An optical fiber fabric that converts a point light source into a surface light source and its weaving method.

Abstract

This invention discloses an optical fiber fabric and its weaving method for converting a point light source into a surface light source, relating to the field of optical fiber weaving technology. It includes several optical fibers and a single polymer fiber. The polymer fibers form a stepped structure with different spacing. The optical fibers are uniformly arranged and interwoven with the polymer fibers to form an optical fiber fabric. At least one end of the optical fibers is bundled and fixed inside a bundle head. It also includes a point light source, and a convex lens is disposed between the point light source and the bundle head. The convex lens converts the light from the point light source into parallel rays that are perpendicularly incident on the light-receiving end face of the bundle head. The beneficial effects of this invention are: by setting different stages of weft and parallel tension, the optical fibers are bent to different radii. When the light propagates within the optical fiber, it is refracted, and the refracted light is transmitted from the fabric surface to form a uniform light-emitting surface. Simultaneously, the surface protective layer of the optical fiber is not damaged, achieving lossless light emission and extending the service life of the optical fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber braiding technology, and in particular to an optical fiber fabric that converts a point light source into a surface light source and its braiding method. Background Technology

[0002] When light propagates in different media (with different refractive indices), total internal reflection occurs if the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, allowing the light to propagate in a single direction. This is the principle behind the production of plastic optical fibers. If the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle, refraction and reflection will occur.

[0003] Using the above principle, light emitted from a point light source with a certain energy is transmitted through optical fiber to optical fiber fabric. By adjusting the bending angle of the optical fiber, the incident light is made to be less than the critical angle when the light propagates in the optical fiber, resulting in refraction and reflection. The refracted light is transmitted from the surface of the fabric to form a light-emitting surface light source. However, the bending angle of the optical fiber in each part of the existing optical fiber fabric is the same, which results in a higher light intensity in the parts far from the light source, making the light emission of the entire optical fiber fabric uneven and the effect poor in application.

[0004] Some light-emitting fiber optic fabrics achieve their light-emitting effect by damaging the surface of the fiber, allowing light from inside the fiber to pass through. However, damaged fiber optic fabrics have a short lifespan and also suffer from uneven light emission.

[0005] Fiber optic fabric is a good carrier of light source when babies are exposed to blue light. In order to ensure the effect of blue light exposure for babies, it is necessary to ensure that the fiber optic fabric emits light evenly. It would be even better if the fiber optic fabric could have a longer service life to reduce costs. Based on this, the applicant proposed a fiber optic fabric that can convert a point light source into a surface light source and its weaving method to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an optical fiber fabric that converts a point light source into a surface light source, and a weaving method thereof, thereby solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0007] The present invention is solved by the following technical solution:

[0008] An optical fiber fabric that converts a point light source into a surface light source includes several optical fibers and a single polymer fiber. The polymer fibers are arranged in a stepped structure with different spacings. The optical fibers are uniformly arranged and interwoven with the polymer fibers to form an optical fiber fabric. At least one end of the optical fibers is bundled and fixed inside a bundle head. The fabric also includes a point light source. A convex lens is provided between the point light source and the bundle head. The convex lens converts the light from the point light source into parallel rays and then projects them perpendicularly into the light-receiving end face of the bundle head.

[0009] Preferably, the bundle head is cylindrical.

[0010] Preferably, the light-receiving end face is perpendicular to the central axis of the beam-gathering head.

[0011] Preferably, a flexible protective sleeve is provided on the outer side of the optical fiber between the bundle head and the optical fiber fabric.

[0012] Preferably, the polymer fiber is a high-transparency polymer fiber.

[0013] Preferably, the diameter of the optical fiber is in the range of 0.2~0.3mm.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the polymer fiber is no greater than 0.3 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the number of optical fibers bundled together is 100 to 1000.

[0016] Preferably, the width of the optical fiber fabric is in the range of 10~2000mm.

[0017] Preferably, when the optical fiber fabric is used for unidirectional light transmission, the length of the optical fiber fabric does not exceed 50cm, and when the optical fiber fabric is used for bidirectional light transmission, the length of the optical fiber fabric does not exceed 100cm.

