Vehicle ventilation system

Abstract

A motor vehicle includes a ventilation system configured to ventilate a vehicle cabin, wherein the ventilation system includes: an air duct extending around a perimeter of the vehicle cabin; at least one airflow deflector configured to direct air flow through the air duct, the air duct including an air inlet to receive a bulk flow of air from the deflector; and a first opening extending around a perimeter of the vehicle cabin and receiving air from the air duct, the first opening configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin. The ventilation system also includes a second opening extending around a perimeter of the vehicle cabin and drawing air from the vehicle cabin into the duct extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin, wherein flow through the first opening entrains flow from the second opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle ventilation systems and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a vehicle ventilation system configured to extend around the perimeter of a vehicle cabin. Background Art

[0002] It is desirable to control the climate within the cabin of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. Conventional vehicle ventilation systems include vents directed at the vehicle occupants. However, for vehicles with adaptable seating arrangements, the location of the vents may not always align with the location of the corresponding seats. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle) comprising a ventilation system configured to ventilate a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the ventilation system comprises:

[0004] an air duct extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin;

[0005] at least one air flow director (e.g., a pump, a fan, etc.) configured to direct air flow through the air duct, the air duct including an air inlet to receive a bulk air flow from the director; and

[0006] A first opening extends around a perimeter of the vehicle cabin and receives air from the air duct, the first opening being configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin.

[0007] The ventilation system may also include a second opening extending around the periphery of the vehicle cabin. The second opening may draw air from the vehicle cabin into the passage extending around the periphery of the vehicle cabin. The flow through the first opening may entrain the flow from the second opening.

[0008] The second opening may be configured to draw air from the vehicle cabin in a primary, eg, substantially vertical, direction (ie, when the vehicle is on a substantially horizontal surface). The first opening may be configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin in a primary, eg, substantially vertical, direction.

[0009] The first opening can discharge air such that the discharged air flows in a predominantly upward direction. The second opening can draw in air such that the drawn in air flows in a predominantly upward direction. Alternatively, the air discharged from the first opening can flow in a predominantly downward direction. Similarly, the air drawn into the second opening can flow in a predominantly downward direction.

[0010] The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct may vary around the periphery of the vehicle cabin. The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct may vary around the periphery of the vehicle cabin to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the air duct. The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct may decrease away from the air duct inlet.

[0011] The first opening may form a nozzle configured to accelerate flow through the first opening. The sidewall of the nozzle may present a side surface that faces the vehicle cabin and extends around the periphery of the vehicle cabin. The side surface may be arranged so that air can flow over the side surface and be entrained by the air jet exiting the nozzle. The nozzle side surface may be formed by or adjacent to (e.g., continuous with) an interior portion of the vehicle.

[0012] The first opening may be provided in a wall of the air duct. The air duct may be provided behind an interior portion of the vehicle. The first opening may extend through the interior portion. The interior portion may provide a wall of the air duct.

[0013] The duct may extend through a door of the vehicle. A duct portion may be arranged to pass through a corresponding door and may be in fluid communication with an adjacent duct portion when the door is in a closed position.

[0014] The ventilation system may further include a structure spaced apart from the interior. The structure may extend around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin. The structure may be disposed within the vehicle cabin. The second opening may be defined by a gap between the vehicle interior and a wall of the structure spaced apart from the interior. The air duct may be disposed within the structure offset from the interior. The structure offset from the interior may reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the vehicle cabin in a horizontal plane for vertical air flow.

[0015] The ventilation system may further include at least one valve disposed in the air duct and configured to selectively divide the air duct into a plurality of separate zones. Each zone may have an associated corresponding airflow deflector to direct air flow through the corresponding air duct zone. Alternatively, two or more zones may share a common airflow deflector configured to direct air flow in a specific one or more of the two or more zones. The vehicle cabin may include four quadrants, and an air duct zone may exist for each quadrant of the vehicle cabin.

[0016] The ventilation system may also include at least one heating unit configured to heat the air flowing in the duct. The heating unit may be located in the duct. Alternatively, the heating unit may be located outside the duct (e.g., in a channel upstream of the duct). Each duct zone may have separate or at least independently controllable heating units.

[0017] The ventilation system may also include at least one air conditioning evaporator configured to cool air flowing in the duct. The evaporator may be located in the duct. Alternatively, the evaporator may be located outside the duct (e.g., in a channel upstream of the duct). Each duct area may have a separate or at least independently controllable evaporator.

