Heating and lighting system, especially for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating and lighting device (1), particularly intended for installation inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, comprising successively: a heating structure (7), a light-emitting structure (8) capable of emitting visible light, and a functional face (2) towards which heat produced by the heating structure and light produced by the light-emitting structure (8) can be directed, this functional face (2) being configured to diffuse the heat and light thus received outwards from the heating and lighting device, for example towards an area of ​​a vehicle passenger compartment. Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Heating and lighting device, in particular for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating and lighting device, in particular for a vehicle. The vehicle may be of the land, sea or air type.

[0002] Heating panels are known which comprise a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver heat by Joule effect by supplying electric current to a conductive coating. For example, reference may be made to document US2016 / 0059669.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to use lighting devices in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. These interior lighting devices are increasingly in demand by car manufacturers.

[0004] There is a need for devices that can perform different functions, including heating and lighting, and that are relatively compact.

[0005] The invention thus relates to a heating and lighting device, in particular intended to be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising successively: - a heating structure comprising: • at least one resistive layer arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, • at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the resistive layer so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, - a luminous structure capable of emitting visible light, - a functional face towards which heat produced by the heating structure and light produced by the light structure can be sent, this functional face being configured to diffuse the heat and light thus received towards the outside of the heating and lighting device, for example towards an area of ​​a vehicle interior.

[0006] The invention advantageously makes it possible to integrate lighting and heating functions into components such as vehicle interior trim panels.

[0007] The invention makes it possible in particular to create a heating and lighting surface with the same device. This makes it possible to meet the requirements of fitting out a vehicle interior, without having to multiply the devices and therefore without clutter. excessive cabin space.

[0008] The invention makes it possible to place the heating and lighting device on surfaces of the passenger compartment, for example on a door or a roof of the passenger compartment.

[0009] The heating and lighting device according to the invention may have a relatively small thickness, in comparison with conventional heating and lighting devices.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the luminous structure has at least one region, in particular the entirety of the luminous structure, which is placed between the functional face and the heating structure so that light from this luminous structure reaches the functional face without passing through the resistive layer of the heating structure.

[0011] Thus, this order in the arrangement of the heating structure and the light structure relative to the functional face makes it possible to prevent the heating structure from being an obstacle to the light emitted by the light structure. The luminous efficiency can be preserved in a relatively simple manner. The material for forming the resistive layer of the heating structure can be chosen without any constraint of transparency with respect to light.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting structures form stacked layers.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer and / or the electrodes of the heating structure are carried by the luminous structure.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer and / or the electrodes of the heating structure are inks having been deposited, for example by printing or screen printing, on the luminous structure.

[0015] Thus the heating and lighting structures are linked together, the lighting structure serving as a support for the heating structure. In this case, the heating structure may be devoid of its own substrate, the lighting structure then serving as a substrate for the resistive layer of the heating structure. The invention can thus make it possible to reduce the number of components required for the heating and lighting device. Manufacturing costs can thus be reduced.

[0016] In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the electrodes and the resistive layer of the heating structure are formed on one face of the luminous structure, a face which is opposite the functional face.

[0017] The face of the light structure which is turned towards the functional face, mainly receives the lighting function. The heating function is present on the other face of the light structure.

[0018] To the extent that the luminous structure is of low thickness, in particular less than or equal to 1 mm, this luminous structure does not provide a thermal screen vis- with respect to the adjacent heating structure, and therefore does not significantly impede the heating function.

[0019] In another example of implementation of the invention, the electrodes and the resistive layer of the heating structure are carried on a dedicated substrate, separate from the luminous structure.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, this substrate is made from a woven or non-woven material.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes and / or the resistive layer are deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises at least one reflective zone arranged to reflect light produced by the light structure towards the functional face.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the reflective zone is present between the luminous structure and the heating structure.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the reflective zone extends continuously, in particular opposite the entire luminous structure.

[0026] Alternatively, the reflective zone extends discontinuously, in particular by forming one or more discrete reflective patterns.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the reflective zone is formed by a reflective layer, in particular of white paint, capable of reflecting light produced by the luminous structure.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, this reflective layer is deposited on the heating structure.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, this reflective layer extends, at least in part, over the resistive layer of the heating structure.

