U.S. patent application number 15/672684 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-28 for method for manufacturing electronic products, related arrangement and product.
The applicant listed for this patent is TactoTek Oy. Invention is credited to Tuomas HEIKKILA, Antti KERANEN, Paavo NISKALA, Jarmo SAASKI, Kari SEVERINKANGAS, Sami TORVINEN.
Application Number | 20170371092 15/672684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54334399 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-28 |
![](/patent/app/20170371092/US20170371092A1-20171228-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20170371092/US20170371092A1-20171228-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20170371092/US20170371092A1-20171228-D00002.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20170371092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KERANEN; Antti ; et
al. |
December 28, 2017 |
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, RELATED ARRANGEMENT
AND PRODUCT
Abstract
A method for manufacturing an electronic product, including
obtaining a flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent, substrate sheet, printing, by an additive printed
electronics process, a plurality of electrical conductors on the
substrate sheet, printing or disposing, a plurality of electronic
components including optoelectronic light emissive components on
the substrate sheet, at least some of the printed conductors being
configured to provide electrical current thereto, providing at
least one graphic on the substrate sheet, the at least one graphic
configured to enable outcoupling of light, and attaching a
flexible, optically substantially transparent, lightguide sheet to
the substrate sheet to establish a multi-layer structure, the light
emitted by the light emissive components being received by the
lightguide sheet, propagating therewithin, and then being at least
partly emitted to the environment through the at least one
graphic.
Inventors: |
KERANEN; Antti; (Kempele,
FI) ; SAASKI; Jarmo; (Kempele, FI) ; HEIKKILA;
Tuomas; (Oulu, FI) ; NISKALA; Paavo; (Oulu,
FI) ; SEVERINKANGAS; Kari; (Oulu, FI) ;
TORVINEN; Sami; (Oulu, FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TactoTek Oy |
Oulunsalo |
|
FI |
|
|
Family ID: |
54334399 |
Appl. No.: |
15/672684 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14264273 |
Apr 29, 2014 |
|
|
|
15672684 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/006 20130101;
G02B 6/0051 20130101; G02B 6/0065 20130101; G02B 6/0036 20130101;
G02B 6/0091 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21V 8/00 20060101
F21V008/00 |
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing an electronic product, comprising:
obtaining a flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent, substrate sheet; printing, by an additive printed
electronics process, a plurality of electrical conductors on the
substrate sheet; printing or disposing a plurality of electronic
components including optoelectronic light emissive components on
the substrate sheet, at least some of the printed conductors being
configured to provide electrical current thereto; and providing at
least one graphic on the substrate sheet, the at least one graphic
configured to enable outcoupling of light; and attaching a
flexible, optically substantially transparent, lightguide sheet to
the substrate sheet to establish a multi-layer structure, the light
emitted by the light emissive components being received by the
lightguide sheet, propagating therewithin, and then being at least
partly emitted to the environment through the at least one
graphic.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one graphic is
provided on the substrate sheet by printing.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one graphic is
provided on the substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one graphic is
composed of a material having a refractive index enabling
outcoupling of light from the lightguide sheet at the location of
the at least one graphic.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one graphic is
further configured to enable outcoupling of the light at a desired
angle relative to the lightguide sheet.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one portion of the at
least one graphic is illuminated by the outcoupling of the
light.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphics are optically
transparent or translucent.
8. A manufacturing system for an electronic product or device, the
manufacturing system comprising: equipment configured to: print, by
an additive printed electronics process, a plurality of electrical
conductors on a flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent substrate sheet according to a predefined layout,
provide a plurality of electronic components including
optoelectronic light emissive components on the substrate sheet
according to the predefined layout, at least some of the printed
conductors being configured to provide electrical current thereto,
provide at least one graphic on the substrate sheet, the at least
one graphic configured to enable outcoupling of light, and attach a
flexible, optically substantially transparent, pre-prepared
lightguide sheet with the substrate sheet to establish a functional
multi-layer laminate structure in which the light emitted by the
light emissive components is received by the lightguide sheet,
propagating therewithin, and then being at least partly emitted to
the environment through the at least one graphic.
