A car grille including an illuminated central logo and a device for controlling this logo

Abstract

A motor vehicle grille (2) comprising a support (2a) equipped with at least one left light source controlled and powered by means for controlling left light and at least one right light source controlled and powered by means for controlling right light, wherein the grille comprises an illuminated central logo (1) having at least first and second plurality of light sources (1b, 1c), wherein the first plurality of light sources (1b) are controlled and powered by means for controlling left light and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are controlled and powered by means (20c) for controlling right light, so that even if one of the means for controlling light fails, the illuminated central logo (1) remains partially illuminated.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to the management of lighting for automobiles, and more specifically, to the management of such lighting on the grille of an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, regulations at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) level were revised to allow objects displaying automobile manufacturers' logos to be illuminated. Therefore, it is possible to install two illuminated logos on the left and right sides, or a single logo in the center. These installation constraints apply equally to the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, these regulations require that the logo be part of an existing function. Therefore, installing an illuminated logo in the central section is only permitted when the front logo functions as a front lamp and the rear logo functions as a rear lamp.

[0004] Even before the regulations were revised to allow illuminated logos, there were already various requirements.

[0005] - For functionality, there must be continuity of lighting zones. This continuity must be ensured by a gap of less than 75 mm between two lighting zones of the same function. To illuminate the central part of the blast furnace, there must also be lighting in the grille, as spotlights are generally too far apart.

[0006] Next, in the case of a strip-shaped lighting function extending from one side of the front or rear of the vehicle to the other, two independent power supplies are required on the left and right sides to generate light.

[0007] - Finally, if the power supply fails, a message must be sent to the driver, or all other power sources for this function must be turned off.

[0008] Therefore, there is a problem controlling the lighting and powering the logo in the center position.

[0009] The subject of the present invention is a motor vehicle grille, said motor vehicle grille comprising a support member equipped with at least one left light source controlled and powered by means for controlling left light and at least one right light source controlled and powered by means for controlling right light. The grille comprises an illuminated central logo having at least first and second plurality of light sources, wherein the first plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by means for controlling left light and the second plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by means for controlling right light, so that even if one of the means for controlling light fails, the illuminated central logo remains in a partially illuminated state, and the light source is characterized as being a front spotlight or a rear lamp.

[0010] In order to provide the most uniform illumination possible to the illuminated central logo even if one of the means for control and power supply fails, the first plurality of light sources may be arranged alternately with the second plurality of light sources.

[0011] The illuminated central logo may include a diffuser configured to diffuse and equalize light emitted by at least one light source placed nearby.

[0012] The above diffuser may include one or more independent parts.

[0013] The first plurality of light sources can be controlled and powered simultaneously with the third plurality of light sources positioned on the left side of the grille, and the second plurality of light sources can be controlled and powered simultaneously with the fourth plurality of light sources positioned on the right side of the grille, and the third plurality of light sources and the fourth plurality of light sources are associated with position light and daytime running light functions.

[0014] The above grille may include a second diffuser extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central logo and illuminated by the third plurality of light sources, and a third diffuser extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central logo and illuminated by the fourth plurality of light sources.

[0015] The above-described grille may include a fifth plurality of light sources positioned next to a left spotlight and a sixth plurality of light sources positioned next to a right spotlight, wherein the fifth plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by means for controlling the left illumination, and the sixth plurality of light sources are controlled and powered by means for controlling the right illumination, and the fifth plurality of light sources and the sixth plurality of light sources are associated with a position indicator function.

[0016] The above grille may include a fourth diffuser located near the optical unit of the left spotlight illuminated by the fifth plurality of light sources, and a fifth diffuser located near the optical unit of the right spotlight illuminated by the sixth plurality of light sources.

[0017] The above support may be opaque.

