Mode dial, mode dial assembly, and automobile air conditioning system

Abstract

Disclosed is a mode dial (300) for an air conditioning system. The mode dial can rotate about a central axis (L0) and define a first side (351) and a second side (352) opposite to each other; the first side is provided with a track (301, 302, 303) for receiving a mode lever (210, 220, 230); the second side is provided with a protrusion (321, 322, 323); and the protrusion is configured to: when the mode dial rotates about the central axis, remain in slidable contact with a fixing member (400). The mode dial does not collide with peripheral parts in the rotating process, so that noise generated by the mode dial during working is significantly reduced.

Description

Mode dials, mode dial assemblies, and automotive air conditioning systems Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mode dial for an air conditioning system, a mode dial assembly, and an automobile air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] Automobile air conditioning systems generally have multiple operating modes, such as face-blowing mode, foot-blowing mode, and defrost mode. To this end, automobile air conditioning systems are equipped with an air conditioning box to mix cold and hot air from different sources as needed and deliver the mixed air at the appropriate temperature to a predetermined location in the vehicle.

[0003] The air conditioning unit (AC) is equipped with multiple dampers at various locations, such as the inlet where air from outside or inside the vehicle enters the AC unit, the outlet leading from the AC unit to various locations in the vehicle, and other locations within the AC unit where air flow needs to be regulated. Each damper is used to adjust the direction or volume of air flow at its respective location by changing its angle.

[0004] To facilitate setting each damper to the desired angular position for a specific air conditioning mode, the air conditioning unit may be provided with a mode dial on the outside of its housing. The dampers are driven by the mode dial via corresponding mode levers. When the mode dial is rotated to a specific angular position, the dampers simultaneously rotate to their respective angular positions corresponding to the specific air conditioning mode.

[0005] However, in current automotive air conditioning systems, the mode dial may produce noise during operation. Therefore, there is still a need for an improved mode dial and related components to solve this problem.

[0006] Public content

[0007] In response to the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a mode dial for an air conditioning system is proposed, wherein the mode dial can rotate about a central axis and defines a first side and a second side facing opposite directions, a track for receiving a mode lever is provided on the first side, and a protrusion is provided on the second side, and the protrusion is configured such that when the mode dial rotates about the central axis, the protrusion can maintain slidable contact with a fixed component.

[0008] The mode dial according to this embodiment does not collide with surrounding components during rotation, thereby significantly reducing noise generated by the mode dial during operation.

[0009] A control board according to the present disclosure may have one or more of the following features.

[0010] According to one embodiment, preferably, the protrusion is provided at a position on the second side corresponding to the rail.

[0011] According to one embodiment, preferably, the contact between the protrusion and the fixing component is point contact.

[0012] According to one embodiment, preferably, the protrusion is a column with a hemispherical top.

[0013] According to one embodiment, preferably, the protrusions are three protrusions, and the three protrusions have the same height extending along the central axis.

[0014] According to one embodiment, preferably, the triangle formed by the three protrusions surrounds the central axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment, preferably, the three protrusions are arranged close to a radially outer side of the mode dial.

[0016] According to one embodiment, preferably, the distances between the three protrusions and the central axis are the same.

[0017] According to one embodiment, preferably, the three protrusions are distributed at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction relative to the central axis.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a mode dial assembly for an air conditioning system is proposed, the mode dial assembly comprising a main housing and any one of the aforementioned mode dials, wherein the fixed component is a bracket, the mode dial is rotatably fixed to the main housing, the first side faces the main housing, and the second side faces the bracket.

[0019] According to one embodiment, preferably, a surface of the bracket opposite to the second side is provided with a circular track, and each of the protrusions slides along the circular track.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning system is provided, comprising any one of the aforementioned mode dial assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings are only used to illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit all embodiments of the present disclosure to these drawings.

[0022] FIG1 is an assembled view of a mode dial, a mode lever group, a main housing, and a bracket according to the present disclosure.

