Grill Patents (Class 296/193.1)
  • Patent number: 11560081
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle accessory grill comprising a plurality of edge protrusions, a front surface, a rear surface, a plurality of air apertures, and a plurality of lighting apertures. The grill also comprises a lighting system which may comprise a control module and a plurality of lamps. The plurality of lamps may include a plurality of high beam lamps, a plurality of low beam lamps, a plurality of daytime running lamps, and a plurality of turn lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: AAC Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Justin Hartenstein
  • Patent number: 11225136
    Abstract: A grille shutter includes a frame, a movable louver and a bracket provided at each of end portions of the frame. The frame includes an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion, a right frame portion and a left frame portion, wherein at least one of the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion includes a curved configuration in which a vehicle-rear-side edge of a portion of the one of the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion is convex towards a vehicle-front side, and the portion is positioned between the right frame portion and the left frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shun Totsuka, Ken Komatsubara, Kazuki Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 11167636
    Abstract: A grille shutter control device is employed for a grille shutter that includes a frame, which is provided in a front grille of a vehicle and has an outside air inlet, and an opening-closing unit for opening and closing the outside air inlet. The grille shutter control device controls an opening-closing operation of the opening-closing unit such that the outside air inlet is opened or closed in accordance with a condition of the vehicle. The grille shutter controller includes an actuator and a controlling section. The actuator performs an anti-sticking operation for preventing the opening-closing unit from being stuck. The controlling section controls the actuator such that the anti-sticking operation is periodically performed by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bunpei Morita
  • Patent number: 10782047
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a front grille and a motor vehicle hood assembly, as well as methods of installing the front grille to the hood assembly. The front grille includes a peripheral frame with left and right members and a plurality of fasteners extending rearward from the left member and the right member. The hood assembly includes medially extending tab members and insertion gaps arranged proximate to left and right sides of a front aperture defined in the hood assembly. Each tab member is separated from each other tab member by at least one of the insertion gaps. During mounting, the plurality of fasteners of the front grille are inserted into the insertion gaps, and the front grille is slid upward relative to the hood assembly, causing the fasteners to slidably engage the tab members. Sliding engagement of the fasteners reduces stress on the front grille from hood deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: David Critchley
  • Patent number: 10688862
    Abstract: An air guide for a vehicle front structure, the air guide is mountable on the vehicle front structure and is configured to redirect an incoming air flow towards a cooling device of the vehicle, the air guide including: a frame portion including a fixation portion having mounting elements for mechanical fixation to a vehicle structure when mounted for use, the frame portion is adapted to reinforce the air guide and define the general shape of the air guide, an air guide material, wherein the frame portion is over-molded with the air-guide material, wherein the stiffness of the frame portion is higher than the stiffness of the air guide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lönn Jaldelid, Mikael Torgilsson
  • Patent number: 10507720
    Abstract: A flap control device spring driven toward open position upon actuator failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventor: Frédéric Vacca
  • Patent number: 10479408
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include lower frame members, first frame members, second frame members, a cross frame member and a plate. The pair of first and second frame members can be connected to and can extend upwardly from a respective one of the lower frame members. The pair of second frame members can be connected to the respective one of the lower frame members and a respective one of the first frame members. The cross frame member can be connected to and extend from each of the first frame members. The plate can be connected to and can extend from the each of the first frame and second members and the cross frame member. The plate can include a ridge configured to cause the plate to buckle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 10272768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for adjusting at least two sets of shutoff elements of an air intake of a motor compartment of a motor vehicle. The system comprises at least two adjustment units. Each adjustment unit comprises a drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive train for adjusting a set of shutoff elements. One adjustment unit is a primary adjustment unit and a further adjustment unit is a secondary adjustment unit. The primary adjustment unit is arranged for primary connection with a central control unit, such as an onboard computer of a motor vehicle. Also, the primary adjustment unit is arranged for secondary connection with the secondary adjustment unit. In the system the secondary adjustment unit has no direct connection with the central control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MCI (MIRROR CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Huijzers, Steve van Hoof
  • Patent number: 10239388
    Abstract: An impact beam and a method of producing the impact beam for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A light metal profile with an extrusion width is produced by flattening the light metal profile to a working width and cutting to length to form semi-finished products. The semi-finished products are subjected to further treatment by press-forming techniques to form the impact beam. The impact beam has a longitudinal length which extends transversely to the direction of extrusion of the light metal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOBOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Edvin List Clausen, Andreas Hitz, Tobias Svantesson Kavik, Amin Farjad Bastani
  • Patent number: 10166858
    Abstract: A shutter device for a front grille of a vehicle including a structure and at least two flaps coupled in a pivoting manner to the structure. An actuator and a transmission mechanism coupled to the actuator are configured to transmit the movement of the actuator to the flaps to carry out a sequential opening of the at least two flaps. According to one embodiment the transmission mechanism includes one gear for each of the at least two flaps, each gear comprising a drive wheel coupled to the actuator and a driven wheel coupled to the respective at least two flaps. Each of the drive wheels and driven wheels includes a notched part and a blocking part that are distributed differently to cause a sequential opening and/or closing of the at least two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: BATZ, S.COOP.
