WO1999047851A1

WO1999047851A1 - Spotlight diffusing controlled and patterned energy flux

Info

Publication number: WO1999047851A1
Application number: PCT/FR1999/000560
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Caillaud
Original assignee: Olivier Caillaud
Priority date: 1998-03-13
Filing date: 1999-03-12
Publication date: 1999-09-23
Also published as: FR2776049B1; IL138420A0; FR2776049A1; JP2002507051A; EP1062457A1; CA2322706A1; AU2734499A

Abstract

The invention concerns a spotlight comprising a central transmitter-receiver module (1) and a crown (2) formed of a plurality of elementary diffusing heads (3) concentrically and radially arranged around said central module (1). According to the basic embodiment, each head (3) has an expansible translucent surface with elementary reflecting surfaces (14) scattered all over and is connected to the central module (1) by a multidirectional articulating link. The central module is a hollow body (4) covered with a pyramidal semi-reflecting cover (9) containing an inner reflecting composite pyramidal assembly. Said hollow body (4) is delimited by a lateral surface formed of a polygonal series of reflecting walls on each of which is mounted an articulated hollow link extended by a diffusing head (3). Said invention is useful for all industries and manufacturers of products using or involving projection, reflection, transmission or reception of an energy flux: whether it is light, solar, electromagnetic, fluid and other types of energy.

Description

PROJECTOR DIFFUSER OF A CONTROLLED AND MODEL FLOW

OF ENERGY.

The present invention relates to a functional unit intended for reflecting or transmitting in a controlled manner an energy-carrying flux emitted by an energy source with diffusion and modeling effect, this in transmission or in reception.

Due to its reversible nature, the functional unit according to the invention can function either as a transmitter by integrating the source to radiate energy in a multidirectional and controlled manner or as a receiver by integrating a sensor or detector when 'it receives an energy flow from the outside.

It can operate simultaneously or alternately or successively in transmission and / or reception from an internal and / or external source. The invention does not only target the transmission function in transmission or reception, but also the reflection function in which the energy flow is returned in another direction.

According to the inventor, there is currently no device for controlling light and more generally a visible or invisible energy flow making it possible to change its density, zone by zone, in depth and intimately mixing them together in a predetermined space according to the particularities of the incident energy.

Devices are known which act on flash light or low intensity light.

As far as flash light is concerned, the devices that currently exist are called "honeycombs", which only compartmentalize the light area by area in one direction.

Then we use many materials which are more or less diffusing and which only play on the softness or the intensity of the light and not on its direction in the notion of spatial multistereo. In addition, we only play on the size of the light box reflectors but without fundamentally changing the light. It will simply be more or less attenuated unlike the present invention which modulates and sculpts it in space.

For permanent low light, simple holes or simple reflective panels are used. Some act as indirect light return but we do not control the light by area.

We also know the invention disclosed in publication No. WO 96 34228 in the name of Olivier CAILLAUD.

This invention relates to a light box with reflective faces containing a plurality of movable mirrors carried by rods. Groups of adjustable mirrors placed on the same axis return the light according to their own inclination. This is manually adjustable. Alignments of mirrors on the same axis pass through the central part and the atria, which is contrary to the good light output and to the independence of the mirrors necessary for the multidirectional properties targeted by the present invention.

The means indicated in this publication allow only a rudimentary and very limited control of the light. This light box having fixed walls and structures and a particular central part does not make it possible to obtain perfect relaxation of light or sound or a sensitive and satisfactory multidirectional effect. The arrangement of the central part is not sufficiently suitable for all the desired effects and only concerns visible light.

The general aim of the invention is to disseminate spatial control of an emitted energy flow or its reflection-diffusion. It also aims at the concentration of an incident energy flow towards the reception window (reception function and no longer emission) whether it is radiation, waves, radiation or any other form of energy or a current of one or more energy-carrying fluid (s), all simultaneously.

The invention aims to send simultaneously in a predetermined space open 180 ° downstream of the source wave fronts of different density between them and having zones of different energy densities and to control zone by zone this energy distribution when the parameters change. The advantages of the invention are particularly numerous in all fields of application. We will simply indicate below the main advantages common to all areas.

It is mainly about the multidirectional and controlled diffusion of energy allowing to widen the diffusion space and to give it relief specifically zone by zone. This visual, sound or other relief can be modified at will in real time and simultaneously with respect to the emission source.

And in all cases, the invention makes it possible to have a round, soft but contrasted light (not gray), enveloping and capable of being adjusted by zones simultaneously, that is to say of having a stronger light. backward and weaker forward. The invention makes it possible to obtain high quality lighting providing images or visualizations of what is lit with a remarkable rendering of the volumes where the colors can be dosed without being exhilarating and contrasted to excess and thus giving an impression. of natural shade when it remains. We will therefore understand that photography is a preferred but not limiting applications of the invention.