[0030] Thus, for example, the white paint can be deposited on the ink forming the resistive layer, this ink itself being present on a substrate. The reflective zone can be manufactured at the same time as the heating structure, as an additional layer on this heating structure. This allows for a relatively simple manufacturing process for the reflective zone, and allows for a wide choice of materials for the reflective layer.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the reflective zone is formed by the resistive layer of the heating structure, which resistive layer contains compounds to perform the heating function and compounds to perform the light reflection function.

[0032] The resistive layer may thus, for example, contain a resistive ink mixed with reflective compounds such as a white-colored material.

[0033] The advantage of this method is that it avoids an additional layer to perform the function of reflecting light. The resistive layer provides the dual function of heating and reflection.

[0034] The functional face is a face of the heating and lighting device on which the heating and lighting functions are manifested, for example to heat an area of ​​a vehicle passenger compartment and / or to illuminate an area of ​​this passenger compartment or to create a light effect visible from the passenger compartment.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device has a panel shape.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device is flexible, namely it can be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the light structure are integral with each other.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure is in contact with the luminous structure.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure and the light structure are assembled by lamination.

[0040] In one aspect according to the invention, the light structure comprises a flexible guide sheet comprising a film in a material having a refractive index, this material being for example a polymer, the film forming a core of the flexible guide sheet, a core in which the light can propagate, this film being interposed between two layers of materials with refractive indices lower than the refractive index of the material of the film, this light structure further comprising at least one optical decoupling element configured to locally reflect or diffract light propagating in the film towards the outside of the film.

[0041] In one aspect according to the invention, the film has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 800 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 600 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 400 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 300 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 250 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 200 micrometers, preferably between 10 micrometers and 250 micrometers.

[0042] As a variant, the flexible guide sheet has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 800 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 600 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 400 micrometers. micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 300 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 250 micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 200 micrometers, preferably between 12 micrometers and 250 micrometers.

[0043] The term "flexible guide sheet" means that the flexible guide sheet can deform to take a predetermined shape. For example, when the flexible guide sheet is placed on a curved surface (for example curved), its deformation allows it to fit this curved surface. The flexible guide sheet has a small thickness such that its flexibility / flexibility property is preserved.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible guide sheet has a light emission face emitting the light extracted by the optical decoupling element(s).

[0045] In one aspect according to the invention, this light emission face has a maximum dimension measured between two points furthest from this emission face, a maximum dimension which is at least 10 times greater than the thickness of the film, in particular at least 100 or 1,000 times greater than the thickness of the film.

[0046] For example, this maximum dimension of the light emitting face is 10 cm, and the thickness of the film is 200 micrometers, which represents a factor of 500 between these two dimensions.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the light-emitting face may have various shapes and dimensions. This light-emitting face may, for example, be polygonal, square, or rectangular in shape. This light-emitting face may have a 2-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) shape. This 3D light-emitting face may be configured to match the shape of an area of ​​a vehicle dashboard.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible guide sheet is transparent in the absence of light guided therein.

[0049] In one aspect according to the invention, the optical decoupling elements are formed from microstructures.

[0050] In the remainder of the description, the optical decoupling elements will be referred to interchangeably as optical decoupling elements or microstructures.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling element(s) are transparent in the absence of light guided in the flexible guide sheet.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling element(s) are configured to reflect the light directionally, in particular at an angle substantially perpendicular to the emission face of the flexible guide sheet.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of optical decoupling elements are made on the film forming the core of the flexible guide sheet.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling elements may be of various shapes and / or sizes.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, each optical decoupling element extends over the film along a maximum dimension of less than 200 micrometers, in particular less than or equal to 100 micrometers, in particular a dimension of less than or equal to 50 micrometers. For example, each optical decoupling element is a spike or a bump having a diameter of approximately 50 micrometers and a height of 1 to 2 micrometers.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, each optical decoupling element has a circular or polygonal outline, for example in the form of a triangle, square, diamond or rectangle.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, each optical decoupling element on the film is formed by an inclined or curved facet or a rough facet, produced for example by cutting or by molding or by ablation for example by laser.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling elements, forming microstructures, are arranged in a pattern, so as to form, when light is injected into the light structure, a design, for example a logo, one or more writing characters, an image, a symbol or other decorative element.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling elements can be obtained by ultraviolet printing etching.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling elements make it possible to ensure high transparency of the film. In particular, a transparency of the order of 97% can be obtained in practice by the use of these microstructures. Alternatively, the film may be semi-transparent. However, a high degree of transparency is preferred according to the invention, in particular greater than 80%.

