WO1990010823A1 - Light diffuser - Google Patents

Light diffuser Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1990010823A1
WO1990010823A1 PCT/FR1989/000106 FR8900106W WO9010823A1 WO 1990010823 A1 WO1990010823 A1 WO 1990010823A1 FR 8900106 W FR8900106 W FR 8900106W WO 9010823 A1 WO9010823 A1 WO 9010823A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
transparent support
face
main face
edge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1989/000106
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Claude Courageux
Original Assignee
Claude Courageux
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Claude Courageux filed Critical Claude Courageux
Publication of WO1990010823A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990010823A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/0038—Linear indentations or grooves, e.g. arc-shaped grooves or meandering grooves, extending over the full length or width of the light guide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/006—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to produce indicia, symbols, texts or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/0061—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to provide homogeneous light output intensity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/0068—Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • G09F2013/1804—Achieving homogeneous illumination
    • G09F2013/1809—Achieving homogeneous illumination using a non-homogeneous front window
    • G09F2013/1813—Achieving homogeneous illumination using a non-homogeneous front window provided with a coating showing a pattern of dots of variable density

Definitions

  • the first drawback of these devices is their relatively large thickness, due to the presence of the neon tubes behind the translucent support.
  • the light intensity on the surface of the panel is generally not very regular. The regularity of the light intensity depends on both the number and the spacing of the neon tubes and their distance from the surface of the panel, the distance from the neon tubes from the surface of the panel having to be all the greater the spacing between two tubes is large.
  • the present invention relates to a light diffuser comprising at least one transparent support comprising at least a first main face comprising a plurality of light deflection elements, and at least a second main face having a smooth surface, at least one light inlet being provided on at least part of at least one lateral face of the transparent support, the rest of the lateral surface of the transparent support being covered with an opaque material, at least one light source being arranged in front of the entry light, characterized in that the first main face is arranged against the smooth surface of a base element, and in that the light deflection elements are formed on the surface of the first main face of the transparent support, their density being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
  • the transparent support is rectangular in shape and has light inlets on at least two opposite lateral faces, along which light sources are arranged, the first main face of the transparent support being divided in two parts extending respectively from its middle to the edges of said side faces, the light deflection elements being arranged on the surface of each part of said main face in a density inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the face corresponding side.
  • the light deflection elements may be grooves made on the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face, and spaced from each other at distances inversely proportional to 1 distance from said edge.
  • the light deflection elements are lines of opalescent paint arranged on the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face, and spaced from one another at distances inversely proportional to their distance said edge.
  • the light deflection elements consist of a coating of paint in the form of punctual spots whose density is inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
  • the light deflection elements comprise a set of opaline surfaces produced on the surface of the transparent support, the density of said surfaces being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
  • only a part of the first main face of the transparent support comprises light deflection elements, so as to bring out the light only on a defined area of the second main face.
  • the basic element may be a polished opaque plate, the second main face of the transparent support being covered with a diffusing support.
  • the basic element is a diffusing support, the second main face of the transparent support also being covered with a diffusing support.
  • the light diffuser according to the invention has the advantage of allowing very thin panels or boards to be produced, while obtaining an almost perfect and uniform diffusion of light over the entire surface of the diffuser. It is also very simple to make and inexpensive. Its applications are multiple.
  • fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the light diffuser, seen in cross section,
  • fig. 2 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of the light diffuser of FIG. 1,
  • fig. 3 is a schematic view of the first face main of the transparent support of a second embodiment of the light diffuser
  • fig. 4 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of a third embodiment of the light diffuser.
  • fig. 5 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of a fourth embodiment of the light diffuser.
  • the light diffuser comprises a transparent support 1 of rectangular parallelepiped shape, comprising two main faces 2, 3 and four lateral faces 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • the first main face 2 of the transparent support comprises on its surface a plurality of fine grooves 8 parallel to the edge of the lateral face 4 of the support and arranged at a consecutive spacing inversely proportional to the distance of said grooves from the edge of the lateral face 4.
  • the first main face 2 of the transparent support 1 is arranged against the polished and opaque surface 9 of a base element 10.
  • the second main face 3 of the transparent support is smooth.
