Protective grille with camera mount for motor vehicles and manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective grille (22) for a front air intake of a motor vehicle. The protective grille comprises a front face (36); a rear face longitudinally opposite the front face; and a mesh of air guide blades (40). The guide blades include a first blade (42) with a cut-out notch (44) on its rear face to locally reduce a section of said first blade. The air intake grille is mounted whole, retaining the first blade as is; or after cutting the first blade (42) at the cut-out notch to create a mounting area. This receiving area (32) optionally accommodates a detection device such as a camera. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Protective grille with camera support for a motor vehicle and manufacturing method

[0001] The invention relates to the integration of a camera in a protective grille in a front bumper assembly of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to the fixing of a camera in a modular front grille of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is a protective grille of a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is also a motor vehicle and a manufacturing method.

[0002] On the front, a motor vehicle is generally equipped with a grille covering the air intakes. These grilles are integrated into the bumper skin, and have a mesh guiding the air flow in addition to blocking certain foreign bodies. In addition, the precision of integration of the grilles contributes to the perceived quality insofar as the latter respect precise mechanical clearances with the adjacent parts. Finally, the management of hard points at the level of each grille contributes to passive safety in the event of a pedestrian impact.

[0003] Again with a view to safety, a motor vehicle is equipped with a plurality of detection devices intended to analyze the environment. This contributes to the detection of objects or bodies forming potential obstacles. These detection devices then provide driving assistance. Such detection devices generally comprise an ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic sensors, a camera, a radar, or a lidar. In order to optimize the monitoring of the front environment, it is known to arrange at least one detection device on the front panel, in the bumper; in particular in the protective grille.

[0004] However, such detection devices increase the cost of the vehicle. Therefore, the motor vehicle is available in a version with a detection device in the protective grille, and a version without. Such modularity multiplies the number of parts and the associated tooling since it requires producing several types of protective grilles. So paradoxically, designing a grille for an economical version also reduces the gains for an economy of scale.

[0005] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the compatibility of a protective grille with several versions of a motor vehicle. The invention aims to improve the compatibility of a protective grille depending on the presence or absence of a detection device in the motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the modularity, assembly and safety of a motor vehicle.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a protective grille for the front air intake of a motor vehicle; the protective grille comprising a front face; a rear face longitudinally opposite the front face; a mesh of air guide blades; remarkable in that the guide blades comprise a first blade with a cutting notch on the rear face in order to locally reduce a section of said first blade.

[0007] It will be understood that the invention proposes a modular protective grid, one of the mesh blades of which is notched in order to facilitate its possible cutting. This minimal adaptation makes it possible to easily transform the basic grid into a grid suitable for receiving a detection device.

[0008] In particular, the invention reduces the thickness of the blade and facilitates its transformation in order to combine two successive meshes and therefore to create a detection device installation area. Furthermore, the integration on the rear face of the cutting notch preserves the perceived quality since it remains discreet. The application of an external coating is simplified since the geometry on the front face remains of constant complexity.

[0009] Document US10926716B2 describes a motor vehicle with a front camera. The camera is mounted in the bumper via a camera bracket. However, this solution is not suitable for an air intake grille on the front of a motor vehicle, and does not offer compatibility depending on the presence or absence of such a camera.

[0010] Preferably, the guide blades comprise at least one vertical blade, the first blade extending from the vertical blade, and the cutting notch being at a distance from the vertical blade.

[0011] Preferably the first blade is a horizontal blade.

[0012] Preferably, the first blade has two lateral parts and a central part between the lateral parts, at least one or each lateral part having a continuous variation in width; the cutting notch being formed in the central part.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting notch extends longitudinally over 10% to 50% of said first blade; more preferably over 20% to 40% of said first blade.

[0014] Preferably, said first blade has a vertical thickness, and the cutting notch has a transverse width greater than or equal to said vertical thickness.

[0015] Preferably, the first blade comprises a transverse length greater than or equal to 3 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm.

[0016] Preferably, the first blade comprises a vertical thickness of between 0.50 mm and 5.00 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the first blade comprises a vertical thickness of between 1.00 mm and 4.00 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the first blade comprises a vertical thickness of between 1.50 mm and 3.00 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the grid comprises a coating; at least on the front face.

[0020] Preferably, the first blade is generally flat.

[0021] Preferably, the finishing element comprises a material different from the material of the at least one blade.

