Abstract: The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide a two-layer flow air conditioning system in which a partition wall is installed on a path between an evaporator and a heater core to divide internal air and external air, and a first temperature adjusting door and a second temperature adjusting door each having a fan shape are installed at both sides of the partition wall in such a manner as to be opened at their sides to control the flow direction of the internal air and the external air which are supplied to both sides of the partition wall so as to prevent any mixture between the internal air and the external air, thereby enhancing heating and cooling effects without degrading a defrosting performance.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner comprises a housing having an air flow passage defined therein. The housing includes mutually opposed side walls between which a part of the air flow passage is defined. A fan is installed in an upstream part of the air flow passage to introduce air into the air flow passage. An evaporator is installed in the air flow passage at a position downstream of the fan. The evaporator is of a stack type including a plurality of flat tube elements which are stacked on one another. Every adjacent two of the flat tube elements leave therebetween a clearance which has inlet and outlet sides. The evaporator is postured in such a manner that the flat tube elements extend between the mutually opposed side walls of the housing having the inlet sides of the clearances of the flat tube elements directed upstream toward the fan.

Abstract: An air passage opening/closing device includes a film member for opening and closing an opening of an air passage of a case. One end of the film member is fixed to a fixing portion on an outer periphery of the opening of the air passage, and the other end thereof is connected to a film winding shaft. A moving member movable by rotation of a drive shaft is provided on the opening, and the film winding shaft is moved while being rotated by the movement of the moving member, so that the film member at the other end side is wound around and unwound from the film winding shaft. Accordingly, when the air passage is opened and closed by the film member, sliding friction can be prevented from being generated between the film member and the case.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system includes: an air conditioning duct having an outlet; an evaporator; a heater core; an air mix door that divides air passing through the air conditioning duct into to pass through the heater core and to bypass the heater core; an outlet air temperature sensor; a control unit; a primary bypass passageway defined by the air mix door; a secondary bypass passageway different from the primary bypass passageway; and a cold air controlling door that controls an air flow rate in the secondary bypass passageway. The control unit sets an opening for the air mix door to obtain air conditioned to the target outlet air temperature when the cold air controlling door is opened to an initial opening and controls the opening to cause a temperature detected by the outlet air temperature sensor to approach a target outlet air temperature.

Abstract: An HVAC assembly including an HVAC case disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle for delivering air at a passenger side foot well includes a duct coupled to an opening on the HVAC case. The duct is configured to deliver air from the HVAC case to the passenger foot well. The passenger foot well is defined by a front boundary, a lower boundary and two side boundaries. The duct includes an input coupled to the opening on the HVAC case and accepting air into an upstream portion having a single passage. The upstream portion directs air in a generally upward direction away from the lower boundary of the passenger side foot well. The duct further includes an intermediate portion whereby the single passage divides into a first and second passage. A first and second outlet is coupled to and downstream of the first and second passage and dispense air at the passenger side foot well.

Abstract: A film valve for an air conditioning system is of the type having two spaced-apart coupling ends, and a plurality of vent holes disposed between the coupling ends. The film valve includes a base layer made of glass fiber and having two opposite side surfaces, and two wear-resistant coating layers applied respectively to the side surfaces of the base layer. Each of the coating layers is made of a material that is selected from the group consisting of silicon, polyurethane, and Teflon.

Abstract: A film valve assembly for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a frame, two roller mechanisms disposed on the frame, and a film valve disposed between the roller mechanisms under tension. A tension unit includes a tension rod having two ends that are connected respectively to first and second supporting seats on the base wall by first and second retaining units. The first retaining unit includes a spring-biased retaining element that is biased to engage a retaining hole in the first supporting seat.

Abstract: In an air passage switching device using a film-type sliding door for an air-conditioning unit for a vehicle. A grid member is provided in an air passage to extend parallel with the sliding direction of a sliding door and divide an opening of the air passage into a plurality of smaller openings. The sliding door has a film member, a door plate supporting the film member, and elastic pressing means for pressing the film member against edge seal faces of the air passage. A grill spacing between the door plate and the end face of the grid member, is larger than an edge seal face spacing between the door plate and the edge seal faces.