  • a diffusing support 11 covers the second main face 3 of the transparent support.
  • the light diffuser described above further comprises assembly and fixing elements (not shown) known per se.
  • the grooves can be produced for example in a summary manner using sandpaper or very precisely using specialized tools allowing for example to give them a deflection angle to the square or inclined according to the desired effect.
  • the basic element 10 can be any plate. It should preferably be polished, light in color. An aluminum plate is fine. In an alternative embodiment, the base plate 10 can be replaced by a diffusing support, so as to diffuse the light on both sides of the diffuser.
  • the transparent support also of rectangular parallelepiped shape, has light inlets on two of its lateral faces 4, 6, light sources 13, 13 'being arranged respectively opposite the side faces 4, 6, the other two side faces 5, 7 being made opaque.
  • the first main face of the transparent support is divided into two zones extending respectively from its middle to the edges of the lateral faces 4 and 6, each of said zones respectively comprising grooves 8, 8 ′ parallel to the lateral faces 4, 6, the distance between two consecutive grooves 8 (respectively 8 ') being inversely proportional to the distance of said grooves from the edge of the lateral face 4 (respectively 6).
  • FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the light diffuser.
  • the first main face 2 of the transparent support of this diffuser has a lateral face 15 constituting a light inlet and in front of which is placed a light source 13, the remaining lateral surface 16 of said transparent support being made opaque.
  • the first main face of the transparent support has grooves 8 very close together and concentrated on only part 17 of its surface so as to make the light appear on the external surface of the diffuser only on a well-defined area of its surface.
  • the light deflection elements produced in the form of grooves on the surface of the transparent support, can be replaced by lines of paint or by a coating of opaline paint in the form of spots whose density is inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the illuminated side face.
  • the light deflection elements can also be produced in the form of opaline or reflective surfaces formed on the first main face of the transparent support, the density of these opaline surfaces being likewise inversely proportional to the distance from the edge of the illuminated lateral face, if you want to obtain a regular light intensity over the entire surface of the diffuser.
  • the technique described above makes it possible to obtain perfect control of the scattering of the light which enters the transparent support. It allows in particular to obtain a very regular diffusion of the light on the external surface of the diffuser, but also to bring out the light in a well defined zone, even in a point of the diffuser according to a well defined localization of the elements of deflection of light.
  • the transparent support can for example be produced in the form of a glass plate, of transparent polyester or any other transparent material.
  • the light diffuser can advantageously be produced in the form of modular and assemblable elements.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)

Abstract

The light diffuser comprises a transparent support (1) consisting of a main face (2) located between the even surface (9) of a base element (10), whereby a diffusing support (11) is located against the second main face (3) of the transparent support. One of the sides (4) of the transparent support consists of a light entrance in front of which is arranged a light source (13). The other lateral sides of the transparent support are made opaque. The first main face of the transparent support comprises grooves which are parallel to the side (4), the distance separating two consecutive grooves being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the side (4).

Description

DIFFUSEUR DE LUMIERE LIGHT DIFFUSER
La présente invention a pour objet un diffuseur de lumière.The present invention relates to a light diffuser.
L'éclairage depuis l'intérieur par transparence de panneaux ou tableaux, notamment de panneaux lumineux artistiques ou publicitaires, de vitraux et autres supports translucides contenant un motif en deux ou trois dimensions, a jusqu'ici été réalisé à l'aide de sources lumineuses, telles que par exemple des tubes néon, placées derrière le support translucide.Lighting from the inside by transparency of panels or tables, in particular artistic or advertising light panels, stained glass windows and other translucent supports containing a pattern in two or three dimensions, has so far been carried out using light sources , such as for example neon tubes, placed behind the translucent support.
