Diffuser for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with such a diffuser

The integrated diffuser with pivotable air guide and lighting devices addresses airflow management and visibility issues, improving safety and comfort by reducing air resistance and enhancing lighting capabilities.

JP2026507669APending Publication Date: 2026-03-04MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-24
Publication Date
2026-03-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle diffusers primarily focus on airflow management but lack integrated lighting capabilities, especially in areas where visibility is poor, compromising safety and user comfort.

Method used

A diffuser with a pivotable air guide flap integrated with lighting devices that pivot and seal to reduce air resistance and enhance visibility, featuring adjustable lighting for various conditions and scenarios.

Benefits of technology

The diffuser improves airflow management while providing enhanced lighting characteristics, increasing vehicle visibility and safety, especially in poor conditions, and enhancing user comfort and road safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a diffuser (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a diffuser support (1.1), at least one air guide member (1.2) movable relative to the diffuser support (1.1), and adjustment means connected to the diffuser support (1.1) and the air guide member (1.2) for changing the position of the air guide member (1.2). the air guide element (1.2) is formed by a flap pivotably connected at its end edge (3) to the diffuser support (1.1), - the adjusting means are adapted to pivot the air guide element (1.2) from a retracted position (S0), in which the body of the flap is fitted into an opening (4) of the diffuser support (1.1) corresponding to the cross section of the flap, to at least one deployed position (S1) by operation; - a lighting device (5) including at least one lighting device (5.1) fixed to the air guide member (1.2), - the lighting device (5.1) is characterized in that it is configured to emit light when the air guide member (1.2) is pivoted or is pivoted from the storage position (S0) to at least one deployed position (S1).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a diffuser for a vehicle as detailed in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle equipped with such a diffuser. [Background technology]

[0002] Lighting devices are installed in vehicles to improve the visibility of the vehicle during poor visibility conditions, such as fog or darkness. Furthermore, lighting devices provide the vehicle driver with a better awareness of the surrounding environment. Laws prescribe various lighting devices, such as turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and daytime running lights, depending on the type of vehicle.

[0003] Additionally, vehicle diffusers are known, which are air guides used to selectively redirect the airflow passing around a vehicle while it is moving, thereby reducing the vehicle's lift, increasing the vehicle's downforce, and / or reducing air resistance.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a diffuser attached to the tail area of ​​the underside of a vehicle, the diffuser having two air channels with heat exchangers built into the ends of the air channels, which are used to cool the coolant for the rear axle differential.

[0005] Active diffusers are also known, which can change their geometry while the vehicle is moving in order to adapt the airflow characteristics to the desired driving speed. Such a diffuser is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,629,499. This diffuser comprises a rigid part that is fixed to the underside of the vehicle in the tail area and a movable part that is connected to the rigid part. The movable part is made of a thin plate that can slide in a translational movement.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a front diffuser for a motor vehicle. The front diffuser is integrated into the bottom of the motor vehicle in the front region of the vehicle and has a flap that can be pivoted between a first and a second terminal position in an air channel. In the stored terminal position, the flap is positioned in the air channel obliquely upward and rearward in the direction of the vehicle tail, and in the deployed terminal position, the flap extends horizontally in the air channel.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a motor vehicle equipped with two brake lights. An air guide device is provided at the tail of the vehicle and can be extended upward. In the extended position, the air guide device blocks the visibility of the first of the brake lights. A second brake light is integrated into the air guide device on the side facing the tail, so that at least one brake light is visible to other traffic participants regardless of the position of the air guide device. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses a rear spoiler for a vehicle that incorporates brake lights. The brake lights are hidden behind flaps that can be pivoted upward. When the vehicle performs a braking process, the flaps are opened upward, opening up the view to the brake lights, i.e., the brake lights emitted through the brake lights can be seen. By pivoting the flaps upward, the vehicle's air resistance is increased, which provides an additional braking effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] DE202017101000U1 [Patent Document 2] DE102004022179A1 [Patent Document 3] DE102012102668A1 [Patent Document 4] DE19652692C1 [Patent Document 5] JPH02-120195A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem on which the invention is based is to provide a diffuser for a vehicle which is improved compared to the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a diffuser for a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations and developments, as well as vehicles equipped with such a diffuser, emerge from the claims dependent thereon.

