Monitoring system with hanging device for electrically conductive objects

The present invention relates to a monitoring system with an associated hanging device for Suspending electrically contacting objects, in particular of works of art which are provided with electrical safety and / or illumination devices. The invention relates to further comprising a monitoring unit for articles of the type mentioned.

A monitoring system of the generic type is known from the article "Protecting Paintings from Theft "by JR Knisley, Electrical Construction and Maintenance 76 (2/1977), page 62, is known. In this is it is a theft protection device for issued Painting, where behind the wall the suspended paintings metal rails attached, with about three-wire cable corresponding plugs are electrically connected to each other, each rail, one for each image Socket, into which a three-pole plug can be plugged in to three-core by means of a Cable mini switch to connect to the three-wire system of rails. Each mini switch mounted by means of a wood screw and an adhesive surface on the back of the picture frame. In this position is the circuit is closed by the switch. Every movement of the Painting Frame breaks away from the switch to the painting frames, whereby the switch by means of a Biasing spring is in a position in which the circuit is interrupted by the switch. The three-wire system of rails connected to an alarm unit. Once the alarm unit a detects interruption of the circuit, it triggers an appropriate alarm system. It will not mentioned in more detail the ways in which the paintings are hung.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system and an associated to create hanger for suspending electrically contacting objects which is characterized by particularly simple handling and application and comfortable as possible Hanging of objects allowed.

It is a further object of the present invention, the associated suspension device for to make hanging electrically contacting objects so that they cost, visually is attractively designed and easy to use.

It is a further object of the present invention, a monitoring unit for mounting on to monitored objects to create, which is designed simple and functional.

It is a further object of the present invention, the monitoring system for items so to make that it is reliable and easy to use and a high safety standard guaranteed.

These objects are achieved by a monitoring system according to claims 45, 61 and 64 and associated subclaims, further through a hanging device according to claims 1 and 31 and the accompanying dependent claims, and further in accordance with a monitoring unit Claim 65th

The hanger according to the invention is very cost effective, visually appealing and running user-friendly. The monitoring unit of the invention can inexpensively be made, yet is reliable. The monitoring system according to the invention according to Claims 45ff provides for convenient operation high safety standards, while the Monitoring system provides a simple way for a good sensitivity claim 61st

Preferred embodiments of the suspension device according to the invention, the invention Monitoring unit and the monitoring system of the invention result from the Subclaims.

Reference is initially provided for in the inventive monitoring system Hanger presented. In accordance with claim 1 defined solution, it is advantageous that only a single mounting unit for suspending the articles is required, since this already comprises at least two current paths and thus for a full, ie bipolar, contact suitable is. Furthermore, it is of advantage that the displaceability of the hinged Fasteners of the final Aufhängungsort for a particular item at fixed installed mounting unit can be selected flexibly.

The fixing elements may be designed such that they ensure eligibility to which of the current paths the or each contact element makes electrical contact. This allows a uniform training each fastener so that only uniform basic type of Fasteners is required.

According to an alternative embodiment of the suspension device, at least two types of Fasteners can be provided that such by the arrangement of their contact elements differ in that in the suspended state at each fastener type at least one Contact member contacted another current path.

In a first embodiment of the inventive fasteners eligibility is ensured that the contact depends on the orientation in which the or each Fastening element is hung into the fastening unit. This eliminates any need adjust the fastener to the desired type of contact, but it has only the Orientation are chosen according to the hooking. In this embodiment, the Contact elements expediently firmly attached to the fasteners. At a preferred embodiment, each fastener is substantially symmetrical with respect to formed its center plane, said two contact configurations are provided, between which can be selected by rotating the orientation of the fastening element by 180 °.

In a second embodiment of the inventive fixing elements is the Ensuring the eligibility achieved in that only one type of contact elements is provided and each contact element hooking the fastener at different points of Fastener may be used to determine the to be contacted current path. In this case is the basic type of the fasteners prior to insertion to the desired Contact configuration set.

Alternatively, the selectability may according to a third embodiment, also be achieved in that at least two kinds of contact elements are provided and the contact elements before mounting of the fastening element be used at a certain location of the attachment element, wherein the choice of the contact element places the determined to be contacted current path.

