Patent Description:
With the rapid development of industry, the consumers' pursuit of comfort in vehicle environment for driving and riding has become a concern that the vehicle manufacturers pay more and more attention to. The main operating parts of an air conditioner controller generally include buttons and knobs. The knobs are mainly configured to adjust the temperature and the air volume, which are frequently used in the driving process. The design of the knobs not only needs to meet the customer's requirements on the torque, but also needs to take into account of the noise generated during its rotation. In a controller for vehicle air conditioner, when the knob rotates, direct friction is caused between the surfaces of the knob and the base which are opposite to each other, and a large friction force causes a large noise during operation of the knob. <CIT> discloses an operating element which comprises at least two parts which can be moved relative to one another and have mutually facing surfaces, at least one of which is designed to be at least partially elastic. <CIT> discloses a rotary control device with haptic feedback to be mounted in a control panel of a motor vehicle. <CIT> discloses a rotary knob assembly and methods for forming and controlling friction effecting features of the knob assembly. <CIT> discloses a system for entering commands and for operating different functions, in particular in a motor vehicle.

In view of this, there is a need to provide a controller for vehicle air conditioner to obviate or at least mitigate the above problem.

The present invention provides a controller for vehicle air conditioner, according to the features of independent claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the base includes a support portion located in the mounting cavity, the knob assembly includes a knob cap and a shift portion connected to each other, and the at least one bearing element includes a first bearing element located between the support portion and the knob cap.

In some embodiments, the base includes a support portion located in the mounting cavity, the knob assembly includes a knob cap and a shift portion connected to each other, and the at least one bearing element includes a second bearing element located between the support portion and the shift portion.

In some embodiments, the bearing element of the at least one bearing element may be a horizontal rolling bearing element which includes a retaining ring and a plurality of rolling members arranged in the retaining ring, wherein the rolling members protrude out from two ends of the retaining ring in an axial direction to act as frictional contact areas. In other embodiments, the bearing element of the at least one bearing element may be a vertical rolling bearing element which includes a retaining sleeve and a plurality of rolling members arranged on the retaining sleeve, wherein the rolling members protrude out from two sides of the retaining sleeve in a radial direction to act as frictional contact areas. In some other embodiments, the bearing element of the at least one bearing element may be a horizontal sliding bearing element with axial end surfaces acting as frictional contact surfaces. In further embodiments, the bearing element of the at least one bearing element may be a vertical sliding bearing element with radial surfaces acting as frictional contact surfaces.

In some embodiments, the first bearing element is located between opposed axial end surfaces of the knob cap and the support portion; the first bearing element includes a retaining ring and a plurality of rolling members, the retaining ring includes a plurality of receiving holes axially extending therethrough, the rolling members are movably retained within the retaining ring, and two axial ends of the rolling member protrude out from two axial end surfaces of the retaining ring to act as frictional contact areas; in particular, at least one of the opposed axial end surfaces of the support portion and the knob cap is provided with an annular groove for partially receiving the plurality of rolling members.

In some embodiments, the receiving hole of the first bearing element has a diameter at an axial middle part of the retaining ring greater than a diameter of the rolling member, the diameter of the receiving hole at the axial end surface of the retaining ring is smaller than the diameter of the rolling member, and the rolling member is movably retained in the receiving hole; in particular, the retaining ring is made of plastic, the retaining ring is further provided with a plurality of slots, and each slot extends through a radial outer edge of the retaining ring and is communicating with a respective receiving hole.

In some embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a buffer and a holder arranged between the knob cap and the support portion, wherein one side of the buffer is arranged adjacent to one of the knob cap and the support portion, and the holder is arranged adjacent to the other side of the buffer; the first bearing element is arranged between the holder and the other one of the knob cap and the support portion; in particular, the holder is provided with fitting posts, the buffer is provided with fitting holes corresponding to the fitting posts, and the fitting posts are engaged in the fitting holes.

In some embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a buffer and a holder arranged between the knob cap and the support portion, wherein the knob cap includes a body and a connecting post extending from a central portion of an end surface of the body; the buffer is supported on the support portion, and the holder is supported on the buffer; the first bearing element is arranged between the holder and the body of the knob cap; and in particular, the holder is provided with fitting posts, the buffer is provided with fitting holes corresponding to the fitting posts, and the fitting posts are engaged in the fitting holes.

In some embodiments, the support portion is provided with a receiving groove, and the buffer is partially received in the receiving groove; and in particular, the holder is provided with an annular groove for partially accommodating the rolling members of the first bearing element.

In some embodiments, the knob cap includes a body and a connecting post extending from the body; the first bearing element is located between a radial inner surface of the support portion and a radial outer surface of the connecting post; the first bearing element includes a retaining sleeve and a plurality of rolling members; the retaining sleeve is provided with a plurality of accommodating holes radially extending therethrough; the rolling members are movably retained in the accommodating holes; two radial sides of the rolling member respectively protrude out from two radial side surfaces of the retaining sleeve and are in frictional contact with the radial inner surface of the support portion and the radial outer surface of the connecting post; in particular, the accommodating hole of the first bearing element has a diameter at a radial middle portion of the retaining sleeve larger than a diameter of the rolling member, and the diameter of the accommodating hole at the radial side surfaces of the retaining sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the rolling member, and the rolling member is movably retained in the retaining sleeve.

In some embodiments, at least one of the radial inner surface of the support portion and the radial outer surface of the connecting post is provided with an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the rolling members of the first bearing element abut against the inclined surface or the curved surface.

In some embodiments, the shift portion includes a first section and a second section which extend in an axial direction, and a shoulder connecting adjacent ends of the first section and the second section to each other; the second bearing element is provided between opposed axial end surfaces of the shoulder of the shift portion and the support portion; the second bearing element includes a retaining ring and a plurality of rolling members; the retaining ring is provided with a plurality of receiving holes axially extending therethrough, and the rolling members are movably retained within the receiving holes; two axial ends of the rolling member respectively protrude out from two axial end surfaces of the retaining ring and are in fractional contact with the axial end surfaces which are opposite to each other; in particular, at least one of the opposed axial end surfaces of the shoulder of the shift portion and the support portion is provided with an annular groove for partially receiving the rolling members of the second bearing element.

In some embodiments, the shift portion includes a first section and a second section which extend in an axial direction, and a shoulder connecting adjacent ends of the first section and the second section to each other; the second bearing element is provided between a radial inner surface of the support portion and a radial outer surface of the first section of the shift portion; the second bearing element includes a retaining sleeve and a plurality of rolling members; the retaining sleeve is provided with a plurality of accommodating holes radially extending therethrough; the rolling members are movably retained in the accommodating holes; two radial sides of the rolling member respectively protrude out from two radial side surfaces of the retaining sleeve and are in frictional contact with the radial inner surface of the support portion and the radial outer surface of the first section; and in particular, the accommodating hole of the second bearing element has a diameter at a radial middle portion of the retaining sleeve larger than a diameter of the rolling member, and the diameter of the accommodating hole at the radial side surfaces of the retaining sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the rolling member, and the rolling member are movably retained in the retaining sleeve.