    Inventors: Jesùs Ibañez Moreira, Iñaki Aguirre Pichel
  • Patent number: 10040344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closing device (10) for closing an essential component of a vehicle particularly a radiator of a vehicle with at least one closing element (11) for regulating an air inlet to the essential component and a support element (12) for the acceptance of the at least one closing element (11) wherein the closing device (10) comprises at least one deformation element (20) for the absorption of the impact energy at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: HBPO GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schöning, Matthias Grünschneder, Michael Breisacher
  • Patent number: 10017046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling the flow rate of a flow of air F for a motor vehicle, in particular for a front face of the motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of flaps (3) for controlling the flow rate of said flow of air F, said flaps being mounted in a rotational manner on a holder (5) of said device. Said flaps (3) have a rear overlap extending from one flap to another, in the closed position of the flaps, so as to allow said flaps to open under the action of a negative pressure D behind said device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventor: Christophe Thullier
  • Patent number: 10017129
    Abstract: An assembly component is provided that includes a body and a multi-step doghouse. The multi-step doghouse is carried on the body and includes a keyhole opening having multiple pin retaining positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pamela Avendano Arenas, Diego Fabricio Villacres Mesias
  • Patent number: 9925938
    Abstract: Metallic grille inserts and methods for installing metallic grille inserts are disclosed, which are configured to protect air-cooled radiators of motor vehicles. The metallic grille inserts can be installed and disposed between an air-cooled radiator and front-end grille of an automobile without the need for drilling or using screws, bolts, or mounting frames to fixedly secure the metallic grille insert in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: UNDERTHESUNINSERTS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Sanfilippo, Jamie Thomas
  • Patent number: 9840144
    Abstract: A shutter unit comprises plural flaps, a shutter frame member, and a second support portion to support an air guide member. The air guide member comprises a lower face portion positioned between an upper grille opening portion and the flaps, a first fixation portion fixed to a first support portion of a shroud member, and a second fixation portion fixed to a second support portion of the shutter unit. The lower face portion is configured such that the lower face portion in a state in which the second fixation portion is fixed to the second support portion is spaced apart upward from the shutter frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Aizawa, Taiki Yukawa
  • Patent number: 9016772
    Abstract: A fascia support structure for a vehicle includes a top portion, the top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle. The structure also includes a bottom portion attached to the first side fascia support member and the second side fascia support member, the bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle and an integrated locking structure disposed on a surface. A front fascia for a vehicle includes a viewable surface and an opposed structural surface, the structural surface comprising an integrated locking member, the integrated locking member configured for interlocking mating engagement with a fascia support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Alexander C. Winter
  • Patent number: 9016771
    Abstract: A mounting part is provided for body attachment parts (6, 8, 9, 10) in the automotive field, such as paneling elements, lamp casings for lamp units, etc. The mounting part has at least one first, body-side fastening arrangement (22) and at least one second, attachment-part-side fastening arrangement (26, 28). At least one flow cross section (30) is provided for fluidically connecting the atmosphere to a cooling device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dimitar Danev
  • Patent number: 8997907
    Abstract: A cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. A rack and pinion drive (600) for moving a sheet (618) over the frame to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator, the frame and sheet producing a smoother flow of air over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on the vehicle while still allowing air flow into the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Aero18, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Rode
  • Patent number: 8967705
    Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Nicolay E. Vandercar
  • Patent number: 8960343
    Abstract: Provided is a grill shutter device including a shutter mechanism controlling a flow rate of air flowing into a vehicle body from the grill opening portion of the vehicle body front portion by an opening and closing operation; a frame configured to support the shutter mechanism within the grill opening portion; an actuator that is held in the frame and performs the opening and closing driving of the shutter mechanism; and a holding structure capable of relatively moving the actuator to the front side of the frame, based on the collision load at the time of the vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Asano, Kenji Maeta, Kenji Hori, Takashi Saito, Yuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8960741
