External device for motor vehicle having lighting module with flexible guide plate

Abstract

The invention relates to an external device (600) for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an outer surface (620), a light emitting module (100, 300; 400, 400; 500) is arranged on the outer surface. The light emitting module comprises an assembly of at least one flexible guide plate, each flexible guide plate in the assembly being adapted to receive light at at least one edge of the flexible guide plate and to reflect light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide plate according to at least one pattern (630) etched in the flexible guide plate. The light emitting module further comprises at least one light injection element adapted to receive and distribute light in the assembly of the flexible guide plate and at least one light source adapted to inject light into the light injection element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting modules for external devices for motor vehicles, in particular lighting modules with light guides. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for displaying light patterns on external devices for motor vehicles.

[0002] At present, light patterns are usually displayed inside motor vehicles in order to convey information, for aesthetic customization purposes or to create atmosphere. At present, it is also desirable to be able to display such light patterns outside the vehicle so that they can be seen by an observer located outside the vehicle in order to convey information or for aesthetic purposes.

[0003] It is preferred to display such patterns at high resolution.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to use a screen, such as an LCD screen.

[0005] However, this technology is not only expensive but also sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity or UV radiation. Therefore, this technology is not suitable for exterior use, where the external equipment of a motor vehicle is subject to variable environmental conditions, adverse weather and is also exposed to mechanical shocks.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferred to have a flexible lighting module in order to facilitate its integration into any type of device. This is particularly true on the exterior of a motor vehicle, where the exterior devices, such as different body elements, have non-planar surfaces.

[0007] Finally, the above-mentioned solution has the disadvantage of high energy consumption, wherein the energy consumption is greater the larger the surface area of ​​the device in which the lighting module is to be integrated.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an interior device for a motor vehicle, which interior device comprises a lighting module adapted to display a precise light pattern and which is robust, inexpensive, energy efficient and easy to integrate.

[0009] The present invention improves this situation.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to an external device for a motor vehicle, the device comprising an outer surface on which a light module is arranged, the light module comprising:

[0011] an assembly of at least one flexible guide plate, each flexible guide plate in the assembly being 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 according to at least one pattern etched in the flexible guide plate;

[0012] at least one light injection element adapted to receive light and distribute the light in the assembly of at least one flexible guide plate;

[0013] At least one light source is adapted to inject light into the at least one light injection element.

[0014] The use of a flexible guide plate makes it easier to integrate the lighting module into an external device for a motor vehicle and also compact, since the lighting module can have a small thickness. In addition, large surface areas can be illuminated while limiting the number of light sources used.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the external device further includes a protection layer disposed on the light emitting module, the light emitting module being included between the outer surface and the protection layer.

[0016] Thus, the light module is provided with at least mechanical protection, thereby making it possible to extend its life. In particular, external devices for motor vehicles are particularly exposed to mechanical impacts. In addition, the protective layer can protect the light module from the influence of bad weather (such as rain or hail).

[0017] Additionally, the protective layer may be transparent and capable of filtering ultraviolet rays.

[0018] Therefore, the protection layer can also protect the light emitting module from ultraviolet rays to avoid degradation of one or more patterns etched into one or more flexible guide plates of the light emitting module.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the external device may further comprise a control element adapted to control the at least one light source.

[0020] This makes it possible to manage the light source and thus change the pattern displayed by the lighting module. Thus, lighting animations or dynamic information can be displayed.

[0021] Additionally, the lighting module may be adapted to display at least one symbol in a given area of ​​the lighting module based on the pattern of each flexible guide panel in the assembly.

[0022] This makes it possible to display at least one symbol on an external device of the motor vehicle. Such a symbol can have an aesthetic function or an information function.

[0023] Additionally, the light emitting module may be adapted to display at least a first symbol in a first given area of ​​the light emitting module and at least a second symbol in a second given area of ​​the light emitting module based on a pattern of each flexible guide panel in the assembly.

[0024] This enables multiple patterns to be produced with a single lighting module.

[0025] In addition or as an alternative, the light emitting module may include a flexible guide plate, a light injection element and a light source, wherein the light source is adapted to project light within a first wavelength range and within a second wavelength range different from the first range, and the control element is adapted to control the light source to project light within the first range or within the second range.

[0026] Hence, the device is adapted to be dynamically controlled to vary the colour of the projected pattern.

[0027] Furthermore, the control element may be adapted to control the light source to project light within the first range or within the second range according to the animation command.

[0028] This makes it possible to create glow animations with color changes.

