Lighting assembly for front face

Abstract

The invention relates to a light emitting assembly (3) for a front face, the light emitting assembly (3) comprising: a frame defining a channel configured to allow a flow of air to pass therethrough; and at least one means (7) for closing the passage, the closing means (7) comprising at least one closing flap (8) tiltable between a first position, in which the closing flap (8) prevents the passage of the air flow, and a second position, in which the closing flap (8) allows the passage of the air flow, the invention relates to a light-emitting assembly (3) comprising a closing device (7) comprising a light-emitting device (9) carried by a closing flap (8), the light-emitting assembly (3) comprising a power supply member (11), characterised in that the light-emitting assembly (3) comprises an electrically conductive device (10) positioned between the power supply member (11) and the light-emitting device (9), the electrically conductive device (10) comprising a pivot connection (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning devices and more particularly to a light emitting assembly for the front face of a vehicle intended to allow an air flow to pass through it.

[0002] Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, are usually provided with a front face assembly suitable for passing an air flow. For example, this air flow is used to exchange heat with a front face heat exchanger in order to operate an air conditioning system and / or to operate a cooling system or a radiator. Such a front face assembly may include a system for controlling this air flow (commonly referred to as AGS or active air intake grid). These systems make it possible in particular to increase the air permeability coefficient when cooling of the engine by an external air flow is not required, which makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.

[0003] These air flow control systems are usually composed of a grille in which a channel is formed to allow air flow to pass through. The system further includes one or more closing flaps that are controlled to allow air flow to pass through the channel formed in the grille or to prevent air flow from passing through the channel formed in the grille, in particular to reduce the air permeability coefficient when the flaps prevent air flow from passing through.

[0004] It is known to provide the closing device with lighting devices which are positioned on the closing flap and allow a lighting function which can be independent of the position of the flap. However, powering these lighting devices is difficult to achieve, since a plurality of wires must be installed on the front face of the vehicle and run to the lighting devices. In addition, the repeated movement of the closing flap causes the wires to be repeatedly moved with the movement of the flap, which increases the rate of wear of the wires and can cause technical problems such as poor contact or wire breakage.

[0005] The present invention makes it possible to eliminate the need for wired electrical connections, and to this end proposes a light-emitting assembly for a front face intended to be arranged on a motor vehicle, the light-emitting assembly comprising: at least one frame, the at least one frame defining a channel configured to allow air flow to pass through; and at least one closing device for closing the channel, the closing device comprising at least one closing flap, the at least one closing flap being able to tilt between a first position and a second position, in which the closing flap prevents air flow from passing through, and in which the closing flap allows air flow to pass through, the closing device comprising at least one light-emitting device carried by the closing flap, the light-emitting assembly further comprising at least one power supply component, the at least one power supply component being configured to supply power to the light-emitting device, characterized in that the light-emitting assembly comprises at least one conductive device, the at least one conductive device being positioned between the power supply component and the light-emitting device, the conductive device comprising at least one conductive pivot connection.

[0006] By means of the lighting assembly according to the invention, the lighting device is illuminated via electrical conduction, in particular through the pivoting mechanism of the closing flap. This ensures that the need for electrical wires in the front face of the vehicle is eliminated and thus prevents any related problems.

[0007] The closure device is partially arranged to face the channel defined by the frame so that the flap is positioned in the path of the air flow, thereby allowing the channel to be closed or opened. The number and size of the closing flaps can vary, the most important consideration being that when one or more closing flaps are configured so that they can completely close the channel when they are in the first position. When tilted to the second position, the closing flap pivots to open the channel and allow air flow to pass through the channel.

[0008] The lighting device is carried by the closing flap so that the lighting device illuminates the road and the environment in front of the vehicle. The lighting device can be illuminated at any time, independently of the position of the closing flap. Alternatively, the lighting device is illuminated only when the closing flap is in the first position. The activation and deactivation of the lighting device can therefore depend on the position of the closing flap and the inclination to said position. In particular, the lighting device is powered via the power supply member. The lighting device can be, for example, a light emitting diode strip.