[0011] In a diffuser as mentioned in the opening paragraph for a vehicle, the diffuser comprises a diffuser support, at least one air guide member movable relative to the diffuser support, and adjustment means connected to the diffuser support and to the air guide member for changing the position of the air guide member, the air guide element is formed by a flap pivotably connected at its end edge to the diffuser support, the adjusting means are configured to pivot the air guide member by operation from a retracted position, in which the body of the flap is fitted into an opening in the diffuser support corresponding to the cross section of the flap, to at least one deployed position, wherein the diffuser is further developed according to the invention by: - a lighting device including at least one lighting device is fixed to the air guide member; the lighting device is configured to emit light when the air guide member is pivoted or is pivoted from the storage position to at least one deployed position; and - at least a sealing means connected to the flap, which seals the gap that occurs when the flap pivots relative to the diffuser support in the deployed position of the air guide member, and at least a part of the sealing means is made of a rigid and / or elastic material; - at least one part of the sealing means is constructed transparent, and the at least one lighting device is arranged behind the transparent section when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means; - at least one lighting device is fitted in a sealing means; and / or At least one lighting device forms part or all of the sealing means.

[0012] The diffuser according to the present invention is therefore an integrated diffuser. It not only has the task of redirecting air in a targeted manner and thus reducing the vehicle's air resistance, but also serves as a lighting device for the vehicle. This allows for completely new light emission characteristics for the vehicle, making it possible to provide lighting devices in vehicle locations that previously lacked such devices. This improves the visual identifiability of the vehicle in poor lighting conditions, and also improves the vehicle's surroundings, thereby enabling the vehicle user to better perceive the surroundings. Therefore, the diffuser according to the present invention improves general road safety and user comfort.

[0013] Furthermore, the diffuser according to the invention has a very simple design. The air guide is simply a simple, pivotable flap. The flap can be substantially flat, or it can also have protruding guide structures for the air flowing along the vehicle. The flap can also be at least partially wavy, structured, curved, etc. This ensures a simple and inexpensive production of the air guide.

[0014] The adjusting means may be any conceivable type of actuator, such as an electric motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a piezo actuator, etc. The actuators may be coupled via transmissions such as gears, levers, pulley mechanisms, guide slots, etc.

[0015] The body of the flap has the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area as the corresponding opening in the diffuser support, improving the fluid dynamics of the vehicle with the air guides stowed: there are no significant openings or gaps that could cause turbulence and therefore fluid loss.

[0016] Depending on the type of vehicle, especially for off-road vehicles, the diffuser can reduce air resistance when deployed. On off-road vehicles, the area behind the rear wheels is usually elevated relative to the roadway (approach and departure angles). An active diffuser that opens downwards correspondingly reduces the angle of the vehicle bottom relative to the roadway, and in the deployed state, the flat bottom between the axles partially extends beyond the rear wheelbase, thereby reducing air resistance.

[0017] The lighting device can have one or more lighting devices. Each lighting device is formed by an integrated structure capable of emitting light. The lighting device can have one or more light-emitting means, such as LEDs, incandescent lamps, lasers, etc. The lighting device can also be formed by a display device, such as a display. This applies to all conceivable display technologies, such as LEDs, LCDs, mini-LEDs, OLEDs, quantum dots, etc. The corresponding display can be fixed, foldable, or flexible, and therefore can be configured to be rollable. A projector can also function as a lighting device.

[0018] Each lighting device can include any common optical component, such as a reflector, a lens, a diffuser, a microlens, a color filter, a polarizing filter, and the like.

