Adjustable motor vehicle grille

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable grille for a motor vehicle comprising: an upper cross member (30) opposite a lower cross member (32) and two lateral uprights (62, 64) delimiting an opening (34), said opening having a left part symmetrical to a right part with respect to a median zone (28); two pluralities of flaps (38, 41) respectively having an upper pivot (50) and an opposite lower pivot (52) respectively engaging in the upper (30) and lower (32) cross members.The grille further comprises: two links (66, 68) each having two opposite ends, said two links being extended respectively in line with said left and right parts along one of said crosspieces (30) to be able to be connected to each of said flaps (38, 41); a motorized shaft (82) installed in said middle zone, to receive in engagement one of the two ends of each of said two links (66, 68); Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3A.

Description

Title of the invention: Adjustable motor vehicle grille

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable motor vehicle grille allowing the air intake to be modulated.

[0002] Motor vehicles with thermal or electric engines require an air intake at the front to be able to cool the elements of the powertrain when it is in operation.

[0003] Thus, the grille, installed in the front face of vehicles, usually has an air intake opening which extends transversely, which opening is equipped with a grille. Also, the dimensions of the opening are predefined and they offer a compromise between good ventilation of the powertrain and a good coefficient of penetration into the air of the vehicle.

[0004] However, when the motor vehicle is moving at high speed, the entry of air through the grille causes resistance to movement and it is then advantageous to close the opening. But when the powertrain is relatively hot, for example in the mountains, it is conversely necessary for the opening to be free.

[0005] Also, it has been imagined to implement movable flaps pivoting across the opening and thus, to automatically adjust the flaps in a position of closing the opening when the vehicle is moving at high speed, or in a position in which they allow the passage of air through the opening when a need for cooling of the powertrain is necessary.

[0006] Reference may be made in particular to document WO2013092141, which discloses such adjustable shutters.

[0007] Also, the shutters are driven in movement by means of a movable frame and connecting rods connected to each of the shutters and to the frame. The frame is then driven in translational movement by means of an electric motor. It then drives the shutters between a position in which they extend along a plane parallel to the mean plane defined by the opening, when they obstruct it, and a position in which they extend substantially perpendicularly to it to release it.

[0008] This method of driving the shutters uses a large number of parts cooperating with each other. As a result, these parts occupy a relatively large space. In addition, their cooperation gives rise to risks of jamming and arching.

[0009] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to resolve is to propose a more reliable adjustable grille which is also of advantageous cost.

[0010] In order to solve this problem, and according to a first object, an adjustable motor vehicle grille is proposed comprising: an upper cross member opposite a lower crosspiece and two lateral uprights delimiting a transverse air passage opening, said transverse opening having a left part symmetrical to a right part with respect to a median zone; two pluralities of flaps adapted to be mounted respectively through the left and right parts of said transverse opening so that the flaps of each of said pluralities of flaps are regularly spaced from each other, each of the flaps having an upper pivot and an opposite lower pivot engaging respectively in the upper and lower crosspieces.

[0011] The adjustable grille further comprises: two links each having two opposite ends, said two links being extended respectively in line with said left and right parts of said opening along one of said crosspieces so as to be able to be connected to each of said flaps; a motorized shaft installed in said middle zone in the vicinity of said one of said crosspieces, to receive in engagement one of the two ends of each of said two links; and said motorized shaft is intended to be driven in rotation in a first direction to simultaneously drive said links in translation in two directions opposite to each other so as to control the pivoting of the flaps of said two pluralities of flaps.

[0012] Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of two relatively flexible links to which the two pluralities of shutters are connected. And the two links are driven simultaneously in translation by means of a single shaft on which they are capable of being wound. Therefore, the two pluralities of shutters are driven simultaneously in pivoting. In other words, the two links are driven in translation by means of the single motorized shaft in two opposite directions from each other and concomitantly, the shutters of the two pluralities of shutters are driven in pivoting in two opposite directions also, as will be explained in more detail below. The number of parts is thus reduced compared to the adjustable grilles according to the prior art.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the grille comprises two elastic return members respectively connected to the other ends of said links. The two elastic return members are for example made of a helical metal wire made of "spring" steel. In this way, when the motorized shaft is driven in rotation in the first direction, the two links are driven in translation in two opposite directions, and thereby, the two elastic return members are stretched. Therefore, when the motorized shaft is driven in rotation in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, it then simultaneously releases the two links, which are driven in translation by their opposite end, by means of the elastic return members which then relax. As a result, the shutters are driven in pivoting to return to their original position.