[0023] 2 is an exploded view of the mode dial, mode lever group, main housing, and bracket according to the present disclosure.

[0024] 3A is a perspective view of a mode dial showing a second side of the mode dial according to the present disclosure.

[0025] 3B is a side view of a mode dial according to the present disclosure.

[0026] 3C is a perspective view of a mode dial showing a first side of the mode dial according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the bracket, showing a side of the bracket that interfaces with the mode dial.

[0028] 5A is a cross-sectional side view of a mode dial assembled with a bracket showing a portion of the bracket according to the present disclosure.

[0029] 5B is a front view of the mode dial assembled with the bracket according to the present disclosure, showing a first side of the mode dial.

[0030] 6 is a rear view of a mode dial showing a second side of the mode dial according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Reference Signs List

[0032] 100 main housing

[0033] 200 Mode Lever Set

[0034] 210 First mode lever

[0035] 220 Second mode lever

[0036] 230 Third Mode Lever

[0037] 240 Throttle drive for third mode lever

[0038] 300 Mode dial

[0039] 301 First Track

[0040] 302 Second Track

[0041] 303 Third Track

[0042] 305 First Track Department

[0043] 306 Second Track Department

[0044] 307 Third Track Department

[0045] 311 Central Department

[0046] 3110 Rotation limiter

[0047] 312 connection

[0048] 313 connecting ribs

[0049] 314 Observation Window

[0050] 315 Observation Positioning Window

[0051] 316 gear shaft

[0052] 317 Joint Column

[0053] 318 latch

[0054] 321 First Bump

[0055] 322 Second Bump

[0056] 323 The third bulge

[0057] 351 Mode dial first side

[0058] 352 Second side of the mode dial

[0059] 400 Fixing parts, brackets

[0060] 401 Center Opening

[0061] 402 Circular Track

[0062] 403 fastening section

[0063] 404 fastening section

[0064] 405 round face

[0065] 500 Mode dial assembly

[0066] 601 Triangle

[0067] 602 Example Flip Axis

[0068] 603 Reference Circle

[0069] 611 First Connection

[0070] 612 Second Connection

[0071] 613 Third Link

[0072] L0 center axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The same figure marks in the drawings represent the same parts. It should be noted that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one" or "an" do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0075] The present disclosure is described in detail below by describing example embodiments.

[0076] FIG1 is a perspective view of the mode dial 300 according to the present disclosure in an assembled state. FIG1 shows the main housing 100, the mode lever assembly 200, the mode dial 300, and the bracket 400. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main housing 100 is part of the air conditioning system housing of a vehicle and can be fixedly mounted to the rest of the housing. The bracket 400 is fixed to the outside of the main housing 100 (i.e., the side of the main housing 100 visible in FIG1 ) to further mount or isolate other vehicle components. For example, the bracket 400 is fixed to the outside of the main housing 100 via bolts at its fastening sections 403 and 404. A micromotor (not shown) for driving the mode dial 300 can be mounted on the side of the bracket 400 facing away from the main housing 100. The bracket 400 is provided with a central opening 401 (see also FIG4 ) for the gear shaft 316 of the mode dial 300 to pass through. Furthermore, the mode dial 300 is also rotatably fixed to the main housing 100. Then, the micro motor can drive the mode dial 300 to rotate by driving the gear shaft 316 of the mode dial 300 .

