Vehicle flow control system with lighting assembly
By introducing an active grille shutter assembly and lighting assembly into the vehicle flow control system, and utilizing the pivoting of the shutters and the emission of light, the balance problem between air flow and visual effects is solved, achieving a synergistic improvement in aerodynamic performance and visual effects.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510317047.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-19
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle flow control systems have difficulty finding a balance between controlling air flow and providing visual effects, especially in areas such as the vehicle's radiator, where flow control and aesthetics conflict.
An active grille shutter assembly is used in combination with a lighting assembly to achieve coordinated control of air flow and visual effects through the pivoting of the shutters and the emission of light.
A balance is achieved between controlling air flow and providing visual effects, enhancing aerodynamic performance while providing diverse visual appearance and information transmission.
Smart Images
Figure CN120663739A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to emitting light through an active grille shutter assembly. Background Art
[0002] A vehicle flow control system may incorporate an active grille shutter assembly having shutters that are actuated to control flow to various areas of the vehicle, such as the radiator, condenser, and other systems. The shutters can be opened when flow to a specific area is desired. The shutters can be closed to reduce drag. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system that includes an active grille shutter assembly for a vehicle having a plurality of shutters and a lighting assembly configured to emit light that passes between the plurality of shutters.
[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the lighting assembly is disposed rearward of the active grille shutter assembly.
[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the lighting assembly is horizontally disposed between the plurality of blinds and a component of the vehicle.
[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle flow control system wherein the component is a radiator of the vehicle.
[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the lighting assembly is disposed vertically above the plurality of blinds.
[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the plurality of louvers are configured to pivot about respective vertically extending axes.
[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle flow control system wherein the active grille shutter assembly is a first active grille shutter assembly on a passenger side of a front trunk, and the vehicle flow control system further includes a second active grille shutter assembly on a driver side of the front trunk.
[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the plurality of shutters each include a reflective optic region that reflects light.
[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the optical device is molded.
[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the optical device is located on a rear side of the plurality of shutters.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the plurality of shutters includes a rylene dye.
[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the lighting assembly is a light bar.
[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle traffic control system wherein the lighting assembly includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.
[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method that includes emitting light from a lighting assembly through a plurality of shutters of an active grille shutter assembly.
[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method that also includes rotating the plurality of shutters to change an amount of light passing through the plurality of shutters.
[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method that also includes changing a color of light emitted through the plurality of blinds based on a charge state of the vehicle.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method that also includes reflecting at least some of the light off of optics of the plurality of shutters.
[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method that also includes varying an intensity of the light to vary an amount of light passing through the plurality of blinds.
[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method wherein the lighting assembly is rearward of the active grille shutter assembly.
[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting method wherein the active grille shutter assembly is a first active grille shutter assembly on a passenger side of a front trunk and further includes a second active grille shutter assembly on a driver side of the front trunk.
[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle having a flow control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown.
[0026] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken at line 2-2 in FIG.
[0027] Figure 3 Shown from Figure 1 Front view of the system's active grille shutter assembly.
[0028] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 Close-up view of area 4.
[0029] Figure 5 A front view of a vehicle having an active grille shutter system according to another exemplary aspect of the present invention is shown.
[0030] Figure 6 Shows the flow from the assembly when the shutters are in the flow restriction position. Figure 5 A close-up view of the system's active grille shutter assembly.
[0031] Figure 7 Shows when the shutter assembly is in the Figure 6 The location allows more traffic from the location Figure 5 A close-up view of the system's active grille shutter components.
[0032] Figure 8 Shows when the shutter assembly is in the Figure 7 The location allows more traffic from the location Figure 5 A close-up view of the system's active grille shutter components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] An active grille shutter assembly of a vehicle traffic control system may include shutters that are movable between a position that allows more traffic to pass through the active grille shutter assembly and a position that allows less traffic to pass through the active grille shutter assembly. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transmits light through the shutters of an active grille system.
[0034] refer to Figures 1 to 4 In the exemplary embodiment, the front portion 10 of the vehicle 14 includes a flow control system having an active grille shutter assembly 18 disposed between a decorative grille 22 and a radiator 26. The active grille shutter assembly 18 is used to control the movement of airflow F from the exterior of the vehicle 14 to the radiator 26 and then to the engine compartment 28.
