Exterior device for a motor vehicle having a lighting module with a flexible guide sheet

Abstract

The invention relates to an exterior device (600) for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an outer surface (620) on which a lighting module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged. The lighting module comprises an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being suitable for receiving light rays at at least one edge of the flexible guide sheet and for reflecting the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern (630) etched in the flexible guide sheet. The lighting module also comprises at least one light injection element suitable for receiving light and distributing the light in the assembly of flexible guide sheets and at least one light source suitable for injecting light into the light injection element.

Description

Exterior equipment for a motor vehicle with a light module with a flexible guide sheet

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of light modules for exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, in particular light modules with a light guide. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the display of light patterns on exterior equipment for a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is now common to display light patterns inside a motor vehicle, for the purpose of signaling information, for aesthetic purposes of personalization or to create ambiance. It is also now desirable to be able to display such light patterns outside the vehicle, to be visible to an observer located outside the vehicle, for the purpose of signaling information or for aesthetic purposes.

[0003] It is best to display such patterns with a high resolution level.

[0004] To do this, it is known to use screens, such as LCD screens.

[0005] However, such technology is not only expensive but also sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity or UV radiation. It is therefore unsuitable for outdoor use, as the exterior equipment of a motor vehicle is subject to variable environmental conditions, including bad weather, and is also exposed to mechanical shocks.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a flexible light module to facilitate its integration into any type of equipment. This is particularly the case on the exterior of a motor vehicle, in which the exterior equipment, such as the various bodywork elements, have non-flat surfaces.

[0007] Finally, the aforementioned solutions have the disadvantage of high energy consumption, which is all the more important as the surface area of ​​the equipment in which one wishes to integrate a light module is large.

[0008] There is therefore a need for exterior equipment for motor vehicles comprising a light module capable of displaying a precise light pattern, and being robust, inexpensive, consuming little energy and easy to integrate.

[0009] The present invention improves the situation.

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

[0011] an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays via at least one edge of said flexible guide sheet and of returning the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern engraved in said flexible guide sheet;

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

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

[0014] The use of a flexible guide sheet makes it easier to integrate the light module into exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, and also offers good compactness, since the light module can have a low thickness. In addition, it is possible to illuminate large surfaces while limiting the number of light sources used.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the external equipment further comprises a protective layer arranged on the light module, the light module being comprised between the external surface and the protective layer.

[0016] This ensures minimal mechanical protection of the light module, which extends its lifespan. Exterior equipment for motor vehicles is particularly exposed to mechanical shocks. The protective layer can also protect the light module from adverse weather conditions such as rain or hail.

[0017] Additionally, the protective layer can be transparent and can be able to filter ultraviolet rays.

[0018] Thus, the protective layer is also capable of protecting the light module against ultraviolet rays so as not to damage the pattern or patterns engraved on the flexible guide sheet(s) of the light module.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external equipment may further comprise a control element capable of controlling said at least one light source.

[0020] This makes it possible to control the light source and thus vary the pattern displayed by the light module. Light animations or dynamic information can thus be displayed.

[0021] Additionally, the light module may be capable of displaying at least one symbol in a given area of ​​the light module from the pattern of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

[0022] This makes it possible to display at least one symbol on an exterior piece of equipment of a motor vehicle. Such a symbol may have an aesthetic or informational function.

[0023] Additionally, the light module may be capable of displaying at least a first symbol in a first given area of ​​the light module and at least a second symbol in a second given area of ​​the light module, based on the pattern of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

[0024] This makes it possible to create several patterns with the same light module.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the light module may comprise a flexible guide sheet, a light injection element and a light source, wherein the light source is capable of projecting light in a first wavelength interval and in a second wavelength interval distinct from the first interval, said control element being capable of controlling the light source to project light in the first interval or in the second interval.

[0026] Thus, the equipment is able to be dynamically controlled to vary the color of the projected pattern.

[0027] Additionally, the control element may be capable of controlling the light source to project light in the first interval or in the second interval based on an animation command.

[0028] This makes it possible to create light animations using color variations.

[0029] According to a first embodiment or a second embodiment, the light module may comprise a single flexible guide sheet.

[0030] Thus, a simple and inexpensive light module can be used while displaying a light pattern over a large and potentially non-flat surface.

[0031] Additionally according to the second embodiment, or alternatively according to a third or a fourth embodiment, the light module may comprise a first injection element and a second injection element, said at least one source may be capable of selectively injecting light into the first injection element and into the second injection element, and the first light injection element and the set of at least one flexible guide sheet may be arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern and the second light injection element and the set of at least one flexible guide sheet may be arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern.

