Optical waveguide-based side illuminating assembly, elongated reinforcing structure, and receptacle

Abstract

To provide mechanical improvements in how elements of an illumination apparatus are handled and then assembled, reinforcing (mechanically) a side-illuminating assembly apparatus, and providing electrical and optical signals about the state of the illumination apparatus.SOLUTION: An optical waveguide-based side illuminating assembly 2 has: an elongated, side-emitting light waveguide 9; an optical protective coating 15 surrounding the waveguide; an elongated base 10 to which the waveguide is attached lengthwise along the elongated base via the optical protective coating; a reflector 16 disposed between the optical protective coating and the elongated base and extending lengthwise along the base; and an elongated reinforcing structure embedded in the elongated base, or attached to an outer surface of the elongated base, and extending lengthwise along the elongated base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 952,065, filed December 20, 2020. No. 202, entitled "Light Guide-Based Side Lighting Assembly and Receptacle" U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 952,082, filed December 20, 2000, entitled "Elongated Claiming benefit of an earlier filing date for "Light Guide-Based Side Lighting Assembly Having Reinforcement Structure" This is what we do.

[0002] The subject matter described in this patent application is: International Published Patent Application No. PCT / IB2012 / 000617 No. PCT / IB2014 / 0653, entitled "Waveguide device for lighting systems" No. 86, entitled "Holder and System for Waveguide-Based Illumination"; and PCT / IB2016 / 057738, Title of invention: "Optical fiber having composite overcoat structure" This relates to materials disclosed in the "Fiber Light Source" series.

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure include: light guide based side lighting assemblies; and larger or more complex To protect the assembly during manufacture as part of a crude lighting device or system; and A receptacle that facilitates manipulation of the assembly. [Background technology]

[0004] Optical fibers transmit light from one end of the fiber to the other without significant loss. In other cases, the fiber is known to transmit optical signals in a variety of ways. The optical fiber is designed to leak the optical signal in a direction generally transverse to the optical fiber direction. This effect is typically It is the result of the interaction of light (optical signal) with scattering structures built into the fiber, or the These scattering elements are a result of the fiber design. by adding elements such as objects; by drilling holes in the fiber; or by This can be achieved by mechanical machining, laser machining, or chemical machining of the driver.

[0005] In some cases, the material may be in the fiber core material, in the cladding, or in a coating covering the outer surface of the fiber. A luminescent material is incorporated within the coating. The luminescent material luminesces some or all of the wavelengths propagating. The radiation is converted to shorter or longer wavelengths, which allows the radiation delivered from the side of the fiber to be The desired illumination and wavelength can be obtained by using the above illumination scheme with a suitable waveguide holder. The above-mentioned waveguide holder may need to be controlled, adjusted or adapted by ) selected to fit the side of the waveguide and to produce the appropriate shape of side illumination. The light emitting material may be coated with a material that exhibits a variety of reflective, absorptive, or transmissive properties. The fiber is embedded in a plastic overcoat structure in a holder with a polygonal base. and the polygonal base allows the holder or the entire waveguide-holder assembly to be Mating into mating fastening receptacles of larger or more complex systems can be done. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The lighting device will be described in several aspects. These aspects relate to the operation and assembly of the elements of the lighting device. It can provide mechanical improvements in the mounting method, strengthen the side lighting assembly device, and It provides electrical and optical signals regarding the status of the lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect, the device includes a receptacle having an elongated groove formed therein, the receptacle being The elongate member on the receptacle, e.g. embedded in the receptacle or of the receptacle. The magnetic member has a first magnetic component attached to a surface, such as an outer surface, that defines a groove. The apparatus also includes a side lighting assembly, the side lighting assembly being: an elongated side emitting an optical waveguide; an elongated base to which said waveguide is attached longitudinally; and For example, embedded in the elongated base or on the exterior of the receptacle. A second magnetic component is provided attached to a surface, such as the outer surface, closest to the side surface.

[0008] The first magnetic component on the receptacle is: embedded in or on the receptacle. is attached to the surface of the receptacle, along the elongated groove of the receptacle. One or more permanent magnets may extend or form a sequence along the elongated groove. Stone elements, e.g. strips; embedded in said receptacle, e.g. or embedded in or dispersed within said receptacle. The second magnetic part on the base may be an electromagnet attached to the surface of the shaft. At least one ferromagnetic wire extending longitudinally (along the length of the base); a permanent magnet strip extending vertically (along the length of the base); or For example, it may be magnetic particles embedded as a composite of magnetic particles in a polymer.

[0009] The groove has a cross section at one location that is adapted to receive the elongated base therein. The elongated base has a surface size or shape and is adapted to fit the first magnetic pole on the receptacle. The magnetic component is held in place by magnetic attraction between the magnetic component and the second magnetic component on the base. If the two magnetic components are one or more ferromagnetic wires, they may be and "automatic" alignment of the side lighting assembly to the receptacle. The magnetic attraction force assists in "automatically" aligning and fixing the The one or more ferromagnetic wires serve to transmit analog or digital electrical signals, For example, data signals, control signals, power, or power recovery may be transmitted to one of the side lighting assemblies. It may also serve to transport from one end to the other, or one or more of the above. The ferromagnetic wire can act as a mechanical gauge, for example to measure temperature or strain.

