WO2013179186A1 - Dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau et dispositif émetteur de lumière comportant un dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau - Google Patents

Dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau et dispositif émetteur de lumière comportant un dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013179186A1
WO2013179186A1 PCT/IB2013/054226 IB2013054226W WO2013179186A1 WO 2013179186 A1 WO2013179186 A1 WO 2013179186A1 IB 2013054226 W IB2013054226 W IB 2013054226W WO 2013179186 A1 WO2013179186 A1 WO 2013179186A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical element
controlling device
gear wheel
beam direction
optical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/054226
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg
Mark Eduard Johan Sipkes
Adrianus Wilhelmus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart
Antonius Petrus Marinus Dingemans
Vincent Stefan David Gielen
Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel
Reinier Imre Anton DEN BOER
Helena Bernadette Jos PLASSCHAERT
Vincent Johannes Jacobus Van Montfort
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Philips Deutschland Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V., Philips Deutschland Gmbh filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2013179186A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013179186A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/008—Combination of two or more successive refractors along an optical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V14/00—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements
    • F21V14/06—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements by movement of refractors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/02—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages with provision for adjustment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
    • G02B26/08—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
    • G02B26/0875—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light by means of one or more refracting elements
    • G02B26/0883—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light by means of one or more refracting elements the refracting element being a prism

Definitions

  • a beam direction-controlling device and a light-output device comprising a beam direction-controlling device
  • the present invention relates to a beam direction-controlling device, and to a light-output device comprising such a beam direction-controlling device.
  • Downlights and spotlights are in very widespread use by architects, interior designers as well as end users for creating a desired interior style. Downlights are generally used for general illumination purposes and usually produce a relatively broad beam, whereas spotlights are typically aimed at a certain target by tilting and rotating the spotlight.
  • US2011/0280018 describes a beam direction-controlling device and a light output device wherein the beam is directed by means of two rotational plates that are placed one after the other. Both plates can be rotated independently, enabling the light beam to be directed into the requested direction. Both optical plates need to be rotated to direct the light beam into the requested direction in order to make up for a change in polar angle and azimuth angle. It is difficult for the end user to operate both optical plates, as both the polar angle and the azimuth angle are subject to change when the optical plates are rotated with respect to each other.
  • a general object of the present invention is to provide an improved beam direction-controlling device, and in particular a compact beam-direction controlling device enabling simple, robust and intuitive control of a direction of a light-beam passing therethrough.
  • the invention provides a beam direction-controlling device, for controlling a direction of a light beam emitted by a light source and passing through the beam direction-controlling device, comprising: a first optical element having first and second opposing faces and being configured to change a direction of a plurality of substantially parallel light rays incident on the beam direction-controlling device from an incident direction at the first face of the first optical element to a primary direction, different from the incident direction, at the second face of the first optical element; and a second optical element having first and second opposing faces, the second optical element being arranged with the first face of the second optical element facing the second face of the first optical element, the second optical element being configured to change a direction of the plurality of light rays from the primary direction at the first face of the second optical element to a secondary direction at the second face of the second optical element, depending on points of incidence of the light rays on the first face of the second optical element, wherein the beam direction-controlling device is configured to allow relative movement between the first and
  • the intermediate element as used herein should be understood to mean an intermediate element that is capable of providing a desired relative movement between the first and the second optical element.
  • the intermediate element allows the optical elements to move in opposite directions, relative to the intermediate element.
  • the intermediate element usually forms a fixed part of a light-output device, the movements of the optical elements are most commonly relative to such an output device.
  • the movement may be of the translational or of the rotational type, or of a combination of both types.
  • Substantially parallel light rays are considered to be light rays the direction of which is preferably within a range of 20 degrees from the direction of the optical axis of the beam direction-controlling device. Although the light rays may originate from any type of light source, they are most preferably generated by means of one or more LEDs.
  • light sources comprising a plurality of LEDs positioned (preferably in a circle) on a flat substrate which is oriented substantially parallel to the optical elements of the beam direction-controlling device.
  • the substantially parallel light rays may be obtained by the use of additional collimation means positioned between the LEDs and the optical elements, such as individual LED collimators or a single (Fresnel) lens for collimating the light rays of all LEDs.
  • a rotational movement involves a change of the points of incidence of the light-rays and causes the angle of the light-rays relative to the second optical element to be changed, due to which the direction of the outgoing light beam is amended.
  • a rotational movement causes the relative movement between the first and the second optical elements to be a movement over substantially a same angle in opposite directions, relative to the intermediate element.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the relative movement is a rotational movement.
  • the present invention is based on the realization that a rotation of both optical elements in opposite directions results in a change of the polar angle only with an almost negligible azimuth angle deflection. Hence there is no need to correct for an azimuth angle deflection.
  • the azimuth angle is understood to be the angle of the projection of the direction of the outgoing light beam on the plane of the optical element.
