A water flow diversion device and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a water flow diversion device, which is installed on a vehicle body and comprises a display accessory, an electric pointer and a motion track. The manufacturing material of the display accessory comprises an electrochromic material. The motion track can conduct electricity and comprises a first motion track and a second motion track, and the first motion track and the second motion track are respectively connected to the upper end and the lower end of the display accessory and are located on the same side of the display accessory. The electric pointer comprises a first electric pointer and a second electric pointer, the first electric pointer moves along the first motion track, and the second electric pointer moves along the second motion track. The application can realize different water flow diversion effects, has a complex water flow diversion function and has a low diagnosis and maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle lighting technology, and in particular to a sequential steering device and control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of automotive design, headlights are no longer merely for illumination and signaling functions, but have become an important design element, adding more aesthetics and personalization to vehicles. In recent years, split headlights have increasingly become a mainstream headlight design favored by consumers. Their biggest feature is the separation of signal lights from the headlights, allowing the signal lights to be designed and displayed independently. This design allows for greater freedom in headlight styling, better meeting consumers' aesthetic needs.

[0003] In split headlights, dynamic turn signals are one of the most attractive features. Currently, most dynamic turn signal technologies on the market use a thick-walled structure to house multiple LEDs, with timing chips controlling the sequential illumination of these LEDs to achieve a flowing turn signal effect, which to some extent enhances the car's stylishness and technological appeal. However, this technology has certain drawbacks. For example, the dynamic turn signal effect is relatively limited and cannot meet the increasing aesthetic demands of consumers; the use of a large number of LEDs necessitates individual diagnostics and maintenance for each LED, leading to high diagnostic and maintenance costs; and the timing chips are expensive and subject to supply instability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flow-direction device and control method to solve the above-mentioned problems, achieve different flow-direction effects, have complex flow-direction functions, and have low diagnostic and maintenance costs.

[0005] This invention proposes a flowing steering device, mounted on a vehicle body, including an external display, an electronic pointer, and a motion track;

[0006] The materials used to manufacture the display components include electrochromic materials;

[0007] The motion track is conductive and includes a first motion track and a second motion track. The first motion track and the second motion track are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer part and are located on the same side of the display outer part.

[0008] The electrical pointer includes a first electrical pointer and a second electrical pointer, the first electrical pointer moves along the first motion track, and the second electrical pointer moves along the second motion track.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electrochromic material is colorless and transparent under an applied electric field, and black when no applied electric field is applied.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electric pointer further includes a third electric pointer and a fourth electric pointer. The third electric pointer moves along the first movement track, and the fourth electric pointer moves along the second movement track.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water flow steering device further includes an electric pointer fixing trolley. The electric pointers are respectively fixed on the electric pointer fixing trolley, and the electric pointer fixing trolley moves along the movement track.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water flow steering device further includes a trolley control device and a power supply control device;

[0013] The trolley control device is installed on the movement track and controls the movement mode of the electric pointer fixing trolley;

[0014] The power supply control device is connected to the movement track. Among them, the power supply control device conducts current to the electric pointer through the movement track. The electric pointer is connected to the display external device to form a circuit, controls the light transmittance of the display external device, and forms different water flow steering effects.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water flow steering device further includes an optical waveguide and an optical waveguide bracket;

[0016] Both ends of one side of the optical waveguide bracket are respectively connected to the first movement track and the second movement track, and a cavity is formed between the optical waveguide bracket and the display external device. The other side of the optical waveguide bracket is connected to the vehicle body;

[0017] The optical waveguide is fixed on the optical waveguide bracket and is located in the cavity for transmitting optical signals.

[0018] In one embodiment, both the first movement track and the second movement track are in the shape of a Chinese character 'Ri'.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water flow steering device is installed between the vehicle headlight and the engine hood.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a water flow steering control method, which is applied to the water flow steering device as described above, and includes: controlling the energized area between the electric pointers, controlling the movement mode of the electric pointers, and forming a water flow steering effect.

