Adjustable motor vehicle grille

Abstract

The invention relates to a grille comprising: an upper crossmember and an opposite lower crossmember interconnected by two uprights (28), thus delimiting a transverse opening (30), the crossmembers and the uprights defining a rear face (34); and at least one row (56, 60, 64) of flaps extending transversely in the transverse opening (30), the flaps (58, 65, 62, 66) being suitable for being moved between a vertical position in which the flaps block the transverse opening (30) and an inclined position in which they unblock the transverse opening. The grille comprises at least one rod (96, 98, 100) mounted in engagement with the flaps (58, 65, 62, 66); and the at least one rod (96, 98, 100) is suitable for being pivoted backwards about an axis parallel to the crossmembers, so as to be able to bring the flaps (56, 60, 64) from their vertical position to their inclined position.

Description

Modular automotive vehicle grille

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle grille allowing the modulation of air intake.

[0002] Motor vehicles with internal combustion or electric motors require an air intake at the front in order to cool the components of the powertrain.

[0003] Thus, the grille, installed on the front of vehicles, usually includes an air intake opening equipped with a grille that extends transversely. The dimensions of this opening are predetermined and offer a compromise between good ventilation of the powertrain and a good aerodynamic efficiency for the vehicle.

[0004] However, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the air entering through the grille creates drag, and it would then be advantageous to close the opening to improve aerodynamics. But when the powertrain is relatively hot, for example in the mountains, it is conversely necessary for the opening to be unobstructed.

[0005] Therefore, it was conceived to implement movable flaps pivoting across the opening. The automatically controlled variable shutter position allows for high-speed closure, improving aerodynamics, or open positions permitting airflow when powertrain cooling is required.

[0006] Reference can be made in particular to document FR3136048, which discloses such adjustable shutters. More precisely, it discloses four rows of four shutters, located one above the other, and extending into the transverse opening.

[0007] The shutters in each row are linked together by rotation around a horizontal axis, and the shutters in all four rows can be operated simultaneously. They can also be rotated between a vertical position, in which the shutters close the opening, and a horizontal position, in which they open it.

[0008] However, the flaps of the four rows are essentially coplanar, and their implementation is poorly suited to a curved profile of the front of the vehicle.

[0009] In addition, safety regulations governing external vehicle projections and aimed at protecting people in the event of a collision impose certain rules, including the relative position of the edges of the flaps in relation to the edges of the opening.

[0010] Also, a problem that arises and that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a motor vehicle grille that not only allows it to conform to the curve of the front of the vehicles, but also allows it to protect people in the event of a collision.

[0011] To this end, a motor vehicle grille is proposed comprising: an upper cross member and an opposite lower cross member, connected together by two uprights by defining a transverse opening, the cross members and uprights defining a rear face adapted to be oriented towards the rear of a vehicle; at least one row of shutters fixed to each other and extending transversely in said transverse opening, the shutters of said at least one row of shutters being adapted to be driven between a vertical position in which said shutters close said transverse opening and an inclined position in which said shutters release said transverse opening.

[0012] The grille according to the invention comprises at least one rod mounted to engage in said shutters of said at least one row of shutters; and said at least one rod is adapted to be driven in pivot towards the rear of said cross members and said uprights, around an axis parallel to said cross members, so as to be able to carry said shutters from their vertical position to their inclined position.

[0013] Thus, a key feature of the invention lies in the use of a rod that passes through all the shutters in the row, which are rotationally linked to the rod. In this way, when the rod is pivoted backward through the crossbars and uprights, it also moves the shutters backward through the transverse opening. Consequently, the edges of the shutters do not protrude beyond the edges of the opening.