[0014] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said two links extend respectively in a loop, from said shaft to said lateral edges and from said lateral edges to said median zone. In other words, the two links each have a first strand which connects the corresponding flaps together up to the corresponding lateral edge, and in its extension, a second strand which extends back to the motorized shaft. In this way, when the motorized shaft is driven in rotation, the first strands are driven in translation in opposite directions to each other, while the flaps of the two pluralities of flaps pivot in opposite directions allowing the passage of air.

[0015] Furthermore, the calender comprises two return pulleys installed respectively in the vicinity of said lateral edges. The two strands thus engage respectively in the two pulleys to facilitate the translation of the first strands.

[0016] Preferably, according to the invention, said two links are extended along said upper crosspiece. Such a configuration allows easier access to the links and facilitates their mounting on the shutters.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, said two links are each advantageously molded in one piece from an elastomer material. A relatively rigid elastomer material will be chosen. Such an implementation makes it possible to obtain links of relatively complex shape with a suitable thickness. In addition, thanks to the elasticity, functional clearances are avoided.

[0018] Furthermore, it will be observed that the links are operated in traction, by which we also avoid jamming and bracing.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of said two elastic return members and each of said two links are co-molded together with two separate elastomeric materials to form a single piece. In this way, the elastic return means are made of an elastomeric material having greater elasticity than that intended for the two links. In other words, there is no need to provide an additional elastic return member, for example of the metal helical spring type. The elastic return member is directly integrated into the links. This saves assembly time, and the longevity of the connection between the link and the return member is increased because friction is eliminated.

[0020] Also, according to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, said two links respectively have orifices regularly spaced from each other so that they can be connected to each of said flaps. According to one embodiment of the invention, the links are directly molded by forming eyelets regularly spaced from each other. According to another embodiment, the links have bulges in which blind holes are made.

[0021] According to the invention, each of said flaps comprises a connecting member located at a distance from one of said lower or upper pivots to respectively connect said two links to each of the flaps of said two pluralities of flaps. Preferably, the connecting members are formed of a rod surmounted by a spherical head adapted to be clipped inside said aforementioned bulges.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the connecting members are formed of a rod surmounted by a flat head, which rods are engaged respectively in the aforementioned eyelets.

[0023] Furthermore, and according to the invention, the two ends of each of said two links are held in engagement in two diametrically opposite portions of said motorized shaft. Consequently, when the motorized shaft is rotated, the two ends are concomitantly wound around the shaft and thus cause the strands to translate towards each other.

[0024] According to another object, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle equipped with an adjustable grille as described above.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic front view of a motor vehicle equipped with an adjustable grille in accordance with the invention; [Fig.2] is a schematic three-quarter front left view of the object of the invention; [Fig.3A] is a partial rear and perspective schematic view of the object of [Fig.2]; [Fig.3B] is a schematic detail view of the object of [Fig.3A]; [Fig.4] is a schematic detail view of [Fig. 3] in perspective, according to a first mode of implementation; [Fig.5] is a schematic detail view of [Fig. 3] in perspective, according to a second mode of implementation; [Fig.6] is a schematic detail view of [Fig. 3] in perspective, according to a first variant embodiment; [Fig.7] is a schematic detail view of [Fig. 3] in perspective, according to a second variant embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.l] shows a motor vehicle 10, seen from the front, and it is inscribed in an orthogonal reference frame X, Y, Z, in which the X axis extends in a front-rear longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, oriented towards the rear; the Y axis extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right when in a rolling situation; and the Z axis extends in a vertical direction, oriented away from the ground.

[0027] The motor vehicle 10 is equipped, on its front face, with a grille 12 having an upper part 14 and a lower part 16. Also, the vehicle 10 has a front compartment 18 in which is housed a power unit not shown and located behind the grille 12.