[0029] According to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the light emitting module may include a single flexible guide plate.

[0030] Thus, simple, inexpensive lighting modules can be used while displaying light patterns on large and potentially non-planar surfaces.

[0031] In addition, according to the second embodiment or as an alternative according to the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, the light-emitting module may include a first injection element and a second injection element, the at least one source may be adapted to selectively inject light into the first injection element and the second injection element, and the assembly of the first light injection element and at least one flexible guide plate may be arranged so as to project light according to a first pattern, and the assembly of the second light injection element and at least one flexible guide plate may be arranged so as to project light according to a second pattern.

[0032] Thus, the first injection element and the second injection element can be used separately, which allows animations to be achieved by color variations or spatial variations of the light emitted by the component.

[0033] Additionally, the first light source may inject light into the first light injection element and the second light source may be adapted to inject light into the second light injection element.

[0034] Thus, control of dynamic display is made possible by managing sources enabled independently of each other.

[0035] Further, additionally, the first light source may be adapted to generate light in a first wavelength range and the second light source may be adapted to generate light in a second wavelength range different from the first range.

[0036] This makes it possible to dynamically change the color of the displayed pattern.

[0037] In addition or as an alternative, according to a second embodiment, the first injection element can be arranged so as to inject light into a first segment of an edge of a guide plate in the assembly, and the second injection element can be arranged so as to inject light into a second segment of an edge of the flexible guide plate, etching a first portion of the flexible guide plate positioned opposite to the first segment of the edge according to a first pattern, and etching a second portion of the flexible guide plate positioned opposite to the second segment of the edge according to a second pattern.

[0038] This makes it possible to produce several patterns at different spatial positions via a single flexible guide sheet, which limits the costs and space requirements associated with the light emitting module.

[0039] Alternatively, according to the third and fourth embodiments, the component may include at least a first flexible guide plate and a second flexible guide plate, a first pattern is etched in the first flexible guide plate, and a second pattern is etched in the second flexible guide plate, the first injection element is arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide plate, and the second injection element is arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide plate.

[0040] This makes it possible to create complex variations of patterns and / or to provide light-emitting modules covering a large illuminated surface area.

[0041] According to the third embodiment, the first guide plate and the second guide plate may be overlapped in the light emitting module so as to project the first pattern and the second pattern in a common area of ​​the light emitting module.

[0042] This makes it possible to change the pattern projected in the common area. Animation can be produced by dynamically changing the pattern of the common area or changing its color.

[0043] Furthermore, because the flexible guide plates are thin, they can be stacked without taking up significant space, which is particularly advantageous in constrained environments such as the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0044] Alternatively, according to a fourth embodiment, the first flexible guide plate and the second flexible guide plate may be placed adjacent to each other in such a way that the first pattern and the second pattern are projected at different positions.

[0045] This makes it possible to cover large emitting surface areas (in particular greater than 100 cm2) while allowing integration on irregular and complex surfaces.

[0046] In addition, the component may include more than two flexible guide plates, which are placed adjacent to each other in such a way as to form a matrix of flexible guide plates, each flexible guide plate being associated with a light injection element adapted to inject light into the edge of the flexible guide plate, and each flexible guide plate having at least one pattern etched in the plate.

[0047] This makes it possible to create complex light animations through spatial variations of the projected light, while allowing easy integration into devices with complex surfaces.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the flexible guide plates in an assembly may have the same square or rectangular shape.

[0049] Thus, the production of the lighting module is simplified and the associated costs are reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, the shape of the guide plate may have a size between 3 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0051] The dimensions of the matrix elements as flexible guides are therefore small, which makes it possible to produce lighting modules with a large number of flexible guides. This allows to display many patterns and thus create complex light animations.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the control element may be adapted to control the at least one source to selectively project light according to the first pattern and according to the second pattern.

[0053] Thus, a single element is able to control the selective injection of light into various light injection elements of a lighting module, which improves the synchronization of the display of light patterns with respect to each other.

[0054] Furthermore, the control element may be adapted to dynamically control the at least one source in such a way that a light animation comprising at least the first pattern and the second pattern is generated.

[0055] This makes it easier to create light animations from patterns.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the external device may be a body element of the vehicle.

[0057] This utilizes the flexibility of the light module, and this light module can be used on non-flat surfaces (such as the body surface of a motor vehicle).In addition, this light module is flat and therefore light and not very bulky.

[0058] According to an embodiment, each flexible guide plate in the assembly may have a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

[0059] Such a thickness allows the flexible guide plate to be highly flexible and facilitates its integration in particular on a curved support.