  • the polar angle is the angle that the outgoing light beam makes with an optical axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the optical element of the
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that said intermediate element comprises an intermediate rotational element that is in rotational contact with the first optical element and the second optical element.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that said intermediate rotational element is a gear wheel having a central axis and said first and second optical elements comprise a toothed structure, the toothed structure of the first optical element being in rotational contact with the gear wheel on a side of the central axis and the toothed structure of the second optical element being in rotational contact with the gear wheel on the opposite side of the central axis.
  • the toothed structure and the toothed gear wheel allow for a robust construction of the beam direction-controlling device. It is noted that also friction wheels can be used. It is particularly preferred to use (one of) the gear wheel(s) or the friction wheel(s) as a point of engagement for actuating one or both of the optical elements. In such a situation, the wheel may be provided with actuating means, like incisions for screwing or hexagonal recesses for Allen keys.
  • the light beam direction-controlling device may be further characterized in that the gear wheel is movable along its central axis to a position in which only the toothed structure of the first optical element is in rotational contact with the gear wheel.
  • the gear wheel may be located in two positions. In a first position, the toothed structures of both optical elements are in rotational contact with the gear wheel. In another (second) position only the toothed structure of the first rotational element is in rotational contact with the gear wheel.
  • Rotation of the gear wheel in the first position results in rotation of both optical elements in opposite directions, relative to the device. During such rotation, the polar angle of an outgoing light beam generated in the device will be changed.
  • Rotation of the gear wheel in the second position results in rotation of only the first optical element relative to the device, whereas the second optical element is not moved relative to the device.
  • the direction of an outgoing light beam will spiral in a predictable manner around the pivot axis (or optical axis) of the device.
  • the present embodiment of the light beam-controlling device enables changing of the polar angle of the light beam as well as spiraling of said beam.
  • the beam light controlling device may be further characterized in that the second optical element rests freely on the first optical element. Rotation of the gear wheel in the first position results in rotation of both optical elements through an identical angle yet in opposite angular directions relative to the device. During such rotation, the polar angle of an outgoing light beam generated in the device will be changed. As the second optical element rests freely on the first optical element, these elements can easily rotate in mutually different directions. During such movements, (small) frictional forces between both optical elements need to be overcome. To prevent possible damage to the facing surfaces of both optical elements, a spacer layer may be present between the elements, preferably only at the circumferential part of said faces. Such layer may be composed of a resin having good sliding properties, like Teflon. It is noted that the pressure of the second optical element on the first optical element is relatively small, as it is mainly composed of forces of gravity.
  • Rotation of the gear wheel in the second position results in rotation of both optical elements through an identical angle in the same angular direction relative to the device. During such rotation, the direction of an outgoing light beam generated in the device will rotate in a predictable manner around the optical axis of the device.
  • the present embodiment of the light beam-controlling device enables independent changing of both the polar angle and the azimuth angle of the light beam. Light beam controlling devices having the latter possibilities are highly desired.
  • a light beam-controlling device is preferably further characterized in that the gear wheel is provided with resilient means, which maintain, in the absence of external forces exerted in the direction of the central axis, the gear wheel in a position in which it is in rotational contact with either one or both of the toothed structure(s) of the optical element(s).
  • This measure provides the device with a default setting for the gear wheel, which simplifies its use. Depending on the actual default position of the gear wheel, rotational force on the gear wheel will always result in a change of the polar angle, the azimuth angle or the spiral path of an outgoing light beam generated by the device during its use.
  • a rotational force combined with a force in the direction of the central axis of the gear wheel will result in a different change of the outgoing light beam.
  • said force along the axis can be in any of both directions.
  • flat springs could in principle be applied, helical springs are preferably used as the resilient means in the present design of the light beam-controlling device according to the invention.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the gear wheel is composed of two parts which are independently rotatable around the central axis, wherein the first part is in rotational contact with the toothed structure of the first optical element and the second part is in rotational contact with the toothed structures of both optical elements.
  • This embodiment allows rotation of one or both of the optical elements relative to the intermediate structure. Simultaneous rotation of both optical elements may be either in the same direction or in opposite directions. In the presently described embodiment, movement of the gear wheel along its central axis is not necessary to obtain the different types of movement of the optical elements.
  • a rotational force may be applied only onto the part of the gear wheel which is in rotational contract with the toothed structure of the first optical element. This will result either in rotation of both elements in the same angular direction or in rotation of only the first optical element. Rotation of both elements is achieved when the second optical element rests freely on the first optical element and the frictional forces between both elements are sufficiently high. Such rotation will result in a change of the azimuth angle of the outgoing light beam generated by the
  • a force may be applied on both parts of the gear wheel, causing them to rotate in the same direction. This will result in rotation of both optical elements in opposite directions relative to the intermediate element. Such simultaneous rotation therefore will result in a change of the polar angle of an outgoing light beam generated in the light beam controlling device during its use.
  • the light beam direction-controlling device of the latter embodiment may advantageously be characterized in that one of the parts of the gear wheel contacts one of the optical elements via a second gear wheel.
  • first and second optical elements of the same design can be used. More particularly, they may have the same diameter and may contain toothed structures of the same type.
  • the optical elements may be rotated in opposite directions relative to the intermediate element.
  • the light beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the gear wheel is rotatable by means of a positioning element, which is preferably detachable from the gear wheel.
