WO2004083721A1

WO2004083721A1 - Lamp assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2004083721A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/002901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Seel; Klaus Schaller
Original assignee: Olympus Biosystems Gmbh; Schaller, Ines
Priority date: 2003-03-20
Filing date: 2004-03-19
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Also published as: DE10312474A1; EP1857736A1; DE502004008560D1; EP1604145B1; DE502004005558D1; EP1604145A1; EP1857736B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lamp assembly (10) comprising a lamp housing (12, 14) and at least one lamp, in particular an arc lamp (16) or a discharge lamp arranged in the housing which, in the preferred embodiment, can be replaced and/or displaced with respect to a light output from the lamp housing. According to an inventive aspect, the lamp housing is made from several housing cells (12, 14) inserted into each other, thereby forming a multi-level heat insulation of external environment (30) or the surface (32) of the lamp housing with respect the internal space of the housing (16) which contains the lamp and is surrounded by the shells at least in places.

Description

lamp arrangement

description

The invention relates generally to a lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing and at least one lamp arranged in the lamp housing. The lamp can be, for example, an arc lamp or a discharge lamp. The term "lamp" here refers to the actual "illuminant", which is usually in the form of a glass bulb in which, in the case of an incandescent lamp, a metal filament is electrically heated so that it becomes incandescent. In the case of arc lamps or discharge lamps which are of more interest here, the glass bulb contains electrodes and a gaseous medium which is brought to discharge. For example, metal vapor lamps (low pressure lamps or high pressure lamps) and noble gas high pressure lamps are thought of. Of particular interest within the scope of the invention are those lamps which are already conventionally used in light-microscopic or fluorescence-microscopic applications. The lamp in question (the illuminant) is preferably interchangeable. It is also expedient if the lamp (the illuminant) is adjustable relative to a light exit from the lamp housing.

Many types of lamps, including arc lamps, only work optimally under defined conditions. One condition is that the glass bulb temperature should be relatively high (for example about 600 to 800 ° C.) and that the air flowing around the glass bulb, which may be provided for cooling, is not subject to any turbulent flow. This creates z. B. when using arc lamps in a laboratory environment, the problem that the lamp itself must be kept at a high temperature level, but the outside temperature of the device has to meet the usual technical regulations (surface temperature well above 100 ° C) or optics, mechanics and electronics that are possibly in close proximity should or must be kept at a comparatively low temperature. For stable measurement conditions or examination conditions, for example, the entire device or an entire measurement set-up should also be in a thermal equilibrium, and this thermal equilibrium should be established quickly. Especially in optical applications, such as microscopic applications or fluorescence microscopic applications, there is often an optical system or optics in close proximity to the lamp or lamp arrangement which require exact adjustment or in which an adjustment that has been carried out should be retained as far as possible.

In order to achieve an improvement over the prior art in this regard, it is proposed according to a first aspect of the invention for the lamp arrangement mentioned at the outset that the lamp housing is designed with a plurality of nested housing shells in order to provide multi-stage thermal insulation of an environment or housing surface of the lamp housing from one Provide lamp-containing housing interior, at least partially surrounded by the housing shells.

A very good, multi-step thermal insulation of the interior of the housing from the environment can be achieved by the housing shells forming a kind of "multi-stage shell system", the thermal insulation on the one hand by thermally insulating material in the sense of a "barrier" and on the other hand by targeted removal of Heat can be achieved from at least one intermediate space formed between two housing shells, for example by means of a cooling fluid flow. These two approaches can advantageously be combined. It can also be provided that there are several, so to speak, nested cooling fluid flows are, for example, a low, preferably laminar flow of cooling fluid through the interior of the housing, which ensures the desired operating conditions for the lamp, and a stronger and thus more cooling cooling fluid flow through a space formed between two housing shells.

In general, it is proposed that at least one intermediate space formed between two housing shells is provided, which at least partially surrounds the interior of the housing. In a further development, it is generally proposed that the intermediate space in the housing contains an insulation layer. It can be provided that the insulation layer is formed by a heat-insulating material or by a vacuum or vacuum area.

However, the possibility already mentioned is particularly preferred that a cooling fluid flow, in particular cooling air flow, can be conducted through the housing interior and / or through the housing interspace. To this end, it is further developed that a first cooling fluid flow that can be passed through the housing interior can be set or adjusted in relation to a second or further cooling fluid flow that can be guided through the space between the housing in such a way that the first cooling fluid flow has a lower temperature gradient between the lamp and the lamp in view of the desired operating conditions for the lamp the housing shell delimiting the housing provides as a temperature gradient provided by the second cooling fluid flow between the two housing shells delimiting the housing interspace.

It can expediently be provided that a supply cooling fluid stream can be divided between the first and second cooling fluid streams and / or that the first and second cooling fluid streams can be combined to form a discharge cooling fluid stream. Essentially dust-free air is preferably used as the cooling fluid stream (in particular first or second cooling fluid stream or Supply cooling fluid flow) is used. A corresponding feed device can be provided for this, for example in the form of a ventilator, possibly with an associated filter arrangement.

It is contemplated, for example, that the lamp housing is arranged in an essentially dust-free interior of a housing arrangement of an optical device, into which the lamp arrangement emits its illuminating light during operation through the light exit.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that an optical axis that passes through the light exit and intersects a target lighting region of the lamp is defined or definable, and that the housing shells are each in or in close proximity to a plane containing the optical axis relative to a base of the lamp housing are supported or held.

The required optics, which ensure that the luminous flux of the lamp, in particular an arc lamp, can be used in the desired manner outside the heat housing in the housing shells or the shell system.

