile or profiles. Alternatively, the current-conducting profile within a support rail or within a support rail segment can also consist of several individual, particularly injection-molded or injection-molded, subsequently assembled parts, each of which has corresponding connection areas at its end, e.g., with projections and recesses. Such "support elements" or "current-conducting profiles" for supply lines usually offer a multitude of channels for accommodating electrical lines, e.g., a number of between 12 and 18 cable channels or-Receptacles that are occupied with cables depending on the product / application and do not all have to be occupied.

[0074] The POF fiber optic cables could thus also be mounted and / or installed in free channels of a power distribution profile, i.e., channels that are not occupied by a power supply cable, either by design or depending on the application. This is preferably done at the factory, especially during the production of the support profile, but the POF fiber optic cables can also be installed as part of a retrofit.

[0075] In an easy-to-install embodiment, at least one contact device is provided for the data coupling unit, matching the type of supply in the strip light. This contact device is intended for connecting, in particular for detachably plugging, the data coupling unit to the predetermined conductors of the supply in the support profile. The contact device can be selected such that it allows and achieves contact exclusively with the predetermined conductors or those selected for the supply.

[0076] Preferably, the fastening means and contact device are designed or interact with the support profile of the strip light in such a way that electrical contact is also established during mechanical fastening or installation. Suitable fastening means can be designed, in particular, for plugging or inserting modules onto or onto the support profile in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the strip light and can be detachable, e.g., by means of a snap-in connection with a profile area of ​​the support profile, in particular two opposite profile areas on the side of the access opening.

[0077] For a power supply that is independent of the lighting, it is advantageous if the supply has at least seven (7) electrical conductors, in particular at least nine (9) electrical conductors. In this case, the typical mains supply conductors of a 5-core cable, i.e. the 3-phase conductors L1, L2, L3, in particular for the phase-selectable supply of the light modules, as well as N and PE, are preferably predetermined and reserved for the lighting supply or are marked accordingly. Two further conductors or the two further conductors can then be used or reserved for the supply of the network devices, in particular the data coupling units. For this purpose, conductors already provided in the system for an emergency power supply, or a pair of conductors for the DALI control can be used. A supply with at least 9 conductors is advantageous, so that a possibly already planned or existing control line, in particular for DALI control, can continue to be used orremains unaffected. A supply with at least 11 conductors is particularly advantageous, so that in addition to the typical 5-wire supply for the lighting modules, a pair of conductors for DALI, a pair of conductors for emergency power supply, and also a pair of conductors, namely with separate phase and neutral conductors, can be used for the independent IT supply of the network devices, especially the data coupling units, in the lighting strip.

[0078] Advantageously, two separate conductors are provided in the supply for the independent supply of the data coupling unit(s) and preferably suitable contact device(s).

[0079] To avoid unwanted network technology outages, it is preferred that the system provides or generates the power supply to the active data coupling unit via supply conductors that are not used to supply the lighting modules. This also avoids the need to shut down the power supply to the network devices, particularly the data coupling units, in the lighting strip during maintenance work or adjustments to the lighting modules, which could lead to data loss or a loss of productivity. Furthermore, a supply via an independent pair of phase and neutral conductors enables the installation of a separate residual current device for the network devices in the lighting strip, thus also reducing unwanted outages in this regard. Furthermore, the independent supply can be coupled to any UPS system that may be provided for the IT system's power supply, if required.

[0080] From a design perspective, it is advantageous if each support profile is designed as a metal support rail, particularly as a formed, particularly roll-formed, sheet steel profile or as an extruded aluminum profile. This inherently creates a robust protective enclosure for the data cables within the strip light without the need to install separate cable ducts or conduits. The support profile itself can also be designed as an extruded plastic profile.

[0081] Preferably, the support profiles have on an open underside or access opening suitable means for fastening, in particular detachably mounting, modules of the system, e.g. a suitable profile area for engaging, engaging behind, snapping in or the like by means of corresponding fastening means on the functional module, e.g. on the device carrier or on the housing of the data coupling unit.

[0082] The system's support profiles can be pre-designed or offered with a predefined profile cross-section in several module lengths, e.g., easily transportable support profile lengths of 750mm, 1500mm, 3000mm, and 4500mm. Each support profile therefore advantageously has a certain minimum length of, for example, at least 750mm or 1500mm to enable modular adaptation or lighting planning. The length of the support profile is preferably in the range of 500mm to 6000mm.

[0083] According to an independent aspect of the invention, a functional module according to claim 7 is also proposed, which is particularly suitable for a light strip according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0084] The functional module has at least one active data coupling unit for transmitting user data via a data line and fastening means for mounting the functional module on or in an elongated support profile of a continuous-row luminaire, in particular on the underside of an access opening in the support profile or at least partially in the support profile. In embodiments for accommodation in the interior of the support profile, a correspondingly compact, suitably dimensioned housing design for the functional module is preferably provided.

[0085] According to the invention, the active data coupling unit of the functional module has at least one first data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber, in particular via a pair of POF optical fibers, and furthermore at least one further or second data interface. This further second data interface can in particular also be intended and configured for optical data transmission via POF optical fibers, in particular via a pair of POF optical fibers, but a pure media converter is also conceivable as the data coupling unit, e.g., for conversion between an optical fiber data line and a radio data network and / or for conversion between an optical fiber data line and an ETHERNET data line. The second data interface can thus be an ETHERNET interface.

[0086] The functional module preferably has a connector compatible with the strip lighting system for connecting to an electrical supply running in the support profile of the strip lighting luminaire. For this purpose, it can, in particular, comprise a contact device for connecting to predetermined conductors of an electrical supply running in the support profile of the strip lighting luminaire.

[0087] The active data coupling unit can be connected to the power supply for the purpose of power supply, in particular using a suitable contact device, so that no separate power supply is required.

[0088] The above preferred features of the system can be applied individually or in advantageous combination to the functional module, and vice versa. In particular, the following embodiments and features also relate to suitable or preferred features for the light strip system.

[0089] The data coupling unit preferably has a first data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber and a second data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber for connecting fiber optic segments. Each interface is preferably suitable for data transmission via a pair of POF optical fibers. This allows a duplex connection, in particular a full-duplex data connection, between two nodes to be implemented technically simply and with high bandwidth.

[0090] The data coupling unit is preferably designed as an active network device for connecting two consecutive segments of a data line with POF optical fibers.

[0091] The data coupling unit can be designed for digital data transmission, in particular as a packet-switching unit, e.g. acting as a switch or repeater for the POF fiber optic cable.

[0092] The data coupling unit is preferably, in particular additionally, designed as a media converter, in particular as a switched media converter and / or media converter with a bridge function on OSI layer 2. In this case, the data coupling unit itself can be configured accordingly at its second interface and / or have at least a third interface which is intended for data transmission via a different wired or wireless signal format, in particular via an ETHERNET copper data line, or e.g. via WLAN or WiFi or the like. In the present case, ETHERNET is used generally and for short to refer to a conventional wired (copper) data line, e.g. using a Cat-5 or Cat-7 UTP cable or the like.In the simplest case, the data coupling unit is equipped as a media converter with only a first data interface for optical data transmission via POF fiber optic cables and a second data interface for data transmission via a wired or wireless signal format other than POF. For example, a star topology can be implemented with fiber optic cables, with the endpoints representing corresponding media converters for conversion, e.g., for a wireless WLAN connection.

[0093] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data coupling unit can also be designed as a power source or power sourcing equipment (PSE) and, for example, have a PoE-capable ETHERNET port to serve as a power source in Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications. Accordingly, the data coupling unit preferably has at least one wired data interface.

[0094] The data coupling unit can comprise a PSE unit (power sourcing equipment). The data coupling unit can thus have a supply connection for supplying external consumers and a correspondingly designed power supply, which is to be supplied with mains voltage in particular via the supply of the support profile. This allows the direct supply of various devices, such as wireless access points (WAP), simple IP cameras or devices for time recording and access control, etc. The data coupling unit can for this purpose in particular be PoE-capable or have a PoE injector. In this case, the supply connection for one or more external consumers can be integrated into a connection of the third interface, e.g. an ETHERNET / UTP port. The PSE unit, in particular the PoE injector, can preferably be switched on and off as required.As an alternative to a PSE unit integrated into the data coupling unit, the data coupling unit can also be connected to an external PoE unit or an external PoE injector via ETHERNET, in particular via the second and / or third interface, wherein the separate PoE unit is then preferably also arranged on the device carrier and / or is or is supplied with power from the power supply of the support profile or is or is set up for connection to this, e.g. in an analogous manner to the data coupling unit itself.

[0095] The data coupling unit can additionally or alternatively also comprise, in particular as a wired second or third interface, a USB interface, particularly preferably a USB-C interface, which can be used, for example, to supply IoT devices.

[0096] In addition to or as an alternative to the wired third interface for data transmission, the data coupling unit itself can have a WLAN interface, in particular, providing a WLAN access point. Furthermore, it can also have an ETHERNET port, e.g., as a third interface, and be connected to a WLAN device via this port, for example. The WLAN device can be powered directly by the data coupling unit via PoE, thus eliminating the need for additional cables and contact devices.

[0097] In principle, any type of device, data source, or data sink, in particular any type of IoT equipment, can be connected to the data coupling unit via the second or third interface. However, the fiber optic connection preferably serves as the main network connection, meaning the data coupling unit uses the fiber optic data line or interfaces for optical data transmission as a backbone.

[0098] Additional interfaces are optional, e.g., a third and fourth interface for ETHERNET lines or UTP network cables or WLAN as optional local data connections, and are preferably deactivated, allowing the data coupling unit to be used modularly and energy-efficiently. Additional or non-optical interfaces can be connected to the optical data line or integrated into the data network via a suitable media converter in the data coupling unit.

[0099] Furthermore, the data coupling unit itself can have a DALI interface for controlling lighting modules via the user data line, particularly the POF data line. Additionally or alternatively, the data coupling unit can be connected to an ETHERNET-to-DALI adapter via an Ethernet connection, thus also enabling the control of lighting modules and / or the connection of lighting or DALI-capable sensors via the integrated or retrofitted fiber optic or POF user data line.

[0100] In preferred embodiments, the data line for data transmission, which can be arranged or is arranged on or in the support profile, is an optical data line with a duplex pair of large-core POF optical fibers. The POW optical fiber can, in particular, be a multimode POF of the step-index type.

[0101] Preferably, the first and second data interfaces for optical data transmission can each have at least one optical connector designed for large-core POF optical fibers. In this case, this refers to POF fibers with a core diameter of > 500 µm, in particular in the range of 800-1200 µm, e.g., 980 µm or approximately 1 mm core diameter.

[0102] In particular, double connections for a duplex pair of POF optical fibers, e.g. suitable optical front ends (OFE), come into consideration.

[0103] The data coupling unit is preferably designed for POF fiber optic cables with a duplex optical fiber pair with a bandwidth of >200 Mbps, preferably at least ≥1 Gbps. POF solutions with bandwidths of ≥2 Gbps are currently available.

