Illuminated grille with independent lights, for a vehicle
The luminous grille with independent lighting systems for central and lateral parts addresses the limitation of existing vehicle lighting by allowing separate illumination, enhancing stylistic and technical effects through isolation elements.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle lighting systems, particularly those with a central lighted grille, lack the ability to independently highlight both the central logo and lateral parts, limiting stylistic and technical effects and diversity of lighting signatures.
A luminous grille with independent lighting systems for the central piece and lateral parts, utilizing isolation elements to prevent photon interference, allowing separate illumination and enhanced lighting effects.
Enables distinct highlighting of the central logo and lateral areas, increasing the diversity of vehicle lighting signatures and achieving technical or stylistic effects.
Smart Images
Figure 00000010_0000 
Figure 00000010_0001 
Figure 00000011_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Illuminated grille with independent lights, for a vehicle Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to illuminated grilles intended to be installed in the central areas of the front ends of certain vehicles. State of the art
[0002] Some vehicles, generally automobiles, include a lighted grille installed in the central area of their front end, comprising a central piece with a logo and a lighting device designed to generate photons to illuminate this central piece (possibly from the rear). Sometimes, the central piece is housed in a cavity defined by a housing of the lighted grille and closed by a protective lens fixedly attached to the housing, for example by welding or bonding.
[0003] This lighting is primarily intended to highlight the logo on the illuminated grille, and therefore does not allow for the specific highlighting of one or more other parts of the illuminated grille. As a result, certain technical or stylistic effects cannot be achieved, and the diversity of vehicle lighting signatures is severely limited.
[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0005] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a luminous grille suitable for equipping a central area of a front end of a vehicle, and comprising a central piece including a logo and a first lighting device suitable for generating first photons intended to illuminate the central piece.
[0006] This illuminated grille is characterized by the fact that it also comprises:
[0007] - two lateral parts installed to the right and left of the central piece,
[0008] - a second lighting device capable of generating second photons intended to illuminate the side areas, and
[0009] - isolation elements designed to prevent the passage of first photons towards the lateral parts and second photons towards the central part.
[0010] Thanks to these independent lights, dedicated respectively to the specific highlighting of the central piece and the two lateral parts, and not interfering with each other, it is now possible to obtain certain technical or stylistic effects, and to increase the diversity of the light signatures of the vehicles.
[0011] The luminous grille according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0012] - its central piece may comprise two external lateral edges each equipped of an isolation element, and / or each of its lateral parts may include an internal lateral edge oriented towards one of the external lateral edges and provided with an isolation element;
[0013] - in the presence of the first option, each external lateral edge may include a rear wall extending rearward and then behind the corresponding lateral part, defining a cavity housing a corresponding internal lateral edge and defining an isolation element;
[0014] - each of its lateral parts may include, on the one hand, a rear mask installed to the right or left of its central piece and designed to conceal technical parts of the illuminated grille, and, on the other hand, an internal glass installed to the right or left of its central piece in front of the rear mask. In this case, the second lighting device may be designed to generate second photons intended to illuminate these internal glass panels;
[0015] - in the presence of the last option, each of the internal ice packs may include a front face on which three-dimensional elements are defined together to form a grille;
[0016] - the first lighting device may include an installed light diffuser behind the central piece and designed to diffuse the first photons generated towards a rear face of the latter;
[0017] - in the presence of the last two options, the first lighting device can include at least one photon source suitable for generating the first photons for the light diffuser, and the second lighting device may include two photon sources suitable for generating the second photons respectively for the internal glass;
[0018] - in the presence of the last option, each photon source can include at minus one light-emitting diode.
[0019] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising, on the one hand, a front end having a central area, 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
[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of an embodiment of a luminous grille according to the invention,
[0022] [Fig.2] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a perspective view, elements of the illuminated grille of [Fig. 1], before their assembly, and
[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a horizontal plane, a part of the luminous grille of the [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention
[0024] The invention aims in particular to provide a CL luminous grille intended to be installed in a central area of a front end of a vehicle, and having independent lighting.
[0025] In what follows, the vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be of the automobile type. For example, a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle comprising a front end having a central area designed to accommodate a light grille.
[0026] In figures 1 to 3 the direction X 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 direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0027] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the term "front" is defined with respect to the front end of the vehicle, and the term "rear" is defined with respect 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 that element is (intended to be) oriented towards the rear end of the vehicle.
[0028] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of an embodiment of a CL light grille according to the invention (assembled (Figures 1 and 3) or unassembled ([Fig.2])), intended to be installed in the central area of the front end of a vehicle (here a car).
