Linkage for dual grille shutter system
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorAaron P. Klop
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims10
A shutter system for a grille of an automotive vehicle comprising:
- a first vane set disposed at a first grille opening section configured to pivot to a master position selected from a closed position and a plurality of open positions;
- a second vane set disposed at a second grille opening section configured to pivot to a slave position corresponding to the master position, including a closed position and a plurality of open positions;
- an actuator motor coupled to the first vane set for controllably placing the first vane set to a selected master position;
- and
- a linkage 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 selected by the actuator motor, wherein the linkage is comprised of a compensation spring configured to undergo compression when the first and second vane sets are placed in the closed positions, and wherein the linkage is comprised of a limit strap for imposing a limit on expansion of the compensation spring.
A linkage for joining vane sets in a grille shutter system, comprising:
- an elongated member with opposed ends for joining with respective vane sets and having a compression spring at an intermediate location on the elongated member;
- and
- a limit strap spanning the compression spring and having first and second ends attached to the elongated member to limit expansion of the compression spring to substantially a rest position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.