Outer rear device for motor vehicle having lighting module with flexible guide tab

Abstract

The invention relates to an outer rear device (600) for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an outer surface (620), at least one lighting module (100, 300; 400, 400; 500) is arranged on the outer surface. Each lighting module comprises an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (110, 310, 410, 510), each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being adapted to receive light via at least one edge (114, 314) of the flexible guide sheet and to reflect light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern (630) etched in the flexible guide sheet. The light module further comprises at least one light injection element (120, 320, 420, 520) adapted to receive light and to distribute light in the assembly of the flexible guide sheet, and at least one light source (130, 330, 430, 530) adapted to inject light into the light injection element.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting module for an external rear device of a motor vehicle, in particular to the field of light-guiding lighting modules. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for displaying lighting patterns on an external device arranged at the rear of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Today, it is common practice to display light patterns inside a motor vehicle in order to convey information, for aesthetic customization purposes or to create ambience. In addition, it is also desirable to be able to display such light patterns on the outside of the vehicle to be seen by an observer located outside the vehicle in order to convey information or for aesthetic purposes.

[0003] Such patterns are preferably displayed at a high resolution level.

[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. It is therefore not suitable for exterior applications, where the exterior devices of motor vehicles are subject to variable environmental conditions including severe weather and are also exposed to mechanical shocks.

[0006] Furthermore, having a flexible lighting module is advantageous for facilitating its integration into any type of device, especially an external device located at the rear of a motor vehicle. This is particularly the case in the case of motor vehicle exteriors, where the external device (e.g. different elements of the body) has 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 to provide an external device at the rear of a motor vehicle, the external device including a lighting module that can display an accurate light pattern and is reliable, inexpensive, low energy consumption and easy to integrate.

[0009] The present invention improves this situation.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to an exterior rear device for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a surface on which at least one light module is arranged, wherein each light module comprises:

[0011] an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet, wherein each flexible guide sheet of the assembly is capable of receiving light via at least one edge of the flexible guide sheet and reflecting the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide sheet in at least one pattern etched into the flexible guide sheet;

[0012] at least one light injection element capable of receiving light and distributing the light within the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet;

[0013] At least one light source capable of injecting light into the at least one light injection element.

[0014] The use of flexible guide sheets facilitates the integration of the lighting module in an exterior rear device of a motor vehicle and is also compact since the thickness of the lighting module can be low. Furthermore, large surface areas can be illuminated while limiting the number of light sources used.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the flexible guide sheet and the light injection element are produced as a single piece. Therefore, the joining means between the light injection element and the guide sheet can be omitted, which reduces the risk of damaging the light on its way towards the guide sheet. Therefore, the loss of light is minimized and the luminous efficiency is better.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the light injection element comprises a plurality of light injection guides which are connected to each other to form the light injection element. In other words, each injection guide is connected to one or more other injection guides to form an integral assembly forming the light injection element.

[0017] For example, the light injection guides are folded and partially overlapped with each other to form a stacked body capable of receiving light from the light source. Specifically, the stacked body has an incident surface, and the thickness of the incident surface corresponds to the emission surface of the light source.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the exterior rear device may further include a protection layer disposed on the at least one light emitting module, wherein the light emitting module is included between the surface and the protection layer.

[0019] Thus, at least mechanical protection is provided for the lighting module, which allows to extend its service life. In particular, exterior devices for motor vehicles are particularly exposed to mechanical impacts. The protective layer can also protect the lighting module from bad weather, such as rain or hail.

[0020] Additionally, the protective layer may be transparent and capable of filtering ultraviolet rays.

[0021] Therefore, the protective layer can also protect the light emitting module from ultraviolet rays so as not to degrade the one or more patterns etched on the one or more flexible guide sheets of the light emitting module.

[0022] Additionally or as a variant, the protective layer may be an encapsulation layer capable of encapsulating the light emitting module between the surface and the encapsulation layer.

[0023] Thus, the protective layer also allows the light module to be fixed or retained against the surface of the device.Thus, the protective layer is able to fulfil the several functions of protection and fixing by a single element.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the surface may be a rigid panel having a given appearance, wherein the device has said appearance when each light source is disabled, and the pattern of the at least one flexible guide sheet may change the appearance of the surface when at least one light source is enabled.

[0025] Thus, a lighting module may fulfill an aesthetic or signaling function when at least one of its light sources is enabled, while being indistinguishable when all its light sources are disabled.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the device may include a taillight for a motor vehicle, and the at least one flexible guide sheet may at least partially cover the taillight for the motor vehicle.

[0027] Therefore, the at least one lighting module can realize a signaling function for a vehicle located behind the vehicle.

[0028] In addition, the device may include right and left taillights for a motor vehicle, and may include a first light emitting module arranged at a central position between the right and left taillights, a second light emitting module arranged on the left taillight, and a third light emitting module arranged on the right taillight.

[0029] It is thereby possible to use a large rear surface of a motor vehicle for signalling and / or aesthetic functions.

[0030] Still further, the at least one pattern of the second light emitting module is the same as the at least one pattern of the third light emitting module, and wherein the at least one pattern of the first light emitting module is different from the at least one pattern of the second and third light emitting modules.

[0031] Thus, the device can simultaneously show several signaling information, or can show signaling information and fulfill an aesthetic function.As a variant, the patterns displayed by the various light-emitting modules can be complementary and together generate signaling information.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the outer rear device may further comprise a control element capable of controlling the at least one light source.

[0033] Therefore, the light source can be controlled and the pattern displayed by the light module can be changed accordingly. Therefore, a light animation or dynamic information can be displayed.

[0034] Additionally, at least one lighting module may be capable of displaying at least one symbol in a given area of ​​the lighting module based on a pattern of the at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

[0035] Thus, at least one symbol may be displayed on an exterior rear device of a motor vehicle. Such a symbol may have an aesthetic or information signaling function.

[0036] Still further, based on the pattern of the at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly, at least one lighting module is capable of displaying at least one first symbol in a given first area of ​​the lighting module and at least one second symbol in a given second area of ​​the lighting module.

