Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-07-18)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMSThis listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

1\. (Currently Amended) A lighting apparatus comprising:
a substrate;
a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate;
a resin layer disposed on the substrate; and
a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer,
wherein the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer,
wherein the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction,
wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction,
wherein the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth side surface,

wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices,
wherein an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices,
wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate,
wherein at least one of the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction,
wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer,
wherein each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion having sides that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extends by \[\[are\]\] a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion having a curved surface extending from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion,
wherein a distance between the pair of extension portions in the first direction is \[\[the\]\] a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and wherein the first length of the pair of extension portions in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction.

2\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of concave portions respectively disposed between adjacent convex portions.
3\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein each of the substrate and the reflective layer includes a plurality of concave portions disposed ,respectively, at the concave portions of the resin layer.
4\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a radius of curvature of each of the concave portions of the resin layer is smaller than a radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer.
5\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer is in a range of 4 mm to 15 mm.
6\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a maximum length of the extension portion in the second direction is in a range of 1 mm to 4 mm.

7\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the extension portion has a horizontal idth in the first direction.
8\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a maximum second distance from a center of at least one of the light emitting devices to the first side surface of the resin layer in the second direction is greater than a first distance from the center of the at least one of the light emitting devices to the second side surface in the second direction.
9\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the first distance is in a range of 0.3 to 0.9 times the maximum second distance.

10\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is in a range of 7 mm to 20 mm.

11\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions has a shape protruding in the

second direction from an imaginary first straight line connecting one end of the third side surface and one end of the fourth side surface adjacent to the first side surface, andwherein light reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions \[\[and\]\] is emitted through the second side surface.

12\. (Currently Amended) A lighting apparatus comprising:
a substrate;
a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate;
a resin layer disposed on the substrate; and
a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer,
wherein the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer,
wherein the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction,
wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction,
wherein the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth side surface,

wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices,
wherein an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices,
wherein the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and
wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction and having sides that are separated in the first direction, and a convex portion including a curved surface extending thesides of the extension portion.

13\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a maximum length in the second direction of each of the protruding portions has shorter than a maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction, and
wherein the maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer.

14\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a length of the extension portion in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and
wherein a length of the extension portion in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction.

15\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein light emitted reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions \[\[and\]\] isemitted through the second side surface.

16\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the second side surface of the resin layer has a long plane in the first direction.

17\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein each of the extension portions has a horizontal width in the first direction, and wherein the horizontal width of the extension portions is constant.

18\. (Currently Amended) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein a horizontal width of one of the convex portions in the first direction is inversely proportional to a distance between the one of the convex portions and a corresponding one of the light emitting devices .

19\. (Original) The lighting apparatus of The lighting apparatus of
wherein the resin layer includes a concave portion disposed between adjacent convex portions, and
wherein a radius of curvature of the concave portion is smaller than a radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer.