[0077] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mode dial 300 , the mode lever group 200 , the main housing 100 , and the bracket 400 according to the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 2 shows a mode lever assembly 200, which includes a first mode lever 210, a second mode lever 220, a third mode lever 230, and a damper driver 240 for the third mode lever. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode lever assembly 200 is used to drive three dampers located on the inside of the main housing 100 (i.e., the side of the main housing 100 not visible in Figure 1). The first mode lever 210 is rotatably mounted on the main housing 100. One end of the first mode lever 210 is configured as a shaft that rotatably passes through a corresponding opening in the main housing 100, and the other end is provided with a protrusion that is received in a track on the mode dial 300. As a result, the first mode lever 210 is driven by the mode dial 300 to rotate relative to the opening in the main housing 100, and its shaft, in turn, drives the first damper located on the inside of the main housing 100. Similar to the first mode lever 210, the second mode lever 220 is rotatably mounted on the main housing 100 and is driven by the mode dial 300 to actuate the second damper located inside the main housing 100. The third mode lever 230 is rotatably mounted on the main housing 100. One end of the lever is provided with a protrusion that is received in the track of the mode dial 300, the other end is provided with a gear portion, and a rotating shaft is disposed between the two ends. The damper driver 240 is rotatably mounted on the main housing 100. One end of the lever is provided with a mating gear portion corresponding to the gear portion of the third mode lever 230, and the other end is configured as a shaft portion that rotatably passes through a corresponding opening in the main housing 100. Thus, when the third mode lever 230 is rotated by the mode dial 300, the damper driver 240 is rotated, thereby actuating the third damper located inside the main housing 100.

[0079] It should be noted that the aforementioned damper and mode lever configurations are merely exemplary, and the following embodiments of the present disclosure correspond to the aforementioned exemplary damper and mode lever configurations. However, the mode dial and mode dial assembly according to the present disclosure can be adapted to accommodate other specific damper and mode lever configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] Next, the structure of the mode dial 300 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the mode dial 300, showing that the mode dial 300 is disposed toward the second side 352 of the bracket 400. Figure 3B is a side view of the mode dial 300. Figure 3C is a perspective view of the mode dial 300, showing that the mode dial 300 is disposed toward the first side 351 of the main housing 100.

[0081] The mode dial 300 has a central portion 311. A gear shaft 316 (see Figures 3A and 3B) extends from a second side 352 of the central portion 311 away from the central portion 311 for rotational drive by a micromotor. An engagement post 317 extends from a first side 351 of the central portion 311 away from the central portion 311 to be received in a corresponding mode dial shaft receiving opening in the main housing 100 and rotatable relative to the mode dial shaft receiving opening, thereby rotatably securing the mode dial 300 to the main housing 100.

[0082] Alternatively, the engaging post 317 may be a barrel-shaped structure that is open on one side away from the central portion 311, with a section of the barrel-shaped structure separated from the rest of the barrel-shaped structure in the circumferential direction, and one end of the section away from the central portion 311 protruding radially outward to form a latch portion 318. The latch portion 318 allows the mode dial 300 to be easily installed in the mode dial shaft receiving opening of the main housing 100, and prevents the mode dial 300 from being easily removed from the main housing 100 after installation.

[0083] Optionally, as shown in FIG3C , a rotation limiter 3110 may be provided at a portion of the periphery of the central portion 311. The rotation limiter 3110 is a portion protruding from the first side 351 of the mode dial 300 away from the central portion 311. Accordingly, two cooperating rotation limiters may be provided at corresponding locations on the outside of the main housing 100, such as at portions of the periphery of the mode dial shaft receiving opening, to restrict the rotation limiter 3110 to movement within a certain angular range, thereby limiting the rotation of the mode dial 300 to within a certain angular range.

[0084] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C , the mode dial 300 is provided with a first rail portion 305, a second rail portion 306, and a third rail portion 307, each of which is generally strip-shaped. The first rail portion 305, the second rail portion 306, and the third rail portion 307 are provided along a first side of the mode dial 300 along their respective strip-shaped first rail 301, second rail 302, and third rail 303, respectively, for receiving the protrusions of the first mode lever 210, the second mode lever 220, and the third mode lever 230, respectively. Thus, the mode dial 300 can simultaneously drive the rotation of the first mode lever 210, the second mode lever 220, and the third mode lever 230. The specific extension shapes of the rails 301, 302, and 303 (and the corresponding shapes of the rail portions) are related to the specific desired configuration of the mode lever, the damper driver, and the damper, and are not described in detail here.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, each rail portion 305, 306, 307 is formed into a substantially separate shape and is integrally formed with the central portion 311 via a plurality of connecting portions 312 and a plurality of connecting ribs 313. This reduces the weight of the mode dial 300 and allows for easy observation of the installation and operation of the mode lever and damper driver through the gaps between the rail portions. Furthermore, each rail portion 305, 306, 307 may optionally be provided with a plurality of observation windows 314 at the bottom of its respective rail 301, 302, 303, allowing observation of the movement of the end protrusion of each mode lever within the rail from the second side 352 of the mode dial 300. Some of the observation windows 314 may be provided with flanges or other protrusions to distinguish them from the remaining observation windows 314, thereby serving as observation and positioning windows 315 to assist in installation and positioning.

