LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH AN ACTIVE AERODYNAMIC ELEMENT

Abstract

Lighting system (42) for a motor vehicle (10) with a vehicle body (14) oriented along a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first vehicle body end (16) configured to counteract oncoming ambient airflow (27) when the vehicle (10) is traveling relative to a road surface (12), wherein a second vehicle body end (18) is opposite the first vehicle body end (16) and has an aerodynamic element (30) with an aerodynamic element body (32) attached to the second vehicle body end (18) and mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the lighting system (42) comprises: a light source configured to direct at least one light beam (46) onto the aerodynamic element body (32); and a light-reflecting feature (48) arranged on the aerodynamic element body (32) and having an orientation configured to reflect the at least one light beam (46) along the longitudinal axis (X) in a direction away from the first vehicle body end (16); characterized by the fact that the light source (44) is attached to the vehicle body (14); wherein the aerodynamic element body (32) is movably mounted on the second vehicle body end (18) and the aerodynamic element system additionally includes a mechanism (34) configured to vary the position of the aerodynamic element body (32) relative to the second vehicle body end (18) in order to control the movement of the ambient airflow (27) relative to the vehicle body (14); wherein the mechanism (34) is configured to (i) selectively retract the aerodynamic element body (32) from the ambient airflow (27) into a position near the vehicle body (14) in order to reduce a downforce acting on the second vehicle body end (18), and (ii) extend the aerodynamic element body (32) into a position in the ambient airflow (27) in order to increase the downforce acting on the second vehicle body end (18), wherein the mechanism (34) pivotally mounts the aerodynamic element body (32) to maintain the orientation of the light-reflecting feature (48) in order to reflect the at least one light beam (46) in the retracted position of the aerodynamic element body (32) near the vehicle body and in the extended position of the aerodynamic element body (32) in the ambient airflow (27) as well as in positions between these two positions along the longitudinal axis (X).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from JP 2001 - 063 458 A.

[0002] Furthermore, an adjustable rear spoiler is shown in DE 10 2015 121 030 A1.

[0003] Automotive aerodynamics studies the aerodynamics of road vehicles. The main objectives of this study are to reduce drag to minimize noise emissions and to prevent unwanted lift forces and other causes of aerodynamic instability at high speeds. Furthermore, aerodynamic research can also be used to generate downforce in performance vehicles to improve road grip, high-speed stability, and cornering. This research is typically applied to the design of the vehicle body, along with the use of aerodynamic devices or elements, to achieve a desired compromise between the aforementioned properties, specifically for the vehicle application.

[0004] A spoiler is an aerodynamic device designed to smooth out unfavorable airflow over the body of a moving vehicle, usually described as turbulence or drag. Spoilers can be mounted on the front and / or rear of the vehicle body. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often referred to as air brakes. When the vehicle is in motion, these air brakes guide the airflow and also reduce the flow of air under the vehicle, thus generally reducing aerodynamic lift and drag.

[0005] Additionally, when a vehicle is in motion, the airflow at the rear becomes turbulent, creating a low-pressure area that increases drag and instability. Adding an active aerodynamic element, such as a spoiler at the rear of the vehicle body, can help delay airflow separation from the body. A higher pressure zone in front of the spoiler can also help reduce lift on the vehicle body by generating a desired amount of downforce depending on the vehicle's speed. Therefore, in certain positions relative to the vehicle body, such an active aerodynamic element can reduce drag and improve the vehicle's high-speed stability due to the reduced rear lift. SUMMARY

[0006] A lighting system for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0007] The aerodynamic element can be configured, for example, as an adjustable rear wing or spoiler. The aerodynamic element body can be movably attached to the second end of the vehicle body. The aerodynamic element system can additionally include a mechanism configured to vary the position of the aerodynamic element body relative to the second end of the vehicle body in order to control the movement of the ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body.

[0008] The mechanism can be configured to selectively retract the aerodynamic element body from the ambient airflow and into a position near the vehicle body, thereby reducing the downforce acting on the second end of the vehicle body, and to position or extend the aerodynamic element body into the ambient airflow, thereby increasing the downforce acting on the second end of the vehicle body. In such an embodiment, the mechanism can be configured to maintain the orientation of the light-reflecting feature in order to reflect the at least one light beam along the longitudinal axis between and including the position of the aerodynamic element body near the vehicle body and the position of the aerodynamic element body when extended into the ambient airflow.

