Dual output actuator

Abstract

A dual output actuator (26) for an active grille shutter system (14) comprising: a first output (28) rotatably mounted about an axis (62); a second output (30) rotatably mounted about the axis (62), the first output (28) being independently rotatable about the axis (62) relative to the second output (30), and the second output (30) being independently rotatable about the axis (62) relative to the first output (28); and a gear (36) rotatably mounted about the axis (62), the gear (36) being capable of independently rotating the first output (28) or the second output (30) by axial movement along the axis (62).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to dual-output actuators, and more specifically, to dual-output actuators having sequential operation.

[0002] The active grille louver system is located at the front or hood of the vehicle and can switch between an open and closed position. When the louvers are open, air can flow through them past the radiator and into the engine compartment, thereby cooling the engine and / or radiator, as well as multiple radiators / exchange units used for air conditioning, turbocharged or compressor-charged engines, oil coolers, etc. When the louvers are closed, air is blocked and bypasses the vehicle, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption. Furthermore, it can reduce engine warm-up time under cold weather operating conditions. Therefore, under certain operating conditions, the louvers need to be closed when this cooling air is not required. Optionally, and as described above, other operating conditions may require the louvers to be open.

[0003] However, current active grille louver systems employ synchronized movement for each blade or louver in the system. Therefore, current active grille louver systems cannot open or close the blades based on different areas (e.g., upper and lower areas). Furthermore, in some cases, closing all blades or louvers may not be the optimal solution for reducing aerodynamic drag. Since different radiators operate under different conditions, there is a need to selectively control different areas of the louvers, allowing them to be actuated independently. To minimize complexity, weight, and cost, and to avoid the need for parallel reproduction of active grille louver systems, there is a need for improved actuators for vehicle active grille louver systems that enable independent control of different active grille louvers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A dual-output actuator for an active grille louver system is disclosed, comprising: a first output rotatably mounted about an axis; a second output rotatably mounted about the axis, wherein the first output is rotatable relative to the second output about the axis, and the second output is rotatable relative to the first output about the axis; and a gear rotatably mounted about the axis, wherein the gear is rotatable by axial movement along the axis to independently rotate the first output or the second output.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output, the second output, and the gear are each rotatably mounted about the axis within the housing and a cover fixed to the housing.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear is operably coupled to a first worm gear rotatably mounted on the housing.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear is operatively coupled to a first worm gear.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the dual-output actuator includes a drive mechanism for rotating the first worm gear.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a second worm gear, a first gear, a planetary gear, a motor, and a printed circuit board. The second worm gear and the first gear are rotatably mounted to an actuator, the planetary gear is operatively coupled to the motor, and the motor is mounted on and controlled by the printed circuit board.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the first output when the gear rotates the first output, and the second protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the second output when the gear rotates the second output, such that when the gear rotates about the axis, the gear rotates the first output and the second output independently about the axis.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's cover, and the second output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's housing.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's cover, and the second output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's housing.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output is provided with a sealing member to seal between the first output and the opening of the actuator's cover, and the second output is provided with a sealing member to seal between the second output and the opening of the actuator's housing.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear is slidably and rotatably mounted to the first output and the second output.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the first output when the gear rotates the first output, and the second protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the second output when the gear rotates the second output, such that when the gear rotates about the axis, the gear causes the first output and the second output to rotate independently about the axis.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear is axially movable along the axis via a first worm gear operably coupled to the gear.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the dual-output actuator includes a drive mechanism for rotating the first worm gear.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the first output when the gear rotates the first output, and the second protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the second output when the gear rotates the second output, such that when the gear rotates about the axis, the gear causes the first output and the second output to rotate independently about the axis.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's cover, and the second output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's housing.