Le premier inconvénient de ces dispositifs est leur épaisseur relativement importante, due à la présence des tubes néon derrière le support translucide. D'autre part, l'intensité lumineuse à la surface du panneau n'est généralement pas très régulière. La régularité de l'intensité lumineuse dépend à la fois du nombre et de l'espacement des tubes néon et de leur distance à la surface du panneau, 1'éloignement des tubes néon de la surface du panneau devant être d'autant plus grand que l'espacement entre deux tubes est grand.The first drawback of these devices is their relatively large thickness, due to the presence of the neon tubes behind the translucent support. On the other hand, the light intensity on the surface of the panel is generally not very regular. The regularity of the light intensity depends on both the number and the spacing of the neon tubes and their distance from the surface of the panel, the distance from the neon tubes from the surface of the panel having to be all the greater the spacing between two tubes is large.
un panneau d'épaisseur réduite grâce à un éclairage depuis un de ses bords est décrit dans le brevet US 2,223,409. Ce panneau comporte un support translucide comportant des gorges ou rainures réalisées à la surface dudit support et agencées de façon a former le contour extérieur d'un objet, comme par exemple une voiture.a panel of reduced thickness thanks to lighting from one of its edges is described in US Patent 2,223,409. This panel comprises a translucent support comprising grooves or grooves made on the surface of said support and arranged so as to form the external contour of an object, such as for example a car.
Toutefois, ce dispositif n'est pas destiné à constituer un diffuseur, le but recherché n'étant pas d'obtenir une intensité lumineuse régulière à la surface du panneau, mais simplement de faire apparaître le contour de l'objet, ce qui entraîne nécessairement une chute d'intensité. Un dispositif de diffusion pour appareil d'éclairage comportant une plaque translucide éclairée par la tranche est décrit dans le brevet français 1,580,461. La plaque translucide comporte des stries parallèles dont la profondeur va en augmentant avec l'éloignement de la lampe, les stries déterminant des prismes de grandeur croissante et à réflexion totale pour les rayons lumineux renvoyés par le bord de la plaque taillée en surface parabolique. Dans un tel dispositif la perte d'intensité de la lumière due à l'éclairage entre les faces des prismes est relativement grande. De plus la mobilité interne de la lumière à 1'intérieur du support est diminuée du fait de la présence de ces prismes de taille croissante. D'autre part, l'épaisseur minimum du dispositif dépend de ses dimensions extérieures.However, this device is not intended to constitute a diffuser, the aim being not to obtain a regular light intensity at the surface of the panel, but simply to reveal the outline of the object, which necessarily results in a drop in intensity. A diffusion device for lighting apparatus comprising a translucent plate illuminated by the edge is described in French patent 1,580,461. The translucent plate has parallel streaks whose depth increases with the distance from the lamp, the streaks determining prisms of increasing size and total reflection for the light rays returned by the edge of the plate cut on the parabolic surface. In such a device, the loss of light intensity due to the lighting between the faces of the prisms is relatively large. In addition, the internal mobility of the light inside the support is reduced due to the presence of these prisms of increasing size. On the other hand, the minimum thickness of the device depends on its external dimensions.
Le but de l'invention est de remédier aux inconvénients ci-dessus et de permettre la réalisation d'un diffuseur de lumière d'épaisseur extrêmement réduite.The object of the invention is to remedy the above drawbacks and to allow the production of a light diffuser of extremely reduced thickness.
A cet effet la présente invention concerne un diffuseur de lumière comprenant au moins un support transparent comportant au moins une première face principale comportant une pluralité d'éléments de déviation de lumière, et au moins une deuxième face principale présentant une surface lisse, au moins une entrée de lumière étant prévue sur au moins une partie d'au moins un face latérale du support transparent, le reste de la surface latérale du support transparent étant recouvert d'une matière opaque, au moins une source de lumière étant disposée devant l'entrée de lumière, caractérisé en ce que la première face principale est disposée contre la surface lisse d'un élément de base, et en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière sont réalisés à la surface de la première face principale du support transparent, leur densité étant inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière. Selon une première forme d'exécution du diffuseur, le support transparent est de forme rectangulaire et comporte des entrées de lumière sur au moins deux faces latérales opposées, le long desquelles sont disposées des sources de lumière, la première face principale du support transparent étant divisée en deux parties s'étendant respectivement depuis son milieu jusque vers les bords desdites faces latérales, les éléments de déviation de lumière étant disposés à la surface de chacune des parties de ladite face principale selon une densité inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face latérale correspondante.To this end, the present invention relates to a light diffuser comprising at least one transparent support comprising at least a first main face comprising a plurality of light deflection elements, and at least a second main face having a smooth surface, at least one light inlet being provided on at least part of at least one lateral face of the transparent support, the rest of the lateral surface of the transparent support being covered with an opaque material, at least one light source being arranged in front of the entry light, characterized in that the first main face is arranged against the smooth surface of a base element, and in that the light deflection elements are formed on the surface of the first main face of the transparent support, their density being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face. According to a first embodiment of the diffuser, the transparent support is rectangular in shape and has light inlets on at least two opposite lateral faces, along which light sources are arranged, the first main face of the transparent support being divided in two parts extending respectively from its middle to the edges of said side faces, the light deflection elements being arranged on the surface of each part of said main face in a density inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the face corresponding side.
