Air conditioning system for a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle air conditioning system, comprising a driver plate (20) which is rotatably coupled to an air conditioning housing (6) via a driver shaft (5), wherein a portion of the driver plate (20) is connected via a cable (4) to an adjustment knob (2) provided for selecting an air conditioning mode, and wherein a portion of the driver plate (20) is integrally formed with a driver pivot pin (21) which projects towards the air conditioning housing (6), and an arm (30) which is rotatably coupled to the air conditioning housing (6) via a flap shaft (13) and which is formed with a guide slot (31) into which the driver pivot pin (21) engages, wherein the arm (30) is configured to rotate the flap shaft (13) while the driver pivot pin (21) presses a part of the guide slot (31) when the driver plate (20) rotates, wherein the arm (30) comprises: a central portion (32) to which the valve stem (13) is coupled, and a first leg (33) and a second leg (34) branched off from the central portion (32), wherein the guide slot (31) extends from one end of the first leg (33) in the longitudinal direction of the first leg (33) to one end of the second leg (34) along a longitudinal direction of the second leg (34), and wherein the guide slot (31) comprises: a first flap idle portion (31a) formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the first leg (33), a second flap idle portion (31b) formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the second leg (34), and a follower pivot seat recess (31c) recessed from a connecting portion of the first flap idle portion (31a) and the second flap idle portion (31b) toward the central portion (32).

Description

Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system and, more particularly, to a vehicle air conditioning system which can be driven by directly connecting a driver plate to a lever arm. Description of related technology

[0002] In general, as in Fig. 1, a control panel 1 is provided for controlling an air conditioning system in a dashboard of a vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle). The control panel 1 is equipped with a setting knob 2 for selecting an air conditioning mode.

[0003] The front surface of the adjustment knob 2 has symbols formed thereon that correspond to each of the air conditioning modes. For example, the symbols may include a Max A / C mode, a Vent mode, a Bi-Level mode, a Floor mode, a Mix mode, a Defrost mode, and an Off mode. A vehicle occupant can rotate the adjustment knob 2 to select the desired air conditioning mode.

[0004] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the case of a structure in which an operation for selecting the air conditioning mode is performed mechanically, the adjustment knob 2 and a drive plate 3 are connected to each other via a cable 4.

[0005] The drive plate 3 is rotatably coupled to an air conditioning housing 6 via a drive shaft 5. The drive plate 3 is provided with a guide slot 7 into which a lever pin 9 engages, which is formed on a lever 8. One end of the lever 8 is rotatably coupled to the air conditioning housing 6 via a lever shaft 10.

[0006] The other end of the lever 8 is rotatably coupled to one end of an arm 12 via a connecting pin 11. The other end of the arm 12 is rotatably coupled to the air conditioning case 6 via a damper shaft 13. The damper shaft 13 is integrally coupled to a damper 15 which is associated with each of the air conditioning modes and which sets / defines / adjusts the opening degree of a vent 14 formed in the air conditioning case 6.

[0007] Accordingly, when the adjustment knob 2 is operated to transmit an operating force via the cable 4, the follower plate 3 is rotated. Due to the rotation of the follower plate 3, the lever pin 9 rotates the lever 8 while performing a follower action along the curve of the guide slot 7. Therefore, since the rotation of the lever 8 causes the arm 12 to rotate, the damper shaft 13 and the damper 15 are caused to move, making it possible to use the damper 15 to adjust the opening degree of the vent hole 14.

[0008] However, in the conventional air conditioning system configured as above, since a rotational force of the follower plate 3 is transmitted to the arm 12 via the lever 8, there is a disadvantage in that the power transmission path becomes complicated due to the use of the lever 8, and in particular, friction is generated which reduces the amount of transmitted power.

[0009] Furthermore, since the lever 8 is used as an intermediate member, there is a disadvantage in that the number of parts used increases, thereby increasing the weight and cost.

[0010] It is to be understood that the related art discussed in the preceding background section is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0011] The preceding information in this section is provided only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as any admission or assumption that it constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0012] Furthermore, JP H05-84513 U discloses a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a cam plate rotatably coupled to an air conditioning casing via a cam shaft, a portion of the cam plate being connected via a cable to an adjustment knob provided for selecting an air conditioning mode, a portion of the cam plate being integrally formed with a cam pivot pin projecting toward the air conditioning casing, and an arm rotatably coupled to the air conditioning casing via a damper shaft and formed with a guide slot into which the cam pivot pin engages, the arm being configured to rotate around the damper shaft while the cam pivot pin presses a portion of the guide slot when the cam plate rotates. Another known vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed in DE 699 00 930 T2. Description of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system in which a driver plate, which is designed to receive an actuating force from an adjustment knob, and an arm, which is designed to rotate a flap, are directly connected to each other. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the force path over which the force / movement power is transmitted from the adjustment knob to the arm. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize force / power losses. In addition, it is possible to reduce the number of parts used, the weight, and the cost.

