EP1008971B1 - Monitoring system with hanging device for electrically conductive objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The theft prevention hanging device has an elongate fixing (1016) attached to a room wall and provided with at least 2 current paths (1018,1020), cooperating with at least one contact element (1024) of a hanging hook (1022A) for each hanging object, which can slide along the elongate fixing, for providing a closed monitoring circuit. Also included are Independent claims for the following: (a) a monitoring device for a hanging object; (b) a monitoring system for a hanging object

Description

The present invention relates to a monitoring system with an associated hanging device for Suspension of objects to be electrically contacted, in particular works of art, which provided with electrical safety and / or lighting devices. The invention relates Furthermore, a monitoring unit for objects of the type mentioned.

A monitoring system of the generic type is from the article "Protecting Paintings from Theft "by J. R. Knisley, Electrical Construction and Maintenance 76 (2/1977), page 62 it is a theft protection device for exhibited paintings, with the wall behind the suspended paintings metal rails are attached, which have three-core cable with corresponding plugs are electrically connected to each other, each rail for each image one Socket has, in which a three-pin plug can be inserted to by means of a three-wire Cable to connect a miniature switch with the three-wire system of the rails. Every mini-switch is attached by means of a wood screw and an adhesive surface on the back of the painting frame. In In this position, the circuit is closed by the switch. Every movement on the Painting frame breaks the switch away from the painting frame, causing the switch by means of a Biasing spring comes into a position in which the circuit is interrupted by the switch. The three-wire system of the rails is connected to an alarm unit. Once the alarm unit a Detects break in the circuit, it triggers a corresponding theft alarm. It will not mentioned in more detail how the paintings are hung up.

Furthermore, the person skilled in the art from US 3,760,402 (Magerle et al.) Is an electrical device for Protection of moving objects known. This device should be in the suspension or installation an object to be protected sensors have, which with associated matching amplifiers connected, which convert the signals of the sensors. At the exit of such Adjustment amplifier is connected to an alarm device. In particular, the feelers should Force transducer, which are mounted so that they are at rest by the weight of the protective object are charged. For this protection apparatus are thus special electronic Amplifier provided.

From US 5,258,743 (Nelson et al.) A motion detector for a security system is known. This detector provides a movable piezoelectric arm or lever which is in contact with a to be protected, e.g. Art object can be brought. If the object is moved, is over a associated special electronic circuit generates an output signal or an alarm. - Next For amplifying electronic elements, the circuit also provides a number of oscillators.

In WO 98/56182 (Erf. Wegmann) a method for monitoring a predetermined Monitored area specified. The method uses a detection device which is at least to have a video camera and / or a microphone. Their signals become automatic Signal analysis supplied. The procedure requires on the one hand a powerful computer hard and Software and, on the other hand, is more likely to be used in static situations, i. in the absence of Persons or moving objects within the surveillance area.

In the Offenlegungssehrift DE 198 24 587 (inventor Huber) is a versatile usable communicating navigation system, with various embodiments (channels) for the transmission presented by information.

It is an object of the present invention, a monitoring system and an associated Hanging device for hanging objects to be electrically contacted to create, which is characterized by particularly simple handling and application and the most convenient Hanging the items allowed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the associated hanging device for Suspension of objects to be electrically contacted so that they are cost-effective, visually appealing and easy to use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a monitoring unit for attachment to To provide monitoring objects, which is simple and appropriate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the article surveillance system make it reliable, easy to use and have a high safety standard guaranteed.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by a monitoring system according to claim 4 and associated subclaims, further by a hanger according to claims 1 and 2 and associated subclaims, and further by a monitoring unit according to Claim 3.

The hanging device according to the invention is very inexpensive, visually appealing and user-friendly. The monitoring unit according to the invention can be inexpensive be produced and is still reliable. The monitoring system according to the invention offers a high safety standard with convenient operation, and provides a simple way for a good sensitivity.

Preferred embodiments of the hanger according to the invention, the inventive Monitoring unit and the monitoring system according to the invention will be apparent from the Dependent claims.

In the following, initially provided in the inventive monitoring system Hanging device presented. In the solution defined according to claim 1, it is advantageous that only a single attachment unit is required to hang the items as they are already has at least two current paths and thus for a complete, d. H. two-pole, contacting suitable is. Furthermore, it is advantageous that by the displaceability of the hinged Fasteners the final suspension location for a particular object at fixed installed mounting unit can be flexibly selected.

The fasteners may be formed so as to ensure eligibility to which the current paths or each contact element produces an electrical contact. This allows one uniform formation of each fastener, so that only uniform basic type of Fasteners is required.

According to an alternative embodiment of the hanger, at least two types of Be provided fastening elements, which are characterized by the arrangement of their contact elements distinguish that in the suspended state at each fastener type, the at least one Contact element contacted another current path.

In a first embodiment of the inventive fasteners is the selectability thereby ensuring that the contacting depends on the orientation in which the or each Fastener is mounted in the mounting unit. This eliminates any need adjust the fastener to the desired Kontaktierungsart, but it has only the Orientation when hanging be selected accordingly. In this embodiment, the Contact elements expediently firmly attached to the fasteners. At a preferred embodiment, each fastener is substantially mirror-symmetric with respect formed its center plane, wherein two contact configurations are provided, between which can be selected by rotation of the orientation of the fastener by 180 °.

In a second embodiment of the inventive fasteners is the Ensuring eligibility achieved in that only one type of contact elements is provided and each contact element before hanging the fastener at different locations of the Fastening element can be used to determine the current path to be contacted. In In this case, the basic type of fasteners before insertion on the desired Contact configuration set.

