Built-in modules for lighting, sound, image or effects technology devices that provide control over an Ethernet connection

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for incorporating an apparatus in a chain of apparatuses serially connected by ethernet and capable of controlling lighting, sound, video or special effects engineering.SOLUTION: An ethernet-based construction of an ethernet device connector built-in module 1 allows serial control of complexly switchable apparatuses. The built-in module provides data and power of a chain of serially interconnected apparatuses via two external slots 3A, 3B being connected to an ethernet contact interface on a circuit board via distributors 10 interconnected to each other, for connecting the ethernet device connector built-in module 1 to control electronics of the apparatus within the apparatus. The distributor 10 (e.g., PoE switch or PoDL switch) is configured to distribute a data signal and a power supply signal, as necessary, supplied by one of the two external slots 3A, 3B to the other one of the slots and the ethernet contact interface on the circuit board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Lighting, sound, image or effects technical equipment, for example in the form of electrical and electronic equipment and installations, plays a central role in the conduct of stage and theatre performances, film and television productions and events such as trade fairs and concerts.

[0003] Lighting technology includes technical measures that influence the lighting situation, for example to create an impressive and varied stage image or to effectively emphasize the represented atmosphere. Switchable lighting technology devices include lighting units, e.g. spotlights, lamps, lasers, LED panels, which are often connected to each other in a chain. The lighting units are typically part of a programmable lighting system for adaptive lighting, e.g. scene-dependent lighting. Adaptive lighting is usually provided by a lighting controller, which can be operated, for example, via a so-called console, to control the operating state (e.g. switching on / off, color selection, intensity) of the various lighting units (e.g. stage spotlights).

[0004] Sound technology includes technological devices for converting, processing, recording and reproducing sound signals. Switchable sound technology devices include e.g. amplifiers, speakers, microphones, sound controllers and devices for generating special sound effects, e.g. reverberation devices. Image technology includes technological devices for visually displaying images, e.g. projectors and screens, as well as technological devices for processing and recording image or video data. Various electrical signals (e.g. audio, video) are combined and controlled, e.g. via a mixing console.

[0005] Effects technology includes technical devices for producing special effects using physical or chemical processes. Frequently used effects devices are for example fog, smoke or wind generators. Other configurations include for example pyrotechnic devices or devices that generate scent elements.

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

[0007] Devices can also be connected and controlled in the form of a chain of several devices connected in series. This is also called, for example, "daisy chain connection" (English: Daisy Chain). In this case, the first device is directly connected to a computing device, for example a computer or a bus. The remaining devices are each connected in series with the preceding or following device, and the signal transmission between each device is provided via the preceding device up to the computing device. The series connection of several devices is often used, for example, for temporary sets (concerts, events, trade fairs, etc.), since it allows to reduce the number of cables.

[0008] In addition to the frequent disconnection and re-plugging of plug connections, for example on a revolving stage, plug connections for supplying power to the equipment and connecting it to the control devices are also often exposed to strong mechanical loads during operation. Due to the high time pressure and variability of e.g. stage performances, performers and set crew often handle the equipment roughly. It is therefore quite common for set crew to put their weight on the housing of an already plugged in cable plug connection or to pull on the connecting cable. Cable plug connections are therefore usually specially designed to withstand mechanical actions and environmental influences, both in the plugged and unplugged state. Furthermore, the connectors are often locked to prevent them from being accidentally pulled out.

[0009] The control of the device is usually carried out by means of an analog connection for receiving command signals and, if necessary, an additional power signal. For this purpose, so-called XLR connectors (also called cannon connectors) are often used. XLR connectors are standardized in the international standard IEC 61076-2-103, and XLR connectors in their 3-, 4- and 5-pin versions can provide for the power supply of the terminal device in addition to data transmission.

[0010] For the control of lighting technology and effects equipment, the so-called DMX ("Digital Multiplex") protocol for 5-pin XLR connectors is often used, for example.

[0011] XLR connectors allow for example to supply power to a chain of serially connected devices and to transmit up to 512 or 1024 different control channels. However, in the case of complex switchable devices, e.g. stage spotlights or LED panels with several different dimming and color settings, and / or when using many serially connected devices, the possibilities for data and power transmission via XLR connectors are limited because the number of control channels is too small. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0013] A particular challenge is to provide improved control of multiple serially connected chains of lighting, sound, image or effects technology.