[0037] Thus, several symbols can be produced with the same lighting module.

[0038] According to some embodiments, for at least one light emitting module, the light emitting module may include a first injection element and a second injection element, the at least one source is capable of selectively injecting light into the first injection element and the second injection element, and the assembly of the first light injection element and the at least one flexible guide sheet may be arranged to project light according to a first pattern, and the assembly of the second light injection element and the at least one flexible guide sheet may be arranged to project light according to a second pattern.

[0039] 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 assembly. It is also possible to display two different patterns, each of which can correspond to a given signaling information.

[0040] Additionally, the lighting module may include a first light source capable of injecting light into the first light injection element and a second light source capable of injecting light into the second light injection element.

[0041] Thus, control of the dynamic display is enabled by controlling the sources, the respective enabling of these sources being independent of each other. It is also possible to display two different patterns, each of which may correspond to a given signalling information.

[0042] Additionally or as a variation, a first injection element may be arranged to inject light into a first segment of an edge of a guide sheet of the component, and a second injection element may be arranged to inject light into a second segment of an edge of a flexible guide sheet, wherein a first portion of the flexible guide sheet positioned to face the first segment of the edge is etched according to a first pattern, and a second portion of the flexible guide sheet positioned to face the second segment of the edge is etched according to a second pattern.

[0043] Thus, several patterns can be produced at different spatial positions via a single flexible guide sheet, which limits the costs and bulk associated with an external rear device.

[0044] As a variant, the component may include at least one first flexible guide sheet and at least one second flexible guide sheet, wherein a first pattern is etched in the first flexible guide sheet and a second pattern is etched in the second flexible guide sheet, a first injection element is arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet, and a second injection element is arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

[0045] Thereby it is possible to produce complex variations of patterns and / or to provide lighting modules covering a large illumination area and / or to display a large number of patterns at the same location on the device.

[0046] In addition, the first guide sheet and the second guide sheet 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.

[0047] This allows to change the pattern projected into the common area. Thus, different signaling information can be displayed, in particular to attract the attention of vehicles following a motor vehicle comprising an external rear device. As a variant, the animation can be produced by dynamically changing the pattern of the common area or by changing its color.

[0048] As a variant, the first flexible guiding sheet and the second flexible guiding sheet may be placed adjacent to each other so as to project the first pattern and the second pattern at different positions.

[0049] This allows covering large emitting surface areas, in particular greater than 100 cm2, while allowing integration on irregular and complex surfaces.

[0050] In addition, the component includes more than two flexible guide sheets, which are placed adjacent to each other so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, wherein each flexible guide sheet is associated with a light injection element capable of injecting light into the edge of the flexible guide sheet, and each flexible guide sheet has at least one pattern etched in the sheet.

[0051] This allows for the creation of complex light animations through spatial variations of the projected light, while allowing for easy integration into installations with complex surfaces.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the control element may be capable of controlling the at least one source to selectively project light according to the first pattern and according to the second pattern.

[0053] Hence, a single element can selectively control the injection of light into individual light injection elements of a lighting module, which improves the synchronization for displaying lighting patterns relative to each other.The control element may in particular control the display of signaling information from among several possibilities.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the thickness of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly may be in the range between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

[0055] This thickness provides the flexible guide sheet with considerable flexibility and facilitates its integration, in particular on a curved support.

[0056] According to some embodiments, each flexible guide sheet may include a film including a microstructure, and each pattern may be etched by UV printing the microstructure of the film.

[0057] This microstructure allows the pattern to be produced with good resolution while maintaining a high transparency level of the flexible guide sheet.

[0058] Additionally, for each flexible guide sheet, the surface density of the microstructures may decrease with distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected.

[0059] The uniformity of the pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet is thereby improved.

[0060] According to an embodiment, each injection element may include multiple injection guides, each of which is capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and guiding 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.

[0061] Therefore, light can be uniformly distributed in the edge of the flexible guide sheet, which improves the projection quality of the first pattern and the second pattern.

[0062] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] [ Figure 1 ] shows a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

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

[0065] [ Figure 2B ] shows a lighting module according to one embodiment, wherein the lighting module comprises a flexible light guiding sheet and a light injection element produced as a single piece;

[0066] [ Figure 2C ] shows Figure 2B The light injection element of the light emitting module shown in ;

[0067] [ Figure 3A ] shows a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] [ Figure 3B ] shows a variation of the light module of the second embodiment of the assembly;

[0069] [ Figure 4 ] shows a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] [ Figure 5 ] shows a lighting module for an external device of a motor vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] [ Figure 6 ] shows an exterior rear device for a motor vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0072] [ Figure 7 ] shows an outer rear device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] [ Figure 8a ] shows a view of an exterior rear device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when its light source is turned off;

[0074] [ Figure 8b ] shows a view of an outer rear device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when its light source is turned on;

[0075] [ Figure 9a ] shows the outer rear device according to the second embodiment when the first light source is switched on;

[0076] [ Figure 9b ] shows the external rear device according to the second embodiment when the second light source is turned on.

[0077] This description focuses on features that distinguish the external device and the lighting module from those known in the prior art.

[0078] Figure 1 A lighting module 100 for an exterior device of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0079] The lighting module 100 comprises a flexible guide sheet 110 capable of receiving light via an edge 114 and reflecting the light in a direction Z substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flexible guide sheet. Figure 1 The XY plane of the .

[0080] A guide sheet is understood to mean an optical guide 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 1As shown in , a flexible guide sheet is contemplated herein whose thickness along the Z-axis is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than its dimension along the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheet 110 extends.

[0081] The flexible guide sheet 110 may include a flexible film 111 at its core, which includes: at least one edge 114, which is capable of guiding light in the general direction X; and includes a group of microstructures 113, which are capable of reflecting the light guided in the flexible film 111 to the outside of the flexible guide sheet 110, especially in one or more directions substantially along the Z axis.

