Front-end arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of a front end (10) for a motor vehicle, the arrangement (1) comprising an emblem base (11) secured to the front end (10), wherein the emblem base (11) comprises a support (111) for a camera intended to be mounted on the emblem base (11), a display device (12) for displaying the emblem of the motor vehicle, securely fixed to the emblem base (11), wherein the display device (12) comprises a recess (121) facing the camera support (111), and an emblem trim (13) configured to be detachably secured to the emblem device so as to extend across the recess (121). According to the invention, if the arrangement (1) does not comprise a camera, the emblem trim (13) simply closes the recess (121), and if the camera arrangement (1) does comprise a camera, the trim (13) comprises a projection (132) covering the camera.

Description

[0001] Description Title of the invention: Front-end arrangement for motor vehicle

[0002]

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2404777 filed on May 7, 2024, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] [2] The technical context of the present invention is that of the front ends of motor vehicles, and in particular of devices related to the integration of a parking assistance camera into such a front end. More specifically, the invention relates to a front end arrangement.

[0004] [3] In the prior art, it is known to integrate a parking assistance camera at various positions on the motor vehicle in order to provide the driver with a peripheral optical view of the environment surrounding the motor vehicle during parking maneuvers. Such cameras are notably integrated, for example, into the exterior mirrors, the rear bumper, or the front grille of motor vehicles.

[0005] [4] Of course, to reduce the visual impact of these parking assistance cameras, it has become common practice to integrate them into the bodywork, bumpers, or rearview mirrors of motor vehicles. However, integrating these parking assistance cameras at the front is more complicated, and this integration often proves unsightly. Particularly at the front, the central position is often occupied by a logo or emblem of the motor vehicle, making it difficult to integrate the parking assistance camera.

[0006] [5] Document FR2990662 A1 is particularly well-known, describing a device for mounting a camera and an exterior trim element of a motor vehicle, in which the camera is located inside the exterior trim element and is flush with the plane of the exterior trim element. The drawback of the mounting device described in this document is its high specificity to the motor vehicle for which it is designed, preventing the modularity necessary for efficient and cost-effective industrialization.

[0007] [6] The present invention aims to propose a new front face arrangement, in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to further advantages.

[0008] [7] Another object of the invention is to allow easier integration of such a front-end arrangement on several different types of motor vehicle.

[0009] [8] Another object of the invention is to allow a less visible integration of a parking assistance camera in the vicinity of the logo of a motor vehicle.

[0010] [9] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a front-end arrangement for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising:

[0011]

[0010] - an emblem base attached to the front face, the emblem base having a support for a camera intended to be mounted on the emblem base;

[0012]

[0011] - a device for representing the emblem of the motor vehicle fixed securely to the emblem base, the representation device having a recess opposite the camera support;

[0013]

[0012] - an emblem trim configured to be able to be detachably attached to the emblem device, so as to extend across the recess.

[0014]

[0013] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the motor vehicle on which the front-end arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, inside, and outside refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a direction extending from front to rear or from rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along a line extending from the wheels of the motor vehicle to the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0015]

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the front-end arrangement is a mechanical assembly integral with the front end, that is to say, intended to be fixed integrally to a grille of the motor vehicle or to a front bumper of the motor vehicle, for example. The front-end arrangement according to the invention thus aims to fulfill two functions:

[0016]

[0015] - to highlight an emblem of the motor vehicle and / or the motor vehicle model and / or its manufacturer, i.e. a logo for example; and

[0017]

[0016] - provide for the mechanical integration of a parking assistance camera directly into the front-end arrangement, i.e., in the immediate vicinity of the emblem. By immediate proximity, it is understood that the camera is associated with the emblem itself, i.e., it is housed within the mechanical elements representing the emblem of the motor vehicle, including in particular the emblem display device.

[0018]

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the emblem base forms a support for the emblem display device. In other words, the emblem base forms a mechanical interface between the emblem display device, on the one hand, and the front face to which the front face arrangement according to the invention is intended to be associated. The emblem base is fixed—for example, by its rear face—to the front face, while the emblem display device is fixed to the emblem base at the level of a front face.

