FR3136047A1 - Set backlit by a light module with flexible guide sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly includes a light module (100) and an outer layer (610). The light module comprises at least one flexible guide sheet (110) capable of receiving light rays through one edge and returning the light rays outside the assembly, through the outer layer. The module also comprises at least one light injection element (120), capable of receiving light and distributing light in the flexible guide sheet and at least one light source (130) capable of injecting light in the light injection element. The assembly further comprises an external layer (610, 710, 810, 910), said external layer being arranged on an emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet and capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet. FIG. 6

Description

Set backlit by a light module with flexible guide sheet

The present invention relates to the field of light modules, in particular light modules with light guides. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the integration of such a light module into interior or exterior equipment of a motor vehicle.

It is increasingly sought after to integrate light modules inside a motor vehicle, both for lighting the interior of the vehicle, but also for information signaling, for the creation of ambience or for aesthetic reasons. It is also sought to integrate light modules, for aesthetic reasons, on external parts of the vehicle, such as the bodywork.

It is known to use diodes such as LEDs to perform interior lighting functions, for information signaling, for creating ambiance or for aesthetic reasons.

However, certain equipment, interior or exterior, of the vehicle has large surfaces and the multiplication of LEDs poses cost problems, generates heat and poses significant integration constraints.

Alternatively, in particular to display information or to illuminate large surfaces, it is known to use screens, such as LCD type screens. However, such technology is not only expensive but also sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, UV radiation and humidity.

What's more, it is preferable to have a flexible light module in order to facilitate its integration into any type of equipment. Some equipment actually has non-flat surfaces, which poses problems for integrating the aforementioned LCD screens.

Finally, the aforementioned solutions have the disadvantage of high energy consumption, all the more significant as the surface area of the equipment on which it is desired to integrate a light module is large.

There is therefore a need to have an assembly with a light module for interior or exterior equipment of a motor vehicle, the integration of which is simple, including on non-flat and large surfaces, at low costs, which generates little heat and with high efficiency.

The present invention improves the situation.

To this end, a first aspect concerns an assembly comprising a light module, the light module comprising:
at least one flexible guide sheet capable of receiving light rays through one edge of said flexible guide sheet and of returning the light rays in a direction substantially normal to an emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet;
at least one light injection element, capable of receiving light and distributing the light in said at least one flexible guide sheet;
at least one light source capable of injecting light into said at least one light injection element.

The assembly further comprises an external layer, said external layer being arranged at least partially on the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet and said external layer being capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the surface to pass through. emission of the flexible guide sheet.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to have a set comprising a flexible light module which can therefore be easily integrated into any type of equipment. What's more, a flexible guide sheet makes it possible to diffuse light over a large area without requiring an increase in the number of light sources. In addition, the external layer allows both mechanical protection of the light module, or even protection against ultraviolet rays, and can allow discreet integration of the assembly on equipment, in particular when a material of the external layer is the same as an equipment material. Backlighting of the external layer is thus enabled by the assembly according to the invention. Finally, such flexible guide sheets resist temperature variations well. It is thus made possible to produce ambient, aesthetic or signaling lighting inside or outside a vehicle, which is both robust, inexpensive, on non-flat surfaces and potentially large sizes.

According to one embodiment, the outer layer may comprise at least one opening capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass through.

Thus, the outer layer can provide mechanical protection of the light module while allowing light rays to pass through the opening.

In addition, the outer layer may comprise a plurality of openings capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass through.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to increase the possibilities of customization of the assembly and makes it possible to adapt it to any type of equipment.

Still in addition, the openings can be distributed on the external layer according to a predetermined pattern.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to increase the possibilities of customization of the light pattern produced by the assembly.

In addition or as a variant, at least opening may have a polygonal shape, in particular a polygonal shape comprising five or more sides.

Thus, the customization of the light pattern produced is allowed both by the arrangement of the openings but also by their shape.

According to one embodiment, each opening can have a dimension less than 10cm.

The mechanical protection of the light module is thus improved since the openings are small.

According to one embodiment, the outer layer can be made of an at least partially transparent material capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass through.

Thus, mechanical protection of the light module is ensured while allowing part of the luminous flux it emits to pass, which allows a light output in relation to the transparency of the material of the external layer.

According to one embodiment, the outer layer may be made of an opaque material.

Thus, the light module according to the invention is hidden. It is then imperceptible when no light source is activated.

In addition, the outer layer can be made of leather.