[0009] The light source can be centered with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the light-reflecting feature is configured to define a high-mount brake lamp (CHMSL - Center High Mount Stop Lamp).

[0010] The vehicle may additionally include a first and a second side body panel spanning a distance between the first and second vehicle body ends. In such a vehicle, the light source may include a first-side light source positioned near the first side body panel and configured to direct a first-side light beam, and a second-side light source located near the second side body panel and configured to direct a second-side light beam. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the light-reflecting feature may be configured to reflect the first-side and second-side light beams, thereby defining at least one of the vehicle's rear lights and turn signals.

[0011] The light-reflecting feature can be a polymer or a glass reflector attached to the aerodynamic element body.

[0012] Alternatively, the light-reflecting feature can be a reflective coating applied to the aerodynamic element body.

[0013] The light source can be an arrangement that includes a lens defined by an external shape configured to reduce and release the accumulation of fluid and dirt.

[0014] The lens incorporates a hydrophobic coating configured to further reduce the accumulation of fluid and dirt.

[0015] The light source can include a light-emitting diode (LED) and / or a string of lights.

[0016] Furthermore, a motor vehicle with such a lighting system is disclosed.

[0017] The features and advantages listed above, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) and the best way(s) for implementing the described disclosure in conjunction with the associated drawings and added claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle whose body is arranged in a body plane and along a longitudinal axis, and which has a variety of adjustable aerodynamic aids and various sensors attached to the body for determining the ride height of the vehicle according to the disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective rear view of the vehicle with the [item / component] shown in [image / diagram]. Fig. 1 lighting system shown, including a light source and a light-reflecting feature, which are shown with the aerodynamic element arrangement in an extended position according to the disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective rear view of the vehicle with the [item] shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 lighting system shown, illustrated with the aerodynamic element arrangement in a retracted position according to the disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the lighting system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the lighting system according to a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring to the drawings, where identical reference numbers refer to identical components, states Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle 10 positioned relative to the road surface 12. The vehicle 10 comprises a body 14 arranged along a longitudinal axis X on a body plane P that is substantially parallel to the road surface 12. The vehicle body 14 defines six body sides. These six body sides include a first body end or front end 16, an opposite second body end or rear end 18, a first lateral body side or left side panel 20, a second lateral body side or right side panel 22, an upper body section 24 which may include a vehicle roof, and an underbody section (not shown).

[0019] The left side wall 20 and the right side wall 22 are generally arranged parallel to each other and with respect to a longitudinal axis X, bridging the distance between the vehicle front 16 and the vehicle rear 18. The body plane P is defined such that it includes the longitudinal axis X. A passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10 is generally bounded by the vehicle front and rear 16, 18 and the left and right side walls 20, 22 of the body 14. The vehicle front 16 is configured to meet an inflowing ambient airflow 27 when the vehicle 10 is in motion relative to the road surface 12. When the vehicle 10 is in motion, the inflowing ambient airflow 27 moves substantially parallel to the body plane P and along the longitudinal axis X.

[0020] As shown, the vehicle 10 also includes a power unit 28, such as an internal combustion engine, a hybrid-electric powertrain (not shown), or other alternative types of drive systems. As the vehicle 10 moves relative to the road surface 12, for example, under torque input from the power unit 28, the ambient air 27 flows around the body 14 and is divided into the respective first airflow section 27-1, second airflow section 27-2, third airflow section 27-3, and fourth airflow section 27-4 (not shown), which ultimately merge in a wake or recirculating airflow region 27-6 immediately behind the rear of the vehicle 18. More precisely, according to the illustration in Fig. 1 The first part of the airflow 27-1 flows over the upper body section 24, the second part 27-2 along the left side 20, the third part 27-3 along the right side 22, and the fourth part 27-4 (shown in Phantom) flows under the body 14 between the underbody section and the road surface 12. The recirculating airflow area 27-6 generally arises at high vehicle speeds from the airflow around the six sides of the vehicle body 14.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-3, the vehicle 10 also includes an aerodynamic element 30 attached to the rear end 18. As shown, the aerodynamic element 30 can be configured as a spoiler. The aerodynamic element 30 includes an aerodynamic element body 32, which is generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The aerodynamic element body 32 can be wing-shaped. "Wing-shaped" is defined here as having the form of a wing, i.e., a fin with the shape of an airfoil. In a cross-sectional view of the aerodynamic element body 32, shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the flow profile in question, which is designated 32A. As shown, the flow profile 32A is defined by a streamlined shape that generates a backward lift or a downward force F. dgenerated when the vehicle 10 is in motion and acts upon the first airflow section 27-1. Although the following disclosure specifically details a spoiler embodiment of the aerodynamic element 30, other aerodynamic devices movably attached to the rear end 18 of the vehicle 10 are also provided herein.