[0014] Another object is to provide an easily implemented extension for improving the control of conventional lighting, sound, image or effects technology devices for integration into multiple serially connected device chains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The above-mentioned object is achieved by implementing at least some of the features of the independent patent claims.Alternative or advantageous developments of the invention can be found in some other features of the independent patent claims and in the dependent patent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, more complex control is provided by signal transmission and, if necessary, power supply via Ethernet. Power supply via Ethernet allows network-enabled devices to be powered via an Ethernet cable and at the same time provide network connectivity via the same Ethernet cable. Thus, for example, data and power for energy supply can be transmitted to a device via one cable. This allows the series connection of multiple devices, each configured for complex circuits that control / adapt the operating state of the device.

[0017] The present invention relates to an Ethernet device connector-equipped module for a controllable device of lighting, sound, image or effects technology, configured for integration into the device as a prefabricated physical component. The integrated module has holes provided for receiving fastening measures, such as screws or pins, for respectively fastening the Ethernet device connector-equipped module to the housing of the device, for enabling the integration of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module into the housing of the device. Furthermore, the Ethernet device connector-equipped modules each have an Ethernet device connector-equipped module for integrating the device into a chain of a plurality of devices connected in series Ethernet, i.e. a dual device connector with two outer slots provided by a common flange member for plugging an Ethernet cable connector while integrated into the device. A distributor arranged on the circuit board of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module is configured to distribute a data signal supplied via one of the two outer slots to the other of the two outer slots and to an Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board. In particular, the distributor can also be configured to distribute data and power supply signals supplied via one of the two outer slots to the other of the two outer slots and to an Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board.

[0018] The distributor is connected via conductor tracks on a circuit board to an Ethernet contact interface, which has contacts that can be accessed by mechanical processing or soldering for an in-device connection between the circuit board and the control electronics of the device for controlling the device (i.e. for transmitting data signals and, in particular, for supplying power).

[0019] Lighting, sound, image or effects technology refers to technical equipment as defined in the opening paragraph, for example a module with an Ethernet device connector configured for integration into lighting units (e.g. DMX controllable) such as spotlights, lasers, LED panels, audio equipment (e.g. based on Dante technology) such as active speakers or audio recorders, video equipment (e.g. based on Dante technology) such as video walls (e.g. LED walls), audio recorders (e.g. based on Dante technology) such as active speakers or audio recorders, video equipment (e.g. based on Dante technology) such as video walls (e.g. LED walls), video recorders, video processing equipment, or effects equipment (e.g. based on Dante technology) such as smoke, fog or wind generators.

[0020] For example, the outer slots, the Ethernet contact interfaces on the circuit board, and the splitter are designed to operate with PoE or PoDL technology.

[0021] PoE stands for "Power over Ethernet" and refers to a method by which network-enabled devices can be powered over an 8-wire Ethernet cable. There are several proprietary and simple passive variants, as well as backward-compatible variations standardized in IEEE 802.3.

[0022] SPE and PoDL stand for "Single Pair Ethernet" and "Power over Data Line", respectively, and refer to Ethernet-based data and power transmission over only one twisted pair of wires. Existing SPE and PoDL solutions are also standardized in IEEE802.3. While PoE technology uses at least two or four wire pairs, SPE or PoDL technology allows the transmission of electrical energy over only one wire pair. For example, a two-core cable conforming to IEC61156 is suitable for PoDL.

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

[0024] In another embodiment, the outer slots, the Ethernet contact interfaces of the circuit board, and the distributor are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol providing control (i.e., transmission of data signals, and in particular power supply) of different types of devices.

[0025] In particular, one of the different types is a first equipment type belonging to one of the four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology, and another of the different types is a second equipment type belonging to a different field of the four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology from the field of the first equipment type. In other words, the Ethernet protocol provides connectivity between at least two (different) fields from the four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology. For example, the Ethernet protocol is configured to provide for integration and control of one or more active speakers and one or more spotlights in the same daisy chain.

