Link cam mechanism

Abstract

A link cam mechanism (40) that operates doors (30, 31, 32, 33) provided in a vehicle air conditioning unit (2) is provided with a groove forming member (42) in which is formed a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other side in one direction (Da) and which is rotatably provided. The link cam mechanism is further provided with a pin section (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates, and a lever swinging section (441) which is connected to the pin section, swings due to the displacement of the pin section, and operates the doors in conjunction with the swinging. The pin section has a pin outer circumferential section (444) that is formed around a pin shaft center (Cn) along the one direction and in which is formed an outer circumferential surface (444a) that is in contact with a side surface (423) of the cam groove. At least the pin outer circumferential section of the pin section is configured to be rotatable around the pin shaft center with respect to the lever swinging section.

Description

Link Cam Mechanism CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-49888, filed on March 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a link cam mechanism that operates a door of a vehicle air conditioning unit.

[0003] In conventional vehicle air conditioning units with link cam mechanisms, grease is typically applied to the cam grooves of the link cam mechanism to prevent abnormal noise and ensure smooth door operation. However, the link cam mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 prevents abnormal sliding noise without using grease.

[0004] Specifically, the link cam mechanism of Patent Document 1 includes a rotatable link with a cam groove formed therein, and a link lever with a pin that slides along the cam groove. A rail portion extending along the extension direction of the cam groove is provided on the inner surface of the cam groove, and the pin is in contact with the rail portion of the cam groove.

[0005] JP 2011-251556 A

[0006] In the link cam mechanism of Patent Document 1, the rail portion extends along the extension direction of the cam groove, and the extension direction of the cam groove, which is also the extension direction of the rail portion, and the axial direction of the pin are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the pin and the rail portion contact at a point, and the contact area between them is small, resulting in a localized concentration of contact load. As a result, for example, if foreign matter adheres to the cam groove, abnormal noise during operation may be more likely to occur. The abnormal noise during operation is mainly caused by the stick-slip phenomenon. The inventors' detailed investigation led to the above findings.

[0007] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide a link cam mechanism having a structure that enables smooth operation of a groove forming member in which a cam groove is formed and a lever swinging portion that is linked to the groove forming member via the cam groove.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a link cam mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a link cam mechanism for operating a door of a vehicle air conditioning unit, and comprises: a groove forming member that is formed with a cam groove that is recessed from one side to the other in one direction and is rotatably provided; a pin portion that is inserted into the cam groove and is displaced while being restrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion that is connected to the pin portion and swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, and operates the door in conjunction with the swinging; the pin portion has a pin outer periphery that is formed around a pin axis that is along the one direction and has an outer periphery that contacts the side of the cam groove, and at least the pin outer periphery of the pin portion is configured to be rotatable around the pin axis relative to the lever swinging portion.

[0009] In this way, even if the friction between the side surface of the cam groove and the outer peripheral surface of the pin increases due to the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust, making it difficult for the side surface of the cam groove and the outer peripheral surface of the pin to slide against each other, the outer peripheral surface of the pin can rotate, thereby avoiding the stick-slip phenomenon. Therefore, it is possible to provide a link cam mechanism having a structure that suppresses the generation of abnormal noise during operation and enables smooth operation of the groove forming member and the lever swinging part.

[0010] Furthermore, a link cam mechanism according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a link cam mechanism for operating a door of a vehicle air conditioning unit, comprising: a rotatable groove forming member in which a cam groove recessed from one side to the other in one direction is formed; a pin portion that is inserted into the cam groove and is displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion to which the pin portion is connected and which swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, thereby operating the door in conjunction with the swinging; the pin portion has an outer peripheral surface formed around a pin axis along the one direction and in contact with a side surface of the cam groove, the outer peripheral surface being tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the other side of the one direction, and both sides of the cam groove are inclined toward the one direction in accordance with the outer peripheral surface.

[0011] This increases the contact area between the outer circumferential surface of the pin and the side surface of the cam groove compared to, for example, a case where the outer circumferential surface of the pin is a cylindrical surface parallel to the pin axis. This reduces the surface pressure applied to the outer circumferential surface of the pin and the side surface of the groove, making it less likely that stick-slip will occur between the side surface of the cam groove and the outer circumferential surface of the pin. Therefore, it is possible to provide a link cam mechanism with a structure that suppresses the generation of abnormal noise during operation and enables smooth operation of the groove-forming member and the lever swinging part.

[0012] Furthermore, a link cam mechanism according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a link cam mechanism for operating a door of a vehicle air conditioning unit, and comprises: a rotatable groove forming member in which a cam groove recessed from one side to the other in one direction is formed; a pin portion inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being restrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion to which the pin portion is connected and which swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, and which operates the door in conjunction with the swinging; and a plurality of side grooves extending in the one direction are formed on the side of the cam groove, and the plurality of side grooves are arranged in a row in the direction in which the cam groove extends.

[0013] In this way, even if foreign matter such as dust enters the cam groove, the foreign matter can be deposited in the multiple side grooves. This prevents the sliding performance of the pin relative to the side of the cam groove from being impaired due to the entry of foreign matter. Furthermore, because the multiple side grooves extend in the same direction as the axial direction of the pin inserted into the cam groove, the pin is less likely to come into point contact with the side of the cam groove, preventing localized concentration of contact load. This reduces the likelihood of stick-slip occurring between the pin and the side of the cam groove. Therefore, a link cam mechanism can be provided that has a structure that suppresses abnormal noise during operation and enables smooth operation of the groove-forming member and the lever swinging portion.