9. The manufacturing system of claim 8, wherein the at least one
graphic is provided on the substrate sheet by printing.
10. The manufacturing system of claim 8, wherein the at least one
graphic is provided on the substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
11. The manufacturing system of claim 8, wherein the at least one
graphic is composed of a material having a refractive index
enabling outcoupling of light from the lightguide sheet at the
location of the at least one graphic.
12. The manufacturing system of claim 11, wherein the at least one
graphic is further configured to enable outcoupling of the light at
a desired angle relative to the lightguide sheet.
13. The manufacturing system of claim 12, wherein at least one
portion of the at least one graphic is illuminated by the
outcoupling of the light.
14. The manufacturing system of claim 8, wherein the graphics are
optically transparent or translucent.
15. An electronic system comprising: an optically functional
multi-layer structure incorporating: a flexible, optically
substantially transparent or translucent, substrate sheet, provided
with a plurality of electrical conductors and at least one graphic
thereon, the at least one graphic configured to enable outcoupling
of light, a plurality of electronic components including
optoelectronic light emissive components arranged on the substrate
sheet, at least some of the printed conductors being configured to
provide electrical current thereto, and a flexible, optically
substantially transparent, pre-prepared lightguide sheet attached
to the substrate sheet and configured such that the light emitted
by the light emissive components is received by the lightguide
sheet, propagating therewithin, and being at least partly emitted
to the environment through the at least one graphic; and additive
printed electronics equipment configured to print the electrical
conductors on the flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent, substrate sheet.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one graphic is
provided on the substrate sheet by printing.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one graphic is
provided on the substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one graphic is
composed of material having a refractive index enabling outcoupling
of light from the lightguide sheet at the location of the at least
one graphic.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one graphic is
further configured to enable outcoupling of the light at a desired
angle relative to the lightguide sheet.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein at least one portion of the at
least one graphic is illuminated by the outcoupling of the light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/264,273 filed Apr. 29, 2014, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Generally the present invention concerns manufacturing
processes in the context of electronic products and related
products. Particularly, however not exclusively, the invention
pertains to manufacturing processes involving printed electronics
and optoelectronic components.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Miniaturization is a prevalent trend in the manufacturing of
electronic products. Additionally, manufacturing costs should be
kept minimum, which implies relatively straightforward, high yield
processes with reduced number of process stages and material waste
among other factors.
[0004] Although more traditional electronic elements such as PCBs
(printed circuit board), conductors, components like SMDs
(surface-mount device), etc. have reduced in size and weight, many
of them are still relatively bulky and rigid/inflexible compared to
printed electronics. Printed electronics have generally shown the
way to thin, light, flexible/bendable and rapidly manufactured
structures.
[0005] Current optical or optoelectronic solutions generally follow
the aforementioned trends. Control of light emission, transmission,
coupling, etc. is increasingly required in a variety of different
applications ranging from mobile electronics and digital
entertainment to digital signage and automotive industry.
Traditionally, the control of light transmission has required the
use of relatively complex coupling and filtering structures, which
have been, besides tricky to manufacture with good yield,
space-consuming, fragile, lossy and costly.
[0006] Accordingly, in many occasions it could be sensible to
utilize opportunities provided by printed electronics or combine
several manufacturing technologies including printed electronics to
obtain products with desired characteristics, yield and cost. In a
multitude of contemporary optical applications, the size, cost, and
reliability requirements are rather strict considering e.g. the
manufacturing of small-sized, consumer electronics grade touch
panels embedded in various apparatuses such as smartphones,
tablets, and phablets. While the theory in the field of physics and
optics leading at a sufficient level of light control in such
applications is well known for years by now, many manufactured
solutions have fallen under a number of aforesaid pitfalls such as
complexity and fragility.
SUMMARY
[0007] An objective of the embodiments of the present invention is
to at least alleviate one or more of the aforesaid drawbacks
evident in the prior art arrangements in the context of
manufacturing of electronic products incorporating flexible
substrates, conductors and optoelectronic components.