[0009] The conducting means form an electrical connection between the power supply member and the light-emitting means. In other words, the current passes in the conducting means and the pivot connection. Thus, the conducting means ensures both the mechanical management of the closing flap and the management of the power supply to the light-emitting means.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the conducting means comprises a first part and a second part connected to each other by a pivot connection, each of these parts being configured to convey current between the power supply member and the light-emitting device. The pivot connection necessarily comprises two parts, one of which rotates relative to the other.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the first part moves in translation and the second part moves in rotation. The conductive means are configured so as to cause the first part to move in translation. This translation of the first part then causes a rotation of the second part. It is this rotation that causes the closing flap to tilt to the first position or the second position.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the closing flap comprises a closing portion and at least one arm, the arm forming the second part of the conductive device, the arm comprising the rotation axis of the closing flap. The closing portion is a portion that allows air flow to pass or prevents air flow to pass, and supports the light-emitting device. The arm is arranged at one end of the closing portion and is connected to the first part so as to provide a pivot connection.

[0013] The arm and the closing part are mechanically connected. When the second part, ie the arm, is rotated, the closing part is also pivoted thereby so as to tilt from one position to another position to allow or prevent air flow. The closing part pivots around the rotation axis.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the light assembly comprises a control member configured to actuate the first part of the conductive device. The control member is an actuator capable of moving the first part and then the second part so as to tilt the closing flap from one position to another. The control member can be controlled, for example, according to the temperature of the engine, which requires air to pass to cool the engine or does not require air to pass to cool the engine.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the first part and the second part are completely formed of a conductive material. This is a first embodiment of the light emitting assembly according to the invention. Therefore, the current can propagate in the material of the first part and then propagate in the material of the second part in order to reach the light emitting device and power it. Therefore, the first part and the second part can, for example, be completely metal parts.

[0016] According to a feature of the present invention, the conductive device is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the closing flap, the closing flap includes a second longitudinal end, and the light-emitting assembly includes a conductive portion connected to the second longitudinal end, and the conductive portion is configured to be electrically connected to the ground. In order to optimize the mechanical footprint of the first embodiment of the light-emitting assembly, the current arrives via a pivot connection arranged on one side of the closing flap. In order for the circuit that supplies power to the light-emitting device to work, the circuit must be connected to the ground. In order to avoid taking up too much space at one end of the closing flap, the ground can be connected to the opposite end of the closing flap. The conductive portion is electrically connected to the light-emitting device and the ground.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the first part and the second part are formed of an electrically insulating material, the first part and the second part comprising at least one conductive trace. This is a second embodiment of the light emitting assembly according to the invention. In this second embodiment, the first part and the second part are non-conductive as a whole, and there is only a conductive trace in the middle of the insulating material of the two parts. Therefore, this embodiment makes it possible to limit the conductive portion of each of these parts, which can potentially prevent accidental electrical contact.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the electrically conductive pivot connection comprises at least two potential elements separated from each other by an electrically isolating element. The first potential element corresponds to the positive terminal of a circuit supplying power to the light-emitting device, while the second potential element corresponds to the negative terminal of the same circuit. An insulating element is interposed between the two potential elements in order to prevent short circuits.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the first potential element takes the form of a central section of the pivot connection and the second potential element takes the form of an annular ring positioned around the electrically insulating element. Although the first and second parts are insulating material, the arrangement of the potential elements within the pivot connection makes it possible to extend them to the light emitting device. The first potential element is centrally located, while the insulating element extends circumferentially around the first potential element. Finally, the second potential element extends circumferentially around the insulating element.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the first part comprises at least one friction device configured to electrically connect the first part to the second part during tilting between the first position and the second position. The friction device can provide a permanent electrical connection between the first part and the second part even during movement of the pivot connection. The friction device can, for example, consist of a rod with a reset mechanism and can thus be in constant contact with one or the other of the parts despite the movement of each of the parts.

[0021] According to a feature of the present invention, the closing device comprises at least the first closing wing and the second closing wing, and the conductive device comprises at least two pivot connections, and the conductive device comprises a first part and two second parts, and each of the pivot connections connects the first part to one of the second parts. When a plurality of closing winglets are arranged to allow air flow to circulate in a single channel or prevent air flow from circulating in a single channel, the plurality of closing winglets are synchronous so that they are all in the same position with each other. Therefore, each in the closing winglet is actuated by means of the second part, and each in the second part is mechanically connected to the same first part. Therefore there are as many pivot connections as the second part. A single first part makes it possible to actuate all closing winglets simultaneously and in the same movement.

