GB2561655A - A grille shutter assembly - Google Patents
A grille shutter assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2561655A GB2561655A GB1801706.1A GB201801706A GB2561655A GB 2561655 A GB2561655 A GB 2561655A GB 201801706 A GB201801706 A GB 201801706A GB 2561655 A GB2561655 A GB 2561655A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- grille shutter
- grille
- shutter
- assembly
- air flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
- B60K11/02—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with liquid cooling
- B60K11/04—Arrangement or mounting of radiators, radiator shutters, or radiator blinds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
- B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
- B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
- B60K11/085—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor with adjustable shutters or blinds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
- B60Y2200/10—Road Vehicles
- B60Y2200/14—Trucks; Load vehicles, Busses
- B60Y2200/142—Heavy duty trucks
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
Abstract
A grille shutter assembly 50 for a vehicle front end (20, Figure 1) with an air flow path (51, Figure 1) through assembly 50 is provided, comprising a first and second grille shutters 54, 55 acting on air flow respectively through first and second regions 52, 53 of the air flow path. Grille shutters 54, 55 are rotatable between closed and open conditions, and, when open, first grille shutter 54 directs air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to second grille shutter 55, for example in convergent or divergent directions, and may direct air either to separate heat exchangers or to different parts of the same heat exchanger. Preferably, shutters 54, 55 can be opened and closed independently from each other, but alternatively opening and closing of one can be dependent on the other. Shutters 54, 55 may open either in the same rotational direction or in opposing rotational directions.
Description
(71) Applicant(s):
Tata Motors European Technical Centre pic 18 Grosvenor Place, LONDON, SW1X 7HS,
United Kingdom
Tata Motors Limited
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Mumbai 400 001, India (72) Inventor(s):
Salvio Chacko (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Jaguar Land Rover
Patents Department W/1/073, Abbey Road, Whitley, COVENTRY, CV3 4LF, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:
B60K 11/08 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:
WO 2018/002461 A1 WO 2016/097588 A1 DE 003019599 A1 US 20120132474 A1
US 20030029581 A1
JPS58139327 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL B60K, B60R Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: A grille shutter assembly
Abstract Title: Grille shutter assembly with two grilles directing air in opposite direction (57) A grille shutter assembly 50 for a vehicle front end (20, Figure 1) with an air flow path (51, Figure 1) through assembly 50 is provided, comprising a first and second grille shutters 54, 55 acting on air flow respectively through first and second regions 52, 53 of the air flow path. Grille shutters 54, 55 are rotatable between closed and open conditions, and, when open, first grille shutter 54 directs air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to second grille shutter 55, for example in convergent or divergent directions, and may direct air either to separate heat exchangers or to different parts of the same heat exchanger. Preferably, shutters 54, 55 can be opened and closed independently from each other, but alternatively opening and closing of one can be dependent on the other. Shutters 54, 55 may open either in the same rotational direction or in opposing rotational directions.
FIG. 3B /3
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
2/3
FIG. 3A
FIG. 3C V'S5
FIG. 3B z
S5
FIG. 4B
FIG. 4A
FIG. 5B
3/3
/55
$4
A GRILLE SHUTTER ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a grille shutter assembly and particularly, but not exclusively, to a grille shutter assembly for a front end assembly of a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a grille shutter assembly, a front end of a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of directing air through a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end.
BACKGROUND
There is an ongoing need to improve air flow control at a front end of a vehicle. The front end of vehicles typically includes a heat exchanger arrangement, also known as a cool pack. The heat exchanger arrangement includes a combination of heat exchangers such as an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator), a condenser for a HVAC system, a transmission oil cooler, a charge air cooler. The configuration and combination of the heat exchanger arrangement depends on the vehicle requirement.
Air ducts are defined in the front end of vehicles to provide an air flow supply to the heat exchanger arrangement. However, the position and configuration of the heat exchanger arrangement is generally dictated by other requirements at the front end of the vehicle, such as structural frame requirements. As such, the air flow to the cooling assembly is not optimal, and so the efficiency of the heat exchanger arrangement is restricted.
At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a grille shutter assembly, a cooling assembly, a front end of a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of directing air through a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end as claimed in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end comprising an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly; a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a first region of the air flow path; a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a second region of the air flow path; the first and second grille shutters being rotatable between closed and open conditions; wherein the first grille shutter is configured to direct air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to the second grille shutter in the open condition.
