Vehicle active spoiler lighting device and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle active spoiler type lighting device and method. A vehicle active spoiler type lighting device and a vehicle active spoiler type lighting method, the vehicle active spoiler type lighting device including: an insertion recess formed in a vehicle body; an airflow adjusting unit inserted into the insertion recess and protruding from the insertion recess to change a direction of an air flow flowing along a surface of the vehicle body; a driving unit installed in the insertion recess, connected to the airflow adjusting unit, and configured to insert the airflow adjusting unit into the insertion recess or pull the airflow adjusting unit out of the insertion recess; and a lamp unit configured to provide illumination to the airflow adjusting unit. The vehicle active spoiler type lighting method can illuminate a vehicle, and in the vehicle active spoiler type lighting method, the airflow adjusting unit is protruded to the outside as needed in order to improve a driving performance of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to vehicle active spoiler-type lighting devices and vehicle active spoiler-type lighting methods, and more specifically, to vehicle active spoiler-type lighting devices and vehicle active spoiler-type lighting methods capable of providing illumination to a vehicle, wherein an airflow regulating unit protrudes outward as needed to improve vehicle driving performance. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles typically use various lights to enable the driver to effectively send signals related to his / her vehicle's movement to other vehicles. Among these lights, turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and backup lights are configured as a structurally integrated rear light mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Spoilers are installed inside the vehicle body to reduce aerodynamic drag at high speeds. However, the interference between the spoiler and the taillights makes designing a spoiler for internal installation challenging. Therefore, improvements to the spoiler design are needed.

[0004] The related technology disclosed herein is in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2011-0049295 (published on May 12, 2011, and entitled "Rear Combination Lamp and Lighting System Using Rear Combination Lamp"). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure that address the aforementioned problems relate to a vehicle active spoiler lighting device and a vehicle active spoiler lighting method, which are capable of providing illumination to a vehicle, wherein an airflow regulating unit protrudes outward as needed to improve vehicle driving performance.

[0006] In one embodiment, a vehicle active spoiler-type lighting device includes: an insertion recess formed in a vehicle body; an airflow regulating unit inserted into and protruding from the insertion recess, thereby potentially altering the direction of airflow flowing along a surface of the vehicle body; a drive unit mounted in the insertion recess, connected to the airflow regulating unit, and configured to insert the airflow regulating unit into or pull the airflow regulating unit out of the insertion recess; and a lamp unit configured to provide illumination to the airflow regulating unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the insertion recess may have a shape formed by recessing the surface of the vehicle body.

[0008] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulating unit may be shaped to correspond to the insertion recess, thereby preventing the insertion recess from being exposed to the outside.

[0009] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the drive unit can be fixed inside the insertion recess and its length can be changed.

[0010] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the drive unit can be slidably movable inside the insertion recess.

[0011] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulating unit can guide the light generated by the lamp unit toward the rear or lateral side of the vehicle body.

[0012] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulating unit may be formed in a manner that has length in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

[0013] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulating unit may be formed in a manner that has length in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0014] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulating unit may be formed in a manner that has length in the left-right direction and length in the up-down direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the airflow regulation units can be connected to each other for simultaneous driving or separated from each other for individual driving.

[0016] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the lamp unit can be turned on when the airflow regulating unit is protruding.

[0017] In one embodiment, the vehicle active spoiler lighting device may further include a sealing member installed in the insertion recess, in close contact with the airflow regulating unit, and preventing the introduction of foreign objects.

[0018] In one embodiment, the vehicle active spoiler lighting device may further include a control unit configured to operate one of the drive unit and the lamp unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, a vehicle active spoiler lighting method includes the following steps: inputting an instruction to operate a drive unit mounted in an insertion recess; detecting whether a lamp unit that provides illumination to an airflow regulating unit connected to the drive unit is turned on; and, in the state where the lamp unit is off, moving the airflow regulating unit in a manner that protrudes from the insertion recess by driving the drive unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, in the vehicle active spoiler lighting method, when switching from driving mode to sport mode, instructions for operating the drive unit can be input.

