EP2479483A1 - Inflatable light diffuser - Google Patents

Abstract

The light diffuser (1) has a holder device (2) comprising an adapter ring (4) with a light-transmissive disk i.e. glass disk (5), for fastening to a spotlight and for airtightly connecting an inflatable sack (3). An end of the sack connected to the ring is airtightly surrounded by a fastening ring (6). The fastening ring is provided against a radially extending sealing surface on the adapter ring by three quick-closures (7) that are uniformly arranged over a circumference of the light diffuser. A flat ring seal is made of silicone, rubber or elastic sealing material.

Description

The present invention relates to a light diffuser, comprising a holding device and an attachable to the holding device, at least partially translucent, inflatable bag, the holding device comprising a translucent disc, glass pane in particular adapter ring on the one hand for attachment to a headlight and on the other hand for substantially airtight connection of the inflatable bag.

Such a light diffuser is derived from the applicant EP 1 194 717 B1 known. The inflatable bag must be attached to the adapter ring in a substantially airtight manner. The provided in the adapter ring translucent disc, in particular heat-resistant glass defines the light inlet opening of the inflatable bag. The bag takes in the inflated state preferably a substantially cylindrical, spherical or hemispherical shape, but also the shape of a cone or a truncated cone. With such a lighting device there is the possibility of a particularly homogeneous, diffuse light distribution, with the daylight-like effects can be achieved. In particular, with such a lighting device, it is possible to avoid specular effects of the light sources, which are disadvantageous in particular in commercial recordings on highly reflective, glossy objects, eg automobiles. To achieve special lighting effects, it may be advantageous that, for example, one half of the inflatable bag is opaque, and possibly even mirrored on the inside. This gives you an object-oriented light. When Material for the bag of light can be used eg canvas. However, it must be ensured that the material is not only sufficiently transparent, but in particular also heat-resistant.

To inflate the bag of light, a pressure gas connection and an electronically actuated valve for gas supply is arranged in the adapter ring of the known device, wherein a first pressure sensor determines the building up internal pressure at fixed to the ring bag and then delivers a shutdown signal when a settable or predetermined maximum pressure value is reached so that the filling of the bag is automatically completed, regardless of whether and to what extent a button for actuating the valve is still active or not. The mentioned button can be manually activated for gas filling or gas refilling, providing an automatic limit.

Based on the aforementioned prior art as well as of the EP 1 108 182 B1 The present invention has for its object to provide a light diffuser of the type mentioned, in which the light bag can be connected airtight on the adapter ring of the holder in a very simple manner. Furthermore, it is the task to simplify the facial expressions for the inflation and the pressure control.

The first object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1, wherein advantageous structural refinements and details are described in the dependent claims. Due to the construction according to the invention, it is no longer necessary to attach the bag of light with a kind of hose clamp on the adapter ring of the holding device. The construction of the invention is considerably more advantageous in terms of handling, but also in terms of airtightness. Also, the design effort is considerably lower, the embodiment according to claim 13 is downright minimalist. The adapter ring comprises only a few components, namely an annular disc, a retaining ring, a glass pane and a flat gasket. These parts are held together by evenly distributed over the circumference arranged screws. The flat sealing ring has a double function. On the one hand, it serves to seal the glass pane and, on the other hand, serves as a ring support surface for the light bag or a fastening ring assigned to the light bag.

The inventively provided snap fasteners are preferably formed by clamp closures, the straps are hinged either on the mounting ring or the adapter ring, the free strap ends, which are hook-like, for locking the light bag or the associated mounting ring on the adapter ring either one on the adapter ring or on the mounting ring behind the trained peripheral edge.

Of particular importance are the pneumatic equipment according to claims 6, 7 or 8-10 or 11, 12th

The fastening ring provided according to the invention, by means of which the end of the light bag which can be connected to the adapter ring can be enclosed airtight, preferably consists of two sheet metal rings which are each made of a sheet metal strip or sheet metal strip. Between these two sheet metal rings, the associated end portion of the light bag is clamped airtight. The metal rings are made of aluminum or stainless steel.

