FR3139302A1 - Rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle with a light module with a flexible guide sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to rear exterior equipment (600) for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising an external surface (620) on which at least one light module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged. Each light module comprises a set of at least one flexible guide sheet, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays through at least one edge of said flexible guide sheet and of returning the light rays into a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern (630) engraved in said flexible guide sheet. The light module also comprises at least one light injection element capable of receiving light and distributing the light in the set of flexible guide layers and at least one light source capable of injecting light into the light injection element. FIG. 6

Description

Rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle with a light module with a flexible guide sheet

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

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

It is best to display such patterns with a high level of resolution.

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

However, such technology is not only expensive but also sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity or UV radiation. It is therefore unsuitable for exterior uses, the exterior equipment of a motor vehicle being subject to variable environmental conditions, with bad weather, and also being exposed to mechanical shock.

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

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

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

The present invention improves the situation.

A first aspect of the invention relates to rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising a surface on which at least one light module is arranged, each light module comprising:

a set of at least one flexible guide sheet, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being able to receive light rays through at least one edge of said flexible guide sheet and to return the light rays in a substantially normal direction to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern engraved in said flexible guide sheet;

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

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

The use of a flexible guide sheet makes it possible to facilitate the integration of the light module into rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, and also presents good compactness, since the light module can have a small thickness. In addition, it is possible to illuminate large areas while limiting the number of light sources used.

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

Thus, at least mechanical protection of the light module is ensured, which extends its lifespan. In particular, exterior equipment for a motor vehicle is particularly exposed to mechanical shock. The protective layer can also protect the light module against bad weather such as rain or hail.

In addition, the protective layer may be transparent and may be able to filter ultraviolet rays.

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

In addition or as a variant, the protective layer may be an encapsulation layer capable of encapsulating the light module between the surface and the encapsulation layer.

Thus, the protective layer also makes it possible to fix or maintain the light module against the surface of the equipment. It is thus made possible to carry out several functions, both protection and fixing, with a single element.

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

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

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

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

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

It is thus made possible to use a large rear surface of the motor vehicle to perform signaling and/or aesthetic functions.

Still in addition, said at least one pattern of the second light module is identical to said at least one pattern of the third light module, and in which said at least one pattern of the first light module is different from said at least one pattern of the second light module and the third light module.

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

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

It is thus made possible to control the light source and thus vary the pattern displayed by the light module. Light animations or dynamic information can thus be displayed.

In addition, at least one light module may be capable of displaying at least one symbol in a given area of the light module based on the pattern of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly.

Thus, it is made possible to display at least one symbol on rear exterior equipment of a motor vehicle. Such a symbol can have an aesthetic or informational signaling function.

Still in addition, at least one light module may be capable of displaying at least a first symbol in a first given zone of the light module and at least a second symbol in a second given zone of the light module, from the pattern of each sheet of light. flexible guidance of the assembly.

This makes it possible to produce several symbols with the same light module.

According to embodiments, for at least one light module, the light module can comprise a first injection element and a second injection element, said at least one source can be capable of selectively injecting light into the first element injection and in the second injection element, and the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet can be arranged so as to project light according to a first pattern and the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet can be arranged so as to project light in a second pattern.

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. It is also possible to display two distinct patterns that can each correspond to a given signaling information.

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

The control of a dynamic display is thus made possible by controlling the sources, whose respective activations are independent of each other. It is also possible to display two distinct patterns that can each correspond to a given signaling information.

In addition or as a variant, the first injection element can be arranged so as to inject light into a first section of the edge of the guide sheet of the assembly, and the second injection element can be arranged so as to inject light in a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, a first part of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the first section of the edge being engraved according to the first pattern, and a second part of the guide sheet flexible located opposite the second section of the edge being engraved according to the second pattern.

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

Alternatively, the assembly may comprise at least a first and a second flexible guide sheet, the first pattern being engraved in the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern being engraved in the second flexible guide sheet, the first element d the injection being arranged so as to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet 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 complex variations of patterns and/or to provide a light module covering a large lighting surface and/or to display a large quantity of patterns at the same location on the equipment.

In addition, the first and second guide layers can be superimposed in the light module, in order to project the first and second patterns in a common area of the light module.

It is thus made possible to vary the pattern projected in the common area. It is thus possible to display different signaling information, in particular for the attention of vehicles depending on the motor vehicle in which the equipment is installed at the rear. Alternatively, animation can be performed by dynamically varying the pattern of the common area or changing its color.

Alternatively, the first and second flexible guide sheets can be placed next to each other so as to project the first and second patterns at distinct positions.

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

It is thus made possible to produce complex light animations by spatial variation of the projected light rays, while allowing easy integration into equipment with complex surfaces.

