WO2006098570A1

WO2006098570A1 - Method of urethane-based optical fiber display unit and urethane-based optical fiber display unit produced thereform

Info

Publication number: WO2006098570A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheon-Soo Jeong
Original assignee: Cheon-Soo Jeong
Priority date: 2005-03-15
Filing date: 2006-03-13
Publication date: 2006-09-21
Also published as: KR100699518B1; KR20060099815A

Abstract

Disclosed are a urethane based-optical fiber display unit and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of: laminating a reinforcing sheet or film, which is made of a material which is identical with or different from that of an optical fiber embroidery sheet, to one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet which is made of a urethane material or a urethane based material and on which optical fibers are embroidered; embroidering optical fibers on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet by using an embroidery machine, and then cutting one end of the optical fibers; collecting the optical fibers, which are embroidered on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet, into a bundle, in order to transmit light evenly, and then curing the bundle of optical fibers; and connecting the other end of the optical fibers, which are collected in the above collecting step, to a light source.

Description

METHOD OF URETHANE-BASED OPTICAL FIBER DISPLAY

UNIT AND URETHANE-BASED OPTICAL FIBER DISPLAY

UNIT PRODUCED THEREFORM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a urethane based-optical fiber display unit and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a urethane based-optical fiber display unit and a method for manufacturing the same, which can effectively fix optical fibers by using a thermoplastic polyurethane which has excellent elasticity but which is not yet in use, with respect to the manufacture of a unit which is installed in all application products using optical fiber, thereby reducing the steps of manufacturing process so as to reduce manufacturing time and the number of manufacturing processes. Background Art

[2] In general, advertising signboards or neon signs have conventionally been used as indoor and outdoor advertising products in order to form an advertisement. Currently, the most used advertising signboard is manufactured in a manner wherein after a panel on which advertising characters and patterns are formed is usually attached to a frame, light emitting devices such as glow lamps or fluorescent lamps are mounted inside the frame. Therefore, when the light emitting devices emit light at night, the advertising characters and patterns can be illuminated by the light emitted from the light emitting devices so that people can recognizes the advertising characters and patterns. However, such an advertising signboard requires a large amount of electricity. Further, since the light emitting devices merely shine light on the panel, there exists a limited advertising effect.

[3] In order to solve the problem, advertising products using neon signs, which includes neon lamp in which inert gases are filled in the light emitting device so as to emit unique colors, have been developed. However, since the neon signs require a significant amount of manufacturing cost, consume a great amount of electricity, and advertising characters and patterns are formed by the neon lamp, there is a problem in that various and delicate characters and patterns cannot be provided.

[4] In order to solve the problem of the advertising products such as the advertising signboards or the neon signs, an optical fiber advertising signboard has been recently proposed in which a leading end of optical fibers is located on a surface of an advertising panel so as to form desired advertising characters and patterns, so that a superior advertising effect can be obtained by using various colored lights emitted from the leading end of the optical fibers.

[5] With respect to such an optical fiber advertising signboard, first a plurality of openings are formed on a panel on which the advertising patterns are formed and then the optical fibers are inserted into the openings, respectively. Next, a fixing cap covers an exposed end of each optical fiber so as to fix the inserted optical fiber so that the leading end of the optical fiber is not drawn from the opening. Then, electricity is applied to the optical fibers so that the advertisement is displayed.

[6] A method for manufacturing a conventional advertising unit using optical fibers are illustrated in FIG. 1, which includes the steps of attaching an adhesive sheet to a lower surface of texture (SlO), attaching a rubber sheet to a lower surface of the adhesive sheet (S20), and attaching another adhesive sheet to a lower surface of the rubber sheet (S30).

[7] In the method, the texture is embroidered with the optical fibers and then a part of the optical fibers exposed to the exterior is cut (S40). Then, the leading ends of the optical fibers are bundled and cured (S50).

[8] Next, the leading ends of the cured optical fibers are connected to a light source

(S60), and a water-proof textile sheet is attached to a lower surface of the texture (S70). Then, an upper surface of the texture exposed to the exterior is coated with ultraviolet coating solution (S80).