[0019]

[0018] Cleverly, the emblem base includes a camera mount. In the context of the present invention, the camera mount has a camera attachment area directly on the emblem base, so that the camera can be housed directly at the level of the emblem on the front of the motor vehicle. In the front-end arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, the camera is not necessarily present. Indeed, the advantage of the front-end arrangement is precisely to provide such a modular arrangement, in which the structural elements necessary for the possible attachment of a camera are systematically present, but the camera is – or is not – integrated and mounted on its support only for certain trim levels, the emblem trim being then specifically chosen to be compatible with the camera.

[0020]

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the emblem display device is an assembly of mechanical parts that represent an emblem, i.e., for example, a logo or a name associated with the motor vehicle. The shape, dimensions, and colors of the emblem display device are particularly important, and the emblem display device is advantageously fixed securely to the base. The emblem display device may be made of a material comprising plastic and / or metal. By way of non-limiting example, the emblem display device may have a chevron shape.

[0021]

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the emblem display device comprises a recess, for example located at the bottom, possibly at a lateral edge, and / or possibly at the top. The recess here implies a lack of material in the emblem display device. In the context of the present invention, the recess is located opposite the support, so that the camera—when mounted on its support—has a clear line of sight through the recess.

[0022]

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the emblem bezel forms a closing piece—totally or partially—for the recess of the emblem display device. If the front-facing arrangement does not include a camera, then the emblem bezel advantageously closes the recess completely, so as to close and form the emblem as expected. Conversely, if the front-facing arrangement includes a camera embedded within the emblem and mounted on its support, then the emblem bezel partially closes the recess, so as to close the recess while allowing sufficient light for the camera to function properly. In this case, the light in the emblem bezel is configured to be optically aligned with the optical axis of the camera to allow it to function correctly.

[0023]

[0022] Thus, the front-end arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem by providing a common component for all motor vehicles, consisting mainly of the emblem base and its camera support, so that it is possible to close the emblem with several types of customized emblem surrounds depending on the presence or absence of the camera. This ingenious configuration reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly processes on production lines.

[0024]

[0023] The front face arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0025]

[0024] - The invention, according to its first aspect, proposes that the recess in the display device can be filled by the emblem trim chosen from two different versions, depending on the trim level of the motor vehicle equipped with the front-end arrangement according to the invention. This advantageous configuration allows for greater versatility and modularity of the front-end arrangement, enabling it to be fitted to a larger number of different motor vehicles, and according to different equipment levels depending on the ranges chosen;

[0026]

[0025] - According to a first embodiment, corresponding to a first level of finishing of the front panel arrangement, the front panel arrangement lacks a camera housed in the base support, and the emblem bezel completely closes the recess. In this advantageous configuration, the emblem of the front panel arrangement is formed by both the emblem display device and the emblem bezel. The emblem bezel works with the emblem display device to close the recess while also closing the space opposite the camera support. Thus, in this first embodiment, the front panel arrangement does not include a camera, and the emblem bezel simply closes the recess to complete the emblem of the arrangement;

[0027]

[0026] - Alternatively, according to a second embodiment and corresponding to a second, higher level of finish of the front-facing arrangement, the front-facing arrangement comprises a camera mounted in the base support, the emblem bezel having a protrusion extending outward from the emblem display device, so as to cover the camera. In this second embodiment, the camera is fixed securely to its support by any means. Furthermore, the emblem bezel collaborates with the emblem display device in order to partially close the recess while leaving a portion facing the camera free of material, so as to allow optimal camera operation without limiting its angular aperture;

[0028]

[0027] - the protrusion includes an opening located opposite the optical axis of the camera. This advantageous configuration optimizes the camera's operation without hindering its angular aperture. In the context of the present invention, the opening can take any shape. By way of non-limiting example, the opening is delimited by a circular or polygonal contour and has a diameter or width of at least 5 mm;

[0029]

[0028] - optionally, the opening is closed by a closing glass in order to protect the camera located at the rear;

[0030]

[0029] - the emblem trim includes fastening elements that work with complementary fastening means provided on the emblem display device or on the emblem base. This advantageous configuration allows for easy attachment of the emblem trim to the emblem display device or to the emblem base;