[0104] The POF fiber optic cable can be of the step index (SI), double-step index (DSI), or graded index (GI) type, depending on the desired requirements. A solution with a step index—large core POF fiber optic cable (large core SI-POF), for example, with a core diameter of 980 µm—is particularly cost-effective and easy to handle. Furthermore, the use of MC-POF or PCS (plastic clad silica) as POF fiber optic cable is also within the scope of the invention.

[0105] The at least one or each data interface for optical data transmission preferably comprises at least one transceiver and an optical front end (OFE) for POF optical fibers, in particular large core POF. The transceiver and an OFE are designed in particular for gigabit data rates.

[0106] The optical connections of the data coupling unit can be designed as active OFEs and particularly preferably for manual or tool-free connection with connectorless fiber ends, in particular as duplex OFEs with a transmit connection (Tx) and a receive connection (Rx). This allows a simple connection to one optical fiber of a duplex pair made of POF fiber optics, in particular of large-core POF fiber optics. A suitable solution for this is offered, for example, by Firecomms Ltd. (2200 Airport Business Park, Cork, Ireland) under the trademark OptoLock ®<. Connectorless fiber optic OFEs enable the direct connection of bare (connectorless) plastic optical fiber (POF) in order to significantly speed up, simplify and reduce the cost of connecting devices. This particularly advantageous solution can be achieved with large-core POF fiber optics.ETHERNET 1000BASE-RHx technology, especially 1000BASE-RHA, is preferred.

[0107] According to a further aspect which is relevant to the invention independently, at least one data interface, in particular an optical data interface, can be implemented in the data coupling unit in the form of a modular, exchangeable interface unit, in particular with an optical-electrical converter function. The interface unit can be inserted into an electrical base interface of the data coupling unit or connected to it, in particular, for example, in order to convert it into an optical data interface. For this purpose, optical interfaces can be implemented, for example, in the form of a unit of the GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) type or the like, preferably in a compact format, in particular in the SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) format, or, for example, SFP+, XFP or the like, and for a bandwidth of at least 1 Gbps. At least one of the interface units in the orEach data coupling unit preferably comprises an optical front end (OFE) for POF fiber optics.

[0108] Such interface units are designed to be interchangeable, particularly when installed via plug-in connections, e.g., using plug-in card connectors or other suitable electrical connectors. This further increases the future viability and / or modularity of the data coupling unit in the lighting strip. Using a modular, interchangeable interface unit with a converter function, an additional interface to other media, e.g., conventional fiber optic cable or similar, can be provided at the end of the lighting strip by replacing a POF interface unit. Modular, interchangeable interface units allow network devices to be easily converted to other media, if necessary during operation (so-called "hot swap"), or repaired more quickly in the event of an interface defect.

[0109] For integration into the support profile, it is advantageous if the data coupling unit has a housing design or external dimensions compatible with the light strip. For this purpose, the housing can preferably be designed with cross-sectional dimensions of height x width less than or equal to 50 mm x 60 mm, preferably less than 42 mm x 53 mm, in particular less than or equal to 25 mm x 40 mm. The length can be significantly greater depending on requirements, even by a multiple of the height or width, e.g., > 120 mm, preferably in the range of 100 mm to 300 mm and less than half (<50%) of the basic dimension (length of the modules). The data coupling unit can thus, in particular, have an elongated housing that can be accommodated in the support profile.

[0110] Preferably, the optical connections of the first and second interfaces, in particular all optical POF connections, are provided exclusively and / or each on one of the two longitudinally facing end faces of the housing. Optical connections can advantageously be provided opposite each other on both opposite end faces. This significantly simplifies the installation and / or connection of the POF fiber optic cables, particularly during retrofitting, due to the spatial conditions or accessibility in the interior of the support profile or its longitudinal extension. For example, in a new installation, initially unused POF fiber optic cables that are only used later can be installed relatively inexpensively.By maintaining a distance between the optical POF connectors of the first and second interfaces on the data coupling unit housing in the longitudinal direction of the light strip, the pre-routed POF fiber optic cable can be separated at the desired location on the support profile and easily connected to the data coupling unit. Particularly advantageous for this purpose are the provision of respective double connectors for a duplex conductor pair made of POF fiber optic cables, e.g., suitable optical front ends (OFE), at the first and second interfaces, reversed or mirrored with respect to the transmission and reception directions, on the end faces of the housing. This further simplifies retrofitting because it prevents the POF fiber optic cables of the pre-routed duplex conductor pair, particularly those pre-routed in the current-conducting profile, from crossing.

[0111] Additional connections, e.g. for an Ethernet interface, can also be arranged on the larger side surfaces, which preferably run parallel to the longitudinal direction, e.g. on the underside for direct user access from below through an access opening in the module cover, or alternatively on the side walls or even on the top. This can also be used to connect to one or more separately mounted connector sockets, e.g. on the module cover, in particular to one or more RJ45 sockets for ETHERNET cabling. An appropriate arrangement of the connections allows for a particularly slim design for installation in compact lighting strips or power tracks.

[0112] Preferably, the data coupling unit has at least one interface for, or at least one connection for, ETHERNET or UTP cabling, in particular comprising an RJ45 socket. This allows the connection of common, freely selectable IoT devices in a cost-effective design.

[0113] In a preferred development, the data coupling unit can comprise a configurable unit, in particular a configurable switch unit, e.g., for administration and security functions, and can be designed, in particular, as a managed switch. This enables, among other things, simple and secure integration of the building's internal POF network into a larger broadband network. In particular, a multilayer switch engine with configurable functionalities at the network layer (OSI Layer 3 and higher) can be provided. The term "switch unit" is understood here to be equivalent to any suitable switch hardware, which can be implemented in the form of precisely one integrated circuit or as a unit comprising multiple ICs.

[0114] The data coupling unit can in particular be remotely configurable via one of its data interfaces, or possibly also via a further or specifically provided additional interface to the processor or control unit or to the switch unit. For this purpose, an additional interface, in particular a wireless interface, e.g. for Bluetooth ®<, can be provided for the purpose of communication with a corresponding app on a smartphone or similar end device. This additional interface is preferably not integrated as a data port into the intended function of the data coupling unit, in particular in the case of a data coupling unit with a switch, or should not allow data coupling from or to the fiber optic data line. This can increase access security and yet simplify maintenance.

[0115] The data coupling unit preferably supports basic management functions for configuring the device via remote maintenance, in particular indiscriminately via at least all optical interfaces. Configuration can be carried out both via an embedded web application (which can be operated via all standard browsers) and remotely via a cloud-based management system. The data coupling unit is preferably configured so that each interface or port can be managed independently. In particular, additional local interfaces provided alongside the optical interfaces, such as RJ-45 ports for ETHERNET cables, can each preferably be individually switched on and off via configuration. In an embodiment with a function as a local power supply or PSE (power sourcing equipment), this functionality can preferably be selectively switched on and off, e.g. for the purpose of saving energy, controlling the device, and / or restarting it.In particular, an optional PoE function is preferably designed to be switchable on and off, in particular independently of the corresponding data interface and / or via remote maintenance.

[0116] Furthermore, general control functions such as reboot, reset, or even a firmware update can be initiated remotely. Furthermore, functions such as prioritization, especially packet prioritization, VLAN, or connection- or data-specific bandwidth restrictions can be configured.

[0117] Remote configuration or remote maintenance can be enabled, for example, via a programmable or configurable switch processor or switch ASIC. In one embodiment, the switch can have several preprogrammed or pre-stored functional modes for typical applications, which can be selected or changed via a low-data-rate interface, e.g., via an optional DALI interface of the data coupling unit.

[0118] Mechanically advantageously, the housing can further comprise locking or snap-in means, by means of which the housing can be attached to a device carrier corresponding to the support profile, particularly without tools. Particularly preferably, several protective earthing claws are provided, so that the contact device of the data coupling unit only contacts the phase conductor and the neutral conductor for supply.

[0119] In one embodiment, the active data coupling unit is fastened to a device carrier which is designed to be fastened to the support profile of the strip light, in particular to the underside of the support profile or to its access opening. The device carrier can serve as a cover, preferably in such a way that the device carrier, when fastened, closes off sections of an open profile underside. The open underside of the support profile is generally covered flatly and flush with device carriers and, if appropriate, similar blank covers to create a closed appearance. A corresponding device carrier preferably has means for releasable fastening, e.g., a plurality of retaining springs or the like, which are designed to engage, engage behind, and / or releasably snap into place with a corresponding profile area of ​​the support profile, in particular on or to the side of the access opening.

[0120] If the functional module comprises a device carrier, this is preferably designed to correspond to the support profile and can be attached to the access opening of the support profile. A device carrier can be designed, in particular, as a formed sheet metal part, or as an extruded aluminum part, or as an extruded or extruded plastic part. The housing is preferably designed for tool-free connection, in particular locking, to such a device carrier, in particular a device carrier that is compatible with the continuous lighting system or is already included in its modular system.

[0121] To create a light strip, a number of elongated, identical support profiles can be provided and mounted longitudinally aligned, e.g. suspended from the ceiling via pendulums and / or directly on a ceiling. Depending on the overall length of the light strip and the requirements of the POF data line, at least two data coupling units are preferably provided, which couple at least three segments of the data line to one another, each with POF optical fibers, preferably a duplex pair of POF optical fibers. The data coupling units and POF optical fibers can preferably be connected to one another according to a bus topology, in particular in the manner of a daisy chain topology. In principle, depending on the length of the light strip, a number n≥3 data coupling units can be provided, which connect n+1 segments of the optical data line.This means that light strips of any length can be supplied with the maximum bandwidth of the POF data cable, or full bandwidth can be provided at both ends.

[0122] As an alternative to using a device carrier, the active data coupling unit itself, in particular on its housing, can comprise fastening means for detachable mounting on or in the support profile, in particular on a busbar.

[0123] In one embodiment, fastening means for mounting the functional module or the data coupling unit can be provided, which fastening means comprise at least one latch which can be adjusted into a locking position transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support profile, in which latch engages or engages behind the support profile in a locking manner. In this case, a contact device can be provided, for example on the functional module, which comprises movably mounted, extendable or adjustable electrical contacts for contacting the supply. Preferably, the adjustment of the latch and the adjustment of the contacts are mechanically coupled to one another, so that fastening and contacting can take place in one step. The contacts of the contact device can be inserted, for example, into at least one laterally arranged guide profile of the supply or into two laterally opposite guide profiles. For example, the contact device can be turned, e.g.Eccentric, adjustable contacts and locking elements can be provided, which are coupled via a rotating mechanism. This allows the locking elements to simultaneously engage with or behind the support profile when the contacts are rotated. In this way, both electrical contact and mechanical fastening can be achieved with a simple manual action. A suitable solution for this is described, for example, in WO 01 / 91249 A1.

[0124] The support profile can also form part of a busbar or comprise such a busbar. The active data coupling unit can have a housing designed as an adapter for a busbar and at least partially accommodated in the busbar, in particular between lateral guide profiles. With a busbar, the housing can be attached to the busbar, preferably via a rotating mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the module can have a contact device that interacts with conductors in laterally arranged guide profiles of the busbar. Attachment and contacting can, in particular, be effected jointly by a mechanism or the rotating mechanism.

