Projector comprising at least one first and one second prism device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projector adapted for directing at least one beam of light, comprising a light source and optical elements for directing the beam of light produced by said light source towards an output of the projector, said projector comprising, along the optical axis, respectively, a light source, a focusing device, a zooming device, and an output lens for directing the beam of light, wherein the device comprises, along the optical axis, respectively, a first prism device, comprising at least one prism, and a second prism device, comprising at least one prism, for directing the beam of light either by means of said first prism device, or by means of said second prism device, or by means of said first and second prism devices, characterized in that,The first prism device is positioned between the light source and the zoom device, and the second prism device is positioned between the zoom device and the output lens. Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Projector comprising at least a first and a second prism device. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices and, more specifically, to a projector adapted to direct at least one light beam, comprising a light source and optical elements in an optical axis for directing the light beam produced by said light source towards an output of the projector, said projector comprising in the optical axis respectively the light source, a focus device, a zoom device and an output lens for directing the light beam. State of the art

[0002] Nowadays, it is known to use lighting devices comprising a projector equipped with at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), and a base for mounting said lighting device on a support. The projector is connected to the base by means of an arm, a first mounting element, and a second mounting element. Thus, the arm is, at one end, connected to the base by means of the first mounting element, allowing the arm to be rotatable relative to the base around a first axis of rotation. The projector is connected to the arm by means of the second mounting element, the projector being rotatable relative to the arm around a second axis of rotation. The base allows said lighting device to be mounted on a support, such as a wall or a load-bearing structure on which several lighting devices are mounted side by side.The base is connected, on the one hand, to an electrical power source enabling the delivery of said electrical energy towards the projector's light source and, on the other hand, to a suitable control system to generate commands concerning the management of the use of the lighting device.

[0003] In the performing arts, and more specifically in theatrical or musical performances, lighting devices represent a significant part of the set design. Indeed, lighting devices are used to enhance the visual image presented to the audience by generating specific lighting effects. During normal operation of lighting devices, the light beams produced by the light source can be materialized using a type of fog. This fog forms the surface onto which the various light beams are projected and made visible to the audience.

[0004] Users of lighting devices arrange a specific number of such devices to create a structure that produces innovative visual effects. Therefore, the lighting devices must be easily juxtaposed and adjustable so that they can be assembled without difficulty, regardless of the final structure required. However, existing lighting devices do not allow for such freedom of assembly due to the inherent bulk of a lighting device related to the space required for the projector's rotation. Thus, the current size of such structures is relatively large.

[0005] In view of the above observations, in the field of entertainment there is a constant need to improve existing systems and to give users more freedom to manipulate projectors in order to create innovative visual effects.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to present a projector comprising optical elements for producing light beams in a new way. Object of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, the object of the invention consists of proposing a projector adapted to direct at least one light beam, comprising a light source and optical elements in an optical axis for directing the light beam produced by said light source towards an output of the projector, said projector comprising in the optical axis respectively the light source, a focusing device, a zooming device and an output lens for directing the light beam, in which the device comprises in the optical axis respectively a first prism device, comprising at least one prism, and a second prism device, comprising at least one prism, for directing the light beam either by means of said first prism device, or by means of said second prism device, or by means of said first and second prism devices,in which the first prism device is positioned between the light source and the zoom device, and in which the second prism device is positioned between the zoom device and the output lens.

[0008] Thus, the lighting device according to the present invention comprises a light source, a focusing device, and a zoom device for directing at least one light beam towards an output lens. Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises an assembly consisting of a first prism device, comprising at least one prism, and a second prism device, comprising at least one prism, for directing the light beam either by means of said first prism device, or by means of said second prism device, or by means of said first and second prism devices.