[0018] Another subject of the present invention is a vehicle comprising the grille described above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from reading the following description, provided by non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings: - FIG. 1 illustrates an illuminated central logo according to the present invention. - FIG. 2 illustrates a central logo illuminated according to the present invention with the first plurality of light sources deactivated. - FIG. 3 illustrates a central logo illuminated according to the present invention with the second plurality of light sources deactivated. - Fig. 4 shows a car front grille (2) including an illuminated central logo. - FIG. 5 illustrates a lighting device (20) for a car front grille according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an illuminated central logo (1) intended to be placed in the central part of the front grille of a car. The illuminated central logo (1) includes a diffuser (1a) that defines a shape such as the logo of the car manufacturer. The illuminated central logo (1) also includes a first plurality of light sources (1b) and a second plurality of light sources (1c). Parts of the diffuser (1a) illuminated by the first plurality of light sources (1b) are identified by a first frame, and other parts of the diffuser (1a) illuminated by the second plurality of light sources (1c) are identified by a second frame. It will be understood that even if the first plurality of light sources (1b) or the second plurality of light sources (1c) fail, the diffuser (1a) remains illuminated by other plurality of light sources that are still in operation. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first plurality of light sources (1b) and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are arranged alternately so that the diffuser (1a) remains uniformly illuminated even if one of the plurality of light sources fails. According to the embodiments, the diffuser (1a) comprises one or more independent components.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a central logo (1) in which the second plurality of light sources (1c) are defective and are illuminated only by the first plurality of light sources (1b). The portions of the diffuser (1a) illuminated by the first plurality of light sources (1b) are indicated by the first frame.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a central logo (1) in which the first plurality of light sources (1b) are defective and are illuminated only by the second plurality of light sources (1c). The portions of the diffuser (1a) illuminated by the second plurality of light sources (1c) are shown in a second frame different from the frame of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a car front grille (2) including an opaque support (2a), in which a diffuser (1a) of the illuminated central logo (1) is embedded in a central position to form a first diffuser of the grille (2). The front grille (2) also includes a second diffuser (22a1) extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central logo (2), a third diffuser (22a2) extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central logo (2), a fourth diffuser (23a1) located near the optical unit of the left spotlight, and a fifth diffuser (23a2) located near the optical unit of the right spotlight.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second and third diffusers (22a1, 22a2) are symmetrical.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second and third diffusers (22a1, 22a2) each include several parts, which are distributed particularly between the upper and lower limits of the front grille (2).

[0026] In another embodiment, the fourth and fifth diffusers (23a1, 23a2) located near the optical unit of the spotlight each include a plurality of parts, which are particularly positioned around or on both sides of the optical unit of the spotlight.

[0027] The above front grille (2) also includes light sources (1b, 1c, 23b, 23c, 22b, 22c) positioned behind diffusers (1a, 23a1, 23a2, 22a1, 22a2).

[0028] The first plurality of light sources (1b) and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are positioned behind the first diffuser (1a) included within the illuminated central logo (1).

[0029] The above left spotlight (21b) and right spotlight (21c) each include a plurality of light sources.

[0030] A third plurality of light sources (22b) is positioned on the left side of the vehicle behind the second diffuser (22a1), which extends to the central logo (1) illuminated from the left spotlight.

[0031] The fourth plurality of light sources (22c) are positioned on the right side of the vehicle behind the third diffuser (22a2), which extends to the central logo (1) illuminated from the right spotlight.

[0032] The fifth plurality of light sources (23b) are positioned on the left side of the vehicle behind the fourth diffuser (23a1) near the optical unit of the left spotlight (21b).

[0033] The sixth plurality of light sources (23c) are positioned on the right side of the vehicle behind the fifth diffuser (23a2) near the optical unit of the right spotlight (21c).

[0034] Various multiple light sources (1b, 1c, 22b, 22c, 23b, 23c) of the front grille (2) are turned on or off according to the operating mode of the vehicle lights selected by the driver or electronic control unit.

[0035] The operating modes of vehicle lighting refer to position light lighting, dipped beam lighting, or driving beam lighting for all vehicle light sources. For the remainder of this description, only light sources located at the front of the vehicle will be considered. Dipped beam lighting and high beam lighting are distinguished primarily by the different operating states of the vehicle's front spotlights (21b, 21c), particularly because the angles of incidence of these spotlights differ. In France, the use of these various lighting is regulated by Article R416-4 of the French Road Traffic Act.

[0036] Generally, a position indicator light is a low-intensity light that allows a third vehicle to determine the location of the vehicle with the position indicator light turned on.

[0037] Low-beam headlights are front lights of sufficient intensity to allow the vehicle's occupant to see the road and obstacles ahead, but they are angled relative to the horizontal to prevent glare for drivers of oncoming vehicles.

[0038] Driving beam headlights are headlights designed to allow the user of a vehicle to see the road and obstacles ahead, but they are not angled relative to the horizontal. Therefore, driving beam headlights have a much wider illumination range and distance than low beam headlights. However, the use of driving beam headlights is regulated because they can cause glare to drivers of oncoming vehicles.

[0039] Recently, daytime running lights have been introduced to improve the vehicle's daytime visibility even when all the aforementioned lights are off.

[0040] Returning to the multiple light sources shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the daytime running lights are activated, the multiple light sources (23b and 23c) of the front grille (2) are turned on.

[0041] The plurality of light sources (1b, 1c, 22b, 22c, 23b, 23c) of the front grille (2) are turned on when the position indicator light is activated, and the plurality of light sources (23b and 23c) are turned on with an intensity different from the intensity when the daytime running light is activated.

[0042] The light sources (21b, 21c) of the front grille (2) are turned on when the downward or driving beam headlights are operated.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a lighting device (20) for a front grille of a vehicle according to the present invention, and the lighting device (20) includes means (20b) for controlling lighting and supplying power to the left part of the vehicle and means (20c) for controlling lighting and supplying power to the right part of the vehicle.