Alternatively, according to a third embodiment, the selectability can also be achieved by: at least two types of contact elements are provided and the contact elements before hanging the fastener to be used at a certain point of the fastener, wherein the choice of the contact element type determines the current path to be contacted.

Alternatively, according to a fourth embodiment, selectivity can also be achieved by that only one type of attachment unit, a single type of contact element and only a single one Variety of fasteners is provided, which by targeted localization of contact and Attachment made on or on the mounting unit a desired contact can be.

The attachment unit is preferably formed like a rail, wherein it is an interior partially may include enclosing profile part and each flow path as in the interior space on the profile part applied busbar is formed, wherein the profile part is preferably electrically insulating is trained. The contact elements are preferably designed as a sliding springs.

The profile part is in a first embodiment, preferably channel-shaped with three substantially closed sides and one provided with a continuous elongated opening side formed, wherein the fastening elements can be suspended by means of the opening in the profile part.

Alternatively, the profile part can be channel-shaped with three sides, with its rear side is attachable to a wall, the front is substantially open and the top with a first slot is provided and the bottom is provided with a second slot, wherein the Fastening elements are hooked with its upper end in the first slot and with its lower End in the second slot can be latched.

Preferably, panel parts are provided in the opening or the open side of the profile part can be used and preferably with contact elements for contacting the current paths and with are conductively provided with these contact elements connected electronic devices.

As an alternative to the rail-like design of the fastening unit, the contact elements can be so be formed so that they serve to hook the fasteners in the mounting unit. In this case, the fastening unit preferably comprises a plurality of space-fixed to be mounted in a row Holding elements and at least two parallel pipe or rod-shaped current guides, wherein the Power guides are held by the holding elements. The contact elements are designed so that they can each be suspended in one of the current guides. Preferably, there is one to each contact element arranged corresponding trained isolated auxiliary element, which in one of the current guides can be hung. In this embodiment, the selectability of the contact configuration thereby becomes achieved that the contact configuration of the orientation of the fastener when hanging depends.

Preferably, each fastener has an eyelet for hanging a to be hung with the Subject-related hanging element, which is conductively connected to the or each contact element is. The hanging elements are preferably designed as electrically conductive ropes or chains. at the objects to be hung are preferably works of art which are associated with electrical safety and / or lighting facilities are provided. The current paths are with a power source and / or a control unit connected to an electrical contact between the Power source and / or the control unit and the corresponding safety and / or Make lighting devices on the art objects on the hanger.

Fig. 1 bis 5 schematisch verschiedene Sicherheits- bzw. Beleuchtungssysteme für aufgehängte Kunstgegenstände;

Fig. 6 eine Schnittansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Hängevorrichtung;

Fig. 7 eine Ansicht ähnlich zu Fig. 6, wobei jedoch eine Abwandlung der ersten Ausführungsform mit arretiertem Befestigungselement gezeigt ist;

Fig. 8 eine Ansicht wie Fig. 7, wobei jedoch das Befestigungselement beim Einhängen bzw. Aushängen dargestellt ist;

Fig. 9 eine Ansicht wie Fig. 6 bis 8, wobei jedoch eine zweite Ausführungsform der Hängevorrichtung dargestellt ist;

Fig. 10 eine Ansicht der Kontaktfeder aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 eine Vorderansicht der Befestigungseinrichtung von Fig. 9 mit aufgesetzter Blende;

Fig. 12 eine Ansicht ähnlich zu Fig. 6 bis 9, wobei jedoch eine dritte Ausführungsform der Hängevorrichtung dargestellt ist;

Fig. 13 eine Schnittansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer Hängevorrichtung;

Fig. 14 eine Aufsicht auf ein Befestigungselement zur Verwendung mit der in Fig. 13 gezeigten Befestigungseinrichtung;

Fig. 15 und 16 eine Schnittansicht an unterschiedlichen Stellen der Hängevorrichtung von Fig. 19;

Fig. 17 eine Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Überwachungseinheit in einer ersten Ausführungsform, die an einem zu überwachenden Gegenstand befestigt ist;

Fig. 18 eine Rückansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungseinheit;

Fig. 19 eine schematische Gesamt-Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Hängevorrichtung, im Zusammenspiel mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystem.

In the following, several embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 to 5 schematically different security or lighting systems for suspended works of art;

6 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a hanging device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but showing a modification of the first embodiment with the fastener locked;

Fig. 8 is a view like Figure 7, but with the fastener shown when hanging or unhooking.

Fig. 9 is a view like Fig. 6 to 8, but showing a second embodiment of the hanger;

FIG. 10 is a view of the contact spring of FIG. 9; FIG.

11 is a front view of the fastening device of Figure 9 with attached aperture.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Figs. 6 to 9, but showing a third embodiment of the hanger;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a hanger;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a fastener for use with the fastener shown in Fig. 13;

Figs. 15 and 16 are sectional views at different locations of the hanger of Fig. 19;

17 shows a plan view of a monitoring unit according to the invention in a first embodiment, which is fastened to an object to be monitored;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a monitoring unit according to the invention; FIG.

19 shows a schematic overall view of another hanging device according to the invention, in conjunction with a monitoring system according to the invention.