[0009] According to the present invention, the light beam can be directed using the first and second prism devices positioned in specific locations in the optical axis to obtain spectacular and novel lighting effects.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first and second prism devices are positioned removably relative to the optical axis between an inactive position, in which the prism device is not present in the optical axis, and an active position, in which the prism device is present in the optical axis.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first prism device comprises a first prism and a second prism different from the first prism, in which the first prism device is removable between an inactive position, in which the first and second prisms are not present in the optical axis, a first active position, in which the first prism is present in the optical axis and a second active position in which the second prism is present in the optical axis.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second prism device comprises a first prism and a second prism different from the first prism, in which the second prism device is removable between an inactive position, in which the first and second prisms are not present in the optical axis, a first active position, in which the first prism is present in the optical axis and a second active position in which the second prism is present in the optical axis.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a third prism device positioned between the focus device and the zoom device.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the third prism device comprises a first prism and a second prism different from the first prism, in which the third prism device is removable between an inactive position, in which the first and second prisms are not present in the optical axis, a first active position, in which the first prism is present in the optical axis and a second active position in which the second prism is present in the optical axis.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first prism device and / or the third prism device comprises a Frost type filter.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, one of the first and third prism devices comprises a Heavy Frost type filter and in which one of the first and third prism devices comprises a Light Frost type filter.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, at least one prism device comprises at least one prism positioned in said at least one prism device in a movable rotational manner to permit said at least one prism to rotate around the central axis of the prism.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the light source comprises a laser.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a lighting device, comprising the projector according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] 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: - Figure [1] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the projector according to the invention, - Figure 2 shows a top view of a first prism device according to the invention, and - Fig. 3 shows a top view of a third prism device according to the invention.

[0021] The present invention relates to a projector and a lighting device comprising said projector, in which said lighting device is particularly adapted for use within a lighting assembly of several lighting devices, said lighting devices being positioned next to each other.

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically shows the interior of a projector 100 according to the invention 1. The projector 100 is particularly suitable for use in a lighting device (not shown in the figures) in which the projector 100 is connected in a rotational or movable way to a yoke, the yoke being connected in a rotational or movable way to a base.

[0023] The lighting device described above is known in the prior art, and in particular in document FR3034499B1.

[0024] Users of lighting devices are increasingly demanding regarding the lighting effects that can be achieved with lighting devices of the type indicated above.

[0025] The projector 100 according to [Fig.1] includes an optical axis 90 which extends through the light source 1 of the projector to an output lens or front lens 40 of the light device 100. This output lens 40 forms the output of the light beams generated inside the light device 100.

[0026] It should be noted that the light source can be in the form of any suitable light source. To obtain exceptional lighting effects, according to one embodiment of the invention, the light source 1 comprises a laser.

[0027] The projector 100 is adapted to direct at least one light beam through the output lens 40 from the light source 1. Downstream of said light source 1 in the direction of the output lens 40, the projector 100 comprises in its optical axis 90 respectively optical elements such as one or more color wheels 2 and one or more Gobo wheels 3.

[0028] Downstream of said optical elements 2, 3, the projector includes a focusing device 4 or focusing device. Such a focusing device is known in the prior art and its operation is not described in detail in this description.

[0029] According to the invention, the projector 100 comprises downstream of the focus device 4 a first prism device 5. An embodiment of such a prism device 5 is shown in [Fig.2].

[0030] As shown in [Fig. 2], the first prism device 5 comprises a set of four prisms, all different from one another. The operation of the first prism device 5 is described below.

[0031] Following the optical axis 90, downstream of the first prism device 5, in the direction of the output lens 40, the projector 100 includes a third prism device 6. An embodiment of such a prism device 6 is shown in [Fig.3].

[0032] Downstream of the third prism device 6, in the direction of the output lens 40, the projector 100 includes a zoom device 7 or magnification device. Such a zoom device 7 is known in the prior art, and its operation is not described in detail in this description.

[0033] Between said zoom device 7 and the output lens 40 is a second prism device 8. The second prism device 8 may have the shape of the first 5 or the third 6 prism device.

[0034] The operation of the projector 100 is as follows: a light beam is produced using the light source 1. Optical elements such as the color wheel 2 and the gobo wheel are used to give a desired color and / or lighting effect to the light beam.

