FAILURE-PROOF EYE-SAFE LIGHT-EMISSIVING MODULE WITH ELECTROMETAL LOCK

Abstract

An optical component is provided, comprising: an optical element arranged on a carrier, and a safety device with at least one electrically conductive structure, wherein the safety device is configured to determine an electrical property of the electrically conductive structure; and wherein the electrically conductive structure is arranged in a first area on or above an area of ​​the carrier that is free of optical element, and in a second area on or above an area of ​​the optical element.

Description

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a safety device for optical components.

[0002] Light sources use optical elements, such as lenses, to shape the emitted light to comply with medical standards for eye safety. A safety device for detecting defects, ensuring that the optical element is in the intended position and meets design specifications at all times, is necessary to ensure the eye safety of the light source.

[0003] Safety devices of the related technology are known from: WO 2020 / 197496 A1, WO 2021 / 126088 A1, WO 2020 / 126936 A1.

[0004] Related technology uses indium tin oxide (ITO) traces or chromium traces to ensure the presence of glass substrates in which the optical element is located.

[0005] It is an object of this invention to provide a safety device for a light-emitting device that is capable of detecting more complex eye safety failure modes or improving eye safety.

[0006] In one aspect, an optical component is provided, comprising: an optical element arranged on a carrier, and a safety device having at least one electrically conductive structure, wherein the safety device is configured to determine an electrical property of the electrically conductive structure; and wherein the electrically conductive structure is arranged in a first region on or above a region of the carrier that is free of optical element, and is arranged in a second region on or above a region of the optical element.

[0007] The safety device can, for example, detect partial or complete detachment of the optical element from the carrier.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the safety device may detect any linear, rotational or axial movement of the optical element relative to the carrier.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the safety device may restrict the optical element in one or more dimensions, for example restricting, for example preventing, any linear, rotational or axial movement relative to the carrier.

[0010] In another aspect, a light-emitting device is provided, comprising: a light-emitting component and an optical component as described above. The optical component is spaced apart from the light-emitting component such that it is arranged at a predetermined distance above the light-emitting component.

[0011] Illustratively, the light-emitting device enables single-fault safety of optical systems, allowing the light-emitting component to be deactivated in a failure mode. Illustratively, the electrically conductive structure of the safety device mechanically binds the optical element to detect its displacement or detachment relative to the carrier. In these cases, for example, an electrical control device, which can be arranged externally to the optical component, can deactivate the light-emitting component.

[0012] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the several views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various aspects of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device in proper operation; Fig. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light-emitting device of the Fig. 1A in the event of faulty operation; Fig. 1C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the light-emitting device of the Fig. 1A in the event of faulty operation; Fig. 2A illustrates an exploded view of an optical component according to one aspect; Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the optical component of the Fig. 2A illustrates; Fig. 3A to Fig. 3C illustrates schematic representations of an optical component according to another aspect; and Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrates schematic representations of an optical component according to another aspect.

[0013] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show specific details and aspects in which the disclosure may be practiced. One or more aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other aspects may be used, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various aspects described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some aspects may be combined with one or more other aspects to form new aspects. Various aspects are described in connection with methods, and various aspects are described in connection with devices. However, it is to be understood that aspects described in connection with methods may also apply to devices, and vice versa.In the drawings, it is noted that identical or similar elements, features, and structures are represented by identical reference numbers. In the drawings, it should be noted that proportions may not be to scale and that the size of features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0014] Illustratively, the safety device of the optical component comprises an electrical path with one or more segments (e.g., a combination of a conductor track and / or an electrically conductive structure) connected to contact pads, for example, on both sides or opposite ends of a segment. The segments represent an electrically conductive path that connects the contact pads to one another. The electrically conductive structure can, for example, comprise a wire bond, an electrically conductive adhesive, a metal structure, or a combination of one or more of these.

[0015] The electrically conductive structure clearly forms a 3-dimensional electrically conductive structure that can be coupled to the optical element in such a way that the electrically conductive structure does not permit or prevents any lateral, axial, and / or vertical movement of the optical element. Alternatively or additionally, the electrically conductive structure can be configured to irreversibly deform upon such movement of the optical element, for example, by constricting, tearing, breaking, detaching, or deforming in some other way, wherein the deformation corresponds to a change in a measurable electrical property of the electrically conductive structure. For example, breaking the electrically conductive structure can lead to an opening of the electrical path, for example, one or more segments in series. The resulting open circuit is then detected by an external control device.Based on this, the control device can switch off the light-emitting element or induce a switch-off.

[0016] Fig. 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device 100 during proper operation. The light-emitting device 100 may include a light-emitting component 108 and an optical component 150. The optical component 150 may be spaced from the light-emitting component 108 such that it is arranged at a predetermined first distance 114 above the light-emitting component 108. Detachment of the optical element 110 from the carrier 106 may correspond to a second distance 116 that is smaller than the first distance 114, as shown in Fig. 1B is illustrated. Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the light-emitting device of the Fig. 1A in case of faulty operation.

