Diffusor assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffusor assembly (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a diffusor holder (1.1) which is rigidly connectable to the structure of a vehicle (2), a diffusor flap (1.2) which is connected to the diffusor holder (1.1) and is movable about a rotation axis (3) relative to the diffusor holder (1.1), and at least one actuator (1.3), which is connected to the diffusor holder (1.1) and the diffusor flap (1.2), for pivoting the diffusor flap (1.2) about the rotation axis (3) between a retracted position and an extended position depending on an actuating signal. The diffusor assembly according to the invention is characterized by an overload prevention means (4) which, when the diffusor flap (1.2) is in the extended position, interrupts a direct mechanical connection between the diffusor flap (1.2) and the actuator (1.3) when a force acts on the diffusor flap (1.2) in the direction of the retracted position, so that the diffusor flap (1.2), following the action of force, pivots in the direction of the retracted position in relation to the diffusor holder (1.1).

Description

[0001] Diffuser assembly and vehicle

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

[0003] A wide variety of airflow control elements for vehicles, such as spoilers, are known. With the help of such airflow control elements, the vehicle's lift or downforce and aerodynamic drag can be specifically influenced. Underbody diffusers that can be retracted and extended depending on the vehicle's speed are known, for example, from DE 102013 105 842 B4 and DE 10 2017 114 863 B4.

[0004] When such diffuser flaps extend, a gap forms between the diffuser flap and the mounting on the vehicle body. Due to the pressure difference on the opposite sides of the diffuser flap, airflow around the diffuser flap increases the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. To prevent this, appropriate sealing solutions are available, such as attaching a bellows to the diffuser flap and the mounting. Such a seal can also prevent moisture or dirt from entering between the diffuser flap and the mounting on the vehicle.

[0005] The advantage of adjustable flow control elements, such as the aforementioned diffusers, is that the vehicle's geometry can be adapted to the aerodynamic conditions prevailing at the vehicle's current speed. This allows an optimal ratio of downforce to drag to be set for the respective driving speed. This prevents the vehicle from skidding or understeering, even at high speeds, and increases the range. Changing the geometric configuration of such flow control elements is possible using electric motors, pneumatics, or hydraulics, among other options.

[0006] With diffusers mounted on the vehicle's underbody, there's a risk that surrounding objects, such as when the vehicle hits a bump, could collide with a partially extended diffuser, threatening to damage the diffuser. Objects such as stones or sticks can also be thrown up while driving and strike the diffuser from below. In particular, there's a risk that the actuator for adjusting the diffuser could be damaged due to the force exerted.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved diffuser assembly for vehicles, which is characterized by increased protection against damage resulting from the impact or impact of an object.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a diffuser assembly for a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments as well as a vehicle with such a diffuser assembly emerge from the dependent claims.

[0009] A generic diffuser assembly for a vehicle, comprising a diffuser holder that can be rigidly connected to the structure of a vehicle, a diffuser flap that is connected to the diffuser holder and movable about an axis of rotation relative to the diffuser holder, and at least one actuator that is connected to the diffuser holder and the diffuser flap for pivoting the diffuser flap about the axis of rotation between a retracted position and an extended position as a function of an actuating signal, is further developed according to the invention by an overload protection which, when the diffuser flap is in the extended position, interrupts a direct mechanical connection of the diffuser flap to the actuator when a force is applied to the diffuser flap in the direction of the retracted position, so that the diffuser flap pivots relative to the diffuser holder in the direction of the retracted position following the force applied.The overload protection according to the invention reliably protects the diffuser assembly from damage resulting from corresponding forces.

[0010] In the extended position, the diffuser flap can generally assume various positions. For example, the actuator can be stopped at any position during continuous movement of the diffuser flap to hold the diffuser flap in that position. A detent can also be provided, for example, to position the diffuser flap at "n" discrete positions, for example, three positions, preferably two positions, between the retracted position and a fully extended position.

[0011] The actuator can be any actuator, in particular an electric motor. The actuator is configured to process corresponding control signals. For this purpose, a suitable microcontroller can be positioned upstream of the actuator in the signal flow direction or included in it. Corresponding control signals can be based on proven communication protocols. For example, the control signal is information transmitted via a CAN bus or a LIN bus. Corresponding control signals can be output by a computing unit of the vehicle, for example a control unit. In particular, a position for the diffuser flap can be set that depends on the vehicle's driving speed.