In this manner, when in the open condition, the first grille shutter is configured to direct air flow along a first direction or vector and the second grille shutter is configured to direct air flow along a second, different direction or vector. The first and second directions or vectors may be resolved into their respective directional components. A component of the first direction or vector may be arranged in an opposing direction to a component of the second direction or vector.
By enabling an airflow in opposing angular directions it is possible to optimize the air flow to the cooling assembly. As such, the efficiency of the cooling assembly may be maximised.
The first grille shutter and the second grille shutter may be configurable to direct air flow along convergent paths. In this manner air flow through the first region of the of the air flow path is directed towards air flow through the second region of the of the air flow path.
The first grille shutter and the second grille shutter may be configurable to direct air flow along divergent paths. In this manner air flow through the first region of the of the air flow path is directed away from air flow through the second region of the of the air flow path.
The first grille shutter and the second grille shutter may be configurable in real-time in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle. The cooling parameter of the vehicle may be a cooling requirement of a heat exchanger arrangement of the vehicle. Where the heat exchanger arrangement comprises a plurality of individual heat exchangers, the cooling parameter may be a cooling requirement of one or more of said plurality of individual heat exchangers. The cooling parameter may be a cooling requirement of a combination of individual heat exchangers.
The first grille shutter and the second grille shutter may be configurable in real-time to direct air flow between convergent and divergent paths (and vice-versa).
The first grille shutter and the second grille shutter may be reconfigurable in real-time in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle to direct air flow in one or more different directions.
The first grille shutter may be configured to rotate in an opposing direction to the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition. That is, the first grille shutter may be configured to rotate in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition.
The angular rotation of the first grille shutter and/or the second grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition may be less than 90 degrees.
The first grille shutter may be configured to rotate in the same direction as the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition.
The angular rotation of the first grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition may be less than 90 degrees, and the angular rotation of the second grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
The open condition of each of the grille shutters may be one of two or more open conditions.
The first grille shutter and second grille shutter may be configured to be independently operable.
The first grille shutter may be configured to be operable in the closed condition when the second grille shutter is in the open condition.
The first grille shutter and second grille shutter may be configured to be dependently operable.
The first grille shutter may comprise at least one first shutter vane and the second grille may comprise at least one second shutter vane.
One or each of the grille shutters may have a fully open condition in which the or each shutter vane extends substantially parallel to the air flow entering the grille shutter assembly.
Each shutter vane may be rotatable about a pivot axis.
The or each first shutter vane and the or each second shutter vane may be configured to pivot about parallel axes.
Each of the shutter vanes may extend substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the grille shutter assembly in the closed condition.
The first shutter vane may be one of at least two first shutter vanes.
The second shutter vane may be one of at least two second shutter vanes.
The first grille shutter may be spaced from the second grille shutter.
The first region of the flow path may be defined by a first duct, and the second region of the flow path may be defined by a second duct.
The first and second ducts may be spaced from each other.
The grille shutter assembly may comprise an actuator module configured to rotate the first and second grille shutters.
The actuator module may comprise a first actuator configured to rotate the first grille shutters and a second actuator configured to rotate the second grille shutters.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cooling assembly for a vehicle comprising the grille shutter assembly as described above and a heat exchanger arrangement, in which the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter are configured to direct air to the heat exchanger arrangement in the open condition.
The first grille shutter may be configured to direct air flow to a first part of the heat exchanger arrangement, and the second grille shutter may be configured to direct air flow to a second part of the heat exchanger arrangement.
The first part of the heat exchanger arrangement may be a first heat exchanger and the second part of the heat exchanger arrangement may be a second heat exchanger.
The first and second heat exchangers may comprise different ones selected from the group comprising an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator), a transmission fluid heat exchanger, a charge air cooler, and a HVAC condenser.
The heat exchanger arrangement may comprise a heat exchanger and the first part and second part of the heat exchanger arrangement are parts of the same heat exchanger.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a front end of a vehicle comprising the grille shutter assembly as described above and/or the cooling assembly as described above.
The front end may comprise a front side, wherein the first grille shutter may be disposed above the second grille shutter on the front side.
The front end may comprise a structural cross-member, wherein the first grille shutter may be spaced from the second grille shutter by the structural cross-member.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a front end as described above.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of directing air through a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end, comprising providing an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly; providing a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a first region of the air flow path; providing a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a second region of the air flow path; rotating the first and second grille shutters between closed and open conditions; wherein the first grille shutter directs air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to the second grille shutter in the open condition.
