LAMP UNIT WITH HMI BURNERS AND FLASH TUBE, LIGHTING DEVICE WITH LAMP UNIT AND REFLECTOR ARRANGEMENT WITH LIGHTING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting unit designed and configured to illuminate subjects for photographic and film recordings.

[0002] The invention further relates to a lighting device designed and configured to illuminate subjects for photographic and film recordings.

[0003] The invention further relates to a reflector arrangement designed and configured to provide illumination for photographic recordings and film recordings.

[0004] Lighting units are used in photographic and filming to illuminate the subject being photographed or filmed. A subject is anything that can be captured in a photograph or film, but in particular people, such as portraits or sports shots, and / or objects, such as clothing, food, and / or nature. By means of the lighting or illumination of the subject, characteristics of the subject, for example contours, color fidelity, shadows, etc. can be influenced, for example reduced or emphasized. There are different requirements and necessities regarding the selection of lighting sources for photography than for filming. Lighting units are used in photography, in which a lighting source, e.g.A halogen bulb, a halogen rod, or any other halogen-based light source is designed and configured to provide a so-called modeling light. A second light source is a flash tube, which generates the actual, brief (flash-like) illumination of the subject. In filming, lighting units are used in which, to provide continuous light, an HMI bulb is the sole light source, producing longer (corresponding to the film sequence) illumination of the subject, close to daylight.

[0005] Accordingly, the known lighting units are either designed and configured only for photographs, i.e. still images, and accordingly have a modeling light and at least one flash, or are designed and configured only for film recordings, i.e. moving images, and accordingly have an HMI burner. To operate the lighting device comprising a lighting unit for taking photos, an energy source, e.g. in the form of a generator, is required to supply the energy for the modeling light and the ignition coils for each flash. To operate the lighting device comprising a lighting unit for taking films, an energy source, e.g. in the form of a generator, is required to supply the energy for ionizing the gas path between the electrodes of the HMI burner and for a ballast to limit the current consumption of the HMI burner after the gas discharge has taken place.Simply put, there are different sets of lighting equipment for photography and filming.

[0006] This means that if both photo and film recordings are to be made on the photo and film set, a considerable amount of conversion work must be carried out with regard to the lighting situation, which leads to considerably higher production costs, partly due to the longer rental periods of the studios. A further disadvantage of the separate functionalities of the conventional lighting units is that separate equipment, such as lighting units, generators, ballasts, igniters, ignition coils and the like, is required in each case. This equipment is adapted to the respective requirements of photo shoots and film recordings. Due to the various individual parts, this leads to increased logistical effort when setting up the photo and film set and accordingly also to additional costs. On the other hand, the individual characteristics of the motifs can only be partially optimally worked out.In other words, the known light units for both photo and film recordings merely represent a compromise at the expense of maximum photo and film quality.

[0007] The lighting units can be traded and used independently, for example, as replacement or spare parts. However, the lighting units are usually part of a lighting system, which in turn is preferably part of a reflector assembly.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a reliable and safe lighting unit that can be universally used for photo and film recordings and that optimizes the individual lighting situation. The object is also to propose a corresponding lighting device and a corresponding reflector arrangement.

[0009] This object is achieved by a lighting unit mentioned at the outset according to claim 1. The lighting unit is characterized by a connection body which, on the one hand, has sockets which are designed and configured to receive at least two lighting means, and, on the other hand, has contacts which are designed and configured to be connected to a generator, wherein the contacts are electrically connected to the sockets, at least two lighting means plugged into the sockets, and a substantially transparent protective bell which is connected to the connection body and at least partially encloses each lighting means connected to the connection body, wherein one lighting means is designed as an HMI burner and the at least one further lighting means is designed as a flash tube.The connector body forms a plate-like base for the lighting unit. The connector body itself is not electrically conductive, but rather has slots on one side into which the lamps are plugged, screwed, or otherwise preferably detachably inserted. On the opposite side, it has electrically conductive connection poles, i.e., the contacts that are electrically connected to the slots. All lamps, with the exception of ventilation openings for heat dissipation, are completely enclosed by the protective dome. The lighting unit according to the invention, with an HMI burner and at least one flash tube, provides for the first time a type of combination lamp that can be used for both photo and film recordings without any modifications.By specifically controlling / triggering the HMI burner and / or the flash tube, the same equipment can provide continuous light for filming and modeling and / or flash light for still images. Combining the various light sources in one lighting unit offers the possibility of achieving new or particularly enhanced characteristics for photo and film recordings, making the photos and films appear more "vivid." In particular, the lighting unit according to the invention achieves particularly high color fidelity, making the images appear particularly realistic.