In order to ensure the aforementioned airtight entrapment of the end portion of the light bag, between the outer ring and bag and / or between the inner ring and bag each have a sealing layer, in particular silicone layer arranged so that not only the interface between the outer ring and bag and / or inner ring and bag, but also passages or holes for receiving rivets, screws, valves or air connections are each sealed peripheral edge side. The mentioned sealing layer thus ensures an airtight fixation of the end portion of the light bag with simultaneous dimensional stability of this end portion for the purpose of an airtight connection to the adapter ring of the holding device. The radially on the adapter ring, i. approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the adapter ring extending sealing surface is preferably od by a flat ring seal made of silicone, rubber. Like. Elastic sealing material formed.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further characterized in that the holding device comprises a bearing ring for rotatably receiving the adapter ring around its central longitudinal axis. This embodiment is always suitable when the light bag comprises opaque sections. Then the orientation of the light is variable as in a pivotally mounted headlight.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung für einen Lichtdiffusor in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 2

einen Teil der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 im schematischen Längsschnitt;

Fig. 3

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für ein vorzugsweise verwendetes Rückschlagventil im Längsschnittt;

Fig. 4

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Haltevorrichtung für einen Lichtsack in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 5

einen Teil der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4 im schematischen Längsschnitt;

Fig. 6 + 7

ein bevorzugt verwendetes Zweifachventil in perspektivischer Ansicht von vorne bzw. außen einerseits und von innen bzw. hinten andererseits;

Fig. 8 + 9

das Zweifachventil gemäß den Fig. 6 + 7 jeweils im Längsschnitt, und zwar zum einen in Schließstellung und zum anderen in Offenstellung für eine Belüftung oder zum Aufblasen des zugeordneten Lichtsacks; und

Fig. 10 + 11

das Zweifachventil im Längsschnitt entsprechend den Fig. 8 + 9 unter Darstellung eines integrierten Überdruckventils in Schließ-und Offenstellung.

Further advantages and details of the proposals according to the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings show in:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a holding device for a light diffuser according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

a part of the device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic longitudinal section;

Fig. 3

an embodiment of a preferably used check valve in the longitudinal section;

Fig. 4

a second embodiment of an inventively designed holding device for a bag of light in a perspective view;

Fig. 5

a part of the device according to Fig. 4 in a schematic longitudinal section;

Fig. 6 + 7

a preferably used double valve in a perspective view from the front or outside on the one hand and from the inside or the rear on the other;

Fig. 8 + 9

the double valve according to the Fig. 6 + 7 each in longitudinal section, on the one hand in the closed position and the other in the open position for ventilation or for inflating the associated light bag; and

Fig. 10 + 11

the double valve in longitudinal section according to Fig. 8 + 9 showing an integrated pressure relief valve in closed and open position.

In the FIGS. 1 and 2 is a first embodiment of a light diffuser 1 consisting of a holding device 2 and a to the holding device connectable, at least partially translucent, inflatable bag 3, wherein the holding device 2 comprises a light-transmitting and heat-resistant glass pane 5 comprehensive adapter ring 4 on the one hand for attachment to a headlight and on the other hand for airtight connection of the inflatable light bag 3. At the light bag connection side of the adapter ring 4 opposite or opposite side, an annular retaining flange 32 is arranged, and that at a distance from the adapter ring 4. This retaining flange is used for connection to the headlight, not shown.

Of particular importance is that the connectable to the adapter ring 4 end of the light bag 3 is enclosed airtight by a mounting ring 6, by means of at least three, here eight evenly distributed over the circumference arranged quick fasteners in the form of clamping yoke closures 7 against a radially extending sealing surface. 8 can be tensioned on the adapter ring. The fastening ring 6 comprises an inner sheet metal ring 10 and outer sheet metal ring 9. Between these two sheet metal rings, the associated end portion of the light bag 3 is clamped airtight (see Fig. 2 ). In order to ensure the airtight entrapment of the end portion of the light bag between the two metal rings 9 and 10, between the outer ring 9 and bag 3 on the one hand and the inner ring 10 and bag 3 on the other hand each have a sealing layer, in particular a thin silicone layer. As a result, not only the interfaces between the outer ring 9 and the light bag 3 and the inner ring 10 and bag of light 3, but also all passages or holes for receiving rivets 11, screws, valves or air connections are each sealed peripheral edge side. As the FIGS. 1 and 2 can still be seen, inner and outer metal ring are each formed from a ring-shaped bent metal band.