[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 thickness of the flexible film 111 (i.e., the dimension along the Z axis) may be in a range between 12 micrometers and 1,000 micrometers. More specifically, the thickness of the flexible film 111 may be in a range between 50 micrometers and 1,000 micrometers, for example, between 200 micrometers and 500 micrometers. As a variant, the thickness of the flexible guide sheet 110 is in a range between 200 micrometers and 1,000 micrometers.

[0083] The above materials, in combination with the limited thickness as described above, allow obtaining a flexible membrane 111. Other materials may be considered for the composition of the flexible membrane 111. However, it is preferred according to the invention to provide a deformable and transparent material.

[0084] The thin coating of microstructures 113 may be applied to one of the faces of the flexible film 111 or may be integrated in the flexible film 111. The thickness of the coating of microstructures 113 along the Z axis may in particular be less than 20 micrometers.

[0085] Such microstructures 113 may take the general shape of bumps on which light is reflected in a direction substantially along the Z axis. Such microstructures 113 may allow the light leaving the flexible film 111 to be patterned. To this end, the microstructures 113 may be etched by UV printing according to the desired pattern.

[0086] Microstructures 113 are understood to mean structures or irregularities of the flexible film whose dimensions are smaller than a few micrometers. Thus, microstructures also cover nanoscale structures. Microstructures 113 of such size ensure a high transparency of the flexible film 111. In particular, a transparency of about 97% can be obtained in practice by using microstructures 113. As a variant, the flexible guide sheet can be translucent or opaque.

[0087] Advantageously, the microstructures 113 may be distributed along the X-axis such 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. This distribution advantageously ensures that the light intensity of the pattern emitted by the flexible guide sheet 110 is uniformly distributed along the X-axis.

[0088] The flexible guide sheet 110 may further comprise one or two optional protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 allowing 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 in order 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 sheet 110 may degrade over time, in particular when the flexible guide sheet is exposed to rays from the sun.

[0089] 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 rolling.

[0090] Since the guide piece 110 is flexible, it is not necessarily included in a plane but may be bent depending on where it is placed and the mechanical stress applied thereto.

[0091] Figure 1 The illustrated light 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 capable of extending 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 the X-axis).

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

[0093] Therefore, the light injection element 120 includes an exit surface 122 extending in the longitudinal direction and capable of injecting light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exit surface 122. The light injection element 120 further includes an incident surface 121 capable of receiving light from the light source 130 at one end of the light injection element 120, and the light injection element 120 is capable of guiding the light longitudinally along the Y-axis by distributing the light on the exit surface 122. The light distribution via the exit surface 122 will be better understood according to the description of FIG. 2 .

[0094] There is no limitation on the light source 130. The light source 130 can generate light within a range of wavelengths. This range can be centered around visible colors to generate colored light, such as blue, red, or green. As a variant, the light source 130 can emit light across the entire wavelength range visible to the human eye to generate white light. Laser-type light sources 130 can generate a very narrow wavelength range.

[0095] The light source 130 is capable of generating light in at least two different wavelength ranges, for example corresponding to two different colors. For example, it can be a light source of the LED type, which has the advantages of being small, low energy consumption, and limited temperature rise, generating two different colors of light, and being controllable by a control element not shown. Notably, it can be an RGB type diode capable of generating red light, green light, and blue light. Therefore, the light emitting module according to the first embodiment may include a flexible guide sheet 110, an injection element 120, and a light source 130 capable of generating 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 produce a light animation.

[0097] As a variant, the light source 130 is not arranged directly facing the incident surface 121 of the injection element 120, but the lighting module 100 further comprises an optical fiber placed between the source 130 and the injection element 120, thereby moving the source 130 relative to the assembly formed by the injection element 120 and the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0098] Figure 2A An injection element 120 of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0099] The injection element 120 may include a plurality of injection guides 123 capable of receiving light from the source 130 via the incident surface 121 and guiding the light to a longitudinal position of the exit surface 122, wherein the longitudinal positions of the light guides are different so as to distribute the light to at least several longitudinal positions of the exit surface 122.

[0100] Figure 2B 1 shows a light emitting module 100 having an injection element 120a, which is integral with a flexible guide sheet 110. The injection element 120a comprises a set of light injection guides 123a, which will be referred to in the attached drawings. Figure 2C Describe it.

[0101] refer to Figure 2C, the injection element 120a comprises a plurality of injection guides 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 which are capable of receiving light from the source 130 via the incident surface 121a and guiding the light to respective positions 124.1, 124.2 and 124.3 along different Y axes. As shown in the figure, the injection guides 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 are made of the same material and they have the same thickness as the flexible film 111 of the guide sheet 110. Thus, the light guide 105 can be obtained by a roll-to-roll (or R2R) manufacturing procedure, during which the flexible film 111 and the injection sheets 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 are obtained from the same roll of flexible film, wherein the injection sheets 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 are cut at different Y positions in a cutting direction substantially parallel to the direction X. The injection sheet thus obtained is flexible and can be folded, as Figure 2C The length of each injection sheet 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 is selected so that once folded, their ends together form a stack having an injection surface 121a, as shown. Figure 2C shown.

[0102] Thus, light may be injected at different longitudinal positions along the Y-axis of the edge 114. Each longitudinal position of the edge 114 may correspond to a guide line of the flexible film 111 capable of guiding light along such guide line along the X-axis.

[0103] This association of flexible guide sheet 110, injection element 120 and source 130 thus allows to project light in the Z direction via a flexible, transparent, translucent or opaque surface with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

[0104] In practice, such a lighting module may allow emitting patterns with brightness ranging between 100 and 1,000 candela per square meter, wherein the light extraction efficiency may vary between 25% and 80%.

[0105] 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 2011130715 A2.

[0106] A light emitting module for an exterior device of a vehicle according to the present invention includes:

[0107] - at least one guide piece (e.g. Figure 1 An assembly of a flexible guide sheet 110 as shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the assembly is capable of reflecting light according to at least one pattern;

[0108] - at least one light injection element, such as a reference Figure 1and the injection element 120 described with reference to FIG. 2 ; and

[0109] - at least one light source (such as the one referenced above Figure 1 The at least one light source 130 described above is capable of injecting light into the at least one injection element.

