FR3031567A1 - PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICE FOR PLUNGER OR SPATIONAUTE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a waterproof portable lighting device for diver or astronaut configured so as to be secured to a forearm of said diver or said astronaut, comprising at least one light source. According to the invention, such a lighting device comprises means for controlling said light source comprising a gyroscope.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention is that of lighting. More specifically, the invention relates to a portable lighting device for diver or astronaut. 2. State of the art In order to orientate themselves in the darkness of the seabed, divers typically equip themselves with a flashlight or a diving torch, which they hold by hand or fix on the top of the back of the hand.

A disadvantage of these known portable lighting devices is that the diver can easily misplace them if they escape from the hands. These known lighting devices also have the disadvantage of permanently mobilizing at least one hand of the plunger, which is an inconvenience for the latter.

To remedy this drawback, it is known to fix the lighting on the diver's head using a headband or a helmet. This known technique has the disadvantage for the diver constantly having to turn the head to illuminate areas on its sides. Alternatively, it has been proposed to fix a flashlight with straps on the diver's suit, at the forearm. In scuba diving or space exploration, mechanically actuated magnetic control devices, such as pushbuttons, are used to control the lighting to ensure pressure or vacuum tightness.

Manipulation of such a control device with thick gloves to protect from cold, however, remains difficult for a diver or astronaut. It is even more difficult for a diver or astronaut to finely adjust the intensity of the lighting by pressing a control device, as it loses the sensation of touching the fingertips by wearing thick gloves. .

For this reason, the known lighting devices for diver or astronauts generally have a maximum of three notches corresponding to a position where the lighting is switched off, to a position where the lighting is at mid-intensity and at a position where the illumination is at full intensity, which provides a limited adjustment of light intensity. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is therefore in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art cited above. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a portable lighting technique for a diver or astronaut that allows to precisely adjust the light intensity emitted. The invention also aims to provide a portable lighting technique that is sealed at 30 bar or vacuum. Another object of the invention is to provide a portable lighting technique that is lightweight. Another object of the invention is to provide a portable lighting technique that is simple to implement. Another object of the invention is to provide a portable lighting technique that is customizable.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a portable lighting technique that is reliable. 4. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION These and other objects which will be apparent thereafter are achieved by means of a portable waterproof lighting device for a plunger or astronaut configured so as to be secured to a front arm of said diver or said astronaut, comprising at least one light source. It may in particular be a device whose shape matches the forearm of the diver or astronaut. According to the invention, such a lighting device comprises means for controlling said light source comprising a gyroscope.

Thus, in a novel and particularly clever way, the invention proposes to control the light source of the lighting device according to movements or specific movement sequences of the forearm or wrist of the diver or astronaut and to detect these 5 specific movements using a gyroscope. The invention thus advantageously offers numerous possibilities for controlling the light source and can make it possible to regulate the intensity of the light source in a progressive and precise manner. It should be noted that the lighting device according to the invention may comprise a plurality of light sources and / or several gyroscopes. According to a particular aspect of the invention, said gyroscope is a six-axis gyroscope. In a particular embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the gyroscope is at two or three degrees of freedom of rotation.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said control means comprise means for controlling the light intensity of said light source. Preferably, said control means comprise a microcontroller capable of processing the signals emitted by said gyroscope, controlling the supply of said light source. Advantageously, said light source is a directional light source, such as a light emitting diode. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a lighting device as described above comprises at least two different light sources of power and / or color. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a lighting device as described above comprises a video camera oriented in the direction of illumination of said light source. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a lighting device such as those described above comprises at least two source elements of magnetic fields, such as magnets and / or coils, intended for secure said equipment on said forearm of said diver or said astronaut. It is thus easy to lock the lighting device on the forearm.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling the luminous flux delivered by a portable waterproof lighting device for a plunger or astronaut as described above, secured to a forearm of said plunger or said astronaut, comprising at least one source. of light and control means of said light source comprising a gyroscope. According to the invention, such a method of controlling the luminous flux comprises: a step of realization by said plunger or said astronaut of a sequence of at least two movements of at least a portion of the arm to which said device is secured; lighting, belonging to the group comprising at least: pronation of the wrist; supination of the wrist; - flexion of the forearm; Extension of the forearm; - abduction of the arm; - adduction of the arm; a step of modifying the state and / or intensity of said light source by said control means as a function of said motion sequence. The invention also relates to a method of transmitting a predetermined distress light signal by a plunger or astronaut on a forearm which is secured a portable waterproof lighting device for diver or astronaut as described above, comprising at least one light source and means for controlling said light source comprising a gyroscope, characterized in that it comprises: a step of realization by said diver or said astronaut of a sequence of minus two consecutive movements of pronation or supination of the wrist extending said forearm; a step of transmitting said predetermined distress light signal by said lighting device, when said sequence is detected by said control means. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the luminous intensity emitted by a waterproof portable lighting device for a plunger or astronaut as described above, comprising at least one light source and means for controlling said source. of light comprising a gyroscope. According to the invention, such a method of adjusting the luminous intensity comprises the following steps: - realization by said plunger or said astronaut of a movement of pronation or supination of the wrist extending said forearm by at least 45 ° in less than one second; - Reduction by said control means of at least 50% of the light intensity of said light source, when said movement is detected by said control means.

