Diffuser for a vehicle, and vehicle comprising such a diffuser

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffuser (1) for a vehicle (2), said diffuser comprising: a diffuser carrier (1.1); at least one air guiding element (1.2) that can be moved relative to the diffuser carrier (1.1); and an actuating means, connected to the diffuser carrier (1.1) and the air guiding element (1.2), for changing the position of the air guiding element (1.2). The diffuser according to the invention is characterised in that: - the air guiding element (1.2) is formed by a flap which is pivotably connected to the diffuser carrier (1.1) at an end edge (3); - the actuating means is designed to pivot the air guiding element (1.2) from a retracted position (SO), in which the main body of the flap is embedded in an opening (4) in the diffuser carrier (1.1) corresponding to the cross-section of the flap, into at least one extended position (S1) by actuation; - a lighting device (5), comprising at least one lighting unit (5.1), is attached to the air guiding element (1.2); and wherein - the lighting unit (5.1) is designed to emit light when the air guiding element (1.2) is or has been pivoted from the retracted position (SO) into the at least one extended position (S1).

Description

[0001] Diffuser for a vehicle and vehicle with such a diffuser

[0002] The invention relates to a diffuser for a vehicle according to the type defined in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle with such a diffuser.

[0003] Lighting devices are integrated into vehicles to improve visibility in poor visibility conditions such as fog or darkness. They also enable the driver to better perceive their surroundings. Legal regulations stipulate that, depending on the vehicle type, different lighting devices are required, such as turn signals, brake lights, headlights, daytime running lights, and the like.

[0004] Diffusers for vehicles are also well known. These are air deflectors that specifically direct the airflow around the vehicle while driving in order to reduce the vehicle's lift, increase downforce, and / or reduce drag.

[0005] For example, DE 202017 101 000 U1 discloses a diffuser mounted on the rear of a vehicle's underbody with two air ducts, at the end of which a heat exchanger is integrated. The heat exchanger serves to cool the coolant of a rear axle differential.

[0006] Active diffusers are also known. The geometry of an active diffuser can be changed while driving to specifically adapt the airflow characteristics to the driving speed. Such a diffuser is known, for example, from DE 10 2004 022 179 A1. The diffuser comprises a rigid part attached to the vehicle's underbody near the rear and a movable part connected to it. The movable part is formed by a thin plate and can be moved translationally.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 102012 102 668 A1 discloses a front diffuser for a motor vehicle. The front diffuser is integrated into the underbody of the vehicle in the area of ​​the front of the vehicle and has a flap that can be pivoted within an air duct between a first and a second end position. In the retracted end position, the flap is positioned at an angle in the air duct, rising toward the rear of the vehicle. In the extended end position, the flap runs horizontally within the air duct.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 196 52 692 C1 discloses a motor vehicle with two brake lights. An upwardly extendable air deflector is provided at the rear of the vehicle, which, in the extended position, obscures the view of a first of the brake lights. A second brake light is integrated into the air deflector on a side facing the rear, so that at least one brake light is visible to other road users, regardless of the position of the air deflector.

[0009] Furthermore, JP H02-120 195 A discloses a rear spoiler for a vehicle with a brake light integrated into the rear spoiler. The brake light is concealed behind a flap that pivots upwards. When the vehicle is braking, the flap pivots upwards, revealing the brake light. This makes the brake light emitted by the brake light visible. Pivoting the flap upwards increases the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, which has an additional braking effect.