[0086] 3A and 3B , which illustrate a first protrusion 321, a second protrusion 322, and a third protrusion 323 located on the second side 352 of the mode dial 300. Specifically, the first protrusion 321, the second protrusion 322, and the third protrusion 323 are all disposed on the rail portion, i.e., at positions corresponding to the rails 301, 302, and 303 on the second side 352 of the mode dial 300. When the mode dial 300, the mode lever assembly 200, the main housing 100, and the bracket 400 are assembled, the protrusions 321, 322, and 323 on the mode dial 300 contact the bracket 400, serving as a fixed member, for example, a surface of the bracket 400 that is opposite the second side 352 of the mode dial 300. Furthermore, the protrusions 321 , 322 , 323 are configured to maintain slidable contact with the bracket 400 when the mode dial 300 rotates about its central axis L0 , thereby preventing the mode dial 300 from colliding with the bracket 400 and generating unwanted noise.

[0087] As shown in FIG4 , a circular track 402 may be provided on a surface of the bracket 400 opposite to the second side 352 of the mode dial 300 . Each of the protrusions 321 , 322 , and 323 slides along the circular track 402 , thereby ensuring that each of the protrusions is in continuous contact with the bracket 400 . Meanwhile, holes or grids may be provided on other portions of the bracket 400 to reduce weight.

[0088] Figures 5A and 5B specifically illustrate a state in which the mode dial 300 maintains contact with the bracket 400 via its protrusions 321, 322, and 323. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional side view taken along the section indicated by the dashed line AA in Figure 5B , illustrating the relative positions of the mode dial 300 and the bracket 400, and the state in which the second protrusion 322 and the circular track 402 are in contact with each other. Optionally, the circular track 402 protrudes, for example slightly, toward the mode dial 300 relative to the remaining portion of the bracket 400 surface facing the mode dial 300 (e.g., the circular surface 405 surrounded by the circular track 402) to prevent portions of the mode dial 300 other than the protrusions 321, 322, and 323 from contacting or colliding with the bracket 400.

[0089] Returning to Figures 3A and 3B , the protrusions 321, 322, and 323 are all cylindrical with hemispherical tops, thus forming point contact with the circular track 402 of the bracket 400. Therefore, even when the mode dial 300 or a portion thereof undergoes a certain degree of angular variation relative to the main housing 100 or the bracket 400, each protrusion maintains continuous contact with the circular track 402. In Figures 3A and 3B , all protrusions 321, 322, and 323 extend to the same height along the central axis L0, thereby maintaining the mode dial 300 substantially parallel to the circular track 402. This minimizes friction between components such as the engagement post 317 of the mode dial 300 and the main housing 100.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6 , the specific positions of the first protrusion 321, the second protrusion 322, and the third protrusion 323 on the mode dial 300 are shown. In FIG. 6 , the first protrusion 321, the second protrusion 322, and the third protrusion 323 form a triangle 601 (three sides of which are indicated by long dashed lines), and this triangle 601 surrounds the central axis L0. Consequently, the mode dial 300 is effectively prevented from tilting about any tilt axis located in its plane (such as the exemplary tilt axis 602 in FIG. 6 ), significantly reducing the possibility of the mode dial 300 colliding with the bracket 400 and generating noise. Furthermore, undesirable torque on the gear shaft 316, the engagement post 317, and other parts of the central portion 311 of the mode dial 300 is reduced.