The method may comprise configuring the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter to direct air flow along convergent paths. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may comprise configuring the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter to direct air flow along divergent paths.
The method may comprise arranging the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter to be configurable in real-time in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle. The method may comprise reconfiguring the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter to direct air flow between convergent and divergent paths (and vice-versa) in real-time.
The cooling parameter of the vehicle may be a cooling requirement of a heat exchanger arrangement of the vehicle. Where the heat exchanger arrangement comprises a plurality of individual heat exchangers, the cooling parameter may be a cooling requirement of one or more of said plurality of individual heat exchangers. The cooling parameter may be a cooling requirement of a combination of individual heat exchangers.
The method may comprise arranging the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter to be reconfigurable in real-time in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle to direct air flow in one or more different directions.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and/or stored on a machine readable medium, comprising program code instructions for implementing a method as described above.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium comprising the above computer program product.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end comprising an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly; a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a first region of the air flow path; a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a second region of the air flow path; the first and second grille shutters being rotatable between closed and open conditions; wherein the first grille shutter is configured to rotate in an opposing direction to the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end comprising an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly; a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow, a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow; wherein the first grille shutter is configured to direct air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to the second grille shutter in the open condition.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic front elevation view of a front end of the vehicle of Figure 1;
Figure 3A is a schematic front elevation view of part of a cooling assembly of the front end of the vehicle of Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the part of the cooling assembly of Figure 3A showing a heat exchange assembly and a grille shutter assembly, with the grille shutter assembly in a closed condition;
Figure 3C is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the part of the cooling assembly of Figure 3A showing a heat exchange assembly and a grille shutter assembly, with the grille shutter assembly in an open condition;
Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the grille shutter assembly showing a single vane representing a first grille shutter and a single vane representing a second grille shutter, with the first and second grille shutters in a closed condition;
Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the grille shutter assembly of Figure 4A, with the first and second grille shutters in an open condition;
Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the grille shutter assembly showing a single vane representing a first grille shutter and a single vane representing a second grille shutter, with the first and second grille shutters in a closed condition;
Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the grille shutter assembly of Figure 5A, with the first and second grille shutters in a first open condition;
Figure 5C is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the grille shutter assembly of Figure 5A, with the first and second grille shutters in a second open condition; and Figure 6 is a schematic view of part of a vehicle including a cooling assembly of Figures 1 to 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A vehicle 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The vehicle 10 shown is a truck. The truck is a commercial vehicle which is configured to carry goods, although the type of vehicle is not limited thereto. Alternative vehicles include coaches, vans, buses and automobiles.
The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle front end 20. The vehicle front end 20 has a front end assembly 21. The front end assembly 21 includes a front panel assembly and a front bumper assembly. The front end assembly 21 has a front side 22. The front side 22 defines a front face of the vehicle. The term 'front side' in the present description refers to the side of the vehicle which faces the direction of travel of the vehicle during normal operation.
The front bumper assembly is disposed at a lower portion of the vehicle front end 20. The front panel assembly is disposed above the front bumper assembly. A windscreen 23 is disposed at an upper portion of the vehicle front end 20.
The front end assembly 21 comprises a frame. The frame is a structural configuration of the front end assembly 21. The frame comprises structural components, including a crossmember 24. The cross member 24 extends in a width-ways direction of the front end assembly 21 and substantially parallel with a lateral axis of the vehicle 10.
The front end assembly 21 comprises a cooling assembly 30. The cooling assembly 30 includes a heat exchanger arrangement 40 and a grille shutter assembly 50. The heat exchanger arrangement is also known as a 'cool pack'. The grille shutter assembly 50 is disposed between the front side 22 and the heat exchanger arrangement 40. The grille shutter assembly 50 directs air flow to the heat exchanger arrangement 40. The grille shutter assembly 50 is movable between a closed condition, in which air flow through the grille shutter assembly 50 to the heat exchanger arrangement 40 is restricted, and an open condition in which air flow is directed to flow through the grille shutter assembly 50 to the heat exchanger arrangement 40.