Selon un mode d'exécution, les éléments de déviation de lumière peuvent être des rainures réalisées à la surface du support transparent, parallèlement au bord de la face d'entrée de lumière, et espacées les unes des autres selon des distances inversement proportionnelles à 1'éloignement dudit bord.According to one embodiment, the light deflection elements may be grooves made on the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face, and spaced from each other at distances inversely proportional to 1 distance from said edge.
Selon une variante, les éléments de déviation de lumière sont des lignes de peinture opalescente disposées à la surface du support transparent, parallèlement au bord de la face d'entrée de lumière, et espacées les unes des autres selon des distances inversement proportionnelles à leur éloignement dudit bord.According to a variant, the light deflection elements are lines of opalescent paint arranged on the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face, and spaced from one another at distances inversely proportional to their distance said edge.
Selon une autre variante, les éléments de déviation de lumière sont constitués par un revêtement de peinture sous forme de taches ponctuelles dont la densité est inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière.According to another variant, the light deflection elements consist of a coating of paint in the form of punctual spots whose density is inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
Selon une autre variante, les éléments de déviation de lumière comportent un ensemble de surfaces opalines réalisées à la surface du support transparent, la densité desdites surfaces étant inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière. Selon une seconde forme d'exécution du diffuseur, seule une partie de la première face principale du support transparent comporte des éléments de déviation de lumière, de façon à ne faire ressortir la lumière que sur une zone définie de la seconde face principale.According to another variant, the light deflection elements comprise a set of opaline surfaces produced on the surface of the transparent support, the density of said surfaces being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face. According to a second embodiment of the diffuser, only a part of the first main face of the transparent support comprises light deflection elements, so as to bring out the light only on a defined area of the second main face.
L'élément de base peut être une plaque opaque polie, la seconde face principale du support transparent étant recouverte d'un support diffusant. Selon une autre forme, l'élément de base est un support diffusant, la seconde face principale du support transparent étant également recouverte d'un support diffusant.The basic element may be a polished opaque plate, the second main face of the transparent support being covered with a diffusing support. According to another form, the basic element is a diffusing support, the second main face of the transparent support also being covered with a diffusing support.
Ainsi qu'il ressortira de la description qui va suivre, le diffuseur de lumière selon l'invention présente l'avantage de permettre la réalisation de panneaux ou tableaux de très faible épaisseur, tout en obtenant une diffusion quasi parfaite et uniforme de la lumière sur toute la surface du diffuseur. Il est en outre très simple à réaliser et peu coûteux. Ses applications sont multiples.As will emerge from the description which follows, the light diffuser according to the invention has the advantage of allowing very thin panels or boards to be produced, while obtaining an almost perfect and uniform diffusion of light over the entire surface of the diffuser. It is also very simple to make and inexpensive. Its applications are multiple.
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques favorables du diffuseur de lumière selon l'invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description des différentes formes d'exécution, donnée ci-après à titre d'exemple, en se référant au dessin annexé dans lequel :Other advantages and favorable characteristics of the light diffuser according to the invention will emerge more clearly from the description of the different embodiments, given below by way of example, with reference to the appended drawing in which:
la fig. 1 est une représentation schématique d'un premier mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière, vu en coupe transversale,fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the light diffuser, seen in cross section,
la fig. 2 est une vue schématique de la première face principale du support transparent du diffuseur de lumière de la figure 1 ,fig. 2 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of the light diffuser of FIG. 1,
la fig. 3 est une vue schématique de la première face principale du support transparent d'un second mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière,fig. 3 is a schematic view of the first face main of the transparent support of a second embodiment of the light diffuser,
la fig. 4 est une vue schématique de la première face principale du support transparent d'un troisième mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière, etfig. 4 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of a third embodiment of the light diffuser, and
la fig. 5 est une vue schématique de la première face principale du support transparent d'un quatrième mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière.fig. 5 is a schematic view of the first main face of the transparent support of a fourth embodiment of the light diffuser.
