AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM

Abstract

A telescopic ventilation duct for a vehicle, wherein the telescopic ventilation duct comprises a first ventilation duct fluidically coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. The first ventilation duct comprises a flanged edge, a first body extending outward from the flanged edge, at least one stop lug coupled to the first body, and a first seal. The telescopic ventilation duct comprises a second ventilation duct slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct. The second ventilation duct comprises a second body engaging with the first seal, at least one catch tongue coupled to the second body, and a retaining pin coupled to the second body. The telescopic ventilation duct further comprises a third ventilation duct slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct.The third ventilation channel comprises a second seal coupled to the third ventilation channel, the second seal engaging with the second ventilation channel, and a third body defining a groove, the groove slidably engaging with the retaining pin.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an air supply system for a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an air supply system with a telescopic air duct for supplying an airflow along a direction of extension of the telescopic air duct. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicle interiors are typically equipped with numerous air vents that supply airflow from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. This airflow can then travel through a duct. However, existing approaches to supplying air to various locations within the vehicle interior tend to be limited by ductwork that is stationary. It would be desirable to provide an air supply system that incorporates an adjustable ductwork system, allowing the airflow to move between the interior and the HVAC unit. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a telescopic ventilation duct for a vehicle comprises a first ventilation duct fluidically coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. The first ventilation duct includes a flanged edge, a first body extending outward from the flanged edge, at least one stop lug coupled to the first body, and a first seal. The telescopic ventilation duct further comprises a second ventilation duct slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct. The second ventilation duct includes a second body engaging with the first seal, at least one catch tongue coupled to the second body, and a retaining pin coupled to the second body. The telescopic ventilation duct also includes a third ventilation duct slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct.The third ventilation duct includes a second seal that is coupled to it. This second seal engages with the second ventilation duct. The third ventilation duct also includes a third body that defines a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the retaining pin.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the first ventilation duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second ventilation duct has a second internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third ventilation duct has a third internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the second internal cross-sectional area; - the at least one stop nose pushes the at least one catch tongue radially away from the second body when the second ventilation duct slides towards the first ventilation duct; - the at least one stop lug engages the at least one catch tongue, and wherein the at least one stop lug, which engages with the at least one catch tongue, prevents the second ventilation duct from sliding away from the first ventilation duct; - the telescopic ventilation duct is located under the floor of the vehicle; - the third ventilation duct is coupled to a module, the module of which moves through an interior space of the vehicle when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes; - the third ventilation duct further includes a plurality of branches, each branch of the plurality of branches defining an air outlet; - the first ventilation channel includes a first stop lug and a second stop lug extending radially outwards from a first outer surface of the first body and a second outer surface of the first body, respectively; - the second ventilation channel comprises a first catch tongue and a second catch tongue, extending radially inwards from a first inner surface of the second body and a second inner surface of the second body, respectively; and - the first striking nose selectively engages the first grasping tongue, and the second striking nose selectively engages the second grasping tongue.