Referring to Figures 3B and 3C, the heat exchanger arrangement 40 comprises a first heat exchanger 41 and a second heat exchanger 42. The first heat exchanger 41 acts as a first part of the heat exchanger arrangement 40. The second heat exchanger 42 acts as a second part of the heat exchanger arrangement 40. In the present embodiment the first heat exchanger 41 is an upper heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger 42 is a lower heat exchanger. The terms 'upper' and 'lower' are intended to represent relative distances from a surface on which the vehicle stands in normal use. In the present embodiment the first, upper, heat exchanger 41 is disposed above the second, lower, heat exchanger 42. However, in embodiments the first heat exchanger is below the second heat exchanger, or the first and second heat exchangers 41, 42 may be adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction.
In the present embodiment, the first heat exchanger 41 is an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator). The second heat exchanger 42 is a HVAC condenser. However, it will be understood that each of the first and second heat exchangers 41, 42 may be a different heat exchanger, for example the first and second heat exchangers 41, 42 may include different ones selected from the group comprising an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator), a transmission fluid heat exchanger, a charge air cooler, and a HVAC condenser. The number of heat exchangers may differ.
Although in the embodiments described herein the heat exchanger arrangement comprises the first heat exchanger 41 acting as a first part of the heat exchanger arrangement 40, and the second heat exchanger 42 acting as a second part of the heat exchanger arrangement 40, in alternative embodiments the first and second parts of the heat exchanger define parts of the same heat exchanger. Such a heat exchanger is, for example, one selected from the group comprising an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator), a transmission fluid heat exchanger, a charge air cooler, and a HVAC condenser.
The grille shutter assembly 50 has an air flow path 51. The air flow path 51 defines a flow path along which air is able to pass between the front side 22 and the heat exchanger arrangement 40. The air flow path 51 has a first region 52 and a second region 53. The first region 52 is defined by a first duct, and the second region 53 is defined by a second duct. In the present embodiment the first region 52 is an upper region and the second region 53 is a lower region of the air flow path 51. However, the configuration of the regions of the air flow path 51 may differ. In embodiments, the first and second regions 52, 53 of the air flow path 51 may form different regions of the same duct.
The first and second ducts are elongate and extend in a width-ways direction along the front end assembly 21, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel with a lateral axis of the vehicle 10. The upper and lower ducts are defined within the front end assembly 21. The first, upper, duct is spaced from the second, lower, duct. The first duct is defined by an opening in the front end assembly 21. The second duct is defined by an opening in the front end assembly 21. The openings extend through the front end assembly 21. The first and second ducts are spaced apart by the cross-member 24.
The grill shutter assembly 50 comprises a first grille shutter 54 and a second grille shutter 55. The first grille shutter 54 is disposed in the first region 52 of the air flow path 51. The second grille shutter 55 is disposed in the second region 53 of the air flow path 51. The first grille shutter 54 is configured to affect air flowing to the first region 52, and the second grille shutter 55 is configured to affect air flowing to the second region 53.
A schematic view of part of the front end 20 of the vehicle 10 is shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. A front face of the cooling assembly 30 is shown in Figure 3A with the first and second regions 52, 53 of the air flow path 51 defined therein. The first grille shutter 54 is in the first region 52 and the second grille shutter 55 is in the second region 53. In the present embodiment the first grille shutter 54 is an upper grille shutter and the second grille shutter 55 is a lower grille shutter. However, the configuration of the grille shutters may differ.
The first and second grille shutters 54, 55 are movable between an open condition and a closed condition. That is, the grille shutter is configured to restrict air flow through the grille shutter in the closed condition, and the grille shutter is configured to direct air flow through the grille shutter in the open condition. The first and second grille shutters are shown in the closed condition in Figure 3B, and in an open condition in Figure 3C.
The grille shutter assembly 50 includes a support 56. The first grille shutter 54 is mounted on the support 56. The first grille shutter 54 extends from the support 56 across the first region
52. The second grille shutter 55 is mounted on the support 56. The second grille shutter 55 extends from the support 56 across the second region 53. In the present embodiment the support comprises a central column 57. The grille shutters 54, 55 may be cantilevered or supported at both ends.
The first grille shutter 54 comprises first shutter vanes 58. The second grille shutter 55 comprises second shutter vanes 59. In Figures 3A-3C the first grille shutter 54 has three first shutter vanes 58a, 58b, 58c and the second grille shutter 53 has three second shutter vanes 59a, 59b, 59c. However, the number of vanes may differ. It will be understood that the number of vanes may be dependent on the dimensions of the first and second regions 52,
53, the desired size of each shutter vane, and the depth of the first and second regions 52, 53 in an air flow direction. In Figures 4A and 4B an embodiment of the grille shutter assembly 50 has a single first grille shutter vane 58 and a single second shutter vane 59. The number of first shutter vanes 58 and second shutter vanes 59 may differ from each other. For example, in an embodiment the first grille shutter 54 has two first shutter vanes and the second grille shutter 55 has four second shutter vanes.