Comme représenté aux figures 1 et 2, le diffuseur de lumière comprend un support transparent 1 de forme parallélipidède rectangle, comportant deux faces principales 2, 3 et quatre faces latérales 4, 5, 6, 7. La première face principale 2 du support transparent comporte à sa surface une pluralité de fines rainures 8 parallèles au bord de la face latérale 4 du support et disposées selon un espacement consécutif inversement proportionnel à 1'éloignement desdites rainures du bord de la face latérale 4. La première face principale 2 du support transparent 1 est disposée contre la surface polie et opaque 9 d'un élément de base 10. La seconde face principale 3 du support transparent est lisse. Un support diffusant 11 recouvre la seconde face principale 3 du support transparent. Trois des faces latérales 5, 6 et 7 du support transparent sont rendues opaques à 1'aide d'une peinture opaque ou à 1'aide de tout autre moyen adéquat, la quatrième face latérale 4 dudit support transparent n'étant pas recouverte, de façon a constituer une entrée de lumière. Une source de lumière 13, telle que par exemple un tube néon, est disposée devant la face latérale 4 du support transparent. La lumière qui entre par ladite face 4 et dont l'intensité décroît en fonction de 1'éloignement de la source est accrochée et déviée par les rainures 8 et peut ainsi ressortir du support transparent par sa seconde face principale 3. La perte d'intensité étant compensée par la densité croissante des rainures, cet agencement permet d'obtenir une intensité lumineuse constante sur toute la surface extérieure 12 du support diffusant 11.As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light diffuser comprises a transparent support 1 of rectangular parallelepiped shape, comprising two main faces 2, 3 and four lateral faces 4, 5, 6, 7. The first main face 2 of the transparent support comprises on its surface a plurality of fine grooves 8 parallel to the edge of the lateral face 4 of the support and arranged at a consecutive spacing inversely proportional to the distance of said grooves from the edge of the lateral face 4. The first main face 2 of the transparent support 1 is arranged against the polished and opaque surface 9 of a base element 10. The second main face 3 of the transparent support is smooth. A diffusing support 11 covers the second main face 3 of the transparent support. Three of the lateral faces 5, 6 and 7 of the transparent support are made opaque using an opaque paint or using any other suitable means, the fourth lateral face 4 of said transparent support not being covered, way to constitute a light entry. A light source 13, such as for example a neon tube, is arranged in front of the lateral face 4 of the transparent support. The light which enters through said face 4 and whose intensity decreases as a function of the distance from the source is hooked and deflected by the grooves 8 and can thus emerge from the transparent support by its second main face 3. The loss of intensity being offset by the increasing density of the grooves, this arrangement makes it possible to obtain a constant light intensity over the entire external surface 12 of the diffusing support 11.
Le diffuseur de lumière décrit ci-dessus comporte en outre des éléments d'assemblage et de fixation (non représentés) connus en soi.The light diffuser described above further comprises assembly and fixing elements (not shown) known per se.
Les rainures peuvent être réalisées par exemple de façon sommaire à l'aide de papier de verre ou de façon très précise à l'aide d'outils spécialisés permettant par exemple de leur donner un angle de déviation à l'équerre ou incliné selon l'effet désiré.The grooves can be produced for example in a summary manner using sandpaper or very precisely using specialized tools allowing for example to give them a deflection angle to the square or inclined according to the desired effect.
L'élément de base 10 peut être une plaque quelconque. On la choisira de préférence polie, de couleur claire. Une plaque d'aluminium convient bien. Dans une variante d'exécution, la plaque de base 10 peut être remplacée par un support diffusant, de façon à diffuser la lumière des deux côtés du diffuseur.The basic element 10 can be any plate. It should preferably be polished, light in color. An aluminum plate is fine. In an alternative embodiment, the base plate 10 can be replaced by a diffusing support, so as to diffuse the light on both sides of the diffuser.