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an air supply system for a vehicle comprises a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit and a stationary ventilation duct coupled to the vehicle. The stationary ventilation duct is fluidically coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. The air supply system also comprises a telescopic ventilation duct coupled to the stationary ventilation duct. The telescopic ventilation duct includes a first ventilation channel. The first ventilation channel includes a flanged edge coupled to the stationary ventilation channel, a first body extending outward from the stationary ventilation channel, a stop lug projecting from the first body, and a first seal circumferentially surrounding the first body distal to the flanged edge.The telescopic ventilation duct also includes a second ventilation duct, which is slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct. The second ventilation duct includes a second body that engages with the first seal, a retaining tongue projecting from the second body towards the first ventilation duct, and a retaining pin projecting radially from the second body. The retaining tongue is coupled to a front end of the second body. The retaining pin is coupled to a rear end of the second body. The telescopic ventilation duct further includes a third ventilation duct, which is slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct. The third ventilation duct includes a third body that defines a groove, the groove of which slidably engages the retaining pin.The third ventilation duct also includes a branch that defines an air outlet and a second seal extending between the third and second bodies. The air supply system directs an airflow into the vehicle's interior space between a front air intake and a rear air intake when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes between a retracted and extended position.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the second body defines at least a first compressible section and a second compressible section, wherein the first compressible section is defined at the front end of the second body and wherein the second compressible section is defined at the rear end of the second body; - the catch tongue is coupled to the first depressible section, and the retaining pin is coupled to the second depressible section; - the stop nose pushes the catch tongue and the first depressible section radially outwards when the second ventilation duct slides towards the first ventilation duct during assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct; - the stop nose engages the catch tongue to prevent the second ventilation duct from separating from the first ventilation duct after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed; - the third body pushes the retaining pin and the second depressible section radially inwards as the third ventilation duct slides towards the second ventilation duct during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct; - the retaining pin slides within the groove after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed, preventing the third ventilation duct from separating from the second ventilation duct after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed, while the retaining pin extends into the groove; - a module coupled to the branch, wherein the module defines a ventilation grille that is in fluid communication with the air outlet; and - the telescopic ventilation duct is arranged in a floor of the vehicle, and the module moves across the floor of the vehicle when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an air supply system for a vehicle comprises a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit and a stationary ventilation duct fluidically coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit. The air supply system also includes a telescopic ventilation duct coupled to the stationary ventilation duct. The telescopic ventilation duct is configured to telescope toward and away from the stationary ventilation duct. The telescopic ventilation duct includes a first ventilation channel. The first ventilation channel includes a flanged edge coupled to the stationary ventilation duct. The flanged edge surrounds the stationary ventilation duct circumferentially.The first ventilation channel further comprises a first body extending outward from the flanged edge, a stop lug projecting from the first body, and a first seal circumferentially surrounding the first body distal to the flanged edge. The telescopic ventilation channel also comprises a second ventilation channel slidably coupled to the first ventilation channel. The second ventilation channel is spaced circumferentially from the first ventilation channel by the first seal. The second ventilation channel comprises a second body defining a first depressible section and a second depressible section, and a catch tongue projecting from the first depressible section toward the first ventilation channel. The catch tongue selectively engages the stop lug.The second ventilation duct also includes a retaining pin protruding from the second depressible section. The telescopic ventilation duct further includes a third ventilation duct, which is slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct. The third ventilation duct includes a third body that defines a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the retaining pin. The third ventilation duct also includes a branch that defines an air outlet and a second seal that circumferentially separates the third body from the second body. The air supply system further includes a module that defines a ventilation grille. The module is coupled to the branch. The air outlet is fluidically coupled to the ventilation grille. The module moves through the interior of the vehicle as the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes.The air supply system directs an airflow into the interior of the vehicle through the ventilation grille.