The assembly can thus be discreetly integrated into equipment inside the vehicle with a stylized covering, such as leather covering. The light module is then only perceptible when at least one light source is activated.

According to a first embodiment, said at least one light source can be capable of emitting light in at least two distinct wavelength intervals, said light source being capable of being controlled to emit light in the one of said wavelength intervals.

Thus, light animation by varying the color of the light rays can be produced with a single source, which reduces space constraints and makes it easier to control the animation.

According to a second embodiment, a third embodiment or a fourth embodiment, the light module can comprise at least a first injection element and a second injection element capable of receiving light and distributing the light in the edge of said at least one flexible guide sheet, and said at least one source can be capable of injecting light into said first and second injection elements.

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

In addition, in the second, third and fourth embodiments, 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 first light injection element. light in the second light injection element.

The control of an animation is thus made possible by the control of the sources, whose respective activations are independent of each other. Additionally, using two separate sources can produce light rays in distinct wavelength ranges.

In addition or as a variant, in the second embodiment, the first injection element can be arranged facing a first section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet so as to inject light into a first part of the flexible guide sheet, the second injection element can be arranged facing a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet so as to inject light into a second part of the flexible guide sheet, the first and second parts being distinct.

It is thus made possible to animation by spatial variation of the light rays emitted by the assembly, by the use of a flexible guide sheet.

According to the first mode or the second embodiment, the light module can comprise a single flexible guide sheet, the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet being completely covered by the external layer.

A light module that is simple to integrate, at low cost and with a large emission surface is thus enabled by these embodiments.

Alternatively, according to other embodiments, the light module may comprise at least a first and a second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element being arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the first sheet flexible guide and the second injection element being arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

It is thus made possible to produce light animations with a high degree of customization, while allowing integration into equipment with complex surfaces.

According to a third embodiment, the first and second guide layers can be superimposed at least partially in the light module so as to project light through a common zone of the external layer.

The flexible guide layers being thin, they can be superimposed without taking up significant space, which is particularly advantageous in constrained environments such as the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle.

In addition, the light module may comprise at least a first light source capable of injecting light into the first injection element in a first wavelength interval and a second light source capable of injecting light into the second injection element in a second wavelength interval.

It is thus made possible to vary the color emitted through the common area of the external layer, which makes it possible to produce light animations by color variation.

Alternatively, according to a fourth embodiment, the first and second guide sheets can be placed next to each other so as to project light through distinct zones of the outer layer.

It is thus made possible to cover large emission surfaces, in particular greater than 100 cm2, while allowing integration on irregular and complex surfaces.

In addition according to the fourth embodiment, the light module can comprise more than two flexible guide sheets placed next to each other so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with an element light injection capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet, the outer layer covering the matrix of flexible guide sheets.

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.

In addition, according to the embodiments, the assembly may further comprise a control element capable of controlling said at least one source in order to selectively project light into the first light injection element and into the second light injection element. injection of light.

The production of a light animation is thus facilitated, and the precision of controlling the source(s) is improved.

According to one embodiment, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly can have a thickness of between 0.2 and 1mm.

It is thus made possible to obtain a very flexible, lightweight light module with a small footprint.

According to one embodiment, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly can be made of a transparent material.

Thus, the flexible guide sheet is not perceptible when the source is not activated, even when the outer layer has openings or a high level of transparency.

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

Such materials make it possible to produce a transparent flexible guide sheet, which is not very sensitive to temperature variations.

According to one embodiment, each flexible guide sheet may comprise a film comprising microstructures capable of returning the light injected into the flexible guide sheet in one or more directions substantially normal to the emitting surface of the guide sheet.

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

In addition, 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.

The homogeneity of the light projected by the flexible guide sheet is thus improved.

A second aspect of the invention relates to motor vehicle equipment comprising an assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the equipment can be a motor vehicle door.

A door generally has a non-flat surface, with curvatures, and the integration of the assembly according to the invention is particularly facilitated in such equipment. The solutions of the prior art are, on the contrary, poorly suited to this.

In addition, the motor vehicle door may further comprise a heating device and the light module may be placed between the outer layer and the heating device.

The flexible guide sheet makes it possible to produce light modules whose operation is not sensitive to temperature variations, which makes their integration particularly advantageous in equipment with a heating device. What's more, the flexible guide sheet is thin and has very little impact on the heat transfer between the heating device and the interior of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the equipment may be a vehicle rear shelf, a vehicle seat, a vehicle roof, a vehicle dashboard or any other equipment comprising an interior vehicle surface.