[0060] According to an embodiment, at least one flexible guide plate in the assembly may be made of a transparent material.

[0061] This increases the integration possibilities of the light emitting module as well as its aesthetic appearance. Note that at least one of the flexible guide plates may be translucent or opaque.

[0062] In addition, each flexible guide plate in the assembly may include a polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0063] This material makes it possible to produce transparent and flexible guide plates.

[0064] According to an embodiment, each of the flexible guide plates may include a film including a microstructure, and each of the first pattern and the second pattern may be etched by ultraviolet printing the microstructure of the film.

[0065] This microstructure enables the creation of high-resolution patterns while maintaining a high level of transparency of the flexible guide plate.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The uniformity of the pattern projected by the flexible guide plate is thus improved.

[0068] According to an embodiment, each injection element may include a plurality of injection guides, each injection guide being adapted to receive light from one end of the guide and guide the light to a given longitudinal position on the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides being different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

[0069] This allows the light to be evenly distributed in the edge of the flexible guide plate, which improves the quality of the projection of the first and second patterns.

[0070] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] [ Figure 1 ] depicts a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0072] [ Figure 2 ] depicts an injection element of a light emitting module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] [ Figure 3 ] depicts a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0074] [ Figure 4] depicts a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0075] [ Figure 5 ] depicts a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0076] [ Figure 6 ] depicts an external device for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The present description focuses on features that distinguish the external device or lighting module from external devices or lighting modules known in the prior art.

[0078] [ Figure 1 ] shows a light emitting module 100 for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The light emitting 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 arranged in a direction [ Figure 1 ] extends in plane XY in .

[0080] A guide plate is understood to mean a light-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 FIG. 1 , 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Such microstructures 113 may generally take the form of bumps on which light is reflected in a direction substantially along the axis Z. Such 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The flexible film 111 and the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 are in [ Figure 1 ] are shown as spaced apart, this is purely for illustrative purposes. However, it will be understood that the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 can be attached to the flexible film, in particular by lamination.

[0090] 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.

[0091] [ Figure 1 ] The light module 100 shown in FIG. 1 further includes 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., in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction). Figure 1 ] When arranged in the manner shown, light is injected along the axis X).

[0092] The light injection element 120 is Figure 1 ] has a rectangular or square cross-section. However, the light injection element 120 may have a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

[0093] 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 2 ]The distribution of light by the output surface 122 will be more clearly understood in the description of FIG.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The light source 130 may be controlled by a control element (not shown but described below) in order to vary the projected color and thereby create a light animation.

[0097] 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.

[0098] [ Figure 2 ] shows an injection element 120 of a light emitting module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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, translucent or opaque surface with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

[0102] In practice, such a lighting module may make it possible to emit a pattern having a brightness between 100 and 1000 candela per square meter, wherein the light extraction efficiency may range between 25% and 80%.

[0103] 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 .

[0104] A light emitting module for an external device of a vehicle according to the present invention comprises:

[0105] - At least one guide plate (such as [ Figure 1 ] an assembly of a flexible guide plate 110) as shown in FIG. 1 , the assembly being adapted to reflect light according to at least one pattern;

[0106] - at least one light injection element, such as a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described injection element 120; and

[0107] - at least one light source (such as reference [ Figure 1 ] the light source 130 described, the at least one light source being adapted to inject light into the at least one injection element.

[0108] "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 comprise a two-dimensional shape or symbol obtained by contrast between the luminous intensity at different positions in the plane XY of the flexible guide plate 110. The pattern may also comprise several shapes or symbols. Alternatively, the pattern covers a predefined or intentional spatial distribution of the luminous intensity that does not result in the appearance of 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.

[0109] In a first embodiment, the lighting module comprises a single source, a single injection element and a single flexible guide plate adapted to form a pattern.

[0110] In the following second, third and fourth embodiments, the light module comprises at least two injection elements similar to the above-mentioned injection element 120. These embodiments may vary according to the number of elements included in the light module and their corresponding arrangement. However, the description and definition of the light source, injection element and flexible guide plate given above apply to all embodiments.

[0111] [ Figure 3 ] shows a light emitting module 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] In a second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged such that light is injected into the same flexible guide plate, the flexible guide plate comprising several patterns.

[0113] In particular, in [ Figure 3 ] in the example, the first injection element 320 . 1 and the second injection element 320 . 2 are arranged so as to inject light into the edge 314 of the flexible guide plate 310 .