20\. (Original) A lamp comprising:
a housing having one side open and a receiving space therein; and
the lighting apparatus of claim 1, the lighting apparatus being disposed within the receiving space of the housing,
wherein the second side surface of the lighting apparatus is disposed to face the one side open of the housing, and provides a linear light source or a surface light source.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed 6/13/2025 has been entered.
The drawings were received on 6/13/2025.  These drawings are accepted.
The objections over the Drawings as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendment filed 6/13/2025.
The objections over the Claims as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendment filed 6/13/2025.
The rejections under 35 U.S.C.112(b) as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendments filed 6/13/2025.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1-20 are allowable over the prior art of record.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
With regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest a lighting apparatus comprising a substate, a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate, a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth surface, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, each of the plurality of protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, at least one of the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction, the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer, each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both having sides that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extends by a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion having a curved surface extending from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, a distance between the pair of extension portions in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and the first length of the pair of extension portions in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction, as specifically called for in the claimed combinations.
The closest prior art, Hemon et al. (US 10,962,194) does not disclose the plurality of light emitting devices arranged in the first direction are on a substrate, the resin layer is disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the convex portion having the curved surface extends from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, a distance between the pair of extension portions in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and the first length of the pair of extension portions in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Hermon et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
The closest prior art, Kang et al. (KR 20190054605) does not disclose an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Kang et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
While a lighting apparatus formed of a plurality of light sources disposed on an substrate, a resin layer on the substrate, a reflective layer on the resin layer, the resin layer having protruding portions with convex portions aligned with the positions of the light sources is known in the art, and using a reflective layer on a resin layer and convex end portions of a resin layer to reflect light is known in the art, the combination of a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both having sides that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extends by a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion having a curved surface extending from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, is not disclosed in the prior art of record as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant's own disclosure to modify the prior art of record in the manner required by the claims.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest a lighting apparatus comprising a substate, a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate, a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth side surface, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction and having sides that are separated in the first direction, and a convex portion including a curved surface extending the sides of the extension portion, as specifically called for in the claimed combinations.
The closest prior art, Hemon et al. (US 10,962,194) does not disclose the plurality of light emitting devices arranged in the first direction are on a substrate, the resin layer is disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Hermon et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
The closest prior art, Kang et al. (KR 20190054605) does not disclose an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Kang et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
While a lighting apparatus formed of a plurality of light sources disposed on an substrate, a resin layer on the substrate, a reflective layer on the resin layer, the resin layer having protruding portions with convex portions aligned with the positions of the light sources is known in the art, and using a reflective layer on a resin layer and convex end portions of a resin layer to reflect light is known in the art, the combination of a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction and having sides that are separated in the first direction, and a convex portion including a curved surface extending the sides of the extension portion, is not disclosed in the prior art of record as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant's own disclosure to modify the prior art of record in the manner required by the claims.
Any comments considered necessary by the applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTSClaims 1-20 are pending in this application. By this Reply, the drawings and claims 1, 3, 7-9, 11-13, 15, and 18 are amended.The Office Action states:(1)   The drawings were objected to under 37 CFR § 1.83(a) as allegedly failing to depict one or more claimed elements;(2)   Claims 1-11 and 20 objected to due to alleged informalities;(3)   Claims 1-20 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) as allegedly failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter that Applicant regards as the invention; and (4)   Claims 1-10, 12-14, and 16-20 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) or 35 U.S.C. §112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph.Applicant thanks Examiner for the indication that claims 1-10, 12-14, and 16-20 recite allowable subject matter, and Applicant respectfully traverses the objections and rejection.Objections to the Drawings The Office Action objected to the drawings under 37 CFR § 1.83(a) as allegedly failing to depict features depicted in claims 3, 5, 11, 15, and 18. By this reply, Applicant has amended FIG. 4 to depict, for example, that a substrate layer 100 is provided under second reflective layer 500 provided over resin layer 400, such that each of substrate layer 100 and second reflective layer 500 includes a plurality of concave portions disposed, respectively, at the concave portions of the resin layer, as recited in claim 3. Applicant further notes that this claim feature is also depicted, for example, in FIG. 3 that shows the boundaries of substrate 100 and second reflective layer 500 at first surface S1 to correspond to the boundary of resin layer 400 at the first surface S1, which includes protruding portions 410, such that the substrate 100 and second reflective layer 500 would also include corresponding protruding portions. Applicant has further amended FIG. 4 to depict that that light emitted by a light emitting device 400 reflected from a first side surface (S1) passes through a second side surface (S2), as recited in claims 11 and 15. With respect to claim 18, Applicant has reworded this claim to clarify the recited feature as a design parameter and respectfully submits that one of reasonable skill in relevant technical field such that no corresponding drawing is necessary for understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented (see 35 U.S.C. §113). Hence, withdrawal of the objections to the drawings is respectfully requested.Objections to the Claims Claims 1-11 and 20 objected to due to an alleged informality in claim 1. By this reply, Applicant has amended claim 1 as suggested in the claim 1 to address the identified informality. Hence, withdrawal of the objections to the claims is respectfully requested.35 U.S.C. §112(b) Rejection Claims 1-20 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) due to alleged clarity concerns in claims 1, 8, 9, 11-13, and 15. Without acquiescing in the allegations in the Office Action and merely to expedite prosecution, Applicant herein amends these claims to address the identified clarity concerns. Furthermore, Applicant respectfully submits that the pending claims are in immediate condition for allowance since all concerns raised in the Office Action have been addressed. Hence, withdrawal of the 35 U.S.C. §112(b) rejection and allowance of the pending claims is respectfully requested.CONCLUSIONIn view of the foregoing amendments and remarks, it is respectfully submitted that the application is in immediate condition for allowance. Favorable consideration and prompt allowance are earnestly solicited.If the Examiner believes that any additional changes would place the application in better condition for allowance, the Examiner is invited to contact the undersigned attorney, David D. Nelson, at the telephone number listed below or contact via email at mail(ked- iplaw.coi.To the extent necessary, a petition for an extension of time under 37 C.F.R. §1.136 is hereby made. Please charge any shortage in fees due in connection with the filing of this, concurrent and future replies, including extension of time fees, to Deposit Account 16-0607 and please credit any excess fees to such deposit account.Respectfully submitted, IED & ASSOCIATES, LLP/David D. Nelson/ Daniel Y.J. Kim Registration No. 36,186 David D. Nelson Registration No. 47,818 Correspondence Address:P.O. Box 8638 Reston, VA 20195 703 766-3777 (Office Number) 703-766-3748 (Direct Line for David Nelson) DYK:DDN Please direct all correspondence to Customer Number 34610


