Control device for controlling at least two air flaps for a motor vehicle air conditioning system

Abstract

Control device (20) for controlling at least two air flaps of a motor vehicle air conditioning system, comprising - a control plate (22) drivable by a drive motor (18) with a groove arrangement (26), - a first output lever (34) which engages in a first partial region (28) of the groove arrangement (26) and is connectable to at least one first air flap, and - a second output lever (36) which engages in a second partial region (30) of the groove arrangement (26) and is connectable to at least one second air flap, characterized in that - the control plate (22) is displaceably mounted relative to the motor vehicle air conditioning system in a preferred direction (24) between a first dead center (24A) and a second dead center (24C), - the first partial region (28) of the groove arrangement (26) has two straight sections (28A, 28C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) and offset from one another, and an intermediate section (28B) aligned obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which connects the two sections (28A, 28C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) in a first and third switching region (29A, 29C), wherein the first dead center (24A) is closer to the first switching region (29A) than to the third switching region (29C), - the second partial region (30) of the groove arrangement (26) has two straight sections (30A, 30C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) and arranged offset from one another, and an intermediate section (30B) aligned obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which connects the two sections (30A, 30C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) in a second and fourth switching region (31A, 31C), wherein the first dead center (24A) is closer to the second switching region (31A) than to the fourth switching region (31C), wherein ◯ the sections (28A, 30A) closer to the first dead center (24A) are compared with each other and / or ◯ the sections (28C, 30C) closer to the second dead center (24C) have a different length compared to each other and ◯ the distance between the first switching area (29A) and the engagement point of the first output lever (34) in the first partial area (28) is different from the distance between the second switching area (31A) and the engagement point of the second output lever (36) in the second partial area (30) and / or ◯ the distance between the third switching area (29C) and the engagement point of the first output lever (34) in the first partial area (28) is different from the distance between the fourth switching area (31C) and the engagement point of the second output lever (36) in the second partial area (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling at least two air flaps and to a motor vehicle air conditioning system with such a control device.

[0002] Automotive air conditioning systems typically feature a multitude of air dampers, which can be used to mix various partial air streams in specified ratios and direct them in specific directions or areas. This particularly applies to the intake of air at the air inlet, the discharge of a partial air stream at various air outlets, the distribution of the partial air streams to heat exchangers, and the mixing of air streams, typically at different temperatures, to achieve a specified air temperature or humidity. These air dampers are typically adjusted automatically via control devices driven by stepper motors. For cost and space reasons, some of the air dampers are operated via a common control device.

[0003] It is known to implement such control devices as cam discs. With a rotating movement of the cam disc, the position of individual air flaps can be changed using a lever mechanism, with the angular position of the cam disc then determining the degree of opening. The cam disc requires a certain amount of space, and all adjustable angular positions must be taken into account. This places restrictions on the location of the cam disc and the design freedom of competing adjacent components.

[0004] In the subsequently published document DE 10 2022 102 724 A1 by the applicant, improvements in this regard are already proposed.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a control device of the type mentioned above which is as flexible as possible with regard to installation space requirements.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a control device having the features of claim 1 and by an air conditioning device having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from dependent claims.

[0007] The control device according to the invention for controlling at least two air flaps comprises a control plate drivable by a drive motor and having a groove arrangement, a first output lever which engages in a first partial region of the groove arrangement and is connectable to at least one first air flap, and a second output lever which engages in a second partial region of the groove arrangement and is connectable to at least one second air flap. The control device according to the invention is characterized by the features specified in claim 1. Among other things, it is provided that the control plate can be displaceably mounted relative to the motor vehicle air conditioning system in a preferred direction between a first dead center and a second dead center. In other words, the control plate is displaceably mounted in a preferred direction relative to the motor vehicle air conditioning system in the installed state.Unlike cam discs, which provide an adjustment mechanism via a rotational movement, the design here ensures that the control plate is displaced by the drive motor. Displacement enables alternative arrangements of the control device to rotation. An output lever, which engages in a section oriented in the preferred direction when the control plate is displaced (actuated), remains at rest (due to the parallel alignment of the displacement and this groove section). This is useful for a defined start and end position of the connected air damper. If, when the control plate is displaced, an output lever engages in a section of the groove arrangement oriented at an angle to the preferred direction, the output lever is subjected to a lateral force, which can change the position of the connected air damper.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the first subregion of the groove arrangement comprises two straight sections oriented in the preferred direction and offset from one another, and an intermediate section oriented obliquely to the preferred direction, which connects the two sections oriented in the preferred direction in a first and third switching region (the first dead center is, by definition, closer to the first switching region than to the third switching region). Similarly, the second subregion of the groove arrangement comprises two straight sections oriented in the preferred direction and offset from one another, and an intermediate section oriented obliquely to the preferred direction, which connects the two sections oriented in the preferred direction in a second and fourth switching region (the first dead center is, by definition, closer to the second switching region than to the fourth switching region).The sections closer to the first dead center compared to one another and / or the sections closer to the second dead center compared to one another have different lengths. The different lengths of the sections aligned in the preferred direction thus enable – unlike, for example, louvre dampers – an arrangement with different kinematics for the at least two air dampers.