Thus, with a simple movement of the wrist, the diver or the astronaut can significantly reduce the luminous intensity of the lighting device, in order to avoid dazzling another diver or astronaut. 5. List of Figures Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of two embodiments of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and drawings. in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable lighting device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the lighting device shown with reference to Figure 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lighting device presented with reference to FIG. 1; FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention; FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention. 6. Detailed description of the invention 6.1. EXAMPLE OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of a portable lighting device 10 according to the invention, intended to be placed on a forearm. an astronaut performing a maintenance intervention outside an orbital station. This portable lighting device 10 comprises a vacuum-tight housing 11, bent along its length so as to conform to the shape of the forearm of the astronaut. On the front face 12 of the housing 11, directed towards the hand of the astronaut, six LED lamps 13 and a camera 14 are placed behind a window 14, in a circular arc radius corresponding to the curvature of the housing 11.

On the upper face 16 of the housing 11, a color TFT screen 15, or OLED technology (acronym for "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" in English), makes it possible, among other things, to view the images or the films made with the aid of the camera 14. The screen 15 is placed behind a vacuum-resistant glass 18, sealed by gluing. The convex shape of the ice 15 provides a magnifying effect which improves the reading comfort of the screen. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lighting device 10. The rear face 21 of the housing 11 is extended by a connector 22, of military standard, making it possible to connect an external battery, for example 13 Ah, supplying 30 the LED lamps 13, preferentially attached to an autonomous propulsion system used by the astronaut when it is released.

FIG. 3 represents an exploded view of the lighting device 10 solidifying on the left forearm 31 of the astronaut 35. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the device 10 comprises a removable base 32 which screwing under the housing 11, on which are mounted two magnets 33 Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo). These magnets 33 make it possible to keep the lighting device 10 plated on the forearm 31 of the astronaut, thanks to the magnets 34 of reverse polarity sewn or stuck in the astronaut's suit and spaced the same distance as the magnets 33.