According to Fig. 2 is the radially on the adapter ring 4 extending sealing surface 8 od by a flat ring seal made of silicone, rubber. Like. Elastic sealing material formed. The quick fasteners 7 are each defined by clamp closures, the bracket 12 in the embodiment according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 are hinged to the mounting ring 6, wherein the associated articulation device riveted to the outer mounting ring 9 (rivets 11 in Fig. 2 ). The free bracket ends 13 of the bracket 12 engage behind the locking of the light bag 3 and the associated attachment ring 6 on the adapter ring 4 a formed on the adapter ring 4 peripheral edge 15th

The adapter ring 4 itself is in the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 and 2 formed by an annular disc 27 and a retaining ring 28, between which the glass pane 5 and between the glass pane 5 and washer 27 of the flat sealing ring 8 are held together by clamping. The annular disc 27 and the flat sealing ring 8 are radially outwardly beyond the glass pane 5 and the glass retaining ring 28 to form a ring support surface for the light bag 3 associated mounting ring 6. The mounting ring 6 is accordingly with its free end edge through the clamping yoke seals 7 against the elastic flat sealing ring 8 accordingly Fig. 2 pressed. Thus, the light bag 3 is airtight connected to the adapter ring 4 along the circumference of the mounting ring 6. Since the glass pane 5 is also attached airtight to the adapter ring 4, the interior of the light bag 3 can be hermetically sealed from the outside environment.

Corresponding Fig. 3 can be mounted within a through hole 47 in the mounting ring 6, a check valve 17 which opens at a predetermined internal pressure, this check valve 17 is effective depending on the mounting position either as a pressure relief valve or as an inflation valve. At the in Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the check valve 17 serves as a pressure relief valve. It comprises a valve housing 18 with a valve body 19 on the one hand and a sleeve-like adapter 20 for connecting a compressed air source, in particular an air pump, on the other hand, wherein when mounting the check valve 17 of the mounting ring 6 is clamped fluid-tight between the valve housing 18 and sleeve-like adapter 20. The fluid seal between mounting ring 6 on the one hand and check valve 17 on the other hand is characterized by the in Fig. 3 shown sealing ring, concretely O-ring 21 guaranteed.

The valve body 19 comprises a valve disk 33, which is pressed by a compression spring 34 against a sealing surface within the valve housing 18. For this purpose, a sealing ring 35 is disposed between the valve disk 33 and the housing sealing surface. This is preferably made of silicone od. Like. Elastic material.

If the pressure in the interior of the light bag 3 becomes too high, it acts through the adapter sleeve 20 on the valve disk 33 and lifts it against the action of the compression spring 34 from the housing sealing seat. Air can then escape from the bag of light to the outside until a predetermined by the compression spring 34 Internal pressure is reached again. Preferably, the pressure relief valve 17 opens from about 35 mbar.

In reverse mounting position, the adapter sleeve 20 are outside and the valve housing 18 together with the valve body 19 inside. To the adapter sleeve then an air pump od. Like. Compressed air source can be connected to inflate the bag 3. Preferably, therefore, two check valves of the type shown here are provided on the mounting ring, respectively in reverse mounting position, so that the one check valve as an inflation valve and the other Check valve is effective as a pressure relief valve. It gets up in this regard Fig. 1 pointed, where this reverse mounting position of the check valve 17 can be seen.

The embodiment according to the FIGS. 4 ff differs from the one according to FIGS. 1 ff primarily by the slightly different design of adapter ring 4 and associated mounting ring 6. The adapter ring 4 is accordingly Fig. 5 cup-shaped, wherein the bottom comprises an annular opening 29 which is hermetically sealed by the glass sheet 5 with the interposition of a ring seal 30. The free edge of the cup-shaped adapter ring 4, which faces the light bag 3, is bent outward to form an annular surface 31 for the flat sealing ring 8, against which the light bag 3 associated mounting ring 6 is airtight clamped. For this purpose, in turn snap closures in the form of clamping yoke closures 7 are provided, which are articulated in this case on the adapter ring 4. The free bracket ends 13 of the clamping bracket 12 thus engage behind to lock the bag 3 and the associated attachment ring 6 on the adapter ring 4 a formed on the mounting ring 6 peripheral edge 14. This peripheral edge 14 is formed by the fact that the inner metal ring 10 to the free end edge of the outer Sheet metal ring 9 is bent approximately U-shaped outwards, as in Fig. 5 is shown.

Incidentally, also in this embodiment, the free end portion of the light bag 3 is clamped between the outer and inner metal ring 9, 10 with the interposition of a sealant in the manner described above. The cohesion between the outer and inner metal ring is made by rivets 11. The rivet passages are sealed by the aforementioned sealants between light bag 3 on the one hand and the outer and inner metal ring on the other.