[0091] As shown in FIG6 , the three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 are positioned radially outward from the mode dial 300. This arrangement effectively prevents the outer periphery of the mode dial 300 from colliding with the bracket 400 and helps reduce undesirable moments acting on the gear shaft 316, engagement post 317, and other parts of the center portion 311 of the mode dial 300. Furthermore, the three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 are positioned at equal distances from the central axis L0 (see the lengths of the lines 611, 612, and 613 connecting the three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 to the central axis L0, respectively). The three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 are substantially located on a reference circle 602 centered on L0. This arrangement helps balance the forces acting on the three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 of the mode dial 300, thereby balancing the forces acting on various parts of the mode dial 300 and balancing the wear and fatigue of each protrusion.

[0092] Additionally, in Figure 6 , the three protrusions 321, 322, and 323 are not arranged at equal angular intervals circumferentially relative to the center axis L0 (see the angular positions of lines 611, 612, and 613). Instead, they are preferably arranged on the rail portion to facilitate design and manufacturing. However, in an embodiment not shown, the three protrusions may also be arranged at equal angular intervals circumferentially relative to the center axis L0 to achieve more balanced forces across the various components of the mode dial 300. For example, the mode dial 300 may also have another integral body shape, rather than being formed from multiple rail portions connected via joints or connecting ribs. In this configuration, the protrusions may be appropriately arranged on the second side 352 of the mode dial 300, optionally adopting one or more of the aforementioned relative positions to optimize the mode dial 300.

[0093] The exemplary implementations of the mode dial, mode dial assembly, and air-conditioning system proposed in the present disclosure are described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, various modifications and variations can be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various combinations of the various technical features and structures proposed in the present disclosure can be made without exceeding the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A mode dial for an air conditioning system, wherein: The mode dial (300) is rotatable around a central axis (L0) and defines a first side (351) and a second side (352) facing opposite directions, wherein the first side (351) is provided with a track (301, 302, 303) for receiving a mode lever (210, 220, 230), and the second side (352) is provided with a protrusion (321, 322, 323), wherein the protrusion is configured such that when the mode dial (300) rotates around the central axis (L0), the protrusion can maintain slidable contact with a fixed component.

2. The mode dial according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusions (321, 322, 323) are arranged on the second side (352) at positions corresponding to the rails (301, 302, 303).

3. The mode dial according to claim 2, wherein: The contact between the protrusions (321, 322, 323) and the fixing component is point contact.

4. The mode dial according to claim 3, wherein: The protrusions (321, 322, 323) are columns with hemispherical tops.

5. The mode dial according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusions (321, 322, 323) are three protrusions, and the three protrusions have the same height when extending along the central axis (L0).

6. The mode dial according to claim 5, wherein: The triangle (601) formed by the three protrusions (321, 322, 323) surrounds the central axis (L0).

7. The mode dial according to claim 6, wherein: The three protrusions (321, 322, 323) are arranged close to the radial outer side of the mode dial (300).

8. The mode dial according to claim 7, wherein: The distances between the three protrusions (321, 322, 323) and the central axis (L0) are the same.

9. The mode dial according to claim 8, wherein: The three protrusions (321, 322, 323) are distributed at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (L0).

10. A mode dial assembly for an air conditioning system, the mode dial assembly (500) comprising a main housing (100) and a mode dial (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The fixing component is a bracket (400), the mode dial (300) is rotatably fixed to the main housing (100), the first side (351) faces the main housing (100), and the second side (352) faces the bracket (400).

11. The mode dial assembly according to claim 10, wherein: A circular track (402) is provided on a surface of the bracket (400) opposite to the second side (352), and each of the protrusions (321, 322, 323) slides along the circular track (402).

12. An automobile air conditioning system, comprising a mode dial assembly (500) according to claim 9 or 10.

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