[0110] "Pattern" is understood to refer to any predefined spatial distribution of the luminous intensity emitted by the light-emitting module. In particular, reference is made herein to a two-dimensional pattern or a one-dimensional pattern. Thus, the pattern may comprise a two-dimensional shape or symbol obtained by contrasting the luminous intensity at different positions in the XY plane of the flexible guide sheet 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 resulting in a cloud of luminous points. In the context of the present invention, a pattern is formed by injecting light into an injection element that is arranged relative to the flexible guide sheet so as to form a pattern on the flexible guide sheet. The flexible guide sheet is thus capable of projecting light according to at least one pattern, and the pattern may correspond to at least one shape or symbol. When the flexible guide sheet is combined with several injection elements, the flexible guide sheet may also project light according to at least two patterns.

[0111] In a first embodiment, the lighting module comprises a single source, a single injection element and a single flexible guide sheet capable of forming a pattern.

[0112] In the following second, third and fourth embodiments, the light module comprises at least two injection elements similar to the above-described injection element 120. These embodiments may vary in the number of elements included in the light module and in their corresponding arrangements. However, the description and definitions provided above for the light source, injection element and flexible guide sheet apply to all embodiments.

[0113] Figure 3A A lighting module 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0114] In a second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged to inject light into the same flexible guiding sheet, the flexible guiding sheet comprising several patterns.

[0115] In particular, Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 3 , the first injection element 320 . 1 and the second injection element 320 . 2 are arranged to inject light into the edge 314 of the flexible guiding sheet 310 .

[0116] The first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 may be similar to the reference Figure 1 and the injection element 120 described in Figure 2. Similarly, the flexible guide sheet 310 may correspond to the flexible guide sheet 110 described above.

[0117] like Figure 3A As shown, the first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 are arranged to inject light into the edge 314 at different longitudinal positions along the Y-axis.

[0118] It should be noted that due to the flexibility of the guide sheet 310, the guide sheet may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 3A The lighting module 300 is shown when the guide sheet is flat (eg, placed on a flat rigid support).

[0119] Thus, the first injection element 320.1 can inject light into the edge 314 which is then guided by the flexible guiding sheet 310 into the first part 315.1 of the flexible guiding sheet 310. The second injection element 320.2 can inject light into the edge 314 which is then guided into the second part 315.2 of the flexible guiding sheet 310.

[0120] To this end, the first source 330.1 is arranged facing the incident surface of the first injection element 320.1 so that the light propagates within the first injection element 320.1 and thus propagates towards the first portion 315.1 of the flexible guide sheet 310. The second source 330.2 is arranged facing the incident surface of the second injection element 320.2 so that the light propagates within the second injection element 320.2 and thus propagates towards the second portion 315.2 of the flexible guide sheet 310.

[0121] As a variant, a single source may be provided and the lighting module 300 comprises a first optical fiber capable of transmitting light from the single source to the entrance surface of the first injection element 320.1 and a second optical fiber capable of transmitting light from the single source to the entrance surface of the second injection element 320.2.

[0122] The first source 330.1 and the second source 330.2 or a single source may selectively inject into the first injection element 320.1 and / or into the second injection element 320.2. This selective injection may be controlled by a control element 340 connected to or controlling the power supply to the two sources 330.1 and 330.2.

[0123] 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. The selective injection of light into the first injection element 320.1 and / or into the second injection element 320.2 thus allows 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 allowing the generation of animations from at least the first pattern and the second pattern by dynamic control, or allowing the display of dynamic luminous information. As a variant, the selective injection of light can be dynamically controlled according to touch input data received by the control element 340, such as from Figure 6 This will be more clearly understood in the description.

[0124] exist Figure 3A In the example of , the first pattern 316.1 and the second pattern 316.2 each correspond to a symbol, and these symbols are different. However, according to the definition of pattern provided 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 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 can vary.

[0125] exist Figure 3A An example with two patterns and two injection elements is shown in . However, the first embodiment also covers a lighting module having a flexible guide sheet with three or more parts and having at least three injection elements, wherein each part comprises an etched pattern, wherein each injection element is placed facing one of the parts.

[0126] A dedicated source can be provided for each injection element for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

[0127] Figure 3B A variant of the light module 300 is shown.

[0128] Except for the differences described below, this variant is essentially the same as Figure 3A The light emitting module is the same as that shown in Figure 3A and 3B In the drawings, the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0129] exist Figure 3A In the variant shown, the injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a are formed integrally with the flexible guide sheet 310. In fact, the injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a are formed integrally with the flexible guide sheet 310. Figure 2B and Figure 2CSimilarly, the flexible guide sheet 310 may correspond to the flexible guide sheet 110 described above. Thus, preferably, the injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a may form part of a flexible film of the sheet 110 and may be obtained by cutting and folding the flexible film in order to form the light guide 305.

[0130] With Figure 3A In the same way as the lighting module shown in FIG. 3 , the light injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a are arranged facing the same edge 314 of the flexible guide sheet 310. However, the first light injection element 320.1a is arranged facing a first section of the edge 314, while the second light injection element 320.2a is arranged facing a second section of the edge 314. In this way, these light injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a illuminate two different parts of the guide sheet 310. In the example shown, they illuminate the first part 315.1 and the second part 315.2, respectively.

[0131] Figure 3B Also shown is a first pattern comprising a first symbol 316.1 etched into the first portion 315.1, while a second pattern comprising a second symbol 316.2 is etched into the second portion 315.2. However, alternatively, the first and second portions may be capable of emitting light in a uniform pattern, with a constant brightness across the first and second portions 315.1, 315.2. Thus, the projection of the symbols 316.1 and 316.2 is optional.

[0132] Figure 4 A lighting module 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0133] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module 400 includes at least one first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and at least one second flexible guide sheet 410.2, wherein the two flexible guide sheets are overlapped, which means that at least a portion of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1 in the XY plane overlaps with at least a portion of the second flexible guide sheet 410.2 in a common area, and the common area corresponds to a set of positions in the XY plane.