[0010] Advantageously, an ignitor and a ballast are assigned to the HMI burner, and an ignition coil is assigned to the flash tube. The ignitor for the HMI burner can be located as a separate component outside the lighting unit, preferably at a short distance of less than, for example, 1 m. Optionally, the ignitor can also be an integral part of the lighting unit. The same applies to the ballast, which can be an integral part of the lighting unit, but is preferably designed separately from the lighting unit and is in particular arranged in a generator (described below) that is designed and configured to supply energy to the lighting unit. The ignition coil for the flash tube can also be arranged separately from the lighting unit or - preferably - be an integral part thereof.

[0011] In a lighting unit according to the invention, in addition to the HMI burner, at least two flash tubes are arranged within the protective dome and are electrically connected to the contacts and plugged into the connector body. Each flash tube is assigned an ignition coil. A common ignition coil is possible for both flash tubes. Preferably, each flash tube is assigned a separate ignition coil. The same applies if more than two flash tubes are provided. In particular, four flash tubes can be provided.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment of the lighting unit is characterized in that the HMI burner is arranged centrally within the protective dome, and the at least two flash tubes are arranged symmetrically to the HMI burner. For example, four flash tubes can also be arranged evenly distributed around the circumference of the HMI burner. More precisely, the flash tubes are distributed and positioned unevenly or, preferably, evenly around a glass bulb of the HMI burner.

[0013] The protective dome is expediently detachably attached to the connection body and is cylindrical in shape, with the connection body being arranged on one end of the protective dome and an air-permeable protective cap being arranged on the end opposite the connection body. For example, the cylindrical protective dome can be attached to the connection body by means of a locking screw. The detachability means that lamps can be changed quickly and easily. The connection body closes off the cylindrical protective dome on one end. The air-permeable protective cap on the opposite end of the cylindrical protective dome can be a wire mesh or the like, for example, which on the one hand allows heat to dissipate from the space in the protective dome that encloses the lamps and on the other hand serves as splinter protection, for example against splintering lamps.

[0014] The protective dome is preferably made of glass, with the glass at least partially coated with a UV filter. Ultimately, the protective dome is preferably a glass cylinder open on both ends. Instead of glass, other suitable and appropriately heat-resistant materials can also be used. The UV protection, which can extend over the entire surface of the glass cylinder or parts thereof, so that the glass cylinder is designed at least in sections as a UV protection screen, provides effective and necessary protection against the UV light emitted by the HMI burner.

[0015] Preferably, all lamps have a similar color temperature of approximately 5600 Kelvin with a variable spectrum. However, almost any other color temperature range is also possible, although a color temperature range of 5200 to 6200 Kelvin is preferred for photo and film recordings. It is crucial that the lamps—in this case, the HMI lamp and the flash tubes—have a similar color temperature.

[0016] Particularly advantageous is the 18-pin connector body on the side facing away from the lamps. This provides a wide range of contacting options. Connector bodies with a different number of contacts and their arrangement relative to each other are also possible, although the number and positioning also depend on the number of lamps and their positioning in the connector body.

[0017] The object is also achieved by a lighting device according to claim 8. The lighting device is characterized by a lighting unit according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 and a common energy source designed and configured for the selective operation and / or ignition of HMI burners and / or flash tubes. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with the lighting unit, which is why reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition. The design of the lighting device according to the invention provides a single set of equipment for photo shoots and film shoots, thus eliminating the need for retooling and reducing the variety of parts. In other words, a single set of equipment effectively saves time and space, and parts logistics are significantly simplified, which ultimately contributes to a significant cost reduction.

[0018] Preferably, the energy source is a generator comprising a ballast designed and configured to limit the current consumption of the HMI burner. The generator has several connection sockets for connecting the lamps of the lighting unit to the generator via power cables. The ballast for the HMI burner can optionally also be designed and arranged separately outside the generator.

[0019] The lighting device preferably further comprises a control device designed and configured to individually control the lamps of the lighting unit. The control device can be used to individually select whether only the HMI lamp, only one flash tube, both flash tubes, or the HMI lamp and one or two flash tubes are controlled and triggered, in order to provide optimal lighting for each application. The control device can be designed separately from the generator or be an integral part of it.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the generator comprises a detection device designed and configured to detect the connected lighting devices of the lighting unit. This detection device can be mechanical and / or electronic. Preferably, the detection device is connected to the control device in order to be able to receive and process the signals emitted by the detection device.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the generator is designed and configured to generate short flash tube firing times, such that each flash tube can generate flashes sufficient to record 60 to 120 images per second. This design makes it possible for the first time to film using only a flash, allowing the numerous individual images to be combined into a high-quality film with extremely high sharpness.