Alternatively, according to a fourth embodiment, the eligibility also be achieved by that only a single type fixing unit, a single variety and a single contact element Variety fastener is provided, and by targeted localization of contact made fastener in or on the mounting unit, a desired contact operation can be.

The fixing unit is preferably formed like a rail, being a an interior part enclosing section member may comprise and each flow path as in the interior of the profiled part applied busbar is formed, wherein the profile part is preferably electrically insulating, is trained. The contact elements are preferably designed as slide springs.

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

Alternatively, the profile part can be channel-shaped with three sides, which is with its back can be fastened to a wall, the front is substantially open and the top with a first slot is provided and the underside is provided with a second slot, the Fastening elements with their upper end in the first slot and can be hooked with its lower End in the second slot can be latched.

Preferably, diaphragm portions are provided in the opening or the open side of the profile part can be used, preferably with contact elements for making contact with the current paths and with conductively connected with this contact elements electronic devices are provided.

Alternatively to the rail-like configuration of the fixing unit, the contact elements can be be adapted to serve to mount the fasteners in the mounting unit. Here, preferably, the fixing unit includes a plurality in a row to be mounted fixed in space Support members and at least two parallel tubular or rod-like flow guides, the Flow guides are held by the holding elements. The contact elements are designed such that it into one of the flow guides are hung respectively. Preferably one to each contact element arranged appropriately trained insulated auxiliary element in one of the current guides be suspended. In this embodiment, the eligibility of the contact configuration is characterized achieved in that the contact configuration of the orientation of the fastener during suspension depends.

Preferably, each fastener includes an eyelet for suspending a be suspended with Article related to hanging member, the electrically connected to the or each contact element is. The wall units are preferably formed as an electrically conductive cables or chains. at to be suspended objects is preferably to art objects that match electrical safety and / or illumination devices are provided. The current paths are 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 security and / or produce lighting equipment to the art objects on the hanger.

In the following several embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings exemplarily explained in more detail. Show it:<sl><li>FIG. 1 to 5 schematically various security and lighting systems for suspended Works of art;</li><li>Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a hanger according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but a modification of the first embodiment the locked fastener shown;</li><li>Fig. 8 is a view as Fig. 7 except that the fastening element when mounting or unmounting is shown;</li><li>Fig. 9 is a view like Fig. 6 to 8, but showing a second embodiment of the hanger is shown;</li><li>Fig. 10 is a view of the contact spring of FIG. 9;</li><li>11 is a front view of the fastening device of FIG 9 with patch panel..;</li><li>Fig. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 6 to 9, but showing a third embodiment of the Suspension device is shown;</li><li>Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a hanger;</li><li>Fig. 14 is a plan view of a fastener for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 13 Fastening device;</li><li>Figures 15 and 16 a sectional view at different points of the hanger of Fig. 19.;</li><li>Fig. 17 is a plan view of a monitoring unit according to the invention in a first embodiment; which is attached to an object to be monitored;</li><li>FIG. 18 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a monitoring unit according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 19 is a schematic overall view of a further suspension device according to the invention, in Together with a monitoring system according to the invention.</li></sl>

The monitoring apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is for monitoring on ropes 12A, 12B in a showroom suspended images 10A, 10B. Each image 10A, 10B is on its back with a resistor RA and RB provided, which in each case conductively connected to the ropes 12A and 12B is. Each image 10A, 10B is associated with an individual resistance, the images for the to make monitoring device distinguishable. On the wall or on the ceiling of Exhibition space 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 connected to a current source 22 Is powered. The cables 12A, 12B are formed as electrical conductors, preferably as Metal ropes, and are connected at one end with one of the current paths 16 and 18 to for an electrical connection between the control unit 20 and the respective resistor RA and RB to worry. The resistors RA and RB are thus in an electrical parallel circuit arranged, the control unit 20 the stream formed by the parallel connection Overall loop is detected and in case of deviations from a predetermined desired value an alarm signal to a Alarm means 24 sends, which then generates a acoustic or visual warning signal. Each Remove an image 10A, 10B, by ejecting at least one of the cables 12A, 12B increases Resistance in the overall loop and can thus be detected by the control unit 20th As a result of that each resistance value is given only once, the control unit 20 of the detected determining resistance change, which the images being manipulated.