In some embodiments, at least one of the radial inner surface of the support portion and the radial outer surface of the first section of the shift portion is provided with an inclined surface or a curved surface, and the rolling members of the second bearing element abut against the inclined surface or the curved surface.

In some embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a circuit board and a rotation detection means. The rotation detection means includes a first element attached to or formed on the knob component, and a second element arranged on the circuit board. In some embodiments, the first element is a detection magnet, and the second element is a Hall element, wherein the detection magnet is attached to the knob assembly, and the Hall element is arranged on the circuit board corresponding to the detection magnet. In other embodiments, the first element is a toothed ring, and the second element is a photoelectric switch, wherein the toothed ring includes a plurality of notches, and the notches are arranged spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the knob assembly; the photoelectric switch includes a light emitter and a light receiver which are arranged opposite to each other, and spaced from each other with a gap defined therebetween; when the knob assembly rotates, the toothed ring travels through the gap between the light emitter and the light receiver and alternately blocks and exposes the light emitted by the light emitter. In further embodiments, the first element is a gear, and the second element is a potentiometer, wherein the gear is engaged with the knob assembly, the potentiometer includes a rotatable shaft to which the gear is connected.

According to the invention, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a spring element arranged between the base and the knob assembly, wherein the knob assembly includes a shift portion which includes a shift ring, the shift ring forms a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions which are alternately arranged, the spring element is connected with the base and extends into the concave portion of the shift ring. In some embodiments, the spring element may be a leaf spring which includes a fixing portion connected with the base and an engaging portion connected to the fixing portion, and the engaging portion extends to the concave portion of the shift ring, in particular, the base is provided with a clamping protrusion corresponding to the fixing portion of the leaf spring, and the fixing portion is clamped to the base by the clamping protrusion. In other embodiments, the spring element may include a spring and a shift pin, wherein the spring is connected to the base, the shift pin is located at a distal end of the spring, and the shift pin is urged to the concave portion of the shift ring by the spring. In other embodiments, the spring element may include a spring and a ball, wherein the spring is connected to the base, the ball is provided at a distal end of the spring, and the ball is urged to the concave portion of the shift ring by the spring.

In some embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner includes a front panel, which is provided with a button installation portion for installing a button, wherein the base is integrally formed with the front panel.

In some other embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a front panel, which is provided with a button installation portion for installing a button, and the front panel includes a mounting hole, wherein the base, the knob assembly, and the at least one bearing element is capable of being assembled into a pre-assembled component which is detachably mountable into the mounting hole of the front panel.

In some embodiments, the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a light-emitting source, wherein the knob assembly includes a knob cap and a shift portion connected to each other, and the knob cap includes a light permeable window; and the light emitted from the light-emitting source exits from the knob cap.

In some embodiments, the knob cap includes a cap lid and a cap body connected to each other, the cap body is made of a material which is transparent or translucent, and the cap body includes a fixed rim connected to the cap lid, a connecting portion extending radially inwardly and downwardly from an inner periphery of the fixed rim, and an extending portion further extending downwardly from a lower end of the connecting portion; and the controller for vehicle air conditioner further includes a buffer and a holder, wherein the buffer is supported on the fixed rim of the cap body, the holder is supported on the buffer, the base includes a support portion located in the mounting cavity, the at least one bearing element includes a first bearing element arranged between an axial end surface of the holder and an axial end surface of the support portion.

In the controller for vehicle air conditioner, the at least one bearing element is provided between the knob component and the base, so that direct friction between the knob component and the base is replaced with friction between the knob component and/or the base and the first bearing element, thus reducing the friction and the noise.

To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It is to be understood that the drawings are merely provided for reference and illustration and are not intended to limit the present invention. The dimensions shown in the drawings are only for the sake of clearly describing and do not limit the proportional relationship there among. In addition, it should be noted that in this application, the terms "upper, lower, left, right" and the like are determined based on the position relationship shown in the drawings referred to, and the relative position relationship may change according to different drawings, so that it cannot be deemed as limiting the scope of protection. Moreover, the relative terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish elements or components with the same name, and do not indicate or imply any such actual relationship or order between these elements or components.

Referring to <FIG>, a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a base <NUM>, a knob assembly <NUM> rotatably mounted in the base <NUM>, and a first bearing element <NUM>, a second bearing element <NUM>, and spring elements <NUM> disposed between the base <NUM> and the knob assembly <NUM>.

A mounting cavity <NUM> is formed in the base <NUM>, and at least a portion of the knob assembly <NUM> is positioned in the mounting cavity <NUM>. In this embodiment, an upper surface of the knob assembly <NUM> is substantially flush with the base <NUM>. A support portion <NUM> is formed by extending radially inwardly from an inner wall of the mounting cavity <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> is substantially annular. The base <NUM> defines a through hole <NUM> in the mounting cavity <NUM>, which is enclosed by the support portion <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> includes two end surfaces respectively located at two axial ends and an inner surface located at a radial inner side.

The knob assembly <NUM> includes a knob cap <NUM> and a shift portion <NUM>. The knob cap <NUM> includes a flat body <NUM> and a connecting post <NUM> extending perpendicularly from one end surface of the body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the body <NUM> is disc-shaped, and the connecting post <NUM> has a hollow tubular shape.

The shift portion <NUM> includes, along the axial direction, a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>. Both the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> are hollow and cylindrical. The first section <NUM> has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second section <NUM>. The shift portion <NUM> further includes a shoulder <NUM> extending in the radial direction thereof, which is located between the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> and connects the first section <NUM> with the second section <NUM>. In this embodiment, the shoulder <NUM> is in the form of a circular plate. The radial outer circumference of the shoulder <NUM> forms a shift ring <NUM>. The shift ring <NUM> includes convex portions <NUM> and concave portions <NUM> which are circumferentially alternately arranged. The convex portions <NUM> protrude outwardly in the radial direction of the shift portion <NUM>, and each concave portion <NUM> is formed between two adjacent convex portions <NUM>.