[0014] Preferably, according to the invention, at least one rod is adapted to be driven in rotation about itself relative to said uprights. In other words, as the rod is driven in pivot towards the rear of the crossbars, it also pivots about itself. In this way, the shutters engaged in the rod tilt backward, as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0015] Moreover, at least one of the rods is flexible. This allows the rod to be flexed, while the flaps are articulated relative to each other, following the rod's curvature. For example, the flaps are articulated in pairs around a ball joint through which the rod passes. This design makes it easy to create a curved grille at the front of the vehicle. The grille's curvature can be adjusted by flexing the flexible rod more or less, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0016] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the grille comprises at least one pair of connecting rods pivotally mounted on said uprights opposite each other, and said at least one rod engages with the connecting rods. Thus, the rod has two opposite ends which are engaged with an eccentric end of the connecting rods. In this way, when the rod is pivotally driven rearward, the connecting rods guide it.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the grille comprises a drive frame connected to said uprights and to said at least one rod, and said drive frame is adapted to be driven in motion relative to said uprights in order to drive said at least one rod rearward. Thus, when the drive frame is driven in motion, it causes the rod to move, which is preferably guided in pivoting by means of connecting rods.

[0018] Advantageously, according to the invention, the drive frame comprises two cheeks respectively connected to the two uprights by two pairs of connecting rods. These two pairs of connecting rods thus allow the drive frame to be maintained substantially parallel to the two uprights and the two cross members during its movement. The drive frame then describes a cylindrical surface portion.

[0019] The connecting rods of the two pairs of connecting rods are mounted opposite each other on the uprights.

[0020] Preferably, according to the invention, the grille comprises a transmission shaft coupling in rotation two connecting rods of said two pairs of connecting rods, and a geared motor connected to said transmission shaft in order to drive it in rotation.

[0021] Thus, two opposing connecting rods are linked together by a drive shaft. The drive shaft is then adapted to be driven by a geared motor. In this way, the drive shaft can be rotated to pivot the two opposing connecting rods. The two opposing connecting rods then cause the drive frame to move, while the other two opposing connecting rods accompany the rotational movement of the drive frame.

[0022] Preferably, the two connecting rods on each leg are coupled together by a coupling bar. In this way, the movement imparted to one of them by the geared motor is transmitted without mechanical loss to the other connecting rod.

[0023] Furthermore, each of the two cheeks advantageously features at least one rearward-opening support notch to receive at least one rod. As will be explained in more detail later in the description, the two cheeks engage at the two ends of the rod, respectively. And the connecting rods remain positioned between the cheeks and the uprights, respectively.

[0024] Thus, when the drive frame is moved backward, both ends of the rod, held in a fixed position at the bottom of the notches, are moved backward in a pivoting motion. Simultaneously, the flaps are also moved backward in a pivoting motion.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention, the drive frame also includes a central post, located equidistant from the two cheeks, this central post comprising at least one support finger oriented away from the rear and bearing against at least one rod. In this way, the support finger allows the rod to be flexed. The two ends of the rod rest in the bottom of the notches in the cheeks, and the length of the support finger determines the amplitude of the deflection. The deflection is thus applied according to the desired grille curvature and the vehicle type.

[0026] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grille according to the invention comprises: three rows of shutters extending transversely one above the other in said transverse opening, the shutters of said three rows being able to cooperate with each other; three rods mounted respectively in engagement with each of the shutters of said three rows of shutters. And said three rods are adapted to be driven in a pivoting motion towards the rear of said cross members and said uprights, about axes parallel to said cross members between a vertical position in which the shutters of said three rows close said transverse opening and an inclined position in which the shutters of said three rows open said transverse opening.

[0027] As will be explained in more detail below, the shutters of the rows are adapted to cooperate with each other in order to form a continuous surface suitable for closing the transverse opening.

[0028] For example, the shutters all have the same hexagonal diamond shape. Thus, the shutters in the same row, regularly spaced from each other, fit between the shutters of adjacent rows.

[0029] Any other type of shutter can be considered. Moreover, the object of the invention is not limited to a grille having three rows of shutters.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0031] is a schematic front view of a motor vehicle equipped with a grille conforming to the invention;

[0032] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a grille according to the invention;

[0033] is a schematic detail view of elements of the rear view;

[0034] is a schematic view of elements of laen seen from above in a first state;

[0035] is a schematic view of the elements of the laen seen from above in a second state;

[0036] is a partial schematic three-quarter front right view of a grille according to the invention in a first state;

[0037] is a partial schematic three-quarter front right view of a grille according to the invention in a second state; and,

[0038] is a schematic three-quarter rear left view of the grille illustrated on the first state.

