Shutters, Air Valves, Dampers Or Adjustable Cowls Patents (Class 123/41.04)
  • Patent number: 8739752
    Abstract: An intake duct for a vehicle having an inlet port formed so that the open side faces obliquely upward. The intake duct includes an inlet part formed in a flat shape expanding in the lateral direction crossing an air stream direction and a deflector provided in an air stream passage of the inlet part and extending in the left-and-right direction of the air stream passage. The intake duct further includes a first support member, which is provided between the deflector and the lower wall portion of the inlet part, and a second support member, which is provided between the deflector and the upper wall portion of the inlet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Inoac Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Honzawa, Shinya Makihara, Koichi Hosaka
  • Patent number: 8739744
    Abstract: A compound shutter system includes a first shutter assembly having at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the first shutter assembly. The compound shutter system also includes a second shutter assembly disposed remotely from the first shutter assembly. The second shutter assembly includes at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the second shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a drive element. The drive element operatively connects the first shutter assembly and the second shutter assembly and automatically coordinates operation of the first and second shutter assemblies. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Kyle C. Smith, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Publication number: 20140123917
    Abstract: Various embodiments for a thermal management system are provided. In one example, a thermal management system includes a coolant pump that provides coolant to a first cooling circuit and a second cooling circuit in parallel. The first cooling circuit includes an air-to-coolant radiator system and the second cooling circuit includes an engine coolant jacket. The thermal management system further comprises a fan and a cooling shutter for controlling a flow of air through the air-to-coolant radiator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gokulnath Chellan, Gregory Alan Marsh, Hemant Patni
  • Patent number: 8692662
    Abstract: A method of determining a failure of an active air flap, including determining whether or not an active air flap is in a non-openable state, if the active air flap is in the non-openable state, continuously checking a variation of the temperature of engine-cooling water, and if the variation is below a reference variation, interrupting the generation of failure-alert, and if the variation of the temperature of engine-cooling water is above the reference variation, processing whether to generate the failure-alert such that if the time taken to reach the variation is above a reference temperature time, interrupting the generation of failure-alert, and if the time is below the reference temperature time, generating the failure-alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Sun Shin, Phil Jung Jeong, Jin Ho Kim, Yong Jin Jung, Sang Won Park
  • Patent number: 8683962
    Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine comprises a tubular conduit configured to conduct coolant to and from various components of the internal combustion engine and to remove excess heat therefrom. A shield portion is fluidly coupled inline of the tubular conduit and is disposed between a heat source and a cooler operating component. The expanded portion further comprises a cooling body, an inlet in fluid communication with the tubular conduit and configured to conduct coolant into the cooling body and an outlet in fluid communication with the tubular conduit and is configured to conduct coolant out of the cooling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert Lionel Jacques
  • Patent number: 8651069
    Abstract: A wax-type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) provided with a radiator and a coolant loop circuit linking the radiator to the ICE, and a by-pass conduit. The thermostat comprises a thermostat body with one inlet from the radiator, one inlet from the ICE, and one outlet to the ICE. The thermostat further comprises a closure element integral to a first piston that closes or opens a thermostat internal pathway running from the inlet from the radiator to the outlet to the ICE, a main wax chamber thermally connected to the coolant within the thermostat body, and a spring to return the closure element towards its closing position. Also provided is a first means for moving the first piston when a volume variation in the wax occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luca Borgia, Carmine Pezzella
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8571749
    Abstract: A grille control mechanism for a vehicle includes a movable member being switchable between opened and closed positions, an electric motor actuating the movable member, and a control device controlling a supply of electric current until detecting a lock current value to execute an opening operation or a closing operation, wherein the control device executes a checking operation for returning the movable member to an initial position and executing once again the opening or closing operation in a case where a detecting time of the lock current value since the opening or closing operation is started exceeds a predetermined time, and the control device determines that the movable member is in an abnormal state in a case where a detecting time of the lock current value after the operation is started from the initial position in the checking operation exceeds the predetermined time for a predetermined number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kawato