[0014] To this end, the present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a cam plate rotatably coupled to an air conditioning case via a cam shaft, a portion of the cam plate being connected to a setting knob via a cable for selecting an air conditioning mode, a portion of the cam plate being integrally formed with a cam pivot pin projecting toward the air conditioning case, and an arm rotatably coupled to the air conditioning case via a damper shaft and formed with a guide slot into which the cam pin engages, the arm being configured to rotate around the damper shaft while the cam pin presses a portion of the guide slot when the cam plate rotates.

[0015] According to the invention, the arm comprises: a central portion to which the valve stem is coupled, and a first leg and a second leg branched off from the central portion, wherein the guide slot extends from one end of the first leg in the longitudinal direction of the first leg to one end of the second leg along a longitudinal direction of the second leg.

[0016] According to the invention, the guide slot comprises: a first flap idle portion formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the first leg, a second flap idle portion formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the second leg, and a follower pivot seat recess recessed from a connecting portion of the first flap idle portion and the second flap idle portion toward the central portion.

[0017] The size of the driver pivot seat recess is adjusted to allow the driver pivot to be inserted therein, wherein the driver pivot is selectively received in the driver pivot seat recess according to a rotation angle of the driver shaft.

[0018] The first leg and the second leg branch off from the central portion in opposite directions with a predetermined angle therebetween.

[0019] The devices of the present invention have further features and advantages which will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which serve to describe certain basic principles of the present invention. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional air conditioning system in which an adjusting knob and a follower plate are connected by a rope. Fig. 2 is a view showing a conventional air conditioning system. Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an air conditioning system in which a follower plate and an arm are directly connected to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 is a view explaining a configuration of the arm in the air conditioning device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a view explaining a rotation state of the arm according to a rotation of the cam plate in the air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0020] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale and, accordingly, show in somewhat simplified form the various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positioning, and configurations, will also be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0021] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts of the invention throughout the figures of the drawing. Detailed description

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. While the invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to include not only these exemplary embodiments, but also numerous alternatives, modifications, variations, and other embodiments, provided they come within the scope defined by the claims.

[0023] Hereinafter, a vehicle air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] According to the invention, as well as Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a control panel 1 is provided for controlling an air conditioning system in a vehicle dashboard. The control panel 1 is provided with a setting knob 2 for selecting an air conditioning mode.

[0025] As from Fig. 3, the adjustment knob 2 is connected to a drive plate 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, namely via a cable 4. The drive plate 20 is rotatably connected to an air conditioning housing 6 by means of a drive shaft 5. The drive plate 20 is integrally formed with a drive pivot pin 21, which projects (from the drive plate 20) towards the air conditioning housing 6.

[0026] Furthermore, an arm 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is rotatably coupled to the air conditioning housing 6 by means of a damper shaft 13. As can be seen from Fig. 1, a flap 15 is integrally coupled to the flap shaft 13, which flap 15 is associated with a respective one of the air conditioning modes and sets / defines / adjusts the degree (opening degree) to which a ventilation opening 14 formed in the air conditioning casing 6 is opened.

[0027] The arm 30 is formed with a guide slot 31 into which a driver pivot pin 21 is inserted, and therefore the driver plate 20 is directly connected to the arm 30.

[0028] The arm 30 has a central portion 32, to which the valve stem 13 is coupled, and a first leg 33 and a second leg 34 branching off from the central portion 32. The guide slot 31 extends from a (free) end of the first leg 33 (out) to a (free) end of the second leg 34 (toward) along the longitudinal direction of the first and second legs 33, 34.

[0029] The first leg 33 and the second leg 34 branch off from the central portion 32 in opposite directions. In particular, the first leg 33 and the second leg 34 branch off from the central portion 32 in such a way that they form a "<" shape.

[0030] The guide slot 31 further includes a first flap idle portion 31a formed in a bottom shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the first leg 33, a second flap idle portion 31b formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the second leg 34, and a follower pivot seat recess 31c recessed from a connecting portion of the first flap idle portion 31a and the second flap idle portion 31b toward the central portion 32. Furthermore, the size of the follower pivot seat recess 31c is set to allow the follower pivot 21 to be inserted therein.

[0031] In a mechanical air conditioning system in which operation is performed by means of a cable as explained above, an operation / operation variation occurs due to an inherent characteristic of the cable 4. In order to absorb an operation / operation variation, the guide slot 31 of the arm 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is provided with the first flap idle portion 31a and the second flap idle portion 31b.

[0032] That is, since the distances the rope 4 moves when it is pulled and when it returns are different, operation variations may occur due to this inherent characteristic of the rope 4. Accordingly, if the operation variation of the rope 4 is not absorbed, the rotation control of the damper 15 may become incorrect, and as a result, a malfunction of the air conditioning system may occur.