[0021] In one embodiment, the movement mode of the electric pointer includes the movement state, movement direction and movement speed of the electric pointer.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the water flow steering device and control method of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] 1) This invention controls the movement of the electric pointer to adjust the light transmittance of the display outer part, thereby achieving a variety of complex flowing turn signals, enriching the design language of turn signals, promoting the development and innovation of vehicle lighting design technology, and meeting the diversified needs of the market.

[0024] 2) Compared with the thick-walled water diversion scheme, the single-light guiding uniformity of the present invention is better and there is no graininess.

[0025] 3) The present invention requires fewer Y-axis dimensions and reduces the overall lamp envelope.

[0026] 4) The present invention uses fewer LEDs, fewer PCB boards, and requires less heat dissipation, which helps to save on inspection and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water flow steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the motion track in a water flow steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a flow steering device on a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a control flowchart of a water flow redirection effect according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart of the second flow direction effect according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of the third flow direction effect according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a control flowchart of the flow direction effect four according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of the water flow turning effect five according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a control flowchart for the flow direction effect six of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure Labels

[0037] 1. Display external component; 21. First motion track; 22. Second motion track; 31. First electric pointer; 32. Second electric pointer; 33. Third electric pointer; 34. Fourth electric pointer; 4. Light guide; 5. Light guide bracket; 6. Cart control device; 7. Power control device; 8. Electric pointer fixing car. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0039] This invention proposes a flowing water steering device, mounted on a vehicle body, including an external display, an electronic pointer, and a motion track. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The display outer casing 1 is mainly made of electrochromic material. The motion track has good conductivity and includes a first motion track 21 and a second motion track 22. The first motion track 21 and the second motion track 22 are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer casing 1 and are located on the same side of the display outer casing 1. The electrical pointer includes a first electrical pointer 31 and a second electrical pointer 32. The first electrical pointer 31 moves along the first motion track 21, and the second electrical pointer 32 moves along the second motion track 22. By controlling the movement of the electrical pointers, the light transmittance of the display outer casing 1 can be adjusted, thereby achieving various flowing water turning effects.

[0040] The following is a detailed description of each component in the flow-direction device described above.

[0041] The electrochromic material of one embodiment of the present invention has high light transmittance and is colorless and transparent under the action of an external electric field; and low light transmittance and black color when no external electric field is applied.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical pointer further includes a third electrical pointer 33 and a fourth electrical pointer 34. The third electrical pointer 33 moves along a first motion track 21, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 moves along a second motion track 22. Of course, there can be more electrical pointers to achieve more complex flowing water turning effects.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow-direction device of one embodiment of the present invention further includes an electric pointer fixing trolley 8, on which electric pointers are respectively fixed, and the electric pointer fixing trolley 8 moves along a motion track.

[0044] An embodiment of the flowing water steering device of the present invention further includes a trolley control device 6 and a power supply control device 7. The trolley control device 6 is installed on the movement track and is used to control the movement mode of the electric pointer fixing trolley 8. After setting the movement mode at the trolley control device 6, it is transmitted to the receiver of the electric pointer fixing trolley 8 through a signal transmitter to control the electric pointer fixing trolley 8 to perform corresponding movements. The electric pointer is fixed on the electric pointer fixing trolley 8 and follows it to perform corresponding movements. The power supply control device 7 is connected to the movement track. Since the movement track has excellent electrical conductivity, the power supply control device 7 can conduct current to the electric pointer through the movement track, and the electric pointer is connected to the display external device 1 to form a circuit, thereby controlling the light transmittance of the display external device 1 and forming different flowing water steering effects.

[0045] An embodiment of the flowing water steering device of the present invention further includes an optical waveguide 4 and an optical waveguide bracket 5. The two ends of one side of the optical waveguide bracket 5 are respectively connected to the first movement track 21 and the second movement track 22, and a cavity is formed between the optical waveguide bracket 5 and the display external device 1. The other side of the optical waveguide bracket 5 is connected to the vehicle body. The optical waveguide 4 is fixed on the optical waveguide bracket 5 and is located in the cavity and is used to transmit optical signals. The optical waveguide 4 is usually a transparent tubular object that can transmit light along its length to achieve the guiding and focusing of light, thereby displaying the vehicle turning signal and ensuring that the turning signal can be clearly visible under different weather conditions, improving the safety of the vehicle when driving on the road.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, both the first movement track 21 and the second movement track 22 are in the shape of a Chinese character 'Ri', and one long side of the 'Ri' character is connected to the display external device 1, and the electric pointer moves on the 'Ri' character frame.

