WO2004005057A1

WO2004005057A1 - Control arrangement for a vehicle heating, ventilation or air conditioning (hvac) system

Info

Publication number: WO2004005057A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/002897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Llwyd Merrilis
Original assignee: Calsonic Kansei Uk Limited
Priority date: 2002-07-06
Filing date: 2003-07-04
Publication date: 2004-01-15
Also published as: AU2003253109A1; GB0215724D0; GB2390416A; EP1539517A1

Abstract

A control arrangement for a vehicle heating ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the control arrangement comprising an inner control device and an outer control device, the outer control device being rotatable about the inner control device.

Description

Control Arrangement for a Vehicle Heating , Ventilation or Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

The present invention relates to a control arrangement for a vehicle heating ventilation or air conditioning system.

Control such as rotary controls for controlling aspects of vehicle HVAC systems are know. User controls are typically provided for controlling, for example, fan speed, temperature level, and air distribution mode (determining the location to which air is directed within the cabin) .

An improved arrangement has now been devised.

According to the present invention there is provided a control arrangement for a vehicle heating ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the control arrangement comprising an inner control device and an outer control device, the outer control device being rotatable about the inner control device .

Beneficially the inner control device is a rotary device. It is preferred that the inner and outer control devices are moveable independently of one another. Beneficially both the inner and outer control devices are rotary devices beneficially moveable independent of one another both in a clockwise and anticlockwise sense. It is preferred that one or both of the control devices is rotatable through 90° or more (preferably through 180° or more, most preferably through to substantially 360°) .

Beneficially the inner control device and the outer control device control different functions of the HVAC system, beneficially two or more from the group comprising cabin air temperature, air distribution mode selection and fan speed. It is preferred that the inner control device

(preferably a rotary control device) is an air distribution mode selector arranged to select the zones to which air is to be delivered within the interior of the vehicle.

Beneficially the inner and outer control devices are arranged substantially co-axially with one another (and therefore also beneficially both rotary devices) .

The arrangement beneficially includes an indicia marking for the inner control device and an indicia marking for the outer control device. Beneficially the indicia markings are fixed facia items.

Beneficially a facia spacer element is provided intermediate the inner and outer control devices . It is preferred that the facia spacer element carries marking indicia for one of the control devices (preferably the inner control device) . The facia spacer element beneficially comprises an annular element positioned intermediately between inner and outer control devices. Beneficially the inner and outer devices are rotary devices in which the inner device is nested within the outer device. Beneficially the annular facia element is nested within the outer control device, the inner control device being nested within the annular facia spacer element.

It is preferred that the outer control device comprises a peripheral annular ring portion for rotary manipulation by the user. The inner and outer control devices are beneficially rotatable relative to the annular facia spacer element which remains stationary during operation.

Beneficially the annular facia spacer includes a rearward annular channel defined by the front panel of the facia spacer element and rear side walls. The annular channel beneficially acts as a light guide for back lighting of the annular facia spacer.

End stops may be provided to limit the angular travel of one or both of the inner and outer control devices .

The invention provides specific benefits enabling dual function to be achieved using nested control devices. This has a significant benefit of optimising the area of the control panel used for functional switches. This is a significant benefit with the trend toward having dual controls enabling left and right vehicle occupants to select, independently, required air conditioning criteria. This trend tends to increase the number of functional controls required and therefore any means of reducing the facia panelled area required is beneficial . The present invention can provide a high degree of rotation angular sweep for both an inner and an outer control device, typically over 90° of rotation to beyond 180° rotation and even up to 360° of rotation. The nested configuration of the devices and the arrangement of the

(facia) spacer are beneficial in this respect. The arrangement described is particularly suited to control applications in which one or both control devices are connected to torsion control elements (such as torsion control cables) in order to achieve the control function required.

Additionally, the graphics panel size is reduced and the tooling costs for the control base are reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the control devices are rotary devices arranged substantially co-axially, and have relatively wide diameter portions accessible to the user and step-down reduced diameter hub or stem portions behind the facia or dash of the vehicle.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, in specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of control arrangement for use with a vehicle HVAC system;

Figure 2 is a perspective partially cutaway view of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 ;

Figure 4 is a sectional view at 90° to the view of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of control arrangement for a HVAC system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 is a partially cutaway view of the arrangement of Figure 5 ;

Figure 7 is a front view of the arrangement of Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 is a rear view of the arrangement of Figures 5 to 7;

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the arrangement of Figures

5 to 8 ; and

Figure 10 is a sectional view along BB in Figure 9.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a control arrangement 1 for a vehicle HVAC system. The control arrangement 1 is mounted to a vehicle instrument panel/facia 70 and, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, is specifically arranged to provide a dual control function in which fan speed and air flow distribution mode are controlled. The fan speed is controllable between set speed intervals at four step intervals between a fan off situation (position 0 in Figure 1) and a maximum fan speed (4 in Figure 1) . The control arrangement includes an external annular fan speed control device 2 which is rotatable around a central axis over the range 0 to 4. The annular control ring 2 is provided with ergonomic finger recesses 3 for ease of operator use.

