Aromatherapy device for interior spaces

Abstract

A fragrance device (10) for an interior space (2), the fragrance device comprising at least one storage container (12) for at least one fragrance (14), the at least one storage container having at least one outlet (16), the at least one outlet (16) being provided with a closing element (20), the closing element being movable between an open position maximizing the effective cross section of the corresponding outlet (16) and a closed position minimizing the effective cross section of the corresponding outlet (16). According to the present invention, in a working state, an airflow (LS) flows through the at least one outlet (16), the airflow generates a flow force (F1), the flow force overcomes a closing force (F2) and transfers the corresponding closing element (20) to the open position and holds it in the open position, and in a non-working state, no airflow (LS) flows through the at least one outlet (16), the closing force (F2) transfers the corresponding closing element (20) to the closed position and holds it in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fragrance enhancing device for an inner space. Background Art

[0002] Fragrance devices for interior spaces are known in a variety of variants. The fragrance device comprises at least one storage container for at least one fragrance, the storage container having an outlet. A closure element can be moved between an open position maximizing the effective cross section of the outlet and a closed position minimizing the effective cross section of the outlet.

[0003] DE 10 2005 041 988 A1 discloses a fragrance device of this type for a vehicle interior, which has an opening that can be closed by means of a closing body for releasing the fragrance emitted by a fragrance arranged in the fragrance device. The closing body can be moved between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening. The closing body closes the opening under the action of a spring force. Furthermore, the closing body is moved to the open position under the action of an acceleration force generated during driving that counteracts the spring force.

[0004] A device for scenting an interior space is known from DE 10 2008 007 075 A1. The device has at least one receiving storage container for storing fragrance. The receiving storage container has at least one opening for releasing the fragrance emitted by the fragrance. The at least one opening can be closed by at least one cover formed on the receiving storage container to control the fragrance intensity and / or fragrance mixing. The cover is rotatably and / or swingably and / or flippably mounted on the receiving storage container. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance device for an interior space, which makes it difficult or impossible to release the fragrance of at least one fragrance in a simple manner in a non-operating state, but can release the fragrance of at least one fragrance in an operating state.

[0006] This object is achieved by the aromatizing device for interior spaces according to the invention.

[0007] In order to provide a fragrance enhancing device for an interior space, which makes it difficult or impossible to release the aroma of at least one fragrance in a simple manner in a non-working state, but can release the aroma of at least one fragrance in a working state, in which an air flow flows through at least one outlet, and the air flow generates a flow force, which resists the closing force to transfer the corresponding closing element to an open position and maintain it in the open position, wherein, in the non-working state, no air flow flows through the at least one outlet, and the closing force transfers the corresponding closing element to the closed position and maintains it in the closed position.

[0008] In the following, a fragrance device is understood to mean a component comprising at least one storage container for at least one fragrance, the storage container having at least one outlet. The at least one outlet is provided with a closing element, which can move between an open position maximizing the effective cross section of the corresponding outlet and a closed position minimizing the effective cross section of the corresponding outlet. In the open position of the at least one closing element, the fragrance can release aroma molecules into the environment outside the storage container. The aroma molecules emitted by the at least one fragrance will produce a pleasant smell. As a result, the aroma molecules can actively influence the smell in the inner space in which the aroma molecules are released.