[0039] Lamontre shows a motor vehicle 10, seen from the front, and it is inscribed in an orthogonal coordinate system X, Y, Z, in which the X axis extends along a longitudinal front-to-back direction of the motor vehicle, oriented towards the rear; the Y axis extends along a transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right when in a driving situation; and the Z axis extends along a vertical direction, oriented away from the ground.

[0040] 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 powertrain not shown and located behind the grille 12.

[0041] We will describe with reference to the grille, the object of the invention, which corresponds to the lower part 16 shown on the.

[0042] A first frame 20, intended to be fitted to the front of the motor vehicle 10, is illustrated on the figure. It has a lower cross member 22 and an opposite upper cross member 24. The two cross members 22 and 24 are connected together on each side by a right upright 26 and an opposite left upright 28. Thus, the two cross members 22 and 24, and the two uprights 26 and 28 define a transverse opening 30.

[0043] It will be observed that the two cross members 22 and 24 are noticeably curved. In other words, they have a curvature adapted to the geometry of the front part of the vehicle 10.

[0044] Also, the first frame 20 has a front face 32 opposite a rear face 34.

[0045] The front face 32 is exposed to the air at the front of the vehicle 10. And the rear face is oriented towards the interior of the vehicle and in particular towards a heat exchanger.

[0046] Furthermore, the lower cross member 22 defines a lower edge 36 that is substantially straight, while the upper cross member 24 has a notched upper edge 38.

[0047] Furthermore, the right-hand upright 26 has three straight openings 40, 42, 44 aligned along the upright and evenly spaced. The left-hand upright 28 has, symmetrically, three aligned left-hand openings 40', 42', 44'. Each of these openings is surrounded on the outer face of uprights 26 and 28 by a clipping rib 46 and 46', the function of which will be explained below.

[0048] In addition, the uprights 26, 28 have respectively a lower right hole 48, and a lower left hole 48' surmounted respectively by a lower right arc notch 50 and a lower left arc notch 50'.

[0049] And opposite these lower holes 48, 48', the uprights 26, 28 have respectively a right upper trunnion 52 and a left upper trunnion 52', surmounted respectively by a right upper arched notch 54 and a left upper arched notch 54'.

[0050] Next, behind the first frame 20, the illustration shows three superimposed rows of shutters, a lower row 56 of lower shutters 58, an intermediate row 60 of intermediate shutters 62 and an upper row 64 of upper shutters 66.

[0051] We will refer to the detail shown in the rear view of the two upper flaps 66 contiguous with the upper row 64.

[0052] Thus, the shutters 66 have a general shape of "hexagonal rhombus" with four substantially equal sides, two lower sides 68, 70 inclined relative to each other and two upper sides 72, 74 inclined relative to each other at the same angle as the two lower sides 68, 70. In addition, the shutter 66 has two small opposite sides, a small upper side 76 and a small lower side 78. And it has a front face 80 opposite a rear face 82.

[0053] Thus, the shutters 66 have an upper part 84 symmetrical to a lower part 86 with respect to a transverse plane Pt. In unrepresented embodiments of the invention, the shutters may have other geometric shapes, for example a square, triangular, or rhombic shape of a different type than hexagonal, etc.

[0054] The flaps 66 also include two coaxial sleeves, a left sleeve 88 and a right sleeve 90. They are integral with the rear face 82 of the upper part 84 and extend coaxially beyond the two upper sides 72, 74 respectively. They thus define a substantially straight passageway parallel to the rear face 82.

[0055] These two coaxial sleeves 88, 90 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane Pm perpendicular to the transverse plane Pt. Moreover, it has a regular hexagonal cross-section.