[0022] The object is also achieved by a reflector arrangement mentioned above, which is characterized by a reflector screen, a lighting device according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, and a support element for receiving at least parts of the lighting device. The advantages resulting from the lighting unit have already been described in connection with the lighting unit, so reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition. In combination with the lighting device and the reflector screen, the aforementioned advantages are particularly evident.

[0023] Preferably, the lighting unit is arranged at a free end of the support element, wherein the support element, as a focusing unit for the lighting unit, is axially displaceable relative to the reflector screen in the longitudinal direction of the center axis of the focusing unit or the reflector screen. This allows the lighting effects and characteristics enabled by the lighting unit to be utilized particularly advantageously.

[0024] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the luminaire unit, lighting device, and reflector arrangement are set forth in the subclaims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a lamp unit according to the invention in a view from below of the contacts of the connection body, Fig. 2 the lamp unit according to Figure 1 in a view along section BB, Fig. 3 the lighting unit according to Figure 1 in a view along section AA, and Fig. 4 a reflector arrangement with partially cut-out reflector screen.

[0025] The lighting unit 10 shown in the drawing as well as the lighting device 30 and the reflector arrangement 40 shown are designed and configured to illuminate / illuminate subjects of all kinds for photographic and film recordings.

[0026] The lighting unit 10 is characterized according to the invention by a connection body 11 which, on the one hand, has sockets designed and configured to receive at least two lighting means, and on the other hand, has contacts 12 designed and configured to be connected to a generator 13, wherein the contacts 12 are electrically connected to the sockets, at least two lighting means plugged into the sockets, and a substantially transparent protective bell 14 which is connected to the connection body 11 and at least partially encloses each lighting means connected to the connection body 11, wherein one lighting means is designed as an HMI burner 15 and the at least one further lighting means is designed as a flash tube 16.

[0027] The contacts 12 do not usually go directly to or into the generator 13 (more on this below). The slots are formed on an upper side O of the connection body 11 facing the protective bell 14. The slots can be designed for plug-in connections, screw connections, snap-in connections or any other type of detachable connection. The contacts 12 or connection poles are formed on the underside U of the connection body 11. Preferably, the HMI burner 15 and the or each flash tube 16 are arranged at the same height. This means that in side view (see e.g. Figure 3 ) are arranged one behind the other.

[0028] The HMI torch 15 has a gas-filled glass bulb 18, which, when cold, acts as an insulator between two electrodes. A high-voltage discharge from the generator 13 makes the insulating gas path between the electrodes conductive. The arc formed between the electrodes emits light. After the gas discharge, the gas is conductive, allowing current to flow through it. A ballast limits the current. Xenon flash tubes, krypton flash tubes, or other common flashlights or flash tubes can preferably be used as the flash tube 16. Each flash tube 16 also comprises a glass bulb 18 filled with a gas and two electrodes. Applying a sufficiently high voltage causes a gas discharge or the formation of a spark, which represents the flash of light. The necessary energy is provided by the generator 13.

[0029] As mentioned, a ballast is required for the operation of the HMI burner 15. Preferably, an ignitor and a ballast are associated with the HMI burner 15. Both the ignitor and the ballast can be designed and arranged separately from the lamp unit 10. Preferably, however, at least the ignitor is an integral component of the lamp unit 10 and arranged in the region of the connecting body 11. An ignition coil is associated with the flash tube 16. The ignition coil can also be an integral component of the lamp unit 10 and is then expediently arranged in the region of the connecting body 11. Preferably, the or each ignition coil is arranged outside the lamp unit 10 (more on this below).

[0030] In addition to the HMI torch 15, at least two flash tubes 16, 19 are arranged within the protective bell 14 and are electrically connected to the contacts 12 and plugged into the connector body 11, with each flash tube 16, 19 being assigned an ignition coil. Each flash tube 16, 19 can be assigned its own ignition coil. A common ignition coil for all flash tubes 16, 19 is also possible. The second flash tube 19 is preferably identical to the first flash tube 16 and also comprises a gas-filled glass bulb 20 and two electrodes. However, it is also possible to integrate different flash tubes 16, 19 into one lighting unit 10. The arrangement and positioning of the flash tubes 16, 19 within the protective bell 14 relative to the HMI torch 15 is variable. Particularly preferably, the HMI burner 15 is arranged centrally within the protective bell 14 and the two flash tubes 16, 19 are arranged symmetrically to the HMI burner 15.In other words, the two flash tubes 16, 19 are arranged offset by approximately 180° around the HMI burner 15 or its glass bulb 17. In other embodiments with, for example, four flash tubes, these are preferably arranged uniformly offset by 90° from one another around the HMI burner 15 or its glass bulb 17.