[0022] According to another aspect, the invention provides an assembly for the front of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising a bumper skin, a detection device, remarkable in that the assembly comprises a rear support for mounting the detection device to the bumper skin, the rear support comprising an upper flap above the detection device. Such an assembly makes it possible to precisely mount the detection device while protecting it.

[0023] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for the front panel of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising a grid, a detection device, remarkable in that the assembly comprises a rear support connecting the detection device to the grid, and optionally a protective element covering the support, said protective element having an orifice receiving the camera detection device. Such an assembly makes it possible to precisely mount the detection device in a grid while optimizing its protection.

[0024] Preferably, the rear support is fixed to at least one mesh blade of the grid.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for the front facade of a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising a grille with a central plate for mounting a finishing element, a detection device, remarkable in that the assembly comprises a rear support connecting the detection device to the grille, and being fixed to the finishing element through the central plate. Such an assembly optimizes the fixing of the rear support of the detection device since the fixing means are shared.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a front air intake with a protective grille, remarkable in that the protective grille is in accordance with the invention.

[0027] Preferably, the motor vehicle is free of detection devices in the mesh of guide blades.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a motor vehicle with a front air intake, the manufacturing method comprising a step of supplying or producing a protective grille for the front air intake; remarkable in that the protective grille is in accordance with the invention; and in that the method further comprises steps of: at least partial removal of the first blade by cutting it at the cutting notch in order to free up a receiving zone; then mounting a detection device in said receiving zone; preferably, the manufacturing method comprises splitting the first blade into a removed section and at least one residual section.

[0029] Preferably, the manufacturing method further comprises a step of placing a rear support in the receiving zone, and a step of assembling a protective element with an orifice around the detection device.

[0030] Preferably, the rear support comprises an upper flap.

[0031] Preferably, the upper flap extends above the detection device.

[0032] Preferably, the protective element comprises a mounting slot, the residual section extending into said mounting slot.

[0033] Preferably, the detection device is a camera.

[0034] Preferably, the manufacturing method further comprises a step of fixing a finishing element with fixing means also fixed to the rear support through the protective grid.

[0035] Preferably, the removal step comprises splitting the first blade into a removed section and two residual sections.

[0036] Preferably, the residual sections are aligned.

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a front panel assembly; remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention.

[0038] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle which is remarkable in that the motor vehicle is manufactured according to the manufacturing method according to the invention, and in that the detection device is vertically at the level of said residual section.

[0039] Preferably, the detection device is transversely between the two residual sections.

[0040] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0041] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0042] [Fig.l] is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] [Fig.2] is a front view of a protective grille for a front air intake in a motor vehicle bumper according to the invention.

[0044] [Fig. 3] shows from the front a detection device in a protective grille of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of a first motor vehicle protective grille blade according to the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 5] is a view of a rear face of a motor vehicle protection grille according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig.6] is a diagram of a method of manufacturing a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0048] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle, in the protective grille or other steps in the method to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0049] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0050] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0051] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0052] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0053] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the protective grid, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0054] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0055] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The vehicle at car 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0056] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12, also called a body. The structure 12 forms a framework and supports various components of the motor vehicle 10, including the engine and openings. The structure 12 partially forms the bodywork 14 of the vehicle at the level of the roof and the pillars. The bodywork 14 forms the external envelope of the motor vehicle 10.

[0057] The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a front bumper assembly 16, such as a front fascia assembly. The front bumper assembly 16, in particular each of its elements, is adapted to withstand impacts at speeds up to 10 km / h, preferably up to 15 km / s, without there being any need to replace specific parts of the vehicle, and in particular all or part of the bumper skin 18. The front bumper assembly 16 is also adapted to limit the extent of injuries in the event of a pedestrian impact.

[0058] The motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one front air inlet 20. The front air inlet 20 is delimited, or surrounded, by the bumper skin 18. The front air inlet 20 allows air renewal in the passenger compartment. Depending on the type of engine, the front air inlet 20 provides air for cooling and supplying oxidant to a combustion engine (not shown). At least one heat exchanger (not shown), commonly called a radiator, is arranged in the air inlet.

[0059] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a protective grille 22. The protective grille 22 is arranged in the front air intake 20. It forms the grille. The protective grille 22 forms a front screen, or even an exterior screen. The protective grille 22 is flush with the bumper skin 18. The protective grille 22 protects the heat exchanger, or any equipment arranged in the front air intake 20. The protective grille 22 blocks foreign bodies and prevents them from damaging the heat exchanger. The protective grille 22 may also form air guide channels to reduce vortices in the incoming air.

