Front light assembly

Abstract

Front face light assembly The present invention relates to a front face light assembly (3), the light assembly (3) comprising a frame delimiting a passage configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough and a device (7) for closing the passage, the closing device (7) comprising a closing flap (8) capable of switching between a first position in which the closing flap (8) prohibits the passage of the air flow and a second position in which the closing flap (8) allows the passage of the air flow, the closing device (7) comprising a light device (9) carried by the closing flap (8), the light assembly (3) comprising an electrical power supply member (11), characterized in that the light assembly (3) comprises an electrical conduction device (10) arranged between the electrical power supply member (11) and the light device (9),the electrical conduction device (10) comprising a pivot connection (12). (figure 2),

Description

Title of the invention: Front face light assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation devices, and more particularly concerns a front face light assembly of a vehicle intended to be crossed by an air flow.

[0002] Vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles, are commonly equipped with a front end assembly capable of being traversed by an air flow. This air flow is used, for example, to carry out a heat exchange with a front end heat exchanger so as to operate an air conditioning and / or cooling system or a radiator. Such front assemblies may comprise systems for controlling this air flow, commonly designated by the English acronym AGS for "Active Grille Shutter". They make it possible in particular to improve the coefficient of penetration into the air when the engine does not need to be cooled by an external air flow, which makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption and the pollution emitted by the vehicle.

[0003] These air flow control systems are generally formed of a grid within which passages are provided to allow the air flow to pass. The system further comprises one or more controlled shutters so as to allow or prohibit the passage of the air flow through the passages provided in the grid, in particular to reduce the coefficient of penetration into the air when the shutters prohibit the passage of the air flow.

[0004] It is known to equip the shutter devices with lighting devices arranged on the shutter flaps and allowing a lighting function which can be independent of a position of the flaps. However, the electrical supply of these lighting devices is tedious to implement insofar as a plurality of electrical wires must be installed at the front of the vehicle and must run to the lighting devices. In addition, the repeated movement of the shutter flaps causes a repeated movement of the electrical wires accompanying that of the flaps, which increases the rate of wear of the electrical wires and can create technical problems such as poor contacts or breakage of the electrical wires.

[0005] The present invention makes it possible to do without a connection by electrical wires and therefore proposes a front face lighting assembly intended to equip a motor vehicle, the lighting assembly comprising at least one frame delimiting a passage configured to allow an air flow to pass through it and at least one device for closing the passage, the closing device comprising at least one closing flap capable of switching between a first position in which the closing flap prevents the passage of the air flow and a second position in which the closing flap prevents the passage of the air flow. which the shutter allows the passage of the air flow, the shutter device comprising at least one light device carried by the shutter, the light assembly further comprising at least one electrical power supply member configured to electrically power the light device, characterized in that the light assembly comprises at least one electrical conduction device arranged between the electrical power supply member and the light device, the electrical conduction device comprising at least one electrically conductive pivot connection.

[0006] Thanks to the lighting assembly according to the invention, the lighting devices are lit via electrical conduction passing in particular through the pivoting mechanism of the shutters. This guarantees that there are no electrical wires within the front of the vehicle and thus avoids any problems related to them.

[0007] The closing device is partially arranged opposite the passage delimited by the frame so that the shutter is arranged on a path of the air flow, allowing the passage to be closed or opened. The number and size of the closing shutters may vary, the essential thing being that the passage can be completely closed when the closing shutter(s) are configured so as to be in the first position. When tilted to the second position, the closing shutter pivots to open the passage and allow the air flow to pass through it.

[0008] The light device is carried by the shutter so that the light device illuminates the road and the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The light device can be switched on at any time, regardless of the position of the shutter. Alternatively, the light device is only switched on when the shutter is in the first position. Activation and deactivation of the light device can therefore be a function of the position of the shutter and the tilting of said position. The power supply of the light device is provided in particular via the electrical power supply member. The light device can for example be a strip of light-emitting diodes.

[0009] The electrical conduction device provides the electrical connection between the electrical power supply member and the lighting device. In other words, the electrical current passes through the electrical conduction device and the pivot connection. The electrical conduction device thus ensures both the mechanical management of the shutter and the management of the electrical power supply to the lighting device.

