The vehicle grille includes an illuminated central emblem and the equipment used to control this emblem.

Abstract

A motor vehicle grille (2) is disclosed, comprising a support (2a) on which at least one left-side light and at least one right-side light are mounted, the at least one left-side light being controlled and powered by a device for controlling left-side lighting, and the at least one right-side light being controlled and powered by a device for controlling right-side lighting. The grille is characterized by comprising an illuminated central emblem (1) provided with at least two plurality of light sources (1b, 1c), the first plurality of light sources (1b) being controlled and powered by a device for controlling left-side lighting, and the second plurality of light sources (1c) being controlled and powered by a device for controlling right-side lighting, such that in the event of a failure of one of the devices for controlling lighting, the illuminated central emblem (1) remains partially illuminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention is the management of lighting in motor vehicles, and more specifically, the management of such lighting on the grille of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Recent developments in regulations at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) level have allowed for the illumination of items representing car manufacturer logos in the future. This means that two illuminated logos can be mounted on either the left or right sides, or a single logo can be mounted in the center. These installation restrictions apply equally to both the front and rear of motor vehicles.

[0003] The regulations also require that the logo must be an integral part of the existing functionality. Therefore, installing an illuminated logo in the central section can only be achieved through the headlights for the front logo and through the taillights for the rear logo.

[0004] Several requirements already existed before the regulations were revised to allow the use of illuminated logos.

[0005] - For a given function, it is necessary to ensure continuity in the illuminated area. The interruption between two illuminated areas of the same function must be less than 75 mm to guarantee this continuity. To illuminate the logo in the central section, there must also be light at the grille level, as spotlights are often too far apart.

[0006] -Then, in the case of a strip function extending from one side of the front or rear face of the vehicle to the other, two independent power sources on the left and right sides are required to allow light to be generated.

[0007] Finally, if a power failure occurs, a message must be sent back to the driver, or all other power supplies for this function must be shut off.

[0008] Therefore, there are problems with the power supply and control for illuminating the logo in the central position. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The subject of this invention is a motor vehicle grille comprising a support member on which at least one left-side light and at least one right-side light are mounted. The at least one left-side light is controlled and powered by a device for controlling left-side illumination, and the at least one right-side light is controlled and powered by a device for controlling right-side illumination. The motor vehicle grille includes an illuminated central emblem equipped with at least two plurality of light sources. A first plurality of light sources is controlled and powered by a device for controlling the left-side illumination, and a second plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by a device for controlling the right-side illumination, such that in the event of a failure of one of the illumination control devices, the illuminated central emblem remains partially illuminated. The lights are either front spotlights or rear lights.

[0010] The first plurality of light sources can be staggered with the second plurality of light sources to provide the most uniform illumination possible to the illuminated central logo in the event of a failure in one of the devices used for control and power supply.

[0011] The illuminated central logo may include a diffuser configured to diffuse and homogenize the light emitted by at least one light source arranged nearby.

[0012] A diffuser may include one or more independent parts.

[0013] The first plurality of light sources can be controlled and powered simultaneously with the third plurality of light sources arranged in the left portion of the grille, and the second plurality of light sources can be controlled and powered simultaneously with the fourth plurality of light sources arranged in the right portion of the grille. The third plurality of light sources and the fourth plurality of light sources are associated with the position lights and daytime running lights illumination functions.

[0014] The grille may include a second diffuser and a third diffuser, the second diffuser extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central logo and illuminated by a third plurality of light sources, and the third diffuser extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central logo and illuminated by a fourth plurality of light sources.

[0015] The grille may include a fifth plurality of light sources arranged next to the left spotlight and a sixth plurality of light sources arranged next to the right spotlight. The fifth plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by the device for controlling the left lighting, and the sixth plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by the device for controlling the right lighting. The fifth plurality of light sources and the sixth plurality of light sources are associated with the marker light function.