[0114] The first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 may be similar to the reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similarly, the flexible guide plate 310 may correspond to the flexible guide plate 110 described above.

[0115] like[ Figure 3] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 are arranged so as to inject light into the edge 314 at different longitudinal positions along the axis Y.

[0116] Note that since the guide plate 310 is flexible, the guide plate may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 3 ] shows the light emitting module 300 when the guide plate is flat (eg placed on a flat rigid support).

[0117] Thus, the first injection element 320.1 is adapted to inject light into the edge 314 which is then guided by the flexible guide plate 310 into the first part 315.1 of the flexible guide plate 310. The second injection element 320.2 is adapted to inject light into the edge 314 which is then guided into the second part 315.2 of the flexible guide plate 310.

[0118] For this purpose, the first source 330.1 is arranged opposite the input surface of the first injection element 320.1 in such a way that the light propagates within the first injection element 320.1 and thus towards the first portion 315.1 of the flexible guide plate 310. The second source 330.2 is arranged opposite the input surface of the second injection element 320.2 in such a way that the light propagates within the second injection element 320.2 and thus towards the second portion 315.2 of the flexible guide plate 310.

[0119] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light emitting module 300 comprises a first optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the first injection element 320.1 and a second optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the second injection element 320.2.

[0120] The first source 330.1 and the second source 330.2 or a single source can selectively inject into the first injection element 320.1 and / or into the second injection element 320.2. This selective injection can be controlled by a control element (CTRL) 340 connected to the two sources 330.1 and 330.2 or controlling the power supply to the two sources 330.1 and 330.2.

[0121] A first pattern 316.1 is etched in the first portion 315.1, and a second pattern 316.2 is etched in the second portion 315.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 320.1 and / or the second injection element 320.2 enables the first pattern to be projected, the second pattern to be projected, neither of these patterns to be projected, or both patterns to be projected simultaneously, thereby enabling the generation of animations from at least the first pattern and the second pattern, or display of dynamic luminous information, by dynamic control. Alternatively, the selective injection of light may be dynamically controlled based on touch input data received by the control element 340, such as from [ Figure 6 ] can be understood more clearly in the description of .

[0122] exist[ Figure 3 ], the first pattern 316.1 and the second pattern 316.2 each correspond to a symbol, which symbols are different. However, consistent with the definition of "pattern" given above, these patterns can be any intentional or predetermined spatial distribution of luminous intensity. In addition, in the case where the patterns are shapes or symbols, the first pattern 316.1 and the second pattern 316.2 can have the same shape. The animation is then achieved by the spatial movement of the pattern from the first part 315.1 to the second part 315.2, or vice versa. In addition, when the sources 330.1 and 330.2 produce light of different colors, the color projected for each pattern respectively can vary.

[0123] [ Figure 3 ] shows an example with two patterns and two injection elements. However, the first embodiment also covers a light emitting module having a flexible guide plate with three or more parts and having at least three injection elements, each part comprising an etched pattern, each injection element being placed opposite one of the parts.

[0124] A dedicated source for each injection element may be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers may be provided for this purpose.

[0125] [ Figure 4 ] shows a light emitting module 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module 400 comprises at least a first flexible guide plate 410.1 and a second flexible guide plate 410.2, which are stacked, meaning that at least a portion of the first flexible guide plate 410.1 in the plane XY overlaps with at least a portion of the second flexible guide plate 410.2 in a common area corresponding to a set of positions in the plane XY.

[0127] Preferably, the first flexible guiding plate 410.1 and the second flexible guiding plate 410.2 have the same dimensions in the plane XY and completely overlap.

[0128] Note that since the guide plate is flexible, the guide plate may not be flat but may be curved. Therefore, [ Figure 4 ] shows the light emitting module 400 when the guide plate is flat (eg, stacked on a flat support).

[0129] Such superposition is particularly advantageous since, as mentioned above, the flexible guide plate is preferably transparent.

[0130] Hence, the first flexible guide plate 410.1 and the second flexible guide plate 410.2 are adapted to project the first pattern 416.1 and the second pattern 416.2, respectively, in a common area.

[0131] The first injection element 420.1 is adapted and arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide plate 410.1 and the second injection element 420.2 is adapted and arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide plate 410.2.

[0132] For this purpose, the first source 430.1 is arranged opposite the input surface of the first injection element 420.1 in such a way that the light propagates within the first injection element 420.1 and thus towards the first flexible guide plate 410.1. The second source 430.2 is arranged opposite the input surface of the second injection element 420.2 in such a way that the light propagates within the second injection element 420.2 and thus towards the second flexible guide plate 410.2.