[0010] The present invention is based on the object of providing a diffuser for vehicles that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a diffuser for a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments as well as a vehicle with such a diffuser emerge from the dependent claims. In a generic diffuser for a vehicle, comprising a diffuser support, at least one air guide element movable relative to the diffuser support, and an adjusting means connected to the diffuser support and the air guide element for changing a position of the air guide element, it is provided that

[0012] - the air guiding element is formed by a flap which is pivotally connected to the diffuser support at one end edge;

[0013] - the actuating means is designed to pivot the air guiding element from a retracted position, in which the base body of the flap is inserted into an opening in the diffuser support corresponding to the cross-section of the flap, into at least one extended position by actuation; wherein the diffuser is further developed according to the invention in that

[0014] - a lighting device comprising at least one lighting device is attached to the air guiding element; wherein

[0015] - the lighting device is designed to emit light when the air guiding element is or has been pivoted from the retracted position into the at least one extended position; further comprising:

[0016] - at least sealing means connected to the flap, wherein the sealing means, in the extended position of the air guiding element, fill the gap created when the flap is pivoted relative to the diffuser support, and wherein at least parts of the sealing means are formed by a rigid body and / or an elastic material; and wherein

[0017] - at least one section of the sealing means is transparent and at least one lighting device is arranged behind the transparent section when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means;

[0018] - at least one lighting device is embedded in the sealing means; and / or

[0019] - at least one lighting device forms the sealing means partially or entirely.

[0020] The diffuser according to the invention is therefore a functionally integrated diffuser. It not only has the task of directing air in a targeted manner and thus reducing the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, but also serves as a lighting device for the vehicle. This enables the provision of entirely new types of light emission characteristics for the vehicle. It is thus possible to provide corresponding lighting devices in locations on the vehicle where no lighting devices were previously provided. This improves the visual recognizability of the vehicle in poor lighting conditions and also better illuminates the surroundings of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle user to better perceive their surroundings. Accordingly, the diffuser according to the invention improves general road safety and increases user comfort.

[0021] The diffuser according to the invention is also particularly simple in design. The air guide element is merely a simple pivoting flap. The flap can be essentially flat or can have protruding guide structures for the air flowing past the vehicle. The flap can also be corrugated, structured, curved, or the like, at least in sections. This ensures simple and cost-effective production of the air guide element.

[0022] Any conceivable actuator can be used as a control device. For example, an electric motor, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, a piezo actuator, or the like can serve as an actuator. The actuator can be combined with a gear mechanism, such as gears, levers, cable pull mechanisms, guide cams, and the like.

[0023] Because the base body of the flap has the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area as the corresponding opening in the diffuser support, the vehicle's flow characteristics are improved when the air guide element is retracted. This eliminates any significant openings or gaps that could cause turbulence and thus flow losses.

[0024] Depending on the vehicle type, particularly in off-road vehicles, a reduction in air resistance can be achieved even when the diffuser is extended. In off-road vehicles, the area behind the rear wheel is usually higher than the road surface (approach angle). An active diffuser that folds downwards correspondingly reduces the angle of the vehicle floor in relation to the road surface and can thus reduce air resistance when extended by extending the flat underbody between the axles partially beyond the rear axle. The lighting device can have one or more lighting units. Each lighting unit is formed by a coherent structure that can emit light. A lighting unit can have one or more light sources such as LEDs, light bulbs, lasers or the like.A lighting device can also be formed by a display device, such as a screen. All conceivable display technologies are suitable for this, such as LEDs, LCDs, mini-LEDs, OLEDs, quantum dots, and the like. Such a display can be rigid, foldable, or even flexible and thus rollable. A projector can also function as a lighting device.

[0025] A respective lighting device can comprise all common optical components such as reflectors, lenses, diffusers, microlenses, color filters, polarizing filters and the like.

[0026] The light emitted by a lighting device can be monochrome or multicolored. Dynamic light patterns can be created, for example, by specifically controlling different light sources. A light beam can also be specifically directed towards the surroundings, for example, using actuators or matrix spotlights. Animated light patterns, such as moving light fields, can also be displayed on a display. While the light is emitted, the light properties can be changed, such as brightness, color, flashing frequency, and the like.