Regardless of the type of lamp cooling or thermal insulation of the inside of the lamp, problems can result from a thermal expansion of structural elements or holding elements of the lamp arrangement, which occurs after the lamp is switched on or when the light output changes, for example by means of a dimmer arrangement. It could happen that one or more optical components, which in operation influence the illuminating light flow through the light exit of the lamp housing, move away from a relative or absolute target position as a result of a thermal expansion or thermally induced change in position of the holding element. For example, the alignment of several optical elements with respect to one another (in particular coaxiality) could be impaired.

In order to achieve an improvement over the prior art in this regard, for a lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing and at least one lamp arranged in the lamp housing, preferably replaceable or / and adjustable relative to a light exit of the lamp housing, in particular an arc lamp or discharge lamp, further comprises at least one Proposed in or on the lamp housing by means of at least one holding element, which during operation influences the illuminating light flow through the light exit, an optical axis passing through the light exit and intersecting a target lighting area of the lamp being defined or definable, proposed according to a second aspect of the invention, that at least one holding element, which holds at least one optical component influencing the illumination light flow through the light exit, in or in close proximity to a plane containing the optical axis relative to a The base of the lamp housing is supported or held in such a way that a change in the positioning of the optical component relative to the optical axis as a result of thermal expansion or contraction of the holding element is avoided or minimized. It is contemplated, for example, that a type of suspension is provided which supports or holds the holding element at the height of the optical axis, so that the position of the optical component (optics) changes little during thermal expansion of the holding element and preferably when the holding element is reached operating temperature prevailing in continuous operation is just optimal. In the case of a lamp arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, the holding element can be formed by one of the housing shells according to the invention. In this regard, the innermost housing shell immediately surrounding the interior of the housing is considered. One can but also provide a corresponding "suspension" for several nested housing shells.

It is generally proposed that at least one holding element, which holds at least one optical component forming the light exit, is supported or held in or in close proximity to the plane containing the optical axis. It is further proposed that at least one holding element, which at least one optical component arranged between the light outlet and the lamp, through which the illuminating light falls, is supported or held in or in close proximity to the plane containing the optical axis.

It is particularly expedient if the holding element in question extends from the plane containing the optical axis in a direction that is orthogonal to one another and opposite to the plane. In a further development, it is proposed that the holding element acts directly or indirectly on the optical component at first sections lying at the level of the plane and / or at second sections which are spaced apart from one another in the direction orthogonal to the plane and lie on different sides of the plane. The first sections can lie on different sides of a further plane orthogonal to the plane and also containing the optical axis. It is also contemplated that the second sections each have approximately the same distance from the plane and / or that the first sections each have approximately the same distance from the further plane.

As already indicated in relation to the lamp arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, the holding element or at least one holding element can be formed by a housing shell of the lamp housing. The lamp housing preferably has a plurality of housing shells. At least one of these housing shells or several or all of these housing shells can (each) in or in close proximity to one the plane containing the optical axis is supported or held relative to a base of the lamp housing in order to at least minimize a temperature response of an optical component held directly or indirectly by the relevant housing shell.

Conventional lamps, for example arc lamps, also emit in spatial directions in which no light is actually needed. For example, an arc lamp emits photons evenly in all spatial directions perpendicular to the arc. In order to be able to use the photon flow provided in this way as efficiently as possible in a technical arrangement, it is advisable to collect part of the photon flow directly by means of suitable optical elements, such as lenses, and to feed it to a desired location, and also a part of the beam emitted in another direction To reflect the total photon flux by means of a suitable mirror arrangement, in particular a retroreflector arrangement, in the direction of the light exit or to the lamp, in the case of an arc lamp preferably in the direction of the arc, and to make it available for use via the addressed optical elements which collect the photons.

With reference to such a configuration of a lamp arrangement, reference is made to a lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing and at least one lamp which is arranged in the lamp housing and is preferably exchangeable or / and adjustable relative to a light outlet of the lamp housing, in particular an arc lamp or discharge lamp, a lamp going through the light outlet and a target lighting area of the lamp-intersecting optical axis is defined or definable, according to a third aspect of the invention it is proposed that the lamp be arranged between the light outlet and a reflector arrangement reflecting in the direction of the light outlet, and that the reflector arrangement be from outside the lamp housing or at least one Housing shell of the lamp housing on mechanical Paths are at least approximately adjustable in the direction of the optical axis and / or can be pivoted in relation to a pivot point located in an interior of the lamp housing or the housing shell and / or can be displaced in the lateral direction to the optical axis.

According to the third aspect of the invention, a special adjustment option for the reflector arrangement, for example a retroreflector, is provided from the outside, which makes it possible to suitably adjust the back-reflected photon stream. An important aspect in this connection is that the adjustment mechanism should ideally have as little impact as possible on the temperature conditions prevailing in the lamp arrangement, in particular the temperature gradients that arise. This is particularly important in the case of arc lamps, since - as mentioned above - the temperature conditions on the glass bulb should be as constant as possible within a certain temperature interval.

In this context, it is proposed as particularly preferred that an element arranged on the outside of the housing shell with which

Reflector arrangement at least with respect to a pivoting movement about the pivot point, motion-coupled actuator has at least one engagement edge or engagement surface, which in the case of a

Engagement edge with a counter-engagement surface or in the case of an engagement surface with a counter-engagement surface or counter-engagement edge on the housing shell in form-fitting engagement or can be brought, wherein the engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface is arranged and curved such that a displacement movement of the

Actuator relative to the housing shell with existing positive engagement at least in a pivoting movement of the

Reflector arrangement is implemented around the pivot point. The

Engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface can be an annular surface or ring surface segment. Furthermore, the engagement edge or the counter-engagement edge can be designed as a ring edge or ring edge segment.