In this embodiment, two spring elements <NUM> are provided. Each spring element <NUM> includes two fixing portions <NUM> and an engaging portion <NUM> connected between the two fixing portions <NUM>. The spring element <NUM> can be formed as for example a leaf spring, by bending a metal sheet or a metal plate. In this embodiment, the two fixing portions <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> are flat and straight, arranged coplanar and spaced apart. Two ends of the engaging portion <NUM> are respectively connected to the two fixing portions <NUM>, with the middle part of the engaging portion <NUM> protruding beyond one lateral side of the plane where the fixing portions <NUM> locate. In this embodiment, the engaging portion <NUM> is V-shaped. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the fixing portion <NUM> is not limited to the flat and straight shape, and it may be curved, ring-shaped, or in any other shape that can be fixed to the base <NUM>. The engaging portion is not limited to the V-shape, and it may be in a U-shape or other structures protruding from the fixing portions <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first bearing element <NUM> is a horizontal rolling bearing element, which includes a retaining ring <NUM> and a plurality of first rolling members <NUM> arranged in the retaining ring <NUM>. The retaining ring <NUM> may be made of plastic, and the first rolling members <NUM> may be made of stainless steel. In this embodiment, the first rolling members <NUM> may be balls. The retaining ring <NUM> is ring-shaped, with a plurality of receiving holes <NUM> for receiving the first rolling members <NUM> provided thereon. The plurality of receiving holes <NUM> are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring <NUM>. Each receiving hole <NUM> extends through the retaining ring <NUM> in the axial direction of the retaining ring <NUM>, with two first openings <NUM> formed on two end surfaces of the retaining ring <NUM>, wherein only one of the first openings is shown. The wall <NUM> of the receiving hole <NUM> has a spherical shape. The receiving hole <NUM> has a maximum diameter at the axial middle portion of the retaining ring <NUM>, and the diameter of the receiving hole <NUM> gradually decreases from the middle portion to the first openings <NUM> at two ends. The diameter of the first rolling member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the receiving hole <NUM>, but larger than the diameter of the first openings <NUM> of the receiving hole <NUM>. In particular, the diameter of the first rolling member <NUM> is smaller than the maximum hole diameter of the receiving hole about <NUM>, so that a small clearance is formed between the first rolling member <NUM> and the inner wall of the receiving hole <NUM>. Therefore, the first rolling member <NUM> can be received in the receiving hole <NUM> and roll freely in the receiving hole <NUM> without falling off from the retaining ring <NUM>. In addition, the diameter of the first rolling member <NUM> is greater than the axial thickness of the retaining ring <NUM>. Thus, axial ends of the first rolling member <NUM> which is accommodated in the retaining ring <NUM> extend out from the first openings <NUM> and beyond the axial end surfaces of the retaining ring <NUM>, respectively. In particular, the ratio of the axial thickness of the retaining ring <NUM> to the diameter of the first rolling member <NUM> is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>%. During assembly, the first rolling member <NUM> can be fitted into the receiving hole <NUM> from the first opening <NUM> by taking advantage of elastic deformation of the retaining ring <NUM>. In order to facilitate the deformation of the retaining ring <NUM>, the retaining ring <NUM> may be further provided with a plurality of slots <NUM>. Each of the slots <NUM> runs through the radial outer edge of the retaining ring <NUM> and communicates with a corresponding receiving hole <NUM>. The circumferential width of the slot <NUM> is less than the diameter of the first rolling member <NUM> to avoid the first rolling member <NUM> from being released from the retaining ring <NUM> via the slot <NUM>.

In this application, the horizontal rolling bearing element is defined as a bearing element that includes a retaining ring and rolling members, wherein two axial ends of the rolling member protrude out from the axial ends of the retaining ring and act as the frictional contact areas.

Referring to <FIG>, the second bearing element <NUM> is a vertical rolling bearing element, which includes a retaining sleeve <NUM> and a plurality of second rolling members <NUM> arranged in the retaining sleeve <NUM>. The retaining sleeve <NUM> may be made of plastic, and the second rolling members <NUM> may be made of stainless steel. In this embodiment, the second rolling members <NUM> may be balls. The retaining sleeve <NUM> includes a cylindrical body, with defines a plurality of accommodating holes <NUM> along the circumferential direction thereof for accommodating the second rolling members <NUM>. The plurality of accommodating holes <NUM> are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body. Each accommodating hole <NUM> extends through the radially inner and outer surfaces of the retaining sleeve <NUM> in the radial direction to form two second openings <NUM> respectively. The inner wall <NUM> of the accommodating hole <NUM> is spherical. The accommodating hole <NUM> has a maximum diameter at the radial middle portion of the retaining sleeve <NUM>, and the diameter of the accommodating hole <NUM> gradually decreases from the radial middle part of the retaining sleeve <NUM> to the second openings <NUM> at two radial sides. The diameter of the second rolling member <NUM> is slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the accommodating hole <NUM>, but larger than the diameter of the two second openings <NUM> of the accommodating hole <NUM>. In particular, the diameter of the second rolling member <NUM> is about <NUM> smaller than the maximum diameter of the accommodating hole <NUM>, so that a small clearance is formed between the second rolling member <NUM> and the inner wall of the accommodating hole <NUM>. Therefore, the second rolling members <NUM> can be accommodated in the accommodating holes <NUM> and roll freely therein without falling off from the retaining sleeve <NUM>. In addition, the diameter of the second rolling member <NUM> is greater than the radial thickness of the retaining sleeve <NUM>, and two radial sides of the second rolling member <NUM> which is accommodated in the retaining sleeve <NUM> extends out from the second openings <NUM> and beyond the radial outer surface and the radial inner surface of the retaining sleeve <NUM> respectively. In particular, the ratio of the radial thickness of the retaining sleeve <NUM> to the diameter of the second rolling member <NUM> is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>%. In order to facilitate the elastic deformation of the retaining sleeve <NUM> to facilitate the assembling of the second rolling members <NUM>, the accommodating hole <NUM> extends through the bottom end surface of the retaining sleeve <NUM> to form a notch <NUM> at the bottom end surface of the retaining sleeve <NUM>. The notch <NUM> has a size smaller than the diameter of the second rolling member <NUM>, to avoid the second rolling member <NUM> from being released from the retaining sleeve <NUM> via the notch <NUM>.

In this application, the vertical rolling bearing element is defined as a bearing element that includes a retaining sleeve and rolling members, wherein two radial sides of the rolling member protrude out from the radial inner surface and radial outer surface of the retaining sleeve respectively and act as the frictional contact areas.

Referring again to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the knob cap <NUM> is placed in the mounting cavity <NUM> of the base <NUM>, with the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM> located on the support portion <NUM>, and the connecting post <NUM> extending through the through hole <NUM>. Define that the knob cap <NUM> is to be installed along a direction from a position above the base <NUM> towards the base <NUM>, then the shift portion <NUM> is to be installed along a direction from a position below the base <NUM> towards the base <NUM>. The first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is mounted around the outer periphery of the connecting post <NUM>, so that an anti-rotation connection is established between the knob cap <NUM> and the shift portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> and the connecting post <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM> is connected by fitting an engaging protrusion to an engaging hole. Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of engaging protrusions <NUM> are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first section <NUM>. Engaging holes <NUM> are formed on the side wall of the connecting post <NUM> corresponding to the engaging protrusions <NUM>. When the knob cap <NUM> and the shift portion <NUM> are assembled, the engaging protrusions <NUM> are engaged in the engaging holes <NUM> respectively, thereby restricting rotation of the knob cap <NUM> relative to the shift portion <NUM>, allowing the knob cap <NUM> to drive the shift portion <NUM> to rotate together.