[9] However, when the advertising unit is manufactured by using the above-mentioned method, the leading ends of the optical fibers greatly protrude over the surface of the texture, so that the advertising unit has an unsightly appearance. In addition, it is difficult to insert the optical fibers into the openings of the texture and then to cover the exposed leading ends of the optical fibers with the fixing caps, respectively. Further, since this work is manually performed, much time and labor cost are necessary in order to manufacture the advertising unit. Furthermore, since rainwater may be introduced through a gap between the fixing caps and the texture, it may reduce the lifetime of various electronic devices or cause the trouble of the electronic devices.

[10] Further, since the leading ends of the optical fibers protrude more than 0.5mm, a worker is often scratched on his/her skin by means of the exposed leading ends thereby causing an external wound.

[11] Further, since the rubber sheet, the adhesive sheet, and the water-proof textile sheet, etc. are attached to the texture in a bonding manner, they may become separated from one another as time elapses. Furthermore, when the bond covers the optical fibers, it damages the optical fibers, thereby causing the optical fibers to be useless.

[12] In order to solve the problem as described above, there has been proposed a method of attaching a rubber sheet is attached to a rear surface of the texture so as to fix the optical fibers and to increase durability and waterproof property thereof. However, even though the optical fibers are embroidered in such a manner, the optical fibers embroidered on the rubber sheet are not stably fixed but simply arranged. Thus, as time elapses, the optical fibers are rearranged and returned to their natural position, resulting in the increase of the length of the optical fibers exposed over the surface of the texture.

[13] Further, there has been proposed another method in which one surface of the panel to which the optical fibers are fixed is treated with an ultraviolet coating. In the method, the ultraviolet coating solution permeates a portion of the panel to which the optical fibers are mounted and then is cured so as to fix the optical fibers.

[14] The method has made a success in fixing the optical fiber to a certain degree.

However, according to the method, the optical fibers may be easily broken and lose their function even by a small external force applied to the optical fibers, because the peripheries of the exposed ends of the fixed optical fibers are fixed in a state of being cured by the coating solution. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[15] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a urethane based-optical fiber display unit and a method for manufacturing the same, in which optical fibers can be fixed by using a thermoplastic polyurethane resin which has excellent elasticity, instead of the use of a separate fixing member such as a fixing cap or coating solution, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of manufacturing processes.

[16] Another object of the present invention is to provide a urethane based-optical fiber display unit and a method for manufacturing the same, in which optical fibers are stably and rigidly fixed, and cut so as to be barely exposed out of a base sheet, so that the display unit has a beautiful appearance and can prevent external injury to a worker. Technical Solution

[17] In order to accomplish the object of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a urethane based-optical fiber display unit, comprising the steps of: laminating a reinforcing sheet or film, which is made of a material which is identical with or different from that of an optical fiber embroidery sheet, to one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet which is made of a urethane material or a urethane based material and on which optical fibers are embroidered; embroidering optical fibers on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet by using an embroidery machine, and then cutting one end of the optical fibers; collecting the optical fibers, which are embroidered on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet, into a bundle, in order to transmit light evenly, and then curing the bundle of optical fibers; and connecting the other end of the optical fibers, which are collected in the above collecting step, to a light source.

[18] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of printing desired patterns on one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet, forming a coated layer on an exposed surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet in order to prevent foreign material from covering the exposed surface, and forming a leather layer on the one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet.

[19] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of forming a fiber layer including a fiber material on the one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet. Furthermore, the fiber layer is preferably formed by spraying fiber particles or attaching a fiber sheet on the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet. Preferably, the optical fiber embroidery sheet is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, while the reinforcing sheet is made of thermoplastic polyurethane so as to be transparent or semi-transparent.

Advantageous Effects

[20] According to the present invention, since optical fibers are fixed by using thermosetting polyurethane having excellent elasticity, a separate fixing member including a rubber sheet, a fixing cap, and a coating solution is unnecessary, thereby decreasing the manufacturing cost and substantially reducing the number of manufacturing processes.