The monitoring device shown in Fig. 1 is used to monitor on ropes 12A, 12B in an exhibition space suspended pictures 10A, 10B. Each picture 10A, 10B is on its back with a resistor RA and RB, respectively, which conductively connected to the cables 12A and 12B, respectively is. Each image 10A, 10B has associated therewith an individual resistance value to store the images for To make monitoring device distinguishable. On the wall or on the ceiling of the Showroom is a rail 14 attached, which with two continuous current paths 16 and 18 is provided, which are each connected to a control unit 20, which from a power source 22 with Power is supplied. The ropes 12A, 12B are formed as electrical conductors, preferably as Metal cables, and are connected at one end in each case with one of the current paths 16 and 18, respectively for an electrical connection between the control unit 20 and the respective resistor RA or RB worry. The resistors RA and RB are thus in an electrical parallel connection arranged, wherein the control unit 20, the current through the formed by the parallel circuit Total loop detected and in case of deviations from a predetermined setpoint an alarm signal to a Alarm device 24 sends, which then generates an audible or visual warning signal. each Removing an image 10A, 10B by unhooking at least one of the ropes 12A, 12B increases that Resistor in the overall loop and can thus be detected by the control unit 20. As a result of that each resistance value is given only once, the control unit 20 can from the detected Resistance change determine which of the images is being manipulated.

In Fig. 2, a digital form of a monitoring device is shown, wherein the identification of each image 10A, 10B via a logic unit mounted on the back of the picture frame 150a, 150b takes place, which in each case comprises a microprocessor as an essential component. It will each image 10A, 10B by a digital code value assigned only once, which is transmitted digitally Memory, dip switches, wire bridges and the like is fixed to the logic unit 150a, 150b, identified. The communication between the control unit 120 and the logic units 150a, 150b is via a 3-wire serial bus system (e.g., 12C bus). The mounting rail 114 includes to For this purpose, three parallel current paths 116, 117, 118, wherein the current path 116 as a ground terminal serves and the current paths 117 and 118 serve as receiving or transmission line. To see the pictures 10A, 10B to hang on the mounting rail 114 and about each logic unit 150a, 150b with the bus system to connect, three electrically conductive cables 12A, 12B are provided per image. The current paths 116, 117 and 118 may also serve as power to or for the logic unit 50a, 50b will be one or two additional power lines and corresponding additional ropes for the Power supply of the logic unit provided. The monitoring function is realized so that the Control unit 120 via the bus system, d. H. the current paths 116, 117, 118 and the cables 12A, 12B, Sends signals to the logic units 150a, 150b, which receive them and in response to the the code unit assigned to the special logic unit 150a or 150b. In the absence of a Acknowledgment signal triggers the control unit 120 by a corresponding alarm signal to the alarm unit 24th an alarm. Since the acknowledgment function is different for each image, the control unit can 120 recognize which image is a manipulation.

In Fig. 3, another digital form of the monitoring device is shown, wherein instead of a Three-wire bus system is a simpler bidirectional two-wire bus system is used, which at the same time can take over the power supply of the logic unit 250A, 250B. The Mounting rail 214 has two current paths 216, 218, with which the electrically conductive cables 12A 12B are connected to form the two-wire bus system, this bus system both the Data exchange between the logic units 250A, 250B and the control unit 220 as well as the Power supply of the logic units 250A, 250B takes over. In addition, the mounting rail has 214 two current paths 226, 228, which as a power supply for lighting elements 252A, 252B serve, which are each attached to the mounting rail 214 above each image 10A, 10B.

The lighting elements 252A, 252B may be, for example, ceiling lamps or a Light emitting diode arrangement to protect the color pigments of the painting act. The attachment and Contacting of the lighting elements 252A, 252B can, for example, also via electrical conductive ropes or cables 254A, 254B, which are connected to the current paths 226, 228. ever Depending on the type of lighting elements used, it is also conceivable that the power supply of Lighting elements also via the provided for the bus system current paths 216, 218 takes place, so that in this case the additional power supply tracks 226, 228 can be omitted. The Lighting elements 252A, 252B may further be provided with a motion detector 256A, 256B, its power also via the contact strips 226, 228 takes place and the over the current paths 216, 218 is connected to the control unit 220 in order to detect conspicuous movements in the area of the images 10A, 10B to the control unit 220, which then optionally an alarm signal to the alarm unit 24 sends. The motion detector 256A, 256B may operate optically or capacitively. By means of the Motion detectors 256A, 256B, a pre-warning function may also be implemented to indicate when a person or object comes too close to the images 10A, 10B. The motion detector 256A, 256B may also serve to only illuminate the lighting elements 252A, 252B when a person is near the corresponding image 10A, 10B On the one hand to save energy and on the other hand, the color pigments of the images 10A, 10B as possible to burden little light.

It is also conceivable that the lighting elements 252A, 252B directly with the ropes 12A, 12B in order Attachment and power supply, so that the lighting elements 252A, 252B not with the mounting rail 214 are connected.

The logic units 250A, 250B may be further configured to communicate with the Control unit 220 in addition to or alternatively to the use of the bus system by wireless means accomplish, wherein the logic units 250A, 250B are then designed as a transmitter / receiver and the control unit 220 is equipped with an additional transceiver unit 258 (in FIG. 3) shown in dashed lines).

According to Fig. 4, if only one lighting, but no monitoring of the objects required is to be waived on a control unit and the corresponding monitoring elements. In this In this case, the lighting elements 252A, 252B may be attached to the images 10A, 10B and be via the electrically conductive suspension cables 12A, 12B of the images 10A, 10B, which are connected to the current paths 16, 18 the mounting rail 14 are connected, which in turn are connected to the power source 22, with Power supplied. The lighting elements 252A, 252B may also be "intelligent", i. H. with power switch and decode logic, so that a centrally controlled selective on / off individual or all lighting elements is possible. This control function can be over the Power supply lines or can be realized by additional control lines.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the lighting elements 252A, 252B are not on the images 10A, 10B are attached, but are directly clamped to the suspension ropes 12A, 12B. Out For safety reasons, the power cables 12A, 12B should be insulated accordingly.

In general, the electrically conductive suspension cables can be used for safety reasons or in the interests of a be provided as possible interference-free operation with an external insulation. If necessary, a Suspension rope also provide for two electrical connection lines, e.g. in the form of a coaxial or Twisted pair arrangement.

