Active grille shutter system

Abstract

An active grille shutter system (100) includes a frame (10), at least one slider (20), and an actuator (30). The frame (10) is mounted on a dash panel (202). The frame (10) is formed with at least one opening (12). The at least one slider (20) is formed with at least one aperture (22) complementary to the at least one opening (12). The slider (20) moves between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration in an overlapping manner with respect to the frame (10). In the blocking configuration, the rib (24) overlaps the opening (12) to prevent airflow from passing through the opening (12). In the non-blocking configuration, the aperture (22) is aligned relative to the opening (12) to allow airflow through the opening (12). An actuator (30) is functionally coupled to the at least one slider (20) and moves the at least one slider (20) relative to the frame (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a front module of a vehicle, and more particularly, to an active grille shutter system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an active grille shutter system controls the air flow to at least one heat exchanger disposed downstream of the active grille shutter system.

[0003] A conventional active grille shutter system 1 includes a frame 2 and a plurality of vanes 3. In particular, the active grille shutter system 1 includes two sets of vanes 3a and 3b, and the two sets of vanes 3a and 3b are disposed in separate compartments 2a and 2b separated by a partition portion 2c. The vanes 3a, 3b are rotatably connected to the frame 2. In particular, the outermost ends of the vanes 3a, 3b are rotatably connected to the frame 2 such that when the vanes 3 are actuated by a driver, the vanes 3 can rotate about their longitudinal axis "a" to define a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration of the vanes 3. Specifically, either a lateral actuator 4 or a central actuator applies a torque to at least one of the vanes 3 to cause angular movement of the vanes 3. The vanes directly driven by the actuator 4 are functionally coupled to the remaining vanes through interconnecting linkages to cause angular movement of the remaining vanes. In the non-blocking configuration as shown in Figure 1 In the non-blocking configuration shown, the vanes 3 allow air flow to pass through the active grille shutter system 1 to the heat exchanger, such as a radiator or a condenser disposed downstream of the active grille shutter system 1 in the ram air direction. In the blocking configuration, the vanes 3 block the air flow from passing through the active grille shutter system 1 to the heat exchanger.

[0004] The conventional active grille shutter system faces various challenges. In particular, the vanes of the conventional active grille shutter system require a high operating torque due to a high actuation angle. In addition, the conventional active grille shutter system requires more working space to accommodate the rotating vanes, so it is bulky and faces packaging problems. In addition, the conventional active grille shutter system involves more components, such as interconnecting linkages, and faces reliability problems. The conventional active grille shutter system faces an uncontrolled leakage problem caused by vane deformation. In addition, the conventional active grille shutter system requires additional components, such as a back support, to solve the vane deformation problem. In addition, the conventional active grille shutter system involves a complex mechanism and is prone to frequent failures. In addition, the conventional active grille shutter system faces difficulties in integrating a lighting system.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an active grille shutter system that requires relatively low operating torque and a small operating space compared to conventional active grille shutter systems. In addition, there is a need for an active grille shutter system with a simple structure, few moving parts, and thus greater reliability. In addition, there is a need for an active grille shutter that effectively solves the leakage problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an active grille shutter system is disclosed. The active grille shutter system includes a frame, at least one slider, and an actuator. The frame is mounted on the front apron. The frame is formed with at least one opening. At least one slider is formed with at least one hole complementary to the at least one opening. The slider moves relative to the frame in an overlapping manner between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration. In the blocking configuration, the rib overlaps the opening to prevent air flow through the opening. In the non-blocking configuration, the hole is aligned with the opening to allow air flow through the opening. The actuator is functionally coupled to the slider and moves at least one slider relative to the frame.

[0007] Generally, the frame and the slider include guiding means for guiding the movement of the slider relative to the frame.

[0008] In addition, the active grille shutter system includes an intermediate link disposed between the at least one slider and the actuator and adapted to functionally couple the at least one slider to the actuator.

[0009] Specifically, the intermediate link includes a cam and at least one lever. The cam is driven by the actuator and rotates therewith. The lever is fixed to the outermost end of the cam and is adapted to convert the angular movement of the cam into translational movement of the at least one slider.

[0010] More specifically, the first end of the lever is connected to the outermost end of the cam, and the second end of the lever is connected to the corresponding slider.