[0028] Also, the lower part 16 of the grille 12, which is the subject of the invention, will be described with reference to [Fig. 2]. It will be observed that the upper part 14 could also be the subject of the invention.

[0029] The lower part 16 of the grille is curved. It extends longitudinally from a left end 20 to a right end 22. It has a left part 24 symmetrical to a right part 26 with respect to a median plane Pm.

[0030] Also, the median plane Pm intersects the lower part 16 in a median zone 28.

[0031] The lower part 16 of the grille has an opposite upper cross member 30 to a lower crosspiece 32. The crosspieces 30, 32 define between the two, a transverse opening 34. The upper crosspiece 30 and the lower crosspiece 32 extend substantially parallel to each other and they are connected together at their ends 20, 22 to form a single piece.

[0032] The opening 34 is here closed by two pluralities of flaps, a plurality 36 of right flaps 38 and a plurality 37 of left flaps 41 opposite relative to the middle zone 28.

[0033] In [Fig.3A], in rear view, we will find only the upper 30 and lower 32 crosspieces connected to each other at their ends 20, 22 and together defining the opening 34.

[0034] We also find in [Fig.3A], in rear and bottom view, the left flaps 41 and the right flaps 38 engaged in the upper 30 and lower 32 crosspieces as will be explained more precisely with regard to [Fig.3B].

[0035] In [Fig.3B], we partially find the upper crosspiece 30 and the lower crosspiece 32 parallel to each other. We also find the plurality 36 of right flaps 38 and partially, the plurality 37 of left flaps 41, all in a state of closing the opening 34.

[0036] Each of the flaps 38 has a front closure wall 42 and a parallel rear fin 44, connected by four spacers. Also, each of the flaps 38 has an upper flange 46 opposite a lower flange 48, which flanges extend between the front closure wall 42 and the rear fin 44.

[0037] Furthermore, the upper flange 46 is provided with an upper pivot 50 extending substantially midway between the rear fin 44 and the front wall 42, and in a direction substantially parallel to them. On the other hand, and coaxially, the lower flange 48 is provided with a lower pivot 52. Also, the upper pivot 50 is mounted rotatably in the upper crosspiece 30, while the lower pivot 52 is mounted coaxially rotatably in the lower crosspiece 32.

[0038] In addition, each of the upper flanges 46 is provided with a rod 54 spaced from the upper pivot 50 and extending in line with the rear fin 44. The rod 54 extends substantially parallel to the pivot 50 and is surmounted by a spherical head 56.

[0039] In addition, each of the upper flanges 46 is provided with a rod 54 spaced from the upper pivot 50 and extending in line with the rear fin 44. The rod 54 extends substantially parallel to the pivot 50 and is surmounted by a spherical head 56.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the front closing walls 42 of each of the flaps 38 has a notched edge having a notch 58 and opposite, a complementary edge having a projecting tab 60. Thus, the flaps 38 of the plurality of straight flaps are all identical and their notched edge is adapted to cooperate with their complementary edge, the projecting tab 60 being housed in the notch 58. In this way, as shown in [Fig.3B] the closing walls 42 of all the flaps 38 cooperate to close the opening 34.

[0041] The left flaps 41 of the plurality of flaps 37 are identical to the right flaps 48 except for their orientation and the position of their rod 54.

[0042] Indeed, all the flaps are symmetrical with respect to a median plane intersecting them transversely. As regards the left flaps 41, they are oriented at 180° with respect to the right flaps 38, so that their lower pivot 52 is engaged in rotation in the upper crosspiece 30, while their upper pivot 50 is engaged in rotation in the lower crosspiece 32.

[0043] As regards the rod 54 surmounted by the spherical head 56, it thus extends from the lower flange 48.

[0044] It will be observed that the right flaps 38 are respectively symmetrical to the left flaps 41, with respect to the median plane Pm.

[0045] It will also be observed, in [Fig.3A], that the upper 30 and lower 32 crosspieces are connected at their ends, on one side by a right lateral upright 62 and on the other side by a left lateral upright 64. In addition, they are connected together in the center by a median upright 63. In addition, the anchoring member 65 extends in projection from the upper crosspiece 30 in line with the median upright 63.