Un deuxième mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière est représenté à la figure 3. Selon ce mode d'exécution, le support transparent 1 , également de forme parallélipipède rectangle, comporte des entrées de lumière sur deux de ses faces latérales 4, 6, des sources de lumière 13, 13' étant disposées respectivement en face des faces latérales 4, 6, les deux autres faces latérales 5, 7 étant rendues opaques. La première face principale du support transparent est divisée en deux zones s'étendant respectivement depuis son milieu jusque vers les bords des faces latérales 4 et 6, chacune desdites zones comportant respectivement des rainures 8, 8' parallèles aux faces latérales 4, 6, la distance entre deux rainures 8 (respectivement 8') consécutives étant inversement proportionnelle à 1'éloignement desdites rainures du bord de la face latérale 4 (respectivement 6). Un troisième mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière dans lequel des entrées de lumière sont prévues sur les quatre faces latérales du support transparent est représenté à la figure 4, quatre sources de lumière 13 étant disposées respectivement en face de chacune des faces latérales 4, 5, 6, 7 du support transparent. Dans ce cas, la surface de la première face principale du support transparent est divisée en quatre zones triangulaires 14 ayant pour base les bords des faces latérales et pour sommet le centre de la face. Chacune des zones 14 comporte des rainures 8 parallèles au bord de la face latérale correspondante et espacées les unes des autres de façon inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement dudit bord.A second embodiment of the light diffuser is shown in FIG. 3. According to this embodiment, the transparent support 1, also of rectangular parallelepiped shape, has light inlets on two of its lateral faces 4, 6, light sources 13, 13 'being arranged respectively opposite the side faces 4, 6, the other two side faces 5, 7 being made opaque. The first main face of the transparent support is divided into two zones extending respectively from its middle to the edges of the lateral faces 4 and 6, each of said zones respectively comprising grooves 8, 8 ′ parallel to the lateral faces 4, 6, the distance between two consecutive grooves 8 (respectively 8 ') being inversely proportional to the distance of said grooves from the edge of the lateral face 4 (respectively 6). A third embodiment of the light diffuser in which light inlets are provided on the four lateral faces of the transparent support is shown in FIG. 4, four light sources 13 being disposed respectively opposite each of the lateral faces 4, 5, 6, 7 of the transparent support. In this case, the surface of the first main face of the transparent support is divided into four triangular zones 14 having the edges of the lateral faces as a base and the center of the face as their apex. Each of the zones 14 has grooves 8 parallel to the edge of the corresponding side face and spaced from one another in a manner inversely proportional to their distance from said edge.
Par mesure de commodité du dessin, seule une partie des rainures 8, 8' sont représentées sur les figures 2, 3 et 4. Bien entendu, si l'on désire obtenir une intensité constante sur toute la surface du diffuseur la surface entière de la première face principale 2 du support transparent comportera de préférence des rainures.For convenience of drawing, only part of the grooves 8, 8 'are shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Of course, if one wishes to obtain a constant intensity over the entire surface of the diffuser the entire surface of the first main face 2 of the transparent support will preferably have grooves.
Bien entendu, la forme du diffuseur de lumière et par conséquent du support transparent 1 peut être quelconque. On peut par exemple réaliser des diffuseurs de lumière de forme rectangulaire, carrée, ronde, ovale, hexagonale ou de toute autre forme comportant des angles aigus ou obtus et des angles rentrants, ou toute forme arrondie quelconque. De même, les tubes néon peuvent être remplacés par toute autre source lumineuse, la source de lumière pouvant être disposée le long d'une face latérale qui ne doit pas nécessairement être plane.Of course, the shape of the light diffuser and therefore of the transparent support 1 can be arbitrary. It is possible, for example, to produce light diffusers of rectangular, square, round, oval, hexagonal shape or of any other shape comprising acute or obtuse angles and re-entrant angles, or any rounded shape whatsoever. Likewise, the neon tubes can be replaced by any other light source, the light source being able to be arranged along a lateral face which need not necessarily be planar.