In this embodiment, the spring elements <NUM> are fixed relative to the support portion <NUM>. Specifically, the lower end of the support portion <NUM> is provided with two sets of clamping protrusions <NUM> respectively corresponding to the two spring elements <NUM>. Each spring element <NUM> is clamped by one set of clamping protrusions <NUM>, whereby the spring element <NUM> is fixedly connected to the support portion <NUM>. The two spring elements <NUM> are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the shift portion <NUM>. Specifically, each set of clamping protrusions <NUM> include four protrusions, which are arranged in two rows. The two protrusions in the middle portion are arranged in a row and relatively closer to the radial inner side of the mounting cavity <NUM>, and the two protrusions on two lateral sides are arranged in a row and relatively closer to the radial outer side of the mounting cavity <NUM>. The two protrusions in the middle portion are spaced apart to form a first gap, and each of the two protrusions on the two lateral sides is spaced apart from a respective adjacent protrusion in the middle portion to form a second gap. The two fixing portions <NUM> of each spring element <NUM> are engaged into the two second gaps of the corresponding set of clamping projections <NUM> respectively, and the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> passes through the first gap of the clamping projection <NUM> along the radial direction of the mounting cavity <NUM> and extends inwardly to the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>, Namely, the engaging portion <NUM> extends into the concave portion.

When the knob assembly <NUM> is rotated, the convex portion <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> press the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> to enable the engaging portion <NUM> deformed. Therefore, when the engaging portion <NUM> slides over the convex portions <NUM> and the concave portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM>, a stepping feel required during the rotation of the knob assembly <NUM> is formed. To prevent or reduce the position deviation of the spring element <NUM> in the axial direction caused by deformation of the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> due to pressing of the convex portion <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM>, the shift portion <NUM> further includes a stop flange <NUM>, which is located between the shift ring <NUM> and the second section <NUM> and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shift ring <NUM>. After assembly, the stop flange <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is located below the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM>, for supporting the spring element <NUM>, to prevent or reduce the position deviation of the spring element <NUM> in the axial direction caused by deformation of the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> due to pressing by the convex portion <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM>.

At least a portion of the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is located opposite to at least a portion of the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>. The first bearing element <NUM> is located between the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> and the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>, with the upper and lower ends of the first rolling members <NUM> contacting the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knock cap <NUM> and the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> respectively. In this embodiment, each of the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM> and the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> is provided with an annular groove <NUM>, <NUM>. The two annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with each other, to partially receive the first rolling members <NUM>. The annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> define a rolling track of the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM> for retaining the first bearing elements <NUM>, which is beneficial to improving the stability in the movement of the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM> when the knob assembly <NUM> rotates. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, it is possible to provide only one annular groove, that is, only the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> or the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM> is provided with an annular groove, which can also limit the rolling of the first rolling member <NUM>.

In addition, the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is opposite to the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, both the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> and the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> are vertical surfaces. The second bearing element <NUM> is arranged between the vertical radial inner and outer surfaces, with the radial outer sides and the radial inner sides of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> respectively contacting the vertical radial inner and outer surfaces. In this embodiment, the bottom ends of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> abut against the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>.

Due to the arrangement of the first bearing element <NUM>, direct friction of the opposed friction surfaces between the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the knob cap <NUM> of the knob assembly <NUM> is replaced with rolling friction between the two opposed surfaces and the first bearing element <NUM>, thereby reducing the noise. Likewise, due to the arrangement of the second bearing element <NUM>, direct friction of the opposed friction surfaces between the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the shift portion <NUM> of the knob assembly <NUM> is replaced with rolling friction between the two opposed surfaces and the second bearing element <NUM>, which further reduces the noise. In addition, due to the first bearing element <NUM> and/or the second bearing element <NUM>, a reserved clearance between the base <NUM> and the knob assembly <NUM> in the circumferential direction and/or the axial direction can be eliminated, thereby reducing the amplitude of shaking when the knob assembly <NUM> rotates, and improving the coaxiality of the mounting cavity <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the knob assembly <NUM>.

In order to further reduce the friction, a lubricating oil may be applied to the friction surfaces of the base and knob assembly. The lubricating oil can reduce the wear of the friction surfaces and increase the life span of the controller for vehicle air conditioner.

In this embodiment, the rotation amount of the knob assembly <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> is measured by a detection magnet <NUM> and a Hall element <NUM>. Specifically, the detection magnet <NUM> is ring-shaped, and is arranged on the inner wall of the second section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>. The Hall element <NUM> is arranged on a circuit board <NUM>, which is located below the shift portion <NUM>. The detection magnet <NUM> has N poles and S poles which are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the detection magnet <NUM> rotates, the Hall element <NUM> detects a change of the polarity of the magnet <NUM>, thereby achieving the measurement of the rotation amount of the knob assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention. For the parts in this embodiment which are the same as those in the first embodiment, reference may be made to the descriptions provided above for the first embodiment, and will not be described hereinafter again. This embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that, in the first embodiment, the junction between the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is at a right angle. That is, the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is a vertical surface. The radial inner sides of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> are in contact with the vertical surface. However, in this embodiment, the junction between the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> includes an inclined surface <NUM>. The second bearing element <NUM> is mounted around the inclined surface <NUM>, and the radial inner sides of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> are in contact with the inclined surface <NUM>. In addition, the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> may also form an inclined surface <NUM>, and the radial outer sides of the second rolling members <NUM> are in contact with the inclined surface <NUM>. The inclined surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can advantageously eliminate the lateral clearance caused by the manufacturing tolerance, improving the stability of the assembly of the shift portion <NUM>, the support portion <NUM> and the second bearing element <NUM>, avoiding the shaking of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> caused by the manufacturing tolerance and further reducing the amount of shaking.

In this embodiment, the friction surfaces of the support portion <NUM> and the shift portion <NUM> for contacting the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> are inclined surfaces. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the friction surface may be a curved surface, and the curved surface may be a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a third embodiment of the present invention. For the parts in this embodiment which are the same as those in the first embodiment, reference may be made to the descriptions provided above for the first embodiment, and will not be described hereinafter again. This embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that, in the first embodiment, the second bearing element <NUM> is a vertical rolling bearing element, whilst in this embodiment, the second bearing element <NUM> is a horizontal rolling bearing element, which has a structure the same as that of the first bearing element <NUM>. The second bearing element <NUM> includes a retaining ring <NUM> and second rolling members <NUM> retained in the retaining ring <NUM>. Two axial ends of the second rolling member <NUM> extend beyond the two axial ends of the retaining ring <NUM> respectively. For the specific structure of the second bearing element <NUM> in this embodiment, reference can be made to the descriptions provided for the first bearing element <NUM> in the first embodiment. The second bearing element <NUM> is located between the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> and the upper end surface of the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>, and the two axial ends of the second rolling members <NUM> serve as friction areas to contact the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> and the upper end surface of the shoulder <NUM>, respectively. Specifically, the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> and the upper end surface of the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> each are provided with an annular groove <NUM> or <NUM>, and the two annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with each other, to partially receive the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM>. The two annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> define a rolling track of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM>. The arrangement of the annular grooves <NUM>, <NUM> limits the positions of the second rolling members <NUM>, which is beneficial to improve the stability in the movement of the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> when the knob assembly <NUM> rotates. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, it is possible that only the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> or the upper end surface of the shoulder <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is provided with an annular groove, which can also limit the rolling of the second rolling member <NUM>.