[0008] The above-stated objective is generally achieved with a
method of manufacture and an electronic product obtained
therewith.
[0009] In one aspect, method for manufacturing an electronic
product, includes:
[0010] obtaining a flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent, substrate sheet;
[0011] printing, by an additive printed electronics process, a
plurality of electrical conductors on the substrate sheet;
[0012] printing or disposing a plurality of electronic components
including optoelectronic light emissive components on the substrate
sheet, at least some of the printed conductors being configured to
provide electrical current thereto;
[0013] providing at least on graphic on the substrate sheet, the at
last one graphic configured to enable outcoupling of light; and
[0014] attaching a flexible, optically substantially transparent,
lightguide sheet to the substrate sheet to establish a multi-layer
structure, the light emitted by the light emissive components being
received by the lightguide sheet, propagating therewithin, and then
being at least partly emitted to the environment through the at
least one graphic.
[0015] Optionally, the lightguide sheet may be provided using
cutting or drilling equipment, for example, with a number of
recesses, flutes, grooves, bevels, and/or holes, such as
through-holes, for accommodating and embedding at least part of the
optoelectronic components.
[0016] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by printing.
[0017] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
[0018] Optionally, the at least one graphic is composed of a
material having a refractive index enabling outcoupling of light
from the lightguide sheet at the location of the at least one
graphic.
[0019] Optionally, the at least one graphic is further configured
to enable outcoupling of the light at a desired angle relative to
the lightguide sheet.
[0020] Optionally, at least one portion of the at least one graphic
is illuminated by the outcoupling of the light.
[0021] Optionally, the graphics are optically transparent or
translucent.
[0022] In another aspect, a manufacturing system arrangement for an
electronic product or device, includes equipment configured to:
[0023] print, by an additive printed electronics process, a
plurality of electrical conductors on a flexible, optically
substantially transparent or translucent substrate sheet according
to a predefined layout, [0024] provide a plurality of electronic
components including optoelectronic light emissive components on
the substrate sheet according to the predefined layout, at least
some of the printed conductors being configured to provide
electrical current thereto, [0025] provide at least one graphic on
the substrate sheet, the at least one graphic configured to enable
outcoupling of light, and [0026] attach a flexible, optically
substantially transparent, pre-prepared lightguide sheet with the
substrate sheet to establish a functional multi-layer laminate
structure in which the light emitted by the light emissive
components is received by the light guide sheet, propagating
therewithin, and then being at least partly emitted to the
environment through the at least one graphic.
[0027] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by printing.
[0028] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
[0029] Optionally, the at least one graphic is composed of a
material having a refractive index enabling outcoupling of light
from the lightguide sheet at the location of the at least one
graphic.
[0030] Optionally, the at least one graphic is further configured
to enable outcoupling of the light at a desired angle relative to
the lightguide sheet.
[0031] Optionally, at least one portion of the at least one graphic
is illuminated by the outcoupling of the light.
[0032] Optionally, the graphics are optically transparent or
translucent.
[0033] Optionally, the printing equipment of the arrangement
comprises a printing apparatus such as a screen printing or ink
jetting apparatus to print the conductors, i.e. conductive traces
of conductive ink, on the substrate.
[0034] In certain embodiments, at least some of the components
including optoelectronic components like LEDs may be printed
utilizing the same or additional printing gear as used for printing
the conductors. Alternatively, or additionally, mounting equipment,
optionally pick and place machine, may be utilized to place and
align electronic surface-mountable component aforementioned
optoelectronic components on the substrate.
[0035] Attaching equipment of the arrangement may include e.g. a
glue dispensing apparatus to provide adhesive layer or adhesive
dot(s) to secure the lightguide sheet to the substrate. The
adhesive may be initially provided on the substrate sheet and/or
lightguide sheet. Optionally, the lightguide sheet may be
established upon attaching, e.g. by a moulding apparatus included
in the attaching equipment. For example, the substrate sheet
provided with components may be overmoulded so as to at least
partly encapsulate it in the molded material, preferably
plastics.