[0014] Furthermore, a link cam mechanism according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a link cam mechanism for operating a door of a vehicle air conditioning unit, and comprises: a groove forming member that is formed with a cam groove recessed from one side to the other in one direction and is rotatably provided; a pin portion that is inserted into the cam groove and is displaced while being restrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion that is connected to the pin portion and swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, and operates the door in conjunction with the swinging; the pin portion has a pin outer periphery that is formed around a pin axis along the one direction and has an outer periphery that slides against the side surface of the cam groove, and the pin outer periphery is made of a material that has higher sliding properties against the side surface of the cam groove than the constituent material of the lever swinging portion and the constituent material of the groove forming member.

[0015] This allows the outer circumferential surface of the pin to slide smoothly against the side of the cam groove while suppressing the stick-slip phenomenon, compared to when the outer circumferential surface of the pin is made of the same material as the lever swinging portion or the groove forming member, for example. Therefore, it is possible to provide a link cam mechanism having a structure that suppresses the generation of abnormal noise during operation and enables smooth operation of the groove forming member and lever swinging portion.

[0016] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the general configuration of an air conditioning unit equipped with a link cam mechanism according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a power transmission path between a drive motor and each of a plurality of opening doors according to the first embodiment. It is a front view showing the general configuration of a link plate included in the link cam mechanism according to the first embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV section of FIG. 3, which is a diagram showing a cam groove of the link plate and a pin portion of the link lever inserted into the cam groove. It is a simplified diagram showing a state in which the opening door operates in conjunction with the link lever that swings according to the cam groove of the link plate according to the first embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the VI-VI section of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section corresponding to the IV-IV section of FIG. 3 according to a second embodiment, which is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4. It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the VIII-VIII section of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment. It is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged portion of FIG. 3, with the pin portion inserted into the cam groove indicated by a two-dot chain line according to a third embodiment. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin component of the link lever and its periphery in the fifth embodiment, taken at the same cross section as FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin component of the link lever and its periphery in a first modified example of the fifth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a pin component of the link lever and its periphery in a second modified example of the fifth embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. 10.

[0017] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0018] (First embodiment) A link cam mechanism 40 of this embodiment is provided in an air conditioning unit 2 shown in Fig. 1. First, the general configuration of the air conditioning unit 2 will be described.

[0019] 1 is a vehicle air conditioning unit that conditions the air inside a vehicle cabin. The air conditioning unit 2 is installed, for example, in an instrument panel located at the front of the vehicle cabin.

[0020] 1 and 2, the air conditioning unit 2 includes an air conditioning case 21, an inside / outside air switching door 22, a blower 23, an evaporator 26, a heater core 27, an air mix door 28, a face door 31, a foot door 32, and a defroster door 33. The air conditioning unit 2 also includes a drive motor 35 and a link cam mechanism 40.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning case 21 is made of a resin that has a certain degree of elasticity and excellent strength. An example of the resin that constitutes the air conditioning case 21 is polypropylene. An air passage, i.e., a ventilation passage 24 through which air flows, is formed inside the air conditioning case 21. The air conditioning case 21 also has, on the upstream side of the ventilation passage 24 in the air flow direction, an inside air inlet 241 for introducing inside air from a predetermined location within the vehicle cabin into the ventilation passage 24, and an outside air inlet 242 for introducing outside air from outside the vehicle into the ventilation passage 24.

[0022] Note that a duct (not shown) configured as a separate member from the air conditioning case 21 may be connected to the inside air inlet 241 or the outside air inlet 242. In this case, air is introduced into the ventilation passage 24 from the inside air inlet 241 or the outside air inlet 242 via the duct.

[0023] The air conditioning case 21 also has a plurality of outlet openings 25 on the downstream side of the ventilation passage 24 in the air flow direction for blowing air from the ventilation passage 24 to the front seat area of ​​the vehicle interior. The plurality of outlet openings 25 include a face outlet opening 251, a foot outlet opening 252, and a defroster outlet opening 253.

[0024] The face outlet 251 blows conditioned air toward the upper body of a front seat occupant, the foot outlet 252 blows conditioned air toward the feet of the occupant, and the defroster outlet 253 blows conditioned air toward the front windshield of the vehicle.

[0025] Ducts (not shown) configured as separate members from the air conditioning case 21 may be connected to the face outlet 251, the foot outlet 252, and the defroster outlet 253. In this case, the air flowing out from the face outlet 251, the foot outlet 252, and the defroster outlet 253 passes through these ducts and is supplied into the vehicle compartment from face outlets, foot outlets, and defroster outlets (not shown) provided in the vehicle.

[0026] Inside the air conditioning case 21, an inside / outside air switching door 22, a blower 23, an evaporator 26, a heater core 27, an air mix door 28, and the like are provided.

[0027] The inside / outside air switching door 22 continuously adjusts the opening area of ​​the inside air inlet 241 and the opening area of ​​the outside air inlet 242. The inside / outside air switching door 22 is driven by an actuator such as a servo motor (not shown). The inside / outside air switching door 22 rotates so that the more one of the inside air inlet 241 and the outside air inlet 242 is opened, the more the other inlet is closed. In this way, the inside / outside air switching door 22 can adjust the ratio of the amount of inside air and the amount of outside air introduced into the ventilation duct 24.