On a représenté à la figure 5 un quatrième mode d'exécution du diffuseur de lumière. La première face principale 2 du support transparent de ce diffuseur comporte une face latérale 15 constituant une entrée de lumière et devant laquelle est placée une source de lumière 13, la surface latérale restante 16 dudit support transparent étant rendue opaque. La première face principale du support transparent comporte des rainures 8 très rapprochées et concentrées sur une partie 17 seulement de sa surface de façon à ne faire apparaître la lumière à la surface extérieure du diffuseur que sur une zone bien définie de sa surface.FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the light diffuser. The first main face 2 of the transparent support of this diffuser has a lateral face 15 constituting a light inlet and in front of which is placed a light source 13, the remaining lateral surface 16 of said transparent support being made opaque. The first main face of the transparent support has grooves 8 very close together and concentrated on only part 17 of its surface so as to make the light appear on the external surface of the diffuser only on a well-defined area of its surface.
Dans tous les exemples qui précèdent, les éléments de déviation de lumière, réalisés sous la forme de rainures à la surface du support transparent, peuvent être remplacés par des lignes de peinture ou par un revêtement de peinture opaline sous forme de taches dont la densité est inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face latérale éclairée. Les éléments de déviation de lumière peuvent également être réalisés sous forme de surfaces opalines ou réfléchissantes constituées sur la première face principale du support transparent, la densité de ces surfaces opalines étant de même inversement proportionnelle à 1'éloignement du bord de la face latérale éclairée, si l'on désire obtenir une intensité lumineuse régulière sur toute la surface du diffuseur.In all of the above examples, the light deflection elements, produced in the form of grooves on the surface of the transparent support, can be replaced by lines of paint or by a coating of opaline paint in the form of spots whose density is inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the illuminated side face. The light deflection elements can also be produced in the form of opaline or reflective surfaces formed on the first main face of the transparent support, the density of these opaline surfaces being likewise inversely proportional to the distance from the edge of the illuminated lateral face, if you want to obtain a regular light intensity over the entire surface of the diffuser.
La technique décrite ci-dessus permet d'obtenir une parfaite maîtrise de la diffusion de la lumière qui entre dans le support transparent. Elle permet notamment d'obtenir une diffusion très régulière de la lumière à la surface extérieure du diffuseur, mais aussi de faire ressortir la lumière en une zone bien définie, voire en un point du diffuseur en fonction d'une localisation bien définie des éléments de déviation de lumière.The technique described above makes it possible to obtain perfect control of the scattering of the light which enters the transparent support. It allows in particular to obtain a very regular diffusion of the light on the external surface of the diffuser, but also to bring out the light in a well defined zone, even in a point of the diffuser according to a well defined localization of the elements of deflection of light.
Cette technique permet la réalisation de diffuseurs de lumière extrêmement plats, même inférieurs à 1 millimètre, l'intensité de la lumière d'entrée devant de préférence être adaptée au choix de la diffusion désirée. Le support transparent peut par exemple être réalisé sous la forme d'une plaque de verre, de polyesther transparent ou de toute autre matière transparente.This technique makes it possible to produce extremely flat light diffusers, even less than 1 millimeter, the intensity of the input light preferably having to be adapted to the choice of the desired diffusion. The transparent support can for example be produced in the form of a glass plate, of transparent polyester or any other transparent material.