[0060] The protective grille 22 has a mesh, with several meshes. The meshes communicate with the front air inlet 20. The protective grille 22 generally forms a perforated wall. It extends essentially vertically and transversely. The protective grille 22 is generally symmetrical. Preferably, the mesh is generally symmetrical. The protective grille 22 is capable of at least partially blocking the front air inlet 20. The protective grille 22 comprises a network of air guide blades forming the meshes. The guide blades are profiled longitudinally.

[0061] The meshes can reproduce a hexagonal pattern, a quadrilateral pattern, a triangular pattern. According to one option of the invention, the protective grid 22 has meshes in the form of scales, or with rectangular blocks connected by rods. Such mesh shapes increase the resistance of the protective grid 22 to projections. Any type of mesh can be selected according to the protection and air guidance needs. The mesh can be homogeneous, or vary over the extent of the protective grid 22. It forms an external entity, visible from the environment. It is covered with a coating such as paint and / or varnish.

[0062] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a finishing element 24 such as a badge. The finishing element 24 is mounted on a central plate 26 of the protective grille 22. The finishing element 24 can completely cover the central plate 26. The central plate 26 is integral with the guide blades. The guide blades support and / or surround the central plate 26.

[0063] According to one option, the motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one detection device 30 mounted in the protective grille 22. The detection device 30 allows detection of obstacles in front of the motor vehicle 10. Computer means make it possible to identify obstacles and determine their distance. It is coupled to an autonomous driving system and / or to a driving assistance system (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. Transversely, it is arranged in a central position in order to optimize the coverage of the environment. The detection device 30 is adjacent to the central plate 26 and to the finishing element 24. The detection device 30 is for example a camera, such as a front camera.

[0064] According to one option of the invention, the front air inlet is split into an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet. Similarly, the protective grille is split into an upper grille and a lower grille.

[0065] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0066] [Fig.2] shows a protective grille 22 for the front air intake of a motor vehicle in a version with a detection device 30. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to [Fig.l].

[0067] The protective grid 22 has at least one central plate 26. The at least one central plate 26 comprises an upper plate for mounting the finishing element (not shown) and a lower plate, for example for a police plate. A lower opening makes it possible to receive detection equipment 28; for example combined with the detection device 30.

[0068] The protective grid 22 has a receiving zone 32. The receiving zone 32 forms a discontinuity in the mesh. It is marked by an absence or a shortening, or a splitting of at least one of the guide blades; preferably of several successive guide blades. The receiving zone 32 is a recess. The detection device 30 is mounted in the protective grid 22, inside the receiving zone 32. The receiving zone 32 is adjacent to the central plate 26.

[0069] [Fig. 3] shows an enlargement of a protective grille 22 for the front air intake of a motor vehicle in a version with a detection device 30. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 2.

[0070] The protective grid 22 further has a protective element 34. The protective element 34 is on the front face 36 of the protective grid 22. The protective element 34 covers and protects the detection device 30. The detection device 30 comprises an orifice 38 around the detection device 30. The orifice 38 passes longitudinally through the protective element 34.

[0071] The mesh has a plurality of guide blades 40. The guide blades 40 comprise horizontal blades and vertical blades. They delimit longitudinal passages between them; in addition to forming a shield lattice for the rear organs. The guide blades 40 form plates. They are generally flat, and essentially thin. They derive their rigidity from their longitudinal width.

[0072] The guide blades 40 comprise at least a first blade 42 with a cutting notch 44. The cutting notch 44 is on the rear face of the protective grid 22. The cutting notch 44 extends forward. It is open towards the rear. The cutting notch 44 passes vertically through the first blade 42, or more generally along its thickness. Thus, the cutting notch 44 locally reduces the section of said first blade; which facilitates its cutting. This also makes it possible to guide a cutting tool. An operator is able to reproducibly cut the protective grid in order to install a detection device 30 therein.

[0073] According to one option, the first blade 42 is a horizontal blade, or more inclined by at most 20°, preferably by at most 10°, more preferably by at most 5° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0074] The protective element 34 has a mounting slot 46, for example a row of mounting slots 46. The mounting slots 46 may be on one side, or on both transverse sides of the protective element 34. The mounting slots 46 receive at least one section of the first blade 42. They are nested. This improves the protection of the detection device 30; as well as the retention.

[0075] The protective grid 22 comprises a central plate 26 for mounting a finishing element (not shown). The finishing element may comprise a material different from the protective grid and / or a coating different from the coating of the protective grid 22. It may comprise a metallic material. The first blade 42 extends towards the central plate 26. This aspect reinforces the protective grid 22. It also facilitates production by plastic injection. According to one option, the first blade extending from the central plate.