The present invention combines the advantages of the so-called umbrella source and those of the direct or indirect reflector for lighting a subject. We take advantage simultaneously of the soft light provided by the umbrella source and the quality of the contrast of direct light without the drawbacks specific to each of these two complementary lighting methods. The light is transmitted fully and multidirectionally. There is no blind spot (s). The light projected towards the rear is returned towards the front and participates in the multidirectional lighting beam. We can spatially modify the light and thus obtain modeling or sculpture effects. The elementary light beams or light brushes composing the beam can locally dissociate, overlap, concentrate, add, subtract or any other combination of technical effects linked to light.

The luminous rendering is exceptional due to the effects linked to the mesh of the light and to the multiple possibilities of individual adjustment by elementary zones of diffusion or reflection.

Many applications are envisaged in the most varied fields. Of course, the actual application will depend on the technical and economic reality of the subject of the invention in the field under consideration.

Mention may be made for this purpose, but not limited to, the following fields of application:. lighting in general: scenic, shooting, domestic, public, office, shop windows, museums ...

. lighting in photography

. land vehicle lighting . broadcasting and receiving sounds

. the diffusion and reception of electromagnetic waves. the field of cooking materials and food. medical, surgical and dental fields. the field of high-level reprography. medical imaging: scanner and x-ray. the general field of energy sensors: solar, electromagnetic, light ... A complementary application in the context of a fluid like air concerns hair drying. The head is caught in an enveloping volume of hot air to avoid areas of excessive heat. The possibility of modifying the inclination of the heads will make it possible to vary the shape of the volume of diffusion and therefore to adapt it to the person and to the different drying phases.

The same is true for application in the context of water. The volume of diffusion and projection can be modified manually by the user according to his needs, the convenience of action and the desired comfort. A shower head thus formed will allow the creation of a modifiable sprayed liquid wrap at the user's command. Another example of application can also be cited as a diffusion head on an aerosol can. The diffusion will present a much better and wider spatial distribution with a significantly larger opening angle. The invention has the particularity in a given space of metering and reorganizing the light by reducing the frontal incident flow to favor the lateral flow. This invetion does not affect the glare, the hardness and the excess of light on the subject, it plays on an innumerable quantity of microcontrasts which makes it possible to delimit the subject by the relief and not by the contrasts of the black type and White.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended drawing in which:

. Figure 1 is a schematic overall perspective view and the front of the projector-diffuser according to the invention in which only a diffusion head is shown complete; . Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the composition of the central module; . Figure 3 is a general overview in perspective of the projector-diffuser according to the invention in a technological version considered as an exemplary embodiment;

. Figure 4 is a side view showing the invention as a whole with cutaway on the central part of the central module and showing one of the diffusion heads pivoted upwards; . Figure 5 is a general diagram in cross section illustrating the characteristic path of a light beam through the projector-diffuser 1 according to the invention; . Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a diffusion head respectively in a straight position and in a position of maximum expansion and inclination according to a technological embodiment taken as an example; . Figures 8 to 10 are perspective views in exploded arrangement of the three main sub-assemblies making up one of the diffusion assemblies mounted on the central module; . FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the rear showing the body of a flash engaged on the emission window of the bottom wall of the central module;

. Figures 12 and 13 are respectively perspective views and in longitudinal section of a application with a flash of a simplified variant in which only the basic structure of the central body has been represented; Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 12 illustrating an example of a movable filter on the light path; Figures 15 and 16 are two illustrative views of particular applications respectively in the field of cameras and microwave cooking appliances; Figure 17 is an overall schematic perspective view of the head tilt variant; Figure 18 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of a variant of the head tilting device; FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of the upper part of a diffusion head carrying elementary reflection or translucent surfaces; FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a movable plate carrying additional elementary reflection or translucent surfaces; Figure 21 is a schematic plan view of the upper part of a diffusion head, the movable plate being in place under the fixed wall of the front panel; Figures 22 and 23 are comparative views representative of the light beam emerging from the same light source respectively without and with the projector diffuser according to the invention in the case of a wide beam; Figures 24 and 25 are comparative views representative of the light beam emerging from the same light source respectively without and with the projector diffuser according to the invention in the case of a narrow beam; „Figure 26 is a simplified perspective view of the projector-diffuser according to the invention in slightly different technical forms.

The invention consists in projecting a controlled and modeled flow of energy into a predetermined space by means of diffusion heads developing around a central module and this in stages, by different zones and by depth distances, using a single source of energy in the form of light, waves or fluids. This way of projecting a flow of energy in space makes it possible to achieve a true multi-spatial space effect.