[0018] The ventilation system may include a controller configured to control one or more of the air flow deflector, the valve, the heating unit, and / or the air conditioning evaporator. The controller may receive data with desired climate settings from one or more temperature sensors (inside and / or outside the vehicle cabin) and one or more user interfaces.

[0019] In order to avoid unnecessary duplication of work and duplication of text in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or more aspects or embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the present invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a ventilation system for a vehicle cabin according to an example of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle compartment of an example of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to an example of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to another example of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a ventilation system for a vehicle cabin according to an example of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle compartment of an example of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 is based on Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to an example of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 8a and 8b (collectively referred to as FIG8 ) is a partial cross-sectional view of a ventilation system according to another example of the present invention, Figure 8a A first cross-sectional view and Figure 8b showing a second cross-sectional view spaced apart from the first cross-sectional view;

[0029] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle compartment according to an example of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of a ventilation system according to an example of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of a ventilation system according to another example of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of a ventilation system according to an example of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of a ventilation system according to another example of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 14a and 14b (collectively referred to as FIG. 14 ) is a partial cross-sectional view of a door for a vehicle according to an example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] refer to Figure 1 The present invention relates to a ventilation system 10 for a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 may be a motor vehicle (i.e., an automobile) or any other type of vehicle. The ventilation system 10 is configured to ventilate a cabin 22 of the vehicle 20. The cabin 22 may define a space where occupants of the vehicle 20 reside, for example, during movement of the vehicle 20. The cabin 22 may include one or more seats (not shown) for the occupants of the vehicle 20 to sit.

[0036] The ventilation system 10 includes an air duct 30 extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. The air duct 30 provides a path for air to flow around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. The air duct 30 may extend completely around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22 or substantially around a majority of the perimeter. The air duct 30 extends in a transverse plane of the vehicle 20. As a result, the air duct 30 can direct air flow in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle 20. Air can circulate around the air duct 30.

[0037] At least one air director, such as a fan 31, is configured to direct air through the air duct 30. The air duct 30 includes an air inlet 32 ​​to receive a bulk air flow from the fan 31. The fan 31 may receive air from outside the vehicle 20 and / or inside the vehicle 20.

[0038] Air from the air duct 30 flows through the first opening 34 and into the vehicle cabin 22. The first opening 34 extends around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22 and receives air from the air duct 30. Figure 1In the example shown, the first opening 34 is disposed in a wall of the air duct 30. For the air duct 30, the first opening 34 extends in a transverse plane of the vehicle 20, e.g., in longitudinal and transverse directions around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. For example, the first opening 34 can be disposed at or toward the top of the air duct 30. Both the air duct 30 and the first opening 34 are longitudinally elongated and extend around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 , the first opening 34 is configured to discharge air from the air duct 30 into the vehicle cabin 22. The air flow through the first opening 34 promotes air circulation throughout the vehicle cabin 22, and in particular promotes convection within the vehicle cabin 22. In this way, the flow through the vehicle cabin is enhanced, and the occupants of the vehicle feel that the air in the vehicle cabin 22 is constantly being refreshed. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle cabin 22 is illustrated, however, it should be understood that similar flow patterns will exist at other portions of the vehicle cabin as the first opening 34 extends around the perimeter of the vehicle.

[0040] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated arrangement, the first opening 34 is disposed at the top of the air duct 30. However, in other arrangements, the first opening 34 may be disposed at other locations relative to the air duct 30. In either case, the first opening 34 may be configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin 22 in a primary, e.g., generally vertical, direction.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 and 4 , the first opening 34 may form a nozzle 35. The nozzle 35 may accelerate the flow through the first opening 34. A side wall 36 of the nozzle 35 may present a side surface facing the vehicle cabin 22. The side wall 36 may extend around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22 in a manner similar to the first opening 34. The nozzle 35 may direct air to flow through the opening 34 in a direction generally parallel to the nozzle side wall 36. The side surface of the side wall 36 may be arranged so that air can flow over the side surface and be entrained by the air jet exiting the nozzle 35. To facilitate this, the side surface of the nozzle side wall 36 may be generally parallel to the direction of flow exiting the nozzle 35. Furthermore, the nozzle side surface may be a continuation of the surrounding surface facing the vehicle cabin 22 and may present a smooth surface to minimize interference with the flow of the nozzle 35 toward the exterior of the air duct 30.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 , the air duct 30 may be provided in front of the interior wall 40, and the first opening 34 may be provided in the wall of the air duct 30 facing the vehicle cabin 22. Alternatively, as Figure 4As shown, the air duct 30 may be disposed behind an interior wall 40. In this case, the first opening 34 may extend through the interior wall 40. In the particular arrangement shown, the interior wall 40 may provide a wall of the air duct 30. The nozzle side surface may be a continuation of the interior wall 40.

[0043] In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the interior trim wall 40 can extend over the duct 30 such that the portion of the interior trim wall 40 above the duct 30 is disposed rearwardly from the portion of the interior trim wall 40 below the duct 30. Thus, the top edge of the duct 30 can be exposed to the vehicle cabin 22. For example, the interior trim wall 40 can extend over the first opening 34 such that the portion of the interior trim wall above the first opening is disposed rearwardly from the portion of the interior trim wall 40 below the first opening 34. The extension in the interior trim wall portion can thus define the first opening 34.

[0044] refer to Figure 5 and 6 The ventilation system 10 may also include a second opening 38 extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. Relative to the first opening 34, the second opening 38 may be elongated and may extend in a transverse plane (e.g., in the longitudinal and transverse directions) of the vehicle 20. The second opening 38 may draw air from the vehicle cabin 22. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second opening 38 can draw air from the vehicle cabin in a primary, eg, substantially vertical, direction (ie, perpendicular to the transverse plane of the vehicle 20). Figure 6 As shown, drawing air from the vehicle cabin 22 into the second opening 38 may further improve air circulation within the vehicle cabin 22 .

[0045] Figure 5 and 6 The first opening 34 is shown to discharge air in a generally upward and vertical direction. However, it is also contemplated that the first opening 34 may discharge air in other directions (eg, a downward direction). Figure 5 and 6 The second opening 38 is also shown to draw air in a generally vertical direction (eg, an upward direction). However, the second opening 38 may again draw air in from other directions (eg, a downward direction).

[0046] Now refer to Figure 78 , the ventilation system 10 may further include a structure 50 spaced apart from the interior wall 40. The structure 50 may be disposed within the vehicle cabin 22 and extend around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin (e.g., in a manner similar to the duct 30). The second opening 38 may be defined by a gap between the interior wall 40 and a wall of the structure 50 spaced apart from the interior wall 40. Thus, the second opening 38 may draw air from the vehicle cabin 22 into a passage 52 extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. The passage 52 may be defined by the structure 50 spaced apart from the interior wall 40, and the passage 52 may thus be disposed between the structure 50 and the interior wall 40. The first opening 34 may open into the passage 52. Flow through the first opening 34 may entrain flow within the passage 52, which in turn may draw air through the second opening 38.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, the duct 30 can be spaced apart from the structure 50. For example, as shown, the duct 30 can be disposed behind the interior wall 40. However, as shown in FIG8 , the duct 30 can alternatively be disposed within the structure 50 offset from the interior wall 40. The first opening 34 can therefore be disposed in the structure 50. For example, as shown, the first opening 34 can be located on a side of the structure 50 facing the interior wall 40. In order to provide air to the duct 30, a connecting passage 53 (such as Figure 8b ) may extend from the fan 31 to the structure 50 and may extend through the passage 52 between the structure 50 and the interior trim wall 40 at one or more locations around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin. Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of such a position, and Figure 8a The connecting channel 53 can interrupt the flow through the channel 52 , but only if the connecting channel exists and the air flow in the channel 52 can flow around the connecting channel 53 .

[0048] refer to Figure 9 , the structures 50 can be provided on both sides of the vehicle cabin 22 because the structures 50 extend around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. The structures 50 can cause the cross-sectional area of ​​the vehicle cabin to be reduced in the transverse plane of the vehicle cabin. The air flow within the vehicle cabin 22 can therefore experience a reduction in the cross-sectional area through which it can flow. As a result, the flow velocity can increase between the structures 50 on opposite sides of the cabin. This in turn can reduce the air pressure between the opposing structures 50. This reduction in pressure can further assist the ventilation system 10 in drawing air into the second opening 38. This arrangement thus helps to further induce flow within the vehicle cabin 22. Utilizing Figure 5 and Figure 6 Similar benefits can be achieved with arrangements without the biasing structure 50 .

[0049] refer to Figure 10, the ventilation system 10 may further include at least one valve 60, which is disposed in the air duct 30 and is configured to selectively divide the air duct into a plurality of separate air duct areas 301, 302, 303, 304. Each air duct area 301, 302, 303, 304 may have a corresponding fan 311, 312, 313, 314 associated therewith. The associated fans may guide the air to flow through the corresponding air duct areas. One of the valves 60 may be disposed between each adjacent pair of air duct areas. When a particular valve 60 is open, the air duct areas on either side of the particular valve are fluidically connected. Conversely, when a particular valve 60 is closed, adjacent air duct areas may not be fluidically connected. In Figure 10 In the particular example shown, the air duct 30 may be divided into four zones, with one zone for each quadrant of the vehicle cabin 22 , however, other numbers of air duct zones are also contemplated.

[0050] exist Figure 10 In the arrangement shown, each duct area 301, 302, 303, 304 has a fan 311, 312, 313, 314 associated therewith. Figure 11 In the illustrated arrangement, two or more duct areas can share a common fan, which can be arranged to cause air flow in the two or more duct areas. For example, fan 31a can provide air to one or both of duct areas 311 and 312. Similarly, fan 31b can provide air to one or both of duct areas 303 and 304. Valve device 60a can be located where the air from fan 31a meets duct 30. In the specific example shown, valve device 60a can include a pair of valves, which are located on either side of the point where the air from fan 31a meets duct 30. A pair of valves 60a can allow air to flow into the corresponding duct areas 311 and 312. However, in an alternative arrangement, a one-way valve can be located at the point where the air from fan 31a meets duct 30. Such a one-way valve can be configured to allow air to flow into duct area 311 and / or duct area 302. A similar arrangement applies where the air from the fan 31b meets the air duct 30 (e.g. with the valve arrangement 60b). Figure 10 and 11 In either arrangement shown, a valve 60 may be positioned between the duct areas 311 , 314 , and another valve 60 may be positioned between the duct areas 302 , 303 .

[0051] The ventilation system 10 may also include a controller 70 configured to control components of the ventilation system 10, such as the valves 60. For example, the controller 70 may isolate specific duct zones 301, 302, 303, and 304 by opening and closing specific valves in the valves 60. In this way, a specific fan may provide air to one or more duct zones, while another fan may provide air to other portions of the duct zones. This may be desirable if specific areas within the vehicle cabin 22 require different air flow rates or different air temperatures. Alternatively, the valves 60 may be open, and one or more fans 31 may provide air to the entire duct 30.

[0052] like Figure 10 and 11 As shown, ventilation system 10 may also include at least one heating unit 80 configured to heat the air flowing in duct 30. For example, each of duct zones 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be provided with a corresponding heating unit 801, 802, 803, and 804. As shown, heating unit 80 may be provided in duct 30, and in particular, one of heating units 801, 802, 803, and 804 may be provided in the corresponding duct zone 301, 302, 303, and 304. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), heating unit 80 may be provided outside of the duct, for example, in a passage upstream of the duct, upstream or downstream of fan 31. Heating unit 80 may be operably connected to and controlled by controller 70. If individually controllable heating units exist for corresponding duct zones, these may be independently controlled by controller 70. In this manner, different temperatures may be achieved in specific areas within vehicle cabin 22.

[0053] like Figure 10 and 11 As shown, the ventilation system may also include at least one air conditioning evaporator 90 configured to cool the air flowing in the air duct 30. For example, each of the air duct zones 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be provided with an evaporator 901, 902, 903, and 904. As shown, the evaporator may be provided in the air duct 30, and in particular, one of the evaporators 901, 902, 903, and 904 may be provided in the corresponding air duct zone 301, 302, 303, and 304. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the evaporator may be provided outside the air duct, for example, in a channel upstream of the air duct, upstream or downstream of the fan 31. The evaporator 90 may be operably connected to and controlled by the controller 70. If there are individually controllable evaporators for the corresponding air duct zones, these may be independently controlled by the controller 70. In this way, different temperatures may be achieved in specific areas within the vehicle cabin 22.

[0054] As described above, the ventilation system 10 may include a controller 70 configured to control one or more components of the ventilation system. For example, the controller may control one or more of the fan 31, the valve 60, the heating unit 80, and / or the air conditioning evaporator 90. The controller 70 may receive data from one or more temperature sensors (not shown), which may be located inside and / or outside the vehicle cabin. The controller 70 may also receive data from one or more user interfaces, which the vehicle occupants may use to input their desired climate settings (e.g., for a particular area of ​​the vehicle cabin 22).