[0010] In another aspect, the side illumination assembly comprises: an elongated side-emitting light guide; an elongated base attached in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base; a longitudinally mounted side light assembly that serves to mechanically reinforce the side light assembly; The magnetic component is provided with an elongated reinforcing structure, the elongated reinforcing structure being adapted to support the magnetic component that is to be present on the base. and during manufacture of the side lighting assembly or in place of the side lighting assembly. The mechanical and thermal stresses caused when the assembly is manipulated (e.g., bent) to mate with the receptacle are eliminated. These stresses, if not relieved, can cause the side lighting assembly to Damage to elements of the optical waveguide, such as the optical waveguide, any coatings on said optical waveguide, or Alternatively, the elongated reinforcing structure may be attached to the base, which may damage the reflector. This may be in addition to the second magnetic component located at the base, thereby allowing the base to be mechanically or can be further strengthened thermally.

[0011] The elongated reinforcing structure may be a polymeric or metallic structure extending longitudinally along the base. In another embodiment, the elongated reinforcement may be one or more flexible rods (e.g., wires). The structure may be one or more optical fibers, which transmit analog or digital optical signals. , for example a data or control signal, from one end of the side lighting assembly to the other. It may have a dual purpose, for example to deliver the signal to the edge of the device, or to measure distortion or position. It acts as a mechanical gauge for the measurement of the temperature, e.g., a fiber Bragg grating sensor. The elongated reinforcing structure may comprise one or more a wire or a mechanical gate for measuring temperature, e.g. a thermistor Even if it can function as a message, it can have a dual purpose as described above.

[0012] The above summary of the invention does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present disclosure. The present invention relates to any system that can be implemented in any suitable combination of the various aspects outlined above. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of: It is to be understood that the present invention is to be understood as including all systems and methods specifically pointed out in the appended claims. Such combinations may provide certain advantages not specifically mentioned in the Summary above. Yes.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the several figures of the accompanying drawings. In the following, like reference numerals refer to like elements. It should be noted that "a" aspect or "one" aspect of the present disclosure may be used interchangeably herein. A reference to "one" embodiment does not necessarily refer to that one embodiment, but to at least one embodiment. Also, a given figure may be used to illustrate features of more than one aspect of the disclosure. In some cases, not all elements of this diagram may be required for a given embodiment. . [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an end view of an exemplary side-emitting light guide based lighting device in a cross section taken at a transverse plane. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lighting device, also showing the light sensor, light source, and electrical detector circuitry. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the coupling between an optical sensor and an optical waveguide. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an end view of another exemplary side-emitting light guide based lighting device in a cross section taken at a transverse plane. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an end view of another exemplary side-emitting light guide based lighting device in a cross section taken at a transverse plane. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an end view of yet another exemplary side-emitting light guide based lighting device in a cross section taken at a transverse plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Unless the shape, relative position, and other aspects of the parts described in However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the components shown in the figures, and the components shown in the figures are merely examples. Although numerous details are described, it is to be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative and not restrictive. It should be understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these details. Well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring the understanding of the description.

[0016] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, and referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device is shown. 1 shows an end view of a cross section taken at the side lighting assembly. 2, which includes an elongated side-emitting optical waveguide surrounded by an optical protective coating 15. 9 (e.g., optical fiber), which are best seen in the top view shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of a portion of an automobile headlight. , where the side lighting assembly 2 is a serpentine pattern lying within a rough plane as shown. 1, extending from a light source 12 at one end to a light sensor 11 at the other end. A light source 12 is configured to inject light into one end of the waveguide 9, which is 9 along the side of the waveguide 9, leaving the waveguide 9 at a location downstream of the light source 12. This is due to the optical protective coating 15 (as indicated by the wavy arrow in Figure 1). The light sensor 11 detects the light emitted from the outer surface of the sensor 10 through the sensor 11. For example, the optical sensor 11 detects the propagating light at the other end of the optical waveguide 9. Light can be detected "at the end" and this light can be guided back into the waveguide as the desired illumination. This is the propagated light that is not emitted from the side of the path 9. The light sensor 11 may be omitted.

[0017] The lighting device also includes a receptacle 4 having an elongated groove formed therein. The outer surface 7 of the filter 4 defines the elongated groove and its cross-sectional shape. The side light assembly 2 is sized and shaped to receive the base 10 of the side light assembly 2 therein. The groove in this example has a generally U-shaped cross section (taken in transverse section). Alternatively, the cross section may be generally V-shaped, or more complex than U- or V-shaped. The cross section may have a generally polygonal shape that can provide lateral support for the base 10. In one embodiment, the groove, and in particular its cross section, is fastened (or mated) to the cross section of the base 10. ) so that the base 10 can be oriented in only one orientation (around the central axis of the waveguide 9). The receptacle 4 is more rigid than the base 10. 2. The side lighting assembly 2 may be made of a highly durable material, thereby providing complete protection to the base 10 and side lighting assembly 2. As a body, it can be bent to conform to the shape or longitudinal contour of the groove. This allows for easy assembly of the side lighting assembly and the receptacle (into the lighting device). The receptacle may be made of a polymer (e.g., plastic), a composite material, or It may be made of metal, and this is more advantageous than the base 10, which may also be made of a polymer. It may be made of a highly rigid material.