Each shutter vane 58, 59 is elongate and extends across the airflow path 51. Each shutter vane 58, 59 extends substantially horizontally, that is substantially parallel to the surface on which the vehicle 10 stands in normal use. Each shutter vane 58, 59 is rotatable about a pivot axis 60. The pivot axis 60 of each shutter vane 58, 59 is defined midway along the height of each shutter vane 58, 59. The height of the shutter vane is defined as the length of the shutter vane in a normal direction to the pivot axis 60. The pivot axis 60 of each shutter vane 58, 59 is defined by a shaft portion 61 by which the shutter vane 58, 59 is supported.
Each first shutter vane 58 is rotatable about its pivot axis 60. When the first grille shutter 54 is in its closed condition, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first shutter vanes 58 are configured to restrict airflow through the first region 52 of the air flow path 51. When the second grille shutter 55 is in its closed condition, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the second shutter vanes 59 are configured to restrict airflow through the second region 53 of the air flow path 51.
Adjacent shutter vanes 58, 59 abut each other in the closed condition. End shutter vanes 58, 59 abut a peripheral surface. In the present embodiment, adjacent shutter vanes 58, 59 overlap in the closed condition. That is, each shutter vane 58, 59 has distal edges 62. The distal edges 62 of adjacent shutter vanes 58 overlap in the closed condition. In alternative embodiments, adjacent shutter vanes 58, 59 overlap but do not abut each other, or are slightly spaced from each other by a gap.
In the closed condition, the shutter vanes 58, 59 extend in a substantially normal direction to the air flow flowing to the front end 20 of the vehicle 10. Air flow is demonstrated by dashed arrow lines in the figures. As such, air flow through the grille shutter assembly is restricted. Flow through the first region 52 is restricted by the first grille shutter 54 and flow through the second region 53 is restricted by the second grille shutter 55. As such, air is restricted from flowing to the heat exchanger arrangement 40.
The first grille shutter 54 is movable between the closed condition and the open condition. Movement of the grille shutters is represented by solid arrow lines in the figures. When the first grille shutter 54 is moved, each first shutter vane 58 rotates about its axis. The first grille shutter 54 is operated by an actuator module 80. The second grille shutter 55 is movable between the closed condition and the open condition. When the second grille shutter 55 is moved, each second shutter vane 59 rotates about its axis. The second grille shutter 55 is operated by the actuator module 80. In the present embodiment, the actuator module 80 comprises one actuator which is configured to operate both the first and second grille shutters 54, 55. In such an arrangement, the actuator may act on one grille shutter 54, 55, with the other grille shutter 54, 55 being mechanically linked thereto. Alternatively, the actuator module 80 comprises separate actuators for each grille shutter 54, 55. Each shutter vane may be operable by individual actuators.
Referring to Figure 6, the actuator module 80 is operable to move the grille shutters of the grille shutter assembly 50 between the open and closed conditions. The actuator module 80 may include a stepper motor. A control module 70 is configured to operate the actuator module 80. The control module 70 includes a processor and a memory. The control module 70 is operable to operate the actuator module 80. The control module 70 is operable to operate the actuator module 80 in response to an input, for example from a sensor 90.
The first shutter vanes 58 are configured to move synchronously. That is, movement of one first shutter vane causes movement of the remaining first shutter vanes. The angular position of the first shutter vanes 58 are aligned. The second shutter vanes 59 are configured to move synchronously. That is, movement of one second shutter vane causes movement of the remaining second shutter vanes. The angular position of the second shutter vanes 59 are aligned.
In the open condition, the first and second grille shutters 54, 55 are configured to direct air flow along the air flow path 51 in an opposing angular directions. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 3C. That is, the air flow through the first grille shutter 54 and the second grille shutter 55 have opposing vectors with respect to each other in a direction normal to the air flow direction flowing to the front end of the vehicle 10.
The first grille shutter 54 and the second grille shutter 55 are configured to direct air flow along convergent paths in the open condition. That is, air flowing through the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed towards each other.
This configuration is useful where the air flow is to be directed towards a specific portion of the heat exchanger arrangement 40. By way of a non-limiting example, this configuration may be utilised to direct air flow preferentially towards a first heat exchanger 41 or a second heat exchanger 42 within a multi-component heat exchanger arrangement 40.