The assembly according to the invention can thus be integrated into any interior equipment of a motor vehicle, without causing significant bulk, at low costs, and by adapting to the irregularities of the internal surfaces of such equipment.

Alternatively, the equipment may be a bodywork element, a grille, or any equipment comprising an exterior vehicle surface.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

illustrates a light module of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

illustrates an injection element of a light module according to one embodiment of the invention;

illustrates a light module of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

illustrates a light module of an assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

illustrates a light module of an assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

illustrates an assembly according to the first embodiment;

illustrates an assembly according to the second embodiment;

illustrates an assembly according to the second embodiment;

illustrates an assembly according to the second embodiment;

illustrates interior equipment for a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention;

illustrates interior equipment for a motor vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention.

The description focuses on the characteristics that distinguish all of those known in the state of the art.

There presents a light module 100 of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The light module 100 comprises a flexible guide sheet 110 capable of receiving light rays through 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 a plane XY on the .

By guide sheet we 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 on the , we consider here a flexible guide sheet whose thickness along the Z axis is at least two orders of magnitude less than its dimensions along the plane XY in which the flexible guide sheet 110 extends.

The flexible guide sheet 110 may comprise a flexible film 111 at its heart comprising at least one edge 114, being capable of guiding the light rays in an overall direction the flexible film 111 outside the flexible guide sheet 110, in particular in one or more directions substantially along the Z axis.

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 precisely, the thickness of the flexible film 111 can 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.

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

A fine coating of microstructures 113 can be attached to one of the faces of the flexible film 111, or be integrated into the flexible film 111. The coating of microstructures 113 can in particular have a thickness along the Z axis of less than 20 micrometers.

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 can be engraved by ultraviolet printing, according to the desired pattern.

By microstructures 113 we mean structures, or irregularities of the flexible film, the dimensions of which are less than a few micrometers. 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. As a variant, the guide sheet flexible can be semi-transparent or opaque.

Advantageously, the microstructures 113 can be distributed along the axis 120. In other words, the further the microstructures 113 are from the edge 114, the more densely they are grouped together. 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.

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 include a treatment anti-UV, 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, particularly when exposed to the sun's rays.

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

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.

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

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

Thus, the light injection element 120 comprises an outlet surface 122 extending in the longitudinal direction and capable of injecting light in a direction substantially normal to the outlet surface 122. The light injection element light 120 further comprises an entrance 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 exit surface 122. The distribution of light by the exit surface 122 will be better understood in the light of the description of the .

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 an interval can 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 wavelength range can be produced by a laser-type light source 130.

Preferably, 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 can for example be an electroluminescent source of the LED type for example, having the advantage of a small size, low energy consumption and low heating, producing two different colors of light, capable of be controlled by a control element not shown. It may in particular be an RGB type diode, capable of producing red, green or blue light. Thus, the light module can 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.

Alternatively, the light source 130 is not arranged directly facing the entrance 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.

There presents an injection element 120 of a light module 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The injection element 120 may comprise a plurality of injection guides 123 capable of receiving light from the source 130 via the entrance surface 121 and of guiding the light to a longitudinal position of the exit 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 exit surface 122.

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.

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 through a flexible, transparent, semi-transparent or opaque surface, with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

In practice, such a light module can make it possible to emit a pattern with a brightness of between 100 and 1000 Candelas per square meter, with a light extraction efficiency of between 25% and 80%.

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.

In the first embodiment, the light module thus comprises a single source, a single injection element and a single flexible guide sheet.

In the second, third and fourth embodiments which follow, the light module comprises at least two injection elements such as the injection element 120.

There illustrates a light module 300 of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In the second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged to inject light into the same flexible optical guide sheet, comprising several patterns.

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

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

As shown on the , the first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 are arranged so as to inject light into the edge 314, at distinct longitudinal positions, along the Y axis.

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

The first injection element 320.1 is thus capable of injecting light into the edge 314, which is then guided by the flexible guide sheet 310 in a first part 315.1 of the flexible guide sheet 310. The second injection element 320.2 is capable of injecting light into the edge 314, which is then guided in a second part 315.2 of the flexible guide sheet 310.

For this purpose, a first source 330.1 is arranged facing an entrance 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 entrance 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.