[0009] The groove arrangement and the engagement of the first and second output levers in the groove arrangement are then adapted such that the output levers are adjusted according to the desired opening and closing characteristics of the connected air flaps. For this purpose, the distance between the first switching area and the engagement point of the first output lever in the first sub-area can be selected differently than the distance between the second switching area and the engagement point of the second output lever in the second sub-area (or, analogously, the distance between the third switching area and the engagement point of the first output lever in the first sub-area compared to the distance between the fourth switching area and the engagement point of the second output lever in the second sub-area).

[0010] The output levers can be designed in any way, as is known from the prior art. Typically, rotary levers are known in this context, which are attached at one end to the rotational axis of the connected air damper and engage in the groove arrangement at the other end, so that a displacement of the lever end in the groove arrangement causes a rotary movement around the rotational axis of the air damper.

[0011] The external shape of the control plate can be adapted to the available installation space. For example, it can have recesses which take the position of other components into account when the control plate is moved. According to an advantageous embodiment, the control plate has an elongated shape in the preferred direction. The length of the control plate defined in the preferred direction can typically be 2 to 10 times, preferably 3 to 5 times the width of the control plate defined perpendicular to the preferred direction. In particular, with such a shape, it is possible for the first partial area of ​​the groove arrangement (in which the first output lever engages) and the second partial area of ​​the groove arrangement (in which the second output lever engages) to be located one behind the other in the preferred direction. With an elongated shape, additional output levers can also be arranged linearly one behind the other in a simple manner.This not only offers an alternative to rounded cam discs, but also allows installation in narrower spaces. Alternatively, the sections of the groove arrangement into which the output levers engage can partially overlap laterally or be located next to each other.

[0012] According to the invention, the sections oriented obliquely to the preferred direction can have any angle between > 0° and < 90°. The angle can also change over the course of the oblique section, e.g., it can take an S-shape. Large angles around 90 degrees should be avoided (risk of tilting during actuation / displacement); small angles slightly > 0° are more appropriate in the transition area to a section oriented in the preferred direction. An average angle averaged over an entire oblique section is practically between 20° and 70°, for example, around 45°.

[0013] The control device can further comprise a third (or possibly even further) output lever, which engages in a third sub-region of the groove arrangement and is connectable to at least one third air flap. Analogous to the first and second sub-regions, the third sub-region of the groove arrangement can also have two straight sections aligned in the preferred direction and offset from one another, and an intermediate section aligned obliquely to the preferred direction, which connects the two sections aligned in the preferred direction in a fifth and sixth switching region. This allows a plurality of air flaps to be actuated independently of one another by a linear movement.

[0014] In a further development, at least one of the subregions of the groove arrangement can also have an alternating sequence of several interconnected straight sections running in the preferred direction and inclined sections. This enables actuation with several defined opening angles. In other words, at least one of the first, second, or third subregions can have another straight section oriented in the preferred direction and another section oriented obliquely to the preferred direction, which is connected to the corresponding sections of the respective subregion via another switching region.

[0015] In some embodiments, a spring element may be provided on the side of the control plate. This spring element can serve as tolerance compensation when the control plate is mounted on the housing of an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

[0016] The drive of the control plate can be configured in a manner known per se. In one embodiment, the drive is provided via a rack formed on the control plate. The rack can then, for example, engage with a gear driven by a drive motor. Alternatively, the drive can also be provided via a drive lever, which engages in a fourth portion of the groove arrangement and is connectable to the drive motor.