  • a positioning element may be constructed as a handle, preferably of longitudinal design, like a rod.
  • One of the end parts of such a positioning element may cooperate with the gear wheel, for example via physical contact with the gear wheel or parts immediately surrounding the gear wheel and being fixed to it. For practical reasons (safety, design, etc.), it may be desirable to establish such physical contact only at times when the direction of the outgoing light beam generated by the invented device needs to be changed.
  • a detachable positioning element is required.
  • providing the gear wheel and the positioning element with cooperative screw and/or bolt structures may be very suitable to cause the required rotational adjustments for changing the direction of the outgoing light beam generated by the device.
  • the gear wheel is composed of two independently rotatable parts
  • the use of a positioning element comprising an extendable central part may be very suitable.
  • Such an element can rotate only one part of the gear wheel when its central part is not extended, whereas it can rotate both parts of the gear wheel when its central part is extended.
  • the light beam direction-controlling device of the latter embodiment may advantageously be characterized in that the device is provided with magnetic elements for aligning the detachable positioning element. This feature is especially useful when connecting a detachable positioning element of substantial lenght with the gear wheel.
  • both the light beam-controlling device and the positioning element are provided with magnetic elements to facilitate simple alignment.
  • the light beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the gear wheel is rotatable by means of magnetic forces.
  • both (parts directly attached to) the gear wheel and the end of the positioning element need be provided with magnets, which may cooperate when the positioning element is in close vicinity of the gear wheel.
  • rotation of the positioning element will cause rotation of the gear wheel due to magnetic forces.
  • This embodiment allows the gear wheel to be positioned fully inside the housing of the light output device, so that the gear wheel may be invisible from the outside of the device. As a consequence, no positioning holes in the housing are needed in this embodiment of the invention.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the intermediate element comprises a string, a first end of the string forming the first part of the intermediate element and the second end of the string forming the second part of the intermediate element, the string being passed over a pen, wherein said pen is fixedly configured with respect to a pivot axis of both the first and the second optical element, which is configured to allow rotation of the first optical element in a first rotational direction, resulting in rotation of the second optical element in an opposite second rotational direction.
  • the string connecting the two optical elements is passed over the pen, and is folded around the pen to reverse the direction of the string.
  • the first optical element By moving the first part of the string in such a way that a pulling force is applied to the string, the first optical element is rotated in the first direction. By moving the second part of the string in such a way that a pulling force is applied to the string, the first optical element is rotated in the opposite direction.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that said intermediate element comprises a further string, a first end of the further string forming the second part of the intermediate element and the second end of the further string forming the first part of the intermediate element, the further string being passed over the pen.
  • each optical plate can be operated to rotate in both directions, i.e. both clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • the beam direction-controlling device may advantageously be characterized in that the beam direction-controlling device comprises an actuator to modify a polar angle in the polar plane of the light beam, wherein, when the light beam extends perpendicularly to the second optical element, the actuator is positioned in a plane perpendicular to said polar plane.
  • the polar angle of the direction of the light beam can be controlled in a polar plane.
  • a non-deflected light beam i.e. a light beam of which the direction is not modified when it passes the beam direction-controlling device, can only occur when the deflection caused by the first optical element is countered by the second optical element.
  • these optical elements comprise prism plates, both prism plates are placed anti-parallel to one another.
  • a light beam that has passed the first prism plate is deflected in one direction of the polar plane. After having passed the second prism plate, the deflected light beam is deflected back into the opposite direction in the same polar plane.
  • the actuator being positioned in a plane perpendicular to said polar plane, and in a first quant, allows the light beam to be moved in a direction in which the actuator rotation has a polar plane vector. This allows a user to move the actuator in the direction of said polar angle vector, the polar angle vector having substantially the same direction as the desired beam deflection of the light beam. This is considered to be very intuitive for a first group of users.
  • the actuator being positioned in a plane perpendicular to said polar plane, and in a second quant, allows the light beam to be moved in an opposite direction of the direction in which the actuator rotation has a polar plane vector. This allows a user to move the actuator in the opposite direction of said polar angle vector, the polar angle vector having substantially the opposite direction as the desired beam deflection of the light beam. This is considered to be intuitive for another group of users.
  • the actuator can be mounted to the second optical element, i.e. the element that is farthest away from a light source.
  • the actuator may include manually operated means, which may be provided in the form of one or several lever(s), handle(s), etc.
  • the actuator may further include powered actuators, such as electric motors, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, etc.
  • the invention is related to a light-output device comprising the beam direction-controlling device as described above and a light-source arranged to emit light passing through said beam direction-controlling device.
  • the light output device can be sold as a single unit that can be easily installed by the end-user himself.
  • Figs. 1A-1E show a prior art beam direction-controlling device comprising two optical elements
  • Figs. 2A-2G show views of several variants of a first embodiment of a beam direction-controlling device according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view, partly in cross section, of a second embodiment of a beam direction-controlling device according to the invention.