[0029] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, a luminous grille CL, according to the invention, comprising at least one central piece PCL bearing a logo LO (representing the vehicle brand), first lighting devices DE1 and second lighting devices DE2, right and left side parts PLBj (j = 1 or 2), and insulating elements EL
[0030] Preferably, the luminous grille CL also includes a housing BC which at least partially delimits a cavity CB which houses in particular the central piece PCL, the first DE1 and second DE2 lighting devices, the side parts PLBj and the insulation elements El (see [Fig.3]).
[0031] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, the illuminated grille CL may also include a protective lens GP fixedly attached to the housing BC by closing the cavity CB in front of the central piece PCL and the lateral parts PLBj. This fixed attachment can be achieved, for example, by welding or bonding. But it could also be achieved by screwing and / or clipping.
[0032] In the presence of a BC case, the light grille CL is installed in a central PCB part of this BC case, while the side parts PLBj are respectively installed to the right and left of the central PCL part in right and left side sub-parts of the BC case.
[0033] The first lighting device DE1 is arranged to generate first photons which are intended to illuminate the central PCL piece.
[0034] The second lighting device DE2 is arranged to generate second photons which are intended to illuminate the lateral parts PLBj.
[0035] As illustrated at least partially in [Fig.3], the isolation elements El are designed to prevent the passage of first photons towards the lateral parts PLBj and of second photons towards the central part PCL. They therefore ensure a "light leakage prevention" function.
[0036] We thus have two independent lighting systems dedicated respectively to the specific highlighting of the central PCL piece (and its LO logo) and to the specific highlighting of the two lateral parts PLBj, and which do not interfere with each other thanks to the isolation elements EL. This makes it possible to obtain certain technical or stylistic effects, and to increase the diversity of the vehicles' light signatures.
[0037] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, the central PCL piece may comprise two opposing external lateral edges BLEj, each equipped with an insulating element EL, and / or each of the lateral parts PLBj may comprise an internal lateral edge BLIj oriented towards one of the external lateral edges BLEj and equipped with an insulating element. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], only the central PCL piece comprises two external lateral edges BLEj equipped with insulating elements EL. However, in unillustrated embodiments, only the lateral parts PLBj could comprise internal lateral edges BLIj equipped with insulating elements, or the central PCL piece could comprise two external lateral edges BLEj equipped with insulating elements EL and the lateral parts PLBj could include internal lateral edges BLIj equipped with isolation elements (possibly cooperating respectively with the isolation elements El).
[0038] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, each external lateral edge BLEj can include a rear wall which extends rearward and then behind the corresponding lateral part PLBj, defining a cavity housing the corresponding internal lateral edge BLIj, and which defines an isolation element El. It will be understood that in this way each internal lateral edge BLIj is surrounded (here along its entire height) by a corresponding isolation element El of the central part PCL, which makes it possible to distinguish them from each other and, above all, to prevent the transfer of photons from one to the other (and vice versa).
[0039] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in [Fig. 3], each rear wall El can be fixedly attached to the inner face of the housing BC so as to prevent it (El) from striking the corresponding inner lateral edge BLIj. Furthermore, this reinforces the immobilization of the central piece PCL relative to the housing BC. However, this is not mandatory. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 3], the attachment is made by screwing. However, it could be made by clipping.
[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, each of the side sections PLBj can include an associated rear mask MRj and an associated internal lens Glj. Each rear mask MRj is installed to the right (j = 1) or left (j = 2) of the central piece PCL and is designed to mask technical parts of the illuminated grille CL. It should be noted that each rear mask MRj can also serve as an auxiliary isolation element (or light leakage barrier) that prevents the passage of second photons to the rear, and thus prevents these second photons from reaching the central piece PCL. Each internal lens Glj is installed to the right or left of the central piece PCL in front of the associated rear mask MRj. In the presence of such side sections PLBj, the second lighting device DE2 can be designed to generate second photons intended to illuminate the internal lenses Glj.
[0041] Thus, almost the entire front part of the CL illuminated grille, observable through its possible GP protective glass, is lit (or illuminated), possibly by backlighting (as will be seen later).
[0042] By way of example, each MRj back mask can have a black color.
[0043] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], each Internal glass Glj can include a front face FV, oriented (here) towards the protective glass GP, and on which three-dimensional elements ET are defined which together define a grille. Note that in the illustrated example the Three-dimensional ET elements extend substantially along the vertical Z direction to define parallel lines. However, some three-dimensional ET elements could extend substantially along the vertical Z direction and other three-dimensional ET elements could extend substantially along the transverse Y direction to define a grid, for example. We could also have three-dimensional ET elements extending substantially along two perpendicular directions, different from the vertical Z and transverse Y directions, to define a grid, for example.
