Vehicle-mounted air conditioner multi-temperature zone air door mechanism, control method, control panel and vehicle

By using a multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism and control method for vehicle air conditioning, independent control and synchronous operation of the air dampers are achieved, solving the problems of complex structure and large size of multi-temperature zone air conditioning main unit, and optimizing the space utilization and cost of air conditioning unit.

CN116674344BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21CHONGQING CHANGAN AUTOMOBILE CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHONGQING CHANGAN AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-06-25
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing multi-temperature zone air conditioning units have complex structures, large sizes, and occupy a lot of space, which cannot meet the high integration requirements of automobile development.

Method used

The vehicle air conditioning multi-temperature zone damper mechanism is adopted, including a damper frame and multiple air vents. Each air vent is equipped with a rotatable damper. The damper is independently controlled through transmission components and drive components. The drive components are concentrated in the actuator and use a combination of worm gear and transmission wheel for power transmission. Synchronous or independent control of the damper is achieved by combining the control panel and control method.

Benefits of technology

It achieves independent control of each damper, has a compact structure, reduces space occupation, saves material and mold costs, and optimizes the volume of the HVAC unit.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a vehicle-mounted air conditioner multi-temperature-zone air door mechanism, a control method, a control panel and a vehicle. The vehicle-mounted air conditioner multi-temperature-zone air door mechanism comprises an air door frame, an executing mechanism and multiple air outlets which are arranged side by side and at intervals along a first direction are arranged on the air door frame, a rotatable air door is arranged in each air outlet, a transmission part is arranged on the air door, the executing mechanism comprises a shell and multiple driving assemblies arranged in the shell, and each transmission part is in transmission connection with the driving assemblies. According to the vehicle-mounted air conditioner multi-temperature-zone air door mechanism, multiple air doors are controlled by multiple driving assemblies, each air door can be independently controlled, and temperature control is realized in different zones. The executing mechanism and the multiple air doors are arranged in a row or a column, and the multiple driving assemblies are arranged in the same executing mechanism, so that the vehicle-mounted air conditioner multi-temperature-zone air door mechanism is more compact, the space occupation is reduced, the volume of the heating ventilation air conditioner box is optimized, and the material and mold costs are saved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, specifically to a multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism, control method, control panel, and vehicle for an in-vehicle air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive air dampers are installed in the automotive air conditioning ducts to control the mixing ratio of cold and warm air. The number of dampers is the same as the number of temperature zones in the air conditioning duct. Traditional multi-zone HVAC units in vehicles consist of two dampers overlapped together, each controlled independently by two actuators located on the left and right sides of the unit. A traditional multi-zone temperature damper structure generally consists of five parts: left and right temperature dampers, connecting sleeves, and left and right temperature actuators. Some vehicles use a traditional control method, placing a temperature actuator on each side of the left and right temperature dampers for drive and control; others add a servo motor, thus transforming it into a multi-zone air conditioning unit. Existing technology can no longer meet the high integration and extreme space utilization requirements of current automotive development; therefore, a compact and highly integrated multi-zone temperature damper is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a dual-door structure for automotive air conditioning, thereby solving the problems of complex structure, large size, and large space occupation of multi-temperature zone air conditioning main units in the prior art; a second objective is to provide a control method; a third objective is to provide a control panel; and a fourth objective is to provide a vehicle.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] The multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning according to the present invention includes an air damper frame, wherein the air damper frame is provided with an actuator and a plurality of air vents arranged side by side at intervals along a first direction, each air vent is provided with a rotatable air damper, the air damper is provided with a transmission component, the actuator includes a housing and a plurality of drive components disposed within the housing, each of the transmission components being drively connected to the drive components.

[0006] According to the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner of the present invention, the plurality of air vents include a first air vent and a second air vent. A rotatable first air damper is provided in the first air vent, and a rotatable second air damper is provided in the second air vent. A first transmission member is provided on the first air damper, and a second transmission member is provided on the second air damper. The plurality of drive components include a first drive component and a second drive component. The first drive component includes a first drive part and a first transmission wheel set. The first drive part, the first transmission wheel set, and the first transmission member are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second drive component includes a second drive part and a second transmission wheel set. The second drive part, the second transmission wheel set, and the second transmission member are sequentially connected in a transmission manner.