[0036] Yet, the arrangement may comprise a number of additional
elements such as drying/heating/curing equipment, cutter, carving
or drilling equipment, etc. One or more elements of the arrangement
may be optionally integrated together. For example, printing
equipment or mounting equipment may also be configured to provide
adhesive. In extreme case, the arrangement is implemented by
equipment that could be considered as a single apparatus.
[0037] In a further aspect, an electronic product, or device,
includes an optically functional multi-layer structure
incorporating:
[0038] an optically functional multi-layer structure
incorporating:
[0039] a flexible, optically substantially transparent or
translucent, substrate sheet, provided with a plurality of
electrical conductors and at least one graphic thereon, the at
least one graphic configured to enable outcoupling of light,
[0040] a plurality of electronic components including
optoelectronic light emissive components arranged on the substrate
sheet, at least some of the printed conductors being configured to
provide electrical current thereto, and
[0041] a flexible, optically substantially transparent,
pre-prepared lightguide sheet attached to the substrate sheet and
configured such that the light emitted by the light emissive
components is received by the lightguide sheet, propagating
therewithin, and being at least partly emitted to the environment
through the at least one graphic; and
[0042] additive printed electronics equipment configured to print
the electrical conductors on the flexible, optically substantially
transparent or translucent, substrate sheet,
[0043] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by printing.
[0044] Optionally, the at least one graphic is provided on the
substrate sheet by in-mold labeling.
[0045] Optionally, at least one graphic is composed of a material
having a refractive index enabling outcoupling of light from the
lightguide sheet at the location of the at least one graphic.
[0046] Optionally, the at least one graphic is further configured
to enable outcoupling of the light at a desired angle relative to
the lightguide sheet.
[0047] Optionally, at least one portion of the at least one graphic
is illuminated by the outcoupling of the light.
[0048] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be or
constitute at least part of a mobile communications device such as
a smartphone, tablet, phablet, a gaming accessory such as game
controller, UI (user interface) device, lighting device, a power
tool, an automobile, vehicle, automotive display device, wearable
electronics, wristop device, or a smart goggles or other smart
(digital) headwear.
[0049] The device may be either substantially planar or
three-dimensional. In the latter case, initially optionally planar
substrate film may have been provided with components and bent to a
target 3d-shape prior to, upon or after provision of the lightguide
sheet thereon.
[0050] The various embodiments of the method disclosed here may be
flexibly applied to the arrangement and product mutatis mutandis
and vice versa, as being readily understood by a person skilled in
the art.
[0051] The utility of the embodiments of the present invention
results from multiple different issues. The obtained electronic
product is robust, compact, thin as well as preferably flexible or
bendable, and optically at least sufficiently efficient to serve
the various intended use scenarios wherein light transmission
between light sources such as LEDs and target locations or areas is
required for illumination and/or aesthetic purposes. The
manufacturing costs remain low and the used materials, components
and equipment, and related pieces, are easily obtainable. The
method may be implemented using relatively standard equipment and
is scalable from prototyping to mass production.
[0052] Yet, different informative and/or aesthetic visual
indications, e.g. graphics, may be illuminated or rendered visually
distinguishable by the suggested light source--embedding laminate
structure, while the indications themselves may be cleverly
exploited outcouple light from within the lightguide.
[0053] The expression "a number of" may herein refer to any
positive integer starting from one (1).
[0054] The expression "a plurality of" may refer to any positive
integer starting from two (2), respectively.
[0055] Different embodiments of the present invention are also
disclosed in the attached dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] Next, the embodiments of the present invention are more
closely reviewed with reference to the attached drawings,
wherein
[0057] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram disclosing an embodiment of a
method in accordance with the present invention; and
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates the overall concept of the present
invention via an embodiment thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] With reference to FIG. 1, a flow diagram of one feasible
embodiment for manufacturing an electronic product, or device, in
accordance with the present invention is shown.
[0060] At 102, referring to a start-up phase, the necessary
preparatory actions such as material, element and tools general
selection, acquisition, configuration and material pre-processing
may take place. Circuit layout may be defined in the light of
product specification and other constraints. Process parameters may
be tested, tweaked and optimized.