The functional unit according to the invention is a multidirectional composite assembly with central module 1 surrounded by a fixed or movable ring 2 developing around the central module. This ring 2 is formed of a plurality of elementary diffusion heads such as 3. These heads 3 are placed in a radial concentric arrangement around a hollow body 4 of the central module 1. They are expandable in order to increase their optical surface . They can be oriented in order to favor a component of the projected beam. The crown 2 formed of the set of diffusion heads 3 can constitute a separate mechanical assembly having its own relative movement relative to that of the central module 1. It is thus possible to envisage a crown 2 movable in rotation relative to the central module 1 allowing to create periodic spatial effects of modulation by rotation, for example of light.

The central module 1 is a hollow body 4, for example of the box type with a flat and reflective bottom wall 5 and a lateral surface 6 of straight or divergent polygonal section formed by a succession of flat side walls 7 with an internal face. reflective and perpendicular or oblique plane with respect to the bottom wall 5.

The bottom wall has a central emission-reception opening 8, for example rectangular, serving as an emission window to a surface emitting an energy flow or as a reception window.

The upper part of the hollow body is covered by a semi-transparent pyramidal cover called hereinafter upper pyramid 9 formed by oblique facets 10 transparent or translucent optically treated globally or in places only in order to give them additional properties of reflection or covered and dotted with reflective microsurfaces such as glitter, pastilles, flakes, plates or other incrustations or reflective inserts in number, arrangement and appropriate distribution. The bases of the triangles defining the oblique facets 10 of this upper pyramid 9 each correspond to the length of the upper side of each adjacent side wall 7 making up the side surface 6 of the central module 1.

The oblique facets 10 of the upper pyramid 9 can be made fixed or removable relative to the central module 1 or optionally retractable for a particular operation without an upper pyramid.

The interior space of the central module 1 contains a geometric interior reflector assembly 11 in an inverted arrangement relative to the upper pyramid 9 and centered like the latter on the general axis 12 of symmetry of the assembly.

The geometric interior reflector assembly 11 is made up of two parts, a rigid and reflective pyramidal lower part called a horn 13 and a pyramidal upper part deformable by 10

sagging-extension called pyramidal bellows 14 of general shape in truncated pyramid and with reflective lateral surface. The pyramidal bellows 14 is formed in the case of the exemplary embodiment represented by the succession-superposition of a plurality of pyramidal belts such as 15 forming perimeters in articulated blades of decreasing length fitting into one another to allow a pyramid trunk of variable height to be produced, that is to say to present a small opening 16 of variable surface and a large opening 17 fixed and of constant surface identical in shape and in surface at the base of the upper pyramid 9 to come and relate edge to edge on it. The pyramidal perimeter sections of the pyramidal bellows 14 can overlap one another until the formation of a pyramid trunk of minimum height or develop in extension until a pyramid trunk of height is obtained maximum provided for the central hollow body 4 taking into account the partial occupation of the interior volume by the horn 13.

The rigid pyramid forming the horn 13 has as many facets as the upper pyramid 9, that is to say a number equal to that of the diffusion heads 3. The facets of the horn 13 are not of identical surface. There are facets with large walls 18 and facets with small walls 19. These walls are all fully reflective on their two faces and are oriented in such a way that they each direct the flow of energy emitted from window 8 towards the corresponding diffusion head. The facets with large walls 18 have openings 20 closed partially or completely by movable reflective shutters such as 21. These shutters 21 are controlled by movement manually or remotely at 11

from the outside to more or less or completely discover the openings 20 and thus allow an adjustable part of the flow to pass towards the upper pyramid 9, that is to say towards the front. The following indicates a control assembly for moving the flaps 21 in the form of a connecting crosspiece 22 the ends of the branches of which are integral with the planes of flaps 21 and the center of which is movable longitudinally in the direction of the axis general 12 of the assembly by a rod 23 sliding in a tube, the lower end of which is integral with the center of the connecting crosspiece 22 and the upper end of which protrudes from the top of the pyramid by a gripping pin 24 for its actuation in axial movements when opening or closing the shutters. Of course, other systems or mechanisms for controlling the movement of the movable flaps are possible.

This horn 13 constitutes with the bottom wall 5 the optical base of the central module 1. These means are arranged so as to return to the diffusion heads 3 most of the energy flow emitted from the bottom of the central module to through the emission window 8. The horn 13 can have different shapes, in particular a foldable structure allowing it to be retracted.

According to an alternative embodiment, the horn 13 is movable for example in rotation about the central axis 12 of the assembly.

According to another variant, there are several interior pyramids with different openings succeeding each other over the entire height of the interior volume.

