Illuminated grille for motor vehicle

Abstract

A grille (CAL) intended to equip the front face of a motor vehicle and comprising a lighting and / or signaling device (DES) including a central light module (MLC), centered on the outer face of the grille (CAL) and a light module (MLG, MLD) extending transversely across the grille (CAL), to the left and right of the central light module (MLC), from the central light module (MLC) to the left (BLG) and right (BLD) lateral edges of the grille (CAL) respectively; and a lens arrangement (AGG) defining both a lens (GLA) for each of the left and right light modules (MLG, MLD) and a housing (BTR) for the central light module (MLC); said housing (BTR) being made of the same material as the lenses (GLA) of the left and right light modules (MLG, MLD). (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Illuminated grille for motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates generally to lighting and / or signaling devices for motor vehicles and is more particularly concerned with a motor vehicle grille equipped with a lighting and / or signaling device.

[0002] The main function of such a device integrated into a motor vehicle grille is to define a light signature on the front of the vehicle, which can complement the one already present conferred by other signaling devices also designated by DRL for "Daytime Running Light" (or Lamp) in English, daytime running light.

[0003] These DRLs are mainly installed on at least one of the corners of a motor vehicle, generally on both corners of the front of a motor vehicle on either side of the grille, being integrated partially or totally into the bumper and / or the front wings of the vehicle.

[0004] The device can also be used to "highlight" the vehicle brand logo with an illuminated or backlit logo.

[0005] It can also be used as a signal light, especially at night.

[0006] A motor vehicle grille generally extends transversely across the outside of the vehicle's front end, between the hood and the front bumper, centered between the left and right headlights. By its position, the grille is an important styling element of the vehicle. It contributes to the vehicle's visual signature, both day and night.

[0007] The transverse dimension of the grille, between the left and right front headlights, can be relatively large, and it is therefore necessary to provide a lighting function in relation to the transverse dimension of the grille and which complies with the regulations in this area.

[0008] A lighting and / or signaling device generally comprises a housing closed by an external translucent protective glass, or window; the housing supporting in particular at least one light source.

[0009] The case and the glass closing the case are generally obtained separately by injection molding techniques using plastic material in molds adapted to give the shape of the case and the glass. The glass is mounted in a watertight manner, generally by gluing it to the case.

[0010] The geometry of the glass, which is the main visible part of the device, depends in part on the style chosen at the time of the design of the vehicle, the constraints related to the molding and demolding process, and the technical requirements related to the mounting of the device on the grille.

[0011] For a device intended to illuminate a grille and a logo, requiring illumination over a relatively long length, typically the width of the grille, it is natural to consider using elongated light guides and / or flat blades with a light-exiting edge to obtain homogeneous illumination along the entire length of the device. It may therefore be necessary to provide several successive light modules along the entire length of the device, which increases the number of components: housings, lenses, etc. The lenses are necessary to protect the light guides, blades, etc., which, by their location, are exposed to the elements, projectiles, etc.

[0012] The addition of an illuminated or backlit logo centered on the grille with interconnections with the light modules adds another complexity to the production of the glass(s), particularly with regard to the number of parts and the number of tools required, resulting in significant manufacturing costs.

[0013] The invention therefore aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a grille equipped with a lighting and / or signaling device designed to reduce the number of parts and to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention has as its first object a grille intended to equip the front face of a motor vehicle and comprising a lighting and / or signaling device including a central light module, centered on the outer face of the grille and a light module extending transversely to the grille, to the left and right of the central light module, from the central light module to the respective left and right lateral edges of the grille, and a glass arrangement defining both a glass for each of the left and right light modules and a housing for the central light module; said housing being made of the same material as the glass of the left and right light modules.

[0015] According to one feature, said arrangement is obtained by a bi-injection molding process of thermoplastic material in a mold shaped to allow demolding of the arrangement in two opposite demolding directions.