[0022] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the spoiler assembly 30 also has a mechanism 34 for changing the position of the aerodynamic element body 32 relative to the vehicle rear 18 in order to regulate the movement of the airflow 27 relative to the body 14. In particular, the mechanism 34 is configured to selectively extend and extend the aerodynamic element body 32 into the first airflow section 27-1 of the ambient airflow 27 and to retract the aerodynamic element body from the ambient airflow to a position near the vehicle body 14. Extending the aerodynamic element body 32 via the mechanism 34 positions the aerodynamic element body in a plane P' (shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), which lies essentially parallel to the body plane P. The mechanism 34 may include one or more actuators 36 configured to vary the position of the aerodynamic element body 32 relative to the rear end 18. Such an actuator 36 may operate electromechanically, such as an electric motor, or may be of a hydraulic or mechanical nature.

[0023] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1-3, a plate 38 located near the rear end 18 includes the upper body section 24. The plate 38 can be configured as a fixed rear deck, a trunk lid, a tailgate, or an engine cover in an embodiment of the vehicle 10 with the engine 28 located near the rear end 18. Accordingly, the mechanism 34 is configured to extend the aerodynamic element body 32 away from the plate 38 and out of it into an operating position 40A within the first airflow section 27-1 immediately in front of the rear end 18, thereby reducing the downforce F dto increase the force acting on the rear end of the vehicle 10. The mechanism 34 is also configured to withdraw the aerodynamic element body 32 from the first airflow section 27-1 and into a stowed position 40B against the plate 38, thereby reducing the downforce F acting on the rear end 18 of the vehicle 10. d to reduce.

[0024] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1-5, vehicle 10 also includes a lighting system 42. The lighting system 42 includes a light source that is attached to the rear end 18 on the plate 38 and is generally designated by reference numeral 44. The lighting system 42 is configured to produce and direct at least one beam of light, which is generally designated by reference numeral 46 in the Fig. 4-5. According to the disclosure, the light beam 46 is generated on the aerodynamic element body 32 essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The lighting system 42 also includes a light-reflecting feature, which is generally found in the Fig. 4-5 is designated by reference numeral 48. The light-reflecting feature 48 is arranged on the aerodynamic element body 32. Furthermore, the light-reflecting feature 48 has an orientation specifically configured to reflect the at least one light beam 46 along the longitudinal axis X in a direction away from the front end 16, i.e., behind the rear end 18, towards the recirculated airflow area 27-6. Such reflection of the at least one light beam 46 is intended to be visible to observers positioned behind the vehicle 10. The mechanism 34 is also configured to make the aerodynamic element body 32 articulated such that the orientation of the light-reflecting feature 48 is maintained to reflect the at least one light beam 46 along the longitudinal axis X somewhere between and including the extended position 40A and the stowed position 40B of the aerodynamic element body.