[0035] Next, the focus device 4 is used to obtain a light beam with specific characteristics, selected by the user.

[0036] Then, the set of prism devices 5, 6 is used to divide the light beam into a quantity of selected beams.

[0037] With reference to [Fig. 2], it should be noted that the first prism device 5 comprises a support 50 on which are fixed a first prism 51, a second prism 52, a third prism 53 and a fourth prism 54. In addition, the first prism device 5 includes a Heavy Frost type filter 55.

[0038] In the example of [Fig. 2], the first prism 51 is a circular prism with eight facets. The second prism 52 is a circular prism with six facets. The third prism 53 is a linear prism with six facets. The fourth prism 54 is a linear prism with four facets.

[0039] The prisms 51, 52, 53, 54 and the filter 55 are positioned on the support 50 which is provided with a rotation axis 56. The first prism device 5 is fixed inside the projector 100 using said rotation axis 56.

[0040] In [Fig. 2], the optical axis of the projector 100 is indicated by the reference number 90. In [Fig. 2], the first prism device 5 is shown in its inactive position. This means that none of the prisms 51, 52, 53, 54 or the filter 55 is positioned on the optical axis 90.

[0041] The first prism device 5, according to [Fig.2], can perform a rotation around its axis of rotation 56 in order to bring one of the prisms 51, 52, 53, 54 or the filter 55 into the optical axis 90, one by one.

[0042] If prism 51 of the first prism device 5 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into eight outgoing light beams. If prism 52 of the first prism device 5 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into six outgoing light beams. If prism 53 of the first prism device 5 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into six outgoing light beams. If prism 54 of the first prism device 5 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into four outgoing light beams.

[0043] In [Fig. 2], it is shown that each of the prisms 51, 52, 53, 54 are positioned in the first prism device 5 in a rotational manner, that is, in a rotationally mobile manner. This means that each prism 51, 52, 53, 54 can, by means of an electric motor, rotate around its respective central axis. It is clear that the effect on the incoming light beam using a rotating prism is even more exceptional than in the absence of said rotation.

[0044] If the filter 55 of the first prism device 5 is located on the optical axis 90, the presence of said filter 55 produces a scattering effect on said incoming light beam. A Heavy Frost filter, such as filter 55 in the example in [Fig. 2], typically produces a significant scattering effect. A Light Frost filter, such as filter 65 in the example in [Fig. 3] below, typically produces a slight scattering effect.

[0045] With reference to [Fig. 3], it should be noted that the third prism device 6 comprises a support 60 on which are fixed a first prism 61, a second prism 62, a third prism 63 and a fourth prism 64. In addition, the third prism device 6 includes a Light Frost type filter 65.

[0046] In the example of [Fig. 3], the first prism 61 is a circular prism with sixteen facets. The second prism 62 is a circular prism with six facets. The third prism 63 is a linear prism with six facets. The fourth prism 64 is a linear prism with four facets.

[0047] The prisms 61, 62, 63, 64 and the filter 65 are positioned on the support 60 which is provided with a rotation axis 66. The third prism device 6 is fixed inside the projector 100 using said rotation axis 66.

[0048] In [Fig. 3], the optical axis of the projector 100 is indicated with the reference number 90. In [Fig. 3], the third prism device 6 is shown in its inactive position. This means that none of the prisms 61, 62, 63, 64 or the filter 65 is positioned on the optical axis 90.

[0049] The third prism device 6, according to [Fig.3], can perform a rotation around its axis of rotation 66 in order to bring one of the prisms 61, 62, 63, 64 or the filter 65 into the optical axis 90, one by one.

[0050] If prism 61 of the third prism device 6 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam or beams will each be divided into sixteen outgoing light beams. If prism 62 of the third prism device 6 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam or beams will each be divided into six outgoing light beams. If prism 63 of the second prism device 6 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into six outgoing light beams. If prism 64 of the second prism device 6 is located on the optical axis 90, the incoming light beam is divided into four outgoing light beams.