[0031]

[0030] - the fastening elements are advantageously made from the same material as the emblem trim. In the context of the present invention, it is understood that the fastening elements and the emblem trim are made from the same material when they are produced by the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one and / or the other being totally or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0032]

[0031] - In general, and according to non-limiting examples of the invention, the fastening members and the complementary fastening means collaborate by complementary form engagement and / or by elastic deformation and / or by snap-fitting. More particularly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening members of the emblem trim comprise fastening tabs having a retaining hook at their free end, the complementary fastening means comprising a notch and a bearing surface collaborating respectively with the fastening tabs and with the retaining hook. In other words, each notch is configured to accommodate one of the fastening tabs; and each bearing surface is configured to collaborate with the retaining hook in order to maintain the fastening member in contact with the complementary fastening means;

[0033]

[0032] - The emblem surround comprises a first edge bearing against a peripheral contour of the emblem display device, and a second edge bearing against a central part of the emblem display device. This advantageous configuration allows the emblem surround to effectively fill the recess in the emblem display device and to fit securely with said emblem display device. Generally speaking, the emblem surround has a shape that complements the emblem display device or the recess in said emblem display device;

[0034]

[0033] Optionally, the front-end arrangement includes sealing elements located in an intermediate position between (i) the emblem bezel and the emblem display device, and / or the emblem bezel and the emblem base, and / or the emblem display device and the emblem base. This advantageous configuration prevents uncontrolled water flow into the emblem display device, thereby preventing water from reaching the camera mount or the camera itself. By way of non-limiting example, the sealing elements include an O-ring.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed equipped with a front-end arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any of its improvements.

[0035]

[0035] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0036]

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0037]

[0037] [Fig.1] illustrates an exploded three-dimensional view of a first example of an embodiment of the front face arrangement conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0038]

[0038] [Fig.2] illustrates a front and assembled view of the front face arrangement of FIGURE 1;

[0039]

[0039] [Fig.3] illustrates an exploded three-dimensional view of a second example of an embodiment of the front face arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0040]

[0040] [Fig.4] illustrates a front and assembled view of the front face arrangement of FIGURE 3;

[0041]

[0041] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the front face arrangement of FIGURE 3;

[0042]

[0042] [Fig.6] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the base of a front face arrangement according to the invention.

[0043]

[0043] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0044]

[0044] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0045]

[0045] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0046]

[0046] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 6, the invention addresses a front-end arrangement 10 for a motor vehicle, the arrangement 1 comprising:

[0047]

[0047] - an emblem base 11 of emblem 14 attached to the front face 10, the emblem base 11 of emblem 14 having a support 111 for a camera intended to be mounted on the emblem base 11 of emblem 14;

[0048]

[0048] - a representation device 12 of the emblem 14 of the motor vehicle fixed securely to the base 11 of emblem 14, the representation device 12 having a recess 121 opposite the camera support 111;

[0049]

[0049] - a trim piece 13 of emblem 14 configured to be able to be detachably attached to the emblem device 14 so as to extend across the recess 121.

[0050]

[0050] The emblem base 11 of the emblem 14 forms, on the one hand, a mounting support 111 for the emblem display device 12 and, on the other hand, a mounting interface with the front face 10 of the motor vehicle intended to be equipped with such an arrangement 1. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3, the base 11 extends outward from the front face 10, in order to highlight the emblem 14 and make it clearly visible on the front face 10. In the embodiments illustrated, and not limited to them, the emblem base 11 of the emblem 14 is advantageously located in the center of the front face 10.

[0051]

[0051] For the emblem 14 illustrated in the FIGURES, the base 11 has a generally elliptical shape oriented along the vertical axis. The base 11 is delimited by a closed contour of elliptical or oval shape, represented by a peripheral border. In the center of the peripheral border extends a chevron pattern characteristic of the emblem 14 used here as a non-limiting example.