In the described security / lighting systems is advantageous that a simple way Suspension system is realized, which is a very simple and flexible suspension, monitoring and / or Illumination of images allowed. These systems are not just for exhibited art objects but can be used for any, to be exhibited, and to be monitored illuminating objects are used.

The following description deals with the design of the mounting rails and thus, in what way the suspension ropes or elements can be hung in the mounting rails.

Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a mounting rail with two current paths, as they Rail 14 in the monitoring or lighting systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 as a rail 14th can be used. The overall designated by the reference numeral 300 in FIG Mounting rail comprises a channel-shaped profile part 302, which is made of metal, for example and is secured with its back 304 to a wall 306. The front side 308 of the profile 302 is with an elongated through-opening 310, through which or in which a Fastener 312 is mounted in the profile 302, which has a body 314 by means of a Pressure spring 316 is pressed in the space 302 bounded by the interior 318 down, and a screwed into the body 314 screw eyelet 320 comprises. The interior 318 and the Opening 310 are lined with an insulation 322. On the inside of the front 308 are two parallel spaced busbars 324 and 326 are provided, which by means of an insulation 328 against the profile 302 are isolated.

On the body 314 of the fastener 312 is a self-contained contact spring 330th provided in the configuration shown in Fig. 6 as sliding contact with the upper Busbar 324 is in electrical contact. The body 314 and the eyelet 320 are conductive formed so that the sliding contact 330 makes electrical contact between the upper busbar 324 and the screw eyelet 320 manufactures. In the Schrauböse one of the electrically conductive Hang elements 12A, 12B are hung to one pole of an electronic monitoring element on an object 10A or 10B to be monitored with the busbar 324 to connect. Instead of the Screw lug 320 may also use another suitable element, such as a hook become. The fastening element 312 is basically displaceable along the profile 302, wherein the Contact spring 330 regardless of the displacement position of the fastener 312 for a makes electrical contact with the busbar 324. However, the pressure spring 316 provides for a certain Locking the fastener 312 in the respective position, so that for a displacement of the Fastener 312 a certain threshold strength must be overcome.

According to a first option, the contact spring 330 may be fixed to the body 314 so as to project hanging the fastener 312 into the profile 302 in position on the body 314 of FIG Hand is adjustable to selectively after attaching the fastener 314, the upper Contact busbar 324 or the lower busbar 326.

For this purpose, the contact spring, for example, between two corresponding positions in which they lockable, be slidable on the body 314. When suspending a monitor Item 10A or 10B is one of the necessary fasteners 312 on the in Fig. 6 shown configuration for the contact with the upper busbar 324, while the other Fastener 312 by corresponding displacement of the contact spring 330 for contact with the lower busbar 326 is adjusted. In this solution is advantageous that only a single "Basic type" of fasteners 312 is required, which is to the particular desired Contact configuration can be set before hanging.

The setting of the fasteners 312 before hanging can be omitted if two different varieties of fasteners 312 are provided, which are determined by the position of the attached contact spring 330 differ, so that by selecting the variety of Fastener 312 the respective contact configuration is determined.

Fig. 7 shows a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 6, wherein the fastener in hinged state is shown. Fig. 8 shows the fastener of Fig. 7 when hanging or hanging in or out of the profile part. The profile part 402 according to FIGS. 7 and 8 is non-conductive, e.g. made of plastic, which provides no additional insulation against the fastener is required. The fastener is formed in cross-section approximately L-shaped, which is the Hanging or unhooking through the opening 310 facilitates. In the one shown in Figs. 7 and 8 Fastening element is the contact spring in contrast to FIG. 6 formed like a flag and contacted the lower busbar.

9 shows a second embodiment of a hanging device according to the invention. The profile part 500 the fastening unit is similar to that shown in Figs. 6 to 8, d. H. it is with his back secured by a screw 504 to a wall 306 and has at its front a Through opening 510, which also serves to attach the screw 504. The profile 500 can be made of metal or plastic and is substantially symmetrical with respect to a the screw 504 extending median plane. On the inside of the back wall of the profile 500 are a upper bus bar 501 and a lower bus bar 511 provided by means of insulation 502 and 512 are insulated from the profile part 500 and which are also symmetrical with respect to the median plane are arranged. The back wall 503 of the profile 500 is at regular intervals with holes for the Provided screws 504. The boundary edges of the opening 510 are each with a in the Longitudinal section of the profile 500 extending slot 513 and 514 provided. The fastener 528 comprises a preferably electrically insulating body 530 having two protrusions 527 and 526, respectively in the hinged state of the fastener 528 in the slots 513 and 514 engage and thereby guide the suspended fastener 528 in Provide profile longitudinal direction. To lock the fastener 528 is a safety lock or a locking screw 524 is provided.

The insertion of the fastener 528 in the slot is done by first the Locking screw 524 is released upward. The slots 513 and 514 are dimensioned so that the Fastener 528 can be inserted from bottom to top in the slot 513 and then can be easily pivoted backwards so that it can be inserted down into the slot 514 can. Thereafter, the locking screw 524 can be screwed in again, so that the Fastener 528 is secured.