  • Figs. 4A-C are different schematic top views of a third embodiment of the beam direction-controlling device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of a
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the rotating optical elements of the embodiment as shown in fig.3, explaining an optimum position to mount an actuator;
  • Fig. 7A-7B show a schematic view of the rotating optical elements according to fig. 6, explaining the intuitive control of the beam direction-controlling device. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Fig 1 A shows a prior art beam direction-controlling device 1 that comprises a first optical element 10 having a first face 11 and a second face 12 and a second optical element 20 having a first face 21 and a second face 22.
  • the second optical element 20 is arranged in a plane substantially in parallel with the first optical element 10.
  • the first face 21 of the second optical element 20 faces the second face 12 of the first optical element 10.
  • the first and second optical elements 10, 20 of the beam direction-controlling device 1 are prism plates, or prism foils. These foils or plates comprise a flat surface and a surface having prismatic structures.
  • the flat surfaces of the foils or plates face towards the light source.
  • light emitted by the light source exits both optical elements via the surface having prismatic structures.
  • the first optical element 10 is configured to change the direction of a plurality of incident parallel light rays 30 from an incident direction Ri at the first face 11 of the first optical element 10 to a primary direction Rp at the second face 12 of the first optical element 10.
  • the light rays thus hit the first face 21 of the second optical element 20 in the primary direction Rp at a corresponding plurality of points of incidence, denoted by 'x' in fig 1A.
  • the second optical element 20 is configured to change the direction of the light rays hitting the first face 21 thereof from the primary direction Rp to a secondary direction Rsl, which in the beam direction-controlling state illustrated in fig 1 A is parallel to the optical axis OA of the
  • the desired change in redirection of a plurality of parallel light rays from a primary direction to a different secondary direction Rs2 can be achieved through rotary movement, linear movement, or a combination thereof, of the second optical element in relation to the first optical element 10.
  • the second optical member 20 is configured to achieve the desired change in redirection through rotary movement of the second optical element 20 in relation to the first optical member 10 in a direction indicated by the arrow PI .
  • the first optical member 10 has been maintained in the same position as in fig 1 A.
  • the incident light rays hitting the first face 11 of the first optical element 10 in the incident direction Ri are redirected to the same primary direction Rp as in fig. 1A. Since the second optical element 20 in fig.
  • the change in points of incidence results in a change in secondary direction, from Rsl in fig. 1A to Rs2 in fig. IB. Accordingly, the beam direction-controlling device 1 has been put into a second beam direction-controlling state due to the rotation of the second optical element 20 relative to the first optical element 10.
  • the first and second optical elements 10, 20 of the beam direction-controlling device 1 are provided in the form of prism plates, or prism foils, as is schematically indicated in the figures.
  • such foils or plates may be made of glass, but are usually manufactured from a transparent resin, like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC).
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • PC polycarbonate
  • Such foils or plates comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending prismatic structures, which are available on or in one main surface of the foils or plates.
  • neighboring prismatic lines have to be at a mutual distance between 0.5 and 5.0 mm. This distance is also referred to as 'pitch'. Smaller pitches cause the dispersion of the foils during use to become too high.
  • Such prism plates or foils are currently used in liquid crystal displays, LCDs, to direct the image output by the LCD in a given, fixed direction towards the expected position of a viewer.
  • both the azimuth angle and the polar angle of the light beam can be determined at will (within a certain polar angular range) by appropriately rotating the first and second optical elements 10, 20.
  • the first optical element 10 is oriented in such a way that the incident light rays are redirected from the initial direction Ri to the primary direction as is schematically illustrated in figs ID- IE.
  • the redirection from the initial direction Ri to the primary direction Rp is achieved by rotating the first optical element 10 such that the prismatic structures on the second face 11 thereof are oriented to refract the incident rays in the desired direction.
  • the second optical element 20 is arranged in anti-parallel (the prismatic structures of the second optical element being rotated 180° around optical axis OA, relative to the prismatic structures of the first optical element), such that the second optical element 20 redirects the light-rays incident thereon, with a force of the same magnitude yet in the opposite direction as compared to the first optical member.
  • the resulting beam deflection is zero, that is, the secondary direction Rs is the same as the incident direction Ri.
  • the vector sum of the deflections of the first and second optical elements results in a non-zero beam deflection, that is, the secondary direction Rs is different from the incident direction Ri.
  • Fig. 2-A shows a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a beam direction-controlling device 101 according to the present invention.
  • the beam direction- controlling device 101 comprises a first optical element 100 formed here as a circular prism plate 100 rotationally connected to a second optical element formed here as a circular prism plate 110 by an intermediate element.
  • the diameter of the first circular prism plate 100 is smaller than the diameter of the second circular prism plate 110.
  • the prism plates 100, 110 each comprise a toothed profile at the side of the prism plates 100, 110, outside of the optical path of the plates 100, 110.
  • prism plate 100 is provided with an external gear (having teeth pointing away from the optical axis 130) whereas prism plate 110 is provided with an internal gear (having teeth pointing to the optical axis 130).
  • intermediate element comprises four toothed gear wheels 121 spaced apart regularly along the circumference of the first prism plates 100, 110.
  • the toothed profiles of the prism plates 100, 110 are in mesh with the toothed gear wheels 121 of the intermediate element.