Alternatively, a single source can be provided and the light module 300 comprises a first optical fiber capable of routing the light from the single source towards the input surface of the first injection element 320.1 and a second optical fiber is capable of routing the light from the single source to the entrance surface of the second injection element 320.2.

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

An example with two injection elements has been shown on the . However, the second embodiment also covers a light module with a flexible guide sheet with three or more parts, and with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the parts.

Sources dedicated to each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

There illustrates a light module 400 of an assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In the third 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 part of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, in the X-Y plane, is superimposed with at least part of the second flexible guide sheet 410.2, in a common zone, which corresponds to a set of positions in the X-Y plane.

Preferably, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 have the same dimensions in the X-Y plane, and completely overlap.

Note that due to their flexibility, the guide layers may not be flat but can be curved. There thus presents the light module 400 when the flexible guide layers are flat, for example superimposed on a flat support.

Such superposition is particularly advantageous when the flexible guide layers are transparent as detailed previously.

Thus, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 are capable of projecting light into a common area.

A first injection element 420.1 is 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 sheet of guidance 410.2.

For this purpose, a first source 430.1 is arranged facing an entrance 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 sheet flexible guide 410.1. A second source 430.2 is arranged opposite an entrance 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 .

Alternatively, a single source can be provided and the light module comprises a first optical fiber capable of routing the light from the single source towards the input surface of the first injection element 420.1 and a second optical fiber is capable of routing the light from the single source towards the entrance surface of the second injection element 420.2.

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

An example with two injection elements and two flexible guide layers has been shown on the . However, the third embodiment also covers a light module with at least three flexible guide layers and with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the flexible guide layers. Sources dedicated to each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

At least one of the flexible guide layers may be transparent. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the flexible guide sheet located below the light module 400, that is to say the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, can 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.

There illustrates a light module 500 of an assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

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 one next to the other, and the two flexible guide sheets are thus capable of projecting light rays from distinct positions in the X-Y plane in which the flexible guide sheets mainly extend.

Note that due to their flexibility, the guide layers may not be flat but can be curved. There thus presents the light module 500 when the flexible guide layers are flat, for example placed on a rigid flat support.

Thus, the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 is capable of projecting light into a first zone of the X-Y plane, and the second flexible guide sheet 510.2 is capable of projecting light into a second zone of the X-Y plane, the first and second zones being distinct, for example one next to the other.

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 capable and arranged to inject light into an edge of the second sheet of guidance 510.2.

The relative arrangement of the injection elements and the flexible guide layers is in accordance with the explanations previously given, and is not detailed again for the fourth embodiment of the .

A first source 530.1 is arranged facing an entrance 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 entrance 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 .

Alternatively, a single source can be provided and the light module 500 comprises a first optical fiber capable of routing the light from the single source towards the entrance surface of the first injection element 520.1 and a second optical fiber is capable of routing the light from the single source to the entrance surface of the second injection element 520.2.

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

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

No restriction is attached to the number of flexible guide layers in the third embodiment. The third embodiment thus applies to N flexible guide layers, 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 which integer greater than or equal to 2.

No restriction is also attached to the arrangement of the flexible guide layers in relation to each other. When positioned in a matrix, there are no restrictions attached to the number of rows or the number of columns.

The flexible guide layers can be linked to each other by a support matrix structure, which can itself be flexible. Alternatively, each flexible guide sheet can be connected to the flexible guide sheets which surround it by fixing means, by gluing, clamping, clipping, or any other method.

All of the light sources can 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 can be carried by a 550 structure making it possible to centralize the wires and route them to the control element, which reduces bulk, and also makes it possible to hide the wires.

No restriction is attached to the dimensions in the XY plane of the flexible guide layers. For example, each flexible guide sheet can be in rectangular or square shape, with at least one dimension between 2 and 10 cm. For example, flexible guide layers are square or rectangle, with:
- a dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm; And
- another dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm.

For example, each flexible guide sheet is a square of 3cm by 3cm.

• au moins un élément d’injection de lumière; et
  - au moins une source de lumière.

Thus, for all the embodiments described, a light module according to the invention comprises:
- at least one guide sheet;

• at least one light injection element; And
  - at least one light source.

We describe below the assemblies according to the four embodiments which, in addition to the light modules previously described, comprise an external layer disposed at least partially on the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet and the external layer being capable of allow at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass.