[0025] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the light source 44 can include an auxiliary brake light 44A centered with respect to the longitudinal axis X, configured to produce an auxiliary brake light beam 46A. In such an embodiment, the light-reflecting feature 48 is configured to define a high-mounted brake light (CHMSL) mounted higher than the vehicle's standard left and right brake lights 44B, 44C, positioned near the left and right body sides 20, 22, respectively. In general, the CHMSL is intended to provide a warning to drivers behind the vehicle 10 whose view of the vehicle's left and right brake lights 44B, 44C is obstructed by intervening vehicles. The CHMSL also provides a redundant brake light signal in the event of a malfunction of the brake lights 44B, 44C.In such an embodiment, the light-reflecting feature 48 is configured to reflect the auxiliary brake light beam 46A along the longitudinal axis X in a direction behind the rear end 18 towards the recirculating airflow area 27-6. The CHMSL can use and generate light through a single central incandescent lamp, a series or group of incandescent lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a light chain, a laser fluorescent element, or a neon tube.

[0026] Additionally, as in Fig. As shown in Figures 2-3, the light source 44 can include a left and a right brake light 44B, 44C, which are designated as first- and second-side light sources, respectively. In such an embodiment, the left brake light 44B would be configured to direct a first-side light beam 46B onto a suitably positioned light-reflecting feature 48, and the second-side light source 44C would be configured to direct a second-side light beam 46C onto another suitably positioned light-reflecting feature 48. Furthermore, the first-side and second-side light sources can each be identified as left and right turn signals 44D, 44E. The left and right turn signals 44D, 44E are also arranged near the left and right sides 20, 22 of the vehicle body and are configured to produce recurring or repeating light beams 46D, 46E.Accordingly, the light source can define 44 vehicle rear lights and / or vehicle direction indicators.

[0027] Similar to the auxiliary brake light source 44A, each of the brake lights 44B, 44C and the direction indicators 44D, 44E can use and produce light by means of one or more incandescent lamps, a series or group of incandescent lamps or LEDs and one or more strings of lights, laser fluorescent element(s) or neon tube(s). As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, each of the light sources 44A-E can extend over both the vertical and the horizontal surface of the vehicle body 14. Accordingly, the CHMSL and / or the brake lights and direction indicators can be arranged partly in a plane that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the road surface 12, and partly in a plane parallel to the road surface facing the light-reflecting feature 48.

[0028] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the light-reflecting feature 48 can be a reflective polymer coating applied to the aerodynamic element body 32. Alternatively, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the light-reflecting feature 48 can be a reflector constructed or shaped from a polymer or glass and attached to the aerodynamic element body 32. The light source 44 can be an arrangement comprising a lens 44-1 defined by an outer shape 44-2 configured to reduce the accumulation of or runoff of fluid, such as precipitation or road water and dirt. In particular, the outer shape 44-2 can have a conical contour in a cross-sectional view (in Fig. 4 shown) or a convex contour (in Fig. 5 shown). The lens 44-1 may also have an external hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating 50 configured to prevent the accumulation of or runoff of fluid and dirt, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, to further reduce.

[0029] In general, a superhydrophobic coating is a nanoscopic surface layer that repels water. Liquid droplets that come into contact with such a coating can completely rebound. A superhydrophobic coating 50, for example, can be composed of materials based on manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2 / PS) nanocomposite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO / PS) nanocomposite, precipitated calcium carbonate, a carbon nanotube structure, or silicon dioxide nanocoating. Additionally, the lens 44-1 can be arranged at an angle (not shown) relative to the plane P, so that when the vehicle is positioned on a flat road surface 12, the lens is generally inclined or beveled to allow fluid to run off it.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 also includes an electronic control unit 52, which is configured, i.e., designed and programmed, to regulate the mechanism 34 and thereby change the position of the aerodynamic element body 32 relative to the rear end 18 between positions 40A and 40B. The control unit 52 can be a central processing unit (CPU) designed to control the drive unit 28 and other vehicle systems, or a dedicated control unit. To properly control the operation of the mechanism 34, the control unit 52 includes a memory, at least part of which is physical and non-transient. The memory can be a writable medium involved in providing computer-readable data or process instructions. This medium can be in any format, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media.

[0031] Non-volatile media for the controller 52 can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent storage devices. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which can constitute main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the conductors that make up a system bus coupled to the processor. The memory of the controller 52 can also include a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, or optical storage medium, etc.The Controller 52 can also be equipped or configured with other necessary computer hardware, such as a high-speed clock, required analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) converters, input / output (I / O) circuits and devices, and suitable circuitry for signal conditioning and / or buffering. Algorithms required or accessible to the Controller 52 can be stored in memory and executed automatically to provide the necessary functionality.