[0012] If the diffuser flap is in any position in the extended position, there is a general risk that the mechanical connection between the actuator and the diffuser flap will be damaged if a force is applied in the direction of the retracted position. For example, the force could cause the actuator to move in the opposite direction to its intended direction of movement. If the actuator is designed as an electric motor, it could operate as a generator, which could destroy electronic components due to the induced current. In addition, the mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator itself could be damaged. For example, machine elements designed to transmit actuating forces and / or torques could fail due to such overloading, for example by buckling, denting, breaking, cracking, and the like.This would necessitate repairing the diffuser assembly, which would involve considerable effort and expense for the vehicle owner. Furthermore, the diffuser flap could become stuck in its current position or, for example, fall out of its fully extended position due to its own weight. This would result in the vehicle no longer experiencing optimal airflow conditions at the current speed. This could impair the vehicle's performance.

[0013] According to the invention, however, the overload protection ensures that the direct mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator is interrupted when a corresponding force is applied. The direct mechanical connection is preferably only temporarily interrupted, so that the diffuser assembly can function as usual once the force is removed. If the force is removed, the direct mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator can be automatically restored. This allows the diffuser flap to be moved again by actuating the actuator again.

[0014] By interrupting the direct mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator, the diffuser flap is allowed to move freely relative to the diffuser mount and the actuator. This allows the diffuser flap to follow the applied force accordingly. If, for example, a vehicle drives over a bump during later operation, the diffuser flap can retract according to the height of the bump. However, if objects such as stones are thrown up and hit the diffuser flap from below, an impulse is imparted to the diffuser flap as a result of the applied force. In such a case, the diffuser flap can swing upwards towards the retracted position and then fall back into its original position.It is also conceivable that one or more dampers are connected between the actuator and the diffuser flap, which prevent the actuator from being suddenly loaded by the diffuser flap returning to its original position after the force is removed.

[0015] An advantageous development of the diffuser assembly according to the invention provides that the overload protection is configured to move the diffuser flap back toward the extended position after the force is removed. Due to the force, the diffuser flap closes, thus moving toward the retracted position. The diffuser flap can also assume the retracted position when it hits the diffuser bracket. Since the force and thus the adjustment of the position of the diffuser flap is undesirable, the overload protection advantageously causes the diffuser flap to automatically reopen after the force is removed. This allows the negative influence on the vehicle aerodynamics due to the undesired retraction of the diffuser flap to be limited to the shortest possible time window.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the overload protection is further configured to return the diffuser flap to the exact position it occupied relative to the diffuser mount before the force was applied. This allows the aerodynamic conditions originally set by extending the diffuser flap, and thus the desired ones, to be restored. Reactivation of the actuator to move the diffuser flap to the corresponding position is then unnecessary.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser assembly according to the invention further provides that the overload protection is formed by at least one lever arrangement, comprising at least one first lever connected to the actuator, a second lever connected to the diffuser flap, and a spring element arranged between the first lever and the second lever, wherein the spring element clamps the first lever and the second lever together by means of a prestressing force to establish an operative connection, wherein the operative connection is interrupted as soon as the force applied to the diffuser flap in the direction of the retracted position is so great that the second lever exerts a force on the spring element that is opposite to the prestressing force and is at least as great as the prestressing force. This represents a structurally particularly advantageous possible embodiment for implementing the overload protection.Thus, the diffuser assembly according to the invention can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively.

[0018] The first lever and / or the second lever can consist of a single element or be divided into different lever segments, i.e. individual levers. The spring element braces the first and second levers during normal operation, i.e. for the period in which the diffuser flap is not subjected to any corresponding force. This enables the transmission of forces and / or moments between the first lever and the second lever. If the operative connection exists, a direct mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator is guaranteed. If, on the other hand, the operative connection is interrupted, there is no longer any direct mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator. If the operative connection is interrupted, however, there can be an indirect mechanical connection between the diffuser flap and the actuator via the corresponding spring element. The spring element acts as an energy store.The spring element absorbs the force or torque resulting from the lever arrangement acting on the diffuser flap and stores it in the form of spring energy. This reliably prevents the corresponding force or torque from being transmitted to the actuator in its unattenuated form.