[0032] Thus, the first injection element and the second injection element can be used separately, which makes animations possible by color variation or by spatial variation of the light rays emitted by the whole.

[0033] Additionally, a first light source may be capable of injecting light into the first light injection element and a second light source may be capable of injecting light into the second light injection element.

[0034] The control of a dynamic display is thus made possible by the piloting of the sources, the respective activations of which are independent of each other.

[0035] Additionally, the first light source may be capable of generating light in a first wavelength range and the second light source may be capable of generating light in a second wavelength range, different from the first range.

[0036] It is thus possible to vary the color of the displayed pattern(s) dynamically.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the first injection element can be arranged to inject light into a first section of the edge of the guide sheet of the assembly, and the second injection element can be arranged to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, a first portion of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the first section of the edge being etched according to the first pattern, and a second portion of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the second section of the edge being etched according to the second pattern.

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

[0039] Alternatively, according to the third and fourth embodiments, the assembly may comprise at least a first and a second flexible guide sheet, the first pattern being etched in the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern being etched in the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element being arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet and the second injection element being arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

[0040] This makes it possible to create complex variations of patterns and / or to provide a light module covering a large lighting surface.

[0041] According to the third embodiment, the first and second guide sheets can be superimposed in the light module, in order to project the first and second patterns in a common area of ​​the light module.

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

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

[0044] Alternatively, according to the fourth embodiment, the first and second flexible guide webs may be placed next to each other so as to project the first and second patterns at separate positions.

[0045] This makes it possible to cover large emission surfaces, particularly those greater than 100 cm2, while allowing integration on irregular and complex surfaces.

[0046] Additionally, the assembly may comprise more than two flexible guide sheets placed next to each other so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with a light injection element capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet and each flexible guide sheet having at least one pattern etched into said sheet.

[0047] This makes it possible to create complex light animations by spatial variation of the projected light rays, while allowing easy integration into equipment with complex surfaces.

[0048] In addition or as a variant, the flexible guide sheets of the assembly can have the same square or rectangular shape.

[0049] The manufacturing of the light module is thus simplified and the associated costs are reduced.

[0050] In addition, the shape of the guide sheets can be between 3 and 25 cm, particularly between 3 and 5 centimetres.

[0051] Thus, the matrix elements that are the flexible guide sheets are small in size, which makes it possible to create a light module with a large number of flexible guide sheets. This makes it possible to display numerous patterns and therefore to create complex light animations.

[0052] According to embodiments, the control element may be capable of controlling the at least one source in order 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 injection of light selectively into the different light injection elements of the light module, which improves the synchronization of the display of the light patterns relative to each other.

[0054] Additionally, the control element may be capable of dynamically controlling said at least one source so as to produce a light animation comprising at least the first and second patterns.

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

[0056] According to embodiments, the exterior equipment may be a body element of the vehicle.

[0057] This takes advantage of the flexibility of the light module, which can be used on non-flat surfaces such as the body surfaces of a motor vehicle. Moreover, such a light module is flat and is therefore space-saving and lightweight.

[0058] According to embodiments, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly may have a thickness of between 0.2 and 1 mm.

[0059] Such a thickness allows significant flexibility of the flexible guide sheet, and facilitates its integration, particularly on curved supports.

[0060] According to embodiments, at least one flexible guide web of the assembly may be made of a transparent material.

[0061] This increases the integration possibilities of the light module, as well as its aesthetic appearance. Note that at least one of the flexible guide sheets can be semi-transparent or opaque.

[0062] Additionally, each flexible guide sheet in the assembly may include a film made of polycarbonate, PC, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane, TUP, or polyethylene terephthalate, PET.

[0063] Such materials make it possible to produce a flexible and transparent guide sheet.

[0064] According to embodiments, each flexible guide sheet may comprise a film comprising microstructures, each pattern among the first and second patterns may be etched by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the film.

[0065] Such microstructures make it possible to produce high-resolution patterns while maintaining a high level of transparency of the flexible guide sheet.

[0066] Additionally, for each flexible guide sheet, a surface density of microstructures can decrease with the distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected.

[0067] The homogeneity of a pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet is thus improved.

[0068] According to embodiments, each injection element may comprise a plurality of injection guides, each injection guide being capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and guiding the light to a given longitudinal position of the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides all being different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

[0069] This allows light to be distributed evenly along the edge of the flexible guide sheet, thereby improving the projection quality of the first and second patterns.

[0070] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0071] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0072] illustrates an injection element of a light module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0073] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0074] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0075] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0076] illustrates exterior equipment for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention

[0077] The description focuses on the features that distinguish the exterior equipment and the light module from those known in the state of the art.