[0016] The grille may include a fourth diffuser and a fifth diffuser, the fourth diffuser being near the optical unit of the left spotlight and illuminated by a fifth plurality of light sources, and the fifth diffuser being near the optical unit of the right spotlight and illuminated by a sixth plurality of light sources.

[0017] The support components can be opaque.

[0018] Another subject of the invention is a motor vehicle including the grille as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] - [ Figure 1 The central logo, as shown in the invention, is illuminated.

[0021] - [ Figure 2This depicts the central logo illuminated according to the invention when the first plurality of light sources are not activated.

[0022] - [ Figure 3 This depicts the central logo illuminated according to the invention when the second or more light sources are not activated.

[0023] - [ Figure 4 The image shows a vehicle front grille 2, which includes an illuminated central emblem, and...

[0024] - [ Figure 5 The image shows an illumination device 20 for the front grille of a motor vehicle according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] - [ Figure 1 The image shows an illuminated central emblem 1 intended for placement in the central portion of a vehicle's front grille. The illuminated central emblem 1 includes a diffuser 1a that defines a shape, such as that of a car manufacturer's logo. The illuminated central emblem 1 also includes a first plurality of light sources 1b and a second plurality of light sources 1c. The portion of the diffuser 1a illuminated by the first plurality of light sources 1b is marked by a first frame, and the remaining portion of the diffuser 1a illuminated by the second plurality of light sources 1c is marked by a second frame. It will be understood that in the event of a failure of either the first plurality of light sources 1b or the second plurality of light sources 1c, the diffuser 1a will still be illuminated by the other plurality of light sources during operation. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first plurality of light sources 1b and the second plurality of light sources 1c are arranged alternately, such that the diffuser 1a remains uniformly illuminated even if one of the light sources fails. According to an embodiment, the diffuser 1a includes one or more separate sections.

[0026] - [ Figure 2 The central logo 1 is illuminated only by the first multiple light source 1b in the event that the second multiple light source 1c is defective. The portion of the diffuser 1a illuminated by the first multiple light source 1b is shown by the first frame.

[0027] - [ Figure 3 The image shows the central logo 1 illuminated only by the second multiple light source 1c, in the event that the first multiple light source 1b is defective. The portion of the diffuser 1a illuminated by the second multiple light source 1c is illuminated by […]. Figure 2 The second frame is displayed differently from the first frame.

[0028] - [ Figure 4The image shows a front grille 2 of a motor vehicle, which includes an opaque support 2a in which a diffuser 1a of an illuminated central emblem 1 is embedded in a central position, thus forming a first diffuser of the grille 2. The front grille 2 also includes a second diffuser 22a1 extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central emblem 1, a third diffuser 22a2 extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central emblem 1, a fourth diffuser 23a1 near the optical unit of the left spotlight, and a fifth diffuser 23a2 near the optical unit of the right spotlight.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second diffuser 22a1 and the third diffuser 22a2 are symmetrical.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second diffuser 22a1 and the third diffuser 22a2 each include several parts, which are specifically distributed between the upper and lower boundaries of the front grille 2.

[0031] In another embodiment, the fourth diffuser 23a1 and the fifth diffuser 23a2, located near the optical unit of the spotlight, each include multiple portions specifically arranged around or on both sides of the optical unit of the spotlight.

[0032] The front grille 2 also includes light sources 1b, 1c, 23b, 23c, 22b, and 22c, which are arranged behind diffusers 1a, 23a1, 23a2, 22a1, and 22a2.

[0033] The first plurality of light sources 1b and the second plurality of light sources 1c are arranged behind the first diffuser 1a included in the illuminated central emblem 1.

[0034] The left spotlight 21b and the right spotlight 21c each include multiple light sources.

[0035] The third plurality of light sources 22b are arranged in the left side of the vehicle, behind the second diffuser 22a1 that extends from the left spotlight to the illuminated central emblem 1.