[0017] According to the invention, an air conditioning unit for a motor vehicle air conditioning system comprises a drive motor and a previously described control device, wherein the first output lever is connected to a first air flap and the second output lever is connected to a second air flap of the air conditioning unit, and wherein the drive motor is coupled to the control plate in such a way that a displacement of the control plate in the preferred direction can be carried out.

[0018] The control plate must be mounted in a suitable manner so that it can be displaced relative to the housing of the air conditioner in the intended manner during actuation in the preferred direction. First engagement means are advantageously formed on the control plate, which are displaceably connected to second engagement means on the housing of the air conditioner. The engagement means can be designed in various ways, for example as a guide or guide rail that interacts with engagement hooks. Furthermore, a further partial area of ​​the groove arrangement can be provided linearly in the preferred direction, in which a pin on the housing of the air conditioner engages, thus supporting guidance in the preferred direction.

[0019] To enable displacement with as little friction as possible, at least two webs or rails can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the preferred direction, over which the control plate can slide in a carriage-like manner during displacement / actuation. The housing can expediently comprise a holder for the control plate, in which the plate is held and guided laterally. In this case, not only does the lateral spring element help to compensate for tolerances, but alternatively or additionally at least one downward-facing pin can be provided on the control plate in the installation direction, and a groove can be provided in the housing of the air conditioning unit (as a recess in the holder, if present), in which the pin is guided.

[0020] Alternatively, the control plate and also the drive motor can be attached to other components of the motor vehicle, as long as a fixed spatial reference and a movable mounting in the preferred direction is possible.

[0021] The control device according to the invention is suitable for controlling various air flaps of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. The specific positioning depends on the given installation space conditions. When used for air inlet flaps or air outlet flaps, it is advantageously provided that the control plate is arranged near the edge region of the associated air inlet opening or air outlet opening such that the preferred direction of the control plate is aligned parallel to an edge of the air inlet opening. This is particularly space-saving. For other applications, the aim may be to spatially orient the control plate to structural elements or installed components, e.g., heat exchangers.

[0022] The invention will now be described by means of embodiments and with reference to the Fig. 1 to 13 are explained in more detail. The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show control devices according to a first and second embodiment of the invention, the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 schematically show variants of groove arrangements with engagement of the output levers for control devices according to the present disclosure, the Fig. 5 to 7 show a control device according to a third embodiment of the invention, the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 each show a variant of the control plate bearing in a cross-sectional view, the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 shows a section of the air inlet housing of an air conditioning unit with a drive motor and a control device arranged thereon according to the first and third embodiments of the invention and the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show the mounting of the control plate according to the third embodiment in cross-sectional views.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows control devices 20, 20' according to a first and a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The two exemplary embodiments differ essentially in the type of drive and are otherwise essentially the same, which is why redundant reference numerals have been omitted for clarity. The base body of the control device 20, 20' consists of an elongated control plate 22 made of a non-elastic plastic. In a preferred direction 24, the control plate 22 has a length L, which in the specific example is approximately 4 to 5 times the width B. This enables installation in locations where the installation space is severely limited laterally.

[0024] The groove arrangement 26 is composed of several sub-regions 28, 30, 32. These can be continuous in the normal direction of the plate plane (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). Alternatively, they can also have a lesser depth than the thickness of the control plate 22. A first output lever 34 engages in a first sub-region 28 of the groove arrangement 26 (in the front, pointed region of the control plate 22), which output lever can be connected at the other end to a first air flap (not shown). A second output lever 36 engages in a second, central sub-region 30 of the groove arrangement 26, which output lever can be connected at the other end to a second air flap (not shown). The two sub-regions 28, 30 are therefore located essentially one behind the other in the preferred direction 24. The control plate 22 can be mounted between a first dead center 24A and a second dead center 24C with respect to the engaging output levers 34, 36.

[0025] The groove arrangement 26 comprises at the rear end a further section 32, which is provided for the engagement of a drive lever 40, via which the control plate 22 in the installed state is driven by a drive motor 18 (see Fig. 12). As in Fig. 2, the drive can alternatively be provided via a rack 42 running along the long side, in which case the drive can then be provided, for example, via an output gear 44 driven by a drive motor. The actuation direction A is, as in the Fig. 1 indicated by a rotation arrow.