[0033] Accordingly, the present invention has a configuration in which the guide slot 31 formed in the arm 30 has the first and second flap idle portions 31a, 31b to sufficiently absorb the operation variation of the cable 4 (explained above).

[0034] In the first and second valve idle sections 31a, 31b, even when the follower plate 20 rotates, the arm and thus the valve 15 are not rotated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unintentional rotation of the valve 15.

[0035] In the air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the adjustment knob 2 is operated to rotate the follower plate 20. The rotation of the follower plate 20 directly rotates the arm 30 to cause the damper shaft 13 and (thereby) the damper 15 to rotate.

[0036] Accordingly, in the air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cam plate 20 and the arm 30 are directly connected to each other without using the lever 8 employed in the conventional air conditioning system. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost thereof, as well as the number of parts used.

[0037] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the path along which the force / power is transmitted from the adjustment knob 2 to the arm 30 is made as short as possible to minimize the force loss / power loss. As a result, the effect of more correct / accurate operation control of the damper 15 is achieved.

[0038] When the follower pivot pin 21 moves within a range of the first and second valve idle portions 31a, 31b when the follower plate 20 rotates around the follower shaft 5, no rotational force of the follower plate 20 is transmitted to the arm 30 and consequently the arm 30 is not rotated.

[0039] However, when the driver pivot pin 21 moves along the guide slot 31 and is then inserted into the driver pivot pin seat recess 31c, as shown in Fig. 5, rotational force is transmitted from the driver plate 20 to the arm 30 from this point in time (insertion point).

[0040] When the follower plate 20 is rotated in this state, the rotational force of the follower plate 20 is fully transmitted to the arm 30 without significant power loss, causing the arm 30 to rotate. Since the rotation of the arm 30 causes the damper shaft 13 and the damper 15 to rotate, it is possible to adjust the degree (opening degree) to which the vent hole 14 is opened by the damper 15.

[0041] Accordingly, in the air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the friction between the cam plate 20 and the arm 30 can be (substantially) avoided when the rotational force of the cam plate 20 is transmitted to the arm 30, it is possible to prevent large power losses due to friction.

[0042] Furthermore, since the friction between the follower plate 20 and the arm 30 can be substantially prevented, it is possible to significantly reduce the operating energy consumption.

[0043] It is apparent from the foregoing description that the vehicle air conditioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention has advantages in that friction between the cam plate and the arm can be substantially eliminated when transmitting the rotational force of the cam plate to the arm, thereby making it possible to significantly reduce power loss and operating energy loss. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, since a path along which the power is transmitted from the adjustment knob to the arm can be reduced, it is possible to minimize the loss of transmission power. Furthermore, since the cam plate and the arm are directly connected to each other, it is also possible to reduce the number of parts used, as well as the weight and cost.

[0044] For ease of explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, terms such as "inside" and "outside" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiment with reference to the positions of those features as shown in the figures.

[0045] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the basic principles of the invention and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Claims

[1] Vehicle air conditioning system, comprising a driver plate (20) which is rotatably coupled to an air conditioning housing (6) via a driver shaft (5), wherein a portion of the driver plate (20) is connected via a cable (4) to an adjustment knob (2) provided for selecting an air conditioning mode, and wherein a portion of the driver plate (20) is integrally formed with a driver pivot pin (21) which projects towards the air conditioning housing (6), and an arm (30) which is rotatably coupled to the air conditioning housing (6) via a flap shaft (13) and which is formed with a guide slot (31) into which the driver pivot pin (21) engages, wherein the arm (30) is configured to rotate the flap shaft (13) while the driver pivot pin (21) presses a part of the guide slot (31) when the driver plate (20) rotates, wherein the arm (30) comprises: a central portion (32) to which the valve stem (13) is coupled, and a first leg (33) and a second leg (34) branched off from the central portion (32), wherein the guide slot (31) extends from one end of the first leg (33) in the longitudinal direction of the first leg (33) to one end of the second leg (34) along a longitudinal direction of the second leg (34), and wherein the guide slot (31) comprises: a first flap idle section (31a) formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the first leg (33), a second flap idle portion (31b) formed in an arc shape to have a constant curvature along the longitudinal direction of the second leg (34), and a follower pivot seat recess (31c) recessed from a connecting portion of the first flap idle portion (31a) and the second flap idle portion (31b) toward the central portion (32). [2] A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the cam pivot seat recess (31c) is set to allow the cam pivot (21) to be fitted therein, and wherein the cam pivot (21) is selectively received in the cam pivot seat recess (31c) according to a rotation angle of the cam shaft (5). [3] A vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first leg (33) and the second leg (34) are branched in opposite directions from the central portion (32) with a predetermined angle therebetween.

Images