Abstract: An air passage in an air-conditioner such as an automotive air-conditioner is selectively opened or closed by moving a position of an opening formed on a film screen relative to the air passage. The film screen is coupled to a pair of rollers, forming a curved path between the pair of rollers guided by a guiding surface. The film screen is formed by laminating a first film made of resin and a second film made of woven fabric having a higher elongation rate for a temperature rise than the first film. The second film is positioned inside of the curved path to prevent a shape of the roller or the guiding surface from being easily transferred to the film screen.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a case member of an inside/outside air switching portion is disposed at an approximate center in an interior unit in a vehicle width direction, to define an air passage extending in the vehicle width direction. An outside air suction port is provided in the case member, and first and second openings are opened in the case member at both side ends of the air passage in the vehicle width direction. One of the first and second openings is used as an inside air suction port, and the other one thereof is used as an outlet passage port. In addition, the outlet passage port of the case member is coupled to a suction port of a blower through a connection duct.

Abstract: A fabric cartridge for an automotive beating and cooling system. The apparatus includes: a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly including a housing; and a single-ply, die cut fabric web disposed therein. In the preferred embodiment, the fabric web includes: a float-free fabric substrate; at least one surface including a laminated film; and a plurality of apertures for diverting airflow in the heating and cooling system; and a noise/friction reduction agent for reducing the interaction between the housing and the fabric web.

Abstract: A ventilation unit for a motor vehicle is provided comprising a housing with air ducts for supplying air through panel openings into the interior of the vehicle. At least one draft tube is disposed in the housing adjacent said panel openings, where the at least on draft tube includes an outlet slot arranged to be exposed to the air stream exiting the panel openings. The draft created by the air stream crossing over the slot draws hot air from the interior of the draft tube to be mixed with the exiting air stream. The amount of drafting created by the air stream depends on the velocity of the exiting airflow. This relationship in turn makes the ventilation unit of the present invention perform as a passive device.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system including a casing with a vent outlet, a blower chamber within the casing, a wall cooperating with the casing to form a descending air passage permitting a downward flow of air discharged from the blower chamber and an ascending air passage permitting an upward flow of air passing through the descending air passage toward the vent outlet. A heating heat-exchanger is substantially horizontally disposed within the ascending air passage and arranged adjacent to a recessed portion of the wall and at least partially overlapping in the vertical direction with a cooling heat-exchanger disposed between the blower chamber and the heating heat-exchanger. A bypass air passage bypassing the heating heat-exchanger is substantially linearly aligned with the vent outlet via the ascending air passage. A foot vent passage is disposed above the heating heat-exchanger and between the blower chamber and the ascending air passage.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for an HVAC system that provides air at a controllable temperature into a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises a housing (20) defining a chamber (70). The chamber (70) has a first inlet (50) through which cold air enters the chamber and a second inlet (76) through which warm air enters the chamber. The housing (20) further includes at least one outlet (56, 58, 130, 132) in fluid communication with the chamber (70) and for directing air into the passenger compartment in the vehicle. At least one airflow diverter (90, 100) is disposed in the chamber (70) for causing a portion of the cold air flowing through the first inlet (50) to mix in the chamber with the warm air flowing through the second inlet (76).