[0019] The light emitted from the lighting device may be monochromatic or polychromatic. Dynamic light patterns can be generated, for example, by controlling various light-emitting means in a targeted manner. Light beams can also be directed in a targeted manner relative to the surroundings, for example, using actuators or matrix headlights. Animated light patterns, such as moving light fields, can also be displayed via a display. Light properties, such as brightness, color, flashing frequency, etc., can be changed during the light emission.

[0020] The diffuser includes a sealing means connected to at least the flap, which closes the gap that occurs when the flap pivots relative to the diffuser support when the air guide member is in the deployed position, and at least a portion of the sealing means is made of a rigid and / or elastic material. The sealing means can also be additionally connected to the diffuser support. The sealing means can be used to improve the fluid characteristics of the diffuser. If the gap between the flap and the diffuser support when the flap is deployed or pivoted is not closed, vortices that increase air resistance would be generated. The provision of the sealing means prevents air from flowing toward the flap opening in the direction of the opening in the diffuser support, thereby correspondingly offsetting the increase in air resistance. The entire sealing means can be made of a rigid or elastic material. Part of the sealing means can be made of a rigid material, and part of the sealing means can be made of an elastic material.

[0021] If the sealing means is a rigid body, it is necessary to provide a corresponding structural space in the vehicle to accommodate the rigid body when assembling the diffuser to the vehicle. In contrast, if the sealing means is an elastic material, the elastic material can be folded, rolled up, etc., so less structural space is required in the vehicle or diffuser support to accommodate the sealing means.

[0022] The diffuser according to the present invention further comprises: - at least one part of the sealing means is constructed transparent, and the at least one lighting device is arranged behind the transparent section when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means; - at least one lighting device is fitted in a sealing means; and / or At least one lighting device forms part or all of the sealing means.

[0023] This provides various possibilities for incorporating the lighting device into the sealing means. This allows for flexible configuration of the diffuser. If the lighting device is arranged behind a transparent sealing part, it can be protected from environmental factors such as humidity, moisture, and contamination, or from damage caused by, for example, flying stones. On the other hand, the lighting device embedded in the sealing means can be more easily identified in some cases. That is, the corresponding light is projected directly into the surroundings. The lighting device or the lighting device can also form the sealing means itself. In this case, a separate sealing material such as a metal sheet, a rubber bellows, a silicone membrane, etc. can be omitted.

[0024] In an advantageous development of the diffuser, at least one lighting device is arranged on a side edge of the body of the flap that is covered by the diffuser support in the retracted position of the air guide element, and / or at least one lighting device is arranged on a base surface of the flap that faces the opening of the diffuser support. This allows each lighting device to be positioned so that its main light emission direction is optimally oriented with respect to the surroundings. In this context, "optimal" means that when the diffuser is installed in the vehicle, the corresponding light emitted by the lighting device is well perceived by people in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0025] If the lighting devices are integrated into the flap body itself, the available structural space can be utilized particularly efficiently. For example, when the flap is retracted, the lighting devices are not in the way, so there is no need to provide a recess in the vehicle bottom to accommodate the lighting devices. However, since the flap body is relatively thin, the possibilities for mounting lighting devices are limited. Therefore, it is advantageous to fasten at least one lighting device to the flap body. This provides more structural space and allows for more complex lighting devices to be installed. However, this also places corresponding demands on the design of the diffuser and the vehicle.

[0026] That is, the corresponding lighting device can be fixedly or movably attached to the base surface. Fixed attachment can be realized structurally very simply. Movable attachment has the advantage that the lighting device can be conveniently stored, for example by folding or retracting. Furthermore, when the air guide is deployed, the lighting device can also be moved, so that the emitted light can be directed in a desired way towards the surroundings. Movable attachment can be realized, for example, by means of a hinge. The operation can be performed, for example, by means of a spring load or a (active) actuator.