[0047] As Figure 3 shown, an embodiment of the flowing water steering device of the present invention is installed between the vehicle headlight and the engine cover and serves as an independent signal light strip to achieve the flowing water steering function. Of course, the flowing water steering device of the present invention can also be used in the fields of automotive headlights, HD headlights, and other display fields with interaction requirements, etc.

[0048] The present invention also proposes a flowing water steering control method, which is applied to the above-mentioned flowing water steering device and includes: controlling the energized area between the electric pointers and controlling the movement mode of the electric pointers to form a flowing water steering effect.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the movement mode of the electric pointer includes the movement state, movement direction, and movement speed of the electric pointer.

[0050] The present invention can achieve various flowing water special effects, such as:

[0051] Such as Figure 4The first effect shown is a unidirectional water flow reversal, with the transparent area gradually increasing. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31, the second electrical pointer 32, the third electrical pointer 33, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are shown in the figure. The initial positions of the first and third electrical pointers 31 and 33 are symmetrical about the first motion track 21, and the initial positions of the second and fourth electrical pointers 32 and 34 are symmetrical about the second motion track 22. The first and second electrical pointers 31 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer component 1, respectively. The second and fourth electrical pointers 32 remain stationary. The first electrical pointer 31 begins to move from right to left, and the third electrical pointer 33 moves at the same speed and clockwise direction as the first electrical pointer 31. The rectangular area connected by the first and second electrical pointers 32 is the energized area, making the display outer component 1 colorless and transparent; the unenergized area remains black and opaque. As the first electrical pointer 31 moves from right to left, the transparent area continuously increases, thus achieving the water flow reversal effect. When the first electrical pointer 31 reaches the left end, the transparent area reaches its maximum. After this, the first electrical pointer 31 detaches from the display outer device 1, and the entire display outer device 1 returns to a black, opaque state. At this time, the third electrical pointer 33 reaches the initial position of the first electrical pointer 31 and continues to move from right to left, thereby achieving the effect of circulating water turning.

[0052] like Figure 5 The second effect of the flowing water deflection is shown: unidirectional flowing water deflection, with the transparent area gradually decreasing. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31, the second electrical pointer 32, the third electrical pointer 33, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are shown in the figure. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31 and the third electrical pointer 33 are symmetrical about the first motion track 21, and the initial positions of the second electrical pointer 32 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are symmetrical about the second motion track 22. The third electrical pointer 33 and the second electrical pointer 32 are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer component 1. The second electrical pointer 32 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 remain stationary. The third electrical pointer 33 begins to move from left to right, while the first electrical pointer 31 and the third electrical pointer 33 move at the same speed in the same counter-clockwise direction. The rectangular area connected to the third electrical pointer 33 and the second electrical pointer 32 is the energized area, and the display outer component 1 becomes colorless and transparent. As the third electrical pointer 33 moves from left to right, the transparent area continuously decreases, thus achieving the flowing water deflection effect of the continuously decreasing transparent area. When the third electrical pointer 33 reaches the right end, the black opaque area of ​​the display outer component 1 reaches its maximum. At this point, the third electrical pointer 33 disengages, and the entire display screen becomes black and opaque. The first electrical pointer 31 then reaches the initial position of the third electrical pointer 33 and continues moving from left to right, thus achieving a circulating water flow direction effect.

[0053] like Figure 6The third effect shown is a unidirectional flowing water effect with a rectangular flow pattern. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31, the second electrical pointer 32, the third electrical pointer 33, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are shown in the figure. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31 and the third electrical pointer 33 are symmetrical about the center of the first motion track 21, and the initial positions of the second electrical pointer 32 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are symmetrical about the center of the second motion track 22. The first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 are horizontally separated by a certain distance and connected to the upper and lower ends of the display peripheral 1 respectively. After power is applied, the rectangular area between the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 becomes transparent. The first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 move simultaneously from right to left at the same speed. The third electrical pointer 33 moves at the same speed and clockwise direction as the first electrical pointer 31. The fourth electrical pointer 34 moves at the same speed and clockwise direction as the second electrical pointer 32. The first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 arrive at the left end one after another and detach from the external display device 1. Then, the third electrical pointer 33 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 connect to the external display device 1 one after another, thereby realizing the cyclic rectangular water flow effect.