[0027] The diffuser comprises at least sealing means connected to the flap, wherein the sealing means, in the extended position of the air guide element, fill the gap created when the flap pivots relative to the diffuser support, and wherein at least parts of the sealing means are formed from a rigid body and / or an elastic material. The sealing means can also be additionally connected to the diffuser support. The flow properties of the diffuser can be improved by means of the sealing means. If the gap between the flap and the diffuser support were not closed when the flap was extended or pivoted, vortices would arise that increase air resistance. The provision of the sealing means prevents air from flowing around the flap in the direction of the opening of the diffuser support, thereby counteracting any increase in air resistance.The sealing means can be formed entirely from a rigid body or from an elastic material. Sections of the sealing means can also be formed from a rigid body and other sections from the elastic material.

[0028] If the sealing material is a rigid body, sufficient space must be provided on the vehicle when integrating the diffuser into a vehicle to accommodate the rigid body. However, if it is an elastic material, it can be folded, rolled up, or similarly, thus requiring less space on the vehicle or diffuser support to accommodate the sealing material.

[0029] In the diffuser according to the invention it is further provided that

[0030] - at least one section of the sealing means is transparent and at least one lighting device is arranged behind the transparent section when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means;

[0031] - at least one lighting device is embedded in the sealing means; and / or

[0032] - at least one lighting device forms the sealing means partially or entirely.

[0033] This provides various options for integrating the lighting devices into the sealing material. This allows for flexible diffuser design. If the lighting devices are arranged behind a transparent seal, they can be protected from environmental influences such as moisture, humidity, dirt, or damage caused by, for example, stone chips. However, lighting devices embedded in the sealing material can be more easily recognized. This way, the corresponding light is projected directly into the surrounding area. The lighting device(s) can also form the sealing material itself. In this case, additional sealing materials such as metal sheets, rubber bellows, silicone membranes, or the like can be dispensed with.

[0034] An advantageous development of the diffuser provides that at least one lighting device is arranged on a side edge of the base body of the flap that is concealed by the diffuser support when the air guide element is in the retracted position, and / or at least one lighting device is arranged on a base side of the flap facing the opening of the diffuser support. This makes it possible to position the respective lighting devices such that a main radiation direction of light is optimally aligned with the surroundings. "Optimal" in this context means that, when the diffuser is attached to a vehicle, the corresponding light emitted by the lighting device is clearly visible to people in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0035] By integrating lighting devices into the base body of the flap itself, the available installation space can be used particularly efficiently. For example, the respective lighting devices are not in the way when the flap is retracted, meaning that no recesses need to be provided in the vehicle underbody to accommodate the lighting devices. However, since the base body of the flap is comparatively thin, the design options for the lighting devices are limited. It is therefore advantageous to attach at least one lighting device to one base side of the flap. This frees up more installation space, allowing for the provision of more complex lighting devices. However, the requirements for the design of the diffuser and the vehicle itself increase accordingly.

[0036] A corresponding lighting device can be rigidly attached to the base or movably mounted. A rigid mounting is particularly easy to construct. A movable mounting has the advantage of allowing the lighting device to be cleverly stowed away, for example, by folding or retracting. Furthermore, the lighting device can also be moved when the air guide element is extended in order to precisely direct the emitted light towards the surroundings. A movable mounting is possible, for example, using a hinge. Operation can be achieved, for example, by a spring load or an (active) actuator.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser, a lighting device arranged on the base of the flap is connected to the flap in such a way that a main radiation direction of light from the lighting device runs, in the extended position of the air guide element, essentially parallel to the plate plane in which the base body of the flap extends. If the main radiation direction of the light is parallel to the plate plane, light can be projected particularly effectively into the surroundings of the vehicle if a corresponding diffuser is connected to a vehicle. To save installation space, a flat display can, for example, lie flat against the base of the flap. If the air guide element is then pivoted into the extended position, this display can then be pivoted in the corresponding opposite direction relative to the base body of the flap.This means that the display protrudes from the base of the flap, for example at a 90° angle to the flap.