[0017] The light-emitting component 106 can, for example, be a surface emitter 106 (vertical cavity surface emitting laser, VCSEL).

[0018] The optical element 110 may be any optical element, such as a lens, a microlens array (MLA), a remote phosphor, a beam splitter, an optical tap, an optical grating, a prism, a photodetector, or a combination of one or more of these optical elements.

[0019] The light-emitting device 100 can, for example, be configured during operation of the light-emitting component 108 such that the weight force F Gof the optical element 110 is directed toward the light-emitting component 108. The light-emitting component 108 and the optical component 150 can be arranged together on or above a substrate 102. For example, the optical component 150 can be arranged at the first distance 114 above the light-emitting component 108 by means of an adhesive layer 104.

[0020] The optical component 150 comprises an optical element 110 arranged on a carrier 106, and a safety device 112 with at least one electrically conductive structure, as described in more detail below. The safety device 112 can be configured to determine an electrical property of the electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure is arranged in a first region on or above a region of the carrier 106 that is free of the optical element 110, and in a second region on or above a region of the optical element 110.

[0021] Reducing the distance can cause a change in the electrical properties of the electrically conductive structure. As a result, the safety device 112 can output a signal 122 that corresponds to deactivating the light emission 120 of the light-emitting component 108, as shown in Fig. 1B is illustrated.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1C shows an equivalent circuit of the light-emitting device of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B in the event of faulty operation. The safety device 112 can, for example, comprise a control device 130. The control device 130 can be configured to output a signal 122 if the determined electrical property exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The control device 130 can be configured externally to the light-emitting device or integrated therein. The threshold value can, for example, correspond to a severing 124 of the electrically conductive structure.

[0023] In Fig. 1C, each resistor may represent a segment deposited on the carrier 106, and each connection between the adjacent resistors may represent an electrically conductive structure.

[0024] The electrically conductive structure can, for example, be designed such that a weight force F G of the optical element 110 corresponds to a change in the electrical property when the optical element 110 detaches at least partially from the carrier 106. For example, an adhesive layer can be arranged between the optical element 110 and the carrier 106. The optical element 110 can be attached to the carrier 106 by means of the adhesive layer.

[0025] Light emission 120 of the light-emitting component 108 can occur through the optically active region of the optical element 110 and the carrier 106. Alternatively, the light emission can be at least partially reflected by the optical element 110 and / or the carrier 106 in the direction of the light-emitting component 108, for example, to form an optical cavity.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 2A to Fig. 4B shows different properties and embodiments of the security device 112 of an optical component 150 that can be used in a light-emitting device 100.

[0027] Fig. 2A shows an exploded view of an optical component 150 according to one aspect. Fig. Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the optical component 150 of the Fig. 2A. The electrically conductive structure is not limited to a specific type, but may include one or more or a combination of wire bond, conductive epoxy, metal structure, etc. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate a combination of conductive traces 202 and electrically conductive adhesive bridges 204.

[0028] Fig. 3A to Fig. 3C show schematic representations of an optical component 150 according to another aspect. Fig. 3A illustrates the optical element 110, which has an optically active region or optically functional region 304, an optically inactive region or optically non-active region 302, and one or more through holes 306 on or in the optically non-active region 302. Fig. 3B illustrates an optical component 150 with the optical element 110 of the Fig. 3A and a part of the safety device on the carrier 106 (see also above). The safety device can have at least one electrically conductive structure 204 that electrically connects a first segment 314 to a second segment 314 and thereby bridges or spans a part of the optically inactive region 302 of the optical element 110 (3-dimensionally or topographically), as in Fig. 3C is illustrated.

[0029] The segments 314 can be electrically conductively connected to contact pads 312, which are connected to the control device 130 (see Fig. 1C) of the safety device.

[0030] An electrical connection 204, such as a conductive adhesive 204, is applied to the optical element, flows into the cavity of the one or more through-holes 306, and electrically connects two or more electrical segments 314. The electrical connection 204 can close the circuit of the safety device (see also Fig. 1C).

[0031] For example, delamination or detachment of the optical element 110 can open the circuit. The change in the voltage drop in the circuit can be detected by the control device 130 (see Fig. 1C) and cause deactivation or deactivation of the light-emitting component 106.

[0032] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic representations of an optical component according to another aspect. Fig. 4A illustrates an optical component with security device having bond wires 404 as an electrically conductive structure. Fig. Figure 4B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the Fig. 4A. The bond wires 404 may be connected to solderable contact pads 402 that are coupled to the contact pads 312 of the segments 314 to provide a connection to the control device 130 (see Fig. 1C).