[0056] Also, the left sleeve 88 ends with a spherical segment 92, while the right sleeve 90 ends with a spherical ring 94 adapted to receive the right sleeve 90 of the neighboring flap 66 to form a ball joint.

[0057] We will observe on the, that behind the three superimposed rows of shutters 56, 60, 64 appear three flexible rods of hexagonal section, a lower rod 96, an intermediate rod 98 and an upper rod 100.

[0058] Thus, we will refer to the diagram on which is represented, seen from above, the upper row 64 of upper shutters 66, connected together by the upper rod 100.

[0059] Thus, we find the left sleeves 88 and the right sleeves 90, the spherical segments 92 respectively engaged in the spherical rings 94 and crossed in addition by the upper rod 100.

[0060] The rod 100 engages in all the sleeves 88, 90, since the hexagonal section of the rod corresponds, within functional clearance, to the hexagonal section of the sleeves 88, 90. Also, the flaps 66 are thereby kept spaced apart from each other with the same pitch and in the same plane, provided that the upper rod 100 extends strictly longitudinally.

[0061] In addition, thanks to the spherical segments 92 and the spherical rings 94, the sleeves of two contiguous flaps 66 are articulated as will be explained below.

[0062] The intermediate flaps 62 of the intermediate row 60 are connected together in the same way by means of the intermediate rod 98 and are offset from the upper flaps 66 of the upper row 64 by an amplitude of half a step.

[0063] Therefore, the lower part 86 of the flaps 66 of the upper row 64 comes to be engaged between the upper parts 84 of the intermediate flaps 62. We find on the cooperation of the upper flaps 66 and the intermediate flaps 62 which are then joined.

[0064] The lower shutters 58 of the lower row 56 are also connected in the same way as the shutters 62 and 66 of the upper rows 60 and 64 via the lower rod 96. However, the lower shutters 58 are connected to each other by a half-shutter 65 corresponding to a full shutter cut along its transverse plane. The lower shutters 58 and the half-shutters 65 of the lower row 56 thus form, together, a substantially straight edge, adapted to cooperate with the lower edge 36 of the lower crossbar 22.

[0065] And, the lower part 86 of the shutters 62 of the intermediate row 60 comes to engage between the upper parts 84 of the lower intermediate shutters 58.

[0066] We will explain later in the description how all the shutters are held together.

[0067] Also, behind the flexible rods 96, 98, 100, appears on the training frame 102. It has two opposing cheeks, a right cheek 104 and a left cheek 106.

[0068] The right cheek 104 has three straight notches: a lower notch 108, an intermediate notch 110, and an upper notch 112, all three open towards the rear. The bottoms of the three straight notches 108, 110, and 112 are provided, respectively, with a lower right ball joint seat 114, an intermediate right ball joint seat 116, and an upper right ball joint seat 118.

[0069] In addition, the right cheek 104 includes a right upper stud 120 extending in projection above the upper notch 112, and vertically below the lower notch 108, a right lower stud 122.

[0070] Symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the drive frame Pm', the left cheek 104 has three left notches, a lower left notch 108', an intermediate left notch 110' and an upper left notch 112'. The bottoms of the three left notches 108', 110', 112', are provided respectively with a lower left patella seat 114', an intermediate left patella seat 116' and an upper left patella seat 118'.

[0071] In addition, the right cheek 104 includes a left upper stud 120' extending in projection above the left upper notch 112', and perpendicularly, below the lower notch 108', a left lower stud 122'.

[0072] In addition, the training frame 102 includes a median amount 124 extending in the median plane of the training frame Pm', and equidistant from both the right cheek 104 and left cheek 106.

[0073] Also, the mid-post 124 includes, at the two lower notches 108, 108', a lower support finger 126 facing forward. At the two intermediate notches 110, 110', the mid-post 124 includes an intermediate support finger 128 facing forward. And, at the two upper notches 112, 112', the mid-post 124 includes an upper support finger 130 facing forward.

[0074] The three support fingers 126, 128, 130 have a free end in which a notch 132 is provided.