[0035] Although disclosed in conjunction with the vehicle 14 and the radiator 26 , the active grille shutter assembly 18 may be used to control flow through an opening in another area of the vehicle 14 , such as an opening to a passenger compartment of the vehicle 14 and another component of the vehicle 14 .
[0036] In this exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, active grille shutter assembly 18 includes a plurality of shutters 30, each of which is pivotally secured within a grille housing 34. Active grille shutter assembly 18 also includes an actuator assembly 38 for moving shutters 30. In this example, shutters 30 each pivot about a respective horizontally extending axis. In another example, shutters 30 may each pivot about a vertically extending axis.
[0037] For example, when it is desired to cool the radiator 26, the louvers 30 can be pivoted to a position that allows more flow to the radiator 26. When it is no longer desired to cool the radiator 26, the louvers 30 can be pivoted to a position that allows less flow. The position that allows less flow can enhance aerodynamics.
[0038] With reference to the orientation of the vehicle 14 , the active grille shutter assembly 18 is forward of the radiator 26 . The shutters 30 are spaced a distance from the radiator 26 , thereby establishing an open area 46 between the shutters 30 and the radiator 26 .
[0039] The lighting assembly 50 can be activated to selectively emit light L into the open area 46. At least some of the light L passes through the open area 46 and is emitted through the shutter 30. An observer viewing the front 10 of the vehicle 14 can see the light L emitted through the shutter 30. The emitted light L can appear as multiple light strips. The width of the light strips can be changed by pivoting the shutter 30. Moving the shutter 30 to a position that allows more traffic increases the width of the light strips. Moving the shutter 30 to a position that allows less traffic decreases the width of the light strips. Changing the width of the light strips can provide a desired visual appearance.
[0040] In this example, a lighting assembly 50 is disposed rearward of the active grille shutter assembly 18 and is located horizontally between the shutters 30 and the radiator 26. The lighting assembly 50 is vertically above the shutters 30 and emits light downward into the open area 46. For purposes of this disclosure, horizontal and vertical are referenced to the ground and the general orientation of the vehicle 14 during operation.
[0041] The lighting assembly 50 is a light bar having a plurality of light emitting diodes 52. The lighting assembly 50 can selectively emit light of a plurality of different colors. The color of the emitted light can be changed to provide a desired visual appearance. During assembly, the lighting assembly 50 can be installed.
[0042] In this example, the shutters 30 each include a reflective optic region 56. When light L passes between the shutters 30, at least some of the light L is reflected off the reflective optic region 56. Reflecting at least some of the light L can help provide a desired visual appearance. The reflective optic region 56 can be molded into the shutters 30. The reflective optic region 56 can be on the rear side of the shutters 30, i.e., the side facing the radiator 26 and the engine compartment 28. The reflective optic region 56 can alternatively be provided by reflective paint or tape.
[0043] In some examples, the shutters 30 may include a rylene dye or a long-lasting phosphor that may continue to emit light after the lighting assembly 50 is deactivated in order to provide a desired visual appearance.
[0044] Now refer to Figures 5 to 8 In another exemplary embodiment, vehicle 14A is an electrified vehicle having a trunk 60 . The vehicle includes a first active grille shutter assembly 18P on the passenger side of trunk 60 and a second active grille shutter assembly 18D on the driver side of trunk 60 .
[0045] The first active grille shutter assembly 18P and the second active grille shutter assembly 18D each include a shutter 64 that rotates about a respective vertically extending axis. The shutters 64 of the active grille shutter assembly 18P are rotated to control flow to a component 66, which may be a radiator on the passenger side of the vehicle 14A. Figures 1 to 4 As with the embodiment of the shutter 30 , the shutter 64 may include optics that reflect light and may alternatively or additionally include a rylene dye.
[0046] A lighting assembly 68 may be associated with the first active grille shutter assembly 18P. Another lighting assembly may be associated with the second active grille shutter assembly. Activating the lighting assembly 68 emits light that may pass between the shutters 64 of the first active grille shutter assembly 18P.
