Lighting device having lighting module with flexible guide plate and arranged in front of lighting module

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (300), such as a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one lighting module (301.1; 301.2), and further comprising a light emitting module (400; 500); 600), the light emitting module comprising: a flexible guide plate adapted to receive light rays and adapted to reflect light rays in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide plate; at least one light injection element adapted to receive light and to distribute the light in the flexible guide plate; and at least one light source adapted to inject light into the light injection element. The light emitting module is arranged such that light from the lighting module passes through the flexible guide plate and the light source is enabled when the lighting module is deactivated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting devices comprising one or more lighting modules, in particular lighting devices for motor vehicle headlamps. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the appearance of such headlamps, in particular when the vehicle is driven during the day.

[0002] Lighting devices, such as headlights, usually have a plurality of lighting functions which are performed by one or more modules. The following lighting functions are particularly known:

[0003] - Lighting function of the low beam (LB) type;

[0004] - a lighting function of the high beam (HB) type which may be performed by the same lighting module as for the LB function or by a separate module;

[0005] - Daytime signalling function, also called daytime running lights (DRL), usually performed by a lighting module separate from the LB / HB module;

[0006] - A signalling function of the position light (PL) type which can be performed by a lighting module performing a DRL function or by another lighting module.

[0007] The appearance of a luminaire which depends on the respective arrangement of the luminaire modules, their number and their respective shape is referred to as a “signature.” The signature is particularly visible when all modules of the luminaire are activated.

[0008] This signature can be perceived differently when driving at night than when driving during the day. This is because at night the modules performing the lighting functions (such as LB and HB) are visible to an outside observer. A complete signature is thus obtained.

[0009] However, during the day, these lighting functions are usually not enabled, which results in one or more dark areas in the signature of the light emitting device. The signature of the light emitting device is incomplete and different from the night signature for an observer located outside the vehicle.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to make the signature of lighting devices for motor vehicles consistent between daytime driving and nighttime driving.

[0011] One known solution is to use a liquid crystal film, such as a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film, to cover the dark areas corresponding to the lighting function.

[0012] However, this solution has the following disadvantages:

[0013] - It is sensitive to temperature, especially negative temperature, and does not work below -20°C;

[0014] - It is based on an organic pigment that absolutely must be isolated from the outside, as it is sensitive to humidity and light;

[0015] - It is difficult to integrate into a light emitting device, especially when the outer surface is not flat.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a signature of lighting devices for motor vehicles that is consistent during the day and at night, while providing a solution that is robust, easily integrated and inexpensive.

[0017] The present invention aims to improve this situation.

[0018] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising at least one lighting module adapted to project light to perform a lighting function, and further comprising a lighting module comprising:

[0019] a flexible guide plate adapted to receive light via at least one edge of the flexible guide plate and to reflect the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide plate;

[0020] at least one light injection element adapted to receive light and distribute the light in the flexible guide plate;

[0021] At least one light source is adapted to inject light into the at least one light injection element.

[0022] The flexible guide plate is transparent, the light emitting modules are arranged such that the flexible guide plate allows light from the lighting modules to pass through the flexible guide plate, and when the lighting modules are deactivated, the light sources are activated.

[0023] The use of a lighting module that is enabled when the lighting module is disabled makes it possible to make the signature of the lighting device consistent between daytime driving and nighttime driving situations. Furthermore, the lighting module is of the flexible guide plate type, which is cheap, easy to manufacture and easy to integrate compared to prior art solutions. Finally, this solution is not very sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the flexible guide plate may be adapted to reflect light according to at least one pattern etched therein, and the light emitting area of ​​the pattern may be arranged to face the optical projection surface of the lighting module.

[0025] It is therefore easy to reproduce the identification signature of the light emitting device by etching the flexible guide plate, whatever the shape of the optical projection surface of the lighting module for which dark areas are undesirable when the lighting module is inactive.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the at least one lighting module may be adapted to perform a low-beam lighting function or a high-beam lighting function.

[0027] These functions are usually deactivated during the day and the modules performing these functions are specially adapted to form dark areas in the signature of the luminaire.

[0028] Additionally, the lighting module may be adapted to perform a low-beam lighting function and a high-beam lighting function.

[0029] Thus, the same module can perform both functions, which limits the space required to perform these functions in the lighting device.

[0030] Alternatively, the lighting device may include a first lighting module adapted to perform a low beam lighting function and a second lighting module adapted to perform a high beam lighting function, the lighting modules being arranged so that the flexible guide plate allows light from the first lighting module or the second lighting module to pass through the flexible guide plate.

[0031] Hence, the light emitting device may comprise two lighting modules, and the light emitting module may be adapted to shield a dark area associated with at least one of the two lighting modules.