[0061] The optical decoupling elements, or microstructures, may be distributed with a density that varies, in particular increases, depending on the distance from the light injection into the film. For example, the further the microstructures are from the light injection, the more densely they are distributed. Such a distribution advantageously makes it possible to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the light intensity over the entire extent of the film.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical decoupling elements are integrated into the film.

[0063] In one aspect according to the invention, the film is made of polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0064] Generally, the film material is a thermoplastic, a thermoset, a polymer, a high transmission silicone, a glass, a composite, a alloy or any other material suitable for the transmission of light.

[0065] In one aspect according to the invention, at least one of the layers adjacent to the film is an adhesive layer which comprises an optically transparent adhesive (or OCA in English for “Optical Clear Adhesive”).

[0066] Preferably, this adhesive is chosen to be transparent and has a refractive index different from that of the film so as to allow total internal reflection in the film.

[0067] In one aspect according to the invention, at least one of the layers adjacent to the film are protective layers, which make it possible to mechanically protect the film.

[0068] In one aspect according to the invention, each face of the film is adjacent to an adhesive layer, itself adjacent to a protective layer.

[0069] In addition, at least one of the protective layers may comprise an anti-UV treatment, making it possible to protect the flexible film against UV rays, once the optical decoupling elements, or microstructures, have been etched. Without such UV protection, the pattern projected by the film is likely to degrade over time, in particular when exposed to sunlight.

[0070] For example, the film and the different layers can be assembled by lamination.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the light and heating structures are assembled together by overmolding or by means of a layer of adhesive.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure comprises an electrode network comprising a plurality of distribution electrodes and a plurality of contact electrodes supplied with electric current by the distribution electrodes.

[0073] The distribution electrodes can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes as “child” electrodes.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the contact electrodes are, at least for some of them, in particular for all the contact electrodes of the electrode network, parallel to each other.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrode network comprises distribution electrodes arranged to conduct electric current from an electrical source to the contact electrodes, several contact electrodes being connected to the same distribution electrode.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the distribution electrodes is rectilinear over at least part of its length, and the contact electrodes which are associated with this distribution electrode are connected, for example perpendicularly, to this distribution electrode.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution electrodes may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0078] The distribution electrodes may or may not be parallel to each other.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrode network comprises at least two distribution electrodes which are parallel to each other over at least part of their length, and their associated contact electrodes are arranged between these two distribution electrodes and are alternated with an inter-distance which decreases in relation to the decrease in the voltage present between the pairs of electrodes so as to maintain the electrical power between the pairs of contact electrodes substantially uniform.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes and the resistive layer are carried on a substrate made of a flexible material capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation, this substrate being in particular also extensible.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is present on one face of the substrate.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is arranged opposite the functional face of said device.

[0085] This nonwoven may comprise a mixture of polypropylene fibers and / or polyester fibers. Other fibers may be used, for example natural fibers.

[0086] The threads forming the substrate may or may not be extensible.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate may be a flexible plastic sheet or a foam such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the substrate has a surface area of ​​at least 10 cm2, or at least 50 cm2, or at least 500 cm2.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are made of conductive material, in particular metallic material such as ink loaded with conductive particles, in particular silver or copper particles.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrodes are metallic adhesive tapes, for example made of copper.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the resistive layer is a continuous layer.

[0092] Alternatively, the resistive layer comprises a plurality of discrete resistive elements forming this layer.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, these discrete resistive elements form repetitive patterns.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or a covering es- aesthetic.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating structure, the light structure and the decoration form stacked layers.

[0096] The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to carry out, in addition to the heating and lighting functions, a decorative function, for example with a predetermined leather or fabric zone, visible from the passenger compartment.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device comprises a mask made of a material which blocks the light coming from the luminous structure and comprising openings to allow this light to pass through according to a pattern provided by these openings.

[0098] The invention also relates to a vehicle passenger compartment component, comprising a heating and lighting device as mentioned above.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is chosen from one of the following passenger compartment components: - a component designed to be integrated into a vehicle door, - a component designed to be integrated into a dashboard, - a component for dressing a foot cellar, - a component of a roof or passenger compartment roof trim, - an armrest trim component, - a component of a glove box, - a pillar cladding component.

[0100] In one aspect according to the invention, the luminous structure is placed on the external face of the decorative layer, with a texture layer and / or additional protection for the finish superimposed on said luminous structure.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component which comprises the heating and lighting device is independent of a seat of the vehicle.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component which comprises the heating and lighting device is arranged to heat by thermal radiation or by thermal conduction or thermal contact, and not by heating by heat transported by air in forced movement within the passenger compartment.