[0011] Generally, the frame includes a first part, a second part, and a groove part. The first part is formed with a first opening separated by a first intermediate portion. The second part is formed with a second opening separated by a second intermediate portion. The groove part separates the first part from the second part and is adapted to accommodate the actuator therein.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are two sliders, specifically a first slider and a second slider. The first slider corresponding to the first part moves relative to the first part to align the first hole formed thereon with the first opening, and the second slider corresponding to the second part moves relative to the second part to align the second hole formed thereon with the second opening in the blocking configuration.

[0013] Specifically, there are two levers, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is functionally coupled to the cam and is adapted to engage with the first slider and move the first slider in a first direction. The second lever is functionally coupled to the cam and is adapted to engage with the second slider when the cam rotates and simultaneously move the second slider in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0014] Generally, the guiding device is either a dovetail device or a rack and pinion device.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ribs cover the corresponding openings to allow air flow through the uncovered portions of the openings, and the air flow through the active grille shutter system is adjusted based on the overlapping degree of the ribs with respect to the corresponding openings.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one rib is overmolded with respect to the slider and is transparent. The frame and at least one slider are spaced apart from each other along their axes to define a housing therebetween.

[0017] Furthermore, the active grille shutter system includes at least one light source that guides at least one of colored light and white light to the transparent rib through the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the active grille shutter system includes a prism disposed between the white light source and the transparent rib.

[0019] Specifically, the prism is adapted to refract the white light incident thereon to produce a "rainbow effect".

[0020] Furthermore, the active grille shutter system includes a sealing element disposed between the frame and at least one slider to prevent air from leaking through the gap between the frame and at least one slider due to the spacing between the frame and at least one slider in the blocking configuration of the active grille shutter system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features, details, and advantages of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of the present invention. With reference to the following detailed description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is easy to have a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention and its many attendant advantages, and it will also be better understood. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A conventional active grille shutter system configured with rotating vanes is shown;

[0023] Figure 2a A vehicle configured with an active grille shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a non-blocking configuration state is shown;

[0024] Figure 2bshows a vehicle with an active grille shutter system in a blocking configuration; Figure 2a ;

[0025] Figure 3 shows Figure 2a a front isometric view of the active grille shutter system;

[0026] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 a rear isometric view of the active grille shutter system, also showing an enlarged view depicting an actuator, a cam, and a lever for moving at least one slider of the active grille shutter system;

[0027] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 an exploded view of the active grille shutter system, depicting the placement and interaction between its various elements;

[0028] Figure 6 shows Figure 4 a rear isometric view of the frame of the active grille shutter system;

[0029] Figure 7 shows Figure 4 an isometric view of one of the sliders of the active grille shutter system;

[0030] Figure 8 shows Figure 4 a front isometric view of the cam of the active grille shutter system;

[0031] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 another isometric view of the cam.

[0032] Figure 10 shows Figure 4 an isometric view of the actuator of the active grille shutter system.

[0033] Figure 11 shows Figure 4 an isometric view of one of the levers of the active grille shutter system.

[0034] Figure 12 shows a lighting device according to one embodiment, the lighting device being configured to illuminate Figure 4 the ribs of the slider of the active grille shutter system.

[0035] Figure 13 shows a lighting device according to another embodiment, configured to illuminate the ribs of the slider of the active grille shutter system with a rainbow effect Figure 4 ; Detailed Description

[0036] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings disclose the present invention in sufficient detail for implementation, and if necessary, the accompanying drawings help to better define the present invention. However, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0037] The present invention contemplates an active grille shutter system for a vehicle that utilizes a slider device that moves relative to a frame to regulate the airflow through the frame to overcome the challenges faced by conventional active grille shutter systems that utilize rotating vanes. The present invention is applicable to any airflow regulation system used in automotive or non-automotive applications that requires a simple, compact construction, low operating torque, and remains reliable.

[0038] Figure 2a A vehicle 100 configured with an active grille shutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and the system is in a non-blocking configuration state. In the non-blocking configuration, the active grille shutter system 100 allows airflow to pass through and reach a heat exchanger, such as a radiator or condenser disposed downstream of the active grille shutter system 100 in the direction of ram air. Figure 2b A vehicle with an active grille shutter system 100 in a blocking configuration is shown. In the blocking configuration, the active grille shutter system substantially prevents airflow from flowing therethrough.

