GENERATOR AND A HOLDER DEVICE

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a flash generator holder device. The present disclosure also relates to a flash system comprising a flash generator and a flash generator holder device.

Background

When using a flash generator that is not an integrated part of e.g. a camera or corresponding apparatus, but instead is a separate device, it is desirable to be able to change the angle of the flash generator in order to obtain different types of illumination of an object to be filmed or photographed. In many cases the flash generator is attached to a stand that may be fixed, or a stick held manually. In order to change the angle of the emitted flash light, the angle at which the flash generator is held must be changed. There exists holder devices for flash generators which holder devices are configured with a joint. One part of the joint is connected to the flash generator and the other part of the joint is connected to e.g. a stand or a stick as the case may be. These two parts of the joint are then rotatably connected to each other such that the angle of the flash generator can be changed.

It is previously known that the respective joint parts can have friction surfaces that are made to enter into contact by means of a screw device, in order to prevent movement of the two joint parts relative each other. When the angle of the flash generator is to be changed, the screw device is loosened and the two joint parts can move freely in relation to each other. However, this free movement is difficult to control and it can be quite difficult to keep both the respective joint parts in their respective desired positions at the same time as trying to tighten the screw device such that the relative positions of the two joint parts are locked at the desired angle.

Summary

The present disclosure is directed to proposing an improvement related to flash generator holder devices.

Accordingly is proposed a flash generator holder device comprising

a first holder part,

a second holder part,

a joint device configured to rotatably connect the first holder part with the second holder part, wherein the first holder part or the second holder part is connected or connectable to a flash generator,

wherein the joint device comprises

a first joint part connected to the first holder part and a second joint part connected to the second holder part, and the first joint part being rotatably connected to the second joint part by means of a shaft, whereby the first holder part is rotatably connected with the second holder part,

a position adjustment control arrangement configured for controlling an adjustment of the position of the first joint part and the position of the second joint part in relation to each other, which adjustment is obtainable by rotating the first joint part in relation to the second joint part and/or vice versa,

an actuator for changing an axial position of the first joint part and/or an axial position of the second joint part in relation to the shaft, from respective axial positions in which rotational position adjustment of the first joint part in relation to the second joint part can be performed, to respective axial positions in which they are locked in relation to each other, and/or vice versa,

a locking arrangement configured to lock the first joint part and the second joint part in relation to each other, and

wherein

the locking arrangement comprises a first locking member and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member forms part of one of the first joint part and the second joint part, and the second locking member forms part of the other of the first joint part and the second joint part, wherein the first locking member comprises a first surface, wherein the second locking member comprises a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to enter into locking engagement with each other when pressed together.

By this flash generator holder device is provided a combination of a locking arrangement configured to lock the first joint part and the second joint part in relation to each other, and an arrangement that controls the adjustment of the position of the first joint part and the position of the second joint part in relation to each other. By being able to control the relative positions of the two joint parts it is possible to have a more accurate adjustment of the angle between the joint parts, and thus control the angle of inclination of the flash generator in relation to whatever object is connected to the other holder part. The flash generator holder and consequently the connected flash generator will also be more easy to hold and easier to handle in general. The user will experience that it will be easier to obtain the desired position of the flash generator by rotating the relevant holder part.

By the locking arrangement is achieved the advantage that a secure locking can be achieved, once the desired position and angle of the flash generator holder device has been reached. The locking arrangement is compact with the two surfaces that engage and thereby lock the two joint parts, and thereby the two holder parts, in relation to each other.

The position adjustment control arrangement may comprise at least one resilient member. This will contribute to making it possible to control the position adjustment.

The position adjustment control arrangement may comprise a friction regulating device for regulating the friction between the first joint part and the second joint part. A friction regulating device will also contribute to making it possible to control the position adjustment. The actuator may be configured to have this friction regulating function when the first joint part and the second joint part are in respective positions in which position adjustment can be performed.

The position adjustment control arrangement may be configured such that the adjustment of the position of the first joint part and the position of the second joint part in relation to each other may be performed in a stepwise manner. This will also contribute to improved control of the adjustment.

The position adjustment control arrangement comprises, according to one example, at least one resilient protruding member that is arranged in the first surface of the first locking member and wherein the control arrangement comprises at least one depression that is arranged in the second surface of the second locking member. Even though the position control arrangement and the locking arrangement have separate components, a very compact solution is obtained by integrating the components of the position adjustment control arrangement with the first and second surface of the respective locking member.