[0026] The first sub-region 28 of the groove arrangement 26 has two straight sections 28A, 28C aligned in the preferred direction 24. In between there is a section 28B running obliquely to the preferred direction at an angle of approximately 45°, which opens into the two straight sections 28A, 28C and connects them to one another in a first switching region 29A and a third switching region 29C. The groove width is constant throughout the entire first sub-region 28. However, different sub-regions of the groove can each have a constant width but different width depending on the sub-region in order to prevent incorrect installation of the drive or driven levers. The oblique section 28B is essentially linear, with the transitions to the straight sections being rounded with a radius to ensure a smooth transition of the driven lever 34 engaging in the groove during operation.For the second partial area 30, corresponding straight sections 30A, 30C running in the preferred direction and an intermediate oblique section 30B are provided, which connects the two sections 30A, 30C aligned in the preferred direction 24 in a second and fourth switching area 31A, 31C.

[0027] The sections 28A, 30A of the first and second sub-areas 28, 30 that are closer to the first dead center 24A are of different lengths. In each shift position, the distance between the first switching area 29A and the point of engagement of the first output lever 34 in the first sub-area 28 is different from the distance between the second switching area 31A and the point of engagement of the second output lever 36 in the second sub-area 30. The same applies to the sections 28C, 30C that are closer to the second dead center 24C, as well as the distances between the third switching area 29C and the point of engagement of the first output lever 34 in the first sub-area 28, on the one hand, and the fourth switching area 31C and the point of engagement of the second output lever 36 in the second sub-area 30, on the other. This allows two air flaps to be opened and closed independently of one another.

[0028] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 schematically illustrates further variants of groove arrangements 26 with engagement of the output levers for control devices 20 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3, in addition to a first sub-area 28 with a first output lever 34 and a second sub-area 30 with a second output lever 36, a third output lever 56 is also provided, which engages in a third sub-area 54 of the groove arrangement 26. This third output lever 56 can be connected to a third air flap (not shown), so that three air flaps can then be actuated simultaneously via the control device 20. Analogous to the other sub-areas 28, 30, the third sub-area 54 has two straight sections 54A, 54C aligned in the preferred direction 24 and arranged offset from one another, and an intermediate section 54B aligned obliquely to the preferred direction 24, which connects the two sections 54A, 54C in a fifth and sixth switching area 55A, 55C.

[0029] The engagement points of the output levers 34, 36, and 56 are symbolized as circles and each shown in two shift positions, with a lower position indicated by a solid line and a middle position by a dashed line and the reference symbols 34', 36', and 56'. Here, too, it is easy to see that the different distances between the engagement points relative to the switching ranges allow the connected air flaps to be opened or closed at different times during an actuation.

[0030] In the Fig. 4 shows a variant in which the first partial region 28 has a further straight section 28E oriented in the preferred direction 24 and a section 28D oriented obliquely to the preferred direction 24, which is connected to the section 28C via at least one further switching region 29E. This allows an air damper to be controlled during a displacement in one direction from the CLOSED-OPEN-CLOSED or OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN positions.

[0031] In the Fig. 5 to 7, a control device according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. The control plate 22 is in the Fig. 5 in plan view, in the Fig. 6 from below and in the Fig. 7 in side profile. The control plate 22 has, in addition to the features associated with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 already discussed features on the side a spring element 53. Furthermore, a further partial area 32 of the groove arrangement 26 (for engagement of a drive lever of a motor, not shown) lies vertically above the first partial area 28, so that the motor in the installed position engages from above and the output levers from below in the control plate 22. Furthermore, two downwardly directed pins 51 are provided on the control plate 22 in the installation direction, which with reference to the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 will be discussed later.

[0032] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 each shows a variant of the mounting of the control plate in a cross-sectional view, to which reference will be made below in connection with the further embodiments.

[0033] In the Fig. 10 is a section of the air inlet housing 10A of an air conditioning unit 10 with drive motor 18 arranged thereon and a Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The drive motor 18 is coupled to the control plate 22 in such a way that, upon actuation, a displacement of the control plate 22 in the preferred direction 24 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the elongated control plate 22) can be carried out. The drive lever 40 engaging in the control plate 22 (see Fig. 1) is rotatably mounted on the motor rotation axis 19 of the drive motor 18. During operation of the drive motor 18, the drive lever 40 is rotated, whereupon it transmits a force to the control plate 22.