[0032] Additionally, the light emitting modules may be arranged such that the flexible guide plate allows light from the first lighting module and the second lighting module to pass through the flexible guide plate.

[0033] Therefore, a light module with a single flexible guide plate can cover two lighting modules. In particular, because they are flexible and have a large surface area and low thickness, the light module can be easily integrated and arranged opposite to the two lighting modules without causing the light emitting device to be very bulky.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the light-emitting module may include a single flexible guide plate, a first pattern is etched in a first portion of the flexible guide plate, and a second pattern is etched in a second portion of the flexible guide plate, the light-emitting area of ​​the first pattern may be arranged to face a first optical projection surface of the first lighting module, and the light-emitting area of ​​the second pattern may be arranged to face a second optical projection surface of the second lighting module.

[0035] Thus, by means of a single injection element and source for illuminating two light emitting areas facing two separate lighting modules, the volume and costs associated with the lighting module are reduced. In the remainder of the description, this embodiment is referred to as the second embodiment.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the light-emitting module may include a single flexible guide plate, a first injection element and a second injection element, the first injection element may be arranged so as to inject light into a first segment of an edge of the flexible guide plate, and the second injection element may be arranged so as to inject light into a second segment of an edge of the flexible guide plate, a first portion of the first segment of the flexible guide plate positioned to face the edge is etched according to a first pattern, and a second portion of the second segment of the flexible guide plate positioned to face the edge is etched according to a second pattern, the light-emitting area of ​​the first pattern may be arranged to face a first optical projection surface of the first lighting module, and the light-emitting area of ​​the second pattern may be arranged to face a second optical projection surface of the second lighting module.

[0037] This variant (hereinafter referred to as the third embodiment) advantageously enables selective control of the illumination of the first and second luminous areas. Thus, only one of the two luminous areas can be illuminated, particularly when only one of the luminous modules is deactivated.

[0038] Alternatively, the light-emitting device may include a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module, the first light-emitting module including a first flexible guide plate, a first injection element and a first light source, and the second light-emitting module including a second flexible guide plate, a second injection element and a second light source, the first light-emitting module may be arranged so that the first flexible guide plate allows light from the first lighting module to pass through the first flexible guide plate, and the second light-emitting module may be arranged so that the second flexible guide plate allows light from the second lighting module to pass through the second flexible guide plate.

[0039] Thus, one lighting module may be provided per lighting module, which facilitates the positioning of the lighting module and thus facilitates its integration into the lighting device. This embodiment is referred to as the first embodiment in the following description.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the light emitting module may be arranged within a lens of an optical system of the lighting module.

[0041] The lighting module is thus mechanically protected, while facilitating the positioning of the lighting module and thus facilitating its integration into the lighting device.

[0042] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the light emitting module may be arranged on an outer lens of the light emitting device.

[0043] Lighting devices (such as headlights) are subject to very significant space restrictions. In this case, the space requirement is limited by arranging the lighting module outside the lighting device.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the illumination device may further comprise a signaling module adapted to perform a signaling function.

[0045] Thus, the illumination device may perform both illumination and signaling functions and may have a complex signature.

[0046] Furthermore, the signalling module may be adapted to perform a daytime running light function or a position light function.

[0047] These functions are often necessary and can therefore be integrated with the lighting function in the luminaire.

[0048] Further, in addition, the signalling module may be adapted to perform a daytime running light function and a position light function.

[0049] Thus, the same module is adapted to perform several signalling functions. In particular, such functions can be varied only by the emitted luminous intensity, and therefore by the power supply level applied to the luminous source of the signalling module.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the light emitting device may further comprise a control unit adapted to enable the at least one light source when the lighting module is deactivated.

[0051] Thus, the control unit can be integrated into the lighting device, making it easier to operate the lighting module.

[0052] Additionally, the control unit may also be adapted to activate and deactivate the lighting module depending on the control signal.

[0053] Therefore, the control unit can control both the illumination module and the lighting module, thereby making it easier to make the identification sign consistent between the daytime driving and nighttime driving situations.

[0054] Further, in addition, the control unit may also be adapted to operate the signaling module.

[0055] Therefore, the same control unit can operate all modules of the illumination device, thereby achieving a centralized management of the signaling function and the lighting function.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit may be adapted to operate a signalling module adapted to perform a daytime running light function, and when the daytime running light function is activated, the control unit may be configured to activate the at least one light emitting source of the light module.

[0057] Specifically, since this signaling function is enabled during the day, the lighting module is then enabled when the lighting function is deactivated. This makes it easier to make the identification signs of the lighting devices consistent.

[0058] According to an embodiment, each flexible guide plate may include a film including a microstructure, and each pattern may be etched by ultraviolet printing the microstructure of the film.