[0051] If the filter 65 of the third prism device 6 is located on the optical axis 90, the presence of said filter 65 will produce a diffusion effect on said incoming light beam(s). A Light Frost filter, such as the filter 65 in the example of [Fig. 3], typically produces a light diffusion effect.

[0052] In [Fig. 3], it is shown that each of the prisms 61, 62, 63, 64 are positioned in the third prism device 6 in a rotational manner, that is, in a rotationally mobile manner. This means that each prism 61, 62, 63, 64 can, by means of an electric motor, rotate around its respective central axis. It is clear that the effect on the incoming beam using a rotating prism is even more exceptional than in the absence of said rotation of the prism in question.

[0053] With reference to [Fig. 1], the light beam or light beams passing through devices 5 and 6 respectively enter the zoom device 7. Then, the light beam or light beams pass through of the second prism device 8. Said second prism device 8 may be identical or similar to devices 5, 6 described above.

[0054] With reference to the above description, it should be noted that with the set of prism devices 5, 6, 8 spectacular and novel lighting effects compared to lighting devices known in the prior art can be obtained.

Claims

Demands

1. A projector (100) adapted to direct at least one light beam, comprising a light source (1) and optical elements in an optical axis (90) for directing the light beam produced by said light source (1) towards an output of the projector (100), said projector (100) comprising in the optical axis (90) respectively the light source (1), a focusing device (4), a zooming device (7) and an output lens (40) for directing the light beam, wherein the device (100) comprises in the optical axis (90) respectively a first prism device (5), comprising at least one prism (51, 52, 53, 54), and a second prism device (8), comprising at least one prism, for directing the light beam either by means of said first prism device (5), or by means of said second prism device (8), or by means of said first (5) and second (8) devices. prism, characterized in that,the first prism device (5) is positioned between the light source (1) and the zoom device (7) and wherein the second prism device (8) is positioned between the zoom device (7) and the output lens (40), wherein the projector (100) comprises a third prism device (6) positioned between the focus device (4) and the zoom device (7).

2. Projector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first (5) and second (8) prism devices are removably positioned relative to the optical axis (90) between an inactive position, in which the prism device (5, 8) is not present in the optical axis (90), and an active position, in which the prism device (5, 8) is present in the optical axis (90).

3. Projector (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first prism device (5) comprises a first prism (51) and a second prism (52) different from the first prism (51), wherein the first prism device (5) is removable between an inactive position, in which the first (51) and second (52) prisms are not present in the optical axis (90), and a first active position, in which the first prism (51) is present in the optical axis (90) and a second active position in which the second prism (52) is present in the optical axis (90).

4. Projector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second prism device (8) comprises a first prism and a second prism different from the first prism, wherein the second prism device (8) is removable between an inactive position, in which the first and second prisms are not present in the optical axis (80), and a first active position, in which the first prism is present in the optical axis (90) and a second active position in which the second prism is present in the optical axis (90).

5. Projector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third prism device (6) comprises a first (61) and a second (62) prism, different from the first prism (61), wherein the third prism device (6) is removable between an inactive position, in which the first (61) and second (62) prisms are not present in the optical axis (90), and a first active position, in which the first prism (61) is present in the optical axis (90) and a second active position in which the second prism (62) is present in the optical axis (90).

6. Projector (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein the first prism device (5) and / or the third prism device (6) comprises a Frost type filter (55,65).

7. Projector (100) according to claim 6, wherein one of the first (5) and third (6) prism device comprises a Heavy Frost type filter (55) and wherein one of the first (5) and third (6) prism device comprises a Light Frost type filter (65).

8. Projector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one prism device comprises at least one prism (51, 52, 53, 54, 61, 62, 63, 64) positioned in a movably rotational manner in said at least one prism device to permit said at least one prism (51, 52, 53, 54, 61, 62, 63, 64) to rotate about the central axis of the prism (51, 52, 53, 54, 61, 62, 63, 64).

9. Projector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (1) comprises a laser.

10. Lighting device, comprising the projector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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