[0018] The first magnetic part 5 can be embedded in the receptacle 4 or (in the illustrated example) ) can be attached to the outer surface 7 of the receptacle 4 that defines the elongated groove, Or it can be attached to another surface of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the first magnetic portion The product 5 extends lengthwise along the elongated groove and forms a sequence. or one or more magnetic elements, such as one or more permanent magnetic strips extending along the length of the groove. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first magnetic component 5 is The one or more magnetic elements are positioned along the bottom of the U-shaped cross-section of the receptacle 4 . This is because one or more magnet elements (which constitute the first magnetic part 5) are arranged along the sides of the U-shaped cross section. This is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0019] The side lighting assembly 2 comprises an elongated side emitting light guide 9, the light guide 9 being covered with a protective coating. The elongated base 10 is attached longitudinally via a ring 15 and, in one particular example, and a second magnetic component comprising a first ferromagnetic wire 6a and a second ferromagnetic wire 6b. The base 10 may be made of a polymer, for example plastic. The wires 6a, 6b are As shown, they may be embedded in the elongated base 10 or may be attached to the elongated base 10. It may be attached to the outer surface, in either case as shown. The side lighting assembly 2 fits or is placed in a groove of the receptacle 4. Then, the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic part 5 and the second magnetic part causes the magnetic flux to flow. In other words, the side lighting assembly 2 is held in place in the length direction. In the particular example shown, the base 10 is Because of the abutment against the left and right side walls of the groove, the side lighting assembly 2 is In other words, the side lighting assembly is held or restrained in place. The widthwise movement of the reel is sized and adjusted so that the base 10 abuts the left and right side walls of the groove. The magnetic attraction forces the side lighting assembly 2 is free to move laterally while out of the groove and then into the receptacle. At this point, the side lighting assembly is directed, relying on the magnetic attraction force, until it reaches a stop. It is possible to "automatically" pull Ri2 further downward. In the illustrated example, such a stop occurs when the bottom of the base 10 abuts against the groove. Once in this final position, the side lighting assembly 2 is pulled forward by magnetic attraction. The thickness is held or limited in the thickness direction.

[0020] The ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b increase the strength of the side lighting assembly, and such reinforcement This means that without the reinforcement, the side lighting assembly would be damaged during manufacture or during installation. The present invention reduces mechanical and thermal stresses that may occur when the assembly is manipulated and fitted into the receptacle. The stress can be reduced by applying a force to an element of the side lighting assembly, such as a light guide, a light guide on the light guide, or the like. This can cause damage to any coatings or reflectors on the wires. 6a, 6b "automatically" position the side lighting assembly 2 relative to the receptacle. Magnetic attraction can be achieved to assist in the alignment and fixation. Further aspects described below In the figure, the ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b carry analog or digital electrical signals, e.g. data signals, A control signal, power, or power recovery may be transmitted from one end of the side lighting assembly to the other end. It is also possible to transport to the end.

[0021] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, in the particular example shown, the first magnetic component 5 is a The magnet may include or consist of one or more magnet elements. 6a, 6b are magnetically attracted to the one or more magnet elements of the first magnetic part 5 In this example, the first ferromagnetic wire 6a is aligned with the vertical longitudinal center plane 1 of the side lighting assembly 2. 4 and the second ferromagnetic wire 6b is positioned to the right of the vertical longitudinal center plane 14. A vertical longitudinal center plane 14 extends lengthwise along the side lighting assembly 2. Such positioning of the wires 6a, 6b allows for efficient use of the available volume within the base 10. and balances the magnetic attraction forces.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b are multipurpose and can be side-illuminated, as described below. Each ferromagnetic wire also serves as an electrical path from one end of the light assembly to the other. The ear extends continuously in the length direction from the first end of the waveguide 9 to the second end of the waveguide 9. , which is conductive and therefore an indication of how the lighting device may be functioning. More specifically, the example shown in FIG. At the first end, a light sensor is provided, which is configured to detect light propagating within the waveguide 9. A photodiode or phototransistor 11 may be added. The ear 6a is coupled at one end to an electrical terminal of the optical sensor 11 and at the other end to The second ferromagnetic wire 6b is connected to an electrical detector circuit 13 via a wire at the other end is coupled to another electrical terminal of the light sensor 11 at the other end of the electrical detector circuit 1 3. The electrical detector circuit may be an analog comparator or a digital comparator. It may include an analog-to-digital converter as part of its functionality, which is and conveyed through one or more of the wires 6a, 6b. compare it to a set of thresholds above, and then take some action based on the result of this comparison. For example, an electrical control circuit (not shown) may be coupled to the light source 12, which may In response to the output of the electrical detector circuit 13 (e.g., the result of a comparison made thereby), the light source For example, if the signal is below a minimum threshold, the amount of light injected into the waveguide 9 can be controlled by In some cases, some optical aspects of the side illumination waveguide 9 may be defective, and this If the signal exceeds the minimum threshold but is below the intermediate threshold, the control circuit turns off the light source 12. If it is less than this value, then there is insufficient side illumination power, in which case the control circuit will not signal light source 12. If the signal exceeds a maximum threshold, the side The illumination power is probably too high, in which case the control circuit sends a signal to the light source 12 to increase its output Other types of analog or digital electrical signals are transmitted through the ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b. For example, in this case, the optical sensor 11 is omitted, but the ferromagnetic wire 6a , 6b may be generated by another type of sensor or electrical signal generating circuit. will be done.