[0125] In practice, a number of support profiles are often mounted to form a strip light with a total length of more than 10m, in particular often more than 13.5m, especially >15m.

[0126] Finally, the invention also relates to a data coupling unit which is specifically suitable for a light strip, with the features relating to it according to one of the preceding or following embodiments or examples.

[0127] According to an independent aspect, a light strip arrangement with a data line is also proposed, which is particularly suitable for retrofitting a light strip to a system according to one of the above embodiments. The light strip arrangement is characterized in that at least one POF optical fiber, in particular at least one pair of two POF optical fibers, is arranged as the data line in or on at least one support profile of the light strip arrangement. Thus, a corresponding light strip is already pre-equipped to utilize the above advantages of the system, if necessary, by simply retrofitting with one or more data coupling units.

[0128] The light strip arrangement can advantageously have the features of the above or following embodiments or examples.

[0129] The proposed functional module or data coupling unit is particularly suitable for the use of POF optical fibers, especially duplex pairs of large-core POF optical fibers, in a strip light. It allows, in particular, retrofitting a strip light with a POF-based data connection, particularly for a data connection in accordance with ISO / IEC / IEEE 8802-3:2017 / Amd 9-2018 or a comparable standard for fiber optic data cables.

[0130] According to an independent aspect of the invention, a kit according to claim 26 is further proposed, which is suitable and intended for the realization of an elongated strip light with a data cable. The kit comprises an elongated support profile for attaching light modules to the support profile, as well as a functional module according to one of the preceding or following embodiments or examples, which has a data coupling unit for POF optical fibers. According to the invention, the kit has at least one holding element, which is designed to hold the functional module at a distance from the support profile in an installation position in which the interfaces of the data coupling unit and the interior of the support profile are accessible for the purpose of connecting the POF optical fiber(s) to the data coupling unit.This significantly simplifies installation, especially with regard to the careful connection of the fiber optic cables, for example, to the Optical Front Ends (OFE). The kit also advantageously includes a power extension, which can be used to connect the data coupling unit of the functional module to the power supply in the support profile when installed.

[0131] The proposed system is particularly suitable for operation or a data transmission method in a local campus network, in particular a closed and / or industrial campus mobile network with WLAN and / or 5G connectivity. In this case, a high bandwidth can be provided by means of the light band system, in particular for at least one, typically several radio network nodes, in particular a WLAN node and / or a 5G node. This is connected to the POF fiber optic cable using at least one data coupling unit of the light band system, so that data transmission, in particular from a server, to the radio network node and / or from the radio network node, in particular to a server, can take place using at least one POF fiber optic cable of the light band system.

[0132] The system offers high bandwidths for industrial IoT processes, particularly in large-scale buildings such as factory halls or warehouses for intralogistics. Some of these processes are already operated via Wi-Fi and will increasingly be operated via 5G connectivity in the future. The system enables a high degree of flexibility with regard to the most advantageous spatial arrangement of the wireless network nodes, for example for the purpose of optimal network coverage or radio cell coverage, among other things because the spatial requirements for lighting are typically almost identical to the desired network availability. Typical light-line grids offer a variety of installation options for the network technology. Even subsequent modification of the network architecture is facilitated by industry-typical light-line arrangements in large-scale buildings, or at significantly lower installation costs.

[0133] The use of POF fiber optic cables offers significant advantages, especially for the high bandwidths required in conjunction with 5G connectivity. Furthermore, regardless of the specific network technology, it can be assumed that POF fiber optic cables will increasingly be preferred over copper-based networks due to sustainability requirements and resource conservation.

[0134] All features described above and below are independently disclosed generally within the scope of the invention and may also be considered relevant to the invention in their own right. Accordingly, the features can be claimed independently of the combination of features in the accompanying independent claims, e.g., within the scope of a divisional application. Provided they are technically compatible, individual features of one embodiment or exemplary embodiment can also be combined with those of other embodiments or exemplary embodiments. Individual features are to be understood as being combinable with one another.

[0135] Further details, advantages, and preferred features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments, without limitation of the foregoing, with reference to the figures. The following figures show, in principle, schematically and for illustrative purposes: FIG.1 : a schematic diagram of a strip light with optical data cable and its integration into a data network; FIG.2A-2B : a first exemplary embodiment of a light strip luminaire according to the invention with an active data coupling unit for data transmission via a conductor pair consisting of two POF optical fibers, in a schematic front view ( FIG.2A ) viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light band and in perspective view ( FIG.2B ) from diagonally above; FIG.3A-3B : a section of a conventional device carrier for a known light strip, with several LED light modules in side view ( FIG.3A ) and in soffit ( FIG.3B ); FIG.4A-4B : a second embodiment according to the invention, with an active data coupling unit and POF optical fibers, as well as an IoT device connected to the data coupling unit, in side view ( FIG.4A ) and in soffit ( FIG.4B ); FIG.5A-5B :a third embodiment of a light strip luminaire with POF optical fibers according to the invention to illustrate a possible installation method of the POF optical fibers, in front view ( FIG.5A ) viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light band and in perspective view approximately along the longitudinal direction ( FIG.5B ); FIG.6A-6D : an embodiment of a functional module according to the invention with a device carrier for mounting on a support profile of a light strip, e.g. FIG.2A-2B , with a data coupling unit, as well as a WLAN device connected to it, as well as fastening means for mounting the functional module, in two perspective views ( FIG.6A-6B ) from both long sides onto the inside of the device carrier, to show a design of the data coupling unit, in an enlarged partial cross-section ( FIG.6C ) and a variant in cross-section ( FIG.6D ) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; FIG.7A-7C :another embodiment of a functional module according to the invention with a device carrier for mounting on a light strip, e.g. FIG.5A-5B , with a data coupling unit and a contact device in the form of a tap connector, in perspective view ( FIG.7A ) on the inside or in front view in the longitudinal direction of the light band, in the unassembled state ( FIG.7B ), with a metal equipment carrier variant, and in the assembled state ( FIG.7C ), with a plastic equipment carrier variant; FIG.8A-8B : a further embodiment of a light strip system according to the invention with an alternative, prefabricated installation of the POF optical fibers, here with two conductor pairs of POF optical fibers integrated into the current conducting profile, in front view in the longitudinal direction and in side view ( FIG.8B ) to illustrate a solution for connecting the POF optical fibers between two support profiles; FIG.9A-9D : a further embodiment of a light strip system according to the invention, here with a busbar which serves as a support profile, in front views in the longitudinal direction, without a data coupling unit ( FIG.9A ), with mounted data coupling unit ( FIG.9B ) and with a data coupling unit connected to a pair of POF optical fibers ( FIG.9C ), as well as in unmounted perspective view ( FIG.9D ) to illustrate another embodiment of a functional module, here for a busbar. FIG.10 : a schematic diagram of a daisy-chain network topology with duplex data transmission via a data line with line segments consisting of two POF optical fibers; FIG.11 :a further embodiment of a light strip system according to the invention with contact devices in the form of tapping sockets at fixed, predetermined longitudinal positions of the light strip and a further alternative embodiment of a data coupling unit designed as a repeater or amplifier for POF optical fibers; FIG.12 : a schematic diagram of the architecture of an embodiment of a data coupling unit for systems according to FIG.1-9 , which is designed as a switch, with media converter and with its own integrated switching power supply for power supply from the light band and has optical interfaces for POF optical fibers as well as other interfaces, e.g. for UTP data cables; FIG.13 : a schematic diagram of the architecture of another embodiment of a data coupling unit for systems according to FIG.1-9 , which is designed as power sourcing equipment (PSE), with a PSE unit for supplying power to a device connected to the data coupling unit, to show further details of the switched-mode power supply; FIG.14 : a schematic diagram of the architecture of another embodiment of a data coupling unit for systems according to FIG.1-9 , with an external switching power supply for power supply from the light strip; and FIG.15 : a schematic diagram of the architecture of another embodiment of a data coupling unit for systems according to FIG.1-9 , here with optical interfaces for several pairs of POF optical fibers, e.g. four optical interfaces, as well as with, among other things, a DALI interface and a WLAN interface; FIG.16 :in perspective view, a kit for an elongated strip light with two holding elements, which hold a functional module according to the invention in an installation position and with a supply extension for temporarily supplying the data coupling unit during installation; and FIG.17A-17B : A schematic diagram in plan view with an exemplary light band grid in a factory hall or warehouse and purely exemplary possible network topologies of the system, with a purely wired system in FIG.17A and a preferred, partially wireless WLAN and / or 5G radio network with radio cells in FIG.17B . FIG.1 shows schematically a light strip system 1 with an elongated light strip luminaire 2, hereinafter referred to as light strip, which is only partially shown and can typically have a length of >10m, possibly several 10m.

[0136] The light strip 2 has several consecutive, elongated support profiles 3 for fastening light modules 4. In a suitable construction known per se, the support profile 3 is designed for mounting or installation of the light strip 2 using appropriate mounting means on a building structure or in the interior of a building, e.g. directly on a ceiling, or suspended from the ceiling, e.g. by means of pendulums or the like (cf. FIG.16 ).

[0137] The light strip 2 has several light modules 4, e.g., with LED light sources, selected and arranged according to the application. Each light module 4 is attached to one of the support profiles 3 and covers it from below. The light strip 2 also has an electrical supply for supplying power to system components, in particular the light modules 4, wherein the supply can be of a known design, e.g., as described below. FIG.2A-2B , FIG.5A-5B or FIG.7-8 explained in more detail.

[0138] FIG.1 further shows a data line 10 for transmitting user data, e.g., according to the TCP / IP reference model (IP for short), which comprises at least one optical fiber (FO), here in the form of a polymer optical fiber (POF for short), here a conductor pair consisting of two POF fibers. At least one line segment of the data line 10 with POF fiber is arranged in or on the support profile, as described further below.

[0139] The system 1 from FIG.1 further comprises an active data coupling unit 12 (cf. "POF switch"), with, among other things, a data interface for optical data transmission via the POF fiber optic cable 10. The data coupling unit 12 is mounted on one of the support profiles 3 and is equipped accordingly, e.g., with a system-compatible device carrier (see below). Using the data coupling unit 12, hereinafter referred to as DKE, any desired IP-based device or IoT device 14 mounted on the light strip 2 can be connected to a higher-level data network 15, in particular a local network or LAN, e.g., for implementing Industry 4.0 solutions, for building automation, or the like, using a suitable interface. The local network 15, which comprises the data line 10, is preferably also connected to the internet, indicated schematically at 16, e.g., for remote maintenance, for connection to a cloud solution, or the like. FIG.1 Furthermore, an IP converter 17 is shown, which connects the POF fiber optic cable of the data line 10 of the light strip to the LAN 15. The LAN 15 is preferably implemented as an ETHERNET network or according to IEEE 802.3. Outside of the light strip 2, the LAN 15 can be implemented, for example, predominantly with UTP cables in a conventional star topology, or also with fiber optic cables.