[0028] The blower 23 is composed of a centrifugal fan 231, a motor 232 that rotates and drives the centrifugal fan 231, and other components. When the centrifugal fan 231 rotates and drives the motor 232 of the blower 23, an airflow is formed in the ventilation duct 24. As a result, air introduced into the ventilation duct 24 from the inside air inlet 241 or the outside air inlet 242 flows through the ventilation duct 24 and is blown out from one of the face outlet 251, the foot outlet 252, and the defroster outlet 253.

[0029] 1 and 2, the face outlet 251 is provided with a face door 31 for adjusting the opening area of ​​the face outlet 251, and the foot outlet 252 is provided with a foot door 32 for adjusting the opening area of ​​the foot outlet 252. In addition, the defroster outlet 253 is provided with a defroster door 33 for adjusting the opening area of ​​the defroster outlet 253.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, when the face door 31, the foot door 32, and the defroster door 33 are collectively referred to without distinction, they may be referred to as the opening door 30. The opening door 30 corresponds to the door of the present disclosure. In addition, in FIG. 2, the defroster door 33 is abbreviated to "def door," and the defroster link lever 47, which will be described later, is abbreviated to "diff link lever."

[0031] The evaporator 26 is a heat exchanger for cooling the air flowing through the ventilation duct 24. The heater core 27 is a heat exchanger for heating the air flowing through the ventilation duct 24. The heater core 27 is disposed downstream of the evaporator 26 in the air flow direction.

[0032] An air mix door 28 is provided between the evaporator 26 and the heater core 27 of the air conditioning unit 2. The air mix door 28 adjusts the ratio between the amount of air that passes through the evaporator 26 and bypasses the heater core 27 and the amount of air that passes through the evaporator 26 and then the heater core 27.

[0033] 1 and 2 , the link cam mechanism 40 of the air conditioning unit 2 is provided in a power transmission path between each of the plurality of opening doors 30 and a drive motor 35 for driving the opening door 30. That is, the drive force of the drive motor 35 is transmitted to each opening door 30 via the link cam mechanism 40, and the link cam mechanism 40 operates each of the plurality of opening doors 30 by the drive force of the drive motor 35.

[0034] For example, the drive motor 35 rotates in accordance with a control signal based on a switch operation by an occupant or automatic air conditioning control, and positions each opening door 30 at a predetermined position. This establishes one of a plurality of air outlet modes in the air conditioning unit 2.

[0035] Specifically, the link cam mechanism 40 includes a link plate 42, a face link lever 45, a foot link lever 46, and a defroster link lever 47. The link plate 42 is connected to the face door 31 via the face link lever 45 so as to be able to transmit power, and is connected to the foot door 32 via the foot link lever 46 so as to be able to transmit power. The link plate 42 is then connected to the defroster door 33 via the defroster link lever 47 so as to be able to transmit power.

[0036] In the description of this embodiment, when the face link lever 45, the foot link lever 46, and the defroster link lever 47 are referred to collectively without distinction, they may be referred to as link levers 44. In this embodiment, a link lever 44 is provided for each opening door 30, so the number of link levers 44 is the same as the number of opening doors 30.

[0037] 3 and 4 , the link plate 42 is formed, for example, in a disk shape and is provided rotatably about a plate axis Cp along a predetermined link axis direction Da inside the air conditioning unit 2. For example, the link plate 42 is rotatably supported by the air conditioning case 21.

[0038] The link plate 42 is connected to the drive motor 35 shown in Fig. 2 via a gear mechanism or the like so as to be capable of transmitting power, and is rotated about the plate axis Cp by the driving force of the drive motor 35. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, when the link plate 42 rotates, the link lever 44 is caused to swing accordingly, and the opening door 30 is also caused to swing in conjunction with the link lever 44.

[0039] 3 and 4, when the air conditioning unit 2 is mounted on a vehicle, the link plate 42 is arranged so that the link axis direction Da is horizontal or substantially horizontal. Note that the link axis direction Da corresponds to one direction in this disclosure, and the link plate 42 corresponds to the groove forming member in this disclosure.

[0040] For example, the link plate 42 is made of a resin such as POM or PBT. POM stands for Polyoxymethylene, and PBT stands for Polybutyleneterephthalate. The link plate 42 has one surface 42a provided on one side in the link axis direction Da and another surface (not shown) provided on the other side in the link axis direction Da. These one surface 42a and the other surface extend along the vertical direction Dg when mounted on the vehicle. Although not shown, the one surface 42a and the other surface of the link plate 42 each have multiple recesses formed therein to reduce material, and the boundaries between the recesses are formed in ribs.

[0041] A plurality of cam grooves 421 recessed from one side to the other in the link axis direction Da are formed on one surface 42a of the link plate 42. One of these cam grooves 421 is provided for each link lever 44, so in this embodiment, a total of three cam grooves 421 are provided, but in Figure 3, one of the three cam grooves 421 is not shown, and only two cam grooves 421 are shown. The multiple cam grooves 421 extend along different paths that surround the plate axis Cp.