The slots 513 and 514 have different depths to allow the fastener 528 to be symmetrical can be designed, which ensures good aesthetics and easier handling. A senior Screw lug 522 is passed through the body 530 and secured to the body by a nut 523 530 attached. The nut 523 further holds a contact spring 520, which in the position shown in Fig. 9 is in electrical contact with the upper bus bar 501 and the screw lug 522. According to FIG. 10 the contact spring 520 is provided with contact spring slots 531 to allow for good contact with the Busbar 501 to provide. Preferably, the bus bars 501, 511 and the contact spring 520 gilded. The fastener 528 is, apart from the contact spring 520, mirror-symmetrical formed with respect to an axis passing through the eyelet 522. The contact spring 520 is fixed connected to the body 530. Due to the symmetrical design of the profile 500, the Busbars 501, 511 and the fastener 528 may instead of the upper busbar 501 on a simple way the lower bus bar 511 be contacted with the contact spring 520 by the Whole fastener 528 rotated by 180 ° in the profile 500 and the slots 513, 514 used becomes. This embodiment has the advantage that only a single basic type of fasteners must be provided and the user before mounting anyway no adjustment operations must make the contact elements, but he can easily by the choice of Orientation of the fastener when hanging determine the contact configuration.

The body 530 of the fastener 528 is preferably made of insulating material so that if necessary signals can be sent from the interior of the profile 500. The Fastener 528 may optionally also with an electronics and / or a battery, a Be equipped accumulator or emergency power supply.

In Fig. 11, a bezel or bezel 529 is shown, in the slots 513, 514 of the front of the Profile 500 is used to cover the opening 510. The aperture 529 is preferably made made of insulating material, and may optionally with (not shown) contact springs be provided to contact the bus bars 501 and 511 and with on the aperture 529th provided (not shown) electronic devices or a battery holder to contact. The aperture 529 serves primarily to cover those parts of the opening 510, the not covered with a fastener 528. If the bezel with a battery holder is equipped, the battery used for an emergency power supply of the monitoring device serve in the event of failure of the regular power supply of the bus bars 501, 511.

Fig. 12 shows a third embodiment of a hanging device according to the invention, in which the Profile 600 is preferably made of plastic and secured with its back 602 to the wall 306 is. The top 604 of the profile 600 is provided with a slot 606, while the bottom 608 with a slot 610 is provided. The fastener 628 includes a body 632 and a hook 622 which has been passed through the body 632 has a thread 621 on which a nut 623 is screwed to attach the hook to the body 632. Further, the nut 623 holds one Spring 620, which contacts a bus bar 634 provided on the inside of the upper side 604. The body 632 is formed so that it can be suspended with its upper end in the slot 606 and with its lower end in the slot 610 can be latched. On the inside of the back 602 is a second busbar 636 is provided. To the fastener 622 before hanging in the profile 600 to prepare for contacting the second busbar 636; can the spring 620 against a differently shaped spring 630 are replaced, which is shown in phantom in Fig. 12. Instead of the Fasteners 628 can also be provided with an exchange function Varieties of fasteners 632 are provided, each with a spring 620 or a Spring 630 are firmly connected, the determination of the contact then on the selection of the variety the fastening element 628 takes place.

Finally, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention Hanging device that differs from the previously described embodiments in that that no rail or profile-shaped fastening unit is provided, but that the Fastening unit of a plurality of in a row on a wall 303 mounted holding elements 710 and two parallel pipe-shaped current guides 713 and 714 is formed, which are of the Retaining elements 710 are held by means of respective receivers 711 and 712. To avoid risk of short circuit, the current guides can be partially provided with an insulating layer. The pickups 711, 712 are formed so that the current guides 713, 714 are clipped can.

FIG. 14 shows a fastening element 728 for the fastening unit illustrated in FIG. 13, which comprises a body 730 with a contact element designed as a conductive clip or hook 721 and a correspondingly symmetrical and arranged non-conductive clip or hook 720 includes as an auxiliary element. The contact element 721 is connected by means of a connecting conductor 722 with a Contact 723, which is passed through the body 730 and for connection to a conductive Suspension element 12A, 12A serves, is connected. The body 730 with the contact element 721 and the Auxiliary member 720 is formed so that the contact element 721, for example, in the lower Power guide 714 and the auxiliary member 720 can be hung in the upper power guide 713, wherein the contact element 721 then for electrical contact with the lower current guide 714 provides. By rotation of the fastener 728 by 180 °, the contact configuration can be reversed be, d. H. the contact element 721 then makes electrical contact with the upper Power guide 713. It is understood that in Fig. 14, only one half of the fastener 728th is shown, wherein the half, not shown, is constructed symmetrically to the half shown.

So far, only fasteners for mounting units with two current paths have been described. However, it goes without saying that the principles described also apply to fastening units with more than two Current paths are applicable, such as e.g. in the monitoring systems according to FIGS. 2 and 3. In this Case, the fasteners may be configured to selectively one of three or four Can contact current paths (a single basic type) or it can correspond to three or four various types of fasteners may be provided. Furthermore, it is also possible that a Fastener simultaneously contacted two current paths and ensprechend two connection poles having.

In a modification of the monitoring devices described in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 or in addition thereto a theft protection for suspended items to be monitored can also take place in that in at least one hanging element of a suspended object, a force sensor for detecting the Suspension force is integrated. Alternatively, the force sensor could also be integrated into the fastening element be, which connects the hanging element with the mounting unit. The sensor can be measuring signal send to the alarm unit, which then determines that an alarm case exists when a predetermined Force is exceeded, and in corresponding signal there. The force sensor acts as a force meter and as a transponder and is preferably on the hanging element or the hanging elements with the corresponding current paths of the mounting rail or unit for power supply from the Power source or for communication with the alarm device connected. Basically, the Sensor but also give an alarm signal itself.

Alternatively, or in addition to the monitoring devices described above, a sensor can be provided to be monitored object, the distance of the suspended object of detects the wall and provides a signal when the distance of the suspended object from the wall leaves a predetermined tolerance range.

Alternatively, the sensor may send its distance measurement signal to the alarm unit, which then determines if there is an alarm case. The power supply of the sensor and, if necessary, its communication takes place preferably in the manner described above, d. H. via conductive hanging elements. The sensor is as capacitive sensor or formed as an optical sensor, wherein in the latter case, preferably a Send light beam to the wall and detects the reflected light.