[0010] According to a characteristic of the invention, the electrical conduction device comprises a first portion and a second portion, linked together by the pivot connection, each of the portions being configured to transport the electric current between the electrical supply member and the light device. The pivot connection necessarily involves two portions, one of which is driven in rotation relative to the other.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first portion moves by translation while the second portion moves by rotation. The electrical conduction device is in fact configured so that the first portion is moved by translation. This translation of the first portion then drives the second portion in rotation. It is this rotational movement which tilts the shutter into the first position or the second position.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the shutter comprises a shutter portion and at least one arm, the arm constituting the second portion of the electrical conduction device, the arm comprising a rotation shaft of the shutter. The shutter portion is the part allowing or preventing the passage of the air flow and carrying the light device. The arm is arranged on one end of the shutter portion and is connected to the first portion in order to ensure the pivot connection.

[0013] The arm and the closure portion are mechanically linked. Thus, when the second portion, i.e. the arm, is rotated, the closure portion also pivots in order to switch from one position to the other to allow or prohibit the passage of the air flow. The closure portion pivots around the rotation shaft.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light assembly comprises a control member configured to actuate the first portion of the electrical conduction device. The control member is an actuator capable of setting the first portion in motion, which will in turn set the second portion in motion in order to tilt the shutter from one position to the other. The control member can be controlled for example as a function of a temperature of the engine requiring or not requiring a passage of air to cool it.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are entirely made of an electrically conductive material. This is a first embodiment of the light assembly according to the invention. The electric current can therefore propagate within the material of the first portion, then of the second portion, in order to reach the light device and power it. Thus the first portion and the second portion can for example be entirely metallic parts.

[0016] According to a characteristic of the invention, the electrical conduction device is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the shutter, said shutter comprising a second longitudinal end, the light assembly comprising an electrically conductive part connected to the second longitudinal end, the electrically conductive part being configured to be electrically connected to a ground. In order to optimize the mechanical size of the first embodiment of the light assembly, the arrival of the electric current is via the pivot connection, the latter being arranged on one side of the shutter. For that the electrical circuit providing the power supply to the light device is functional, it must be connected to ground. In order to avoid cluttering one end of the shutter too much, ground can be connected to the opposite end of it. The electrically conductive part is electrically connected to the light device as well as to ground.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first portion and the second portion are made of an electrically insulating material, the first portion and the second portion comprising at least one electrically conductive track. This is a second embodiment of the light assembly according to the invention. In this second embodiment, it is not the entire first portion and the second portion which is conductive, but only a conductive track in the middle of an insulating material, and this for each of the portions. This embodiment thus makes it possible to limit the conductive part of each of the portions, which can potentially avoid accidental electrical contacts.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the electrically conductive pivot connection comprises at least two electrical potentials separated from each other by an electrical insulating element. A first potential corresponds to a positive terminal of the electrical circuit supplying the lighting device, while a second potential corresponds to a negative terminal of this same electrical circuit. The insulating element is interposed between the two electrical potentials in order to avoid a short circuit.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, a first electrical potential is in the form of a central section at the pivot connection, and a second electrical potential is in the form of an annular ring arranged around the electrical insulating element. The arrangement of the electrical potentials within the pivot connection makes it possible to extend them to the light device despite the insulating material of the first portion and the second portion. The first electrical potential is central, while the insulating element extends circumferentially around the first electrical potential. Finally, the second electrical potential extends circumferentially around the insulating element.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first portion comprises at least one friction device configured to electrically connect the first portion to the second portion during the switching between the first position and the second position. The friction device ensures the permanent electrical connection between the first portion and the second portion, even during the movement of the pivot connection. The friction device may for example consist of a rod having a return mechanism, and thus be constantly in contact with one or other of the portions despite the movements of each of them.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the closure device comprises at least a first closure flap and a second closure flap, the electrical conduction device comprising at least two pivot connections, the electrical conduction device comprising a first portion and two second portions, each of the pivot connections connecting the first portion to one of the second portions. When several closure flaps are arranged so as to allow or prohibit the flow of air to circulate within the same passage, these are synchronized so as to all be in the same position between them. Thus, each of the closure flaps is actuated by means of a second portion, and each of the second portions is mechanically linked to a single and same first portion. There are therefore as many pivot connections as there are second portions.The first single portion allows all the shutters to be operated simultaneously and in a single movement.