[0042] Furthermore, the link plate 42 has a cam groove bottom surface 422 that faces and contacts the cam groove 421 and a pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 for each cam groove 421. The cam groove bottom surface 422 forms the bottom of the cam groove 421, and the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 face each other in the width direction of the cam groove 421, sandwiching the cam groove 421 therebetween.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the link lever 44 has a lever swinging portion 441 and a pin portion 442. The lever swinging portion 441 is provided so as to be swingable around a lever axis Cv along the link axis direction Da, as indicated by an arrow As in Figure 5. For example, the lever swinging portion 441 is swingably supported by the air conditioning case 21. Because the lever swinging portion 441 is swingable around the lever axis Cv, the link lever 44 as a whole is also swingable around the lever axis Cv. The lever swinging portion 441 extends in a direction along one surface 42a of the link plate 42.

[0044] The lever swinging portion 441 is connected to the opening door 30 so as to move the opening door 30 as shown by the arrow Ad in conjunction with the swinging of the lever swinging portion 441. For example, in Fig. 5, the lever swinging portion 441 is connected to the opening door 30 so as not to be able to rotate relative to it.

[0045] 5, the opening door 30 swings about the same door swing axis as the lever axis Cv in conjunction with the swing of the lever swing part 441, but this is just one example, and other configuration examples can be envisioned. For example, unlike FIG. 5, the opening door 30 may be supported by the air conditioning case 21 so as to swing about a door swing axis different from the lever axis Cv, and the opening door 30 and the lever swing part 441 may be connected to each other so as to be linked together. In this case, the opening door 30 and the lever swing part 441 are connected so as to be able to rotate relative to each other.

[0046] 4 and 5, a pin 442 is connected to the lever swinging portion 441. The position of the lever swinging portion 441 to which the pin 442 is connected is away from the lever axis Cv. Therefore, when the pin 442 is displaced in the circumferential direction around the lever axis Cv, the displacement of the pin 442 causes the lever swinging portion 441 to swing around the lever axis Cv as indicated by the arrow As.

[0047] The pin portion 442 of the link lever 44 is formed to protrude to the other side in the link axis direction Da from a part of the lever swinging portion 441. The pin portion 442 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the link axis direction Da with the pin axis center Cn along the link axis direction Da as its center.

[0048] The pin portion 442 is inserted into the cam groove 421. Therefore, the position of the pin portion 442 is constrained in the width direction of the cam groove 421 by a pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 that are the side surfaces of the cam groove 421. Therefore, when the link plate 42 rotates around the plate axis Cp, the pin portion 442 is displaced as shown by the arrow As while being constrained by the cam groove 421 in accordance with the rotation of the link plate 42.

[0049] 4 to 6, the pin portion 442 of this embodiment has a pin shaft portion 443 and a pin outer periphery 444. For example, the pin shaft portion 443 is integrally molded with the lever swing portion 441, and the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swing portion 441 are configured as a single resin part. In contrast, the pin outer periphery 444 is configured as a resin part separate from the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swing portion 441.

[0050] Examples of materials that can be used to form the pin shaft 443 and the lever swinging portion 441 include POM, PBT, and PP, and examples of materials that can be used to form the pin outer periphery 444 include POM, PBT, and PP. PP stands for polypropylene. Talc may also be mixed into the PP used as a material for these components.

[0051] However, in this embodiment, the pin outer periphery 444 is made of a different material from the pin shaft 443, the lever swinging portion 441, and the link plate 42. For example, if the pin shaft 443 and the lever swinging portion 441 are made of PP and the link plate 42 is made of PBT, then the pin outer periphery 444 is made of POM.

[0052] The pin shaft portion 443 has a shape with a reduced diameter compared to the pin portion 442. That is, the pin shaft portion 443 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the link axis direction Da with the pin axis center Cn as its center, and protrudes from a part of the lever swing portion 441 to the other side in the link axis direction Da.

[0053] The pin outer periphery 444 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the pin shaft portion 443. Therefore, the pin outer periphery 444 has a cylindrical shape centered on the pin axis Cn. In other words, the pin outer periphery 444 is formed around the pin axis Cn.

[0054] The pin outer periphery 444 has an outer periphery surface 444a formed on the outer periphery of the pin outer periphery 444. This outer periphery surface 444a is formed around the pin axis Cn and comes into contact with the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 when the pin portion 442 is displaced while being constrained by the cam groove 421. For example, this outer periphery surface 444a has a circular cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the pin axis Cn, and is formed with a constant diameter regardless of the position in the link axis direction Da.

[0055] In the pin portion 442, the pin shaft portion 443 is fitted inside the cylindrical pin outer periphery 444. The pin outer periphery 444 is rotatable around the pin axis Cn relative to the pin shaft portion 443, but is prevented from moving relative to the pin shaft portion 443 in the link axis direction Da by a locking structure (not shown).

[0056] That is, the pin outer periphery 444 is configured to be rotatable about the pin axis Cn with respect to the lever swinging portion 441, and is configured to be immovable in the link axis direction Da with respect to the lever swinging portion 441. The pin outer periphery 444 corresponds to the portion of the link lever 44 that is rotatable about the pin axis Cn with respect to the lever swinging portion 441.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, at least the pin outer periphery 444 of the pin portion 442 of the link lever 44 is configured to be rotatable around the pin axis Cn relative to the lever swing portion 441.

[0058] Therefore, even if the frictional force between the cam groove side surface 423 and the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 increases due to the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust, making it difficult for the cam groove side surface 423 and the outer peripheral surface 444a to slide against each other, the pin outer peripheral portion 444 rotates around the pin axis Cn. In other words, since it is not necessary for the cam groove side surface 423 and the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 to slide against each other, it is possible to avoid the stick-slip phenomenon that can occur between the cam groove side surface 423 and the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise during operation and to smoothly operate the link plate 42 and the link lever 44 without requiring a lubricant such as grease.