[0039] Figure 3 An isometric view of the active grille shutter system 100 in an assembled configuration is shown. The active grille shutter system 100 includes a frame 10, at least one slider 20, and an actuator 30. Figure 4 A rear isometric view of the active grille shutter system 100 is shown to depict the elements of the actuator 30 and the intermediate link 40, particularly the cam 42 and the levers 44a and 44b. Figure 5 An exploded view of the active grille shutter system 100 is shown, depicting the placement and interaction between its various elements.

[0040] Figure 6 An isometric view of the frame 10 is shown. The frame 10 is mounted on the front end module 202 of the vehicle 200 and faces ram air. Figure 6An isometric view of the frame 10 is shown. The frame 10 is formed with at least one opening 12. In particular, the frame 10 is formed with openings 12 separated by an intermediate portion 14 of the frame 10. Generally, the frame 10 includes a first portion 10a, a second portion 10b, and a groove portion or separating portion 10c disposed between the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b. The first portion 10a is formed with a first opening 12a separated by a first intermediate portion 14a. Similarly, the second portion 10b is formed with a second opening 12b separated by a second intermediate portion 14b. The groove portion 10c extends between the longitudinal sides of the frame 10, separates the first portion 10a from the second portion 10b, and is adapted to receive an actuator 30 therein. The frame 10 is provided with strengthening elements, in particular strengthening ribs, to impart strength to the frame 10. More specifically, the groove portion 10c serves as a partition defining a plurality of compartments. Preferably, one groove portion 10c divides the frame 10 into two compartments or portions. Generally, the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b are symmetric with respect to the groove portion 10c. The frame 10 is formed of a plastic material by a molding process. The openings 12 formed in the frame 10 can be of any shape or size. The present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the frame 10, as long as the frame 10 is adapted to support at least one slider 20 and other elements, such as an actuator 30 and an intermediate link 40 for moving at least one slider 20 relative to the frame 10 to define the blocking and non-blocking configurations of the active grille shutter system 100. The present invention is not limited to any specific configuration, number, and position of the openings 12, as long as the openings are adapted to be at least partially covered to regulate the airflow through the openings to a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the active grille shutter system 100 in the direction of ram air.

[0041] Figure 7 An isometric view of one of the sliders 20 is shown. The slider 20 is formed with at least one hole 22. In particular, at least one slider 20 is formed with holes 22 complementary to the openings 12 and separated by ribs 24 of the slider 20. At least one slider 20 moves between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration relative to the frame 10 in an overlapping manner. At least one slider 20 can move relative to the frame 10 in the Y-Y' direction, as Figure 2b shown, specifically in two ways to define the non-blocking and blocking configurations. In the non-blocking configuration, the holes 22 are aligned with the openings 12 to allow airflow through the openings 12, as Figure 2a shown. In the blocking configuration, the ribs 24 overlap the openings 12 to prevent airflow through the openings 12, as Figure 2bAs shown. More specifically, the rib 24 is larger than the opening 12 to substantially cover the opening 12. In addition, in one embodiment, the rib 24 partially covers the corresponding opening 12 to allow air flow through the uncovered portion of the opening 12. Thus, the air flow through the opening 12 is controlled based on the degree of overlap between the rib 24 and the corresponding opening 12. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are two sliders, particularly the second slider 20b and the first slider 20a as Figure 7 shown. In the blocking configuration of the active grille shutter system 100, the first slider 20a moves relative to the first part 10a to align the first hole 22a formed therein with the first opening 12a, and the second slider 20b moves relative to the second part 10 to align the second hole 22b formed therein with the second opening 12b. The holes 22 can be of any shape or size. The present invention is not limited to any specific shape, configuration, number, and position of the holes 22, as long as the holes can be at least partially aligned relative to the openings 12 to adjust the air flow through the openings to the heat exchanger, which is disposed downstream of the active grille shutter system 100 in the ram air direction.