It is particularly preferred that the engaging edge and the counter-engaging surface or the engaging surface and the counter-engaging edge or counter-engaging edge form a contact seal or are designed with at least one separate sealing element, which, if desired, is imparted to an interior of the housing shell against a Seal the outside environment of the housing shell or at least shield it. The sealing or shielding helps to ensure that the temperature conditions are constant and independent of the current adjustment. In particular, it can be achieved that the temperature gradient is not undesirably influenced by the adjustment and the adjustment mechanism.

For some purposes it is sufficient and even advantageous if the engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface is formed by a cylinder surface or a cylinder surface segment of the lamp housing or the housing shell or an intermediate element attached thereto, the cylinder axis of which essentially passes through the pivot point , so that the reflector arrangement can be pivoted in an angular degree of freedom by moving the actuating member relative to the housing shell. As a rule, however, pivotability in two angular degrees of freedom, which are preferably independent of one another, is preferred. For this purpose, it is proposed that the engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface is formed by a spherical surface or a spherical surface segment of the lamp housing or the housing shell or an intermediate member attached to it, the center of which spherically coincides with the pivot point, so that the reflector arrangement is formed by Moving the Actuator is pivotable relative to the housing shell in two degrees of freedom.

One can provide a fixed pivot point relative to the lamp housing or the housing shell. For some applications, however, it is entirely advantageous if the pivot point in the interior of the lamp housing or the housing shell is spatially adjustable or inevitably adjusts when the actuator is moved.

The lamp housing can be designed with a plurality of housing shells nested inside one another. For this purpose, it is proposed that the actuating member has at least one engagement surface or engagement edge assigned to one of the housing shells, which engages or can be brought into engagement with a counter-engagement surface or counter-engagement edge on this housing shell. In particular, it is contemplated that the actuating member has at least one engagement surface or engagement edge assigned to an outer housing shell, which engages or can be brought into engagement with a counter-engagement surface or counter-engagement edge on the outer housing shell.

Advantageously, however, one can additionally or alternatively provide that the actuating member has at least one engagement surface or engagement edge assigned to an inner housing shell, which engages or can be brought into engagement with a counter-engagement surface or counter-engagement edge on the inner housing shell.

Another possibility is that at least one sealing element is effective between the actuating member or the reflector arrangement on the one hand and the inner housing shell in order to seal or at least shield an interior of the housing shell from an external environment of the housing shell. It is also particularly advantageous with regard to the provision of extensive adjustment options that the lamp housing and / or the actuating member have a feedthrough for a sliding member, which has an adjustment in the direction of a feedthrough defined by the feedthrough, preferably coinciding with the optical axis or in agreement bringable axis of motion is motion coupled to the reflector assembly. It is particularly contemplated that the actuating member has a feedthrough for the sliding member, preferably in one position of the actuating member on the housing shell the movement axis essentially coincides with the optical axis or can be brought into agreement.

The inventions and further training proposals according to the first aspect can be combined with the inventions and further training proposals according to the second aspect. Furthermore, the invention and further training proposals according to the first aspect can also be combined with the inventive and further training proposals according to the third aspect. Furthermore, the invention and further training proposals according to the second aspect can be combined with the inventive and further training proposals according to the third aspect. Finally, the invention and further training proposals can be combined with one another in accordance with all three aspects.

It is generally thought that the lamp housing has at least one optics integrated therein, for example a lens or lens arrangement. The optics can in particular be integrated into a housing shell of the lamp housing.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 shows a first example of a lamp according to the invention, especially an arc lamp, with several housing shells.

FIG. 2 shows one possibility, such as the photon flux emanating from a lamp (for example an arc lamp) using a collection optics and one

Retroreflectros can be used particularly efficiently.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the integration of an arrangement according to FIG.

2 in a multi-shell lamp housing corresponding to FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment variant of the multi-shell

Lamp arrangement in which the retroreflector arranged within the innermost housing shell is adjustable from the outside.

5 shows a variant of the lamp arrangement according to FIG

Fig. 4.

6 schematically shows a further embodiment variant of the

4.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment variant of the lamp arrangement according to FIG. 4.

Fig. 8 shows a multi-shell in the partial figures 8a) and 8b)

Lamp arrangement with an advantageous suspension of the housing shells of the lamp arrangement. FIG. 9 shows schematically how cooling by cooling air flows can be provided in a lamp arrangement of the type in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a more concrete example of a lamp arrangement according to the invention, in which the various aspects of the invention, as explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, are used.

Fig. 1 1 shows in the sub-figures 1 1 a) to 1 1 d) individual components of the

10.

1 schematically shows an example of a lamp arrangement 10 according to the invention in a sectional illustration. The lamp arrangement 10, which as a whole can also be referred to as a "lamp", has an inner housing shell or an inner housing shell 12 and an outer housing shell or an outer housing shell 14. The inner housing shell 12 surrounds a housing interior 16 in which the actual lamp, that is to say the illuminant, of the lamp arrangement is arranged. In the present case, it is an arc lamp 18, shown in section, which contains a glass bulb and electrodes contained therein and a medium which is to be illuminated by electrical means.

The inner housing shell 12 delimits an inner insulation layer 20, which preferably fills the entire interior 16 of the housing. Between the two housing shells 12 and 14, an intermediate space 22 is formed, which is preferably completely filled with a further insulation layer 24. The housing shells 12 and 14 each hold optics 26 and 28, respectively, which form a light exit. The optics 26 and 28 are preferably collecting optics. However, it can also be used instead of optics 26 and 28 to provide simple "windows". A useful photon current, which emanates from the hot plasma of the arc lamp, is guided to the outside through the optics 26 and 28 or the window or windows.