[0059] Furthermore, in the link cam mechanism 40 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to apply grease to the cam groove 421, which reduces the assembly labor required for the air conditioning unit 2, and ultimately makes it possible to reduce the material costs of the grease and the labor costs involved in applying it.

[0060] (1) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pin outer periphery 444 corresponds to a portion that can rotate around the pin axis Cn relative to the lever swinging portion 441. The pin outer periphery 444 is made of a different material from the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swinging portion 441.

[0061] Here, when the constituent materials of pin outer periphery 444 and pin shaft 443 are different from each other, generally, the slidability between pin outer periphery 444 and pin shaft 443 is higher than when the constituent materials are the same. Therefore, since pin outer periphery 444 is made of a different material from pin shaft 443 and lever swinging portion 441 as described above, the high slidability makes it possible to make pin outer periphery 444 rotate easily.

[0062] Furthermore, even if an expensive, highly slidable material with good sliding properties is used as the constituent material for the pin outer periphery 444, the cost of using that highly slidable material can be reduced compared to when the entire link lever 44 is made of that highly slidable material.

[0063] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Furthermore, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0064] 7 and 8, the pin portion 442 of this embodiment does not include a portion that is rotatable with respect to the lever swing portion 441, and the pin portion 442 and the lever swing portion 441 are integrally configured. For example, the pin portion 442 and the lever swing portion 441 are integrally molded and configured as a single resin part.

[0065] The pin portion 442 has a pin outer circumferential portion 444 that constitutes the outer circumferential portion of the pin portion 442 around the pin axis Cn, and the pin outer circumferential portion 444 has an outer circumferential surface 444a formed around the pin axis Cn and in contact with the cam groove side surface 423. However, in this embodiment, the pin outer circumferential portion 444 is fixed to the lever swinging portion 441 and does not rotate with respect to the lever swinging portion 441.

[0066] Additionally, the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the other side in the link axis direction Da. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 444a is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the tip side of the pin portion 442. In short, the pin portion 442 has a tapered shape.

[0067] Therefore, the cam groove 421 of the link plate 42 also has a shape that follows the shape of the pin portion 442. That is, both sides of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 of the cam groove 421 are inclined with respect to the link axis direction Da in accordance with the outer circumferential surface 444 a of the pin portion 442. In other words, the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 are each inclined with respect to the link axis direction Da so that the distance between them in the width direction of the cam groove 421 becomes smaller as they go to the other side in the link axis direction Da.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 444 a of the pin portion 442 is tapered so that the diameter decreases toward the other side in the link axis direction Da. In addition, both sides of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 of the cam groove 421 are inclined with respect to the link axis direction Da in accordance with the outer peripheral surface 444 a of the pin portion 442.

[0069] Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the outer peripheral surface 444a is not tapered but is parallel to the link axis direction Da, it is possible to increase the contact area between the outer peripheral surface 444a and the cam groove side surface 423. This reduces the surface pressure applied to the outer peripheral surface 444a and the cam groove side surface 423, making it less likely that the stick-slip phenomenon will occur between the outer peripheral surface 444a and the cam groove side surface 423. In other words, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise during operation and to operate the link plate 42 and the link lever 44 smoothly.

[0070] (1) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the air conditioning unit 2 is disposed so that the pin axis Cn is horizontal when mounted on the vehicle. The pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 are inclined with respect to the link axis direction Da so that the distance between them in the width direction of the cam groove 421 decreases toward the other side in the link axis direction Da. Therefore, foreign matter that has entered the cam groove 421 is easily expelled from the cam groove 421 by the action of gravity. As a result, for example, it is possible to maintain high slidability of the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 relative to the cam groove side surface 423.

[0071] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0072] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0073] 3 and 9, in this embodiment, the detailed surface shape of a pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 of the link plate 42 is different from that of the first embodiment. In Fig. 9, the pin portion 442 of the link lever 44 is indicated by an imaginary two-dot chain line.

[0074] Specifically, a plurality of side surface grooves 423a extending in the link axis direction Da are formed on each of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 in the link plate 42. For example, each of the plurality of side surface grooves 423a extends along the link axis direction Da across the entire width of the cam groove side surface 423 in the link axis direction Da.

[0075] In each of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423, the multiple side surface grooves 423a are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the cam groove extension direction Db, which is the direction Db in which the cam groove 421 extends. Although only a portion of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 is shown in Figure 9, the multiple side surface grooves 423a in each of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 are arranged along the entire length of the cam groove side surfaces 423 in the cam groove extension direction Db.

[0076] Furthermore, the width Wb of the side groove 423a in the cam groove extension direction Db is significantly smaller than the diameter Di of the outer circumferential surface 444a of the pin portion 442. This allows the pin portion 442 to move smoothly on the cam groove side surface 423 without entering the side groove 423a.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of side surface grooves 423a extending in the link axis direction Da are formed on each of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 in the link plate 42. The plurality of side surface grooves 423a are arranged side by side in the cam groove extending direction Db on each of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423.