[0038] Preferably, a corresponding lighting device is "positioned" in such a way that the main radiation direction of the light runs essentially parallel to the diffuser support and thus parallel to the vehicle underbody or the surface on which the vehicle is standing or driving. "Parallel to the plate plane" therefore refers to both the position of the base body of the flap in the extended position and the retracted position of the air guide element.

[0039] On off-road vehicles, the area behind the rear wheel is usually raised above the road surface. A light "parallel to the beam" would therefore shine upwards to the rear. An active diffuser that folds downwards accordingly reduces the angle of the vehicle's floor relative to the road surface. Both the beam and the flap are not necessarily parallel to the road surface. For these types of vehicles, a downward-folding diffuser also helps to achieve improved ground illumination.

[0040] The sealing means are preferably designed as bellows. This is a particularly clever design that is simple to construct and cost-effective.

[0041] A vehicle according to the invention comprises a diffuser as described above. At least one such diffuser is attached to the underbody of the vehicle and oriented in the direction of the surface traveled by the vehicle. The diffuser can be extended and retracted depending on the vehicle's speed. Depending on the speed of travel, the corresponding air guide element is increasingly pivoted or unfolded in order to specifically adapt the flow conditions to the driving speed. Preferably, the at least one diffuser is arranged on the underbody at the level of the rear axle, viewed in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, or behind it, further towards the rear. For example, the diffuser can be attached to the vehicle underbody at the level of the rear bumper. In this area, the influence of the diffuser on the flow on the vehicle underbody has a particularly advantageous effect on air resistance.In addition, the light emitted by the lighting device can then be perceived particularly clearly.

[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one control unit for controlling the actuating means and the lighting device, wherein the control unit is designed to pivot the air guiding element from the retracted position into the extended position by means of the actuating means and to activate the lighting device when:

[0043] - a reverse mode is activated;

[0044] - a manual operating input is made;

[0045] - the trunk is opened;

[0046] - a trailer is hooked up to a trailer coupling and / or a trailer plug is plugged into a trailer socket;

[0047] - a defined driving speed is reached;

[0048] - a defined steering angle is set;

[0049] - a direction indicator is activated;

[0050] - a braking device is activated;

[0051] - the vehicle doors are opened or closed;

[0052] - the vehicle doors are locked or unlocked; and / or

[0053] - the ignition is activated or on-board electronics are woken up from sleep mode.

[0054] The control unit is a computing unit, such as a central on-board computer or a control unit of a vehicle subsystem. A single control unit can control both the actuator and the lighting device. However, separate control units can also be provided for controlling the actuator and the lighting device.

[0055] To identify the appropriate boundary conditions for when the actuator and the lighting device must be activated, the control unit or units can access information from other control units in the vehicle via a data bus. For example, the control unit can read a trunk lid sensor, read the vehicle's driving mode, read a speedometer speed, and receive operating inputs via a human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, controllers, a touch-sensitive display, and the like.

[0056] By switching on the light in reverse mode, the light can be used as an additional reversing light. This allows the area behind the rear of the vehicle to be illuminated even more extensively, making it easier for the driver to perceive their surroundings. In this case, the light emits a cool white light with high luminous intensity, i.e., brightness.

[0057] The driver can also manually activate the lighting device via manual input. For example, the lighting device can function as hazard warning lights or project special light patterns into the surrounding area, such as a user-definable light pattern. The user can define this, for example, via an input mask of a human-machine interface, such as the aforementioned touch-sensitive display. This can create an "eye-catching" or "wow" effect. For example, lettering, a specific graphic, pictogram, animation, or the like can be displayed on the lighting device.

[0058] Through manual activation, the lighting device can also be used as a work light to make it easier for the driver to carry out activities in the rear area of ​​the vehicle or behind the vehicle in the dark, such as coupling a trailer or finding a dropped object.

[0059] The lighting device can also be activated automatically when a trailer is attached to the trailer hitch or a power cable is plugged into a corresponding socket on the vehicle. This can be done by installing sensors on the trailer hitch that detect the attachment of a trailer. This increases convenience for the vehicle user, as they no longer have to manually activate the lighting device.