[0023] More generally, a second light source on the side lighting assembly 2 may be used as the light source shown in FIG. The magnetic component 2 may be one or more ferromagnetic wires (including two or more). Each extends longitudinally along the base 10. For example, There may be only a single ferromagnetic wire, which may be wired together, or there may be three wires (e.g. A single wire in the center, and preferably one wire on the left side symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane 14 and In another embodiment not shown in FIG. 1, the second The magnetic components are permanently attached (embedded in the base 10 or attached to the surface of the base 10). It may be one or more magnet elements, such as magnet elements, which form a sequence, or Extending longitudinally along the base 10. Such a solution involves the use of ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b. This also provides the advantage of mechanical reinforcement of the side lighting assembly 2. In yet another alternative (not shown in FIG. 1), the first light source 1 on the side lighting assembly 2 may be The second magnetic component may be an electromagnet (e.g., having a coil formed in the base 10), Alternatively, the base 10 may be made of a composite material of magnetic particles in a polymer, etc. There may be magnetic particles dispersed therein.

[0024] As for the first magnetic part 5 on the receptacle 4, this is embedded in the receptacle 4. A sealing member, for example, is embedded in or attached to a surface (for example, outer surface 7) of the receptacle 4. One or more magnet elements forming a can or extending lengthwise along the base 10. The one or more magnet elements may be permanent magnet elements, or they may be electromagnets. In yet another embodiment, the first magnetic part 5 may be embedded in the receptacle 4. , may be magnetic particles, for example, dispersed within the receptacle 4 .

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a side lighting assembly 2 with an optical protective coating attached to a base 10. Although the two elements are shown as being made of the same material, e.g. It may be made of a transparent polymer and may be molded, for example, by an extrusion process, into a one-piece This is because the base 10 is an optical element that fits into a groove in the receptacle 4. The optical protective coating 15 is an extension of the optical protective coating 15, or an elongated reinforcing structure 20 is provided. embedded in the ring or attached to the outer surface of the optical protective coating. It can also be seen as being

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, this shows another embodiment, also based on a side-emitting optical waveguide 9. 1 shows an end view of an exemplary lighting device in a cross section taken in a transverse plane, as shown in FIG. All arrangements and variations of these elements are consistent with the elements of the same reference numerals shown in FIG. 2 and 3. Any of the embodiments described above with reference to FIG. 4 may be used. The embodiment is applicable to the present invention, with the following exceptions. Here, the first magnetic part 5 is a (receptor One or more magnets positioned along the side, but not along the bottom, of a U-shaped section of a circle The first ferromagnetic wire 6a is also here (naturally a side illuminator) 2) is positioned above the horizontal longitudinal plane 17 of the base 10 (which is part of the light assembly 2), The second ferromagnetic wire 6b is positioned below the horizontal longitudinal plane 17. This is confirmed in FIG. This is referred to as a vertical or stacked arrangement of the wires 6a, 6b, as opposed to the horizontal or flat arrangement commonly accepted. This vertical arrangement may reduce the diameter of the wires 6a, 6b (for the same base 10 width). ) can be chosen to be larger, which is accompanied by higher stability and orientation tunability. In this respect, the horizontal arrangement may have some advantages over the horizontal arrangement. It should also be noted that the first magnetic part 5 is partially embedded in the receptacle as shown. Alternatively, the component 5 may be completely embedded (below the surface 7) or the The above components are then attached to surface 7 so that they are completely outside of receptacle 4 as can be seen. Examples of mounting the device include:

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 5, this is a cross-section taken in transverse section of another exemplary lighting device. FIG. 1 is an end view of a portion of a slit in a slit in a slit in a slit in a slit in a rectangular shape. The reinforcement structure 20 is on the base 10, for example embedded in the elongated base 10 as shown. The elongated reinforcing structure 20 is attached to the outer surface of the elongated base 10. Extending longitudinally along the elongated base 10 are ferromagnetic wires 6a , 6b or instead of the ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b. In a variation of the one shown in FIG. 5 (an example of the second magnetic component described above in relation to FIG. 1), The ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b (as shown in FIG. 1) are omitted from the side lighting assembly 2. This is possible because the elongated reinforcing structure 20 is itself (provided by the ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b) The side lighting assembly is provided with a casing that is adapted to mechanically reinforce the side lighting assembly (without relying on additional reinforcement provided by the casing). This reinforcement allows the structure to be constructed as shown in the figure. During the manufacture of the side lighting assembly 2 or by operating the side lighting assembly, The mechanical or thermal stress that may occur when the side wall 4 is fitted to the side wall 4 can be reduced. Elements of the lighting assembly, such as: light guide 9; optical protective coating 15; any coatings on the optical waveguide, such as the light emitting layer 8, which is also described below; This can cause damage to the reflector 16 that is attached to the reflector.

[0028] The elongated reinforcing structure 20 may be one or more flexible rods extending longitudinally along the base 10. As can be seen in the example of FIG. There are two rods positioned symmetrically to the left and right of the longitudinal center plane 14, respectively. More typically, however, one or more such rods will be present on the base 10. The rod may be an optical fiber, a composite rod, a metal rod (wire), or a polyimide rod. In the case of optical fibers, the rod may be mechanically attached to the assembly 2. In addition to providing strength, the device can have a dual purpose and thus be analogous transmits digital optical signals, such as data signals and control signals, to one end of the side lighting assembly 2. from one end along its length to the other end, or for strain measurement or positional or or mechanical gauges for orientation measurement, e.g. fiber Bragg grating sensors The elongated reinforcing structure 20 (e.g., capable of carrying analog or digital electrical signals) or function as part of a mechanical gauge, such as for performing temperature or strain measurements In this way, a dual purpose wire can also be used if there is more than one wire that is connected to the do.

[0029] Much of the above description provided with respect to FIGS. 1-4 has focused on the base 10 and the optical protective coating. The same applies to similar elements as seen in FIG. 5, including group 15. For example, in the example of FIG. The optical protective coating 15 comprises a base 10 and an elongated reinforcing structure 20 embedded therein; However, FIG. 5 shows the optical protective coating 15 attached to the base 10. For attaching, i.e., by adhering to each other using an adhesive layer 18 (e.g., adhesive), Another approach is also shown. Such a bonding operation introduces an optical protective coating 15. This is followed by a separate operation of forming the waveguide 9 on the outer surface or the light-emitting layer 8 on the outer surface. Here, when the reflector 16 is included as shown in the figure, one of the reflectors 16 The reflector 16 is then attached to the outer surface of the protective coating 15 in a separate operation. Note that the opposite surface of the adhesive layer 18 may be adhered to the base 10 via an adhesive layer 18 .

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown featuring an elongated reinforcing structure 20. In this case, the structure 20 is a side lighting assembly 2 similar to that shown in FIG. 4 and 5, in which ferromagnetic wires 6a, 6b are added to the base 10 in a similar version. In some embodiments shown in FIG. This advantage can also be seen in FIG. 6, i.e., the "coated waveguide" (waveguide) (9), optional light emitting layer 8, and optical protective coating 15. The combined assembly (combined assembly) can be formed separately from the base 10 and then attached to the base 10 via the adhesive layer 18. For example, the magnetic strip may be attached to the base 10 using an adhesive, so that the magnetic strip can be oriented by magnetic attraction. and location, and the addition of the elongated reinforcing structure 20 improves the functionality. A more stable and robust lighting system (side lighting assembly 2 and receptacle 4) ) is obtained. The variants described above in relation to FIG. 1 (e.g. the first magnetic The variants with respect to the part 5 and the variants with respect to the second magnetic part on the base 10 are shown in FIG. Wherever a single reference number is used, it is also applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0031] In all of the above-described embodiments, for example, referring now to FIG. 1, the side lighting assembly 2 includes Furthermore, the light emitting layer 8 surrounding the waveguide 9 and the rift between the protective coating 15 and the base 10 are This combination creates side lighting in the following way: The waveguide 9 may be an optical fiber having a core and a cladding. In the fiber-optic optical fiber, the primary propagation light is guided by a light source 12, such as a laser or a light-emitting diode, coupled to the fiber. This primary light is generated by a 1000-mW (LED) light source (formed in the core of a fiber, for example). The scattering zone (which is located in the center of the fiber) scatters the light through the side of the fiber before it leaves the fiber. , propagates in the downstream direction shown along the central longitudinal axis of the fiber. ,Propagation through the upstream portion of the fiber efficiently transfers the primary light from the light source to the scattering structure. This allows the light source 12 to be delivered from the illumination space (illuminated by the side lighting assembly) to the The scattered radiation, or the escaping light, may be located substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. The direction of the light is directional (forming a cone or lobe of light with a radial extent of less than 360°) The fiber is then oriented so that it is isotropic or omnidirectional (emitting light with equal intensity all around the fiber). The scattering zone that can produce such a result An example is International Published Patent Application No. PCT / IB2012 / 00061, filed March 28, 2012. 7 (Waveguide Devices for Illumination Systems). Directional side emission is particularly If efficient, the reflector 16 may be omitted. Alternatively, other types of side-emitting Fiber optics can be used.