  • the first and second prism plates 100, 110 are rotatably mounted about a common pivot axis 130, which also forms the optical axis of the light beam controlling device.
  • the central axes 140 of the toothed wheels 121 extend parallel to the pivot axis 130.
  • the gear wheels 121 may be attached to the intermediate element via their central axes 140.
  • the intermediate element may be connected to the housing of the light output device or may even be an integral part of this device (not shown), which device may be designed as a flat luminaire.
  • a rotation in a direction indicated by the arrow P3 of the first prism plate 100 results in a rotation in the reverse direction (in a direction indicated by arrow P4) of the intermediate element 120.
  • the intermediate element 120 is rotationally connected to the second prism plate 110.
  • a rotation of the intermediate element 120 results in a rotation of the prism plate 110 in a direction, indicated by arrow P5, being opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow P3. This will lead to a nearly linear polar angle deflection of the light beam.
  • FIG. 2-B shows in perspective view a light-output device comprising a variant of the beam direction-controlling device 101 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2-A.
  • Said light-output device comprises a housing 200 in which first optical element 100 (formed as a circular prism plate) and a second optical element 110 (also formed as a circular prism plate) are rotatably attached.
  • the housing may be made of a resin material or a metal.
  • First optical element 100 is provided at its circumference with a circular toothed structure 150, which acts as an external gear.
  • Second optical element 110 is provided at its circumference with a circular toothed structure 160, which acts as an external gear. Toothed structure 150 lies in the plane of optical element 100, whereas toothed structure 160 lies outside the plane of optical element 110, such that both toothed structures lie in the plane of optical element 100.
  • This variant of the beam direction-controlling device 101 is provided with only one gear wheel 121, which is in mesh with the external and the internal toothed structures 150 and 160.
  • Gear wheel 121 is provided with a hexagonal recess 122 in one of its ends, which enables rotation of the gear wheel around its central axis (not shown).
  • both optical elements 100, 110 are rotated around optical axis 130 in different directions relative to gear wheel 120 and to housing 200 to which gear wheel 120 is rotatably fixed.
  • Optical elements 100, 110 are rotatably comprised in a cassette (not shown), which cassette is fixed in housing 200.
  • the above-mentioned rotation of the optical elements in different directions at an almost identical angular speed causes a change of the polar angle of the outgoing light beam produced in the light-output device by means of a light source (not shown).
  • Figure 2-C shows an interesting variant of the light beam-controlling device shown in Figure 2-B, in which the gear wheel 121 is movable along its central axis 140. More precisely, Figure 2-C shows a schematic cross section of light beam-controlling device 101 along the plane defined by optical axis 130 and central axis 140 around gear wheel 121.
  • light beam controlling device 101 comprises a first optical element 100 having a toothed structure 150 and a second optical element 110 having a toothed structure 160.
  • Device 101 further comprises a gear wheel 121, which is movable along its central axis 140. Due to the presence of resilient means 180 (here in the form of a helical spring), gear wheel 121 is maintained in a (default) position in which only toothed structure 150 of optical element 100 is in mesh with toothed structure 170 of gear wheel 121. For reasons of clarity, both above-mentioned structures 170 and 150 are depicted as not being in mutual contact.
  • gear wheel 121 may be rotated around its central axis, for example by means of a position element, being formed as a longitudinal rod having an end which can cooperate with hexagonal recess 122. Such a rod may be handled manually by rotating it around its longitudinal axis.
  • a position element being formed as a longitudinal rod having an end which can cooperate with hexagonal recess 122.
  • Such a rod may be handled manually by rotating it around its longitudinal axis.
  • first optical element 100 is forced to rotate, as a result of contact between the toothed structures 170 and 150 of gear wheel 121 and optical element 100.
  • second optical element 110 is independently contained in the housing, no rotation of this element is caused by rotation of gear wheel 121.
  • an outgoing light beam produced in the light output device containing the described light beam controlling device 101 will spiral around optical axis 130.
  • Second optical element 110 preferably rests freely on first optical element 100 via a spacer layer 190, which is present at the rim of both circular elements.
  • a spacer layer 190 lies outside the optical path of the light beam-controlling device and may prevent damage to the facing surfaces of the optical elements due to rotation in opposite directions of both elements.
  • Gear wheel 121 may be forced to move along central axis 140 in the direction of second optical element 110. This force may be exerted manually via the longitudinal rod described in the previous paragraph. In this position, toothed structure 170 of gear wheel 121 is in rotational contact with both toothed structure 150 of first optical element 100 and toothed structure 160 of second optical element 110 (not shown). Rotation of gear wheel 121 in this position results in rotation of both optical elements 100 and 110 in opposite directions relative to gear wheel 121. This simultaneous rotation is only achieved when force is continued to be exerted on gear wheel 121 along the central axis 140 in order to maintain the rotational contact between the gear wheel and both optical elements. Such rotation results in a polar change of an outgoing light beam produced in the light output device containing the described light beam controlling device 101, relative to optical axis 130.