In FIG. 2, a digital form of a monitoring device is illustrated, wherein the identification of each frame 10A, 10B one over mounted on the back of the frame logic unit 150a, 150b is performed, each comprising as an essential component a microprocessor. It is each image 10A, 10B by a digital only once assigned digital code value per Storage, dip switches, jumpers, and the like at the logic unit 150a, 150b is set, identified. The communication between the controller 120 and the logic units 150a, 150b takes place via a serial three-wire bus system (for example, 12C) bus. The mounting rail 114 comprises about this end, three parallel current paths 116, 117, 118, wherein the current path 116 as a ground terminal serves and 117 and 118 are the current paths as a reception or transmission line. To the images 10A, 10B suspended from the mounting rail 114 and to each logical unit 150a, 150b to the bus system connect, are per image three electrically conductive cables 12A, 12B. The current paths 116, 117 and 118 can simultaneously also as a power supply for the logic unit 50a, 50b serve or one or two additional current paths and corresponding additional ropes for Power supply of the logic unit provided. The monitoring function is realized so that the Controller 120 via the bus system, that is, the current paths 116, 117, 118 and the ropes 12A, 12B, Signals to the logic units 150a, 150b sends, which they receive, and in response to the the specific logical unit 150a or 150b assigned code value acknowledged. In the absence of Acknowledgment signal triggers the control unit 120 by a corresponding alarm signal to the alarm unit 24 an alarm. Since the acknowledgment function is different for each image, the control unit 120 identify to which image is present manipulation.

In Fig. 3 is a further digital form the monitoring device is illustrated, wherein instead of a Three-wire bus system, a simpler bidirectional two-wire bus system is used which at the same time the power supply of the logic unit 250A, 250B can accept. The Mounting rail 214 has two current paths 216, 218 with which the electrically conductive cords 12A 12B are connected to form the two-wire bus system, said bus system both the Exchange of data 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 214 two current paths 226, 228 to which the power supply for lighting elements 252A, 252B serve, each mounted on each picture 10A, 10B on the mounting rail 214th

The lighting elements 252A, 252B may be, for example, or a Sofittenlampen LED arrangement to protect the color pigments of the painting act. The attachment and Contacting of the lighting elements 252A, 252B, for example, also by means of electrically conductive ropes or cables 254A, 254B take place, which are connected to the current paths 226, 228th ever on the type of lighting elements used, it is also conceivable that the power supply of the done lighting elements also on the funds earmarked for the bus system flow paths 216, 218, so that in this case, the additional power supply paths 226, can be omitted 228th The Lighting elements 252A, 252B may further comprising a motion detector 256A, 256B to be provided, which the power is also on the contact strips 226, 228 and through the current paths 216, 218 connected to the control unit 220 to striking movements in the area of ​​the images 10A, 10B to report to the control unit 220, which then, if appropriate, an alarm signal to the alarm unit 24 sends. The motion detector 256A, 256B may operate optically or capacitively. By means of Motion detector 256A, 256B can also be realized a pre-warning to indicate when a person or an object to comes close to the images 10A, 10B. The motion 256A, 256B can also be used, the lighting elements 252A, 252B respectively only turn on if a person is located in the vicinity of the corresponding image 10A, 10B to on the one hand to save energy and on the other hand, the color pigments of the images 10A, 10B with as burdening low light.

It is also conceivable for the illumination elements 252A, 252B directly to the ropes 12A, 12B for the purpose of to connect mounting and power supply, so that the illumination elements 252A, 252B not having the mounting rail 214 are connected.

The logic units 250A, 250B can be formed further, that the data exchange with the Control unit 220 additionally or alternatively to the use of the bus system wirelessly effect, wherein the logic units 250a, 250b are then formed as a transmitter / receiver and the control unit 220 is equipped with an additional transmitter / receiver unit 258 (in Fig. 3 shown in phantom).