[0026] In another embodiment, each outer slot has an RJ45 or SPE plug socket.

[0027] The widely used 8-pin plug is known among experts as the "RJ45" plug. In some applications, the standardized RJ45 plug is prone to damage and failure. For example, the contacts are easily bent or displaced when incorrectly inserted, making it unsuitable for repeated insertion and removal. The plastic latch (spring arm) can fatigue and break, so that the plug does not securely lock into the socket. The cable itself is prone to failure if it is repeatedly kinked where it enters the plug socket. In addition, the cable can also be torn from the plug by longitudinal loads. The plug housing is molded from plastic and is easily deformed or broken, for example by accidentally stepping on it. The disadvantages listed here also apply to fiber optic cables, power cables, and many other cable connections.

[0028] In stage and event technology or other sectors where plug connections are exposed to harsh conditions, e.g. in the field or military sector, specially designed cable and equipment plug connector devices are used to protect, e.g. sensitive RJ45 cable and equipment connections or generally contact elements (e.g. with proprietary designs). For example, the Neutrik Group sells a cable connector protector for pre-assembled RJ45 cable plugs under the name NE8MC.

[0029] For example, a cable connector as used in the sense of the present invention comprises a housing, a radially compressible clamping part and a kink protector. The housing is often configured so that a mechanically lockable plug connection is provided between the slot and a cable connector that is fitted into the slot as its counterpart and can be introduced into the housing's receptacle of the slot. The clamping part is accommodated in the housing and is fixed thereto against axial tensile forces (along the cable), whereby the radially compressible clamping part grips the cable from the periphery and clamps and fixes the cable in a compressed state in the housing. With this configuration, a relief of the tensile forces acting on the cable connector or the cable connected with the slot is achieved. For example, the clamping part has a radially compressible clamping sleeve, which is radially compressed by a union nut or clamping nut. The kink protector is attached to the rear area of ​​the housing of the cable connector (away from the receptacle towards the cable) to stabilize the cable and minimize the risk of the cable kinking. For example, the kink protector is formed as a stiffener made of hard rubber or plastic that surrounds the cable.

[0030] In another embodiment, each slot is configured so that a mechanically lockable plug connection is precisely fitted with a respective cable connector adapted to the slot as its counterpart and introduceable into a receptacle of the housing of each slot, each slot having a plug socket arranged in the respective housing, the front part of the housing, i.e. the part facing the side from which the cable connector can access the respective receptacle, surrounds at least a part of the plug socket at a distance.

[0031] In another embodiment, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board has an RJ45 or SPE connector, for example, which is connected to the circuit board by a cable. This is advantageous, for example, if the device already has a corresponding input terminal.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the circuit board is configured to plug into the control unit (e.g., PCB) of the device and is connected to the outer slot via a cable, e.g., an FCC or FPC cable (FCC: Flexible Flat Cable, FPC: Flexible Printed Cable).

[0033] In another alternative embodiment, the Ethernet device connector-embedded module has a PCB plug module (PCB: Printed Circuit Board) that is connected to an Ethernet contact interface of a circuit board via a cable, e.g., an FCC or FPC cable, and is designed to plug into a control unit (e.g., PCB) of a device.

[0034] In a basic embodiment, the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board is provided simply as a contact that is connected (e.g. soldered or clamped) to a control unit of the device, e.g. a pin, solder joint, cable end. The contact is dimensioned to allow contact by manual, mechanical handling or soldering of the contact, as opposed to a conductor track, e.g. having a width in the sub-millimeter range (commonly used tracks have a width of 35 μm). For example, the contact extends at least 1-2 millimeters in one spatial direction.

[0035] In another embodiment, the Ethernet device connector-equipped module has a front face that is provided to form a part of the housing exterior of the housing of the device when the Ethernet device connector-equipped module is installed in the device, and the front face has one receptacle arranged for each of the two outer slots for receiving a cable connector that can be inserted into the respective outer slot. For example, the shape and size of the front face of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module are adapted to the installation opening of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module installed in the device, so that after installation, the front face forms together (e.g., seamlessly) the housing exterior of the housing of the device.