[0103] In particular, the heating and lighting device is not crossed by any air flow intended to cool or heat the passenger compartment. Preferably, the heating and lighting device is separate from an air movement system such as a heating-ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) device of the vehicle.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component successively comprises the following elements: - a support, in particular made of plastic material, - optionally a layer of foam, particularly designed to provide a soft touch sensation, - the heating and lighting system, - a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering, this decoration being arranged to let through light from the heating and lighting device.

[0105] According to another aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component successively comprises the following elements: - a support, in particular made of plastic material, - the heating and lighting system, - a layer of foam, particularly designed to provide a soft touch sensation, - a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering, this decoration being arranged to let through light from the heating and lighting device.

[0106] According to another aspect of the invention, the passenger compartment component successively comprises the following elements: - the heating and lighting system, - a holding support, in particular made of plastic material, designed to allow light to pass through from the heating and lighting device, - optionally a layer of foam, particularly designed to provide a soft touch sensation, - a decoration visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering, this decoration being arranged to let through light from the heating and lighting device.

[0107] The holding support is in particular arranged to carry the different layers before the assembly of the component with a part of the vehicle, for example with a door or a roof of the vehicle.

[0108] The invention also relates to a method for producing a heating and lighting device as described above, comprising the following steps: - provide a light structure capable of emitting visible light, - provide a heating structure comprising: • at least one resistive layer arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, • at least two electrodes in electrical contact with the layer resistive so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes, - assemble these two structures together.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the heating and lighting device is deformed to conform it to a predetermined shape.

[0110] The invention also relates to a method for assembling the passenger compartment component as described above, with a vehicle part, in particular a door or a roof of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a heating and lighting device, - laminate this heating and lighting device with a holding bracket and a decor such that the heating and lighting device is caught between the holding support and the decor, - then install the assembly thus formed on the vehicle part.

[0111] The invention also relates to a method for assembling the passenger compartment component as described above, with a vehicle part, in particular a door or a roof of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a heating and lighting device, - install the heating and lighting device on the vehicle part, by example the door or the roof, - install a support bracket and a decoration of sort on the heating and lighting device.

[0112] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below for information purposes in relation to drawings in which:

[0113] - [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a vehicle interior in car equipped with a heating and lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0114] - [Fig.2][Fig.2] is a schematic representation, in section, of the device of heating and lighting according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0115] - [Fig.3][Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a light structure according to the invention;

[0116] [Fig.4][Fig.4] is another schematic representation of a light structure according to the invention in a top view;

[0117] [Fig.5][Fig.5] is another schematic representation of a light structure according to the invention in a side view;

[0118] - [Fig.6][Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a heating structure of the heating and lighting device of [Fig.2];

[0119] - [Fig.7][Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a heating structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0120] - [Fig.8][Fig.8] is a schematic representation, in section, of a device for heating and lighting according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0121] - [Fig.9][Fig.9] is a schematic representation, in section, of a device for heating and lighting according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0122] - [Fig. 10][Fig. 10] is a schematic representation, in section, of a device for heating and lighting according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0123] - [Fig. 11][Fig. 11] is a schematic representation, in section, of a device for heating and lighting according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, integrating a reflective zone;

[0124] - [Fig. 12][Fig. 12] is a schematic representation, in section, of a device for heating and lighting according to yet another embodiment of the invention, incorporating a reflective zone.

[0125] [Fig.l] shows a passenger compartment 100 of a motor vehicle V. Doors 101 and the roof 102 of the passenger compartment are also shown. Seats 103 for passengers are also visible.

[0126] In the example described, heating and lighting devices 1 are integrated into the roof 102 of the passenger compartment. These devices 1 can also be integrated into a door 101.

[0127] The heating and lighting device 1 according to the invention can be produced in different ways.

[0128] In the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the heating and lighting device 1 is integrated into a component 104 fixed to an internal door structure 105 and this component 104 comprises, in a stack, successively: - a holding support 5, which is, in the example described, a structural part made of translucent plastic material, or of transparent plastic material, - a layer of flexible material 6, here a layer of foam, arranged to give the heating and lighting device 1 a feeling of softness to the touch, this layer 6 being able to be omitted if necessary, - a heating structure 7, described in detail below, of the heating and lighting device 1, - a light structure 8 capable of emitting visible light, described in detail below, from the heating and lighting device 1, - a decoration 9 which can be of the textile, leather, wood or plastic type.