[0054] like Figure 7 The fourth effect of the flowing water is a bidirectional flowing water effect, where the transparent area gradually increases and decreases in a cycle. The first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer component 1, respectively. The second electrical pointer 32 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 remain stationary. The first electrical pointer 31 starts moving from right to left, while the third electrical pointer 33 moves clockwise at the same speed as the first electrical pointer 31. The rectangular area connected by the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 is the energized area, making the display outer component 1 colorless and transparent. The unenergized area remains black and opaque. As the first electrical pointer 31 moves from right to left, the transparent area continuously increases. After the first electrical pointer 31 reaches the leftmost end, it reverses direction and begins moving from left to right. The third electrical pointer 33 moves counterclockwise at the same speed as the first electrical pointer 31, and the transparent area continuously decreases, thus achieving a reciprocating flowing water effect where the transparent area increases and then decreases.

[0055] like Figure 8The fifth effect shown is a bidirectional water flow redirection, with the transparent area extending from the middle to both ends. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31, the second electrical pointer 32, the third electrical pointer 33, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are shown in the figure. The first electrical pointer 31 is located in the middle of the long side connecting the first motion track 21 and the display outer accessory 1, and the third electrical pointer 33 is located at the end of the long side where the first motion track 21 and the display outer accessory 1 are not connected. The second electrical pointer 32 is located in the middle of the long side connecting the second motion track 22 and the display outer accessory 1, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 is located at the end of the long side where the second motion track 22 and the display outer accessory 1 are not connected. The first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer accessory 1, respectively. The first electrical pointer 31 moves from left to right, and the second electrical pointer 32 moves from right to left at the same speed, or the first electrical pointer 31 moves from right to left, and the second electrical pointer 32 moves from left to right at the same speed. The transparent rectangular area between the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 gradually increases in size from the middle to both ends. The third electrical pointer 33 moves towards the center at the same speed as the first electrical pointer 31, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 moves towards the center at the same speed as the second electrical pointer 32. When both the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 reach both ends of the track, they detach from the display outer casing 1, and the entire display outer casing 1 turns black. Then, the third electrical pointer 33 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 move from the center of the track to the middle position of the long side connecting to the display outer casing 1, connecting with it, thus achieving a circulating water effect where the transparent area extends from the center to both ends.

[0056] like Figure 9The sixth effect shown is a bidirectional water flow turning, converging from both ends towards the middle, with the transparent area decreasing. The initial positions of the first electrical pointer 31, the second electrical pointer 32, the third electrical pointer 33, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 are shown in the figure. The first electrical pointer 31 is located at one end of the long side connecting the first motion track 21 and the display outer accessory 1. The third electrical pointer 33 is located in the middle of the long side where the first motion track 21 and the display outer accessory 1 are not connected. The second electrical pointer 32 is located at one end of the long side connecting the second motion track 22 and the display outer accessory 1. The first and second electrical pointers 31 and 32 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the display outer accessory 1 respectively, forming the largest transparent rectangular area. The fourth electrical pointer 34 is located in the middle of the long side where the second motion track 22 and the display outer accessory 1 are not connected. The first and second electrical pointers 31 and 32 move relative to each other at the same speed, and the transparent rectangular area between them gradually decreases from both ends towards the middle. The third electrical pointer 33 moves at the same speed as the first electrical pointer 31 towards its initial position, and the fourth electrical pointer 34 moves at the same speed as the second electrical pointer 32 towards its initial position. When the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 reach the middle position of the track, the entire display outer casing 1 turns black. Afterward, the first electrical pointer 31 and the second electrical pointer 32 detach from the display outer casing 1, and the third electrical pointer 33 and the fourth electrical pointer 34 connect to the display outer casing 1 from both ends, thus achieving a circulating water effect where the transparent area converges from both ends towards the middle.