From the further embodiments of hanger devices or monitoring devices shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the following can be seen:
The cable 1014A or 1014B is connected at its upper end to a fastening element 1022A or 1022B, which is suspended in the fastening unit 1016 and has a contact element 1024, which is in electrical contact with one of the current paths 1018 and 1020, respectively. The cables 1014A and 1014B and the fasteners 1022A and 1022B are electrically conductive so that the cable 1014A is in electrical communication with the flow path 1020 while the cable 1014B is in electrical communication with the flow path 1018. The attachment unit 1016 includes a first trough-shaped portion 1026 that is open-topped and includes a base 1028 and two side walls 1030 and 1032. The side wall 1032 of the trough-shaped first part 1026 farther from the building wall 1034 transitions upwards into a side wall 1036 of a second trough-shaped part 1038, which is open at the bottom and beside the side wall 1036 comprises a base 1040 and a second side wall 1042 is used to attach the fastening unit 1016 to the building wall 1034 and thereby rests substantially on the building wall 1036. The current paths 1018 and 1020 are attached to the inside of the side walls 1036 and 1032, respectively. The second part 1038 essentially forms an upwardly closed U-shape, while the first trough-shaped part 1026 forms a substantially upwardly open U-shape.

The fastener 1022A or 1022B is essentially a downwardly open U-shaped member formed with a base 1044 and two legs 1046 and 1048, wherein the free end of the leg 1046 is connected to the cable 1014A and 1014B and the free end of the leg 1048 in the first trough-shaped part 1026 of the fastening unit 1016 is mounted and thereby substantially from the Base 1028 is supported. The leg 1048 carries on its outer side and the contact element 1024th

The fastener 1022A or 1022B is suspended in the mounting unit 1016 by from below through the gap between the side wall 1042 of the second trough-shaped part 1038 and the side wall 1030 of the trough-shaped first part 1026 is inserted until the leg 1048 can be lifted over the upper end of the side wall 1030, whereby the fastener 1022A and 1022B can be hung in the first trough-shaped part 1026.

The hanger of FIGS. 15 and 16 is very inexpensive to manufacture, visually appealing and easy to use. The fasteners 1022A and 1022B may be in the first trough-shaped Part 1026 along the attachment unit 1016 are moved freely, without the electrical Contact to the current paths 1018 or 1020 is interrupted. This allows a flexible setting the suspension point of the corresponding image 1010.

As mentioned earlier, each picture is 1010 on its back with an electronic Monitoring unit 1012 provided. The monitoring unit 1012 comprises a monitoring element 1050, which is designed as a transponder, and by means of connecting lines 1052 with two terminals 1054, which in turn are in electrical contact with the cable 1014A and 1014B, respectively. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 1012 comprises an elastic film 1056, with which the transponder 1050 and the connecting lines 1052 are firmly and permanently connected and which on their Rear side of an adhesive layer for adhering the monitoring unit 1012 on the back of the image 10 includes. The film 1056 is designed in terms of its material, its thickness and its elasticity, that it tears from the image 1010 in the attempted mechanical detachment in glued state. to To reinforce this effect, the film 1056 is provided with perforations 1058.

Transponder 1050 and interconnect lines 1052 are preferably on foil 1056 laminated or printed or welded into the film 1056.

The monitoring system is designed so that the control unit via the current paths 1018 and 1020 the attachment unit 1016 and the suspension cables 1014A and 1014B, respectively, with each one Transponder 1050 is in electrical connection. In the simplest case, it is the Transponder 1050 by a resistor, each image 1010 an individual resistance value is assigned and all resistors are arranged in parallel.

The control unit 1220 (or 20, 120) then detects the current through the through the parallel circuit formed total loop and generated in case of deviations from a predetermined setpoint Alarm signal. However, the transponder 1050 may also be designed as a digital logic unit that the corresponding image 1010 by means of a respectively assigned only once digital code value, the per digital memory, dip switches, jumpers or the like is fixed to the logic unit, identified. In this case, the monitoring is performed so that the control unit via the current paths 1018 and 1020, and the suspension cables 1014A and 1014B, respectively, send signals to the transponder 1050 that are sent from the be acknowledged with the specially assigned code value. The absence of a Acknowledgment signal leads to the control unit to generate a corresponding alarm signal. there the specially affected image can be identified.

The alarm signal is thus triggered as soon as the electrical connection between the control unit and the transponder 1050 is interrupted in any way. This can e.g. be done by a Rope 1014A and 1014B, respectively. the corresponding fastener 1022A or 1022B, from the Fastening unit 1016 is posted or attempted, the monitoring unit 1012 as a whole from the image 1010. When trying to glue the glued foil 1056 from the back of the image 1010 the film breaks 1056, e.g. along the perforations 1058, whereby at least one of Connection lines 1052 is interrupted or the transponder 1050 itself is damaged. By the resulting interruption of the electrical connection between the control unit and the Transponder 1050 generates a corresponding alarm signal at the control unit.

In addition or as an alternative to the monitoring unit 1012 on the rear side of the images 1010, for Each image a motion detector to be provided, the on suspicious movements occur sends the appropriate signal to the control unit. A comparable motion detector 1214 can with Advantage can also be integrated into a lighting unit 1210, as shown in FIG. 19.