[0019] Preferably, the first lever comprises a first rotational element and the second lever comprises a second rotational element, wherein the first rotational element and the second rotational element are arranged concentrically to one another on a common rotational axis, and wherein the spring element is designed as a torsion spring which is connected to the first rotational element and the second rotational element in order to push or pull a section protruding radially from the second rotational element onto a section protruding radially from the first rotational element in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis. This is a geometrically and thus mechanically particularly advantageous embodiment of the overload protection, which allows for even simpler and thus more cost-effective production of the diffuser assembly according to the invention.

[0020] If a corresponding force is applied to the diffuser flap, the section protruding from the second rotating element lifts away from the section protruding from the first rotating element. Accordingly, no force or torque can be transmitted from the second rotating element to the actuator, but is instead transferred to the spring element.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser assembly according to the invention further provides for at least two lever assemblies which are arranged offset from one another along the rotation axis, wherein adjacent first rotation elements are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via a rotation shaft running along the rotation axis. The rotation shaft and the corresponding first rotation elements can be connected to one another in a force-fitting, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner. For example, the rotation shaft has a square or rectangular cross-section. The respective first rotation elements then have openings matching the cross-section of the rotation shaft. This enables the transmission of rotational movements from a respective first rotation element to the rotation shaft. It is thus possible to actuate several lever assemblies simultaneously with just one actuator.The provision of multiple lever arrangements has the advantage that the diffuser flap can be subjected to a corresponding movement force evenly, and that tilting or jamming of the diffuser flap can be counteracted when a force is applied to the diffuser flap in the direction of the retracted position. This is particularly important when a point-like and off-center force is applied to the diffuser flap.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser assembly according to the invention, the diffuser flap extends in a relative coordinate system assigned to the diffuser flap essentially in an X-direction and a Y-direction perpendicular thereto, at least one support bracket is provided which runs parallel to the Y-direction and is mounted on the side of the diffuser flap facing the retracted position and which extends from a first end edge of the diffuser flap parallel to the X-direction to a second end edge parallel to the X-direction over at least a partial length of the diffuser flap in the Y-direction, and wherein the support bracket is connected to the diffuser holder in the region of the first end edge so as to be pivotable about the axis of rotation and is connected to the second lever in the region of the second end edge. With the help of one or more such support brackets, the rigidity of the diffuser flap can be specifically increased.This counteracts bending or buckling of the diffuser flap, both during operation and under the influence of corresponding forces. Suitable support beams can be made of a thin, formed metal sheet. Ribs, folds, flanges, and the like can be specifically incorporated to increase rigidity. Alternatively, such support beams can also be made of plastic components, preferably fiber-reinforced.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the diffuser assembly according to the invention further provides for a sealing element, particularly in the form of a bellows, connected to the diffuser holder and the diffuser flap to seal a gap created between the diffuser holder and the diffuser flap in the extended position. With the aid of such a sealing element, the components arranged on the side of the diffuser flap facing the retracted position, such as parts of the lever arrangement and the actuator, can be reliably protected from environmental influences and contamination. In addition, airflow around the diffuser flap is prevented, whereby an excessive increase in air resistance for the vehicle caused by the extension of the diffuser flap can be kept within limits. A bellows is particularly suitable for forming the sealing element due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability.

[0024] According to the invention, a vehicle comprises at least one diffuser assembly as described above. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, or the like. The vehicle can have one or more such diffuser assemblies. Such a diffuser assembly can be mounted anywhere on the outer skin of the vehicle to influence the airflow around the vehicle while driving.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the diffuser assembly is attached to the underbody of the vehicle, with the diffuser assembly being aligned in particular such that the axis of rotation runs parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis, so that the diffuser flap is pivoted in the direction of travel when moving from the retracted position to the extended position while driving straight ahead. Typically, the diffuser assembly is arranged in the rear area of ​​the vehicle, i.e. in the area of ​​the rear axle of the vehicle or even further behind it. With such an arrangement of the diffuser assembly on the vehicle, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be manipulated particularly advantageously. By reducing air resistance, the range of the corresponding vehicle can be increased.Particularly in vehicles with a low chassis, meaning low ground clearance, there is a risk of collision with surrounding objects such as bumps or curbs. By providing overload protection, damage to the diffuser assembly caused by impact with such objects can be prevented.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments of the diffuser assembly according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention also emerge from the exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to the invention with a retracted and an extended rear diffuser;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the underbody of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1a), showing a diffuser assembly according to the invention with a retracted diffuser flap;