Such an external layer may comprise at least one opening capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass through. Preferably, the outer layer comprises a plurality of openings capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet to pass through. The openings can be distributed on the outer layer in a predetermined pattern. For example, the openings can be regularly spaced, so as to form a matrix of openings. Alternatively, the distribution of the openings forms a pattern different from a matrix, such as a circle, a cross, or can be distributed into zones with respective densities of variable openings.

No restrictions are attached to the shape of the openings. For example, at least one opening has a polygonal shape, in particular a polygonal shape comprising five or more sides. The openings can have a star shape in particular. There are also no restrictions attached to the size of the openings. Preferably, each opening has a dimension less than 10cm. Each opening can have a dimension less than 1cm, for example less than 5mm. When the openings are circular, such a dimension may be a diameter of the opening.

In addition or as a variant, in order to allow the light emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet(s) to pass, at least partially, the outer layer may be made of an at least partially transparent material. Alternatively, the outer layer is made of an opaque material and only the openings allow the light emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet(s) to pass. For example, the outer layer may include a material such as leather, imitation leather, wood, imitation wood, or a metal material.

The external layer may also be of the same material as one of the materials of the equipment in which the assembly is integrated.

There illustrates an assembly 600 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

In the first embodiment, the assembly 600 comprises an external layer 610 and the light module described with reference to the , with a flexible guide sheet 110, an injection element 120 and a source 130.

The outer layer 610 comprises openings 620, distributed regularly in a matrix of three rows and seven columns, each opening being star-shaped. Such an example is given for illustrative purposes only.

As described previously, the source 130 can be capable of projecting light in at least two distinct wavelength intervals, by being controlled by a control element not shown on the . It is thus made possible to produce a light animation by variation of the color emitted through the outer layer 620. The outer layer 620 thus forms colored patterns, such as stars distributed in a matrix, the color of which can be controlled by a control element. control.

The use of a single flexible guide sheet thus makes it possible to illuminate a large surface area, for example greater than several tens of cm2 for example, with a single source, what is more with a flexible assembly whose integration into equipment inside or outside a motor vehicle is made easier.

There illustrates an assembly 700 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

The assembly 700 comprises an external layer 710 and the light module 300 described with reference to the , with several injection elements 320.1 and 320.2 associated with the same flexible guide sheet 310. Several sources 330.1 and 330.2 are also associated with the injection elements 320.1 and 320.2 and can be controlled individually by the control element 340 of the , not shown on the . Thus, depending on the part of the flexible guide sheet which emits light rays, a corresponding part of the outer layer lets the light emitted by the part of the flexible guide sheet pass and thus appears as luminous to an observer located at the exterior of the whole. It is thus made possible to produce a light animation from a spatial variation of the light emitted by the assembly, using only a single flexible guide sheet.

The outer layer 710 includes the same openings 720 as the openings 620 previously presented, for illustration purposes only.

Once again, integration into vehicle equipment is made easier. Each part of the assembly can represent a large surface area, greater than several tens of cm2 for example, and is illuminated from a single light source, which reduces costs, integration constraints, energy consumption and warming up the whole thing.

There illustrates an assembly 800 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

According to the third embodiment of the invention, the assembly 800 comprises an external layer 810 and the light module 400 described with reference to the , with at least two flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 at least partially superimposed, and several injection elements 420.1 and 420.2 respectively associated with the flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2. Two flexible guide layers are shown on the , but the assembly can include all the flexible guide layers of the matrix shown on the .

Several sources 430.1 and 430.2 are also associated with the injection elements 420.1 and 420.2 and can be controlled individually by the control element 440 of the , not shown on the .

Preferably, the first light source 430.1 is capable of emitting light in a first wavelength interval, and the second light source 430.2 is capable of emitting light in a second wavelength interval , distinct from the first interval.

Thus, depending on the light source that is activated, light of a given color is projected through the outer layer 810.

It is thus made possible to produce a light animation from a color variation of the light emitted through the external layer 810 of the assembly 800, as for the first embodiment. Although it uses more flexible guide layers and injection elements, the third embodiment makes it possible to set the number of colors achievable by the assembly, depending on the number of flexible guide layers, by using simple and inexpensive light sources.

The outer layer 810 includes the same openings 820 as the openings 620 and 720 previously presented, for illustration purposes only.

Once again, integration into vehicle equipment is made easier. The emission surface of the flexible guide sheet can extend over a large area, greater than several tens of cm2 for example.