The control unit is designed so that it is in the absence of a specific signal from one of Transponder 1050 and / or when detecting an alarm signal from one of the motion detectors corresponding image identified. The control unit forms part of a monitoring system which further comprising a display device and a memory in which graphical representations of the individual images 1010 are stored. The control unit is designed to operate after detection of the image 1010 affected by the alarm situation, the graphic representation of the corresponding image 1010 from the memory (1224, Fig. 19) causes on the display device, so that a Supervisor can immediately recognize which image is affected. In addition to the graphic Representation of the affected image may display additional information, such as the Room number and an identification number assigned to the picture. In addition, a can general alarm by means of signal generator 1222 (FIG. 19) locally or at different locations simultaneously are given.

Further, surveillance cameras (e.g., camera 1212 integrated into a lighting unit 1210) may be used. be provided for the images, wherein a surveillance camera each one or more images can be assigned. The monitoring system can then be designed so that in the absence of a specific signal from the transponders 1050 and / or upon detection of an alarm signal from one of the Motion detector additionally image signals of the associated image associated with the surveillance camera be displayed on the display device. Furthermore, image signals of the affected Security camera for a certain period of time, the e.g. multiple days can amount. The saving can proceed in such a way that image signals for each one frame of the Security camera stored at predetermined intervals, e.g. at a distance of one Second. For example, the saved images may be overwritten after about 10 days become. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the surveillance cameras in the Lighting elements integrated and can cover the entire area from one to be monitored Capture object. For data transmission, a serial data transmission format similar to the so-called USB standard are used, so that also several cameras on the available Power or signal conductors can be operated.

Furthermore, acoustic sensors 1214 may be provided in the vicinity of the images, and when absent a specific signal from one of the transponders 1050 and / or upon detection of an alarm signal from one of the motion detector signals of the image associated with the acoustic sensor in similar to the signals of the surveillance camera recorded and temporarily be stored.

A plurality of control units 1220 may be provided, which are connected so that they individually or in be used simultaneously, the control units e.g. via modems 1226 and associated Network connections 1228, 1230 can be interconnected to a computer network. To this In this way, several monitoring workstations are formed, which communicate with each other. The For example, a computer network can be designed as an intranet or it can have internet connections be formed. Preferably, the monitoring system is remotely controllable, wherein the Remote control, for example by means of modem 1226 and telephone system or by means of a direct digital Network connection can be made.

Furthermore, a control unit can also form several connected workstations by several Display devices, e.g. in the form of so-called terminals.

In Fig. 18, which shows the rear view of an image to be suspended and monitored 1110, is a further embodiment of an electronic monitoring unit 1112 shown on the Rear of the image 1110 is attached. The image 1110 is hung with two ropes 1114 and 1116, respectively also as an electrical communication link between the monitoring unit 1112 and a Serving (not shown) central control unit, for example, by being electrically conductive are. In the cable 116, a strain gauge 1120 is integrated, which replaces a cable section and the Load of the cable 1116 detected by the image 110. The monitoring unit 1112 is over terminals 1122, 1124 electrically connected to the strain gauge 1120 to a current load of the Rope 116 corresponding electrical signal to detect. Once this load signal a leaves the predetermined fluctuation range, the monitoring unit 1112 gives an alarm signal to the Control unit off, since then a theft case or the like is to be expected.

In a further embodiment of the invention are multiple and independently functioning monitoring units provided. Accordingly, a monitoring unit on the one hand be wired into a surveillance system, or via wireless Connection. But it can also be ensured that in addition to a first monitoring system second is provided for individual or all monitoring units, which is independent of the first works. For this purpose, it is proposed to expand the monitoring units so that they For example, inductively operating second transponder, which by an independent and mobile controlling authority in occasional and essentially incognito Control gears can be queried so that the existence and functionality of the intended Monitoring units can be verified.

Claims (25)

1. Hanging device for the purpose of hanging articles (10A, 10B) with which electrical contact is to be made, having an elongate fixing unit (300) which can be attached such that it is fixed in position and which has at least two current paths (324, 326, 501, 511, 634, 636, 713, 714), characterized by at least one fixing element (312, 528, 628, 728) which can be suspended in the fixing unit for each article which is to be hung, it being possible for the or each fixing element to be displaced along the fixing unit in the suspended state, and the or each fixing element being provided with at least one contact element (330, 520, 620, 630, 721) which produces, independently of the displacement of the suspended fixing element, an electrical contact with one of the current paths, or the or each fixing element being provided with at least one contact element (330, 520, 620, 630, 721) which produces an electrical contact with one of the current paths, the or each fixing element being designed such that it makes it possible to select with which of the current paths the at least one contact element produces an electrical contact.
2. Hanging device for at least one article which is hung in each case on at least two hanging elements, having at least two fixing units which are attached such that they are fixed in position for the purpose of holding the or each hanging element, an electrical device which is attached to the or each hanging element or the or each hung article, and a current source and/or a control unit, characterized in that the or each hanging element is designed such that it provides an electrical connection between the respective electrical device and the control unit and/or the current source, and in that the hanging device is in the form of a monitoring device for the or each hung article, the or each electrical device being an electronic monitoring element which is in each case connected fixedly to the article to be monitored, and the control unit, in interaction with the electronic monitoring element(s), detecting whether there is a discrepancy in relation to a predetermined normal state for the entire system.
3. Monitoring unit for articles, in particular for pictures or other works of art which are hung by means of hanging elements, having at least two connections for electrical feed lines and one electronic monitoring element, which is electrically connected to the connections by means of connecting lines, in the form of a force sensor or a breakage sensor, characterized in that the monitoring element is provided in the form of an elastic film for the purpose of adhesively bonding it to an article to be monitored, this film being provided with an adhesive layer and being designed such that it rips off from the article to be monitored when an attempt is made to mechanically remove it in the adhesively bonded state, or in that the monitoring unit is electrically connected to at least one monitoring element in the form of a force sensor which is integrated in at least one hanging element of each article for the purpose of detecting the hanging force in order to detect a signal for the load of the hanging element, the monitoring unit in each case being attached to the rear side of the hung article, and it being possible for the monitoring unit to be brought into electrical communications connection with a higher-order, central control unit of a monitoring system, furthermore each monitoring unit being designed such that it outputs an alarm signal to the higher-order, central control unit when the detected load signal leaves a predetermined fluctuation range.
4. Monitoring system for articles, in particular for pictures or works of art which are hung on a fixing unit or hanging device by means of hanging elements and fixing elements associated therewith, having at least one fixedly installed control unit, characterized in that the control unit comprises at least one display device and a store in which graphical representations of the articles are stored and is in communications connection with monitoring elements which are each associated with an article and are each designed to supply a specific signal to the control unit, and/or movement sensors which are each associated with an article, the control unit being designed such that, when a specific signal fails to appear and/or when an alarm signal is detected by one of the movement sensors, the associated article is identified and a graphical representation of the article from the store is displayed by the display device, it optionally being possible for the monitoring system to be equipped with an additional monitoring device which is suitable for exchanging information with a further, mobile monitoring system.
5. Hanging device according to Claim 1,