[0032] The fiber has a light emitting layer 8 formed thereon, the light emitting layer 8 being external to a waveguide 9. The coating may be formed on the side surface of the optical fiber, and may be a secondary coating for the primary propagating light. It is made of a photoluminescent material that converts the wavelength of light into a secondary light with a different wavelength from the primary light. The resulting side emission light contains a broader spectrum than the primary light. It is possible to show, for example, the result of the combination of unabsorbed primary light and secondary light. Alternatively, the photoluminescent material of layer 8 and the wavelength of the primary light may be a white light (e.g., Very little of the primary light remains unabsorbed (detected by sensor 11), and therefore The side emission light from the fiber is dominated by secondary light, e.g., red or infrared light. , you can select.

[0033] In another embodiment, the photoluminescent material is incorporated directly into the waveguide 9 or into a side lighting assembly. Because the waveguide is positioned outside of the cavity 2, the contacts formed on the outer surface of the waveguide are In yet another embodiment, the photoluminescent material is not present in the waveguide 9. neither as an outer coating nor as an outer coating, and thus the side emission from the side lighting assembly 2 All light is primary light.

[0034] The light source 12 may be any suitable radiation source having one or more emitters. is incoherent, such as from a discharge lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED). It may have a relatively broad spectrum. This is the case for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or Alternatively, the source may be a single wavelength (herein quasi-single wavelength) based source. A coherent, narrow-spectrum light source, such as a laser, that emits a narrow wavelength (also called a long wavelength) is used. The source may be a single wavelength laser or multiple single wavelength lasers. It is not limited to a particular portion. Examples include the ultraviolet, visible, or Sources that emit substantially in the infrared range of light are included.

[0035] The optical fibers mentioned above are single clad optical fibers, multi clad optical fibers, photo The optical fiber may be any suitable optical fiber, such as a crystalline crystal optical fiber or a microstructured optical fiber. The fiber may be passive, i.e., light propagates along the fiber at approximately the same wavelength. It can be of the diffuse type, or of the active type, i.e. the propagating light is in the fiber core, cladding, etc. , or implemented in the fiber coating (e.g., luminescent layer 8 shown in FIG. 1). may be partially or completely converted by the luminescent species or material .

[0036] In yet another aspect, the optical fiber is a fiber having a core medium but no cladding layer. The optical conduit may be replaced by another suitable waveguide, such as a transparent rod.

[0037] The scattering structures are integrated directly during the fabrication of the waveguide (e.g. during the optical fiber drawing process). The scattering structures may be continuous or discontinuous, laser-insulated structures, particles, impurities, or holes. These may be laser guided structures, which direct external intense laser light into a selected waveguide. The direction of propagation of the guided light can be created by applying a current to a selected position. or transverse to the direction of propagation (transverse direction), the position, shape, size, scattering of the scattering structures The intensity, tilt or orientation, and periodicity are adapted to the focus, intensity, and position of the external processing laser. Specifically, by adjusting these parameters, The scattering structures are formed in the cladding of the fiber, so that the desired radiation pattern can be obtained. It may also be a mechanical tap that has been chemically or mechanically processed.

[0038] In another embodiment, the extracted light can follow a leaky mode of propagation within the waveguide 9. This leaky mode is caused by the change in the refractive index gradient of the propagating light and the fiber waveguide, or by the Changes in the radius or geometry of the fiber (these changes can be induced, for example, during the fiber drawing process) This may occur due to the interaction between the

[0039] The luminescent or photoluminescent species or materials, which may be in the waveguide itself or in the luminescent layer 8, may be selected from the group consisting of Any material that absorbs light at one wavelength and in response re-emits light at another wavelength. For example, these materials may contain one or more phosphorescent elements that re-emit light at longer wavelengths. (down-converting phosphor), or one or more phosphors that re-emit at shorter wavelengths (upconverting phosphors). These species can be of one or more types In one embodiment, the addition of the photoluminescent material is for quality control purposes. The white illumination light is designed to efficiently generate white illumination light suitable for illuminating a sample in a The light is converted into "secondary" light, which is scattered and separated into " The combination of the "primary" light and any portion of the primary light that has not been wavelength converted. It is a combination.

[0040] The protective coating 15 and base 10 together hold the fiber in place and The assembly can be grippable. In one embodiment, the base 10 and the optical protection cover The coating 15 is made of the same material, for example a light-transmitting polymer, such as a transparent polymer. The base 10 and (optical waveguide 9 and, if light emitting layer 8 is used, light emitting layer 8) may be formed. The protective coating 15 (which surrounds the Reflector 16 (if included) is attached to the base and optical It may be formed together with the protective coating 15 as an integral part embedded therein. 5, a protective coating 15 or reflector 16 is applied to the base 1 0, an adhesive layer 18 (eg, glue) may be used.