[0060] The lighting device can also be activated automatically when the trunk is opened. Specifically, the air deflector extends to different positions depending on the vehicle's speed. The degree of extension depends on the vehicle's speed. This allows the air deflection properties to be specifically adapted to the vehicle's speed and thus the airflow velocity beneath the vehicle's underbody. A speed-dependent light pattern can also be generated. This can increase the vehicle's recognition value.

[0061] The lighting device can also be operated based on the steering angle. This allows the lighting device to function as a curve light or cornering light. Accordingly, light can be directed in the respective directions in which the vehicle is steering.

[0062] Depending on a measured steering angle, the lighting device can also be automatically used as a direction indicator or turn signal. For example, an orange flashing light, optionally supplemented by a corresponding flowing animation, can be emitted in the turning direction when the control unit detects a respective steering wheel turn. The flashing frequency and / or speed of the flowing animation can be configured depending on the steering angle. For example, a slow flashing frequency or flowing speed could be selected for a large curve radius, and a fast flashing frequency or flowing speed for a small curve radius, i.e. a tight curve. In addition to or as an alternative to automatic activation, the lighting device can also be operated as a turn signal when manual activation of the direction indicator is detected.

[0063] The lighting device can also function as an additional brake light, for example when the driver presses a brake pedal or activates a parking brake.

[0064] The lighting device can also be activated automatically when at least one vehicle door is opened or closed or the vehicle doors are locked or unlocked. This can provide a so-called "coming home" function. When the vehicle doors are opened and closed, it can easily happen that a vehicle occupant drops something. In this case, the vehicle occupant searches the immediate area around the vehicle in the area of ​​the doors for the dropped object. By automatically activating the lighting device in this case, the dropped object can be easily found. In addition, puddles, for example, can be better illuminated, thus preventing a vehicle occupant from accidentally stepping in a puddle when leaving the vehicle.

[0065] By automatically activating the lighting device when the ignition is turned on or the vehicle's on-board electronics are activated, a "stunning effect" or increased user identification with the vehicle or vehicle brand can be achieved. For example, the vehicle manufacturer's logo can be projected into the surrounding area using the lighting device.

[0066] A further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention further provides that a minimum height is stored in the control unit, which describes a minimum vertical distance between the ground and a respective lighting device, wherein the control unit is designed to pivot the air guide element only far enough into the extended position to maintain the minimum distance. Based on the dimensions of the vehicle, the diffuser and the attachment position of the lighting device(s) on the air guide element or flap known to the control unit, the control unit can calculate up to which angle the air guide element can be pivoted in order to ensure that the minimum distance is maintained. For example, it may be prescribed in various countries that lighting devices may only be attached to vehicles above a certain minimum height. By taking minimum heights and / orBy ensuring the minimum clearance through the control unit, these legal requirements can be reliably met with little effort in various countries. For example, the minimum height in Germany is 250 mm. This height is easy to maintain, especially with a SU version of the vehicle.

[0067] Further advantageous embodiments of the diffuser and vehicle according to the invention also emerge from the exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the underbody of a vehicle according to the invention comprising a diffuser according to the invention, the diffuser being in an extended position;

[0069] Fig. 2 is a schematic detailed view of the diffuser in a design with sealing means;

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view through the vehicle according to the invention in the area of ​​the underbody; and

[0071] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the underbody of the vehicle according to the invention with a retracted diffuser.

[0072] Figure 1 shows the view of the underbody of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. The vehicle 2 comprises a diffuser 1 according to the invention attached to the underbody and in the region of the rear. The diffuser 1 is particularly preferably arranged between the bumper and the rear axle.