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

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

[0024] [Fig.2] is a detailed representation of a first embodiment of the light assembly,

[0025] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an electrical conduction device present within a second embodiment of the light assembly,

[0026] [Fig.4] is a front view of a pivot connection of the electrical conduction device shown in [Fig.3],

[0027] [Fig.5] is a side view of the pivot connection of the electrical conduction device shown in [Fig.3].

[0028] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 1, more particularly a front face 2 of the motor vehicle 1. The front face 2 comprises a light assembly 3 comprising a frame 4 delimiting a passage 5 within which an air flow 6 can circulate. The circulation of the air flow 6 through the passage 5 allows its penetration into the motor vehicle 1 for the purpose, for example, of cooling a refrigerant fluid intended to heat treat the engine of the motor vehicle 1. However, the passage of the air flow 6 within the motor vehicle 1 results in a reduction in the aerodynamics of the latter. It is therefore important to allow access of the air flow 6 through the passage 5 only when necessary.

[0029] For this, the light assembly 3 comprises a closing device 7 comprising at least one closing flap 8 extending across the passage 5. The device shutter 7 may for example comprise three shutter flaps 8 as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0030] Each shutter flap 8 is capable of being tilted between a first position, where all of the shutter flaps 8 completely prevent access to the passage 5, and a second position, where all of the shutter flaps 8 allow the air flow 6 to pass through the passage 5. The tilting between the positions may consist of a synchronized rotation of the shutter flaps 8. In [Fig.l], the shutter flaps 8 are for example in the second position, and the air flow 6 can thus enter the passage 5 to cool the engine of the motor vehicle 1.

[0031] The shutter device 7 also comprises at least one lighting device 9 carried by at least one of the shutter flaps 8 and operating a lighting function independent of the position of the shutter flaps 8. Advantageously, the lighting function is operated when the shutter flap(s) 8 are positioned in the first position, but it is also possible for the lighting function to be operated when the shutter flap(s) 8 are positioned in the second position, or in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. The lighting device 9 must however be electrically powered in order to be able to operate, which can prove tedious because the lighting assembly 3 is arranged on the front face 2, and the lighting device 9 is carried by a movable element.An arrangement of electrical wires can be problematic in particular insofar as their installation can be cumbersome if there are many lighting devices 9, and where they are subject to mechanical constraints which can impair proper functioning.

[0032] [Fig.2] schematically represents a first embodiment of the light assembly 3 according to the invention, making it possible to circulate an electric current while avoiding the constraints mentioned.

[0033] In [Fig. 2], the shutters 8 are positioned in the first position, preventing the air flow from passing through the passage. Each shutter 8 is therefore arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to the road. The first position is therefore ideal, although not exclusive, for powering the light device(s) 9. These may, for example, be in the form of a strip of light-emitting diodes. In [Fig. 2], the light assembly 3 comprises a first shutter 8a and a second shutter 8b.

[0034] In order to limit the size and layout of the electrical installation supplying the light devices 9, the light assembly 3 comprises an electrical conduction device 10, at the level of which an electrical power supply member 11 is connected, and allowing the circulation of an electric current from said electrical power supply member 11 to the light devices 9.

[0035] In addition, the electrical conduction device 10 comprises a pivot connection 12. It is this pivot connection 12 which ensures the tilting of the shutters 8 between the first position and the second position. The pivot connection 12 is electrically conductive. In other words, the pivot connection 12 ensures both the tilting of the shutters 8 and the transmission of the electric current making it possible to power the lighting devices 9.

[0036] The electrical conduction device 10 comprises a first portion 13 and a second portion 14, linked together by the pivot connection 12. It is at the level of the first portion 13 that the electrical power supply member 11 is connected, itself for example connected to an electrical power source not shown. The electrical power source may for example be the electronic control unit of the vehicle, or even an intermediate source. The first portion 13 is electrically conductive, which allows the electric current flowing in the electrical power supply member to propagate within the first portion 13.