[0007] Optionally, the first transmission wheel set includes a first worm gear, a first transmission wheel, and a second transmission wheel. The first drive unit is configured as an electric motor. The first worm gear is sleeved on the output shaft of the first drive unit. The first worm gear, the first transmission wheel, and the second transmission wheel are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second transmission wheel set includes a second worm gear, a third transmission wheel, and a fourth transmission wheel. The second drive unit is configured as an electric motor. The second worm gear is sleeved on the output shaft of the second drive unit. The second worm gear, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel are all located on the side of the first drive unit and the second drive unit that are close to each other.

[0008] Optionally, the second damper is provided with a receiving cavity, and a second transmission member is provided at the end of the receiving cavity opposite to the first damper. The second transmission member defines a clearance hole, which communicates with the receiving cavity. The first transmission member passes through the receiving cavity and the clearance hole. A first transmission part is provided at the end of the first transmission member away from the first damper. The first transmission part is located outside the clearance hole and is connected to the second transmission wheel. The second transmission member is provided with a second transmission part, which is connected to the fourth transmission wheel.

[0009] Optionally, the second drive wheel and the fourth drive wheel are arranged side by side and coaxially along the first direction, the fourth drive wheel is located between the second damper and the second drive wheel, and the accommodating cavity extends along the first direction.

[0010] Optionally, the first transmission part is configured as a semi-circular pin or a square pin, the second transmission wheel is provided with a pin hole, and the first transmission part passes through the pin hole; and / or the second transmission part is configured as a spline shaft, the fourth transmission wheel is provided with a spline hole, and the spline shaft passes through the spline hole.

[0011] Optionally, the first transmission wheel includes a first gear portion and a second gear portion coaxially fixedly connected, the first gear portion meshing with the first worm gear, the second gear portion meshing with the second transmission wheel, and the third transmission wheel includes a third gear portion and a fourth gear portion coaxially fixedly connected, the third gear portion meshing with the second worm gear, and the fourth gear portion meshing with the fourth transmission wheel.

[0012] Optionally, the transmission ratio of the first worm gear and the first gear section is equal to the transmission ratio of the second worm gear and the third gear section, the transmission ratio of the second gear section and the second transmission wheel is equal to the transmission ratio of the fourth gear section and the fourth transmission wheel, the first gear section and the third gear section are aligned in the tooth width direction, and the second gear section and the fourth gear section are located on both sides of the first gear section or the second gear section in the tooth width direction.

[0013] According to the control method of the present invention, for controlling the above-mentioned multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of vehicle air conditioning, the method includes:

[0014] Receive request signal;

[0015] Determine whether the request signal is a synchronization control signal;

[0016] When the result is yes, a first control signal is received, and multiple dampers are controlled to operate synchronously according to the first control signal.

[0017] If the result is negative, a second control signal is received, and the damper corresponding to the second control signal is controlled to operate.

[0018] According to the control panel of the present invention, a panel body is provided, and a controller is provided in the panel body. The panel body is provided with a first button, a plurality of second knobs, a plurality of drive components and a plurality of dampers corresponding one to one. The first button and the second knobs are electrically connected to the controller. The first button is used to receive a request signal, and the second knobs are used to receive a first control signal and a second control signal. The controller is also electrically connected to the above-mentioned multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner.