The diffusion heads 3 are hollow bodies which communicate with the central module and are mechanically connected with the latter at the side walls 7 of its side surface 6. 12

Each head 3 forms with a connecting barrel 25 a diffusion assembly. The connecting barrel 25 is a hollow body open lengthwise to form a surface 26 of the front facade. It connects each head 3 to the central module 1 in the form of a hollow mechanical support with an articulated base. The head 3 and the barrel 25 form a diffusion assembly 27 shaped as an articulated shell 28 tiltable as a whole. In this assembly there is an inclinable structure 29. The shell 28 has rigid or flexible or composite side walls 30 with an alternation of rigid zones and deformable flexible zones, for example regularly distributed.

Each diffusion head 3 is hollow as well as the corresponding connection drums 25 to constitute a true channel for propagation of the incident energy from the central hollow body 4 to each head 3 but also for dispersion and heat evacuation. FIGS. 6, 7 and 10 show an example of a mechanical embodiment of the articulations of the connection to the central module 1 and of the elementary diffusion heads 3.

Mechanical achievements may differ widely depending on technological possibilities. The main functions to be performed are as follows. The first function is that of transmission-reflection by the front face of the diffusion assemblies which for this purpose have a removable surface 31 of translucent facade, punctually reflective and extensible as a whole. It can be simple in one piece or composite in several pieces, consisting of one or two translucent-reflective walls 32,33 of the front mounted one 32 movable with the extension of the head relative to the other 33 which is fixed and this by partially overlapping to varying degrees depending on the total active area desired. 13

The latter is maximum when the head is in the extreme remote position. The second function is that of multiple articulation which allows the heads 3 and the connecting barrels 25 to switch towards the central module or to move away from it. The third function is that of internal reflection by zones dotted with reflective or translucent elementary surfaces 34. These elementary surfaces 34 which comprise the front walls of the diffusion assemblies 27 preferably look towards the heads 3 and for some towards the inside. cask 25.

More particularly, the heads 3 are hollow volumes in the form of a shell 28 with reflective side walls 30 and with translucent and reflective front walls 31. The bottom of the interior volume of each diffusion assembly 27 is occupied by a reflective body 35 formed for example of three planes 36,37,38 pivotally hinged together for example in three places in order to be able to follow the tilting movements of the head broadcast 3.

The diffusion heads 3 are extended towards the central body 1 with which they are connected by the hollow connecting barrel 25 the end of which is mounted on the adjacent facade of the side wall 7 of the side surface 6 of the central module by the intermediate for example of a mount 39 of the bayonet type as used in photography. However, other removable fixing means may be suitable, in particular those having a degree of freedom in pivoting around the central axis 12 of the connecting barrel 25 in order to give this articulation multidirectional possibilities.

A passage 40 provides optical and fluid communication between each diffusion head 3 and the central module 1. These communication passages 40 with the central module 1 open out inside the frames. In the case of a light application, 14

the section of this passage can be occupied by a transparent or translucent filter 41 fixed or mobile, for example scrolling as shown in FIG. 14. This screen can include patterns, zones or surfaces changing in shape, color, opacity and other optical or visual characteristics.

The front of each connecting barrel 25 is also provided with translucent and reflective front walls 32 similar to those described above for the heads.

There are as many diffusion heads 3 as there are side walls 7 making up the side surface 6 of the central module 1.

Each mechanical connection to the central module 1 can be made as shown in Figures 6 and 7 by two separate and successive joints. It is for example a first articulation 42 for pivoting the head 3 on itself by which the link is mounted on the adjacent wall. It is then a pivot articulation 43 in inclination of the connecting barrel 25 about a transverse axis 44 to the barrel immobilizable in position by a screw 45 on each side. This second articulation 43 is maneuvered by an inclination lever 46. There is finally a third articulation 47 for pivoting the head 3 in tilting by which the head 3 can tilt relative to the connecting barrel 25. This third articulation 47 is actuated by an upper tilt lever 48. The combination of the possible movements by these two articulations with two crossed axes makes it possible to confer on the head 3 a multi-orientation capacity equivalent to that of a universal joint.

Of course, these complex multidirectional articulations can be replaced by a connecting section elastically deformable by torsion and curvature with maintenance in the final position. 15

To do this, various technological means already exist on the market.

A particularly advantageous device allowing optimal control of the quality of the light or of the flow concerned by adjusting the total translucent-reflective surface of the facade of the diffusion assemblies 27 consists in sliding each of the walls 32, 33 through a slot in the side walls of the shell or sliding integrated in the various walls. This sliding can be done manually, mechanically or electrically.

This translucent-reflective active surface is a composition of a set of plates or plates 32 and 33 serving to close off the facade and support a multitude of elementary reflective surfaces such as 34 attached to the rear face of these supports and looking towards the inside of the diffusion head 3 or of the connecting barrel 25 and distributed according to the application. The angle of the elementary reflecting surfaces 34 with the plane of their translucent support depends on the application and the desired effect.

