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

Abstract

The invention relates to an external rear device (600) for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an outer surface (620) on which at least one lighting module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged. 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 suitable for receiving light rays via at least one edge (114, 314) of the flexible guide sheet and for reflecting the light rays in a direction which is 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 (120, 320, 420, 520) which is suitable for receiving light and for distributing the light in the assembly of flexible guide sheets, and at least one light source (130, 330, 430, 530) which is suitable for injecting light into the light-injection element.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle with a light module with a flexible guide sheet

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of light modules for rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, in particular light guide light modules. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the display of light patterns on exterior equipment arranged at the rear of a motor vehicle.

[0004] 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.

[0005] It is best to display such patterns with a high resolution level.

[0006] To do this, it is known to use screens, such as LCD screens.

[0007] 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.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a flexible light module in order to facilitate its integration into any type of equipment, in particular exterior equipment located at the rear of the motor vehicle. This is particularly the case on the exterior of a motor vehicle, in which the exterior equipment, such as the various elements of the bodywork, have non-flat surfaces. 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.

[0009] There is therefore a need for exterior equipment at the rear of a motor vehicle comprising a light module capable of displaying a precise light pattern, and being robust, inexpensive, consuming little energy and easy to integrate.

[0010] The present invention improves the situation.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising a surface on which at least one light module is arranged, each light module comprising: 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; at least one light injection element capable of receiving light and distributing the light in the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet; at least one light source capable of injecting light into said at least one light injection element.

[0012] The use of a flexible guide sheet makes it easier to integrate the light module into a rear 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.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the flexible guide sheet and the light injection element are made in a single piece. Thus, it is possible to dispense with the joining means between the light injection element and the guide sheet, which reduces the risk of disturbance of the light rays on their path towards the guide sheet. Consequently, the loss of light rays is minimized for better luminous efficiency.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the light injection element comprises a plurality of light injection guides connected together so as to form this light injection element. In other words, each injection guide is connected with one or more other injection guides in order to form a solid assembly forming the light injection element.

[0015] For example, the light injection guides are folded and partially superimposed on each other so as to form a stack capable of receiving light rays from a light source. Specifically, the stack has an entry surface with a thickness corresponding to the emission surface of the light source.

[0016] According to embodiments, the rear exterior equipment may further comprise a protective layer arranged on said at least one light module, the light module being comprised between the surface and the protective layer.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Additionally, the protective layer can be transparent and can be able to filter ultraviolet rays.

[0019] Thus, the protective layer is further 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.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the protective layer may be an encapsulation layer capable of encapsulating the light module between the surface and the encapsulation layer. Thus, the protective layer further allows the light module to be fixed or held against the surface of the equipment. This makes it possible to perform several functions, both protection and fixing, with a single element.

[0021] According to embodiments, the surface may be a rigid panel having a given appearance, the equipment having said appearance when each light source is deactivated, and the pattern of said at least one flexible guide sheet may modify the appearance of the surface when at least one light source is activated.

[0022] Thus, the light module can fulfill an aesthetic or signaling function when at least one of its light sources is activated, while being indistinguishable when all its sources are deactivated.

[0023] According to embodiments, the equipment may comprise a motor vehicle tail light, and at least one flexible guide sheet may at least partially cover said motor vehicle tail light.

[0024] At least one light module can thus fulfill a signaling function for vehicles located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0025] In addition, the equipment may comprise a right rear light and a left rear light of a motor vehicle, may comprise a first light module arranged in a central position between the right rear light and the left rear light, a second light module arranged on the left rear light and a third light module arranged on the right rear light.

[0026] This makes it possible to use a large rear surface of the motor vehicle to perform signaling and / or aesthetic functions.

[0027] Further in addition, said at least one pattern of the second light module is identical to said at least one pattern of the third light module, and wherein said at least one pattern of the first light module is different from said at least one pattern of the second light module and the third light module.

[0028] Thus, the equipment can indicate several signaling information simultaneously, or can indicate one signaling information and perform an aesthetic function. Alternatively, the patterns displayed by the different light modules can be complementary and together perform one signaling information.

[0029] According to embodiments, the rear exterior equipment may further comprise a control element capable of controlling said at least one light source.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Additionally, at least one light module may be capable of displaying at least one symbol in a given area of ​​the light module from the pattern of said at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

[0032] This makes it possible to display at least one symbol on a rear exterior piece of equipment of a motor vehicle. Such a symbol may have an aesthetic or informational signaling function.