  • Publication number: 20130213323
    Abstract: An idle time control system for controlling an engine idle time by controlling an engine cooling water temperature may include a temperature detection device detecting the engine cooling water temperature, a front grill, an opening angle thereof being changeable, an opening angle changing device engaged to the front grill, and a control device controlling the opening angle changing device according to information from the temperature detection device, wherein the opening angle changing device changes the opening angle of the front grill based on a command from the control device, wherein by changing the opening angle of the front grill for cooling a radiator of a vehicle, the engine cooling water temperature may be changed and the engine idle time may be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Japan R&D Center Inc., Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
  • Patent number: 8473164
    Abstract: A shutter system for controlling an airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis, and a louver face offset from the pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about its respective pivot axis. Each of the plurality of louvers rotates in tandem with every other of the plurality of louvers during the selection of the position for the shutter system. The louver face of each of the plurality of louvers is rotated to a position parallel to the airstream when the shutter system is fully opened, is positioned to restrict the airstream through the grille opening when the shutter system is partially closed, and is positioned immediately adjacent to the grille opening when the shutter system is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Brian D. Van Buren
  • Patent number: 8439276
    Abstract: A shutter control system comprises a shutter closing module and a regenerative braking control module. The shutter closing module selectively closes a shutter to decrease aerodynamic drag on the vehicle based on at least one of a brake pedal position, a state of charge of an energy storage device, and a throttle position. The shutter blocks airflow into an engine compartment of the vehicle when closed. The regenerative braking control module controls a motor generator to perform regenerative braking when the shutter is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory P. Prior
  • Publication number: 20130074789
    Abstract: A wax-type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) provided with a radiator and a coolant loop circuit linking the radiator to the ICE, and a by-pass conduit. The thermostat comprises a thermostat body with one inlet from the radiator, one inlet from the ICE, and one outlet to the ICE. The thermostat further comprises a closure element integral to a first piston that closes or opens a thermostat internal pathway running from the inlet from the radiator to the outlet to the ICE, a main wax chamber thermally connected to the coolant within the thermostat body, and a spring to return the closure element towards its closing position. Also provided is a first means for moving the first piston when a volume variation in the wax occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130036991
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle engine compartment cooling system by cooperatively controlling both a variable grille opening and engine cooling fan based on a number of vehicle inputs. Maximum component cooling demand, vehicle speed, and ambient temperature are inputs to lookup tables that issue grille opening demand and engine cooling fan demand. Additionally, vehicle overall power consumption is considered in the development of the lookup tables. A vehicle computing unit selects grille opening settings and cooling fan speeds that correspond to demands from lookup tables. A control signal is sent to an adjustable grille actuator and to a fan motor. Further, vehicle deceleration events are used to trigger a full open grille opening setting, allowing increased cooling at little or no loss to vehicle efficiency. A benefit of the disclosed method is optimal settings to minimize the grille opening for aerodynamic performance while providing required engine component cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: James Michael Kerns
  • Patent number: 8347830
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a conveyor structure that conveys the entire flow of air that traverses the radiator downwards and then longitudinally underneath the floor panel of the motor vehicle, preventing said flow from traversing the engine compartment and obtaining a consequent reduction in the aerodynamic resistance of the motor vehicle. Associated to the aforesaid conveyor structure are active and passive fins for enabling an adequate cooling of the components of the engine unit or electronic components associated thereto during given operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Roberto Tregnago, Oreste Bertini, Enrico Ribaldone
  • Patent number: 8336509