[0134] Preferably, the first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and the second flexible guide sheet 410.2 have the same size in the XY plane and are completely overlapped.

[0135] It should be noted that due to the flexibility of the guide piece, the guide piece may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 4 The lighting module 400 is shown when the guide sheet is flat, eg, stacked on a flat support.

[0136] Such superposition is particularly advantageous since, as described above, the flexible guide sheet is preferably transparent.

[0137] Thus, the first flexible guiding sheet 410.1 and the second flexible guiding sheet 410.2 are capable of projecting a first pattern 416.1 and a second pattern 416.2, respectively, in a common area.

[0138] The first injection element 420.1 is able and arranged to inject light into the edge of the first flexible guiding sheet 410.1 and the second injection element 420.2 is able and arranged to inject light into the edge of the second guiding sheet 410.2.

[0139] To this end, the first source 430.1 is arranged to face the incident surface of the first injection element 420.1 so that the light propagates within the first injection element 420.1 and thus propagates towards the first flexible guide sheet 410.1. The second source 430.2 is arranged to face the incident surface of the second injection element 420.2 so that the light propagates within the second injection element 420.2 and thus propagates towards the second flexible guide sheet 410.2.

[0140] As a variant, a single source may be provided and the lighting module comprises a first optical fiber capable of conveying light from the single source to the entrance surface of the first injection element 420.1 and a second optical fiber capable of conveying light from the single source to the entrance surface of the second injection element 420.2.

[0141] 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.

[0142] A first pattern 416.1 is etched in the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, and a second pattern 416.2 is etched in the second flexible guide sheet 410.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 420.1 and / or the second injection element 420.2 thus allows 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 allowing animation to be generated from at least the first pattern and the second pattern by dynamic control.

[0143] exist Figure 4In the example of FIG. 4 , for illustrative purposes, the first pattern 416.1 and the second pattern 416.2 have different symbols and are the same as the patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of FIG. 3 . However, according to the definition of pattern provided 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. In fact, when the sources 430.1 and 430.2 produce light of different colors, the color projected for each pattern respectively can vary.

[0144] Figure 4 An example with two patterns, two injection elements and two flexible guide sheets is shown in FIG. However, the second embodiment also covers a lighting module with at least three flexible guide sheets, with at least three injection elements, wherein each injection element is placed facing one of the flexible guide sheets. A source dedicated to each injection element can be provided for this, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this.

[0145] At least one of the flexible guide sheets may be transparent. As a variant, according to the second embodiment, the flexible guide sheet (i.e., the first flexible guide sheet 410.1) located below the light emitting module 400 may be opaque or translucent. Conversely, the second flexible guide sheet 410.2 is transparent or translucent so as to allow at least a portion of the light emitted by the first flexible guide sheet 410.2 to pass through. The second flexible guide sheet 410.2 may further include a textured material so as to improve the aesthetic appearance of the light emitting module and / or so as to coordinate its material with the material of the external device integrated with the light emitting module. Such a textured material may also be used for the flexible guide sheets of the light emitting modules according to the first, second and fourth embodiments. A textured material is understood to refer to any material having a predetermined texture, which is related to, for example, a surface treatment of the flexible guide sheet. The textured material may include particles, ridges or cracks or any other texture elements.

[0146] Figure 5 A lighting module 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0147] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module 500 comprises at least one first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and at least one second flexible guide sheet 510.2, wherein the two flexible guide sheets are placed adjacent to each other and the two flexible guide sheets are therefore capable of projecting light from different positions in the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheets mainly extend.

[0148] It should be noted that due to the flexibility of the guide piece, the guide piece may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 5The lighting module 500 is shown when the flexible guide sheet is flat (eg, placed on a flat rigid support).

[0149] Thus, the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 is capable of projecting a first pattern (not shown) at a first position on the XY plane, and the second flexible guide sheet 510.2 is capable of projecting a second pattern 516.2 at a second position on the XY plane, wherein the first position and the second position are different, for example, adjacent to each other. Each projected pattern may include a symbol or a portion of a symbol. When the pattern of a flexible guide sheet includes a portion of a symbol, the portion may match another portion of a symbol formed by a pattern of another flexible guide sheet, or match other portions of a symbol formed by a pattern of another flexible guide sheet.

[0150] The first injection element 520.1 is arranged to inject light into the edge of the first flexible guiding sheet 510.1 and the second injection element 520.2 is arranged to inject light into the edge of the second guiding sheet 510.2.

[0151] The relative arrangement of each injection element with respect to the flexible guide sheet is in accordance with the explanations set out above and for Figure 5 The fourth embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0152] The first source 530.1 is arranged to face the incident surface of the first injection element 520.1 so that the light propagates within the first injection element 520.1 and thus propagates towards the first flexible guide sheet 510.1. The second source 530.2 is arranged to face the incident surface of the second injection element 520.2 so that the light propagates within the second injection element 520.2 and thus propagates towards the second flexible guide sheet 510.2.

[0153] As a variant, a single source may be provided and the lighting module 500 comprises a first optical fiber capable of delivering light from the single source to the entrance surface of the first injection element 520.1 and a second optical fiber capable of delivering light from the single source to the entrance surface of the second injection element 520.2.

[0154] 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 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.

[0155] A first pattern is etched in the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and a second pattern is etched in the second flexible guide sheet 510.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or the second injection element 520.2 thus allows 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 allowing animation to be generated from at least the first pattern and the second pattern by dynamic control.

[0156] exist Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , for illustrative purposes only, a light emitting module 500 including twelve flexible guide sheets arranged in a matrix having three rows and four columns, twelve injection elements and twelve light sources has been shown.

[0157] In the third embodiment, there is no limit to the number of flexible guide sheets. Therefore, the third embodiment is applicable to N flexible guide sheets, N correspondingly associated injection elements, and N light emitting 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.