[0129] In the example described, the elements 5 to 9 are laminated together before being fixed to the door structure 105.

[0130] The device 1 comprises a functional face 2 towards which heat H produced by the heating structure 7 and light L produced by the structure light 8 can be sent, this functional face 2 being configured to diffuse the heat and light thus received towards the outside of the heating and lighting device 1, towards an area of ​​a vehicle passenger compartment.

[0131] The functional face 2 is formed on the decoration 9 which faces the vehicle interior.

[0132] In the example described with reference to [Fig.2], the heating structure 7 and the luminous structure 8 are produced as two separate layers and assembled together.

[0133] The heating and lighting device 1 has a panel shape, and is flexible, namely it can be shaped to take a predetermined shape.

[0134] The light structure according to the invention is shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0135] The visible light emitted by the light structure 8 is light visible to the eye. human.

[0136] [Fig. 3] shows a light structure 8 comprising a flexible guide sheet 110, said sheet comprising a film 111 at its core. This film 111 is capable of receiving light rays via a light injection edge 114 and of returning the light rays in the direction along the axis Ox substantially perpendicular to the surface of the flexible guide sheet 111 via a light emission face emitting the light.

[0137] A flexible guide sheet is understood to mean an optical guide element one of whose dimensions is much smaller than the other two dimensions in space, for example one or more orders of magnitude smaller. Here, a flexible guide sheet is considered whose thickness along the Ox axis is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than its dimensions along the Oxy plane in which the flexible guide sheet 110 extends.

[0138] The film 111 comprises a set of optical decoupling elements 113 formed by microstructures on one of the faces of the film 111 extending along the axis Oy. The microstructures 113 are capable of returning the light rays guided in the flexible film 111 outside the flexible guide sheet 110, in particular in a direction along the axis Ox perpendicular to the surface of the sheet 110.

[0139] The film is made of polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0140] The flexible film 111 may have a thickness, namely the dimension along the Ox axis, of between 10 and 1000 micrometers. More precisely, the thickness of the flexible film 111 may be between 50 and 1000 micrometers, for example between 100 and 500 micrometers, preferably 150 micrometers. Alternatively, it is the flexible guide sheet 110 which has a thickness of between 10 and 1000 micrometers. More precisely, the thickness of the flexible film 111 may be between 50 and 1000 micrometers, for example example between 100 and 500 micrometers, preferably 150 micrometers.

[0141] The aforementioned materials, combined with a low thickness as described above, make it possible to obtain a flexible and transparent 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.

[0142] The flexible guide sheet 110 further comprises one or two protective layers 112.1 and 112.2, which make it possible to mechanically protect the flexible film 111. In addition, the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 may comprise an anti-UV treatment, making it possible to protect the flexible film 110 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 it is exposed to sunlight.

[0143] The guide sheet 110 being flexible, it is not necessarily included in a plane but can be curved or shaped, depending on the position in which it is placed and the mechanical constraints applied to it.

[0144] The propagation of the light rays in the flexible film 111 is done by total internal reflection thanks to the difference between the refractive index of the flexible film 111 and that of at least one adjacent layer, here of an adhesive layer applied to at least one face of the flexible film.

[0145] In the illustrated example, the assembly of the flexible film 111 with the protective layers 112.1, 112.2 is done by gluing. Specifically, an adhesive layer 115.1, 115.2, here a layer of glue, is located between the flexible film 111 and each protective layer 112.1, 112.2, and this on both sides of the flexible film 111 to adhere the protective layers 112.1, 112.2 to the flexible film 111.

[0146] The chosen glue is transparent and has a refractive index different from that of the flexible film so as to allow total internal reflection in the flexible film 111. In other words, due to the difference in refractive index, the light rays propagating in the flexible film undergo total reflection when they encounter the interface between the flexible film and the glue layer with an angle of incidence lower than the normal incidence. Thus, the guide sheet 110 is capable of guiding light by total internal reflection of this light, for example from an entry zone, here the edge 114, to an exit zone.