    Abstract: A flap control apparatus of a vehicle and a control method thereof are disclosed. The flap control apparatus can control flaps, disposed at the front side of the vehicle to adjust inflow of air into a radiator, and can perform a fail-safe operation by releasing a corresponding flap from a locked state so that the corresponding flap can be opened by drive wind pressure upon occurrence of a malfunction making the flaps substantially non-operative, thereby preventing the engine from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 8327811
    Abstract: When a cooling airflow used for cooling an engine etc. is discharged to a side of a machine as a discharge airflow, the airflow can be prevented from blowing to trees located at the side of the machine and to walkers passing the side of the machine. A rotary working machine has, inside a bonnet (10), an engine (8) and a discharge type cooling fan (45). An opening (10b) for discharging cooling airflow is provided in a side of the bonnet (10), and a movable louver (50) having blades (52, 52, . . . ) is provided in a duct (48) placed between the opening (10b) and the cooling fan (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Hokimoto
  • Patent number: 8316805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooler arrangement in a vehicle powered by a combustion engine. The cooler arrangement comprises a first cooling element for cooling a first medium in the form of a circulating coolant, and a radiator fan adapted to generating an air flow through the first cooling element for cooling the coolant when it circulates through the first cooling element. The cooler arrangement comprises also a tubular casing adapted to serving as a flow passage for the air which passes through the first cooling element and at least one further cooling element for cooling a second medium, which further cooling element is arranged in the flow passage at a position downstream of the first cooling element with respect to the intended direction of flow of the cooling air through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Zoltan Kardos, Erik Söderberg, Hans Wikström
  • Patent number: 8302715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing an air flap for a vehicle. The apparatus for opening and closing an air flap may include a coolant temperature sensor provided at an engine to measure a coolant temperature of the engine, a control unit comparing a measurement value input from the coolant temperature sensor with a reference value stored therein, thus outputting a control signal, an actuator rotating in response to the control signal of the control unit, a power transmission unit connected to the actuator to transmit rotating force of the actuator, and a flap unit installed in an opening of a front end module carrier, and being selectively movable in a vertical direction in the opening by power transmitted from the power transmission unit to the flap unit to open or close the opening, thus permitting or preventing an inflow of air into the cooling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Seung Hyeob Lee, Jun Ho Cha, Jin Young Yoon, Jeong Gil Park, Hun Soo Kim, Yun Seok Kim, Yong Suk Shin, Bo Hwan Cha
  • Patent number: 8281754
    Abstract: A radiator is provided within an engine room and in front of an engine for cooling engine cooling water. A shutter is provided in front of the radiator and covers a portion of a core surface of the radiator for adjusting an amount of cooling air to be directed toward the radiator. A baffle plate is provided behind a remaining portion of the core surface, which is not covered with the shutter, for directing the air, having passed through the remaining portion, to outside the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Saida, Choji Sakuma, Hironori Shuto, Isao Tsunoda, Yasuo Minagawa
  • Publication number: 20120125271
    Abstract: A disclosed engine system includes an engine having upper and lower portions, an ancillary component positioned above the upper portion of the engine and having upper and lower portions, and an air diverter adjacent to both the upper portion of the engine and the lower portion of the ancillary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Manoj Kumar Bada Ghar Wala
  • Patent number: 8161919
    Abstract: A system for variable engine compartment ventilation in a slim and compact unit with components used in non-related industries. The system can have at least one bank of movable louvers rotatably mounted within a louver frame for guiding a flow of air into a vehicle engine compartment; a motor to rotate the louvers with a motor gear formed on an output shaft rotatably connected in parallel to at least one helix cable by a helix cable drive gear and a louver pinion gear integral with each louver engaging the helix cable along its length; and a control unit for operating the assembly of movable louvers in response to an output signal from a vehicle communication bus. The output signal of the vehicle communication bus can be in response to input from an engine coolant temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Steven Henry Klotz, Joachim Juergen Gernot Klesing, William E. Aumann, Thomas Murray
  • Publication number: 20120090906