[0158] Additionally, there is no restriction on the arrangement of the flexible guide sheets relative to each other. When positioned in a matrix, there is no restriction on the number of rows or columns.

[0159] The first and second patterns may take different shapes and may be, for example, the same as patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of FIG. 3 . However, according to the definition of pattern provided above, these patterns may be any intentional or predetermined spatial distribution of luminous intensity. Furthermore, in the case where the pattern is a shape or symbol, the first and second patterns may have the same symbol but different colors. In fact, when sources 530.1 and 530.2 generate light of different colors, the color projected for each pattern, respectively, may vary.

[0160] Furthermore, as explained above, the patterns may comprise symbol portions that match each other so as to form one or more symbols on several flexible guide sheets of the matrix.

[0161] The flexible guide sheets may be connected to each other by a support matrix structure, which itself may be flexible. As a variant, each flexible guide sheet may be connected to the surrounding flexible guide sheet by fastening means, by adhesive bonding, clamping, clipping, or any other method.

[0162] The set of light sources can be controlled by a control element 540 via a set of wires, each of which connects the control element 540 to a light source. The wires can be supported by a structure 550 for centering the wires and transmitting them to the control element, thereby reducing bulk and also allowing the guide wires to be shielded.

[0163] There is no restriction on the size of the flexible guide piece in the XY plane. For example, each flexible guide piece can be rectangular or square, with at least one dimension ranging between 2 cm and 10 cm. For example, the flexible guide piece is square or rectangular, with:

[0164] - a size ranging between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm; and

[0165] - Another dimension ranging between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm.

[0166] For example, each flexible guide piece is a square of 3 cm by 3 cm.

[0167] The second, third and fourth embodiments have been described exclusively with respect to each other. However, it should be noted that these three embodiments can be combined in the same lighting module, in particular:

[0168] - the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are superimposed, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides, which are capable of selectively injecting light into two different parts of the guide sheet, wherein two patterns are respectively etched in the two parts;

[0169] - the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guiding sheets are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guiding sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of selectively injecting light into two different portions of the guiding sheet, wherein two patterns are respectively etched in the two portions;

[0170] The third embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets overlaps with a third flexible guide sheet of the light emitting module;

[0171] -The second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed adjacent to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is overlapped with a third flexible guide sheet of the light-emitting module, and one of the three flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides, which are capable of selectively injecting light into two different parts of the guide sheet, wherein two patterns are respectively etched in the two parts.

[0172] Figure 6 An exterior rear device 600 for a motor vehicle is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0173] The outer rear device 600 according to the 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 rear surface 620 to which the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500 is attached.

[0174] The external rear surface is understood to mean a surface accessible to a user when the external rear device is mounted at the rear of a vehicle. It is therefore different from an internal surface which can only be accessed by removing the device or when the device is not mounted in a vehicle.

[0175] An external rear device is understood to mean any device comprising at least one outer surface which is intended to be accessible to a user from outside the rear of the motor vehicle. Thus, an external rear device may be a body element at the rear of the vehicle or a rear lighting device, such as a signalling device at the rear of the vehicle.

[0176] There is no limitation on the manner in which the light emitting modules 100 , 300 , 400 , 500 are attached to the outer surface 620 .

[0177] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500 can be inserted into a frame or support provided for this purpose, for example, of the outer rear device 600, which frame or support is particularly shaped to match the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 and is held in place by adhesive bonding, screwing, clamping, clipping, or any other type of holding means or attachment means. As a variant, the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is directly adhered to the outer surface 620 of the outer rear device 600.

[0178] The outer rear device 600 may also include a control element 640, which may be one of the control elements described previously with reference to the four embodiments. Thus, the control element 640 may be external to the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500. As a variant, the control element may be internal to the light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500, as described above.

[0179] The control element 640 may comprise 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. As a variant, the memory comprises several memories of the above types. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory. The processor is capable of executing instructions stored in the memory to implement one or more animations based on the reception of animation commands. Alternatively, the processor may be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to implement one or more animations based on the reception of animation commands.

[0180] Preferably, the outer rear device 600 may further include a protective layer 610 .

[0181] There is no limitation 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 layer covers the entire light emitting module 100, 300, 400, 500, which increases its mechanical protection and thus its service life. The external device 600 for a motor vehicle is typically exposed to mechanical impacts and severe weather, such as rain or hail in particular.

[0182] The light emitting module 100 , 300 , 400 , 500 is therefore included between the outer surface 620 and the protective layer 610 .

[0183] Furthermore, the protective layer 610 may include an anti-UV treatment or may include an ultraviolet filter material. Thus, the protective layer 610 simultaneously provides mechanical protection while also preventing damage to one or more patterns in the light emitting modules 100, 300, 400, 500.

[0184] The light emitting modules 100, 300, 400, 500 can be formed as follows: Figure 6 One or more patterns 630 including symbol 631 are shown. As explained above, examples of such patterns are provided by way of illustration only.

[0185] Depending on the embodiment under consideration, the pattern 630 may be projected by one or more flexible guide sheets:

[0186] In the first embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet of the light emitting module 100;

[0187] - In a second embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet 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 facing different sections of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, so as to project the two parts of the symbol 631 into two different areas. As a variant, the pattern 630 includes two different patterns, each of which can be projected into a part of the flexible guide sheet by selectively injecting into one injection element. 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 allows the projected pattern 630 to change dynamically;

[0188] - In a third embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by the superposition of at least two flexible guide sheets of the light module 400. According to the first example, each flexible guide sheet produces the same pattern 630, but with different colors, which allows the colors to be changed dynamically. Thus, the first flexible guide sheet is capable of projecting a symbol 631 according to a first color, and the second flexible guide sheet is capable of projecting a 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 sheets in order to dynamically change the projected pattern 630, as in the second embodiment;

[0189] - In a fourth embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a matrix of at least two flexible guide sheets adjacent to each other. Thus, in a first example, a first flexible guide sheet projects a portion of the symbol 631 and a second flexible guide sheet projects another portion of the symbol 631. As a variant, the light module 500 comprises more than two flexible guide sheets and each flexible guide sheet is adapted to project a portion of the symbol 631. For example, each symbol can be generated by four flexible guide sheets.

