LUMINOUS GRILLE, ABSORBING SHOCKS, FOR A VEHICLE
The luminous grille design addresses the challenge of front impact absorption by incorporating a central part of reduced depth, allowing for deformation and energy absorption without contact with nearby elements, thus reducing breakage and repair costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023014072
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing luminous grilles in vehicles face challenges during front impacts, particularly in cluttered environments, as their significant depth and fixed installation can lead to breakage and increased repair costs due to abrupt recoil and contact with nearby elements.
A luminous grille design with a housing featuring two lateral parts and a central part of reduced depth, allowing for central depression without contacting elements behind it during impacts, thereby creating a clearance for energy absorption without risking damage from contact.
The reduced depth of the central part enables the luminous grille to deform and absorb impact energy without breaking or causing damage to nearby vehicle components, reducing repair costs and improving installation flexibility in cluttered spaces.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: LUMINOUS GRILLE WITHSTANDING SHOCKS, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to luminous grilles intended to be installed in the central areas of the front ends of certain vehicles. State of the art
[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include a luminous grille installed in the central area of their front end, and comprising:
[0003] - a housing which at least partially delimits a cavity housing a central part comprising a logo and a lighting device capable of generating light illuminating at least the central part, possibly from the rear, and
[0004] - a protective glass fixedly secured to the housing, for example by welding or gluing, closing the cavity in front of the central piece.
[0005] Due to its positioning, this type of luminous grille must participate, in the event of an impact suffered by the front end of the vehicle, in absorbing part of the energy of this impact. As a result, the housing of the luminous grille has a depth (in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) which is relatively significant, which makes it difficult to install the luminous grille when at least part of the area located behind it is heavily cluttered (which is frequently the case).When an element or equipment is fixedly installed at a very short distance from the rear face of the housing, as is frequently the case in the central part of the latter, it is common during a front impact that the longitudinal recoil of the luminous grille is abruptly interrupted by the contact of its housing with this element or equipment, which generally causes the breakage of the luminous grille and / or damage to the aforementioned element or equipment, and therefore increases the cost of repairs.
[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose a luminous grille suitable for equipping a central zone of a front end of a vehicle, and comprising, on the one hand, a housing at least partially delimiting a cavity housing a central part comprising a logo and a lighting device suitable for generating a light illuminating at least the central part, and, on the other hand, a protective glass fixedly secured to the housing by closing the cavity in front of the central part.
[0008] This luminous grille is characterized by the fact that its housing includes:
[0009] - two lateral parts, right and left, having a first average depth, and
[0010] - a central part interposed between the side parts, housing the central piece and having a second average depth strictly less than the first average depth in order to allow central depression of the luminous grille without contact with an element of the vehicle placed behind it in the event of an impact suffered by the front end of the vehicle.
[0011] Thanks to this reduced depth of the central part, an empty recess is defined defining a clearance and allowing the deformation by depression of the luminous grille during a front impact, to absorb part of the energy of this impact, almost without risk of crushing against an element (or equipment) of the vehicle installed behind this empty recess.
[0012] The luminous grille according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0013] - the first average depth can be between 35 mm and 50 mm;
[0014] - the second average depth can be between 20 mm and 30 mm;
[0015] - it can comprise, on the one hand, two rear masks installed on the right and on the left of the central part respectively in the side parts of the housing and suitable for masking technical parts of the housing, and, on the other hand, two internal windows installed to the right and left of the central part respectively in the side parts of the housing and between the rear masks and the protective window. In this case, the lighting device may be suitable for generating lights illuminating the internal windows respectively;
[0016] - in the presence of the last option, each of the internal windows can comprise a front face on which three-dimensional elements are defined, together defining a radiator grille;
[0017] - the lighting device may comprise a light diffuser installed in the central part of the housing behind the central part and capable of diffusing part of the light generated towards a rear face of the latter;
[0018] - in the presence of the last two options, the lighting device may comprise at least at least three light sources capable of generating lights respectively for the light diffuser and the internal glass;
[0019] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each light source can comprise at least one light-emitting diode.
[0020] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a front end comprising a central zone, and, on the other hand, a luminous grille of the type presented above and installed in the central part of this front end. Brief description of the figures
[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:
[0022] [Fig.l] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view from the front face side, an exemplary embodiment of a luminous grille according to the invention,
[0023] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top view, the light grille of [Fig.l],
[0024] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view, elements of the light grille of figures 1 and 2, before their assembly,
[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical at the level of the left side part of the housing, the light grille of figures 1 and 2, and
[0026] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in another long plane horizontal and vertical at the level of the central part of the housing, the luminous grille of figures 1 and 2. Detailed description of the invention
[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose a luminous grille CL intended to be installed in a central zone of a front end of a vehicle, and making it possible to absorb front impacts in a cluttered environment.