[0037] The second portion 14 is also electrically conductive, and is mechanically connected to the first portion 13 by the pivot connection 12. The electric current can therefore propagate from the first portion 13 to the second portion 14. The latter is also electrically connected to the lighting devices 9, which therefore allows the electric current to reach the latter and power them to operate their lighting function. Such a configuration also makes it possible to keep the lighting devices 9 lit even during the tilting of the shutters 8.

[0038] Furthermore, as stated previously, the electrical conduction device 10 participates in the movement of the shutter flaps 8. The latter comprise a shutter portion 15 which carries the light devices 9, and at least one arm 16 connected to the shutter portion 15. According to the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the arm 16 corresponds to the second portion 14 of the electrical conduction device 10. The shutter flap 8 also comprises a rotation shaft 28 around which the shutter flap 8 pivots, more particularly the shutter portion 15.

[0039] The light assembly 3 further comprises a control member 17, configured to set in motion the first portion 13 of the electrical conduction member 10. The control member 17 is for example an actuator, actuated when a need to change the position of the shutters 8 is necessary.

[0040] The first portion 13 is then driven according to a translational displacement T by the control member 17. This translational displacement T then causes a rotational displacement R of the second portion 14 thanks to the pivot connection 12.

[0041] The pivot connection 12 also being the arm 16 of the shutters 8, the shutter portion 15 of the latter then also operates a rotational movement around the rotation shaft 28, thus causing the tilting towards one or other of the positions mentioned above. To operate the reverse position tilting, all of the movements mentioned are then operated in the opposite direction.

[0042] In the case where the light assembly 3 comprises several shutters 8, the electrical conduction device 10 comprises a single first portion 13 and as many second portions 14 as there are shutters 8. [Fig. 2] illustrates such a configuration, the light assembly 3 comprising two shutters 8 and two second portions 14. Given that the tilting of the shutters 8 is done in a synchronized manner for all of said shutters 8, a single first portion 13 is sufficient for its translational movement T to cause all of the rotational movements R of all the second portions 14.

[0043] The first embodiment of the light assembly 3 is characterized in particular in that the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 are entirely made of an electrically conductive material. The electric current thus propagates within the material of the first portion 13 and the second portion 14.

[0044] In order to ensure the complete circulation of the electric current, the electric circuit must be connected to a ground 18. In order not to locally obstruct the light assembly 3, the electric conduction device 10 is arranged at a first longitudinal end 19 of the shutter 8. The electric current therefore flows from the first longitudinal end 19 to a second longitudinal end 20, opposite the first longitudinal end 19, via the light devices 9.

[0045] According to the first embodiment, the light assembly 3 further comprises an electrically conductive part 21, arranged so as to be electrically connected to the second longitudinal end 20, and connected to the ground 18 in order to form a functional electrical power supply. At the output of the light devices 9, the electric current then propagates within the electrically conductive part 21 and then to the ground 18. The electrically conductive part 21 is configured to ensure the electrical connection without mechanically interfering with the movement of the shutters 8.

[0046] [Fig. 3] is a diagram of an electrical conduction device 10 integrated within a second embodiment of the light assembly according to the invention. Unlike the first embodiment, where the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 are entirely made of a conductive material, the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 of the conduction device 10 integrated into the second embodiment of the light assembly are made of an insulating material within which at least one electrically conductive track 22 is arranged. The second embodiment thus limits the conductive part of the electrical conduction device 10, thus avoiding accidental electrical phenomena due to a substantial conductive surface. The use of electrically conductive tracks 22 also limits the mechanical size of the light assembly.

[0047] The electrical power supply member 11 is thus connected to the electrically conductive track 22 of the first portion 13, so that the electric current can propagate within the first portion 13.

[0048] The first portion 13 may comprise a friction device 23 connected to the electrically conductive track 22. The friction device 23 may for example consist of one or more rods electrically connected to the electrically conductive track 22 of the first portion, and which extend until they are in abutment against the second portion 14. The friction device 23 makes it possible to permanently maintain electrical contact between the first portion 13 and the second portion 14, despite the movement of the two portions 13, 14 relative to each other. The friction device 23 has a restoring force in order to be permanently folded against the second portion 14 despite its rotational movement.