The position adjustment control arrangement may comprise a first control part and a second control part, wherein the first control part forms part of one of the first joint part and the second joint part, and the second control part forms part of the other of the first joint part and the second joint part, wherein the second control part comprises at least one depression and the first control part comprises a plurality of resilient protruding members that are configured to enter into engagement with the at least one depression during relative rotational movement of the first control part and the second control part by means of relative rotation of the first holder part and the second holder part. By this arrangement is obtained the possibility to have a stepwise control of the position adjustment. Each step can be made to correspond to a certain angle adjustment. The stepwise control is obtained by the successive engagement of the resilient protruding members with the at least one depression that occurs during relative rotation. The user will have the advantage of feeling the stepwise movement when adjusting the position of the flash holder part that is connected to the flash generator, by rotating the flash holder part.

The resilient protruding members may be distributed in an annular shape. If there is only one depression, or few depressions, the protruding members are preferably so many as to represent an annular shape such that they would successively enter into engagement with the

depressions upon relative rotation of the first and second joint part.

The second control part may comprise a plurality of depressions. They may be distributed in an annular shape. By having a plurality of depressions, and preferably distributed in an annular shape, it is possible to reduce the number of projecting members and still provide a stepwise control of the adjustment.

Generally, the resilient protruding members and the depressions are preferably evenly distributed in the respective surface.

According to an alternative example, the position adjustment control arrangement may comprise a first control part and a second control part, wherein the first control part forms part of one of the first joint part and the second joint part, and the second control part forms part of the other of the first joint part and the second joint part, and the second control part may comprise a plurality of depressions and the first control part may comprise at least one resilient protruding member. The at least one resilient protruding member is configured to enter into successive engagement with the plurality of depressions during relative rotational movement of the first control part and the second control part by means of relative rotation of the first holder part and the second holder part. According to one example, the first control part comprises a plurality of resilient protruding members. The plurality of protruding members may be distributed in an annular shape. Preferably the protruding members are evenly distributed in or on the surface. For example the protruding members are evenly distributed in an annular shape that

corresponds to an annular shape according to which the depressions are distributed. The depressions are preferably also evenly distributed, preferably in an annular shape. Generally, for all examples, it can be said that the one or more depressions and the one or more resilient projecting members are arranged in respective geometric configurations such that at least one projecting member will enter into engagement with a depression during relative rotation of the first joint part and the second joint part in the manner described above.

The resilient protruding member may be located in a corresponding cavity provided in the first control part. The resilient protruding member may be a spring loaded protruding member, e.g. by a compression spring. The spring then provides resiliency to the protruding member.

However, resiliency may be provided by other means. For example, the protruding member may be made in a material that would make it resilient. E.g. it may be made of plastic or metal.

The resilient protruding member may for example be a pin located in a cavity and the pin having one end that protrudes out of the cavity. The pin may for example be spring loaded. This can be achieved by means of providing a compression spring at an end of the pin that is inserted into the cavity. According to an alternative example, the resilient protruding member may be a ball shaped member. A compression spring may then be arranged between the bottom of the cavity and the ball shaped member whereby resiliency is achieved. Part of the ball shaped member should then protrude from the cavity such that it can enter the provided depression.

Generally, the depression preferably has a shape that matches the part of the resilient protruding member that is configured to enter into engagement with a depression. When the resilient protruding member is a pin and has an end that protrudes out of the cavity, this end may have a rounded shape, e.g. a semi-spherical or partly spherical shape. When the end of the pin has this shape or the resilient protruding member is a ball shaped member, the depression may be cup shaped or have the mentioned semi-spherical or partly spherical shape. By having corresponding rounded shapes of the resilient protruding member and the

depression, the protruding member is able to slide out of one depression and into the next depression when the joint parts are rotated in relation to each other. Or if there is only one depression or few depressions, the resilient protruding members will then successively slide into the depression and thereby a stepwise adjustment of the relative positions is obtainable during rotation.

There may be many variants of depressions and protruding members. The variants of depressions may be arranged as depressions in the previously mentioned first surface of the first locking member and the variants of protruding members may be arranged as protruding from the second surface of the second locking member, or vice versa. Naturally, the mentioned cavity will be provided as a cavity made in the surface. The mentioned annular shapes may be an annular shape configured in the respective surface.

Generally, when describing the adjustment of the relative positions of the first and second joint part during relative rotation as stepwise, it should be understood that these steps can be very small and represent only small angle adjustments.