[0075] It will be observed that the notches 132 of the three support fingers 126, 128, 130 are respectively located in front of the three parallel lines cutting respectively the lower ball joint seats 114, 114', the intermediate ball joint seats 116, 116' and the upper ball joint seats 118, 118'.

[0076] Also, behind the drive frame 102, there appear on the right and left connecting elements allowing the flaps mounted on the flexible rods to be connected together, the drive frame 102 and the first frame 20, which is in a fixed position on the vehicle 10. These connecting elements also allow the relative movement of the drive frame 102 with respect to the first frame 20 and of the flaps 58, 62, 65, 66 with respect to the drive frame 102.

[0077] The right-hand connecting elements are symmetrical to the left-hand connecting elements. Thus, the right-hand connecting elements comprise, firstly, three right-hand guiding members, a lower right-hand guiding member 134, an intermediate right-hand guiding member 136 and an upper right-hand guiding member 138.

[0078] The right guide members, lower 134, intermediate 136 and upper 138, have right pivots adapted to be engaged respectively through the three right orifices, lower 40, intermediate 42 and upper 44 of the right upright 26 of the first frame 20. And they each also have a head adapted to clip into the clipping rib 46, to keep the pivot protruding inside the right upright 26.

[0079] Next, the straight connecting elements comprise three straight connecting rods, a lower straight connecting rod 140, an intermediate straight connecting rod 142 and an upper straight connecting rod 144. The three straight connecting rods 140, 142, 144 each have a first end in which an oblong slot 146 is provided and a second opposite end provided with a ball joint 148 extending back.

[0080] Thus, the three pivots of the right-hand guide members are intended to be engaged respectively through the oblong slots 146 of the three right-hand connecting rods 140, 142, 144.

[0081] Furthermore, the ball joints 148 have an axial recess with a hexagonal cross-section. Thus, the straight ends of the three flexible rods with hexagonal cross-section 96, 98, 100 are adapted to engage axially inside the three ball joints 148.

[0082] In addition, the ball joints 148 of the three straight connecting rods 140, 142, 144 are adapted to be mounted respectively in the ball joint seats, lower right 114, intermediate right 116 and upper right 118 of the right cheek 104 of the drive frame 102.

[0083] The right-hand connecting elements also include a right-hand lower connecting rod 150 and a right-hand upper connecting rod 152. The right-hand lower connecting rod 150 has a right-hand rotating lower end 154 adapted to mesh with the right-hand end of a drive shaft 156. The drive shaft 156 is intended to be engaged through the right-hand lower bore 48 of the right-hand upright 26 and through the left-hand lower bore 48' of the left-hand upright 28. The drive shaft 156 is thus free to rotate through the right-hand lower bore 48 and left-hand lower bore 48'.

[0084] And the lower right connecting rod has, opposite its lower rotating end 154, a lower right bushing 158 through which the lower right stud 122 of the right cheek 104 of the drive frame 102 is able to extend.

[0085] As for the upper right connecting rod 152, substantially identical to the lower right connecting rod 150, it has a rotating upper end 160 adapted to be mounted by rotation on the upper right trunnion 52 of the right upright of the first frame 20. On the opposite side, it has an upper right sleeve 162 through which the upper right stud 120 of the cheek 104 is able to extend.

[0086] Furthermore, the straight connecting rods 150, 152 are triangular in shape, with the rotating ends 154, 160 and the bushings 158, 162 located at the two vertices of the triangle, respectively. The straight connecting rods 150, 152 define two other vertices equipped with two axes 164, 166 adapted to be connected together by a coupling bar 168.

[0087] Also, the lower rotating end 154 of the lower right connecting rod 150 is adapted to be driven in rotation by a geared motor 170.

[0088] Conversely, the left-hand connecting elements include a lower left-hand guide element 134', an intermediate left-hand guide element 136' and an upper left-hand guide element 138'.

[0089] The left guide members, lower 134', intermediate 136' and upper 138', have left pivots adapted to be engaged respectively through the three left orifices, lower 40', intermediate 42' and upper 44' of the left upright 28 of the first frame 20. And they each also have a head adapted to clip into the clipping rib 46', to keep the pivot protruding inside the left upright 28.