Referring to FIG. 4, if only one lighting, but with no monitoring of the items required is to dispense with a control unit and the corresponding monitoring elements. In this Case, the illumination elements 252A, 252B may be attached to the pictures 10A, 10B and are via the electrically conductive Aufhängseile 12A, 12B of the images 10A, 10B, connected to the current paths 16, 18 the mounting rail 14 are connected, which in turn are connected to the power source 22, with supplied electricity. The lighting elements 252A, 252B may also be "intelligent" design, ie with circuit breakers and decoding logic, so that a centrally controlled selectively turning on / off individual or all lighting elements is possible. This control function can about the Power lines or be realized by additional control lines.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the lighting elements 252A, 252B not to the images 10A, 10B are fixed, but directly to the hangers 12A, 12B are clamped. Out Security should be insulated to the power supply serving ropes 12A, 12B.

In general, the electrically conductive suspension ropes can for safety reasons or in the interest of trouble-free operation be provided with an external insulation. Optionally, a Suspension strand also provide two electrical connecting lines, for example in the form of a coaxial or Twisted pair arrangement.

In the described security / lighting systems is advantageous in that a simple manner Suspension is realized that a very simple and flexible suspension, monitoring and / or Lighting of images allowed. These systems are not only exhibited works of art suitable, but can be used for any to be monitored, be issued and, if necessary illuminated objects are used.

The following description is concerned with the design of the fastening rails, and thus, how the pendants or elements can be hooked into the mounting rails.

Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment for a mounting rail with two current paths, such as as In rail 14 in Fig. 1 and 4 surveillance or lighting systems shown as a rail 14 can be used. The designated in FIG. 6 in total by reference numeral 300 Mounting rail comprises a channel-shaped profile part 302, which is made for example of metal and is secured with its back against a wall 304 306th The front side 308 of the profile 302 is coupled an elongated continuous opening 310 provided through which or in which a Fastener 312 is hooked into the profile 302, which one has a body 314, which means is contact spring 316 pressed into the space enclosed by the profile 302 Interior 318 down, and a screwed into the body 314 screw eye 320 comprises. The inner space 318 and the Opening 310 are lined with an insulation 322nd On the inside of the front panel 308 are two in parallel spaced bus bars 324 and 326 provided which by means of an insulation 328 against the profile 302 isolated.

Attached to the body 314 of the fastener 312 a self-contact spring 330 provided, which in the configuration shown in Fig. 6 as a sliding contact with the upper Busbar 324 is in electrical contact. The body 314 and the eyelet bolt 320 are conductive formed so that the wiper contact 330 makes electrical contact between the upper bus bar 324 and the eyelet bolt 320 manufactures. In the screw eye, one of the electrically conductive Hanging members 12A, 12B are mounted to a pole of an electronic monitoring element 10A and 10B to be connected to an object to be monitored with the busbar 324th Instead of the Eyelet bolt 320 may also be another suitable element, such as a hook, used will. The fastening element 312 is basically displaced along the profile 302, the Contact spring 330 irrespective of the sliding position of the mounting member 312 for a electrical contact to the bus bar 324 provides. However, the biasing spring 316 provides some Locking the fastener 312 in the respective position, so that the displacement for Fastener 312 a certain force threshold to be overcome.

According to a first option, the contact spring 330 may be secured to the body 314, that it before hooking the fastener 312 in the profile 302 in position on the body 314 of is hand-adjustable in order after mounting the fastening element 314 optionally the top Busbar 324 or the lower power rail 326 to contact.

For this, the contact spring, for example, between two corresponding positions in which they be arrested, be displaced on the body 314th When hanging to monitor a Article 10A and 10B is one of the necessary fasteners 312 in FIG. 6 Configuration shown for contact with the upper power rail 324 is set, while the other Fastener 312 by corresponding displacement of the contact spring 330 for contact the lower busbar is adjusted 326th In this solution it is advantageous that only a single "Basic type" of fasteners 312 is required, which to the desired Contact configuration can be set before mounting.

The setting of the fasteners 312 before mounting may be omitted if two different varieties fasteners 312 provided which extends through the position differ mounted contact spring 330, so that the by the selection of the variety Fastener 312, the respective contact configuration is determined.