[0027] According to another advantageous configuration of the diffuser, the lighting device is connected to the flap so that, in the deployed position of the air guide, the main light emission direction of the lighting device is substantially parallel to the plate plane in which the body of the flap extends. When a corresponding diffuser is connected to the vehicle, a main light emission direction parallel to the plate plane allows for a highly efficient projection of light around the vehicle. To save structural space, a flat display can be placed flat against the base surface of the flap, for example. In this case, when the air guide is pivoted to the deployed position, the display can be pivoted in a corresponding opposite direction relative to the body of the flap. This allows the display to protrude from the base surface of the flap, for example at a 90° angle relative to the flap.

[0028] Preferably, the corresponding lighting device is "mounted" so that the main direction of light emission extends substantially parallel to the diffuser support and thus parallel to the ground or underside of the vehicle on which the vehicle is stopped or moving, i.e. "parallel to the panel plane" applies both when the body of the flap is in the deployed position of the air guide and when it is in the retracted position.

[0029] In off-road vehicles, the area behind the rear wheels is usually elevated relative to the road. Therefore, "parallel to the support" light will illuminate the rear and upper areas. A downward-opening active diffuser correspondingly reduces the angle of the vehicle bottom relative to the road. In this case, both the support and the flap are not necessarily parallel to the road. Therefore, in this type of vehicle, a downward-opening diffuser also helps to achieve improved ground illumination.

[0030] Preferably, the sealing means is configured as a bellows, which is a very clever configuration that is structurally simple to realize and inexpensive.

[0031] The vehicle according to the present invention includes the aforementioned diffuser. At least one such diffuser is attached to the underside of the vehicle and is directed toward the ground on which the vehicle is traveling. The diffuser can be retracted or deployed depending on the vehicle's speed. Depending on the speed, the corresponding air guide element is gradually rotated or deployed, thereby adapting the flow conditions to the desired speed. Preferably, the at least one diffuser is arranged on the underside at the level of the rear wheel axle or further rearward than the rear wheel axle, as viewed in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. For example, the diffuser can be attached to the vehicle underside at the level of the rear bumper. In this region, the influence of the flow at the vehicle underside is particularly advantageously affected by the diffuser in reducing air resistance. Furthermore, in this case, the light emitted from the lighting device can be very clearly recognized.

[0032] According to another advantageous configuration of the vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one control unit for controlling the adjusting means and the lighting device, the control unit being adapted to pivot the air guide element from the retracted position to the deployed position by means of the adjusting means and to activate the lighting device when: - Reverse driving mode is activated; - manual operation input is made; - If the trunk is opened; -When a trailer is connected to the trailer hitch and / or the trailer plug is inserted into the trailer socket; - When a defined driving speed is reached; - if a defined steering angle is set; - When the turn signal is operated; - The brake system is operated; - When a vehicle door is opened or closed; - When the vehicle doors are locked or unlocked; and / or -When the ignition is activated or the vehicle electronics wake up from sleep mode.

[0033] The control unit is a computing unit, for example a central on-board computer or a control device of a vehicle subsystem. A single control unit can control both the regulating means and the lighting device. However, separate control units can also be provided for controlling the regulating means and the lighting device.

[0034] To identify the appropriate ambient conditions for when the regulating means and lighting devices should be controlled, one or more control units can receive information via a data bus from other control devices of the vehicle, i.e., the control unit can read a trunk lid sensor, read the vehicle's driving operating mode, read the tachometer speed, receive operational input via a human-machine interface, such as a button, key, knob, or touch-sensitive display.

[0035] By switching on the lighting device in the reverse driving mode, the lighting device can be used as an additional reversing light, which can illuminate the surrounding area behind the tail of the vehicle more widely, making it easier for the vehicle driver to recognize the surroundings. In this case, the lighting device emits a particularly cool white light with high light intensity and high brightness.

