Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
An Air Distribution System for a Vehicle Cabin

APPLICANT
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World City, Plot No:41/1, Anjur P.O., Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu – 603004

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an air distribution system for a vehicle cabin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, in motor vehicles, an air conditioning or a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit is provided to distribute and regulate the temperature of the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle. Openings with vents are provided on the dashboard of the vehicle, and these openings are connected to the HVAC unit via ducting. Air from the HVAC unit is distributed within the passenger cabin via these openings/vents. Typically, one opening is provided on the left side of the dashboard facing the passenger seat, one opening is provided on the right side of the dashboard facing the driver seat and two opening are provided at the centre of the dashboard.
[003] In other conventional temperature regulation system, one long opening is provided on the dashboard that spans across the length of the dashboard and air from the HVAC unit enters the passenger cabin through the single long opening.
[004] The temperature regulation requirements of the passenger cabin of the vehicle under different conditions are different. While the systems with multiple openings provided at different locations are effective in directing air flow in the desired direction, the volume of air exiting these openings is very limited and hence the time required to lower the temperature of the passenger cabin is significantly high. Also, a diffused air flow such as required in comfort modes is not possible in such an arrangement. Contrastingly, in systems with a single long opening, the diffused air flow is possible for comfort modes. However, when pointed or concentrated air flow is required for a certain period of time such as in conditions when the passengers have just entered the passenger cabin, such systems fall short of providing the same.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention provides an air distribution system for a vehicle cabin. A vent opening is provided on a dashboard which extends along length of the dashboard. A duct is disposed behind the vent opening. The duct is connected to a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit of the vehicle. The duct has a plurality of outlets aligned with the vent opening to direct air from the HVAC unit into the cabin. At least one movable horizontal vane extends along the vent opening and is configured to direct air from the HVAC unit into the cabin. At least one vertical vane is disposed in at least one outlet of the duct. The vertical vane is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the vertical vane is positioned to allow air to flow through the entire outlet. In the closed position, the vertical vane divides the outlet into a plurality of regions to concentrate flow of air from one region.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the air distribution system has an actuator configured to move the vertical vane.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the air distribution system has a temperature sensor for sensing temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle, and a control unit for receiving the value of the temperature of the cabin from the temperature sensor and operating the actuator to open and close the vertical vanes.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to close the vertical vanes if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be higher than a threshold temperature and open the vertical vanes if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be equal to or lower than the threshold temperature.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the air distribution system has a plurality of auxiliary vanes disposed inside the outlets of the duct. The auxiliary vanes are provided for directing air from the HVAC unit towards the vent opening.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the air distribution system has an auxiliary actuator configured to move the plurality of auxiliary vanes, and a second auxiliary actuator configured to move the horizontal vane.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the duct has a left outlet disposed on the left side of the vehicle, a centre outlet disposed on the right side of the left outlet, a right outlet disposed on the right side of the centre outlet and a right channel disposed on the right side of the vehicle. A vertical vane is disposed inside each of the left outlet, the centre outlet, and the right outlet.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the vertical vanes disposed inside each of the left outlet, the centre outlet and the right outlet are closed, the left outlet is divided into a first region and a second region, the centre outlet is divided into a first region and a second region, and the right outlet is divided into a first region and a second region.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the vertical vanes disposed inside each of the left outlet, the centre outlet and the right outlet are closed, air from the HVAC unit is passed through only the second region of the left outlet, the second region of the centre outlet, the first region of the right outlet and the right channel, thereby allowing large volume of air passed to be passed through a smaller cross section at a higher velocity, thus directing air towards the driver and/or passenger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate an air distribution system for a vehicle cabin, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2a and 2b illustrate the air distribution system with the vertical vane in open position and closed position respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of air distribution system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an exploded view of the air distribution system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention is directed towards an air distribution system for a vehicle cabin.
[017] Figure 1a-1c illustrate an air distribution system 100 for a vehicle cabin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1a, 1b and 1c, the air distribution system is disposed in a dashboard 110. As illustrated, the dashboard 110 extends in the vehicle width direction. The dashboard 110 extends from the left end of the vehicle to the right end of the vehicle. The dashboard 100 has provisions to accommodate a steering wheel assembly, infotainment unit, HVAC controls, switches etc.
[018] As further illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, a vent opening 120 is provided on a front face of the dashboard 110. The vent opening 120 is extending along length of the dashboard 110. In effect, the vent opening 120 extends from the left end of the vehicle to the right end of the vehicle. The vent opening 120 thus faces the cabin of the vehicle and acts an air entry for temperature regulation of the cabin. The air distribution system 100 further has a duct 130 disposed behind the vent opening 120. The duct 130, at its rear end, is connected with an HVAC unit 170 of the vehicle. The duct 130, at its front end, opens towards the vent opening 120. Thus, air from the HVAC unit 170 is supplied to the cabin via the duct 130, and through the vent opening 120.
[019] To facilitate this, as referenced in Figure 4, the duct 130 has a plurality of outlets 130’. The outlets 130’ of the duct 130 are provided such that the outlets 130’ are aligned with the vent opening 120 to direct air from the HVAC unit 170 into the cabin. To further direct the flow of air exiting the vent opening 120, the air distribution system 100 has at least one movable horizontal vane 140 that extends along the vent opening 120. The movable horizontal vane 140 is configured to move and thus to direct air from the HVAC unit 170 into the cabin.
[020] Further, at least one vertical vane 150 is disposed in at least one outlet 130’ of the duct 130. Herein, the vertical vane 150 is movable between an open position and a closed position. The vertical vane 150 is configured such that when the vertical vane 150 is in the open position, as illustrated in Figure 2a, the vertical vane 150 is positioned to allow air to flow through the entire outlet 130’. Further, when the vertical vane 150 is in the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 2b, the vertical vane 150 divides the outlet 130’ into a plurality of regions to concentrate flow of air from one region.