Referring to an earlier described embodiment wherein the first heat exchanger 41 is an engine cooling system heat exchanger (a radiator) and the second heat exchanger 42 is a HVAC condenser, air flow may be directed along a convergent path preferentially towards either the engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator) or towards the HVAC condenser in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle, e.g. the relative cooling requirements, of each heat exchanger. Specifically, in conditions where enhanced engine cooling is required (e.g. during sustained or high engine loads) then the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed towards each other to converge the airflow path towards the engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator). Alternatively, in conditions where enhanced comfort cooling is required in the vehicle cabin (e.g. during high ambient temperatures / solar load) then the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed towards each other to converge the airflow path towards the HVAC condenser. Thus, in certain embodiments, the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are dynamically configurable in real-time in response to the cooling requirements of the heat exchanger arrangement 40.
Referring now to alternative embodiment described earlier wherein the first (upper) heat exchanger 41 and the second (lower) heat exchanger 42 define parts of the same exchanger, the air flow may be directed along a convergent path preferentially towards a sub-region of either the first or second heat exchangers in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle, e.g. another operating condition or parameter. By way of nonlimiting example, the cooling performance of the second (lower) heat exchanger 42 may become reduced or compromised during the lifetime of the vehicle due to instantaneous or cumulative damage from road debris. In this case the cooling parameter relates to the heat dissipation capability of the damaged heat exchanger. In dependence on such a condition, the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed towards each other to converge the airflow path away from the damaged second (lower) heat exchanger 42 and preferentially towards the undamaged first (upper) heat exchanger 41. As above, in certain embodiments, the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are dynamically configurable in real-time in response to the cooling requirements of the heat exchanger arrangement 40.
In an alternative open condition, the first grille shutter 54 and the second grille shutter 55 are configured to direct air flow along divergent paths. That is, air flowing through the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed away from each other.
This configuration is useful where the air flow is to be distributed substantially uniformly across all the heat exchanger arrangement 40. By way of a non-limiting example, this configuration may be utilised to direct air flow substantially uniformly towards a first heat exchanger 41 and a second heat exchanger 42 within a multi-component heat exchanger arrangement 40.
Referring to an earlier described embodiment wherein the first heat exchanger 41 is an engine cooling system heat exchanger (a radiator) and the second heat exchanger 42 is a HVAC condenser, air flow may be directed along a divergent path towards both the engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator) and towards the HVAC condenser in dependence on a cooling parameter, e.g. the combined cooling requirements of both the cooling system heat exchanger and the HVAC condenser.
Specifically, in conditions where regular engine cooling is required (e.g. during average engine loads) and where the temperature within the vehicle cabin is comfortable for passengers there-within (e.g. during normal ambient temperatures / solar load) then the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are directed away from each other to diverge the airflow path towards both the engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator) and towards the HVAC condenser simultaneously. Thus, in certain embodiments, the first grille shutter 54 and second grille shutter 55 are dynamically configurable in real-time in response to the cooling requirements of the heat exchanger arrangement 40.
The first grille shutter 54 is configured to rotate in an opposing direction to the second grille shutter 55 when moved from the closed condition into the open condition. For example, as shown by solid arrow lines in Figures 3B and 4A, the first grille shutter 54 rotates in an anticlockwise direction and the second grille shutter 55 rotates in a clockwise direction. The grille shutters 54, 55 are rotated until the open condition is achieved. In the open condition air is able to flow through the shutter assembly 50. Air flow to the first region 52 passes through the first region 52 and is directed by the first grille shutter 54. Due to the alignment of the first shutter vanes 58, the air is directed at the first part 41 of the heat exchanger arrangement 40. Air flow to the second region 53 passes through the second region 53 and is directed by the second grille shutter 55. Due to the alignment of the second shutter vanes 59, the air is directed at the second part 42 of the heat exchanger arrangement 40. As such the efficiency of the heat exchange arrangement 40 may be improved.
The angular rotation of the first grille shutter 54 and the second grille shutter 55 from the closed condition to the open condition is less than 90 degrees.