[0033] Additionally, at least one light module may be capable of displaying at least one first symbol in a given first zone of the light module and at least one second symbol in a given second zone of the light module, based on the pattern of said at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

[0034] This makes it possible to create several symbols with the same light module.

[0035] According to embodiments, for at least one light module, 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 a 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 a second pattern.

[0036] 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 assembly. It is also possible to display two distinct patterns, each of which can correspond to a given signaling information.

[0037] Additionally, the light module may comprise 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.

[0038] Control of a dynamic display is thus enabled by controlling the sources, whose respective activations are independent of each other. It is also possible to display two distinct patterns, each of which can correspond to a given signaling information.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the first injection element may be arranged to inject light into a first section of the edge of the guide sheet of the assembly, and the second injection element may 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.

[0040] This makes it possible to produce several patterns at distinct spatial positions, via a single flexible guide sheet, which limits the costs and space requirements associated with the rear exterior equipment.

[0041] Alternatively, 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.

[0042] This makes it possible to create complex variations of patterns and / or to provide a light module covering a large lighting surface and / or to display a large quantity of patterns in the same location on the equipment.

[0043] Additionally, 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.

[0044] This makes it possible to vary the pattern projected in the common area. It is thus possible to display different signaling information, in particular for vehicles following the motor vehicle in which the equipment is installed at the rear. Alternatively, an animation can be created by dynamically varying the pattern of the common area or by changing its color.

[0045] Alternatively, the first and second flexible guide webs may be positioned adjacent to each other so as to project the first and second patterns at separate positions.

[0046] This makes it possible to cover large emission surfaces, particularly those greater than 100 cm2, while allowing integration on irregular and complex surfaces.

[0047] Additionally, the assembly comprises 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 engraved in said sheet. It is thus made possible to produce complex light animations by spatial variation of the projected light rays, while allowing easy integration into equipment with complex surfaces.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Thus, a single element is capable of controlling 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 with respect to each other. The control element can in particular control the display of one signaling information among several possible ones.

[0050] According to embodiments, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly may have a thickness of between 0.2 and 1 mm.

[0051] Such a thickness allows significant flexibility of the flexible guide sheet, and facilitates its integration, particularly on curved supports.

[0052] According to embodiments, each flexible guide web may comprise a film comprising microstructures and each pattern may be etched by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the film.

[0053] Such microstructures make it possible to produce high-resolution patterns while maintaining a high level of transparency of the flexible guide sheet.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The homogeneity of a pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet is thus improved.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0059] [Fig 1] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0060] [Fig 2A] illustrates an injection element of a light module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig 2B] illustrates a light module according to one embodiment, said light module comprising a flexible light guide sheet and a light injection element made in a single piece;

[0062] [Fig 2C] illustrates the light injection element of the light module shown in Fig. 2B;

[0063] [Fig 3A] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0064] [Fig 3B] illustrates a variant of the light module of the second embodiment of the assembly;

[0065] [Fig 4] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0066] [Fig 5] illustrates a light module of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0067] [Fig 6] illustrates rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention; [Fig 7] illustrates rear exterior equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0068] [Fig 8a] illustrates a view of the rear exterior equipment according to the first embodiment of the invention, when its light sources are switched off;

[0069] [Fig 8b] illustrates a view of the rear exterior equipment according to the first embodiment of the invention, when its light sources are switched on;

[0070] [Fig 9a] illustrates rear exterior equipment according to a second embodiment, when first light sources are illuminated;

[0071] [Fig 9b] illustrates the rear exterior equipment according to the second embodiment, when second light sources are illuminated.

[0072] The description focuses on the features that distinguish the exterior equipment and the light module from those known in the state of the art.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a light module 100 of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0074] 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 in FIG. 1.

[0075] 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 FIG. 1, a flexible guide sheet is considered here whose 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The flexible film 111 and the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 are shown spaced apart in FIG. 1, 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The light module 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 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 FIG. 1. The light injection element 120 has a rectangular or square section in FIG. 1. However, the light injection element 120 may have a round, oval, or polygonal section.