The housing 11, in accordance with spatial standards, is advantageously made of aluminum and includes an external radiation shield. Advantageously, the astronaut can adjust the light intensity provided by the LED lamps by performing movements with his left forearm and / or left wrist such as: flexion or extension of the left forearm; abduction or adduction of the left arm; pronation or supination of the left wrist by orienting his palm respectively downwards or upwards A gyro 17 housed within the housing 11 makes it possible to measure the angular position of the device 10 with respect to a reference direction corresponding to the position of the gyroscope in which the arm is stretched horizontally and the palm of his hand directed downwards. The signals delivered by the gyro 17 are processed by a microcontroller (not shown in FIG. 1), housed in the housing 11. As a function of the movements detected by the microcontroller, from the signals delivered by the gyroscope 17, the microcontroller goes if necessary, transmit a digital control signal interpretable by the control driver of a voltage regulator controlling the LED lamps 13. A rechargeable battery, of small capacity, making it possible to keep the internal clock of the microcontroller operational permanently and 3031567 8 to power the microcontroller, is housed inside the housing 11. This battery is recharged through the connector 22. Optionally, the astronaut has previously calibrated the gyroscope before making its first output, thanks to a learning function, by performing a zero point, arm extended and the palm of the hand directed downwards, and / or simulating control sequences, such as the coded signal "help" or "rescue". In this particular embodiment of the invention, it suffices for the astronaut to bend his forearm followed rapidly by a supination to increase the light intensity delivered by the LED lamps or to follow pronation, to reduce the light intensity. By tilting his palm, by pronation or supination, to the inside or outside of a chosen angle, the astronaut can adjust the light intensity between 0 and 100% of the total power, following a linear progression. The astronaut also has the ability to trigger a signal of light distress by performing successively three times a movement of supination or pronation. Following this sequence of three supinations or successive pronations, the LEDs 13 will emit a series of flash lights 20 regularly spaced in time creating a stroboscopic effect. In addition, following this sequence of movements, a distress radio message is transmitted to the orbital station via an antenna connected to the microcontroller board, emitting according to the standard wifi (trademark), VLF or VHF.

In a variant of this particular embodiment of the invention, it may be envisaged that the light distress signal emitted by the lamps 13 is a succession of three short-lived flashlights, of three longer-lasting flashes of light. and three short flashes of light, corresponding in Morse language to the message "SOS".

3031567 9 It should be noted that the astronaut can customize the sequences of movements associated with the lamp controls by selecting them from a menu proposed on the screen 15. To move within the menus displayed on the screen On screen 15, the astronaut simply taps the edges of the screen 15 in one of the four directions of the screen plane 15 (left / right and front / top). The astronaut can confirm his selection by tapping on the front of the screen 15 substantially perpendicularly. The lighting device comprises for this purpose two triaxial accelerometers oriented relative to each other at an angle substantially equal to 90 °, making it possible to measure the direction and the direction of the acceleration resulting from a tapping performed. on the screen 15. 6.2. Another exemplary embodiment of the invention Another embodiment of a portable lighting device according to the invention, intended to be fixed to a forearm of a plunger, is illustrated in FIG. . This lighting device 41 is formed of two metal half-shells 421 and 422 which are articulated around a hinge 43. The plunger can lock the device 41 to one of its forearms by means of a ratchet wheel mounted in the axis of the hinge 43.

The lighting device 41 adjusts to the forearm of the plunger with thermoplastic polycarbonate flanges 44 secured to the inside of the half-shells. To unlock the lighting device 41, it is sufficient for the plunger to press a button (not shown in FIG. 4), which shifts the ratchet wheel on its axis and releases the ratchet from the wheel. When the plunger releases the button, the ratchet wheel is pushed into its locking position under the pressure of a spring. Each half-shell 421 and 422 comprises, on its flat face 45 facing the hand of the plunger, a housing 46 accommodating four electroluminescent diodes 47 of white color, having a nominal power of 3031567 1000 lumens. The diver has a lighting of a nominal power of 8000 lumens, directed along the axis of his forearm. The upper half-shell 421 also includes two LED lamps 48 whose emission band is mainly in ultraviolet, intended to activate the fluorescence of fish and corals. The lower half-shell 422 comprises an ultraviolet-emitting LED lamp 49 and an onboard camera 410, comprising a digital photographic sensor and a recording memory storing the images and / or films produced by the camera.

On each half-shell, the housing 46 of the lamps is closed by a glass pane resistant to a pressure of 30 bar, the sealing is provided by an O-ring elastomer. The lighting device 41 is also equipped with a gyro 415 measuring the angular position of the device 41 along six axes. The data measured by the gyro 415 is processed by a microcontroller (not shown in FIG. 4) which controls the state of the lamps 47, 48 and 49. To select one or more of the lamp groups 47, 48 and / or 49 to be turned on or off, it is therefore sufficient for the diver to perform a predetermined sequence of movements with his forearm carrying the device 41 and / or with his wrist. Adjustment of the luminous intensity of the selected lamp group is regulated by performing abduction with the arm and then pronation or progressive supination of the wrist until the desired light intensity is reached. The upper half-shell 421 of the strap 41 is extended towards the back by a casing 411 having the same curvature as the half-shell 421, comprising in its thickness a 2.4-inch high-brightness TFT color screen 412, placed behind a mirror 413, similar to the screen 15. The navigation in the menus displayed on the screen 412 is performed by tapping the edges or the surface of the screen 412, similar to the screen 15.