[0036] The common mounting plate is provided with fastening means, e.g. fastening provisions, e.g. in the form of holes, for receiving screws, for fastening the mounting plate to the housing of the device.

[0037] In another embodiment, the common flange member of the dual device connector is configured to provide a mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector-containing module, and thus may have a shape required to be received in, for example, a housing opening of the device, and after insertion into the housing opening, the exterior of the flange member together forms the housing exterior surface of the housing of the device according to the other shape of the device.

[0038] In another embodiment, the contact elements of one of the two outer slots are connected to the signal input of the distributor within the module (i.e., inside the module with an Ethernet device connector), and a first signal output of the distributor different from the signal input is connected to the contact elements of the other of the two outer slots within the module, and a second signal output of the distributor different from the signal input and the first signal output is connected to the Ethernet contact interface of the circuit board within the module.

[0039] In another embodiment, the module with an Ethernet device connector has a power supply unit connected to the splitter, which receives a power input signal and provides a power output signal for supplying power to the splitter. The module with an Ethernet device connector has a separate power connection interface connected to the power supply unit, for example to connect to an external power source that supplies a power input signal to the power supply unit. Alternatively, or in combination with a separate power connection interface, one of the two outer slots connected to the signal input of the splitter in the module is further connected to the power supply unit, and an input signal supplied through one of the two outer slots is split into a data signal component providing data transmission and a power signal component providing power supply to the power supply unit, the power signal component being supplied to the power supply unit and the data signal component being supplied to the signal input of the splitter.

[0040] The Ethernet device connector module according to the invention will now be described in detail, purely by way of example, by means of embodiments which are shown diagrammatically in the drawings, in which identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals. The embodiments described are generally not drawn to scale and must not be understood as limiting the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an Ethernet device connector integrated module according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary internal connection of two outer slots, an internal Ethernet output interface, and a distributor. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an application of the module with an Ethernet device connector according to the present invention for integrating a device into a chain of multiple devices connected in series via Ethernet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another application of the module with Ethernet device connector according to the present invention to allow the integration of devices belonging to four different fields of lighting, sound, image and effects technology into the same chain of serially Ethernet connected devices. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector for use with a module with an Ethernet device connector according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a slot for use as one of the two outer slots of an Ethernet device connector module according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a power supply unit for supplying power to a distributor according to the present invention, with a power connection interface connected with the power supply unit for connecting an external power source. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another circuit of a power supply section for powering a splitter according to the present invention, in which an input signal provided via an input slot is split into a data signal component and a power signal component. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic layout diagram of a distributor on a circuit board of an Ethernet device connector built-in module according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an Ethernet device connector-equipped module 1 according to the present invention. The Ethernet device connector-equipped module 1 has a dual device connector 2 providing two external slots 3A, 3B. In the illustrated example, a flange member of the dual device connector 2 provides a common mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector-equipped module 1 and is formed such that an outer surface 4 of the flange member forms part of an outer housing surface 5 of a housing 6 of the device when the module is installed in the device. The Ethernet device connector-equipped module 1 further has other housing parts 7, which are arranged inside the device after the module is installed in the device. The flange member of the dual device connector 2 has holes 8 for screwing the flange member to the housing 6 of the device as a fixing measure.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the shape and size of the flange member / mounting plate is adapted to fit the mounting opening of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module in the housing 6 of the device, and the outer surface 4 of the flange member / mounting plate (the front surface of the Ethernet device connector-equipped module) seamlessly forms the housing outer surface 5 of the housing 6 of the device after installation.

[0044] The two outer slots 3A, 3B are connected to an Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board of the module with an Ethernet device connector 1, which provides an internal Ethernet output interface for an internal connection of the module with an Ethernet device connector 1 and the control electronics of the device in order to control the device. A distributor (not shown, see FIG. 2) is connected between the two outer slots 3A, 3B and the (internal) Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board, which is configured to distribute data and power supply signals supplied via one of the two outer slots 3A, 3B to the other of the two outer slots 3A, 3B and the internal Ethernet contact interface 9. The distributor is designed, for example, as a PoE or PoDL switch.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the Ethernet device connector integrated module 1 of FIG. 1 and exemplary internal connections of the two outer slots 3A, 3B with the Ethernet contact interface 9 on the circuit board and the distributor 10.