Fig. 7 shows a modification of the embodiment according to Fig. 6, wherein the fastening element in Hinged state is shown. Fig. 8 shows the fastener of Fig. 7 when mounting or hanging out in and out of the profile part. The profile part 402 of FIG. 7 and 8 is non-conductive, eg of plastic, designed, whereby no additional insulation relative to the fastening element is required. The fastening element is formed in cross section in approximately L-shaped, which the Hooking or unhooking easier by the opening 310th In the shown in Fig. 7 and 8 Fixing element, the contact spring is in contrast to Fig. 6 flag-like formed and contacted the lower power rail.

Fig. 9 shows a second embodiment of a hanger according to the invention. The profile part 500 the attachment unit is similar to that in FIGS. 6 to 8 is formed, ie, it is with its rear side fastened by a screw 504 to a wall 306 and has on its front side a through opening 510, which also serves for attaching the screw 504th The profile 500 can be made of metal or plastic and is substantially symmetrical with respect to a through the screw 504 extending center plane. On the inside of the rear wall of the profile 500 are a upper power rail 501 and a lower power rail 511 provided by insulators 502 or 512 with respect to the profile part 500 isolated and also symmetrical with respect to the center plane are arranged. The rear wall 503 of the profile 500 is at regular intervals with holes for the Screws 504 provided. The boundary edges of the opening 510 are each provided with a in the Longitudinal direction of the section 500 extending slot 513 and 514, respectively. The fastener 528 preferably comprises an electrically insulating body 530, the two projections 527 and 526 which, in the fitted state of the fastener 528 into the slots 513 and 514 engage and characterized in a guide of the hinged fastener 528 Profile longitudinally provide. For locking of the fastening element 528 is a safety lock or a locking screw 524 provided.

effected insertion of the fastener 528 into the slot by first Locking screw is achieved 524 upwards. The slots 513 and 514 are dimensioned so that the Fastener 528 can be inserted from the bottom upward in the slot 513 and then can easily be swung back so that it can be inserted downward into the slot 514 can. Thereafter, the locking screw 524 can be screwed again, so that the is fastener 528 secured.

The slots 513 and 514 have different depths so that the fastener 528 symmetrically may be formed, which provides good aesthetics and ease of handling. A conductive Eyelet bolt 522 is passed through the body 530 and through means of a nut 523 to the body 530 secured. The nut 523 also maintains a contact spring 520, as shown in FIG. 9 position shown is in electrical contact with the upper power rail 501 and the eyelet bolt 522nd Referring to FIG. 10 the contact spring 520 provided with contact spring slots 531 to the good contact with Busbar to provide five hundred and first Preferably, the busbars 501, 511 and the contact spring are 520 gilded. The fastening element 528 is apart from the contact spring 520, mirror-symmetrically formed relative to an axis that passes through the eyelet bolt 522nd The contact spring 520 is fixed connected to the body 530th Due to the symmetrical design of the profile 500, the Busbars 501, 511 and the fastener 528 may place on the upper bus bar 501 simple manner, the lower power rail 511 are contacted with the contact spring 520 by the whole fastener 528 is rotated 180 ° in the profile 500 and the slots 513, 514 used becomes. This embodiment has the advantage that only one basic type of fasteners must be provided and the user with respect to before hanging still no adjusting operations the contact elements must be done, but it can in a simple manner through the choice of Orientation of the fastener during suspension determine the contact configuration.

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

In Fig. 11 a diaphragm or cover strip 529 is shown, which in the slots 513, 514 of the front side of the is profile 500 used to cover the opening 510th The diaphragm 529 is preferably made of made of insulating material, and may be optionally substituted with (not shown) contact springs be provided to the busbars 501 and 511 to contact and on the diaphragm 529 provided (not shown) electronic equipment or a battery holder to to contact. The aperture 529 is primarily used to cover those parts of the opening 510 are not occupied by a fastener 528th If the panel with a battery holder is fitted, the used battery for an emergency power supply of the monitoring device in case of failure of the regular power supply of the busbars 501, serve 511th