[0078] Therefore, even if foreign matter such as dust enters the cam groove 421, the foreign matter can be deposited in the multiple side grooves 423a. This prevents the sliding properties of the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 against the cam groove side surface 423 from deteriorating due to the entry of the foreign matter. Furthermore, because the multiple side grooves 423a extend in the link axis direction Da, which is the same as the axial direction of the pin portion 442 inserted into the cam groove 421, the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 is less likely to come into point contact with the cam groove side surface 423, preventing the contact load from concentrating locally.

[0079] For this reason, stick-slip is less likely to occur between the outer peripheral surface 444a of the pin portion 442 and the cam groove side surface 423. In other words, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise during operation and to allow the link plate 42 and the link lever 44 to operate smoothly.

[0080] Furthermore, since each of the multiple side grooves 423a extends in the link axial direction Da, there is also the advantage that undercutting of the side grooves 423a can be avoided when the link plate 42 is manufactured by injection molding.

[0081] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment. Note that this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, but it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the second embodiment described above.

[0082] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0083] The pin portion 442 of the link lever 44 of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment in terms of the illustrations in Figures 4 and 6. However, unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the pin outer periphery 444 of the pin portion 442 does not rotate with respect to the pin shaft portion 443, but is fixed with respect to the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swing portion 441. For example, the pin shaft portion 443 is press-fitted into the cylindrical pin outer periphery 444.

[0084] Therefore, when the link plate 42 rotates, the outer peripheral surface 444 a of the pin portion 442 always slides against at least one of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 of the link plate 42 .

[0085] Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, examples of the material for link plate 42 include POM and PBT. Examples of the material for pin shaft portion 443 and lever swing portion 441 include POM, PBT, and PP, and examples of the material for pin outer periphery portion 444 include POM, PBT, and PP. Furthermore, pin outer periphery portion 444 is made of a different material from the pin shaft portion 443, lever swing portion 441, and link plate 42.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pin outer periphery 444 is made of a material that has higher sliding properties against the cam groove side surface 423 than either the material constituting the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swinging portion 441 or the material constituting the link plate 42.

[0087] Therefore, for example, compared to when the pin outer periphery 444 is made of the same material as the lever swinging portion 441 or the link plate 42, the outer periphery 444a of the pin portion 442 can slide smoothly against the cam groove side surface 423 while suppressing the stick-slip phenomenon. For example, it is possible to achieve a grease-free operation while suppressing the generation of abnormal noise during operation and to allow the link plate 42 and the link lever 44 to operate smoothly. It is also possible to suppress the progression of adhesive wear caused by the sliding of the same materials against each other.

[0088] Furthermore, although highly slidable materials are generally expensive, the amount of highly slidable material used can be reduced compared to when the entire link plate 42 or the link lever 44 is made of that highly slidable material, thereby reducing the material cost of the link cam mechanism 40.

[0089] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0090] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the second or third embodiment described above.

[0091] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0092] 4, in the first embodiment, only a pin outer periphery 444, which is a part of the pin portion 442, is rotatable relative to the lever swing portion 441, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the entire pin portion 442 is rotatable relative to the lever swing portion 441. For this reason, the link lever 44 of this embodiment has a pin component 445 that includes the pin portion 442.

[0093] Specifically, the lever swing portion 441 is formed with a pin support hole 441a for rotatably supporting the pin component 445. The pin support hole 441a is a through-hole that penetrates the lever swing portion 441 and has a circular cross section. The pin support hole 441a is formed with radial steps 441b whose diameter changes in stages, and the diameter of the pin support hole 441a is larger on one side of the radial steps 441b in the link axis direction Da than on the other side in the link axis direction Da. In addition, the minimum diameter of the pin support hole 441a is equal to or larger than the maximum diameter of the pin portion 442.

[0094] The pin component 445 has a pin portion 442, a connecting portion 446, and a barbed projection 447. The pin portion 442, the connecting portion 446, and the barbed projection 447 are, for example, integrally molded, and the pin component 445 is configured as a single resin part. The constituent material of the pin component 445 is, for example, the same as that of the pin outer periphery 444 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the pin component 445 corresponds to the portion of the link lever 44 that is rotatable about the pin axis Cn with respect to the lever swing portion 441.

[0095] The connecting portion 446 extends from the pin portion 442 to one side in the link axis direction Da and is fitted into the pin support hole 441a of the lever swing portion 441. As a result, the pin component 445 is supported by the lever swing portion 441 and is rotatable around the pin axis Cn relative to the lever swing portion 441.

[0096] The connecting portion 446 of the pin component 445 has a flange 446a that expands in the radial direction of the pin support hole 441a on one side in the link axis direction Da of the radial step 441b of the pin support hole 441a. The flange 446a abuts against the radial step 441b of the pin support hole 441a from one side in the link axis direction Da.

[0097] The barbed projection 447 is provided on the outer periphery of the pin component 445 and is formed to protrude slightly radially outward. The barbed projection 447 contacts the peripheral portion of the pin support hole 441a on the other side in the link axis direction Da from the other side in the link axis direction Da. The side surface of the barbed projection 447 on the other side in the link axis direction Da is tapered, and the diameter of the tapered surface decreases toward the other side in the link axis direction Da.

[0098] As described above, the pin support hole 441a of the pin component 445 and the lever swing portion 441 is formed. Therefore, during the assembly operation of assembling the pin component 445 and the lever swing portion 441, the pin component 445 is inserted into the pin support hole 441a from one side in the link axis direction Da, as shown by arrow B1. During this assembly, the barbed protrusion 447 of the pin component 445 is elastically deformed so as to be crushed within the pin support hole 441a, and returns to its original shape after passing through the pin support hole 441a. Then, when the insertion operation is completed, the pin component 445 and the lever swing portion 441 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 10.