[0133] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the lighting module comprises a first optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the first injection element 420.1 and a second optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the second injection element 420.2.

[0134] The first source 430.1 and the second source 430.2 or a single source may selectively inject into the first injection element 420.1 and / or into the second injection element 420.2. Such selective injection may be controlled by a control element 440 connected to or controlling the power supply to the two sources 430.1 and 430.2.

[0135] A first pattern 416.1 is etched in the first flexible guide plate 410.1, and a second pattern 416.2 is etched in the second flexible guide plate 410.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 420.1 and / or the second injection element 420.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, project the second pattern, project neither of these patterns, or project both patterns simultaneously, thereby making it possible to generate animations from at least the first pattern and the second pattern by dynamic control.

[0136] exist[ Figure 4 ], for illustrative purposes, the first pattern 416.1 and the second pattern 416.2 have different symbols and are similar to [ Figure 3 ] are the same as the patterns 316.1 and 316.2. However, consistent with the definition of pattern given above, these patterns can be any intentional or predetermined spatial distribution of luminous intensity. In addition, in the case where the pattern is a shape or symbol, the first pattern 416.1 and the second pattern 416.2 can have the same symbol but different colors. Specifically, when the sources 430.1 and 430.2 generate light of different colors, the color projected for each pattern can vary.

[0137] [ Figure 4 ] shows an example with two patterns, two injection elements and two flexible guide plates. However, the second embodiment also covers a lighting module with at least three flexible guide plates, with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the flexible guide plates. A dedicated source for each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

[0138] At least one of the flexible guide plates may be transparent. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the flexible guide plate located below the light emitting module 400 (in other words, the first flexible guide plate 410.1) may be opaque or translucent. Conversely, the second flexible guide plate 410.2 is transparent or translucent so as to allow at least a portion of the light emitted by the first flexible guide plate 410.2 to pass through. The second flexible guide plate 410.2 may further include a textured material so as to improve the aesthetic appearance of the light emitting module and / or to match its material with the material of an external device in which the light emitting module is integrated. Such a textured material may also be used for the flexible guide plates of the light emitting modules according to the first, second and fourth embodiments. A textured material refers to any material having a predefined texture, which predefined texture relates to, for example, a surface treatment of the flexible guide plate. The textured material may include particles, ridges or cracks or any other texture elements.

[0139] [ Figure 5 ] shows a light emitting module 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module 500 comprises at least a first flexible guide plate 510.1 and a second flexible guide plate 510.2, which are placed adjacent to each other and are therefore adapted to project light from different positions in a plane XY in which the flexible guide plates mainly extend.

[0141] Note that since the guide plate is flexible, the guide plate may not be flat but may be curved. Therefore, [ Figure 5 ] shows the light emitting module 500 when the flexible guide plate is flat (eg placed on a flat rigid support).

[0142] Thus, the first flexible guide plate 510.1 is adapted to project a first pattern (not shown) at a first position on the plane XY, and the second flexible guide plate 510.2 is adapted to project a second pattern 516.2 at a second position on the plane XY, the first position and the second position being different, for example adjacent to each other. Each of the projected patterns may comprise a symbol or a portion of a symbol. When the pattern of a flexible guide plate comprises a portion of a symbol, this portion may be complementary to another portion of the symbol formed by the pattern of another flexible guide plate, or complementary to another portion of the symbol formed by the pattern of the other flexible guide plate.

[0143] The first injection element 520.1 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide plate 510.1 and the second injection element 520.2 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide plate 510.2.

[0144] The relative arrangement of each injection element with respect to the flexible guide plate is in accordance with the explanations set out above and for [ Figure 5 ]The fourth embodiment of the present invention will not be described in detail.

[0145] The first source 530.1 is arranged opposite to the input surface of the first injection element 520.1 in such a way that the light propagates inside the first injection element 520.1 and thus towards the first flexible guide plate 510.1. The second source 530.2 is arranged opposite to the input surface of the second injection element 520.2 in such a way that the light propagates inside the second injection element 520.2 and thus towards the second flexible guide plate 510.2.

[0146] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the lighting module 500 comprises a first optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the first injection element 520.1 and a second optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the single source to an input surface of the second injection element 520.2.

[0147] The first source 530.1 and the second source 530.2 or a single source can selectively inject light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or into the second injection element 520.2. This selective injection can be controlled by a control element 540 connected to the two sources 530.1 and 530.2 or controlling the power supply to the two sources 530.1 and 530.2.