There illustrates an assembly 900 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the assembly 900 comprises an external layer 910 and the light module 500 described with reference to the , with at least two flexible guide sheets 510.1 and 510.2 placed next to each other, and several injection elements 520.1 and 520.2 respectively associated with the flexible guide sheets 510.1 and 510.2.

Several sources 530.1 and 530.2 are also associated with the injection elements 520.1 and 520.2 and can be controlled individually by the control element 540 of the , not shown on the .

The first light source 530.1 is capable of emitting light in a first wavelength interval, and the second light source 430.2 is capable of emitting light in a second wavelength interval. The first wavelength interval may be the same as the second wavelength interval. Thus, the activation of one or the other of the sources varies the part of the external layer 810 which is illuminated. Alternatively, the first wavelength interval may be distinct from the second wavelength interval. In this case, the activation of one or the other of the sources varies both the part of the external layer 810 which is illuminated but also the color of the light emitted by the whole.

It is thus made possible to produce a light animation from a color variation of the light emitted and spatial variations of the light emitted through the external layer 910 of the assembly 900, as for the second embodiment. Although it uses more flexible guide layers and injection elements, the fourth embodiment makes it possible to set the number of colors achievable by the assembly, depending on the number of flexible guide layers, by using simple and inexpensive light sources, and allows the creation of larger sets, and with greater flexibility.

The outer layer 910 includes the same openings 920 as the openings 620, 720 and 820 previously presented, for illustration purposes only.

Once again, integration into vehicle equipment is made easier. The emission surface of the flexible guide sheet can extend over a large area, greater than several tens of cm2 for example.

The first, second and third embodiments have been described exclusively from each other. However, it should be noted that these three embodiments can be combined in the same light module, in particular:
- the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide layers are superimposed, and one of the two flexible guide layers is associated with two light injection guides capable of injecting light the light selectively in two distinct parts of the guide sheet;
- the first embodiment and the third 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 guides light injection capable of injecting light selectively into two distinct parts of the guide sheet;
- the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module;
- the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two guide sheets flexible guides 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 sheet of light. guidance.

Figures 10a and 10b show interior equipment of a motor vehicle comprising an assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

There presents a door 1000 of a motor vehicle and in particular the interior part of such a door. Such a door may have a non-flat interior surface of significant size, greater than 100 cm2.

An assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900 according to one of the previously described embodiments can easily be integrated into such a door 1000. What is more, the material of the external layer can be identical to the material of the interior surface of the door 1000 so as to conceal the assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900 and to improve the aesthetic rendering of the integration.

The door 1000 may further comprise a heating device 1001, for example surface heating, placed behind the assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900. The light modules of the assemblies 600, 700, 800 or 900 are thus included between the outer layer and the heating device 1001. The flexible guide layers previously described make it possible to produce light modules whose operation is not sensitive to temperature variations, which makes their integration particularly advantageous in equipment with a heating device 1001. Which What is more, the flexible guide layers are thin and have very little impact on the heat transfer between the heating device 1001 and the interior of the vehicle.

There presents a seat 1100 of a motor vehicle, comprising two assemblies 600, 700, 800 or 900 according to the invention.

In the example of the , a first assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900 is integrated at the rear of a headrest 1102 of the seat 1100 and a second assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900 is integrated at the rear of a backrest 1101 of the seat 1100. No restriction is attached, however, to the number of assemblies 600, 700, 800 or 900 that the seat 1100 includes, nor to the part of the seat 1100 in which they are integrated. The seat 1100 can thus include only one 600, 700, 800 or 900. Alternatively, it can include three sets 600, 700, 800 or 900, or more than three sets 600, 700, 800 or 900.

Integration in the rear parts of the seat makes it possible to produce light animations for the attention of a rear passenger of the vehicle, without mechanically requesting the assemblies 600, 700, 800 or 900 since a front passenger seated on the seat 1110 does not. is not in direct contact, and does not apply any mechanical stress to the 600, 700, 800 or 900 assemblies.

The invention alternatively provides for the integration of the assembly 600, 700, 800 or 900 into any equipment of a vehicle comprising an interior surface of the vehicle.