[0042] The relative movement between the frame 10 and at least one slider 20 can be achieved in different ways to define the blocking and non-blocking configurations of the active grille shutter system 100. As Figure 10 shown, the actuator 30 is functionally coupled to at least one slider 20 to move at least one slider 20 relative to the frame 10. The actuator 30 is mounted on the recessed portion 10c of the frame 10. The actuator 30 includes a perforated flange 32b, and the mounting bolt 34 passes through the hole formed in the perforated flange 32b and engages with the hole formed in the recessed portion 10c to firmly mount the actuator 30 within the recessed portion 10c. The frame 10 and at least one slider 20 include guiding means to guide the movement of at least one slider 20 relative to the frame 10. The guiding means is either a tenon and mortise device or a rack and pinion device. The present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the guiding means for guiding the movement of at least one slider 20 relative to the frame 10 in order to align the holes 22 or the ribs 24 with the openings 12, thereby defining the unblocked or blocked configuration of the active grille shutter system 100.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the active grille shutter system 100 includes an intermediate link 40 disposed between at least one slider 20 and the actuator 30 to functionally couple at least one slider 20 to the actuator 30, thereby moving at least one slider 20 relative to the frame 10. In particular, the intermediate link 40 includes a cam 42 and at least one lever 44.

[0044] Figure 8 and Figure 9Depicts an isometric view of the cam 42. The cam 42 is driven and rotated by the actuator 30. The cam 42 includes a centrally disposed engagement element 42a that engages with the actuator 30. More specifically, the engagement element 42a is a shaft having external ribs that extend centrally from the cam 42 towards the actuator 30 and are adapted to engage with a complementary splined hole 32a formed in the actuator 30. Optionally, the actuator 30 is formed with an output shaft having external ribs thereon, and the output shaft is received in a complementary splined hole formed in the cam 42 in an engageable manner. The cam 42 further includes a coupling member 42b disposed at its outermost end. The coupling member 42b is a spherical member that forms a ball-and-socket joint between the outermost end of the cam 42 and the corresponding lever 44. The present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the cam 42, especially any configuration of the engagement element 42a and the configuration of the coupling member 42, as long as the cam 42 is adapted to be driven by the actuator 30.

[0045] The lever 44 is functionally coupled to the outermost end of the cam 42 and is adapted to convert the angular movement of the cam 42 into a translational movement of at least one slider 20. More specifically, the first end of the lever 44 is functionally coupled to the outermost end of the cam 42, and the second end of the lever 44 opposite the first end of the lever 44 is functionally coupled to the corresponding slider 20. Specifically, there are two levers 44a and 44b, namely the first lever 44a and the second lever 44b. The first lever 44a is functionally coupled to the cam 42 and is adapted to engage with the first slider 20a and move the first slider 20a in the first direction A. The second lever 44b is functionally coupled to the cam 42 and is adapted to Figure 4 engage with the second slider 10b and simultaneously move the second slider 10b in a second direction B opposite to the first direction A when the cam 42 rotates in the counterclockwise direction C as shown. Figure 11An isometric view of the levers 44a, 44b is shown. The levers 44 include reinforcing elements 46 formed thereon. The first end of the first lever 44a is in the form of a socket 45a that receives a spherical engagement element 42b formed on the outermost end of the cam 42 to provide a ball-and-socket joint between the first end of the first lever 44a and the corresponding first outermost end of the cam 42. In addition, the second end of the first lever 44a is also in the form of a socket 45a that receives a spherical engagement element 26a formed on the corresponding slider 20a to provide a ball-and-socket joint between the second end of the first lever 44a and the corresponding slider 20a. Similarly, the second lever 44b provides a ball-and-socket joint between the corresponding slider 10b and the corresponding second outermost end of the cam 42. This ball-and-socket joint arrangement of the first lever 44a with the corresponding outermost end of the cam 42 and the corresponding first slider 20a is a flexible joint that allows the first lever 44a to move freely. In addition, this ball-and-socket joint arrangement of the second lever 44b with the corresponding outermost end of the cam 42 and the corresponding second slider 20b is a flexible joint. In addition to the spherical joint members 26a and 42b formed on the sliders 20 and the cam 42 respectively, and the socket-type joint members 45a, 45b formed on the outermost ends of the levers 44a, 44b respectively, socket-type joint members can also be formed on the sliders 20 and the cam 42 respectively, and spherical joint members can be formed on the outermost ends of the levers 44a, 44b. The present invention is not limited to any specific joint between the outermost ends of the levers and the corresponding sliders and cams, as long as the joint can provide a flexible joint that allows the levers to move freely.