[0019] The vehicle according to the present invention includes the above-described vehicle air conditioning multi-temperature zone damper mechanism.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] (1) Multiple dampers are controlled by multiple drive components, which can realize independent control of each damper and zone temperature control;

[0022] (2) Arranging the actuator and multiple dampers in a row or column, and centralizing multiple drive components in the same actuator, can make the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner more compact, reduce space occupation, optimize the volume of the HVAC box, and save material and mold costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the damper of the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of a vehicle air conditioner in another state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 An exploded view of the damper of a multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for an in-vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a controller for a multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of an in-vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 A perspective view of a partial structure of a multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for an in-vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the steps of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] Actuator 1, Second damper 2, Bushing 2.1, Second transmission part 2.2, Splined shaft 2.3, First damper 3, First transmission component 3.1, First transmission part 3.2, Rotating shaft 3.3, Damper frame 4, Left housing 4.1, Right housing 4.2, Middle partition 4.3, Second drive part 5, First drive part 6, Second worm gear 7, First worm gear 8, Third gear part 9, Second gear part 10, Fourth transmission wheel 11, Splined hole 111, Second transmission wheel 12, Pin hole 121, Panel body 13, First sub-knob 14, Second sub-knob 15, First button 16, Controller 17, Wiring harness 18, Fourth gear part 191, First gear part 192. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0033] Figure 1 This shows that the dampers of the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism in the vehicle's air conditioning system completely block the air vents. Figure 2 The image shows one of the air vents that the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of a vehicle air conditioner avoids.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an air damper frame 4. The air damper frame 4 is provided with an actuator and a plurality of air vents arranged side by side at intervals along a first direction. Each air vent is provided with a rotatable air damper. The air damper is provided with a transmission component. The actuator includes a housing and a plurality of drive components disposed in the housing. Each transmission component is drively connected to the drive components.

[0035] In detail, the drive components are used to drive the dampers to rotate within the air vents, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the air vents and regulating the airflow rate. Multiple drive components can operate synchronously or independently. Since multiple dampers can be controlled separately, their opening degrees can be adjusted to be the same, slightly different, or completely different, enabling independent temperature control of each air vent and mixing different proportions of warm and cold air to achieve temperature regulation. The actuator houses multiple drive components within a housing, allowing one actuator to control multiple dampers independently without interference. This results in a more compact structure for the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioning system, reducing space occupation and optimizing the volume of the HVAC unit, thus saving material and mold costs.

[0036] It should be noted that the arrangement of the actuator and multiple air vents side-by-side along the first direction can take several forms. For example, multiple air vents can be arranged in a row, with the first vent being the first air vent and the last vent being the Nth air vent. The actuator can be located on the side of the first air vent away from the second air vent, or the actuator can be located on the side of the Nth air vent away from the (N-1)th air vent. The first direction can be vertical, horizontal, or front-back; this application does not impose any restrictions and the arrangement can be determined as needed.

[0037] In addition, the shape of the air vent can be circular, rectangular, or elliptical, etc. The shape of the air damper matches the shape of the air vent. The shapes of multiple air vents can be exactly the same, completely different, partially the same, and partially different. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0038] In addition, the power transmission method of the drive component can be belt drive, rack and pinion drive, chain drive, screw drive, and gear drive, etc.

[0039] According to the vehicle air conditioning multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the present invention, multiple dampers are controlled by multiple drive components, which can realize independent control of each damper and zone temperature control; by arranging the actuator and multiple dampers in a row or column, and centrally setting multiple drive components in the same actuator, the structure of the vehicle air conditioning multi-temperature zone damper mechanism can be made more compact, reducing space occupation, optimizing the volume of the HVAC box, and saving material and mold costs.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner includes multiple air vents, including a first air vent and a second air vent. A rotatable first air damper 3 is provided in the first air vent, and a rotatable second air damper 2 is provided in the second air vent. A first transmission member 3.1 is provided on the first air damper 3, and a second transmission member is provided on the second air damper 2. Multiple drive components include a first drive component and a second drive component. The first drive component includes a first drive part 6 and a first transmission wheel set. The first drive part 6, the first transmission wheel set, and the first transmission member 3.1 are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second drive component includes a second drive part 5 and a second transmission wheel set 12. The second drive part 5, the second transmission wheel set 12, and the second transmission member are sequentially connected in a transmission manner.

