Light device for creating a light beam and effects wheel suitable for said light device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light device for creating a light beam, comprising a light source and an optical element positioned in an optical axis (80) between said light source and an outlet for said light beam, wherein said optical element comprises an effects wheel (1) that is at least partially transparent or translucent, the effects wheel (1) being movable between a first active position, in which the effects wheel (1) is positioned in said optical axis (80), and a second, inactive position, in which the effects wheel (1) is positioned outside said optical axis (80), and activation means suitable for moving the effects wheel (1) in a to-and-fro movement between its first active position and its second, inactive position.

Description

Domaine de l'invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for creating a light beam comprising a light source and an optical element positioned along an optical axis between said light source and an output for said light beam. Etat de la technique

[0002] Suitable lighting devices for creating a light beam, comprising a light source and one or more optical element(s) positioned along an optical axis between said source and an output for said light beam, are already known from the prior art.

[0003] An effects wheel is a typical example of an optical element positioned along the optical axis between a light source and an output for a light beam. Such an effects wheel comprises a plurality of elements that are at least partially transparent or translucent and that, depending on the user's choice of the lighting device, may or may not be positioned along the optical axis between said source and an output for said light beam obtained by the lighting device.

[0004] As a general rule, the elements, at least partially transparent or translucent, inside an effects wheel are coated with certain patterns, designs, or drawings that allow a beam of light to be projected onto a surface. These patterns, designs, or drawings, combined with a color, can enhance the effect obtained with the effects wheel.

[0005] In practice, the effects wheels known from the prior art offer limited specific effects. Indeed, once the effects wheel is positioned along the optical axis between the source and an output for the light beam, the specific effect obtained cannot be modified without installing another element, partially transparent or translucent, of the effects wheel.

[0006] In the performing arts, and particularly in theatrical and musical productions, lighting systems play a significant role in the set design, enabling the creation of specific lighting effects. These systems complement the visual experience presented to the audience. Consequently, there is a constant need in these fields to improve existing systems and offer users greater freedom in choosing lighting devices to create innovative visual effects.

[0007] Documents WO 2011 / 029449 A1, WO 2011 / 119450 A1, US 2003 / 076681 A1, CN 202 532 389 U, US 5 416 681 A and WO 2012 / 138770 A2 disclose state-of-the-art lighting devices.

[0008] In view of the above observations, the object of the present invention is to propose a lighting device comprising a light source and an optical element, positioned along the optical axis between said light source and an output for a light beam to be obtained, in which said optical element can create innovative visual effects. Objet de l'invention

[0009] The object of the present invention relates to a lighting device for creating a light beam comprising a light source and an optical element, positioned along an optical axis between said light source and an output for said light beam, in which said optical element comprises an effects wheel at least partially transparent or translucent, said effects wheel being movable between a first active position in which the effects wheel is positioned along said optical axis and a second inactive position in which the effects wheel is positioned outside said optical axis, and actuation means adapted for moving the effects wheel back and forth between its first active position and its second inactive position.characterized in that said actuation means are adapted to rotate the effects wheel around an axis of rotation of said effects wheel and to move the effects wheel back and forth between its first active position and its second inactive position in a first direction and a second direction essentially perpendicular to this first direction with respect to the optical axis of the lighting device in order to allow different parts of the surface of the effects wheel to be positioned in the optical axis of the lighting device.

[0010] According to the invention, the actuation means comprise a sliding element fixed on the base of said luminous device and adapted to perform a back-and-forth movement relative to the optical axis of the luminous device and a pivoting element fixed by means of a pivot axis, distinct from the axis of rotation, to said sliding element and adapted to pivot about said pivot axis relative to said sliding element, in which the effects wheel is fixed to the pivoting element.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation means include a retaining element adapted to maintain the circumference of the effects wheel and to allow the rotation of the effects wheel relative to said retaining element and drive means adapted to grasp the circumference of the effects wheel and to rotate the effects wheel relative to the retaining element.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the circumference of the effects wheel is provided with teeth and the drive means include at least one toothed wheel adapted to transmit a rotation to said effects wheel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the effects wheel is covered with a coating essentially in the form of spokes coming out of the center of the effects wheel.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the effects wheel is covered with a coating essentially in the form of concentric circles around the center of the effects wheel.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a base, a projector connected to the base by means of a yoke to allow said projector to pivot relative to the base, in which said light source and said optical element are positioned in said projector.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an effects wheel adapted for a lighting device according to the invention. Brief description des dessins

[0017] The purpose, object, and features of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, made with reference to the figures in which: [ Fig. 1 ] shows a perspective view of an effects wheel and means for actuation of said effects wheel, adapted for a lighting device according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] represents a top view of an effects wheel according to the figure 1 said effects wheel being positioned outside the optical axis of a lighting device, [ Fig. 3 ] illustrates a wheel of effects according to the figure 1 , the center of said effects wheel being located inside the optical axis of a luminous device, [ Fig. 4 ] shows the device according to the figure 3 , in which the effects wheel is moved, from a first position "x" relative to the position as shown on the figure 3 , And [ Fig. 5 ] represents the effects wheel for the lighting device according to the figure 3 , said effects wheel moving into a second position "y" relative to the position as shown on the figure 3 .