According to embodiments, the control element may be able to control said at least one source in order to selectively project light according to the first pattern and according to the second pattern.

Thus, a single element is capable of controlling the injection of light selectively into the different light injection elements of the light module, which improves the synchronization of the display of the light patterns in relation to each other. The control element can in particular control the display of one of several possible signaling information.

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

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

According to embodiments, each flexible guide sheet may comprise a film comprising microstructures and each pattern may be engraved by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the film.

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 a pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet is thus improved.

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

Thus, it is possible to distribute light homogeneously in the edge of the flexible guide sheet, which improves the projection quality of the first and second patterns.

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 exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, 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 exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

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

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

illustrates rear exterior equipment for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;

illustrates rear exterior equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention;

illustrates a view of the rear exterior equipment according to the first embodiment of the invention, when its light sources are turned off;

illustrates a view of the rear exterior equipment according to the first embodiment of the invention, when its light sources are turned on;

illustrates rear exterior equipment according to a second embodiment, when first light sources are turned on;

illustrates the rear exterior equipment according to the second embodiment, when second light sources are turned on.

The description focuses on the characteristics which distinguish the external equipment and the light module from those known in the state of the art.

There presents a light module 100 of exterior equipment for a motor vehicle, 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.

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 and blue light. Thus, the light module according to the first embodiment 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.

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

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 according to embodiments 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.

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

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

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

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

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

In the second embodiment, several injection elements are arranged so as to inject light into the same flexible 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 flat 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.

A first pattern 316.1 is engraved in the first part 315.1 while a second pattern 316.2 is engraved in the second part 315.2. The selective injection of light into the first injection element 320.1 and/or into the second injection element 320.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, the second pattern, none of the patterns or both patterns at the same time, thus making possible, by dynamic control, the production of an animation from at least the first and second patterns, or the display of dynamic light information. Alternatively, the selective injection of light can be dynamically controlled based on tactile input data received by the control element 340, as will be better understood on reading the description of the .

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

An example with two patterns and two injection elements has been shown on the . However, the first embodiment also covers a light module with a flexible guide sheet with three or more parts, each part comprising an engraved pattern, and with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed facing each other. of one of the parties.

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 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the light module 400 comprises at least a first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and a second flexible guide sheet 410.2, the two flexible guide sheets being superimposed, which implies that at least a 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 guide layers are flat, for example stacked on a flat support.

Such superposition is particularly advantageous due to the fact that the flexible guide layers are preferably transparent as detailed previously.

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

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

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

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

An example with two patterns, two injection elements and two flexible guide layers has been shown on the . However, the second embodiment also covers a light module with at least three flexible guide layers 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. The second flexible guide sheet 410.2 may further comprise a textured material, so as to improve the aesthetic appearance of the light module and/or so as to harmonize its material with the material of the external equipment in which the light module is integrated . Such a textured material can also be used for the flexible guide layers of the light modules according to the first, second and fourth embodiments. By textured material we mean any material having a predefined texture involving, for example, a surface treatment of the flexible guide sheet. The textured material may include granules, streaks or slits or any other textural element.

There illustrates a light module 500 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 a first pattern, not shown, at a first position of the X-Y plane, and the second flexible guide sheet 510.2 is capable of projecting a second pattern 516.2 at a second position of the plane X-Y, the first and second positions being distinct, for example next to each other. Each projected pattern may include a symbol or part of a symbol. When a pattern of a flexible guide sheet comprises a symbol part, such a part may be complementary to another symbol part formed by the pattern of another flexible guide sheet, or other symbol parts formed by the patterns of other flexible guide sheets.

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

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

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 controlling the supply of the two sources 530.1 and 530.2.

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

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 matrices, there are no restrictions attached to the number of rows or the number of columns.

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

In addition, as explained previously, the patterns may comprise parts of symbols complementary to each other, so as to form one or more symbols on several flexible guide sheets of the matrix.

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 rectangular or square in shape, with at least one dimension between 2 and 10 cm. For example, flexible guide sheets are squares or rectangles, 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.

The second, third and fourth 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 second embodiment and the third 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, two patterns being respectively engraved in the two parts;
- the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is associated with two guides light injection capable of injecting light selectively into two distinct parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively engraved in the two parts;
- the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module;
- the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed next to each other, and one of the two 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, two patterns being respectively engraved in the two parts.

There illustrates rear exterior equipment 600 for a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

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

By external rear surface we mean a surface accessible by a user when the rear external equipment is mounted at the rear of the vehicle. It is therefore distinguished from an internal surface which is only accessible by dismantling said equipment, or when the equipment is not mounted in the vehicle.

“Rear exterior” equipment means any equipment comprising at least one external surface designed to be accessible to a user from the outside at the rear of the motor vehicle. It may thus be a bodywork element at the rear of the vehicle or a rear lighting device such as signaling devices at the rear of the vehicle.