[0140] As in FIG.10 As shown, the optical data line 10 is preferably designed with a conductor pair consisting of two POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B. The optical data line 10 in the light band 2 is preferably designed for full-duplex optical data communication, or for simultaneous transmission and reception without multiplexing technology, via one of the POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B between successive, directly connected DKE 12 of the light band 2. Alternatively, however, the use of a single fiber optic cable (not shown) between the nodes would also be possible, in particular a POF fiber optic cable with, for example, WDM or WDMA technology for duplex transmission. FIG.10 It also shows the preferred arrangement of the fiber optic data line segments 10A, 10B and active DKE 12, e.g., as IP hosts, to form a daisy-chain topology (also called a line topology), in contrast to the typical star topology in an ETHERNET LAN. Optionally, the daisy-chain topology can also be extended to a ring topology, as shown in FIG.1 This is indicated by the dashed, optional return line 18 to the IP converter 17, particularly if only one optical fiber is used between the nodes or DKE 12 as the data line 10 (not shown). For this purpose, a return line 18 may then need to be laid on or in the light strip 2, preferably of the same design as the data line 10, in particular with at least one POF optical fiber.

[0141] One or more data coupling units 12 (DKE) on or in the light strip 2 fundamentally enable a variety of information technology (IT) applications and accordingly expand the light strip 2 with IT functionality. Purely by way of example, a number of light strips 2 according to the invention can be used, for example, in a logistics warehouse to provide IT infrastructure for wireless, IP-based logistics devices (handheld scanners) and / or automation equipment, e.g., AGVs or the like.

[0142] With the POF data line 10 and the DKE 12, the light strip comprises a type of integrated AON (Active Optical Network) as the core aspect of the invention. Its components are preferably designed for Gigabit Ethernet or for data transmission at 1,000 / 100 Mbps via standard SI-POF, MC-POF, or PCS according to 1000BASE-RH (IEEE 802.3bv) or comparable.

[0143] The POF data line 10 and the DKE 12 can primarily be used for non-system-related user data relating to the light strip 2 itself or the lighting, but can also enable or support IP-based building automation, in particular IP-based lighting management, using the DKE 12. As explained in more detail below, the light strip 2 is configured so that, during operation, the electrical supply to the support profile 3, which is originally intended to supply the LED modules 4, also simultaneously serves to supply power to the active DKE 12.

[0144] Fig.2A-2B show, as an embodiment of the support profile 3, a support rail 20 of a light strip 2, with a support rail base 21 and two side walls 22 extending downwards from the support rail base 21 along the vertical direction. On the support rail base 21, a current guide rail 23, e.g. made of a plastic extrusion profile, is arranged, in which channels are provided. In the channels, Fig.2A-2B supply wires (not shown in detail) are arranged. The channels of the current conducting rail 23 are open on their side facing the interior and on the side facing away from the support rail base 21 along the vertical direction, so that the wire leads are accessible from the interior. The system or light strip 2 according to the invention further comprises a mounting body in the form of a device carrier 30, with a base 31 and two side walls 32 running upwards in the vertical direction. The device carrier 30 has a modular basic dimension as an overall length, e.g. 750mm, and the individual support rail 20 has a total length corresponding to an integer multiple of the basic dimension, e.g. 3000mm or 4500mm. The device carrier 30 is dimensioned such that its side walls 32 are essentially flush with the side walls 22 of the support rail 20, for a flush covering of the open underside.

[0145] A contact device is arranged on the mounting body or device carrier 30 (see FIG.7A-7C ), e.g. as an insulation displacement device for contacting selected conductor wires in the current conducting rail 23. In FIG.2A-2B the assembled state is shown, in which the device carrier 30 has been mechanically locked to the support rail 20, e.g. by means of suitable retaining springs on the device carrier 30, as described in more detail in FIG.7B-7C shown. The device carrier 30 can, depending on the module, be manufactured as a formed metal sheet part, e.g., as a roll-formed steel sheet profile or as a plastic extrusion. The support rail 20 is preferably made of metal, here, e.g., as a roll-formed steel sheet profile, but can also be designed as an extruded aluminum profile (e.g., in the case of a busbar as in FIG.9A-9C ).

[0146] How FIG.2A-2B The DKE 12 is arranged in the interior of the light strip 2 or on the top of the device carrier 30, and is connected to the power supply via a suitable contact device with the current guide rail 23. The DKE 12 has a housing with correspondingly compact dimensions, which are especially suitable for a light strip, with cross-sectional dimensions of height x width less than or equal to 50 mm x 60 mm, and a predominantly elongated design, e.g., with approximately 25 mm x 40 mm x 260 mm (H x W x L).

[0147] FIG.2A-2B further show an exemplary arrangement or laying of a pair of POF optical fibers 10A, 10B (see cross section in FIG.10 ), which in a lateral holder 26, e.g. a suitable plastic holding profile for releasably locking the POF optical fibers 10A, 10B. The holder 26 is arranged laterally next to the current guide rail 23, along a side wall 22, and can, e.g., be manufactured in one piece with the current guide rail 23 or separately.

[0148] Also schematically in FIG.2B You can see a front-side optical connection 25 for the POF data cable 10 on the DKE 12, as well as further connections for UTP data cables, the arrangement of which, however, does not have to be front-side.

[0149] FIG.3A-3B show schematically and by way of example a single conventional light module 4 with a device carrier 30, on the underside of which several LED modules 40 are mounted, which are supplied by an LED driver or an LED operating device 34. For the electrical connection of the LED operating device 34, a contact device 33 known per se, e.g. an insulation displacement terminal, is provided for contacting the supply wires (not shown) in the busbar 23 ( FIG.2A-2B ). The LED operating device 34 is connected to the contact device 33 via supply terminals and is supplied as intended by the supply of the light strip 2.

[0150] FIG.4A-4B show an inventive extension of a light module 4 with DKE 12 in the form of an active network device for data connection to the POF data line 10. Instead of one of the LED modules 40, an IP-based data device 45, e.g. for IoT applications, is mounted on the underside of the device carrier 30. The data device 45 is connected here via a UTP-CAT7 cable to an RJ-45 socket 46 on the underside of the device carrier 30, which is accessible. The RJ-45 socket 46 is either integrated into the underside of the housing of the DKE 12, or connected, e.g., via a short UTP patch cable to a corresponding connection on the DKE 12. The DKE 12 establishes the data connection between the data device 45 and the LAN 15 via the data line 10. For this purpose, the DKE 12 is designed, among other things, as an ETHERNET switch with a media converter. Furthermore, the DKE 12 can advantageously be designed as a PSE and thus also be used to supply power to the data device 45. This can be, for example,via integrated PoE technology with a corresponding PoE (ETHERNET) interface of the DKE 12 (see below for . FIG.13 ). Thanks to the POF data line 10, a high transmission rate is provided for a large number of corresponding data devices 45 or generally for the LAN 15. Optionally, a POF connection 47 accessible from the outside, in particular from the underside of the device carrier 30, for corresponding POF-capable data devices 45 can also be provided, which is connected to the DKE 12 or integrated into it (see FIG.12-15 ).

[0151] FIG.5A-5B show a variant of the bracket 26 from FIG.2A-2B , ie an alternative solution for laying the POF data cable 10 in the support profile 3. This is in FIG.5A-5B a support rail 20 in the above FIG.2A-2B described construction. At the lower edge area, the parallel, vertical side walls 22 form an access opening 27. In this area, the side walls 22 have a recess, e.g. in the form of a flange 22A of the roll-formed sheet metal profile. Between the recess or flange 22A and the respective side wall 22, a narrow gap 22B is formed, which is accessible from the interior of the support rail 20, here from above. This gap 22B can be used to mount special holder elements 50 for holding or fastening the POF data line 10 in the support profile 3. The holder elements 50 have in FIG.5A-5B a plug-in tongue 51, which is designed such that it can be secured in one of the two gaps 22B of the support rail 20 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. At least one retaining projection 52 is provided in the transverse direction at the upper end region, which supports and holds the one or possibly several (not shown) POF data lines 10. The elongated body 54 of the holder element 50 is optionally dimensioned—as shown—such that a clamping effect can be achieved with its upper end 55 on a lateral edge region of the support rail base 21. The holder elements 50 can be manufactured as a single piece as inexpensive injection-molded parts.

[0152] How FIG.5B As best shown, holder elements 50 are detachably mounted laterally offset next to the power rail 23 or supply, along one of the two side walls 21 at a longitudinal distance from one another, which hold the POF data lines 10. This solution is particularly advantageous for supplementing existing lighting systems and also for retrofitting existing installations with one or more POF data lines 10. A lighting strip 2 typically has a number of longitudinally successive, aligned support profiles 3, corresponding to the desired overall length. Suitable holder elements 50 allow quick, tool-free attachment of POF data lines 10 over the entire length of a lighting strip 2, e.g., during maintenance or new installation. Also in FIG.5A-5B The support profile 3 is designed as a trough-shaped hollow profile open on one side in the form of a support rail 20, with a U-shaped cross-section, ie with a support rail base 21 and two side walls 22 extending vertically away from it, between which the interior is defined and which form the access opening 27 on the underside. Other designs of a support profile 3 are also within the scope of the invention, cf. e.g. FIG.9A-9D , for which holder elements can be manufactured to suit.

[0153] As an alternative to the arrangement in the inner receiving space of the support profile 3, the POF data cable(s) 10 can also be laid on the outside of the support profile 3, e.g. by means of suitable cable holders, on the upper side of the light strip support profile 3. Cable holders that can be snapped into place on the outside of the support profile 3 are advantageous for this purpose, e.g. cable holders of type 07690LHA from TRILUX GmbH & Co. KG (D-59759 Arnsberg) or comparable available or adapted cable holders.

[0154] FIG.6A-6D show an example of a functional module 60 comprising, among other things, a DKE 12 for POF fiber optic cable, a device carrier 30 for mounting on a support profile 3 of a light strip 2, fastening means 36 and an electrical contact device 66. FIG.6A-6B show details of a preferred design of the DKE 12. This has an elongated housing 61, e.g. with dimensions of approximately 25mm x 40mm x 260mm (HxWxL), for mounting in the support profile 3. For mounting on the device carrier 30, the housing 61 has locking or snap-in means 62 in the four front corner areas, which are also designed as protective earthing claws and in the enlargement in FIG.6C are shown in cross-section. With the protective earthing claws 62, the housing engages on the device carrier 30 and can thus be attached to the device carrier 30 without the need for tools and at the same time electrically connected to the device carrier 30. As the enlargement shows, the protective earthing claws 62 engage with the edge of an inwardly directed recess, e.g. in the form of a flange 32A, on each of the parallel side walls 32 of the device carrier 30 in order to attach the DKE 12 to the device carrier 30. The device carrier 30 in turn has several retaining springs 36 of a suitable design, which are designed for the detachable fastening of the device carrier 30 to the support profile 3. The retaining springs 36 are particularly designed to engage behind the flange 22A (only in the enlargement in FIG.6A shown) on both side walls 22 of the support rail 20. The retaining springs 36 may have sliders 37 for easier manual release, as in FIG.6A-6B The retaining springs 36 can, for example, preferably be designed according to the teaching of EP 3 608 588 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference for the sake of brevity. Other mounting solutions are also possible, for example, by means of a rotating mechanism as in FIG.9A-9D or similar

[0155] The equipment carrier 30 closes when attached (see FIG.2A ) over its overall length of, for example, 750 mm, an open profile underside or the access opening 27 of the support rail 20 in sections and is designed to correspond to the support profile 3 or the support rail 20, e.g., as a formed sheet metal part. In the assembled state, the side walls 32 of the device carrier 30 are approximately flush with the side walls 22 of the support rail 20, cf. FIG.2A-2B .