[21] Further, the optical fibers can be stably and rigidly fixed and cut so that the end thereof hardly protrudes out of a base sheet, so that the display unit has a beautiful appearance, and is prevented from injuring a worker.

[22] Further, the display unit is made of thermoplastic polyurethane which is transparent or semi-transparent, thereby providing visibility of the light even at sides of the sheet. Brief Description of the Drawings

[23] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[24] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating processes for manufacturing a conventional optical fiber display unit;

[25] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating processes for manufacturing a urethane based optical fiber display unit according to the present invention;

[26] FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the processes for manufacturing the urethane based optical fiber display unit according to the present invention; [27] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the urethane based optical display unit according to the present invention;

[28] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the urethane based optical display unit according to the present invention;

[29] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the forming of a coating layer on the urethane based optical fiber display unit according to the present invention;

[30] FIGS. 7 to 11 are views illustrating the respective steps of the method for manufacturing the urethane based optical fiber display unit; and

[31] FIG. 12 is an exemplary view illustrating applications of the urethane based optical fiber display unit according to the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[32] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numeral is used to indicate the same member having an identical function.

[33] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a method 200 for manufacturing a urethane based- optical display unit according to the present invention includes the steps of laminating a reinforcing sheet or film to one surface of a urethane which is embroidered with optical fibers, or an embroidery sheet which includes a urethane and is embroidered with optical fibers, in which the reinforce sheet is made of a material identical with or different from urethane or an embroidery sheet S210, embroidering the optical fibers on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet using an embroidery machine and then cutting an end of the optical fibers S250, collecting the optical fibers, embroidered on the optical embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet, into bundles so that light from a light source is evenly transmitted to the optical fibers S260, and connecting the other end of the optical fibers bundled in step S260 to the light source S270.

[34] These four steps construct basic manufacturing process of the present invention, through which a fundamental unit can be made so as to be applicable for all optical fiber applications. Since the unit is made through the four steps of the manufacturing process according to the present invention as described above, the present invention can reduce the steps of the manufacturing process to half that of the eight steps of the conventional manufacturing process which are essentially performed. Thus, it has a great merit in view of time and economy.

[35] Further, if a basic unit applicable for all kind of optical fibers is manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the optical fiber can be cut so as to be on a substantially identical plane with the surface of the optical embroidery sheet so that the optical fiber does not excessively extend to the outside of the optical embroidery sheet, thereby preventing external injury to worker's skin from occurring due to scratching, and securing a stable use.

[36] Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the urethane based-optical fiber display unit and the structural elements of the unit will be described in more detail.

[37] The lamination step S210 is a step for attaching a reinforcing sheet 116 or film made from the same or different material to one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 made from urethane material or urethane based-material. In a case where the reinforcing sheet 116 is made of the same material as that of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102, the reinforcing sheet 116 is attached to the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 by using a paper attaching method. Meanwhile, in the case where the reinforcing sheet 116 is made of material different from that of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102, the reinforcing sheet 116 may be attached to the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 by using adhesive as well as by the lamination.

[38] The lamination means to attach the same sheets or the different sheets to each other by suitably applying pressure or heat to the same sheets or the different sheets without use of adhesive.

[39] In the lamination method, the sheets are not artificially forcibly adhered by using an adhesive sheet or by bonding according to the conventional art, but are adhered in consideration of the characteristic of the material. Thus, the lamination method can be carried out to achieve effective and stable adhesion.

[40] In the lamination method, a base sheet 102 and a reinforcing sheet 16 are preferably made of an identical material. Specifically, when the base sheet is made of polyurethane based-material, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, the reinforcing sheet 116 also is made of the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. Specially, the reinforcing sheet 116 preferably is transparent or semi-transparent.

[41] However, even though the reinforcing sheet 116 is made of another synthetic resin, it is no problem in the lamination of the sheets.

[42] Before or after the lamination step S210, fiber layer forming step S220, printing step S230, leather layer forming step S240 may be selectively carried out.

[43] The fiber layer forming step S220 is to form a layer of a fiber material on one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 116, which can be achieved by spraying fiber particles or attaching a fiber sheet such as a fabric.