The first surface of the first locking member may be configured as an annular surface. The second surface of the second locking member may be configured as an annular surface. This is advantageous since the joint parts are intended to be subjected to a relative rotational movement.

The locking arrangement may comprise a compression spring arranged between the first locking member and the second locking member. The function of such a spring is to urge the first locking member and the second locking member apart when they are not in locking engagement with each other. Or rather, to urge them apart when the actuator no longer exerts any pressure force on one of them that would press them together into engagement. There may be one or more springs that fulfils this function.

According to one example, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is movable, in an axial direction in relation to the shaft, towards the other locking member by means of the actuator, wherein one of said first surface and said second surface comprises a plurality of protrusions and the other surface comprises a plurality of recesses, and wherein the protrusions and the recesses are configured to enter into locking engagement with each other when the first locking member and the second locking member are pressed together by means of the actuator. Thus in this position, no relative rotational movement can occur between the locking members, i.e. between the joint members. The recesses may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the protrusions.

On a surface that has protrusions there will also be recesses inbetween the protrusions. Thus, both of the surfaces can be described as having protrusions and recesses inbetween the protrusions. An alternative way of describing the locking engagement between the locking members is therefore that both surfaces comprise protrusions and that the protrusions on one surface enter into locking engagement with corresponding protrusions on the other surface, and vice versa. The recess formed between two neighbouring protrusions on one of the locking member surfaces then has a shape that corresponds to the shape of a protrusion on the other locking member surface.

According to one example, the protrusions may be configured as radial ribs and the recesses may be configured as radial recesses or grooves.

However, the protrusions and recesses of the first and second surface may also have other shapes. They may for example be configured as pegs with corresponding recesses. The first and second surface may also have others shapes than annular.

It should also be mentioned that according to another example the locking arrangement may comprise a first locking member and a second locking member of which one locking member is movable in a direction towards the other locking member, and wherein a first surface of the first locking member is a friction surface and a second surface of the second locking member is a friction surface, and that said surfaces are arranged to face each other. According to this example, the first and second friction surfaces enter into locking engagement with each other when the first locking member and the second locking member are pressed together by means of the actuator. The surfaces may e.g. be annular surfaces.

According to one example, the at least one resilient protruding member may be arranged in the first surface of the first locking member, and arranged externally of or internally of the protrusions or the recesses. In this context, the expression at least one will also include the case with a plurality of protruding members.

According to one example, the first locking member may comprise a disc shaped member having a radial surface comprising the first surface of the first locking member. The protrusions or recesses may be provided externally of the at least one resilient protruding member.

According to one example, the at least one depression may be arranged in the second surface of the second locking member, and arranged externally of or internally of the protrusions or the recesses. In this context, the expression at least one will also include the case with a plurality of depressions.

According to one example, the second locking member may comprise a disc shaped member having a radial surface comprising the second surface of the second locking member. The protrusions or the recesses may be provided externally of the at least one depression. Generally, an advantage is obtained when the first locking member and the at least one protruding member of the first control part can be combined on one surface. In a corresponding manner, it is an advantage when the second locking member and the at least one depression of the second control part can be combined on one surface. The disc shape is advantageous since the joint parts are intended to be subjected to a relative rotational movement.

According to one example, the shaft is centrally located in a space in the joint device, wherein the shaft has a first end that is rigidly connected to the second joint part and a second end at which an actuator head of the actuator is movably connected by means of a screw connection , wherein the actuator head comprises a contact surface configured to enter into contact with a corresponding contact surface provided on the first joint part when the actuator head is screwed inwards, whereby a pressure force exerted when the actuator head is screwed inwards will move the first joint part towards the second joint part and into locking engagement with the second joint part. By means of the screw function a variable force can be exerted on the first joint part in order to move that joint part towards the second joint part. The first locking member of the first joint part will then enter into engagement with the second locking member of the second joint part and when the pressure force from the actuator head increases a locking engagement is achieved. When the actuator head is screwed outwards and the pressure force on the first joint part is released, the first joint part will move away from the second joint part with the aid of the compression spring that is located between the first locking member and the second locking member.