The task of the housing shells 12 and 14 and the insulation layers 20 and 24 is to achieve the greatest possible temperature drop between the innermost zone, specifically the arc lamp 18, on the one hand, and the outer region 30 or the outer surface 32 of the outer housing shell 14, on the other hand. For this purpose, the insulation layer can be formed by an insulating medium or also by a vacuum region or vacuum region. However, the respective insulation layer is preferably formed by a cooling fluid flow, in particular cooling air flow, which is preferably actively guided through the housing interior 16 or the housing interspace 22. The dual-shell or multi-shell arrangement of the lamp arrangement offers the advantage that a comparatively small, non-turbulent cooling air flow can be conducted through the housing interior 16, which contains the arc lamp 18, so that target operating conditions for the lamp, in particular a target temperature range , around 600 to 800 ° C, can be maintained, preferably without avoiding any severe temperature fluctuations. In contrast, a significantly stronger cooling fluid flow, in particular a cooling air flow, can be passed through the housing interspace 22 or possibly through a plurality of nested housing interspaces in order to achieve a strong cooling and thus a sharp drop in temperature from the inner housing shell to the outer housing shell. If the cooling fluid flow through a housing interspace is insufficient, at least one further housing shell and accordingly at least one further housing interspace can be provided in an analogous manner and accordingly an even greater temperature gradient can be achieved from the inside to the outside. The design of the lamp housing with several housing shells thus makes it possible, on the one hand, to ensure optimal operating conditions for the lamp, in particular an arc lamp, and on the other hand to optimally isolate the heat loss from the outside or to dissipate it selectively and with high efficiency, without this influencing the operating conditions for the lamp become.

It should also be mentioned that the housing shells can be spherical shells or cylindrical shells (for example circular cylinder shells), or - in deviation from the illustration in FIG. 1 - also completely differently shaped shells.

Conventional lamps, including arc lamps, emit photons more or less evenly in several spatial directions. An arc lamp emits photons evenly in all spatial directions perpendicular to the arc. In order to be able to use the photon flow as efficiently as possible for a technical application in a corresponding arrangement, for example a measuring arrangement, a microscope arrangement (for example a fluorescence microscope arrangement) or the like, it is expedient, in addition to a part of the photon flow which is directly collected by means of suitable collecting optics 26, and a part which propagates in the opposite direction To reflect part of the photon flux back by means of a suitable mirror arrangement, for example by means of a retroreflector 40 in the direction of the lamp 18, in particular the arc 19 and thus also to be used by the collecting optics 26. With reference to FIG. 2, at least a part of the photon flow B originally propagating in the opposite direction is thus available for use in addition to the photon flow A which is used directly by the collecting optics 26. FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of FIG. 2 integrated in a lamp arrangement 10 corresponding to FIG. 1. In the innermost zone, the housing interior 16, the arc lamp 18 and the retroreflector 40 are arranged and are surrounded by the first or inner housing shell (which can also be referred to as a jacket). Optimal conditions for the lamp 18 are set within these housing shells, in particular by setting, preferably regulating, a target temperature by means of an air flow guided through the interior 16. The first housing shell 12 is thus already at a cooler temperature level than the glass bulb or the burner glass of the arc lamp. As already mentioned, a collection optics or part of the collection optics or simply a "window" can be installed in the first housing shell 12 in order to lead the desired photon current to the outside in accordance with the optical requirements.

Between the first housing shell 12 and the second, outer housing shell 14 (also referred to as a jacket), there is the second insulation layer 24 within the intermediate space 22. The purpose of this layer is to achieve a temperature drop as large as possible between the innermost zone and the outer region 30, which is preferably accomplished by a comparatively powerful cooling air flow. However, the possibility of using a different medium or a vacuum must be pointed out.

A suitable optical element 28, possibly part of the collecting optics, is also inserted in the second housing shell 14 in order to guide the photon current to the outside. If the insulation layer 24 cannot generate a sufficient temperature drop (not a sufficient temperature gradient), further housing shells can be provided which extend analogously around the housing shell 14. The arrangement according to FIG. 1 and correspondingly according to FIG. 3 ensures that a thermal equilibrium is established very quickly after the lamp is switched on and that this thermal equilibrium is maintained without disturbing or harmful fluctuations, at least when the lamp arrangement is operated as intended. Components that are required in the context of a particular application, such as optics or optics, actuators and electronics, are preferably arranged or installed outside the outer or outermost housing shell. Due to the multi-shell design of the lamp housing and the defined multi-stage cooling, which is vigorous in an outer area, the temperature on the outer surface 32 or in the outer space 30 is only slightly higher than the ambient temperature in the wider environment, for example only a temperature increase of about 10 ° C above this ambient temperature. This ensures smooth operation of the various components (optics or optics, actuators, electronics). Furthermore, it is not necessary to pass a cooling air flow through this outside area for cooling. The outside space can thus be kept dust-free without any effort for air filtering and the components and elements used accordingly do not collect dust.

The arrangement of a retroreflector, generally a reflection arrangement, which increases the light yield, in the vicinity of the lamp, in particular an arc lamp, in accordance with the example of FIG. 3 in the interior 16 could be opposed to the fact that an adjustment option from the outside would generally be necessary. Such an adjustment option by mechanical means appears problematic with regard to ensuring adequate cooling or insulation, especially in the case of the multi-stage or multi-shell design of the lamp housing. A defined adjustment of the retroreflector with regard to a distance from the lamp 18 (Z-adjustment) and in the sense of a pivoting in two degrees of freedom of freedom is made possible by the adjustment mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 4 in relation to a lamp arrangement 10 corresponding to FIG. 3. Regardless of which shape the housing shells 12 and 14 actually have, a spherical segment 42 is arranged on the outside of the outer housing shell 14, which has a radius R with respect to a center located at least in a Z position on the optical surface of the retroreflector 40. The spherical segment 42 has an annular spherical segment surface 44 on which a slide-like actuator 46 with an annular edge 48 rests. A rod-shaped slide 50 guided through a passage of the actuating member or slide 46 carries the retroreflector 40 at an inner end. By moving the slide 50 in the Z direction defined by a slide 46 passage (double arrow Z in FIG. 4), the distance can be increased of the retroreflector 40 can be adjusted by the arc lamp 18. By moving the slide 46 over the spherical segment surface 44, the retroreflector 40 can moreover be pivoted in two mutually independent degrees of freedom around the center point defining the radius R, which can also be designated as a pivot point. This pivot point lies on the optical surface of the retroreflector 40, preferably in exactly one Z position of the slide 50.