[0046] One of the two outer slots, also called input slot 3A, is connected within the module to a signal input 11 of the distributor 10. A first signal output 12 of the distributor 10, different from the signal input 11, is connected within the module to the other of the two outer slots, also called output slot 3B, and another signal output 13 of the distributor 10, different from the signal input 11 and the first signal output 12, is connected within the module to an Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board.

[0047] Devices equipped with modules with Ethernet device connectors according to the present invention may be used, for example, in theatres or concert events, to integrate multiple devices into a serially Ethernet connected device chain, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 3 and 4.

[0048] 3 shows an embodiment in which a module with an Ethernet device connector provides connectivity to form a chain of serially Ethernet connected devices belonging to the same four fields of lighting, sound, imaging and effects technology, here for example a chain of lighting units 14. The Ethernet based structure of the module with an Ethernet device connector allows for serial control of multiple complex switchable devices, for example stage spotlights and LED panels, each with multiple switchable configurability for dimming and color settings.

[0049] 4 shows another embodiment in which a module with an Ethernet device connector provides connectivity between devices belonging to four different categories of technology: lighting, sound, imaging and effects. In the illustrated example, the module with an Ethernet device connector is configured to provide a serially Ethernet connected chain of a lighting unit 14, an audio device 15, here a speaker, and an effects device 16, here a wind generator.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector 17 for use with an Ethernet device connector integrated module according to the invention. The cable connector 17 is here designed as a cable connector protector for a prefabricated RJ45 cable connector 18 and has a housing 19 designed for plugging into a slotted plug socket (see FIG. 6). The RJ45 cable plug 18 is accommodated inside the housing 19 in the assembled plug configuration and fixed by a clamping part. In this case, the clamping part has a radially compressible collet chuck, which grips the cable from the periphery and clamps and fixes the cable in the collet chuck in the compressed state. In the assembled state, the housing 19, the clamping part and the cable are clamped together to generate a tension relief acting on the cable core.

[0051] At the rear end, i.e. on the cable side, of the housing 19, a so-called kink protector 20 is further attached, which stabilises the cable inserted into the cable connector 17 and minimises the risk of the cable kinking.

[0052] Furthermore, the housing 19 typically includes a part of a locking mechanism for preventing the cable connector 17 from being unintentionally pulled out of the slot. In the illustrated example, for this purpose, the housing 19 has a snap latch or spring latch mating member 21 for removably connecting the cable connector 17 from the slot. For example, a spring latch of the slot enters and engages a recess provided by the snap latch or spring latch mating member 21 from the outside of the housing 19 for fixing. The snap latch or spring latch mating member or a separately provided cutout portion for undercutting is preferably located on the upper side of the cable connector.

[0053] A known example of such a cable connector for a robust and lockable connection with an equipment connector is the plug arrangement for cable connector protection for off-the-shelf RJ45 cable connectors sold by the Neutrik Group under the trade name NE8MC.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a single equipment connector 22, which has substantially the same features as the respective slots 3A, 3B of a dual equipment connector in the sense of the present invention. This equipment connector comprises a housing 23 with a socket 24 for a complementary cable connector (see Fig. 5). A plug socket 25, here by way of example a prefabricated RJ45, is arranged in the housing 23, which surrounds the plug socket 25 at a distance in front, i.e. on the side where the cable connector approaches the socket 24. Furthermore, an actuating element 26 of a locking mechanism is arranged in the housing 23 to prevent the cable connector plugged into the equipment connector 22 from being unintentionally pulled out.

[0055] For example, a locking arm that is biased to a closed position by entering into engagement with a latch mating member (see FIG. 5) disposed on the cable connector to lock the cable connector is unlocked by the actuating element 26. The actuating element 26 projects forward beyond the plug-in end of the housing 23, e.g., by an operating tab, so that it can be easily grasped and operated by a user. The actuating element 26 (and the locking mechanism that typically cooperates therewith) is preferably disposed on the upper side of the device connector 22.