Fig. Figure 12 shows a third embodiment of a hanger according to the invention, wherein the Profile 600 is preferably made of plastic material and mounted with its back side 602 to the wall 306 is. The top side 604 of the profile 600 is provided with a slot 606, while the bottom 608 with is a slot 610 is provided. The fastener 628 includes a body 632 and a hook 622 , which is passed through the body 632, a thread 621, onto which a nut 623 is screwed to attach the hook to the body 632nd Further, the mother holds a 623 Spring 620 that contacts an opening provided on the inside of top 604 busbar 634th The body 632 is designed so that in the slot, it can be suspended by its top end 606 and with its lower end in the slot 610 can be engaged. On the inside of the back 602 is a second bus bar 636 is provided. To the fastener 622 before mounting in the profile 600 prepare for contacting the second bus bar 636; the spring 620 against a differently shaped spring 630 are exchanged, which is shown in Fig. 12 by dashed lines. Instead the Fasteners 628 to be provided with a replacement function, can also use two different Varieties of fasteners 632 are provided, each with a spring 620 or a Spring 630 are fixedly connected with the determination of the contact then the selection of the variety takes place the fastener 628th

FIGS. 13 and 14 finally show a fourth embodiment of an inventive Suspension device, which differs from the previously described embodiments in that no rail-or profile-shaped mounting unit is provided, but that the Fastening of a plurality of unit mounted in a row on one wall 303 and retaining elements 710 two parallel tubular or rod-like flow guides 713 and 714 formed by the Retaining elements are held 710 by corresponding receivers 711 or 712th To avoid of risk of short circuit the current guides may be partially provided with an insulating layer. The transducers 711, 712 are so formed that the flow guides 713, 714 snapped can.

In Fig. 14 is a fixing member 728 for the illustrated in Fig. 13 Fixing unit represented which has a body 730 formed with a conductive than Klip or hooks 721 contact element and a corresponding symmetrical and arranged nonconductive clip or hook includes 720 as an auxiliary member. The contact element 721 is by means of a connecting line 722 with a Contact 723, which is passed through the body 730 and for connection to a conductive Hanging member 12A, 12A is used, is connected. The body 730 with the contact element 721 and the Auxiliary member 720 is designed such that the contact element 721 lower example in Power management 714 and the auxiliary member may be 720 hooked into the upper flow guide 713, wherein the contact element 721 then for an electrical contact with the lower flow guide 714 makes. By rotating the fastening member 728 by 180 °, the contact configuration may be reversed be, that the contact element 721 then forms an electrical contact with the upper Current guide 713. It should be understood that in Fig. 14 only one half of the fastener 728 is shown, the half not shown is constructed symmetrically to the illustrated half.

So far, only fasteners for mounting units with two current paths have been described. It is understood, however, that the described Prizipien for fixing units having more than two are current paths applicable such as in the supervisory systems of FIG. 2 and 3. In this Case may be formed, the fasteners, to selectively one of three or four contact current paths may (a single basic type) or it can according to three or four be provided by fasteners different types. Further, it is also possible that a Fastener simultaneously contacted two current paths and ensprechend two terminations having.

In a modification of the monitoring devices described in FIG. 1, 2 and 4, or in addition thereto, can also take place by an anti-theft protection to be monitored suspended objects that in at least one hanging element of a suspended object, a force sensor for detecting the Suspension power is integrated. Alternatively, the force sensor could be also integrated in the fastening element be, which connects the hanging member to the mounting unit. The sensor can be measured signal send to the alarm unit which then determines that there is an alarm when a predetermined Force is not reached, and are in corresponding signal. The force sensor acts as a force gauge and a transponder and is preferably about the wall unit and the wall units with the corresponding conducting paths of the mounting rail or unit for supplying power from the Power source or connected for communication with the alarm device. Basically could the However, proposed sensor also itself an alarm signal.

Alternatively, or in addition to the monitoring devices described above, a sensor the object to be monitored may be provided that the distance from the suspended article the wall is detected and provides a signal when the distance of the suspended article from the wall a predefined tolerance range leaves.

Alternatively, the sensor can send its distance-to the alarm unit which then determines whether there is an alarm. The power supply of the sensor and, if necessary. its communication preferably in the manner described above, ie via conductive hanging members. The sensor is as capacitive sensor or as an optical sensor, it preferably in the latter case, a sends the light beam to the wall, and detects the reflected light.