[0031] The protective bell 14 is detachably attached to the connecting body 11 and is cylindrical in shape, with the connecting body 11 being arranged on one end face 21 of the protective bell 14 and an air-permeable protective cap 23 being arranged on the end face 22 opposite the connecting body 11. In simple designs, the protective cap 23 is connected to the connecting body 11 with at least one locking screw. The protective cap 14 can also be seated in a socket that is screwed to the connecting body 11. Other fastening options for the protective bell 14 with or on the connecting body 11 are also possible. The protective cap 23 can be a simple wire mesh that is permeable to air. Other cover elements with openings, slots, or other air-permeable recesses can also be used.Light filters can also be arranged integrally with the protective cap 23 or separately in the area of the front side 22 of the protective bell 14. Towards the front side 22, the HMI burner 15 and the or each flash tube 16, 19 end at approximately the same height (see, for example, . Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0032] The protective bell 14 is preferably made of glass, with the glass being at least partially provided with a UV filter. The UV filter can be integrated into the glass. However, the UV filter can also be attached separately from the inside and / or outside of the protective bell 14. Preferably, the protective bell 14 has a closed outer surface M. In other examples, however, the outer surface M can also have ventilation openings or the like.

[0033] All light sources, i.e., the HMI burner 15 and each flash tube 16, 19, have a similar color temperature of approximately 5600 Kelvin with a variable spectrum. However, in other examples and depending on the application, light sources with color temperatures less than or greater than 5600 Kelvin can also be used. Light sources with different color temperatures can also be used in a lighting unit 10. The connector body 11 can have a different number of contacts 12. Preferably, the connector body 11 is configured with 18 pins on the underside U facing away from the light sources.

[0034] The lighting unit 10, as a lighting body, is an independent component and can be used separately. However, the lighting unit 10 is preferably a component of the lighting device 30. The lighting device 30, designed and configured to illuminate subjects for photographs and film recordings, is characterized by a lighting unit 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 8 and a common energy source designed and configured to selectively operate and / or ignite the HMI burner 15 and / or flash tubes 16, 19. The energy source is the generator 13, which comprises a ballast designed and configured to limit the current consumption of the HMI burner 15. As already described, the ballast can be assigned to the lighting unit 10. Optionally, the ballast is a separate component. However, the ballast is preferably an integral part of the generator 13.The HMI torch 15 is adjustable in a range preferably from 125 to 400 W via the generator 13, so that the HMI torch 15 can also be used as a modeling light for flash photography.

[0035] The lighting unit 10 has connector plugs 31, 32 that are electrically connected to the contacts 12. The connector plugs 31, 32 can be connected directly or via cables 33, 34 to the connector sockets 35, 36 of the generator 13.

[0036] The lighting device 30 further comprises a control device designed and configured to individually control the lamps of the lighting unit 10. The control device can be designed separately, but is preferably an integral component of the generator 13. Furthermore, the lighting device 30 or the generator 13 comprises a detection device designed and configured to recognize the connected lamps of the lighting unit 10. The detection device is preferably connected to the control device. The generator 13 can have additional connection sockets for connecting additional components.

[0037] The generator 13 is designed and configured, in particular, to generate short firing times for the flash tubes 16, 19, such that each flash tube 16, 19 can generate flashes for recording 60 to 120 images per second. Ultimately, a corresponding number of flashes can be generated by the generator 13.

[0038] The illumination device 30 is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a reflector arrangement 40, which is designed and configured to provide illumination for photographs and film recordings. The reflector arrangement 40 is characterized by a reflector screen 41, an illumination device 30 according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, and a support element 42 for receiving at least parts of the illumination device 30. In the embodiment according to Figure 4 the lighting unit 10 is arranged at a free end of the support element 42.

[0039] The support element 42 itself is connected to the reflector screen 41 in the area of a screen holder 43. The connecting plugs 31, 32 protrude from the end of the support element 42 opposite the lamp unit 10. The ballast for the HMI burner 15, for example, can also be arranged in the head area 44. Ignition devices and / or ignition coils for the HMI burner 15 and the flash tubes 16, 19 can also be arranged in the head area 44. According to the embodiment, the unit formed from the reflector screen 41 and the support element 42 is attached to a stand 45. In other options, the unit can also be attached to other support elements.