No restriction is attached to the way in which the light module 100, 300, 400, 500 is attached to the external surface 620.

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

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

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

Preferably, the rear exterior equipment 600 may also include a protective layer 610.

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

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

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

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

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

When several symbols are formed by the pattern 630, each symbol can be projected into a given area of the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. A first symbol can be projected into a first given area of the light module, and a second symbol can be projected into a second given zone of the light module.

The control element 640 is able to control the source(s) of the light module 100, 300, 400, 500. For example:
- the control element 640 can vary the light intensity of the pattern;
- the control element 640 can vary the color of the pattern 630;
- the control element can activate or deactivate some of the light sources.

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

The rear exterior equipment 700 may include an overlay:
- a panel 701 capable of being arranged at the rear of a vehicle. It may for example be a panel having an appearance or color different from the rest of the vehicle body, and with a shape defining a signature of the vehicle. Panel 701 can for example be a black panel;
- one or more light modules 100, 200, 400, 500 according to one of the embodiments previously described. In the example of the , given for illustrative purposes only, a light module 500 comprising three flexible guide layers arranged in a matrix according to the embodiment of the . The flexible guide layers of the light module 500 are respectively associated with a first light source 730.1 and a first light injection element 720.1, with a second source 730.2 and a second light injection element 720.2, and with a third source 730.3 and a third light injection element 720.3;
- optionally an encapsulation layer 702, which may be similar to the protection layer 610 described previously. In addition to protecting the light module 500 mechanically and/or against UV, the encapsulation layer can have the function of encapsulating the light module 500 between the encapsulation layer 702 and the panel 701. The layer encapsulation 702 is at least partially transparent or even completely transparent.

In the example of the , the panel 701, the light module 500 and the encapsulation layer 702 have identical shapes and completely overlap. However, according to the invention, the light module 500 may only partially cover the panel 701.

In the aforementioned superposition, the panel 701 is located towards the interior of the vehicle while the encapsulation layer 702 is located towards the exterior of the vehicle.

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

There presents a view of the rear exterior equipment 700 presented with reference to the , when at least one of the light sources of the light module of the equipment 700 is turned on. On the , the three light sources 720.1, 720.2 and 720.3 are lit, for illustration purposes. The patterns engraved in each of the flexible guide layers of the light module 500 may be different as shown in the . The central guide sheet, associated with the second light source 730.2 can for example have a homogeneous pattern, that is to say that the flexible guide sheet reflects the light from the light source 730.2 over its entire surface. The central part of the equipment 700 then has the color of the light injected by the second light source 730.2, which can be white or red for example. A homogeneous pattern 800.2 is thus displayed in the central part of the rear exterior equipment 700. A red light can advantageously be displayed when the vehicle brakes, in order to signal to vehicles following that the vehicle is decelerating.

The lateral guide layers can be engraved with distinct patterns 800.1 and 800.3, for example symmetrical as shown in the . Patterns 800.1 to 800.3 may be complementary and may thus contribute to indicating the same signaling information, or may indicate different signaling information.

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate a second embodiment of rear exterior equipment 900.

The equipment 900 may include one or more light modules 400 depending on the embodiment of the , in which at least two flexible guide layers are superimposed.

In the example of Figures 9a and 9b, the rear exterior equipment 900 comprises three light modules of this type, namely a first light module 400.1 in a central position, connecting the two rear lights of the motor vehicle, a second light module 400.2 positioned on the left rear lights and a third light module 400.3 positioned on the right rear lights.

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

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

On the , the first light source of each light module is turned on and the second light source is turned off:
- the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.1 is engraved according to a first pattern 900.11 and the first pattern 900.11 is made visible by the activation of the first light source of the light module 400.1;
- the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.2 is engraved according to a second pattern 900.21 and the second pattern 900.21 is made visible by the activation of the first light source of the light module 400.2;
- the first flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.3 is engraved according to a third pattern 900.31 and the third pattern 900.31 is made visible by the activation of the first light source of the light module 400.2.

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

On the , the second light source of each light module is turned on and the first light source is turned off:
- the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.1 is engraved according to a fourth pattern 900.12 and the fourth pattern 900.12 is made visible by the activation of the second light source of the light module 400.1;
- the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.2 is engraved according to a fifth pattern 900.22 and the second pattern 900.22 is made visible by the activation of the second light source of the light module 400.2;
- the second flexible guide sheet of the light module 400.3 is engraved according to a sixth pattern 900.32 and the sixth pattern 900.32 is made visible by the activation of the second light source of the light module 400.2.