[0090] Next, the left-hand connecting elements comprise a lower left connecting rod 140', an intermediate left connecting rod 142', and an upper right connecting rod 144'. Each has a first end with an oblong slot 146' and a second, opposite end fitted with a ball joint 148' extending back. The oblong slot is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the connecting rods.

[0091] The three pivots of the left guide members 134', 136', 138', are intended to be engaged respectively through the oblong slots 146' of the three left connecting rods 140', 142', 144'.

[0092] And the 148' ball joints have an axial recess with a hexagonal cross-section. Thus, the left ends of the three flexible rods with hexagonal cross-section 96, 98, 100 are adapted to engage axially inside the three 148' ball joints.

[0093] In addition, the 148' ball joints of the three left-hand connecting rods 140', 142', 144' are adapted to be mounted respectively in the ball joint seats, lower left 114', middle left 116' and upper left 118' of the left cheek 106 of the drive frame 102.

[0094] The left-hand connecting elements also include a left-hand lower connecting rod 150' and a right-hand upper connecting rod 152'. The left-hand lower connecting rod 150' has a left-hand rotating lower end 154' adapted to engage with the left-hand end of the drive shaft 156, which is intended to be engaged through the left-hand lower bore 48' of the left-hand upright 28.

[0095] And the lower left connecting rod 150' has, opposite its lower rotating left end 154', a lower left bushing 158' through which the lower left stud 122' of the left cheek 106 of the drive frame 102 is able to extend.

[0096] As for the upper left connecting rod 152', it has a rotating upper left end 160' adapted to be mounted by rotation on the upper left trunnion 52' of the left upright 28 of the first frame 20. On the opposite side, it has an upper left bushing 162' through which the upper left stud 120' of the left cheek 106 is able to extend.

[0097] Furthermore, the left-hand connecting rods 150', 152' are triangular in shape, with the left-hand rotating ends 154', 160' and the left-hand bushings 158', 162' located at the two vertices of the triangle, respectively. The left-hand connecting rods 150', 152' define two further vertices equipped with two left-hand shafts 164', 166' adapted to be connected together by a left-hand coupling bar 168'.

[0098] First, we will refer to the diagram on which we find the upper row 64 of upper flaps 66 connected to each other by the upper flexible rod 100, as described above. The assembly is then installed inside the drive frame 102. Thus, the two ends of the upper rod 100 are respectively engaged in the right ball joints 148 and left ball joints 148', respectively, of the upper right tie rods 144 and left ball joints 144', not shown, which ball joints 148, 148' are themselves engaged in the upper right ball joint seats 118 and left ball joints 118' respectively.

[0099] Furthermore, the diagram illustrates the upper support finger 130 and the notch 132 in which the upper flexible rod 100 bears in its midsection. As indicated above, the notch 132 of the upper support finger 130 is located in front of the line intersecting the two upper ball joint seats 118, 118'. Thanks to this relative position of the upper ball joint seats 118, 118' and the upper support finger 130 in a plane substantially parallel to the X,Y plane, the flexible rod 100 is flexed. The extent of this flex is thus adjusted according to the curvature of the front of the motor vehicle.

[0100] This obviously applies to the other rows of shutters as well.

[0101] We will now refer to the diagrams showing respectively all the elements illustrated on the diagram, and this in a first state where the shutters 58, 62, 65, 66 close the transverse opening 30.

[0102] The grille, according to the invention, is thus partially visible on the right front three-quarter view. Also, the first frame 20 is shown transparent for descriptive purposes.

[0103] In particular, we find the lower left connecting rod 150' and the upper right connecting rod 152'. The lower rotating left end 154' of the lower left connecting rod 150' is engaged with the left end of the transmission shaft 156, which is engaged through the lower left bore 48' of the left upright 28.