[0156] FIG.6A-6B further show two optical connectors 121, 122, a first and second optical data interface, for a pair of POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B, respectively, on the end faces of the housing 61, for easy access with minimal curvature of the POF data cable 10 (not shown here) during installation. Due to the overall length of the housing 61, when separating the POF fiber optic cable 10, see FIG.2B or FIG.5B , approximately in the middle of the mounting position of the DKE 12, sufficient length is available to shorten and connect the POF-LWL 10 to one of the two front-side optical connectors 121, 122.

[0157] Optical connectors 121, 122 are preferably optical front ends (OFE) for manual or tool-free connection directly to connectorless fiber ends, in particular as duplex OFEs with a transmitting connection (Tx) and a receiving connection (Rx), e.g., of the type OptoLock ®< from Firecomms Ltd or as described in EP2035874B1. This allows connection without special tools during on-site installation. The ends of the two fibers 10A, 1B of the conductor pair of the POF fiber optic cable 10 ( FIG.6D ) and secured with a latch. For a shortened version, please refer to the corresponding teaching in EP2035874B1 regarding suitable OFE.

[0158] On one end face of the housing 61 of the DKE 12, two RJ45 sockets 131, 132 for UTP data cables (not shown) are provided. For example, a WLAN access point 600, which is mounted on the underside of the device carrier 30, can be connected to the DKE 12 via one of the connectors, e.g., via a feedthrough in the base 31, for data communication via the POF data line 10. The WLAN access point 600 or a data device on the underside of the device carrier 30 can be connected to one of the RJ45 sockets 131, 132 via a feedthrough 63 in the device carrier 30. Instead of the feedthrough 63 in the base 31 of the device carrier 30, the variant according to FIG. 6D be used.

[0159] FIG. 6D shows a variant with two ETHERNET connections, here in the form of RJ-45 sockets 64, 65, which are mounted on corresponding recesses in the base 31 of the device carrier 30, so that UTP connections are provided directly on the underside of the device carrier 30. The ETHERNET connections can be, for example, RJ-45 sockets 64, 65, e.g., common RJ45 keystone jack modules, preferably with PoE function (see below), or can be designed according to another common standard and provided in a different number, as, for example, also in FIG.4B Both RJ-45 sockets 64, 65 are connected to the RJ45 sockets 131, 132 of the DKE12 via short patch cables (not shown). In this variant according to FIG. 6D To connect a data device 600, no disassembly of the device carrier 30 is required, especially if the DKE 12 and RJ45 sockets 131, 132, and 64, 65 are PoE-capable, as explained below. In addition to or as an alternative to the RJ45 sockets 64, 65, e.g., in the form of common RJ45 keystone jack modules, preferably with PoE functionality, USB-C ports or sockets, particularly USB Type-C keystone modules, can also be provided.

[0160] Other IoT devices or similar devices can also be connected accordingly. For metal device carriers 30, external mounting on the underside is preferred, especially for wireless devices such as a WLAN access point 600. In the case of plastic device carriers 30 and with an appropriate design, wirelessly transmitting data devices, such as Bluetooth® beacons or similar devices, can also be mounted internally, e.g., offset lengthwise, similar to the housing 61.

[0161] FIG.6A-6B further show an electrical contact device in the form of a plug connector, here in particular a tapping plug 66 for a corresponding tapping socket 67 on a through-wiring 69 (cf. FIG. 6D ) for electrical supply, such as in FIG.11 shown in more detail.

[0162] Tap sockets 67 for plug connection as contact devices are advantageous in a through-wiring 69 as a supply, with insulated conductors laid in the longitudinal direction, in particular on the bottom side of the profile base 21, as in FIG.11 e.g., the conductors L1, N, PE, as well as IT(N) and IT(L). Tapping sockets 67 are provided at fixed longitudinal positions of the supply in the support profile 3 ( FIG.11 ). The contacts on the tap connector 66 are preferably adjustable in a positionally variable manner, or adjustable, so that it is possible to select which phase conductor is to be used to establish contact for the function module 60. For example, the supply of the DKE 12 and optionally also the data device 600 connected to it can be carried out via separately assigned conductors, see IT(N) and IT(L) in FIG.11 , the supply. The DKE 12 is wired to the power supply via front-end terminals 68 with the tap connector 66 (wiring not shown).

[0163] The tap connector 66 and the retaining springs 36 are dimensioned and arranged on the device carrier 30 in such a way that the mechanical fastening by snapping vertically upwards also results in contacting by inserting the tap connector 66 into the tap socket 67 (analogous to FIG.7C ). The DKE 12 itself and the functional module 60 as a whole are passively cooled, i.e. without fans or the like, in particular without fans in the housing 60 of the DKE 12.

[0164] FIG.6A-6B also show a visually recognizable marked tc point 61A on the easily accessible top side of the housing 60, as a measuring point according to IEC / EN 61347. The tc point 61A is arranged above one or more critical electronic components, e.g. an integrated switching power supply.

[0165] FIG.7A-7C show an embodiment of a functional module 700, which differs mainly in the type of supply and power tap from FIG.6A-6B The DKE 12 is also mounted on a device carrier 30, which is made of sheet metal ( FIG.7B ) or plastic ( FIG.7C ) can be produced. As in FIG.7B As shown, the POF data line 10 can be fixed, for example, by means of holder elements 50, as shown in FIG.5A-5B The electrical supply will be installed in FIG.7A-7C by a current guide rail 23, as in FIG.2A-2B , which is also arranged at the bottom or horizontally in the support rail 20 and comprises a number of wires 24 as supply conductors. The supply or current conducting rail 23 consists of a plastic profile, which is locked into a receptacle in the bottom 21 of the support rail 20, and the conductor wires 24. The conductor wires 24 each run in a - in the example from FIG.7A-7C downwardly open or accessible from below - corresponding channel of the current guide rail 23. The channels can also be arranged differently, e.g. in the side walls of the webs or the channel walls, or designed (cf. FIG.9A-9C ).

[0166] For electrical contacting, a tap connector 70 is provided as a contact device, the contacts 71, 71A of which are designed, for example, using insulation displacement technology or similar. Spring-loaded needle contacts can be used, which are pressed force-fittingly, e.g., vertically, onto the respective cable in the duct floor, or spring contacts that are pressed laterally, e.g., horizontally, onto the cables running in the side walls of the webs (see. FIG.9A-9C or similar). The contacts 71, 71A engage in channels of the current conducting rail 23 when the device carrier 30 is mounted on the support rail 20 and contact the selected conductor wires 24, as shown in FIG.7C illustrated.

[0167] To facilitate assembly, the tap connector 70 may have a housing which is connected by means of a snap-in connector unit 72 with suitable snap-in elements, similar to FIG.6C described above, is latched onto the opposite recesses 32A of the side walls 32 of the device carrier 30. The latching connector unit 72 can also be designed integrally or as a single piece with the plastic housing of the tapping connector 70.

[0168] In the tap connector 70, one or more contacts 71A are mounted for phase selection, preferably in the transverse direction, or also in the plug-in direction, and are adjustable via an adjusting device with slide 73, so that the installer can set which phase conductor of the conductor wires 24 is used to supply power to the DKE 12 and possibly other devices on the device carrier 30. In this way, for example, a separate IT supply for the DKE 12 can be realized. The mechanical fastening of the device carrier 30. Not shown in FIG.7 the wiring of the DKE 12 terminals with the tap connector 70.

[0169] The attachment of the equipment carrier 30 according to FIG.7A-7B on the support profile 3 or the support rail 20, for example, as shown in FIG.6A-6D described using retaining springs. FIG.7C shows a variant with a device carrier 300 made of plastic for easy installation on the support profile 3. On the device carrier 300, snap hooks 76 are provided on both sides of the longitudinal sides, e.g. formed during extrusion, which engage with inwardly projecting areas of the side walls 22 of the support profile 20, e.g. a flange 22A ( FIG.6C ) of a roll-formed support rail 20 made of sheet steel.

[0170] In FIG.7A-7C In particular, the tap connector 70, the current guide rail 23 and the support profile 3 are dimensioned so that they are mechanically fastened by snapping vertically upwards ( FIG.7C ) the contact is also made by inserting the tap connector 70 into the current guide rail 23, i.e., the selected conductors 24 are contacted at the same time. Thus, the electrical power supply of the functional module 700 can also be established very easily, in just a few steps, during the assembly of the light strip 2.

[0171] FIG.8A shows an embodiment of a light strip system in which the optical fibers, here in particular and by way of example two pairs of conductors made of POF-LWL 81, 82, are already integrated during production into a conductor rail 83 specially designed for optical data transmission. Such a conductor rail 83 can be manufactured by pulling in the conductor pairs made of POF-LWL 81, 82 together with the conductor wires 24 during the extrusion of the plastic conductor rail 83. In this way, the support profile 3 or the support rail 20 can already be equipped with POF-LWL 81, 82 at the factory. It is advantageous here if the conductor rail 83 is designed to match an existing support rail 20, e.g., is designed to be latchable with a corresponding receptacle in the base 21, as in FIG.8A shown so that it can be pre-assembled or retrofitted if required.

[0172] The POF-LWL 81, 82 are each embedded in a web 84, 85, which can be easily separated by hand via a predetermined breaking point 84A, 85A for connection to network devices as required, in particular the DKE 12. The function module 600; 700 can be adjusted accordingly by setting the adjusting device 73, e.g. as in FIG.7A-7B or as in FIG.6A-6D be executed.

[0173] In the case of designs with optical fibres integrated into the current guide rail 83, in particular POF optical fibres 81, 82 corresponding to FIG.8A can be used at the end joints of successive support profiles 3A, 3B - as shown in FIG.8B shown schematically - a connection via an intermediate piece 87 with suitable optical couplings 86 can be provided, which optically connect the POF fiber optic cables 81, 82 of each support profile 3A, 3B with those of the other. Suitable optical plug-in couplings 86 can be used for this purpose, whereby this is FIG.8B shown as an example using only one pair of POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B.

[0174] FIG.8B Furthermore, purely schematically, a support profile connector 88 for mechanically coupling and electrically connecting the supply or conductor of the busbar 23; 83 at the joints of successive support profiles 3A, 3B. Mechanical-electrical light strip or support profile connectors 88 are preferably used for connecting busbars 23, regardless of the installation method of the fiber optic data cable 10.

[0175] If the POF data cable 10 is laid separately (see FIG.5A-5B ), it can be laid continuously or uninterrupted without any special connection, ie without loss at the joints, e.g. from one DKE 12 to the next DKE 12, especially in daisy chain topology according to FIG.10 Alternatively, the POF data cable 10 can also be pre-laid in segments in each support profile, particularly in the case of through-wiring, and connected to the next segment at the front end by optical couplings, as described below. FIG.11 explained.

