A METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING LIGHT PANELS

摘要

PCT No. PCT/NL91/00220 Sec. 371 Date May 10, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date May 10, 1993 PCT Filed Nov. 7, 1991 PCT Pub. No. WO92/00220 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 4, 1992A method for manufacturing light panels consisting of a plate shaped carrier with light conducting fibers fixed therein according to a given pattern. The method includes the steps of inserting the top end of each fiber from a fiber supply through openings in a mold. The mold is then filled with a castable plastic layer which is allowed to set to form a carrier. The carrier retains the fibers with the top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier. The top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier are melted by heat from a laser to form a melted nob at the top end of each fiber to act as a lense. A cover layer is applied on the carrier to embed the top end of each fiber and to protect the carrier. The carrier can be removed from the mold to allow the mold to be refilled with another castable plastic layer to form a next carrier for repeating the process. Removable plugs may be initially inserted into the openings of the mold to facilitate removal of the carrier at a desired angle. The bottom end of the fibers beneath the carrier may be compressed together into a bundle and cut to form a light intake head.