According to one example, the flash generator holder device may comprise an arrangement configured to limit the movement of the first joint part when changing the respective positions of the first joint part and the second joint part. This arrangement may comprise a flange provided on the shaft, which functions as an abutment in two directions and thereby can limit the possible axial movement of the first joint part in relation to the second joint part, when the actuator head is screwed inwards or outwards, respectively. It thereby also can limit the possible movement of the first control part in relation to the second control part, such that there will always be contact between the first control part and the second control part in order to preserve the possibility to control the position adjustment of the two joint parts, even when the actuator head has been screwed outwards such that the first and second locking members are no longer in respective positions where there is locking engagement. The contact between the first and second control parts can then be upheld by friction contact between the resilient protruding members and the surface in which the depressions are provided, when moved between the depressions, and of course contact with the depressions themselves. According to an example this surface is the second surface of the second locking member in which also protrusions/recesses are arranged externally of the depressions. The actuator thereby can be said to be part of the position adjustment control arrangement since it functions as a friction regulating device for regulating the friction between the first joint part and the second joint part. To this end there may be a corresponding first abutment surface arranged in the space in the joint device and another corresponding second abutment surface arranged as a part of the actuator head.

As is apparent from the above, the actuator can be regarded as being a part of the locking arrangement, and it can also be regarded as being a part of the position adjustment control arrangement.

It should be mentioned that also other types of actuators are conceivable. For example an actuator of a clamp type that would press the locking members together.

A flash system is also described comprising a flash generator comprising a flash forming element arranged to generate a flash light, and a flash generator holder device as defined in any one of the claims defining such a device and as described above.

Further features and advantages will also become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and examples.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following detailed description reference will be made to the enclosed schematic drawings illustrating different aspects and examples, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows an example of a flash generator holder device, in a perspective view,

Fig. 2 shows the flash generator holder device of Fig. 1 , partly in cross section, in a first position,

Fig. 3 shows the flash generator holder device of Fig. 1 , partly in cross section, in a second position,

Fig. 4 shows a first joint part,

Fig. 5 shows a second joint part,

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a flash system.

Elements that are the same or represent corresponding or equivalent elements have been given the same reference numbers in the different figures. Detailed description

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown an example of a flash generator holder device 1. The holder device comprises a first holder part 5, a second holder part 10 and a joint device 20. The first holder part 5 or the second holder part 10 is connected to or connectable to a flash generator. If it is connected to a flash generator it would generally be an integral part of the flash generator. The joint device 20 is configured to rotatably connect the first holder part 5 with the second holder part 10. The holder part that is not connected/connectable to a flash generator can for example be connected to some kind of support, e.g. a stick, such that the holder device with the flash generator can be held manually or be attached to a stand or other object.

The joint device 20 comprises

a first joint part 30 connected to the first holder part 5 and a second joint part 40 connected to the second holder part 10, and the first joint part 30 is rotatably connected to the second joint part 40 by means of a shaft 74 whereby the first holder part 5 is rotatably connected with the second holder part 10,

a position adjustment control arrangement 80 configured for controlling an adjustment of a rotational position of the first joint part 30 and a rotational position of the second joint part 50 in relation to each other, which adjustment is obtainable by rotating the first joint part 30 in relation to the second joint part 50 and/or vice versa,

an actuator 70 for changing an axial position of the first joint part 30 and/or an axial position of the second joint part 40 in relation to the shaft 74, from respective axial positions in which rotational position adjustment of the first joint part 30 in relation to the second joint part 40 can be performed, to respective axial positions in which the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40 are locked in relation to each other, and/or vice versa,

a locking arrangement 50 configured to lock the first joint part 5 and the second joint part

10 in relation to each other, and

wherein

the locking arrangement 50 comprises a first locking member 51 and a second locking member 52, wherein the first locking member 51 forms a part of one of the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40, and the second locking member 52 forms a part of the other of the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40, wherein the first locking member 51 comprises a first surface 53 and the second locking member 52 comprises a second surface 55, wherein the first surface and the second surface are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to enter into locking engagement with each other, when pressed together.

The position adjustment control arrangement 80 may comprise at least one resilient member 84.

The position adjustment control arrangement 80 may comprise a friction regulating device for regulating the friction between the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40. An example of this will be described later.

The position adjustment control arrangement comprises at least one resilient protruding member 84 that is arranged in the first surface 53 of the first locking member 51 and wherein the control arrangement comprises at least one depression 86 that is arranged in the second surface 55 of the second locking member 52. The resilient protruding member protrudes from the first surface in a direction towards the at least one depression in the second surface, as can be seen in the examples in Figs. 2-5.

