Movable conduit for vehicle

Abstract

A movable conduit includes an inlet conduit section including an inlet conduit wall extending from a first inlet conduit end to an opposite second inlet conduit end, and including at least one first elongate guide extending between the first inlet conduit end and the second inlet conduit end. The movable conduit further includes a first telescoping conduit section having a first telescoping conduit wall extending from a first telescoping conduit end to an opposite second telescoping conduit end, and including at least one protrusion in sliding engagement with the at least one elongate guide of the inlet conduit section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a movable conduit for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Vehicles typically include a plurality of ducts configured to provide air from a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to a target location within the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle. One location where a target duct is needed is near a user device charging station. Because charging a user device typically generates heat, a duct is needed to provide cooling to the user device and the charging area. Some vehicles include a user device charging station on the vehicle console.

[0004] Some vehicles may include a vehicle console that can be moved between different locations. Regardless of the location of the vehicle console, current solutions for providing cooling to user devices include continuously flowing air at maximum power to reach the user device charging station. However, running the HVAC system at maximum power may result in air loss and cause customer dissatisfaction due to poor performance and noise. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved vehicle duct that is compatible with a movable vehicle console. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a movable conduit for a motor vehicle. The movable conduit includes an inlet conduit segment including an inlet conduit wall extending from a first inlet conduit end to an opposite second inlet conduit end, and including at least one first elongated guide extending between the first inlet conduit end and the second inlet conduit end. The movable conduit also includes a first telescoping conduit segment having a first telescoping conduit wall extending from the first telescoping conduit end to the opposite second telescoping conduit end, and including at least one protrusion slidably engaged with at least one elongated guide of the inlet conduit segment.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the second inlet duct end of the inlet duct segment includes a guide portion that defines a tapered width of the inlet duct wall. In some configurations, the first telescoping duct end includes a flare that defines an open width of the inlet duct wall, whereby the guide portion is configured to cooperate with the flare. In some embodiments, the guide portion includes one or more locating features, each locating feature configured to receive at least one protrusion of the first telescoping duct segment and align it with the first elongated guide member of the inlet duct segment.

[0007] In some examples, the first elongated guide member defines a recessed channel formed in the inlet conduit wall. In some embodiments, the first telescoping conduit segment includes at least one second elongated guide member extending between the first telescoping conduit end and the second telescoping conduit end, and the movable conduit further includes a second telescoping conduit segment including a second telescoping conduit wall extending from the third telescoping conduit end to an opposite fourth telescoping conduit end and including at least one protrusion slidably engaged with the at least one second elongated guide member of the first telescoping conduit segment.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle having a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to bring air to a desired temperature. The vehicle also includes a vehicle passenger compartment configured to allow a vehicle occupant therein. The vehicle also includes a movable duct having a body defining an internal duct configured to provide fluid communication from the vehicle HVAC system to the vehicle passenger compartment, the body having an inlet duct segment coupled to the vehicle HVAC system and an outlet duct segment coupled to the vehicle passenger compartment, wherein the outlet duct segment is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, in which the outlet duct segment is located in a first position in the vehicle passenger compartment, and in which the outlet duct segment is located in a second position in the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0009] This aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the movement of the movable conduit between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration is a translational movement. In some embodiments, the movement of the movable conduit between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration is a telescopic movement such that the inlet conduit segment and the outlet conduit segment are concentric. In some configurations, the body of the movable conduit also includes one or more intermediate conduit segments concentric with the inlet conduit segment and the outlet conduit segment. Optionally, the inlet conduit segment includes an elongated guide member defining a channel extending in an axial direction.

[0010] In some configurations, the outlet duct segment includes a retaining protrusion configured to slidably engage the elongated guide to prevent rotational movement between the inlet duct segment and the outlet duct segment. In some examples, the inlet duct segment also includes a ramp guide formed at the end of the inlet duct segment to facilitate the connection of the inlet duct segment and the outlet duct segment. In some embodiments, the vehicle passenger compartment includes a movable vehicle console, and the outlet duct segment is at least partially disposed within the movable vehicle console. Optionally, at least one of the inlet duct segment or the outlet duct segment is produced by a blow molding operation.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a movable duct for a vehicle having a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a vehicle passenger compartment. The movable duct includes a body defining an internal duct and having an inlet duct segment coupled to the vehicle HVAC system and an outlet duct segment coupled to the vehicle passenger compartment, wherein the outlet duct segment is linearly movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the movement of the outlet duct segment between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration is a telescopic movement such that the inlet duct segment and the outlet duct segment are concentric.

[0012] This aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the body of the movable conduit also includes an intermediate conduit segment concentric with the inlet conduit segment and the outlet conduit segment. In some embodiments, the body of the movable conduit also includes a second intermediate conduit segment concentric with the inlet conduit segment, the intermediate conduit segment, and the outlet conduit segment. In some configurations, one or more of the inlet conduit segment or the outlet conduit segment includes a retaining protrusion that is configured to prevent rotational movement between the inlet conduit segment and the outlet conduit segment. In some examples, the diameter of the inlet conduit segment is smaller than the diameter of the outlet conduit segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a vehicle according to the principles of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is an interior perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment of a vehicle, wherein the passenger compartment includes a movable vehicle console in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 , showing a front perspective view of a vehicle console of an example vehicle console coupled to a movable conduit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view of a movable catheter according to the principles of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the movable catheter in a retracted configuration; and

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the movable catheter in an extended configuration.

[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations, not for limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0025] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0026] refer to Figure 1-6 , a vehicle 10 is disclosed. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle passenger compartment 12, a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 14, and a movable duct 16 configured to move with a movable vehicle console 22. Now referring to Figure 1 In some examples, the vehicle 10 is contemplated as an electric vehicle 10 (EV), and may include autonomous or semi-autonomous capabilities. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid vehicle including EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) components and capabilities. Furthermore, if desired, the vehicle 10 may include only an ICE or other power source. Furthermore, in some examples, the vehicle may additionally and / or alternatively include fuel cell power capabilities.

[0027] Reference now Figure 2 , the vehicle passenger compartment 12 is configured to allow a vehicle passenger to sit therein. The vehicle passenger compartment 12 may include various features, including but not limited to a dashboard 18 disposed at a front position of the vehicle passenger compartment and a vehicle console 22 generally disposed between a vehicle driver seat and a vehicle passenger seat. In some examples, the vehicle console 22 includes one or more storage compartments. In the illustrated example, the vehicle console 22 includes a user device charging station 20. The user device charging station 20 may include a generally flat surface, the size of which is suitable for receiving a user device and configured to allow a user to place the user device thereon. The user device may be any mobile device, including but not limited to a personal smartphone or tablet computer. In some examples, the user device charging station 20 includes a port for connecting a charging cable thereto to charge the user device. Additionally or alternatively, the generally flat surface includes wireless charging capability, so that the user only places the user device on the generally flat surface to cause charging of the user device. Since charging a user device wirelessly or through a wired interface typically generates undesirable heat, which may degrade battery and charging performance, the vehicle 10 may also be configured to provide cooling to the user device charging station 20 to cool the user device during charging. In some examples, cooling airflow is provided below the user device charging station 20. However, it is also contemplated that the user device charging station 20 may include one or more apertures configured to directly or indirectly provide cooling to a user device disposed on the charging station. Additionally, various other configurations have been contemplated.

[0028] Furthermore, in some examples, the vehicle console 22 is movable such that the vehicle console 22 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In some examples, the movement between the first position and the second position is a linear movement along a front-to-back direction (i.e., toward and away from the instrument panel 18). However, it is also contemplated that the movement between the first position and the second position can be in any direction, including lateral (i.e., across the vehicle), vertical (i.e., up and down), or diagonal, or can include rotational movement. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the vehicle console 22 can be fixed in any position between the first position and the second position.

[0029] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown schematically, the vehicle 10 also includes a vehicle HVAC system 14. The vehicle HVAC system 14 is configured to control the climate conditions within the vehicle passenger compartment 12. For example, the HVAC system 14 may provide heated or cooled air to the vehicle passenger compartment 12 to control the temperature within the vehicle passenger compartment 12. In addition, the vehicle HVAC system 14 may also be configured to purify and circulate air throughout the vehicle passenger compartment 12. The operation of the HVAC system 14 may be automatically or manually controlled by the driver. In some vehicles 10, different assigned areas are individually controlled automatically or manually by the driver. For example, the HVAC system 14 may be configured to automatically direct air to the user device charging station 20 through the movable duct 16 when the user device is placed on the user device charging station 20 and the charger is activated (whether wired or wireless). However, it is also conceivable that the air is directed to the user device only when the user manually selects it.

[0030] When the vehicle console 22 is moved between the first position and the second position, the user device charging station 20 also moves therewith. In order to provide a continuous airflow to the user device charging station 20 regardless of the position of the vehicle console 22, the vehicle 10 also includes a movable duct 16. Figure 3-6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the movable duct 16 includes a body 17 defining an interior duct 19 that is configured to allow airflow from the vehicle HVAC system 14 to the vehicle passenger compartment 12. More specifically, in the example shown, the movable duct 16 is configured to allow airflow from the vehicle HVAC system 14 to the user device charging station 20. As such, the body 17 includes an inlet duct segment 24 that is configured to be coupled to the vehicle HVAC system 14 and an outlet duct segment 26 that is disposed within the vehicle passenger compartment 12. In the example shown, the outlet duct segment 26 is coupled to the user device charging station 20, whereby the outlet duct segment 26 is configured to translate with the user device charging station 20.

[0031] To allow adequate airflow to the user device charging station 20 regardless of the position of the vehicle console 22, the outlet duct segment 26 can be moved between an extended configuration in which the outlet duct segment 26 is located at a first position in the vehicle passenger compartment 12 and a retracted configuration in which the outlet duct segment 26 is located at a second position in the vehicle passenger compartment 12, the second position being different from the first position. In some examples, the movement between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration corresponds to the movement of the vehicle console 22 between the first position and the second position, such that the outlet duct segment 26 of the duct remains coupled to the user device charging station 20 during the movement between the first position and the second position of the vehicle console 22. Furthermore, in some examples, the movement of the duct 16 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration is a linear movement, whereby the outlet duct segment 26 translates along a linear axis relative to the inlet duct segment.

[0032] The movement of the conduit between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration is a telescopic movement, so that the inlet conduit segment 24 and the outlet conduit segment 26 are arranged concentrically with each other. The telescopic movement allows one portion of the movable conduit 16 to be movable relative to another portion, so that the movement includes sliding one portion out of the other portion, thereby extending the movable conduit 16 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

[0033] Optionally, the movable conduit 16 may include one or more intermediate sections 28 disposed between and concentric with the inlet conduit segment 24 and the outlet conduit segment 26. For example, the movable conduit 16 may include the inlet conduit segment 24, the outlet conduit segment 26, and the intermediate section 28 disposed adjacent to and concentric with the inlet conduit segment 24. In this example, in the retracted configuration, the outlet conduit segment 26 is the outermost and the inlet conduit segment 24 is the innermost, such that in the retracted configuration ( Figure 5 ), the inlet duct segment 24 is received or nested within the outlet duct segment 26 and the intermediate segment 28. However, in the extended configuration ( Figure 6 ), the outlet duct segment 26 has slid away from the inlet duct segment 24, so that the inlet duct segment 24 is only partially accommodated in the middle segment 28, and the outlet duct segment 26 is arranged away from the inlet duct segment 24.

[0034] Although the illustrated example shows an intermediate segment 28 for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that the outlet duct segment 26 can be directly connected to the inlet duct segment 24 in the same manner as the intermediate duct segment 28 shown in the present disclosure. In other words, when the intermediate duct segment 28 is not included, the illustrated relationship between the inlet duct segment 24 and the intermediate duct segment 28 represents the relationship between the inlet duct segment 24 and the outlet duct segment 26. Therefore, the outlet duct segment 26 and the intermediate duct segment 28 may be collectively referred to as telescoping duct segments 26, 28. In addition, features shown with common reference numerals in the figures are understood to be common between all segments, and thus the description of a particular feature of one of the duct segments 24, 26, 28 applies to the corresponding feature of the other duct segments 24, 26, 28 unless otherwise specified. Reference Figure 5 Each of the conduit segments 24, 26, 28 can be described as including a conduit segment wall 23 that extends from a first conduit end 25a to a second conduit end 25b in an axial direction (as listed on the inlet conduit segment 24). Thus, as used herein, the features of each conduit segment 24, 26, 28 can be defined relative to a first end 23a (i.e., the inlet end) and a second end (i.e., the outlet end).

[0035] Furthermore, in some examples, each conduit segment 24, 26, 28 of the movable conduit 16 is constructed of polyethylene. However, it is also contemplated that portions of the movable conduit may be constructed of another material, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, silicone, or another plastic polymer. Furthermore, in some examples, the movable conduit 16 is produced by a blow molding process. Furthermore, in some examples, the movable conduit 16 is formed as a single piece and then segmented into multiple portions for later assembly.

[0036] Still refer to Figure 3-6 In the example shown, the inlet diameter of the inlet duct segment 24 is smaller than the outlet diameter of the outlet duct segment 26 to facilitate airflow between the HVAC system 14 and the user device charging station 20. Additionally, in some examples, the diameter of the movable duct 16 is smallest at the inlet duct segment 24 and largest at the outlet duct segment 26, so that airflow from the HVAC system 14 to the user device charging station 20 is facilitated and air leakage is limited.

[0037] Reference again Figure 3-6In the example shown, the inlet duct segment 24 includes a bellmouth 30 disposed about a first end thereof that is configured to couple to the HVAC system 14. In the example shown, the bellmouth 30 is a flared portion disposed about the inlet of the inlet duct segment 24 and can be configured to reduce the air velocity at the point where air enters the movable duct 16 from the HVAC system 14 and allow a gradual increase to a specified system air velocity as the air flow transitions from the bellmouth 30 to the body of the inlet duct segment 24. Additionally, the bellmouth 30 can also have packaging, manufacturing, or other advantages, such as reduced noise and pressure losses. In some examples, the inlet duct segment 24 is fixed to the vehicle 10, and more specifically to the HVAC system 14, so that the inlet duct segment 24 does not move during extension and retraction of the movable duct 16. As shown in FIG. Figure 4-6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the opposite end 25 b of the bell mouth 30 of the inlet duct segment 24 includes various coupling mechanisms configured to allow another portion of the movable duct 16 to be coupled thereto. As described above, the opposite end of the inlet duct segment 24 can be coupled to the outlet duct segment 26 or the intermediate duct segment 28, depending on the number of portions included in the movable duct 16.

[0038] In order to facilitate the coupling of the inlet duct segment 24 to the telescoping segments 26, 28, the inlet duct segment 24 includes one or more guides 32 defined therein. In some examples, the guides 32 are generally linear and extend along the length of the inlet duct segment 24. It is conceivable that the guides 32 can be formed as linear features extending in the axial direction of the inlet duct segment 24. In the example shown, the guides 32 are formed as recessed channels formed in the duct body 17 of the inlet duct segment 24. In other words, the guides 32 are radially recessed inward from the outer diameter of the portion of the duct body 17 that forms the inlet duct segment 24. In the example shown, the inlet duct segment 24 includes a plurality of guides 32 disposed around the inlet duct segment 24, however various other configurations have been considered. The plurality of guides 32 are configured to engage and serve as sliding surfaces for corresponding protrusions 34 disposed on adjacent segments 26, 28. In the example shown, the protrusion 34 is formed on the inner surface of the adjacent segments 26, 28, such as the intermediate segment 28 or the outlet conduit segment 26, and is shaped and sized to slide within the guide 32 to facilitate movement between the two parts. Figure 6 As best shown in the figure, the radius of the inner surface of each protrusion can be greater than the radius of the ramp locating feature 36 at the second catheter end 25b, but less than the outer diameter of the ramp locating feature 36 adjacent to the guide member 32, whereby the ramp locating feature 36 defines a protrusion or detent that provides a snap-fit ​​relationship with the protrusion 34 and is used to retain the protrusion 34 within the guide member 32 when the catheter 16 is assembled.

[0039] The guide 32 includes a hard stop 40 located at the distal end of the guide 32 (i.e., the end closest to the bell mouth 30) to prevent the mating segments 26, 28 from retracting too far into the inlet duct segment 24. In addition, the hard stop 40 can be configured to provide audible feedback (e.g., a click) when the hard stop 40 contacts the protrusion 34 during assembly, indicating the correct assembly of the duct segments. In some examples, the shape of the protrusion 34 allows the protrusion 34 to maintain only partial contact with the guide 32, so that minimal friction is generated between the components. In addition, in some examples, the protrusion 34 is generally rectangular, however, various other configurations are also contemplated. In addition, in the example shown, the inner surface of the adjacent portion, such as the intermediate duct segment 28 or the outlet duct segment 26, includes a plurality of protrusions 34, which are arranged around the adjacent portion and are configured to engage with each of the plurality of guides 32. Having guides 32 and corresponding protrusions 34 circumferentially disposed about the inlet duct segment 24 and each of the adjacent telescoping segments 26 , 28 , such as the intermediate duct segment 28 or the outlet duct segment 26 , prevents undesired rotational movement between the components when they are coupled to one another.

[0040] In some examples, the inlet duct segment 24 may also include a ramp guide 36. The ramp guide 36 is disposed around the opposite end of the bell mouth 30 and is configured to match the bell mouth 30 of the adjacent telescopic duct segments 26, 28. In some examples, the ramp guide 36 extends toward the inside of the inlet segment 24 at a certain angle to facilitate the connection of the inlet duct segment 24 with the adjacent telescopic duct segments 26, 28. In other words, the ramp guide 36 defines a tapered diameter that forms the tapered end of the inlet duct segment 24 and an end opposite to the bell mouth 30. In some examples, the cone angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees relative to the central axis defined by the inlet duct segment 24. In the illustrated example, the cone angle is 45 degrees. This configuration makes it easy to assemble the inlet duct segment 24 and the adjacent segments 26, 28, such as the intermediate duct segment 28 or the outlet duct segment 26. In addition, the ramp guide 36 optimizes packaging space and is configured to absorb any cutting changes in the manufacturing process while maintaining a constant total length. In other words, by forming the end of the inlet duct segment 24 with a tapered ramp guide 36, the inlet duct segment 24 can be cut to a desired length in a post-molding processing step, whereby the tapered ramp guide 36 accommodates some variation in the diameter of the ramp guide 36 at the cut line. However, various other configurations have been contemplated.

[0041] like Figure 5 and 6As best shown in FIG. 1 , the inlet duct segment 24 may also include a ramp locating feature 38. The ramp locating feature 38 is configured to allow the protrusion 34 to be easily aligned with and enter the guide 32 during duct assembly. The ramp locating feature 38 is disposed on the ramp guide 36, is aligned with the guide 32, and includes an end that is wider than the remainder of the guide 32. In the example shown, the ramp locating feature 38 is a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the rectangular protrusion 34. Thus, the overall width W of the ramp locating feature 38 is approximately 1.5 mm. 38 The ramp guide 36 is substantially larger than the corresponding width of the protrusion 34 at the end of the ramp guide 36, but tapers in a direction from the end to the guide 32 to gradually align the protrusion with the guide 32 as the inlet duct segment 24 is inserted into the other duct segment 26, 28. In addition, in the example shown, a plurality of ramp locating features 38 are provided around the inlet duct segment 24 and are in line with each guide 32.

[0042] Still refer to Figure 3 In the example shown, the outlet duct segment 26 is fixedly coupled to the vehicle console 22 and is configured to provide airflow to the user device charging station 20. The outlet duct segment 26 can include many of the features described above with respect to the inlet duct segment 24, including, but not limited to, the protrusion 34 and the flare 30. The outlet duct segment 26 may not include any guides 32 and may have a smooth exterior because no other additional duct segments are coupled to the outlet duct segment 26. In addition, in some examples, the protrusion 34 of the outlet duct segment 26 is configured to engage the guides 32 of adjacent duct segments 24, 28.

[0043] In the example shown, the intermediate duct segment 28 is coupled between the inlet duct segment 24 and the outlet duct segment 26 and includes many of the features described above with respect to the inlet duct segment 24, including, but not limited to, a bellmouth 30, a plurality of protrusions 34 configured to engage the guide 32 of the inlet duct segment 24, a guide 32 configured to be engaged by the protrusion 34 of the outlet duct segment 26, a ramp loading portion 36, and a ramp positioning feature 38. While the illustrated example shows a single intermediate duct segment 28, other examples may include any number of intermediate duct segments 28 to provide a desired extension length, wherein each intermediate duct segment 28 includes a bellmouth 30, a plurality of protrusions 34, a plurality of guides 32, a ramp loading portion 36, and a ramp positioning feature 38. However, various other configurations have also been contemplated.

[0044] Still refer to Figure 3-6In the example shown in , in operation, the movable conduit 16 can be produced as a single piece before being cut into various components including the inlet conduit segment 24, the outlet conduit segment 26, and the intermediate conduit segment 28 by a paper cutter or other cutting equipment. The movable conduit 16 is then assembled by fixing the inlet conduit segment 24 and aligning the protrusion 34 on the intermediate conduit segment 28 with the ramped positioning feature 38 of the inlet conduit segment 24. The intermediate conduit segment 28 is then slid onto the inlet conduit segment 24 until the protrusion 34 reaches the hard stop 40 of the guide 32, which will produce a click indicating that the conduit segments 24, 28 are properly assembled. Next, the protrusion 34 of the outlet conduit segment 26 is aligned with the ramped positioning feature 38 of the intermediate conduit segment 28. The outlet conduit segment 26 is then slid onto the intermediate conduit segment 28 until the protrusion 34 reaches the hard stop 40 of the guide 32, which will produce a click indicating that the parts are properly assembled. The movable duct 16 can then be inserted into the vehicle 10, which has an inlet duct segment 24 coupled to the vehicle HVAC system 14 and an outlet duct segment 26 coupled to the user device charging station 20 in the vehicle console 22. When the vehicle console 22 is in the first position, the movable duct 16 remains in the retracted configuration. However, when the vehicle console 22 is moved to the second position, the outlet duct segment 26 of the movable duct 16 slides along the guide 32 of the intermediate duct segment 28 and moves away from the inlet duct segment 24 to reach the extended configuration, thereby extending the length of the movable duct 16 and ensuring air flow to the user device charging station 20. When the vehicle console 22 is moved back to the first position, the second end of the movable duct 16 slides back to the retracted configuration along the guide 32 of the intermediate duct segment 28 toward the inlet duct segment 24, thereby reducing the length of the movable duct 16 and ensuring air flow to the user device charging station 20.

[0045] The vehicle 10 with the movable duct 16 as described herein can adapt to the changes in the position change of the movable console 22 and provide a constant direct airflow to the user device charging station 20 regardless of the position change. The movable duct 16 allows the airflow to be directed to a specific target, reducing air loss toward the target. This concept minimizes air loss to the user device charging station 20 and prevents the airflow from always being at maximum power to ensure that the air reaches the charger, which reduces the annoying noise that the customer may hear during maximum power, thereby creating a more pleasant driving experience.

[0046] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A movable conduit for a motor vehicle, the movable conduit comprising: an inlet duct segment including an inlet duct wall extending from a first inlet duct end to an opposite second inlet duct end and including at least one first elongated guide member extending between the first inlet duct end and the second inlet duct end; as well as A first telescoping conduit segment includes a first telescoping conduit wall extending from a first telescoping conduit end to an opposing second telescoping conduit end and includes at least one protrusion slidably engaged with at least one elongated guide member of the inlet conduit segment.

2. The movable catheter according to claim 1, wherein: The second inlet duct end of the inlet duct segment includes a guide portion defining a tapered width of the inlet duct wall.

3. The movable catheter according to claim 2, wherein: The first telescoping conduit end includes a flare defining a flared width of the inlet conduit wall, whereby the guide portion is configured to mate with the flare.

4. The movable catheter according to claim 2, wherein: The guide portion includes one or more locating features, each locating feature configured to receive at least one protrusion of the first telescoping conduit segment and align it with the first elongated guide member of the inlet conduit segment.

5. The movable catheter according to claim 1, wherein: The first elongated guide defines a recessed channel formed in the inlet duct wall.

6. The movable catheter according to claim 1, wherein: The first telescoping conduit segment includes at least one second elongated guide extending between the first telescoping conduit end and the second telescoping conduit end.

7. The movable catheter according to claim 6 further includes a second telescopic catheter segment, which includes a second telescopic catheter wall extending from a third telescopic catheter end to an opposite fourth telescopic catheter end, and includes at least one protrusion that is slidably engaged with at least one second slender guide member of the first telescopic catheter segment.

8. The movable catheter according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the inlet duct segment or the outlet duct segment is produced by a blow molding operation.

9. A vehicle comprising a vehicle passenger compartment incorporating the movable conduit according to claim 1.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The vehicle passenger compartment includes a movable vehicle console, and the outlet duct segment is at least partially disposed within the movable vehicle console.

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