[0044] The lighting on the left side of the vehicle includes a fifth plurality of light sources (23b) associated with a daytime running light function, a third plurality of light sources (22b) associated with a position indicator light function, and a left spotlight (21b) associated with a downward beam and / or driving beam function.

[0045] Note that the first plurality of light sources (1b) of the illuminated central logo (1) are powered simultaneously with the third plurality of light sources (22b) associated with the position indicator function.

[0046] Similarly, the lighting on the right side of the vehicle includes a sixth plurality of light sources (23c) associated with a daytime running light function, a fourth plurality of light sources (22c) associated with a position indicator light function, and a right spotlight (21c) associated with a downward beam function.

[0047] Note that the second plurality of light sources (1c) of the illuminated central logo (1) are powered simultaneously with the fourth plurality of light sources (22c) associated with the position indicator function.

[0048] It will be understood that the control of various light source functions entails the control of the light sources of previous lighting functions.

[0049] For example, turning on the low beam headlights involves keeping the position indicators on, and as a result, multiple light sources (1b, 1c, 21b, 21c, 22b, 22c, 23b, and 23c) are all turned on simultaneously.

[0050] The present invention has been described above in relation to the front grille of a vehicle. Nevertheless, the present invention can also be applied to the rear part of a vehicle by omitting the front right and front left spotlights and daytime running lights. Explanation of the symbols

[0051] 1: Illuminated center logo 1a: Diffuser 1b: First plurality of light sources 1c: Second multiple light sources 2: Front grille 2a: Opaque support 20: Lighting device 20b: Means for controlling and supplying power to the lighting on the left side of the vehicle 20c: Means for controlling and supplying power to the lighting on the right side of a vehicle 21b: Left spotlight 21c: Right spotlight 22a1: Second diffuser 22a2: Third diffuser 22b: Third multiple light sources 22c: The Fourth Multiple Light Sources 23a1: 4th diffuser 23a2: 5th Diffuser 23b: The fifth plurality of light sources 23c: The 6th Multiple Light Sources

Claims

Claim 1 A motor vehicle grille comprising a support (2a) equipped with at least one left light source controlled and powered by means (20b) for controlling left light and at least one right light source controlled and powered by means (20c) for controlling right light, wherein the grille comprises an illuminated central logo (1) having at least first and second plurality of light sources (1b, 1c), wherein the first plurality of light sources (1b) are controlled and powered by means (20b) for controlling left light and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are controlled and powered by means (20c) for controlling right light, so that even if one of the means (20b, 20c) for controlling light fails, the illuminated central logo (1) remains partially illuminated, and the light source is a front spotlight or a rear lamp. Claim 2 In claim 1, the first plurality of light sources (1b) are alternately arranged with the second plurality of light sources (1c) to provide the most uniform illumination possible to the illuminated central logo (1) even if one of the means (20b, 20c) for control and power supply fails. Claim 3 In claim 1 or 2, the illuminated central logo (1) comprises a diffuser (1a) configured to diffuse and equalize light emitted by at least one light source placed nearby. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the diffuser (1a) comprises one or more independent parts, a grille. Claim 5 In any one of claims 1 to 4, the first plurality of light sources (1b) are simultaneously controlled and powered by the third plurality of light sources (22b) positioned in the left portion of the grille, and the second plurality of light sources (1c) are simultaneously controlled and powered by the fourth plurality of light sources (22c) positioned in the right portion of the grille, and the third plurality of light sources (22b) and the fourth plurality of light sources (22c) are associated with position light and daytime running light functions, the grille. Claim 6 In claim 5, the grille comprises a second diffuser (22a1) extending from the optical unit of the left spotlight to the illuminated central logo (1) and illuminated by the third plurality of light sources (22b), and a third diffuser (22a2) extending from the optical unit of the right spotlight to the illuminated central logo (1) and illuminated by the fourth plurality of light sources (22c). Claim 7 In any one of claims 1 to 6, the grille comprises a fifth plurality of light sources (23b) positioned next to a left spotlight (21b) and a sixth plurality of light sources (23c) positioned next to a right spotlight (21c), wherein the fifth plurality of light sources (23b) are controlled and powered by means (20b) for controlling the left light, and the sixth plurality of light sources (23c) are controlled and powered by means (20b) for controlling the right light, and the fifth plurality of light sources (23b) and the sixth plurality of light sources (23c) are associated with a position indicator light function. Claim 8 In claim 7, the grille comprises a fourth diffuser (23a1) located near the optical unit of the left spotlight illuminated by the fifth plurality of light sources (23b), and a fifth diffuser (23a2) located near the optical unit of the right spotlight illuminated by the sixth plurality of light sources (23c). Claim 9 In any one of claims 1 to 8, the support (2a) is an opaque grill. Claim 10 An automobile comprising a grille according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 9.

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