Modular lighting system

Abstract

Modular lighting device (1), consisting of a light generating unit (2) and an optical unit (3), characterized in that, that the light-generating unit (2) contains a light source (22) with a primary optic (23), that the optical unit (3) includes a secondary optic (32) which changes the beam angle, the beam characteristic and / or the color of the incident light and that the optical unit (3) includes an adjustment device (33) which has no moving parts and which changes the beam angle, the beam characteristic and / or the color depending on an electrical signal.

Description

[0001] A modular lighting device, consisting of a light-emitting unit and a detachable optical unit, is well-known and is used, for example, as a flashlight or handheld light in outdoor, camping, or military applications. It typically has a replaceable battery and an electrical output ranging from a few watts to approximately 100 watts.

[0002] Similar luminaires have been used in professional film and studio lighting for several years. In these applications, it is often necessary to replace the optics on a luminaire because the desired beam angle or characteristic cannot be achieved with the "standard" optics. Such optics can have complex and highly varied designs, containing, for example, reflectors, lenses, diffusion discs, diffusers, apertures, color filters, and so on. Certain designs, such as zoom optics, allow the user to adjust their beam angle and / or characteristic, usually through an adjustment mechanism where one or more lenses or a reflector are moved manually or with the aid of a motor. These adjustment mechanisms, among other things, reduce the robustness of the luminaire and increase its weight and manufacturing costs.

[0003] Especially in professional film and studio lighting, very good color rendering with a color rendering index (CRI) of 90-100 is required. A typical example of such a professional light with all the aforementioned characteristics is the Orbiter product from ARRI.

[0004] Flashlights, handheld lights, and similar devices should naturally be as lightweight and robust as possible, offering high light output and long battery life. Professional lights, in addition to these features, should also allow for the quick and easy attachment of various optics and accessories, such as handles, tripods, barn doors, etc. Batteries or rechargeable batteries should also be easily replaceable. Furthermore, many professional applications require remote control of the lights via a wired or wireless interface. Therefore, such lights are often sold as "sets" or "kits" in combination with various accessories and optics, and they typically feature a DMX interface, RDM interface, or a similar interface or transmission protocol for adjusting the light and color characteristics.

[0005] In summary, such professional lights ideally possess the following properties: - low weight, compact and robust design (also resistant to environmental influences), - Battery or rechargeable battery operation with the longest possible lifespan, - Connection options for various optics and accessories, - Interfaces for remote control, - high light intensity and very good color rendering as well as - a "standard optic" with the largest possible adjustment range.

[0006] The combination of these properties can only be achieved in a single device with limitations. Generally, compromises must be made in one area or another in favor of a different product characteristic. For example, a lamp with an LED light source that has very good color rendering is usually less bright than a "normal" flashlight with an LED light source optimized for brightness.

[0007] Combining a "standard optic" with a large working area in a luminaire that is as lightweight, compact, and robust as possible, along with good interchangeability and—ideally—remote control capability, presents a particular challenge. A solution is described in the patent claims. It involves a special design of the lighting device and its components, in conjunction with a special optical design, and is explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of the lighting device (1), which consists of at least two main assemblies: the light-generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3). The light-generating unit (2) contains the mechanical, electronic, photometric, and optical components, as well as the firmware, that enable it to produce the light set by the user, i.e., the desired brightness and color. The optical unit (3) contains the mechanical, photometric, and optical components, as well as any electronic components and the firmware, that enable it to modify the light emitted from the direction of the light-generating unit (2) so that the desired beam angle and beam characteristics are achieved when the light exits the optical unit (3).

[0009] Fig. Figure 2 shows the basic internal structure of the aforementioned main assemblies. The light-generating unit (2) contains at least a housing (21), a light source (22), a primary optic (23) and a mechanical connection (24) to the optic unit.

[0010] The housing (21) is not explained in detail here and only forms the outer shell for the previously described components for light generation.

[0011] The light source (22) is either a conventional lamp, such as a halogen incandescent lamp or a metal halide lamp, or a semiconductor light source, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes. In an advantageous embodiment, the light source (22) consists of a number of LEDs in different colors, thus achieving very good color rendering combined with adjustable color. Another possible embodiment of the light source (22) includes, for example, single-color or two-color LEDs or LED arrays. In principle, however, any suitable light source can be used.