The adjustment mechanism 40 enables the retroreflector 40 (generally the reflector arrangement 40) to be pivoted in all angular directions. One can therefore speak appropriately of a "cardanic holder" of the retroreflector 40 (generally the reflector arrangement 40) in the interior of the lamp housing, with pivoting and also the Z adjustment being able to take place from the outside. A corresponding adjustment mechanism 40 or cardanic mounting or suspension of the retroreflector 40 (generally the reflector arrangement 40) can also be used if the interior 16 is to be strongly shielded or even sealed from the interspace 22 and the interspace 22 from the exterior 30. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the shells 14 and 12 and the ball segment 42 are designed with bushings for the sliding member 40, which have a certain flow connection between the interior 16 and the intermediate space 22 and between the intermediate space 22 and one of the spherical segment 42 and allow the slider 46 limited space 52. The intermediate space 52 is shielded from the outer space 30 only by the engagement of the ring edge 48 and the spherical segment surface 44.

In contrast, several seals are provided in the embodiment of FIG. 5. A first seal 60 acts between the slide member 50 and the slide 46. A second seal 62 acts between the carriage 46 and the ball segment surface 44. The inner housing shell 12 is also designed with a further spherical segment 64, which has a spherical segment inner surface 66. A third seal 68 is effective between a ring edge of the retroreflector 40 and the spherical segment inner surface 66. The adjustment of the retroreflector 40 in the Z direction, which is generally only very small in practice, by means of the slider 50 is compensated for by the flexibility of the seal 68 without any leakage occurring. Deviations from an exact centricity of the different spherical surfaces can thus be easily compensated for by elastic components, here the seals. 5, the retroreflector 40 can thus be tilted in two angular directions about two mutually orthogonal pivot axes and, moreover, the retroreflector 40 can be adjusted in the Z direction without leaks occurring. 5 comes in Consider if you want to provide media other than air, such as vacuum, as the insulation layer or layers.

In general, it should also be mentioned about the adjustment mechanisms 40 that an adjustment in the Z direction is not absolutely necessary. If necessary, the lamp 18 can also be correspondingly adjustable. Furthermore, it could also be considered to provide only an adjustability in the Z direction, but no pivotability. In the manner explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, other types of adjustment of the retroreflector can also be provided, for example in a lateral direction. Depending on the desired adjustability, a corresponding surface can be provided on which an actuating element can be displaced, the positions and orientations of the actuating element resulting from the displacing of the actuating element by means of a connecting component, in the examples of FIG. 5 the slider 50, on the reflector arrangement, in the present case, the retroreflector 40 is transmitted. For certain applications, it may be considered to provide that the reflector can only be pivoted to an angle of freedom. In this case, the surface 44 could be formed by the surface of a circular cylinder segment.

As a rule, however, one will want to provide pivotability in two degrees of freedom, preferably combined with the explained adjustability in the Z direction.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a further embodiment variant of a lamp arrangement 10 with an outer housing shell 14 and an inner housing shell 12. According to FIG. 6, the actuating member 46, referred to in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, is designed with two ring edges 48a and 48b, which on the outer surface 32 of the outer housing shell 14 or on the outer surface 70 of the inner Rest the housing shell 12 and slide on the relevant outer surface in accordance with the double arrow W when the actuator 46 is angularly displaced. In the case of circular-cylindrical housing shells 12 and 14, an angular adjustment of a reflector (not shown) held at the inner end of the slide 50 can be achieved in this way with a degree of freedom of swivel angle. In the case of spherical housing shells 12 and 32, the reflector can be pivoted in two degrees of angular freedom that are independent of one another. A corresponding displacement of the actuator 46 would also be symbolized by a double arrow perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. 6, the cylindrical, for example, specifically, for example, spherical, cylindrical housing shells 12 and 14 can each be designed with a spherical segment section corresponding to the spherical segment section 42 or similar to the spherical segment section 64, on the outer spherical segment surface of which the engagement edges 48a and 48b then rest and slide when adjusting the actuator 46.

Incidentally, it is not necessary that the surface which permits the pivotability, in particular the cylinder or spherical segment surface, is provided on the housing side and the edge which is in engagement therewith is provided on the actuator side. FIG. 7 shows a modification of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, in which the, for example, cylindrical housing shell 14 has a circular cylinder shoulder 80 which engages with a ring edge 82 on a spherical segment inner surface 84 of the slide 46. As in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the retroreflector 40 can be pivoted in two angular degrees of freedom around the center of the spherical segment surface in accordance with the radius R and can also be adjusted linearly in the Z direction.

It should be mentioned that an intervention between an edge on the one hand and a surface on the other hand is not absolutely necessary. You could also provide an engagement between a surface of the slide or actuator on the one hand and a surface on the housing shell side on the other. These surfaces can each be designed in particular as a spherical segment inner surface or a spherical segment outer surface, in particular if adjustability in two degrees of freedom is desired.