[0036] Via manual input, the vehicle driver can also manually activate the lighting device. This means, for example, that the lighting device can function as a hazard light or project special light patterns into the surrounding area, which can be predefined by the user. The user can define this, for example, via an input mask in the human-machine interface, such as the aforementioned touch-sensitive display device. This allows for "eye-catching" or "wow" effects. For example, the lighting device can display text, specific graphics, pictograms, animations, etc.

[0037] By manual activation, the lighting device can also be used as a work light, making it easier for the vehicle driver to perform activities such as hooking up a trailer or finding lost items in the rear area of ​​the vehicle or the area behind the vehicle in the dark.

[0038] The lighting device can also be automatically activated when a trailer is coupled to the trailer hitch or when the power cable is plugged into a corresponding socket in the vehicle. Therefore, a corresponding sensor in the trailer hitch may be provided to detect the coupling of a trailer. This increases the comfort of the vehicle user, as it eliminates the need to manually activate the lighting device.

[0039] Similarly, the lighting system can be automatically activated when the trunk is opened.

[0040] In particular, the air guide elements are deployed to different positions depending on the vehicle's speed. The deployment degree depends on the level of the vehicle's speed. This allows the air guide characteristics to be tailored to the vehicle's speed and thus the speed of the air flowing under the vehicle's underside. In this case, a speed-dependent air pattern can be generated in a complementary manner. This can increase the vehicle's perceived value.

[0041] The lighting devices can also be activated as a function of the steering angle, allowing them to function as cornering lights or adaptive lights: they can project light accordingly in the respective direction the vehicle is heading.

[0042] Depending on the measured steering angle, the lighting device can also be automatically used as a direction indicator or blinker. For example, when the control unit detects the respective steering wheel angle, it emits an orange flashing light in the direction of the curve, supplemented, if necessary, by a corresponding animation. The flashing frequency and / or animation speed can be set depending on the steering angle. For example, a slow flashing cycle or animation speed can be selected for large curvature radii, whereas a fast flashing cycle or animation speed can be selected for small curvature radii, i.e., sharp curves. Complementary or alternatively to automatic activation, the lighting device can also be operated as a blinker if manual activation of the direction indicator is detected.

[0043] The lighting device may also function as an additional brake light, for example when the vehicle driver presses the brake pedal or applies the parking brake.

[0044] The lighting device can be automatically activated when at least one vehicle door is opened or closed, or when a vehicle door is locked or unlocked. This can provide a so-called "coming home" function. When opening or closing a vehicle door, a vehicle occupant may drop an object. In this case, the vehicle occupant searches for the dropped object in the area near the vehicle door. In this case, automatic activation of the lighting device can make it easier to find the dropped object in some cases. Furthermore, better illumination of puddles, for example, can prevent vehicle occupants from accidentally stepping into puddles when exiting the vehicle.

[0045] Automatic activation of the lighting device upon activation of the vehicle ignition or upon recovery of the on-board electronics can achieve an "eye-catching effect" or enhanced user identification using the vehicle or vehicle logo, i.e., the lighting device can be used to project the vehicle manufacturer's logo into the surroundings.

[0046] In another advantageous configuration of the vehicle according to the present invention, a minimum height, representing a minimum vertical distance between the ground and each lighting device, is stored in the control unit. The control unit is configured to swivel the air guide element to the deployed position only to the extent that the minimum distance is maintained. Since the control unit knows the vehicle dimensions, the diffuser dimensions, and the mounting position of the lighting device or devices on the air guide element or flap, the control unit can calculate the angle to which the air guide element can be swiveled to ensure that the minimum distance is maintained. Various countries may require that lighting devices on a vehicle be mounted above a certain minimum height. By having the control unit take the minimum height or minimum distance into account, compliance with these legal requirements can be ensured with minimal effort in various countries. For example, in Germany, the minimum height is 250 mm. This height can be easily complied with, especially when the vehicle is configured as an SUV.