[0008] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective side view of the interior of a vehicle with a telescopic ventilation duct in a contracted mode; Fig. 2 a perspective side view of the interior of a vehicle with a telescopic ventilation duct in an extended mode; Fig. Figure 3 is an expanded view of the telescopic ventilation duct; Fig. 4A is a perspective top view of the telescopic ventilation duct in retracted mode; Fig. Figure 4B is a perspective top view of the telescopic ventilation duct in retracted mode and in extended mode; Fig. 4C is a perspective top view of the telescopic ventilation duct in extended mode; Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view of cross-section III-III of the telescopic ventilation duct; Fig. 6A is a perspective top view of a second ventilation duct and a third ventilation duct; and Fig. Figure 6B is a sectional view of cross-section IV-IV of the telescopic ventilation duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0011] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0012] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties in connection with the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0013] The embodiments illustrated herein consist mainly of combinations of process steps and equipment components relating to an air supply system. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are, where appropriate, represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description in this document. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings represent identical elements.

[0014] As used in this document, the expression "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing the components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0015] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element to which "a / an / a..."“The fact that it precedes the conclusion does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or establishment which includes the element.

[0016] As used in this document, the expression "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative data and properties are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the expression "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0017] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0018] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and are not intended to be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments that have two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 includes a vehicle 14 and an air supply system 10. The vehicle 14 can be a motor vehicle in various examples. For instance, the motor vehicle can be an automobile (e.g., a private vehicle, public transport, etc.), an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, or any other mode of transport capable of carrying passengers and / or cargo. While referred to as a motor vehicle in various examples, the vehicle 14 is not limited to internal combustion engines as a source of propulsion power. Rather, electric motors, fuel cells, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, and so forth are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. The air supply system 10 includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit 22. The HVAC unit 22 may include an evaporator-blower assembly or alternatively be one. The air supply system 10 also includes a control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a microprocessor 104 and a memory 106. The memory 106 stores programmed software routines that can be executed by the microprocessor 104 and are used to process signals and inputs and to move or adjust components of the vehicle 14, including, for example, the HVAC unit 22. The control unit 102 may, according to one example, include other analog and / or digital circuits, such as the microprocessor 104. The control unit 102 is communicatively coupled to an instrument panel 94.In some examples, the instrument panel 94 on board the vehicle 14 can be positioned such that if the vehicle 14 changes its geographical location, the instrument panel 94 maintains the same geographical location as the vehicle 14 (see . Fig. 1) Additionally or alternatively, the instrument panel 94 can be provided as a component separate from the vehicle 14 and located outside the vehicle 14. For example, the instrument panel 94 can be a mobile electronic device (e.g., a user's personal smartphone, a user's personal computing device, a specific kiosk system, and so on).

[0021] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. The air supply system 10 includes a module 26. The module 26 defines a ventilation grille 90. The air supply system 10 includes a rail 92, which is coupled to a floor 84 of an interior 86 of the vehicle 14. Additionally or alternatively, the rail 92 can include multiple rails. The rail 92 is coupled to a support 96. The support 96 is coupled to the module 26. The support 96 includes an actuator 98. The actuator 98 can, for example, include an electric motor, which is communicatively coupled to the controller 102. It is considered that the controller 102, in determining whether and to what degree the actuator 98 needs to be activated, can process signals received from the instrument panel 94 to effect the movement of the module 26 along the rail 92 within the interior 86 of the vehicle 14.Additionally or alternatively, the module 26 can be moved along the rail 92 by the user via manual activation of the actuator 98.

[0022] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Module 26 can move along rail 92 within the interior 86 of vehicle 14 between a plurality of seats 88. Additionally or alternatively, module 26 can move along rail 92 within the interior 86 of vehicle 14 adjacent to a plurality of seats 88.

[0023] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. The air supply system 10 includes a fixed ventilation duct 24. The fixed ventilation duct 24 is fluidically coupled to the HVAC unit 22. The fixed ventilation duct 24 is located at a fixed position relative to the vehicle 14. The fixed ventilation duct 24 can be located at least partially under the floor 84 of the interior 86 of the vehicle 14. The fixed ventilation duct 24 includes an upstream end 108 proximal to the HVAC unit 22. The fixed ventilation duct 24 also includes a downstream end 110 distal to the HVAC unit 22. An airflow 112 originating from the HVAC unit 22 moves from the upstream end 108 of the fixed ventilation duct 24 towards the downstream end 110 of the fixed ventilation duct 24. The fixed ventilation duct 24 can define a fixed duct cross-section that is prismatic.Additionally or alternatively, the cross-section of the fixed ventilation duct can be round. The fixed ventilation duct 24 can define a fixed duct profile that is partly round and partly prismatic, as shown in . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown.

[0024] Regarding the Fig. 1-6B includes the air supply system 10 and a telescopic ventilation duct 12. The telescopic ventilation duct 12 contains a multitude of overlapping ventilation channels. The telescopic ventilation duct 12 can be, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1-6B, the first ventilation duct 16 includes a first ventilation duct. The first ventilation duct 16 is coupled downstream of the HVAC unit 22 to the fixed ventilation duct 24 such that the fixed ventilation duct 24 extends between the HVAC unit 22 and the first ventilation duct 16. The first ventilation duct 16 can be positioned upstream of the remaining plurality of overlapping ventilation ducts. The first ventilation duct 16 includes a flanged edge 30. The flanged edge 30 circumferentially surrounds the downstream end 110 of the fixed ventilation duct 24. The downstream end 110 can fit substantially flush with the flanged edge 30, so that the connection between the fixed ventilation duct 24 and the first ventilation duct 16 is substantially airtight. Additionally or alternatively, the downstream end 110 of the fixed ventilation duct 24 can be bonded to the flanged edge 30 of the first ventilation duct 16.