    Abstract: The assembly is for mounting to a motor vehicle having a bumper skin and it comprises a body part forming at least a portion of a bumper skin. The body part is defined by bottom and top edges. The top edge includes a first portion to be masked by a member of the vehicle that is to be fitted to the body part. The assembly includes at least a first masking element masking at least one portion of the bottom edge and at least a second masking element masking at least one second portion of the top edge of the body part, complementary to the at least one first portion of the top edge of the body part. The first and second masking elements are fixed relative to the body part once the assembly is mounted to the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Fabien Delwal, Hugues Cheron
  • Patent number: 8931828
    Abstract: A grill opening reinforcement (GOR) assembly of a vehicle is provided. The GOR assembly includes a shutter body formed to define a first opening, a front fascia and a seal. The shutter body includes a top portion, first and second side support members and a bottom portion. The front fascia is formed to define a second opening and is supportively attachable to the shutter body. The seal is disposable on a leading edge of at least one of the first and second side support members and the bottom portion and is configured to define an airflow path from the second opening to the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Alexander C. Winter
  • Patent number: 8911007
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle front structure including a front bumper and a lower grille. The front bumper includes a front-bumper lower surface extending in a vehicle rear direction, the front-bumper lower surface having a pair of bottom surface portions at respective side portions and a recessed surface at a center portion, the recessed surface extending from the pair of bottom surface portions and being recessed in an upper direction. The lower grille includes an annular portion arranged at the lower side of a rear end of the recessed surface and forming an opening, a protruding portion protruding from a lower portion of the annular portion so as to protrude in a front direction and oppose to the recessed surface, and a reinforcing portion extending from an upper portion of the annular portion to a back surface of the recessed surface and reinforcing the front-bumper lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Hirose
  • Publication number: 20140167451
    Abstract: A shutter system is provided for a grille of an automotive vehicle. A first vane set is disposed at a first grille opening section configured to pivot to a master position. A second vane set is disposed at a second grille opening section configured to pivot to a slave position. An actuator motor is coupled to the first vane set for controllably placing the first vane set to a selected master position. A linkage is coupled between the first and second vane sets for moving the second vane set to the slave position corresponding to the master position of the first vane set. The linkage includes a compensation spring configured to undergo compression when the first and second vane sets are placed in the closed positions and a limit strap for imposing a limit on expansion of the compensation spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron P. Klop
  • Patent number: 8746783
    Abstract: A positioning and reinforcement structure for a vehicle includes a top support member and a bottom support member each extending relatively horizontally in a cross-car orientation and relatively parallel to each other. Also included is a first side member and a second side member each extending relatively vertically and relatively parallel to each other, the first side member and the second side member each coupled to the top support member and the bottom support member. Further included is a first wing structure detachably coupled to the first side member, the first wing structure comprising a first side flange configured to operably mount to a first fender assembly. Yet further included is a centering bracket disposed proximate a top side of the top support member, the centering bracket configured to locate a front region of a hood to the positioning and reinforcement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Mark L. Felzien, Alexander C. Winter, Arthur M. Melander, David R. Galloway, Christopher C. Cook
  • Publication number: 20140132035
    Abstract: A fascia support structure for a vehicle includes a top portion, the top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle. The structure also includes a bottom portion attached to the first side fascia support member and the second side fascia support member, the bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle and an integrated locking structure disposed on a surface. A front fascia for a vehicle includes a viewable surface and an opposed structural surface, the structural surface comprising an integrated locking member, the integrated locking member configured for interlocking mating engagement with a fascia support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Alexander C. Winter
  • Publication number: 20140132033
    Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Nicolay E. Vandercar
  • Publication number: 20140132034
    Abstract: A grill opening reinforcement (GOR) assembly of a vehicle is provided. The GOR assembly includes a shutter body formed to define a first opening, a front fascia and a seal. The shutter body includes a top portion, first and second side support members and a bottom portion. The front fascia is formed to define a second opening and is supportively attachable to the shutter body. The seal is disposable on a leading edge of at least one of the first and second side support members and the bottom portion and is configured to define an airflow path from the second opening to the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Alexander C. Winter
  • Patent number: 8708075
    Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle includes a facia member defining a forward end of an engine compartment of the vehicle and a radiator disposed in the engine compartment rearwardly spaced from the facia member. A duct member is interposed between the facia member and the radiator. The duct member at least partially blocks the radiator and defines a duct passage extending from an underside opening of the vehicle to the radiator. At least one duct opening is defined in the duct member for supplementing air flow to the radiator from the underside opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael W. Maurer, Christopher Meeks, Jason A. Widmer, Sukwon Kim, Karl Forster, Jeremy Paul Lucas, Ryan L. Kabbes, Kyle Stephen Mihok
  • Patent number: 8708077
    Abstract: A grille shutter apparatus arranged at a grille opening portion at a frontal portion of a vehicle body includes a frame shaping a flow path of air flowing into the vehicle body from the grille opening portion, a movable fin rotationally supported by the frame and configured to control a flow amount of the air by providing an opening movement and a closing movement, the movable fin including a fin portion and rotary shafts rotationally supported by the frame, the rotary shafts including exposure portions configured to be arranged on the flow path of the air, at least one first shielding wall extending radially outward of the rotary shaft and provided at the exposure portion and a second shielding wall arranged at an upstream side of the air that flows in relative to the exposure portion extending in a direction intersecting a direction of the air that flows in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Hori
  • Patent number: 8702157
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a front grille, and a hood edge, disposed above the front grille, configured to receive a front end edge of an engine hood of a vehicle, having a front end edge extending part extending downward from a front end edge thereof. The front grille includes, at an upper end, a grille supporting part, extending between an extending line (plane) of the hood edge and the front end edge extending part. The front end edge extending part is pinched between the grille supporting part and a supporting member provided behind the front grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hirose, Hideyuki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140084632
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure comprises: a hood for covering a top of an engine compartment provided in a front section of a vehicle; an engagement element provided at a front section of the hood; a radiator shroud provided at a front section of the engine compartment; an engagement counterpart element provided in front of the radiator shroud and engageable with the engagement element; a wire arranged to extend from a lateral side of the radiator shroud and pass through a position in front of the radiator shroud, and coupled to the engagement counterpart element; and a support supporting the engagement counterpart element with respect to the radiator shroud. The support has a protruding portion which protrudes toward a position capable of hindering at least a part of the wire from being visually seen from a front side of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kageyama, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Kuniyoshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 8678454
    Abstract: A front vehicle body structure includes a bumper face that extends in a vehicle width direction and a license base that is formed separately from the bumper face and fixed to the bumper face. The license base includes a main body which allows a license plate to be attached to a front surface thereof, a leg portion that extends rearward from a rear surface of the main body, and a hinge portion that extends downward from a rear end of the leg portion and is capable of being bent upward. The license base is fixed to the bumper face by engaging the hinge portion that has been bent upward with the bumper face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ryota Abe, Shun Ueno
  • Publication number: 20140062140
    Abstract: A positioning and reinforcement structure for a vehicle includes a top support member and a bottom support member each extending relatively horizontally in a cross-car orientation and relatively parallel to each other. Also included is a first side member and a second side member each extending relatively vertically and relatively parallel to each other, the first side member and the second side member each coupled to the top support member and the bottom support member. Further included is a first wing structure detachably coupled to the first side member, the first wing structure comprising a first side flange configured to operably mount to a first fender assembly. Yet further included is a centering bracket disposed proximate a top side of the top support member, the centering bracket configured to locate a front region of a hood to the positioning and reinforcement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Townson, Mark L. Felzien, Alexander C. Winter, Arthur M. Melander, David R. Galloway, Christopher C. Cook
  • Patent number: 8662569
    Abstract: An active grille shutter system comprising a controller, a sensor provides a freeze signal to the controller when a temperature is near or below freezing, and an electric motor that opens and closes a plurality of vanes. The motor receives a low current signal from the controller to operate the system at a first torque level and receives a high current signal to operate the system at a second torque level when the controller receives the freeze signal. A precipitation signal from the windshield wiper system of the vehicle is provided to the controller to provide an indication that there is precipitation present in the vehicle environment. The controller may provide the high current signal to the motor only when the freeze signal and the precipitation signal are provided to the controller. A method is also provided for operating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Peter Klop