[44] Such a fiber layer forming step S220 according to the present invention may be applicable for all kind of clothes including a special cloth made of fiber material.

[45] On the other hand, in the case of forming a fiber layer 118, only one optical embroidery sheet 102 may be used.

[46] Next, in printing step S230, a pattern having a desired shape is printed on one surface of the optical embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 106. With relation to the printing of the pattern, the optical embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 106 includes two portions, i.e. one portion on which the optical fibers 104 are embroidered so as to form the pattern, and the other portion excluding the pattern. Since the desired patterns are formed in the printing step S230, it is possible to advertise through the desired patterns during the day, and to advertise using the optical fibers 104 at night, so that the use of advertising signs can be more expanded.

[47] Then, in the leather layer forming step S240, a leather layer 130 is formed of a leather material. In this case, both of artificial or natural leather can be applied, so that the leather layer forming step S240 can be applicable for leather products.

[48] After the lamination step S210 is carried out, the optical fiber embroidery step S250 is performed. As described above, the optical fiber embroidery step S250 is carried out only after the lamination step S210, or after the fiber layer forming step S220, the printing step S230, or the leather layer forming step S240 is selectively performed.

[49] In the optical fiber embroidery step S250, the optical fibers exposed out of the reinforcing sheet 116 are cut after one end of the optical fibers is embroidered on the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116.

[50] The embroidery is carried out by using a cam driving type embroidery machine according to the Korean Patent No. 404141, issued to the present applicant, of which the description will be omitted.

[51] When the optical fibers 104 are cut by using the method of the present invention, one end of the optical fibers is cut to be on the same plane as an upper surface of the reinforcing sheet 116. Therefore, the advertising sign has a beautiful appearance, and it is possible to prevent the worker's skin from being scratched and injured due to the exposure of the end of the optical fibers.

[52] Then, a collecting step S260 is carried out in which the optical fibers 104 are sorted out, bundled, adhered and cured so that the light is evenly transmitted from the light source. The collecting step S260 is carried out in order to effectively connect the optical fibers 104, which receive an identical light, to the light source. On the other hand, hardening organic solvent is used to cure the optical fibers.

[53] Then, a light source connection step S270 is carried out, in which the optical fibers

104 collected and cured in the collecting step S260 are respectively connected to the light source. After the light source connection step S270 is carried out, the process for manufacturing the optical fiber display unit is completed and the basic unit is accomplished. The unit manufactured as described above can be applicable for various products.

[54] Meanwhile, after the light source connection step S270, a coating layer forming step S280 and a finishing sheet adhering step S290 can be selectively carried out.

[55] In the coating layer forming step S280, coating solution 182 is coated and cured so as to form a coating layer 180, in order to prevent foreign material from covering the upper surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 116 which is exposed to the outside.

[56] Such a coating layer 180 performs an anti-electric charge function for preventing the generation of static electricity so as to minimize the adhesion of various dusts including foreign material, thereby making it possible to realize a more definite light and improving durability of the unit.

[57] In the finishing sheet adhesion step S290, a finishing sheet is adhered to the bottom surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 116. The optical fibers 104 are stably fixed by using the finishing sheet 126 made of thermoplastic polyurethane film or a different film/an adhesion film according to its use.

[58] Hereinafter, the urethane based-optical fiber display unit 100 made according to the method as described above will be describe, which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[59] The urethane based-optical fiber display unit 100 includes an optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 made of a thermoplastic polyurethane material so as to form a base, a reinforcing sheet 116 attached to one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102, a plurality of optical fibers 104 of which one end is embroidered onto and expose out of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116, and a light source control device 106 connected to the other end of the optical fibers 104, for supplying electricity to the optical fibers 104 and simultaneously controlling the realization of the various color of light.

[60] The optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 used for the present invention is made of the thermoplastic polyurethane material which has high elasticity, excellent tensile strength and anti-abrasion, and a chemical resistance.