[0059] These microstructures make it possible to maintain a high level of transparency of the flexible guide plate while projecting light in the light emitting area when the light emitting source is activated.

[0060] Additionally, for each flexible guide plate, the surface density of the microstructures may decrease with distance from the edge of the guide plate into which the light is injected.

[0061] The uniformity of the pattern projected by the flexible guide plate is thus improved.

[0062] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] [ Figure 1 ] depicts a lighting module for a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0064] [ Figure 2 ] depicts an injection element of a light emitting module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] [ Figure 3 ] depicts a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] [ Figure 4 ] depicts a lighting module for a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0067] [ Figure 5 ] depicts a lighting module for a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0068] [ Figure 6 ] depicts a lighting module for a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The present description focuses on features that distinguish the interior fittings and lighting modules from those known in the prior art.

[0070] Figure 1 A lighting module 100 according to the invention is shown for a lighting device of a motor vehicle.

[0071] The lighting module 100 comprises a flexible guide plate 110 adapted to receive light via an edge 114 and to reflect the light in a direction Z substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flexible guide plate, the flexible guide plate thus being Figure 1 The XY plane of the matrix extends in the XY plane.

[0072] A guide plate is understood to mean an optical guiding element, one of the dimensions of which is much smaller in space than the other two dimensions, for example one or more orders of magnitude smaller. Figure 1 As shown, in this case, the guide plate is a flexible guide plate whose thickness along the Z axis is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than its dimension in the plane XY in which the flexible guide plate 110 extends.

[0073] The flexible guide plate 110 may include a flexible membrane 111 at its core, the flexible membrane including at least one edge 114 adapted to guide light in a general direction X, and including a set of microstructures 113 adapted to reflect light guided in the flexible membrane 111 to the outside of the flexible guide plate 110, in particular in one or more directions substantially along the axis Z.

[0074] The flexible film 111 may be a substrate film made of polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The flexible film 111 may have a thickness, i.e. a dimension along the axis Z, between 12 microns and 1000 microns. More specifically, the thickness of the flexible film 111 may be between 50 microns and 1000 microns, for example between 200 microns and 500 microns. Alternatively, it is a flexible guide plate 110 having a thickness between 200 microns and 1000 microns.

[0075] The above materials, in combination with the low thickness as described above, make it possible to obtain a flexible membrane 111. Other materials can be considered for the composition of the flexible membrane 111. However, it is preferred according to the invention to provide a deformable transparent material.

[0076] A thin coating of microstructures 113 may be applied to one of the faces of the flexible membrane 111 or integrated in the flexible membrane 111. The microstructure coating 113 may in particular have a thickness along the axis Z of less than 20 micrometers.

[0077] These microstructures 113 may generally take the form of bumps on which the light is reflected in a direction substantially along the axis Z. These microstructures 113 may be adapted to pattern the light leaving the flexible membrane 111. To this end, the microstructures 113 may be etched according to the desired pattern by UV printing.

[0078] The microstructures 113 are structures or irregularities of the flexible film with a size less than a few micrometers. Therefore, the microstructures also cover the nanostructures. Microstructures 113 of such size make it possible to ensure a high transparency of the flexible film 111. In particular, a transparency of about 97% can be obtained in practice by using the microstructures 113. Alternatively, the flexible guide plate can be translucent or opaque.

[0079] Advantageously, the microstructures 113 may be distributed along the axis X so that the linear density of the microstructures 113 is proportional to the distance from the edge 114 via which the light injected by the injection element 120 is received. In other words, the farther the microstructures 113 are from the edge 114, the denser they are grouped together. Such a distribution advantageously makes it possible to ensure a uniform distribution of the luminous intensity of the pattern emitted by the flexible guide plate 110 along the axis X.

[0080] The flexible guide plate 110 may further comprise one or two optional protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 making it possible to mechanically protect the flexible film 111. Furthermore, at least one of the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 may comprise an anti-UV treatment, making it possible to protect the flexible film from UV rays once the microstructures 113 have been etched. Without such UV protection, the pattern projected by the flexible guide plate 110 may deteriorate over time, in particular when exposed to sunlight.

[0081] The flexible film 111 and the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 are Figure 1 However, it will be understood that the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 may be attached to the flexible film, in particular by lamination.

[0082] Since the guide plate 110 is flexible, it is not necessarily comprised in a plane, but can be bent, depending on where it is placed and the mechanical constraints imposed on it.

[0083] Figure 1 The illustrated lighting module 100 further comprises a light injection element 120 (also referred to as a light strip) because the light injection element extends longitudinally in a direction Y and is adapted to extend in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (e.g., at a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction). Figure 1 When arranged in the manner shown, light is injected along axis X).