[0078] The present invention is a light module 100 of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0079] The light module 100 comprises a flexible guide sheet 110 capable of receiving light rays via an edge 114 and of returning the light rays in a direction Z substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet which thus extends in an XY plane on the.

[0080] A guide sheet is understood to mean an optical guide element of which one of the dimensions is much smaller than the other two dimensions in space, for example smaller by one or more orders of magnitude. As illustrated in the, here we consider a flexible guide sheet of which the thickness along the Z axis is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than its dimensions along the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheet 110 extends.

[0081] The flexible guide sheet 110 may comprise a flexible film 111 at its core comprising at least one edge 114, being capable of guiding the light rays in a global direction X, and comprising a set of microstructures 113 capable of returning the light rays guided in the flexible film 111 outside the flexible guide sheet 110, in particular 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 flexible film 111 may have a thickness, i.e. a dimension along the Z axis, of between 12 and 1000 micrometers. More specifically, the thickness of the flexible film 111 may be between 50 and 1000 micrometers, for example between 200 and 500 micrometers. Alternatively, it is the flexible guide sheet 110 which has a thickness of between 200 and 1000 micrometers.

[0083] The aforementioned materials, combined with a low thickness as described above, make it possible to obtain a flexible film 111. Other materials may be provided for the composition of the flexible film 111. However, it is preferable according to the invention to provide deformable and transparent materials.

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

[0085] Such microstructures 113 may have a general bump shape, on which the light rays are reflected in a direction substantially along the Z axis. Such microstructures 113 may be capable of causing the light rays emerging from the flexible film 111 to form a pattern. For this purpose, the microstructures 113 may be etched by ultraviolet printing, according to the desired pattern.

[0086] Microstructures 113 are structures or irregularities of the flexible film, the dimensions of which are less than a few micrometers. The microstructures thus also cover nanometric structures. Such sizes of microstructures 113 make it possible to ensure high transparency of the flexible film 111. In particular, a transparency of the order of 97% can be obtained in practice by the use of microstructures 113. Alternatively, the flexible guide sheet can be semi-transparent or opaque.

[0087] Advantageously, the microstructures 113 can be distributed along the X axis so that a linear density of microstructures 113 is proportional to the distance from the edge 114 by which the light rays injected by the injection element 120 are received. In other words, the further the microstructures 113 are from the edge 114, the more densely they are grouped. Such a distribution advantageously makes it possible to ensure a homogeneous distribution along the X axis of the light intensity of the pattern emitted by the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0088] The flexible guide sheet 110 may further comprise one or two optional protective layers 112.1 and 112.2, which make it possible to mechanically protect the flexible film 111. In addition, 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 against UV rays, once the microstructures 113 have been etched. Without such UV protection, the pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet 110 is likely to degrade over time, in particular when exposed to sunlight.

[0089] The flexible film 111 and the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 are shown spaced apart on the, for illustrative purposes only. It will be understood, however, that the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 may be attached to the flexible film, in particular by lamination.

[0090] The guide sheet 110 being flexible, it is not necessarily included in a plane but can be curved, depending on the position in which it is placed and the mechanical constraints applied to it.

[0091] The light module 100 illustrated in the also comprises a light injection element 120, also called a light bar, because it extends longitudinally in a Y direction, and is capable of injecting light in a direction normal to its longitudinal direction, for example along the X axis when it is arranged in the manner shown in the.

[0092] The light injection element 120 is of rectangular or square cross-section on the. However, the light injection element 120 may have a round, oval, or polygonal cross-section.

[0093] Thus, the light injection element 120 comprises an output surface 122 extending in the longitudinal direction and capable of injecting light in a direction substantially normal to the output surface 122. The light injection element 120 further comprises an input surface 121, at one end of the light injection element 120, capable of receiving light rays from a light source 130, and the light injection element 120 is capable of guiding the light longitudinally along the Y axis by distributing it on the output surface 122. The distribution of light by the output surface 122 will be better understood in light of the description of the.

[0094] No restrictions are attached to the light source 130. The light source 130 may be capable of generating light in a range of wavelengths. Such a range may be centered around a visible color, in order to generate colored light, for example blue, red or green. Alternatively, the light source 130 may emit light rays over the entire range of wavelengths visible to the human eye, so as to generate white light. A very restricted range of wavelengths may be produced by a laser-type light source 130.

[0095] The light source 130 may be capable of generating light in at least two distinct wavelength intervals, for example corresponding to two distinct colors. It may for example be an electroluminescent source of the LED type for example, having the advantage of small size, low energy consumption and low heating, producing two different colors of light, capable of being controlled by a control element not shown. It may in particular be an RGB type diode, capable of producing red, green and blue light. Thus, the light module according to the first embodiment may comprise a flexible guide sheet 110, an injection element 120 and a light source 130 capable of generating light in at least two distinct wavelength intervals.