[0190] 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.

[0191] The control element 640 can control one or more sources of the light emitting modules 100, 300, 400, 500. For example:

[0192] - The control element 640 can change the luminous intensity of the pattern;

[0193] - The control element 640 can change the color of the pattern 630;

[0194] - The control element can enable or disable some of the light sources.

[0195] Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b A first embodiment of an outer rear device 700 according to the invention is shown.

[0196] The outer rear device 700 may include a stack of:

[0197] - Panel 701, which may be arranged at the rear of the vehicle. For example, the panel may be a panel having a different appearance or color than the rest of the vehicle body and presenting a shape defining the characteristics of the vehicle. For example, the panel 701 may be a black panel:

[0198] - one or more lighting modules 100, 200, 400, 500 according to one of the preceding embodiments. Figure 7 In the example provided by way of illustration only, a light emitting module 500 is shown, which includes three light emitting modules arranged in a matrix according to Figure 5 The flexible guide sheet of the embodiment of the light emitting module 500 is respectively associated with the first light source 730.1 and the first light injection element 720.1, the second light source 730.2 and the second light injection element 720.2, and the third light source 730.3 and the third light injection element 720.3;

[0199] - Optional encapsulation layer 702, which may be similar to the previously described protective layer 610. In addition to mechanically protecting the light emitting module 500 and / or protecting it from UV, the encapsulation layer may fulfill the function of encapsulating the light emitting module 500 between the encapsulation layer 702 and the panel 701. The encapsulation layer 702 is at least partially transparent or even completely transparent.

[0200] exist Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 7 , the panel 701 , the light emitting module 500 , and the encapsulation layer 702 have the same shape and are completely overlapped. However, according to the present invention, the light emitting module 500 may only partially cover the panel 701 .

[0201] In the above stack, the panel 701 is positioned toward the interior of the vehicle, while the envelope layer 702 is positioned toward the exterior of the vehicle.

[0202] Figure 8a 700 is shown when one or more light sources of the light module of the device 700 are turned off. Figure 7 A view of the outer rear device 700 is shown. The outer rear device 700 then has the appearance of the panel 701, which appearance is optionally modulated by the encapsulation layer 702 when it is not completely transparent. For example, the outer rear device 700 may be black.

[0203] Figure 8b When at least one light source of the light emitting module of the device 700 is turned on, reference Figure 7 A view of the exterior rear device 700 is shown. Figure 8b In FIG. 5 , by way of illustration, three light sources 720.1, 720.2 and 720.3 are turned on. The pattern etched into each flexible guide sheet of the light emitting module 500 may be different, such as Figure 8bAs shown. The central guide sheet associated with the second light source 730.2 can have, for example, a uniform pattern, i.e. the flexible guide sheet reflects the light from the light source 730.2 over its entire surface. The central part of the device 700 then takes on the color of the light injected by the second light source 730.2, which color can be, for example, white or red. Thus, a uniform pattern 800.2 is displayed in the central part of the outer rear device 700. When the vehicle brakes, a red light can advantageously be displayed in order to show following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing down.

[0204] The lateral guides may be etched with different patterns 800.1 and 800.3, for example symmetrical patterns, such as Figure 8b The patterns 800.1 through 800.3 may match and thus serve to indicate the same signaling information, or may indicate different signaling information.

[0205] Figure 9a and Figure 9b A second embodiment of an outer rear device 900 is shown.

[0206] The apparatus 900 may include one or more Figure 4 In the light emitting module 400 of the embodiment, at least two flexible guide sheets are stacked.

[0207] exist Figure 9a and Figure 9b In the example of , the external rear device 900 includes three light modules of this type, namely a first light module 400.1 in a central position connecting two rear lights of the motor vehicle, a second light module 400.2 positioned on the left rear light, and a third light module 400.3 positioned on the right rear light.

[0208] Each of the lighting modules 400.1 to 400.3 thus comprises several superimposed flexible guide sheets. In the remainder of this description, each lighting module 400.1 to 400.3 is considered to comprise two superimposed flexible guide sheets, namely a first flexible guide sheet and a second flexible guide sheet.

[0209] A first flexible guiding sheet of each lighting module is associated with a first light source and a first light injection element, and a second flexible guiding sheet of each lighting module is associated with a second light source and a second light injection element.

[0210] exist Figure 9a In each lighting module, the first light source is enabled and the second light source is disabled:

[0211] - the first flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.1 is etched according to a first pattern 900.11 and the first pattern 900.11 can be seen by activating the first light source of the light emitting module 400.1;

[0212] - the first flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.2 is etched according to a second pattern 900.21 and the second pattern 900.21 can be seen by activating the first light source of the light emitting module 400.2;

[0213] - The first flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.3 is etched according to a third pattern 900.31 and the third pattern 900.31 can be seen by activating the first light source of the light emitting module 400.2.

[0214] The first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern may be the same or may be different. For example, the two lateral patterns (i.e., the second pattern 900.21 and the third pattern 900.31) may be the same as each other, but may be different from the first pattern 900.11 in the central position. Each pattern may correspond to signaling information provided to attract the attention of a vehicle following a motor vehicle including the external rear device 900.

[0215] exist Figure 9b In the embodiment, the second light source of each light emitting module is enabled and the first light source is turned off:

[0216] - the second flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.1 is etched according to a fourth pattern 900.12 and the fourth pattern 900.12 can be seen by activating the second light source of the light emitting module 400.1;

[0217] - the second flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.2 is etched according to a fifth pattern 900.22, and the second pattern 900.22 can be seen by activating the second light source of the light emitting module 400.2;

[0218] - The second flexible guiding sheet of the light emitting module 400.3 is etched according to a sixth pattern 900.32 and the sixth pattern 900.32 can be seen by activating the second light source of the light emitting module 400.2.