From the illustrated in Figures 15 to 18 further embodiments of hangers or Monitoring equipment is visible following: The cable 1014A or 1014B is at its upper end with a fastening element 1022A and 1022B connected, which is suspended in the fixing unit 1016, and has a contact element 1024, which is in electrical contact with one of the current paths 1018 and 1020th The ropes 1014A and 1014B and the fastening elements 1022A and 1022B are configured to be electrically conductive so that the rope 1014A is in electrical communication with the flow path 1020, while the cable in electrical 1014B A compound with the current path 1018th The fixing unit 1016 includes a first trough-shaped part 1026, which is open at the top and a base 1028 and two side walls 1030 and 1032 includes. The further away from the building wall 1034 side wall 1032 of the trough-shaped first portion 1026 goes up to a side wall 1036 of a second tray-shaped portion 1038 on which is open downward and adjacent to the sidewall 1036 a base 1040 and a second sidewall 1042 comprises that serves for mounting the mounting unit 1016 to the building wall 1034 and in the case substantially rests against the building wall 1036th The current paths 1018 and 1020 are on the inner side the sidewall 1036 or 1032 installed. The second portion 1038 forms a substantially upwardly Closed U-shape, while the first trough-shaped part 1026 substantially upwardly open U-shape forms.

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

The fastening member 1022A or 1022B is hung into the fastening unit 1016 by from below through the space between the side wall 1042 of the second trough-shaped portion 1038 and the side wall 1030 of the trough-shaped first portion 1026 is pushed until the leg 1048 can be lifted over the upper end of the side wall 1030, whereby the attachment element can be 1022A or 1022B hooked into the first trough-shaped part of the 1026th

The hanger according to FIG. 15 and 16 is very inexpensive, visually appealing and easy to use. The fasteners 1022A and 1022B can in the first trough-shaped Part 1026 moved to any position along the mounting unit 1016 without the electrical Contact to the current paths in 1018 or 1020 is interrupted. This allows a flexible attitude the suspension point of the corresponding image 1010th

As already mentioned, each image 1010 on its back with an electronic Monitoring unit 1012 is provided. The monitoring unit 1012 includes a monitoring element 1050, which is embodied as transponder, and means of connecting lines 1052 with two terminals 1054 connected, which in turn are in electrical contact with the cable 1014A or 1014B. Further, the monitoring unit 1012 comprises an elastic film 1056, with which the transponder 1050 and the interconnections 1052 firmly and permanently connected and which are on their Reverse side an adhesive layer for adhering said monitoring unit 1012 to the backside of the image 10 includes. The film 1056 is formed in terms of its material, its thickness and elasticity so, that when they tried mechanical peeling in a glued state 1010reißt of the image. to Reinforcement of this effect is provided with 1056 perforations in 1058 the film.

The transponder 1050 and the interconnections 1052 are preferably on the film in 1056 laminated or printed or welded into the sheet 1056th

The monitoring system is designed such that the control unit via the current paths 1018 and 1020 the fixing unit 1016 and the suspension ropes 1014A or 1014B with each Transponder 1050 is in electrical connection. In the simplest case, it is at the Transponder 1050 to a resistor, each file 1010, an individual resistance is assigned and all the resistors are arranged in parallel.

The control unit 1220 (or 20, 120) then detects the current by the by the parallel circuit formed overall loop and generates an event of deviation from a predetermined desired value Alarm signal. However, the transponder 1050 may be embodied as a digital logic unit, which the corresponding file 1010 by a only once assigned digital code value, the per digital storage, dip switches, jumpers or the like is fixed to the logic unit, identified. In this case, the monitoring is carried out so that the control unit via the current paths 1018 and 1020 and the suspension ropes 1014A or 1014B sends signals to the transponder 1050 of this be acknowledged with the specially assigned code value. The absence of Acknowledgment signal leads to the control unit for generating a corresponding alarm signal. there the image specifically affected can be identified.

The alarm signal is triggered so as soon as the electrical connection between the control unit and the transponder 1050 is interrupted in any way. This can be done for example by providing a Cable 1014A or 1014B, ie the corresponding fastener 1022A or 1022B, from the Fixing unit 1016 is posted or an attempt is made, the monitoring unit 1012 as a whole to break away from the image 1010th When trying the adhesive foil 1056 from the back of the picture in 1010 to solve, at least one burst the film 1056, for example, along the perforations 1058, whereby the Interconnections 1052 is interrupted or the transponder 1050 is itself damaged. By the resulting interruption of the electrical connection between the control unit and the Transponder 1050 is generated at the control unit, a corresponding alarm signal.