[0012] The primary optics (23) serve to color-mix (homogenize) the light and / or to shape a specific beam pattern that is to be achieved upon exiting the light-generating unit (3). The usual components of such primary optics are, for example, an internally mirrored reflector, one or more lenses, one or more diffusion or scattering discs, a straight or conical, polygonal light guide (light mixing bar, taper), and / or a protective disc. With suitable primary optics (23), for example, a rotationally symmetrical, plateau-shaped light distribution with a half-width amplitude (FWHM) of 80° is produced.

[0013] The mechanical connection (24) to the optical unit (3) consists of a combination of mechanical components that allow a user to mount the optical unit (3) to the light-generating unit (2) by hand, i.e., without the use of tools. It is in Fig. 2 is only shown in principle and is explained further below.

[0014] The optical unit (3) also has a housing (31) which is not described in detail, as well as a secondary optic (32), an adjustment device (33) and a mechanical connection (34) to the light-generating unit (2).

[0015] The secondary optics (32) serve to modify the incident light so that the beam angle, beam pattern, and / or color desired by the user are achieved upon exiting the lighting device (1). It typically consists of a combination of reflectors, lenses, diffusing and diffusing discs, and possibly other optical components such as apertures, color filters, corrective and protective lenses, etc. Specific embodiments are explained below. The beam angle, beam pattern, and / or color can be influenced by the secondary optics (32) either in a fixed manner (in which case one would speak, for example, of a "fixed focal length" optic) or in a variable manner (then called, for example, a "zoom optic"). In the latter case, the optical unit (3) or the secondary optics (32) would also include mechanical and, if necessary,It contains electrical and software components that allow optical components to be moved relative to each other.

[0016] The adjusting element (33), on the other hand, consists of a rigid assembly that has no (macroscopically) moving parts. It is controlled by an electrical signal and subsequently changes the beam angle, the beam characteristics, and / or the color of the incident light as a result of changes in its material properties. It can, for example, consist of an LCD film that changes color when an electrical voltage is applied. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element (33) consists of a so-called "electronic diffuser disk," which is characterized by the fact that its diffusion coefficient changes depending on the voltage. By a favorable combination of secondary optics (32) and the adjusting element (33) or diffuser disk, it is possible to create an optic whose beam angle, beam characteristics, and, if applicable,The color can be changed electronically, that is, without moving parts and with the possibility of remote control. This also results in a lighter weight and a more robust construction of the lighting device (1) than with a conventional optic with an adjustable beam angle.

[0017] Fig. Figure 3 shows a simple schematic embodiment of the optical unit (3). It contains a secondary optic (32) in the form of an internally mirrored, optionally faceted reflector (32a) with an approximately parabolic shape. With this arrangement, for example, an approximately rotationally symmetric, plateau-shaped light distribution with a half-width amplitude (FWHM) of 80° can be transformed into a narrower beam angle of, for example, 10°, which has a rotationally symmetric, approximately Gaussian or cosine-shaped light distribution and produces a significantly higher illuminance. A wide-beam luminaire is thus transformed into a narrow-beam "headlight." In conjunction with the adjusting element (33), which, depending on the electrical control, either allows the light cone to pass through behind the reflector almost unaffected or scatters and widens it to a greater or lesser extent, an optic with a variable beam angle of, for example, 10° to 60° is created.

[0018] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the optical unit (3) containing a Fresnel lens (32b). The Fresnel lens (32b) also serves to reshape the light coming from the light-generating unit (2) and, depending on its design and position within the secondary optics (32), can produce both a focused and a widened beam. Here, too, using a fixed Fresnel lens in conjunction with the adjustment device (33) allows for optics with a variable beam angle or a variable beam characteristic, without the need for moving parts. Alternatively, an even greater adjustment range can be achieved by combining a movable Fresnel lens (32b) and the adjustment device (33). Depending on the application, one or more lenses of other designs can be used instead of a Fresnel lens, such as...Meniscus lenses, plano-convex lenses, concave-convex lenses, aspheric-plano-convex lenses, etc.