[0096] The light source 130 can be controlled by a control element not shown, but described later, in order to vary the projected color and thus create a light animation.

[0097] Alternatively, the light source 130 is not arranged directly opposite the entry surface 121 of the injection element 120, but the light module 100 further comprises an optical fiber placed between the source 130 and the injection element 120, which makes it possible to offset the source 130 relative to the assembly formed by the injection element 120 and the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0098] Presents an injection element 120 of a light module according to embodiments of the invention.

[0099] The injection element 120 may comprise a plurality of injection guides 123 capable of receiving light from the source 130 via the input surface 121 and of guiding the light to a longitudinal position of the output surface 122, the longitudinal positions of the light guides being distinct so as to distribute the light to at least several longitudinal positions of the output surface 122.

[0100] It is thus made possible to inject light at different longitudinal positions along the Y axis of the edge 114. Each longitudinal position of the edge 114 can correspond to a guide line of the flexible film 111, capable of guiding the light along the X axis along such a guide line.

[0101] Such an association of a flexible guide sheet 110, an injection element 120 and a source 130 thus makes it possible to project light in the Z direction via a flexible, transparent, semi-transparent or opaque surface, with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

[0102] In practice, such a light module can emit a pattern with a brightness of between 100 and 1000 Candelas per square meter, with a light extraction efficiency that can vary between 25% and 80%.

[0103] Details of the structure and arrangement of these elements 110, 120 and 130 are further described in the international patent application published under number WO2011130715A2.

[0104] A light module of exterior equipment for a vehicle according to the invention comprises:- an assembly of at least one guide sheet, such as the flexible guide sheet 110 illustrated in the, the assembly being capable of returning light in at least one pattern;- at least one light injection element such as the injection element 120 described with reference to figures 1 and 2; and- at least one light source such as the light source 130 previously described with reference to the, capable of injecting light into said at least one injection element.

[0105] “Pattern” means any predefined spatial distribution or distribution of the light intensity emitted by the light module. In particular, reference is made here to a two-dimensional or one-dimensional pattern. A pattern may thus comprise a two-dimensional shape or symbol obtained by contrast between the light intensities of different positions in the XY plane of the flexible guide sheet 110. The pattern may also comprise several shapes or symbols. Alternatively, a pattern covers a predefined, or intentional, spatial distribution of the light intensity not showing a general shape, such as a distribution inducing a cloud of light points. In the context of the present invention, a pattern is formed by injecting light into an injection element which is arranged relative to a flexible guide sheet so as to form the pattern on the flexible guide sheet.A flexible guide sheet is thus capable of projecting light according to at least one pattern, and a pattern may correspond to at least one shape or symbol. A flexible guide sheet may also project light according to at least two patterns, when the flexible guide sheet is associated with several injection elements.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the light module comprises a single source, a single injection element and a single flexible guide sheet capable of forming a pattern.

[0107] In the second, third and fourth embodiments which follow, the light module comprises at least two injection elements similar to the injection element 120 previously described. The embodiments may vary in the number of elements that the light module comprises, and in their respective arrangements. However, the descriptions and definitions given previously of the light source, the injection element and the flexible guide sheet apply to all of the embodiments.

[0108] Illustrates a light module 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0109] In the second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged so as to inject light into a single flexible guide sheet, comprising several patterns.

[0110] In particular, in the example of the, a first injection element 320.1 and a second injection element 320.2 are arranged so as to inject light into an edge 314 of a flexible guide sheet 310.

[0111] The first and second injection elements 320.1 and 320.2 may be similar to the injection element 120 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Similarly, the flexible guide sheet 310 may correspond to the flexible guide sheet 110 previously described.

[0112] As shown in the, the first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 are arranged to inject light into the edge 314, at distinct longitudinal positions, along the Y axis.

[0113] Note that, due to its flexibility, the guide sheet 310 may not be flat but may be curved. This thus presents the light module 300 when the guide sheet is flat, for example placed on a flat rigid support.

[0114] The first injection element 320.1 is thus able to inject light into the edge 314, which is then guided by the flexible guide sheet 310 into a first part 315.1 of the flexible guide sheet 310. The second injection element 320.2 is able to inject light into the edge 314, which is then guided into a second part 315.2 of the flexible guide sheet 310.

[0115] For this purpose, a first source 330.1 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the first injection element 320.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 320.1 and therefore towards the first part 315.1 of the flexible guide sheet 310. A second source 330.2 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the second injection element 320.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 320.2 and therefore towards the second part 315.2 of the flexible guide sheet 310.