[61] Further, since the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 has excellent elasticity, the plurality of optical fibers 104 can be effectively fixed by using only the optical embroidery sheet 102. As shown in FIG. 5, when the optical embroidery sheet 102 is perforated by means of the needle of the embroidery machine and one end of the optical fibers 104 simultaneously extends through the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102, the optical fibers 104 is strongly pressed and stably fixed by the high elasticity of the urethane.

[62] Meanwhile, a urethane or a urethane based material as well as the thermoplastic polyurethane can be used as a material for the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102. That is, polyurethane polymer and polyurethane copolymer can be used as the material for the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102.

[63] As described above, when the optical fiber 104 is strongly pressed, the optical fibers

104 which are exposed to the outside of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 can be cut so as to be on an identical plane with that of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102. As the result, the display unit may have a beautiful appearance and also it is possible to prevent the worker's skin from being damaged due to the connection of the skin to the optical fibers 104.

[64] Further, it is unnecessary for a conventional process of coating and curing a separate fixing cap or an ultraviolet coating solution in order to fix the exposed portion of the optical fibers 104 as described above. Thus, there is an additional advantage in that it is possible to simplify the processes for manufacturing the urethane based- optical fiber display unit.

[65] The reinforcing sheet 116 or film made of a material which is identical with or different from that of the embroidery sheet is adhered to the upper or lower surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102. As described above, the reinforcing sheet 116 is made of the thermoplastic polyurethane material identical with that of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102, or the urethane material or the urethane based-material.

[66] The optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 may be manufactured to have various colors according to the use of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102.

[67] Further, the reinforcing sheet 116 is made from a transparent or semi-transparent material in order to improve the visibility of light. When the optical fibers 104 embroidered on the reinforcing sheet 116 emit light, it is possible to achieve an excellent visibility even at sides of the sheet.

[68] The optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116 or film of the present invention have various thicknesses respectively, according to a user's choice, and have a shore-A hardness in a range of 90-100, preferably 93-97 (ASTD D2240), and 300% Modulus in a range of 100-400 kg /cm², preferably 140-300 kg /cm² (ASTM D412).

[69] Furthermore, the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116 have a tensile strength in a range of 300-500 kg /cm , preferably 350-500 kg /cm (ASTM D412), a tear strength in a range of 70-200 kg /cm², preferably 90-140 kg /cm ² (ASTM D624), and an elongation of 350-450%, preferably 400% (ASTM D412).

[70] The optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116 constructing the urethane based-optical fiber display unit 100 of the present invention are attached to each other by using the attaching method for suitably pressing and attaching the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet to each other according to the pressure and the characteristics thereof. This is performed in the lamination step S210.

[71] In a case where the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet are attached by the lamination method, since the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet are rigidly attached to each other due to the characteristics therebetween, they can be remarkably and effectively attached as compared with the conventional method using an adhesive or a similar adhesive sheet. [72] As shown in FIG. 6, the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet

116, which are attached to each other according to the lamination method, have the patterns selectively printed on an upper surface or a lower surface thereof, according to a user's necessity. When the patterns 150 are printed on the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 or the reinforcing sheet 116, it is possible to show the advertisement through the patterns during the day while it is possible to display the advertisement through the optical fibers at night.

[73] The patterns 150 may include patterns on which the optical fibers are embroidered and patterns on which the optical fibers are not embroidered.

[74] If both of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116 are made to be transparent or semi-transparent, there is an effect of simultaneously displaying the advertisement to the outside and inside.

[75] On the other hand, a fiber layer 118 can be formed on the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116. The forming of the fiber layer 118 can be carried out by using a method for spraying fiber particles and a method for attaching a fiber sheet to the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116.

[76] The method for forming the fiber layer 118 can be applied to all kind of clothes and bags which are made of fibers.

[77] Furthermore, a leather layer 130 can be formed on the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116. The leather layer 130 is formed by selectively adhering an artificial leather or a natural leather to the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to the leather products.