   the selectability being ensured by the contact-making depending on in which orientation the or each fixing element (528, 728) is suspended in the fixing unit, and

   at least one fixing element (528, 728) being designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane, or the fixing unit being designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane, or it being possible for the fixing element to be suspended in the fixing unit in a first orientation and in a second orientation which result in a first and, respectively, a second contact-configuration, the fixing element being rotated through 180° with respect to the first orientation in the second orientation.
6. Hanging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing unit (300) is in the form of a rail.
7. Hanging device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the fixing unit comprises a profiled part (302, 402, 500, 600) which partially surrounds an interior (318), the current paths being in the form of busbars (324, 326, 501, 511, 634, 636) which are attached to the profiled part in the interior.
8. Hanging device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the or each contact element is in the form of a brush spring (330, 520, 620, 630) which, owing to its prestress, presses onto the corresponding busbar (324, 326, 501, 511, 634, 636) when the fixing element is suspended.
9. Hanging device according to Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the profiled part (302, 402, 500) is in the form of a channel having three essentially closed sides (304, 503) and one side (308) which is provided with a continuous, elongate opening (310, 510), it being possible for the or each fixing element (312, 528) to be suspended in the profiled part by means of the opening.
10. Hanging device according to Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the profiled part (600) is in the form of a channel having three sides, it being possible for it to be fixed with its rear side (602) to a wall (306), the front side being essentially open, and the upper side (604) being provided with a first slot (606), and the underside (608) being provided with a second slot (610), it being possible for the or each fixing element (628) to be suspended in the first slot with its upper end and to be latched into the second slot with its lower end.
11. Hanging device according to Claims 9 to 10, characterized in that cover parts (529) are provided which can be inserted into the opening (510) or the open side of the profiled part (500, 600).
12. Hanging device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cover parts (529) are provided with contact elements for the purpose of making contact with the current paths (501, 511, 634, 636) and with electronic devices which are conductively connected to these contact elements.
13. Hanging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing unit comprises two or more holding elements (710) which can be attached in a row such that they are fixed in position and at least two parallel, tubular or rod-shaped power supply lines (713, 714), the power supply lines being held by the holding elements.
14. Hanging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articles (10A, 10B) to be hung are works of art which are provided with electrical security and/or illumination devices (150A, 150B, 250A, 250B, 252A, 252B).
15. Hanging device according to Claim 1, the fixing unit (1016) comprising a first trough-shaped, rail-like part (1026) which is open at the top having a base (1028) and two side walls (1030, 1032), and the or each fixing element (1022A, 1022B) comprising a U-shapedpart which is open at the bottom having a base (1044) and two limbs (1046, 1048), the free end of the first limb (1048) being connected to the article (1010) to be hung, and the free end of the second limb (1046) being suspended in the first trough-shaped part (1026) of the fixing unit.
16. Hanging device according to Claim 15, characterized in that one (1032) of the two side walls (1030, 1032) of the first trough-shaped part (1026) of the fixing unit (1016) merges with a first (1036) of two side walls (1036, 1042) of a second part (1038) of the fixing unit, which second part (1038) comprises a base (1040) which lies above the first side wall and is connected to it, and the second side wall (1042) of the second part serves the purpose of being attached to a building wall (1034) and in the process essentially bears against this wall, the first trough-shaped part being arranged on that side of the first side wall of the second part which points towards the building wall.
17. Hanging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each hanging element is in the form of a cable or a chain.
18. Monitoring unit according to Claim 3, characterized in that the monitoring element (1050) is an electrical circuit which is laminated onto the film (1036) together with the connecting lines (1052).
19. Monitoring system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the identification of the associated articles takes place using a room number or using an identification number which is associated with each article (1010).
20. Monitoring system according to Claim 4 or 19, characterized in that the articles (1010) are exhibited works of art.
21. Monitoring system according to Claims 19 to 20, characterized in that at least one monitoring camera is provided for the relevant articles (1010).
22. Monitoring system according to Claim 21, characterized in that, when a specific signal fails to appear and/or when an alarm signal is detected by one of the movement sensors, image signals from the monitoring camera associated with the relevant article (1010) are also displayed on the display device.
23. Monitoring system according to Claim 22, characterized in that, when a specific signal fails to appear and/or when an alarm signal is detected by one of the movement sensors, image signals from the monitoring camera associated with the relevant article (1010) are stored for a specific period of time.
24. Monitoring system according to Claims 19 to 23, characterized in that two or more control units are provided which are wired such that they can be used individually or at the same time.
25. Monitoring system according to Claim 24, characterized in that the control units are interconnected to form a computer network.

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