[0076] [Fig.4] shows a cutting notch 44 formed on a first blade 42 of the protective grid 22 on the front of the motor vehicle. The protective grid 22 is in an intermediate state, before adaptation of its mesh. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of figures 1 to 3. The detection device is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0077] In the present illustration only a first blade 42 with cutting notch 44 is shown, however the protective grid 22 may have a plurality of first blades 42 whose cutting notches 44 are aligned. This makes it possible to extend the receiving zone 32. The first blade 42 comprises a transverse length greater than or equal to 3 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm. It comprises a vertical thickness of between 1.50 mm and 3.00 mm. The first blade 42 separates two adjacent passages.

[0078] The protective grid 22 comprises a front face 36; a rear face longitudinally opposite the front face 36. The guide blades comprise a first blade 42 with a cutting notch 44 on the rear face in order to locally reduce a section of said first blade 42. The first blade 42 becomes thinner. It is easier to cut at a desired location; while retaining its structuring, and therefore protective, character. The protective grid 22 thus formed is optimized for two uses.

[0079] The cutting notch 44 extends longitudinally over 10% to 50% of the first blade 42; preferably over 20% to 40% of the first blade 42. The cutting notch 44 thus extends over the longitudinal width of the first blade 42. These ranges of values ​​optimize the ease of cutting for the cut finish of the blade, and the resistance for the finish preserving the first blade 42 in its entirety.

[0080] The first blade 42 has a vertical thickness. The vertical thickness can be measured perpendicular to the upper face of the first blade 42. The vertical thickness is a maximum thickness. The cutting notch 44 has a transverse width 48 greater than or equal to said vertical thickness. It is greater by at least 50%, preferably by at least 100%. The transverse width 48 is measured according to the main elongation of the first blade 42. It is a maximum width.

[0081] The air guide blades 40 comprise at least one vertical blade 50. The first blade 42 is inclined relative to the vertical blade 50, for example perpendicular to the vertical blade 50. The first blade 42 extends from the vertical blade 50. In this case, the first blade 42 extends between two vertical blades 50 which it connects. The cutting notch 44 is at a distance from each vertical blade 50. This aspect makes it possible to partially preserve a stump of the first blade 42 after cutting, and to link equipment or its protective element to it.

[0082] According to its main elongation and / or in the transverse direction, the first blade 42 has two lateral parts 52 and a central part 54 between the lateral parts 52. The lateral parts 52 form lateral junctions. They connect the central part 54 to the vertical blades 50. The central part 54 forms the main part of the first blade 42. It extends over at least half of its main dimension. At least one or each lateral part 52 has a continuous variation in width while the central part 54 is generally of constant width; except for the cutting notch 44. The widths are measured longitudinally. The cutting notch 44 is formed in the central part. Thus, the cutting notch 44 is formed in the structural part of the first blade 42. Apart from the cutting notch 44, the central part has a constant longitudinal width.

[0083] [Fig. 5] shows a rear face 56 of a protective grid 22 with a detection device 30 mounted by means of a rear support. The motor vehicle corresponds to that presented in relation to one of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0084] The detection device 30 is mounted to the protective grid 22 via a rear support 60. The rear support 60 is directly fixed to the protective grid 22. The rear support 60 is mounted in the receiving area 32. The protection element 34 is also fixed to the rear support 60, the detection device 30 being encapsulated between them. In this regard, the protection element 34 comprises snap-on tabs 62 cooperating with fixing slots of the rear support 60. The first blade 42, which has been previously cut, is in front of the rear support 60.

[0085] The rear support 60 has an upper flap 64. The upper flap 64 is above the detection device 30. It extends rearwardly and upwardly. This arrangement makes it possible to protect the detection device 30 from runoff water. In addition, the upper flap 64 conceals an electrical connection link of the detection device 30. The connection link extends rearwardly and is fixed to the protective grid 22.

[0086] The protective grid 22 comprises fixing means 66 allowing the rear support 60 to be fixed to the central plate 26. The fixing means 66 are also fixed to the finishing element (not visible) through the central plate 26. Thus, the invention pools the fixing means 66. The fixing means 66 comprise, for example, a screw. The rear support 60 comprises a lateral extension 68 extending to the central plate 26, and covers the rear thereof.

[0087] [Fig.6] shows a diagram of a manufacturing process for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 5.