[0148] A first pattern is etched in the first flexible guide plate 510.1, and a second pattern is etched in the second flexible guide plate 510.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or the second injection element 520.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, project the second pattern, project neither of these patterns, or project both patterns simultaneously, thereby making it possible to generate an animation from at least the first pattern and the second pattern by dynamic control.

[0149] exist[ Figure 5 ], for illustrative purposes only, a light emitting module 500 including twelve flexible guide plates arranged in a matrix with three rows and four columns, twelve injection elements and twelve light sources has been shown.

[0150] In the third embodiment, there is no limit to the number of flexible guide plates. Therefore, the third embodiment is applicable to N flexible guide plates, N correspondingly associated injection elements, and N light sources or a single source connected to N injection elements by N optical fibers, where N is any integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0151] There is also no restriction on the arrangement of the flexible guide plates relative to each other. When they are positioned in a matrix, there is no restriction on the number of rows or columns.

[0152] The first pattern and the second pattern may have different shapes and may be, for example, [ Figure 3 ] are the same as the patterns 316.1 and 316.2. However, consistent with the definition of "pattern" given above, these patterns can be any intentional or predetermined spatial distribution of luminous intensity. In addition, in the case where the patterns are shapes or symbols, the first pattern and the second pattern can have the same symbol but different colors. Specifically, when sources 530.1 and 530.2 generate light of different colors, the color projected for each pattern can vary.

[0153] Furthermore, as explained above, the patterns may comprise symbol portions which are complementary to one another in such a way that one or more symbols are formed on several flexible guide plates of the matrix.

[0154] The flexible guide plates may be connected to each other by a support matrix structure, which itself may be flexible.Alternatively, each flexible guide plate may be connected to the surrounding flexible guide plate by fastening means, by adhesive bonding, clamping, clipping, or any other method.

[0155] The group of light sources can be controlled by a control element 540 via a group of wires, each wire connecting the control element 540 to a light source. The wires can be carried by a structure 550, making it possible to centralize and route the wires to the control element, thereby reducing bulk and also allowing shielding of the wires.

[0156] There is no restriction on the dimensions of the flexible guide plates in the plane XY. For example, each flexible guide plate may be rectangular or square in shape, with at least one dimension between 2 cm and 10 cm. For example, the flexible guide plates are square or rectangular, with:

[0157] - a size between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm; and

[0158] - Another dimension between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm.

[0159] For example, each flexible guide plate is a 3 cm x 3 cm square.

[0160] The second, third and fourth embodiments have been described in a unique manner relative to each other. However, it is noted that these three embodiments can be combined in the same lighting module, in particular:

[0161] - the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guide plates are superimposed, and one of the two flexible guide plates is associated with two light injection guides adapted to selectively inject light into two different portions of the guide plate, two patterns being etched in the two portions respectively;

[0162] - the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guide plates are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guide plates is associated with two light injection guides adapted to selectively inject light into two different portions of the guide plate, two patterns being etched in the two portions respectively;

[0163] The third embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guide plates are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guide plates overlaps with a third flexible guide plate of the light emitting module;

[0164] The second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide plates are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guide plates is overlapped with a third flexible guide plate of the light-emitting module, and one of the three flexible guide plates is associated with two light injection guides, which are adapted to selectively inject light into two different parts of the guide plate, and two patterns are respectively etched in the two parts.

[0165] [ Figure 6 ] depicts an external device 600 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] The external device 600 according to the present invention comprises a light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500 according to one of the above embodiments or according to a combination of several of the above embodiments and an outer surface 620 to which the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500 is attached.

[0167] An exterior surface is a surface that is accessible to a user when the external device is installed in a vehicle. Thus, an exterior surface is distinguished from an interior surface that is accessible only by removing the device or when the device is not installed in a vehicle.

[0168] An "external" device is any device comprising at least one outer surface which is intended to be accessible to a user from outside the motor vehicle. Thus, the external device may be a body element such as a bumper, a roof, a door or any other body element.

[0169] There is no limitation on the manner in which the light emitting modules 100 , 300 , 400 , 500 are attached to the outer surface 620 .

[0170] The light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500 can be inserted, for example, into a frame or support of the external device 600, which is provided for this purpose, has a shape complementary to the light emitting module 600 and is held in place by adhesive bonding, screwing, clamping, clipping, or any other type of holding means or attachment means. Alternatively, the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500 is directly bonded to the outer surface 620 of the device 600.