[0046] Furthermore, all the right flaps 38 are connected to each other by means of a right elastomer link 66 and symmetrically, all the left flaps 41 are connected to each other by means of a left elastomer link 68.

[0047] The straight elastomer link 66 has a first straight strand 70 secured to the rods 54 of the straight flaps 38, and which extends to a straight return pulley 72, then subsequently looped by a second straight strand 74.

[0048] The straight elastomer link 66 has a first straight end 76, corresponding to the end of the first straight strand 70, connected to the anchoring member 65 by means of a helical spring 78. And the straight link 66 has a second straight end 80 corresponding to the end of the second straight strand 74, connected to a drive shaft 82 of a geared motor 84. The latter includes a remotely controllable electric motor.

[0049] [Fig.4] illustrates in detail the method of connecting the first straight strand 70 with the stems 54.

[0050] First of all, it will be observed that the straight link 66 has a substantially circular section. Also, it is molded in one piece in a relatively rigid polyurethane. Also, for each of the flaps 38, the first straight strand 70 has a spherical protuberance 86 in which a blind hole 88 is formed. Also, the spherical head 56 of the rod 54 is force-fitted inside the protuberance 86 through the blind hole 88. The blind hole 88 has a diameter substantially smaller than that of the rod 54 and the spherical head 56, so that the rod 54 is engaged in the protuberance 86 and is captive therein.

[0051] Also, the protrusions 86 of the first straight strand 70 are regularly spaced from each other by a pitch corresponding to the distance which separates the flaps 38, themselves regularly spaced from each other.

[0052] [Fig.5] shows an alternative embodiment, in which the first strand 70” has, not a protuberance, but an 86” eyelet, while the 54” rod is topped with a 56” flat head. The 86” eyelet is easily made during the molding of the ties. In addition, it can be deformed to be able to engage the 56” flat head through it and carry it around the 54” rod. Thus, the first 70” strand is secured to the 54” rod at the 86” eyelet.

[0053] We will now refer to [Fig.6] which shows in detail the geared motor 84 and its drive shaft 82, which has an axis of rotation R substantially parallel to the central crosspiece 63.

[0054] We also find the second right end 80 of the right link 66, which second end 80 is extended by a loop 90 in which the drive shaft 82 is engaged. The loop 90 is molded with the right link 66 and also with the left link 68 in a diametrically opposite manner.

[0055] In addition, the drive shaft 82 has two diametrically opposed radial lugs, a right radial lug 92 and a left radial lug 94 masked by the geared motor 84. The radial lugs 92, 94 respectively have a right lug 96 and a left lug 98 passing respectively through the right link 66 and the left link 68 at the junction with the loop 90.

[0056] According to another embodiment as shown in [Fig.7], in which we find all the elements of the object of [Fig.6], except the loop 90 which is replaced by a metal ring 90' for example, which connects together the second right end 80 of the right link 66 to the second left end 80' of the left link 68 respectively to the right of the lugs 96, 98.

[0057] Also, as illustrated in [Fig.3A] to which reference will be made again, like the right elastomer link 66 and symmetrically, the left link 68 has a first left strand 70' secured to the rods 54' of the left flaps 41, and extended to a left return pulley 72' to then extend in a loop thanks to a second left strand 74'.

[0058] Similarly, the left link 68 has a first left end 76', corresponding to the end of the first right strand 70', and connected to the anchoring member 65 by means of a left helical spring 78'.

[0059] Also, the method of connecting the first left strand 70' with the rods 54' of the left flaps 41 is completely identical to that of the first right strand 70 with the rods 54 of the right flaps 38.

[0060] It will be observed that, in the example presented in [Fig.3A], the two right 66 and left 68 links are molded in one piece and are joined together by the loop 90. Also, due to the elastic nature of the links 66, 68, they can be substantially tensioned. In [Fig.3A], the return springs 78, 78' are at rest and as indicated above, the flaps 38, 41 are in a first position where the front closing walls 42 cooperate respectively with each other to close the opening 34.