[0016] According to another feature, the housing of the central light module, having a cavity oriented towards the outside of the grille, is obtained after demolding along a first determined ejection direction of a first part of the mold, and in which the lenses of the left and right light modules, each having a cavity oriented towards the inside of the grille, are obtained after demolding a second part of the mold, along a second same ejection direction, opposite to the first.

[0017] According to another feature, the central module housing comprises a cover fixed in a watertight manner to the housing; said cover bearing a brand logo of vehicle capable of being illuminated or backlit by at least one light source from the central module.

[0018] According to another feature, the left and right modules each have a light engine arranged respectively in the vicinity of the left and right lateral edges of the grille; said light engines each having at least one light source coupled to a light guide housed behind the glass of each of the left and right modules; said glass extending respectively from the lateral edges of the grille to the central module.

[0019] According to another feature, the central module housing has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape and the windows of the left and right modules have a generally rectangular cross-section that is substantially constant from the lateral edges of the grille to the left and right lateral walls of the housing.

[0020] According to another feature, a mechanical linking interface between the left and right end faces of the glass of the left and right modules and the left and right side walls of the central module housing is made by connecting walls and stiffening ribs extending respectively between said connecting walls and the left and right side walls of the housing; said connecting walls and said ribs being made of material with the glass of the left and right modules and the housing.

[0021] According to another feature, the rear face of the bottom of the housing is shaped to be used as a housing attachment interface.

[0022] Finally, the present invention has as its second object a motor vehicle comprising at least one grille as described above.

[0023] The present invention allows the three light modules to be connected using a single-piece glass assembly, thus requiring only one glass tooling instead of three (one per light module). This results in cost savings for parts and tooling.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawing, on which:

[0025] [Fig.1] illustrates a perspective view of a front face of a motor vehicle equipped with a grille according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of a lighting and / or device signaling equipment for the grille according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective view of an ice arrangement of the device lighting and / or signaling equipment fitted to the grille according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-sectional view along plane IV-IV of [Fig.3];

[0029] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-sectional view along plane VV of [Fig.3];

[0030] [Fig.6] partially illustrates in perspective, the rear of the ice arrangement of the lighting and / or signaling device equipping the grille according to the invention; and

[0031] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view along plane VII-VII of [Fig.6].

[0032] In what follows, it is assumed that the elements represented in the figures are oriented within the same orthonormal XYZ coordinate system and identical elements are designated by the same alphanumeric references.

[0033] For this purpose, and unless otherwise specified, reference is made to the orthonormal coordinate system XYZ to identify the directions of extension of the grille and the lighting and / or signaling device according to the invention as mounted on the vehicle and the related concepts, including a longitudinal direction (along X), a transverse direction (along Y), and a vertical direction (along Z). The longitudinal direction X extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, the transverse direction Y extends between the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle as identified with respect to the driver in the vehicle's driving position, and the vertical direction Z defines the vehicle's elevation from its ground plane.Consequently, the relative concepts of front and rear are identified longitudinally, the lateral concept and the relative concepts of right and left are identified transversely, the concepts such as superior and inferior or other related relative concepts such as bottom and top, ... are defined vertically with respect to the vehicle's rolling plane on the ground.

[0034] The figures are described below considering the grille as mounted on the front face of a motor vehicle.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the front face of a motor vehicle, including a grille equipped with a lighting and / or signaling device, which in the example shown extends between the left and right lateral edges of the grille (shown in Figure 1) within a closed outline. The grille is itself framed transversely by the left and right daytime running lights of the vehicle.

[0036] Figure [Fig. 2] illustrates a perspective view of the lighting and / or device DES signaling intended to equip the CAL grille according to the invention, represented respecting the position of the vehicle VHL in accordance with the orientation of the vehicle VHL of [Fig. 1]. The left and right lateral edges BLG, BLD of the CAL grille, arranged respectively in the vicinity of the left and right extremities EXG, EXD of the DES device, are represented fictitiously and schematically respectively by dashed line segments.

[0037] The lighting and / or signaling device DES comprises a central light module MLC, and left and right light modules MLG, MLD respectively extending transversely on either side of the central module MLC, being aligned with each other, from the central module MLC, respectively to the left and right lateral extremities EXG, EXD of the DES device.