[0061] For example, the used ink(s) shall be preferably selected in
connection with the available printing/disposition technique and
the substrate material because different printing techniques
require different rheological properties from the used ink, for
instance. Further, different printing technologies provide varying
amounts of ink per time unit, which often affects the achievable
conductivity figures.
[0062] At 104, a substrate sheet is obtained and optionally
pre-processed. A sheet with predefined desired dimensions may be
cut from a larger piece. Alternatively, e.g. roll-to-roll
processing may be applied.
[0063] The sheet preferably comprises or consists of plastic. It
may be a flexible plastic film, for instance. At least initially it
may be substantially flat. The substrate may comprise at least one
material selected from the group consisting of: plastic,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),
polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS),
Glycolized polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), high impact
polystyrene (HIPS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and acrylic
polymer.
[0064] Optionally, as indicated by item 108, the substrate sheet
may be provided with features for controlling light coupling (in-
and/or outcoupling) or transmission. The features may include
surface relief forms that can be in through embossing or stamping,
for example. The features may include printed graphics. e.g.
logo(s) visible from outside the substrate. Optionally, in-mold
decoration or labelling may be utilized to produce such.
[0065] Thickness of the substrate may vary according to properties
required the film, such as material strength, flexibility,
elasticity, transparency (measured e.g. via haze and luminous
transmittance) and/or size required from the final product. The
thickness of the substrate may be selected depending on the
embodiment. It may be a tenth or few tenths of a millimeter only,
or more, several millimeters, for example.
[0066] At 106A, electrical wiring, or conductors, is provided on
the substrate. Preferably the conductors are printed by a printing
method falling under the category of printed electronics. For
example, screen, ink jet, flexo(graphy), gravure, rotary, tampo, or
offset printing may be utilized.
[0067] Preparation of printing equipment, which may be done at 106A
or during start-up 102, may incorporate various phases. For
instance, in connection with screen printing, first a number of
film positives may be created in accordance with the desired
circuit layout to be manufactured. Then the screen(s) are provided
with the film image(s) using suitable exposure procedure etc.,
after which the hardened screen(s) are provided to the printing
machine or `press`.
[0068] The conductors following a predefined schematic (i.e.
layout/plan/diagram regarding the circuits, their positioning and
connections) for transmitting power/current and e.g. data signals
to/from or between the components on the substrate, may incorporate
or be substantially formed of conductive traces of one or more
conductive inks. The ink(s) may be non-adhesive or adhesive.
Adhesive properties may not be needed from the ink, and in some
embodiments, not even desired as they typically introduce problems
in terms of durability and controllability.
[0069] In addition to conductors or traces considered as
conductors, conductive contact areas, or `contact pads`, for the
contacts (leads, pins, pads etc.) of electronic components, such as
surface-mountable components, may be formed on the substrate. The
areas may be integral with the conductors. The areas may be formed
by the conductive ink by printing, as well.
[0070] The conductor areas and component contact areas, or `pads`,
may optionally differ from each other in terms of ink constitution,
ink layer thickness, dimensions, etc. It shall be noted, however,
that the predefined (schema-following) contact areas do not have to
necessarily differ from the conductor areas, regarding e.g. shape
or used ink, and these two may appear substantially the same, i.e.
uniform or homogenous, at least locally on the substrate.
[0071] Examples of commonly available conductive inks include e.g.
DuPont 5000.TM. and Asahi SW1600C.TM.. In some embodiments, it may
be preferred that the inks used are passive in contrast to e.g.
many conductive adhesives, and bear rheological properties, e.g.
viscosity or surface tension, which enable sufficient flow during
ejection or squeezing, i.e. ink dispensing/printing, but prevent
the ink from spreading too easily into adjacent materials and
structures afterwards. Yet, drying characteristics may be
optimized. The preferred sheet resistivity of the printed ink may
be about 80 mOhm/sq (at about 10 um print thickness) or less, for
example, more advantageously about 50 mOhm/sq or less.