In the lamp arrangement according to the invention, especially in the case of lamp arrangements corresponding to the exemplary embodiments explained above, a special holder, special suspension, of optical elements, for example components holding the converging lenses, can advantageously be provided. Based on the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 7, a special mounting or suspension of the housing shells can be provided, as explained below with reference to FIG. 8. The structural components of the lamp arrangement and especially the housing shells expand after the lamp is switched on due to a thermal expansion. The relative positioning and orientation (coaxiality) of the optical elements held by the housing shells or generally holding elements, such as converging lenses such as the lenses 26 and 28, and thus the optical properties should change as little as possible. For this purpose, a suspension of the housing shells 12 and 14, which is designed as a cylindrical cylinder according to FIG. 8, is provided at the level of the optical axis C defined by the lenses 26 and 28, on the one hand a holder or a suspension of the outer housing shell 14 by a holding frame 80, that engages the outside of the housing shell 14 with a plurality of holding legs 82, and a holder in the sense of suspending the inner housing shell 12 by means of a plurality of holding legs 84 fixed inside the outer shell 14 and outside on the inner housing shell 12. The arc lamp 18 is 86 by means of an adjustment mechanism 86 adjustable in a height direction relative to a base of the lamp arrangement in such a way that the one that forms between the two electrodes of the glass bulb during operation Arc is cut straight from the optical axis C. A thermal expansion of the housing shells after the arc lamp is switched on changes the position of the optics 26 and 28 relative to the arc only slightly due to the suspension of the housing shells, and the positioning is preferably optimal when the operating temperature is reached. In Fig. 8, 90 denotes the arc occurring between electrodes 92 and 94 during operation.

Preferably, the holding legs 82, on which the outer housing shell 14 is suspended, and the holding legs 84, on which the inner housing shell 12 is suspended, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis C, so that thermal expansion of the holding legs and the housing shells also changes as little as possible with respect to a positioning of the lenses 26 and 28 within the plane containing the optical axis C. This is because there are opposite, thermally induced displacements with respect to the optical lenses 26 and 28, of which the lenses 26 and 28 are comparatively little affected. For example, the arrangement of the holding legs 84 has proven useful, as can be seen from FIG. 8b). Correspondingly, the suspension of the housing shells illustrated in FIG. 8a) with respect to thermal expansion in the vertical axis direction H leads to the fact that the thermally induced movements with respect to the optical elements 26 and 28 are opposite and that they are comparatively little affected by this.

8b) also serves to illustrate that the lamp arrangement 10 can be arranged in a housing of a higher-level optical device, which can contain further optical components, electronics and the like. The housing of the higher-level device is represented in FIG. 8b) by the dashed box 100, which is, for example, dust-tight, so that the housing interior 30, which is to be regarded as the surroundings of the lamp arrangement 10, as dust-free usable space can serve. In particular, provision can be made for the interior 16 and the intermediate space 22 of the lamp arrangement 10 to be cooled by an air flow or air flows which do not pass through the interior 30.

For example, an air duct can be implemented, as is implemented schematically in FIG. 9. The outer space of the lamp arrangement 10 or the inner space 30 of the higher-level device surrounding the lamp arrangement is separated from the intermediate space 22 by the housing shell 14. A ventilator 102 ensures a flow through the housing interspace 22 and, with a smaller flow rate, the housing interior 16. As symbolized by the dashed arrows in FIG. 9, it can be provided that partial flows branch off into the housing interior 16 from a cooling air flow led through the housing interspace 22 and there for a defined, preferably laminar cooling flow, which maintain the desired operating conditions for the arc lamp 18.

8 that the suspension of the inner housing shell 12 within the plane C containing the optical axis is of particular importance. A corresponding suspension of the outer housing shell 14 can also be dispensed with under certain circumstances.

Regarding the lamp arrangement according to the invention in its various aspects, various different constructions and application situations are conceivable. Thus, as already mentioned in connection with FIG. 8b), the lamp arrangement can be integrated in a higher-level device. The lamp arrangement with its housing shells can also be flanged to an optical device, for example a microscope. As a rule, the lamp 18 becomes adjustable relative to the housing shells and thus to the optical ones held by them Provide components. In this way it can be achieved that the optical axis C intersects the arc location in thermal equilibrium. Ideally, the adjustment is such that the thermal expansions or contractions that occur just lead to the target position of the lamp 18 in relation to the optical components being achieved after the thermal equilibrium and the operating temperature have been established, so that the optical axis C intersects the arc location.

For preferred forced cooling by means of at least one ventilator, it should also be mentioned that the cooling air flow can be controlled or regulated. For example, you can cool less after switching on the lamp to reach thermal equilibrium more quickly.

Various possibilities are conceivable with regard to the way in which the luminous flux of the lamp arrangement 10 can be used. For example, the luminous flux emerging from the optics 26 and 28, generally from a light exit of the lamp arrangement, can be used as free radiation luminous flux not bound to a medium, for example, it can be coupled into an illumination beam path of a microscope. Another possibility is to couple the emerging light into a light guide in order to supply an optical device, for example a remotely located one, for example a microscope, with illuminating light. Depending on the application situation, the light emerging from the lamp arrangement can also be guided through optical filters or, for example, a filter wheel in order to carry out a wavelength selection. This is of interest, for example, for fluorescence microscopy applications.

A specific embodiment of a lamp arrangement according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The lamp arrangement has an outer housing shell 14 and an inner housing shell 12, the inner housing shell being suspended from the outer housing shell 14 by means of four holding legs 84 which are made in one piece with the inner housing shell 12 by means of screws connecting the outer housing shell 14 to the holding legs 84. The two housing shells each have a holder 110 or 112 for at least one optical element, for example a converging lens, which define an optical axis C. The suspension by means of the holding legs 84 and the connecting screws lies precisely in the plane containing the optical axis C, as explained with reference to FIG. 8.