<FIG> show a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment. For the parts which are the same as those in the second embodiment, reference may be made to the descriptions provided above for the second embodiment in combination with the first embodiment, and will not be described hereinafter again. This embodiment is mainly different from the second embodiment in that, in the second embodiment, the first bearing element <NUM> is a horizontal bearing element, whilst in this embodiment, the first bearing element <NUM> is a vertical rolling bearing element having the same structure as that of the second bearing element <NUM> in the first embodiment. The first bearing element <NUM> includes a retaining sleeve <NUM> and first rolling members <NUM> arranged in a top end of the retaining sleeve <NUM>. two radial sides of the first rolling member <NUM> extends beyond the radial inner surface and the radial outer surface of the retaining sleeve <NUM> respectively. For the specific structure of the first bearing element <NUM> in this embodiment, reference may be made to the descriptions provided above for the second bearing element <NUM> in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first bearing element <NUM> is provided between the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> and the radial outer surface of the connecting post <NUM> of the knock cap <NUM>. The radial outer side and the radial inner side of the first rolling member <NUM> serve as friction areas to respectively contact the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> and the radial outer surface of connecting post <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>. In particular, the radial outer surface of the connecting post <NUM> is provided with an inclined surface <NUM>, and the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> is also provided with an inclined surface <NUM>. The inclined surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are inclined relative to the axial direction, and are provided for frictional contacting the radial inner sides and the radial outer sides of the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM>, respectively.

In this embodiment, the friction surfaces of the radial outer surface of the connecting post <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> are inclined surfaces. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the friction surface may be a curved surface, and the curved surface may be a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment. For the parts which are the same as those of the second embodiment, reference may be made to the descriptions provided above for the second embodiment in combination with the first embodiment, and will not be described hereinafter again. This embodiment is mainly different from the second embodiment in that, a buffer <NUM> and a holder <NUM> are further provided on the base <NUM> of this embodiment. The buffer <NUM> may be made of a material with high elasticity, such as rubber. In this embodiment, the material of the buffer <NUM> may be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. In other embodiments, the material of the buffer <NUM> may be ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The holder <NUM> may be made of plastic, and has a hardness and a strength greater than those of the buffer <NUM>. In this embodiment, the material of the holder <NUM> may be polyoxymethylene (POM).

The buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> are provided between the support portion <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>. The buffer <NUM> is supported on the support portion <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> is supported on the buffer <NUM>. The upper surface of the holder <NUM> faces the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>. The first bearing element <NUM> is placed between the upper surface of the holder <NUM> and the lower end surface of the body <NUM>. In particular, the upper surface of the holder <NUM> is formed with an annular groove <NUM> for defining the rolling track of the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM>. Since the buffer <NUM> is easy to be deformed when pressed, such that it is able to absorb the axial clearance caused by manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving the coaxiality of the mounting cavity <NUM> and the knob assembly <NUM>.

Specifically, the buffer <NUM> is in the shape of an annular sheet, and has a plurality of fitting holes <NUM> along the circumferential direction. The holder <NUM> is ring-shaped, and has a thickness greater than that of the buffer <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fitting posts <NUM> corresponding to the fitting holes <NUM>, and the buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> are connected and positioned by the fitting of the fitting holes <NUM> and the fitting posts <NUM>. It is to be understood that the connection between the buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> is not limited to the fitting of the fitting holes <NUM> and the fitting posts <NUM>. In other embodiments, the buffer and the holder may be provided with an annular rib and an annular receiving groove respectively that fit with each other, or only a receiving groove is provided on the holder for receiving an upper portion of the buffer. In addition, the upper surface of the support portion <NUM> is further provided with a receiving groove <NUM> for partially receiving the buffer <NUM>, and the buffer <NUM> is partially received in the receiving groove <NUM> and protrudes out from the receiving groove <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> are provided where the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is located. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be provided where the body <NUM> of the knock cap <NUM> is located. In that case, the buffer is supported on the body of the knob cap, and the holder is support on the buffer. The holder faces the support portion of the base, and the first rolling bearing element is placed therebetween. In that case, the lower end of the holder and/or the upper end of the support portion may be provided with an annular groove to stabilize the movement of the first rolling members of the first rolling bearing element. In addition, a receiving groove for partially receiving the buffer may be provided on the body of the knob cap.

In the above embodiments, the base <NUM> may be directly formed by a front panel of the controller for vehicle air conditioner. That is, the base <NUM> and the front panel are integrally formed, and the base <NUM> is a non-detachable part of the front panel. The front panel is further provided with a plurality of button installation portions <NUM> thereon for installing buttons, see <FIG>.

<FIG> show a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a front panel <NUM>, a base <NUM> detachably mounted on the front panel <NUM>, with a knob assembly <NUM>, a first bearing element <NUM>, a second bearing element <NUM> and two spring elements <NUM> mounted in the base <NUM>. The knob assembly <NUM>, the first bearing element <NUM>, the second bearing element <NUM> and the two spring elements <NUM> are mounted in the base <NUM> and form, together with the base <NUM>, as a pre-assembled component <NUM>. A mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the front panel <NUM>, and the pre-assembled component <NUM> is detachably mounted in the mounting hole <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. That is, in the controller for vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment, the pre-assembled component <NUM> is a separate element with respect to the front panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, specifically, the base <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM> that are detachably connected. The housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are connected with a mounting cavity <NUM> for mounting the knob assembly <NUM> formed therebetween. In this embodiment, the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are connected to each other by snap-fit connection. The housing <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a first side wall <NUM> extending vertically from the circumference of the bottom wall <NUM>. A through hole is defined in the central portion of the bottom wall <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM> is substantially cylindrical. The housing <NUM> further includes a first radial extension <NUM> located at a distal end of the first side wall <NUM> and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first side wall <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM> includes a first step surface <NUM>, and the first step surface <NUM> and the first radial extension <NUM> are arranged in a step manner. The first step surface <NUM> is provided with clamping protrusions <NUM>, and the spring elements <NUM> are clamped into the clamping protrusions <NUM>. In this embodiment, two sets of protrusions <NUM> are provided corresponding to two spring elements <NUM> respectively. Each set includes two clamping protrusions <NUM>, the two clamping protrusions <NUM> are spaced apart for clamping the engaging portion <NUM> of a respective spring element <NUM>, and the two clamping protrusions <NUM> are spaced from the inner surface of the first radial extension <NUM> to clamp the fixing portions <NUM> of the respective spring element <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM> extending vertically from the circumference of the top wall <NUM>. A through hole is defined in the central portion of the top wall <NUM>. The second side wall <NUM> is substantially cylindrical. The cover <NUM> further includes a second radial extension <NUM> located at a distal end of the second side wall <NUM> and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second side wall <NUM>. The second side wall <NUM> includes a second step surface <NUM>. The second side wall <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM> extend toward and are interconnected to each other.

The outer surfaces of the cover <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are provided with latching protrusions and latching holes which fit to each other to achieve connection and fixation therebetween. Specifically, in this embodiment, latching portions <NUM> are formed on the cover <NUM> extending toward the housing <NUM>, each of which defines a latching hole <NUM> thereon, and latching protrusions <NUM> are formed on the housing <NUM> corresponding to the latching holes <NUM>. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the latching protrusions may be formed on the cover <NUM>, and correspondingly, the engaging portions each having a latching hole are formed on the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are connected by other ways, for example, the two are fixedly connected by fasteners.