[0072] Preferably, the conductive ink is selected such that it
withstands the necessary amount of strain like stretching so that
the traces produced retain their conductivity and potential other
desirable properties under stress. The substrate may be subjected
to stress during the manufacturing process of the electronic
product (considering e.g. (substrate) shaping) or later during the
use thereof.
[0073] The conductive ink may contain conductive particles such as
nanoparticles. The particles may be metal particles such as metal
nanoparticles, but alternatively or additionally, conductive
polymer ink may be utilized.
[0074] The ink may include silver, gold, copper or carbon as a
conductive material, for example. Transparent ink may be used in
applications wherein e.g. the material moulded over the
substrate/component(s) is transparent or translucent and the
underlying conductive traces should not be clearly visible.
[0075] As a further example, PTF such as silver-based PTF (Polymer
Thick Film) paste type ink could be utilized for (screen) printing
the desired circuit design on the film. Also e.g. copper or
carbon-based PTF pastes could be used.
[0076] Optionally, a plurality of conductive inks may be utilized.
For instance, one or more inks may be utilized for printing all or
selected conductors whereas one or more other inks may be utilized
for printing at least some of the conductive mount locations
(contact areas).
[0077] At 106B, a number of electronic components such as at least
one optoelectronic, light (i.e. preferably visible, but
additionally or alternatively non-visible electromagnetic radiation
depending on the use scenario) emissive component, preferably LED
(light-emitting diode), are arranged onto the substrate. The
components may be surface-mountable, e.g. surface-mountable ICs
(integrated circuit), and/or printed using the same or other
printing equipment as used for providing the conductors. Also
hybrid components are feasible, considering e.g. flip chips that
are surface mounted.
[0078] The LED(s) may be OLED(s) (Organic LED), for instance.
[0079] The LED(s) may be side emitting or `side shooting` (also
called as sideLEDs), for example.
[0080] Yet, the LED(S) may be provided as SMD (surface-mount
device) packages and/or as lead-based.
[0081] The LED package may be of predefined color. Accordingly, the
resin transporting and emitting the generated light may be
colorless/clear or colored. Accordingly, it may be optically
substantially clear or diffusing.
[0082] The electrical contacts of the provided component(s) shall
meet the predefined contact areas on the substrate to establish the
desired electrical connection therebetween.
[0083] Additionally, physical binding between the substrate and the
component(s) may be strengthened or accomplished through the use of
adhesive. The adhesive may be single-part surface mount epoxy, for
instance. Alternatively or additionally, multi-component adhesive
may be utilized. The utilized conductive ink may be adhesive as
mentioned hereinearlier.
[0084] Optionally, at least some and/or portion of the components
may be embedded within the substrate, i.e. beneath the surface of
the substrate.
[0085] At 110, a lightguide sheet is obtained. The sheet may be cut
from a bigger piece or e.g. roll-to-roll method may be applied. The
lightguide sheet may comprise at least one material selected from
the group consisting of: plastic, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) potymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA),
cyclo olefin copolymer (COC), cyclo olefin polymer (COP),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its
thickness may be some tenths of a millimeter or less, for
instance.
[0086] Preferably, the lightguide sheet is of substantially
transparent or at least, translucent material. The haze and
luminous transmittance of various materials may be utilized as a
guidline for selecting lightguide material with desired optical
characteristics.
[0087] The lightguide sheet may be provided with a number of
recesses, grooves, or holes, optionally through-holes, for
accommodating at least part of one or more components such as
aforementioned optoelectronic components. Mechanical punching,
drilling or e.g. precision laser drilling may be utilized for the
purpose. Alternatively, the lightguide sheet may be molded so as to
contain the desired recesses or holes.
[0088] Optionally, as indicated by item 108, the lightguide sheet
may be particularly provided with features for controlling light
coupling (in- and/or outcoupling) or transmission. The features may
include surface relief forms that can be manufactured through
embossing or stamping, for example. The features may include
printed graphics e.g. logo(s) visible from outside the product.
Optionally, in-mold decoration or labelling may be utilized to
produce such.