  • Patent number: 8662570
    Abstract: A radiator grille for a motor vehicle includes a basic support with a region for a marquee badge having an external contour that is, at least in regions, curved or oblique. A number of fins are held on the basic support, the number of fins are movable out of a closed position closing respective passage openings in the radiator grille into an open position uncovering the passage openings. In this case, at least one of the fins is displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal extent by bringing it from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Alexander Guenther, Hans-Hermann Otte
  • Publication number: 20140054923
    Abstract: A cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. The frame has a contour that allows air flow smoothly about the frame. A cover including a panel (18) or a coiled sheet (118) is movable through the frame to cover the opening. A motor (50) operated by a controller (80) moves the panels or sheets to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator. The frame and the panel or sheet facilitate smoother air flow over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on it while still allowing air flow into the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Rode
  • Patent number: 8640802
    Abstract: A radiator grill (10) for a motor vehicle comprises: a frame (12) for securing the radiator grill (10) to the vehicle, wherein a condition in which the radiator grill (10) is mounted on the vehicle will be designated in the following as the reference condition of the radiator grill (10), and wherein the frame (12) in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) relative to the motor vehicle is mounted substantially immovably thereon, at least one air-conducting element (20) which extends along an air-conducting element longitudinal axis (L) and at least in sections forms at least one part of an outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10), at least one air-passage opening (30) which is designed to allow cooling air to flow into a motor vehicle interior region (24), which in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) and during travel operation of the motor vehicle flows on to the outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10) counter to a travel direction (F), as well as at least one air flap (16) wit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rochling Automotive AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130340617
    Abstract: A grill for a radiator of a vehicle includes a plurality of spaced blades. Each blade has an upstream section and a downstream section. A first blade of the plurality of blades includes a first curved portion located on the downstream section of the first blade. A second blade of the plurality of blades located adjacent to and above the first blade includes a second curved portion located on the downstream section of the second blade. Each of the first and second curved portions of the respective first and second blades is configured to impart a swirl to airflow entering the curved portion which causes debris entrained in airflow to be separated from the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jack Havelin, Jason Castillo
  • Patent number: 8523276
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an underbody structure element, a technical front panel, and at least one body shell structure element. The technical front panel includes a central part carrying vehicle cooling elements, opposed parts fixed to opposite vertical edges of the central part, and a top cross member including a top edge. One end of the body shell structure element includes two opposed rails extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and two opposed parts that accept the technical front panel. The technical front panel pivots about a transverse axis of the vehicle on the underbody structure element when being mounted to the body shell structure element. The technical front panel is separated from the underbody structure element when fully mounted to the body shell structure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Michael Flandin
  • Publication number: 20130221707
    Abstract: Attachment part or trim part for vehicles are typically provided with a plurality of fastening points of which several are provided with through-holes for receiving aligning or fastening devices, in particular welded bolts, screws or rivets. Some of the fastening points are additionally designed to be movable in a premounted situation in a latching manner between a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the aligning or fastening devices used, in order to permit thereby an adjustment of the attachment part or trim part relative to the attachment point on a vehicle. In order to achieve the simplest possible design, it is proposed that the positions are predetermined by the internal contour of the through-holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DECOMA (GERMANY) GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Huttenlocher
  • Patent number: 8517130
    Abstract: A drive unit for a movable member includes the movable member adjusting aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle while the movable member is changing a position thereof, an electric motor operating the movable member, a preventing device preventing the movable member from operating beyond a specified operating range by making contact with the movable member, and a controlling device supplying an electric power to the electric motor for a reference time and operating the movable member from a first end to a second end of the specified operating range, the controlling device correcting the reference time on the basis of an external factor that affects an operating speed of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Morio Sakai
