Valeo Systemes Thermiques

Valeo Climate Control Corporation

Kevin Callahan

Laurent Lucaora

Andre Chery

Louis Lacroix

Patrick Corduan

Stephane Guichardon

Jerome Wroblewski

The subject of the invention is a rotary control knob () of a control panel in particular for a ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning installation of a vehicle cabin. This control knob () consists of a cylinder () provided at one of its ends with a gripping member () intended for the user, and equipped with at least one boss () for limiting its rotational travel between its end positions. Said boss () is formed at the base of the gripping member () and is covered at least partially by a flexible mass () emanating from a flexible covering () of the gripping member ().

Control knob for functional members, in particular ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning installation of a vehicle

This invention relates to a light guide () for a control knob, particularly an instrument panel of a vehicle. The knob is fitted with an index () free to move in rotation about an axis (A). The light guide () will be inserted between a light source () and the index () and comprises at least one entry surface () for light rays emitted by the light source (), a first exit surface () of light rays towards the index () and side faces () inserted between the entry surface () and the first exit surface (). The light guide comprises first optical means () to orient received light rays approximately parallel to the rotation axis (A) of the index (), and second optical means () to focus the previously reoriented light rays towards at least the first exit surface ().

Light guide for a control knob fitted with a rotary index

Control panel architectures, and, specifically, architectures having bulb assemblies as features, particular those in control panels used in motor vehicle applications, are disclosed. By providing restricting means such as for leg features as part of the control panel assay, bulb assemblies are more resistant to damage to the bulb globe or filaments, or other elements, due to the effect of undesired movement or vibration that occurs in motorized vehicles.

Control panel assembly with bulb vibration dampener

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La Minerve, Canada

Kevin Callahan