[0089] At 112, the lightguide sheet is arranged onto the substrate
sheet as properly positioned. For instance, the holes, if any, of
the sheet shall match the location of the light-emissive components
so that the components will fit the holes nicely and when in use,
the light emitted therefrom is coupled to the lightguide with
desired efficiency and e.g. incident angles.
[0090] Adhesive layer or dots may be provided between the substrate
and lightguide sheets. Adhesive may be first dispensed to either or
both the sheets at selected portions (e.g. edge portions and/or
areas near light-emissive components), whereupon the sheets are
brought together to form a multi-layer laminate structure with
embedded components and conductors. In addition to adhesive,
suitable temperature and/or pressure for enhancing the bond may be
utilized.
[0091] In an alternative scenario, the lightguide could be formed
and attached by molding the associated material onto the substrate
at this stage.
[0092] Optionally, the holes are filled with suitable material such
as resin/adhesive with applicable optical, hardening, adhesive
and/or protective properties.
[0093] The multi-layer structure may be provided with additional
elements such as a reflective sheet for preventing light leakage
via the lightguide side facing the opposite direction from the
substrate. Alternatively, such element could be provided to the
lightguide sheet prior to attaching to the substrate.
[0094] In some embodiments, the multi-layer structure may be
subjected to shaping by thermoforming, for instance, to exhibit a
desired three-dimensional shape.
[0095] The obtained structure may be used to establish an
illumination arrangement for a host device, for example.
Alternatively, it may be configured to establish a UI or generally
a sensing structure and comprise, in addition to light emitter(s),
also detector(s) for capturing externally received or internally
propagated light.
[0096] At 114, method execution is ended. The potentially iterative
nature of method items is indicated in the figure by the dotted
loop-back arrow.
[0097] At 120, high-level block diagram of an embodiment of an
arrangement for executing the method is shown.
[0098] Printing equipment 122 such as at least one automated
printing press or ink jet printer is utilized for printing the
conductors ("wires") and/or components such as (O)LEDs. Mounting
equipment 124 including e.g. a pick and place machine may be
utilized for providing electronic components, such as integrated
circuits, SMDs such as SMD LEDSs, lead-based LEDs, etc. onto the
substrate and optionally lightguide. Instead of or in addition to
mounting equipment 124, printing equipment 122 or further printing
equipment, may be exploited for printing components directly onto
the substrate and optionally lightguide.
[0099] Attaching equipment 128 integrates the substrate and
lightguide sheets together. The attaching equipment 128 may include
e.g. glue dispensing, lamination, and/or moulding machine(s).
[0100] Item 126 refers to potential further elements that may be
found in the arrangement depending on the embodiment thereof.
Drilling machine, cutter, labeling device, curing equipment (e.g.
reflow oven), etc. may be applied.
[0101] In FIG. 2, the overall concept of the present invention is
further reviewed by an embodiment thereof.
[0102] At 202, a substrate sheet 210, which may be a single layer
or multi-layer substrate, is shown with conductors 211 provided
thereon. Yet, contact areas, or `pads`, 211a may be provided on the
substrate for receiving contact elements of circuit components,
such as SMDs/ICs or individual components, provided thereon.
[0103] In some embodiments, the substrate 210 (and optionally
lightguide 212a, 212b) may be thermoformable and thus be optionally
thermoformed (either prior to or upon/after integration) to produce
desired shapes therein.
[0104] At 204, the substrate 210 further comprises the components
218, such as optoelectronic components like LEDs, disposed and/or
printed thereon. The electrical contact pads or other corresponding
features of the components 218 shall match the target contact areas
on the substrate 210, optionally formed by the conductors 211 as
explained hereinbefore.
[0105] Regarding the disposed components, adhesive such as surface
mount glue may be applied to secure the at least one component
physically to the substrate. Further, glop-topping or generally
different suitable packaging technologies such as coatings or
potting could be selectively exploited to protect and/or secure the
components.
[0106] The electrical and/or physical bond between the substrate
and the component may be secured by means of drying, heating and/or
curing using e.g. an oven suitable for the purpose, such as a
reflow oven.