As an option, the upper surface of the plates or plates 32,33 can also be provided with upper reflective elementary surfaces and / or translucent and / or diffusing 49.

According to a variant, it is possible to envisage reflective surfaces 34 or 49 in the form of flakes or free and movable pellets as a function of local excitation from a control signal or any other application of this type. Thus, it may be reflective elementary surfaces 34,49 resting on individual or collective microtransducers by groups of the electromechanical or electromagnetic type or others transmitting to these reflective surfaces 34,49 vibrations 16

mechanical, which may for example come from a musical sound. We have thus generated a music-light never seen before. The heads 3 themselves can be vibrating or driven in a synchronized or harmonic movement thus obtaining a basic movement of rhythmic or other ensemble or a global displacement of the luminous music in space.

As can be seen in FIGS. 11 to 14, one of the applications relates to lighting and in particular to photographic shooting.

To this end, the bottom wall 5 of the central module 1 comprises a mechanical assembly 50 for fixing the head of a light source 51, for example that of a flash. This mechanical fixing assembly 50 can be embodied by a conduit or a guide in the form of a tubular receiving body 52 forming a support for engaging the end of the orientable head of a flash housing 53 the face of which before

54 opens from the bottom window 8 inside the central module 1 so as to diffuse the continuous light or the flash of the flash entirely in its interior volume.

When applied to a built-in flash

55 in a camera 56, as shown in FIG. 15, provision is made to mount the functional unit according to the invention directly on the front protection 57 of the flash or in place of the latter as shown in FIG. 15. We can also consider integrating it into the flash unit. Still in the field of application to flash sources, according to a particular variant of the invention, the diffuser can replace an annular flash. In this variant, the camera lens will occupy the central location. The main material of which the central module 1 and the elementary diffusion heads 3 are made must be suitable for the application. It may result 17

of a massive structure or of an assembly or a joining of flat blades in various materials or materials or in the case of parts shaped by an industrial forming process. Various particular flexible materials are to be mentioned such as textile and / or plastic materials held by an internal or external reinforcement.

The functional unit according to the invention has a passive rear face and an active front face determining an energy projection space towards the front and a dead space towards the rear. In order to double the energy radiation field, it is of course possible to combine two units according to the invention back to back. This will provide energy radiation in two opposite directions.

According to an autonomous variant of the invention, the diffusion unit can contain its own energy source with its own power supply such as one or more cells or batteries or one or more systems for capturing, transforming and accumulating energy from light and / or heat.

Of course, the dimensions of the central module 1 and of the heads 3 of the crown 2 are adapted to the use, to the nature and to the power of the energy source.

The whole provides in its application to light, a natural light that does not dazzle and considerably reduces shine, reflections, flickers, and all these facts provide an unequaled perception of relief, volume, and life. The quality and the realism of the photos are the result of the particularity of the lighting provided by the invention, because the photographic shooting needs lighting with directed and controlled light. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the direct flow only very partially arrives on the translucent walls of the heads 3 and of the barrel 25 of liaison. These are the bellows 14 and the horn 13 with its adjustment devices which allow part of the flow to be directed in different directions towards the eight diffusion heads 3. Once the energy flow is admitted, the whole system rests on the translucent walls 32,33 provided with elementary reflective surfaces 34 which look inward which aim on the one hand to avoid the return of light or other energy flow and on the other hand to fragment it. Of course, as it appears in FIG. 5 illustrating the path of a beam 58, the external reflecting faces of the horn 13 have an important role. They distribute the flow spatially. The upper pyramid 9 distributes and meshes the central body 1 and channels the mobility of the interior reflector assembly 11 when the flaps 21 are open. Each elementary reflecting surface 34 of the heads 3, inside or on the facade, makes it possible to give rise to an individual brush of light. We thus have like cobwebs placed one behind the other on the horizontal plane and intersected on the vertical plane.

One or more translucent-reflective plates or plates 32,33 can be colored with modification of the color on command or by variation of a parameter of the ambient medium.

An advantageous variant of the invention consists either of having inside the heads 3 or of the central module 1 or of integrating into the walls of the heads of the central module scales of diffusing or reflecting material or of material adapted to the flow concerned, arranged more or less inclined relative to the diffusion face or having precalculated bevel angles in order to reduce and / or orient the components of the flux in fine brushes. These scales have a length and a width adapted to the dimensions of the heads 3 and of the central hollow body 1. These scales 19

are made of translucent materials previously cited.

Reception applications are also possible in which the flash is replaced by a sensor sensitive to the energy flow or replaced by a propagating guide, for example a wave guide or the like up to a reception or detection member.

Other applications are also envisaged, including emission applications in which the flash is replaced by another source of a light flux or another energy flux: sound, electromagnetic, but also of a liquid or gaseous fluid.