  • Figure 2-D shows another interesting variant of the light beam-controlling device shown in Figure 2-B, in which gear wheel 121 is composed of two parts 123, 124, which are independently rotatable around central axis 140. More precisely, Figure 2-D shows a schematic cross section of light beam-controlling device 101 along the plane defined by optical axis 130 and central axis 140 around gear wheel 121.
  • the toothed structure 171 of gear wheel part 123 is in mesh with toothed structure 150 of first optical element 100.
  • the toothed structure 172 of gear wheel part 124 is in mesh with toothed structure 160 of second optical element 110.
  • Both gear wheel parts comprise a hexagonal recess, which are dimensioned such that the recess 125 of gear wheel part 123 has a larger cross section than recess 126 of gear wheel part 124.
  • gear wheel parts 121 may be rotated around their common central axis 140, for example by means of a positioning element, being formed as a longitudinal rod having an end which can cooperate with the hexagonal recess 125 of the gear wheel part 123.
  • a positioning element could have a centrally positioned extendable part comprising an end which can cooperate with the hexagonal recess 126 of gear wheel part 124.
  • the extendable part of the positioning element is not protruding, rotation of the element will only cause rotation of gear wheel part 123.
  • the extendable part is protruding, rotation of the element will cause rotation of both gear wheel part 123 and gear wheel part 124 in the same direction.
  • Protrusion of the central extendable part may preferably be effected at the other end of the longitudinal positioning element. Extension mechanisms used in ball point writers are considered to be very suitable in this respect.
  • Figure 2-E shows a further interesting variant of the light beam-controlling device shown in Figure 2-D, in which gear wheel part 124 contacts second optical element 110 via a second gear wheel 127.
  • the toothed structure 173 of second gear wheel 127 is in rotational contact with the toothed structure 172 of gear wheel part 124 and toothed structure 160 of second optical element 100.
  • Gear wheel parts 123 and 124 may be caused to rotate substantially in the same manner as described for the previous embodiment shown in Figure 2-D.
  • the presence of said second gear wheel 127 causes simultaneous rotation of both gear wheel parts 123 and 124, which causes first optical element 100 and second optical element 110 to be rotated in opposite directions.
  • a light beam-controlling device according to this embodiment has the advantage that the optical elements may have (almost) identical dimensions and design. It is noted that the central axes of the first and second gear wheels need not be in the same flat plane as the pivot or optical axis of the device.
  • Fig 2-F shows another variant of the light beam-controlling device according to the present invention. More particularly, Fig 2-F shows only gear wheel 121 with toothed structure 170 and hexagonal recess 122. For reasons of clarity, the other elements of the device are omitted.
  • gear wheel 121 magnetic elements, here designed as a single permanent magnet with north (N) and south (N) pole, are comprised. These magnetic elements may be helpful in aligning a detachable positioning element 128.
  • Such a positioning element may also comprise a permanent magnet with north (N) and south (S) pole at its end 129. Said end has a hexagonal design, which is intended to cooperate with the hexagonal recess 122.
  • the magnetic elements may also be fixed in the housing just outside or around the gear wheel 121. Their presence is especially useful when long detachable positioning elements 128 need to be applied for adjusting the beam direction of the light output device in which the light beam-controlling element is incorporated. This may be the case when the light output devices are present in the ceiling of large rooms, like offices or shops.
  • Figure 2-G shows a further variant of the light beam-controlling device, in which the gear wheel 121 is rotatable by means of magnetic forces. More particularly, the light beam-controlling device is provided with a housing 200 and contains a rotatable gear wheel 121 having a toothed structure 170. Said gear wheel 121 comprises a permanent magnet with a north pole (N) and a south pole (S), which poles are positioned in the plane of rotation around central axis 140. Gear wheel 121 may be rotated by means of a positioning element 128 which comprises, at its end 129, also a permanent magnet with a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). The device is provided with a bulge-in structure to identify the position of gear wheel 121 in housing 200.
  • a positioning element 128 which comprises, at its end 129, also a permanent magnet with a north pole (N) and a south pole (S).
  • the device is provided with a bulge-in structure to identify the position of gear wheel 121 in housing
  • FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • the beam direction-controlling device 201 comprises a first prism plate 200 having a toothed structure 202 in the planar side of the prism plate 200 facing the prism plate 210.
  • the second prism plate 210 comprises a toothed structure 212 in the planar side of the prism plate 210 facing the prism plate 200.
  • the beam direction-controlling device 201 comprises a common operating ring provided with three intermediate elements 225 in the form of gear wheels. Both toothed structures 202, 212, are interconnected by means of the three intermediate elements 225.
  • the intermediate elements 225 are connected to the prism plates 200, 210 at the same radial distance from the rotation center 260 of the prism plates 200, 210, thus providing exactly opposite rotation speeds to the prism plates 200, 210.
  • the toothed wheels of the intermediate elements 225 are mounted in the common ring 230 that can be operated by the end user.
  • the common ring 230 is placed outside of the optical path of the prism plates 200, 210, so that it can be operated by a user without blocking the light source.