    Abstract: A ventilation assembly is configured for operative attachment to a front exterior of a vehicle. The ventilation assembly includes a first and a second section. The first and second sections are configured to move between respective open and closed positions. The first and second sections define respective first and second openings when the first and second sections are in the respective open positions to provide continuous fluid movement from the front exterior of the vehicle therethrough. Likewise, the first and/or second sections are a fluid barrier, configured to prevent the ingress of fluid from the exterior of the vehicle through the respective opening, when the section is in the respective closed position. Additionally, one of the first and second sections is disposed above the other of the first and second sections on the front exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT P. CHARNESKY, DARREN L. BOHNE, THOMAS K. LOCKWOOD, MICHAEL G. LEFFERT
  • Publication number: 20110246023
    Abstract: A method of powertrain thermal control in a vehicle having grille airflow shutters. The method comprises the steps of: detecting vehicle operating conditions including at least a temperature condition for an engine cooling loop and engine load; pumping engine coolant through the engine cooling loop including pumping the engine coolant through a radiator under all temperature conditions of the engine cooling loop; and adjusting the grille airflow shutters relative to a grille to selectively block a portion, none or all airflow through the grille to thereby control airflow through the radiator based upon the detected vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Lockwood, Michael G. Leffert
  • Patent number: 7918193
    Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle is provided at a vehicle comprising an engine control unit which stops an engine due to establishment of engine stoppage conditions and restarts the engine due to establishment of engine restart conditions. The cooling device for a vehicle is able to cool a coolant within a heat exchanger for cooling by cooling wind, which is guided from an exterior of the vehicle, passing through the heat exchanger for cooling. Cooling by driving force of either one of an electric motor or the engine can be selected in accordance with preset conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kojima
  • Publication number: 20110048345
    Abstract: An expansion tank (10) for a vehicle cooling system (18) of an engine using a liquid coolant (16) includes a tank body (12) defining a first volume (V1) containing coolant (16), wherein the coolant defines a variable coolant elevation level (CEL) within the tank body. The tank body (12) also defines an upper volume (20) containing air. A bladder (14) is disposed in the tank body (12) and defines a second volume (V2) containing air. The bladder (14) includes a flexible membrane (36) actuated by an actuator (46). When the engine is stopped or is below a predetermined temperature, the flexible membrane (36) is moveable to a first position (FP) which lowers the coolant elevation level (CEL), and when the engine is started or reaches a predetermined temperature, the flexible membrane (36) is moveable to a second position (SP) which raises the coolant elevation level. A communicating line (38) is in fluid communication between the upper volume (20) and the second volume (V2) to fluidly communicate air therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter Popadiuc, Martin R. Zielke, Luis Carlos Cattani, Robert L. Rowells, George L. Banta, III, Ernst Duerr
  • Patent number: 7784576
    Abstract: Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Guilfoyle, Carl Trabant, Changhyun Shin, Michael von Mayenburg
  • Patent number: 7757643
    Abstract: A device for regulating an air flow for engine cooling, is disclosed herein with a fan element arranged over part of a heat exchanger face which can be traversed by air, and a covering element over a further part of the exchanger face, the covering element extending from the fan element up to an end of the exchanger face, and able to be at least partially selectively opened to allow air to flow through. A device providing an improved efficiency of the heat exchanger in at least one operating state of a motor vehicle is provided that is possible for a first opening section, which, in order to avoid excessive recirculation, is at a minimum distance from the fan element, the covering element is selectively opened and it is possible for at least one second opening section which substantially adjoins the fan element to be selectively opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Harich, Eberhard Pantow, Michael Spieth
  • Publication number: 20100139583
    Abstract: A system for variable engine compartment ventilation in a slim and compact unit with components used in non-related industries. The system can have at least one bank of movable louvers rotatably mounted within a louver frame for guiding a flow of air into a vehicle engine compartment; a motor to rotate the louvers with a motor gear formed on an output shaft rotatably connected in parallel to at least one helix cable by a helix cable drive gear and a louver pinion gear integral with each louver engaging the helix cable along its length; and a control unit for operating the assembly of movable louvers in response to an output signal from a vehicle communication bus. The output signal of the vehicle communication bus can be in response to input from an engine coolant temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Steven Henry Klotz, Joachim Juergen Gernot Klesing, William E. Aumann, Thomas Murray