[0044] These three-dimensional ET elements can have a cross-section of rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal shape, for example.
[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, the first lighting device DE1 may include a light diffuser DL which is installed behind the central part PCL (here in the central PCB portion of the BC housing). This light diffuser DL is designed to diffuse the first photons generated by the first lighting device DE1 towards the rear face FR of the central part PCL. This light diffuser DL may be a flat light guide that reflects the first photons (or light), injected into at least one of its sides by the first lighting device DE1, towards the rear face FR of the central part PCL in order to illuminate it from the rear in a substantially homogeneous manner. However, in an alternative embodiment, the light diffuser DL could be omitted, and the front face of the central part PCL (opposite its rear face FR) could be illuminated.
[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and partially in [Fig.2], the first lighting device DE1 may include at least one SPk photon source suitable for generating the first photons for the light diffuser DL, and the second lighting device DE2 may include two SP'm photon sources suitable for generating the second photons respectively for the internal glass Glj.
[0047] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Fig. 2, the first lighting device DE1 comprises two photon sources SPk (k = 1 or 2). These first SP1 (k = 1) and second SP2 (k = 2) photon sources are designed to generate first photons respectively for two opposite (and here substantially vertical (parallel to the vertical direction Z)) sides of the light diffuser DL. The second lighting device DE2 comprises two photon sources SP'm (m = 1 or 2). These first SP'1 (m = 1) and second SP'2 (m = 2) photon sources are designed to generate second photons respectively for the two internal glass panes Glj. For this purpose, the first SP1 and second SP2 photon sources can be mounted respectively on two support plates which are fixedly attached to the two opposite (here vertical) sides of the DL light diffuser, and the first SP' 1 and second SP'2 photon sources can be mounted respectively on two IEC and CE2 electronic boards coupled to the two support plates and controlling the generation of the first and second photons.
[0048] For example, the two electronic boards IEC and CE2 can be installed respectively on two transverse sides (here substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y and upper) of the internal glass Glj. Also, for example, each electronic board IEC, CE2 can be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).
[0049] Also, for example, each SPk or SP'm photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But alternatively, each SPk or SP'm photon source may include at least one laser diode or a gas laser.
[0050] It should also be noted that the SPk photon sources and the SP'm photon sources can operate simultaneously or either one (SPk) or the other (SP'm), depending on a choice made by a vehicle user.
Claims
Demands
1. A luminous grille (CL) adapted to equip a central area of a front end of a vehicle, and comprising a central piece (PCL) having a logo (LO) and a first lighting device (DE1) adapted to generate first photons intended to illuminate said central piece (PCL), characterized in that it further comprises a) two lateral parts (PLBj) installed to the right and left of said central piece (PCL), b) a second lighting device (DE2) adapted to generate second photons intended to illuminate said lateral parts (PLBj), and c) isolation elements (El) adapted to prevent the passage of first photons to said lateral parts (PLBj) and of second photons to said central piece (PCL), a luminous grille for which said central piece (PCL) comprises two external lateral edges (BLEj) each equipped with an isolation element (El),and / or each of said lateral parts (PLBj) comprises an internal lateral edge (BLIj) oriented towards one of said external lateral edges (BLEj) and provided with an isolation element, each external lateral edge (BLEj) comprising a rear wall (PR) extending rearward and then behind said corresponding lateral part (PLBj) defining a cavity housing a corresponding internal lateral edge (BLIj) and defining an isolation element (El).
2. Illuminated grille according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said lateral parts (PLBj) comprises a rear mask (MRj) installed to the right or left of said central part (PCL) and adapted to mask technical parts of said illuminated grille (CL), and ii) an internal glass (Glj) installed to the right or left of said central part (PCL) in front of said rear mask (MRj), and in that said second lighting device (DE2) is adapted to generate second photons intended to illuminate said internal glass (Glj).
3. Illuminated grille according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said internal glass (Glj) comprises a front face (FV) on which three-dimensional elements (ET) are defined together defining a grille grid.
4. Illuminated grille according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first lighting device (DE1) comprises a light diffuser (DL) installed behind said central piece (PCL) and adapted to diffuse said first generated photons towards a rear face (FR) of the latter (PCL).
5. Illuminated grille according to claim 2 or 3 taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that said first lighting device (DE1) comprises at least one photon source (SPk) suitable for generating said first photons for said light diffuser (DL), and said second lighting device (DE2) comprises two photon sources (SP'm) suitable for generating said second photons respectively for said internal glass (Glj).
6. Light grille according to claim 5, characterized in that each photon source (SPk, SP'm) comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
7. Vehicle comprising a front end having a central area, characterized in that it further comprises a luminous grille (CL) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, installed in said central area of the front end.
8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.