[0046] The cam 42 can also rotate in a counterclockwise direction opposite to the clockwise direction C to retract the sliders 20a, 20b to their original configuration, particularly from the non-blocking configuration to the locked configuration.

[0047] The active grille shutter system 100 of the present invention is also combined with a lighting device to form an active lighting shutter system, wherein the slider 20 is illuminated in its blocking configuration. More specifically, the slider 20 is illuminated when the rib 24 of the slider 20 overlaps the opening 12 of the frame 10. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one rib 24 that is overmolded with respect to the slider 20 and overlaps the opening 12 is transparent. In another embodiment, at least one rib 24 that is overmolded with respect to the slider 20 and overlaps the opening 12 is translucent and only allows a part of the light to pass through. According to yet another embodiment, at least one rib 24 that is overmolded with respect to the slider 20 and overlaps the opening 12 is colored to provide a coloring effect to the light passing therethrough. As Figure 12As shown, the frame 10 and at least one slider 20 are spaced apart from each other along their axes to define a housing and a light-transmitting channel 62 therebetween. Generally, a sealing element such as foam is provided between the frame 10 and at least one slider 20 to prevent air leakage through the gap between the frame 10 and the at least one slider 20 due to the spacing therebetween in the blocking configuration of the active grille shutter system 100. In addition, as Figure 12 shown, the active grille shutter system 100 includes at least one light source 60 that directs at least one of colored light and white light through the housing and the light-transmitting channel 62 to the transparent ribs 24. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source is a light-emitting diode. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific light source. In addition, as Figure 13 shown, the active grille shutter system includes a prism 64 disposed between the white light source 60 and the transparent ribs 24. More specifically, the prism 64 is arranged downstream of the white light source 60 in the direction of light, between the light source 60 and the transparent ribs 24, causing the light passing through the prism 64 to produce a "rainbow effect" due to refraction. Thus, multiple colored light beams from the prism 64 illuminate at least one rib 24, giving it a multicolor illumination effect and enhancing the aesthetics of the active grille shutter system 100. Other means can be used to achieve the rainbow effect. In particular, the transparent ribs 24 can be illuminated by different light sources to achieve the rainbow effect. The present invention is not limited to any specific arrangement of illuminating the ribs 24 with different colors of light.

[0048] List of Reference Numerals

[0049] 100 - Active grille shutter system

[0050] 200 - Vehicle

[0051] 202 - Front apron of the vehicle

[0052] 10 - Frame

[0053] 10a - First part of the frame

[0054] 10b - Second part of the frame

[0055] 10c - Grooved part of the frame

[0056] 12 - Opening in the frame

[0057] 12a - Opening in the first part of the frame

[0058] 12b - Opening in the second part of the frame

[0059] 14 - Intermediate part between adjacent openings

[0060] 14a - Intermediate part on the first part of the frame

[0061] The middle part on the second part of the 14b-frame

[0062] 20 - Slide block

[0063] 20a - First slide block

[0064] 20b - Second slide block

[0065] 22 - Hole formed on the slide block

[0066] 24 - Rib between adjacent holes

[0067] 22a - Hole formed on the first slide block

[0068] 24a - Rib between adjacent holes on the first slide block

[0069] 26a - Spherical joint member on the first slide block

[0070] 22b - Hole formed on the second slide block

[0071] 24b - Rib between adjacent holes on the second slide block

[0072] 26a - Spherical joint member on the second slide block

[0073] 30 - Actuator

[0074] 32a - Engagement hole formed on the actuator

[0075] 32b - Perforated flange formed on the actuator

[0076] 40 - Intermediate connecting rod

[0077] 42 - Cam

[0078] 42a - Engagement element formed on the cam

[0079] 42b - Spherical coupling member formed at the outermost end of the cam

[0080] 44 - Lever

[0081] 44a - First lever

[0082] 45a - Socket on the outermost end of the first lever

[0083] 46a - Reinforcement formed on the first lever

[0084] 44b - Second lever

[0085] 45a - Socket on the outermost end of the second lever

[0086] 46b - Reinforcement formed on the second lever

[0087] 60 - Light source

[0088] 62 - Housing and light-transmitting channel defined between a frame and a slider