[0104] We also find the upper left rotating end 160' of the upper left connecting rod 152', mounted for rotation on the upper left trunnion 52' of the left upright 28 of the first frame 20.

[0105] It will be observed that the lower left socket 158' through which the lower left stud 122' extends, is engaged through the lower left arc notch 50' of the left upright 28 to the bottom and that the upper left socket 162' through which the upper left stud 120' extends, is engaged through the upper left arc notch 54' to the bottom as well.

[0106] It will be observed that, in this situation, the training frame 102 is in a position close to the rear face 34 of the first frame 20. Also, the three left connecting rods 140', 142', 144' extend in the same substantially vertical direction between the left side 106 and the left upright 28. And the flaps 58, 62, 65, 66 of the three superimposed rows 56, 60 and 64, extend vertically and are joined so as to close the transverse opening 30.

[0107] As illustrated in the figure, which shows the grille viewed from a three-quarter rear left angle, the drive frame 102 is positioned close to the rear face 34 of the first frame 20 along its entire length. The lower right bushing 158, not visible in the figure, is engaged through the lower right-hand arc notch 50 of the right-hand upright 26 to its bottom, as is the lower left bushing. Similarly, the upper right bushing 162 is engaged through the upper right-hand arc notch 54 to its bottom.

[0108] And by the same token, the three straight connecting rods 140, 142, 144 extend in the same substantially vertical direction, between the right cheek 104 and the right upright 26.

[0109] From this closed position, thanks to the geared motor 170, concealed by the right-hand upright 26 of the frame 20, the lower right-hand rotating end 154, also concealed, can be rotated. Consequently, the lower left-hand rotating end 154' is also driven in a clockwise direction along the arrow R shown on the diagram by means of the drive shaft 156.

[0110] As a result, the two lower connecting rods, right 150 and left 150', are simultaneously driven in pivoting in a clockwise direction R, as are the two upper connecting rods, right 152 and left 152', via the coupling bars, right 168 and left 168', respectively.

[0111] Also, the lower sockets 158, 158' and upper sockets 162, 162' are driven simultaneously into motion respectively in the lower arc notches 50, 50' and in the upper arc notches 54, 54'.

[0112] Consequently, the drive frame 102 is moved away from the rear face 34 of the first frame 20 while remaining parallel to it. And, it is driven simultaneously along a longitudinal component X and along a component -Z.

[0113] The movement will be detailed, particularly with reference to the following.

[0114] Thus, as soon as the connecting rods 150, 150', 152, 152' pivot, the drive frame 102 moves away from the rear face 34 of the first frame 20. Consequently, the three right connecting rods 140, 142, 144 and left connecting rods 140', 142', 144' pivot relative to the drive frame 102, because their first ends are respectively fixed to the pivots of the guide members 134, 136, 138, 134', 136', 138'. In other words, the connecting rods 140, 142, 144, 140', 142', 144' also pivot about their first end relative to the upright 26, 28 of the first frame 20.

[0115] In doing so, the lower connecting rods 140, 140' rotate the lower flexible rod 96, the intermediate connecting rods 142, 142' rotate the intermediate flexible rod 98, and the upper connecting rods 144, 144' rotate the upper flexible rod 100, relative to the drive frame 102. Also, the flexible rods 96, 98, 100, which are fixed to the drive frame 102, are also driven with it along the X and Z axes. More precisely, the flexible rods 96, 98, 100 are respectively driven in motion around three substantially parallel axes connecting, in pairs, the pivots of the guide members 134, 134'; 136, 136'; 138; 138'. These three axes are parallel to the lower cross members 22 and upper cross members 24.

[0116] Consequently, the three superimposed rows 56, 60, 64 of shutters 58, 65, 62, 66 are on the one hand driven towards the rear of the first frame 20 and away from the opening 30, and in addition, they are driven in pivoting, from a vertical position to an inclined position, substantially horizontal as illustrated on the .

[0117] Thus, the lower sockets 158, 158' and upper sockets 162, 162' extend respectively outside the lower arc notches 50, 50' and the upper arc notches 54, 54'.