[0036] The fourth multiple light source 22c is arranged in the right side of the vehicle, behind the third diffuser 22a2 that extends from the right spotlight to the illuminated central emblem 1.

[0037] The fifth plurality of light sources 23b are arranged in the left side of the vehicle, behind the fourth diffuser 23a1 near the optical unit of the left spotlight 21b.

[0038] The sixth multiple light source 23c is arranged in the right side of the vehicle, behind the fifth diffuser 23a2 near the optical unit of the right spotlight 21c.

[0039] The various light sources 1b, 1c, 22b, 22c, 23b, and 23c of the front grille 2 are turned on or off depending on the operating mode of the vehicle lights selected by the driver or by the electronic control unit.

[0040] The operating modes of vehicle lighting refer to: side marker lights, low beam headlights, or high beam headlights, which are relevant to all vehicle light sources. For the remainder of this manual, only the light sources at the front of the vehicle will be considered here. The difference between low beam and high beam lighting is primarily due to the different operating states of the vehicle's front spotlights 21b and 21c, specifically the angle of incidence of these spotlights. In France, the use of these different lights is governed by Article R416-4 and subsequent articles of the French Highway Code.

[0041] Generally speaking, side marker lights are low-intensity lights that allow third-party vehicles to determine the location of a vehicle with its side marker lights on.

[0042] Low beam headlights are headlights that are bright enough to allow the vehicle occupant to see the road and obstacles in front of his / her vehicle, but they are angled relative to the horizon so that they do not dazzle drivers of oncoming vehicles.

[0043] High beam headlights are headlights that allow vehicle occupants to see the road and obstacles ahead of their vehicle, but they are not angled relative to the horizon. In this case, the illuminated volume and illumination distance of high beam headlights are much greater than those of low beam headlights. However, high beam headlights can dazzle drivers of oncoming vehicles, therefore their use is subject to regulations.

[0044] In recent years, daytime running lights have been introduced to improve the daytime visibility of motor vehicles when the aforementioned lights are not turned on.

[0045] Return to [ Figure 4 As shown in the image, multiple light sources, including 23b and 23c, are activated when the daytime running lights are turned on.

[0046] When the parking lights are turned on, multiple light sources 1b, 1c, 22b, 22c, 23b, and 23c of the front grille 2 are turned on, and multiple light sources 23b and 23c are turned on with an intensity different from that when the daytime running lights are turned on.

[0047] When the low beam headlights or high beam headlights are turned on, the light sources 21b and 21c of the front grille 2 are turned on.

[0048] [ Figure 5 The invention illustrates an illumination device 20 for the front grille of a motor vehicle, comprising means 20b for controlling and supplying power to the illumination of the left side of the vehicle and means 20c for controlling and supplying power to the illumination of the right side of the vehicle.

[0049] The lighting on the left side of the vehicle includes a fifth plurality of light sources 23b associated with the daytime running light function, a third plurality of light sources 22b associated with the position light function, and a left spotlight 21b associated with the low beam and / or high beam function.

[0050] It should be noted that the first plurality of light sources 1b of the illuminated central emblem 1 are simultaneously powered by the third plurality of light sources 22b associated with the marker light function.

[0051] Similarly, the lighting on the right side of the vehicle includes a sixth plurality of light sources 23c associated with the daytime running light function, a fourth plurality of light sources 22c associated with the position light function, and a right spotlight 21c associated with the low beam function.

[0052] It should be noted that the second plurality of light sources 1c of the illuminated central emblem 1 are simultaneously powered by the fourth plurality of light sources 22c associated with the marker light function.

[0053] It will be understood that the control of various light sources for lamp functions involves the control of the light sources for the aforementioned lamp functions.

[0054] For example, turning on the low beam headlights involves keeping the parking lights on, which results in multiple light sources 1b, 1c, 21b, 21c, 22b, 22c, 23b, and 23c being lit simultaneously.