Abstract: The subject invention includes a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly having a housing with an inlet and at least one outlet for directing a flow of air into a passenger compartment. An evaporator core is disposed within the housing downstream of the inlet and upstream from the outlet. A heater core is disposed within the housing between the evaporator core and the outlet with the heater core having an upstream surface generally facing the evaporator core and a downstream surface generally facing the outlet. The heater core includes a first portion and a second portion being angled relative to the first portion such that the upstream surface of the first portion at least partially faces the upstream surface of the second portion to define an angled heater core facing the evaporator core wherein air flowing over the upstream surfaces is evenly distributed across both of the first and second portions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the heater core.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, an evaporator is disposed at an upper side of a blower approximately horizontally so that air blown by the blower passes through the evaporator from below upwardly. The evaporator is slightly tilted from a horizontal surface by a predetermined angle, and the blower is disposed in such a manner that air is mainly blown by the blower toward the evaporator in a direction substantially parallel to a tangential line at a scroll finish portion of the scroll casing. Accordingly, condensed water on a bottom heat-exchanging surface of the evaporator can be pushed downwardly by component force of the flow of air mainly blown from the blower.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a blower/evaporator housing case is provided for housing side-by-side a blower that is rotated by a motor and creates an air flow and an evaporator linked with coolant pipes through which a coolant flows in and out so as to completely prevent leakage of condensed water which collects at the evaporator of an automotive air-conditioning system and also to simplify the structure of a locking device used to lock an expansion valve at the evaporator. The blower/evaporator housing case is constituted of two recessed members, i.e., an upper recessed member and a lower recessed member, set on the two sides of a parting line extending along the horizontal direction. The locking device used to lock the expansion valve is formed at joint portions at the edges of the upper and lower recessed members constituting the blower/evaporator housing case.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner includes an offset blower for blowing an air, an evaporator is centrally disposed within a dashboard and receives the air from below, and a heater approximately horizontally disposed above the evaporator. The evaporator inclines downward along the direction of the air flow. A plurality of condensed water guide plates are provided under the evaporator so as to allow a condensed water smoothly flow on the surface of each guide plate and is discharged from the evaporator through a condensed water drain pipe.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle is constructed from two modules, one for the engine compartment and a second for the passenger compartment. The engine compartment module has a base formed for positioning on at least two locations on a dash panel, a outside air inlet, a secondary air inlet for communication with the passenger compartment, an air outlet and defining a air transport conduit connecting the outside air inlet or the secondary air inlet with the air outlet. Downstream from the engine compartment is a passenger compartment module having a slide slot for a heater core, an inlet for communication with the air outlet from the engine compartment module, an air manifold, a panel exhaust from the air manifold, a defrost exhaust from the air manifold, a compartment door providing access to the slide in friction slot, and an air channel from the inlet to the air manifold. The heater core is positioned in the slide in slot.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control and air treatment system includes a selectively operable air treatment device. The air treatment device may be an electrically powered ion generator for selectively generating ions in the vehicle, for example. The vehicle remote control and air treatment device may also include at least one remote transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the at least one remote transmitter, and a controller at the vehicle. The controller may be connected to the receiver for performing at least one vehicle function based upon signals from the remote transmitter, and may also selectively operate the air treatment device.

Abstract: A vehicle air system has an air dryer which is periodically regenerated by reverse flow of dry air. The regeneration threshold is variable, and determined according to the operating state of the vehicle. The operating state is in turn determined from easily measurable vehicle status parameters, preferably in the form of on/off or in/out signals.

Abstract: In an air passage switching device, a flexible film moves to traverse an air passage of an air duct, thereby switching and controlling a communication state of the air passage. A thickness t of the film, a glass transition temperature Tg thereof and a radius of curvature r thereof are set so that a relationship expressed by a formula of t≦(0.00578×Tg0.448×r0.333) is satisfied and a bending stiffness of the film is set equal to or higher than 1 &mgr;N·m2. Accordingly, the film can be restricted from being buckling-deformed and from being damaged. As a result, an air leakage amount from a clearance between the film and the air passage due to the deformation can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: A damper actuator for a ventilation damper serves as both a control device for the ventilation damper and a fire and smoke rated device for the ventilation damper. The damper actuator includes a modulating motor controller, a two-point motor controller, and a thermal switch or switch like device that is operative to switch control of the motor from the modulating motor controller used during normal operation, to the two-point motor controller during a fire and smoke condition. The damper actuator provides an automatic and permanent disabling (by-passing) of the modulating motor controller functions the first time a pre-determined temperature level (switch point) is reached via the thermal switch or switch like device. Once the modulating motor controller is disabled, the actuator no longer supports the advanced motor control functions (i.e. the modulating control).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for an HVAC system that provides air at a controllable temperature into a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises a housing (20) defining a chamber (70). The chamber (70) has a first inlet (50) through which cold air enters the chamber and a second inlet (76) through which warm air enters the chamber. The housing (20) further includes at least one outlet (56, 58, 130, 132) in fluid communication with the chamber (70) and for directing air into the passenger compartment in the vehicle. At least one airflow diverter (90, 100) is disposed in the chamber (70) for causing a portion of the cold air flowing through the first inlet (50) to mix in the chamber with the warm air flowing through the second inlet (76).