[0056] 7 and 8 show schematic diagrams of two possible circuits of the power supply section 27 for supplying power to the distributor, in which the two outer slots 3A, 3B, the Ethernet contact interface 9 of the circuit board and the distributor are arranged similarly to FIG. 2.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the module with an Ethernet device connector 1' has a separate power connection interface 28 connected to the power supply unit 27 for connecting an external power source for providing a power input signal to the power supply unit 27. For example, a device equipped with the module with an Ethernet device connector 1' has its own power source, and the power connection interface 28 is connected to an internal power output of the device. In another embodiment, the power connection interface 28 is accessible from the outside, for example with the module with an Ethernet device connector 1' built into the device, thereby providing the possibility of a power connection independent of the device as well.

[0058] In the embodiment of the Ethernet device connector integrated module 1″ shown in FIG. 8, the input slot 3A is connected within the module to the signal input 11 of the distributor and to the power supply unit 27. The input signal supplied via the input slot 3A is split into a data signal component 29A and a power signal component 29B, and the power signal component 29B is supplied to the power supply unit 27 and used by the power supply unit 27 to supply power to the distributor 10.

[0059] 9 shows a schematic arrangement of a distributor 10 on a circuit board 30 of an Ethernet device connector module according to the invention, the distributor 10 being connected via conductor tracks 31 of the circuit board 30 to an Ethernet contact interface 9. The Ethernet contact interface 9 provides contacts 32 that can be contacted by mechanical processing or soldering for an in-device connection of the circuit board 30 with the control electronics of the device. In the illustrated example, the contacts 32 of the Ethernet contact interface 9 are essentially designed as contacts for establishing a connection by mechanical processing or soldering ("manually"). The contacts 32 have a rectangular shape, for example of at least 2x4 mm, in contrast to the thin conductor tracks 31 with a thickness of a few micrometers.

[0060] In another embodiment (not shown), the Ethernet contact interface 9 is configured to be provided by an RJ45 or SPE connector, whose contacts 32 are connected with the conductor tracks 31. Alternatively, the Ethernet contact interface 9 is connected via a cable with a PCB plug module for plugging into the circuit board of the device, or the circuit board 9 of the module with an Ethernet device connector is itself designed as a plug module for plugging into the circuit board of the device (e.g. the main PCB of the device).