[0022] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, with reference to several exemplary embodiments given as non-limiting illustrations with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] is a general view of the front face of a motor vehicle comprising a light emitting assembly according to the invention,

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] is a detailed description of a first embodiment of a light emitting assembly,

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] is a schematic depiction of the conductive means present in the second embodiment of the light emitting assembly,

[0026] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 3 A front view of the pivot connection of the conductive device shown in,

[0027] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 3 A side view of the pivot connection of the conductive device shown in FIG.

[0028] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is shown, more specifically a front face 2 of the motor vehicle 1. The front face 2 comprises a lighting assembly 3 comprising a frame 4 defining a channel 5, within which an air flow 6 can circulate. The circulation of the air flow 6 through the channel 5 allows the air flow to enter the motor vehicle 1, for example to cool a refrigerant intended to heat treat the engine of the motor vehicle 1. However, the air flow 6 passing through the motor vehicle 1 impairs the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle. It is therefore important to allow the air flow 6 to enter the channel 5 only when necessary.

[0029] To this end, the lighting assembly 3 comprises a closing device 7 comprising at least one closing flap 8 extending across the channel 5. The closing device 7 may, for example, comprise three closing flaps 8, such as Figure 1 As shown in .

[0030] Each closure flap 8 is capable of tilting between a first position, in which all closure flaps 8 completely block access to the passage 5, and a second position, in which all closure flaps 8 allow the air flow 6 to pass through the passage 5. Tilting between these positions may consist of a synchronous rotation of the closure flaps 8. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the shut-off flap 8 is, for example, in the second position and the air flow 6 can therefore flow into the channel 5 in order to cool the engine of the motor vehicle 1 .

[0031] The closing device 7 also includes at least one lighting device 9, which is carried by at least one of the closing flaps 8 and performs a lighting function independently of the position of the closing flaps 8. Advantageously, the lighting function is performed when one or more closing flaps 8 are positioned in the first position, but the lighting function can also be performed when one or more closing flaps 8 are positioned in the second position, or even in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. However, the lighting device 9 must be powered in order to be able to operate, which may be difficult because the lighting assembly 3 is arranged on the front face 2 and the lighting device 9 is carried by a movable element. In particular, the wiring arrangement may be problematic because if there are a large number of lighting devices 9, their installation may occupy a lot of space, and because they are subject to mechanical stresses that may be detrimental to satisfactory operation.

[0032] Figure 2 A first embodiment of a light emitting assembly 3 according to the invention is schematically shown, making it possible to circulate electric current while avoiding the above-mentioned limitations.

[0033] exist Figure 2In the embodiment, the closing flaps 8 are positioned in a first position, thereby preventing air flow through the passage. Thus, each closing flap 8 is positioned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the road. The first position is therefore ideal but not exclusive for powering one or more light emitting devices 9. The light emitting devices may, for example, take the form of light emitting diode strips. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the light emitting assembly 3 comprises a first closing wing 8a and a second closing wing 8b.

[0034] In order to limit the occupied space and layout of the electrical equipment supplying power to the lighting device 9 , the lighting assembly 3 comprises a conductive device 10 to which a power supply member 11 is connected and which allows current to flow from the power supply member 11 to the lighting device 9 .

[0035] In addition, the conductive device 10 comprises a pivot connection 12. The pivot connection 12 tilts the closing flap 8 between the first position and the second position. The pivot connection 12 is conductive. In other words, the pivot connection 12 both tilts the closing flap 8 and transmits current so that the light emitting device 9 can be powered.

[0036] The conducting device 10 comprises a first part 13 and a second part 14 connected to each other by a pivot connection 12. The power supply member 11 is connected to the first part 13 and in turn, for example, to a power source, not shown. The power source may be, for example, an electronic control unit of the vehicle, or an intermediate source. The first part 13 is electrically conductive, which allows the current flowing in the power supply member to propagate in the first part 13.