Internally of annular ring 2 is mounted an air distribution mode control device 4 which includes a rotating boss 4a and standing proud thereof a finger grip projection 4b. The air distribution mode control device 4 is rotatable through 360° and acts to operate air direction control flaps or doors (not shown) of the HVAC system to ensure that cabin air is directed to the required position dependent upon user preference and selection. Intermediately between the central mode control device 4 and the outer annular control ring 2 is a facia panel spacer 5 including a front face provided with indicator symbols informing the driver to which position the air will be directed for any given position of the mode controller device 4. The annular facia panel spacer 5 remains stationary such that outer fan speed control ring device 2 and inner air distribution mode control device 4 rotate relative to the stationary annular facia panel spacer 5.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, the central air distribution mode control device 4 includes a stem 6 having and axial bore for receiving securely the air distribution mode output shaft 7 which rotates with the air distribution mode control device 4 to determine the output configuration for the cabin directed air. Air distribution mode control device 4, stem 6 and output shaft 7 are all therefore fixed relative to one another and rotate in unison with each other. A pair of support struts 10 extend from the backing panel 9 and are bonded at their forward ends to an inner wall of the annular facia spacer 5. Annular facia spacer 5 includes inner and outer radial walls and a light guide space in the form of an open annular channel between the outer walls and the spanning forward facia panel of the annular facia spacer 5. The facia panel 5, support struts 10 and backing panel 9 are all fixed and do not rotate.

The outer annular fan speed control ring 2 (as best shown in Figure 3) includes a pair of arms 12 spaced radially at 180°, connecting with an annular hub 13. Annular hub 13 is spaced from stem 6 and therefore independent rotation of stem 6 and hub 13 is permitted. Hub 13 is a forced fit with cylinder 14 which carries the fan switch shaft 16 (housing contact spring 15) , the fan switch shaft 16 contacts with the fan switch contact base 17. When rotating the annular fan speed control ring 2 between fan control positions 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, the arms 12, hub 13, cylinder 14 and fan switch shaft 16 all rotate together to provide the required changing rotary contact at fan switch contact base 17. Because of the step down in diameter from the ring 2 to hub 3, the free space behind the facia is maximised. When rotating the annular outer fan speed control ring 2, the range of angular movement is limited by the fact that arms 12 will, at the relevant limits of movement, make contact against the support struts 10. The range of angular movement is however sufficient to ensure that the annular fan speed control ring 2 moves sufficiently to permit the cylinder 14 and fan switch shaft 16 to travel the required angular distance. A fan switch connector 20 is mounted on the fan switch contact base 17.

The annular fan speed control ring 2 is provided as a moulded component including the arms 12 and hub 13. The facia spacer 5 nests within the boundary of the peripheral annulus of the fan speed control ring and includes a radially inner annular lip which is received within an annular recess provided in the rear face of the rotatable boss 4a of the air distribution mode control device 4.

The arrangement described enables dual function control to be achieved using two rotary type control switches where both are mounted coaxially. This has a significant benefit of minimising the area of the vehicle control panel taken up with the two controls which has space benefits and also other cost benefits including reducing the size of the graphics panel. The facia spacer 5 includes markings for the inner air distribution mode control device, making the arrangement convenient and compact. Such an arrangement, for example, enables dual zone controls to be provided in small vehicle interiors. Figures 5 to 10 show an alternative control arrangement for a vehicle HVAC system in which the fan speed is controlled by a fan speed controller 25 which controls the flow rate of air through the HVAC system.

The control arrangement 101 shown in Figure 5 includes separate dual controls 101a, 101b each controlling air distribution temperature and air distribution mode (i.e. output configuration to the cabin) for passengers in different locations within the cabin (for example left and right or front and rear) .

In the arrangement shown the air distribution mode control device 104 is provided centrally of each control (in the same manner as described in relation to the previously described embodiment) . The annular temperature control ring 102 is provided radially outwardly the air distribution mode control device 4. The inner annular facia support 105 carries air distribution mode markings depicting the area of the cabin to which air will be directed (in a similar manner to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4) . The external facia panel 121 carries temperature markings 122 indicating the level of temperature of the air which will be distributed depending upon the relative angular orientation of annular temperature control ring 102 relative to the marking 122. An air distribution mode torsion shaft 107 is directly coupled to the air distribution mode control device 104 to transmit rotary input at the air distribution mode control device 104 to operate the air deflection system accordingly. A temperature control output rotary geared shaft 162 meshes with a temperature control lever 132 including a peripheral geared portion to axially displace a control wire 133 for temperature control .

As shown most clearly in Figures 9 and 10, the control arrangement 101a, 101b includes a non-rotary inner panel support bearing 110 which connects via arms 141 and 142 (see also Figure 8) and return lengths 143, 144 to the backing panel 109. The support strut bearing 110 remains stationary during operation. The inner diameter of support bearing 110 permits the mode output shaft 107 to pass therethrough. The forward terminal portion of support bearing 110 provides a bearing end against which the rearward portion of the stem 106 of the rotary air distribution mode control device 104 abuts.