In applications with fluids, the reflective elementary surfaces of the reflective translucent walls of the facades of the diffusion heads and of the facets of the upper pyramid are replaced by orifices of more or less large section depending on the characteristics of the application and the nature and pressure of the fluid used.

It should also be mentioned in addition to all the others mentioned above, applications for cooking using microwave generators (FIG. 16) in which one or more propeller (s) 59 are integrated into the central hollow body 1. fan driven (s) in rotation by a motor. The unit according to the invention will then advantageously replace the fan disposed at the outlet of the waveguide 60 channeling the microwaves from the magnetron generator 61 to the cooking enclosure. This variant allows better dispersion of the energy flow with a view to improving efficiency.

One can also envisage applications in interventional or exploratory surgery and in dentistry, to dental lighting incorporated into contra angles, or to lighting fields, tables or operating seats. 20

Mention should also be made of an endoscopy application in which a miniaturized embodiment of the invention can be placed in the terminal zone of the light pipe, dividing the incident light into several beams suitably oriented and distributed.

FIG. 17 shows a variant making it possible to vary manually or mechanically and in a motorized manner the inclination of the diffusion heads 3 of the projector-diffuser according to the invention.

This function is useful for all areas of application and for all fluids as well as for light.

The mechanical means used for this purpose can take different forms. The general function consists in carrying out the progressive tilting of the heads by an overall movement following an action on a single central control or an individual tilting each time by a separate control. To do this, the diffusion heads 3 are each pivoted about an axis such as 62 transverse to the central hollow body 4. The body of each diffusion head 3 is connected to a central tilting device 63 with a control member. by means of, for example, each time a radial link or two twin control links such as 64 articulated on a movable rod or on a movable part along a rectilinear element, for example a sleeve or a sliding tube 65 on a support rod 66. For the control member, it may also be a simple central rod movable in translation of approximation or distance relative to the central pyramid 9, this rod being terminated on its free end by a grip button or a special piece, for example with a massage effect, in particular in the context of a balneotherapy application. On this rod or on this socket or 21

on this sliding tube 65 are grouped together the ends of the control rods 64, the assembly operating in deployment or retraction in the manner of an umbrella and this in a manual or motorized manner. The end of this sliding tube 65 can be furnished with a gripping part or with a special part with another function, for example massage.

A means of immobilization in a given inclination (not shown) is provided between the sliding element and the support rod to lock in position the sliding element in predetermined locations along its course, for example in the form of notches.

It may also be a variant not shown with a central threaded rod carrying a translation nut, that is to say a nut immobilized in rotation. This threaded rod is driven by an electric motor at its base or constitutes the axis of this motor. This motor is preferably remotely controlled.

It is obvious that the tilting device 63 will be made of transparent material in the case of application to light.

One can imagine other devices for this purpose for example a flexible perimeter ring which tightens or additional flaps or rigid legs integral with the heads 3 cooperating with a conical ramp movable along the axis of the assembly or any other equivalent means. This additional function is particularly interesting in the context of light. It makes it possible to vary the opening of the beam but also in the case of application to a fluid, in particular to water in spraying or washing, where a variation in the opening of the jet is requested.

In the case of an application to light, the device 63 for controlling the inclination described may 22

be inverted and be on the rear face of the projector-diffuser according to the invention so as not to disturb the emerging light beam.

Of course for certain applications, it is possible to envisage individually controlling each head in inclination. It then suffices to provide as many actuating devices as there are heads.

Furthermore, it is possible to envisage controlling the overall inclination or the individual inclinations of the heads remotely manually or automatically in sequence or in a computerized manner in a particular suite.

In addition, an elaborate variant will also include the possibility of rotating the crown 2 of the heads 3 relative to the central module. The crown 2 can thus pivot on itself using a support ring cooperating with one or more suitable circular slides or any other specific means (not shown). This variant offers additional possibilities for dimming light in intensity, depth, modularity, local or global field effect or any other spatial effect that can be obtained with light. The same possibilities exist with fluids and a flow of electromagnetic energy.

Another variant relates to the elementary reflective surfaces of the facade of the diffusion heads 3 which one feels the need to vary the number and / or the inclination.

To vary the number and / or the inclination of the elementary reflecting surfaces, various techniques and various means can be used. FIGS. 19 to 21 show an exemplary embodiment of means carrying elementary reflection or attenuation surfaces which can be retracted 23

or hide one behind the other.