[0018] There figure 1 This shows a perspective view of an effects wheel 1 and actuating means for rotating said effects wheel 1 and moving it back and forth between a first active position, on the optical axis of a lighting device, and a second inactive position in which the effects wheel 1 is located outside said optical axis of said lighting device. The actuating means comprise a sliding element 30 on which a pivoting element 20 is fixed. The effects wheel 1, forming part of said pivoting element 20, is held by a retaining element 2. The retaining element 2 is in the form of a thin sheet metal that holds the toothed wheel 5 and the effects wheel 1. The edges 11 and 12 of said retaining element 2 are folded to stiffen said retaining element 2. Said retaining element 2 allows the effects wheel 1 to rotate about a central axis of rotation 10.The retaining element 2 is fixed to an element 3 which forms a basic element of a pivoting element 20 of the actuation means. The pivoting element 20 can rotate about a pivot axis 25. The pivoting element 20, fixed to a sliding element 30, is adapted to pivot relative to said sliding element 30 of the actuation means.

[0019] The motor 4 of the pivoting element 20 is adapted to rotate about the pivot axis 25. The exterior of the motor 4 has teeth 41. These teeth 41 are adapted to cooperate with the teeth 51 of the gear 5, which is positioned intermediately between the motor 4 and the effector wheel 1. The circumference of the effector wheel 1 has teeth 101 adapted to cooperate with the teeth 51 of the intermediate gear 5. The intermediate gear 5, fixed on a base connected to the element 3, can pivot about an axis of rotation. It should be noted that the actuation of the effector wheel 1 is not limited to the use of gears. Actuation by means of a belt can be an alternative solution.

[0020] As explained in more detail with reference to figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 5The rotation of the pivoting element 20 around the axis of rotation 25 allows the effects wheel 1 to be positioned either inside or outside the optical axis of a lighting device. The pivoting element 20 and the sliding element 30 are used to move the effects wheel 1.

[0021] The sliding element 30 comprises a base 31, fixed inside a guide 32 relative to which said base 31 can move back and forth in a longitudinal direction. A motor 60 is connected to the end of the guide 33. The base 31 is connected to the motor 60 by means of a rack and pinion system, said pinion 61 being located on the axis of rotation of the motor 60 and the rack 32 being fixed to the base 31. The rotation of the motor 60 determines the position of the base 31. The movement of the base 31 determines the position of the axis of rotation 25 of the pivoting element 20. The movement of the base 31 and the sliding element 30, in combination with the rotation of the pivoting element 20, determines the position of the effects wheel 1 and, more specifically, the position of the rotation axis 10 of the effects wheel 1 relative to the optical axis of the light device.

[0022] The pivoting element 20 includes a motor 4 adapted to rotate the effects wheel 1. A motor 70 is used for the relative rotation of the pivoting element 20 with respect to the sliding element 30. The rotation axis 71 of said motor 70 is connected to the element 3 and can rotate the pivoting element 20 around the rotation axis 25 so that the effects wheel 1 is in a predetermined position. Each of the motors 4 and 70 is fixed to the base 31 and moves together with said base 31.

[0023] There figure 2 Figure 1 represents a top view of the effects wheel 1 and its actuation means. The optical axis of a lighting device is schematically represented using reference 80. To refer to the different possible movements of the effects wheel 1 relative to the optical axis 80 of a lighting device, the figure 2 The first direction "x" represents a first direction of movement relative to the optical axis 80, and a second direction "y", essentially perpendicular to the first direction "x", represents a second direction of movement relative to the optical axis 80. Arrow 91 schematically illustrates the movement of the sliding element 30. Arrow 92 illustrates a rotation of the pivoting element 20 around the axis of rotation 25.

[0024] There figure 2 represents the effects wheel 1 located outside the optical axis 80, having no effect on the light beam produced by the lighting device in which it is installed. Being located outside the optical axis 80, the effects wheel 1 can be moved by moving the sliding element 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 91, and by rotating the pivoting element 20 in the direction indicated by arrow 92. These two movements allow the effects wheel 1 to be moved, for example, so that its center of rotation 10 is located at the center of the optical axis 80, as illustrated in the figure 3 .

[0025] There figure 3 illustrates the effects wheel 1 in a position where its axis of rotation 10 is located at the center of the optical axis 80. The rotation of the effects wheel 1 within the optical axis 80 produces a specific effect on the light beam obtained with the lighting device. According to the examples illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 5 The effects wheel 1 is covered with a decoration in the form of lines, comparable to spokes, extending from its center to its circumference. According to the position illustrated on the figure 3 The spoke-like lines on the effects wheel 1, combined with the rotation of said effects wheel 1 within the optical axis 80, give the light beam a particular effect that could be compared to a "sunbeam". Without modifying the designs on the effects wheel 1, and simply by moving said effects wheel 1 relative to the optical axis 80, the resulting visual effect can be completely different.