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10962194B1: Claims:
An optical device of a motor vehicle comprising: a plurality of light sources; and a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
a plurality of light sources; and
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light-exit face includes a plurality of stepped surface facets adapted to transmit, reflect, or diffuse light at the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets include a plurality of prisms that are located juxtaposed to each other.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source is disposed at bottom of a collimator and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light guide.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light guiding portion comprises an upper face and a bottom face that are parallel and interconnected by the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the couplers is same as the thickness of the light guiding portion.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the other portion of the light beam from the curved facets travel along the optical axis of the light guide.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the angled facet surfaces are angled with respect to the optical axis.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each coupler comprises a collimator to collimate the received light beam.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein light guide, and the at least one optical coupler are comprised of a single polymeric piece.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the optical device functions for providing lighting, signaling or both for the motor vehicle.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the collimated light beam that is directed from the facets of the couplers to the light-exit face is in the form of a beam of parallel rays.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented along an X-axis component and the plurality of light sources are positioned along a Z-axis component along the light guide's optical axis.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented in the direction of the extrusion of the light guide.
A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising: a reflector assembly; a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises: a plurality of light sources; and a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
a reflector assembly;
a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises:
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
Ref KR20190054605A: Claims:
Board; A light emitting element disposed on the substrate; A first reflective layer disposed on the substrate; A resin layer disposed on the first reflective layer; And And a second reflective layer disposed on the resin layer, Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the light emitting element is emitted, Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.
The method according to claim 1, Wherein a plurality of the light emitting elements are disposed on the substrate, Wherein the resin layer is arranged to surround the light emitting element, Wherein the resin layer comprises a rear face facing the front face, and a first side face and a second side opposite to each other connecting the front face and the rear face, Wherein a distance between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer is less than a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the resin layer, Wherein the convex portion of the front surface is convex from the light emitting element toward the front side, Wherein the concave portion of the front surface is concaved in the rear direction between the plurality of convex portions.
The method of claim 2, Wherein the first reflective layer has a hole through which the plurality of light emitting elements pass.
The method of claim 2, Wherein a distance between the first and second side surfaces of the resin layer is greater than a distance between a peak of the convexity and the rear surface.
The method of claim 2, Wherein the front surface, the rear first side surface, and the second side surface of the resin layer are side surfaces between the first and second reflective layers, Wherein the resin layer emits a line-shaped surface light source through the front surface.
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, Wherein the convex portion includes a lens portion having a convex curved surface in the front direction in the resin layer.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein a distance between the lens unit and the light emitting element is gradually spaced from an area corresponding to a center of the light emitting unit.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein the lens portion has a thickness equal to the thickness of the resin layer between the first and second reflective layers.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein the thickness of the resin layer is not more than twice the thickness of the light emitting device.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein the plurality of convex portions correspond to the plurality of light emitting elements, Wherein the concave portion corresponds to a region between the plurality of light emitting elements, Wherein the light emitting element is arranged such that an emission surface from which light is emitted is disposed to face the convex portion.
The method of claim 10, Wherein the plurality of convex portions include first and second convex portions, Wherein the plurality of light emitting elements include first and second light emitting elements arranged in a first direction, Wherein the first convex portion overlaps with the first light emitting element and the second convex portion overlaps with the second light emitting element in a second direction from the rear surface to the front side of the resin layer.
The method of claim 11, Wherein the concave portion has a concave curved surface in the rear direction between the first and second convex portions and corresponds to a region between the first and second light emitting elements.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein light emitted from the plurality of light emitting devices is totally reflected by the first and second reflective layers and emitted through the front surface.
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, Wherein the first and second reflective layers have a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer.
The method of claim 14, Wherein the substrate has a shape corresponding to a shape of the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer.
The method according to claim 6, And a third reflective layer disposed on the back surface, the first side, and the second side of the resin layer.
The method according to claim 6, Wherein the number of convex portions of the resin layer is equal to the number of the light emitting elements.
The method according to claim 1, Wherein the first reflective layer is in contact with the lower surface of the resin layer and the second reflective layer is in contact with the upper surface of the resin layer.
Board; A plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the substrate; A first reflective layer disposed on the substrate; A resin layer disposed on the first reflective layer; And And a second reflective layer disposed on the resin layer, Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the plurality of light emitting devices is emitted, Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, Wherein the plurality of light emitting devices includes a first light emitting device, a second light emitting device, and a third light emitting device disposed between the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device, Wherein the plurality of convex portions include a first convex portion corresponding to the first light emitting element, a second convex portion corresponding to the second light emitting element, and a third convex portion corresponding to the third light emitting element.
Ref US10962194: Claims:
1. An optical device of a motor vehicle comprising:
a plurality of light sources; and
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face;
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
2. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-exit face includes a plurality of stepped surface facets adapted to transmit, reflect, or diffuse light at the light-exit face.
3. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets include a plurality of prisms that are located juxtaposed to each other.
4. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is disposed at bottom of a collimator and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light guide.
5. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light guiding portion comprises an upper face and a bottom face that are parallel and interconnected by the light-exit face.
6. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the couplers is same as the thickness of the light guiding portion.
7. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other portion of the light beam from the curved facets travel along the optical axis of the light guide.
8. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angled facet surfaces are angled with respect to the optical axis.
9. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each coupler comprises a collimator to collimate the received light beam.
10. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein light guide, and the at least one optical coupler are comprised of a single polymeric piece.
11. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical device functions for providing lighting, signaling or both for the motor vehicle.
12. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collimated light beam that is directed from the facets of the couplers to the light-exit face is in the form of a beam of parallel rays.
13. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented along an X-axis component and the plurality of light sources are positioned along a Z-axis component along the light guide's optical axis.
14. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented in the direction of the extrusion of the light guide.
15. A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising:
a reflector assembly;
a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises:
a plurality of light sources; and
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face;
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion
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