[0025] With further reference to the Fig. In Figure 1-6B, the first ventilation duct 16 includes a first body 28. The first body 28 extends outwards from the flanged edge 30 and is coupled to it. The first body 28 includes at least one stop rib 34 in the central region and at least one rear guide section 44. The stop rib 34 in the central region and the rear guide sections 44 can, for example, serve as positioning aids for aligning the first ventilation duct 16 during assembly. The rear guide sections 44 can be coupled to the first body 28 proximal to an inlet 32 ​​of the first ventilation duct 16, as shown in Figure 1-6B. Fig. 3 shown. The stop rib 34 in the middle region can be coupled to the first body 28 proximal to the flanged edge 30, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the first body 28 defines a first outer surface 40, which can be directed upwards with respect to the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 3 shown. The first body 28 further defines a second outer surface 42, which may be directed downwards with respect to the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0026] With further reference to the Fig. 3-5 The first ventilation duct 16 also includes at least one stop lug 36. The first ventilation duct 16 can include a first stop lug 36 and a second stop lug 118. The first stop lug 36 can be coupled to the first outer surface 40. The second stop lug 118 can be coupled to the second outer surface 42. Both the first stop lug 36 and the second stop lug 118 include an inclined surface 122 and an outlet surface 124.

[0027] With further reference to the Fig. 3-5 The first ventilation duct 16 includes a first seal 38. The first seal 38 surrounds the first body 28 circumferentially proximal to the inlet 32. The first seal 38 can be, for example, a polymer material, a foam, or another essentially airtight material.

[0028] With further reference to the Fig. In Figure 1-6B, the telescopic ventilation duct 12 includes a second ventilation duct 18. The second ventilation duct 18 includes a second body 46. The second body 46 extends between a front end 48 and a rear end 50 of the second ventilation duct 18. The front end 48 of the second ventilation duct 18 is configured to receive the inlet 32 ​​of the first ventilation duct 16 during assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12. The first seal 38 spaced the second ventilation duct 18 circumferentially from the first ventilation duct 16. The first seal 38 also allows the first ventilation duct 16 and the second ventilation duct 18 to be in fluid communication that is essentially airtight. The airflow 112 moves from the first ventilation duct 16 toward the second ventilation duct 18.

[0029] The second ventilation duct 18 includes a cantilevered section 62 coupled to the front end 48. The cantilevered section 62 extends outward from the front end 48 toward the first ventilation duct 16. The second body 46 includes a first pressable section 52 on the cantilevered section 62. The second ventilation duct 18 can include multiple cantilevered sections, such that the cantilevered section 62 is a first cantilevered section. Additionally or alternatively, the second ventilation duct 18 can include a second cantilevered section 120. The first cantilevered section 62 can be oriented toward the first outer surface 40 of the first ventilation duct 16. The second cantilevered section 120 can be oriented toward the second outer surface 42 of the first ventilation duct 16. The second body 46 includes a second pressable section 54 on the second cantilevered section 120.

[0030] The second ventilation duct 18 includes a first retaining tongue 56, which is coupled to the first pressable section 52. The first retaining tongue 56 extends outwards from the first pressable section 52, and also extends radially inwards from a first inner surface 64 of the second ventilation duct 18. The second ventilation duct 18 includes a second retaining tongue 58, which is coupled to the second pressable section 54. The second retaining tongue 58 extends outwards from the second pressable section 54, and also extends radially inwards from a second inner surface 66 of the second ventilation duct 18.

[0031] The first retaining tongue 56 and the second retaining tongue 58 each define a complementary inclined surface 128. Each of the complementary inclined surfaces 128 is configured to engage each of the inclined surfaces 122 of the first stop lug 36 or the second stop lug 118 of the first ventilation duct 16 in a slidably displaceable manner during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12. Additionally or alternatively, the first retaining tongue 56 can selectively engage the first stop lug 36, and the second retaining tongue 58 can selectively engage the second stop lug 118. Furthermore, the first catch tongue 56 and the second catch tongue 58 each define a complementary outlet surface 126. The complementary outlet surface 126 is configured to selectively engage with the outlet surface 124 of the stop nose 36 to prevent the second ventilation channel 18 from separating from the first ventilation channel 16.Each of the complementary outlet surfaces 128 is configured to engage each of the outlet surfaces 122 of the first stop lug 36 or the second stop lug 118 of the first ventilation duct 16 in a slidably displaceable manner during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12. Additionally or alternatively, the first retaining tongue 56 can selectively engage the first stop lug 36, and the second retaining tongue 58 can selectively engage the second stop lug 118. During the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12, the first stop lug 36 exerts a preload force on the first retaining tongue 56 to push the first depressible section 52 and the first retaining tongue 56 radially outward from the second ventilation duct 18.Furthermore, during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12, the second stop lug 118 exerts a preload force on the second retaining tongue 58 to press the second depressible section 54 and the second retaining tongue 58 radially outwards from the second ventilation duct 18. Both the first depressible section 52 and the second depressible section 54 return to their unpressed state after the telescopic ventilation duct 12 has been assembled.