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus where air flows through a cooling heat exchanger (21) upwardly from below, it is an object to improve draining performance of condensed water in the cooling heat exchanger (21). To achieve this object, the cooling heat changer (21) for cooling air is disposed in a case (20) forming an air passage to be inclined by a small angle (&thgr;) from a horizontal direction, the inclination direction of the cooling heat exchanger (21) is the same direction as a longitudinal direction (B) of tubes (21a) through which cooling fluid flows, and the cooling heat exchanger (21) is disposed so that a flow direction (A) of air flowing into a lower side of the cooling heat exchanger (21) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (B) of the tubes (21a).

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a non-contact temperature sensor is used as an inside air temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in a passenger compartment. Based on infrared rays radiated from a predetermined area of the passenger compartment, the non-contact temperature sensor detects a surface temperature in the predetermined area in non-contact. Therefore, it is not necessary to blow air from the passenger compartment to the inside air temperature sensor in order to detect the temperature in the passenger compartment. Thus, energy consumption can be reduced while the temperature in the passenger compartment can be accurately detected. Accordingly, while the vehicle stops, the vehicle air conditioner can accurately determine whether air conditioning control by an air conditioning unit needs be started while energy consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: An air conditioning duct arrangement for a vehicle includes an air conditioning unit disposed near a rear wheelwell of the vehicle, a floor panel including a lower section, a rise rising from the lower section, and an upper section extending backward from the rise, and a duct which extends from the air conditioning unit in the right-and-left direction of the vehicle in an area behind the rise, and which is formed so as to open forward into a compartment of the vehicle through the rise.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a first air path formed within an air duct, and a second air path formed within the air duct. The air conditioning system also includes an air mixing damper for adjusting a first amount of air, which flows within the first air path, and a second amount of air, which flows within the second air path. The air mixing damper includes a plurality of convex portions, and a plurality of concave portions, each of which concave portions is positioned between adjacent pairs of the plurality of convex portions. The air conditioning system also includes a drive mechanism for driving the air mixing damper. The drive mechanism includes a first gear engaging a portion of the plurality of convex portions and a portion of the plurality of concave portions. The drive mechanism also includes a shaft coupled operationally to the first gear, and an end of the shaft is positioned outside the air duct.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for a vehicle includes a partition disposed within a housing which separates a first longitudinal airstream from a blower and a cooling element into first and second airstreams, each separately directed through a heater element to form first and second recombined airstreams. The partition redirects the first and second recombined airstreams to a second direction angularly disposed from the first direction of air flow to enable the first and second output airstreams to be separately transmitted to first and second separate zones within the vehicle. Independently movable blend valves are interposed in the first and second airstreams to provide independent selection of temperature of the first and second output airstreams.

Abstract: The invention provides an air mixing damper apparatus and an air conditioning apparatus for vehicles where the temperature of discharged air can be changed linearly with respect to the operation of an actuator lever. A rotation speed adjustment mechanism is disposed between a plate door type air mixing damper 43A for opening and closing an air introducing face 42a of a heater core 42, and a rotation type lever 48 for an actuator 47 driving the air mixing damper 43A, for adjusting the rotation speed at an initial opening stage X and a final opening stage Z of the air mixing damper 43A, to a speed lower than at an intermediate opening stage Y.

Abstract: A system for detection and treatment of chemical weapons and/or biological pathogens uses a detector system, an electrostatic precipitator or scrubber, a circulation system, and a control. The precipitator or scrubber is activated in response to a signal from the detector upon the detection of chemical weapons and/or biological pathogens.

Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles is disclosed. This air conditioner feeds recirculation and fresh air in a separate air feeding or a mixed air feeding using a single intake duct and a single intake control door, thus improving its heating and defrosting efficiency during a heating mode operation, and preventing an undesired discharging of white fogging from the vents during a cooling mode operation by changing its air feeding mode from a recirculation air mode to a fresh air mode. This air conditioner also has a simple construction and is reduced in its production cost.