[0028] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is of the automobile type. It is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle comprising a front end having a central zone to accommodate a luminous grille.
[0029] In Figures 1 to 5, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.
[0030] Furthermore, in the foregoing and the following, the concept of "front" is defined in relation to the front end of the vehicle, and the concept of "rear" is defined in relation to the rear end of the vehicle (opposite the front end). Consequently, the front part of an element is (intended to be) oriented towards the front end of the vehicle, while the rear part of this element is (intended to be) oriented towards the rear end of the vehicle.
[0031] Figures 1 to 5 schematically illustrate an example of the embodiment of a luminous grille CL according to the invention (assembled (figures 1, 2, 4 and 5) or unassembled ([Fig.3])), intended to be installed in the central zone of the front end of a vehicle (here a car).
[0032] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 5, a luminous grille CL, according to the invention, comprising at least one housing BC, a central part PCL comprising a logo (not illustrated, and representative of the vehicle brand), a lighting device DE and a protective glass GP.
[0033] The housing BC at least partially delimits a cavity CB which houses in particular the central part PCL and the lighting device DE (see [Fig.3]) which is capable of generating at least one light intended to illuminate at least the central part PCL.
[0034] The protective glass GP is fixedly secured to the housing BC by closing the cavity CB in front of the central part PCL. This fixed fastening can be done, for example, by welding or gluing. But it could also be done by screwing and / or clipping.
[0035] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 5, the BC housing comprises two lateral parts PLBj, right (j = 1) and left (j = 2), and a central part PCB interposed between (and extended to the right and left respectively by) these lateral parts PLBj.
[0036] Each of the lateral parts PLBj has a first average depth el (here along the longitudinal direction X), adapted to the environment of the central zone of the front end of the vehicle, and more precisely behind it (PLBj).
[0037] Furthermore, the central part PCB houses the central part PCL and has a second average depth e2 (here along the longitudinal direction X) which is strictly less than the first average depth el. This reduced depth of the central part PCB allows the central depression of the luminous grille CL without contact with an element of the vehicle placed behind it (CL), in the event of an impact suffered by the front end of the vehicle.
[0038] It will be understood that this reduced depth of the central part PCB allows the external faces of the central part PCB and of a portion of the lateral parts PLBj to locally define an empty recess RJ over a depth equal to (el - e2), and defining a clearance. This empty recess RJ allows the deformation by depression of the luminous grille CL during a front impact, to absorb part of the energy of this impact, almost without risk of crushing against an element (or equipment) of the vehicle installed behind this empty recess RJ. This makes it possible to reduce the probability of breakage of the luminous grille CL and / or damage to the element (or equipment) of the vehicle installed behind the empty recess RJ, and therefore to reduce repair costs.
[0039] For example, the first average depth el can be between 35 mm and 50 mm. For example, this first average depth el can be equal to 42 mm. But other values of this first average depth el can be chosen, provided that they are strictly greater than the second average depth e2.
[0040] Also for example, the second average depth e2 can be between 20 mm and 30 mm. For example, this second average depth e2 can be equal to 25 mm. But other values of this second average depth e2 can be chosen, provided that they are strictly less than the first average depth el.
[0041] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, the luminous grille CL can also comprise two rear masks MRj, right (j = 1) and left (j = 2), and two internal windows Glj, right (j = 1) and left (j = 2). The two rear masks MRj are installed to the right and left of the central part PCL respectively in the right and left lateral parts PLBj, and are suitable for masking technical parts of the housing BC. The two internal windows Glj are installed to the right and left of the central part PCL respectively in the right and left lateral parts PLBj and between the right and left rear masks MRj and the protective window GP. In this case, the lighting device DE is also suitable for generating lights intended to illuminate the internal windows Glj respectively.Thus, almost the entire front part of the CL light grille visible through its GP protective glass is lit (or illuminated), possibly by backlighting (as we will see later).
[0042] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], each of the internal windows Glj may comprise a front face FV, oriented towards the protective window GP, and on which three-dimensional elements ET are defined which together define a radiator grille. It will be noted that in the illustrated example the three-dimensional elements ET extend substantially in the vertical direction Z in order to define lines parallel to each other. But three-dimensional elements ET could extend substantially in the vertical direction Z and other three-dimensional elements ET could extend substantially in the transverse direction Y, in order to define a grid, for example. It would also be possible to have three-dimensional elements ET extending substantially in two directions perpendicular to each other and different from the vertical direction Z and transverse direction Y, in order to define a grid, for example.