[0041] The optical protective coating 15 can play an active role, i.e., affecting the illumination pattern and its Directly or indirectly affecting the shape, spectrum, and / or polarization of the spatial distribution of In another embodiment, a portion of the protective coating 15 can be irradiated with one or more of the escaping light. Can be made of absorbent materials to selectively inhibit or block portions, i.e., in a spatial sense Alternatively, for example, the resulting illumination pattern may include only selected wavelengths or colors. The absorbing material is adapted to selectively suppress or block a portion of the spectrum of the emitted light so that the This, combined with the reflection of the escaping light by the reflector 16, It is possible to do so.

[0042] The reflector 16 diffuses a portion of the emitted light or a portion of the spectrum of the emitted light. It can be made in part or in whole of a reflective or diffusive material so as to reflect or redirect the light, The emitted light is scattered to exit the side of the waveguide 9, for example as shown in FIG. do.

[0043] Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated in the drawings, such embodiments are not intended to be limiting of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration and arrangement shown, as those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations and arrangements may be used. Various modifications may be envisioned, and the description is therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. It is assumed that.

Claims

1. An elongated side-emitting waveguide having a first end and a second end, A light source connected to the first end of the waveguide and configured to inject light into the waveguide, An optical sensor connected to detect propagating light at the second end of the waveguide and configured to generate one or more feedback signals based on the detected propagating light, An electrical detection circuit connected to the optical sensor via one or more wires, the electrical detection circuit being configured to receive the one or more feedback signals via at least one of the one or more wires and to monitor the propagating light against one or more thresholds, the electrical detection circuit, A lighting device comprising.

2. The electrical detection circuit is configured to monitor the propagating light by comparing the one or more feedback signals with the one or more thresholds, The electrical detection circuit is further configured to provide an output to an electrical control circuit configured to control the amount of light injected by the light source based on the result of the comparison, the lighting device according to claim 1.

3. The electrical control circuit is part of the lighting device, the lighting device according to claim 2.

4. An optical protection coating surrounding at least a portion of the waveguide, An elongated base to which the optical protection coating is attached in the longitudinal direction, the elongated base being configured to be coupled to a receptacle of the lighting device, the elongated base, The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising.

5. The receptacle comprises a groove having a cross-section that meshes with the cross-section of the elongated base, and when the elongated base is coupled to the receptacle, the elongated base is configured to be received in the groove in only one orientation, the lighting device according to claim 4.

6. The receptacle is an automotive component, the lighting device according to claim 4.

7. The optical protection coating and the elongated base are simultaneously extruded to form an integral part, the lighting device according to claim 4.

8. A first width of the optical protection coating along a cross-section of the lighting device is different from a second width along a cross-section of the elongated base, the lighting device according to claim 4.

9. The lighting device according to claim 4, further comprising a reflector between the elongated base and the optical protection coating.

10. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the elongated base has a polygonal cross-section obtained in a cross-section.

11. An optical waveguide assembly comprising a side-emitting waveguide, an optical protection coating surrounding at least a part of the waveguide, and an optical sensor that detects the propagating light passing through the side-emitting waveguide and generates a feedback signal based on the propagating light, A light source that injects light into the side-emitting waveguide based on the feedback signal, A receptacle in which a groove is formed, the groove having a cross-sectional shape that fits with a cross-section of a part of the optical waveguide assembly, and a part of the optical waveguide assembly being capable of fitting into the groove in only one orientation, the receptacle, A lighting device comprising.

12. The lighting device according to claim 11, wherein the receptacle is an automotive part.

13. An electrical detection circuit, One or more wires having a first end connected to the optical sensor and a second end connected to the electrical detection circuit, and further comprising, The electrical detection circuit is configured to: 1) receive the feedback signal via at least one of the wires; 2) monitor the propagating light against one or more thresholds. The lighting device according to claim 11.

14. The electrical detection circuit is configured to monitor the propagating light by comparing the feedback signal with the one or more thresholds, and the electrical detection circuit is further configured to provide an output to an electrical control circuit based on the comparison, and the electrical control circuit is connected to the light source and is configured to control the amount of light injected by the light source into the side-emitting waveguide based on the output. The lighting device according to claim 13.

15. The optical waveguide assembly further comprises a base to which the optical protection coating is coupled, and a part of the optical waveguide assembly includes a longitudinal portion of the base. The lighting device according to claim 11.

16. The cross-section of the groove and the cross-section of the longitudinal portion of the base are both polygonal. The lighting device according to claim 15.

17. A side-emitting waveguide, An elongated base connected to the waveguide in the length direction, the elongated base comprising one or more wires extending continuously in the length direction from a first end to a second end of the waveguide. The elongated base, An optical sensor configured to detect propagating light at the first end of the waveguide, wherein the one or more wires are connected to electrical terminals of the optical sensor, the optical sensor An illumination assembly for the side surface based on an optical waveguide, comprising the above.