[0019] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the optical unit (3) in schematic form, in which the secondary optics (32) consist of a combination of lenses (32c1, 32c2). Such a setup serves, for example, to generate sharply defined light cones, such as those emitted by so-called "follow spots," "PC lights," or "projectors." In conjunction with the adjustment unit (33), this also creates optics with a variable beam angle or a variable beam characteristic.

[0020] The in the Fig. The adjustment device (33) mentioned in sections 2 to 5 is advantageously located on the light exit side of the secondary optics (32) in most cases. However, it can also be located at another position within the optical assembly (3). Furthermore, the described secondary optics (32) represent only simple, basic configurations. In practice, it may be necessary to insert additional optical components for beam shaping into the beam path, such as a condenser, a light guide, or an aperture. The light-generating unit (2) and / or the optical unit (3) may also include one or more protective screens to prevent the ingress of water or dirt.

[0021] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic embodiment of the lighting device (1) in which the mechanical connection (23, 34) between the light-generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3) is realized by a pair of threads (24a, 34a). The optical unit (3) is thus screwed onto the light-generating unit (2). The advantage of this design lies in the simpler sealing method, especially when a sealing element (25) in the form of an O-ring or a sealing washer is used, which is compressed when the threads are tightened. Alternatively or additionally, a special grease applied to the threads (24a, 34a) can be used as a sealing element (25). Other types of sealing elements (25), such as foam moldings or conical rubber seals, are also conceivable and can be located at various positions along the mechanical connection (23, 24).The use of several identical or different sealing elements (25) is also possible.

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic embodiment of the lighting device (1) in which the mechanical connection (23, 34) between the light-generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3) is realized by a bayonet connection (24b, 34b). The optical unit (3) is pressed against the light-generating unit (2) for attachment and clamped and locked by a rotation of, for example, 45°. Sealing against water and dirt is also achieved by one or more sealing elements (25) in the previously described form.

[0023] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic embodiment of the lighting device (1) in which the mechanical connection (23, 34) between the light-generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3) is realized by a frontally acting plug-in or snap-fit ​​connection (24c, 34c). The optical unit (3) is placed onto the light-generating unit (2) and pressed into place. Locking is achieved either with a self-locking element (e.g., a locking tab) or by the user actuating a locking element. The connection can be released by a strong pull and / or by the user actuating a schematically depicted release mechanism (26).

[0024] A combination of the in the Fig. Connection types described in sections 6 to 8 are possible. The respective parts of threads (internal or external threads), bayonet connections (socket or plug), and plug / lock connections (socket or plug) can be located on both the light-generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3). The same applies to the sealing elements (25) and the components for unlocking (26) or locking the optical unit (3).

[0025] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a light-generating unit (2) and an optical assembly (3), the mechanical connection (24, 34) of which includes at least one electrical interface (27, 36) in the form of several contacts. Advantageously, the contacts are configured as pairs of a spring contact and a fixed contact. However, other contact configurations are also possible, such as the usual plug-socket combinations. Cable connections can also be used instead of contacts, though with limitations. The optical assembly (3) can be supplied with voltage via the electrical interface (27, 36). Furthermore, data or control signals can be exchanged between the light-generating unit (2) and the optical assembly (3).In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the light-generating unit sends signals or control commands to the optical unit (3) with which the beam angle, the beam characteristic and / or the color is changed, and the optical unit (3) sends status data such as the set beam angle back to the light-generating unit (2).

[0026] Fig.Figure 10 shows the basic structure of a light-generating unit (2) equipped with several interfaces (28a, 28b, 28c). The first interface (28a) is present at least once and provides a connection for the power supply of the lighting device (1). It serves to supply a voltage with which the lighting device (1) is operated and / or with which any built-in batteries can be charged. In the case of a portable light, for example, there may be two such interfaces: one to which external batteries are connected and one which receives the charging voltage with which the aforementioned batteries are charged.