[0032] The second body 46 of the second ventilation duct 18 includes a third press-down section 130. The third press-down section 130 can be located proximal to the rear end 50 of the second ventilation duct 18. The second ventilation duct 18 includes a retaining pin 60 which is coupled to the second body 46 at the press-down section 130.

[0033] With further reference to the Fig. In 1-4C and 6A-6B, the telescopic ventilation duct 12 includes a third ventilation duct 20. The third ventilation duct 20 includes a connected end 80 and a free end 82. The third ventilation duct 20 includes a third body 70 extending between the connected end 80 and the free end 82. The connected end 80 has an opening with alignment ribs 144 on its inner walls, which serve as front guide sections and are configured to receive the rear end 50 of the second ventilation duct 18 during assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12. The third ventilation duct 20 includes a first branch 74 and a second branch 76. Additionally or alternatively, the third ventilation duct 20 may include a plurality of branches. The third body 70 defines a guide groove 72. The guide groove 72 is configured to engage the retaining pin 60 of the second ventilation duct 18 in a slidable manner.

[0034] With further reference to the Fig. In 1-4C and 6A-6B, the third ventilation duct 20 includes a second seal 68. The second seal 68 is coupled circumferentially to the connected end 80 within the connected end 80. Additionally or alternatively, the second seal 68 spaced the second ventilation duct 18 circumferentially from the third ventilation duct 20. The second seal 68 can be, for example, a polymer material, a foam, or another substantially airtight material. The second seal 68 also enables the second ventilation duct 18 and the third ventilation duct 20 to be in a fluid connection that is substantially airtight. The airflow 112 moves from the second ventilation duct 18 toward the third ventilation duct 20.

[0035] With further reference to the Fig. 1-4C and 6A-6B: The connected end 80 of the third ventilation duct 20 presses down the retaining pin 60 and the third depressible section 130 during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct 12. Both the retaining pin 60 and the third depressible section 130 return to their unpressed state after the telescopic ventilation duct 12 is assembled.

[0036] Both the first branch 74 and the second branch 76 each define an air outlet 78 proximal to the free end 82 of the third ventilation duct 20. The airflow 112 originates from the HVAC unit 22 and moves towards the stationary ventilation duct 24. The airflow 112 moves from the stationary ventilation duct 24 towards the first ventilation duct 16. The airflow 112 moves from the first ventilation duct 16 towards the second ventilation duct 18. The airflow 112 moves from the second ventilation duct 18 towards the connected end 80 of the third ventilation duct 20. The airflow 112 moves from the connected end 80 of the third ventilation duct 20 towards at least one of the first branch 74 and the second branch 76.The airflow 112 moves from at least one of the first branch 74 and the second branch 76 towards the respective air outlet 78 of the first branch 74 and the second branch 76. The airflow 112 moves from the air outlet 78 towards the ventilation grille 90 of the module 26. The airflow 112 moves from the ventilation grille 90 of the module 26 towards the interior 86 of the vehicle 14.

[0037] With reference to the Fig. 4A-4C describes how the length L of the telescopic ventilation duct 12 varies as it telescopes between a retracted mode 114 and an extended mode 116. The length L of the telescopic ventilation duct 12 can increase approximately two-fold, three-fold, or four-fold as it telescopes from the retracted mode 114 toward the extended mode 116. The length L of the telescopic ventilation duct 12 includes at least the first ventilation duct 16, the second ventilation duct 18, and the third ventilation duct 20.

[0038] With further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig.Module 26 is coupled to the first branch 74 and the second branch 76. Additionally or alternatively, the first branch 74 and the second branch 76 can extend outwards from the body 70 of the third ventilation duct 20 and not parallel to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the first branch 74 can essentially and spatially mirror the second branch 76 across a center line of the third ventilation duct 20.

[0039] Advantages of the air supply system disclosed in this document include its ability to deliver airflow to a first passenger located in a first region of the vehicle and a second passenger located in a second region by extending the telescopic ventilation duct to reposition the module's ventilation grille. Other advantages include a more organized and less crowded interior compared to a system with an excessive number of ventilation grilles along the module's travel path. Furthermore, the air supply system disclosed in this document allows for a relatively customized location for the air grille and module compared to conventional vehicles without such a system.

[0040] It is understood that variations and modifications to the foregoing structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0041] According to the present invention, a telescopic ventilation duct for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a first ventilation duct configured to be fluidically coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit, the first ventilation duct comprising: a flanged rim; a first body extending outward from the flanged rim; at least one stop lug coupled to the first body; and a first seal; a second ventilation duct slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct, the second ventilation duct comprising: a second body engaging with the first seal; at least one catch tongue coupled to the second body; and a retaining pin coupled to the second body;and a third ventilation duct which is slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct, wherein the third ventilation duct comprises: a second seal which is coupled to the third ventilation duct, the second seal being in engagement with the second ventilation duct; and a third body which defines a groove, the groove being slidably in engagement with the retaining pin.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first ventilation duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second ventilation duct has a second internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third ventilation duct has a third internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the second internal cross-sectional area;

[0043] According to one embodiment, the at least one stop nose pushes the at least one catch tongue radially away from the second body when the second ventilation duct slides in the direction of the first ventilation duct.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the at least one stop lug engages the at least one catch tongue, and wherein the at least one stop lug, which engages with the at least one catch tongue, prevents the second ventilation duct from sliding away from the first ventilation duct.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the telescopic ventilation duct is arranged under the floor of the vehicle.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the third ventilation duct is coupled to a module, wherein the module moves through an interior space of the vehicle when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the third ventilation duct further comprises a plurality of branches, each branch of the plurality of branches defining an air outlet.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first ventilation channel comprises a first stop lug and a second stop lug extending radially outwards from a first outer surface of the first body and a second outer surface of the first body, respectively.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the second ventilation channel comprises a first catch tongue and a second catch tongue extending radially inwards from a first inner side of the second body and a second inner side of the second body, respectively.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first stop nose selectively engages the first catch tongue, and the second stop nose selectively engages the second catch tongue.

[0051] According to the present invention, an air supply system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit; a stationary ventilation duct coupled to the vehicle, wherein the stationary ventilation duct is fluidically coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit; a telescopic ventilation duct coupled to the stationary ventilation duct, wherein the telescopic ventilation duct comprises: a first ventilation duct comprising: a flanged edge coupled to the stationary ventilation duct; a first body extending outward from the stationary ventilation duct; a stop lug projecting from the first body; and a first seal circumferentially surrounding the first body distal to the flanged edge.a second ventilation duct slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct, the second ventilation duct comprising: a second body engaging with the first seal; a retaining tongue projecting from the second body towards the first ventilation duct; and a retaining pin projecting radially from the second body, the retaining tongue being coupled to a front end of the second body and the retaining pin being coupled to a rear end of the second body; and a third ventilation duct slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct, the third ventilation duct comprising: a third body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the retaining pin; a branch defining an air outlet;and a second seal extending between the third body and the second body, wherein the air supply system supplies an airflow to an interior of the vehicle between a front air supply point and a rear air supply point when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes between a retracted mode and an extended mode.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second body defines at least a first compressible section and a third compressible section, wherein the first compressible section is defined at the front end of the second body and wherein the third compressible section is defined at the rear end of the second body.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the locking tongue is coupled to the first pressable section, and the retaining pin is coupled to the third pressable section.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the stop nose pushes the catch tongue and the first depressible section radially outwards when the second ventilation duct slides towards the first ventilation duct during assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the stop nose engages the catch tongue to prevent the second ventilation duct from separating from the first ventilation duct after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the third body pushes the retaining pin and the third depressible section radially inwards when the third ventilation duct slides towards the second ventilation duct during the assembly of the telescopic ventilation duct.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the retaining pin slides within the groove after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed, preventing the third ventilation duct from separating from the second ventilation duct after the telescopic ventilation duct has been installed, while the retaining pin extends into the groove.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a module that is coupled to the branch, wherein the module defines a ventilation grille that is in fluid communication with the air outlet.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the telescopic ventilation duct is arranged in the floor of the vehicle, and the module moves across the floor of the vehicle when the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes.