[021] In operation, when a concentrated flow of air is required such as in conditions when the driver and/or passenger have recently entered the cabin, the vertical vane 150 is kept in the closed position and the concentrated flow of air is achieved through one region of the outlet. Such a mode of operation is known as jet mode. In this mode, large volume of air passes through a smaller cross section at a higher velocity, thus providing directed air and instant comfort to the driver and/or passenger. In an embodiment, a vertical vane 150 is provided for each of the plurality of outlets 130’ and in jet mode, concentrated air enters the cabin from one region of each of the plurality of outlets 130’.
[022] For a diffused flow of air whereby temperature of the cabin has already been lowered and needs to only be maintained, the vertical vane 150 is kept in an open position to allow flow of air through the entire outlet 130’. Such a mode of operation is known as diffused mode. In this mode, of air passed through a larger cross section at a lower velocity, thus providing diffused air flow and comfort to the driver and/or passenger.
[023] To facilitate the movement of the vertical vanes 150 between the closed position and the open position, and in effect switch between the jet mode and the diffused mode, in an embodiment as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the air distribution system 100 comprises an actuator 152 that is configured to move the at vertical vane 150. The actuator 152 is capable of being controlled on command of the user, or in an embodiment being controlled by a control unit for automatic temperature regulation.
[024] In an embodiment, the air distribution system 100 has a temperature sensor for sensing temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle. In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, a temperature sensor 154 is disposed on the dashboard 110 whereby the temperature sensor 154 is adjacent to the vent opening 120. The air distribution system 100 further has a control unit for receiving temperature of the cabin from the temperature sensor 154 and operating the actuator 152 to open and close the vertical vanes 150. Thus, the control unit is capable of switching the system between the jet mode and the diffused mode. In this embodiment, the actuator 152 is a stepped feedback type actuator. In an alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor 154 is capable of being provided at ant desired location in the cabin, allowing the temperature sensor 154 to sense the temperature inside the cabin.
[025] In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to close the vertical vanes 150 if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be higher than a threshold temperature. This is because it is desirable to have the jet mode of operation when the cabin temperature is higher to provide instant relief or comfort to the driver and/or passenger. Conversely, the control unit 150 open the movable vertical vanes 150 if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be equal to or lower than the threshold temperature. This is because under these conditions, where the cabin temperatures have already been lowered around the desired values, the only aim is maintaining the cabin temperature and comfort, and hence, operating in diffused mode is desirable.
[026] To further concentrate or direct the flow of air in the jet mode, i.e., when the vertical vanes 150 are closed, as referenced in Figure 2a and 2b the air distribution system 100 has a plurality of auxiliary vanes 160 disposed inside the outlets 130’ of the duct 130. The auxiliary vanes 160 provided for further directing air from the HVAC unit 170 towards the vent opening 120. In an embodiment, the auxiliary vanes 160 are movable. In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary vanes 160 are fixed.
[027] To facilitate movement of the auxiliary vanes 160, in an embodiment as depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the air distribution system 100 further has an auxiliary actuator 162 configured to move the plurality of auxiliary vanes 160. Further, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the air distribution system also has a second auxiliary actuator 142 configured to move the horizontal vane 140. The auxiliary actuator 162 and the second auxiliary actuator 142 are also capable of being controlled manually or by the control unit.
[028] Reference is made to Figure 5, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the duct 130 comprises of a left outlet 130’L disposed on the left side of the vehicle. Further, the duct 130 has a centre outlet 130’C disposed on the right side of the left outlet 130’L. The duct 130 further has a right outlet 130’R disposed on the right side of the centre outlet 130’C. The left outlet 130’L, the centre outlet 130’C and the right outlet 130’R are in an abutting configuration allowing a continuous flow of air along the length of the duct. A vertical vane 150 is disposed inside each of the left outlet 130’L, the centre outlet 130’C and the right outlet 130’R. Furthermore, the duct 130 has a right channel 132 disposed on the right side of the vehicle. The right channel 132 and the right outlet 130’R are provided at a distance from each other to accommodate a steering assembly of the vehicle. The vertical vane 150 is provided only in the left outlet 130’L, the centre outlet 130’C and the right outlet 130R’, and not in the right channel 132 of the duct 130, meaning that air from the HVAC unit 170 always passes through the entirety of the right channel 132 under all modes.
[029] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, when the vertical vane 150 disposed inside the left outlet 130’L is closed, the left outlet 130’L is divided into a first region 130’L1 and a second region 130’L2. Similarly, when the vertical vane 150 disposed inside the centre outlet 130’C is closed, the centre outlet 130’C is divided into a first region 130’C1 and a second region 130’C2. Similarly, when the vertical vane 150 disposed inside the right outlet 130’R is closed, the right outlet 130’R is divided into a first region 130’R1 and a second region 130’R2.
[030] Herein, when the vertical vanes 150 disposed inside the left outlet 130’L, the centre outlet 130’C and the right outlet 130’R are closed, i.e. in the jet mode, air from the HVAC unit 170 is passed through only the second region 130’L2 of the left outlet 130’L, second region 130’C2 of the centre outlet 130’C, first region 130’R1 of the right outlet 130’R and the right channel 132. This configuration allows for air to be concentrated towards the driver and/or the passenger.
[031] Conversely, when the vertical vanes 150 disposed inside the left outlet 130’L, the centre outlet 130’C and the right outlet 130’R are open, i.e. in the diffused mode, air from the HVAC unit 170 is passed through the first and the second region 130’L1, 130’L2 of the left outlet 130’L, the first and second region 130’C1, 130’C2 of the centre outlet 130’C, the first and the second region 130’R1 and 130’R2 of the right outlet 130’R and the right channel 132. This configuration allows for air to diffused in the cabin.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides an air distribution system which allows for temperature regulation of the cabin in a manner that is appropriate for all conditions and requirements. The present invention allows for operation in jet mode which is required for conditions when concentrated air flow is required. The present invention also allows for accommodation of the single vent opening and operation in diffused mode which is required for conditions when diffused air flow is required.
[033] The provision of horizontal vane allows for the air to directed in an up down direction as per user requirement and provision of auxiliary vanes facilitate better concentration and flow of air in the jet mode.
[034] Further, the actuators being controlled by the control unit means that the actuator can move the vertical vanes between open and closed positions to engage the diffused mode or jet mode, without requiring user interference, thus enhancing user experience and comfort.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An air distribution system (100) for a vehicle cabin, comprising:
a vent opening (120) provided on a dashboard (110), the vent opening (120) extending along length of the dashboard (110);
a duct (130) disposed behind the vent opening (120), the duct (130) connected with an HVAC unit (170) of the vehicle and having plurality of outlets (130’) aligned with the vent opening (120) to direct air from the HVAC unit (170) into the cabin;
at-least one movable horizontal vane (140) extending along the vent opening (120), the movable horizontal vane (140) configured to direct air from the HVAC unit (170) into the cabin; and
at least one vertical vane (150) disposed in at least one outlet (130’) of the duct (130), the vertical vane (150) movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the vertical vane (150) is positioned to allow to flow through the entire outlet (130’), and in the closed position, the vertical vane (150) divides the outlet (130’) into plurality of regions to concentrate flow of air from one region.

2. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an actuator (152) configured to move the vertical vane (150).

3. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a temperature sensor (154) for sensing temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle; and a control unit (150) for receiving the temperature of the cabin from the temperature sensor (154) and operating the actuator (152) to open and close the vertical vanes (150).

4. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (150) is configured to close the vertical vanes (150) if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be higher than a threshold temperature and open the vertical vanes (150) if the temperature in the cabin is detected to be equal to or lower than the threshold temperature.

5. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of auxiliary vanes (160) disposed inside the outlets (130’) of the duct (130), the auxiliary vanes (160) provided for directing air from the HVAC unit (170) towards the vent opening (120).

6. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprising an auxiliary actuator (162) configured to move the plurality of auxiliary vanes (160); and a second auxiliary actuator (142) configured to move the one or more horizontal vane (140).

7. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct (130) comprises a left outlet (130’L) disposed on the left side of the vehicle; a centre outlet (130’C) disposed on the right side of the left outlet (130’L); a right outlet (130’R) disposed on the right side of the centre outlet (130’C) and a right channel (132) disposed on the right side of the vehicle, and the vertical vane (150) is disposed inside each of the left outlet (130’L), the centre outlet (130’C) and the right outlet (130’R).

8. The air distribution system 100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the vertical vanes (150) disposed inside each of the left outlet (130’L), the centre outlet (130’C) and the right outlet (130’R) are closed, the left outlet (130’L) is divided into a first region (130’L1) and a second region (130’L2), the centre outlet (130’C) is divided into a first region (130’C1) and a second region (130’C2), and the right outlet (130’R) is divided into a first region (130’R1) and a second region (130’R2).

9. The air distribution system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the vertical vanes (150) disposed inside each of the left outlet (130’L), the centre outlet (130’C) and the right outlet (130’R) are closed, air from the HVAC unit (170) is passed through only the second region (130’L2) of the left outlet (130’L), the second region (130’C2) of the centre outlet (130’C), the first region (130’R1) of the right outlet (130’R) and the right channel (132), thereby allowing large volume of air passed to be passed through a smaller cross section at a higher velocity, thus directing air towards the driver and/or passenger.

Dated this 30th day of November 2022
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193