Additionally or alternatively to the monitoring unit 1012 at the rear of the pictures 1010 can be used for each picture is a motion detector may be provided that a suspect when movements occur sends a signal corresponding to the control unit. A similar motion in 1214 with can But advantage can be integrated in an illumination unit 1210, as Fig. 19 shows.

The control unit is designed such that it in the absence of a specific signal from an Transponder 1050 and / or on detection of an alarm signal from one of the motion detectors identifies appropriate image. The control unit forms part of a monitoring system, which Further, a display device and a memory comprising, in which graphic representations of individual images are stored in 1010. The control unit is designed such that, after the determination of of the image affected by the alarm condition 1010, the graphical representation of the corresponding image 1010 from the memory (1224, Fig. 19) is caused on the display device so that can recognize supervisor immediately, which image is affected. In addition to the graphical Representation of the image in question may require additional information to be displayed, such as the Flat number and the image identification number assigned. In addition, a general alarm by signal generator 1222 (FIG. 19) or locally at different places at the same time are given.

Furthermore, surveillance cameras (for example in a lighting unit 1210 integrated camera 1212) be provided for the images, wherein a surveillance camera in each case one or more images may be assigned. The monitoring system may be formed then, that in the absence of a specific signal from the transponders 1050 and / or upon detection of an alarm signal from any one of Motion addition image signals of the image concerned assigned surveillance camera are displayed on the display device. Further, image signals of the affected Surveillance camera for a certain period to be stored, the example several days may be. Storing can be such that the image signals for one frame Monitoring camera are stored in predetermined intervals, eg at intervals of one Second. The stored images can be overwritten, for example, after about 10 days will. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the surveillance cameras in the integrated lighting elements and can be monitored the entire area in front of a capture object. For data transmission may be similar to a serial data transmission format called USB -. standard are used so that several cameras on the stationary available Power or signal conductors can be operated.

Moreover, acoustic sensors can be provided in the vicinity of 1214 images, wherein in the absence of a specific signal from one of the transponders 1050 and / or upon detection of an alarm signal from one of the motion signals of the image concerned associated acoustic sensor in similar manner to the signals of the monitoring camera and recorded temporarily be saved.

There can be multiple control units 1220 to be provided which are interconnected so that they individually or in simultaneous manner are usable, wherein the control units, for example, via modems 1226 and associated Network connections 1228 can be connected together in 1230 to a computer network. To this Way are several monitoring workstations formed which communicate with each other. The To-peer network can be configured for example as an intranet, it may or over Internet connections are formed. Preferably, the monitoring system can be remotely controlled, the Remote control for example by modem 1226 and the telephone system or by a direct digital can take place grid connection.

Further, forming a plurality of connected workstations and a control unit, by several Display devices, are provided in the form of so-called terminal for example.

In Fig. 18, showing the rear view of be suspended and to be monitored image 1110 is a Another embodiment of an electronic monitoring unit 1112 shown on the Back of the image 1110 is attached. The image 1110 is suspended by two ropes in 1114 or 1116, the also as electrical communication link between the monitoring unit 1112 and a serve (not shown) central control unit, formed by, for example, electrically conductive are. In the cable 116 a strain gauge 1120 is integrated, which replaces a portion of rope, and the Load of the rope in 1116 by the image 110 captured. The monitoring unit 1112 is about connections 1122, 1124 electrically connected to the strain gauge 1120, a current load of the to capture the rope 116 corresponding electrical signal. Once this burden signal a predetermined fluctuation range leaves, are the monitoring unit 1112 an alarm signal to the Controller off, since a theft case or the like is then 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 part of a monitoring system, or via a wireless Connection. but it can also be ensured that a next to a first monitoring system is provided second for any or all monitoring units, which regardless of the first is working. For this purpose, vorgeshlagen to extend the monitoring units to the extent that they for example inductively functioning second transponders exhibit which and through an independent mobile operating control instance carried out at random and essentially incognito Control gears can be retrieved, so that the existence and functionality of the proposed Monitoring units can be verified.