[0087] 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 FIG. 2.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Figure 2A shows an injection element 120 of a light module according to embodiments of the invention.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Figure 2B shows the light module 100 with an injection element 120a which is integral with the flexible guide sheet 110. The injection element 120a comprises a set of light injection guides 123a which will be described with reference to the following figure 2C.

[0095] With reference to Figure 2C, the injection element 120a comprises a plurality of injection guides 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 capable of receiving light from the source 130 via the entry surface 121a and of guiding the light to the different positions along the distinct Y axis 124.1, 124.2 and 124.3. As shown, 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, the injection sheets 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 being cut at different positions in Y, in a cutting direction substantially parallel to the X direction.The injection sheets thus obtained are flexible and can be folded as shown in FIG. 2C. The length of each injection sheet 123.1, 123.2 and 123.3 is chosen so that once folded, their ends together form a stack having an injection surface 121a, as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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%.

[0099] 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.

[0100] A light module of exterior equipment for a vehicle according to the invention comprises:

[0101] - an assembly of at least one guide sheet, such as the flexible guide sheet 110 illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly being capable of returning light according to at least one pattern;

[0102] - 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 Figure 1, capable of injecting light into said at least one injection element.

[0103] “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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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. Figure 3A illustrates a light module 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0106] In the second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged so as to inject light into a single flexible guide sheet, comprising several patterns.

[0107] In particular, in the example of Figure 3A, 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] As shown in Figure 3A, 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.

[0110] Note that, due to its flexibility, the guide sheet 310 may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 3A thus shows the light module 300 when the guide sheet is flat, for example placed on a flat rigid support.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 FIG. 6.

[0116] In the example of Figure 3A, 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 spatially moving the pattern from the first portion 315.1 to the second portion 315.2, or vice versa. Furthermore, the colors projected respectively for each pattern may vary, when the sources

[0117] 330.1 and 330.2 produce light of different colors.

[0118] An example with two patterns and two injection elements has been shown in Figure 3A. 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Figure 3B illustrates a variation of the light module 300.

[0121] The variant is essentially identical to the light module illustrated in Figure 3A except for the differences detailed below. In Figures 3A and 3B, elements that are identical have the same reference.

[0122] In the variant illustrated in Figure 3A, the injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a are integral with the flexible guide sheet 310. In fact, the injection elements 320.1a and 320.2a are made in the same way as the injection element 120a shown in Figures 2B and 2C. Similarly, the flexible guide sheet 310 may correspond to the flexible guide sheet 110 previously described. Thus, preferably, the injection elements

[0123] 320.1 a and 320.2a may be part of the flexible film of the sheet 110, and may be obtained by cutting and folding the flexible film, so as to form the light guide 305.

[0124] In the same way as with the light module illustrated in FIG. 3A, the light injection elements 320.1 a and 320.2a are arranged opposite the same edge 314 of the flexible guide sheet 310. However, the first light injection element 320.1 a is arranged opposite a first section of the edge 314 while the second light injection element 320.2a is arranged opposite a second section of the edge 314. In this way, these light injection elements 320.1 a and 320.2a illuminate two different parts of the guide sheet 310. In the illustrated example, they illuminate the first part 315.1 and the second part 315.2 respectively.

[0125] Also illustrated in Figure 3B is a first pattern comprising a first symbol 316.1 which is etched in the first portion 315.1 while a second pattern comprising a second symbol 316.2 which is etched in the second portion 315.2. However, the first portion and the second portion may be alternatively capable of emitting light in homogeneous patterns, with constant brightness across the entire first portion 315.1 and second portion 315.2. The projection of symbols 316.1 and 316.2 is thus optional.

[0126] Figure 4 illustrates a light module 400 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide sheets may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 4 thus shows the light module 400 when the guide sheets are flat, for example stacked on a flat support. Such superposition is particularly advantageous because the flexible guide sheets are preferably transparent as detailed previously.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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

[0136] 420.1 and / or in 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.

[0137] In the example of Figure 4, 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 Figure 3, for illustrative purposes. 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 416.1 and

[0138] 416.2 may have identical symbols but different colors. This is because the colors projected for each pattern may vary, when the sources 430.1 and 430.2 produce light of different colors.

[0139] An example with two patterns, two injection elements and two flexible guide sheets has been shown in Figure 4. 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.

[0140] 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

[0141] 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 involving, for example, a surface treatment of the flexible guide sheet. The textured material may comprise granules, ridges or slots or any other textural element.