[0041] Specifically, the first drive unit 6 provides power for the rotation of the first damper 3. The first drive unit 6 drives the first transmission member 3.1 to rotate via the first transmission wheel assembly, thereby driving the first damper 3 to rotate. The second drive unit 5 provides power for the rotation of the second damper 2. The second drive unit 5 drives the second transmission member to rotate via the second transmission wheel set 12, thereby driving the second damper 2 to rotate. The first transmission wheel set and the second transmission wheel set 12 can realize the transmission between any two axes in space, such as parallel axes, intersecting axes, or staggered axes. This allows for the rational arrangement of the positions of the first drive unit 6, the first transmission wheel set, the second drive unit 5, and the second transmission wheel set 12 within the housing, thereby saving space.

[0042] Both the first drive unit 6 and the second drive unit 5 can be configured as electric motors. The transmission method of the first transmission wheel set includes spur gear transmission and worm gear transmission, etc.

[0043] In addition, the shape of the first air vent can be circular, rectangular or elliptical, etc., and the shape of the first air damper 3 matches the shape of the first air vent. The shape of the second air vent can be circular, rectangular or elliptical, etc., and the shape of the second air damper 2 matches the shape of the second air vent. The shapes of the first air vent and the second air vent can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first transmission wheel set includes a first worm gear 8, a first transmission wheel, and a second transmission wheel 12. The first drive unit 6 is configured as an electric motor. The first worm gear 8 is sleeved on the output shaft of the first drive unit 6. The first worm gear 8, the first transmission wheel, and the second transmission wheel 12 are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second transmission wheel set 12 includes a second worm gear 7, a third transmission wheel, and a fourth transmission wheel 11. The second drive unit 5 is configured as an electric motor. The second worm gear 7 is sleeved on the output shaft of the second drive unit 5. The second worm gear 7, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel 11 are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel 12, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel 11 are all located on the side of the first drive unit 6 and the second drive unit 5 that are close to each other.

[0045] It is understandable that by sequentially connecting the first worm gear 8, the first transmission wheel, and the second transmission wheel 12, a larger transmission ratio can be achieved between the intersecting shafts in space, resulting in a more compact structure, smoother transmission, and lower noise. Similarly, by sequentially connecting the second worm gear 7, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel 11, a larger transmission ratio can be achieved between the intersecting shafts in space, resulting in a more compact structure, smoother transmission, and lower noise. The placement of the first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel 12, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel 11 on the side close to each other in the first drive unit 6 and the second drive unit 5 is also for the purpose of making the structural arrangement more compact.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the second damper 2 is provided with a receiving cavity. A second transmission member is provided at the end of the receiving cavity opposite to the first damper 3. The second transmission member defines a clearance hole that communicates with the receiving cavity. The first transmission member 3.1 passes through the receiving cavity and the clearance hole. A first transmission part 3.2 is provided at the end of the first transmission member 3.1 away from the first damper 3. The first transmission part 3.2 is located outside the clearance hole and connected to the second transmission wheel 12. The second transmission member is provided with a second transmission part 2.2, which is connected to the fourth transmission wheel 11. By passing the first transmission member 3.1 through the receiving cavity and the clearance hole, the first transmission member 3.1 can be connected to the second transmission wheel 12 without occupying additional space, making the structure more compact.

[0047] The diameter of the accommodating cavity is larger than the diameter of the first transmission component 3.1, which can prevent the first damper 3 and the second damper 2 from interfering with each other when they rotate. For example, the diameter of the accommodating cavity is 8mm and the diameter of the first transmission component 3.1 is 6mm.