[0033] In other words, with reference to the above figures: The electrically conductive structure 204, 404 can be arranged in an edge region of the optical element 110. For example, the optical element 110 can have a corner, and the electrically conductive structure 204, 404 can bridge the corner.

[0034] The electrically conductive structure 204, 404 can be arranged at least in one region at a distance above the optical element 110.

[0035] The electrically conductive structure 204, 404 may include or be formed from one of: an electrically conductive adhesive, a wire bond.

[0036] The optically non-active region 302 of the optical element 110 may have at least one through-opening 306. The electrically conductive structure 204, 404 may extend through the through-opening.

[0037] The safety device may include a plurality of electrically conductive structures 204, 404 that are electrically connected in series. The plurality of electrically conductive structures 204, 404 may be arranged on or above different second regions of the optical element 110.

[0038] The safety device can, for example, have at least one conductor track 202, 314 arranged on or above the carrier 106. The electrically conductive structure 204, 404 can be electrically connected to the conductor track 202, 314. The conductor track 202, 314 can be configured for component-external electrical contact, for example, with the control device 130.

[0039] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any example or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples or designs.

[0040] The words "plurality" and "multiple" in the description or claims expressly refer to a quantity greater than one. The terms "group of," "set of," "collection of," "series of," "sequence of," "grouping of," etc., and the like in the description or claims refer to a quantity equal to or greater than one, i.e., one or more. Any term expressed in the plural that is not expressly stated as "plurality" or "multiple" also refers to a quantity equal to or greater than one.

[0041] The term "connected" can be understood in the sense of a (e.g., mechanical, optical, and / or electrical) connection and / or interaction, e.g., direct or indirect. For example, multiple elements can be connected mechanically, so that they are physically held together (e.g., a plug connected to a socket), and electrically, so that they have an electrically conductive path (e.g., signal paths exist along a communication chain).

[0042] While the above descriptions and accompanying illustrations depict the components of the optical device as separate elements, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various possibilities for combining or integrating discrete optical functions into a single element. This may include combining two or more components from a single component. Conversely, those skilled in the art will recognize the possibility of dividing a single element into two or more separate elements, such as splitting a single component into two or more separate components.

[0043] It is understood that the methods described herein are exemplary and may therefore be implemented in a corresponding device. It is also understood that implementations of the devices described herein may be implemented as a corresponding method. It is therefore understood that a device corresponding to a method described herein may include one or more components configured to perform each aspect of the corresponding method.

[0044] All acronyms defined in the above description also apply to all claims contained herein.

[0045] Although the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the disclosure is therefore indicated by the appended claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 light-emitting device 102 Substrat 104 spacers, e.g. adhesive 106 carriers 108 light-emitting component 110 optical element 112 Safety device 114, 116 distance 120 light emission 122 Signal 124 errors 130 Control device 150 optical components F G Direction of the weight force 202, 314 conductor tracks 204, R1, R2, R3, R4 electrically conductive structures 302 optically inactive area of ​​the optical element 304 optically active area of ​​the optical element 306 through holes of the optical element 402, 312 contact pad 404 wire connection QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2020 / 197496 A1

[0003] WO 2021 / 126088 A1

[0003] WO 2020 / 126936 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Optical component, comprising: an optical element arranged on a carrier, and a safety device with at least one electrically conductive structure, wherein the safety device is configured to determine an electrical property of the electrically conductive structure; and wherein the electrically conductive structure is arranged in a first region on or above a region of the carrier which is free of optical element, and in a second region on or above a region of the optical element. [2] Optical component according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive structure is arranged such that a weight force of the optical element corresponds to a change in the electrical property when the optical element is at least partially detached from the carrier. [3] The optical component according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an adhesive layer between the optical element and the support, wherein the optical element is fixed to the support by means of the adhesive layer. [4] Optical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive structure is arranged at least in one region at a distance above the optical element. [5] Optical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optically non-active region of the optical element has at least one through-opening, wherein the electrically conductive structure extends through the through-opening. [6] Optical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device comprises a plurality of electrically conductive structures which are electrically connected to one another in series and are arranged on or above different second regions of the optical element. [7] Optical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device comprises at least one conductor track arranged on or above the carrier, wherein the electrically conductive structure is electrically conductively connected to the conductor track, wherein the conductor track is configured for component-external electrical contact, and wherein the safety device comprises a control device coupled to the conductor track, wherein the control device is configured to output a signal when the determined electrical property exceeds a predetermined threshold value. [8] Optical component according to claim 7, wherein the threshold value corresponds to a severing of the electrically conductive structure. [9] A light-emitting device comprising: a light-emitting device and an optical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical component is spaced from the light-emitting component so that it is arranged at a predetermined distance above the light-emitting component. [10] The light-emitting device according to claim 9, further comprising a substrate, wherein the light-emitting component and the optical component are arranged together on or above the substrate.

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