[0142] Figure 5 illustrates a light module 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0143] 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.

[0144] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide sheets may not be flat but may be curved. Figure 5 thus shows the light module 500 when the flexible guide sheets are flat, for example placed on a flat rigid support.

[0145] 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. 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.

[0146] 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 figure 5.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] In the example of Figure 5, 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The first and second patterns may have distinct shapes, and may for example be identical to the patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of Figure 3. 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] There are no restrictions on 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 square or rectangular, with:

[0159] - a dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm; and

[0160] - another dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm.

[0161] For example, each flexible guide sheet is a 3cm by 3cm square.

[0162] The second, third and fourth embodiments have been described in a manner exclusive of each other. However, it should be noted that these three embodiments can be combined in a single light module, in particular:

[0163] - 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 engraved in the two parts;

[0164] - 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 distinct parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively etched in the two parts;

[0165] - 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;

[0166] - 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 distinct parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively etched in the two parts.

[0167] Figure 6 illustrates a rear exterior equipment 600 for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0168] The rear exterior 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 a rear external surface 620 on which the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is fixed.

[0169] A rear external surface is a surface accessible to a user when the rear external equipment is mounted at the rear of the 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.

[0170] “Rear exterior” equipment means any equipment comprising at least one external surface intended to be accessible to a user from the exterior at the rear of the motor vehicle. This may therefore be a bodywork element at the rear of the vehicle or a rear lighting device such as signaling devices at the rear of the vehicle.

[0171] No restriction is attached to the manner in which the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is attached to the external surface 620.

[0172] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500 may for example be inserted into a frame or support of the rear exterior equipment 600, provided for this purpose, having in particular a shape complementary to the light module 100, 300, 400, 500, 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 rear exterior equipment 600.

[0173] The rear exterior 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] Preferably, the rear exterior equipment 600 may further comprise a protective layer 610. 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.

[0176] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is thus included between the external surface 620 and the protective layer 610.

[0177] Furthermore, the protective layer 610 may comprise an anti-UV treatment or may comprise a material filtering ultraviolet rays, the protective layer 610 thus simultaneously provides mechanical protection but also makes it possible not to degrade the pattern or patterns engraved in the light module 100, 300, 400, 500.

[0178] The light module 100, 300, 400, 500, is capable of forming one or more patterns 630 comprising a symbol 631 as shown in FIG. 6. Such an example of a pattern is given for illustrative purposes only, as explained previously.

[0179] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pattern 630 can be projected by one or more flexible guide sheets:

[0180] - in the first embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet of a light module 100;

[0181] - in the second embodiment, the pattern 630 is formed by a single flexible guide sheet of a light module 300, but the symbol 631 can be broken down into two parts and each part of the symbol 631 can 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 symbols 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 can 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;

[0182] - 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 capable of projecting the symbol 631 according to a first color, and the second flexible guide sheet is capable of projecting 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;

[0183] - 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 capable of projecting a portion of the symbol 631. For example, each symbol can be produced by four flexible guide sheets.

[0184] 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.

[0185] The control element 640 is capable of controlling the source(s) of the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. For example:

[0186] - the control element 640 can vary the light intensity of the pattern;

[0187] - the control element 640 can vary the color of the pattern 630; - the control element can activate or deactivate some of the light sources.

[0188] Figures 7, 8a and 8b illustrate a first embodiment of a rear exterior equipment 700 according to the invention.

[0189] The 700 rear exterior equipment may include an overlay:

[0190] - a panel 701 suitable for being arranged at the rear of a vehicle. It may, for example, be a panel having an appearance or color different from the rest of the vehicle bodywork, and with a shape defining a signature of the vehicle. The panel 701 may, for example, be a black panel;

[0191] - one or more light modules 100, 200, 400, 500 according to one of the embodiments previously described. In the example of Figure 7, given for illustrative purposes only, a light module 500 comprising three flexible guide sheets arranged in a matrix according to the embodiment of Figure 5. The flexible guide sheets of the light module 500 are respectively associated with a first light source 730.1 and a first light injection element 720.1, with a second source 730.2 and a second light injection element 720.2, and with a third source 730.3 and a third light injection element 720.3;

[0192] - optionally an encapsulation layer 702, which may be similar to the protective layer 610 described previously. In addition to protecting the light module 500 mechanically and / or against UV, the encapsulation layer may have the function of encapsulating the light module 500 between the encapsulation layer 702 and the panel 701. The encapsulation layer 702 is at least partially transparent or even completely transparent.