[0089] 64 - Prism

Claims

1. An active grille shutter system (100), comprising: A frame (10) mounted on a dash panel (202) of a vehicle (200), the frame (10) being formed with at least one opening (12, 12a, 12b); at least one slider (20) formed with at least one hole (22) complementary to the at least one opening (12), the slider (20) being adapted to move in an overlapping manner relative to the frame (10) between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration, wherein the rib (24) overlaps the opening (12) to prevent airflow through the opening (12), and wherein the hole (22) is aligned relative to the opening (12) to allow airflow through the opening (12); An actuator (30) functionally coupled to the slider (20) and adapted to move the at least one slider (20) relative to the frame (10).

2. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 1, wherein: The frame (10) and the slider (20) include a guide device to guide the movement of the slider (20) relative to the frame (10).

3. The active grille shutter system (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an intermediate link (40), which is arranged between the at least one slider (20) and the actuator (30) and is suitable for functionally connecting the at least one slider (20) to the actuator (30).

4. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 3, wherein: The intermediate connecting rod (40) comprises: A cam (42) adapted to be driven by the actuator (30) and to rotate therewith; At least one lever (44a, 44b) fixed to the extreme end of the cam (42) and adapted to convert the angular movement of the cam (42) into the translational movement of the at least one slider (20).

5. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 4, wherein: The first end of the lever (44a, 44b) is functionally connected to the extreme end of the cam (42), and the second end of the lever (44a, 44b) is functionally connected to the corresponding slider (20).

6. The active grille shutter system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The framework (10) comprises: A first portion (10a) formed with a first opening (12a) separated by a first intermediate portion (14a); a second portion (10b) formed with a second opening (12b) separated by a second intermediate portion (14b); and A recessed portion (10c) separating the first portion (10a) from the second portion (10b) and adapted to receive the actuator (30) therein.

7. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 6 comprising: a first slider (20a) corresponding to the first portion (10a), the first slider (20a) being adapted to move relative to the first portion (10a) to align a first hole (22a) formed on the first slider (20a) with the first opening (12a), and A second slider (20b) corresponding to the second part (10b), the second slider (20b) being adapted to move relative to the second part (10b) to align a second hole (22b) formed on the second slider (20b) with the second opening (12b) in a blocking configuration.

8. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 4 and claim 7, comprising: a first lever (44a) functionally coupled to the cam (42) and adapted to engage with the first slider (20a) and move the first slider (20a) in a first direction; and A second lever (44b) functionally coupled to the cam (42) and adapted to engage with the second slider (20b) when the cam (42) rotates and simultaneously move the second slider (20b) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 2, wherein: The guide device is any one of a tongue and groove device and a rack and pinion device.

10. The active grille shutter system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one rib (24) is overmolded relative to the slider (20) and is transparent, and the frame (10) and at least one slider (20) are spaced apart from each other along an axis of the frame (10) and at least one slider (20) to define a housing and a light-transmitting channel (62) therebetween.

11. The active grille shutter system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rib (24) partially covers the corresponding opening (12) to allow airflow through the uncovered portion of the opening (12), and airflow through the active grille shutter system (100) is adjusted based on the degree of overlap of the rib (24) relative to the corresponding opening (12).

12. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 11, further comprising at least one light source (60) directing at least one colored light and white light to the transparent rib (24) through the housing and the light-transmitting channel (62).

13. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 12, further comprising a prism (64) disposed between the white light source (60) and the transparent rib (24).

14. The active grille shutter system (100) of claim 13, wherein: The prism (64) is adapted to refract light impinging on the prism (64) to produce a "rainbow effect".

15. The active grille shutter system (100) as described in claim 10 further includes a sealing element, which is arranged between the frame (10) and the at least one slider (20) to avoid air leakage through the gap between the frame (10) and the at least one slider (20) due to the spacing between the frame (10) and the at least one slider (20) in the blocking configuration of the active grille shutter system (100).

Images