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the diffuser assembly shown in Fig. 2;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic detailed view of the diffuser assembly according to the invention in a partially opened state;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view through the diffuser assembly shown in Fig. 4; and

[0032] Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view through the diffuser assembly according to the invention when a force is exerted on the diffuser flap in the direction of a retracted position.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle 2 according to the invention with a diffuser assembly 1 according to the invention, here in the form of a so-called rear diffuser. Figure 1a) shows the rear diffuser in a retracted state, and Figure 1b) shows it in an extended state. In general, the diffuser assembly 1 according to the invention can be integrated into the outer skin of the vehicle 2 at any desired location. However, the diffuser assembly 1 is particularly preferably used as a rear diffuser and is therefore provided on the underbody 14 of the vehicle 2, in particular in the area of ​​the rear axle or located behind it.

[0034] The diffuser assembly 1 according to the invention comprises a diffuser holder 1.1, shown in more detail in the following figures, a diffuser flap 1.2 movably connected thereto, and an actuator 1.3 for actuating the diffuser flap 1.2. A gap that arises between the diffuser holder 1.1 and the diffuser flap 1.2 when the diffuser flap 1.2 is opened is closed by a sealing element 12, in particular in the form of a bellows 13. This prevents the ingress of moisture, dirt, or other environmental influences between the diffuser flap 1.2 and the diffuser holder 1.1. In addition, air flow cannot pass around the diffuser flap 1.2, which reduces pressure losses and thus counteracts a negative influence on the air resistance of the vehicle 2 when the rear diffuser is opened.

[0035] Particularly in vehicles with a low-slung chassis, there is a risk that surrounding objects such as curbs, speed bumps, or even thrown-up stones will fly or press against the rear diffuser from below. This could result in damage to the rear diffuser if it is at least partially extended. To illustrate this problem, Figure 1 shows the approach angle ß of vehicle 2. As can be seen in Figure 1b), the diffuser flap 1.2 extends into the approach angle ß in an extended position.

[0036] According to the invention, the diffuser assembly 1 comprises an overload protection device 4, shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6, which—when the diffuser flap 1.2 is in the extended position—interrupts a direct mechanical connection of the diffuser flap 1.2 to the actuator 1.3 upon application of a force to the diffuser flap 1.2 in the direction of the retracted position, so that the diffuser flap 1.2 pivots relative to the diffuser holder 1.1 in the direction of the retracted position following the application of the force. This reliably prevents damage to the diffuser assembly 1 in the event of a corresponding force being applied.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a more detailed view of the underbody 14 of the vehicle 2. The diffuser assembly 1 is connected to the body of the vehicle 2 or forms part of it. The diffuser bracket 1.1 can particularly preferably be seamlessly connected to the rest of the body. In Figure 2, some body elements of the vehicle 2 have been hidden for better clarity. The diffuser bracket 1.1 is rigidly connected to the vehicle 2. The diffuser flap 1.2 is pivotable about a rotation axis 3 relative to the diffuser bracket 1.1. For this purpose, the diffuser bracket 1.1 forms a corresponding opening for receiving the diffuser flap 1.2. In Figure 2, the diffuser flap 1.2 is shown in a closed or retracted position.

[0038] In general, the diffuser flap 1.2 can take any shape. Particularly preferably, the diffuser flap 1.2 is rectangular. The ratio of a first to a second edge of the diffuser flap 1.2 can be, for example, 1:2. The longer side extends in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis, so that the diffuser flap 1.2 extends over as much of the vehicle's width as possible.