[78] These patterns 150, fiber layer 118 and leather layer 130 are formed through selective processes and then embroidered by an embroidery machine 140. The description of the embroidery process according to the present invention is omitted herein. In the embroidery process, the optical fibers protruding over the surface of the reinforcing sheet 116 are cut. The embroidery process is carried out by the embroidery machine 140 according to the Korean Patent No. 404141, issued to the present applicant (see FIG. 7).

[79] According to the present invention, in a case where the thermoplastic polyurethane is used as a material for the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116, the end of the optical fibers is cut by the embroidery machine in order to be on the same plane as the surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, it is possible to prevent the protruding end of the optical fibers from coming into contact with the worker s skin which would cause injury to the worker.

[80] As described above, when the embroidery machine 140 embroiders optical fibers 104, a needle perforates the optical fiber embroidery sheet 102 and the reinforcing sheet 116, and the one end of the optical fibers 104 simultaneously passes through the sheets 102 and 116. In this case, the sheets 102 and 116 strongly exert pressure upon the optical fibers 104 using the high elasticity P of the ure thane material, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby stably fixing the optical fibers.

[81] After the optical fibers 104 are embroidered on the optical fiber sheet 102, the optical fibers 104 are heated to a temperature below 100⁰C and are then bent. At this time, the optical fibers 104 are bent in the same direction in order to easy collect and tie the optical fibers 104 into a bundle.

[82] Next, the embroidered optical fibers 104 are bent so that their leading ends are tied into various bundles, according to the shape and light emitting pattern of the advertisement. A strip of each optical fiber bundle is solidified by using a curing agent. Thermosetting organic solvent is used for curing the optical fibers.

[83] A bundle of solidified optical fibers 104 is connected to each light emitting element

112, so as to receive an uniform light.

[84] A light source controlling unit 106, to which the bundle of cured optical fibers 104 is connected, is connected through a connection wire 108 to a battery 110 so as to receive electricity, and plays the role of turning on and off the light emitting elements 112 such as LEDs so that the desired advertising patterns can be displayed through the optical fibers 104.

[85] These optical fibers 104 are connected to light emitting elements 112 by means of holders 114 which have a thermo-resistance property, respectively. The reason for that is that when a simple tube is used for the holder, a tube is shrunk by heat so that light from LEDs cannot be transmitted to the optical fibers 104.

[86] Further, in a case where the unit 100 is applied to clothes, the holders 114 having the thermo-resistance property is used in order to prevent the clothes from being shrunk by the heat of an iron for ironing the clothes.

[87] FIG. 11 shows the urethane based-optical fiber display unit made by using the method for manufacturing the urethane based-optical fiber display unit according to the present invention as described above, and the fields to which the display unit can be applied.

[88] As shown in FIG. 11, the unit 100 using the urethane according to the present invention can be widely applied to road safety signs, special clothes, vehicles, toys, advertising signs, interior and exterior decoration materials for construction, cards, living goods, and bags, etc.

[89] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A method for manufacturing a urethane based-optical fiber display unit, comprising the steps of: laminating a reinforcing sheet or film, which is made of a material which is identical with or different from that of an optical fiber embroidery sheet, to one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet which is made of a urethane material or a urethane based material and on which optical fibers are embroidered; embroidering optical fibers on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet by using an embroidery machine, and then cutting one end of the optical fibers; collecting the optical fibers, which are embroidered on the optical fiber embroidery sheet and the reinforcing sheet, into a bundle, in order to transmit light evenly, and then curing the bundle of optical fibers; and connecting the other end of the optical fibers, which are collected in the above collecting step, to a light source.

[2] The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of printing desired patterns on one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet.

[3] The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a coated layer on an exposed surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet in order to prevent foreign material from covering the exposed surface.

[4] The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a leather layer on the one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet.

[5] The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a fiber layer including a fiber material on the one surface of the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet.

[6] The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fiber layer is formed by spraying fiber particles or attaching a fiber sheet on the optical fiber embroidery sheet or the reinforcing sheet.

[7] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber embroidery sheet is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[8] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing sheet is made of thermoplastic polyurethane so as to be transparent or semi-transparent.

[9] A urethane based-optical fiber display unit manufactured by using the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.