[0171] The device 600 may further include a control element 640, which may be one of the control elements described above with reference to the four embodiments. Thus, the control element 640 may be external to the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500. Alternatively, as described above, the control element may be internal to the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500.

[0172] The control element 640 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 for implementing one or more animations based on the reception of animation commands. Alternatively, the processor can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to implement one or more animations based on the reception of animation commands.

[0173] Preferably, the external device 600 may further include a protection layer 610 .

[0174] There is no restriction on such a protective layer 610, which provides at least mechanical protection by covering the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500. Preferably, the mechanical protective protective layer covers the entire light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500, thereby increasing its mechanical protection and thus its lifespan. The external device 600 for a motor vehicle is particularly exposed to mechanical impacts and to severe weather, particularly of the rain or hail type.

[0175] The light emitting module 100 , 300 , 400 , 500 is therefore included between the outer surface 620 and the protective layer 610 .

[0176] Furthermore, the protective layer 610 may include an anti-UV treatment or may include a material that filters ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the protective layer 610 simultaneously provides mechanical protection while also preventing degradation of one or more patterns etched into the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500.

[0177] The light emitting modules 100, 300, 400, 500 are adapted to form a structure including: Figure 6 ] One or more patterns 630 including the symbol 631 shown in FIG. As explained above, one such example of a pattern is given for illustrative purposes only.

[0178] Depending on the embodiment in question, pattern 630 may be projected by one or more flexible guide plates:

[0179] In the first embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide plate of the light emitting module 100;

[0180] - In a second embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide plate of the light emitting module 300, but the symbol 631 can be divided into two parts, and each part of the symbol 631 can be projected by selectively injecting into two injection elements opposite different sections of the edge of the flexible guide plate, in such a way that the two parts of the symbol 631 are projected in two different areas. Alternatively, the pattern 630 includes two different patterns, each of which can be projected into a part of the flexible guide plate by selectively injecting into one of the injection elements. Thus, the projected pattern can include one symbol, another symbol, two symbols or no symbol. More generally, selectively injecting into one injection element, another injection element or two injection elements makes it possible to dynamically change the projected pattern 630;

[0181] - In a third embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by superposition of at least two flexible guide plates of the light module 400. According to the first example, each flexible guide plate produces the same pattern 630, but of a different color, which makes it possible to dynamically change the color. Thus, the first flexible guide plate is adapted to project the symbol 631 according to a first color, and the second flexible guide plate is adapted to project the symbol 631 according to a second color that is the same as or different from the first color, and the injection of light is selectively controlled between the two flexible guide plates in such a way that the projected pattern 630 is dynamically changed, as in the second embodiment;

[0182] In a fourth embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a matrix of at least two flexible guide plates adjacent to each other. Thus, according to a first example, a first flexible guide plate projects a portion of the symbol 631 and a second flexible guide plate projects another portion of the symbol 631. Alternatively, the light module 500 comprises more than two flexible guide plates and each flexible guide plate is adapted to project a portion of the symbol 631. For example, each symbol can be generated by four flexible guide plates.

[0183] When the pattern 630 forms several symbols, each symbol may be projected in a given area of ​​the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500. A first symbol may be projected in a first given area of ​​the light emitting module, and a second symbol may be projected in a second given area of ​​the light emitting module.

[0184] The control element 640 is adapted to control the source of the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500. For example:

[0185] - The control element 640 can change the luminous intensity of the pattern;

[0186] - The control element 640 can change the color of the pattern 630;

[0187] -Control elements can enable or disable certain light sources.

[0188] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

1. An external device (600) for a motor vehicle, the device comprising an outer surface (620), a light emitting module (100, 300; 400; 500) being arranged on the outer surface, the light emitting module comprising: At least one flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1； 410.2； 510.1; 510.2), each flexible guide plate in the assembly being adapted to receive light via at least one edge (114; 314) of the flexible guide plate and to reflect the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide plate according to at least one pattern (630) etched in the flexible guide plate; at least one light injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2), said at least one light injection element being adapted to receive light and distribute said light in an assembly of said at least one flexible guide plate; at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2), said at least one light source being adapted to inject light into said at least one light injection element.

2. The external device according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer (610), the protective layer being arranged on the light emitting module (100, 300; 400; 500), the light emitting module being included between the outer surface and the protective layer.

3. The external device according to claim 2, wherein: The protective layer (610) is transparent and adapted to filter ultraviolet rays.

4. The external device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (640) adapted to control the at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2).