[0039] The diffuser mount 1.1 and the diffuser flap 1.2 can generally consist of or comprise any material. In particular, the diffuser mount 1.1 and the diffuser flap 1.2 are made of a metal or a metal alloy or a plastic material, preferably fiber-reinforced.

[0040] Figure 3 once again shows the diffuser assembly 1 according to the invention in a detailed sectional view. The diffuser mount 1.1 can be provided with a housing 1.1.1 on a side facing the vehicle 2 in order to more reliably protect elements arranged between the vehicle 2 and the diffuser flap 1.2. Thus, the housing 1.1.1 forms, in particular, a space 15 in which the actuator 1.3 and a lever arrangement 5, shown in detail in the following figures, are housed. Figure 3 once again shows in detail the design of the sealing element 12 as a bellows 13.

[0041] Figure 4 shows the diffuser assembly 1 in a partially open state as viewed from the vehicle 2. Particularly preferably, a plurality of lever arrangements 5 are provided, which can prevent the diffuser flap 1.2 from tilting or jamming in the event of a localized and asymmetrical force acting on the diffuser flap 1.2. For this purpose, a plurality of support beams 10 are connected to the diffuser flap 1.2, for example by means of screw connections. The diffuser flap 1.2 extends in particular in an X-direction X and a Y-direction Y perpendicular thereto. At a first end edge 11.1 parallel to the X-direction X, the support beams 10 can be connected to the diffuser holder 1.1 like a hinge. Corresponding hinge receptacles 16 are provided for this purpose. The support beams 10 extend over the greatest possible length of the diffuser flap 1.2 in the Y-direction Y. At a second end edge 11 parallel to the X-direction X.2, the support beams 10 are each connected to one of the lever assemblies 5. The actuator 1.3 has a connector 17 for receiving control signals, for example, output by an internal vehicle control unit. Control signals received via connector 17 are forwarded to the actuator 1.3 via a data line 18. The actuator 1.3 can also be controlled directly by applying a specific voltage or current. In this case, the data line 18 is a power line.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the actuator 1.3 is an electric motor. The electric motor drives the lever assembly 5. The lever assembly 5 comprises at least a first lever 5.1, a second lever 5.2, and a spring element 5.3, which presses the first lever 5.1 to the second lever 5.2 to establish an operative connection. The respective levers 5.1 and 5.2 can be divided into further sub-levers or lever segments.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the first lever 5.1 comprises a first rotation element 6.1 and the second lever 5.2 a second rotation element 6.2. The first rotation element 6.1 and the second rotation element 6.2 are arranged concentrically to one another on a common rotation axis 7. A rotation shaft 9, for example having a square cross-section, is provided, which runs along the rotation axis 7 and connects the first rotation elements 6.1 of the lever arrangement 5, which are located next to one another in the direction of the rotation axis 7. This enables simultaneous actuation of several lever arrangements 5 with a single actuator 1.3. The rotation shaft 9 preferably also comprises a metal or a metal alloy, for example aluminum. The rotation shaft 9 can also be referred to as a drive rod. This drive rod is fastened to the housing 1.1.1 of the diffuser holder 1.1 by means of several axle bearings 19.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 show a sectional view through the diffuser assembly 1 according to the invention to illustrate the operating principle of the overload protection 4. Figure 5 shows the diffuser flap 1.2 in an at least partially extended position. Particularly preferably, the spring element 5.3 is formed by a torsion spring, which presses the first rotary element 6.1 against the second rotary element 6.2. Depending on the arrangement, the torsion spring can exert a tensile force or a compressive force or a corresponding moment. The first rotary element 6.1 has a first radially protruding section 8.1, and the second rotary element 6.2 has a second radially protruding section 8.2, which abut one another accordingly. By means of a force F, a force acting in the direction of the retracted position is applied to the diffuser flap 1.2. Figure 6 shows the interruption of the operative connection by means of the overload protection 4.The force F is thus absorbed by the torsion spring and causes the first radially protruding section 8.1 and the second radially protruding section 8.2 to move away from each other. Thus, a direct force transmission between the first lever 5.1 and the second lever 5.2 is no longer possible. Accordingly, the force F can no longer be applied to the actuator 1.3 in its entirety. This reliably prevents damage to the lever assembly 5 and the actuator 1.3.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Diffuser assembly (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a diffuser holder (1.1) which can be rigidly connected to the structure of a vehicle (2), a diffuser flap (1.2) which is connected to the diffuser holder (1.1) and is movable about a rotational axis (3) relative to the diffuser holder (1.1), and at least one actuator (1.3) which is connected to the diffuser holder (1.1) and the diffuser flap (1.2) for pivoting the diffuser flap (1.2) about the rotational axis (3) between a retracted position and an extended position in dependence on a control signal, characterized by an overload protection (4) which, when the diffuser flap (1.2) is in the extended position, upon a force acting on the diffuser flap (1.2) in the direction of the retracted position, ensures a direct mechanical connection of the diffuser flap (1.2) to the Actuator (1.3) interrupts, so that the diffuser flap (1.2) follows the force against the diffuser holder (1.1) pivoted towards the retracted position.