[0084] The light injection element 120 is Figure 1 However, the light injection element 120 may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

[0085] Thus, the light injection element 120 comprises an output surface 122 extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to inject light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the output surface 122. The light injection element 120 further comprises an input surface 121 adapted to receive light from the light source 130 at one end of the light injection element 120, and the light injection element 120 is adapted to guide the light longitudinally along the axis Y, thereby distributing the light on the output surface 122. Figure 2The distribution of light by the output surface 122 will be more clearly understood in the description of FIG.

[0086] There is no limitation on the light source 130. The light source 130 may be adapted to produce light within a range of wavelengths. Such a range may be centered around visible colors so as to produce colored light, such as blue, red, or green. Alternatively, the light source 130 may emit light across the entire wavelength range visible to the human eye in such a way that white light is produced. Laser-type light sources 130 may produce a very narrow range of wavelengths.

[0087] The light source 130 may be adapted to generate light in at least two different wavelength ranges, for example corresponding to two different colors. The light source may be, for example, a light emitting source of the LED type, which has the advantages of, for example, small size, low energy consumption and not heating up very much, thereby generating light of two different colors, adapted to be controlled by a control element (not shown). The light source may in particular be an RGB type diode adapted to generate red light, green light and blue light. Therefore, the light emitting module according to the first embodiment may include a flexible guide plate 110, an injection element 120, and a light source 130 adapted to generate light in at least two different wavelength ranges.

[0088] The light source 130 may be controlled by a control element (not shown but described below).

[0089] Alternatively, the light source 130 is not arranged directly opposite the input surface 121 of the injection element 120, but the lighting module 100 further comprises an optical fiber placed between the light source 130 and the injection element 120, which makes it possible to move the source 130 away from the assembly formed by the injection element 120 and the flexible guide plate 110.

[0090] Figure 2 An injection element 120 of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0091] The injection element 120 may include a plurality of injection guides 123 adapted to receive light from a source 130 via an input surface 121 and guide the light to longitudinal positions on an output surface 122, wherein the longitudinal positions of the light guides are different in such a manner that the light is distributed to at least several longitudinal positions on the output surface 122.

[0092] This makes it possible to inject light at different longitudinal positions on the edge 114 along the axis Y. Each longitudinal position on the edge 114 may correspond to a guide line of the flexible membrane 111 adapted to guide light along such guide line along the axis X.

[0093] This combination of flexible guide plate 110 , injection element 120 and source 130 thus makes it possible to project light in direction Z via a flexible, transparent or translucent surface with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

[0094] In practice, such a lighting module may make it possible to emit a pattern having a lighting area with a brightness between 100 and 1000 candelas per square meter, wherein the light extraction efficiency may range between 25% and 80%.

[0095] Details regarding the structure and arrangement of these elements 110 , 120 , and 130 are further described in the international patent application published under number WO 2011130715A2 .

[0096] A lighting module for a lighting device for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises:

[0097] -Guide plate (such as Figure 1 The flexible guide plate 110 shown), the assembly being adapted to reflect light according to at least one pattern;

[0098] - at least one light injection element, such as a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described injection element 120; and

[0099] - at least one light source (such as the one referenced above Figure 1 The at least one light source 130 described above is adapted to inject light into the at least one injection element.

[0100] "Pattern" refers to any predefined spatial distribution of the luminous intensity emitted by the light-emitting module. In particular, reference is made here to a two-dimensional pattern or a one-dimensional pattern. Thus, the pattern may include a two-dimensional shape or symbol obtained by contrasting the luminous intensity at different positions in the plane XY of the flexible guide plate 110. The pattern may also include several shapes or symbols. Alternatively, the pattern covers a predefined or intentional spatial distribution of the luminous intensity that does not result in any overall shape, such as a distribution that results in a cloud of luminous points. In the context of the present invention, the pattern is formed by injecting light into an injection element that is arranged relative to the flexible guide plate in such a way that a pattern is formed on the flexible guide plate. The flexible guide plate is thus adapted to project light according to at least one pattern, and the pattern may correspond to at least one shape or symbol. When the flexible guide plate is combined with several injection elements, the flexible guide plate may also project light according to at least two patterns. These shapes or symbols may be generated by contrasting between luminous areas (through which light is emitted) and dark areas (through which light is not emitted).

[0101] Figure 3A light emitting device 300 according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted.

[0102] The light emitting device 300 according to the present invention comprises at least one light emitting module as described above, and embodiments of the at least one light emitting module will be described in detail below. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described in Figure 3 4, 500, 600. As will become clear, the light emitting device 300 may comprise several light emitting modules.