[0219] The fourth pattern, the fifth pattern, and the sixth pattern may be the same or may be different. For example, the two lateral patterns (i.e., the fifth pattern 900.22 and the sixth pattern 900.32) may be the same as each other, but may be different from the fourth pattern 900.12 in the central position. Each pattern may correspond to signaling information provided to attract the attention of a vehicle following a motor vehicle including the external rear device 900.

[0220] The first pattern 900.11 is different from the fourth pattern 900.12. Therefore, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.1 can be varied and can be controlled by the control unit, which selectively powers the first source or the second source of the light module 400.1. The same applies to other light modules:

[0221] - the second pattern 900.21 is different from the fifth pattern 900.22. Therefore, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.2 can be varied and can be controlled by a control unit that selectively powers the first source or the second source of the light module 400.2; and

[0222] - The third pattern 900.31 is different from the sixth pattern 900.32. Hence, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.3 may vary and may be controlled by a control unit which selectively powers the first source or the second source of the light module 400.3.

[0223] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

1. An outer rear device (600; 700; 900) for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a surface (620; 701), at least one light emitting module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged on the surface, each of the light emitting modules comprising: An assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), wherein each flexible guide sheet in the assembly is capable of receiving light via at least one edge (114; 314) of the flexible guide sheet and reflecting the light in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the flexible guide sheet in at least one pattern (316.1; 316.2; 416.1; 416.2; 630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) etched in the flexible guide sheet; at least one light injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) capable of receiving light and distributing said light in said assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet; At least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) capable of injecting light into the at least one light injection element.

2. The outer rear device of claim 1, further comprising: A protective layer (610; 702) is arranged on the at least one light emitting module (100, 300; 400; 500), wherein the light emitting module is included between the surface (620; 701) and the protective layer.

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

4. An external rear device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein: The protective layer is an encapsulation layer (702) and is capable of encapsulating the light-emitting module (100; 300; 400; 500) between the surface (701) and the encapsulation layer.

5. An external rear device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The surface (701) is a rigid panel having a given appearance, wherein the device (700) has the appearance when each light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is disabled, and wherein the pattern (800.2) of the at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) changes the appearance of the surface when at least one light source is enabled.

6. An external rear device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The device (600; 700; 900) comprises a taillight for a motor vehicle and wherein at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) at least partially covers the taillight of the motor vehicle.

7. The outer rear device according to claim 6, wherein: The device (900) includes a right tail light and a left tail light for a motor vehicle, and includes a first light emitting module (400.1) arranged in a central position between the right tail light and the left tail light, a second light emitting module (400.2) arranged on the left tail light, and a third light emitting module (400.3) arranged on the right tail light.

8. The outer rear device according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one pattern (900.21; 900.22) of the second light-emitting module (400.2) is the same as the at least one pattern (900.31; 900.32) of the third light-emitting module (400.3), and wherein the at least one pattern (900.11; 900.12) of the first light-emitting module (400.1) is different from the at least one pattern of the second light-emitting module and the third light-emitting module.

9. The external rear device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A control element (640) capable of controlling the at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2； 430.1；430.2；530；530.2)。 10. The outer rear device according to claim 9, wherein: At least one light emitting module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least one symbol (631) in a given area of ​​the light emitting module based on a pattern (630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of the at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

11. The outer rear device according to claim 10, wherein: At least one light-emitting module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least one first symbol in a given first area of ​​the light-emitting module and at least one second symbol in a given second area of ​​the light-emitting module according to a pattern (630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of the at least one flexible guide sheet of the component.

12. An external rear device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: For at least one lighting module (300; 400; 500), the lighting module comprises a first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2), the at least one light source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is capable of selectively injecting light into the first injection element and the second injection element, and the first light injection element and the at least one flexible guide sheet (310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) are arranged to project light according to a first pattern, and wherein the assembly of the second light injection element and the at least one flexible guiding sheet are arranged to project light according to a second pattern.

13. The outer rear device according to claim 12, wherein: The light emitting module comprises a first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) and a second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2), the first light source is capable of injecting light into the first light injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1), and the second light source is capable of injecting light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2).

14. An external rear device as claimed in any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein: The first injection element (320.1) is arranged to inject light into a first section of an edge (314) of a guide sheet (310) in the component, and wherein the second injection element (320.2) is arranged to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, wherein a first portion (315.1) of the flexible guide sheet positioned to face 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 sheet positioned to face the second section of the edge is etched according to the second pattern (316.2).

15. An external rear device as claimed in any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein: The component includes at least one first flexible guide sheet and one second flexible guide sheet (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), wherein the first pattern (416.1; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31) is etched in the first flexible guide sheet, and the second pattern (416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) is etched in the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) is arranged to inject light into the edge of the first flexible guide sheet, and the second injection element (420.2; 520.2) is arranged to inject light into the edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

16. The external rear device according to claim 15, wherein: The first guide sheet and the second guide sheet (410.1; 410.2) are overlapped in the light emitting module (400; 400.1; 400.2; 400.3) so as to project the first pattern and the second pattern (416.1; 416.2; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) into a common area of ​​the light emitting module.

17. The outer rear device according to claim 15, wherein: The first flexible guiding sheet and the second flexible guiding sheet (510.1; 510.2) are placed adjacent to each other so as to project the first pattern and the second pattern at different positions.

18. The external rear device according to claim 17, wherein: The component comprises more than two flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2), which are placed adjacent to each other so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, wherein each flexible guide sheet is associated with a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into the edge of the flexible guide sheet, and each flexible guide sheet has at least one pattern etched in the sheet.

19. An external rear device as claimed in claim 9 and any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein: The control element (640) is capable of controlling the at least one light 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; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32).

20. An external rear device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: Each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) in the assembly has a thickness ranging between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

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

22. The external rear device of claim 21, wherein: For each flexible guiding sheet (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 guiding sheet into which the light is injected.

23. An external rear 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 capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and guiding the light to a given longitudinal position of the injection element, wherein the longitudinal positions of the injection guides are different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

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