[0176] In principle, it can be advantageous to provide several fiber optic data lines, in particular POF data lines 10, in one light strip, e.g., if an independent line is to supply another, different light strip. This is possible due to the small cross-sectional dimensions (see FIG.10 ) with POF data cables 10 is easily possible. Multiple fiber optic data cables in a light strip are also advantageous, for example, for longer light strips in which multiple daisy-chain POF lines are to be set up.

[0177] FIG.9A-9D show a further embodiment of a light strip system with a functional module 90 that is specially adapted for a busbar 93 of the EUTRAC ®< type or similar. The busbar 93, e.g. a EUTRAC ®< 5-conductor 3-phase surface-mounted track of the Standard type from EUTRAC Stromschienen GmbH (D-12277 Berlin), has two laterally opposing current-conducting profiles 93A, 93B in the interior, which are arranged vertically, each with several embedded conductors 94 that lie vertically one above the other. Each current-conducting profile 93A, 93B runs continuously along one of the side walls in the longitudinal direction. The conductors 94 of the busbar 93 can be contacted as required and can be freely positioned in the longitudinal direction by means of contact devices 96 that are inserted through the lower through-opening 97.

[0178] As in FIG.9A-9CAs can be seen, in the lower, separate receiving areas of the busbar 93, two POF fiber optic cables 910A, 910B are routed separately, laid, and held by suitable holder elements. The functional module 90 has an active data coupling unit 12 with a housing 91, which is specifically designed as an adapter for the busbar 93, in the manner of a so-called in-track adapter, for partial accommodation in the interior of the busbar 93 (see. FIG.9B-9C ). At the front ends of the housing 91, an OFE 121, 122 is provided at each end, e.g. in the design as shown in FIG.6A-6D described. Furthermore, the functional module 90 can also have two RJ45 sockets 131, 132 for UTP data cables, which are connected to the DKE 12 in the housing 91.

[0179] Depending on the overall length, mounting units 96A, 96B are provided at both ends of the housing 91, which serve as fastening means for mounting the functional module 90 on the support profile or the busbar 93. For short overall lengths, only one mounting unit 96A, 96B may be sufficient, e.g., in the center of the housing 91. A mounting unit 96A, schematically shown in FIG.9B-9Cshown in section, also serves as a contact device which interacts with selected conductors 94 of the current conducting profiles 93A, 93B to supply power to the DKE 12. For this purpose, the mounting unit 96A has, for example, a rotating mechanism which screws contacts 96C into the current conducting profiles 93A, 93B and electrically connects them to the conductors 94. The rotating mechanism simultaneously exposes locking elements 92 which secure the functional module to the current rail 93 by engaging behind the lower area of ​​the profile. The second mounting unit 96B can be constructed identically but does not necessarily require contacts 96C, but is also intended to lock to the current rail 93 with locking elements 92. FIG.9C illustrates the optical connection of a POF-LWL 910A with the function module 90 on the OFE 121. Other features of the function module 90 or the housing can be similar to those in FIG.6A-6D are equivalent to.

[0180] FIG.10shows the preferred daisy-chain topology of the active optical data network in light band 2, as explained above. FIG.10 The dashed enlargement shows a cross-section through a preferred POF cable 10 with a pair of 2.2 mm PMMA POF conductors 10A, 10B, with a 980 µm fiber core and a shared plastic sheath, e.g., made of PE with corresponding dimensions. Other POFs, particularly those suitable for 1 Gbps data rates, are also considered. POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B are preferably POFs in accordance with IEC 60793-2-40 subclass A4a.2. or similar, or large-core POF conductors with a core diameter of approximately 980 µm–1000 µm, particularly PMMA POF of the step-index type (SI POF).

[0181] FIG.11schematically shows another embodiment with a functional module 110, which is specifically designed for support profiles 3 with through-wiring 69 as a power supply. The through-wiring 69 comprises several conductors for the power supply, here, for example, L1, N, PE, as well as IT(N) and IT(L). The conductors IT(N) and IT(L) enable, if required, a separate power supply to the network devices, in particular DKE 12 and / or functional modules 110, independent of the power supply to the lighting modules 4.

[0182] In function module 110 after FIG.11 A DKE 112 is provided, which is designed as a simple optical repeater or amplifier. The DKE 112 thus enables compensation of attenuation losses of the POF data line 10, which here comprises a conductor pair of two POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B (analog FIG.10 ). The DKE 112 in FIG.11However, it has no switch functionality and does not offer media conversion. The POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B are laid together with the through-wiring 69 in a corresponding manner as continuous segments from one end of the mounting rail 3 to the other. Conventional tap sockets 67 are connected to the conductors L1, N, PE, as well as IT(N) and IT(L) for power supply only and allow electrical contacting via tap plugs 66, preferably with adjustable contacts, as shown in FIG.6A-6B However, a use or design with DKE, which is primarily used as an optical repeater or amplifier, is not limited to the FIG.11 shown design or construction of the DKE is limited.

[0183] Furthermore, FIG.11Specially adapted tapping sockets 167, which are pre-installed in the support profile at specified intervals and correspond to the design of the tapping sockets 67 in terms of electrical contacts. The tapping sockets 167 also have optical connector sockets 167A, here each with two optical coupling sockets 167B for connection to Large Core POF, as in FIG.10 shown. The POF conductors 10A, 10B are interrupted longitudinally approximately midway below the optical tapping sockets 167, and the separated ends are each connected to a coupling socket 167B.

[0184] A specially adapted optical tap connector 166 interacts with the optical tap socket 167, which has two corresponding optical connector plugs 166A, here each with two optical coupling plugs 166B for Large Core POF, as shown in FIG.10shown. The tap connector 166 connects both ends of the pair of POF conductors 10A, 10B via the tap socket 167 to the DKE 112, in FIG.11 designed as a POF repeater or amplifier. Regarding the electrical contacts, the optical tap connector 166 corresponds to the tap connector 66 (see FIG.6A-6B ) and can selectively contact selected conductors L1, N, PE, as well as IT(N) and IT(L) of the through-wiring 69, e.g., IT(N) and IT(L) for a separate IT supply. The DKE 112 is thus integrated into the POF data line 10 in a line or daisy-chain topology and serves to refresh the signal or as a digital data repeater. The tapping sockets 67, 167 are provided at fixed longitudinal positions of the supply in the support profile 3.

[0185] As an alternative to an electrical supply directly via the optical tap connector 166, the DKE 112 can also be connected to a supply output of an LED driver 34, which is intended to supply an LED module 4, cf. FIG.14 further down.

[0186] FIG.11 further shows end-side connectors 118A, 118B for connecting at the joints of two consecutive support profiles 3, which, as plug 118A and socket 118B, connect the through-wiring 69 of two support profiles 3 and can be connected with a simple handle. Optical couplings 118C, 118C are further integrated into the plug 118A and socket 118B for connecting the segment of the POF data line 10 in one support profile 3 with the next, as shown in FIG.11 illustrated.

[0187] Details on the hardware architecture of preferred DKE with ETHERNET switch functionality are given in the FIG.12-15explained in more detail.

[0188] FIG.12 shows a preferred architecture of a DKE 12, e.g. for a functional module according to the invention, e.g. a functional module 60 according to FIG.6A-6D or a functional module 90 according to FIG.9A-9DA core component of the DKE 12 is an ETHERNET switch engine 120, which is connected via POF transceivers 121A, 121B to the OFE 121, 122 for connecting each of the two POF fiber optic cables 10A, 10B of the POF data line 10, via a suitable internal bus, e.g., RGMII / GMII / MII / RMII. The switch engine 120 is preferably implemented as a managed switch and can, for example, be implemented in the form of a suitable integrated circuit (IC) from Microsemi Corp. (e.g., KSZ9896CTXI-T), Broadcom / Avago (e.g., BCM56160 series), or comparable. The switch engine 120 preferably has at least 4 ports for 1 Gbps (1GE) data rates or higher. Suitable transceivers 121A and 121B include, for example, a "Gigabit Ethernet POF Transceiver" IC from the KD10x1 series from KDPOF (ES-28760 Tres Cantos), which is designed for gigabit data rates. For optical-to-electrical conversion, Gigabit POF transceivers 121 and 121, such as the OptoLock ®< type from Firecomms Ltd., oras described in EP2035874B1, to which the POF conductors 10A, 10B can be connected without tools. Using the OFE 121, 122 and POF transceivers 121A, 122A, the ETHERNET switch engine 120 communicates data in IP format over the POF data lines using full-duplex technology, particularly at 1 Gbps or higher, preferably at least 250 Mbps. The DKE 12 thus also serves to refresh the signal in long light strips 2 and is mounted at a suitable longitudinal position on the support profile 3, e.g., using a suitable device carrier 30, see . FIG.6A-6D . OFE 121, 122 and POF transceivers 121A, 122A form a first and second optical data interface. Optionally, a further optical interface with an additional POF OFE 123 and transceiver 123A can be provided for connecting a suitable IT data device via POF, as shown in FIG.4A-4B shown.

[0189] The switch engine 120 is further preferably configured as a media converter and has two wired UTP interfaces, each comprising an RJ45 socket 131, 132 for UTP data cables. Each RJ45 socket 131, 132 is part of a suitable, preferably passive LAN transformer for 10 / 100 / 1000 BaseT, which is connected to one of the ETHERNET ports of the switch engine 120, such as FIG.12 This way, common data devices or IoT devices can be connected to the LAN 15 ( FIG.1 ) can be integrated.

[0190] FIG.12also shows a switching power supply (SMPS) 130 integrated into the DKE 12 for providing the required operating voltages, e.g., 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V DC for powering the switch engine 120, the OFE 121, 122, 123, the transceivers 121A, 122A, 123A, and other circuit components and ICs of the DKE 12 (via conductor tracks not shown). The switching power supply 130 is supplied with mains voltage from the supply in the support profile 3, e.g., via a tap connector 66 at a tap socket 67. A separate IT supply can be provided (see above).

[0191] FIG.13 shows a particularly preferred architecture of a DKE 12, as a further development of the architecture from FIG.12 For the sake of brevity, only the essential differences and additional details are explained. For components with the same reference symbols, please refer to the description. FIG.12 referred to.

[0192] In FIG.13First, further details of a preferred integrated switching power supply 130 are illustrated. This is designed in accordance with the typical standards for lighting devices, as explained above. The switching power supply 130 has an input-side EMC filter stage 130A and is designed as an electronic SELV switching power supply with a transformer 130B for galvanic isolation. Furthermore, means for power factor correction, e.g., a suitable PFC stage, are provided or integrated into the switching converter. The switching power supply 130 comprises a converter circuit 130C for providing the required DC voltages for the components of the DKE 12. The converter circuit 130C is designed as a DC-DC converter, e.g., a flyback converter or blocking converter (also known as a boost-buck converter), and for this purpose has a suitable converter topology, typically with at least one power transistor, a rectifier diode, and a storage capacitor.In particular, a high-temperature electrolytic capacitor with a nominal service life of >8000 operating hours at 105° is used as a storage capacitor to ensure a long service life of the switching power supply 130.