[0118] The drive frame 102 is in a position that is at maximum distance from the rear face 34 of the first frame 20. The connecting rods 140, 142, 144, 140', 142', 144' then extend into a substantially horizontal position, as do the flaps 58, 65, 62, 66 of the three superimposed rows 56, 60, 64.

[0119] In this way, the transverse opening 30 is freed, allowing air to pass through. Furthermore, the flaps are positioned towards the rear of the opening. Consequently, they do not extend forward. Therefore, flaps 58, 65, 62, and 66 present no risk of injury in the event of a pedestrian collision.

[0120] The reverse movement of the geared motor allows the shutters 58, 65, 62, 66 to be driven in reverse into a closing position of the opening 30.

[0121] In unrepresented embodiments of the invention, the flexible rods can be oriented along a vertical direction, or even along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

Claims

A motor vehicle grille comprising: - an upper cross member (24) and an opposing lower cross member (22), connected together by two uprights (26, 28) defining a transverse opening (30), the cross members and uprights defining a rear face (34) adapted to be oriented towards the rear of a vehicle (10); - at least one row (56, 60, 64) of shutters fixed to one another and extending transversely within said transverse opening (30), the shutters (58, 65, 62, 66) of said at least one row of shutters being adapted to be moved between a vertical position in which said shutters close said transverse opening (30) and an inclined position in which said shutters open said transverse opening; characterized in that it comprises at least one rod (96, 98, 100) mounted to engage with said shutters (58, 65, 62, 66) of said at least one row (56, 60, 64) of shutters;and in that said at least one rod (96, 98, 100) is adapted to be driven in pivoting towards the rear of said cross members (22, 24) and said uprights (26, 28), around an axis parallel to said cross members, so as to be able to carry said shutters (56, 60, 64) from their vertical position to their inclined position.; Motor vehicle grille according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one rod (96, 98, 100) is adapted to be driven in rotation about itself relative to said uprights. Motor vehicle grille according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one rod (96, 98, 100) is flexible. Motor vehicle grille according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of connecting rods (140, 140'; 142, 142'; 144, 144') mounted respectively to pivot on said uprights opposite each other, and in that said at least one rod (96, 98, 100) engages with the connecting rods. Motor vehicle grille according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a drive frame (102) connected to said uprights (26, 28) and to said at least one rod (96, 98, 100), and in that said drive frame (102) is adapted to be driven in motion relative to said uprights (26, 28) in order to be able to drive said at least one rod backwards. Motor vehicle grille according to claim 5, characterized in that said drive frame (102) comprises two cheeks (104, 106) respectively connected to said two uprights (26, 28) by two pairs of connecting rods (150, 150'; 152, 152'). Motor vehicle grille according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a transmission shaft (156) coupling in rotation two connecting rods (150, 150') of said two pairs of connecting rods, and a geared motor (170) connected to said transmission shaft (156) in order to drive it in rotation. Motor vehicle grille according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each of said two cheeks (104, 106) have at least one support notch (108, 108'; 110, 110'; 112, 112') opening towards the rear to receive said at least one rod (96, 98, 100). Motor vehicle grille according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said drive frame (102) further comprises a median post (124), in particular located equidistant from said two cheeks (104, 106), said median post comprising at least one support finger (126, 128, 160) oriented away from the rear and bearing against said at least one rod (96, 98, 100). A motor vehicle grille according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: - three rows (56, 60, 64) of shutters (58, 65, 62, 66) extending transversely one above the other in said transverse opening (30), the shutters of said three rows being able to cooperate with each other; - three rods (96, 98, 100) mounted respectively in engagement with each of the shutters (58, 65, 62, 66) of said three rows of shutters; and in that said three rods (96, 98, 100) are adapted to be driven in a rearward pivoting motion of said cross members (22, 24) and said uprights (26, 28), about axes parallel to said cross members between a vertical position in which the shutters (58, 65, 62, 66) of the said three rows close the said transverse opening (30) and an inclined position in which the shutters of the said three rows release the said transverse opening.

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