[0052] In a particularly ingenious design, the base 11 provides a mount 111 for a parking assistance camera. This mount 111 is located behind the emblem 14's display device 12, concealing the camera behind it while allowing for optimal integration. It is centered along the vehicle's transverse axis and offers excellent visibility of the surrounding environment, both near and in front of the vehicle. Thus, the camera mount 111 is positioned as close as possible to, and even within, the emblem 14, specifically within the peripheral contour encircling said emblem 14. In the context of the invention, the base 11 systematically includes the camera mount 111 in any embodiment, as shown in the two embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES.This advantageous configuration allows for cost savings and simplifies assembly processes, by limiting assembly variants and parts in supply.

[0052]

[0053] The bracket 111 forms a receptacle for a possible camera. The bracket 111 thus forms a housing for a camera, and may include means for attaching the camera to said bracket 111. The bracket 111 has a light that opens to the rear, in order to facilitate the electrical connection of the camera to the vehicle's onboard network.

[0053]

[0054] The base 11 is covered by a display device 12 of the emblem 14, which forms a protective mask whose shape and dimensions mirror those of the base 11. The display device 12 of the emblem 14 is advantageously made of a more durable material than the base 11, meaning it is more resistant to weathering, impacts, scratches, and / or sunlight. The display device 12 of the emblem 14 may be painted or coated with a metallic finish. The display device 12 of the emblem 14 may be made of plastic or metal.

[0054]

[0055] The emblem 14 display device 12 is securely attached to the base 11 by any means. In the embodiment shown, the emblem 14 display device 12 is securely attached to the base 11 by means of quick-release and detachable fasteners. More specifically, the emblem 14 display device 12 includes anchoring hooks that engage with openings provided on the base 11 and located opposite them. This advantageous configuration allows for both proper centering of the emblem 14 display device 12 on the base 11 and facilitates assembly.

[0055]

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the display device 12 for the emblem 14 also features a chevron structure encircled by a peripheral edge of elliptical or oval shape. This example is, of course, not limiting to the invention. In this embodiment, the lower part of the display device 12 for the emblem 14 includes a recess 121. This recess 121 is located opposite the camera support 111 provided by the base 11.

[0056]

[0057] The recess 121 is intended to be filled, that is to say plugged, by the embellishment 13 of emblem 14. The embellishment 13 of emblem 14 thus has dimensions and a general conformation analogous to that of the recess 121. The embellishment 13 of emblem 14 is configured to take place across the recess 121 and complete the emblem 14 partially formed by the representation device 12 of the emblem 14.

[0057]

[0058] The emblem 14 trim 13 is fixed either to the base 11 or to the emblem 14 display device 12 itself. To this end, the emblem 14 trim 13 includes fastening elements 131 that work with additional fastening means 121 provided on the emblem 14 display device 12 or on the emblem 14 base 11. The fastening elements are preferably made of the same material as the emblem 14 trim 13: in the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the fastening elements 131 of the emblem 14 trim 13 have fastening tabs with a retaining hook at their free end, the additional fastening means having a notch and a bearing surface that work with the fastening tabs and the retaining hook respectively.Thus, the fastening elements 131 and the complementary fastening means collaborate together by complementary form engagement and / or by elastic deformation and / or by snap-fitting.

[0058]

[0059] According to the invention, the hubcap 13 of emblem 14 can take two different forms:

[0060] - according to a first variant of the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 and corresponding to a first level of finishing of the front face arrangement 10, the front face arrangement 10 is devoid of a camera housed in the support 111 of the base 11. In this case, the emblem 14 trim 13 completely closes the recess 121. In other words, the emblem 14 trim 13 forms an opaque surface, flat or curved, depending on the emblem 14 to be represented, so as to extend across the recess 121;

[0059]

[0061] - According to a second embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 3 to 5 and corresponding to a second, higher level of finish of the front panel arrangement 10, the front panel arrangement 10 comprises a camera mounted in the support 111 of the base 11, that is, integral with the support 111 located behind the emblem trim 13 of the emblem 14. In this case, the emblem trim 13 of the emblem 14 is configured to be fixed in front of the support 111 and the camera housed within it. The emblem trim 13 of the emblem 14 then has a protrusion 132 that extends outward from the emblem display device 12 of the emblem 14, so as to cover the camera. In other words, the protrusion 132 forms a cap that defines a housing for the camera at the front. Thus, protrusion 132 has shapes and dimensions that are adapted to the shapes and dimensions of the camera.