A waterproof connector 414, conforming to military standards, is attached to the rear end of the housing 411. This connector 414 can be used to recharge an internal battery housed in the housing, which supplies power to the microcontroller, the gyroscope and other sensors. of the device 41, and to connect an external battery supplying the lamps 47, 48 and 49. 6.3. Another Exemplary Embodiment of the Invention FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a portable lighting device according to the invention. This lighting device 50 comprises a handle 51 that can be grasped by a user's hand, at the end of which is mounted a head 52 having a cylindrical shape.

A strap 56 holds the flashlight 50 on the wrist and forearm of the user. The head 52 accommodates seven lamps 55 LED natural light placed behind a window 54 controlled by the movement of the forearm or the wrist of the plunger.

For this purpose, the lighting device 50 comprises a built-in gyroscope 53 and microcontroller, controlling the light intensity or intensity delivered by the LEDs 55. A rechargeable Li-ion battery is housed in the handle 51. It supplies the microcontroller, the LEDs and the various sensors with current. 6.4. Other optional features and advantages of the invention In variants of the embodiment of the invention detailed above, it may be provided that the lighting device comprises an inertial unit comprising a triaxial accelerometer and a gyrometer, intended for measure acceleration and rotational speed along three perpendicular axes.

Claims (11)

REVENDICATIONS1. Portable waterproof lighting device for a plunger or astronaut configured so as to be secured to a forearm of said plunger or said astronaut, comprising at least one light source, characterized in that it comprises means for controlling said light source comprising a gyroscope. 2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said gyroscope is a six-axis gyroscope. 3. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said control means comprise means for controlling the light intensity of said light source. 4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control means comprise a microcontroller capable of processing the signals emitted by said gyroscope, controlling the supply of said light source. 5. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said light source is a directional light source, such as a light emitting diode. 6. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least two light sources of different power and / or color. 7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a video camera oriented in the direction of illumination of said light source. 25 8. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two magnetic field source elements for securing said equipment on said forearm of said diver or said astronaut. 9. A method of controlling the luminous flux delivered by a portable waterproof lighting device for plunger or astronaut according to claim 1 secured to a forearm of said plunger or said 3031567 13. spationaute, comprising at least one light source and control means for said light source comprising a gyroscope, characterized in that it comprises: a step of realization by said diver or said astronaut of a sequence of at least two movements of at least a portion of the arm to which said lighting device is attached, belonging to the group comprising at least: pronation of the wrist; supination of the wrist; Bending of the forearm; extension of the forearm; abduction of the arm; adduction of the arm; a step of modifying the state and / or intensity of said light source by said control means as a function of said motion sequence. 10. A method of transmitting a predetermined distress light signal by a plunger or astronaut on a forearm which is secured a waterproof portable lighting device for diver or astronaut according to claim 1, comprising at least one source. light and control means of said light source comprising a gyroscope, characterized in that it comprises: a step of realization by said diver or said astronaut of a sequence of at least two consecutive movements of pronation or Supination of the wrist extending said forearm; a step of transmitting said predetermined distress light signal by said lighting device, when said sequence is detected by said control means. A method of adjusting the light intensity emitted by a sealed portable lighting device for a plunger or astronaut according to claim 1, comprising at least one light source and means for controlling said light source comprising a light source. gyroscope, characterized in that it comprises: a step of realization by said plunger or said astronaut of a movement of pronation or supination of the wrist prolonging said forearm by at least 45 ° in less than one second; a step of reduction by said control means of at least 50% of the light intensity of said light source, when said movement is detected by said control means.