[0048] In addition, one end of the second air damper 2 is supported by the first air damper 3, and the other end is supported by the second transmission part 2.2. Alternatively, it can be understood that both ends of the second air damper 2 are supported by the first transmission part 3.1. Therefore, the rotational balance of the second air damper 2 can be achieved without the need to set an additional rotating shaft 3.3 to support the second air damper 2. This makes the overall structure of the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner more compact.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a bushing 2.1 is provided on the side of the second damper 2 near the first damper 3, and the first transmission member 3.1 passes through the bushing 2.1. The bushing 2.1 separates the first damper 3 and the second damper 2, thereby preventing the first damper 3 and the second damper 2 from interfering with each other when they rotate respectively.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the second transmission wheel 12 and the fourth transmission wheel 11 are arranged side by side and coaxially, with the second transmission wheel 12 located between the second damper 2 and the fourth transmission wheel 11. For example, the first transmission member 3.1 is bent after passing through the clearance hole, so that the first transmission part 3.2 avoids the second transmission part 2.2 and connects with the second transmission wheel 12. In some embodiments, the second transmission wheel 12 and the fourth transmission wheel 11 are arranged side by side and coaxially, with the fourth transmission wheel 11 located between the second damper 2 and the second transmission wheel 12.

[0051] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the second transmission wheel 12 and the fourth transmission wheel 11 are arranged side by side and coaxially along a first direction. The fourth transmission wheel 11 is located between the second air damper 2 and the second transmission wheel 12, and the accommodating cavity extends along the first direction. The first transmission member 3.1 extends along the first direction, and the second transmission part 2.2 is first connected to the fourth transmission wheel 11, and the first transmission part 3.2 passes through the fourth transmission wheel 11 and connects to the second transmission wheel 12. The extending direction of the first transmission member 3.1 and the extending direction of the accommodating cavity are the same as the arrangement direction of the multiple air vents. This further reduces the size and space occupied by each component while ensuring that the first transmission member 3.1 and the second transmission member are connected to the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly respectively, making the overall structure of the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner more compact.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the second transmission part 2.2 is configured as a splined shaft 2.3, and the fourth transmission wheel 11 is provided with a splined hole 111, through which the splined shaft 2.3 passes. The splined shaft 2.3 is provided with a through clearance hole. When the splined shaft 2.3 is engaged with the splined hole 111, the first transmission member 3.1 passes through the clearance hole, while the splined shaft 2.3 passes through the splined hole 111. In this way, the first transmission member 3.1 does not affect the assembly of the splined shaft 2.3 and the splined hole 111 and is connected to the fourth transmission wheel 11, making the overall structure more compact.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first transmission part 3.2 is configured as a semi-circular pin or a square pin, and the second transmission wheel 12 is provided with a pin hole 121, through which the first transmission part 3.2 passes. This facilitates the connection of the first transmission part 3.2 through the second transmission wheel 12 to the fourth transmission wheel 11, and the semi-circular pin or square pin can prevent relative rotation between the first transmission part 3.2 and the pin hole 121. The structure is simple and the assembly process is simplified.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the end of the first damper 3 facing away from the second damper 2 is provided with a rotating shaft 3.3, and the damper frame 4 is provided with a rotating shaft hole, through which the rotating shaft 3.3 passes to make the rotation of the first damper 3 more balanced.

[0055] In some embodiments, the multi-zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioning system, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the damper frame 4 includes a left housing 4.1, a middle partition plate 4.3, and a right housing 4.2. The pivot hole is located on the left housing 4.1. The specific assembly process is as follows:

[0056] First, insert the rotating shaft 3.3 into the rotating shaft hole on the left housing 4.1, insert the first transmission component 3.1 onto the middle partition 4.3, put the second damper 2 onto the first transmission component 3.1, and then install it onto the right housing 4.2. Finally, assemble the actuator 1 onto the damper frame 4.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first transmission wheel includes a first gear portion 192 and a second gear portion 10 coaxially fixed. The first gear portion 192 meshes with a first worm gear 8, and the second gear portion 10 meshes with a second transmission wheel 12. The third transmission wheel includes a third gear portion 9 and a fourth gear portion 191 coaxially fixed. The third gear portion 9 meshes with a second worm gear 7, and the fourth gear portion 191 meshes with a fourth transmission wheel 11. Through the coaxially fixed first gear portion 192 and the second gear portion 10, the first transmission wheel achieves simultaneous transmission connection with the first worm gear 8 and the second transmission wheel 12. Through the coaxially fixed third gear portion 9 and the fourth gear portion 191, the third transmission wheel achieves simultaneous transmission connection with the second worm gear 7 and the fourth transmission wheel 11. This arrangement allows for a more compact structure within the space.