[0060]

[0062] In one embodiment, the camera is fixed rigidly to its support 111 by any means. Furthermore, the emblem 14 surround 13 collaborates with the emblem 14 display device 12, in order to partially close the recess 121 while leaving a portion facing the camera free of material, thus allowing optimal camera operation without limiting its angular aperture 133.

[0061]

[0063] To allow optimal operation of the rear-mounted camera, the protrusion 132 has an opening 133 located opposite the camera's optical axis. More generally, the opening 133 of the protrusion 132 is located opposite the support 111 for the camera of the emblem display device 12 14.

[0062]

[0064] Thus, arrangement 1 of front face 10 solves the technical problem by offering a more versatile and modular solution, adaptable according to the trim levels of the motor vehicle and in which arrangement 1 the camera can be placed very discreetly at the level of the emblem 14 in front face 10.

[0063]

[0065] In summary, the invention relates to a front-end arrangement 10 for a motor vehicle, the arrangement 1 comprising an emblem base 11 for an emblem 14 fixed to the front-end 10, the emblem base 11 for an emblem 14 comprising a support 111 for a camera intended to be mounted on the emblem base 11 for an emblem 14, a display device 12 for the emblem 14 of the motor vehicle fixed fixed to the emblem base 11 for an emblem 14, the display device 12 comprising a recess 121 opposite the camera support 111, and an emblem trim 13 for an emblem 14 configured to be detachably attached to the emblem device 14 so as to extend across the recess 121. According to the invention, if the arrangement 1 does not include a camera, then the emblem trim 13 for an emblem 14 simply closes the recess 121, and if the camera arrangement 1 includes a camera, then the trim 13 includes a protrusion 132 covering the camera.

[0064]

[0066] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Front-end arrangement (1) (10) for a motor vehicle, arrangement (1) comprising: - an emblem base (11) attached to the front face (10), the emblem base (11) (14) having a support (111) for a camera intended to be mounted on the emblem base (11) (14); - a display device (12) of the emblem (14) of the motor vehicle fixed securely to the base (11) of the emblem (14), the display device (12) comprising a recess (121) opposite the support (111) camera; - an emblem (14) trim (13) configured to be able to be detachably attached to the emblem device (14) so ​​as to extend across the recess (121).

2. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to claim 1, wherein the front face arrangement (1) (10) is devoid of a camera housed in the support (111) of the base (11), and the emblem trim (13) (14) completely closes the recess (121).

3. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to claim 1, wherein the front face arrangement (1) (10) comprises a camera mounted in the support (111) of the base (11), the emblem (14) trim (13) comprising a protrusion (132) which extends projecting from the emblem (14) display device (12), so as to cover the camera.

4. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusion (132) has an opening (133) located opposite the optical axis of the camera.

5. Front face arrangement (1) of (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emblem (14) trim (13) comprises fastening members (131) collaborating with complementary fastening means (121) arranged on the emblem (14) display device (12) or on the emblem (14) base (11).

6. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening members (131) and the means of complementary fixings collaborate together by complementary shape engagement and / or by elastic deformation and / or by snapping.

7. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing members (131) of the emblem (14) trim (13) comprise fixing tabs having a retaining hook at their free end, the additional fixing means comprising a notch and a bearing surface collaborating respectively with the fixing tabs and with the retaining hook.

8. Front face arrangement (1) of (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emblem (14) trim (13) has a first edge bearing against a peripheral contour of the emblem (14) display device (12), and a second edge bearing against a central part of the emblem (14) display device (12).

9. Front face arrangement (1) (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front face arrangement (1) (10) comprises sealing elements located in a position intermediate between: - the emblem (14) surround (13) and the emblem (14) display device (12); and / or - the emblem (14) trim (13) and the emblem (14) base (11); and / or - the representation device (12) of the emblem (14) and the base (11) of the emblem (14).

10. A motor vehicle equipped with a front-end arrangement (1) (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, i

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