The position adjustment control arrangement 80 may comprise a first control part 81 and a second control part 82. The first control part 81 forms a part of one of the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40, and the second control part 82 forms a part of the other of the first joint part and the second joint part, see also Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In the example illustrated in the figures, the first control part 81 is illustrated as forming part of the first joint part 30, and the second control part 82 is illustrated as forming part of the second joint part 40, but it could also be the other way around. The second control part 82 may comprise at least one depression 86 and the first control part 81 may comprise a plurality of resilient protruding members

84. Depressions 86 can be seen to be arranged in the second surface 55 of the second locking member 52, and the resilient protruding members 84 can be seen to be arranged in the first surface 53 of the first locking member 51. The resilient protruding members may be distributed in an annular shape. They are configured to enter into engagement with the at least one depression 86 during relative rotational movement of the first control part 81 and the second control part 82 by means of relative rotation of the first holder part 5 and the second holder part 10. Preferably the protruding members are evenly distributed, in particular with regard to said annular shape.

The resilient protruding members 84 and the at least one depression 86 may be configured such that the protruding members successively enter into engagement with the at least one depression when one of the joint parts is rotated in relation to the other joint part. One protruding member can then slide into the depression during rotation and will then slide out of the depression during further rotation and another will slide into the depression. According to one example, the second control part 82 comprises a plurality of depressions 86, see Fig. 5.

The plurality of depressions may be distributed in an annular shape. Preferably the depressions are evenly distributed. For example the depressions are evenly distributed in an annular shape that corresponds to an annular shape according to which the resilient protruding members are distributed.

According to an alternative example, the position adjustment control arrangement 80 comprises a first control part 81 and a second control part 82, wherein the first control part 81 forms a part of one of the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40, and the second control part 82 forms a part of the other of the first joint part and the second joint part, and the second control part 82 may comprise a plurality of depressions 86 and the first control part 81 may comprise at least one resilient protruding member 84. The at least one resilient protruding member is then configured to enter into successive engagement with the plurality of depressions during relative rotational movement of the first control part 81 and the second control part 82 by means of relative rotation of the first holder part 5 and the second holder part 10. Also in this example, the depressions and/or the at least one resilient protruding member may be distributed in an annular shape, and they are preferably evenly distributed.

The resilient protruding member 84 may be a spring loaded protruding member. This can be achieved in different ways and examples will be given further down.

The resilient protruding member 84 may be located in a corresponding cavity 90 provided in the first control part 81. The cavity as illustrated is provided in the first surface 53 of the first control part 81.

The resilient protruding member may for example be a pin or peg located in the cavity 90 and the pin having one end that protrudes out of the cavity, as shown in the illustrated example. The pin may be spring loaded. This can be achieved by means of providing a compression spring 91 at that end of the pin 87 that is inserted into the cavity 90. Also other types of spring

arrangements can be foreseen.

According to an alternative example, the resilient protruding member may be a ball shaped member. A compression spring may then be arranged between the bottom of the cavity and the ball shaped member whereby resiliency is achieved. Part of the ball shaped member should then protrude from the cavity such that it can enter the provided depression. The depression preferably has a shape that matches the ball shaped member, e.g. the depression may be cup shaped.

Generally, the depression 86 preferably has a shape that matches the part of the resilient protruding member 84 that is configured to enter into engagement with a depression. When the resilient protruding member is a pin, as shown in the illustrated example, and has an end that protrudes out of the cavity 90, this end may have a rounded shape, e.g. a semi-spherical or partly spherical shape. When the end of the pin has this shape or the resilient protruding member is a ball shaped member, the depression may thus be cup shaped or have the mentioned semi-spherical or partly spherical shape.

As another alternative, the resilient protruding member may be made in a material that makes the protruding member resilient in itself. For example it may be made of a plastic material or metal that provides resiliency or a spring effect to the protruding member.

The mentioned variants of depressions may be arranged as depressions in the previously mentioned first surface of the first locking member and the mentioned variants of protruding members may be arranged as protruding from the second surface of the second locking member, or vice versa.

In the illustrated example, the first locking member 51 forms part of the first joint part 30 and the second locking member 52 forms part of the second joint part 40.

The first surface of the first locking member 51 may be configured as an annular surface. The second surface of the second locking member 52 may be configured as an annular surface.