[0047] When the shutter 64 is in Figure 6 In the flow restriction position shown, little or no light passes between the louvers 64. Rotate the louvers 64 to Figure 7 The position increases the area between the louvers 64 and allows more light to pass between the louvers 64. Rotating the louvers 64 further to Figure 8 The position increases the area between the louvers 64 and allows more light to pass between the louvers 64. Therefore, rotating the louvers 64 changes the amount of light passing through the louvers 64 and the flow of air.
[0048] In one example, the color of the light emitted between the louvers 64 can change based on the state of charge of the vehicle 14A. For example, if the vehicle 14A is charging at a charging station, the light emitted between the louvers 64 can be red when the state of charge is low. As charging continues and the state of charge increases, the color of the light emitted between the louvers 64 can change from yellow to green. The green color can indicate that the vehicle 14A has reached the desired state of charge. An observer observing the vehicle 14A can understand the state of charge of the vehicle 14A by observing the color of the light emitted between the louvers 64.
[0049] In some examples, the intensity of the light emitted between the blinds 64 may also vary based on, for example, the state of charge of the vehicle 14A. In a particular example, the intensity increases as the vehicle 14A charges and moves closer to a desired state of charge.
[0050] Other potential modes of operation may include activating the lighting assembly 68 in response to another vehicle moving within a certain range of the vehicle 14A. Light from the lighting assembly 68 may provide notification to vehicles moving closer to the vehicle 14A.
[0051] In some examples, the shutters 64 may rotate to emit more light and then quickly close to provide a "blinking" type appearance. This may be in response to the identified vehicle moving closer to the vehicle 14A.
[0052] Rotation of the shutters 64 to change the amount of light emitted between the shutters 64, the intensity of the light emitted between the shutters 64, the color of the light emitted between the shutters 64, or some combination thereof may be based on the proximity of the vehicle 10 to another vehicle. If another vehicle is approaching the vehicle 10, the light may change, for example, from green to orange to red based on the proximity of the other vehicle to the vehicle 10. If the other vehicle is approaching the vehicle 10 faster than expected, the intensity of the light may increase to increase visibility of the vehicle 10.
[0053] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure should be determined solely by studying the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle flow control system, comprising: an active grille shutter assembly for a vehicle, the active grille shutter assembly having a plurality of shutters; as well as A lighting assembly is configured to emit light that passes between the plurality of louvers.
2. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is disposed rearwardly of the active grille shutter assembly, and optionally, wherein the lighting assembly is disposed vertically above the plurality of shutters.
3. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is horizontally disposed between the plurality of louvers and a component of the vehicle, and optionally, wherein the component is a radiator of the vehicle. 4 . The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of louvers are configured to pivot about respective vertically extending axes.
5. The vehicle flow control system of claim 1 , wherein the active grille shutter assembly is a first active grille shutter assembly on a passenger side of a front trunk, and the vehicle flow control system further comprises a second active grille shutter assembly on a driver side of the front trunk.
6. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of louvers each include a region of reflective optics that reflect light, and optionally wherein the optics are molded.
7. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 6, wherein the optical device is located on a rear side of the plurality of louvers.
8. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shutters comprises a rylene dye.
9. The vehicle traffic control system of claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly is a light bar, and optionally, wherein the lighting assembly includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.
10. A vehicle lighting method, comprising: Light is emitted from the lighting assembly through the plurality of shutters of the active grille shutter assembly. 11 . The vehicle lighting method of claim 14 , further comprising rotating the plurality of louvers to vary an amount of light passing through the plurality of louvers. 12 . The vehicle lighting method of claim 14 , further comprising changing a color of light emitted through the plurality of louvers based on a charge state of the vehicle.
13. The vehicle lighting method of claim 14, further comprising reflecting at least some of the light off of optics of the plurality of shutters. 14 . The vehicle lighting method of claim 14 , further comprising varying an intensity of the light to vary an amount of light passing through the plurality of louvers. 15 . The vehicle lighting method of claim 14 , wherein the active grille shutter assembly is a first active grille shutter assembly on a passenger side of a front trunk, and further comprising a second active grille shutter assembly on a driver side of the front trunk.