In this embodiment, the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> have substantially the same diameter, so the shoulder may not be provided. A shift ring <NUM> is formed on an outer periphery of the shift portion <NUM> at an axially middle portion thereof, extending radially and outwardly. The shift ring <NUM> is located at the junction of the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM>. For the specific structure of the shift ring <NUM>, reference may be made to related descriptions in the first embodiment.

The first bearing element <NUM> and the second bearing element <NUM> in this embodiment are both vertical rolling bearing elements, and their specific structures are the same as the second bearing element <NUM> in the first embodiment. Therefore, reference may be made to the related descriptions above, and they will not be described in detail hereinafter again.

As shown in <FIG>, during assembly, the shift portion <NUM> is received in the mounting cavity <NUM> enclosed by the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, the connecting post <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM> is inserted in the mounting cavity <NUM> via the through hole on the top wall <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, and the shift portion <NUM> mounted around the outer periphery of connecting post <NUM>. The shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is aligned with the first and second radial extensions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. Each spring element <NUM> is clamped to a corresponding set of clamping protrusions <NUM>, and the engaging portion <NUM> of the spring element <NUM> protrudes to the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>. The first bearing element <NUM> is provided between an upper radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the cover <NUM>. Each of the radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the cover <NUM> are provided with a first inclined surface <NUM> for abutting the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM>, and the first inclined surface <NUM> is in frictional contact with the first rolling members <NUM>. It is to be understood that the first inclined surface may be formed only on the upper radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> or only on the radial inner surface of the cover <NUM>. The second bearing element <NUM> is provided between a lower radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the housing <NUM>. In particular, each of the lower radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the housing <NUM> are provided with a second inclined surface <NUM> for abutting the second rolling members <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM>, and the second inclined surface <NUM> is in frictional contact with the second rolling members <NUM>. It is to be understood that the second inclined surface <NUM> may be formed only on the lower radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> or only on the radial inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the friction surfaces of the upper radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the cover <NUM> for contacting the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM> are inclined surfaces. It is to be understood that the friction surface may be curved surfaces, and the curved surface may be a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface. In addition, the friction surfaces of the lower radial outer surface of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the housing <NUM> for contacting the second rolling member <NUM> of the second bearing element <NUM> may also be curved surfaces, and the curved surface may also be a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface.

In this embodiment, the base <NUM> and the knob assembly <NUM> are pre-assembled into a pre-assembled component <NUM>. In this way, it only requires to reserve a mounting space or a mounting hole <NUM> on the front panel <NUM> of the controller for vehicle air conditioner. During assembly, the pre-assembled component <NUM> is fixed to the mounting space or mounting hole <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. Such modular design facilitates the assembling process of the automobile manufacturers and improves the compatibility in application of the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> of the present invention.

Further, the pre-assembled component <NUM> may be mounted on the front panel <NUM> by snap-fitting. In particular, in this embodiment, the housing <NUM> may be provided with a fixing protrusion <NUM> on the outer surface thereof. Correspondingly, the front panel <NUM> is provided with a fixing hole <NUM> on an inner wall of the mounting hole <NUM> thereof. During assembly, the fixing protrusion <NUM> on the housing <NUM> of the pre-assembled component <NUM> is engaged in the fixing hole <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>, such that the pre-assembled component <NUM> is mounted.

In the above embodiments, the spring elements <NUM> may be leaf springs. It is to be understood that the spring element is not limited to the leaf spring. For example, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, illustrate various alternatives to the spring element. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each spring element <NUM> of the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> includes a spring <NUM> and a shift pin <NUM> located at a distal end of the spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is a cylindrical compression spring. In particular, the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is provided with a fixing post <NUM>, around which the spring <NUM> is mounted, and the shift pin <NUM> is connected to the lower end of the spring <NUM>. Correspondingly, the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is formed on the upper surface of the shoulder <NUM>, and the convex portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> protrude upwardly in the axial direction. After assembled, the shift pin <NUM> is urged to the concave portion <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> by the spring <NUM>, such that the spring <NUM> works cooperatively with the shift ring <NUM>, with the spring <NUM> having a certain extent of compression. When the shift ring <NUM> rotates, the shift pin <NUM> moves from one concave portion <NUM> to another concave portion <NUM> via an adjacent convex portion <NUM>, cooperative with the shift ring <NUM>, to thereby cause a stepping feel required during rotation of the knob assembly <NUM>. In particular, the distal end of the shift pin <NUM> has a smooth curved surface, which facilitates it slide over the convex portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM>, avoiding noise due to significant friction.

In the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is also provided on the upper surface of the shoulder <NUM>, and the convex portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> protrude upwardly in the axial direction. Each spring element <NUM> includes a spring <NUM> and a ball <NUM> located at a distal end of the spring <NUM>. In particular, the lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is provided with a fixing post <NUM>, around which the spring <NUM> is mounted, and the ball <NUM> is provided at a lower end of the spring <NUM>. After assembled, the ball <NUM> is urged to the concave portion <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> by the spring <NUM>, such that the spring works cooperatively with the shift ring, with the spring <NUM> having a certain extent of compression. When the shift ring <NUM> rotates, the ball <NUM> moves from one concave portion <NUM> to another concave portion <NUM> via an adjacent convex portion <NUM>. Therefore, when the knob assembly <NUM> is rotated, the ball <NUM> works cooperatively with the shift ring <NUM> to form a stepping feel required during rotation of the knob assembly <NUM>.

In the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> is also provided on the upper surface of the shoulder <NUM>, and the convex portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> protrude upwardly in the axial direction. However, in this embodiment, the spring element <NUM> is a wave spring. The wave spring <NUM> may be annular, and provided with fixing portions <NUM> and engaging portions <NUM> along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two fixing portions <NUM> are provided, which are arranged symmetrically. Also, two engaging portions <NUM> are provided, which are also arranged symmetrically. The fixing portions <NUM> and the engaging portions <NUM> are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The lower end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is provided with two sets of clamping protrusions <NUM> respective corresponding to the fixing portions <NUM>. only one set is shown in the figure. In this embodiment, each set of clamping protrusions <NUM> is arranged in an M-shape manner. During assembly, the two fixing portions <NUM> of the wave spring <NUM> are respectively clamped into the two sets of clamping protrusions <NUM> so as to be fixed to the support portion <NUM>. The engaging portions <NUM> of the wave spring <NUM> extend to the concave portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM>, and work cooperatively with the shift ring <NUM> when the knob assembly <NUM> is rotated, to produce a stepping feel required during rotation of the knob assembly <NUM>.