[0103] The light emitting device 300 further comprises a lighting module 301.1, 301.2 adapted to project light toward the outside of the light emitting device 300 in order to perform at least one lighting function. This lighting function may be, for example, a low beam (LB) function or a high beam (HB) function. Alternatively, the lighting modules 301.1, 301.2 may be controlled, for example, by a control element (CTRL) 340, and may be controlled to perform two different lighting functions, such as a LB function and a HB function. There is no restriction on the technology associated with the lighting module. In particular, there is no restriction on the light source of the lighting modules 301.1, 301.2, which may be a source comprising one light emitting element or several light emitting elements (such as one or more LEDs). The light source of the lighting module may be an array source, which may include an array of micro-reflectors of the DMD type, an array of LEDs, or any other array source.

[0104] The lighting device 300 may optionally include one or more signaling modules 302.1, 302.2 and 302.3 adapted to project light towards the outside of the lighting device to perform a signaling function. The signaling module may, for example, be adapted to perform a position light PL function or a daytime running light DRL function. In addition, the signaling module may be adapted to perform both a position light PL function and a daytime running light DRL function, wherein the luminous intensity emitted by the signaling module alone may be varied between the two functions. Such a variation of the luminous intensity may be obtained by activating / deactivating the luminous source of the signaling module, or by supplying power to the luminous source in pulse width modulation by varying the duty cycle.

[0105] The light emitting device 300 for a motor vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle headlight, for example a motor vehicle front headlight.

[0106] There is no restriction on the number of lighting modules, lighting modules and signaling modules included in the lighting device 300, and there is no restriction on the corresponding shapes and arrangements of the lighting modules, lighting modules and signaling modules constituting the identification marks of the lighting device 300. As described above, the lighting device according to the present invention includes:

[0107] - at least one lighting module;

[0108] - at least one lighting module as described above;

[0109] - Optionally, at least one signalling module.

[0110] exist Figure 3 In the particular example shown, the irradiation device 300 includes:

[0111] - A first lighting module 301.1 and a second lighting module 301.2. For example, the first lighting module 301.1 can perform a low beam LB lighting function, while the second lighting module 301.2 can perform a high beam HB lighting function;

[0112] a first signalling module 302.1 (in two parts: an upper part and a lower part), a second signalling module 302.2 (in two parts: an upper part and a lower part) and a third signalling module 302.3 (in two parts: an upper part and a lower part). Each signalling module 302.1, 302.2 and 302.3 is adapted to project light towards the outside of the light emitting device to perform a signalling function. Each signalling module may perform its own signalling function or, alternatively, the signalling modules 302.1, 302.2 and 302.3 may perform the same signalling function and thus be controlled together by, for example, the control element 340;

[0113] A light emitting module 400, 500, 600 or two light emitting modules 400, 500, 600, depending on the embodiment in question.

[0114] The control element 340 can centrally control all modules, in other words, the lighting module, the lighting module and the signaling module. The control element 340 can control the activation or deactivation of each module according to a control signal received, for example, by a central control module of the motor vehicle, such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0115] The control element 340 may include a processor configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally with a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM) or any other type of memory (flash memory, EEPROM, etc.) via one or more buses or via a wired connection. Alternatively, the memory includes several memories of the above types. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory. The processor is adapted to execute instructions stored in the memory and control the modules of the light emitting device 300 according to the control signals. Alternatively, the processor can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to implement control of these modules according to the received control signals.

[0116] Alternatively, each module comprises a dedicated control element.

[0117] Figure 4 A light emitting module 400 of a light emitting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0118] The light emitting module 400 includes a flexible guide plate 410 , an injection member 420 , and a light source 430 , which are similar to the flexible guide plate 110 , the injection member 120 , and the light source 130 described above.

[0119] The flexible guide plate 410 is etched according to a pattern including the light emitting area 450 , adapted to reflect light injected by the injection element 420 after activation of the light source 430 .

[0120] The light emitting area 450 is arranged to face the optical projection surface of the lighting module. The light emitting area 450 can also be shaped to overlap with the optical projection surface of the lighting module. The light emitting area 450 can therefore have the same shape as the projection of the optical projection surface of the lighting module in the plane of the flexible guide plate.

[0121] This makes it possible to illuminate the light area 450 by activating the source 430 when the lighting module on which the light module 400 is placed is deactivated. Thus, when the lighting module is deactivated, an external observer does not see a dark area in the area of ​​the lighting module, as is usually the case during the day. Thus, the invention makes it possible to homogenize the signature of a light device comprising a light module 400 arranged on a lighting module.

[0122] The light emitting module 400 can be used, for example, Figure 3 Alternatively, the lighting device 300 includes a first lighting module that is the same as the lighting module 400 arranged to face the first lighting module 301.1, and a second lighting module that is the same as the lighting module 400 arranged to face the second lighting module 301.2.