[0073] The diffuser 1 comprises a diffuser support 1.1, which is firmly connected to the underbody of the vehicle 2. The diffuser 1 further comprises an air guide element 1.2, which, according to the invention, is designed as a flap pivotable relative to the diffuser support 1.1 about a pivot axis A. For this purpose, the air guide element 1.2 or the flap is pivotally suspended from the diffuser support 1.1 at an end edge 3. For actuation, an actuating means (not shown in detail) is provided, which is connected to the diffuser support 1.1 and the air guide element 1.2.

[0074] Figure 1 shows the air guide element 1.2 in an extended position S1. Using the adjusting means, the air guide element 1.2 can also be moved into a retracted position S0 shown in Figure 4. In the retracted position S0, the air guide element 1.2 is inserted into an opening 4 of the diffuser support 1.1. As shown in Figure 4, the air guide element 1.2 is preferably flush with the diffuser support 1.1.

[0075] According to the invention, the diffuser 1 further comprises a lighting device 5. The

[0076] Lighting device 5, in turn, comprises at least one lighting device 5.1. This can be any device for emitting light. Particularly preferably, light can be emitted in different wavelength ranges, i.e., colors, as well as at different brightness levels. Particularly preferably, not only fixed light patterns but also dynamic or animated light patterns can be generated.

[0077] A lighting device 5.1 can, for example, be embedded in a side edge 6 of the base body of the flap. At least one lighting device 5.1 can also be arranged on a base side 7 of the flap, which faces the opening 4 of the diffuser carrier 1.1. The lighting device 5.1 is preferably arranged such that the main radiation direction R of the respective lighting device 5.1 runs essentially parallel to a plate plane E in which the flap extends. This ensures that the light emitted by the lighting device 5.1 or the lighting device 5 is projected into the surroundings of the vehicle 2 in a particularly clearly perceptible manner.

[0078] The main radiation direction R can also be aligned parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Different lighting devices 5.1 can also be oriented differently.

[0079] As Figure 1 shows, when the air guide element 1.2 pivots from the retracted position S0 to the extended position S1, a gap 9 is created between the air guide element 1.2 and the diffuser support 1.1 or the opening 4. The diffuser 1 serves, among other things, to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle 2 while driving. Incoming air can flow around the flap and thus enter the gap 9.

[0080] This is accompanied by turbulence and leads to a loss of pressure and thus an increase in air resistance.

[0081] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the diffuser 1 according to the invention, in which sealing means 8 are provided on the air guide element 1.2 in order to close this gap 9. As Figure 2 shows, at least one lighting device 5.1 is embedded in the sealing means 8 and / or arranged behind the sealing means 8 when viewed from the outside, in which case the partial segment of the sealing means 8 lying in front of the lighting device 5.1 is transparent. At least one lighting device 5.1 can also form at least a section of a sealing means 8. Figure 3 shows two possible embodiments of the sealing means 8. In Figure 3a), the sealing means 8 are formed by a rigid body 10. In Figure 3b), however, the sealing means 8 are formed by an elastic material 11.As can be seen from Figure 3a), if the sealing means 8 is formed by a rigid body 10, it is necessary to provide appropriate installation space on the vehicle 2 to accommodate the rigid body 10. However, if the sealing means 8 is made of an elastic material 11, this can be folded, rolled up, folded, or similarly folded when the air guide element 1.2 is moved into the retracted position 50. This is particularly space-efficient.

[0082] With the help of the sealing means 8, the lighting device 5 or the lighting devices 5.1 can also be protected from dirt, damage and weather influences.

[0083] Figure 4 once again shows the underbody of the vehicle 2 with a retracted air guide element 1.2. In the exemplary embodiment, the air guide element 1.2 is designed as a flat flap or plate. In general, however, the flap could also deviate from a substantially flat shape and be, for example, corrugated or curved. Particularly preferably, guide bodies 12 can be provided that extend away from the base body of the air guide element 1.2 and serve to guide the airflow in a targeted manner while the vehicle 2 is traveling. The guide bodies 12 can be designed, for example, as fins.