[0193] The DC-DC converter 130C provides FIG.13 also provides a 48V supply voltage for a PSE unit, in FIG.13 a PoE unit for power supply via ETHERNET port 131.

[0194] For this purpose, the ETHERNET port 131 of the DKE 12 includes, as in FIG.12As shown, a suitable LAN transformer 131A with a decoupling transformer, e.g., type WE-RJ45LAN 10 / 100 / 1000 BaseT PoE+ from Würth Elektronik eiSos GmbH & Co.KG (D-74638 Waldenburg), is used. This is supplied with the desired supply voltage via a PSE PoE controller 131B, e.g., type PD69101ILQ from Microsemi Corp. CA 92656, USA. Furthermore, the PSE PoE controller 131B connects the LAN transformer 131A to the switch engine 120 via a suitable internal bus, so that the ETHERNET interface 131 is connected to the optical data line 10.

[0195] The PoE function can preferably be switched on and off selectively or as needed via a switching and supply unit 131C. This can be controlled either directly via the switch engine 120, which is then connected to the switching and supply unit 131C, or indirectly via control by the PoE controller 131B. The ETHERNET port 131 can also have automatic load detection, which, for example, uses a voltage drop measurement to determine the power consumption of the connected device and then sets the desired power supply or, if necessary, automatically switches off the PoE function.

[0196] The power supply for the PSE unit or the PoE injector 131D is provided by the switching and supply unit 131C, which is connected to the 48V supply output of the DC-DC converter 130C. The PoE function can also be controlled by shutting down the 48V supply in the DC-DC converter 130C, e.g., controlled via remote configuration of the managed switch engine 120 for additional power savings.

[0197] The additional ETHERNET interface 132 or the second RJ45 port can also be equipped with PoE functionality (not shown, see FIG.15 ).

[0198] FIG.13 also shows a DALI interface, which is integrated in the DKE 12 and can be connected via DALI conductors 141, 142, the tap-off plug 66 and a tap-off socket 66 with the corresponding DALI conductors DA+, DA- in the supply in the support profile (cf. FIG.15). To implement the DALI interface, a DALI converter ASIC is provided, which is connected to a PORT, e.g., ETHERNET port of the Switch Engine 120. The ASIC can be, for example, an ASIC from a commercially available ETHERNET-to-DALI converter (not shown), which is integrated here into the active optical DKE 12. Thus, the DKE 12 can be FIG.13 also provide lighting control via IP protocol using the POF cable 10.

[0199] Further preferred functionalities of the DKE 12, in particular for remote configuration, using the Managed Switch Engine 120 are explained above in the introductory description section, which are also referenced here for brevity.

[0200] FIG.14 shows a modification of the DKE 12 according to FIG.13, which differs in that it does not have an integrated switching power supply, but is powered by an external switching power supply, e.g., a conventional lamp operating device 34, e.g., with 48V DC as the supply voltage. For this purpose, the DKE 12 has a DC supply connection 34A instead of the mains connection terminals. This is connected to an integrated DC-DC converter 134, which provides the power to the components of the DKE 12. The PoE injector 131D, on the other hand, is supplied with the 48V DC voltage required for PoE directly via the supply connection 34A from the external operating device 34. Advantage of the design according to FIG.14The DKE 12 features a significantly more compact design, without an integrated switching power supply, and correspondingly lower heat loss in the DKE 12 housing 61, especially when the required PoE power is relatively high. 34-volt lamp control gears are also inherently suitable for the required power consumption of a DKE 12 with PoE function and are already designed and qualified for common strip lights. A further advantage is the separate replaceability in the event of a defect or failure of the switching power supply.

[0201] Other features of the DKE 12 in FIG.14 correspond to the FIG.13 described and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0202] FIG.15 shows another variant of a DKE 1512, which differs from those in FIG.12-14essentially differs in that a total of four optical data interfaces 121, 122, 123, 124 are provided for conductor pairs 10A, 10B and are data-linked via the switch engine 120. Thus, the DKE 1512 can be connected to two separate POF fiber optic cables 10 if, for example, two POF data lines are provided, for example for physically separate subnets in the LAN 15. Furthermore, two POF-capable IoT devices 14 can also be connected to the two additional interfaces 123, 124 if only one POF data line 10 is connected as a backbone to the data interfaces 121, 122.

[0203] Furthermore, FIG.15 an integrated WLAN module 150 in the DKA 1512, which is connected to the LAN 15 ( FIG.1), whereby the POF data line 10 can also serve as a broadband backbone here. Thus, the DKE 1512 can also provide a wireless interface. Alternatively or additionally, a radio interface for Bluetooth, LORA-WAN, or similar can also be provided.

[0204] An optional, integrated WLAN module 150 or similar wireless data module in the DKE 1512 is advantageous in all embodiments, and particularly for connecting wirelessly transmitting IoT devices to the LAN 15, and further reduces the assembly effort when installing the light strip or network equipment. The power supply of the DKE 1512 can be, for example, according to FIG.13 or FIG.14 be executed.

[0205] FIG.16shows another light line arrangement with POF data cable. The device carrier 30 is designed for an elongated support profile 3, e.g., of the Trilux E-Line type. The support profile is equipped, for example, with pendants for ceiling mounting. The arrangement for the electrical supply in the interior of the support profile 3 can, for example, FIG.6 or FIG.11 The POF optical fibers 10A, 10B are separated after the cable has been cut - as in FIG.16 Illustrated by pictograms "1" to "3." - connected to the optical connector 121, here a standard OFE, of the DKE 12.

[0206] FIG.16further shows two clamp-like holding elements or holding clamps 160, which are designed in cross-section as approximately J-shaped hooks and serve to hold the functional module, ie in particular the support profile 3 with the DKE12, as illustrated, in an installation position with sufficient distance directly on the support profile 3 during installation. This allows the installer to easily connect the interfaces of the data coupling unit 12, in particular the optical connections 121, 122, to the separated ends of the POF optical fiber 10 and has access to the interior of the support profile 3 for the purpose of preparing the POF optical fiber 10. Furthermore, FIG.16a supply extension 162 of sufficient length, which is specifically designed to supply the DKE 12 in the open installation position or during installation for testing and commissioning purposes, before the device carrier 30 is connected to the support profile, and the electrical supply for normal operation is established using the tapping plug 66. The supply extension 162 has a dedicated plug (not shown) at one end, corresponding to the tapping plug 66, for connecting to the tapping socket 67 on the through-wiring 69 of the support profile 3, and a dedicated socket at the other end for connecting to the tapping plug 66 on the device carrier. The aid of the retaining clips 160 and the supply extension 162 significantly facilitates the desired connection of the DKE 12 to a possibly pre-laid POF cable 10, as can be seen from FIG.16 visible.

[0207] FIG.17A-17Bshow purely exemplary spatial planning arrangements of continuous lighting systems 1 with a large number of continuous lighting systems or linear continuous lighting systems 2 in plan view, here using the example of factory halls, which typically have floor plan dimensions of more than 50m x 100m. In FIG.17A A purely wired system is illustrated, in which a wide variety of IoT devices 170 can be connected to the respective DKE 12 at selected points.

[0208] FIG.17Billustrates a mixed network with wireless connectivity, in particular for a closed campus network with WLAN and / or 5G connectivity. Utilizing the light-band grid of the light-band system 1, it is possible to arrange radio network nodes 170, e.g., WLAN access points and / or 5G SBS (small cell base stations) or 5G radio dots or the like, with respective radio cells 173 (e.g., also 5G indoor micro-, nano-, and femtocells for a closed or private 5G campus network, in particular an NR-U 5G network) at a variety of locations, achieving suitable coverage. The light-band system 1 offers a high degree of flexibility for this purpose while inherently providing the power supply infrastructure. List of reference symbols 1 Light strip system 32 side walls 2 strip light 32A rebounds 3 Support profile 33 Contact device 3A, 3B Support profiles 34 LED control gear 4 Light module 34A DC voltage 10 data line Supply connection 10A, 10B POF optical fiber (POF-LWL) 36 Fasteners 37 slider 12 Data coupling unit (DKE) 40 LED modules 14 IoT device 45 data device 15 Local area network (LAN) 46 RJ-45 socket 17 IP converter 47 POF connection 18 Return line 50 Holder elements 20 Mounting rail 51 tongue 21 Support rail base 52 Holding projection 22 side walls 54 elongated bodies 22A flanging 55 upper end 22B gap 60 Function module 23 current guide rail 61 Housing 24 wires 61A tc point 25 optical connection 62 Snap-on device 26 side bracket 63 Implementation 27 Access opening 64, 65 RJ-45 sockets 30 Equipment carrier 66 Tap connector 31 Floor 67 Tap socket 68 Connection terminals 123A POF-OFE transceiver 69 Through wiring 130 Switching power supply (SMPS) 70 Tap connector 130A EMC filter stage 71 Contacts 130B transformer 72 Snap-in connector unit 130C Converter circuit 73 Adjusting device 131 RJ45 sockets 76 Snap hook 131D PoE injector 81, 82 POF fiber optic cable pairs 131C supply unit 83 current guide rail 131B PoE controller 84, 85 web 131A LAN transformer 84A, 85A Predetermined breaking point 132 ETHERNET interface 86 optical couplings 134 DC-DC converter 87 Intermediate piece 141 DALI conductor 88 Support profile connector 150 WLAN module 90 Function module 160 Retaining clips 91 Front ends of the housing 162 Supply extension 92 Locking elements 166 optical tap connectors 93 Busbar 166A optical connector plugs 93A, B Current conducting profiles 166B optical coupling connectors 94 Director 167 Tap sockets 96 Contact devices 167A optical connector sockets 96A, B Assembly units 167B optical coupling sockets 96C Contacts 97 lower passage opening 171 IoT device 110 Function module 172 Radio network node 112 Data coupling unit (DKE) 118A connectors 300 Equipment carrier 118B socket 600 WLAN access point 118C Couplings 600 Function module 120 ETHERNET Switch Engine 121A, 122A POF transceiver 121, 122 optical connections 123 POF-OFE

Claims

1. Light strip system for an elongated light strip luminaire with data line, the system comprising: - at least one elongated support profile for attaching light modules to the support profile, wherein the support profile is designed for installation on a building structure using appropriate mounting means, in particular ceiling-mounted or ceiling-suspended, - at least one light module, in particular a number of light modules, each with one or more light sources, preferably LED light sources, wherein the light module is attachable or attached to the at least one support profile, - an electrical supply with several conductors, which is provided in the support profile and for supplying power to components of the light modules and any functional modules that may be present; - a data line for transmitting user data; characterized by - thatthe data line comprises at least one POF optical fiber, in particular at least one pair of two POF optical fibers, which can be arranged or is arranged in or on the support profile; - that at least one active data coupling unit with a data interface for optical data transmission via the POF optical fiber, in particular via the pair of POF optical fibers, is provided and is mounted or mountable in or on the at least one support profile; - that the system is set up in such a way that, during operation, the electrical supply of the support profile provides or causes the power supply of the active data coupling unit.