[0026] There figure 4 shows the effects wheel 1 in a position where it is moved along the first direction "x". As visible along the optical axis 80, the lines on the surface of the effects wheel 1 are located inside said optical axis 80, in an essentially horizontal direction. With the effects wheel 1 rotating around its central axis 10, the optical effect obtained according to the example illustrated in figure 4 is a luminous effect comparable to "waves".

[0027] There figure 5 represents an example where the effects wheel 1 is moved, relative to the position as illustrated on the figure 3 , along the "y" direction. As visible along the optical axis 80, the lines on the surface of the effects wheel 1 are represented in an essentially vertical direction. With the effects wheel 1 rotating around its central axis 10, the optical effect obtained according to the example illustrated in figure 5 is a luminous effect comparable to "flames".

[0028] En reference to figures 3, 4 And 5 It is clear that the effects wheel 1 allows for intermediate visual effects, such as, for example, an intermediate position between the position illustrated on the figure 3 and the figure 5 or, alternatively, an intermediate position between the position illustrated on the figure 4 and the figure 5 .

[0029] It should be noted that the effects wheel 1 can be moved relatively easily and simply, using the movements of the sliding elements 30 and pivoting elements 20, resulting in different sequences of visual effects without the user being forced to modify said effects wheel 1.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown in the figures), the effects wheel 1 can be covered with a decoration of circular lines, the various circles of which can be concentric around the central axis 10 of said effects wheel 1. A decoration of this type makes it possible to obtain technical effects when the effects wheel 1 is positioned according to the examples illustrated in the figures. figures 3, 4 And 5 or according to intermediate positions.

[0031] It should be noted that beyond the types of decoration of effect wheel 1, shown in the figures and mentioned above, said effect wheel 1 can also be enhanced with one or more colors, thus increasing the quantity of visual effects that can be obtained.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown in the figures), the effects wheel 1 can be covered with a limited number of different designs, each design being essentially equal in size to the optical axis 80 of the device on which said effects wheel 1 is used. Thanks to the sliding element 30 and the pivoting element 20, each of the designs covering the surface of the effects wheel 1 can be positioned within the optical axis 80, in which said effects wheel 1, according to this use, does not necessarily pivot about its central axis 10. The option described above, using the sliding element 30 and the pivoting element 20, makes it possible to obtain, with a single effects wheel 1, radically different types of visual effects.

Claims

1. A lighting device for creating a light beam comprising a light source and an optical element positioned along an optical axis (80) between said light source and an outlet for said light beam wherein said optical element comprises an at least partially transparent or translucent effects wheel (1), said effects wheel (1) being movable between a first active position in which the effects wheel (1) is positioned along said optical axis (80) and a second inactive position in which the effects wheel (1) is positioned outside said optical axis (80), and actuation means suitable for moving the effects wheel (1) in a back-and-forth movement between its first active position and its second inactive position, said actuation means are suitable for causing the effects wheel (1) to turn about an axis of rotation (10) of said effects wheel and for moving the effects wheel (1) in a back-and-forth movement between its first active position and its second inactive position in a first direction and a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to this first direction relative to the optical axis (80) of the lighting device to make it possible to position various parts of the surface of the effects wheel (1) along the optical axis (80) of the lighting device, wherein the actuation means comprise a sliding element (30) fixed on a base (31) of said lighting device and are suitable for causing the effects wheel (1) to perform a back-and-forth movement relative to the optical axis (80) of the lighting device and characterised in that the actuation means comprise a pivoting element (20) fixed, with the aid of a pivot axis (25) distinct from the axis of rotation (10), to said sliding element (30) and suitable for causing the effects wheel (1) to pivot about said pivot axis (25) relative to said sliding element (30), wherein the effects wheel (1) is fixed to the pivoting element (20).

2. The lighting device according to Claim 1, wherein the actuation means comprise a holding element (2) suitable for holding the circumference of the effects wheel (1) and for allowing the effects wheel (1) to rotate relative to said holding element (2) and driving means suitable for gripping the circumference of the effects wheel (1) and for causing the effects wheel (1) to turn relative to the holding element (2).

3. The lighting device according to Claim 2, wherein the circumference of the effects wheel (1) is provided with teeth (101) and wherein the driving means comprise at least one toothed wheel (5) suitable for transmitting a rotation to said effects wheel (1).

4. The lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the effects wheel (1) is covered with a coating substantially in the form of spokes which emanate from the centre of the effects wheel (1).

5. The lighting device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface of the effects wheel (1) is covered with a coating substantially in the form of concentric circles around the centre of the effects wheel (1).

6. The lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a base, a projector connected to the base with the aid of a yoke to allow said projector to pivot relative to the base, wherein said light source and said optical element are positioned in said projector.

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