Le diffuseur de lumière peut avantageusement être réalisé sous la forme d'éléments modulaires et assemblables. The light diffuser can advantageously be produced in the form of modular and assemblable elements.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Diffuseur de lumière comprenant au moins un support transparent (1 ) comportant au moins une première face principale (2) comportant une pluralité d'éléments de déviation de lumière (8) , et au moins une deuxième face principale (3) présentant une surface lisse, au moins une entrée de lumière étant prévue sur au moins une partie d'au moins un face latérale (4; 5; 6; 7) du support transparent, le reste de la surface latérale du support transparent étant recouvert d'une matière opaque, au moins une source de lumière (13; 13') étant disposée devant l'entrée de lumière, caractérisé en ce que la première face principale est disposée contre la surface lisse (9) d'un élément de base (10), et en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière sont réalisés à la surface de la première face principale du support transparent, leur densité étant inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière.1. Light diffuser comprising at least one transparent support (1) comprising at least one first main face (2) comprising a plurality of light deflection elements (8), and at least one second main face (3) having a smooth surface, at least one light inlet being provided on at least part of at least one lateral face (4; 5; 6; 7) of the transparent support, the rest of the lateral surface of the transparent support being covered with a opaque material, at least one light source (13; 13 ') being arranged in front of the light inlet, characterized in that the first main face is disposed against the smooth surface (9) of a base element (10) , and in that the light deflection elements are produced on the surface of the first main face of the transparent support, their density being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
2. Diffuseur de lumière selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le support transparent (1 ) est de forme rectangulaire et comporte des entrées de lumière sur au moins deux faces latérales opposées (4, 6), le long desquelles sont disposées des sources de lumière (13, 13'), la première face principale du support transparent étant divisée en deux parties s'étendant respectivement depuis son milieu jusque vers les bords (4, 6) desdites faces latérales, les éléments de déviation de lumière (8, 8') étant disposés à la surface de chacune des parties de ladite face principale selon une densité inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face latérale correspondante.2. Light diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that the transparent support (1) is rectangular in shape and has light inlets on at least two opposite lateral faces (4, 6), along which sources are arranged. light (13, 13 '), the first main face of the transparent support being divided into two parts extending respectively from its middle to the edges (4, 6) of said side faces, the light deflection elements (8, 8 ') being arranged on the surface of each of the parts of said main face according to a density inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the corresponding side face.
3. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière sont des rainures (8, 8') réalisées à la surface du support transparent, parallèlement au bord de la face d'entrée de lumière, et espacées les unes des autres selon des distances inversement proportionnelles à 1'éloignement dudit bord.3. Light diffuser according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the light deflection elements are grooves (8, 8 ') made at the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face, and spaced from each other at distances inversely proportional to the distance from said edge.
4. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière sont des lignes de peinture opalescente disposées à la surface du support transparent, parallèlement au bord de la face d'entrée de lumière, et espacées les unes des autres selon des distances inversement proportionnelles à leur éloignement dudit bord.4. Light diffuser according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the light deflection elements are lines of opalescent paint arranged on the surface of the transparent support, parallel to the edge of the light entry face , and spaced from each other at distances inversely proportional to their distance from said edge.
5. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière sont constitués par un revêtement de peinture sous forme de taches ponctuelles dont la densité est inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière.5. Light diffuser according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the light deflection elements are constituted by a coating of paint in the form of spot spots whose density is inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
6. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de déviation de lumière comportent un ensemble de surfaces opalines réalisées à la surface du support transparent, la densité desdites surfaces étant inversement proportionnelle à leur éloignement du bord de la face d'entrée de lumière.6. Light diffuser according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the light deflection elements comprise a set of opaline surfaces produced on the surface of the transparent support, the density of said surfaces being inversely proportional to their distance from the edge of the light entry face.
7. Diffuseur de lumière selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que seule une partie (17) de la première face principale (2) du support transparent comporte des éléments de déviation de lumière (8), de façon à ne faire ressortir la lumière que sur une zone définie de la seconde face principale.7. Light diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that only a part (17) of the first main face (2) of the transparent support comprises light deflection elements (8), so as to bring out the light only on a defined area of the second main face.
8. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de base est une plaque opaque polie, la seconde face principale du support transparent étant recouverte d'un support diffusant (11).8. Light diffuser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element base is a polished opaque plate, the second main face of the transparent support being covered with a diffusing support (11).
9. Diffuseur de lumière selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de base est un support diffusant, la seconde face principale du support transparent étant également recouverte d'un support diffusant. 9. Light diffuser according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the basic element is a diffusing support, the second main face of the transparent support also being covered with a diffusing support.
PCT/FR1989/000106 1987-09-18 1989-03-15 Light diffuser WO1990010823A1 (en)

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FR8712969A FR2620795B1 (en) 1987-09-18 1987-09-18 LIGHT DIFFUSER

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FR2620795A1 (en) 1989-03-24
FR2620795B1 (en) 1992-02-28

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