[0088] The method comprises the following steps, in particular executed in the following order:

[0089] supply or production 100 of a protective grille for a front air intake of a motor vehicle;

[0090] at least partial removal 102 of the first blade by cutting it at the level of the cutting notch in order to free a receiving zone;

[0091] mounting 104 of a detection device in said reception zone;

[0092] installation 106 of a rear support in the reception area;

[0093] assembly 108 of a protection element;

[0094] fixing 110 of a finishing element to the protective grid, with fixing means also fixed to the rear support through the protective grid.

[0095] At the supply or production step 100, the protective grid is a single piece. It can be produced by injection.

[0096] The removal step 102 comprises splitting the first blade into a removed section and at least one residual section, more preferably at least two residual sections, also called root sections. The residual sections are aligned, in the extension of one another. They may comprise the lateral parts.

[0097] The removal step 102 is a step of cutting the first blade at the cutting notch; and of cutting at a distance from the cutting notch in order to form a receiving zone.

[0098] At the removal step 102, a single cut may be sufficient to release the receiving zone since after cutting, the first blade can be folded away from the cutting notch in order to move away from the receiving zone.

[0099] In assembly step 104, the detection device is a camera.

[0100] The mounting 104, positioning 106, and assembly 108 steps may be interchanged. The detection device may be pre-mounted in the rear support.

[0101] At the assembly step 108 of the protective element, the latter comprises an orifice around the detection device. The orifice allows the optical part of the camera to pass through.

[0102] In the assembly step 108, the protective element comprises a mounting slot, the residual section entering said mounting slot.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective grid is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polysulfide resins. phenylene, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0104] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0105] According to an alternative, the invention proposes a motor vehicle equipped with the air intake grille as shown in [Fig.4]. Such a motor vehicle is free of a detection device at the cutting notch.

[0106] In the present alternative, the first blade remains intact. Such a protective grid does not compromise safety because the adoption of the modular character does not result in the addition of a hard point; which is relevant in the context of a pedestrian impact at the grid.

[0107] The invention allows installation on different versions of the motor vehicle because the same protective grille base can be used in several ways.

[0108] Figures 2 to 5 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective grille (22) for front air intake (20) of motor vehicle (10); the protective grille (22) comprising a front face (36); a rear face (56) longitudinally opposite the front face (36); a mesh of air guide blades (40); characterized in that the guide blades (40) comprise a first blade (42) with a cutting notch (44) on the rear face (56) in order to locally reduce a section of said first blade (42).

2. Protective grid (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide blades (40) comprise at least one vertical blade (50), the first blade (42) extending from the vertical blade (50), and the cutting notch (44) being at a distance from the vertical blade (50); preferably the first blade (42) is a horizontal blade.

3. Protective grid (22) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first blade (42) has two lateral parts (52) and a central part (54) between the lateral parts (52), at least one or each lateral part (52) having a continuous variation in width; the cutting notch (44) being formed in the central part (54).

4. Protective grid (22) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cutting notch (44) extends longitudinally over 10% to 50% of said first blade (42); preferably over 20% to 40% of said first blade (42).

5. Protective grid (22) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first blade (42) has a vertical thickness, and the cutting notch (44) has a transverse width (48) greater than or equal to said vertical thickness.

6. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a front air intake (20) with a protective grille (22), characterized in that the protective grille (22) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5; preferably the motor vehicle (10) is free of a detection device in the mesh of guide blades (40).

7. A method of manufacturing a motor vehicle (10) with a front air intake (20), the manufacturing method comprising a step of providing or producing (100) a protective grille (22) for the front air intake (20); characterized in that the protective grille (22) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5; and in that the method further comprises steps of: at least partial removal (102) of the first blade (42) by cutting it at the cutting notch (44) in order to free a receiving zone (32); then mounting a detection device (30) in said receiving zone (32); preferably, the removal step (102) comprises splitting the first blade (42) into a removed section and at least one residual section.

8. Manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that the manufacturing method further comprises a step of placing (106) a rear support (60) in the receiving zone (32), and a step of assembling (108) a protection element (34) with an orifice (38) around the detection device (30); preferably, the rear support (60) comprises an upper flap (64).

9. Manufacturing method according to claim 8, characterized in that the protective element (34) comprises a mounting slot (46), the residual section extending into said mounting slot (46); preferably, the detection device (30) is a camera.

10. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the manufacturing method further comprises a step of fixing (110) a finishing element (24) with fixing means (66) also fixed to the rear support (60) through the protective grid (22).

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