[0027] The second interface (28b) is used to transmit data and control commands from an external control device, such as a PC, tablet, or lighting console, to the lighting fixture (1). It also serves to send data, status, and diagnostic information back to a remote control device. Common configurations include 5-pin XLR connectors for transmitting RS485 signals, RJ45 connectors for connecting to computer networks, and USB connectors for connecting to PCs and tablets. Common transmission protocols on the second interface (28b) include DMX512, RDM, ArtNET, etc., as well as proprietary protocols.

[0028] For all wired interfaces (28a, 28b), both the sockets and the plug pins can be located on the light-generating unit (2).

[0029] The third interface (28c) is a wireless interface for transmitting control commands, data, status, and diagnostic information. It is used to communicate with an external control device equipped with a wireless transceiver, such as a smartphone or a lighting console with a wireless DMX adapter. Common transmission technologies include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In addition to proprietary protocols, other suitable transmission protocols include DMX512, RDM, ArtNET, and others.

[0030] Each of the interfaces mentioned (28a, 28b, 28c) can be present once or more times in the light-generating unit (3). Reference symbol list 1 Lighting device 2 light-generating units 3 Optical unit 21 Housing of the light-generating unit 22 Light source 23 Primary optics 24 Mechanical connection to the optical unit 24a Internal thread 24b bayonet connection, socket 24c plug / lock connection, socket 25 sealing element 26 Unlocking / Locking 27 Electrical interface 28a Wired interface for power supply and / or battery charging 28b Wired interface for data or control command transmission 28c Wireless interface for data or control command transmission 31 Housing of the optical unit 32 Secondary optics 33 Electric adjustment device 34 Mechanical connection to the light-generating unit 34a External thread 34b Bayonet connection, plug 34c Plug / lock connection, connector 35 Sealing element 36 Electrical interface

Claims

[1] Modular lighting device (1) consisting of a light generating unit (2) and an optical unit (3), characterized by , that the light-generating unit (2) contains a light source (22) with a primary optic (23), that the optical unit (3) includes a secondary optic (32) which changes the beam angle, the beam characteristic and / or the color of the incident light and that the optical unit (3) includes an adjustment device (33) which has no moving parts and which changes the beam angle, the beam characteristic and / or the color depending on an electrical signal. [2] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light source (22) is a multi-colored LED light source. [3] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the primary optics (23) includes at least one reflector, lens or fully or partially transparent disk through which the light from the light source (22) passes. [4] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the secondary optics (32) of the optical unit (3) consists of at least one reflector (32a). [5] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the secondary optics (32) of the optical unit (3) consists of at least one lens (32b, 32c1, 32c2) or a completely or partially transparent disc. [6] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adjustment device (33) of the optical unit (3) consists of a disk whose diffusion degree, change in the emission characteristic, change in the emission angle and / or color change can be adjusted by electrical signals. [7] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the optical unit (3) can be attached to the light generating unit (2) without the use of tools in such a way that light from the light generating unit (2) shines into the optical unit (3). [8] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the mechanical connection (24, 34) between the light generating unit (2) and the optics unit (3) consists of a pair of threads (24a, 34a) which has at least one element (25) for sealing against dirt and water. [9] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the mechanical connection (24, 34) between the light generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3) consists of a bayonet connection (24b, 34b) which has at least one element (25) for sealing against dirt and water. [10] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the mechanical connection (24, 34) between the light generating unit (2) and the optical unit (3) consists of a frontally acting plug connection (24c, 34c) which has at least one element (35) for sealing against dirt and water. [11] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the mechanical connection (24, 34) between the light generating unit (2) and the optics unit (3) has an electrical interface (27, 36). [12] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the light-generating unit (2) has at least one electrical interface (28a) for connecting a power supply device and / or a device for charging batteries. [13] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the light-generating unit (2) has at least one electrical interface (28b) for the transmission of data and control commands. [14] Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the light-generating unit (2) has at least one wireless interface (28c) for the transmission of data and control commands. [15] Lighting device (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the electrical interface (28b) is a USB interface. [16] Lighting device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the wireless interface (28c) is a Bluetooth interface and / or a WLAN interface. [17] Lighting device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by , that DMX signals, RDM signals and / or ArtNet signals can be transmitted via the electrical interface (28b) and / or the wireless interface (28c).

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