[0147] A coating of optical decoupling elements 113 formed by microstructures may be attached to one of the faces of the flexible film 111, in particular the light emission face, or be integrated into the flexible film 111. The coating of microstructures 113 may in particular have a thickness along the Ox axis of less than 20 micrometers. These optical decoupling elements are configured 113 to reflect the light in a directional manner, in particular at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis. dicular to the emission face of the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0148] Such microstructures 113 have for example a general bump shape, on which the light rays are reflected in a direction along the axis Ox. Such microstructures 113 are capable of the light rays exiting the flexible film 111 forming a pattern. For this purpose, the microstructures 113 are for example etched by ultraviolet printing, so as to reflect the light rays through the surface of the flexible film according to the desired pattern. For example, the microstructures 113 are distributed so as to project a homogeneous light over the entire surface of the flexible film 111. This is then referred to as a homogeneous pattern in the following.

[0149] Microstructures 113 are understood to mean structures, or irregularities of the flexible film, whose dimensions 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.

[0150] Alternatively, the flexible guide sheet may be semi-transparent. In this embodiment, the transparency is greater than or equal to 80%.

[0151] Advantageously, the microstructures 113 can be distributed along the axis Oy so that the linear density of microstructures 113 is proportional to the distance from the light injection edge 114 through which the light rays injected by an injection element 120 are received. In other words, the further the microstructures 113 are from the light injection edge 114, the more densely they are grouped. Such a distribution advantageously makes it possible to ensure a homogeneous distribution along the axis Y of the light intensity of the pattern emitted by the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0152] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the flexible film 111 may comprise a mixing zone 111.2 and a light emission zone 111.1 provided with the microstructures 113. The mixing zone 111.2 is arranged upstream of the light emission zone according to the direction of propagation of the light rays within the guide sheet 110. The light emission zone 111.1 is integrated in a region 1110 of the sheet 110. The light injected into the light guide sheet 110 via the edge 114 will be mixed in the light mixing region 111.2 in order to obtain better light homogeneity. The light then propagates in the light emission zone 111.1 through which the light emerges from the light guide sheet 110 in the direction Ox.

[0153] The light structure 8 comprises: - at least one group 120 of light injection elements 120.1, and - a light guide sheet 110 forming a flexible surface film.

[0154] The group 120 and the light injection elements 120.1 are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0155] The light injection elements form bands.

[0156] In a non-limiting embodiment, when there are several groups 120, the number of groups 120 is between two and twenty. When there are several groups 120, each group 120 is configured to illuminate a different region 1110 in the light guide sheet 110. Illuminating is understood to mean an act of transmitting or injecting light into a defined region.

[0157] A group 120 comprises one or more light injection elements 120.1. In this example, a group 120 comprises several light injection elements 120.1. The number of light injection elements 120.1 that can be included in a group is then between three and ten. More particularly, in the example of FIGS. 3 to 5, the flexible guide sheet 11 comprises a group 120 with ten light injection elements 120.1.

[0158] The group 120 is coupled with at least one light source 20 so as to receive the light rays R emitted by said source in each of the light injection elements.

[0159] Since the light injection elements are integral with the light guide sheet 110, the light rays R which will propagate by total internal reflection in the light injection elements 120.1 of the group 110 so as to bring light to the light guide sheet 110 which is adjacent and attached to the light injection elements 120.1 and which will thus illuminate the region(s) 1110 of the light guide sheet 110.

[0160] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a light injection element 120.1, otherwise called coupling bar 120.1, or light bar 120.1, or simply bar 120.1, is configured to receive the light rays R emitted by the light source 20 which propagate and are reflected in full in said light injection element 120.1. The light injection element 120.1 has a square cross-section.

[0161] [Fig. 5] illustrates the flexible guide sheet of [Fig. 3] or 4 with the light injection elements 120.1 of the group 120 being unfolded. In [Fig. 5], the light injection element 120.1 comprises a length Lh and a width W. In a non-limiting embodiment, the length Lh is between 100 and 500 mm (millimeters). In a non-limiting embodiment, the width W is between 1 and 20 mm.

[0162] We will now describe, in more detail, the heating structure 7.

[0163] As illustrated in [Fig.6], this heating structure 7 comprises a layer resistive 51 arranged to produce heat when this layer is crossed by an electric current.

[0164] The heating structure 7 further comprises two distribution electrodes 52, which are in electrical contact with the resistive layer 51 so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer 51 between these two electrodes 52.

[0165] These electrodes 52 have parallel sections 53 between which the resistive layer 51 is located, and transverse sections 54 which are connected to electrical supply wires 55.

[0166] The electrodes 52 and the resistive layer 51 are carried on a substrate 58 made of a flexible material capable of taking a predetermined shape by deformation, this substrate being in particular also extensible.