[0061] It should be understood that the illustrated figures are only schematic representations of possible embodiments, the various measures can also be combined with each other and with prior art methods. The inventions disclosed herein include the following: [Aspect 1] A module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector for a controllable device (14, 15, 16) of lighting, sound, image or effects technology, configured for incorporation into the device (14, 15, 16) as an off-the-shelf physical component, comprising: a fastening means (8) for enabling the Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") to be integrated into the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16), in particular holes provided for receiving fastening means for fastening the Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") to the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16); a module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector for integrating the device (14, 15, 16) into a chain of a number of devices (14, 15, 16) each connected in series with an Ethernet connection, i.e. a dual device connector (2) with two external slots (3A, 3B) provided by a common flange member for inserting an Ethernet cable connector (17) while it is integrated into the device (14, 15, 16); a distributor (10) arranged on a circuit board (30) of the module with an Ethernet device connector (1, 1', 1"), configured to distribute a data supply signal, in particular a power supply signal, supplied via one of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) to the other of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) and to an Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), said distributor (10) being connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) via conductor tracks (31) of the circuit board (30), said Ethernet contact interface (9) controlling said devices (14, 15, 16); Ta a distributor (10) having contacts (32) accessible by mechanical processing or soldering for in-device connection of a circuit board (30) and control electronics of said devices (14, 15, 16); A module with an Ethernet device connector (1, 1', 1"). [Aspect 2] The module (1, 1', 1") with an integrated Ethernet device connector according to aspect 1, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are designed to operate with PoE or PoDL technology. [Aspect 3] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are configured to operate in accordance with one of the IEEE standards 802.3. [Aspect 4] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol providing control of different types of the devices (14, 15, 16). [Aspect 5] The module (1, 1', 1") with an integrated Ethernet device connector according to aspect 4, wherein one of the different types is a first device type belonging to one of four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology, and another of the different types is a second device type belonging to a field different from the field of the first device type among the four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology. [Aspect 6] The Ethernet device connector integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B) each have an RJ45 or SPE plug socket. [Aspect 7] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein each of the outer slots (3A, 3B) is configured to precisely fit with a respective cable connector (17) that is adapted to the slot (3A, 3B) as a mating member and can be introduced into a receptacle (24) of a housing (23) of each slot (3A, 3B), wherein each of the slots (3A, 3B) has a plug socket (25) arranged in each housing (23), and a front part of the housing (23), i.e., a part facing a side from which the cable connector (17) can access each of the receptacles (24), surrounds at least a part of the plug socket (25) at a certain distance. [Aspect 8] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) has an RJ45 or SPE connector. [Aspect 9] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the circuit board (30) is configured to be plugged into a control unit of the device (14, 15, 16) and is connected to the outer slots (3A, 3B) via a cable, in particular an FCC or FPC cable. [Aspect 10] The Ethernet device connector integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, comprising a PCB plug module, which is connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) via a cable, in particular an FCC or FPC cable, and is designed to be plugged into a control unit of the device (14, 15, 16). [Aspect 11] The Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, further comprising a front surface (4) which is provided to form a part of the housing outer surface (5) of the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16) when the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") is incorporated in the device (14, 15, 16), and the front surface (4) is provided with one socket for each of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) for receiving a cable connector (17) which can be inserted into the respective outer slots (3A, 3B). [Aspect 12] The Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, comprising a common mounting plate and another housing portion adapted to be placed inside the device (14, 15, 16) with the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") built into the device (14, 15, 16), the common mounting plate being provided with the fixing means (8), particularly in the form of a hole, for receiving a fixing means for fixing the mounting plate to the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16). [Aspect 13] The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to aspect 12, wherein a common flange member of the dual device connector (2) is configured to provide a mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1"). [Aspect 14] A contact element of one of the two outer slots (3A) is connected to a signal input (11) of the distributor (10) within the module; a first signal output (12) of the distributor (10), different from the signal input (11), is connected to the contact element of the other of the two outer slots (3B) in the module; The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") described in any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein a second signal output (13) of the distributor (10) different from the signal input (11) and the first signal output (12) is connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) within the module. [Aspect 15] a power supply section (27) connected to the splitter (10) for receiving a power input signal and providing a power output signal for supplying power to the splitter (10); The Ethernet device connector-embedded module (1, 1', 1") further comprises a separate power connection interface (28) connected to the power supply unit (27) for connecting an external power source that provides the power input signal to the power supply unit (27); and / or A module (1, 1', 1") with an integrated Ethernet device connector according to aspect 14, wherein one slot (3A) of the two outer slots connected to the signal input (11) of the distributor (10) within the module is further connected to the power supply unit (27), and an input signal supplied via one slot (3A) of the two outer slots is split into a data signal component (29A) providing data transmission and a power signal component (29B) providing power supply to the power supply unit, the power signal component (29B) being supplied to the power supply unit (27), and the data signal component (29B) being supplied to the signal input (11) of the distributor (10).

Claims

1. A module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector for a controllable device (14, 15, 16) of lighting, sound, image or effects technology, configured for incorporation into the device (14, 15, 16) as an off-the-shelf physical component, comprising: a fastening mechanism (8) for enabling the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") to be mounted in the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16), in particular holes provided for receiving fastening means for fastening the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") to the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16); a module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector for integrating the device (14, 15, 16) into a chain of a plurality of the devices (14, 15, 16) each connected in series with an Ethernet connection, i.e. a dual device connector (2) having two external slots (3A, 3B) provided by a common flange member for inserting an Ethernet cable connector (17) while it is built into the device (14, 15, 16); a distributor (10) arranged on a circuit board (30) of the module with an Ethernet device connector (1, 1', 1"), configured to distribute a data supply signal, in particular a power supply signal, supplied via one of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) to the other of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) and to an Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), the distributor (10) being connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) via conductor tracks (31) of the circuit board (30), the Ethernet contact interface (9) having contacts (32) that can be contacted by mechanical processing or soldering for an in-apparatus connection between the circuit board (30) and control electronics of the devices (14, 15, 16) in order to control the devices (14, 15, 16); A module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector.