[0021] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting method, a processor for autonomous driving can input instructions for operating the drive unit to communicate with a pedestrian or another vehicle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the vehicle active spoiler lighting method may further include the following steps: when the lamp unit is in the on state, detecting whether the vehicle is stopped; when the vehicle is in the stopped state, driving the drive unit to move the airflow regulating unit in a manner that protrudes from the insertion recess.

[0023] In one embodiment, the vehicle active spoiler lighting method may further include the following step: when the vehicle is in motion, warning the drive unit that it is inoperable.

[0024] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting method, the lamp unit can detect timer settings or illuminance and thereby turn on or off.

[0025] In one embodiment, in a vehicle active spoiler lighting method, the lamp unit can be turned on or off by a driver operating a switch.

[0026] In the vehicle active spoiler lighting device and method disclosed herein, an airflow regulating unit is inserted into an insertion recess formed in the vehicle body, and light generated by a lamp unit mounted on the airflow regulating unit passes through the airflow regulating unit to provide linear illumination. The airflow regulating unit protrudes from the insertion recess as needed via a drive unit. Therefore, aerodynamic drag can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure installed in a manner having length in the left-right direction.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure installed in a manner having length in the vertical direction.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure installed in a manner having length in the left-right direction and length in the up-down direction.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The active spoiler lighting device and active spoiler lighting method for vehicles according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and convenience, line thickness, dimensions of component elements, etc., may be shown in the drawings at a non-precise scale. Furthermore, the terms to be assigned to the component elements according to this disclosure are defined in consideration of the function of the component elements and may vary according to the user's intent, the administrator's intent, or based on practice in the art. Therefore, the terms should be defined in the context of this specification.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a vehicle active spoiler lighting device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle active spoiler lighting device 1 includes an insertion recess 10, an airflow regulating unit 20, a driving unit 30, and a lamp unit 40.

[0034] An insertion recess 10 can be formed in the vehicle body 100. The insertion recess 10 can have a shape formed by recessing the vehicle body 100. Therefore, the insertion recess 10 can be exposed to the outside and can provide installation space. The insertion recess 10 can form a line to realize a linear light.

[0035] The airflow regulating unit 20 can be inserted into the insertion recess 10. The airflow regulating unit 20 can protrude from the insertion recess 10 as needed, thereby changing the direction of the airflow flowing along the surface of the vehicle body 100. The airflow regulating unit 20 can be designed in a shape corresponding to the insertion recess 10, and thus can prevent the insertion recess 10 from being exposed to the outside.

[0036] The drive unit 30 can be installed in the insertion recess 10 and can be connected to the airflow regulating unit 20. The airflow regulating unit 20 can be inserted into or pulled out of the insertion recess 10 via the drive unit 30. The drive unit 30 can be built into the insertion recess 10 and can be connected to the airflow regulating unit 20. When powered, the drive unit 30 can change its length or can slide, thereby changing the position of the airflow regulating unit 20.

[0037] The lamp unit 40 can provide illumination to the airflow regulating unit 20. The lamp unit 40 can be mounted on the airflow regulating unit 20 and can emit light. The light supplied by the lamp unit 40 can pass through the airflow regulating unit 20, thereby providing illumination. Multiple lamp units 40 can be spaced apart along the length of the airflow regulating unit 20 and can emit light. Furthermore, a light guide can be formed along the length of the airflow regulating unit 20, and one lamp unit 40 can emit light into the light guide.

[0038] The airflow regulating unit 20 can be mounted on the drive unit 30 and can transmit the light generated by the lamp unit 40. The airflow regulating unit 20 can guide the straight-line propagation of the light generated by the lamp unit 40 and can guide the light towards the rear or lateral side of the vehicle. The lamp unit 40 can provide red or white light. Individual complementary color lenses can be arranged on the airflow regulating unit 20, and the complementary color lenses can change the color of the light. The airflow regulating unit 20 may include an inner lens portion and an outer lens portion, the outer lens portion being formed to surround and thus protect the inner lens portion. The inner lens portion can extend the light generated by the lamp unit 40, and light passing through the inner lens portion can pass through the outer lens portion, thereby providing illumination to the outside.

[0039] According to this disclosure, the airflow regulating unit 20 can be mounted on the drive unit 30 and can be modified in various ways to direct the light generated by the lamp unit 40 outwards. The airflow regulating unit 20 is schematically shown in the accompanying drawings in a manner that makes its basic function understandable. The airflow regulating unit 20 is briefly described in the "Detailed Description" section.