[0058] In some embodiments, the transmission ratio of the first worm gear 8 and the first gear section 192 is equal to the transmission ratio of the second worm gear 7 and the third gear section 9, the transmission ratio of the second gear section 10 and the second transmission wheel 12 is equal to the transmission ratio of the fourth gear section 191 and the fourth transmission wheel 11, the first gear section 192 and the third gear section 9 are aligned in the tooth width direction, and the second gear section 10 and the fourth gear section 191 are located on both sides of the first gear section 192 or the second gear section 10 in the tooth width direction, respectively.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, according to the control method of the present invention, for controlling the above-mentioned multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of vehicle air conditioning, the method includes:

[0060] S10: Receive request signal;

[0061] S20: Determine whether the request signal is a synchronization control signal;

[0062] S30: When the result is yes, receive the first control signal and control multiple dampers to operate synchronously according to the first control signal; when the result is no, receive the second control signal and control the damper corresponding to the second control signal to operate.

[0063] In step S10, the vehicle air conditioning multi-zone damper mechanism receives a request signal, which is input by the user.

[0064] In step S20, the request signal is judged to determine whether the request signal is a synchronization control signal. There are two types of request signals: one is a request for synchronous control, and the other is a request for asynchronous control, that is, separate control.

[0065] In step S30, if the result is yes, it indicates that a request for synchronous control is being made to control multiple dampers to rotate synchronously, with each damper having the same opening degree. A first control signal is received, which includes the corresponding damper information and temperature information. Since each damper corresponds to a control signal, regardless of which damper's control signal is triggered, multiple dampers are controlled to rotate synchronously according to the opening degree corresponding to the triggered temperature information. Synchronous operation includes simultaneous rotation and simultaneous stopping of rotation.

[0066] In step S30, if the result is negative, it indicates a request for independent control of each damper. The user requests individual control of each damper and receives a second control signal. The second control signal includes the corresponding damper information and temperature information. The user controls the corresponding damper to rotate at the opening degree corresponding to the temperature information. In other words, when the user needs the first damper 3 to rotate, they only need to input the control signal corresponding to the first damper 3 to control the rotation of the first damper 3. When the user needs to control the rotation of all dampers, they only need to input a request signal, and then input the control signal corresponding to any damper to control all dampers to rotate synchronously according to the input control signal.

[0067] The first control signal and the second control signal are only used to distinguish the signals received in different states. In essence, they contain the same information and are not differentiated.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a panel body 13, a controller 17 is provided within the panel body 13, and a first button 16, a plurality of second knobs, a plurality of drive components, and a plurality of dampers are provided on the panel body 13. The first button 16 and the second knobs are both electrically connected to the controller 17. The first button 16 is used to receive a request signal, and the second knobs are used to receive a first control signal and a second control signal. The controller 17 is also electrically connected to the actuator 1 as described above. In some embodiments, the controller 17 is electrically connected to the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner via a wiring harness 18.

[0069] When the user operates the device, if any of the second knobs is adjusted while the first button 16 is not activated, a second control signal is transmitted to the controller 17 via the second knob. The controller 17 then converts the temperature information into an opening degree and sends it to the actuator 1 to control the synchronous operation of multiple drive components. Synchronous operation includes simultaneous rotation and simultaneous stopping of rotation.

[0070] After the first button 16 is activated, the controller 17 determines that the received request signal is a synchronization control signal. Based on the second knob that receives the control signal, it determines which drive component to run. For example, when the second knob corresponding to the first drive component receives the control signal, it controls the first drive component to run while the second drive component remains stationary. When the second knob corresponding to the second drive component receives the control signal, it controls the second drive component to run while the first drive component remains stationary.