  • Publication number: 20100083917
    Abstract: A radiator is provided within an engine room and in front of an engine for cooling engine cooling water. A shutter is provided in front of the radiator and covers a portion of a core surface of the radiator for adjusting an amount of cooling air to be directed toward the radiator. A baffle plate is provided behind a remaining portion of the core surface, which is not covered with the shutter, for directing the air, having passed through the remaining portion, to outside the engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Saida, Choji Sakuma, Hironori Shuto, Isao Tsunoda, Yasuo Minagawa
  • Publication number: 20100071638
    Abstract: A system for managing the heat fluxes of an aircraft including at least one propulsion system that integrates a turbomachine and a cell including at least one fuel tank to supply the turbomachine via a fuel supply circuit, and at least one source of thermal effluents connected to a cell cooling circuit that integrates first elements for ensuring heat transfer between a coolant circulating in the cell cooling circuit and an air flow channeled into at least one cooling air channel extending from at least one air intake up to at least one air exhaust, whereby the system includes second elements for ensuring heat transfer between a coolant circulating in the cell cooling circuit and the fuel, a fuel circuit connecting the at least one tank to the second heat transfer elements, whereby the air intake includes blocking elements that can occupy a first open state for air to pass inside the channel and a second closed state to block the air intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventor: Guillaume BULIN
  • Patent number: 7603968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system for a motor vehicle comprising a radiator (1) through which a coolant for, in particular, cooling an engine (2) flows, and which is flowed through by a cooling air flow (7) that is influenced by a fan (4) according to the velocity of the motor vehicle. Said fan is situated between the radiator (1) and the engine (2). The projection of the fan surface toward the radiator surface is smaller than the radiator surface by a difference area, whereby this difference area of the cooler surface is covered by a fan cowl (25). In order to create cooling system that is improved with regard to aerodynamics, the fan cowl (25) is provided with at least one opening (27) on at least one side of the difference area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eberhard Pantow
  • Publication number: 20090050385
    Abstract: Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew Guilfoyle, Carl Trabant, Changhyun Shin, Michael von Mayenburg
  • Patent number: 7467605
    Abstract: A thermal energy recovery and management system for an internal combustion engine for balancing the heat energy between a primary reservoir and the engine to maximize an operating efficiency of the engine and associated engine components. The primary reservoir storing or releasing heat energy produced by the engine to achieve a balance of energy between the engine and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Szalony, Stephen Think Hung
  • Publication number: 20080029343
    Abstract: A motor (10) for a vehicle includes a stator assembly (14) and a rotor assembly (16). Bearing structure (20, 22) support the rotor assembly to permit rotation of the rotor assembly with respect to the stator assembly. A shaft (30) is threadedly engaged with the rotor assembly and is constructed and arranged such that rotation of the rotor assembly causes linear movement of the shaft. A perfluoropolyether (PFPE) based lubricant (38), having an thermal functionality upper temperature limit of over +200° C., lubricates at least the bearing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Calvin Wang
  • Patent number: 7182047
    Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine mounted within a vehicle includes a radiator for rejecting heat to ambient air and an axial fan mounted within a fan shroud associated with a radiator. The fan has a stationary hub equipped with louvers which may be controlled so as to either block off or allow airflow through the hub, and consequentially through the radiator. In this manner, the airflow past the fan may be greatly increased when the vehicle is operated at a higher groundspeed, while decreasing the amount of power consumed by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6832644
    Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 which includes a shroud 12, a heat exchanger 18, a fan 14, a motor 13 for driving fan 14, and a plurality of air dams 1. Shroud 12, circumscribing the fan, has a main opening to allow air to pass through the fan to or from a heat exchanger 18. Fan 14 is associated with the shroud 12 to be adjacent to the fan opening to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the heat exchanger. Air dams 1 allow air to flow more easily in one direction than the opposite direction. In the fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide relatively little resistance to the flow. In the direction opposite to fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide more resistance than as compared to the resistance when air flows in the fan flow direction. Under ram air conditions (e.g., when the vehicle is moving), the use of air dams can reduce the load on the fan's motor by cooling properties of ram air, while reducing recirculation, thereby increasing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Stauder, Alexander Graham Hunt