[0038] The left and right modules MLG, MLD are equipped at their respective left and right ends, corresponding to the left and right ends EXG, EXD of the DES device, with left and right light motors MOG and right MOD, respectively. It should be noted that a light motor is an electronic device, particularly one with a printed circuit board, comprising one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) associated with means for transmitting the light emitted by the LED(s).

[0039] The means of light transmission are well known. To cite just a few non-limiting examples, we can mention long, thin light guides and / or translucent flat plates, ...

[0040] Light guides are, for example, housed in elongated cavities of the left and right modules MLG, MLD. The light guides are not shown.

[0041] In the embodiment considered, the left and right ends EXG, EXD of the left and right modules MLG, MLD define transverse branches of a "T" to the rear of which the housings BMG, BMD of the light motors MOG and MOD are attached. The branches of the "T" formed by the left and right ends EXG, EXD and the left and right housings BMG, BMD of the left and right light motors MOG, MOD are completely concealed once the grille CAL is mounted on the front FAV of the vehicle VHL. The elongated portions of the left and right modules MLG, MLD appear visually continuous with the horizontal portions of the left and right daytime running lights FDG, FDD illustrated in [Fig. 1].

[0042] The central MLC module is dedicated to the lighting, or backlighting, of an instinctive sign, logo, related to the brand of the vehicle.

[0043] It is presented in the form of a BTR case with the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, closed by a CBT cover supporting the LGO logo at the front of the DES device.

[0044] The BTR housing contains, in particular, an electronic circuit board (not shown) supporting one or more light sources, such as LEDs, capable of illuminating or backlighting the CBT cover bearing the LGO logo, which is, for example, translucent. The CBT cover is bonded to the BTR housing in a sealed manner, like a lens on a projector housing.

[0045] An AGG glass arrangement is formed to constitute both the GLA glass of the left and right modules MLG, MLD and the BTR housing of the lighting and / or signaling device DES.

[0046] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the AGG glass arrangement of the DES lighting and / or signaling device.

[0047] This AGG glass arrangement according to the invention allows the mechanical connection of the three light modules MLC, MLG and MLD. It is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry PSV passing through the median plane of the central housing MLC (according to XZ).

[0048] The BTR housing of the central module MLC is formed from the GLA lenses of the left module MLG and the right module MLD. This AGG arrangement allows the GLA lenses of the left and right modules MLG, MLD and the BTR housing of the central module MLC to be made as a single unit. The left and right ends EXG, EXD respectively of the GLA lenses of the left and right modules MLG, MLD define respectively the T-shaped crossbars behind which the BMG, BMD housings of the light motors MOG, MOD are fixed ([Fig.2]).

[0049] [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-sectional view along plane IV-IV of [Fig.3], allowing visualization of a section of the GLA glass of the left module MLG in an area near the left end EXG of the left module MLG which has the same section as that of the right module MLD in the same area symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry PSV of the housing of the central module MLC as represented in [Fig.3].

[0050] The section of the ice GLA of the left and right modules MLG, MLD is generally rectangular in shape and substantially constant over its entire length between the central module MLC and the ends, respectively, left and right EXG, EXD of the arrangement AGG.

[0051] The GLA ice of the left and right modules MLG, MLD are formed respectively of first and second superimposed parts PIG and PEG.

[0052] The first, internal, black (opaque to light) part, PIG, defines a CVG cavity open towards the interior of the CAL grille, with a "U"-shaped profile comprising upper and lower wings AGS and AGI (branches of the "U") extending from the front face FFU (base of the "U") of the first, internal part, PIG, of the GLA glass, towards the interior of the CAL grille (along X). The CVG cavity formed by the front face FFU and the upper and lower wings AGS, AGI, is intended to receive the light transmission means (light guides) for the light emitted by the light source(s), LEDs, housed in the light engines MOG, MOD ([Fig. 2]).

[0053] The rear of the CVG cavity is intended to be closed by a housing not shown.