[0032] Vehicle 10 also includes wheels 54. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, at least one sensor 56 for detecting the rotational speeds of all wheels 54 can be arranged on the vehicle body 14. Each sensor 56 can also be configured to transmit the detected rotational speed of the respective wheel 54 to the controller 52, while the controller can be configured to relate the data received from the respective sensors to the vehicle speed 10. The controller 52 is configured to then regulate the mechanism 34 to selectively extend the aerodynamic element 32 into the first airflow section 27-1 of the ambient airflow 27 and to retract the aerodynamic element in response to the detected rotational speed of the wheel 54 in the first airflow section.The control unit 52 can, for example, be programmed with one or more predetermined threshold values ​​58 for the road speed, above which the control unit instructs the mechanism 34 to extend the aerodynamic element body 32 from position 40A to position 40B or to an intermediate position. In all the positions of the aerodynamic element body 32, such as those determined by the road speed of the vehicle 10, the lighting system 42 is to maintain the reflection of the light beam(s) 46 behind the rear end 18 and onto the recirculated airflow area 27-6 via the respective light-reflecting feature 48.

Claims

[1] Lighting system (42) for a motor vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body (14) oriented along a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first vehicle body end (16) configured to counteract oncoming ambient airflow (27) when the vehicle (10) is traveling relative to a road surface (12), wherein a second vehicle body end (18) is opposite the first vehicle body end (16) and has an aerodynamic element (30) with an aerodynamic element body (32) attached to the second vehicle body end (18) and mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the lighting system (42) comprises: a light source configured to direct at least one light beam (46) onto the aerodynamic element body (32); and a light-reflecting feature (48) arranged on the aerodynamic element body (32) and having an orientation configured to reflect the at least one light beam (46) along the longitudinal axis (X) in a direction away from the first vehicle body end (16); characterized by , that the light source (44) is attached to the vehicle body (14); wherein the aerodynamic element body (32) is movably mounted on the second vehicle body end (18) and the aerodynamic element system additionally includes a mechanism (34) configured to vary the position of the aerodynamic element body (32) relative to the second vehicle body end (18) in order to control the movement of the ambient airflow (27) relative to the vehicle body (14); wherein the mechanism (34) is configured to (i) selectively retract the aerodynamic element body (32) from the ambient airflow (27) into a position near the vehicle body (14) in order to reduce a downforce acting on the second vehicle body end (18), and (ii) extend the aerodynamic element body (32) into a position in the ambient airflow (27) in order to increase the downforce acting on the second vehicle body end (18), wherein the mechanism (34) pivotally mounts the aerodynamic element body (32) to maintain the orientation of the light-reflecting feature (48) in order to reflect the at least one light beam (46) in the retracted position of the aerodynamic element body (32) near the vehicle body and in the extended position of the aerodynamic element body (32) in the ambient airflow (27) as well as in positions between these two positions along the longitudinal axis (X). [2] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source (44) is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) such that the light-reflecting feature (48) is configured to define a high-mounted brake lamp (CHMSL - Center High Mount Stop Lamp). [3] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) additionally includes first and second side body panels (20, 22) spanning a distance between the first and second vehicle body ends (18), and wherein the light source (44) includes a first-side light source located near the side of the first side body panel (20) and configured to direct a first-side light beam (46) and a second-side light source (22) near the second side body panel and to align a second-side light beam (46) such that the light-reflecting feature (48) is configured to reflect the first-side and second-side light beams (46) and thereby define at least one of the vehicle's rear lights and vehicle direction indicators. [4] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light-reflecting feature (48) is a polymer or a glass reflector attached to the aerodynamic element body (32). [5] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light-reflecting feature (48) is a reflective coating applied to the aerodynamic element body (32). [6] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source (44) is an arrangement comprising a lens (44-1) defined by an outer shape configured to reduce the accumulation of fluid and dirt. [7] Lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the lens includes a hydrophobic coating (50) configured to further reduce the accumulation of fluid and dirt. [8] Lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source (44) includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED) and / or a string of lights.

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