The embodiment according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 is also characterized by the fact that the holding device 2 comprises a bearing ring 16 for rotatably receiving the adapter ring 4 about its central longitudinal axis around. At the in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment, the bearing ring 16 is divided into two, so that the adapter ring 4 is very easy to mount on the annular retaining flange 32. For this purpose, only the bearing ring 16 must be opened. Of course, the same applies to a disassembly or replacement of the adapter ring. 4

Again Fig. 4 can still be removed, a two-fold valve 23 is mounted in the adapter ring 4, which opens on the one hand at a predetermined pressure within the inflatable bag 3 to the outside, that is effective as a pressure relief valve, on the other hand can be brought from the outside into an open position, in which the bag of light 3 can be emptied both inflated and accelerated.

For this purpose, the dual valve 23 has two counteracting valve body 24 and 25, whose operation from the FIGS. 8 to 11 is recognizable. The one valve body 24 is effective within the other valve body 25. For the inner valve body 24, the outer valve body 25 defines the valve housing. In this respect, the inner valve body 24 and the outer valve body 25 define a check valve according to the check valve according to FIG Fig. 3 , This means that the inner valve body 24 opens at a certain overpressure in the light bag 3. The outer valve body 25 is corresponding Fig. 9 mechanically from the outside from the closed position according to Fig. 8 in an open position according to Fig. 9 brought. This is done according to Fig. 9 by a hand-blower nozzle 36 which can be pressed against the outer valve body 25 from the outside. The airbag can be emptied accelerated by means of this hand-held ventilating nozzle. Alternatively, the hand-held fan nozzle can also be connected to a compressed air source for fast filling of the light bag 3.

Based on FIGS. 10 and 11 the effect of the inner valve body 24 can be seen. The valve acts as a pressure relief valve according to the pressure relief valve according to Fig. 3 , Again, the pressure relief valve opens preferably from about 35 mbar. Fig. 10 shows the pressure relief valve in the closed state, Fig. 11 in open condition. In particular, in Fig. 11 the escaping at overpressure in the bag of light with the arrows 37. It is recognizable that in In this case, the valve disk of the inner valve body 24 lifts off from the associated sealing seat within the outer pot-like valve body 25, whereby the inner pressure relief valve is opened.

In the position of the outer valve body 25 accordingly Fig. 9 A flow connection between the interior of the light bag 3 and the external environment is produced bypassing the internal pressure relief valve with the valve body 24. For this purpose, the outer valve body is pressed against the action of a compression spring 38 inwardly. As a result, an annular seal 39 lifts off from an associated housing sealing seat 40 in the interior of a valve housing 41.

The inner valve body 24 is also urged by a compression spring 42 in the closed position. This compression spring 42 corresponds to the compression spring 34 in Fig. 3 , The valve housing 41 is attached to the inside of the adapter ring 4 with the interposition of a ring seal 43 by means of screws 44, in association with the passage opening 22 in the side wall of the cup-shaped adapter ring 4th

Of the Fig. 4 can finally be found that the adapter ring 4, an air control unit 26 is connected, through which the pressure within the light bag 3 between a lower and upper limit is adjustable. The air control device 26 is removable. It regulates the pressure preferably between 15 and 35 mbar. It has a pressure port 46, which is under a pressure of 0 to 12 bar. The air control unit can be connected either directly or via a heat-resistant connection hose with the adapter ring or there provided with connection or interfaces. The mentioned interfaces comprise two self-closing compressed air couplings for connecting a measuring and a pressure line.

By means of an actuating lever 45, the air control unit 26 can be solved in a simple manner by the mentioned interfaces with simultaneous unlocking of the measuring and pressure line.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, as far as they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

Reference numerals:

1

light diffuser

2

holder

3

inflatable bag (light bag)

4

adapter ring

5

pane

6

fixing ring

7

Quick release (clamp lock)

8th

Sealing surface (flat sealing ring)

9

(outer) sheet metal ring

10

(inner) sheet metal ring

11

rivet

12

Strap of the clamp strap locks

13

Ironing end

14

Peripheral edge on the fastening ring 6

15

Peripheral edge on the adapter ring. 4

16

bearing ring

17

check valve

18

valve housing

19

Valve body (paper plates)

20

Adapter (sleeve)

21

seal

22

Through opening

23

Two-way valve

24

valve body

25

valve body

26

Air controller

27

washer

28

retaining ring

29

opening

30

ring seal

31

ring surface

32

annular retaining flange

33

valve disc

34

compression spring

35

seal

36

Handlüfterdüse

37

arrow

38

compression spring

39

poetry

40

Housing sealing seat

41

valve housing

42

compression spring

43

ring seal

44

screw

45

actuating lever

46

pressure connection

47

Through opening

Claims (14)