[0020] An active grille louver system is also disclosed, comprising: a plurality of blades, each including a first portion and a second portion; a dual-output actuator including: a first output rotatably mounted about an axis, the first output being operatively coupled to the first portion of the blades; a second output rotatably mounted about the axis, the second output being operatively coupled to the second portion of the blades, the first output being rotatable relative to the second output about the axis, and the second output being rotatable relative to the first output about the axis; and a gear rotatably mounted about the axis, the gear being axially movable along the axis to individually rotate either the first output or the second output.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the gear has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the first output when the gear rotates the first output, and the second protrusion being configured to engage with a cavity of the second output when the gear rotates the second output, such that when the gear rotates about the axis, the gear rotates the first output and the second output independently about the axis.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or features that replace any of the foregoing embodiments, the first output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's cover, and the second output has a tab configured to contact a stop rib of the actuator's housing.

[0023] A method for providing dual outputs from an actuator of an active grille louver system is also disclosed, comprising: rotatably mounting a first output about an axis; rotatably mounting a second output about the axis, the first output being rotatable relative to the second output about the axis, and the second output being rotatable relative to the first output about the axis; and rotatably mounting a gear about the axis, the gear being rotatable to individually rotate the first output or the second output by axial movement along the axis. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same numbers:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram showing the front portion of a vehicle with an active grille louver system;

[0026] Figures 2A-2E This is a view showing multiple locations of the active grille louver system according to this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a dual-output actuator for an active grille louver system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a 3D view of a dual-output actuator with the casing and cover removed.

[0029] Figure 5A The housing of the dual-output actuator is shown;

[0030] Figure 5B The cover of the dual-output actuator is shown;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the dual-output actuator in a stationary position;

[0032] Figure 7A This is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the dual-output actuator in a stationary position;

[0033] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of a portion of a dual-output actuator providing the first output in the full output position;

[0034] Figure 7C This is a perspective view of a portion of the dual-output actuator located at the beginning of the second output position;

[0035] Figure 7D This is a perspective view of a portion of a dual-output actuator providing a second output in the full output position;

[0036] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of a dual-output actuator in a stationary position;

[0037] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view of a dual-output actuator providing the first output in the full output position;

[0038] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view of the dual-output actuator at the beginning of the second output position;

[0039] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view of a dual-output actuator providing a second output in the full output position;

[0040] Figure 12 The cover and first output of the dual-output actuator are shown; and

[0041] Figure 13 The housing and second output of the dual-output actuator are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods are presented herein by way of example rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] For reference Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the front portion 10 of a vehicle 12 having an active grille louver system 14, the active grille louver system being located at the front end or front end 16 of the vehicle 12 and capable of switching between an open position and a closed position.

[0044] When the louvers or blades of the active grille louver system 14 are in the open position, air can flow through the system to the radiator and into the engine compartment, thereby cooling the engine and / or radiator. Alternatively, when the louvers or blades are in the closed position, air is blocked and bypasses the vehicle, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption. Furthermore, in cold weather operating conditions, the vehicle engine warm-up time can be reduced.

[0045] refer to Figures 2A to 2E This illustrates multiple locations of the active grille louver system 14 according to this disclosure. Figure 2A In the illustration, multiple blades or louvers 18 of the active grille louver system 14 are in the closed position, also referred to as the first or initial operating position of the active grille louver system 14. Furthermore, the multiple blades or louvers 18 of the active grille louver system 14 include a first or upper portion 20, which includes a portion of the multiple blades or louvers 18, and a second or lower portion 22, which includes the remaining multiple blades or louvers 18 not in the first or upper portion 20. As used herein, upper portion 20 refers to the multiple blades or louvers 18 in the vehicle's active grille louver system 14 that are positioned higher than the remaining multiple blades or louvers 18. Arrow 24 indicates airflow blocked by the active grille louver system 14.

[0046] As envisioned herein, a plurality of blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 are configured to move simultaneously by actuation of a first output, wherein the first output is operatively coupled to the plurality of blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 via, for example, a linkage. A plurality of blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22, including a plurality of remaining blades or louvers 18 not in the first or upper portion 20, are configured to move simultaneously by actuation of a second output, wherein the second output is operatively coupled to the plurality of blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 via, for example, a linkage.

