EP4450867A1

EP4450867A1 - Accessory for a light fixture, light fixture comprising said accessory and method for operating a light fixture

Info

Publication number: EP4450867A1
Application number: EP24171011.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto Alfier; Giovanni Zucchinali; Carmine PIROZZI; Andrea Morra
Original assignee: Clay Paky SpA
Current assignee: Clay Paky SpA
Priority date: 2023-04-21
Filing date: 2024-04-18
Publication date: 2024-10-23
Also published as: IT202300007959A1

Abstract

An accessory for a light fixture (1) for a stage comprising a hollow tubular element (15) extending along a longitudinal extension axis (B) and provided with a first end (16) configured to be coupled with a head (2) of the light fixture (1) so as to define an extension of the head (2); the tubular element (15) being provided with at least one light module (20) provided with a light emission surface (21).

Description

Cross-Reference To Related Patent Applications

This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102023000007959 filed on April 21, 2023 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

This invention relates to an accessory for a light fixture, a light fixture, and a method for operating said light fixture.
In particular, this invention relates to an accessory and a light fixture, preferably for the stage, and preferably of the multi-source type.

State of the art

In the stage lighting sector, the need to implement innovative and surprising scenic effects is felt more and more.
In recent years, in addition, the majority of efforts was concentrated in the area of multi-source light fixtures, preferably made with solid state sources.
In the sector of multi-source light fixtures, particular importance is usually given to the perception of the light fixture by the observer when the observer is in front of the light fixture.
Therefore, often the scenic effects concern animations and graphics that can be seen when you observe the light fixture front on and generated via the same light sources generating the projected beam.
When, instead, the observer is to the side of the projector, the only visible effect is that generated by the projection of the light beam. The graphic effects and animations of the light fixture are not, therefore, visible for a lateral observer.
Furthermore, in the known light fixtures, when no light beam is supposed to be projected, the graphics and animations cannot be made visible, not even frontally, because they would generate a light beam. In other words, if the projector is switched off and there is no beam projected, it is not possible to produce animations "surrounding" the scene and the light fixtures (sometimes very big) simply appear as dark marks on the scene.

Description of the invention

It is, therefore, a purpose of this invention to produce an accessory for a light fixture that is able to resolve the problems of the prior art set forth above in a simple and cost-effective way and that makes it possible to generate new scenic effects linked to the perception of the light fixture by the observer.
In accordance with these purposes, this invention relates to an accessory for a light fixture for stage comprising a hollow tubular element extending along a longitudinal axis and provided with a first end configured to be coupled to a head of the light fixture so as to define an extension of the head; the tubular element being provided with at least one light emission surface.
Advantageously, the tubular element provided with at least one light emission surface defines an additional degree of freedom in managing scenic effects. The light emission surface can actually generate effects that the observer can see even when not in a position in front of the light fixture.
Thanks to the accessory according to this invention, it is possible, therefore, to generate innovative scenic effects, never before achieved.
It is, moreover, a goal of this invention to provide a light fixture that is easy and cost-effective to produce that can be integrated in the scenography, even when it does not project any light beam, and that is able to generate scenic effects that can be seen from all angles and, in particular, when the observer is to the side of the light fixture.
In accordance with these purposes, this invention relates to a light fixture, preferably for the stage, as claimed in claim 14.
Finally, it is a purpose of this invention to provide a method for operating a light fixture, preferably for the stage, so as to improve the perception of the light fixture by the observer during the use of the light fixture itself on the scene.
In accordance with these purposes, this invention relates to a method for operating a light fixture as claimed in claim 17.

List of drawings

Additional features and advantages of this invention will be clear from the description that follows of a non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a light fixture according to this invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective view, with parts exploded and parts removed for clarity, of a light fixture according to this invention.