[0061] According to another variant embodiment, not shown, not only are the two right and left links molded in one piece and are joined together by the loop, but in addition, they are co-molded together with the two elastic return members in two different elastomer materials, forming only one piece. The elastomer dedicated to the elastic return means is co-injected into a material having greater elasticity than that intended for the two links.

[0062] Also, from the situation illustrated in [Fig.3A], the geared motor is powered to cause the rotation of the drive shaft 82. Consequently, the second right strand 74 and the second left strand 74' are driven in translation towards each other, while the first right strand 70 and the first left strand 70' are driven in translation in opposite directions from each other.

[0063] In this way, the right rods 54 of the right flaps 38 and the left rods 54' of the left flaps 41 are respectively driven into movement simultaneously in two opposite directions from each other so as to pivot the left flaps 41 in a pivoting direction opposite to that of the right flaps 38. Thus seen from below, the flaps 41 are driven to pivot clockwise, while the left flaps 38 are driven to pivot counterclockwise.

[0064] Furthermore, during the pivoting of the flaps 38, 41, the two return springs 78, 78' are simultaneously driven into extension. The pivoting amplitude of the flaps 38, 41 can be adjusted to a desired position by interrupting the operation of the gear motor. The right 66 and left 68 links then remain taut thanks to the two return springs 78, 78'.

[0065] From this first operating phase, when the drive shaft 82 is controlled in rotation in the opposite direction, the second right 74 and left 74' strands are released while the return springs 78, 78' return to their initial position and compensate for this release. Consequently, conversely, the first right 70 and left 70' strands are driven in translation towards each other and then cause the rotation of the right flaps 38 and the left flaps 41 in opposite directions towards their original position where the closing walls 42 close the opening 34.

Claims

Claims

1. Adjustable grille for a motor vehicle comprising: - an upper cross member (30) opposite a lower cross member (32) and two lateral uprights (62, 64) delimiting a transverse opening (34) for the passage of air, said transverse opening having a left part symmetrical with a right part with respect to a median zone (28); - two pluralities of flaps (38, 41) adapted to be mounted respectively through the left and right parts of said transverse opening (34) so that the flaps (38, 41) of each of said pluralities of flaps are regularly spaced from each other, each of the flaps having an upper pivot (50) and an opposite lower pivot (52) engaging respectively in the upper (30) and lower (32) cross members;characterized in that it further comprises: - two links (66, 68) each having two opposite ends, said two links being extended respectively in line with said left and right parts of said opening (34) along one of said crosspieces (30) so as to be able to be connected to each of said flaps (38, 41); - a motorized shaft (82) installed in said middle zone in the vicinity of said one of said crosspieces (30), to receive in engagement one of the two ends of each of said two links (66, 68); and in that said motorized shaft (82) is intended to be driven in rotation in a first direction to simultaneously drive in translation said links (66, 68) in two opposite directions from each other so as to control the pivoting of the flaps (38, 41) of said two pluralities of flaps.;

2. Calender according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two elastic return members (78, 78') respectively connected to the other ends (76, 76') of said links.

3. Grille according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said two links (66, 68) extend respectively in a loop, from said shaft (82) to said lateral edges and from said lateral edges to said median zone.

4. Calender according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises two return pulleys (72, 72') installed respectively in the vicinity of said lateral edges.

5. Grille according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said two links (66, 68) are extended along said upper crosspiece (30).

6. Grille according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said two links (66, 68) are each molded in one piece from an elastomeric material.

7. Grille according to claims 2 and 6, characterized in that each of said two elastic return members (78, 78') and each of said two links (66, 68) are co-molded together with two separate elastomeric materials forming a single piece.

8. Grille according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said two links (66, 68) respectively have orifices regularly spaced from each other so as to be able to be connected to each of said flaps (38, 41).

9. Grille according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each of said flaps (38, 41) comprises a connecting member (54) located at a distance from one of said lower or upper pivots (50) to respectively connect said two links (66, 68) to each of the flaps (38, 41) of said two pluralities of flaps.

10. Calender according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the two ends (80, 80') of each of said two links (66, 68) are held in engagement in two diametrically opposite portions of said motorized shaft (82).

11. Motor vehicle characterized in that it is equipped with an adjustable grille according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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