5. The external device according to claim 4, wherein: The lighting module (100; 300; 400; 500) is adapted to display at least one symbol (631) in a given area of ​​the lighting module based on the pattern of each flexible guide plate in the assembly.

6. The external device according to claim 5, wherein: The lighting module (100; 300; 400; 500) is adapted to display at least a first symbol in a first given area of ​​the lighting module and at least a second symbol in a second given area of ​​the lighting module based on a pattern (630) of each flexible guide plate in the assembly.

7. The external device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The light emitting module (100; 300; 400; 500) comprises a flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), a light injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) and a light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2), wherein the light source is adapted to project light within a first wavelength range and within a second wavelength range different from the first range, and the control element (640) is adapted to control the light source to project light within the first range or within the second range.

8. The external device according to claim 7, wherein: The control element (640) is adapted to control the light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) to project light within the first range or within the second range according to an animation command.

9. The external device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The light emitting module (100; 300) comprises a single flexible guide plate (110; 310).

10. The external device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The light emitting module (300; 400; 500) comprises a first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2), wherein the at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is adapted to selectively inject light into the first injection element and into the second injection element, and wherein the components of the first light injection element and the at least one flexible guide plate (310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) are arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern, and wherein the components of the second light injection element and the at least one flexible guide plate are arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern.

11. An external device as described in claim 10, comprising a first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) adapted to inject light into the first light injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) adapted to inject light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2).

12. The external device according to claim 11, wherein: The first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) is adapted to generate light in a first wavelength range, and wherein the second light source is adapted to generate light in a second wavelength range (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) different from the first range.

13. The external device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The first injection element (320.1) is arranged so as to inject light into a first section of an edge (314) of a guide plate (310) in the component, and wherein the second injection element (320.2) is arranged so as to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide plate, a first portion (315.1) of the flexible guide plate positioned opposite to the first section of the edge is etched according to the first pattern (316.1), and a second portion (315.2) of the flexible guide plate positioned opposite to the second section of the edge is etched according to the second pattern (316.2).

14. The external device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The assembly comprises at least a first flexible guide plate and a second flexible guide plate (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first pattern (416.1) being etched in the first flexible guide plate, and the second pattern (416.2) being etched in the second flexible guide plate, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) is arranged so as to inject light into an edge of said first flexible guiding plate and said second injection element (420.2; 520.2) is arranged so as to inject light into an edge of said second flexible guiding plate.

15. The external device according to claim 14, wherein: The first guide plate and the second guide plate (410.1; 410.2) are overlapped in the light emitting module (400) so as to project the first pattern and the second pattern (416.1; 416.2) into a common area of ​​the light emitting module.

16. The external device according to claim 14, wherein: The first and second flexible guide plates (510.1; 510.2) are placed adjacent to each other in such a way that the first and second patterns are projected at different positions.

17. The external device according to claim 16, wherein: The component comprises more than two flexible guide plates (510.1; 510.2), which are placed adjacent to each other in such a way as to form a matrix of flexible guide plates, each flexible guide plate being associated with a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) adapted to inject light into the edge of the flexible guide plate, and each flexible guide plate having at least one pattern etched in the plate.

18. The external device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The flexible guide plates (510.1; 510.2) in the assembly have the same square or rectangular shape.

19. The external device according to claim 18, wherein: The guide plate (510.1; 510.2) has a shape with dimensions between 3 cm and 25 cm, in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm.

20. The external device according to claim 4 and any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein: The control element (640) is adapted to control the at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) so as to selectively project light according to the first pattern (316.1; 416.1) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2).

21. The external device according to claim 20, wherein: The control element (640) is adapted to dynamically control the at least one source in such a way that a light animation is generated comprising at least the first pattern and the second pattern (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2).

22. An external device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external device (600) is a body element of the vehicle.

23. An external device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) in the assembly has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

24. An external device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) in the assembly is made of a transparent material.

25. The external device according to claim 24, wherein: Each flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) in the assembly comprises a polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

26. An external device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: Each flexible guide plate (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) comprises: a film (111) comprising a microstructure (113), in which each of the first pattern and the second pattern (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) is etched by ultraviolet printing of the microstructure of the film.

27. The external device according to claim 26, wherein: For each flexible guide plate (110, 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the surface density of the microstructures (113) decreases with the distance from the edge of the guide plate into which the light is injected.

28. An external device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: Each injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) comprises a plurality of injection guides (123), each of which is adapted to receive light from one end of the guide and to guide the light to a given longitudinal position on the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides being different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

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