  • Fig. 4A shows a schematic view of a part of the beam direction-controlling device 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the beam direction- controlling device 301 comprises a first prism plate 300 and a second prism plate 310. Both prism plates 300, 310 are rotationally connected to each other.
  • the first prism plate 300 has an actuator 303 mounted on its circumferential area and the second prism plate 310 has an actuator 313 mounted on its circumferential area.
  • a pen 340 is mounted to the beam direction-controlling device 301.
  • the pen 340 is mounted fixedly with regard to the common pivot axis 360 of the rotatable prism plates 300, 310.
  • the pen 340 is mounted on a housing (not shown) of the beam direction-controlling device 301.
  • Fig. 4B shows the third embodiment of the present invention as shown in fig. 4A with a first string 350.
  • the string 350 is connected at one end to the actuator 303 of the first prism plate 300 and at the other end to the actuator 313 of the second prism plate 310.
  • the string 350 is mounted counterclockwise along the circumferential area of the prism plate 300 towards the pen 340.
  • the string 350 is turned around the pen 340 and is further mounted in the clockwise direction along the circumferential area of the prism plate 300 and is fixed to the actuator 313 of the second prism plate 310.
  • the string 350 is mounted under slight pretension between the first actuator 303 and the second actuator 313 in order to minimize play between both actuators 303, 313 and to allow precise control of the rotational movement.
  • the string can be led in guiding means, such as a groove (not shown), in each of the prism plates 300, 310.
  • the actuator 303 When operating the beam direction-controlling device 301, the actuator 303 is rotated in the clockwise direction (arrow P6). As a result of the exerted force in the clockwise direction, the first prism plate 300 is rotated in the clockwise direction P6 around its pivot axis 360. The exertion force is transferred through the string 350 towards the pen 340, at which point the string is reversed around the pen 340 and further directed towards the actuator 313 connected to the second prism plate 310. The reversal of the direction of the string around the pen 340 results in the actuator 313 being pulled in the reverse direction (arrow P7). The second prism plate 310 to which the actuator 313 is mounted is therefore also rotating in the counterclockwise direction P7. The second prism plate 310 will, just like the first prism plate, rotate around the pivot axis 360.
  • FIG. 4C shows a schematic view of a part of the rotating optical elements according to another, third, embodiment of the present invention, having a second string.
  • the second string 370 is connected at one end to the actuator 303 of the first prism plate 300 and at the other end to the actuator 313 of the second prism plate 310.
  • the string 350 is mounted in the clockwise direction along the circumferential area of the prism plates 300, 310 towards the pen 340.
  • the second string 360 is reversed around the pen 340 and is further mounted in the counterclockwise direction along the circumferential area of the prism plates 300, 310 and is fixed to the actuator 313 of the second prism plate 310.
  • the string 350 is mounted under slight pretension between the first actuator 303 and the second actuator 313 in order to minimize play between both actuators 303, 313 and to allow precise control of the rotational movement.
  • the actuator 303 When operating the beam direction-controlling device 301, the actuator 303 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (arrow P8). As a result of the exerted force in the counterclockwise direction, the first prism plate 300 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction P8 around its pivot axis 360. The exertion force is transferred through the string 370 towards the pen 340, at which point the string is reversed around the pen 340 and further directed towards the actuator 313 connected to the second prism plate 310. The reversal of the direction of the string around the pen 340 results in the actuator 313 rotating in the reverse direction (arrow P9). The second prism plate 310 to which the actuator 313 is mounted will therefore be rotating in the clockwise direction P9.
  • Rotation of the first prism plate 300 in the counterclockwise direction P8 therefore results in a rotation of the second prism plate 310 in the clockwise direction P9. It is noted that due to the fact that the string 350 has to be pulled to be able to transfer a force, a rotation of the first prism plate 300 in the direction P9 will not result in the second prism plate 310 rotating in the direction P8.
  • Actuator 313 needs to be actuated to achieve the latter.
  • a user needs both actuators 303 and 313 to rotate both prism plates 300, 310 with regard to each other in opposite directions.
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the rotating prism plates 400, 410 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, having two strings which are
  • the first string 450 (shown in Fig. 4B) and the second string 470 (shown in Fig. 4C) have both been mounted to the beam deflection-controlling device 401.
  • the combination of both strings 450, 470 on the beam direction-controlling device 401 allows for rotational movement of the first prism plate 400 and the second prism plate 410 in both circumferential directions P6 and P8 by means of one actuator 403, 413 only. Rotation in both directions P6 and P8 allows for accurate control of the deflection of the light rays that pass through the prism plates 400, 410.
  • the two prism plates 400, 410 rotate in opposite directions around the pivot axis 460 whenever the beam direction-controlling device 401 is operated. This allows for an almost negligible azimuth angle deflection.
  • FIG. 5 shows a single pen 440, it is also possible to have two separate pens. Each pen is then dedicated to a single string 450, 470.
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the rotating optical elements 200, 210, explaining an optimum position to mount an actuator on the beam deflection controlling device 201.
  • the actuator that is used to operate the beam deflection-controlling device 201 may be positioned anywhere on the circumferential area of either one of the prism plates 200, 210. In this embodiment, the actuator is positioned in such a way that the direction of movement of the actuator corresponds with the direction of beam deflection.