[0043] These three-dimensional elements ET can have a rectangular or triangular or even trapezoidal cross-section, for example.
[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figures 3 and 5, the lighting device DE may comprise a light diffuser DL which is installed in the central part PCB of the BC housing, behind the central part PCL. This light diffuser DL is capable of diffusing part of the light generated by the lighting device DE towards the rear face FR of the central part PCL. This light diffuser DL can be a flat-type light guide which returns the light, injected into at least one of its sides by the lighting device DE, towards the rear face FR of the central part PCL in order to illuminate it from the rear in a substantially homogeneous manner. But in an alternative embodiment, it would be possible to do without the light diffuser DL and to carry out lighting of the front face of the central part PCL (opposite its rear face FR).
[0045] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in Figures 3 and 4, the lighting device DE can comprise at least three light sources SLk which are capable of generating lights respectively for the light diffuser DL and the two internal glass panes Glj.
[0046] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly and partially in [Fig. 3], the lighting device DE comprises four light sources SLk (k = 1 to 4). First SL1 (k = 1) and second SL2 (k = 2) light sources are suitable for generating first and second lights respectively for two opposite sides (and here substantially vertical (parallel to the vertical direction Z)) of the light diffuser DL. Third SL3 (k = 3) and fourth SL4 (k = 4) light sources are suitable for generating third and fourth lights respectively for the two internal glass panes Glj.For this purpose, the first SL1 and second SL2 light sources can be mounted respectively on two support plates which are fixedly secured to the two opposite sides (here vertical) of the light diffuser DL, and the third SL3 and fourth SL4 light sources can be mounted respectively on two electronic cards CE coupled to the two support plates and controlling the generation of the four lights.
[0047] For example, the two electronic cards CE can be installed respectively on two transverse sides (here substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y and upper) of the internal windows Glj. Also for example, each electronic card CE can be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).
[0048] Also for example, each light source SLk may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But as a variant each light source SLk may comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser.
Claims
Claims
1. Luminous grille (CL) suitable for equipping a central area of a front end of a vehicle, and comprising i) a housing (BC) at least partially delimiting a cavity (CB) housing a central part (PCL) comprising a logo and a lighting device (DE) suitable for generating a light illuminating at least said central part (PCL), and ii) a protective glass (GP) fixedly secured to said housing (BC) by closing said cavity (CB) in front of said central part (PCL), characterized in that said housing (BC) comprises a) two lateral parts (PLBj), right and left, having a first average depth, and b) a central part (PCB) interposed between said lateral parts (PLBj),housing said central part (PCL) and having a second average depth strictly less than said first average depth in order to allow central depression of said luminous grille (CL) without contact with an element of said vehicle placed behind it (CL) in the event of an impact suffered by said front end.,
2. Luminous grille according to claim 1, characterized in that said first average depth is between 35 mm and 50 mm.
3. Luminous grille according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second average depth is between 20 mm and 30 mm.
4. Luminous grille according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises i) two rear masks (MRj) installed to the right and left of said central part (PCL) respectively in said lateral parts (PLBj) and suitable for masking technical parts of said housing (BC), and ii) two internal windows (Glj) installed to the right and left of said central part (PCL) respectively in said lateral parts (PLBj) and between said rear masks (MRj) and said protective window (GP), and in that said lighting device (DE) is suitable for generating lights illuminating respectively said internal windows (Glj).
5. Luminous grille according to claim 4, characterized in that each of said internal windows (Glj) comprises a front face (FV) on which three-dimensional elements (ET) are defined together defining a grille grid.
6. Luminous grille according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said lighting device (DE) comprises a light diffuser (DL) installed in said central part (PCB) behind said central part (PCL) and capable of diffusing a part of said generated light towards a rear face (FR) of the latter (PCL).
7. Luminous grille according to claim 4 or 5 taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that said lighting device (DE) comprises at least three light sources (SLk) capable of generating lights respectively for said light diffuser (DL) and said internal windows (Glj).
8. Luminous grille according to claim 7, characterized in that each light source (SLk) comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
9. Vehicle comprising a front end having a central zone, characterized in that it further comprises a luminous grille (CL) according to one of claims 1 to 8, installed in said central zone of the front end.
10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.
Citation Information
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