[0037] The second part 14 is also electrically conductive and is mechanically connected to the first part 13 by the pivot connection 12. Thus, electric current can propagate from the first part 13 to the second part 14. The second part is further electrically connected to the light emitting device 9, which thus allows electric current to reach the light emitting device and to power the light emitting device so as to perform the lighting function of the light emitting device. This configuration further makes it possible to keep the light emitting device 9 illuminated even during the tilting of the closing flap 8.

[0038] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the conductive means 10 facilitate the movement of the closing flap 8. The closing flap comprises a closing portion 15 and at least one arm 16, the closing portion supporting the light emitting means 9, the at least one arm being connected to the closing portion 15. Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown in , the arm 16 corresponds to the second portion 14 of the conducting means 10. The closing flap 8 also comprises a rotation axis 28 about which the closing flap 8, more particularly the closing portion 15, pivots.

[0039] The lighting assembly 3 further comprises a control member 17 configured to move the first portion 13 of the conductive means 10. The control member 17 is, for example, an actuator that is actuated when the position of the closing flap 8 needs to be changed.

[0040] The first part 13 is then moved in translation T by the control member 17 . This translation T then causes a rotation R of the second part 14 by means of the pivot connection 12 .

[0041] Since the pivot connection 12 is also the arm 16 of the closing flap 8, its closing part 15 is then rotated about the rotation axis 28, thus causing a tilting to one or the other of the aforementioned positions. For tilting to the other position, all the mentioned movements are then performed in the opposite direction.

[0042] If the lighting assembly 3 comprises a plurality of shut-off flaps 8 , the conductive means 10 comprises a single first portion 13 and as many second portions 14 as there are shut-off flaps 8 . Figure 2 A configuration is shown in which the lighting assembly 3 comprises two closing flaps 8 and two second parts 14. Given that for all said closing flaps 8 they tilt in a synchronized manner, a single first part 13 is sufficient to translate the closing flaps T to cause all the rotations R of all the second parts 14.

[0043] The first embodiment of the light emitting component 3 is characterized in that the first part 13 and the second part 14 are completely formed of conductive materials. Therefore, the current propagates in the materials of the first part 13 and the second part 14.

[0044] To ensure a complete flow of current, the circuit must be connected to ground 18. In order not to occupy too much space locally on the lighting assembly 3, the conducting means 10 is positioned at the first longitudinal end 19 of the closing flap 8. The current thus flows via the lighting means 9 from the first longitudinal end 19 to the second longitudinal end 20 opposite the first longitudinal end 19.

[0045] According to the first embodiment, the lighting assembly 3 further comprises a conductive portion 21 arranged so that it is electrically connected to the second longitudinal end 20 and to the ground 18 in order to form a functional power supply. At the output of the lighting device 9, the current then propagates in the conductive portion 21 and then to the ground 18. The conductive portion 21 is configured to provide an electrical connection without mechanically interfering with the movement of the closing flap 8.

[0046] Figure 3is a schematic depiction of a conductive device 10 incorporated into a second embodiment of a light emitting assembly according to the present invention. Unlike the first embodiment, in which the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 are made entirely of conductive material, the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 of the conductive device 10 incorporated into the second embodiment of the light emitting assembly are made of insulating material, and at least one conductive trace 22 is arranged in the first portion and the second portion. Thus, the second embodiment limits the conductive portion of the conductive device 10, thereby preventing unexpected electrical phenomena from occurring due to a large conductive surface area. The use of the conductive trace 22 also limits the mechanical footprint of the light emitting assembly.

[0047] The current supply member 11 is thus connected to the conductive trace 22 of the first portion 13 , so that an electric current can propagate in the first portion 13 .

[0048] The first part 13 may comprise a friction device 23 connected to the conductive track 22. The friction device 23 may, for example, consist of one or more rods electrically connected to the conductive track 22 of the first part and which extend so that they bear against the second part 14. The friction device 23 makes it possible to permanently maintain the electrical contact between the first part 13 and the second part 14 despite the movement of the two parts 13, 14 relative to each other. The friction device 23 has a restoring force so that it can permanently remain against the second part 14 despite the rotation of the second part.