[0018] A method for weaving fiber optic fabric to convert a point light source into a surface light source includes the following steps: Step A: Several optical fibers are installed as warp yarns on an optical fiber weaving device and evenly arranged. High-transparency polymer fibers are used as weft yarns. The device is started, and the warp yarns are divided into upper and lower layers. Step B: The weft pressure is set according to the distance between the weft yarn and the light-incident end. Step C: The weft yarn is passed through the upper and lower layers of warp yarns. Step D: The optical fiber weaving device applies pressure to the polymer fibers according to the weft pressure set in Step B, causing the optical fibers to bend. Then, the upper and lower layers of warp yarns are interlaced to exchange positions. Step E: Steps C to D are repeated until the weaving length of this stage is reached. Step F: Steps B to E are repeated until the required weaving length is reached. Step G: The device is turned off, the woven optical fiber fabric is removed, one end of the optical fiber is bundled and fixed inside the bundle head, and the bundle head, convex lens, and point light source are installed in sequence for testing. Based on the test results, the fabric is put into production or the weft pressure of each stage is modified and tested again.

[0019] Preferably, the weft pressure at each stage in step B is shown in Table 1.

[0020] Preferably, the bending radius of the optical fiber after bending at each stage in step C is shown in Table 1.

[0021] Preferably, the weaving length in each stage of step E is 30mm.

[0022] Preferably, in step G, the point light source is installed at the focal point of the convex lens, so that the light from the point light source is converted into parallel light after passing through the convex lens.

[0023] The present invention discloses an optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source. The polymer fibers are arranged in a stepped structure with different spacings. The optical fibers are uniformly arranged and interwoven with the polymer fibers to form an optical fiber fabric. At least one end of the optical fibers is bundled and fixed inside a bundle head. The fabric also includes a point light source. A convex lens is provided between the point light source and the bundle head. The convex lens converts the light from the point light source into parallel rays and then perpendicularly enters the light-receiving end face of the bundle head. The light-receiving end face is perpendicular to the central axis of the bundle head.

[0024] Table 1. Weaving parameters of fiber optic light-emitting fabric

[0025]

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting different stages of weft and parallel pressure, the optical fiber is bent to different radii. When the light propagates in the optical fiber, it is refracted. The refracted light is transmitted from the surface of the fabric to form a uniform light-emitting surface. At the same time, the surface protective layer of the optical fiber is not damaged, thus achieving the purpose of lossless light emission and extending the service life of the optical fiber. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be discussed below. Obviously, the technical solutions described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments and their accompanying drawings can be obtained based on the embodiments shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the optical fiber fabric of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the light-receiving end face of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Optical fiber, 2. Polymer fiber, 3. Bundling head, 4. Point light source, 5. Convex lens, 6. Flexible protective sleeve, 7. Light receiving end face, 8. Light receiving end, 9. Optical fiber fabric. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of various embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments described in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention discloses an optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source, comprising a plurality of optical fibers 1 and a single polymer fiber 2. The diameter of the optical fibers 1 ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 mm, and the diameter of the polymer fiber 2 is no greater than 0.3 mm. The polymer fiber 2 is a high-transparency polymer fiber, and the polymer fiber 2 forms a stepped structure with different spacings. The optical fibers 1 are uniformly arranged and interwoven with the polymer fiber 2 to form an optical fiber fabric 9. The width of the optical fiber fabric 9 ranges from 10 to 2000 mm. When light enters the optical fiber fabric 9 in one direction, the length of the optical fiber fabric 9 is not... When the optical fiber fabric 9 is bidirectionally incident on light exceeding 50cm, the length of the optical fiber fabric 9 does not exceed 100cm. At least one end of the optical fiber 1 is bundled and fixed inside the bundle head 3. The number of bundled optical fibers 1 is 100 to 1000. The bundle head 3 is columnar. A flexible protective sleeve 6 is provided on the outside of the optical fiber 1 between the bundle head 3 and the optical fiber fabric 9. It also includes a point light source 4. A convex lens 5 is also provided between the point light source 4 and the bundle head 3. The convex lens 5 converts the light from the point light source 4 into parallel light rays and then perpendicularly incidents them into the light-receiving end face 7 of the bundle head 3. The light-receiving end face 7 is perpendicular to the central axis of the bundle head 3.

[0036] The number of fiber optic bundles is determined by the light source model. A bundle of 100 to 1000 fibers corresponds to a bundle diameter of 3 to 12 mm. Current light sources can meet this diameter range. Depending on the light loss, during weaving, the length of unidirectional light-incident fiber optic fabric is generally no more than 50 cm, and the length of bidirectional light-incident fiber optic fabric is generally no more than 100 cm. If these values ​​are exceeded, the uniformity of light emission or the overall brightness of the fiber optic fabric may be insufficient. In actual weaving, the parameters are selected according to the light source intensity, product application, etc.