It will be understood that the grille shutter assembly 50 may have more than one open condition. For example, the grille shutter assembly 50 is configured in one embodiment to have a fully open condition in which the or each shutter vane 58, 59 for the first and second grille shutters 54, 55 extends substantially parallel to the air flow entering the grille shutter assembly 50. The grille shutter assembly 50 may have a first open condition in which, for example, the shutter vanes 58, 59 rotate by 60 degrees and a second open condition in which, for example, the shutter vanes 58, 59 rotate by 80 degrees. Open conditions are shown in Figures 3C and 4B.
In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the first grille shutter 54 is configured to rotate in the same direction as the second grille shutter 55 when moved from the closed condition into the open condition. In such an embodiment, the angular rotation of the first grille shutter 54 between the closed condition (Figure 5A) and the open condition (Figure 5C) is less than 90 degrees, and the angular rotation of the second grille shutter 55 between the closed condition and the open condition is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. As such, it is possible for the grille shutters to rotate in the same direction, and therefore possibly overlap in the same arrangement in the closed condition, whilst enabling the first grille shutter 54 to direct air flow along the flow path 51 in an opposing angular direction to the second grille shutter 55 in the or each open condition. In such a configuration, movement of one grille shutter may be stopped after a first predetermined angular rotation, and movement of the other grille shutter may be stopped after as second predetermined angular rotation.
Although in the figures the first and second grille shutters are shown to be symmetrical in the open condition, it will be understood that they may be non-symmetrical in one or more open conditions. In such an arrangement, the angle of rotation of the first and second grille shutters may differ.
Although in the above described embodiments, the first and second shutter grilles 54, 55 are dependently operated, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the first and second grille shutters 54, 55 are independently operated. As such, in embodiments one of the first and second shutter grilles 54, 55 is operable in its closed condition when the other of the first and second shutter grilles 54, 55 is operable in its open condition.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features, whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those 5 features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
Claims (30)
1. A grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end comprising:
an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly;
a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a first region of the air flow path;
a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a second region of the air flow path;
the first and second grille shutters being rotatable between closed and open conditions;
wherein:
the first grille shutter is configured to direct air flow along the flow path in an opposing angular direction to the second grille shutter in the open condition.
2. The grille shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter are configurable to direct air flow along convergent paths.
3. The grille shutter assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter are configurable to direct air flow along divergent paths.
4. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter are configurable in real-time in dependence on a cooling parameter of the vehicle.
5. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter is configured to rotate in an opposing direction to the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition.
6. The grille shutter assembly of claim 5, wherein the angular rotation of the first grille shutter and/or the second grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition is less than 90 degrees.
7. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter is configured to rotate in the same direction as the second grille shutter when moved from the closed condition into the open condition.
8. The grille shutter assembly of claim 7, wherein the angular rotation of the first grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition is less than 90 degrees, and the angular rotation of the second grille shutter between the closed condition and the open condition is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
9. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the open condition of each of the first and/or second grille shutters is one of two or more open conditions.
10. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter and second grille shutter are configured to be independently operable.
11. The grille shutter assembly of claim 10, wherein the first grille shutter is configured to be operable in the closed condition when the second grille shutter is in the open condition.
12. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter and second grille shutter are configured to be dependently operable.
13. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter comprises at least one first shutter vane and the second grille comprises at least one second shutter vane.
14. The grille shutter assembly of claim 13, wherein one or each of the grille shutters has a fully open condition in which the or each shutter vane extends substantially parallel to the air flow entering the grille shutter assembly.
15. The grille shutter assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the or each first shutter vane and the or each second shutter vane are configured to pivot about parallel axes.
16. The grille shutter assembly of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein each of the shutter vanes extends substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the grille shutter assembly in the closed condition.
17. The grille shutter assembly of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first shutter vane is one of at least two first shutter vanes.
18. The grille shutter assembly of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the second shutter vane is one of at least two second shutter vanes.
19. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first grille shutter is spaced from the second grille shutter.
20. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first region of the air flow path is defined by a first duct, and the second region of the flow path is defined by a second duct.
21. The grille shutter assembly of any preceding claim, comprising an actuator module configured to rotate the first and second grille shutters.
22. A cooling assembly for a vehicle comprising the grille shutter assembly according to any preceding claim and a heat exchanger arrangement, in which the first grille shutter and the second grille shutter are configured to direct air to the heat exchanger arrangement in the open condition.
23. The cooling assembly of claim 22, wherein the first grille shutter is configured to direct air flow to a first part of the heat exchanger arrangement, and the second grille shutter is configured to direct air flow to a second part of the heat exchanger arrangement.