In the embodiment, cooling by cooling fluid flows can take place through the interior 16, which contains the lamp, not shown, in particular an arc lamp, and through the intermediate space 22.

In an opening 114 of the outer housing shell 14, a swivel body 46 serving as an actuator is inserted, which corresponds to the slide 46 of the examples in FIGS. 4 to 7. The swivel body 46 corresponds in particular to the slide 46 according to FIG. 7, since it has a spherical segment ring surface 84 which is in engagement with a ring edge 82 on a circular cylinder shoulder 80 of the outer housing shell 14. The engagement between the ring cylinder extension 80 and the swivel body 46 can be maintained, for example, by these spring elements which prestress one another, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 10. 120 designates a fastening flange of the swivel body 46 and 122 designates a spring arrangement which creates or maintains the engagement. A pivoting of the swivel body 46 about a pivot point, which is given by the center point or radius of the spherical segment ring surface 84, is possible in two degrees of freedom and can be done, for example, by means of two actuators acting orthogonally on the swivel body 46, for example adjusting screws. A corresponding Adjusting screw is indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 10 and designated 124.

In the swivel body 46, a mirror holder 50 designed as a sliding member is inserted, which by means of an adjusting screw in the Z-

Direction is adjustable relative to the pivot body 46. This Z direction corresponds exactly or approximately to the direction of the optical axis C.

In order to be able to operate all adjustment elements from one side, an operating housing 128 can be placed on the outside of the outer housing shell 14 (cf. FIG. 11 d), which surrounds the swivel body 46 and two

Has set screws 130 and 132, which are connected via a deflection ball 134 or

136 act on the swivel body 46 in mutually orthogonal directions and thus the swivels in the two degrees of freedom of the swivel body 46 and thus that of

Issue mirror holder 50 held retroreflector. Is the

Lamp arrangement 10 arranged in a housing of a higher-level device, the adjusting screws 126, 130 and 132 can also be connected by means of a flexible actuating member to a respective control knob or the like which is accessible from the outside.

Claims

Expectations

1 . Lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing (1 2, 14) and at least one lamp arranged in the lamp housing, preferably exchangeable or / and adjustable relative to a light exit of the lamp housing, in particular an arc lamp (1 8) or discharge lamp, characterized in that the lamp housing with a plurality of one another nested housing shells (12, 14) is designed to provide multi-stage thermal insulation of an environment or housing surface of the lamp housing in relation to one containing the lamp (1 8) and at least partially surrounded by the housing shells

Provide the interior of the housing (1 6).

2. Lamp arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one formed between two housing shells intermediate housing space (22) is provided, which the housing interior

(1 6) surrounds at least some areas.

3. Lamp arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing intermediate space (22) contains an insulation layer (24).

4. Lamp arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the insulation layer is formed by a heat insulating material or by a vacuum or vacuum region.

5. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that through the housing interior (1 6) and / or through a cooling fluid flow, in particular cooling air flow, can be guided in the housing interspace (22).

6. The lamp arrangement as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that a first cooling fluid flow which can be guided through the housing interior (16) is set or adjustable relative to a second or further cooling fluid flow which can be guided through the housing interspace (22) in such a way that with regard to the desired operating conditions for the lamp (18) the first cooling fluid flow has a lower temperature gradient between the lamp (18) and that

Provides housing shell (12) delimiting the interior as a temperature gradient provided by the second cooling fluid flow between the two housing shells (12, 14) delimiting the housing interspace (22).

7. The lamp arrangement as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a supply cooling fluid stream can be divided between the first and the second cooling fluid stream or / and that the first and the second cooling fluid stream can be combined to form a discharge cooling fluid stream.

8. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that essentially dust-free air can be supplied as a cooling fluid stream, in particular a first or second cooling fluid stream or supply cooling fluid stream.

9. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lamp housing (1 2, 14) is arranged in a substantially dust-free interior (30) of a housing arrangement (100) of an optical device, in which the

Lamp arrangement (10) emits its illuminating light through the light exit during operation.

0. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an optical axis (C) going through the light exit and intersecting a desired lighting region of the lamp is defined or definable, and that the housing shells are each in or in close proximity to one the plane containing the optical axis (C) is supported or held relative to a base of the lamp housing.

1 . Lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing (1 2, 14) and at least one lamp arranged in the lamp housing, preferably exchangeable or / and adjustable relative to a light exit of the lamp housing, in particular arc lamp (1 8) or discharge lamp, if desired according to at least one of the preceding claims furthermore at least one optical component (26, 28) held in or on the lamp housing by means of at least one holding element and influencing the illuminating light flow during operation, an optical axis (C) passing through the light outlet and intersecting a desired luminous region of the lamp defining or is definable, characterized in that at least one holding element (1 2, 14), which holds at least one optical component (26 or 28) influencing the illuminating light flow through the light exit, in or in close proximity to one containing the optical axis (C) Level relative to a The base of the lamp housing is supported or held in such a way that a change in the positioning of the optical component relative to the optical axis as a result of thermal expansion or contraction of the holding element is avoided or minimized.

12. Lamp arrangement according to claim 1 1, characterized in that at least one holding element (12, 14) which holds at least one optical component (26 or 28) forming the light exit, in or in close proximity to the optical axis (C) containing Level is supported or held.

13. Lamp arrangement according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that at least one holding element, which is supported at least one or between the light outlet and the lamp arranged optical component through which the illuminating light falls in or in close proximity to the plane containing the optical axis is held.

14. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 1 1 to 1 3, characterized in that the holding element in question (1 2 or

1 4) extends from the plane containing the optical axis (C) in directions mutually orthogonal to the plane, opposite to each other.