  • Patent number: 6695047
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes an enclosure having a plurality of adjoining walls. At least one inlet is disposed within at least one of the walls. The at least one inlet has an electrically controlled inlet fan associated with it. A plurality of outlet louver assemblies are disposed within at least an other wall and include a plurality of moveable louvers. An actuator is coupled with each outlet louver assembly to move the plurality of moveable louvers. An ambient air sensor is disposed within the enclosure for sensing the ambient temperature within the enclosure and providing an output signal which is conducted to an electrical processing circuit. Alternatively, the ambient air sensor may be located without the enclosure. Temperature sensors are also coupled with the engine, charge air and transmission cooler for sensing their respective temperatures and providing output signals which are conducted to the electrical processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Jon P. Brocksopp
  • Publication number: 20030141050
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes an enclosure having a plurality of adjoining walls. At least one inlet is disposed within at least one of the walls. The at least one inlet has an electrically controlled inlet fan associated with it. A plurality of outlet louver assemblies are disposed within at least an other wall and include a plurality of moveable louvers. An actuator is coupled with each outlet louver assembly to move the plurality of moveable louvers. An ambient air sensor is disposed within the enclosure for sensing the ambient temperature within the enclosure and providing an output signal which is conducted to an electrical processing circuit. Alternatively, the ambient air sensor may be located without the enclosure. Temperature sensors are also coupled with the engine, charge air and transmission cooler for sensing their respective temperatures and providing output signals which are conducted to the electrical processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Jon P. Brocksopp
  • Patent number: 6532909
    Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 includes a shroud 12 having at least one fan opening 15 and at least one additional opening 18 in the wall generally adjacent to the fan opening to permit air to pass though the shroud 12. A fan 14 is coupled to the shroud to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the shroud 12. An electric motor drives the fan. Closure structure 20 is movable to prevent and permit air flow through the additional opening 18. An actuator 28 moves the closure structure 20 from a closed position, covering the additional opening 18, to an opened position, uncovering the additional opening 18. A sensor 34 detects ram air at the shroud 12. A controller 32 receives a signal from the sensor 34 indicating the initial presence of ram air and, in response thereto, sends a signal to the actuator 28 to move the closure structure 20 to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Stauder, John Makaran, Andrew Lakerdas
  • Publication number: 20030019606
    Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 which includes a shroud 12, a heat exchanger 18, a fan 14, a motor 13 for driving fan 14, and a plurality of air dams 1. Shroud 12, circumscribing the fan, has a main opening to allow air to pass through the fan to or from a heat exchanger 18. Fan 14 is associated with the shroud 12 to be adjacent to the fan opening to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the heat exchanger. Air dams 1 allow air to flow more easily in one direction than the opposite direction. In the fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide relatively little resistance to the flow. In the direction opposite to fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide more resistance than as compared to the resistance when air flows in the fan flow direction. Under ram air conditions (e.g., when the vehicle is moving), the use of air dams can reduce the load on the fan's motor by cooling properties of ram air, while reducing recirculation, thereby increasing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Frank A. Stauder, Alexander Graham Hunt
  • Publication number: 20020170507
    Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 includes a shroud 12 having at least one fan opening 15 in a wall thereof, and at least one additional opening 18 in the wall generally adjacent to the fan opening to permit air to pass though the shroud 12. A fan 14 is coupled to the shroud so as to be adjacent to the fan opening to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the shroud 12. An electric motor drives the fan. Closure structure 20 is associated with the additional opening 18 and is movable to prevent and permit air flow through the additional opening 18. An actuator 28 is constructed and arranged to actuate the closure structure 20 to move the closure structure 20 from a closed position, covering the additional opening 18, to an opened position, substantially uncovering the additional opening 18. A sensor 34 is constructed and arranged to detect ram air at the shroud 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Frank Stauder, John Makaran, Andrew Lakerdas