As explained previously, the light modules previously described can also be integrated into exterior vehicle equipment, such as a bodywork element, a grille or any equipment having an exterior vehicle surface.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims (30)

Assembly comprising a light module (100; 300; 400; 500), the light module comprising:
at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) capable of receiving light rays through an edge (114; 314) of said flexible guide sheet and of returning the light rays in a direction substantially normal to an emission surface of the flexible guide sheet;
at least one light injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2), capable of receiving light and distributing the light in said 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;
in which the assembly further comprises an external layer (610, 710, 810, 910), said external layer being arranged at least partially on the emission surface of the flexible guide sheet and said external layer being capable of allowing passage at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the external layer (610, 710, 810, 910) comprises at least one opening (620, 720, 820, 920) capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the surface of emission of the flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2). Assembly according to claim 2, in which the external layer (610, 710, 810, 910) comprises a plurality of openings (620, 720, 820, 920) capable of letting through at least part of the light rays emitted by the surface emission of the flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2). Assembly according to claim 3, in which the openings (620, 720, 820, 920) are distributed on the external layer (610, 710, 810, 910) in a predetermined pattern. Assembly according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which said at least opening (620, 720, 820, 920) has a polygonal shape, in particular a polygonal shape comprising five or more sides. Assembly according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which each opening (620, 720, 820, 920) has a dimension less than 10cm. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the external layer (610, 710, 810, 910) is made of an at least partially transparent material capable of allowing at least part of the light rays emitted by the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2). Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the external layer (610, 710, 810, 910) is made of an opaque material. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein the outer layer (610, 710, 810, 910) is made of leather. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is capable of emitting light in at least two distinct intervals of lengths of wave, said light source being able to be controlled to emit light in one of said wavelength intervals. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light module comprises at least a first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2) capable of receiving light and to distribute the light in the edge of said at least one flexible guide sheet (310; 410; 510), in which said at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530.1; 530.2) is capable of injecting light light into said first and second injection elements. Assembly according to claim 11, in which the 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 source light (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) capable of injecting light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2). Assembly according to claim 11 or 12, in which the first injection element (320.1) is arranged facing a first section of the edge (314) of the flexible guide sheet so as to inject light into a first part (315.1) of the flexible guide sheet (310), in which the second injection element (320.2) is arranged facing a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet so as to inject light into a second part (315.2) of the flexible guide sheet, the first and second parts being distinct. Assembly according to claim 10 or 13, in which the light module comprises a single flexible guide sheet (110; 310), the emitting surface of the flexible guide sheet being completely covered by the external layer (510; 610). Assembly according to claim 11 or 12, in which the light module comprises at least a first and a second flexible guide layers (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) being arranged so injecting light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet and the second injection element (420.2; 520.2) being arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet. Assembly according to claim 15, in which the first and second guide layers (410.1; 410.2) are superimposed at least partially in the light module (400) so as to project light through a common zone of the external layer (510). Assembly according to claim 16, in which the light module comprises at least a first light source (430.1) capable of injecting light into the first injection element (420.1) in a first wavelength interval and a second light source (430.2) capable of injecting light into the second injection element (420.2) in a second wavelength interval. Assembly according to claim 15, in which the first and second guide layers (510.1; 510.2) are placed next to each other so as to project light through distinct zones of the outer layer. Assembly according to claim 18, in which the light module 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 to a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet, the outer layer covering the matrix of flexible guide sheets. Assembly according to one of claims 11 to 19, further comprising a control element (340; 440; 540) capable of controlling said at least one source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) in order to selectively projecting light into the first light injection element and the second light injection element. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly has a thickness of between 0.2 and 1 mm. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly is made of a transparent material. Assembly according to claim 22, in which each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly comprises a film of polycarbonate, PC, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane, TUP, or polyethylene terephthalate, PET. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) comprises a film (111) comprising microstructures (113) capable of returning the light injected into the sheet flexible guide in one or more directions substantially normal to the emission surface of the guide sheet. Assembly according to claim 24, wherein, for each flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), a surface density of microstructures (113) decreases with the distance from the edge of the guide sheet in which light is injected by said at least one injection element. Equipment (1000; 1100) for a motor vehicle, comprising an assembly (600; 700; 800; 900) according to one of the preceding claims. Equipment according to claim 26, in which the equipment is a motor vehicle door (1000). Equipment according to claim 27, further comprising a heating device (1001), in which the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is disposed between the outer layer (610; 710; 810; 910) and the heating device (100; 300; 400; 500). heating. Equipment according to claim 26, in which the equipment is a vehicle rear parcel shelf, a vehicle seat (1100), a vehicle roof, a vehicle dashboard or any other equipment comprising an interior vehicle surface. Equipment according to claim 26, in which the equipment is a bodywork element, a grille, or any equipment comprising an exterior vehicle surface.