[0116] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light module 300 comprises a first optical fiber capable of conveying the light from the single source to the input surface of the first injection element 320.1 and a second optical fiber capable of conveying the light from the single source to the input surface of the second injection element 320.2.

[0117] The first and second sources 330.1 and 330.2, or the single source, may selectively inject into the first injection element 320.1 and / or into the second injection element 320.2. Such selective injection may be controlled by a control element 340 connected to both sources 330.1 and 330.2, or controlling the supply of both sources 330.1 and 330.2.

[0118] A first pattern 316.1 is etched in the first portion 315.1 while 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 makes it possible to project the first pattern, the second pattern, none of the patterns or both patterns at the same time, thus making it possible, by dynamic control, to produce an animation from at least the first and second patterns, or to display dynamic light information. Alternatively, the selective injection of light can be dynamically controlled as a function of touch input data received by the control element 340, as will be better understood upon reading the description of the.

[0119] In the example of the, the first and second patterns 316.1 and 316.2 each correspond to a symbol, the symbols being distinct. However, in accordance with the definition of “pattern” previously given, the patterns may be any intentional, or predetermined, spatial distribution of light intensity. Furthermore, when the patterns are shapes or symbols, the first and second patterns 316.1 and 316.2 may have identical shapes. Animation is then enabled by the spatial displacement of the pattern from the first part 315.1 to the second part 315.2, or vice versa. Furthermore, the colors projected respectively for each pattern may vary, when the sources 330.1 and 330.2 produce light of different colors.

[0120] An example with two patterns and two injection elements has been shown in the. However, the first embodiment also covers a light module with a flexible guide sheet with three or more parts, each part comprising an etched pattern, and with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the parts.

[0121] Dedicated sources for each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

[0122] Illustrates a light module 400 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0123] In the second embodiment of the invention, the light module 400 comprises at least a first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and a second flexible guide sheet 410.2, the two flexible guide sheets being superimposed, which implies that at least a portion of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, in the XY plane, is superimposed with at least a portion of the second flexible guide sheet 410.2, in a common area, which corresponds to a set of positions in the XY plane.

[0124] Preferably, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 have the same dimensions in the XY plane, and are completely superimposed.

[0125] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide sheets may not be flat but may be curved. This thus presents the light module 400 when the guide sheets are flat, for example stacked on a flat support.

[0126] Such an overlay is particularly advantageous because the flexible guide sheets are preferably transparent as detailed previously.

[0127] Thus, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 are capable of projecting a first pattern 416.1 and a second pattern 416.2 respectively in a common area.

[0128] A first injection element 420.1 is capable and arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and a second injection element 420.2 is capable and arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide sheet 410.2.

[0129] For this purpose, a first source 430.1 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the first injection element 420.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 420.1 and therefore towards the first flexible guide sheet 410.1. A second source 430.2 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the second injection element 420.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 420.2 and therefore towards the second flexible guide sheet 410.2.

[0130] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light module comprises a first optical fiber capable of conveying light from the single source to the input surface of the first injection element 420.1 and a second optical fiber capable of conveying light from the single source to the input surface of the second injection element 420.2.

[0131] The first and second sources 430.1 and 430.2, or the 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 both sources 430.1 and 430.2, or controlling the supply of both sources 430.1 and 430.2.

[0132] The first pattern 416.1 is etched in the first flexible guide sheet 410.1 while the second pattern 416.2 is etched in the second flexible guide sheet 410.2. The selective injection of light into the first injection element 420.1 and / or into the second injection element 420.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, the second pattern, none of the patterns or both patterns at the same time, thus making it possible, by dynamic control, to produce an animation from at least the first and second patterns.

[0133] In the example of the, the first and second patterns 416.1 and 416.2 have distinct symbols, and are identical to the patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of the, for illustrative purposes. However, in accordance with the definition of the pattern previously given, the patterns can be any intentional, or predetermined, spatial distribution of light intensity. Furthermore, when the patterns are shapes or symbols, the first and second patterns 416.1 and 416.2 can have identical symbols but distinct colors. Indeed, the colors projected respectively for each pattern can vary, when the sources 430.1 and 430.2 produce light of different colors.

[0134] An example with two patterns, two injection elements and two flexible guide sheets has been shown in the. However, the second embodiment also covers a light module with at least three flexible guide sheets with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the flexible guide sheets. Sources dedicated to each injection element may be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers may be provided for this purpose.