[0123] Thus, several light modules 400 can be advantageously used in a lighting device comprising several lighting modules. When the lighting modules have optical surfaces of different shapes, the light emission areas 450 of the light modules 400 vary in the same way as the corresponding optical surfaces of the lighting modules they cover. This makes it possible to homogenize complex identification signs between the time periods of day and night.

[0124] Advantageously, the light source 430 is controlled by the above-mentioned control element 340. The control element 340 may also control a lighting module, opposite to which the light module 400 is placed. Thus, the control element 340 is adapted to activate the light source 430 when it deactivates the lighting module.

[0125] exist Figure 3In the example, when the first lighting module 301.1 is disabled, the control element 340 may enable the first light emitting module 400 arranged facing the first lighting module 301.1, and when the second lighting module 301.1 is disabled, the control element 340 may enable the second light emitting module 400 arranged facing the second lighting module 301.2.

[0126] Alternatively, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , two embodiments are presented, wherein a single light emitting module 500 or 600 can be arranged to face at least two lighting modules of a light emitting device.

[0127] Figure 5 A light emitting module 500 of an illumination device according to a second embodiment of the invention is depicted.

[0128] According to the second embodiment, the light emitting module 500 includes a flexible guide plate 510 , an injection element 520 , and a light source 530 similar to the flexible guide plate 110 , the injection element 120 , and the light source 130 described above.

[0129] The flexible guide plate 510 is etched according to a pattern comprising a first light emitting area 550.1 and a second light emitting area 550.2, adapted to reflect light injected by the injection element 520 after activation of the light source 530.

[0130] The first light emitting area 550.1 is arranged to face the first optical projection surface of the first lighting module, and the second light emitting area 550.2 is arranged to face the second optical projection surface of the second lighting module. The first light emitting area 550.1 and the second light emitting area 550.2 can also be shaped to overlap with the optical projection surfaces of the first lighting module and the second lighting module. Therefore, the first light emitting area 650.1 and the second light emitting area 650.2 can have the same shape as the projection of the optical projection surface of the lighting module in the plane of the flexible guide plate 510.

[0131] This makes it possible to illuminate the luminous areas 550.1 and 550.2 by activating the source 530 when the first and / or second lighting modules on which the luminous modules 500 are placed are deactivated. Thus, when at least one of the lighting modules is deactivated, an external observer does not see dark areas in the area of ​​the lighting modules, as is usually the case during the day. Thus, the invention makes it possible to homogenize the signature of a luminous device comprising luminous modules 500 arranged on several lighting modules using a single flexible guide plate 510, a single injection element 520 and a single light source 530. This reduces volume and costs.

[0132] The light emitting module 500 can be used, for example, Figure 3 In the example, it is thereby arranged to face the lighting modules 301.1 and 301.2.

[0133] Thus, a single lighting module 500 can be advantageously used in a lighting device comprising several lighting modules. When the lighting modules have optical surfaces of different shapes, the lighting areas 550.1 and 550.2 have different shapes in the same way as the corresponding optical surfaces of the lighting modules they cover. This makes it possible to homogenize complex identification signs between the day and night periods.

[0134] Advantageously, the light source 530 is controlled by the above-mentioned control element 340. The control element 340 may also control lighting modules, opposite to which the lighting module 500 is placed. Thus, the control element 340 is adapted to enable the light source 530 when it deactivates at least one of the lighting modules of the lighting device.

[0135] exist Figure 3 In the example, when the first lighting module 301.1 is disabled, when the second lighting module 301.1 is disabled, or when the first lighting module 301.1 and the second lighting module 301.2 are disabled, the control element 340 may enable the light emitting module 500 arranged facing the first lighting module 301.1 and the second lighting module 301.2.

[0136] Figure 6 A light emitting module 600 of an illumination device according to a third embodiment of the invention is depicted.

[0137] According to the third embodiment, a lighting module 600 comprises a flexible guiding plate 610, a first injection element 620.1, a second injection element 620.2, a first light source 630.1 and a second light source 630.2 similar to the flexible guiding plate 110, the injection element 120 and the light source 130 described above.

[0138] The flexible guide plate 610 is etched according to a pattern including a first light emitting area 650.1 located in a first portion of the flexible guide plate 610 and a second light emitting area 650.2 located in a second portion of the flexible guide plate 610. Alternatively, it can be considered that a first pattern is etched in a first portion of the flexible guide plate 610 including the first light emitting area 650.1, and a second pattern is etched in a second portion of the flexible guide plate 610 including the second light emitting area 650.2.

[0139] The first light source 630.1 is adapted to inject light into the first injection element 620.1, which itself is adapted to inject or distribute light into the first part of the flexible guide plate so as to illuminate the first light emitting area 650.1. To this end, the first injection element 620.1 is arranged facing the first section of the edge 114 of the flexible guide plate 610.