Description of an embodiment of the invention

Figure 1 shows, with reference number 1, a light fixture comprising a head 2, a support assembly 3 configured to support the head 2 and an accessory 4 coupled to the head 2.
The head 2 is preferably a movable head and the support assembly 3 is configured so as to enable the movable head 2 to rotate about two orthogonal axes, commonly known as PAN and TILT.
In particular, the support assembly 3 comprises a base 5 and a fork 6.
The fork 6 is coupled to the base 5 so that it rotates about the PAN axis. The fork 6 supports the movable head 2 so that it rotates about the TILT axis.
The operation of the support assembly 3 is adjusted by a movement control device (not visible in the accompanying figures). The movement control device may also be managed remotely, preferably using the DMX communication protocol.
In accordance with one variant, the support assembly 3 is configured to only support the head 2 without enabling its movement.
With reference to Figure 1 and to Figure 2, the movable head 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A.
The movable head 2 has a closed end 7a and an open end 7b, opposite the closed end 7a along the axis A, and provided with at least one light projection opening 8 (more visible in Figure 1). In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the light projection opening 8 has a basically circular cross-section and is engaged by multiple lenses 10 supported by a frame 11.
Inside the head 2 at least one source group (not visible in the attached figures) is housed and configured to generate at least one light beam. The light assembly is preferably a multi-source light assembly comprising multiple sources in the solid state.
The accessory 4 comprises a hollow tubular element 15 extending along a longitudinal axis B and provided with a first end 16 and a second end 17, opposite the first end 16 along the axis B.
The first end 16 is configured to be coupled to the head 2 so as to define an axial extension of the head 2. When coupled, the longitudinal axis A of the head 2 and the extension axis B of the accessory 4 actually coincide.
The hollow tubular element 15 is coupled to the head 2 so as to define an extension of the head at the end 7b of the head 2 provided with the light projection opening 8.
With reference to just Figure 2, the first end 16 of the accessory 4 is configured to be coupled to a portion of the outer wall of the head 2 basically near the hooking zone between head 2 and fork 6. The first end 16 is actually provided with two outer grooves 18 arranged diametrically opposite each other to enable the housing of support pins (not visible) that connect the head 2 to the fork 6. These grooves 18 are provided with fastening means 19 (holes and screws in the example illustrated) for fastening the respective portion of the head 2.
It remains understood that the accessory 4 can be fixed to the head 2 in different points of the head 2 (for example, in end zones near the open end 7b) or with different methods (for example, using quick coupling systems, screwing the hollow tubular element 15 or magnetic coupling, etc.).
A variant not illustrated also involves the accessory 4 being made of a single piece with the head 2. In other words, the accessory 4 is integrated in the head 2 and made of a piece with it to form a monolithic body.
The tubular element 15 comprises at least one light module 20 provided with a light emission surface 21.
Specifically, the tubular element 15 comprises a tubular wall 22, preferably defined by two half-shells coupled together and provided with an inner lateral surface 23, which faces the light projection opening 8, and an outer lateral surface 24.
In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the at least one light module 20 is arranged along the outer lateral surface 24.
According to a variant not illustrated, the inner lateral surface 23 can also be provided with at least one light module.
The cross-section of the hollow tubular element 15 preferably has the same shape as the light projection opening 8, i.e. circular in the example described and illustrated here.
Variants not illustrated involve different shapes of the tubular element. For example, the cross-section of the tubular element can be elliptical or polygonal, or the outer lateral surface and the inner lateral surface may have different cross-sections to obtain particular light and scenic effects.
Additional variants not illustrated provide that the inner lateral surface and/or the outer lateral surface may be covered in at least partially reflecting materials and/or phosphorescent materials, etc.
"Light emission surface" means, here and below, a surface that, in use, emits light radiation, preferably in a controlled way.
In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the accessory 4 comprises multiple light modules 20.
Each light module 20 is adjusted by an accessory control device (not illustrated), which can preferably be managed remotely.
The accessory control device is preferably integrated in the source assembly control device and can be managed remotely using remote signals or DMX protocol signals.
In other words, the light module 20 is an active light source that emits light radiation, preferably in a controlled way.
In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, each light module 20 comprises multiple light sources, preferably next to each other along an annular path.
In the example illustrated here, the annular path is open and has a small switch for enabling the supply of electricity via cable. This switch cannot be seen at medium distances and the optical effect for the observer is that of a closed light ring when the sources of the light module 20 are active.
Non-illustrated variants involve structures of the tubular element 15 that enable the almost complete integration of the supply circuit in the tubular wall 22 and thus enable the production of closed-loop light modules 20.
In accordance with a variant not illustrated, the light module can be produced using a light guide coupled to a light source.
In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the accessory 4 comprises multiple light modules 20, all preferably annular, arranged at a given distance from each other.
The light modules 20 can be controlled independently from each other. In other words, it is possible to generate scenic effects by selectively activating light modules 20 or using a change in colour and/or intensity of each light module 20.
The light modules 20 are preferably arranged at an equal distance from each other and two of them are arranged at the ends 16 and 17 of the tubular element 15.
The light modules 20 preferably house respective annular grooves 25 made along the outer lateral surface 24 of the tubular element 15 so that the light emission surface 21 is basically free.
More preferably, at the annular grooves 25, the tubular element 15 comprises ribs 26 arranged on the inner lateral surface 23 at the annular grooves 25.
Non-illustrated variants involve different shapes and configurations of the light modules 20.
The tubular element 15 is preferably provided with multiple through openings 28.
The through openings 28 are preferably arranged in groups spaced apart from the annular light modules 20. Each group comprises through openings 28 aligned along respective annular paths. In the attached figures, therefore, there are three through opening 28 groups.
In the non-limiting example described and illustrated here, the through openings 28 are basically arranged parallel between them and are preferably transversal to the longitudinal axis B.
The through openings 28 have, preferably, an elongated, rectangular shape so as to generate a "light chink" effect when the beam generated by the source assembly in the head 2 is active.
Each group of through openings 28 arranged between two consecutive light modules 20 preferably extends over at least 10% of the surface of the tubular wall 22 comprised between the two consecutive light modules 20.
The axial length of the tubular element 15 is preferably equal to at least 1/4 of the diameter of the light projection opening 8 of the casing 3.
In use, the accessory 4 can be used to generate a light effect (visible to the side too) independently of the activation of the source assembly inside the head 2 and responsible for generating the projected light beam. The light modules 20 can actually generate a light effect that the observer can see even when no light beam is generated.
The light effects that can be obtained using light modules 20 can be multiple, thanks to the independent control of each light module 20.
In addition, the presence of the through openings 28 increases the dynamics of the effects perceived when the observer's point of view is to the side.
When the source assembly is active, the observer can actually detect the scenic effects even from a position to the side of the light fixture.
The combination of the effects deriving from the use of the light modules 20 and the exploitation of the through openings 28 of the accessory 4 significantly increases the range of scenic effects that can be obtained using the light fixtures now commercially available.
Lastly, it is clear that modifications may be made to the accessory and light fixture described herein, and variations produced thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