[0047] exist Figure 2B In the illustration, multiple blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14 are in the open position, and multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 are in the closed position, also referred to as the second operating position of the active grille louver system 14. At this time, the airflow indicated by arrow 24 can pass through the blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14, but is blocked by the multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22.

[0048] exist Figure 2CIn the illustration, multiple blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14 are in the open position, and multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 are also in the open position, which is also referred to as the third operating position of the active grille louver system 14. At this time, the airflow indicated by arrow 24 can pass through the blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14 and the multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 of the active grille louver system 14.

[0049] exist Figure 2D In the illustration, multiple blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14 are in the closed position, while multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 are in the open position. This is also referred to as the fourth operating position of the active grille louver system 14. At this time, the airflow indicated by arrow 24 is blocked by the blades or louvers 18 of the first or upper portion 20 of the active grille louver system 14, while it can pass through the multiple blades or louvers 18 of the second or lower portion 22 of the active grille louver system 14.

[0050] Figure 2E The diagram shows a plurality of blades or louvers 18 on the first or upper portion 20 and a plurality of blades or louvers 18 on the second or lower portion 22 of an active grille louver system 14 in a closed position after being moved from a fourth operating position, which, together with Figure 2A The positions shown are similar.

[0051] Now for reference Figures 3 to 12 The image shows a dual-output actuator 26 according to the present disclosure. The dual-output actuator 26 has a first output or first output shaft 28 and a second output or second output shaft 30. In one embodiment, the first output or first output shaft 28 is operatively coupled to a first or upper portion 20 of an active grille louver system 14 via, for example, a mechanical linkage, and the second output or second output shaft 30 is operatively coupled to a second or lower portion 22 of the active grille louver system 14 via, for example, a mechanical linkage. The dual-output actuator 26 also includes a housing 32 and a cover 34 configured to be secured to the housing.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The figure shows a perspective view of a dual-output actuator 26 with housing 32 and cover 34 removed. As shown, the dual-output actuator 26 includes a first output or first output shaft 28 and a second output or second output shaft 30. The first output or first output shaft 28 is movable independently relative to the second output or second output shaft 30, and the second output or second output shaft 30 is movable independently relative to the first output or first output shaft 28.

[0053] At the same time, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, gear 36 is operatively coupled to a first output or first output shaft 28 and a second output or second output shaft 30, and is used to rotate the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 independently. In one embodiment, gear 36 is slidably and rotatably mounted to the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30. Gear 36 is also operatively coupled to a first drive member or first worm gear 38. The first drive member or first worm gear 38 is rotatably mounted to housing 32.

[0054] In one embodiment, a drive mechanism 42 is provided to provide driving force to the first drive member or the first worm gear 38. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 42 includes a second worm gear 44, a first gear 46, a planetary gear 48, a motor 50, and a printed circuit board 52. The second worm gear 44 and the first gear 46 are rotatably mounted to the actuator 26, for example, rotatably mounted to the housing 32 and the cover 34, and the planetary gear 48 is operatively connected to the motor 50, which is mounted to and controlled by the printed circuit board 52. As shown, the second worm gear 44 is configured to mesh with the first drive member or the first worm gear 38, and the first gear 46 is configured to mesh with the second worm gear 44, while the planetary gear 48 is configured to mesh with the first gear 46, and the motor 50 is operatively connected to the planetary gear 48. Thus, when the motor 50 is energized, the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 can rotate about their axes.

[0055] Figure 5A The housing 32 of the dual-output actuator 26 is shown. Figure 5B The cover 34 of the dual-output actuator 26 is shown.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of the dual-output actuator 26 in a stationary position, also referred to as the initial position or first operating position. As shown, the first drive member or first worm gear 38 has teeth 37 that mesh with teeth 39 of gear 36. Gear 36 also has a first protrusion 54 and a second protrusion 58, the first protrusion 54 being configured to engage with a cavity 56 of the first output or first output shaft 28, and the second protrusion 58 being configured to engage with a cavity 60 of the second output or second output shaft 30, so that when gear 36 rotates about axis 62, gear 36 can independently rotate the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 about axis 62.