[0040] Preferably, the lighting unit 10 is - as mentioned - arranged at a free end of the support element 42, wherein the support element 42 as a focusing unit for the lighting unit 10 is axially displaceable relative to the reflector screen 41 in the longitudinal direction of the central axis A of the focusing unit or the reflector screen 41.

Claims

1. Lighting unit (10), designed and configured for illuminating subjects for photography and filming, comprising a connecting element (11) that comprises: on the one hand, receptacles designed and configured to receive at least two light sources, and, on the other hand, contacts (12) designed and configured to be connected to a power pack (13), the contacts (12) being electrically connected to the receptacles; at least two light sources inserted into the receptacles; and a substantially transparent protective cover (14) which is connected to the connecting element (11) and at least partially encloses each of the light sources connected to the connecting element (11), characterised in that one light source being designed as an HMI light (15) and the at least one other light source being designed as a flash tube (16), wherein in addition to the HMI light (15) at least two flash tubes (16, 19) disposed inside the protective cover (14) are electrically connected to the contacts (12) and inserted into the connecting element (11), an ignition coil being assigned to each flash tube (16, 19).

2. Lighting unit (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that an igniter and a ballast are assigned to the HMI light (15) and an ignition coil is assigned to the flash tube (16).

3. Lighting unit (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the HMI light (15) is disposed centrally within the protective cover (14) and the at least two flash tubes (16, 19) are disposed symmetrically relative to the HMI light (15).

4. Lighting unit (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the protective cover (14) is detachably mounted on the connecting element (11) and is cylindrical in shape, the connecting element (11) being disposed at one end (21) of the protective cover (14) and an air-permeable protective cap (23) being disposed at the opposite end (22) to the connecting element (11).

5. Lighting unit (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the protective cover (14) is made of glass, the glass being at least partially provided with a UV filter.

6. Lighting unit (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that all light sources have a colour temperature of approximately 5600 Kelvin.

7. Lighting unit (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the connecting element (11) is designed with 18 terminals on the side facing away from the light sources.

8. Lighting device (30), designed and configured to illuminate subjects for photography and filming, comprising a lighting unit (10), designed and configured for illuminating subjects for photography and filming, which lighting unit is characterised by a connecting element (11) that comprises: on the one hand, receptacles designed and configured to receive at least two light sources, and, on the other hand, contacts (12) designed and configured to be connected to a power pack (13), the contacts (12) being electrically connected to the receptacles; at least two light sources inserted into the receptacles; and a substantially transparent protective cover (14) which is connected to the connecting element (11) and at least partially encloses each of the light sources connected to the connecting element (11), characterised in that one light source being designed as an HMI light (15) and the at least one other light source being designed as a flash tube (16), , and by a common power source designed and configured to selectively operate and / or ignite an HMI light (14 ) and / or flash tubes (15, 16).

9. Lighting kit according to claim 8, characterised in that an igniter and a ballast are assigned to the HMI light (15) and an ignition coil is assigned to the flash tube (16).

10. Lighting kit according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that in addition to the HMI light (15) at least two flash tubes (16, 19) disposed inside the protective cover (14) are electrically connected to the contacts (12) and inserted into the connecting element (11), an ignition coil being assigned to each flash tube (16, 19).

11. Lighting kit according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the lighting unit (10) is designed according to one or more of claims 3 to 712. Lighting kit (30) according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the energy source is a power pack (13) comprising a ballast designed and configured to limit the current input to the HMI light (15).

13. Lighting kit (30) according to one or more of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that it further comprises a control device which is designed and configured to individually actuate the light sources of the lighting unit (10).

14. Lighting kit (30) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the power pack (13) further comprises a detection device designed and configured to detect the connected light sources of the lighting unit (10).

15. Lighting kit (30) according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the power pack (13) is designed and configured to generate short flash durations with the flash tubes (16, 19), such that flashes for capturing 60 to 120 images per second can be generated with each flash tube (16, 19).

16. Reflector assembly (40) designed and configured to provide illumination for photography and filming, characterised by a reflector umbrella (41), a lighting kit (30) according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, and a carrier element (42) for receiving at least parts of the lighting kit (30).

17. Reflector assembly (40) according to claim 14, characterised in that the lighting unit (10) is disposed at a free end of the carrier element (42), wherein the carrier element (42), as a focusing unit for the lighting unit (10), is axially movable in the longitudinal direction of the centre axis (A) of the focusing unit or of the reflector umbrella (41) relative to the latter.