[0193] In the example of Figure 7, the panel 701, the light module 500 and the encapsulation layer 702 have identical shapes and are completely superimposed. However, according to the invention, the light module 500 may only partially cover the panel 701. In the aforementioned superposition, the panel 701 is located towards the inside of the vehicle while the encapsulation layer 702 is located towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0194] Figure 8a shows a view of the rear exterior equipment 700 shown with reference to Figure 7, when the light source(s) of the light module of the equipment 700 are off. The rear exterior equipment 700 then has the appearance of the panel 701, possibly modulated by the encapsulation layer 702 when it is not completely transparent. For example, the rear exterior equipment 700 may be black.

[0195] Figure 8b shows a view of the rear exterior equipment 700 shown with reference to Figure 7, when at least one of the light sources of the light module of the equipment 700 is lit. In Figure 8b, the three light sources 720.1, 720.2 and 720.3 are lit, for illustration purposes. The patterns etched in each of the flexible guide sheets of the light module 500 may be different as shown in Figure 8b. The central guide sheet, associated with the second light source 730.2 may for example have a homogeneous pattern, that is to say that the flexible guide sheet reflects the light from the light source 730.2 over its entire surface. The central part of the equipment 700 then has the color of the light injected by the second light source 730.2, which may be white or red for example. A homogeneous pattern 800.2 is thus displayed in the central part of the rear exterior equipment 700.A red light can advantageously be displayed when the vehicle is braking, in order to signal to following vehicles that the vehicle is decelerating.

[0196] The lateral guide sheets may be etched with distinct patterns 800.1 and 800.3, for example symmetrical as shown in Figure 8b. The patterns 800.1 to 800.3 may be complementary and may thus contribute to indicating the same signaling information, or may indicate different signaling information.

[0197] Figures 9a and 9b illustrate a second embodiment of a rear exterior equipment 900. The equipment 900 may comprise one or more light modules 400 according to the embodiment of Figure 4, in which at least two flexible guide sheets are superimposed.

[0198] In the example of Figures 9a and 9b, the rear exterior equipment 900 comprises three light modules of this type, namely a first light module 400.1 in a central position, connecting the 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.

[0199] Each of the light modules 400.1 to 400.3 thus comprises several superimposed flexible guide sheets. In the remainder of the description, it is considered that each light module 400.1 to 400.3 comprises two superimposed flexible guide sheets, namely a first and a second flexible guide sheet.

[0200] The first flexible guide sheet of each light module is associated with a first light source and a first light injection element and the second flexible guide sheet of each light module is associated with a second light source and a second light injection element.

[0201] In Figure 9a, the first light source of each light module is turned on and the second light source is turned off:

[0202] - the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.1 is etched according to a first pattern 900.11 and the first pattern 900.11 is made visible by activating the first light source of the light module 400.1;

[0203] - the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.2 is etched according to a second pattern 900.21 and the second pattern 900.21 is made visible by activating the first light source of the light module 400.2;

[0204] - the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.3 is etched according to a third pattern 900.31 and the third pattern 900.31 is made visible by activating the first light source of the light module 400.2.

[0205] The first, second and third patterns may be identical or may differ. For example, the two side patterns, namely the second pattern 900.21 and the third pattern 900.31 may be identical to each other, but may differ from the first pattern 900.11 in the central position. Each pattern may correspond to signaling information given to the attention of vehicles following the motor vehicle comprising the rear exterior equipment 900.

[0206] In Figure 9b, the second light source of each light module is turned on and the first light source is turned off:

[0207] - the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.1 is etched according to a fourth pattern 900.12 and the fourth pattern 900.12 is made visible by activating the second light source of the light module 400.1;

[0208] - the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.2 is etched according to a fifth pattern 900.22 and the second pattern 900.22 is made visible by activating the second light source of the light module 400.2;

[0209] - the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.3 is etched according to a sixth pattern 900.32 and the sixth pattern 900.32 is made visible by activating the second light source of the light module 400.2.