[0054] The front face FFU has adjacent rectangular openings OUV allowing light to exit the grille CAL through the second part of the translucent glass PEG.

[0055] The second part of PEG ice, external, translucent, partially covers the upper and lower wings AGS, AGI of the first part of PIG ice.

[0056] The front face FGF of the second part of the PEG glass, external, is the part visible from the left and right modules MLG and MLD to an observer located in front of the VHL vehicle and looking at the CAL grille mounted on the front face FAV of the VHL vehicle.

[0057] Thus, the second part of PEG ice, external, has a translucent appearance (a crystal color) while the first part of PIG ice, internal, has an opaque appearance (a black color).

[0058] The first and second parts of PIG, PEG ice are made from a single mold by a bi-injection molding process of plastic material or bi-material plastic injection.

[0059] Such a process makes it possible to produce on a single press and with a single tooling (mold), a part composed of two materials with different characteristics, for example a part requiring two colors and / or different levels of hardness.

[0060] The plastic material used for the AGG arrangement is for example a thermoplastic material of type PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) or a PC (Polycarbonate) with two different shades (colors): crystal (translucent) for the second part of PEG ice and black (opaque) for the first part of PIG ice.

[0061] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the VV plane of Fig. 3, allowing visualization of the mechanical linkage interface ILM between the outer face FEG of the end wall PXG of the glass GLA of the left module MLG and the inner face FIB of the left side wall PLG of the BTR housing which comes from the same material as the glass GLA of the left module MLG and the right module MLD, in other words, which is obtained from the same mold as the glass GLA.

[0062] The BTR housing has a general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped defining a CVB cavity open to the outside of the CAL grille.

[0063] Three NVG connecting ribs are arranged, from the outer face FEG of the end wall PXG, between the upper and lower wings AGS and AGI of the ice GLA.

[0064] Their function is both to stiffen the connection between the end wall PXG of the GLA of the left module MLG, and the left side wall PLG of the BTR housing, and to butt the GLA onto the BTR housing.

[0065] By symmetry with respect to the PSV symmetry plane ([Fig.3]), we find the same mechanical link interface ILM with the right module MLD.

[0066] Fig. 6 partially illustrates, in perspective, the rear of the AGG ice arrangement.

[0067] In this figure, the ILM mechanical bonding interface reveals three stiffening ribs NVS, NVC and NVI allowing the wall to be attached from the PXD end of the GLA glass of the right module MLD to the right side wall PLD of the BTR housing.

[0068] The upper and lower stiffening ribs NVS and NVI extend respectively, along X, in continuity with the upper and lower wings AGS, AGI of the ice GLA of the right module MLD.

[0069] The central rib NVC extends parallel to the other two NVS and NVI, being centered between them.

[0070] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the rear face FAB of the bottom of the BTR housing is shaped to be used as a fixing interface for the BTR housing.

[0071] A partial detail view of the ILM mechanical linkage interface of [Fig.6] is illustrated in [Fig.7] following plane VILVII of [Fig.6].

[0072] This figure makes it possible to distinguish more clearly a PFG connecting wall belonging to the ILM mechanical linkage interface, connecting the outer face FED of the right side wall PLD of the BTR housing to the end wall PXG of the GLA glass of the right module MLD.

[0073] The central NVC rib, resting on the PFG connecting wall, stiffens the mechanical connection between the BTR housing and the GLA glass of the right MLD module.

[0074] In order to obtain such an AGG arrangement according to the invention, in which the GLA lenses of the left and right light modules MLG and MLD are made of material, come together, with each other and with the BTR housing of the central light module MLC, while having an antagonistic orientation: the BTR housing has a CVB cavity oriented towards the outside of the grille CAL while the GLA lenses of the left and right modules MLG, MLD have CVG cavities oriented towards the inside of the grille CAL, it is necessary to provide for a demolding of the part resulting from the molding forming the AGG arrangement, along two opposite demolding directions.

[0075] By opposite demolding directions, we mean opposite ejection directions, along X, of the moving parts of the mold, not shown, used for molding the AGG arrangement according to the invention.