2. Diffuser assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overload protection (4) is designed to move the diffuser flap (1.2) back towards the extended position after the force has been removed.

3. Diffuser assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the overload protection (4) is further configured to move the diffuser flap (1.2) back into exactly the position in which the diffuser flap (1.2) was located relative to the diffuser holder (1.1) before the force was applied.

4. Diffuser assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the overload protection (4) is formed by at least one lever arrangement (5), comprising at least one first lever connected to the actuator (1.3) (5.1), a second lever (5.2) connected to the diffuser flap (1.2) and a spring element (5.3) arranged between the first lever (5.1) and the second lever (5.2), wherein the spring element (5.3) clamps the first lever (5.1) and the second lever (5.2) together by means of a prestressing force to establish an operative connection, wherein the operative connection is interrupted as soon as the force applied to the diffuser flap (1.2) in the direction of the retracted position is so great that the second lever (5.2) exerts a force on the spring element (5.3) which is opposite to the prestressing force and which is at least as great as the prestressing force.

5. Diffuser assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first lever (5.1) comprises a first rotation element (6.1) and the second lever (5.2) comprises a second rotation element (6.2), wherein the first rotation element (6.1) and the second rotation element (6.2) are arranged concentrically to one another on a common rotation axis (7), and wherein the spring element (5.3) is designed as a torsion spring, which is connected to the first rotation element (6.1) and the second rotation element (6.2) in order to form a portion projecting radially from the second rotation element (6.2). (8.2) to push or pull a section (8.1) projecting radially from the first rotation element (6.1) in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis (7).

6. Diffuser assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized by at least two lever arrangements (5) which are arranged offset from one another along the rotation axis (7), wherein adjacent first rotation elements (6.1) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via a rotation shaft (9) running along the rotation axis (7).

7. Diffuser assembly (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the diffuser flap (1.2) extends in a relative coordinate system assigned to the diffuser flap (12) substantially in an X-direction (X) and a Y-direction (Y) perpendicular thereto, at least one support bracket (10) is provided which runs parallel to the Y-direction (Y) and is mounted on the side of the diffuser flap (1.2) facing the retracted position, which support bracket extends from a first end edge (11.1) of the diffuser flap (1.2) parallel to the X-direction (X) to a second end edge (11.2) parallel to the X-direction (X) over at least a partial length of the diffuser flap (1.2) in the Y-direction (Y), and wherein the support bracket (10) is pivotable about the rotation axis (3) in the region of the first end edge (11.1) on the diffuser holder (1.1) is connected and is connected to the second lever (5.2) in the area of the second end edge (11.2).

8. Diffuser assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a sealing element (12), in particular in the form of a bellows (13), connected to the diffuser holder (1.1) and the diffuser flap (1.2), is provided for sealing a gap arising between the diffuser holder (1.1) and the diffuser flap (1.2) in the extended position.

9. Vehicle (2), characterized by at least one diffuser assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the diffuser assembly (1) is attached to the underbody (14), wherein the diffuser assembly (1) is aligned such that the axis of rotation (3) runs parallel to the vehicle transverse axis, so that the diffuser flap (1.2) is pivoted in the direction of travel when moving from the retracted position to the extended position when driving straight ahead.

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