[0135] At least one of the flexible guide sheets may be transparent. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the flexible guide sheet located below the light module 400, i.e. the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, may be opaque or semi-transparent. On the other hand, the second flexible guide sheet 410.2 is transparent or semi-transparent, so as to allow at least part of the light emitted by the first flexible guide sheet 410.2 to pass through. The second flexible guide sheet 410.2 may further comprise a textured material, so as to improve the aesthetic appearance of the light module and / or so as to harmonize its material with the material of the external equipment in which the light module is integrated. Such a textured material may also be used for the flexible guide sheets of the light modules according to the first, second and fourth embodiments.Textured material means any material having a predefined texture, for example, involving a surface treatment of the flexible guide web. Textured material may include granules, ridges or slots, or any other textural element.

[0136] Illustrates a light module 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0137] In the fourth embodiment of the invention, the light module 500 comprises at least a first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and a second flexible guide sheet 510.2, the two flexible guide sheets being placed next to each other, and the two flexible guide sheets are thus able to project light rays from distinct positions in the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheets mainly extend.

[0138] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide sheets may not be flat but may be curved. The present light module 500 is therefore present when the flexible guide sheets are flat, for example placed on a flat rigid support.

[0139] Thus, the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 is capable of projecting a first pattern, not shown, at a first position of the XY plane, and the second flexible guide sheet 510.2 is capable of projecting a second pattern 516.2 at a second position of the XY plane, the first and second positions being distinct, for example next to each other. Each projected pattern may comprise a symbol or a part of a symbol. When a pattern of a flexible guide sheet comprises a part of a symbol, such a part may be complementary to another part of a symbol formed by the pattern of another flexible guide sheet, or other parts of a symbol formed by the patterns of other flexible guide sheets.

[0140] A first injection element 520.1 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and a second injection element 520.2 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide sheet 510.2.

[0141] The relative arrangement of each injection element with respect to a flexible guide sheet is in accordance with the explanations previously given, and is not detailed again for the fourth embodiment of the.

[0142] A first source 530.1 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the first injection element 520.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 520.1 and therefore towards the first flexible guide sheet 510.1. A second source 530.2 is arranged opposite an entry surface of the second injection element 520.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 520.2 and therefore towards the second flexible guide sheet 510.2.

[0143] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light module 500 comprises a first optical fiber capable of conveying the light from the single source to the input surface of the first injection element 520.1 and a second optical fiber capable of conveying the light from the single source to the input surface of the second injection element 520.2.

[0144] The first and second sources 530.1 and 530.2, or the single source, may selectively inject light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or into the second injection element 520.2. Such selective injection may be controlled by a control element 540 connected to both sources 530.1 and 530.2, or controlling the power supply of both sources 530.1 and 530.2.

[0145] The first pattern is etched into the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 while the second pattern is etched into the second flexible guide sheet 510.2. The selective injection of light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or into the second injection element 520.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, the second pattern, none of the patterns or both patterns at the same time, thus making it possible, by dynamic control, to produce an animation from at least the first and second patterns.

[0146] In the example of the, a light module 500 comprising twelve flexible guide sheets, twelve injection elements and twelve light sources, arranged in a matrix with three rows and four columns, has been shown, for illustrative purposes only.

[0147] No restriction is attached to the number of flexible guide sheets in the third embodiment. The third embodiment thus applies to N flexible guide sheets, N injection elements respectively associated, and N light sources, or a single source connected by N optical fibers to the N injection elements, N being any integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0148] There are also no restrictions on the arrangement of the flexible guide sheets relative to each other. When they are positioned in matrices, there are no restrictions on the number of rows or the number of columns.

[0149] The first and second patterns may have distinct shapes, and may for example be identical to patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of the. However, in accordance with the definition of “pattern” previously given, the patterns may be any intentional, or predetermined, spatial distribution of light intensity. Furthermore, when the patterns are shapes or symbols, the first and second patterns may have identical symbols but distinct colors. Indeed, the colors projected respectively for each pattern may vary, when the sources 530.1 and 530.2 produce light of different colors.

[0150] Further, as explained above, the patterns may comprise portions of symbols complementary to each other, so as to form one or more symbols on several flexible guide sheets of the matrix.

[0151] The flexible guide webs may be connected to each other by a support matrix structure, which may itself be flexible. Alternatively, each flexible guide web may be connected to the surrounding flexible guide webs by fastening means, such as gluing, clamping, clipping, or any other method.

[0152] All of the light sources may be controlled by the control element 540, via a set of wires, each wire connecting the control element 540 to a light source. The wires may be carried by a structure 550 to centralize the wires and route them to the control element, thereby reducing clutter, and also allowing the wires to be hidden.

[0153] No restrictions are attached to the dimensions in the XY plane of the flexible guide webs. For example, each flexible guide web may be rectangular or square in shape, with at least one dimension between 2 and 10 cm. For example, the flexible guide webs are squares or rectangles, with:- one dimension between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm; and- another dimension between 2 cm and 10 cm, for example between 2 cm and 5 cm, for example equal to 5 cm.