[0047] Further advantageous configurations of the diffuser and vehicle according to the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described in more detail below with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of the underside of a vehicle according to the invention including a diffuser according to the invention in a deployed position; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic view of a diffuser in which a sealing means is implemented; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle according to the invention in the area of ​​the bottom; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic view of the underside of a vehicle according to the present invention with the diffuser retracted; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] 1 shows the underside of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. The vehicle 2 comprises a diffuser 1 according to the invention attached to the underside in the tail area. Particularly preferably, the diffuser 1 is arranged between the bumper and the rear wheel axle.

[0050] The diffuser 1 comprises a diffuser support 1.1 which is rigidly connected to the underside of the vehicle 2. According to the invention, the diffuser 1 further comprises an air guide element 1.2 which is configured as a flap which is pivotable relative to the diffuser support 1.1 about a pivot axis A. For this purpose, the air guide element 1.2 or flap is pivotably suspended from the diffuser support 1.1 at its end edge 3. For operation, adjustment means, not shown in detail, are provided which are connected to the diffuser support 1.1 and to the air guide element 1.2.

[0051] Figure 1 shows the air guide member 1.2 in the deployed position S1. Using the adjustment means, the air guide member 1.2 can also be moved to the retracted position S0 shown in Figure 4. In the retracted position S0, the air guide member 1.2 is fitted into the opening 4 of the diffuser support 1.1. As shown in Figure 4, the air guide member 1.2 preferably ends flush with the diffuser support 1.1.

[0052] According to the present invention, the diffuser 1 further comprises a lighting device 5. The lighting device 5 itself comprises at least one lighting device 5.1. This may be any device for emitting light, particularly preferably capable of emitting light in various wavelength ranges, i.e., various colors, and various brightness levels. Particularly preferably, the device is capable of generating not only fixed light patterns, but also dynamic or animated light patterns.

[0053] The lighting devices 5.1 can be fitted, for example, into the side edges 6 of the body of the flap. At least one lighting device 5.1 can also be arranged on the base surface 7 of the flap, facing the opening 4 of the diffuser support 1.1. Preferably, the lighting devices 5.1 are arranged so that the main radiation direction R of each lighting device 5.1 extends substantially parallel to the plate plane E in which the flap extends. This achieves that the light emitted by the lighting device 5.1 or lighting arrangement 5 is projected very clearly around the vehicle 2.

[0054] The main radiation direction R can also be oriented parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis. The different lighting devices 5.1 can also be oriented in different directions.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, when the air guide element 1.2 is pivoted from the stowed position S0 to the deployed 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 is also used to reduce the air resistance of a moving vehicle 2. Incoming air flows around the flap and can enter the gap 9, causing associated turbulence, pressure losses, and therefore increased air resistance.

[0056] 2 shows a configuration of the diffuser 1 according to the invention, in which the air guide element 1.2 is provided with a sealing means 8 to close this gap 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the at least one lighting device 5.1 is embedded in the sealing means 8 and / or is arranged behind the sealing means 8 from the outside, with the component segments of the sealing means 8 located in front of the lighting device 5.1 being transparent. The at least one lighting device 5.1 can also form at least one part of the sealing means 8.

[0057] Figure 3 shows two possible configurations of the sealing means 8. In Figure 3a), the sealing means 8 is made of a rigid body 10. In contrast, in Figure 3b), the sealing means 8 is made of an elastic material 11. As can be seen from Figure 3a), if the sealing means 8 is made of a rigid body 10, the vehicle 2 must be provided with a corresponding structural space to accommodate the rigid body 10. In contrast, if the sealing means 8 is made of an elastic material 11, the sealing means 8 can be folded, rolled up, folded, etc. when the air guide element 1.2 is moved into the storage position S0. This is particularly space-efficient.

[0058] Furthermore, the sealing means 8 make it possible to protect the lighting arrangement 5 or lighting device 5.1 from contamination, damage and weather influences.