[0040] The vehicle active spoiler lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may further include a sealing member 50. The sealing member 50 may be installed in the insertion recess 10 and may be in close contact with the airflow regulating unit 20. The sealing member 50 may be made of a material containing an elastic component and may fill the gap between the insertion recess 10 and the airflow regulating unit 20. Therefore, the sealing member 50 can prevent irregular movement of the airflow regulating unit 20 due to the introduction of foreign objects and can prevent the formation of turbulence due to air introduction.

[0041] The vehicle active spoiler lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment may further include a control unit 60. The control unit 60 can operate at least one of the drive unit 30 and the lamp unit 40. When the control unit 60 receives a signal generated by the driver to operate each of the drive unit 30 and the lamp unit 40, or when conditions for operating each of the drive unit 30 and the lamp unit 40 are met, the control unit 60 can selectively operate each of the drive unit 30 and the lamp unit 40. Therefore, only the airflow regulating unit 20 can be protruding, or the lamp unit 40 can be activated with the airflow regulating unit 20 protruding, thereby complying with traffic regulations.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure installed in a manner having length in the left-right direction. (See reference...) Figure 2 The airflow regulating unit 20 can be formed in a manner that extends along the left-right direction of the vehicle body 100. The airflow regulating unit 20 can be inserted into an insertion recess 10 formed along the left-right direction of the trunk, and the airflow regulating unit 20 can be exposed to the outside. When the lamp unit 40 is turned on in this state, linear illumination can be provided through the airflow regulating unit 20. Depending on whether the drive unit 30 is driven, the airflow regulating unit 20 can be arranged along the same line as the vehicle body 100, or it can protrude from the vehicle body 100, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure installed in a manner having length in the vertical direction. (See also...) Figure 3 The airflow regulating unit 20 can be formed in a manner that extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle body 100. The airflow regulating unit 20 can be inserted into a pair of insertion recesses 10, which are respectively formed on the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle, extending along the vertical direction of the rear of the vehicle, and can be exposed to the outside. When the lamp unit 40 is turned on in this state, linear illumination can be provided through the airflow regulating unit 20. Depending on whether the drive unit 30 is driven, the airflow regulating unit 20 can be arranged in the same line as the vehicle body 100, or it can protrude from the vehicle body 100, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic view showing the airflow regulating unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure installed in a manner having length in the left-right direction and length in the up-down direction. (See reference...) Figure 4 The airflow regulating unit 20 is formed in such a way that it has a length in the left-right direction of the vehicle body 100 and a length in the up-down direction of the vehicle body 100. Figure 4The shape of the airflow regulating unit 20 can be referred to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Understanding. Therefore, [the following was omitted]. Figure 4 A detailed description of the airflow regulating unit 20 is provided. The airflow regulating unit 20 having length in the left-right direction and the airflow regulating unit 20 having length in the up-down direction can be connected to each other to protrude simultaneously, or they can be separated from each other to protrude individually.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring below... Figure 5 Describe a vehicle active spoiler lighting method.

[0046] With the vehicle engine running, an instruction is input to operate the drive unit 30 (S10). The drive unit 30 is installed in an insertion recess 10 formed by recessing the vehicle body 100. The airflow regulating unit 20 is inserted into the insertion recess 10 and thus connected to the drive unit 30, and the lamp unit 40 is mounted on the airflow regulating unit 20. In this state, illumination is provided by the airflow regulating unit 20.

[0047] At this time, when the driver operates the switch to operate the drive unit 30 or switches from driving mode to sport mode, it can be considered as inputting an instruction to operate the drive unit 30. Additionally, the processor for autonomous driving can input instructions to operate the drive unit 30 in order to communicate with pedestrians or another vehicle.

[0048] When an instruction is input to the operation drive unit 30, the control unit 60 detects whether the lamp unit 40 is turned off (S20).

[0049] When the lamp unit 40 is in the off state, the control unit 60 drives the drive unit 30. When the drive unit 30 is driven, the airflow regulating unit 20 moves in a manner that protrudes from the insertion recess 10 (S30). The airflow regulating unit 20 can protrude from the surface of the vehicle body 100, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

[0050] However, when the lamp unit 40 is in the on state, the control unit 60 detects whether the vehicle has stopped (S40).