[0154] For example, each flexible guide sheet is a 3cm by 3cm square.

[0155] The second, third and fourth embodiments have been described in a manner exclusive of one another. However, it should be noted that these three embodiments can be combined in the same light module, in particular: - the second embodiment and the third embodiment can 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 capable of injecting light selectively into two distinct parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively etched in the two parts;- the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of injecting light selectively into two separate parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively etched in the two parts; the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module;the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module, and one of these three flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of injecting light selectively into two separate parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively etched in the two parts.;

[0156] Illustrates exterior equipment 600 for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0157] The external equipment 600 according to the invention comprises a light module 100, 300, 400, 500 according to one of the embodiments described previously, or according to a combination of several of the embodiments described previously, as well as an external surface 620 on which the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is fixed.

[0158] An external surface is a surface accessible to a user when the external equipment is mounted in a vehicle. It is therefore distinguished from an internal surface which is only accessible by removing the said equipment, or when the equipment is not mounted in the vehicle.

[0159] “Exterior” equipment means any equipment comprising at least one external surface intended to be accessible to a user from outside the motor vehicle. This may therefore be a bodywork element, such as a bumper, a roof, a door or any other bodywork element.

[0160] No restriction is attached to the manner in which the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is attached to the external surface 620.

[0161] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500 may for example be inserted into a frame or support of the external equipment 600, provided for this purpose, having in particular a shape complementary to the light module 600, and held in position by gluing, screwing, clipping, clamping, or any other type of holding means or fixing means. Alternatively, the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is directly glued onto the external surface 620 of the equipment 600.

[0162] The equipment 600 may also comprise a control element 640 which may be one of the control elements previously described with reference to the four embodiments. Thus, the control element 640 may be external to the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. Alternatively, it may be internal to the light module 100, 300, 400, 500, as previously described.

[0163] The control element 640 may comprise a processor configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a wired connection, with a memory such as a “Random Access Memory” type memory, RAM, or a “Read Only Memory” type memory, ROM, or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory comprises several memories of the aforementioned types. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory. The processor is capable of executing instructions, stored in the memory, for the implementation of one or more animations depending on the reception of animation commands. Alternatively, the processor may be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured for the implementation of one or more animations depending on the reception of animation commands.

[0164] Preferably, the external equipment 600 may further comprise a protective layer 610.

[0165] No restriction is attached to such a protective layer 610, which provides at least mechanical protection by covering the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. Preferably, the mechanical protection layer covers the entire light module 100, 300, 400, 500, which increases its mechanical protection and therefore its lifespan. The exterior equipment 600 for a motor vehicle is in particular exposed to mechanical shocks, as well as to bad weather such as rain or hail in particular.

[0166] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is thus included between the external surface 620 and the protective layer 610.

[0167] In addition, the protective layer 610 may comprise an anti-UV treatment or may comprise a material that filters ultraviolet rays. The protective layer 610 thus simultaneously provides mechanical protection but also prevents the pattern or patterns engraved in the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 from being damaged.

[0168] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500, is capable of forming one or more patterns 630 comprising a symbol 631 as shown in the. Such an example of a pattern is given for illustrative purposes only, as explained previously.

[0169] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pattern 630 may be projected by one or more flexible guide sheets:- in the first embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet of a light module 100;- in the second embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet of a light module 300, but the symbol 631 may be broken down into two parts and each part of the symbol 631 may be projected by selective injection into two injection elements facing distinct sections of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, so as to project the two parts of the symbol 631 into two distinct zones. Alternatively, the pattern 630 comprises two distinct patterns, each pattern being able to be projected into a part of the flexible guide sheet by selective injection into one of the injection elements. The projected pattern may thus comprise one symbol, the other symbol, both symbols or no symbol.More generally, the selective injection into one, the other or both injection elements makes it possible to dynamically vary the projected pattern 630;- in the third embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a superposition of at least two flexible guide sheets of a light module 400. According to a first example, each flexible guide sheet produces the same pattern 630, but in different colors, which makes it possible to produce a dynamic variation of colors.Thus, a first flexible guide sheet is able to project the symbol 631 according to a first color, and the second flexible guide sheet is able to project the symbol 631 according to a second color, identical to or different from the first color, and the injection of light is selectively controlled between the two flexible guide sheets, so as to dynamically vary the projected pattern 630, as in the second embodiment; - in the fourth embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a matrix of at least two flexible guide sheets next to each other. Thus, according to 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. Alternatively, the light module 500 comprises more than two flexible guide sheets, and each flexible guide sheet is able to project a portion of the symbol 631.For example, each symbol can be realized by four flexible guide sheets.