2. 2. The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") of claim 1, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are designed to operate with PoE or PoDL technology.

3. 2. The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") of claim 1, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are configured to operate in accordance with one of the IEEE standards 802.

3.

4. 2. The Ethernet device connector integrated module (1, 1', 1") of claim 1, wherein the outer slots (3A, 3B), the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30), and the distributor (10) are configured to operate according to an Ethernet protocol providing control of different types of the devices (14, 15, 16).

5. 5. The module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector as described in claim 4, wherein one of the different types is a first equipment type belonging to one of four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology, and another of the different types is a second equipment type belonging to a field different from the field of the first equipment type among the four fields of lighting, sound, image and effect technology.

6. 2. The Ethernet device connector module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, wherein said outer slots (3A, 3B) each have an RJ45 or SPE plug socket.

7. 2. The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, wherein each of the outer slots (3A, 3B) is configured to precisely fit with a mechanically lockable plug connection of a respective cable connector (17) adapted to the slot (3A, 3B) as a mating member and introduceable into a receptacle (24) of a housing (23) of each slot (3A, 3B), wherein each of the slots (3A, 3B) has a plug socket (25) arranged in each housing (23), and wherein a front part of the housing (23), i.e. a part facing a side from which the cable connector (17) can access the respective receptacle (24), surrounds at least a part of the plug socket (25) at a certain distance.

8. 2. The module (1, 1', 1") with an Ethernet device connector according to claim 1, wherein the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) comprises an RJ45 or SPE connector.

9. The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") of claim 1, wherein the circuit board (30) is configured to be plugged into a control unit of the device (14, 15, 16) and is connected to the outer slots (3A, 3B) via a cable, in particular an FCC or FPC cable.

10. 2. The Ethernet device connector integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, comprising a PCB plug module, which is connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) via a cable, in particular an FCC or FPC cable, and which is designed to be plugged into a control unit of the device (14, 15, 16).

11. 2. The Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, further comprising a front surface (4) adapted to form a part of an outer housing surface (5) of the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16) when the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") is incorporated in the device (14, 15, 16), and the front surface (4) is provided with one socket for each of the two outer slots (3A, 3B) for receiving a cable connector (17) that can be introduced into the respective outer slots (3A, 3B).

12. 2. The Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, comprising a common mounting plate and another housing part arranged to be placed inside the device (14, 15, 16) with the Ethernet device connector-equipped module (1, 1', 1") incorporated in the device (14, 15, 16), the common mounting plate being provided with the fixing means (8), particularly in the form of holes, for receiving fixing means for fixing the mounting plate to the housing (6) of the device (14, 15, 16).

13. The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to claim 12, wherein a common flange member of the dual device connector (2) is configured to provide a mounting plate for the Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1").

14. A contact element of one of the two outer slots (3A) is connected to a signal input (11) of the distributor (10) within the module; a first signal output (12) of the distributor (10), different from the signal input (11), is connected to the contact element of the other of the two outer slots (3B) in the module; The Ethernet device connector-integrated module (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a second signal output (13) of the distributor (10), which is different from the signal input (11) and the first signal output (12), is connected to the Ethernet contact interface (9) of the circuit board (30) within the module.

15. a power supply section (27) connected to the splitter (10) for receiving a power input signal and providing a power output signal for supplying power to the splitter (10); The Ethernet device connector-embedded module (1, 1', 1") further comprises a separate power connection interface (28) connected to the power supply unit (27) for connecting an external power source that supplies the power input signal to the power supply unit (27); and / or 15. The module (1, 1', 1") with an integrated Ethernet device connector as described in claim 14, wherein one of the two outer slots (3A), which is connected to the signal input (11) of the distributor (10) within the module, is further connected to the power supply unit (27), and an input signal supplied via one of the two outer slots (3A) is divided into a data signal component (29A) providing data transmission and a power signal component (29B) providing power supply to the power supply unit, the power signal component (29B) being supplied to the power supply unit (27), and the data signal component (29B) being supplied to the signal input (11) of the distributor (10).

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