[0167] The electrodes 52 are deposited on the substrate 58 by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0168] The electrodes 52 are made of conductive material, in particular metallic material such as ink charged with conductive particles, in particular silver or copper particles.

[0169] Furthermore, the resistive layer 51 is deposited on the substrate by printing, screen printing or lamination of several materials.

[0170] The resistive layer 51 is present on one face of the substrate 58, opposite the laminar structure 8.

[0171] The nonwoven may comprise a mixture of polypropylene fibers and / or polyester fibers. Other fibers may be used, for example natural fibers.

[0172] Alternatively, the substrate 58 may be a flexible plastic sheet or a foam such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

[0173] The substrate 58 has a thickness of less than 1 mm, and an area of ​​at least 10 cm2, or at least 50 cm2, or at least 500 cm2. Advantageously, the thickness of the substrate is less than 500 micrometers, preferably less than 200 micrometers, inclusive.

[0174] In another example illustrated in [Fig.7], the heating structure 7 can be replaced, in the heating and lighting device 1, by a heating structure 70 which comprises an array of electrodes 71 as described below.

[0175] This network of electrodes 71 comprises two rectilinear distribution electrodes 72 and a plurality of contact electrodes 73 supplied with electric current by the distribution electrodes 72.

[0176] The distribution electrodes 72 can be seen as “parent” electrodes and the contact electrodes 73 as “child” electrodes.

[0177] Several contact electrodes 73 are connected to the same distribution electrode 72, following a right angel.

[0178] The contact electrodes 73 are parallel to each other, and form pairs each associated with a resistive layer 75.

[0179] These layers 75 are separated from each other and form several heating zones, for example with repetitive patterns.

[0180] In another example not illustrated, the distribution electrodes 72 may have different shapes, in particular curved with rounded edges.

[0181] In another example of implementation of the invention illustrated in [Fig.8], the resistive layer 51 and the electrodes 52 of the heating structure 7 are carried by the luminous structure 8.

[0182] The resistive layer 51 and the electrodes of the heating structure 7 are inks having been deposited, for example by printing or screen printing, on the luminous structure 8.

[0183] In this case, the heating structure 7 may be devoid of its own substrate, the luminous structure then serving as a substrate for the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure 7.

[0184] The electrodes 52 and the resistive layer 51 are formed on one face of the luminous structure 8, a face which is opposite the functional face 2.

[0185] Generally, the device 1 can be used to form a component 104 chosen from one of the following passenger compartment components: a component designed to be integrated into a vehicle door, a component designed to be integrated into a dashboard, a footwell trim component, a component of a roof or passenger compartment roof trim, an armrest trim component, a component of a glove box, a pillar dressing component.

[0186] [Fig.l] shows the use case in a vehicle roof.

[0187] The passenger compartment component 104 which comprises the heating and lighting device is independent of a seat 103 of the vehicle.

[0188] The passenger compartment component 104 which includes the heating and lighting device 1 is arranged to heat by thermal radiation or by thermal conduction or thermal contact, and not by heating by heat transported by air in forced movement within the passenger compartment.

[0189] In another example of implementation of the invention, illustrated in [Fig.9], the passenger compartment component 130 successively comprises the following elements: a holding support 5, which is, in the example described, a structural part made of translucent plastic material, or of transparent plastic material,

[0190]

[0191]

[0192]

[0193]

[0194]

[0195]

[0196]

[0197]

[0198]