[0170] When multiple symbols are formed by the pattern 630, each symbol may be projected into a given area of ​​the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. A first symbol may be projected into a given first area of ​​the light module, and a second symbol may be projected into a given second area of ​​the light module.

[0171] The control element 640 is capable of controlling the source(s) of the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. By way of examples: - the control element 640 can vary the light intensity of the pattern; - the control element 640 can vary the color of the pattern 630; - the control element can activate or deactivate some of the light sources.

[0172] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Exterior equipment (600) for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising an external surface (620) on which a light module (100, 300, 400, 500) is arranged, the light module comprising: an assembly of at least one flexible guide rail (110, 310, 410.1, 410.2, 510.1, 510.2), each flexible guide rail of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays through at least one edge (114, 314) of said flexible guide rail and of reflecting the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide rail according to at least one pattern (630) engraved in said flexible guide rail; 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 light in the whole 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 said at least one light injection element. External equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer (610) arranged on the light module (100, 300; 400; 500), the light module being contained between the external surface and the protective layer. Exterior equipment according to claim 2, wherein the protective layer (610) is transparent and is suitable for filtering ultraviolet rays. Exterior equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (640) capable of controlling said at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2). Exterior equipment according to claim 4, wherein the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least one symbol (631) in a given area of ​​the light module from the pattern of each flexible guide ribbon of the assembly. Exterior equipment according to claim 5, wherein the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least a first symbol in a first given area of ​​the light module and at least a second symbol in a second given area of ​​the light module, from the pattern (630) of each flexible guide ribbon of the assembly. Outdoor equipment according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) comprises a flexible guide sheet (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 capable of projecting light in a first wavelength range and in a second wavelength range distinct from the first range, said control element (640) being capable of controlling the source of light to project light into the first interval or into the second interval. Outdoor equipment according to claim 7, wherein the control element (640) is capable of controlling the light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) to project light into the first interval or into the second interval according to an animation command. Outdoor equipment according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the light module (100; 300) comprises a single flexible guide sheet (110; 310). Outdoor equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light 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 said 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 into the second injection element, and wherein the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) are arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern, and wherein the second element light injection and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern. Exterior equipment according to claim 10, comprising a first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) capable of injecting light into the first light injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) capable of injecting light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2). Outdoor equipment according to claim 11, wherein the first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) is capable of generating light in a first wavelength range and wherein the second light source is capable of generating light in a second wavelength range (330.2; 430.2; 530.2), different from the first range. External equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first injection element (320.1) is arranged to inject light into a first section of the edge (314) of the guide sheet (310) of the assembly, 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, a first part (315.1) of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the first section of the edge being engraved according to the first pattern (316.1), and a second part (315.2) of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the second section of the edge being engraved according to the second pattern (316.2). External equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the assembly comprises at least a first and a second flexible guide web (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first pattern (416.1) being engraved in the first flexible guide web and the second pattern (416.2) being engraved in the second flexible guide web, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide web and the second injection element (420.2; 520.2) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide web. Exterior equipment according to claim 14, wherein the first and second guide sheets (410.1; 410.2) are superimposed in the light module (400), in order to project the first and second patterns (416.1; 416.2) into a common area of ​​the light module. Exterior equipment according to claim 14, wherein the first and second flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) are placed side by side so as to project the first and second patterns to distinct positions. Exterior equipment according to claim 16, wherein the assembly comprises more than two flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) placed side by side so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet and each flexible guide sheet having at least one pattern engraved in said sheet. External equipment according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) of the assembly have the same square or rectangular shape. Exterior equipment according to claim 18, wherein a dimension of the shape of the guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) is between 3 and 25 cm, in particular between 3 and 5 centimeters. Outdoor equipment according to claim 4 and any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the control element (640) is capable of controlling said at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) in order to selectively project light according to the first pattern (316.1; 416.1) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2). Outdoor equipment according to claim 20, wherein the control element (640) is capable of dynamically controlling said at least one source so as to produce a light animation comprising at least the first and second patterns (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2). Exterior equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior equipment (600) is a vehicle body element. External equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly has a thickness between 0.2 and 1 mm. External equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly is made of a transparent material. Exterior equipment according to claim 24, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly comprises a film of polycarbonate, PC, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane, TUP, or polyethylene terephthalate, PET. Exterior equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) comprises a film (111) comprising microstructures (113), wherein each pattern (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) among the first and second patterns are etched by ultraviolet printing of the film's microstructures. External equipment according to claim 26, wherein, for each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), a surface density of microstructures (113) decreases with the distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected. External equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 injection guide being capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and of guiding the light to a given longitudinal position of the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides all being different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

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