[0076] The ejection directions X- and X+ of the moving parts of the mold are shown on [Fig.7] by dashed arrows.

[0077] The ejection direction X+ is used for the ejection of the part of the mold forming the GLA windows of the left and right modules MLG and MLD, and the ejection direction X- is used for the ejection of the part of the mold forming the BTR housing of the central module MLC.

[0078] The ILM mechanical linkage interface corresponds to the contiguous part of the two mold parts.

[0079] This produces an economical, one-piece AGG ice assembly obtained through a single two-material injection molding operation and demolding Bidirectional, eliminating the need for a separate central control unit between the left and right modules. The DES lighting and / or signaling system also benefits from simplified assembly for mounting in the CAL grille.

Claims

Demands

1. Grille (CAL) intended to equip the front face (FAV) of a motor vehicle (VHL) and comprising a lighting and / or signaling device (DES) including a central light module (MLC), centered on the outer face of the grille (CAL) and a light module (MLG, MLD) extending transversely to the grille (CAL), to the left and right of the central light module (MLC), from the central light module (MLC) to the respective left (BLG) and right (BLD) lateral edges of the grille (CAL), and a glass arrangement (AGG) defining both a glass (GLA) for each of the left and right light modules (MLG, MLD) and a housing (BTR) for the central light module (MLC); said housing (BTR) being made of material with the glass (GLA) of the left and right light modules (MLG, MLD).

2. Calender (CAL) according to the preceding claim wherein said arrangement (AGG) is obtained by a bi-injection molding process of thermoplastic material in a mold shaped to permit demolding of the arrangement (AGG) in two opposite demolding directions.

3. Grille (CAL) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (BTR) of the central light module (MLC), having a cavity (CVB) oriented towards the outside of the grille (CAL), is obtained after demolding along a first determined ejection direction (X-) of a first part of the mold, and wherein the lenses (GLA) of the left and right light modules (MLG, MLD), each having a cavity (CVG) oriented towards the inside of the grille (CAL), are obtained after demolding a second part of the mold, along a second same ejection direction (X+), opposite to the first (X-).

4. Grille (CAL) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing (BTR) of the central module (MLC) comprises a cover (CBT) fixed hermetically to the housing (BTR); said cover (CBT) supporting a vehicle brand logo (LGO) capable of being illuminated or backlit by at least one light source of the central module (MLC).

5. Grille (CAL) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the left and right modules (LWM, LWM) comprise each a light engine (MOG, MOD) arranged respectively in the vicinity of the left and right lateral edges (BLG, BLD) of the grille (CAL); said light engines (MOG, MOD) each comprising at least one light source coupled to a light guide housed behind the glass (GLA) of each of the left and right modules (MLG, MLD); said glass (GLA) extending respectively from the lateral edges (BLG, BLD) of the grille (CAL) to the central module (MLC).

6. Grille (CAL) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (BTR) of the central module (MLC) has a general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and the windows (GLA) of the left and right modules (MLG, MLD) have a generally rectangular cross-section substantially constant from the lateral edges (BLG, BLD) of the grille (CAL) to the left and right lateral walls (PLG, PLD) of the housing (BTR).

7. Grille (CAL) according to the preceding claim, wherein a mechanical linking interface (ILM) between the left and right end faces (FEG, FED) of the glass (GLA) of the left and right modules (MLG, MLD) and the left and right side walls (PLG, PLD) of the housing (BTR) of the central module (MLC) is made by linking walls (PFG) and stiffening ribs (NVI, NVC, NVS) extending respectively between said linking walls (PFG) and the left and right side walls (PLG, PLD) of the housing (BTR); said linking walls and said ribs being made of material with the glass (GLA) of the left and right modules (MLG, MLD) and the housing (BTR).

8. Grille (CAL) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear face (FAB) of the bottom of the housing (BTR) is shaped to be used as a housing (BTR) fixing interface.

9. Motor vehicle (VHL) comprising at least one grille (CAL) according to one of the preceding claims.