[0049] Subsequently, the electric current can flow within the electrically conductive track 22 of the second portion 14 until it reaches the light devices 9 and supplies them with electricity. Depending on the configuration of the electrically conductive tracks 22, a single electrically conductive track 22 can comprise several electrical potentials, or there can be one electrically conductive track 22 per electrical potential.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 represent a schematic view, respectively from the front and from the side, of an arrangement of a first electrical potential 24a and a second electrical potential 24b at the pivot connection 12 of the electrical conduction device.

[0051] In [Fig. 4], the first electrical potential 24a constitutes a central section 25 of the pivot connection 12, while the second electrical potential 24b is in the form of an annular ring 26. An electrical insulation element 27 is interposed between the central section 25 and the annular ring 26, in order to isolate the electrical potentials 24 from each other, and to avoid any short circuit within the electrical circuit used to power the lighting device. Such a configuration can extend as far as within the second portion 14.

[0052] [Fig. 5] illustrates that each of the parts of the pivot connection 12, such as the central section 25 or the annular ring 26, can have different lengths. This guarantees accessibility of the first electrical potential 24a without creating a short circuit with the second electrical potential 24b. The connection can for example be done with one or more friction devices 23 as described previously. The first portion 13 can comprise several electrically conductive tracks in order to correctly isolate the two electrical potentials 24. Thanks to this configuration and to all of those previously described, the light device of the assembly is electrically powered without the need to arrange a plurality of electrical wires forming a more bulky and more fragile electrical installation mechanically speaking.

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0054] The invention, as just described, achieves the aim it set itself, and makes it possible to propose a lighting assembly comprising an electrical conduction device ensuring both the mechanical movement of shutters and the electrical power supply of lighting devices arranged on said shutters. Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they comprise a lighting assembly in accordance with the invention.

Claims

1.

2. Claims Front face (2) light assembly (3) intended to equip a motor vehicle (1), the light assembly (3) comprising at least one frame (4) delimiting a passage (5) configured to allow an air flow (6) to pass therethrough and at least one device (7) for closing the passage (5), the closing device (7) comprising at least one closing flap (8) capable of switching between a first position in which the closing flap (8) prevents the passage of the air flow (6) and a second position in which the closing flap (8) allows the passage of the air flow (6), the closing device (7) comprising at least one light device (9) carried by the closing flap (8), the light assembly (3) further comprising at least one electrical power supply member (11) configured to electrically power the light device (9),characterized in that the light assembly (3) comprises at least one electrical conduction device (10) arranged between the electrical supply member (11) and the light device (9), the electrical conduction device (10) comprising at least one electrically conductive pivot connection (12), the electrical conduction device (10) comprising a first portion (13) and a second portion (14), linked together by the pivot connection (12), each of the portions (13, 14) being configured to carry the electric current between the electrical supply member (11) and the light device (9), the first portion (13) and the second portion (14) being entirely made of an electrically conductive material, the electrical conduction device (10) being arranged at a first longitudinal end (19) of the shutter (8), said shutter (8) comprising a second longitudinal end (20),the light assembly (3) comprising an electrically conductive part (21) connected to the second longitudinal end (20), the electrically conductive part (21) being configured to be electrically connected to a ground (18)., Light assembly (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the first portion (13) moves by translation (T) while the second portion (14) moves by rotation (R).

3. A light assembly according to claim 2, wherein the shutter (8) comprises a shutter portion (15) and at least one arm (16), the arm (16) constituting the second portion (14) of the electrical conduction device (10), the arm (16) comprising a rotation shaft (28) of the shutter (8).

4. Light assembly (3) according to claim 2, comprising a control member (17) configured to actuate the first portion (13) of the electrical conduction device (10).

5. A light assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion (13) and the second portion (14) are made of an electrically insulating material, the first portion (13) and the second portion (14) comprising at least one electrically conductive track (22).

6. A light assembly (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive pivot connection (12) comprises at least two electrical potentials (24) separated from each other by an electrical insulation element (27) and wherein a first electrical potential (24a) is in the form of a central section (25) at the pivot connection (12), and a second electrical potential (24b) is in the form of an annular ring (26) arranged around the electrical insulation element (27).

7. A light assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first portion (13) comprises at least one friction device (23) configured to electrically connect the first portion (13) to the second portion (14) during switching between the first position and the second position.

Images