24. The cooling assembly of claim 23, wherein the first part of the heat exchanger arrangement is a first heat exchanger and the second part of the heat exchanger arrangement is a second heat exchanger.
25. The cooling assembly of claim 24, wherein the heat exchanger arrangement comprises a heat exchanger and the first part and second part of the heat exchanger arrangement are parts of the same heat exchanger.
26. A front end of a vehicle comprising the grille shutter assembly according to any of claims 1 to 21 and/or the cooling assembly according to any of claims 22 to 25.
27. The front end according to claim 26, comprising a front side, wherein the first grille shutter is disposed above the second grille shutter on the front side.
28. The front end according to claim 27, comprising a structural cross-member, wherein the first grille shutter is spaced from the second grille shutter by the structural crossmember.
A vehicle comprising a front end according to any of claims 26 to 28.
30. A method of directing air through a grille shutter assembly for a vehicle front end, 5 comprising:
providing an air flow path through the grille shutter assembly;
providing a first grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a first region of the air flow path;
providing a second grille shutter configured to act on air flow through a 10 second region of the air flow path;
rotating the first and second grille shutters between closed and open conditions;
wherein:
the first grille shutter directs air flow along the flow path in an opposing 15 angular direction to the second grille shutter in the open condition.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1801706.1 Examiner: Simon Rose
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN201721003811 | 2017-02-02 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201801706D0 GB201801706D0 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
| GB2561655A true GB2561655A (en) | 2018-10-24 |
Family
ID=59065703
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1707161.4A Ceased GB201707161D0 (en) | 2017-02-02 | 2017-05-05 | A grille shutter assembly |
| GB1801706.1A Withdrawn GB2561655A (en) | 2017-02-02 | 2018-02-02 | A grille shutter assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1707161.4A Ceased GB201707161D0 (en) | 2017-02-02 | 2017-05-05 | A grille shutter assembly |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB201707161D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018142330A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110877524B (en) * | 2019-12-04 | 2021-09-21 | 武汉理工大学 | Rotatable cooling module in engine compartment |
| CN113043837B (en) * | 2019-12-27 | 2022-11-22 | 广州法雷奥发动机冷却有限公司 | Initiative air-inlet grille subassembly and vehicle front end module |
| US12043107B2 (en) | 2022-03-16 | 2024-07-23 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Air intake assembly for vehicle, front end assembly of vehicle, and method |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3019599A1 (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1980-12-04 | Fiat Auto Spa | Car front with thermostat controlled radiator louvres - which are pivoted in horizontally intersecting forward pointing planes for air flow control |
| JPS58139327A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-08-18 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Recording and reproducing system |
| US20030029581A1 (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2003-02-13 | Marko-Dejan Vide | Shutter for closing openings with pivotal shutter elements |
| US20120132474A1 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-05-31 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Compound shutter system with independent and non-sequential operation |
| WO2016097588A1 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2016-06-23 | Electricfil Automotive | Control device for flaps that pivot along non-parallel axes |
| WO2018002461A1 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-04 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Air inlet management system for the front panel of a motor vehicle and structure of such a system |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20130223980A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Shape Corp. | Active grill shutter vane design and vehicle system |
| JP2015151099A (en) * | 2014-02-19 | 2015-08-24 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Air conditioner for vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-05-05 GB GBGB1707161.4A patent/GB201707161D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2018
- 2018-02-02 WO PCT/IB2018/050656 patent/WO2018142330A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-02-02 GB GB1801706.1A patent/GB2561655A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3019599A1 (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1980-12-04 | Fiat Auto Spa | Car front with thermostat controlled radiator louvres - which are pivoted in horizontally intersecting forward pointing planes for air flow control |
| JPS58139327A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1983-08-18 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Recording and reproducing system |
| US20030029581A1 (en) * | 2001-07-02 | 2003-02-13 | Marko-Dejan Vide | Shutter for closing openings with pivotal shutter elements |
| US20120132474A1 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-05-31 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Compound shutter system with independent and non-sequential operation |
| WO2016097588A1 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2016-06-23 | Electricfil Automotive | Control device for flaps that pivot along non-parallel axes |
| WO2018002461A1 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-04 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Air inlet management system for the front panel of a motor vehicle and structure of such a system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201707161D0 (en) | 2017-06-21 |
| WO2018142330A1 (en) | 2018-08-09 |
| GB201801706D0 (en) | 2018-03-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |