Air delivery system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air delivery system. A telescopic air duct for a vehicle includes a first air duct fluidly coupled with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. The first air duct comprises an edge with a flange; the first main body extends outwards from the edge with the flange; at least one stop tab, the at least one stop tab being coupled with the first body; and a first gasket. The telescopic air duct comprises a second air duct, and the second air duct is connected with the first air duct in a sliding mode. The second air duct comprises a second main body and a second air duct; the second main body is jointed with the first gasket; at least one drive tab, the at least one drive tab being coupled to the second body; and a drive pin coupled with the second body. The telescopic air duct further comprises a third air duct, and the third air duct is connected with the second air duct in a sliding mode. The third air duct comprises a second gasket connected with the third air duct, and the second gasket is jointed with the second air duct; and a third body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the drive pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an air delivery system for a vehicle, and more particularly to an air delivery system having a telescopic air duct to deliver airflow along a range direction of the telescopic air duct. Background Art

[0002] The interior of a vehicle is typically provided with a plurality of registers that deliver airflow from a HVAC unit. The airflow may travel through an air duct. However, existing methods of delivering air to various locations within the interior of a vehicle are often limited by static air ducts. It would be desirable to provide an air delivery system that includes an adjustable air duct in which airflow travels between the interior and the HVAC unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a telescopic duct for a vehicle includes a first duct, the first duct being fluidly coupled to a HVAC unit. The first duct includes: a flanged edge; a first body, the first body extending outward from the flanged edge; at least one stop tab, the at least one stop tab being coupled to the first body; and a first washer. The telescopic duct also includes a second duct, the second duct being slidably coupled to the first duct. The second duct includes: a second body, the second body being engaged with the first washer; at least one drive tab, the at least one drive tab being coupled to the second body; and a drive pin, the drive pin being coupled to the second body. The telescopic duct also includes a third duct, the third duct being slidably coupled to the second duct. The third duct includes a second washer, the second washer being coupled to the third duct. The second washer is engaged with the second duct. The third duct also includes a third body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the drive pin.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - the first air duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second air duct has a second internal cross-sectional area greater than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third air duct has a third internal cross-sectional area greater than the second internal cross-sectional area;

[0006] - when the second air duct slides towards the first air duct, the at least one stop tab presses the at least one driving tab radially away from the second body;

[0007] - the at least one stop tab engages the at least one driving tab, and wherein the at least one stop tab engaged with the at least one driving tab prevents the second air duct from sliding away from the first air duct;

[0008] - the telescopic air duct is arranged under the floor of the vehicle;

[0009] - the third duct is coupled to a module, wherein when the retractable duct is retracted, the module translates through the interior of the vehicle;

[0010] - the third air duct further comprises a plurality of branch air ducts, wherein each of the plurality of branch air ducts defines an air outlet;

[0011] - the first air duct comprises a first stop tab and a second stop tab, the first stop tab and the second stop tab extending radially outward from a first outer side of the first body and a second outer side of the first body, respectively;

[0012] - the second air duct comprises a first driving tab and a second driving tab, the first driving tab and the second driving tab extending radially inwardly from a first inner side of the second body and a second inner side of the second body, respectively; and

[0013] - the first stop tab selectively engages the first drive tab, and wherein the second stop tab selectively engages the second drive tab.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an air delivery system for a vehicle includes a HVAC unit and a fixed air duct coupled to the vehicle. The fixed air duct is fluidly coupled to the HVAC unit. The air delivery system also includes a telescopic air duct coupled to the fixed air duct. The telescopic air duct includes a first air duct. The first air duct includes: a flanged edge, the flanged edge is coupled to the fixed air duct; a first body, the first body extending outward from the fixed air duct; a stop tab, the stop tab protrudes from the first body; and a first gasket, the first gasket circumferentially surrounds the first body at the far side of the flanged edge. The telescopic air duct also includes a second air duct, the second air duct is slidably coupled to the first air duct. The second air duct includes: a second body, the second body is engaged with the first gasket; a driving tab, the driving tab protrudes from the second body toward the first air duct; and a driving pin, the driving pin radially protrudes from the second body. The driving tab is coupled to the front end of the second body. The driving pin is coupled to the rear end of the second body. The telescopic duct also includes a third duct, which is slidably connected to the second duct. The third duct includes a third body defining a groove, and the groove is slidably engaged with the driving pin. The third duct also includes: a branch duct, which defines an air outlet; and a second gasket, which extends between the third body and the second body. When the telescopic duct is telescoped between the retracted mode and the extended mode, the air delivery system delivers airflow to the interior of the vehicle between the front air delivery position and the rear air delivery position.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0016] - the second body defines at least a first depressible portion and a second depressible portion, wherein the first depressible portion is defined at the front end of the second body, and wherein the second depressible portion is defined at the rear end of the second body;

[0017] - the entraining tab is coupled to the first depressible portion, and wherein the entraining pin is coupled to the second depressible portion;

[0018] - during assembly of the telescopic air duct, when the second air duct slides toward the first air duct, the stop tab depresses the driving tab and the first depressible portion radially outwardly;

[0019] - after said assembly of said telescopic duct, said stop tab engages said driving tab to prevent said second duct from being disconnected from said first duct;

[0020] - during the assembly of the telescopic air duct, when the third air duct slides toward the second air duct, the third body presses the driving pin and the second depressible portion radially inwardly;

[0021] - after said assembly of said telescopic duct, said driving pin slides in said groove, and wherein after said assembly of said telescopic duct, said third duct is prevented from being disconnected from said second duct when said driving pin extends into said groove;

[0022] - a module coupled to the branch duct, the module defining a register in fluid communication with the air outlet; and

[0023] - the telescopic duct is arranged in a floor of the vehicle, and wherein the module translates across the floor of the vehicle when the telescopic duct is telescoped.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an air delivery system for a vehicle includes a HVAC unit and a fixed duct fluidly coupled to the HVAC unit. The air delivery system also includes a telescopic duct coupled to the fixed duct. The telescopic duct is configured to telescope toward and away from the fixed duct. The telescopic duct includes a first duct. The first duct includes a flanged edge coupled to the fixed duct. The flanged edge circumferentially surrounds the fixed duct. The first duct also includes: a first body extending outward from the flanged edge; a stop tab protruding from the first body; and a first gasket circumferentially surrounding the first body at the far side of the flanged edge. The telescopic duct also includes a second duct slidably coupled to the first duct. The second duct is circumferentially spaced from the first duct via the first gasket. The second duct includes: a second body, the second body defining a first depressible portion and a second depressible portion; and a driving tab, the driving tab protruding from the first depressible portion toward the first duct. The driving tab selectively engages the stop tab. The second duct also includes a driving pin, the driving pin protruding from the second depressible portion. The telescopic duct also includes a third duct, the third duct slidably coupled to the second duct. The third duct includes a third body defining a groove, the groove slidably engaging the driving pin. The third duct also includes: a branch duct, the branch duct defining an air outlet; and a second gasket, the second gasket circumferentially spacing the third body from the second body. The air delivery system also includes a module defining a register. The module is coupled to the branch duct. The air outlet is fluidly coupled to the register. When the telescopic duct is telescoped, the module translates through the interior of the vehicle. The air delivery system delivers airflow to the interior of the vehicle through the register.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an interior of a vehicle with a retractable air duct in a retracted mode;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of an interior of a vehicle with a retractable air duct in an extended mode;

[0029] Figure 3It is an exploded view of the telescopic air duct;

[0030] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of the telescopic air duct in the retracted mode;

[0031] Figure 4B is a top perspective view of the telescopic air duct between the retracted mode and the extended mode;

[0032] Figure 4C is a top perspective view of the telescopic duct in the extended mode;

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section III-III of the telescopic air duct;

[0034] Fig. 6A is a top perspective view of the second air duct and the third air duct; and

[0035] Figure 6B It is a cross-sectional view of the cross section IV-IV of the telescopic air duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain parts are enlarged relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0037] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily designed in detail; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0038] For the purpose of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall refer to the following: Figure 1 The concepts of orientation in the drawings are presented in detail. However, it should be understood that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0039] The embodiments of the present illustrations reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components associated with an air delivery system. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0040] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0041] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used singly to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising ..." does not, in the absence of more constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0042] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantity and characteristics are not exact, nor need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Whether or not the endpoints of a value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range in the range are significant in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0044] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 14 includes the air delivery system 10. In various examples, the vehicle 14 can be a motor vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle can be an automobile (e.g., a personal vehicle, public transportation, etc.), an aircraft, a boat, a train, or any other mode of transportation capable of carrying passengers and / or cargo. Although referred to as a motor vehicle in various examples, the vehicle 14 is not limited to an internal combustion engine as a locomotive power source. Rather, electric motors, fuel cells, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, etc. are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air delivery system 10 includes a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit 22 (HVAC). The HVAC unit 22 may include or alternatively be an evaporator and blower assembly. The air delivery system 10 also includes a controller 102. The controller 102 includes a microprocessor 104 and a memory 106. The memory 106 stores programmed software routines that are executable by the microprocessor 104 and used to process signals and inputs and move or adjust components of the vehicle 14, including, for example, the HVAC unit 22. According to one example, the controller 102 may include other analog and / or digital circuits, such as in the form of a microprocessor 104. The controller 102 is communicatively coupled to the instrument panel 94. In some examples, the instrument panel 94 may be positioned on the vehicle 14 so that when the vehicle 14 changes geographic location, the instrument panel 94 maintains the same geographic location as the vehicle 14 (see Figure 1 Additionally or alternatively, the dashboard 94 may be provided as a component that is separate from the vehicle 14 and may be external to the vehicle 14. For example, the dashboard 94 may be a mobile electronic device (e.g., a user's personal smartphone, a user's personal computing device, a designated self-service terminal, etc.).

[0047] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air delivery system 10 includes a module 26. The module 26 defines a register 90. The air delivery system 10 includes a rail 92 coupled to the floor 84 of the interior 86 of the vehicle 14. Additionally or alternatively, the rail 92 may include a plurality of rails. The rail 92 is coupled to a bracket 96. The bracket 96 is coupled to the module 26. The bracket 96 includes an actuator 98. The actuator 98 may include, for example, an electric motor communicatively coupled to the controller 102. It is contemplated that the controller 102 may process signals received from the instrument panel 94 to determine whether and to what extent the actuator 98 may need to be activated to effectuate execution of translation of the module 26 along the rail 92 within the interior 86 of the vehicle 14. Additionally or alternatively, the module 26 may translate along the rail 92 via manual activation of the actuator 98 by a user.

[0048] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the module 26 can be translated along the guide rail 92 between the plurality of seats 88 within the interior 86 of the vehicle 14. Additionally or alternatively, the module 26 can be translated along the guide rail 92 adjacent to the plurality of seats 88 within the interior 86 of the vehicle 14.

[0049] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air delivery system 10 includes a fixed duct 24. The fixed duct 24 is fluidly coupled to the HVAC unit 22. The fixed duct 24 is located at a fixed position relative to the vehicle 14. The fixed duct 24 may be at least partially disposed below the floor 84 of the interior 86 of the vehicle 14. The fixed duct 24 includes an upstream end 108 located proximal to the HVAC unit 22. The fixed duct 24 also includes a downstream end 110 located distal to the HVAC unit 22. An airflow 112 originating from the HVAC unit 22 travels from the upstream end 108 of the fixed duct 24 toward the downstream end 110 of the fixed duct 24. The fixed duct 24 may define a fixed duct cross-section that is prismatic. Additionally or alternatively, the fixed duct cross-section may be circular. The fixed duct 24 may define a fixed duct profile that is partially circular and partially prismatic, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 as shown in .

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 6B The air delivery system 10 includes a telescopic air duct 12. The telescopic air duct 12 includes a plurality of overlapping air ducts. Figures 1 to 6BAs shown in , the telescopic duct 12 may include a first duct 16. The first duct 16 is connected to the fixed duct 24 downstream of the HVAC unit 22, so that the fixed duct 24 extends between the HVAC unit 22 and the first duct 16. The first duct 16 can be positioned in front of the remaining multiple overlapping ducts. The first duct 16 includes a flanged edge 30. The flanged edge 30 circumferentially surrounds the downstream end 110 of the fixed duct 24. The downstream end 110 can be substantially flush with the flanged edge 30, so that the connection between the fixed duct 24 and the first duct 16 is substantially airtight. In addition or alternatively, the downstream end 110 of the fixed duct 24 can be adhesively coupled to the flanged edge 30 of the first duct 16.

[0051] Further references Figures 1 to 6B , the first air duct 16 includes a first body 28. The first body 28 extends outward from the flanged rim 30 and is coupled thereto. The first body 28 includes at least one mid-section stop rib 34 and at least one rear guide portion 44. The mid-section stop rib 34 and the rear guide portion 44 can, for example, serve as a locator for orienting the first air duct 16 during assembly. The rear guide portion 44 can be coupled to the first body 28 proximal to the insertion end 32 of the first air duct 16, such as Figure 3 The middle section stop rib 34 may be coupled to the first body 28 proximal to the flanged edge 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The first body 28 defines a first outer surface 40 that can face upwardly from the vehicle, such as Figure 3 The first body 28 also defines a second outer surface 42 that can face downwardly from the vehicle, such as Figure 3 as shown in .

[0052] Further references Figures 3 to 5 , the first air duct 16 also includes at least one stop tab 36. The first air duct 16 may include a first stop tab 36 and a second stop tab 118. The first stop tab 36 may be coupled to the first outer surface 40. The second stop tab 118 may be coupled to the second outer surface 42. Both the first stop tab 36 and the second stop tab 118 include an inclined surface 122 and a plum surface 124.

[0053] Further references Figures 3 to 5 , the first air duct 16 includes a first gasket 38. The first gasket 38 circumferentially surrounds the first body 28 proximal to the insertion end 32. The first gasket 38 may be, for example, a polymer material, foam, or other substantially airtight material.

[0054] Further references Figures 1 to 6B, the telescopic duct 12 includes a second duct 18. The second duct 18 includes a second body 46. The second body 46 extends between a front end 48 of the second duct 18 and a rear end 50 of the second duct 18. The front end 48 of the second duct 18 is configured to receive the insertion end 32 of the first duct 16 during the assembly of the telescopic duct 12. The first gasket 38 circumferentially separates the second duct 18 from the first duct 16. The first gasket 38 also allows the first duct 16 and the second duct 18 to be substantially airtightly fluidly connected. The airflow 112 travels from the first duct 16 toward the second duct 18.

[0055] The second air duct 18 includes a cantilever portion 62 coupled to the front end 48. The cantilever portion 62 extends outwardly from the front end 48 toward the first air duct 16. The second body 46 includes a first depressible portion 52 located on the cantilever portion 62. The second air duct 18 may include a plurality of cantilever portions, such that the cantilever portion 62 is a first cantilever portion. Additionally or alternatively, the second air duct 18 may include a second cantilever portion 120. The first cantilever portion 62 may be oriented toward the first outer surface 40 of the first air duct 16. The second cantilever portion 120 may be oriented toward the second outer surface 42 of the first air duct 16. The second body 46 includes a second depressible portion 54 located on the second cantilever portion 120.

[0056] The second air duct 18 includes a first driving tab 56 coupled to the first depressible portion 52. The first driving tab 56 extends outwardly from the first depressible portion 52, so that the first driving tab 56 also extends radially inwardly from the first inner surface 64 of the second air duct 18. The second air duct 18 includes a second driving tab 58 coupled to the second depressible portion 54. The second driving tab 58 extends outwardly from the second depressible portion 54, so that the second driving tab 58 also extends radially inwardly from the second inner surface 66 of the second air duct 18.

[0057] The first and second driving tabs 56 and 58 each define a complementary inclined surface 128. Each of the complementary inclined surfaces 128 is configured to slidably engage each of the inclined surfaces 122 of the first stop tab 36 and the second stop tab 118 of the first duct 16 during assembly of the telescoping duct 12. Additionally or alternatively, the first driving tab 56 can selectively engage the first stop tab 36, and the second driving tab 58 can selectively engage the second stop tab 118. Furthermore, the first and second driving tabs 56 and 58 each define a complementary plum surface 126. The complementary plum surface 126 is configured to selectively engage the plum surface 124 of the stop tab 36 to prevent the second duct 18 from being disconnected from the first duct 16. Each of the complementary plum surfaces 128 is configured to slidably engage each of the plum surfaces 122 of the first stop tab 36 and the second stop tab 118 of the first duct 16, respectively, during assembly of the telescoping duct 12. Additionally or alternatively, the first drive tab 56 may selectively engage the first stop tab 36, and the second drive tab 58 may selectively engage the second stop tab 118. During assembly of the telescoping duct 12, the first stop tab 36 applies a biasing force to the first drive tab 56 to depress the first depressible portion 52 and the first drive tab 56 radially outward from the second duct 18. Furthermore, during assembly of the telescoping duct 12, the second stop tab 118 applies a biasing force to the second drive tab 58 to depress the second depressible portion 54 and the second drive tab 58 radially outward from the second duct 18. After the telescoping duct 12 is assembled, both the first depressible portion 52 and the second depressible portion 54 are restored to being undepressed.

[0058] The second body 46 of the second air duct 18 includes a third depressible portion 130. The third depressible portion 130 may be proximal to the rear end 50 of the second air duct 18. The second air duct 18 includes a driving pin 60 coupled to the second body 46 on the third depressible portion 130.

[0059] Further references Figures 1 to 4C and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , the telescopic duct 12 includes a third duct 20. The third duct 20 includes a connecting end 80 and a free end 82. The third duct 20 includes a third body 70 extending between the connecting end 80 and the free end 82. The connecting end 80 has an opening, and the opening has an alignment rib 144 on the inner wall, and the alignment rib serves as a front guide portion and is configured to receive the rear end 50 of the second duct 18 during the assembly of the telescopic duct 12. The third duct 20 includes a first branch duct 74 and a second branch duct 76. In addition or alternatively, the third duct 20 may include a plurality of branch ducts. The third body 70 defines a guide groove 72. The guide groove 72 is configured to slidably engage the driving pin 60 of the second duct 18.

[0060] Further references Figures 1 to 4C and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , the third air duct 20 includes a second gasket 68. The second gasket 68 is circumferentially connected to the connection end 80 inside the connection end 80. In addition or alternatively, the second gasket 68 is circumferentially spaced apart from the second air duct 18 and the third air duct 20. The second gasket 68 can be, for example, a polymer material, foam or other substantially airtight materials. The second gasket 68 also allows the second air duct 18 and the third air duct 20 to be substantially airtightly fluidly connected. The airflow 112 travels from the second air duct 18 toward the third air duct 20.

[0061] Further references Figures 1 to 4C and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The connecting end 80 of the third air duct 20 depresses the driving pin 60 and the third depressible portion 130 during the assembly of the telescopic air duct 12. After the telescopic air duct 12 is assembled, both the driving pin 60 and the third depressible portion 130 are restored to not being depressed.

[0062] The first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76 each define an air outlet 78 proximal to the free end 82 of the third duct 20. The airflow 112 originates from the HVAC unit 22 and travels toward the fixed duct 24. The airflow 112 travels from the fixed duct 24 toward the first duct 16. The airflow 112 travels from the first duct 16 toward the second duct 18. The airflow 112 travels from the second duct 18 toward the connection end 80 of the third duct 20. The airflow 112 travels from the connection end 80 of the third duct 20 toward at least one of the first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76. The airflow 112 travels from at least one of the first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76 toward the respective air outlets 78 of the first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76. The airflow 112 travels from the air outlet 78 toward the register 90 of the module 26. The airflow 112 travels from the registers 90 of the module 26 toward the interior 86 of the vehicle 14 .

[0063] refer to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , the length L of the telescopic duct 12 changes as the telescopic duct 12 telescopes between the contraction mode 114 and the extension mode 116. When the telescopic duct 12 telescopes from the contraction mode 114 toward the extension mode 116, the length L of the telescopic duct 12 may increase by about two times, about three times, or about four times. The length L of the telescopic duct 12 includes at least the first duct 16, the second duct 18, and the third duct 20.

[0064] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2, the module 26 is connected to the first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76. Additionally or alternatively, the first branch duct 74 and the second branch duct 76 can extend outward and non-parallel from the main body 70 of the third duct 20. Additionally or alternatively, the first branch duct 74 can be substantially and spatially a mirror image of the second branch duct 76 across the centerline of the third duct 20.

[0065] Advantages of the air delivery system disclosed herein include the ability to deliver airflow to a first passenger located in a first zone of the vehicle and a second passenger located in a second zone of the vehicle by telescoping the telescoping duct to translate the registers of the module. Other advantages include allowing the interior to be neater and less busy due to the inclusion of excess registers along the path that the current module can travel. In addition, the air delivery system disclosed herein allows for relatively customized positions of registers and modules compared to conventional vehicles without an air delivery system.

[0066] It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing constructions without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0067] According to the present invention, a telescopic duct for a vehicle is provided, the telescopic duct having: a first duct, the first duct being configured to be fluidly connected to a HVAC unit, the first duct comprising: a flanged edge; a first main body, the first main body extending outward from the flanged edge; at least one stop tab, the at least one stop tab being connected to the first main body; and a first gasket; a second duct, the second duct being slidably connected to the first duct, the second duct comprising: a second main body, the second main body being engaged with the first gasket; at least one driving tab, the at least one driving tab being connected to the second main body; and a driving pin, the driving pin being connected to the second main body; and a third duct, the third duct being slidably connected to the second duct, the third duct comprising: a second gasket, the second gasket being connected to the third duct, the second gasket being engaged with the second duct; and a third main body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the driving pin.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first air duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second air duct has a second internal cross-sectional area greater than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third air duct has a third internal cross-sectional area greater than the second internal cross-sectional area.

[0069] According to one embodiment, when the second air duct slides towards the first air duct, the at least one stop tab presses the at least one driving tab radially away from the second body.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the at least one stop tab engages the at least one bring-along tab, and wherein the at least one stop tab engaged with the at least one bring-along tab prevents the second air duct from sliding away from the first air duct.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the telescopic air duct is arranged under the floor of the vehicle.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the third duct is coupled to a module, wherein the module translates through the interior of the vehicle when the retractable duct is retracted.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the third air duct further includes a plurality of branch air ducts, wherein each of the plurality of branch air ducts defines an air outlet.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first air duct includes a first stop tab and a second stop tab extending radially outward from a first outer side of the first body and a second outer side of the first body, respectively.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the second air duct includes a first driving tab and a second driving tab, and the first driving tab and the second driving tab extend radially inward from a first inner side of the second body and a second inner side of the second body, respectively.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first stop tab selectively engages the first drive tab, and wherein the second stop tab selectively engages the second drive tab.

[0077] According to the present invention, an air delivery system for a vehicle is provided, the air delivery system comprising: a HVAC unit; a fixed duct connected to the vehicle, the fixed duct being fluidly connected to the HVAC unit; a telescopic duct connected to the fixed duct, the telescopic duct comprising: a first duct, the first duct comprising: a flanged edge, the flanged edge being connected to the fixed duct; a first body, the first body extending outward from the fixed duct; a stop tab, the stop tab protruding from the first body; and a first gasket, the first gasket circumferentially surrounding the first body at the distal side of the flanged edge; a second duct, the second duct being slidably connected to the first duct, the second duct comprising: a second body, the second body engaging the first gasket ; a driving tab, which protrudes from the second body toward the first air duct; and a driving pin, which radially protrudes from the second body, wherein the driving tab is connected to the front end of the second body, and wherein the driving pin is connected to the rear end of the second body; and a third air duct, which is slidably connected to the second air duct, and the third air duct includes: a third body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the driving pin; a branch air duct, which defines an air outlet; and a second gasket, which extends between the third body and the second body, wherein when the telescopic air duct is telescoped between the contraction mode and the extension mode, the air delivery system delivers airflow to the interior of the vehicle between the front air delivery position and the rear air delivery position.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second body defines at least a first depressible portion and a third depressible portion, wherein the first depressible portion is defined at the front end of the second body, and wherein the third depressible portion is defined at the rear end of the second body.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the entraining tab is coupled to the first depressible portion, and wherein the entraining pin is coupled to the third depressible portion.

[0080] According to one embodiment, during assembly of the telescopic air duct, when the second air duct slides toward the first air duct, the stop tab depresses the driving tab and the first depressible portion radially outward.

[0081] According to one embodiment, after the assembly of the telescopic duct, the stop tab engages the driving tab to prevent the second duct from being disconnected from the first duct.

[0082] According to one embodiment, during the assembly of the telescopic air duct, when the third air duct slides toward the second air duct, the third body presses the driving pin and the third depressible portion radially inwardly.

[0083] According to one embodiment, after the assembly of the telescopic air duct, the driving pin slides in the groove, and wherein after the assembly of the telescopic air duct, the third air duct is prevented from being disconnected from the second air duct when the driving pin extends into the groove.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the invention also features a module coupled to the branch duct, the module defining a register in fluid communication with the air outlet.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the telescopic duct is disposed in a floor of the vehicle, and wherein the module translates across the floor of the vehicle when the telescopic duct is telescoped.

[0086] According to the present invention, an air delivery system for a vehicle is provided, the air delivery system comprising: a HVAC unit; a fixed duct, the fixed duct being fluidly connected to the HVAC unit; a telescopic duct, the telescopic duct being connected to the fixed duct, the telescopic duct being configured to telescope toward and away from the fixed duct, wherein the telescopic duct comprises: a first duct, the first duct comprising: a flanged edge connected to the fixed duct, the flanged edge circumferentially surrounding the fixed duct; a first body, the first body extending outwardly from the flanged edge; a stop tab, the stop tab protruding from the first body; and a first gasket, the first gasket circumferentially surrounding the first body at a distal side of the flanged edge; a second duct, the second duct being slidably connected to the first duct, wherein the second duct is circumferentially spaced from the first duct via the first gasket, wherein the second duct comprises: a first gasket The cam is an air intake port and a control port, and the control port is a control port. The cam is an air intake port and a control port are connected to the control port of the vehicle. The cam is connected to the control port of the vehicle. The cam is connected to the control port of the vehicle. The control port is a control port. The cam is connected to the control port of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A telescopic air duct for a vehicle, the telescopic air duct comprising: A first air duct configured to be fluidly coupled to a HVAC unit, the first air duct comprising: flanged edges; a first body extending outwardly from the flanged rim; at least one stop tab coupled to the first body; and First gasket; A second air duct, the second air duct is slidably connected to the first air duct, and the second air duct comprises: a second body engaged with the first gasket; at least one driving tab coupled to the second body; and a driving pin connected to the second body; and A third air duct, the third air duct being slidably connected to the second air duct, the third air duct comprising: a second gasket, the second gasket being coupled to the third air duct, the second gasket being engaged with the second air duct; and A third body defines a groove that is slidably engaged with the driver pin.

2. The retractable air duct of claim 1 , wherein the first air duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second air duct has a second internal cross-sectional area greater than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third air duct has a third internal cross-sectional area greater than the second internal cross-sectional area.

3. The telescopic air duct according to claim 1, wherein when the second air duct slides toward the first air duct, the at least one stop tab presses the at least one driving tab radially away from the second body.

4. The telescopic air duct of claim 3, wherein the at least one stop tab engages the at least one driving tab, and wherein the at least one stop tab engaged with the at least one driving tab prevents the second air duct from sliding away from the first air duct. 5 . The retractable air duct according to claim 1 , wherein the retractable air duct is provided under a floor of the vehicle.

6. The retractable duct of claim 1, wherein the third duct is coupled to a module, wherein the module translates through the interior of the vehicle when the retractable duct is retracted. 7 . The telescopic air duct according to claim 1 , wherein the third air duct further comprises a plurality of branch air ducts, wherein each of the plurality of branch air ducts defines an air outlet.

8. The telescopic air duct according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first air duct comprises a first stop tab and a second stop tab, the first stop tab and the second stop tab extending radially outward from a first outer side of the first body and a second outer side of the first body, respectively.

9. The telescopic air duct as described in claim 8, wherein the second air duct comprises a first driving tab and a second driving tab, and the first driving tab and the second driving tab extend radially inward from a first inner side of the second body and a second inner side of the second body, respectively.

10. The retractable air duct of claim 9, wherein the first stop tab selectively engages the first driving tab, and wherein the second stop tab selectively engages the second driving tab.

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