18. The illumination assembly according to claim 17, further comprising an electrical detection circuit connected to the optical sensor via the one or more wires and configured to compare data from the optical sensor with one or more thresholds.

19. A light source configured to inject light into the second end of the waveguide, An electrical control circuit configured to control the amount of light injected by the light source into the second end of the waveguide according to the output of the electrical detection circuit The illumination assembly according to claim 18, further comprising the above.

20. The illumination assembly according to claim 17, comprising a transparent optical protection coating surrounding the side surface of the waveguide, and the transparent optical protection coating and the elongated base are simultaneously extruded to form an integral part.

21. A receptacle in which an elongated groove is formed, A first magnetic component disposed on the receptacle, A side illumination assembly, An illumination device comprising the above, wherein The side illumination assembly includes A side-emitting waveguide, An elongated base connected to the waveguide in the longitudinal direction, A second magnetic component disposed on the base, Comprising the above, The elongated groove is sized to receive the elongated base at a position where the elongated base is held by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component. Illumination device

22. The illumination device according to claim 21, wherein the first magnetic component comprises one or more magnet elements embedded in or joined to the surface of the receptacle, and the second magnetic component comprises one or more ferromagnetic wires extending along the longitudinal direction of the base.

23. The illumination device according to claim 22, wherein the second magnetic component comprises a first ferromagnetic wire and a second ferromagnetic wire continuously extending in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end of the waveguide.

24. An optical sensor configured to detect propagating light at the first end of the waveguide, An electrical detection circuit comprising, wherein the first ferromagnetic wire and the second ferromagnetic wire are connected to a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal of the optical sensor at one end, and are connected to the electrical detection circuit at the other end, the lighting device according to claim 23.

25. a light source configured to inject light into the second end of the waveguide; an electrical control circuit connected to the light source, the electrical control circuit controlling the amount of light injected into the waveguide by the light source; The lighting device according to claim 24, further comprising.

26. at the second end of the waveguide, connected to the first ferromagnetic wire and the second ferromagnetic wire, using the first ferromagnetic wire or the second ferromagnetic wire as a mechanical gauge to measure temperature or strain, further comprising an electrical detection circuit, the lighting device according to claim 25.

27. the first ferromagnetic wire is positioned on the left side of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the side illumination assembly, the second ferromagnetic wire is positioned on the right side of the vertical longitudinal center plane, or the first ferromagnetic wire is positioned above the horizontal longitudinal plane of the side illumination assembly, the second ferromagnetic wire is positioned below the horizontal longitudinal plane, the lighting device according to claim 23.

28. an optical sensor configured to detect light at the first end of the waveguide; an electrical detection circuit; further comprising, the second magnetic component includes a first ferromagnetic wire and a second ferromagnetic wire that continuously extend in the length direction from the first end to the second end of the waveguide, one end of the first ferromagnetic wire is connected to a first electrical terminal of the optical sensor, one end of the second ferromagnetic wire is connected to a second electrical terminal of the optical sensor, the other end of the first ferromagnetic wire is connected to the electrical detection circuit at the second end of the waveguide, the other end of the second ferromagnetic wire is connected to the electrical detection circuit at the second end of the waveguide, the lighting device according to claim 21.

29. further comprising a light source configured to inject light into the second end of the waveguide, an electrical control circuit is connected to the light source, and the electrical control circuit controls the amount of light injected into the waveguide by the light source according to the output of the electrical detection circuit, the lighting device according to claim 28.

30. The lighting device according to claim 21, wherein the first magnetic component on the receptacle comprises one or more magnet elements each consisting of one or more permanent magnet strips arranged along the bottom of the groove.

31. A light-emitting layer surrounding the waveguide, An optical protection coating surrounding the light-emitting layer, A reflector disposed between the optical protection coating and the base, The lighting device according to claim 21, comprising.

32. A side-emitting waveguide, An elongated base joined to the waveguide in the longitudinal direction, A magnetic component embedded in the elongated base or attached to the surface of the elongated base and extending in the longitudinal direction along the elongated base, A side-illumination assembly based on an optical waveguide, comprising.

33. The magnetic component comprises a first ferromagnetic wire extending in the longitudinal direction along the base, The side-illumination assembly according to claim 32.

34. The magnetic component comprises a second ferromagnetic wire, and the first ferromagnetic wire and the second ferromagnetic wire continuously extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end of the waveguide to the second end of the waveguide. The side-illumination assembly according to claim 33.

35. An optical sensor configured to detect propagating light at the first end of the waveguide, wherein the first ferromagnetic wire and the second ferromagnetic wire are coupled to a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal of the optical sensor at one end, the optical sensor; An electrical detector circuit, wherein the first ferromagnetic wire and the second ferromagnetic wire are coupled to the electrical detector circuit at another end, the electrical detector circuit; The side-illumination assembly according to claim 34, further comprising.

36. The side-illumination assembly according to claim 35, further comprising a light source configured to inject light into the second end of the waveguide, and coupled to the light source to control the amount of light injected by the light source into the waveguide.

Images