The automotive industry has increasingly been focusing its efforts on vehicle part weight reduction, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency as an environmental protection measure. As part of these efforts, the industry has actively been developing plastic pulleys to replace conventional steel pulleys. Of the various pulleys used in vehicles, the air conditioner (A/C) compressor pulley is exposed to the harshest working environment. We therefore investigated towards development of a plastic pulley for A/C compressor application. Required material properties were first identified on the basis of required product characteristic values. As a result, a phenolic resin material was developed that is superior in heat resistance one of the most important properties among those identified. Using the material, we succeeded in developing an A/C compressor plastic pulley, achieving approximately 50% weight reduction compared to conventional steel pulleys. The A/C compressor plastic pulley made of the newly developed material has been in use since early 2001. 1) By identifying the material requirement characteristics for an A/C compressor plastic pulley we developed a material that satisfies said characteristics. The developed material withstands a rapid heat history of 3000C. (2) Using the material, we succeeded in developing an A/C compressor plastic pulley, achieving 55% weight reduction compared to conventional steel pulleys. The A/C compressor plastic pulley made of the newly developed material has been in use since early 2001. (3) Use of this material, developed for A/C compressor pulleys, which are subject to heavier torque load and a more severe environment than any other pulley for automobile components, enables replacement of other automobile-use steel pulleys with pulleys made of plastic.
Development of plastic pulley for automotive air conditioner compressor
Entwicklung eines Kunststoff-Riemenantriebs für einen Fahrzeug-Klimaanlagekompressor
2002
6 Seiten, 15 Bilder, 4 Tabellen, 2 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Development of Plastic Pulley for Automotive Air Conditioner Compressor
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