The locking arrangement may comprise a compression spring 60 arranged between the first locking member 51 and the second locking member 52. The function of such a spring is to urge the first locking member and the second locking member apart when they are not in locking engagement with each other. Or rather, to urge them apart when the actuator no longer exerts any pressure force on one of them that would press them together into engagement. There may be one or more springs that together fulfil this function. It is when the first and second joint part, comprising the first and second locking member respectively, are in a position apart from each other that the position adjustment by rotation of one of the joint parts can take place. According to one example, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is movable, in an axial direction in relation to the shaft, towards the other locking member by means of the actuator 70. One of said first surface 53 and said second surface 55 comprises a plurality of protrusions 54 and the other surface comprises a plurality of recesses 56, preferably having a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusions, and wherein the protrusions 54 and the recesses 56 are configured to enter into locking engagement with each other when the first locking member and the second locking member are pressed together by means of the actuator 70. The actuator can achieve this when changing the axial position of the first joint part 30 and/or the axial position of the second joint part 40 from respective positions, in which position adjustment can be performed, to respective positions in which they are locked in relation to each other, as previously described.

On a surface that has protrusions there will also be recesses inbetween the protrusions. Thus, both of the surfaces can be described as having protrusions and recesses inbetween the protrusions. An alternative way of describing the locking engagement between the locking members is therefore that both surfaces comprise protrusions and that the protrusions on one surface enter into locking engagement with corresponding protrusions on the other surface, and vice versa. The depression formed between two neighbouring protrusions on one of the locking member surfaces then has a shape that corresponds to the shape of a protrusion on the other locking member surface.

According to one example, the protrusions 54 provided on one of the first and second surface 53, 55 may be configured as radial ribs. This is illustrated in the example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The recesses 56 provided on the other surface may then be configured as radial recesses or grooves. It has previously been described that the axial position of the first joint part 30 in relation to the shaft 74 can be changed. By the expression“radial” in the present and following context is intended a radial direction in relation to the shaft 74. The first surface 53 and the second surface 55, which are facing each other, can be seen in the figures 2-5 to extend perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 74, and can also be described as extending in a radial direction in relation to the shaft 74. The ribs and recesses may therefore be described as radial ribs/recesses. The ribs preferably have a triangular cross section or a rectangular cross section, and the grooves have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the ribs. In the example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 it is shown that the cooperating first and second surfaces 53, 55 can have the same pattern of ribs and grooves inbetween the ribs, and that these can interact with each other to provide locking when in engagement. When the ribs of the respective surfaces enter into engagement with each other by means of the actuator pressing the locking members together, a relative rotation of the first joint part and the second joint part can no longer be obtained.

However, the protrusions and recesses of the first and second surface may also have other shapes. They may for example be configured as pegs with corresponding recesses. The first and second surface may also have others shapes than annular.

It should also be mentioned that according to another example the locking arrangement may comprise a first locking member and a second locking member of which one locking member is movable in a direction towards the other locking member, and wherein a first surface of the first locking member is a friction surface and a second surface of the second locking member is a friction surface, and that said surfaces are arranged to face each other. According to this example, the first and second friction surface enter into locking engagement with each other when the first locking member and the second locking member are pressed together by means of the actuator. The surfaces may e.g. be annular surfaces.

According to one example, the at least one resilient protruding member 84 may be arranged in the first surface 53 of the first locking member 51 , and it may be arranged externally of or internally of the protrusions 54 or the recesses 56, depending on if the first surface has protrusions or recesses.

According to one example, the first locking member 51 may comprise a first disc shaped member 64 having a radial surface comprising the first surface 53 of the first locking member 51. The protrusions or recesses, as the case may be, may then be provided externally of the at least one resilient protruding member 84.

According to one example, the at least one depression 86 may be arranged in the second surface 55 of the second locking member 52, and it may be arranged externally of or internally of the protrusions 54 or the recesses 56, depending on if the second surface has protrusions or recesses.

According to one example, the second locking member 52 may comprise a second disc shaped member 66 having a radial surface comprising the second surface 55 of the second locking member 52. The protrusions and recesses, as the case may be, may then be provided externally of the at least one depression 86. This example is shown in Fig 5.

The shaft 74 may be centrally located in a space 90 in the joint device 20, wherein the shaft has a first end 75 that is rigidly connected to the second joint part and a second end 76 at which an actuator head 79 of the actuator is movably connected by means of a screw connection. The actuator head 79 comprises a contact surface 76a configured to enter into contact with a corresponding contact surface 88a provided on the first joint part 30 when the actuator head is screwed inwards, whereby a pressure force exerted when the actuator head is screwed inwards will move the first joint part 30 towards the second joint part 40 and into locking engagement with the second joint part. This will be described in more detail later.