[0071] The following example illustrates the concept of actuator 1 including a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly, and multiple dampers including a first damper 3 and a second damper 2, with the first damper 3 and the second damper 2 corresponding to the driver's side and the passenger's side, respectively:

[0072] When the user operates the vehicle air conditioning multi-zone damper mechanism, when the first button 16 is not activated, the multi-zone damper mechanism is set to adjust synchronously on the driver's side and the passenger side. At this time, the multi-zone damper mechanism operates in single-zone function. The two second knobs correspond to the first damper 3 and the second damper 2, respectively. The second knob corresponding to the first damper 3 is defined as the first sub-knob 14, and the second knob corresponding to the second damper 2 is defined as the second sub-knob 15. Adjusting either second knob transmits control signals (first control signal and second control signal) to the controller 17 via the second knob. The controller 17 converts the temperature information into an opening degree and sends it to the actuator 1, controlling the first drive unit 6 and the second drive unit 5 to operate synchronously. The first drive unit 6 drives the first transmission wheel set and the first transmission component 3.1 to rotate, thereby driving the second damper 2 to rotate. The second drive unit 5 drives the second transmission wheel set 12 and the second transmission component to rotate. At this time, the rotation angles of the first damper 3 and the second damper 2 are the same. The first damper 3 and the second damper 2 continue to rotate in parallel along the rotation axis 3.3, and the air temperature of the vehicle air conditioning outlet on the driver's side and the passenger side remains the same.

[0073] After pressing the first button 16, the temperature zone control function is activated, and the vehicle air conditioning temperature adjustment is set to be adjusted separately for the driver's side and the passenger side. At this time, the vehicle air conditioning works in dual-temperature zone function. Adjusting the first sub-knob 14, the second control signal is transmitted to the controller 17. The controller 17 converts the temperature information contained in the second control signal into an opening degree and transmits it to the actuator 1. The actuator 1 controls the first drive unit 6 to run and drives the first air damper 3 to rotate with the corresponding opening degree, while the second drive unit 5 remains stationary. Adjusting the second sub-knob 15, the second control signal is transmitted to the controller 17. The controller 17 converts the temperature information contained in the second control signal into an opening degree and transmits it to the actuator 1. The actuator 1 controls the second drive unit 5 to run and drives the second air damper 2 to rotate with the corresponding opening degree, while the first drive unit 6 remains stationary.

[0074] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described vehicle air conditioning multi-zone damper mechanism.

[0075] According to the vehicle of the present invention, multiple air dampers are controlled by multiple drive components, which can realize independent control of each air damper and zone temperature control; by arranging the actuator and multiple air dampers in a row or column, and by centrally locating multiple drive components in the same actuator, the structure of the multi-temperature zone air damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner can be made more compact, reducing space occupation, optimizing the volume of the HVAC box, and saving material and mold costs.

[0076] The vehicle in this embodiment may also include other necessary components or structures such as tires, transmission mechanism, engine, and control system. The corresponding arrangement and connection relationships can be referenced from vehicles in the prior art. The connection relationships, operation, and working principles of any unmentioned structures are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. It is understood that the vehicle in this application embodiment can be any vehicle with mobility capabilities, including vehicles with autonomous or intelligent driving capabilities, such as passenger vehicles (cars, public vehicles, buses, minibuses, etc.), cargo vehicles (ordinary trucks, box trucks, trailer trucks, enclosed trucks, tank trucks, flatbed trucks, container trucks, dump trucks, special structure trucks), special vehicles (logistics delivery vehicles, patrol vehicles, cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, road rollers, off-road engineering vehicles, armored engineering vehicles, sewage treatment vehicles), recreational vehicles (entertainment vehicles, amusement park autonomous driving devices, balance scooters, etc.), and rescue vehicles (e.g., fire trucks, ambulances, power repair vehicles, engineering emergency vehicles, etc.).