1 5. Lamp arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the holding element (1 2 or 14) directly at the level of the first sections and / or at a distance orthogonal to the plane, on different sides of the plane lying second sections directly or indirectly attacks the optical component (26 or 28).

1 6. Lamp arrangement according to claim 1 5, characterized in that the first sections are on different sides of a plane orthogonal to the plane, also containing the optical axis (C) further plane.

17. Lamp arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the second sections each have approximately the same distance from the plane or / and that the first sections each have approximately the same distance from the further plane.

18. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 1 1 to 17, characterized in that the holding element or at least one holding element is formed by a housing shell (12 or 14) of the lamp housing.

19. The lamp arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the lamp housing has a plurality of housing shells (12, 14), which are each supported or held in or in close proximity to a plane containing the optical axis (C) relative to a base of the lamp housing.

20. Lamp arrangement comprising a lamp housing (12, 14) and at least one, preferably interchangeable and / or arranged in the lamp housing, relative to a light exit of the

Lamp housing adjustable lamp, in particular arc lamp (1 8) or discharge lamp, if desired according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein an optical axis (C) going through the light exit and intersecting a desired lighting region of the lamp is defined or definable, characterized in that the Lamp (C) is arranged between the light exit and a reflector arrangement (40) reflecting in the direction of the light exit, and that the reflector arrangement is arranged from outside

Lamp housing (1 2, 14) or at least one housing shell (1 2, 14) of the lamp housing at least mechanically approximately adjustable in the direction of the optical axis and / or pivotable relative to a pivot point located in an interior of the lamp housing or the housing shell and / or displaceable in the lateral direction to the optical axis.

21. Lamp arrangement according to Claim 20, characterized in that an actuating member (46) which is arranged on the outside of the housing shell (14) and is coupled to the reflector arrangement (40) at least with respect to a pivoting movement about the pivot point, has at least one engagement edge (48) or

Has engagement surface (84) which in the case of an engagement edge with a counter-engagement surface (44) or in the case of an engagement surface with a counter-engagement surface or counter-engagement edge (82) on the housing shell is in positive engagement or can be brought, the The engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface is arranged and curved in such a way that a displacement movement of the actuating member (46) relative to the housing shell is implemented at least into a pivoting movement of the reflector arrangement (40) around the pivot point when there is positive engagement.

22. Lamp arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that the engagement surface (84) and / and the counter-engagement surface (44) is designed as an annular surface or annular surface segment.

23. Lamp arrangement according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the engaging edge (48) or the counter-engaging edge (82) is designed as a ring edge or ring edge segment.

24. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the engagement edge (48) and the counter-engagement surface (44) or the engagement surface (84) and the counter The engaging edge (82) or the counter-engaging edge form a contact seal or are designed with at least one separate sealing element (62), which, if desired, mediates the engagement, in order to seal or at least shield an interior of the housing shell from an external environment of the housing shell.

25. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the engagement surface and / or the counter-engagement surface of a cylindrical surface or

Cylinder surface segment of the lamp housing or the housing shell or an intermediate element attached to it is formed, the cylinder axis of which essentially passes through the pivot point, so that the reflector arrangement can be pivoted relative to the housing shell in an angular degree of freedom by displacing the actuating element.

26. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the engagement surface (84) and / and the counter-engagement surface (44) of a spherical surface or

Spherical surface segment of the lamp housing or the housing shell or an intermediate member attached to it is formed, the center of which spheres essentially coincide with the pivot point, so that the reflector arrangement is displaced in two by displacing the actuating member relative to the housing shell

Angular degrees of freedom is pivotable.

27. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that a fixed pivot point is provided based on the lamp housing or the housing shell (1 2, 14).

28. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the pivot point in the interior of the lamp housing or the housing shell is spatially adjustable.

29. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the lamp housing is designed with a plurality of nested housing shells (12, 14), and that the actuating member (46) has at least one engagement surface (84) or engagement edge assigned to one of the housing shells ( 48; 48a, 48b) which has a counter-engagement surface (44; 32 or 12) or

Counter-engaging edge (82) on this housing shell (12, 14) is engaged or can be brought.

30. Lamp arrangement according to claim 29, characterized in that the actuating member at least one of an outer housing shell

(14) has associated engagement surface (84) or engagement edge (48; 48a), which is or can be brought into engagement with a counter-engagement surface (44; 32) or counter-engagement edge (82) on the outer housing shell.

31 Lamp arrangement according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the actuating member (46) has at least one engagement surface or engagement edge (48b) associated with an inner housing shell (12), which has a counter-engagement surface (70) or counter-engagement edge on the inner Housing shell in

Intervention stands or can be brought.

32. Lamp arrangement according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that between the actuator or the reflector arrangement (40) on the one hand and the inner housing shell

(1 2) at least one sealing element (68) is effective to one Sealing or at least shielding the interior (16) of the housing shell from an external environment (22) of the housing shell.

33. Lamp arrangement according to one of claims 20 to 32, characterized in that the lamp housing and / or

Actuating element has a passage for a sliding member (50) which, with regard to an adjustment in the direction of a movement axis defined by the passage, preferably coinciding with the optical axis (C) or which can be brought into agreement with the movement axis

Reflector arrangement (40) is motion-coupled.

34. Lamp arrangement at least according to claim 21 and according to claim 23, characterized in that the actuating member has a passage for the sliding member (50), preferably in a position of the actuating member (46) on the housing shell, the axis of movement with the optical axis (C) essentially coincides or can be reconciled.

35. Lamp arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp housing has at least one optical system (26, 28) integrated therein, in particular at least one optical system (26, 28) integrated in a housing shell (12 or 14).