[0060] According to the present invention, an air supply system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit; a stationary ventilation duct fluidically coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit; a telescopic ventilation duct coupled to the stationary ventilation duct, wherein the telescopic ventilation duct is configured to telescope towards and away from the stationary ventilation duct, and wherein the telescopic ventilation duct comprises: a first ventilation duct comprising: a flanged edge coupled to the stationary ventilation duct, the flanged edge circumferentially surrounding the stationary ventilation duct; a first body extending outwards from the flanged edge; and a stop lug projecting from the first body.and a first seal circumferentially surrounding the first body distal to the flanged edge; a second ventilation channel slidably coupled to the first ventilation channel, the second ventilation channel being circumferentially spaced from the first ventilation channel by the first seal, the second ventilation channel comprising: a second body defining a first depressible section and a third depressible section, a catch tongue projecting from the first depressible section toward the first ventilation channel, the catch tongue selectively engaging the stop lug; and a retaining pin projecting from the third depressible section;a third ventilation duct slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct, the third ventilation duct comprising: a third body defining a groove, the groove being slidably engaged with the retaining pin; a branch defining an air outlet; a second seal spaced circumferentially between the third body and the second body; and a module defining a ventilation grille, the module being coupled to the branch, the air outlet being fluidically coupled to the ventilation grille, the module moving through an interior space of the vehicle as the telescopic ventilation duct telescopes, and the air supply system delivering an airflow to the interior space of the vehicle through the ventilation grille.

Claims

[1] A telescopic ventilation duct for a vehicle, the telescopic ventilation duct comprising: a first ventilation duct configured to be fluidly coupled to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit, the first ventilation duct comprising: a flanged edge; a first body extending outwardly from the flanged edge; at least one stop lug coupled to the first body; and a first poem; a second ventilation duct slidably coupled to the first ventilation duct, the second ventilation duct comprising: a second body engaging the first seal; at least one catch tongue coupled to the second body; and a retaining pin coupled to the second body; and a third ventilation duct slidably coupled to the second ventilation duct, the third ventilation duct comprising: a second seal coupled to the third ventilation duct, the second seal engaging the second ventilation duct; and a third body defining a groove, the groove slidably engaging the retaining pin. [2] The telescopic ventilation duct according to claim 1, wherein the first ventilation duct has a first internal cross-sectional area, the second ventilation duct has a second internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the first internal cross-sectional area, and the third ventilation duct has a third internal cross-sectional area that is larger than the second internal cross-sectional area. [3] A telescopic ventilation duct according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stop lug depresses the at least one catch tongue radially away from the second body when the second ventilation duct slides towards the first ventilation duct. [4] A telescopic ventilation duct according to claim 3, wherein the at least one stop lug engages the at least one catch tongue, and wherein the at least one stop lug engaged with the at least one catch tongue prevents the second ventilation duct from sliding away from the first ventilation duct. [5] A telescopic ventilation duct according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic ventilation duct is arranged under a floor of the vehicle. [6] The telescopic vent duct of claim 1, wherein the third vent duct is coupled to a module, the module translating through an interior of the vehicle as the telescopic vent duct telescopes. [7] The telescopic ventilation duct of claim 1, wherein the third ventilation duct further comprises a plurality of branches, each branch of the plurality of branches defining an air outlet. [8] Telescopic ventilation duct according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the first ventilation duct comprises a first stop lug and a second stop lug extending radially outwardly from a first outer side of the first body and a second outer side of the first body, respectively. [9] Telescopic ventilation duct according to claim 8, wherein the second ventilation duct comprises a first catch tongue and a second catch tongue extending radially inwardly from a first inner side of the second body and a second inner side of the second body, respectively. [10] The telescopic ventilation duct of claim 9, wherein the first stop lug selectively engages the first catch tab and wherein the second stop lug selectively engages the second catch tab.

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