Light diffuser (1), comprising a holding device (2) and an at least partially translucent, inflatable bag (3) connectable to the holding device (2), wherein the holding device (2) comprises an adapter ring comprising a translucent pane, in particular glass pane (5) (4) on the one hand for attachment to a headlamp and on the other hand for substantially airtight connection of the inflatable bag (3), wherein the adapter ring (4) connectable to the end of the bag (3) is airtight by an attachment ring (6) is bordered by means of at least three quick-release closures (7) distributed approximately uniformly over the circumference, can be tensioned against a radially extending sealing surface (8) on the adapter ring (4),
characterized in that
the quick-release fasteners (7) are formed by clamping strap closures whose brackets (12) are articulated either on the fastening ring (6) or on the adapter ring (4), the free strap ends (13) for locking the bag (3) or the fastening ring associated therewith (6) on the adapter ring (4) engage behind either on the adapter ring (4) or on the fastening ring (6) formed peripheral edge (14 or 15). Light diffuser (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the fastening ring (6) comprises two rings, in particular sheet metal rings (9, 10), between which the associated end portion of the bag (3) is clamped airtight. Light diffuser (1) according to claim 2,
characterized in that
between the outer ring (9) and bag (3) and / or between the inner ring (10) and bag (3) each have a sealing layer, in particular silicone layer is arranged so that not only the interface between the outer ring (9) and bag (3 ) and / or inner ring (10) and bag (3), but also passages or holes for receiving rivets (11), screws, valves or air connections are each sealed peripheral edge side. Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the radially on the adapter ring (4) extending sealing surface (8) od by a flat ring seal made of silicone, rubber. Like. Elastic sealing material is formed. Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the holding device (2) comprises a bearing ring (16) for rotatably receiving the adapter ring (4) around its central longitudinal axis. Light diffuser (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
within a passage opening (47) in the adapter ring (4) or preferably in the mounting ring (6) a check valve (17) can be mounted, which opens under a predetermined pressure, said check valve (17) depending on the installation position is effective either as a pressure relief valve or as an inflation valve , Light diffuser (1) according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the check valve (17) comprises a valve housing (18) with valve body (19) on the one hand and a sleeve-like adapter (20) for connecting a compressed air source, in particular an air pump, on the other hand, wherein when mounting the check valve (17) of the mounting ring (6) fluid-tight ( Sealing ring 21) between the valve housing (18) and sleeve-like adapter (20) is clamped. Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
within a passage opening (22) in the mounting ring (6), or preferably in the adapter ring (4) a two-fold valve (23) is mounted, which opens on the one hand at a predetermined pressure within the inflatable bag (3) to the outside, ie as a pressure relief valve is effective, on the other hand, can be brought from the outside into an open position in which the bag (3) is both inflated and accelerated emptied. Light diffuser (1) according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the dual valve (23) has two counteracting valve bodies (24, 25), wherein the one valve body (24) within the other valve body (25) is effective. Light diffuser (1) according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the one, namely inner valve body (24) from a certain overpressure in the bag (3) opens, while the other, namely outer valve body (25) mechanically from the outside from a closing (Fig. 8) in an open position (Fig ) Can be brought, in particular against the action of the outer valve body (25) in the closed position urging compression spring (38). Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
on the fastening ring (6), but in particular on the adapter ring (4) an air control unit (26) can be connected, by which the pressure within the bag (3) between a lower and upper limit is regulated. Light diffuser (1) according to claim 11,
characterized in that
the air control unit (26) comprises a measuring line and a compressed air line, which can be coupled to corresponding interfaces in the adapter ring (4). Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized in that
the adapter ring (4) comprises an annular disc (27) and a retaining ring (28) between which the glass pane (5) and between glass pane (5) and annular disc (27) of the flat sealing ring (8) are clamped together, wherein annular disc (27) and gasket (8) protrude radially outward over the glass sheet (5) and glass retaining ring (28) to form an elastic ring support surface for the fastening ring (6) associated with the sack (3). Light diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized in that
the adapter ring (4) is pot-shaped, wherein the bottom comprises an annular opening (29), which is airtightly closed by the glass pane (5) with the interposition of a ring seal (30), and wherein the free edge is bent outwards to form a Ring surface (31) for the flat sealing ring (8), against which the bag (3) associated fastening ring (6) is airtight supported or clamped.

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