As most clearly seen in Figure 10 the inner annular facia spacer 105 includes a stepped portion 105a and a stem or hub portion 105b which is secured onto the terminal diameter of support bearing 110. The support bearing 110 therefore provides a secure support for the annular facia panel 105 in a fixed position. Continuing to refer to Figure 10, the external annular temperature control ring 102 includes a stem or hub portion 102a which is secured to a terminal portion of temperature control shaft 162. Stem portion 102a and temperature control shaft 162 rotate together in unison. A toothed gear portion 165 of the temperature gear shaft 162 meshes with the gear teeth of temperature lever 132 for temperature control of air to be distributed into the cabin. The step down diameters from the diameter of ring 102 to stem or hub 102a and the facia 105 to facia stem or hub 105b provide for maximum available free space behind the facia panel of the vehicle dash. Additionally, the ability for the controls 104 and 102 to be rotated through a maximum angle (360°) is achieved with the present invention.

The arrangement shown permits both the air distribution mode control device 104 and the annular temperature control ring 102 to be rotated independently, clockwise and anticlockwise through 360°. The air distribution mode control device 104 is nested within the boundary of the stationary annular facia spacer 105, which is in turn nested within the boundary of the periphery of the annular temperature control ring 102. The forward facia panel of facia spacer 105 together with the side walls of the spacer

105 defines an annular light guide channel permitting back lighting of the indicia on the forward facia panel of spacer 105.

The invention has been described in relation to vehicle HVAC systems. This should be interpreted broadly as including basic systems having only a cabin heater up to an including more advanced systems including condensers and refrigeration circuits.

Claims

Claims :

1. A control arrangement for a vehicle heating ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the control arrangement comprising an inner control device and an outer control device, the outer control device being rotatable about the inner control device.

2. A control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the inner control device is a rotary device.

3. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner and outer control devices are movable independently of one another.

. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer control device is rotatable through 90° or more.

5. A control arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the outer control device is rotatable through 180° or more . \

6. A control arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the outer control device is rotatable through substantially 360°.

7. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner control device and the outer control device control different functions of the HVAC system

8. A control arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the functions controlled are two or more from the group comprising cabin air temperature, air distribution mode selection; fan speed.

9. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner control device is an air distribution mode selector arranged to select the zones to which air is delivered.

10. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer control devices are rotary devices arranged substantially coaxially with one another.

11. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the arrangement includes an indicia marking for the inner control device and an indicia marking for the outer control device .

12. A control arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the indicia markings are fixed.

13. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein a facia spacer element is provided intermediate the inner and outer control devices.

14. A control arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the facia spacer element carries marking indicia for one of the control devices .

15. A control arrangement according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the inner and outer control devices are rotary devices, the facia spacer element comprising an annular element intermediate the inner and outer control devices.

16. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer control device, comprises a peripheral annular or ring portion for manipulation by the user.

17. A control arrangement, wherein the inner and outer devices are rotary devices, the inner device being nested within the outer device.

18. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer control devices are rotary devices, an annular facia spacer element being nested within the outer control device, the inner control device being nested within the annular facia spacer element.

19. A control arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the inner and outer control devices are rotatable relative to the annular facia spacer element which remains stationary.

20. A vehicle heating, ventilation or air conditioning system including a control arrangement according to any preceding claim.

21. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein the inner control device and/or outer control device are connected directly to a torsional control element to operate components of the HVAC system.

22. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the inner and outer control devices is connected to an electrical contact arrangement such that rotation of the relevant control devices alters the electrical contact status.

23. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the inner and outer control devices is connected to an electrical contact arrangement such that rotation of the relevant control devices alters the electrical contact status, the other of the control devices being a rotary device and directly coupled to a torsional control element to operate components of the HVAC ststem.

24. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer control devices are rotary devices arranged substantially coaxially, an annular facia spacer element being provided between the inner and outer devices.

25. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer control device comprises an outer peripheral ring connecting with a rotary support hub, the outer diameter of the support hub being less than the outer diameter of the peripheral ring.

26. A control arrangement according to claim 25, wherein an annular facia spacer element is provided radially inwardly of the peripheral ring of the outer control device, the outer diameter of the support hub of the outer device being less than the outer diameter of the annular facia spacer.

27. A control arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the facia element comprises a substantially open annular channel, the open portion of the channel being opposite to the closed facia wall of the channel.

28. A control arrangement according to claim 24, wherein:

i) the outer control device comprises a peripheral ring connecting with a reduced diameter hub; and

ii) the annular facia element includes an annular facia portion connecting with a reduced diameter hub.

9. A control arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the reduced diameter hub of the facia element is positioned radially inwardly of the reduced diameter hub of the outer control device.