Abstract: An air cleaning system comprising an air cleaner provided on a vehicle and a device which can keep the air cleaner in operation while a vehicle is parked, whereby the quality of air inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be improved while the vehicle is parked. Consequently, the quality of the air can be improved in advance before an occupant enters the vehicle, and the quality of the air can further be improved without fully depending upon the function of a catalytic filter of the air cleaning system.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a passenger cell of a vehicle includes an evaporator, for cooling an air stream, arranged in succession with a heat exchanger for heating the air stream. The heat exchanger has a heating medium flowing through it permanently. At least one air-mixing space is directly adjacent to the heat exchanger and has a warm-air inlet, covering at least part of the air outlet surface of the heat exchanger, and a cold-air inlet, forming the mouth of a cold-air duct bypassing the heat exchanger. Control members set the opening cross sections of the inlets.

Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly having a housing defining first and second quadrants. An air mixing door is mounted to the housing downstream of an inlet and upstream of an outlet. The air mixing door has a first position directing substantially all of the air through the first quadrant, a second position directing substantially all of the air through the second quadrant, and a third position directing a flow of air through both of the first and second quadrants. A first seal is mounted to a first side of the air mixing door and a second seal is mounted to a second side of the air mixing door. A diffuser is mounted to at least one of the sides of the air mixing door and has a plurality of passageways to interrupt a flow of air passing around the air mixing door when the air mixing door initially moves from one of the first and second positions to the third position, thereby controlling an initial flow of air into at least one of the quadrants.

Abstract: A heating/cooling control system that can effectively control the temperature of the air discharged at the rear interior of the motor vehicle. The heating/cooling control system includes a front control and a rear control. The front control is capable of operating within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range of the rear control is determined by the set point of the front control.

Abstract: An air partitioning device for a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system to divide a hot air stream into separate portions comprises an L-shaped front portion including a base leg and a dividing leg, and also comprises a tail portion extending from a back of the front portion, the tail portion oriented angularly to the dividing leg.

Abstract: In an air conditioning unit of a vehicle air conditioner, an air-outlet mode switching portion is provided at an upper side of a heat exchanging portion including at least a heating heat exchanger for heating air. The air-outlet mode switching portion includes a rotary door rotatable around a rotation shaft, and the rotary door includes a circumference wall surface for opening and closing plural air outlet openings through which air is blown toward different zones of a passenger compartment. Further, the heating heat exchanger is arranged to be crossed with a horizontal surface, and a rotation space of the rotary door is provided to extend from an upper side of the heating heat exchanger to a side portion of the heating heat exchanger. Accordingly, the size of the air conditioning unit can be made smaller.

Abstract: An air conditioning system mountable in the rear of a vehicle having a vent mode and a foot mode is disclosed. The air conditioning system comprises a casing, an evaporator mounted at an upper front portion within the casing, a heater core mounted below the evaporator such that the evaporator and the heater core are not superposed when seen in a vehicle front-to-rear direction. A temperature controlling damper is provided for controlling rate of air which is directed toward the heater core so as to attain a selected final temperature of the air which is discharged into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Vent and foot outlets are also provided.

Abstract: A casing unit of an air conditioner for a vehicle includes a casing, a partition plate, a bearing portion and a door unit. The casing has a first casing member and a second casing member. The partition plate is installed in the casing. The bearing portion is formed at a periphery of said partition plate and a C-shaped cross section having an opening. The door unit has a shaft and a plurality of doors integral to the shaft. The shaft is rotatably installed to the bearing portion.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a blower case for accommodating a blower is connected to an air conditioning case for accommodating an evaporator and the like by a connection duct made of a vibration-absorption material. Therefore, a vibration, transmitted from the blower case to the air conditioning case, can be effectively absorbed by the connection duct, thereby reducing the vibration transmitted from the air conditioning case to a steering wheel unit through a supporting member.

Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly having a housing defining first and second quadrants. An air mixing door is mounted to the housing downstream of an inlet and upstream of an outlet. The air mixing door has a first position directing substantially all of the air through the first quadrant, a second position directing substantially all of the air through the second quadrant, and a third position directing a flow of air through both of the first and second quadrants. A first seal is mounted to a first side of the air mixing door and a second seal is mounted to a second side of the air mixing door. A diffuser is mounted to at least one of the sides of the air mixing door and has a plurality of passageways to interrupt a flow of air passing around the air mixing door when the air mixing door initially moves from one of the first and second positions to the third position, thereby controlling an initial flow of air into at least one of the quadrants.

