Light pipe

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light pipe. A light pipe (100) of the present invention includes a main body (102) having a hollow hole (106) formed in a lengthwise direction, and a plurality of prism units (104) formed on an outer surface of the main body (102) in a lengthwise direction. Each of the prism units includes a reflection portion (112) having a cross-section shaped as an isosceles right triangle, and an angle adjustment portion (114) interposed between the main body (102) and the reflection portion (112), and has a cross section with a vertical angle whose size is determined by the position of a light source. The angle adjustment portion (114) is shaped as a right triangle having a lower base formed by the hypotenuse of the isosceles right triangle. The light pipe of the present invention is advantageous in that it is not necessary for a light source to be positioned at the center of the cross-section of the pipe, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency. Further, the light pipe of the present invention has an inner surface formable into not only cylindrical shape but a wide variety of shapes such that the light pipe can be used in billboards and displays, reducing power consumption. The light pipe of the present invention is capable of transmitting light at a distance in an efficient manner.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to light pipes, and more particularly to light pipes utilizing total internal reflection. Background technique [0002] Generally speaking, a light pipe is an optical component used to transmit light generated from a light source to a long distance with less loss, or to efficiently distribute functional light such as decoration to a wider area, and is also called Light conduit, light guide, or light tube. [0003] The structure of the light pipe is made of a transparent polymer, and includes an outer surface structured by fine structures and a tubular wall having a smooth inner surface corresponding to the outer surface. Furthermore, the structured outer surface is composed of a plurality of linear prisms of the same shape extending along the length direction of the light pipe. [0004] The light pipe transmits the light beam incident on the light pipe within a predetermined angle range through internal total reflection,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0020] That is, in the case where the inner surface of the light pipe is cylindrical, if the position of the light source deviates from the center of the cross-section of the light pipe, the amount of light that travels due to total reflection on the inner surface of the light pipe decreases sharply. , so there is a problem that the position of the light source cannot be freely set

[0021] Moreover, in the prior art, when the inner surface of the light pipe is in the shape of a polygonal prism, since the range of incident angles for total reflection and travel of the light rays generated from the light source is narrowed, there is a problem that it cannot be effectively The problem of sending light

[0022] Also, in the case of the fluorescent lamp billboard according to the prior art, there is a problem of wasting electricity because a relatively large amount of light is absorbed by the surface decorative board to be consumed for uniform light dispersion of the fluorescent lamp.

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