[0034] In order to transform the driving force into a displacement in the preferred direction 24 (and to prevent the control plate 22 from breaking out), first engagement means 38 are formed on the control plate 22, which are slidably connected to second engagement means 16 on the air inlet housing 10A of the air conditioning unit 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement means 38 are designed as webs which extend between the straight sections 28C and 30C and as an extension of the straight section 28A. The second engagement means 16 can be designed as engagement hooks, wherein the engagement in the webs on the control plate 22 has minimal play so that excessive friction does not occur when the control plate 22 is displaced.

[0035] In order to enable the lowest possible friction displacement, it is further provided that at least two, preferably four rails 17 are fastened to the air inlet housing 10A perpendicular to the preferred direction 24. The control plate 22 is displaceably mounted on the rails 17 and can slide back and forth in a sled-like manner with only minimal friction loss during operation when displaced / actuated by the drive motor 18. On the side facing the air inlet housing 10A, the control plate 22 can have corresponding runners 39A running in the preferred direction, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is shown schematically. In the variant according to Fig. 8, the runners 39A run on the rails 17, with lateral spacers 39B also being provided. This allows for low-friction sliding of the control plate 22 when displaced by the drive motor 18. In the variant according to Fig. 9, grooves 17A are provided in the rails 17, in which the runners 39A can slide. In both cases, the engagement means 16 prevent the control plate 22 from breaking out. Alternatively, other configurations are possible.

[0036] The control plate 22 can now, for example, be arranged in a space-saving manner near the edge region 14 of the air inlet opening 12. In the case shown, the preferred direction 24 of the control plate 22 is aligned parallel to the vertical edge 14A or flange of the air inlet opening 12. The groove arrangement 26 and the engagement of the output levers 34, 36 in the groove arrangement 26 are adapted such that, upon actuation, the output levers 34, 36 are adjusted. A displacement of the control plate 22 in the preferred direction 24 causes the position of the output levers 34, 36 to change by deflecting perpendicular to the preferred direction 24 when they pass a section running obliquely to the preferred direction. Via the output axes 35, 37, such deflection is effected in a rotary movement of the connected air flaps (not shown), whereupon their opening angle changes accordingly.The straight sections 28A, 28C, 30A and 30C ensure that a defined setting is made and maintained in the end position (i.e. maximum opening and closing angle of the air flaps).

[0037] In the Fig. 11 is analogous to the Fig. 10 a section of the air inlet housing 10A of an air conditioning unit 10 with drive motor 18 arranged thereon and a control device with control plate 22 according to the Fig. 5 to 7. Unlike in the Fig. 10, the drive motor 18 is not located below the control plate 22, but laterally above the control plate 22 (ie the control plate 22 is partially guided between the air inlet housing 10A and the drive motor 18). Cross-sectional views of this are shown in the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. While the engagement means 16 and 38 prevent the control plate 22 from breaking out of the receiving area on the air inlet housing 10A, the spring element 53 provides lateral tolerance compensation to ensure low-friction displacement. Furthermore, the control plate 22 is supported and guided with low friction by means of the pins 51 in the groove 52 in the air inlet housing 10A.

[0038] The Fig. 10 to 13 can also alternatively be driven by a different drive concept, for example by a rack according to Fig.2. Other modifications or extensions are also conceivable. The same concept can be used for other damper arrangements in the air conditioning unit and / or drive more than two air dampers via a common control device. More complex groove guides with multiple straight and angled sections (to achieve multiple defined intermediate positions of an air damper) per connected output lever can be combined as desired with the illustrated bearings and drive concepts. REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 air conditioner 10A Air inlet housing, housing 12 Air inlet opening 14 Marginal area 14A Vertical Edge 16 second means of intervention 17 Rail 17A furrow 18 Drive motor 19 Motor rotation axis 20, 20' control device 22 Control plate 24 Preferred direction 24A, C dead centers 26 Groove arrangement 28 first section 28A,C,E first / second straight section 28B, D oblique section 29A,C,E switching ranges 30 second section 30A, C first / second straight section 30B oblique section 31A, C switching ranges 32 additional section (intervention for drive lever) 34, 36, 56 first / second / third output lever 35, 37 first / second output axle 38 first means of intervention 39A runners 39B spacer 40 drive levers 42 rack 44 Output gear 51 cones 52 grooves 53 spring element 54 third sub-area 54A, C first / second straight section 54B oblique section 55A, C switching ranges A Actuation direction B Width L length