[0107] At 216, two embodiments 212a, 212b of lightguide sheet are
illustrated.
[0108] The first embodiment 212a comprises a lightguide dimensioned
so as to cover, or in practice surround, when properly attached to
the substrate, components 218. For accommodating the components
218, holes 220 such as through-holes or recesses matching with the
component layout may be established in the lightguide material
using e.g. suitable drilling means as discussed hereinbefore.
[0109] The second embodiment 212b comprises a lightguide sheet
dimensioned so as to substantially fit within the component 218,
layout, or `component 218 circle`/`LED circle`, i.e. be adjacent to
the components in the center area of the substrate but not covering
them, thereby lacking need to provide them with holes to embed the
associated LEDS 218, etc.
[0110] At 208a, one embodiment with integrated substrate 210 and
lightguide 212a sheets is shown via a cross-section sketch along
line A-A. Adhesive 219 is used for attaching the sheets 210, 212a.
Light 218a emitted by optoelectronic components 218, such as LEDs,
is incoupled to the lightguide 212a, propagating therein preferably
substantially by total internal reflection until outcoupling via
the surface facing the substrate 210 towards the environment after
passing through the substrate 210. Outcoupling may be optionally
controlled or enhanced by placing e.g. adhesive and/or other
outcoupling-affecting elements, e.g. printed graphics 216
potentially obtained through in-mold labelling or decoration, at
the desired locations on the substrate/lightguide interface or
within the layers 210, 212a.
[0111] The graphics 216 is thus preferably utilized, besides their
visual decorative and/or informative function, utilized for
controlling light coupling. The material of the graphics may, for
example, have refractive index selected such, relative to the
lightguide 212b and/or substrate 210 materials, that light
outcoupling occurs at desired locations and angles. Accordingly,
the graphics 216, e.g. contours and/or inner portions thereof, may
be illuminated and thus visual effect created for better visibility
of the graphics, for instance.
[0112] Generally, the graphics 216, such as provided ink, may be
substantially optically transparent, translucent or opaque.
[0113] Optionally, a reflective element 214, such as diffuser or
(specular reflection) mirror, may be provided to prevent excessive
light leakage through the opposite, or `bottom`, surface of the
lightguide 212a. The element 214 may be laminated with the
lightguide 212a.
[0114] At 208b, another embodiment incorporating lightguide 212b is
correspondingly represented. The lightguide 212b lacks
recesses/holes of components 218 such as LEDs as it is fitted
within region spanned by the components 218 at the periphery
thereof, i.e. `LED circle`. Adhesive areas 219 in
connection/adjacent to the components 219 or remotely located
therefrom, e.g. in the center portion of the lightguide 212b or
substrate 210, may be utilized to control light coupling such as
incoupling from the components 218 to the lightguide 212b and/or
outcoupling therefrom towards the environment and potential user(s)
via the substrate 210.
[0115] Although not explicitly illustrated for clarity reasons,
reflective element 214 could also be present in the embodiment at
208b. Yet, the embodiment at 208a could include adhesive portions
utilized for controlling light coupling in addition to
fixing/attachment purposes.
[0116] As being evident based on the above embodiments, the
adhesive layer 219 may define an adhesive frame substantially
surrounding components such as LEDs 218 near the lightguide 212a,
212b or substrate 210 edges. Adhesive 219 may be disposed to
selected places to enhance or generally control incoupling,
transmission, and/or outcoupling of light relative to the
lightguide sheet 212a, 212b.
[0117] The shapes and dimensions of the elements such as substrate
210 and lightguide 212a, 212b may be determined on
embodiment-basis. In some embodiments, the lightguide 212a, 212b
and substrate sheets 210 may be rectangular, square or round in
shape, for example.
[0118] The scope of the invention is determined by the attached
claims together with the equivalents thereof. The skilled persons
will again appreciate the fact that the disclosed embodiments were
constructed for illustrative purposes only, and the innovative
fulcrum reviewed herein will cover further embodiments, embodiment
combinations, variations and equivalents that better suit each
particular use case of the invention.
* * * * *