[0057] In order for gear 36 to rotate independently about axis 62, the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 are provided with tabs or protrusions 64 (see Figure 4A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D and Figure 12 The tab or protrusion 64 is configured to contact the guide or stop rib 68 of the cover 34 (see [reference]). Figure 5B and Figure 12 Furthermore, in order to allow gear 36 to rotate independently about axis 62, the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 are provided with tabs or protrusions 70 (see...). Figure 4B and Figure 13 The tab or protrusion 70 is configured to contact the guide or stop rib 72 of the housing 32 (see [reference]). Figure 5A and Figure 13 ).

[0058] Similarly, Figure 6 As shown, the first output or first output shaft 28 is provided with a sealing member 74 to seal between the first output or first output shaft 28 and the opening 76 of the cover 34 when the actuator 26 is assembled. The second output or second output shaft 30 is provided with a sealing member 78 to seal between the second output or second output shaft 30 and the opening 80 of the housing 32 when the actuator 26 is assembled.

[0059] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a portion of the dual-output actuator 26 in a stationary position, also referred to as the initial position or first operating position. Figure 7A As shown Figure 6 similar.

[0060] exist Figure 7B In this process, due to the rotation of the first drive member or the first worm gear 38 in the first direction, the gear 36 rotates about the axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82. During the rotational movement of the gear 36 in the direction of arrow 82, due to the engagement of the first protrusion 54 with the cavity 56, the first output or the first output shaft 28 also rotates about the axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82. Figure 7B In the middle, the first output or first output shaft 28 has reached its full rotation limit and is stopped by the tab or protrusion 64 that contacts the guide or stop rib 68 of the cover 34.

[0061] When the first output of actuator 26 or the first output shaft 28 is in such a state Figure 7BIn the position shown, continued rotation of the first drive member or the first worm gear 38 in the first direction will cause the gear 36 to move along axis 62 in the direction of arrow 84. This is because the gear 36 is slidably mounted to the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30. Moreover, the gear 36, the first output or first output shaft 28, and the second output or second output shaft 30 are all rotatably mounted to the actuator 26 to rotate about the same axis, namely axis 62. The gear 36 will move in this direction until the second protrusion 58 of the gear 36 is received in the cavity 60. This axial movement of the gear 36 in the direction of arrow 84 will cause the first protrusion 54 to no longer contact the cavity 56. Therefore, the gear 36 can continue to rotate about axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82. However, as Figure 7C As shown, the second output 58 of gear 36 is housed in cavity 60 of the second output or second output shaft 30, so that as gear 36 continues to rotate about axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82, the second output or second output shaft 30 also rotates about axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82, while the first output or first output shaft 28 of actuator 26 remains at 7B and Figure 7C The location shown.

[0062] Figure 7D This illustrates the second output or second output shaft 30 rotating about axis 62 in the direction of arrow 82 to its full-stroke position, which is defined or caused by a protrusion or tab 70 of the guide or stop rib 72 of the contact housing 32. In this position, the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 are at least as... Figure 7A From the position shown to the full travel position.

[0063] In order to return the first output or first output shaft 28 and the second output or second output shaft 30 to at least such Figure 7A The position is shown. Motor 50 operates in reverse, and the first drive member or first worm gear 38 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, causing gear 36 to rotate about axis 62 in the direction opposite to arrow 82. From Figure 7D Initially, due to the engagement of the second protrusion 58 with the cavity 60 of the second output or second output shaft 30, the gear 36 and the second output or second output shaft 30 rotate about axis 62 in the opposite direction to arrow 82 until the protrusion or tab 70 contacts the guide or stop rib 72 of the housing 32. Figure 7C At this point, the continued rotation of the first drive member or the first worm gear 38 in the second direction will cause the gear 36 to move axially about the axis 62 in the direction opposite to arrow 84, until the first protrusion 54 engages with the cavity 56 and the second protrusion 58 no longer engages with the cavity 60. Figure 7BAt this point, the continued rotation of the first drive member or the first worm gear 38 in the second direction will cause the gear 36 to rotate around the axis 62 in the opposite direction to arrow 82, and the first output or the first output shaft 28 will also rotate together with the gear in the opposite direction to arrow 82, until the tab or protrusion 64 of the first output or the first output shaft 28 contacts the guide or stop rib 68 of the cover 34, corresponding to Figure 7A The location shown.