[0051] When the vehicle is stationary, the control unit 60 drives the drive unit 30. When the drive unit 30 is driven, the airflow regulating unit 20 moves in a manner that protrudes from the insertion recess 10 (S30).

[0052] When the vehicle is in motion, the control unit 60 warns the driver that the drive unit 30 is inoperable (S50). That is, the control unit 60 may display a message on the screen instructing the airflow regulating unit 20 not to protrude from the insertion recess 10 in order to comply with traffic rules, or may output such a message in audio format through the speaker.

[0053] The lamp unit 40 detects a timer setting or illuminance and is therefore turned on or off. That is, the lamp unit 40 can be turned on only during a user-defined time period. Alternatively, the lamp unit 40 can be automatically turned on by an illuminance sensor. Furthermore, the lamp unit 40 can be turned on or off by a driver-operated switch.

[0054] In the vehicle active spoiler lighting device and method according to the first and second embodiments of this disclosure, an airflow regulating unit 20 is inserted into an insertion recess 10 formed in the vehicle body 100, and light generated by a lamp unit 40 mounted on the airflow regulating unit 20 passes through the airflow regulating unit 20 to provide linear illumination. If necessary, the airflow regulating unit 20 can protrude from the insertion recess 10 via a drive unit 30, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag.

[0055] Embodiments of this disclosure have been described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments and various equivalents thereof can also be implemented.

Claims

1. A vehicle active spoiler lighting device, the vehicle active spoiler lighting device comprising: An insertion recess is formed in the vehicle body; An airflow regulating unit, which is inserted into and protrudes from the insertion recess, thereby potentially changing the direction of the airflow flowing along the surface of the vehicle body; A drive unit is mounted in the insertion recess, connected to the airflow regulating unit, and configured to insert the airflow regulating unit into the insertion recess or pull the airflow regulating unit out of the insertion recess; as well as A lamp unit configured to provide illumination to the airflow regulating unit. The airflow regulating unit is formed such that it has a length in the left-right direction and a length in the up-down direction of the vehicle body.

2. The vehicle active spoiler lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The insertion recess has a shape formed by making the surface of the vehicle body concave.

3. The vehicle active spoiler lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The airflow regulating unit is shaped to correspond to the insertion recess, thereby preventing the insertion recess from being exposed to the outside.

4. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit is fixed inside the insertion recess and can change its length.

5. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit can slide inside the insertion recess.

6. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow regulating unit guides the light generated by the lamp unit to propagate toward the rear or lateral side of the vehicle body.

7. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow regulating units are connected to each other for simultaneous operation or separated for individual operation.

8. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The lamp unit is turned on when the airflow regulating unit is protruding.

9. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle active spoiler lighting device further comprises: A sealing member is installed in the insertion recess, making close contact with the airflow regulating unit and preventing foreign objects from being introduced.

10. The vehicle active spoiler lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle active spoiler lighting device further comprises: A control unit configured to operate one of the drive unit and the lamp unit.

11. A method for providing active spoiler lighting for vehicles, the method comprising the following steps: Input instructions to operate the drive unit installed in the insertion recess; Detect whether the lamp unit that provides illumination to the airflow regulating unit connected to the drive unit is turned on; as well as With the lamp unit off, the airflow regulating unit is moved in a way that protrudes from the insertion recess by driving the drive unit.

12. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 11, wherein, When switching from driving mode to sport mode, input commands to operate the drive unit.

13. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 11, wherein, The processor for autonomous driving inputs instructions for operating the drive unit to communicate with pedestrians or another vehicle.

14. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: When the light unit is in the on state, it detects whether the vehicle has stopped; as well as When the vehicle is stationary, the airflow regulating unit is moved in a manner that protrudes from the insertion recess by driving the drive unit.

15. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 14, further comprising the following steps: When the vehicle is in motion, a warning is issued that the drive unit is inoperable.

16. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 11, wherein, The lamp unit detects the timer setting or illuminance and thereby turns it on or off.

17. The vehicle active spoiler lighting method according to claim 11, wherein, The light unit is turned on or off by the driver operating a switch.

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