[0037] A method for weaving fiber optic fabric to convert a point light source into a surface light source includes the following steps: Step A: Several optical fibers 1 are installed as warp yarns on an optical fiber weaving device and evenly arranged, and high-transparency polymer fibers 2 are used as weft yarns. The device is started, and the warp yarns are divided into upper and lower layers; Step B: The weft-binding pressure is set according to the distance between the weft yarn and the light-incident end 8; Step C: The weft yarn is passed through the upper and lower layers of warp yarns; Step D: The optical fiber weaving device applies pressure to the polymer fibers 2 according to the weft-binding pressure set in Step B, causing the optical fibers 1 to bend, and then the upper and lower layers of warp yarns are interlaced to interchange. Position; Step E: Repeat steps C to D until the weaving length for this stage is reached, the weaving length is 30mm; Step F: Repeat steps B to E until the required weaving length is reached; Step G: Close the device, remove the woven optical fiber fabric 9, bundle and fix one end of the optical fiber 1 inside the bundle head 3, install the bundle head 3, convex lens 5, and point light source 4 in sequence for testing, the point light source 4 is installed at the focal point of the convex lens 5 so that the light from the point light source 4 is converted into parallel light after passing through the convex lens 5, and put into production or continue testing after modifying the weft pressure of each stage according to the test results.

[0038] The weft pressure at each stage and the bending radius of optical fiber 1 after bending in this embodiment are shown in Table 2.

[0039] Table 2. Weaving parameters of fiber optic light-emitting fabric in Example 1

[0040] stage Distance from the incident light end (mm) Weft yarn spacing (mm) Fiber optic bending radius (mm) Luminous intensity (cd / m²) Weft pressure (N) 1 0~30 9.8 19.5 80 0.8 2 31~60 8.5 14.7 90 1.1 3 61~90 7.5 11.5 100 1.3 4 91~120 6.2 8.1 120 1.5 5 121~150 5.6 6.6 120 1.9 6 151~180 3.5 3.4 135 2.2 7 181~210 3.1 3.1 130 2.5 8 211~240 2.7 2.8 118 2.8 9 241~270 2.3 2.4 100 2.9 10 271~300 1.9 2.1 80 3.5

[0041] Example 2:

[0042] Based on Example 1, the weft pressure at each stage and the bending radius of fiber 1 after bending are adjusted as shown in Table 3.

[0043] Table 3. Weaving parameters of fiber optic light-emitting fabric in Example 2

[0044] stage Distance from the incident light end (mm) Weft yarn spacing (mm) Fiber optic bending radius (mm) Luminous intensity (cd / m²) Weft pressure (N) 1 0~30 9.9 19.7 78 0.76 2 31~60 8.6 14.9 88 1.06 3 61~90 7.6 11.7 98 1.26 4 91~120 6.3 8.3 118 1.46 5 121~150 5.7 6.8 118 1.86 6 151~180 3.6 3.6 133 2.16 7 181~210 3.2 3.2 128 2.46 8 211~240 2.8 2.9 116 2.76 9 241~270 2.4 2.5 98 2.86 10 271~300 2.0 2.2 78 3.46

[0045] In this embodiment, the weft pressure at each stage is reduced compared to that in Example 1, which increases the weft spacing, thereby increasing the bending radius of the optical fiber and weakening the luminous intensity of the entire optical fiber fabric 9.

[0046] Example 3:

[0047] Based on Example 1, the weft pressure at each stage and the bending radius of fiber 1 after bending are adjusted as shown in Table 4.

[0048] Table 4. Weaving parameters of fiber optic light-emitting fabric in Example 3

[0049] stage Distance from the incident light end (mm) Weft yarn spacing (mm) Fiber optic bending radius (mm) Luminous intensity (cd / m²) Weft pressure (N) 1 0~30 9.7 19.3 82 0.84 2 31~60 8.4 14.5 92 1.14 3 61~90 7.4 11.3 102 1.34 4 91~120 6.1 7.9 122 1.54 5 121~150 5.5 6.4 122 1.94 6 151~180 3.4 3.2 137 2.24 7 181~210 3.0 3.0 132 2.54 8 211~240 2.6 2.7 120 2.84 9 241~270 2.2 2.3 102 2.94 10 271~300 1.8 2.0 82 3.54

[0050] In this embodiment, the weft pressure at each stage is increased compared to that in Example 1, which reduces the weft spacing, thereby reducing the bending radius of the optical fiber and enhancing the luminous intensity of the entire optical fiber fabric 9.

[0051] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments. By using the weft pressure at each stage in the above embodiments to weave the optical fiber fabric, the woven optical fiber fabric can have more uniform light transmission, appropriate brightness, and better stability.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source, comprising 100-1000 optical fibers (1), characterized in that: The diameter of the optical fiber (1) is in the range of 0.2~0.3mm, and it also includes a single polymer fiber (2). The diameter of the polymer fiber (2) is not greater than 0.3mm. The polymer fibers (2) form a stepped structure with different spacing. The optical fibers (1) are uniformly arranged and interwoven with the polymer fibers (2) to form an optical fiber fabric (9). At least one end of the optical fiber (1) is bundled and fixed inside the bundle head (3). It also includes a point light source (4). A convex lens (5) is also provided between the point light source (4) and the bundle head (3). The convex lens (5) converts the light from the point light source (4) into parallel light rays and then perpendicularly enters the light-receiving end face (7) of the bundle head (3). The optical fiber fabric (9) has a staged weft pressure set according to the distance between the weft yarn and the light-receiving end (8). When the distance is 0~30mm, the weft compression is 0.76~0.84N. When the distance is 31~60mm, the weft compression is 1.06~1.14N. When the weft spacing is 61~90mm, the weft compression is 1.26~1.34N. When the distance is 91~120mm, the weft compression is 1.46~1.54N. When the distance is 121~150mm, the weft compression is 1.86~1.94N. When the distance is 151~180mm, the weft compression is 2.16~2.24N. When the distance is 181~210mm, the weft compression is 2.46~2.54N. When the distance is 211~240mm, the weft compression is 2.76~2.84N. When the distance is 241~270mm, the weft compression is 2.86~2.94N. When the distance is 271~300mm, the weft pressure is 3.46~3.54N.

2. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam-gathering head (3) is columnar, and the light-receiving end face (7) is perpendicular to the central axis of the beam-gathering head (3).

3. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 2, characterized in that: A flexible protective sleeve (6) is provided on the outside of the optical fiber (1) between the bundle head (3) and the optical fiber fabric (9).

4. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of optical fibers (1) bundled together is 1000.

5. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the optical fiber (1) is 0.2 mm, and the diameter of the polymer fiber (2) is 0.2 mm.

6. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 5, characterized in that: The width of the optical fiber fabric (9) ranges from 10 to 2000 mm.

7. The optical fiber fabric for converting a point light source into a surface light source according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the optical fiber fabric (9) receives light in one direction, the length of the optical fiber fabric (9) shall not exceed 50cm. When the optical fiber fabric (9) receives light in both directions, the length of the optical fiber fabric (9) shall not exceed 100cm.

8. A method for weaving optical fiber fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: Step A: Install several optical fibers (1) as warp yarns on the optical fiber braiding device and arrange them evenly. Use high-transparency polymer fibers (2) as weft yarns. Start the device and the warp yarns are divided into upper and lower layers. Step B: Set the staged weft pressure according to the distance between the weft yarn and the light-receiving end (8). Step C: Pass the weft yarn through the upper and lower layers of warp yarn; Step D: The fiber braiding device applies pressure to the polymer fiber (2) according to the weft pressure set in step B, causing the fiber (1) to bend. Then the upper and lower warp yarns are interlaced to exchange positions. Step E: Repeat steps C through D until the desired weaving length for this stage is reached; Step F: Repeat steps B through E until the desired length for this weaving is achieved; Step G: Turn off the device, remove the woven fiber fabric (9), bundle one end of the fiber (1) and fix it inside the bundle head (3), install the bundle head (3), convex lens (5) and point light source (4) in sequence and test them. Based on the test results, put it into production or modify the weft pressure of each stage and continue testing.

9. A weaving method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step E, the weaving length at each stage is 30mm.

10. A weaving method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step G, the point light source (4) is installed at the focal point of the convex lens (5), so that the light from the point light source (4) is converted into parallel light after passing through the convex lens (5).

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