[0064] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It corresponds Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the dual-output actuator at its position; Figure 9A and Figure 9B It corresponds Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of a dual-output actuator with the first output in the full output position;

[0065] Figure 10A and Figure 10B It corresponds Figure 7C A cross-sectional view of the dual-output actuator located at the beginning of the second output position; Figure 11A and Figure 11B It corresponds Figure 7D A cross-sectional view of the dual-output actuator 26 with the second output located at the full output position.

[0066] Figure 12 This is a view of cover 34 and first output or first output shaft 28, showing operable movement between tab or protrusion 64 and guide or stop rib 68.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a view of the housing 32 and the second output or second output shaft 30, showing operable movement between the tab or protrusion 70 and the guide or stop rib 72.

[0068] The dual-output actuator 26 disclosed herein enables the actuator 26 to maintain torque while sequentially switching outputs using the same axis of rotation 62.

[0069] The sequential dual-output actuator 26 of this disclosure has two outputs 28 and 30, wherein after the first output completes its travel range, the second output begins operation until its travel limit is reached. The actuator 26 can also be operated in reverse, with the second output rotating from its limit until its return limit is reached, and then the first output begins operation until its travel limit is reached.

[0070] The actuator 26 of this disclosure also allows for sequential switching of outputs 28, 30 via the operation of a gear 36. A single gear 36 is connected to one output shaft and then sequentially switched to another output shaft depending on the gear position. This is performed by sliding gear 36 on the same axis 62 as the output shafts 28, 30, and by the worm gear 38 and the gear train applying force to gear 36 to switch its connection with outputs 28, 30.

[0071] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% for a given value.

[0072] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0073] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but rather this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dual-output actuator (26) for an active grille louver system (14), characterized in that, Include: A first output (28) is rotatably mounted about an axis (62); A second output (30) is rotatably mounted about the axis (62), and the first output (28) is rotatable relative to the second output (30) about the axis (62), and the second output (30) is rotatable relative to the first output (28) about the axis (62). and A gear (36) is rotatably mounted about the axis (62) and is capable of independently rotating the first output (28) or the second output (30) by axial movement along the axis (62). The gear (36) has an internal opening that slidably receives a first portion of the first output (28) and a second portion of the second output (30).

2. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first output, the second output (30), and the gear (36) are each rotatably mounted about the axis inside the housing (32) and the cover (34) fixed to the housing (32), with the first portion of the first output (28) and the second portion of the second output (30) in contact with each other.

3. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gear (36) is operably connected to a first worm gear (38) rotatably mounted on the housing (32).

4. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear (36) is operatively connected to the first worm gear (38).

5. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 4 further includes a drive mechanism (42) for rotating the first worm gear (38).

6. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (42) includes a second worm gear (44), a first gear (46), a planetary gear (48), a motor (50), and a printed circuit board (52). The second worm gear (44) and the first gear (46) are rotatably mounted to the actuator (26). The planetary gear (48) is operatively connected to the motor (50), and the motor (50) is mounted on the printed circuit board (52) and controlled by the printed circuit board (52).

7. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear (36) has a first protrusion (54) and a second protrusion (58), the first protrusion (54) being configured to engage with a cavity (56) of the first output (28) when the gear (36) rotates the first output (28), and the second protrusion (58) being configured to engage with a cavity (60) of the second output (30) when the gear (36) rotates the second output (30), so that when the gear (36) rotates about the axis (62), the gear (36) rotates the first output (28) and the second output (30) independently about the axis (62).

8. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first output (28) has a tab (64) configured to contact a stop rib (68) of the cover (34) of the actuator, and the second output (30) has a tab (70) configured to contact a stop rib (72) of the housing (32) of the actuator (26).

9. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first output (28) has a tab (64) configured to contact a stop rib (68) of the cover (34) of the actuator, and the second output (30) has a tab (70) configured to contact a stop rib (72) of the housing (32) of the actuator (26).

10. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first output (28) is provided with a sealing member (74) to seal between the first output (28) and the opening (76) of the cover (34) of the actuator (26), and the second output (30) is provided with a sealing member (78) to seal between the second output (30) and the opening (80) of the housing (32) of the actuator (26).

11. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear (36) is slidably and rotatably mounted to the first output (28) and the second output (30).

12. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The gear (36) has a first protrusion (54) and a second protrusion (58), the first protrusion (54) being configured to engage with a cavity (56) of the first output (28) when the gear (36) rotates the first output (28), and the second protrusion (58) being configured to engage with a cavity (60) of the second output (30) when the gear (36) rotates the second output (30), so that when the gear (36) rotates about the axis (62), the gear (36) rotates the first output (28) and the second output (30) independently about the axis (62).

13. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear (36) moves axially along the axis (62) via a first worm gear (38) operably connected to the gear (36).

14. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 13 further includes a drive mechanism (42) for rotating the first worm gear (38).

15. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The gear (36) has a first protrusion (54) and a second protrusion (58), the first protrusion (54) being configured to engage with a cavity (56) of the first output (28) when the gear (36) rotates the first output (28), and the second protrusion (58) being configured to engage with a cavity (60) of the second output (30) when the gear (36) rotates the second output (30), so that when the gear (36) rotates about the axis (62), the gear (36) rotates the first output (28) and the second output (30) independently about the axis (62).

16. The dual-output actuator (26) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first output (28) has a tab (64) configured to contact a stop rib (68) of the cover (34) of the actuator, and the second output (30) has a tab (70) configured to contact a stop rib (72) of the housing (32) of the actuator (26).

17. An active grille louver system (14), comprising: Multiple blades (18), the multiple blades (18) including a first portion (20) and a second portion (22) of the blades (18); Dual-output actuator (26), comprising: A first output (28) is rotatably mounted about an axis (62) and is operatively connected to the first portion (20) of the blade (18); A second output (30) is rotatably mounted about the axis (62), the second output is operatively connected to the second portion (22) of the blade (18), the first output (28) is rotatable about the axis relative to the second output (30), and the second output (30) is rotatable about the axis relative to the first output (28). as well as A gear (36) rotatably mounted about the axis (62) is capable of rotating the first output (28) or the second output (30) individually by moving axially along the axis (62). The gear (36) has an internal opening that slidably receives a first portion of the first output (28) and a second portion of the second output (30).

18. The active grille louver system (14) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The gear (36) has a first protrusion (54) and a second protrusion (58), the first protrusion (54) being configured to engage with a cavity (56) of the first output (28) when the gear (36) rotates the first output (28), and the second protrusion (58) being configured to engage with a cavity (60) of the second output (30) when the gear (36) rotates the second output (30), so that when the gear (36) rotates about the axis (62), the gear (36) rotates the first output (28) and the second output (30) independently about the axis (62).

19. The active grille louver system (14) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first output (28) has a tab (64) configured to contact a stop rib (68) of the cover (34) of the actuator, and the second output (30) has a tab (70) configured to contact a stop rib (72) of the housing (32) of the actuator (26).

20. A method for providing dual outputs from an actuator (26) of an active grille louver system (14), characterized in that, Include: The first output (28) is rotatably mounted about axis (62); A second output (30) is rotatably mounted about the axis (62), the first output (28) being rotatable relative to the second output (30) about the axis (62), and the second output (30) being rotatable relative to the first output (28) about the axis (62); and A gear (36) is rotatably mounted about the axis (62), the gear being capable of rotating the first output (28) or the second output (30) individually by moving axially along the axis (62), the gear (36) having an internal opening that slidably receives a first portion of the first output (28) and a second portion of the second output (30).

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