Abstract: In an air conditioning unit that cools a motor of a fan by partially introducing an air blown by the fan into the motor, a case has a wall for defining an air introduction chamber adjacent to an air passage. The air introduction chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet so that the blown air is partially introduced into the motor from the air passage through the air introduction chamber. The wall of the air introduction chamber slopes downwardly toward the air inlet and defines a lowest portion within the air introduction chamber. The air inlet is positioned adjacent to the lowest portion of the air introduction chamber.

Abstract: In a deodorizing apparatus for a vehicular passenger compartment, when an ignition key is of f and it is determined that a density of odor components in the passenger compartment is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, it is determined whether an inside temperature inside the passenger compartment measured by a temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, which is suitable for separating odor components adhered to the passenger compartment. When it is determined that the inside temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, a deodorizing operation is performed by a deodorizing means. When it is determined that the inside temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature and it is not assumed that the inside temperature naturally increases to the predetermined temperature, the passenger compartment is heated by a compartment heating device so that the inside temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: There are provided an air mixing door, a plurality of outlets for blowing air into respective portions in a vehicle compartment, outlet mode doors for switching a outlet mode by closing and opening the plurality of outlets, and one motor actuator for driving the air mixing door and the outlet mode doors. The outlet mode doors and the air-mixing door are alternately driven through a change of an operation angle of the motor actuator.

Abstract: In an air passage switching device, a flexible film moves to traverse an air passage of an air duct, thereby switching and controlling a communication state of the air passage. A thickness t of the film, a glass transition temperature Tg thereof and a radius of curvature r thereof are set so that a relationship expressed by a formula of t≦(0.00578×Tg0.448×r0.333) is satisfied and a bending stiffness of the film is set equal to or higher than 1 &mgr;N·m2. Accordingly, the film can be restricted from being buckling-deformed and from being damaged. As a result, an air leakage amount from a clearance between the film and the air passage due to the deformation can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: An air conditioning duct to be positioned on a rear surface of a vehicular instrument panel (10). The duct (20) allows an air conditioning duct with complicated share to be formed of a plurality of separate cylindrical members (30 to 60). Joining the plurality of cylindrical members with a plurality of fixture members (71) allows the air conditioning duct to be obtained. The cylindrical members have leg portions (39A to 39C, 45, 55, 65) designed to be mounted to the instrument panel.

Abstract: A door assembly (30) for a vehicle HVAC system comprises a shaft (140) made of a first material and having an axis (144) of rotation. A first door (142) projects from the first shaft (140) and is made of the first material. The first door (142) is molded together with the shaft (140). A sleeve (150) is made of a second material that has a lower melting point than the first material to enable the sleeve to be molded over the shaft (140). The sleeve (150) is disposed coaxially about the shaft (140) and is rotatable about the axis (144) relative to the shaft. A second door (152) projects from the sleeve (150). The second door (152) is made of the second material and is molded together with the sleeve (150). The second door (152) is rotatable relative to the first door (142).

Abstract: In an air passage opening/closing device for an air conditioner, a slide door for opening and closing an opening portion of a case includes a flexible film member having a free top end that moves forward by pushing force in a door moving direction. A movement of the film member is guided along a guide ditch. The guide ditch is provided so that the film member is approached to a seal surface in a direction perpendicular to a door moving direction, in comparison with the other seal surface on a peripheral portion of the opening portion. For example, a pushing member for pushing the film member to the seal surface in the direction perpendicular to the door moving direction can be provided. Accordingly, air leakage due to a bending habit of the film member can be restricted.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of a fluid between a first environment to a second environment is provided. The valve includes a frame that fits within an aperture in a divider separating the first environment from the second environment. Additionally, the valve includes at least one gate mounted and movable within the frame to control a flow of the fluid between the first environment and the second environment through the aperture. The gate includes a surface, wherein at least one portion of the surface includes a rough texture. The rough texture reduces coherent vortex shedding of the fluid as the fluid passes over the gate surface.