[0140] The second light source 630.2 is adapted to inject light into a second injection element 620.2, which itself is adapted to inject or distribute light into a second portion of the flexible guide plate 610 so as to illuminate the second light emitting area 650.2. To this end, the second injection element 620.2 is arranged facing a second section of the edge of the flexible guide plate 610, different from the first section.

[0141] The first light emitting area 650.1 is arranged to face the first optical projection surface of the first lighting module, and the second light emitting area 650.2 is arranged to face the second optical projection surface of the second lighting module. The first light emitting area 650.1 and the second light emitting area 650.2 can also be shaped to overlap with the optical projection surfaces of the first lighting module and the second lighting module. Therefore, the first light emitting area 650.1 and the second light emitting area 650.2 can have the same shape as the projection of the optical projection surface of the lighting module in the plane of the flexible guide plate 610.

[0142] This makes it possible to illuminate the light emitting areas 650.1 and 650.2 by selectively enabling the sources 630.1 and 630.2. When the first lighting module is deactivated, the first light source 630.1 can be enabled. When the second lighting module is deactivated, the second light source 630.2 can be enabled. Thus, the sources 630.1 and 630.2 can be controlled individually, for example, by the control element 340.

[0143] Alternatively, the control element 340 enables the sources 630.1 and 630.2 simultaneously, and thus the first light emitting area 650.1 and the second light emitting area 650.2 are illuminated when at least one of the first lighting module and the second lighting module is deactivated.

[0144] Thus, when at least one of the lighting modules is deactivated, an external observer does not see a dark area in the area of ​​the lighting modules, as is usually the case during the day. Thus, the invention makes it possible to homogenize the signature of a lighting device comprising lighting modules 600 arranged on several lighting modules, using a single flexible guide plate 610, by making it possible to selectively illuminate the first 650.1 and second 650.2 lighting areas.

[0145] The light emitting module 600 can be used, for example, Figure 3 In the example, it is thereby arranged to face the lighting modules 301.1 and 301.2.

[0146] Thus, a single lighting module 600 can be advantageously used in a lighting device comprising several lighting modules. When the lighting modules have optical projection surfaces of different shapes, the lighting areas 650.1 and 650.2 have different shapes in the same way as the corresponding optical surfaces of the lighting modules they cover. This makes it possible to make complex identification signs consistent between the day and night periods.

[0147] Advantageously, the light sources 630.1 and 630.2 are controlled by the above-mentioned control element 340. The control element 340 may also control lighting modules, opposite to which the light module 600 is placed. Thus, the control element 340 is adapted to selectively enable the light sources 630.1 and 630.2 when it deactivates at least one of the lighting modules of the light emitting device.

[0148] exist Figure 3 In the example, the control element 340 can illuminate the first light emitting area 650.1 arranged facing the first lighting module 301.1 when the first lighting module 301.1 is deactivated, and can illuminate the second light emitting area 650.2 arranged facing the second lighting module 301.2 when the second lighting module 301.1 is deactivated.

[0149] In the above-described embodiments, the light-emitting area can be controlled according to the activation of one of the signaling modules. The control element 340 can specifically control the light-emitting module, the lighting module, and control one or more signaling modules, such as Figure 3 In particular, when the daytime running light DRL function is enabled on at least one of the signaling modules responsible for this signaling function, the control element 340 can advantageously enable the light sources of the lighting modules 400, 500 or 600. Since this function is enabled during the day, it is ensured that the light sources of the lighting modules are enabled during the day, which makes it possible to homogenize the signature of the lighting device 300 between the situations of daytime driving and nighttime driving.

[0150] The luminous area is a portion of the flexible guide plate pattern adapted to reflect light guided in the flexible guide plate to the outside of the flexible guide plate. The luminous intensity within the luminous area may vary. Thus, luminous areas and dark areas may be distinguished in the pattern. Advantageously, according to the invention, the luminous area is placed facing the optical surfaces of the lighting module and may have the same shape as these optical surfaces.

[0151] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

1. A lighting device (300) for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising at least one lighting module (301.1; 301.2) adapted to project light to perform a lighting function, and further comprising a lighting module (400; 500; 600), the lighting module comprising: - flexible guide plate (110; 410; 510; 610), the flexible guide plate being adapted to receive light via at least one edge (114) of the flexible guide plate and to reflect the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide plate; - at least one light injection element (120; 420; 520; 620.1; 620.2) adapted to receive light and distribute said light in said flexible guiding plate; - at least one light source (130; 430; 530； 630.1; 530.2), said at least one light source being adapted to inject light into said at least one light injection element; - wherein the flexible guiding plate is transparent, wherein the light emitting modules are arranged such that the flexible guiding plate allows light from the lighting modules to pass through the flexible guiding plate, and wherein the light sources are activated when the lighting modules are deactivated.

2. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible guide plate is adapted to reflect the light according to at least one pattern etched in the flexible guide plate (110; 410; 510; 610), and wherein a light emitting area (450; 550.1; 550.2; 650.1; 650.2) of the pattern is arranged to face an optical projection surface of the lighting module (301.1; 301.2).

3. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one lighting module is adapted to perform a low-beam lighting function or a high-beam lighting function.

4. The light emitting device according to claim 3, wherein: The lighting module (301.1; 301.2) is adapted to perform a low-beam lighting function and a high-beam lighting function.

5. The light-emitting device as described in claim 3 comprises a first lighting module (301.1) adapted to perform a low-beam lighting function and a second lighting module (301.2) adapted to perform a high-beam lighting function, and the light-emitting modules (400; 500; 600) are arranged so that the flexible guide plate allows light from the first lighting module or the second lighting module to pass through the flexible guide plate.

6. The light emitting device according to claim 5, wherein: The light emitting modules are arranged so that the flexible guide plate (110; 410; 510; 610) allows light from the first lighting module (301.1) and the second lighting module (301.2) to pass through the flexible guide plate.

7. The light emitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The light emitting module (500) comprises a single flexible guide plate (510), a first pattern being etched in a first portion of the flexible guide plate and a second pattern being etched in a second portion of the flexible guide plate, wherein a light emitting area (550.1) of the first pattern is arranged to face a first optical projection surface of the first lighting module (301.1), and wherein a light emitting area (550.2) of the second pattern is arranged to face a second optical projection surface of the second lighting module (301.2).

8. The light emitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The light-emitting module (600) includes a single flexible guide plate, a first injection element (620.1) and a second injection element (620.2), wherein the first injection element is arranged so as to inject light into a first segment of an edge of the flexible guide plate (610), and wherein the second injection element is arranged so as to inject light into a second segment of an edge of the flexible guide plate, a first portion of the first segment of the flexible guide plate positioned to face the edge is etched according to a first pattern, and a second portion of the second segment of the flexible guide plate positioned to face the edge is etched according to a second pattern, wherein a light-emitting area (650.1) of the first pattern is arranged to face a first optical projection surface of the first lighting module (301.1), and wherein a light-emitting area (650.2) of the second pattern is arranged to face a second optical projection surface of the second lighting module (301.2).

9. The light emitting device according to claim 5, comprising a first light emitting module (301.1) and a second light emitting module (301.2), the first light emitting module comprising a first flexible guide plate (410), a first injection element (420) and a first light source (430), and the second light emitting module comprising a second flexible guide plate, a second injection element and a second light source, wherein: The first lighting module is arranged so that the first flexible guide plate allows light from the first lighting module to pass through the first flexible guide plate, and the second lighting module is arranged so that the second flexible guide plate allows light from the second lighting module to pass through the second flexible guide plate.

10. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The light emitting module (400; 500; 600) is arranged inside a lens of an optical system of the lighting module (301.1; 301.2).

11. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The light emitting module (400; 500; 600) is arranged on an outer lens of the light emitting device (300).

12. The lighting device of one of the preceding claims, further comprising a signaling module (302.1; 302.2; 302.3) adapted to perform a signaling function.

13. The light emitting device of claim 12, wherein: The signaling module (302.1; 302.2; 302.3) is adapted to perform a daytime running light function or a position light function.

14. The light emitting device of claim 13, wherein: The signaling module (302.1; 302.2; 302.3) is adapted to perform a daytime running light function and a position light function.

15. The lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (340) adapted to enable the at least one light source (430; 530; 630) when the lighting module (301.1; 301.2) is deactivated.

16. The light emitting device of claim 15, wherein: The control unit (340) is further adapted to activate and deactivate the lighting module (301.1; 301.2) in accordance with a control signal.

17. A lighting device as claimed in claim 15 or 16 and in claim 13 or 14, wherein The control unit (340) is also adapted to operate the signalling module (302.1; 302.2; 302.3).

18. The light emitting device of claim 17, wherein: The control unit (340) is adapted to operate the signaling module (302.1; 302.2; 302.3), the signaling module being adapted to perform a daytime running light function, and wherein, when the daytime running light function is enabled, the control unit is configured to enable the at least one light source (430; 530; 630).

19. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each flexible guide plate (110; 410; 510; 610) comprises: a film (111) comprising a microstructure (113), wherein each pattern is etched by ultraviolet printing the microstructure of the film.

20. The light emitting device of claim 19, wherein: For each flexible guide plate (110; 410; 510; 610), the surface density of the microstructure (113) decreases with the distance from the edge of the guide plate, and the light is injected into the edge of the guide plate.

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