This is the fixed front wall of the diffusion heads covered with elementary reflective or semi-reflective or even translucent areas 67 or with opacity and / or with variable reflection situated in the front plane or inclined with respect to this plane. These elementary zones occupy defined and precise locations over the entire transparent surface of the fixed front wall and delimit between them transparent or translucent spaces such as 68. These elementary zones are represented in the form of dark square dots also referenced 67. Behind this fixed front wall is mounted a movable rear plate 69 for example by translation. This movable plate 69 is preferably also transparent or translucent. This plate carries or is modified on elementary areas 70 so as to constitute each time an elementary locally reflective surface in places of small extent represented in the form of clear square pads also referenced 70. These elementary surfaces delimit between them transparent spaces or translucent such as 71. These elementary surfaces arrive, for example, in superposition of the spaces referenced 68 of the fixed front wall in a precise position of the movable plate 69 and make it possible to constitute additional reflective micro or macrosurfaces in an immobilization position of the movable plate 69 in which these surfaces are arranged opposite the transparent or translucent areas 68 of the fixed front wall.

With regard to the means for actuating, supporting and mounting the movable wall, mention may be made of gripping means such as pins or pins 72 and means with slide or other guidance. 24

According to another variant not shown, the fixed front wall is dark and has recesses for the passage of light or a fluid. Behind this fixed front wall moves the movable plate 69 acting not only by its presence as a deflector of light or fluid but also acting by the surfaces it carries as a means of modifying the flux emerging from the head corresponding. According to another variant not shown, the movable plate 69 is reduced to a small area moving for example linearly longitudinally along the fixed front wall of the diffusion head.

The movable plate 69 acts as a deflector in the case of water and air applications.

FIGS. 22 to 25 schematically show the multidirectional distribution of the rays projected from a central light source 73, for example with a planar emissive surface without and with the invention.

These are of course only schematic and partial representations with regard to the number of rays. In these figures, it is apparent that the beam 74 emitted by the planar source 73 is distributed in a fan 75 when it is emitted directly, that is to say without the invention. It can be a light source such as a camera flash. This fan 75 can be more or less tightened depending on the arrangement and the accessories used (Figure 24).

These comparative figures show the density and the extent of the emerging beam 76 projected by the projector-diffuser according to the invention from the same light source. The beam is born in a fan sheet 77 but it is quickly dissociated and spatially distributed to present a character 25

multidirectional with geometric variations in distribution depending on the inclination of the diffusion heads. The differences appearing between FIGS. 23 and 25 show that the first beam 78 is wide and not very dense while the second beam 79 is less wide and with a central part 80 more dense. By playing on the extent and orientation of the reflective and / or translucent microsurfaces, this emerging beam 76 can be shaped at will and according to multiple possibilities.

In particular, in these figures we can see the multidirectional aspect of the emerging beam 76 and the distribution of its density. This emerging beam 76, suitably distributed, provides, when it is directed towards a subject, lighting which is entirely suitable for close-up shooting. It gives the subject relief and an impression of realism.

With regard to the distribution of the beams, the rays emitted in low incidence will not be frontal and will not have the same power. The rays of weak incidence will be more or less strong thanks to the addition of rays of other incidences as one can see it on the corresponding figures 22 to 25. One is thus assured of an effect of spatial sculpture of the light thanks to the controlled addition of rays of different incidence. The quantity of rays takes part in the creation of microcontrasts according to their direction and intensity at the arrival on the subject. Therefore the light from the projector-diffuser according to the invention retains the colors and does not dazzle. The effects are variable depending on the position and orientation of the elementary reflective surfaces. In the context of stage lighting or public lighting, the multiple possible adjustments and adaptations are made to make the beam 26

projected according to needs. Thus, there is a certain directivity or additional concentration on a precise area which is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in the case of conventional lighting.

It should also be pointed out in this context that the invention finds an application of choice in public lighting and in road lighting as headlights of road vehicles making it possible to sufficiently lighten attenuated or dark areas and to reach blind spots. Road safety will be significantly enhanced.

Figure 26 shows the invention in an advanced stage of technical forms. Of course, these can still evolve while remaining in the same inventive spirit and in the same general functions.

Claims

27 CLAIMS

1. Projector diffusing an energy-carrying flux characterized in that it consists of a central module (1) in central hollow body (4) surrounded by a diffusing ring (2) formed of a plurality of diffusion hollow heads (3) in radial and concentric arrangement around the central hollow body (4) and each closed on their front face by at least one through wall for energy, said central hollow body (4) being in internal communication with the internal volume of each of the diffusion heads (3) through a passage (40) passing through the side wall (6) of this central body (4) at the right of the connection of each of the diffusion heads with this central hollow body (4) and in that this central hollow body (4) is occupied by at least one geometric interior reflector assembly (11) placed in front of a transmission-reception window (8) which is the central opening provided in the bottom wall (5 ) of the central hollow body (4).

2. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the central opening serving as window (8) for emission and possibly reception is extended towards the rear by a tubular propagation duct on which the body or the surface is fixed emissive or receptive.

3. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the central hollow body (4) has a lateral surface of polygonal section.

4. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 or 3 characterized in that the central hollow body (4) is closed on its upper face by an upper pyramid (9) with translucent-reflective facets and polygonal base resting on the upper edges of the lateral surface of the central hollow body. 28

5. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the geometric interior reflector assembly (11) consists of two parts, a rigid and reflective pyramidal lower part called the horn (13) and a pyramidal upper part deformable by sagging- extension called pyramidal bellows (14) of general shape in truncated pyramid and with reflecting lateral surface, the pyramidal bellows (14) being formed by the succession-superposition of a plurality of pyramidal belts such as (15) constituting perimeters in articulated blades of length decreasing fitting into each other to allow a pyramid trunk of variable height to be produced with small opening (16) of variable surface and large opening (17) fixed and of constant surface identical in shape and in surface to the base of the upper pyramid (9), the large opening of the pyramidal bellows being placed opposite or in contact with the base of the upper pyramid (9).

6. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the horn (13) has in at least one of its facets located opposite the interior passages (40) to the diffusion heads, openings (20) each closable partially or completely by a flap (21), the opening and closing of all the flaps (21) being controlled from the outside.

7. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that each of the heads is connected to the adjacent wall of the lateral surface by a connecting barrel (25) with hollow body open in length and with an articulated base, each diffusion head (3) being articulated to a barrel (25) connecting by a pivot articulation in inclination and displaceable in approach and away from the barrel, the walls of the interior volume of each barrel and each 29

corresponding head being reflective.

8. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 or 7 characterized in that each head has a translucent-reflective front wall and in that this wall is interchangeable.

9. Projector-diffuser according to claim 1 or 7 characterized in that each barrel has a translucent-reflective front wall and in that this wall is interchangeable.

10. Projector-diffuser according to claim 8 or 9 characterized in that the total translucent-reflective surface increases or decreases by the movement of moving away or closer to the head relative to the barrel.

11. Diffuser projector according to claim 8 or 9 characterized in that the translucent-reflective walls are flat supports of translucent material dotted with reflective elementary surfaces looking inward.

12. Diffuser projector according to claim 11 characterized in that the plane of the elementary reflecting surfaces is not parallel to the plane of the plane supports of the translucent walls.

13. Diffuser projector according to claim 7 characterized in that the internal volume of the head-barrel assembly (27) is occupied at least in its bottom by a mirror with multiple planes articulated between them.

14. Projector-diffuser according to claim 1 characterized in that the central hollow body

(4) is occupied by at least one fan propeller connected to a drive motor.

15. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the diffuser projector is doubled by a second diffuser projector, the two being assembled back to back with a common input of energy in order to project energy 30

in the front space and in the rear space with respect to the emission plane of one of the emission windows.

16. Diffuser projector according to claim 1 characterized in that the ring (2) formed by the plurality of diffusion heads (3) is rotated around the central module (1).

17. Projector-diffuser according to claim 1 characterized in that the section of at least one through passage (40) is occupied by a filter (41) fixed, removable or unwinding.

18. Projector-diffuser according to claim 1 or 7 characterized in that the heads (3) are mounted movable in inclination relative to the hollow central body (4).

19. Projector-diffuser according to the preceding claim characterized in that the heads (3) are mounted movable in inclination around transverse end axes.

20. Projector-diffuser according to claims 18 or 19 characterized in that the heads (3) are connected by a tilting device with a single manual or motorized central control.

21. Projector-diffuser according to claims 18 or 19 characterized in that the heads (3) are independent in tilting movement by a tilting device with individual manual or motorized controls.

22. Projector-diffuser according to claim 20 characterized in that the tilting device is formed by a series of rods articulated on the one hand each or two to two to a head (3) and on the other to a rod or to a common control sleeve movable in translation and immobilizable in predetermined positions along its stroke.

23. Projector-diffuser according to claim 22 characterized in that the device 31

tilt comprises a screw and a translation nut engaged on this screw on which is articulated one of the ends of the rods and in that this screw is rotated by a controlled motor.

24. Projector-diffuser according to claim 1 or 7 characterized in that the front wall is fixed and carries or on which there are formed reflective or translucent elementary surfaces delimiting between them transparent or translucent spaces and in that behind the wall fixed facade is mounted movable in displacement a transparent or translucent movable plate bearing or on which are formed reflective or translucent elementary surfaces spatially distributed and coming to be placed by displacement of the plate behind the transparent spaces of the fixed wall of facade to increase or reduce at will the number of elementary reflecting or translucent surfaces that the front face of each head (3) can present.

25. Projector-diffuser according to the preceding claim characterized in that the movable plate is reduced to a small area moving for example linearly longitudinally along the fixed front wall.