[0055] The invention has already been described above with respect to the front grille of a vehicle. However, the invention is also applicable to the rear portion of a vehicle, in which case the right front spotlight, left front spotlight, and daytime running lights are omitted.

[0056] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0057] 1: The illuminated central emblem

[0058] 1a: Diffuser

[0059] 1b: First multiple light sources

[0060] 1c: Second multiple light sources

[0061] 2: Front grille

[0062] 2a: Opaque support component

[0063] 20: Lighting equipment

[0064] 20b: A device for controlling and supplying power to the lighting on the left side of a vehicle.

[0065] 20c: A device for controlling and supplying power to the lighting on the right side of a vehicle.

[0066] 21b: Left spotlight

[0067] 21c: Right-side spotlight

[0068] 22a1: Second Diffuser

[0069] 22a2: Third Diffuser

[0070] 22b: Third Multiple Light Source

[0071] 22c: The fourth multiple light source

[0072] 23a1: Fourth Diffuser

[0073] 23a2: Fifth Diffuser

[0074] 23b: The fifth multiple light source

[0075] 23c: The sixth multiple light source.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle grille comprising a support member (2a) on which at least one left-side light and at least one right-side light are mounted, the at least one left-side light being controlled and powered by a device (20b) for controlling left-side lighting, and the at least one right-side light being controlled and powered by a device (20c) for controlling right-side lighting, characterized in that, The vehicle grille includes an illuminated central emblem (1) equipped with at least two plurality of light sources (1b, 1c), the first plurality of light sources (1b) being controlled and powered by a device (20b) for controlling the left-side lighting, and the second plurality of light sources (1c) being controlled and powered by a device (20c) for controlling the right-side lighting, such that in the event of a failure of one of the devices (20b, 20c) for controlling the lighting, the illuminated central emblem (1) remains partially illuminated, and the light is either a front spotlight or a rear light.

2. The grille as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first plurality of light sources (1b) and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are arranged alternately to provide the most uniform illumination possible to the illuminated central logo (1) in the event of a failure in one of the devices (20b, 20c) used for control and power supply.

3. The grille as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The illuminated central logo (1) includes a diffuser (1a) configured to diffuse and homogenize the light emitted by the at least one light source arranged nearby.

4. The grille as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The diffuser (1a) comprises one or more independent parts.

5. The grille as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first plurality of light sources (1b) and the third plurality of light sources (22b) arranged in the left portion of the grille are controlled and powered simultaneously, the second plurality of light sources (1c) and the fourth plurality of light sources (22c) arranged in the right portion of the grille are controlled and powered simultaneously, and the third plurality of light sources (22b) and the fourth plurality of light sources (22c) are associated with the position lights and daytime running lights illumination functions.

6. The grille as claimed in claim 5, comprising a second diffuser (22a1) and a third diffuser (22a2), the second diffuser extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central logo (1) and illuminated by the third plurality of light sources (22b), and the third diffuser extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central logo (1) and illuminated by the fourth plurality of light sources (22c).

7. The grille as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a fifth plurality of light sources (23b) arranged next to a left spotlight (21b) and a sixth plurality of light sources (23c) arranged next to a right spotlight (21c), the fifth plurality of light sources (23b) being controlled and powered by the means (20b) for controlling the left illumination, the sixth plurality of light sources (23c) being controlled and powered by the means (20b) for controlling the right illumination, the fifth plurality of light sources (23b) and the sixth plurality of light sources (23c) being associated with a marker light function.

8. The grille as claimed in claim 7, comprising a fourth diffuser (23a1) and a fifth diffuser (23a2), the fourth diffuser being near the optical unit of the left spotlight and illuminated by the fifth plurality of light sources (23b), and the fifth diffuser being near the optical unit of the right spotlight and illuminated by the sixth plurality of light sources (23c).

9. The grille as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The support (2a) is opaque.

10. A motor vehicle comprising a grille as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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