Additional details that are shown in the illustrated examples will now be described. In Fig. 2 is illustrated an example of the flash generator holder 1 when it is in its locked position. This can be seen in that the first locking member 51 is in engagement with the second locking member 52 since there is no gap between the two locking members, c.f. Fig. 3. The locking engagement is achieved by means of the actuator 70 pressing the first locking member and the second locking member together, as mentioned before. The first locking member 51 has an annular first surface 53 on which protrusions 54 are arranged, see Fig. 4. This first surface 53 forms part of a radial surface of the first disc shaped member 64 that is part of the first locking member 51. The radial surface thus comprises the protrusions 54, of the first locking member, arranged in an annular shape externally of the resilient protruding members 84 of the first control part. The resilient protruding members 84 are not shown in Fig. 4, but are shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 4, are only shown the holes in the first surface that leads into the cavities 90 in which the resilient protruding members are received. Correspondingly, the second locking member 52 has an annular second surface 53 on which protrusions 56 are arranged, see Fig. 5. This second surface 53 forms part of a radial surface of the second disc shaped member 66 that is part of the second locking member 52. The radial surface of the second disc shaped member 66 thus comprises the protrusions 56, of the second locking member, arranged in an annular shape externally of the depressions 86 of the second control part.

The actuator 70 is configured like a screw device that is mainly located in a central internal space 89 inside the joint device. One purpose of the actuator is to provide a rigid connection to one joint part at one end of the device, and at the other end of the device there is a screw function by means of which a variable force can be exerted on the other joint part in order to move that joint part towards the first mentioned joint part or away from it. The shaft 74 of the actuator 70 extends through the center of the two disc shaped members 64, 66 in which are provided holes for this purpose. Generally, the first and second surfaces 53, 55 are also centered around the shaft 74 and consequently comprise a respective hole through which the shaft extends, in order to connect the first joint part with the second joint part. The first disc shaped member 64 of the first locking member 51 is arranged to be rotatable in relation to the shaft. The shaft further comprises a first threaded end 75 having an external thread and a second threaded end 76 at which a head 79 is attached to the shaft. This head will in the following be referred to as the actuator head. The first threaded end 75 is screwed into an internal thread 77 arranged in a part of the second holder part 10 to which the second disc shaped member 66 is rigidly connected. Alternatively, the internal thread may be integrated with the second disc shaped member. The shaft 74 should be rigidly coupled to the second holder part 10 once the first threaded end has been screwed into the internal thread of the second holder part. At the other end of the shaft, the actuator head 79 having an internal thread will engage with the external thread of the second threaded end 76. However, the actuator head 79 is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the shaft and also in relation to the shaft. Therefore, the threaded connection between the second end 76 and the actuator head 79 is not intended as a fixed connection, but the actuator head should be able to be turned such that it can be screwed in the direction onto the second end 76 and also in the opposite direction, out from the second end of the shaft.

The actuator also comprises a flange 78 provided on the shaft 74. The function of this will be described later.

In the illustrated example, the first control part 81 also comprises a housing part 88, in addition to the first disc shaped member 64. The housing part 88 comprises the centrally located space 89 through which the shaft 74 may be inserted. Consequently, the space 89 has a circular cross section and it is coaxial with the holes in the two disc shaped members 64, 66. The housing part 88 is illustrated as primarily forming a part of the first holder part 5, but it may alternatively be integrated with the first disc shaped member 94. In any case, the housing part 88 and the first disc shaped member 94 are connected and they are rotatable in relation to the actuator shaft.

The actuator head 79 has an internal thread, as mentioned before. Externally of the opening leading into the internal thread, there is a contact surface 76a on the actuator head and this contact surface is configured to enter into contact with a corresponding contact surface 88a provided on the housing 88, when the actuator head is screwed inwards. Thereby a pressure force is exerted on the housing and the first disc shaped member 94 comprising the first locking member 51 , such that the first locking member is pressed towards the second locking member 52, into locking engagement. The first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40 are thus in respective positions in which they are immovable and locked in relation to each other. When the actuator head is screwed in a direction outwards, the pressure force will cease. Consequently, the locking engagement between the first locking member 51 and the second locking member 52 will cease. As a consequence, the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40 will be free to move in relation to each other. In particular, they will be free to rotate in relation to each other, and the angle of the first joint part in relation to the second joint part can be changed. These positions of the different components are illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

In order to prevent that the first locking member 51 and the second locking member 52 stay in engagement even though the actuator head has loosened the pressure force, the compression spring 60 is arranged between the second locking member 52 and a part of the housing 88 that is connected to the first locking member 51. In the illustrated example, the compression spring is arranged in a recess 61 along the circumference of the axial space 89 in the housing 88. When the actuator is unscrewed this compression spring will act to force the first locking member 51 and the second locking member 52 apart. This is obtained by the first locking member moving away in the axial direction. The first and second joint parts will thus be in respective positions in which they are not locked in relation to each other, as already described. The first joint part can now rotate in relation to the second joint part.