[0057] Water flow deflection effect seven: Bidirectional water flow deflection, extending from the middle to both ends and converging from both ends to the middle, with the transparent area increasing and decreasing in size. Initially, the first electric pointer 31 is located at the middle position of the long side connecting the first motion track 21 and the display outer accessory 1, the second electric pointer 32 is located at the middle position of the long side connecting the second motion track 22 and the display outer accessory 1, and the third electric pointer 33 and the fourth electric pointer 34 remain stationary. The first electric pointer 31 and the second electric pointer 32 move towards each other at the same speed, approaching the two ends of the track. After reaching the two ends of the track, the first electric pointer 31 and the second electric pointer 32 move towards the middle position at the same speed again, thus achieving a circulating water flow effect where the transparent area extends from the middle to both ends and then converges back to the middle.

[0058] Of course, the water flow turning device of the present invention can also achieve other water flow turning effects, or add an electric pointer to achieve more complex water flow turning effects by controlling the movement between different electric pointers.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This expression is only for the purpose of making the description of the present invention simpler and more convenient, and does not indicate or imply that the component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0060] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "joining" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0061] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0062] 1) This invention controls the movement of the electric pointer to adjust the light transmittance of the display outer part, thereby achieving a variety of complex flowing turn signals, enriching the design language of turn signals, promoting the development and innovation of vehicle lighting design technology, and meeting the diversified needs of the market.

[0063] 2) Compared with the thick-walled water diversion scheme, the single-light guiding uniformity of the present invention is better and there is no graininess.

[0064] 3) The present invention requires fewer Y-axis dimensions and reduces the overall lamp envelope.

[0065] 4) The present invention uses fewer LEDs, fewer PCB boards, and requires less heat dissipation, which helps to save on inspection and maintenance costs.

[0066] The embodiments described above are merely further illustrations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any other way. The present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding modifications and changes based on the present invention, but all such modifications and changes should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow-oriented steering device, mounted on a vehicle body, characterized in that, It includes a display external component, an electric pointer, a movement track, an optical waveguide, and an optical waveguide bracket; The manufacturing material of the display external component includes an electrochromic material, which is colorless and transparent under the action of an external electric field and black when there is no external electric field; The movement track can conduct electricity and includes a first movement track and a second movement track. Both the first movement track and the second movement track are in the shape of a figure-eight, and the first movement track and the second movement track are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the display external component and are located on the same side of the display external component; The electric pointer includes a first electric pointer, a second electric pointer, a third electric pointer, and a fourth electric pointer. The first electric pointer and the third electric pointer move along the first movement track, and the second electric pointer and the fourth electric pointer move along the second movement track; Both ends of one side of the optical waveguide bracket are respectively connected to the first movement track and the second movement track, and a cavity is formed between it and the display external component. The other side of the optical waveguide bracket is connected to the vehicle body; The optical waveguide is fixed on the optical waveguide bracket and is located in the cavity for transmitting optical signals.

2. The water flow deflection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an electric pointer fixing trolley, and the electric pointers are respectively fixed on the electric pointer fixing trolley, and the electric pointer fixing trolley moves along the movement track.

3. The water flow steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It further includes a trolley control device and a power supply control device; The trolley control device is installed on the movement track to control the movement mode of the electric pointer fixing trolley; The power supply control device is connected to the movement track. Among them, the power supply control device conducts current to the electric pointer through the movement track, and the electric pointer is connected to the display external component to form a circuit, controlling the light transmittance of the display external component to form different flowing water turning effects.

4. The water flow deflection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flowing water turning device is installed between the vehicle headlight and the engine hood.

5. A method for controlling the direction of water flow, characterized in that, The method is applied to the flowing water turning device according to any one of claims 1-4, and includes: controlling the energized area between the electric pointers and controlling the movement mode of the electric pointers to form a flowing water turning effect.

6. The flow direction control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The movement mode of the electric pointer includes the movement state, movement direction, and movement speed of the electric pointer.

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