In the controllers for vehicle air conditioners according to the embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the rotation amount, i.e., a rotation angle, of the knob assembly is detected by a detection magnet <NUM> and a Hall element <NUM>. <FIG> show two alternatives. In the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the shift portion <NUM> has a toothed ring <NUM> at its bottom end, which includes a plurality of notches <NUM>. The notches <NUM> are arranged spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the shift portion <NUM>. A photoelectric switch <NUM> is provided on a circuit board <NUM> below the shift portion <NUM> corresponding to the toothed ring <NUM>. The photoelectric switch <NUM> includes a light emitter <NUM> and a light receiver <NUM>, which are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart with a gap therebetween. The light emitter <NUM> is arranged at a radial outer side of the toothed ring <NUM>, and the light receiver <NUM> is arranged at a radial inner side of the toothed ring <NUM> facing the light emitter <NUM>. When the knob assembly <NUM> is rotated, the notches <NUM> of the toothed ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> travel through the gap between the light emitter <NUM> and the light receiver <NUM>, and the toothed ring <NUM> alternately blocks and exposes the light emitted by the light emitter, whereby the rotation amount of the knob assembly <NUM> is measured by counting the number of notches <NUM> passing thereby. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the positions of the light emitter and the light receiver can be exchanged. That is, the light receiver is arranged at a radial outer side of the toothed ring, and the light emitter is arranged at a radial inner side of the toothed ring facing the light receiver <NUM>.

In the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the outer periphery at the bottom of the shift portion <NUM> is engaged with a gear <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is provided with a potentiometer <NUM>, which may be a chip potentiometer. The gear <NUM> is connected to a rotatable shaft <NUM> of the potentiometer <NUM>. Therefore, the rotation of the knob assembly <NUM> drives the gear <NUM> to rotate, and in turn drives the rotation shaft <NUM> to rotate together, so that the rotation amount of the knob assembly <NUM> is measured by the potentiometer <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown above, the first bearing element <NUM> and the second bearing element <NUM> may be rolling bearing elements, but it is to be understood that the bearing elements are not limited to rolling bearing elements. In a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first bearing element <NUM> and the second bearing element <NUM> are sliding bearing elements. Specifically, the first bearing element <NUM> is a horizontal sliding bearing element, which is in the shape of an annular plate and is arranged between the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap. The axial end surfaces of the first bearing element <NUM> serve as friction surfaces for contacting the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and/or the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap. In the context, the horizontal sliding bearing element is defined as a sliding bearing element wherein the axial end surfaces act as the frictional contact areas. If the horizontal sliding bearing element is fixed relative to the knob cap <NUM>, its lower end surface is in sliding contact with the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM>. If the horizontal sliding bearing element is fixed relative to the support portion <NUM>, its upper end surface is in sliding contact with the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap. It is to be understood that two axial end surfaces of the horizontal sliding bearing element may both act as the frictional contact surfaces. In addition, the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap each are provided with an annular groove <NUM>, <NUM> for receiving the first bearing element <NUM>. It is to be understood that it is possible that only the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> or only the lower end surface of the body <NUM> of the knob cap is provided with an annular groove.

The second bearing element <NUM> is a vertical sliding bearing element. The second bearing element <NUM> is also in the shape of an annular plate, which is provided between the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> and the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>. the radial surfaces of the second bearing element <NUM> serve as friction areas for contacting the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> and/or the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM>. In the context, the vertical sliding bearing element is defined as a sliding bearing element wherein the radial surfaces act as the frictional contact areas. If the vertical sliding bearing element is fixed relative to the shift portion <NUM>, its radial outer surface is in sliding contact with the radial inner surface of the support portion <NUM>. If the vertical bearing element is fixed relative to the support portion <NUM>, its radial inner surface is in sliding contact with the radial outer surface of the first section <NUM>. It is to be understood that the radial outer surface and the radial inner surfaces of the vertical sliding bearing element may both act as the frictional contact surfaces.

When the knob assembly <NUM> rotates, the direct friction between the body <NUM> of the knob cap and the support portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> is replaced with the sliding friction between the body <NUM> and/or the support portion <NUM> and the first bearing element <NUM>, which reduces the friction and thus the noise. Likewise, the direct friction between the shift portion <NUM> and the support portion <NUM> is replaced with the sliding friction between the shift portion <NUM> and/or the support portion <NUM> and the second bearing element <NUM>, which can further reduce the friction and thus the noise.

Although this embodiment describes the combination of a first bearing element of the horizontal sliding bearing element and a second bearing element of the vertical sliding bearing element, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the first bearing element may be a vertical sliding bearing element, and the second bearing element may be a horizontal sliding bearing element; or both the first and second bearing elements are horizontal sliding bearing elements or vertical bearing elements. In fact, in practice applications, the first bearing element and the second bearing element may be any combination selected from a group of a horizontal rolling bearing elements, a vertical rolling bearing element, a horizontal sliding bearing element, and a vertical sliding bearing element.

<FIG> show a controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment shown in <FIG>. For the parts the same as those in the fifth embodiment, reference may be made to related descriptions provided above for the fifth in combination with the first embodiments, and will not be described in details hereinafter again. This embodiment mainly differs from the fifth embodiment in that, the knob cap of the controller for vehicle air conditioner in the fifth embodiment has no backlight display function, whilst the knob assembly <NUM> of the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> in this embodiment has a backlight display function. Specifically, the knob assembly <NUM> in this embodiment includes a knob cap <NUM> and a shift portion <NUM> connected to each other. A first bearing element <NUM>, a second bearing element <NUM>, and a spring element <NUM> are provided between the knob assembly <NUM> and the support portion <NUM>.

The knob cap <NUM> includes a cap lid <NUM> and a cap body <NUM> connected to each other. Referring also to <FIG>, the cap lid <NUM> includes a top plate <NUM> and a side plate <NUM> extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the top plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the top plate <NUM> is circular, and the side plate <NUM> is annular. A light permeable window <NUM>, only shown in <FIG>, is formed on the cap lid <NUM>. The cap body <NUM> is made of a material which is transparent or translucent. The cap body <NUM> includes a fixed rim <NUM> disposed in and connected to the cap lid <NUM>, a connecting portion <NUM> extending downwardly from an inner periphery of the fixed rim <NUM>, an extending portion <NUM> further extending from a lower end of the connecting portion <NUM>, and a connecting post <NUM> extending from an outer periphery of the connecting portion <NUM> for connecting with the shift portion <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> of the cap body <NUM> extends radially inwardly and downwardly from the inner periphery of the fixed rim <NUM>. In this embodiment, the connecting portion <NUM> is substantially in a hollow conical shape, and the extending portion <NUM> is substantially cylindrical. The connecting portion <NUM> extends in a tapered manner from the fixed rim <NUM> to the extending portion <NUM>. On a cross section of the cap body <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> and the extending portion <NUM> cooperatively form a Y shape.