[0099] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0100] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0101] (Other Embodiments) (1) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 3, for example, a plurality of cam grooves 421 are formed on one surface 42a of link plate 42, but there may be only one cam groove 421. Furthermore, cam groove 421 may be formed on the other surface of link plate 42 opposite to one surface 42a, or may be formed on both one surface 42a and the other surface.

[0102] (2) In the first embodiment described above, the pin outer periphery 444 shown in FIG. 4 is made of a different material from the pin shank 443, the lever swinging portion 441, and the link plate 42, but this is just one example. For example, it is also possible that the pin outer periphery 444, the pin shank 443, the lever swinging portion 441, and the link plate 42 are made of the same material. It is also possible that at least one of the pin outer periphery 444, the pin shank 443, the lever swinging portion 441, and the link plate 42 is made of metal instead of resin.

[0103] (3) In the first embodiment described above, the link plate 42 shown in Fig. 3 is arranged so that the link axis direction Da is horizontal or approximately horizontal when mounted on the vehicle, but there are no limitations on the arrangement orientation of the link plate 42. For example, the link plate 42 may be arranged so that the link axis direction Da is vertical or approximately vertical when mounted on the vehicle.

[0104] (4) In the second embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the pin outer periphery 444 having the tapered outer periphery 444a is fixed to the lever swinging portion 441 and does not rotate relative to the lever swinging portion 441, but this is just one example.

[0105] For example, the pin outer periphery 444 on which the tapered outer periphery 444a is formed may be configured as a separate part from the lever swinging part 441, as in the first embodiment, and may be rotatable relative to the lever swinging part 441. In this way, it is possible to further suppress abnormal noise caused by the stick-slip phenomenon compared to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0106] (5) In the third embodiment described above, the pin outer periphery 444 shown in Fig. 4 is rotatable around the pin axis Cn relative to the pin shaft 443, as in the first embodiment, but this is merely an example. For example, the pin 442 and the lever swinging part 441 may be integrally configured, and the entire pin 442 may be fixed to the lever swinging part 441 so as not to be rotatable.

[0107] (6) In the third embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 9, the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423 each have a plurality of side surface grooves 423a formed thereon, but this is merely an example. For example, the plurality of side surface grooves 423a may be formed on only one of the pair of cam groove side surfaces 423, rather than on both surfaces.

[0108] (7) In the fourth embodiment described above, the pin outer periphery 444 of the pin portion 442 shown in Fig. 4 does not rotate relative to the pin shaft portion 443 and is fixed to the pin shaft portion 443 and the lever swing portion 441, but this is just one example. For example, similar to the first embodiment, the pin outer periphery 444 may be rotatable around the pin axis Cn relative to the pin shaft portion 443.

[0109] (8) In the fifth embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 10, the pin component 445 and the pin support hole 441a of the lever swing portion 441 are configured so that the pin component 445 is inserted into the pin support hole 441a from one side in the link axis direction Da during assembly. However, this is just one example.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pin component 445 and the pin support hole 441a may be configured so that during assembly, the pin component 445 is inserted into the pin support hole 441a from the other side in the link axis direction Da, as shown by arrow B2.

[0111] 11, for example, the diameter of the pin portion 442 is larger than the diameter of the end of the pin support hole 441a on the other side in the link axis direction Da. The connecting portion 446 of the pin component 445 has a snap-fit ​​structure, and the claw portion 448 of the snap-fit ​​structure abuts against the radial step 441b of the pin support hole 441a from one side in the link axis direction Da.

[0112] 12, similar to the example of FIG. 11, the connecting portion 446 of the pin component 445 has a snap-fit ​​structure. A claw portion 448 of the snap-fit ​​structure abuts against a radial step 441b of the pin support hole 441a from one side in the link axis direction Da. A counterbore portion 441c is formed at the end of the pin support hole 441a of the lever swing portion 441 on the other side in the link axis direction Da. Corresponding to the counterbore portion 441c, the pin component 445 has a stopper portion 449 that protrudes like a flange from the outer periphery of the pin component 445, and the stopper portion 449 fits into and abuts against the counterbore portion 441c from the other side in the link axis direction Da.

[0113] (9) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the link cam mechanism 40 is provided to operate the opening door 30, but this is merely an example. The link cam mechanism 40 may also operate a door other than the opening door 30, such as the inside / outside air switching door 22 or the air mix door 28. Furthermore, the door operated by the link cam mechanism 40 is not limited to a swinging door, but may also be a sliding door.

[0114] (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, for example, in Fig. 5, the opening door 30 is directly connected to the lever swinging portion 441, but this is just one example. For example, the opening door 30 may be arranged apart from the lever swinging portion 441, and the opening door 30 may be mechanically linked to the lever swinging portion 441.

[0115] (11) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate, except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible.