[0199] - a heating structure 7 of the heating and lighting device 1, - a light structure 8 capable of emitting visible light, - a layer of flexible material 6, here a layer of foam, arranged for giving the heating and lighting device 1 a feeling of softness to the touch, this layer 6 being able to be omitted if necessary, - a decoration 9 which can be of the textile, leather, wood or plastic type. In this configuration, layer 6 is adjacent to decor 9. In another example of implementation of the invention, illustrated in [Fig. 10], the passenger compartment component 140 successively comprises the following elements: - a heating structure 7 of the heating and lighting device 1, - a light structure 8 capable of emitting visible light, - a holding support 5, which is, in the example described, a structural part made of translucent plastic material, or of transparent plastic material, - a layer of flexible material 6, here a layer of foam, arranged to give the heating and lighting device 1 a feeling of softness to the touch, this layer 6 being able to be omitted if necessary, - a decoration 9 which can be of the textile, leather, wood or plastic type. In all embodiments of the invention, the light structure 8 is placed between the heating structure 7 and the functional face 2. We will now describe other embodiments in accordance with the invention in which the heating and lighting device comprises a reflective zone 40 arranged to reflect light produced by the luminous structure 8 towards the functional face 2. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 11], the reflective zone 40 is present between the luminous structure 8 and the heating structure 7. The reflective zone 40 extends continuously, facing the entire luminous structure 8. In the example of [Fig. 11], the reflective zone 40 is formed by a reflective layer 41, here of white paint, capable of reflecting light produced by the luminous structure 8. This reflective layer 41 is deposited on the heating structure 7. This reflective layer 41 extends, at least in part, over the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure 7. Thus, for example, the white paint can be deposited on the ink forming the resistive layer 51, this ink itself being present on a substrate 58. The reflective zone 40 can be manufactured at the same time as the heating structure 7, as an additional layer on this heating structure. This allows for a relatively simple manufacturing process for the reflective zone, and allows have a wide choice of materials for the reflective layer.

[0200] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 12], the reflective zone 40 is formed by the resistive layer 51 of the heating structure 7, which resistive layer 51 contains compounds for performing the heating function and compounds for performing the light reflection function.

[0201] The resistive layer 51 can thus, for example, contain a resistive ink mixed with reflective compounds such as a white-colored material.

[0202] The advantage of this method is that an additional layer is avoided to perform the function of reflecting light. The resistive layer 51 provides the dual function of heating and reflection.

Claims

Claims

1. Heating and lighting device (1), in particular intended to be installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising successively: - a heating structure (7), - a luminous structure (8) capable of emitting visible light, - a functional face (2) towards which heat produced by the heating structure and light produced by the light structure (8) can be sent, this functional face (2) being configured to diffuse the heat and light thus received towards the outside of the heating and lighting device, for example towards an area of a vehicle interior, characterized in that the heating and lighting device (1) comprises at least one reflective zone (40) arranged to reflect light produced by the light structure towards the functional face (2), wherein the reflective zone (40) is formed by the resistive layer of the heating structure (7), which resistive layer contains compounds for performing the heating function and compounds for performing the light reflection function, which heating structure (7) comprises: • at least one resistive layer (51) arranged to produce heat when this layer is traversed by an electric current, • at least two electrodes (52) in electrical contact with the resistive layer so as to allow an electric current to flow through the resistive layer between these two electrodes.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the luminous structure (8) has at least one region, in particular the entirety of the luminous structure, which is placed between the functional face (2) and the heating structure such that light from this light structure reaches the functional face without passing through the resistive layer (51) of the heating structure (7).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the resistive layer (51) and / or the electrodes (52) of the heating structure are carried by the luminous structure (8).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light structure (8) comprises a flexible guide sheet (110) comprising a film (111) in a material having a refractive index, this material being for example a polymer, the film forming a core of the flexible guide sheet, core in which the light can propagate, this film being interposed between two layers of materials with refractive indices lower than the refractive index of the material of the film, this light structure further comprising at least one optical decoupling element (113) configured to locally reflect or diffract light propagating in the film towards the outside of the film (111).

5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible guide sheet (110) has a thickness of between 200 and 1000 micrometers, preferably a thickness of between 200 and 600 micrometers, in particular a thickness of between 200 and 400, in particular a thickness of 250 micrometers.

6. Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the optical decoupling element(s) are configured to reflect the light in a direction, in particular at an angle substantially perpendicular to the emission face of the flexible guide sheet.

7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the film is made of polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the layers adjacent to the film is an adhesive layer which comprises an optically transparent adhesive.

9. Vehicle interior component (104), comprising a heating and lighting device according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Component (104) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is chosen from: - a component designed to be integrated into a vehicle door, - a component designed to be integrated into a dashboard, - a footwell cladding component, - a component of a roof or passenger compartment roof trim, - an armrest trim component, - a component of a glove box, - a pillar cladding component.

11. Component according to one of claims 9 or 10, in which the passenger compartment component successively comprises the following elements: - a holding support (5), in particular made of plastic material, - optionally a layer of foam, particularly designed to provide a soft touch sensation, - the heating and lighting device (1), - a decoration (9) visible from inside the passenger compartment, this decoration being for example a covering of the passenger compartment, such as for example a fabric, a leather or an aesthetic covering, this decoration being arranged to let through light coming from the heating and lighting device.

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