Specifically, the cap lid <NUM> and the fixed rim <NUM> are connected and positioned by snap-fitting. In this embodiment, the cap lid <NUM> further includes engaging arms <NUM>, to which the lower end surface of the top plate <NUM> is adjoined. Each engaging arm <NUM> is provided with a fastening hole <NUM>. The fixed rim <NUM> is provided with engaging grooves <NUM> corresponding to the engaging arms <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM>, and an inner wall of each engaging groove <NUM> is provided with a clamping bump <NUM> for engaging in the fastening hole <NUM> of the engaging arm <NUM>. The engaging arms <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM> are engaged in the engaging grooves <NUM> of the fixed rim <NUM> respectively, with the clamping bumps <NUM> of the engaging groove <NUM> engaged in the fastening holes <NUM> of the engaging arms <NUM>, to form a fixed connection therebetween. In addition, the cap lid <NUM> and the fixed rim <NUM> of the cap body <NUM> are further provided with a positioning bump <NUM> and a positioning groove <NUM> that fit to each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, the positioning bump <NUM> is formed on the cap lid <NUM>, which extends downwardly from the top plate <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM>, and correspondingly the positioning groove <NUM> is formed in the fixed rim <NUM> of the cap body <NUM>. The positioning bump <NUM> is engaged in the positioning groove <NUM>, thereby improving the positioning of the cap lid <NUM> and the cap body <NUM>, and preventing the cap lid <NUM> from rotating relative to the cap body <NUM>. To further prevent the cap lid <NUM> and the cap body <NUM> from rotating relative to each other, the cap lid <NUM> and the cap body <NUM> may further be provided with a limiting groove <NUM> and a limiting rib <NUM>, respectively. In this embodiment, the limiting groove <NUM> is recessed from the radial inner wall of the side plate <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM>, which may extend from the axial bottom end of the side plate <NUM> to the axial top end of the side plate <NUM>. The limiting rib <NUM> is formed by protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the fixed rim <NUM>, and the limiting rib has a shape and a sized respectively matched with a shape and a size of the limiting groove <NUM>.

It is to be understood that in other embodiments, it is possible to modify the position, the shape, and the number of the clamping bump and the fastening hole; the position, the shape, and the number of the positioning bump and the positioning groove; and the position, shape, and the number of the limiting rib and the limiting groove according to practice requirements. In addition, other methods may be used to achieve the stable connection between the cap lid and the cap body, so that the clamping bump and the fastening hole; the positioning bump and the positioning groove; and/or the limiting rib and the limiting groove may be omitted according to practice requirements.

Similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a buffer <NUM> and a holder <NUM> are further provided in this embodiment. The buffer <NUM> is in the shape of an annular sheet, and may be made of a material with high elasticity, such as rubber. In this embodiment, the material of the buffer <NUM> may be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. In other embodiments, the material of the buffer <NUM> may be ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The holder <NUM> may be made of plastic, and has a hardness and a strength that are greater than those of the buffer <NUM>. In this embodiment, the material of the holder <NUM> may be polyoxymethylene (POM). The buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> are provided between the knob cap <NUM> and the support portion <NUM>. The buffer <NUM> is supported on the fixed rim <NUM> of the knob cap <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> is supported on the buffer <NUM>. The lower surface of the holder <NUM> faces the upper end surface of the support portion <NUM>, with the first bearing element <NUM> provided therebetween. In particular, the lower surface of the holder <NUM> is formed with an annular groove <NUM> for restricting positions of the first rolling members <NUM> of the first bearing element <NUM>.

Specifically, the buffer <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fitting holes <NUM> along the circumferential direction, and the upper surface of the holder <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fitting posts <NUM> corresponding to the fitting holes <NUM>. The buffer <NUM> and the holder <NUM> are connected and positioned by fitting the fitting holes <NUM> and the fitting posts <NUM>. In this embodiment, the length of each fitting post <NUM> of the holder <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the buffer <NUM>. The fixed rim <NUM> of the cap body <NUM> is also provided with positioning holes <NUM> corresponding to the fitting posts <NUM> of the holder <NUM>. The fitting posts <NUM> of the holder <NUM> extends through the fitting holes <NUM> of the buffer <NUM> and engage into the positioning holes <NUM> of the fixed rim <NUM>, thereby positioning the holder <NUM> and the buffer <NUM> in the circumferential direction.

The spring element <NUM> of the controller for vehicle air conditioner according to this embodiment is a wave spring having a structure that is the same as that of the wave spring in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, and thus will not be described hereinafter again. Correspondingly, the shift ring <NUM> of the shift portion <NUM> includes convex portions <NUM> that protrude in the axial direction. It is worth mentioning that, unlike the continuous annular shift ring <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG>, the shift ring <NUM> in this embodiment is discontinuous. That is, the convex portions <NUM> and the concave portions <NUM> of the shift ring <NUM> are unevenly distributed. Specifically, one side of the shift ring includes a plurality of convex portions <NUM> and concave portions <NUM> that are continuously and alternately arranged, in an arc manner having a corresponding central angle of less than <NUM> degrees. The shift ring <NUM> further includes a plurality of second convex portions <NUM> which are discretely distributed. The continuously distributed convex portions <NUM> and the discretely distributed second convex portions <NUM> are located on a same circle.

In this embodiment, a light emitting source <NUM> is provided on the circuit board <NUM>, which directly faces the end of the extending portion <NUM> of the cap body <NUM>. In particularly, the light emitting source <NUM> is an LED lamp. When the controller for vehicle air conditioner <NUM> of this embodiment works, the light emitted by the light emitting source <NUM> is transmitted to the fixed rim <NUM> via the extending portion <NUM>. As the light permeable window <NUM> on the top plate <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM> is provided corresponding to the fixed rim <NUM>, the light can exit from the light permeable window <NUM> of the cap lid <NUM> to thereby cause a backlight display.

Claim 1:
A controller for vehicle air conditioner (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>) defining a mounting cavity (<NUM>);
a knob assembly (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the base (<NUM>), wherein at least a portion of the knob assembly (<NUM>) is located in the mounting cavity (<NUM>); and
at least one bearing element (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged between the base (<NUM>) and the knob assembly (<NUM>), wherein the controller for vehicle air conditioner (<NUM>) further comprises:
a spring element (<NUM>) arranged between the base (<NUM>) and the knob assembly (<NUM>), wherein the knob assembly (<NUM>) comprises a shift portion (<NUM>) which comprises a shift ring (<NUM>), the shift ring (<NUM>) forms a plurality of convex portions (<NUM>) and a plurality of concave portions (<NUM>) which are alternately arranged, the spring element (<NUM>) is connected with the base (<NUM>) and extends into the concave portion (<NUM>) of the shift ring (<NUM>), characterized in that the spring element (<NUM>) comprises one selected from a group consisting of:
(<NUM>) a leaf spring comprising a fixing portion (<NUM>) connected with the base (<NUM>) and an engaging portion (<NUM>) connected to the fixing portion (<NUM>), and the engaging portion (<NUM>) extends to the concave portion (<NUM>) of the shift ring (<NUM>);
(<NUM>) a spring (<NUM>) in combination with a shift pin (<NUM>), wherein the spring (<NUM>) is connected to the base, the shift pin (<NUM>) is located at a distal end of the spring (<NUM>), and the shift pin (<NUM>) is urged to the concave portion (<NUM>) of the shift ring (<NUM>) by the spring (<NUM>); and
(<NUM>) a spring (<NUM>) in combination with a ball (<NUM>), wherein the spring (<NUM>) is connected to the base (<NUM>), the ball (<NUM>) is provided at a distal end of the spring (<NUM>), and the ball (<NUM>) is urged to the concave portion (<NUM>) of the shift ring (<NUM>) by the spring (<NUM>).