An accessory for a light fixture (1) for a stage comprising a hollow tubular element (15) extending along a longitudinal extension axis (B) and provided with a first end (16) configured to be coupled with a head (2) of the light fixture (1) so as to define an extension of the head (2); the tubular element (15) being provided with at least one light module (20) provided with a light emission surface (21) .
The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element (15) has a circular or elliptical or polygonal section.
The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular element (15) comprises a tubular wall (22) provided with an inner lateral surface (23) which, in use, faces a light projection opening (8) of the head (2) and an outer lateral surface (24); the outer lateral surface (24) being provided with the at least one light module (20).
The accessory according to claim 3, wherein the inner lateral surface (23) is provided with the at least one light module (20).
The accessory according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the light module (20) arranged along the outer lateral surface (24) is substantially annular.
The accessory according to claim 5, wherein the outer lateral surface (24) comprises a plurality of light modules (20), which are substantially annular and arranged at a given distance from one another.
The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element (15) is provided with a plurality of through openings (28).
The accessory according to claim 7, wherein the through openings (28) are substantially arranged parallel to one another and preferably transverse to the axis of extension (B).
The accessory according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the through openings (28) are arranged in groups of through openings aligned along respective annular paths; the groups of through openings (28) being spaced by at least one light module (20).
The accessory according to claim 9, wherein each group of through openings (28) arranged between two consecutive light modules (20) extends over at least 10% of the surface of the tubular element (15) comprised between the two consecutive light modules (20).
The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light module (20) is housed in a respective groove (25) provided in the tubular element (15) .
The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each light module (20) comprises one or more light sources.
The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 11, wherein each light module (20) comprises a light source and a light diffuser element configured to diffuse the light coming from the light source.
A light fixture, preferably for a stage, comprising:
a head (2) wherein a source assembly is housed, configured to emit at least one light beam; wherein the head (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is provided with a closed end (7a) and an open end (7b), opposite the closed end (7a) along the longitudinal axis (A) and provided with at least one light projection opening (8);

an accessory (4) according to any one of the preceding claims coupled with the head (2) so as to define an axial extension of the head (2) at the open end (7b) of the head (2).
The light fixture according to claim 14, wherein the accessory (4) is coupled with the head (2) in a removable manner.
The light fixture according to claim 15, wherein the accessory (4) and the head (2) form a single body.
A method for operating a light fixture (1), preferably for a stage; the light fixture (1) comprising: a head (2) wherein a source assembly is housed configured to emit at least one light beam; wherein the head (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is provided with a closed end (7a) and an open end (7b), opposite the closed end (7a) along the longitudinal axis (A) and provided with at least one light projection opening (8);
an accessory (4) comprising a hollow tubular element (15) extending along a longitudinal extension axis (B) and provided with a first end (16) coupled with the head (2) of the light fixture (1) so as to define an extension of the head (2) at the open end (7b); the tubular element (15) being provided with at least one light module (20) provided with a light emission surface (21);

the method comprising the step of selectively activating the at least one light module (20) based on the operating conditions of the source assembly to obtain defined graphic effects.