[0049] Current can then flow in the conductive traces 22 of the second portion 14 until it reaches the light emitting devices 9 and supplies them. Depending on the configuration of the conductive traces 22, a single conductive trace 22 can include multiple potential elements, or there can be one conductive trace 22 per potential element.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic front view and a schematic side view of a first potential element 24a and a second potential element 24b on the pivot connection 12 of the conductive device are shown, respectively.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first potential element 24a forms the central section 25 of the pivot connection 12, while the second potential element 24b takes the form of an annular ring 26. An electrically insulating element 27 is interposed between the central section 25 and the annular ring 26 in order to isolate the potential elements 24 from each other and prevent any short circuit in the circuit supplying the light-emitting device. This configuration can be extended to the second part 14.

[0052] Figure 5It is shown that each of these parts of the pivot connection 12, such as the central section 25 or the annular ring 26, can have different lengths. This ensures the accessibility of the first potential element 24a, so that no short circuit occurs to the second potential element 24b. The connection can be formed, for example, by one or more friction devices 23 as described above. The first part 13 may include a plurality of conductive traces for satisfactory isolation of the two potential elements 24. Due to this configuration and all the configurations described above, the light-emitting device of the assembly is powered without having to arrange a plurality of wires to form an electrical device that takes up more space and is mechanically weaker.

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0054] The invention as described above clearly achieves the stated purpose and makes it possible to propose a light-emitting assembly comprising a conductive device which provides both the mechanical movement of the closing flap and the power supply of the light-emitting device positioned on the closing flap. Variants not described here can be implemented without departing from the context of the present invention, provided that, according to the present invention, these variants comprise a light-emitting assembly according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A lighting assembly (3) for a front face (2) intended to be arranged on a motor vehicle (1), the lighting assembly (3) comprising: at least one frame (4) defining a channel (5) configured to allow air flow (6) therethrough; and at least one closing device (7) for closing the channel (5), the closing device (7) comprising at least one closing flap (8), the at least one closing flap being able to tilt between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the closing flap (8) preventing the air flow (6) from passing through, in the second position, the closing flap (8) allowing the air flow (6) to pass through, the closing device (7) comprising at least one light-emitting device (9) carried by the closing flap (8), the light-emitting component (3) further comprising at least one power supply member (11), the at least one power supply member being configured to supply power to the light-emitting device (9), characterized in that the light-emitting component (3) comprises at least one conductive device (10), the at least one conductive device being positioned between the power supply member (11) and the light-emitting device (9), the conductive device (10) comprising at least one conductive pivot connection (12).

2. The light emitting assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein: The conducting device (10) comprises a first part (13) and a second part (14) connected to each other by the pivot connection (12), each of the parts (13, 14) being configured to carry current between the power supply member (11) and the light emitting device (9).

3. Lighting assembly (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first part (13) moves in translation (T) and the second part (14) moves in rotation (R).

4. The light emitting assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The closure flap (8) comprises a closure portion (15) and at least one arm (16), the arm (16) forming the second portion (14) of the conducting means (10), the arm (16) comprising the axis of rotation (28) of the closure flap (8).

5. Lighting assembly (3) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a control member (17) configured to actuate the first part (13) of the conducting device (10).

6. The light emitting assembly (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first part (13) and the second part (14) are made entirely of conductive material.

7. Lighting assembly (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The conductive device (10) is positioned at a first longitudinal end (19) of the closing flap (8), the closing flap (8) includes a second longitudinal end (20), and the light-emitting component (3) includes a conductive portion (21) connected to the second longitudinal end (20), and the conductive portion (21) is configured to be electrically connected to the ground (18).

8. The light emitting assembly (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first portion (13) and the second portion (14) are formed of an electrically insulating material, and the first portion (13) and the second portion (14) include at least one conductive trace (22).

9. Lighting assembly (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The electrically conductive pivot connection (12) comprises at least two potential elements (24) which are separated from each other by an electrically insulating element (27), and wherein a first potential element (24a) is in the form of a central section (25) of the pivot connection (12) and a second potential element (24b) is in the form of an annular ring (26) positioned around the electrically insulating element (27).

10. The light emitting assembly (3) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The first part (13) comprises at least one friction device (23) configured to electrically connect the first part (13) to the second part (14) during tilting between the first position and the second position.

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