2. Light strip system according to claim 1, characterized by thatthe data line comprises at least two segments of POF optical fibers laid or capable of being laid in the light band, which can be coupled or are coupled to one another by the active data coupling unit for the purpose of data transmission, and / or that the data line preferably comprises at least one duplex conductor pair made of POF optical fibers.

3. Light strip system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system comprises several data line segments made of POF optical fibers and several active data coupling units, which are arranged in particular in the light band, which preferably comprises several support profiles that are connected in the longitudinal direction, wherein two data line segments made of POF optical fibers are coupled by a data coupling unit and the data line segments and active data coupling units are connected or connectable to form a line or daisy chain topology, preferably characterized in thata number of elongated, identically constructed support profiles are provided and mounted in alignment with one another in the longitudinal direction, in particular suspended from the ceiling via pendulums and / or directly on a ceiling, wherein at least two data coupling units are provided which couple at least three segments of the data line to one another, each with POF optical fibers, preferably a duplex pair of POF optical fibers, wherein the data coupling units and POF optical fibers are preferably connected to one another according to a bus topology, in particular in the manner of a daisy-chain topology.

4. Light strip system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in thatthe support profile is designed as a trough-shaped hollow profile that is open on one side and / or has a cross-section in the manner of a U-shape, with a profile base and two side walls running vertically away from it, which define an interior space, wherein the electrical supply: - is designed as multi-core through-wiring with insulated conductors laid in the longitudinal direction, in particular on the base side of the profile base, with contact devices, in particular plug-in connector sockets, at fixed, predetermined longitudinal positions; or - comprises a current-conducting profile running in the longitudinal direction on the base side in the interior space with a plurality of conductors held therein, which conductors can be contacted as required, in particular by means of contact devices that can be freely positioned in the longitudinal direction; or - in the form of a busbar, in particular with two laterally opposite conducting orSupport profiles, each with a plurality of embedded conductors, each running longitudinally along one of the side walls, wherein the conductors of the busbar can be contacted as required, in particular by means of contact devices that can be freely positioned in the longitudinal direction.

5. Light strip system according to one of claims 1 to 4, in particular according to claim 4, characterized in thatat least one POF optical fiber, in particular a pair of POF optical fibers, can be laid or is laid in the support profile in a longitudinal direction; wherein in particular: - the at least one POF optical fiber can be releasably held or is laterally offset next to the supply in an area along a side wall or the profile base by means of a number of holding elements arranged in the support profile.is releasably held, wherein the holder elements can preferably be fastened in the support profile in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner for holding the POF optical fiber, in particular can be latched into the support profile; or - the at least one POF optical fiber is laid on the bottom side next to the through-wiring, in particular is held in the support profile together with the supply by contact devices designed as cable holders, wherein preferably at least one contact device has at least two optical connections for coupling to POF optical fibers; or - the at least one POF optical fiber is integrated or received in the current-conducting profile, in particular is provided on a web of a current-conducting profile made of plastic, which web can preferably be separated via a predetermined breaking point.

6. Light strip system according to one of claims 1 to 5, in particular according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that- at least one contact device for connecting the data coupling unit to the predetermined electrical conductors of the supply is provided in the support profile; and / or - the supply has at least 7 electrical conductors, in particular at least 9 electrical conductors, wherein preferably 5 mains supply conductors, comprising 3-phase conductors for phase selection of the supply to the light modules, as well as two further conductors for the independent supply of the data coupling unit by means of a contact device are provided; and / or - the system provides or effects the power supply of the active data coupling unit by means of supply conductors which are not used to supply the light modules; and / or wherein the underside of the support profile is preferably closed by light modules and, if applicable, functional modules and / or covers.

7. Function modulefor data transmission for an elongated strip light, in particular for a strip light system with a data line according to one of claims 1 to 6, the functional module comprising: - an active data coupling unit for transmitting user data via a data line; - fastening means for mounting the functional module on or in an elongated support profile of a strip light, in particular on the underside at an access opening of the support profile and / or at least partially in the support profile; characterized in thatthe active data coupling unit has at least one first data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber, in particular via a conductor pair made of POF optical fibers, and at least one further data interface, in particular a second data interface for optical data transmission via POF optical fibers, in particular via a conductor pair made of POF optical fibers, and / or a second data interface for ETHERNET data transmission.

8. Functional module according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe functional module has a connection for connecting to an electrical supply running in the support profile of the light strip luminaire, in particular comprises a contact device for connecting to predetermined conductors of an electrical supply running in the support profile of the light strip luminaire, and the active data coupling unit can be connected to the supply for the purpose of power supply, in particular by means of the contact device.

9. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe active data coupling unit has its own, in particular integrated, switched-mode power supply, which is preferably equipped or connected with suitable connection means for connection to the supply of the light strip, wherein the switched-mode power supply in particular: - is designed in accordance with one or more standards for lighting devices; and / or - is designed as an electronic SELV switched-mode power supply with a transformer for galvanic isolation; and / or - comprises means for power factor correction and / or an input-side EMC filter stage; and / or - provides a 48V supply voltage for a PSE unit, in particular a PoE unit; and / or - has a converter circuit with at least one power transistor, a rectifier diode, and a storage capacitor, in particular a high-temperature electrolytic capacitor, preferably with a nominal service life of at least 8000 operating hours at 105°C; and / or thatthe active data coupling unit, in particular the switching power supply, is designed for passive cooling, wherein the data coupling unit is in particular designed without a fan.

10. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the active data coupling unit has a first data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber and a second data interface for optical data transmission via a POF optical fiber, in particular in each case via a pair of POF optical fibers; and / or - that the data coupling unit is preferably designed as a network device for connecting segments of a data line with POF optical fibers, in particular in a packet-switching manner as a switch or as a repeater; and / or - that the data coupling unit has a further data interface for data transmission via an ETHERNET data line and is preferably, in particular additionally, designed as a media converter or comprises a data converter and / or has at least a third interface for data transmission via another wired or wireless signal format, in particular via an ETHERNET data line.

11. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe data coupling unit has a PSE unit with a supply connection for supplying external consumers and a correspondingly designed power supply unit, wherein - the PSE unit of the data coupling unit is in particular PoE-capable or comprises a PoE injector and the supply connection is integrated into an ETHERNET connection of the third interface; and / or - the PSE unit, in particular the PoE injector, can be switched on and off; and / or - the data coupling unit has a configurable unit, in particular a configurable switch unit, in particular an ETHERNET switch, wherein the data coupling unit is in particular remotely configurable via one of its data interfaces, and / or the data coupling unit is preferably designed for optionally switching the PSE unit, in particular the PoE injector, on and off and / or optionally switching the PSE unit, in particular the PoE injector, on and off.Switching off at least the third interface, in particular at least one or all ETHERNET interfaces, is set up, in particular by remote configuration.

12. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the data coupling unit has a WLAN interface and / or an Ethernet port and is connected via this to a WLAN device, wherein the WLAN device is preferably to be supplied or is supplied by the data coupling unit via PoE; and / or - the data coupling unit has a DALI interface and / or an ETHERNET port, via which it is connectable or connected to an ETHERNET-to-DALI adapter for the purpose of controlling lighting modules via the user data line; and / or - a radio network node is provided, in particular a WLAN node and / or a 5G node, which is connected to at least one data coupling unit of the lighting strip system, wherein data is transmitted, in particular from a server, to the radio network node and / or from the radio network node, in particular to a server, using at least one POF optical fiber of the lighting strip system.

13. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the data line for data transmission, which can be arranged or is arranged on or in the support profile, is an optical data line with a duplex conductor pair made of large-core POF optical fibers, in particular for a data connection according to ISO / IEC / IEEE 8802-3:2017 / Amd 9-2018; and / or - the first and second data interfaces for optical data transmission have optical connectors for large-core POF optical fibers with a core diameter of > 500 µm, in particular in the range of 800-1200 µm, preferably for a core diameter of 1 mm, preferably double connectors for a duplex conductor pair made of POF optical fibers; and / or - the data coupling unit is designed for POF optical fibers with an optical duplex conductor pair with a bandwidth of > 200 Mbps, preferably ≥ 1 Gbps;and / or - the optical connections are designed as OFE (Optical Front End) for manual connection to connectorless fiber ends, in particular as duplex OFE with a transmit connection (Tx) and a receive connection (Rx) for connection to one optical fiber of a duplex pair of POF fibers, in particular large-core POF fibers; 14. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe data coupling unit has an elongated housing which can be accommodated in the support profile, - which is preferably designed with cross-sectional dimensions of height x width less than or equal to 50 mm x 60 mm, in particular less than or equal to 25 mm x 40 mm; and / or - the connections of the first and second interface, in particular all optical connections for POF optical fibers, are provided on the end faces of the housing; and / or - the housing has latching or snap-in means, in particular a plurality of protective earthing claws, by means of which the housing can be fastened to a device carrier corresponding to the support profile; and / or - that the housing has a tc point on its outside, which is in particular visually recognizable.

15. System or module according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 14, characterized by thatthe active data coupling unit is attached to a device carrier which is designed for detachable fastening to the support profile of the strip light, in particular on the underside of the support profile, wherein preferably -- the device carrier preferably has a plurality of retaining springs for fastening to engage behind and detachably engage with a corresponding profile area of ​​the support profile, and / or -- the device carrier is designed to correspond to the support profile and is designed in particular as a formed sheet metal part or as an extruded aluminum part or as an extruded or extruded plastic part; -- or characterized in thatFastening means for mounting the functional module or the data coupling unit are provided, which comprise at least one latch adjustable into a locking position transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support profile, in which the latch engages or engages behind the support profile in a locking manner, and the contact device comprises movably mounted, adjustable electrical contacts for contacting the supply, which are preferably insertable into at least one laterally arranged guide profile of the supply, wherein the adjustment of the latch and the adjustment of the contacts are preferably mechanically coupled to one another; - or characterized in thatthe active data coupling unit has a housing which comprises fastening means for detachable mounting on or in the support profile; and / or the active data coupling unit has a housing which is designed as an adapter for a busbar and can be at least partially received in the busbar, wherein the housing can be fastened to the busbar, preferably via a rotating mechanism, and / or the module has a contact device which interacts with conductors in at least one lateral guide profile of the busbar, wherein fastening and contacting are carried out in particular jointly by an actuatable mechanism, in particular a rotating mechanism.

16. Light strip arrangementwith data line, for a system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, the arrangement comprising: - a plurality of elongated support profiles for fastening light modules to the support profile, wherein each support profile is designed for mounting on a building structure using corresponding mounting means, in particular ceiling-mounted or ceiling-suspended, and wherein a plurality of support profiles are connected to one another in the longitudinal direction; - at least one light module, in particular a number of light modules, each with one or more light sources, preferably LED light sources, wherein the or each light module is fastened to one of the support profiles, - an electrical supply with a plurality of conductors, which is provided in the support profiles for supplying power to components of the light modules and any functional modules that may be present; and - a data line for transmitting user data; characterized in that- the data line comprises at least one POF optical fiber, in particular at least one pair of two POF optical fibers, which is arranged in or on at least one of the support profiles.

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