  • the lines 570 in fig. 6 show that both prism plates are anti-parallel aligned with respect to each other.
  • the first prism plate 200 deflects the light in a first direction and the second prism plate 210 deflects it in the opposite direction, resulting in no deflection of the light beam when it passes both prism plates.
  • the operating handle 580 has been mounted to the prism plate 210 on a line perpendicular to the polar plane in which the polar angle of the light beam may be deflected. This makes the user interface intuitive for the operator of the beam deflection-controlling device 201 as it will allow the user to move the operating handle 580 in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the polar angle is modified.
  • the deflection of the light beam is achieved by the intermediate element that allows both prism plates 200, 210 to rotate in opposite directions.
  • Figs. 7A-B show a schematic view of the rotating prism plates according to
  • Fig. 6 explaining the intuitive control of the beam direction-controlling device 201.
  • Fig. 7A shows two superposed prism plates 200, 210 that are capable of rotating around a pivot axis 560.
  • the beam deflection-controlling device is operated by the actuation of the actuator 580, which is mounted in a quant where the side is parallel to the prisms.
  • Rotational movement of the actuator 580 in a direction X allows the intermediate elements described above to rotate the prism plate 200 in the counterclockwise direction and the prism plate 510 in the clockwise direction. Both prism plates then rotate in mutually opposite directions.
  • the direction of movement of the actuator 580 is generally the same as the direction Zl in which the light beam travels.
  • the intuitive aspect of this invention is that the operator actually moves the actuator in the same direction as the requested direction of the light beam.
  • Fig. 7B shows the same schematic view of the prism plates 200, 210 as Fig. 7A.
  • the actuator 580 is rotated in a direction Y
  • the first prism plate 200 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction
  • the second prism plate 210 is rotated in the clockwise direction.
  • the intermediate element allows both prism plates 200, 210 to rotate in opposite directions, thus deflecting the light beam that passed the prism plates 200, 210 in a direction that is generally the same as the direction Y of the actuation of the actuator 580.
  • Figs. 7A and 7B the single actuator 580 that operates the beam deflection-controlling device is mounted to the second prism plate 210.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau qui comprend deux plaques optiques (10, 20 ; 100, 110 ; 200, 210 ; 300, 310 ; 400, 410) telles que des plaques prismatiques, ces deux plaques optiques étant montées rotatives l'une par rapport à l'autre. Le dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau comporte en outre un élément intermédiaire (120) conçu pour faire tourner les deux plaques optiques (200, 210) dans des directions opposées. Un actionneur de fonctionnement (580) peut être disposé de manière à être déplacé par un utilisateur dans la direction où l'utilisateur souhaite dévier le faisceau lumineux. Il est ainsi possible d'obtenir une interface utilisateur intuitive pour la commande de déviation du faisceau lumineux.
PCT/IB2013/054226 2012-05-31 2013-05-22 Dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau et dispositif émetteur de lumière comportant un dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau WO2013179186A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261653798P 2012-05-31 2012-05-31
US61/653,798 2012-05-31
US201261731015P 2012-11-29 2012-11-29
US61/731,015 2012-11-29

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PCT/IB2013/054226 WO2013179186A1 (fr) 2012-05-31 2013-05-22 Dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau et dispositif émetteur de lumière comportant un dispositif de commande de direction de faisceau

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112166365A (zh) * 2018-06-04 2021-01-01 三菱电机株式会社 照明装置
US11168869B2 (en) 2014-11-24 2021-11-09 Signify Holding B.V. Lighting device and lighting system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR606316A (fr) * 1925-09-08 1926-06-11 Perfectionnement aux phares d'automobiles
US4166959A (en) * 1977-08-25 1979-09-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics & Space Administration Multi-channel rotating optical interface for data transmission
US20060126336A1 (en) * 2001-02-24 2006-06-15 Solomon Dennis J Beam optics and color modifier system
US7217002B2 (en) * 2003-07-24 2007-05-15 Johannes Jungel-Schmid Ambient lighting system
US20110280018A1 (en) 2008-10-09 2011-11-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Beam direction controlling device and light-output device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR606316A (fr) * 1925-09-08 1926-06-11 Perfectionnement aux phares d'automobiles
US4166959A (en) * 1977-08-25 1979-09-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics & Space Administration Multi-channel rotating optical interface for data transmission
US20060126336A1 (en) * 2001-02-24 2006-06-15 Solomon Dennis J Beam optics and color modifier system
US7217002B2 (en) * 2003-07-24 2007-05-15 Johannes Jungel-Schmid Ambient lighting system
US20110280018A1 (en) 2008-10-09 2011-11-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Beam direction controlling device and light-output device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11168869B2 (en) 2014-11-24 2021-11-09 Signify Holding B.V. Lighting device and lighting system
CN112166365A (zh) * 2018-06-04 2021-01-01 三菱电机株式会社 照明装置
US11927742B2 (en) 2018-06-04 2024-03-12 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Illumination device having wedge prisms and driving portion with multiple gears

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