[0116] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are particularly explicitly stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless they are particularly explicitly stated as essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. unless they are particularly explicitly stated or are clearly limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0117] (Viewpoints of the Present Disclosure) The above-described present disclosure can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example. [First Aspect] A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatably provided groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da), formed therein; a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) to which the pin portion is connected and swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, thereby operating the door in conjunction with the swinging, wherein the pin portion has a pin outer circumferential portion (444) formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction and having an outer circumferential surface (444a) that contacts a side surface (423) of the cam groove, and the link cam mechanism is configured such that at least the pin outer circumferential portion of the pin portion is rotatable about the pin axis relative to the lever swinging portion. [Second Aspect] The link cam mechanism according to the first aspect, wherein the portion (444, 445) rotatable around the pin axis relative to the lever swing portion is made of a different material than the lever swing portion. [Third Aspect] The link cam mechanism according to the first or second aspect, wherein the outer circumferential surface is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the other side in the one direction, and both sides of the side surface of the cam groove are inclined relative to the one direction in accordance with the outer circumferential surface. [Fourth Aspect] The link cam mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the side surface of the cam groove is formed with a plurality of side surface grooves (423a) extending in the one direction, and the plurality of side surface grooves are arranged side by side in the direction (Db) in which the cam groove extends. [Fifth Aspect] The link cam mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the outer circumferential portion of the pin is made of a material that has a higher sliding property against the side surface of the cam groove than the constituent materials of the lever swing portion and the groove forming member.[Sixth Aspect] A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatably provided groove forming member (42) in which a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other side in one direction (Da) is formed; a pin portion (442) that is inserted into the cam groove and is displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) to which the pin portion is connected and which swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, and which operates the door in conjunction with the swinging, wherein the pin portion has an outer peripheral surface (444a) that is formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction and comes into contact with a side surface (423) of the cam groove, and the outer peripheral surface has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter toward the other side in the one direction, and both sides of the side surface of the cam groove are inclined with respect to the one direction in accordance with the outer peripheral surface. [Seventh Aspect] The link cam mechanism according to the third or sixth aspect, wherein the vehicle air conditioning unit is arranged so that the pin axis is horizontal. [Eighth Aspect] A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatably provided groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da), a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates, and a lever swinging portion (441) connected to the pin portion and swinging due to the displacement of the pin portion to operate the door in conjunction with the swinging, wherein a side surface (423) of the cam groove has a plurality of side surface grooves (423a) extending in the one direction, and the plurality of side surface grooves are arranged side by side in the direction (Db) in which the cam groove extends.[Ninth Aspect] A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatably provided groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other side in one direction (Da), formed therein; a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) connected to the pin portion, swinging due to the displacement of the pin portion, and operating the door in conjunction with the swinging, wherein the pin portion has a pin outer circumferential portion (444) formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction, and having an outer circumferential surface (444a) formed thereon that slides against a side surface (423) of the cam groove, A link cam mechanism, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the pin is made of a material that has a higher sliding property against the side surface of the cam groove than the material constituting the lever swinging portion and the material constituting the groove forming member.

Claims

1. A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatable groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da); a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) to which the pin portion is connected and swings due to the displacement of the pin portion, operating the door in conjunction with the swinging; wherein the pin portion has a pin outer periphery (444) formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction and having an outer periphery (444a) that contacts a side surface (423) of the cam groove; and at least the pin outer periphery of the pin portion is configured to be rotatable about the pin axis relative to the lever swinging portion.

2. A link cam mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein the portion (444, 445) that can rotate around the pin axis relative to the lever swinging portion is made of a material different from that of the lever swinging portion.

3. A link cam mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the other side in the one direction, and both sides of the side surfaces of the cam groove are inclined toward the one direction in accordance with the outer peripheral surface.

4. A link cam mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of side grooves (423a) extending in one direction are formed on the side of the cam groove, and the plurality of side grooves are arranged side by side in the direction (Db) in which the cam groove extends.

5. A link cam mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer periphery of the pin is made of a material that has a higher sliding property against the side surface of the cam groove than the material constituting the lever swinging portion and the material constituting the groove forming member.

6. A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatable groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da); a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) connected to the pin portion and swinging due to the displacement of the pin portion, thereby operating the door in conjunction with the swinging; wherein the pin portion has an outer peripheral surface (444a) formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction and in contact with a side surface (423) of the cam groove, and the outer peripheral surface is tapered so that its diameter decreases toward the other side in the one direction, and both sides of the side surface of the cam groove are inclined relative to the one direction in accordance with the outer peripheral surface.

7. The link cam mechanism according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the vehicle air conditioning unit is arranged so that the pin axis is oriented horizontally.

8. A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatable groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da); a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) connected to the pin portion and swinging due to the displacement of the pin portion, for operating the door in conjunction with the swinging; and a side surface (423) of the cam groove having a plurality of side surface grooves (423a) extending in the one direction, the plurality of side surface grooves being arranged side by side in the direction (Db) in which the cam groove extends.

9. A link cam mechanism (40) for operating a door (30, 31, 32, 33) of a vehicle air conditioning unit (2), comprising: a rotatable groove forming member (42) having a cam groove (421) recessed from one side to the other in one direction (Da); a pin portion (442) inserted into the cam groove and displaced while being constrained by the cam groove as the groove forming member rotates; and a lever swinging portion (441) connected to the pin portion and swinging due to the displacement of the pin portion, thereby operating the door in conjunction with the swinging; wherein the pin portion has a pin outer periphery (444) formed around a pin axis (Cn) along the one direction and having an outer periphery (444a) that slides against a side surface (423) of the cam groove; and the pin outer periphery is made of a material that has a higher sliding property against the side surface of the cam groove than the constituent materials of the lever swinging portion and the constituent materials of the groove forming member.

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