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

The first pattern 900.11 is different from the fourth pattern 900.12. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.1 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.1. The same goes for the other light modules:
- the second pattern 900.21 is different from the fifth pattern 900.22. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.2 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.2; And
- the third pattern 900.31 is different from the sixth pattern 900.32. Thus, the signaling information emitted by the light module 400.3 can vary and be controlled by a control unit which selectively supplies the first source or the second source of the light module 400.3.

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

Claims (23)

Rear exterior equipment (600; 700; 900) for a motor vehicle, said equipment comprising a surface (620; 701) on which at least one light module (100, 300; 400; 500) is arranged, each light module comprising:
a set of at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays through at least one edge (114; 314 ) of said flexible guide sheet and to return the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern (316.1; 316.2; 416.1; 416.2; 630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11 ; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) engraved in said flexible guide sheet;
at least one light injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) capable of receiving light and distributing the light throughout at least one flexible guide sheet;
at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) capable of injecting light into said at least one light injection element. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer (610; 702) arranged on said at least one light module (100, 300; 400; 500), the light module being included between the surface (620; 701 ) and the protective layer. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 2, in which the protective layer (610) is transparent and is capable of filtering ultraviolet rays. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in which the protective layer is an encapsulation layer (702) capable of encapsulating the light module (100; 300; 400; 500) between the surface (701) and the layer d encapsulation. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which the surface (701) is a rigid panel having a given appearance, the equipment (700) having said appearance when each light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is deactivated, and in which the pattern (800.2) of said at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) modifies the appearance of the surface when at least one light source is activated. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which the equipment (600; 700; 900) comprises a motor vehicle rear light, and in which at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) at least partially covers said motor vehicle rear light. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 6, in which the equipment (900) comprises a right rear light and a left rear light of a motor vehicle, comprising a first light module (400.1) arranged in a central position between the right rear light and the light left rear, a second light module (400.2) arranged on the left rear light and a third light module (400.3) arranged on the right rear light. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 7, in which said at least one pattern (900.21; 900.22) of the second light module (400.2) is identical to said at least one pattern (900.31; 900.32) of the third light module (400.3), and in which said at least one pattern (900.11; 900.12) of the first light module (400.1) is different from said at least one pattern of the second light module and the third light module. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (640) capable of controlling said at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2). Rear exterior equipment according to claim 9, in which at least one light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least one symbol (631) in a given area of the light module from the pattern (630, 800.1 ; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 10, in which at least one light module (100; 300; 400; 500) is capable of displaying at least a first symbol in a first given zone of the light module and at least a second symbol in a second given area of the light module, from the pattern (630, 800.1; 800.2; 800.3; 900.11; 900.12; 900.21; 900.22; 900.31; 900.32) of each flexible guide sheet of the assembly. Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which, for at least one light module (300; 400; 500), the light module comprises a first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2), said at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) is capable of selectively injecting light into the first injection element and into the second element injection, and the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) are arranged so as to project light according to a first pattern and in which the second light injection element and all of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light in a second pattern. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 12, in which said light module comprises a first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) capable of injecting light into the first light injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) capable of injecting light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2). Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 12 and 13, in which the first injection element (320.1) is arranged so as to inject light into a first section of the edge (314) of the guide sheet (310) of the assembly, and in which the second injection element (320.2) is arranged so as to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, a first part (315.1) of the flexible guide sheet located facing the first section of the edge being engraved according to the first pattern (316.1), and a second part (315.2) of the flexible guide sheet located facing the second section of the edge being engraved according to the second pattern (316.2). Rear exterior equipment according to one of claims 12 and 13, in which the assembly comprises at least a first and a second flexible guide layers (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first pattern (416.1; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31) being engraved in the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern (416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) being engraved in the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) being arranged so as to 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. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 15, in which the first and second guide layers (410.1; 410.2) are superimposed in the light module (400; 400.1; 400.2; 400.3), in order to project the first and second patterns (416.1; 416.2 ; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32) in a common area of the light module. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 15, in which the first and second flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) are placed one next to the other so as to project the first and second patterns at distinct positions. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 17, in which the assembly comprises more than two flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) placed next to each other so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet and each flexible guide sheet having at least one pattern engraved in said sheet. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 9 and one of claims 12 to 18, in which the control element (640) is capable of controlling said at least one source (330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) in order to to selectively project light according to the first pattern (316.1; 416.1; 900.11; 900.21; 900.31) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2; 900.12; 900.22; 900.32). Rear exterior equipment 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 1mm. Rear exterior equipment 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), in which each pattern (316.1 ; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) is etched by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the film. Rear exterior equipment according to claim 21, in which, 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 sheet of guidance into which the light is injected. Rear exterior equipment according to one of the preceding claims, in which each injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) comprises a plurality of injection guides (123), each injection guide being able to receive light from one end of the guide and to guide the light to a given longitudinal position of the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides all being different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.