Claims

[1] Control device (20) for controlling at least two air flaps of a motor vehicle air conditioning system, comprising - a control plate (22) drivable by a drive motor (18) with a groove arrangement (26), - a first output lever (34) which engages in a first partial region (28) of the groove arrangement (26) and is connectable to at least one first air flap, and - a second output lever (36) which engages in a second partial region (30) of the groove arrangement (26) and is connectable to at least one second air flap, characterized by , that - the control plate (22) is displaceably mounted relative to the motor vehicle air conditioning system in a preferred direction (24) between a first dead center (24A) and a second dead center (24C), - the first partial region (28) of the groove arrangement (26) has two straight sections (28A, 28C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) and offset from one another, and an intermediate section (28B) aligned obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which connects the two sections (28A, 28C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) in a first and third switching region (29A, 29C), wherein the first dead center (24A) is closer to the first switching region (29A) than to the third switching region (29C), - the second partial region (30) of the groove arrangement (26) has two straight sections (30A, 30C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) and arranged offset from one another, and an intermediate section (30B) aligned obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which connects the two sections (30A, 30C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) in a second and fourth switching region (31A, 31C), wherein the first dead center (24A) is closer to the second switching region (31A) than to the fourth switching region (31C), wherein ◯ the sections (28A, 30A) closer to the first dead center (24A) are compared with each other and / or ◯ the sections (28C, 30C) closer to the second dead center (24C) have a different length compared to each other and ◯ the distance between the first switching area (29A) and the engagement point of the first output lever (34) in the first partial area (28) is different from the distance between the second switching area (31A) and the engagement point of the second output lever (36) in the second partial area (30) and / or ◯ the distance between the third switching area (29C) and the engagement point of the first output lever (34) in the first partial area (28) is different from the distance between the fourth switching area (31C) and the engagement point of the second output lever (36) in the second partial area (30). [2] Control device (20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the control plate (22) has an elongated shape in the preferred direction (24), wherein the first partial region (28) and the second partial region (30) of the groove arrangement (26) lie one behind the other in the preferred direction (24). [3] Control device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the control device (20) further comprises a third output lever (56) which engages in a third partial region (54) of the groove arrangement (26) and is connectable to at least one third air flap, - wherein the third partial region (54) of the groove arrangement (26) has two straight sections (54A, 54C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) and arranged offset from one another and an intermediate section (54B) aligned obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which connects the two sections (54A, 54C) aligned in the preferred direction (24) in a fifth and sixth switching region (55A, 55C). [4] Control device (20) according to claim 3, characterized bythat at least one of the first, second or third partial areas (28, 30, 54) has a further straight section (28E) oriented in the preferred direction (24) and a section (28D) oriented obliquely to the preferred direction (24), which section is connected via a further switching area (29E) to the sections (28A, 28C, 30A, 30C, 54A, 54C) of the first, second or third partial area (28, 30, 54) oriented in the preferred direction (24). [5] Control device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a spring element (53) is provided on the side of the control plate (22). [6] Control device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive is effected via a drive lever (40) which engages in a fourth partial area (32) of the groove arrangement (26) and can be connected to the drive motor (18). [7] Air conditioning unit (10) for a motor vehicle air conditioning system with a drive motor (18) and a control device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is mounted displaceably in a preferred direction (24) relative to the motor vehicle air conditioning system, wherein the first output lever (34) is connected to a first air flap and the second output lever (36) is connected to a second air flap of the air conditioning unit (10), and wherein the drive motor (18) is coupled to the control plate (22) in such a way that a displacement of the control plate (22) in the preferred direction (24) can be carried out. [8] Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that first engagement means (38) are formed on the control plate (22) and are slidably connected to second engagement means (16) on the housing (10A) of the air conditioning unit (10). [9] Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that - at least one downwardly directed pin (51) is provided on the control plate (22) in the installation direction and - a groove (52) is provided in the housing (10A) of the air conditioning unit (10), in which the pin (51) is guided.

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