[0084] By having the diffuser 1 according to the invention, the vehicle 2 according to the invention can not only be operated more efficiently at high speeds, but is also particularly clearly visible in poor visibility conditions such as fog or darkness. Perceptibility can thus be increased by the light projected into the surroundings via the lighting device 5. Furthermore, user comfort can be improved because, depending on the situation, the perceptibility of the vehicle's surroundings can be improved for the person driving the vehicle or a vehicle occupant, for example, when the vehicle doors are open, in order to more easily locate a dropped object. Furthermore, road safety can be increased because the vehicle 2 can be more easily perceived by other road users, and the person driving the vehicle can also perceive the surroundings better and thus detect obstacles more easily.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Diffuser (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a diffuser support (1.1), at least one air guide element (1.2) movable relative to the diffuser support (1.1) and an adjusting means connected to the diffuser support (1.1) and the air guide element (1.2) for changing a position of the air guide element (1.2), wherein - the air guiding element (1.2) is formed by a flap which is pivotally connected to the diffuser support (1.1) at an end edge (3); - the actuating means is designed to pivot the air guiding element (1.2) from a retracted position (S0), in which the base body of the flap is inserted into an opening (4) of the diffuser support (1.1) corresponding to the cross-section of the flap, into at least one extended position (S1) by actuation, characterized in that - a lighting device (5), comprising at least one lighting device (5.1), is attached to the air guiding element (1.2); wherein - the lighting device (5.1) is designed to emit light when the air guiding element (1.2) is or has been pivoted from the retracted position (S0) into the at least one extended position (S1); further comprising: - sealing means (8) connected at least to the flap, wherein the sealing means (8) in the extended position (S1) of the air guiding element (1.2) fill the gap (9) created when the flap is pivoted relative to the diffuser support (1.1), and wherein at least parts of the sealing means (8) are formed by a rigid body (10) and / or an elastic material (11); and wherein - at least one section of the sealing means (8) is transparent and at least one lighting device (5.1) is arranged behind the transparent section when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means; - at least one lighting device (5.1) is embedded in the sealing means (8); and / or - at least one lighting device (5.1) partially or completely forms the sealing means (8).

2. Diffuser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one lighting device (5.1) is arranged on a side edge (6) of the base body of the flap which is concealed by the diffuser support (1.1) in the retracted position (SO) of the air guiding element (1.2) and / or at least one lighting device (5.1) is arranged on a base side (7) of the flap facing the opening (4) of the diffuser support (1.1).

3. Diffuser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a lighting device (5.1) arranged on the base side (7) of the flap is connected to the flap in such a way that a main radiation direction (R) of light from the lighting device (5.1) in the extended position (S1) of the air guide element (1.2) runs substantially parallel to the plate plane (E) in which the base body of the flap extends.

4. Diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing means (8) are designed as bellows.

5. Vehicle (2), characterized by at least one diffuser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, attached to the underbody and oriented towards a ground.

6. Vehicle (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one diffuser (1) is arranged on the underbody at the level of the rear axle or behind it, further towards the rear, viewed in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

7. Vehicle (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by at least one control unit for controlling the actuating means and the lighting device (5), wherein the control unit is designed to pivot the air guiding element (1.2) by means of the actuating means from the retracted position (S0) into the extended position (S1) and to activate the lighting device (5) when: - a reverse mode is activated; - a manual operating input is made; - the trunk is opened; - a trailer is hooked up to a trailer coupling and / or a trailer plug is plugged into a trailer socket; - a defined driving speed is reached; - a defined steering angle is set; - a direction indicator is activated; - a braking device is activated; - the vehicle doors are opened or closed; - the vehicle doors are locked or unlocked; and / or - the ignition is activated or on-board electronics are woken up from sleep mode.

8. Vehicle (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that a minimum height is stored in the control unit, which describes a minimum vertical distance between the ground and a respective lighting device (5.1), wherein the control unit is designed to pivot the air guide element (1.2) into the extended position (S1) only so far that the minimum distance is maintained.

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