[0210] The fourth, fifth and sixth patterns may be identical or may differ. For example, the two side patterns, namely the fifth pattern 900.22 and the sixth pattern 900.32 may be identical to each other, but may differ from the fourth pattern 900.12 in the central position. Each pattern may correspond to signaling information given to the attention of vehicles following the motor vehicle comprising the rear exterior equipment 900.

[0211] The first pattern 900.11 is different from the fourth pattern 900.12. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.1 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.1. The same applies to the other light modules:

[0212] - the second pattern 900.21 is different from the fifth pattern 900.22. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.2 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.2; and - the third pattern 900.31 is different from the sixth pattern 900.32. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.3 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.3.

[0213] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Claims 1. Rear exterior equipment (600; 700; 900) for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising a surface (620; 701) on which at least one light module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged, each light module comprising: a set of at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays via at least one edge (1 14; 314) 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 (316.1; 316.2; 416.1; 416.2; 630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.1 1; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) engraved in said 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 the light throughout 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.

2. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer (610; 702) arranged on said at least one light module (100, 300; 400; 500), the light module being between the surface (620; 701) and the protective layer.

3. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 2, wherein the protective layer (610) is transparent and is capable of filtering ultraviolet rays.

4. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protective layer is an encapsulation layer (702) capable of encapsulating the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) between the surface (701) and the encapsulation layer.

5. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which the surface (701) is a rigid panel having a given appearance, the equipment (700) having said appearance when each light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is disabled, and in which the pattern (800.2) of said at least one flexible guide sheet (1 10; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) modifies the appearance of the surface when at least one light source is activated.

6. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which the equipment (600; 700; 900) comprises a motor vehicle rear light, and in which at least one flexible guide sheet (1 10; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) at least partially covers said motor vehicle rear light.

7. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 6, wherein the equipment (900) comprises a right rear light and a left rear light of a motor vehicle, comprising a first light module (400.1) arranged in a central position between the right rear light and the left rear light, a second light module (400.2) arranged on the left rear light and a third light module (400.3) arranged on the right rear light.

8. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 7, wherein said at least one pattern (900.21; 900.22) of the second light module (400.2) is identical to said at least one pattern (900.31; 900.32) of the third light module (400.3), and wherein said at least one pattern (900.1 1; 900.12) of the first light module (400.1) is different from said at least one pattern of the second light module and the third light module.

9. Rear exterior equipment according to 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).

10. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 9, wherein at least one 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 (630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.1 1; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of said at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

11. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 10, wherein at least one light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least one first symbol in a first given zone of the light module and at least one second symbol in a second given zone of the light module, from the pattern (630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.1 1; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of said at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

12. Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, for at least one light module (300; 400; 500), the light module comprises a first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2), said at least one 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 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 projecting light in a first pattern and wherein the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged to project light in a second pattern.

13. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 12, wherein said light module comprises 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).

14. Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 12 and 13, in which the first injection element (320.1) is arranged so as to inject light into a first section of the edge (314) of the guide sheet (310) of the assembly, and in which the second injection element (320.2) is arranged so as to so as 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 etched 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 etched according to the second pattern (316.2).

15. Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 12 and 13, in which the assembly comprises at least a first and a second flexible guide sheet (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first pattern (416.1; 900.1 1; 900.21; 900.31) being etched into the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern (416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) being etched into the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet and the second injection element (420.2; 520.2) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

16. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 15, wherein the first and second guide sheets (410.1; 410.2) are superimposed in the light module (400; 400.1; 400.2; 400.3), in order to project the first and second patterns (416.1; 416.2; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) in a common area of ​​the light module.

17. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) are placed next to each other so as to project the first and second patterns at separate positions.

18. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 17, wherein the assembly comprises more than two flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) 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 (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide web and each flexible guide web having at least one pattern etched into said web.

19. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 9 and one of claims 12 to 18, 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; 900.1 1; 900.21; 900.31) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32).

20. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which each flexible guide sheet (1 10; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly has a thickness of between 0.2 and 1 mm.

21. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which each flexible guide sheet (1 10; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) comprises a film (1 1 1 ) comprising microstructures (1 13), in which each pattern (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) is etched by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the film.

22. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 21, wherein, for each flexible guide sheet (1 10; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), a surface density of microstructures (1 13) decreases with the distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected.

23. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which 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 adapted to receive light from one end of the guide and to guide 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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