[0077] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0078] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning, characterized in that, The device includes a damper frame, on which an actuator and multiple air vents are arranged side by side at intervals along a first direction. Each air vent has a rotatable damper, and the damper has a transmission component. The actuator includes a housing and multiple drive components disposed within the housing. Each of the transmission components is drively connected to the drive components. The plurality of air vents includes a first air vent and a second air vent. The first air vent is provided with a rotatable first air damper, and the second air vent is provided with a rotatable second air damper. The first air damper is provided with a first transmission component, and the second air damper is provided with a second transmission component. The plurality of drive components include a first drive component and a second drive component. The first drive component includes a first drive part and a first transmission wheel set. The first drive part, the first transmission wheel set, and the first transmission component are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second drive component includes a second drive part and a second transmission wheel set. The second drive part, the second transmission wheel set, and the second transmission component are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The first transmission wheel set includes a first worm gear, a first transmission wheel, and a second transmission wheel. The first drive unit is configured as an electric motor. The first worm gear is sleeved on the output shaft of the first drive unit. The first worm gear, the first transmission wheel, and the second transmission wheel are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The second transmission wheel set includes a second worm gear, a third transmission wheel, and a fourth transmission wheel. The second drive unit is configured as an electric motor. The second worm gear is sleeved on the output shaft of the second drive unit. The second worm gear, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel are sequentially connected in a transmission manner. The first transmission wheel, the second transmission wheel, the third transmission wheel, and the fourth transmission wheel are all located on the side of the first drive unit and the second drive unit that are close to each other. The second damper is provided with a receiving cavity. The end of the receiving cavity opposite to the first damper is provided with a second transmission member. The second transmission member defines a clearance hole, which communicates with the receiving cavity. The first transmission member passes through the receiving cavity and the clearance hole. The end of the first transmission member away from the first damper is provided with a first transmission part. The first transmission part is located outside the clearance hole and is connected to the second transmission wheel. The second transmission member is provided with a second transmission part, which is connected to the fourth transmission wheel. The diameter of the accommodating cavity is larger than the diameter of the first transmission component to prevent the first damper and the second damper from interfering with each other when they rotate. The second drive wheel and the fourth drive wheel are arranged side by side and coaxially along the first direction, the fourth drive wheel is located between the second damper and the second drive wheel, and the accommodating cavity extends along the first direction.

2. The multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission part is configured as a semi-circular pin or a square pin, and the second transmission wheel is provided with a pin hole, through which the first transmission part passes; and / or the second transmission part is configured as a splined shaft, and the fourth transmission wheel is provided with a splined hole, through which the splined shaft passes.

3. The multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission wheel includes a first gear section and a second gear section coaxially fixedly connected. The first gear section meshes with the first worm gear, and the second gear section meshes with the second transmission wheel. The third transmission wheel includes a third gear section and a fourth gear section coaxially fixedly connected. The third gear section meshes with the second worm gear, and the fourth gear section meshes with the fourth transmission wheel.

4. The multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission ratio of the first worm gear and the first gear section is equal to the transmission ratio of the second worm gear and the third gear section. The transmission ratio of the second gear section and the second transmission wheel is equal to the transmission ratio of the fourth gear section and the fourth transmission wheel. The first gear section and the third gear section are aligned in the tooth width direction. The second gear section and the fourth gear section are located on both sides of the first gear section or the second gear section in the tooth width direction, respectively.

5. A control method for controlling the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of a vehicle air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, include: Receive request signal; Determine whether the request signal is a synchronization control signal; When the result is yes, a first control signal is received, and multiple dampers are controlled to operate synchronously according to the first control signal. If the result is negative, a second control signal is received, and the damper corresponding to the second control signal is controlled to operate.

6. A control panel, characterized in that, The device includes a panel body, within which a controller is provided. The panel body has a first button, a plurality of second knobs, a plurality of drive components, and a plurality of dampers corresponding to each other. The first button and the second knobs are electrically connected to the controller. The first button is used to receive a request signal, and the second knobs are used to receive a first control signal and a second control signal. The controller is also electrically connected to the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism of the vehicle air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-4.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the multi-temperature zone damper mechanism for vehicle air conditioning as described in any one of claims 1-4.