[0059] 4 again shows the underside of the vehicle 2 with the air guide element 1.2 in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the air guide element 1.2 is configured as a flat flap or plate. However, in general, the flap does not have to be substantially flat, but may, for example, have a wavy or curved shape. Particularly preferably, a guide element 12 is provided which extends away from the body of the air guide element 1.2 and is used to guide the air flow in a targeted manner while the vehicle 2 is moving. The guide element 12 can, for example, be configured as a fin.

[0060] The vehicle 2 according to the present invention, thanks to the diffuser 1 according to the present invention, can be driven more efficiently at high speeds and is also highly visible in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or darkness. This means that the light projected into the surroundings by the lighting device 5 improves visibility. Depending on the situation, the visibility of the vehicle's surroundings for the vehicle driver or vehicle occupants can be improved, which also improves user comfort, for example, making it easier to find dropped items when opening a vehicle door. Furthermore, road traffic safety can be improved, since other traffic participants can see the vehicle 2 better, and the vehicle driver can better perceive his or her surroundings and identify obstacles better.

Claims

1. 1. A diffuser (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a diffuser support (1.1), at least one air guide member (1.2) movable relative to said diffuser support (1.1), and adjustment means connected to said diffuser support (1.1) and said air guide member (1.2) for changing the position of said air guide member (1.2), - said air guide (1.2) is formed by a flap pivotably connected at its end edge (3) to said diffuser support (1.1); - the adjusting means are adapted to pivot the air guide element (1.2) from a retracted position (S0) in which the body of the flap is fitted into an opening (4) in the diffuser support (1.1) corresponding to the cross section of the flap, to at least one deployed position (S1) by operation; - a lighting device (5) including at least one lighting device (5.1) is fixed to said air guide member (1.2), - said lighting device (5.1) is configured to emit light when said air guide member (1.2) is pivoted or has been pivoted from said stowed position (S0) to said at least one deployed position (S1), and - at least a sealing means (8) connected to said flap, said sealing means (8) closing the gap (9) that occurs when said flap is pivoted relative to said diffuser support (1.1) in the deployed position (S1) of said air guide element (1.2), said sealing means (8) being at least partly made of a rigid (10) and / or elastic material (11); - at least one part of the sealing means (8) is constructed transparent, and at least one lighting device (5.1) is arranged behind said transparent part when viewed from outside the space sealed by the sealing means; - at least one lighting device (5.1) is fitted into said sealing means (8), and / or - The diffuser, characterized in that at least one lighting device (5.1) forms part or all of 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 body of the flap, which is covered by the diffuser support (1.1) in the storage position (S0) of the air guide member (1.2), and / or at least one lighting device (5.1) is arranged on a base surface (7) of the flap, which faces the opening (4) of the diffuser support (1.1).

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

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

5. In the vehicle (2), A vehicle (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one diffuser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, attached to its bottom and directed towards the ground.

6. 6. The vehicle (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one diffuser (1) is arranged in the bottom part at the level of the rear wheel axle or further aft of the rear wheel axle, as seen in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis.

7. at least one control unit for controlling the adjusting means and the lighting device (5), the control unit using the adjusting means to pivot the air guide member (1.2) from the stored position (S0) to the deployed position (S1); and - if the reverse driving mode is activated; - when a manual input is made; - If the trunk is opened; - when a trailer is connected to the trailer hitch and / or when the trailer plug is inserted into the trailer socket; - when a defined driving speed is reached; - if a defined steering angle is set; - when a direction indicator is operated; - if the brake system is operated; - When a vehicle door is opened or closed; - when the vehicle doors are locked or unlocked; and / or - when the ignition is activated or when the vehicle electronics wake up from sleep mode, 7. A vehicle (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the lighting device (5) is activated when

8. 8. The vehicle (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that a minimum height, representing a minimum vertical distance between the ground and each lighting device (5.1), is stored in the control unit, and the control unit is configured to swivel the air guide members (1.2) into the deployed position (S1) only to the extent that the minimum distance is maintained.

Citation Information

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