The flange 78 functions as an abutment in two directions and thereby limits the possible axial movement of the first joint part 30 in relation to the second joint part 40, when the actuator head 79 is screwed inwards or outwards, respectively. It thereby also limits the possible movement of the first control part 81 in relation to the second control part 82, such that there will always be contact between the first control part and the second control part in order to preserve the possibility to control the position adjustment of the two joint parts, even when the actuator head has been screwed outwards such that the first and second locking members are no longer in respective positions where there is locking engagement. The contact between the first and second control parts is upheld by friction contact between the resilient protruding members 84 and the surface in which the depressions 86 are provided, and of course contact with the depressions themselves. In the illustrated example this surface is the second surface 55 of the second locking member 52 in which also protrusions/recesses are arranged externally of the depressions 86. The actuator thereby can be said to be part of the position adjustment control arrangement since it functions as a friction regulating device for regulating the friction between the first joint part and the second joint part. The flange of the actuator abuts against a corresponding first abutment surface 92 arranged on the housing 88 and another corresponding second abutment surface 93 arranged as a part of the actuator head 79. The second abutment surface on the actuator head is provided between the opening for the internal thread and the contact surface 76a.

With regard to the position adjustment control arrangement, and as also shown in the illustrated example in Fig. 1 , the resilient protruding members 84 of the first control part 81 will be pressed into the corresponding depressions 86 of the second control part 82 during the locking state. However, when the pressure force exerted by the actuator 70 has slackened, and the first and second locking members are no longer in locking engagement with each other, the protruding member 84, i.e. each spring loaded pin or corresponding resilient protruding member 84, will be able to slide out of contact with its current depression 86, against the force of the spring 91 , upon rotation of the first joint part, i.e. rotation of the first holder part. When the first joint part 30 and the first holder part 5 are rotated in relation to the second joint part 40 and the second holder part 10, the spring loaded pins will then move from one depression to the next depression in a sliding, stepwise manner. Thereby the position of the first joint part 30 and the second joint part 40 can be changed and adjusted in a controlled manner, and consequently, the angle between the first holder part 5 and the second holder part 10 can be adjusted in a controlled manner. The steps may be very small, depending on the chosen distance between the depressions and/or the distance between the projecting members. As long as the actuator head is only loosened to a limited extent, as will be the case as explained above with regard to the provided abutment surfaces, the compression springs of the spring loaded pins will ensure that the pins do not become totally loose and that there will be at least friction contact. The actuator 70 thus functions as a friction regulating device that regulates the friction between the resilient protruding member 84, e.g. the pin, and the depression 86, and consequently also regulates the friction between the first joint part and the second joint part.

As is apparent from the above, the actuator can be regarded as being a part of the locking arrangement, and it can also be regarded as being a part of the position adjustment control arrangement.

As mentioned, also other types of actuators are conceivable. For example an actuator of a clamp type that would press the locking members together. If such a type of actuator is used, then both of the first joint part and the second joint part may be movable in the axial direction. As described above, two functions are achieved by the holder device. One function of locking the first joint part and the second joint part such that they cannot move in relation to each other, and this is achieved by an axial movement of certain components pertaining to the first and second joint part, effected by means of the actuator, between a locking position and a non- locking position. Another function is achieved which is combined with the unlocked position, and in which a position adjustment of the relative positions of the first joint part and the second joint part can be performed in a controlled manner by a rotational movement of one of the joint parts in relation to the other. In the illustrated example, the cavity 90 that houses the compression spring 91 for the resilient protruding member 84 is illustrated as being formed essentially in the housing part 88. In the illustrated example is also shown four resilient protruding members, but the number can naturally vary. Naturally, the number of depressions can also vary. In Fig. 6 is schematically illustrated a flash system comprising a flash generator 100 comprising a flash forming element arranged to generate a flash light, and a flash generator holder device 1. The flash generator holder device 1 of the system may be configured as disclosed above.

The invention shall not be considered limited to the illustrated embodiments, but can be modified and altered in many ways, as realised by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.