  • Publication number: 20130134740
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle front structure including a front bumper and a lower grille. The front bumper includes a front-bumper lower surface extending in a vehicle rear direction, the front-bumper lower surface having a pair of bottom surface portions at respective side portions and a recessed surface at a center portion, the recessed surface extending from the pair of bottom surface portions and being recessed in an upper direction. The lower grille includes an annular portion arranged at the lower side of a rear end of the recessed surface and forming an opening, a protruding portion protruding from a lower portion of the annular portion so as to protrude in a front direction and oppose to the recessed surface, and a reinforcing portion extending from an upper portion of the annular portion to a back surface of the recessed surface and reinforcing the front-bumper lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
  • Patent number: 8444215
    Abstract: A housing is provided for a radiator blind of a motor vehicle. The housing includes a base section that is configured to accommodate the radiator blind and a prescribed port. The housing also includes an adapter section that is secured to the prescribed port. As a result of this measure, the housing can be used in various installation situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Volker Bernt, Rolf Ewert
  • Publication number: 20130119709
    Abstract: A radiator grille for a motor vehicle includes a basic support with a region for a marquee badge having an external contour that is, at least in regions, curved or oblique. A number of fins are held on the basic support, the number of fins are movable out of a closed position closing respective passage openings in the radiator grille into an open position uncovering the passage openings. In this case, at least one of the fins is displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal extent by bringing it from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Alexander Guenther, Hans-Hermann Otte
  • Patent number: 8440279
    Abstract: This element (2) is of the type including a hollow elongate body (4) made of metal and having a closed section; and a continuous second body (6) made of plastics material overmolded on the metal first body (4), the plastics material second body (6) including at least two rings (24) surrounding the metal first body (4), the rings (24) being longitudinally spaced part. In any cross-section of the metal first body (4), the plastics material second body (6) is situated entirely outside the outline of the metal first body (4), and the ratio of the axial length of each ring (24) over the longitudinal distance between the rings (24) is less than 1. The invention is applicable to the front faces of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventors: Caroline Riviere, Claude Laurent, Sébastien Berne
  • Patent number: 8430195
    Abstract: A tractor comprising a hood having a radiator grille, at least one front light assembly and a support designed to keep the front light assembly detached from the grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Theo Ernest Jansen, Guido Bianco
  • Publication number: 20130081888
    Abstract: A method of establishing a baseline airflow opening into an under-hood compartment of a vehicle configured to house a powertrain includes providing a fascia for the under-hood compartment. The fascia includes a first grille opening and a second grille opening configured to admit first and second portions of ambient airflow, respectively, into the under-hood compartment. A selectable position shutter assembly is disposed in the second grille opening and configured to control a size of the second grille opening. The baseline airflow opening into the under-hood compartment is the sum of the size of the first grille opening and the minimum size of the second grille opening. The method also includes ascertaining a configuration of the powertrain and setting the minimum size of the second grille opening in response to the ascertained configuration of the powertrain to establish the baseline airflow opening. A system employing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jason W. Guenzel, Michael G. Leffert, David J. Verbrugge, Andreas Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20130076074
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a front grille, and a hood edge, disposed above the front grille, configured to receive a front end edge of an engine hood of a vehicle, having a front end edge extending part extending downward from a front end edge thereof. The front grille includes, at an upper end, a grille supporting part, extending between an extending line (plane) of the hood edge and the front end edge extending part. The front end edge extending part is pinched between the grille supporting part and a supporting member provided behind the front grille.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8398131
    Abstract: A radiator grill arrangement for a motor vehicle front end of a motor vehicle with a number of air passage openings, which can be closed at least substantially by at least one flap element is provided. The at least one flap element is supported so as to be able to swivel about an associated flap axis. In driving states of the motor vehicle in which little cooling air is needed for the engine or engine compartment, the entire flap arrangement or a part of the flaps can thus be closed in order to improve the drag coefficient cw of the motor vehicle and to save fuel. Also in the parked state of the motor vehicle with the engine switched off, it is possible to close the flap arrangement in order to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Konstantin Boutaris, Renato Ferrera, Martin Konermann