[0055] Now refer to Figure 12 and 13 The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct 30 may vary around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin 22. For example, the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct 30 may vary around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin to maintain a substantially constant pressure within the air duct 30. Figure 12 and 13 The particular example shown in illustrates the dimensions of the duct 30 varying in a transverse plane around the perimeter of the duct 30. However, dimensions perpendicular to the duct 30 are also contemplated. Figure 12 and 13 The dimensions of the air duct in the transverse plane shown in FIG may additionally or alternatively vary around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin. Any one or both of these dimensions may be varied to alter the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct to maintain a substantially constant pressure within the air duct. Figure 12 In the example shown, there is a single inlet 32 ​​that provides air from a fan 31 to the duct 30. The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the duct 30 decreases downstream of the inlet to a minimum cross-sectional area at a point of the duct 30 opposite the inlet 32. In contrast, in Figure 13 In the arrangement shown, there are two inlets 32 providing air from fans 31a, 31b to the duct 30. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the duct 30 decreases downstream of each inlet 32a, 32b to points on either side of the duct 30 and between the inlets 32a, 32b.

[0056] 14 , the air duct 30 may extend through a door 24 of the vehicle 20 , certain doors 24 being openable to reveal an opening into the vehicle cabin 22 . A portion 30 b of the air duct may be disposed within the certain door and may extend through the door in a transverse plane of the vehicle 20 . Figure 14b As shown, when the door is in the closed position, the duct portion 30b can be in fluid communication with the duct portions 30a, 30c on either side of the door. Valves 60 can be provided in the duct portions 30a, 30c on either side of the door 24. When the door 24 is open, the controller 70 can close such valves so that air flow into the vehicle cabin 22 can be maintained when the door is in the open position. Figure 14bAs shown, these valves can be opened by the controller 70 when the vehicle door 24 is in the closed position. The vehicle door sensor can determine the position of the vehicle door 24, and the controller 70 can receive data from the vehicle door sensor to determine whether the vehicle door is in the open or closed position. The first opening 34 described above can also extend through the vehicle door 24. Similarly, if a second opening 38 is provided, the second opening 38 can also extend through the vehicle door 24.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the invention has been described by way of examples, with reference to one or more examples, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a ventilation system configured to ventilate a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the ventilation system comprises: an air duct extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin; at least one airflow deflector configured to direct air flow through the air duct, the air duct including an air inlet to receive a bulk air flow from the deflector; a first opening extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin and receiving air from the air duct, the first opening being configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin; as well as a nozzle extending outwardly from the duct and configured to accelerate flow through the first opening, wherein a side wall of the nozzle presents a side surface facing the vehicle cabin and extending around the periphery of the vehicle cabin, the side surface being arranged so that vehicle cabin air can flow over the side surface and be entrained by the air jet exiting the nozzle; wherein the nozzle side surface is formed by or adjacent to an interior portion of the vehicle; and wherein the duct extends through a door of the vehicle, duct portions being arranged to pass through a respective door and to be in fluid communication with an adjacent duct portion when the door is in a closed position.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the ventilation system further comprises a second opening extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin and drawing air from the vehicle cabin into a passage extending around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin, wherein flow through the first opening entrains flow from the second opening. 3 . The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the second opening is configured to draw air from the vehicle cabin in a vertical direction.

4. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first opening is configured to discharge air into the vehicle cabin in a vertical direction.

5. The vehicle of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct varies around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct varies around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the air duct. 7 . The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the air duct decreases away from the air duct inlet.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first opening is provided in a wall of the air duct.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air duct is provided behind an interior portion of the vehicle, and the first opening extends through the interior portion.

10. The vehicle of claim 2 or 3, wherein the ventilation system further comprises a structure spaced apart from an interior trim portion, wherein the structure extends around the perimeter of the vehicle cabin. 11 . The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the second opening is defined by a gap between the interior portion of the vehicle and a wall of the structure spaced apart from the interior portion. 12 . The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the nozzle side surface is adjacent to an interior portion of the vehicle, the air duct being provided in the structure offset from the interior portion.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the structure offset from the interior trim creates a reduction in cross-sectional area of ​​the vehicle cabin in a horizontal plane of the vehicle cabin for air flow in a vertical direction.

14. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ventilation system further comprises at least one valve disposed in the air duct and configured to selectively divide the air duct into a plurality of separate zones.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein each region has a corresponding airflow deflector associated therewith to direct air flow through the corresponding air duct region. 16 . The vehicle of claim 14 , wherein two or more zones share a common airflow deflector, the airflow deflector being configured to direct air flow in a particular one or more of the two or more zones.

17. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the vehicle cabin comprises four quadrants having an air duct area for each quadrant of the vehicle cabin.

18. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ventilation system further comprises at least one heating unit configured to heat the air flowing in the air duct.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the heating unit is provided in the air duct.

20. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ventilation system further comprises at least one air conditioning evaporator configured to cool the air flowing in the air duct.

21. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the evaporator is disposed in the air duct.

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