[0009] In the working state, the airflow can advantageously flow into the inner space through at least one outlet. Here, the airflow can carry the aroma molecules emitted by the spices and spread them in the inner space. In the closed position, the closure element assigned to at least one outlet makes it difficult or impossible to radiate the aroma molecules of at least one spice in the storage container to the inner space in the non-working state. Thus, the fragrance of at least one spice can be difficult or impossible to release in the non-working state. Thus, at least one spice can release aroma molecules to the inner space in a longer period of time in the working state, and the service life of the spice can be extended, as a result of which the cost for replacing the spice can be reduced. The flow force generated by the airflow can transfer at least one closure element to the open position and keep it in the open position. Advantageously, the spreading function and the opening function or the keeping open function can be realized simply by generating an airflow. In the non-working state, no airflow is generated and therefore no flow force is generated. Therefore, the at least one corresponding closure element can be automatically transferred to the closed position due to the closing force. Since the device for generating an airflow which can spread the aroma molecules in the interior space in the operating state may already be present, no further elements and / or components and / or assemblies are required to transfer the closing element into the open position, which can reduce costs. In addition, since further elements and / or components and / or assemblies are omitted, maintenance costs and / or the probability of failure can also be reduced.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the aromatizing device according to the invention, the closing element can be pivoted about a pivoting edge, wherein the closing element can be reversibly deformed in the region of the pivoting edge. The pivoting edge can be designed, for example, as a film hinge or as a fold on the closing element. Alternatively, the pivoting edge can be designed automatically by lever laws, the strength of the flow forces and the material properties of the closing element. In this case, the closing element can have an arcuate course in the open position.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the aromatizing device according to the invention, the first outer edge of the closing element can be fixed to the edge delimiting the outlet. The forces caused by the flow forces and the closing forces can raise or lower the second outer edge opposite the first outer edge. Advantageously, the positioning angle or the tilting angle of the closing element depends on the force ratio between the closing force and the flow force and can be adjusted by changing the force ratio. In this way, different opening positions can be achieved and the effective cross section of the outlet can be adjusted.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the aromatizing device according to the invention, the stop for the second outer edge can predetermine the maximum positioning angle of the closure element. The stop can prevent the closure element from pivoting too far and thus reduce the effectiveness of the closure force acting on the closure element. By maintaining the effectiveness of the closure force, the transfer of the closure element into the closed position can be reliably achieved.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the aromatizing device according to the invention, gravity can act as the closing force. This advantageously makes it possible to dispense with additional elements for generating the closing force. Furthermore, no sensors or evaluation and control units are required to activate the additional elements for generating the closing force. This makes it possible to reduce the weight and costs of the aromatizing device according to the invention. Gravity is always present and can reliably transfer the closing element into the closed position.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma device according to the present invention, at least one outlet can be formed into a plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity, and the flow direction of the airflow flowing out of at least one outlet can be opposite to the direction of action of gravity. This enables the closing element to be reliably moved to the open position by the flow force resisting the gravity. If there is no flow force, gravity will automatically return the closing element to the closed position. In addition, the arrangement angle or the upward turning angle of the closing element can be adjusted by adjusting the strength of the flow force.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma enhancement device according to the present invention, the closing element can deflect the airflow in the open position, wherein the deflected airflow can carry the aroma molecules emitted by the spices and flow into the inner space through the outflow port. The storage container can have an outflow port and at least one outlet. The airflow flowing out of at least one outlet and carrying the aroma molecules can be deflected in the second section of the storage container, wherein at least one airflow enters the second section from the first section through the corresponding outlet. Advantageously, multiple airflows flowing out of different outlets and carrying different aroma molecules can be combined in the second section, so that different aroma molecules can be mixed. In addition, the storage container can be adapted to the existing structural space by the possibility of deflecting the airflow. In addition, the arrangement of the outflow port can be adapted to the structural space and the inner space.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma enhancement device according to the present invention, at least one closing element can be designed as a textile fabric and / or an elastic plastic element that cannot be penetrated by the aroma molecules emitted by the spices. The textile fabric and / or the plastic element can be simply reversibly deformed or bent. In addition, the textile fabric and / or the plastic element can also be sealed against the edge of the opening. In addition, the textile fabric and the plastic element can also be combined with each other. In addition, the textile fabric and / or the plastic element can also be simply mass-produced and adapted to the size and shape of the corresponding outlet. In addition, it is also possible to select from a variety of materials, such as natural materials and / or artificial materials. The textile fabric can be, for example, knitted, woven, crocheted or felted. The elastic plastic element can be, for example, cast. The strength and deformability or rigidity of the textile fabric and / or the plastic element can be adjusted so that it has enough rigidity to transfer to the closed position from the open position, and has enough deformability to swing at the swing edge.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma enhancement device according to the invention, at least one air-permeable fragrance carrier can store fragrance and at least partially overlaps with at least one outlet. Here, the overlapping area between the fragrance carrier and the outlet can be located on the side facing the closure element or on the side facing away from the closure element. Advantageously, when the air flow flows through the outlet, the air flow also flows at least partially through the fragrance carrier. As a result, the air flow can reliably absorb the aroma molecules of the fragrance stored in the fragrance carrier and carry them.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma device according to the present invention, at least one air-permeable fragrance carrier can be designed as a scented plush fabric. In the following, plush fabric should be understood to mean a knitted fabric in which loops are formed, then cut and roughened. The plush fabric can be made of polyester or cotton. The thickness and rigidity of the plush fabric can be adjusted so that the outlet can be reliably at least partially covered. In addition, the permeability of the plush fabric can be adjusted so that the airflow can flow through the plush fabric with suitable flow force. The plush fabric can be immersed in essential oils or other suitable fragrance carriers to store fragrance molecules.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the fragrance device according to the invention, at least one closure element can cover the fragrance carrier in the closed position. If the closure element directly covers the fragrance carrier, the aroma molecules of the fragrance can be reliably retained in the fragrance carrier.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma device according to the invention, the flow force and / or temperature of the airflow are adjustable. By adjusting the flow force, the effective cross section opened by the closing element can be adjusted. In addition, the number of aroma molecules absorbed by the airflow and the range of action of the aroma molecules in the interior space can also be adjusted by adjusting the temperature and flow force.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the aroma device according to the invention, the aroma device can be arranged at the end region of an air channel. Such an air channel can advantageously convey an air flow and is already present in the interior for ventilation or air conditioning of the interior. With the aroma device according to the invention, the generated air flow can also have aroma molecules in addition to a defined air humidity and temperature.

[0022] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown individually in the figures can be used not only in the respectively described combination, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described in the figures, but can still be derived or generated from the described embodiments by separate feature combinations, are also considered to be covered and disclosed by the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings and is described in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein, it is shown:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a fragrance enhancing device according to the present invention in a working state; and

[0025] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a fragrance enhancing device according to the present invention is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aroma enhancement device 10 for the interior space 2 includes at least one storage container 12 for at least one fragrance 14, wherein the at least one storage container has at least one outlet 16, wherein the at least one outlet 16 is equipped with a closing element 20, which can move between an open position that maximizes the effective cross-section of the corresponding outlet 16 and a closed position that minimizes the effective cross-section of the corresponding outlet 16.

[0027] According to the present invention, in the working state, the airflow LS flows through at least one outlet 16, which generates a flow force F1, which overcomes the closing force F2 to transfer the corresponding closing element 20 to the open position and keep it in the open position. In the non-working state, no airflow LS flows through at least one outlet 16, and the closing force F2 transfers the corresponding closing element 20 to the closed position and keeps it in the closed position.

[0028] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment of the aroma device 10 according to the invention, the storage container 12 is made of two parts. Here, two chambers 12.1, 12.2 are separated by a common wall 12.4. An outlet 16 is arranged in the common wall 12.4, which connects the chambers 12.1, 12.2 to each other in the working state when the closing element 20 is in the open position. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the aroma device 10 according to the invention, the common wall 12.4 may have more than one outlet 16. In addition, the outlet 16 can be arranged at other suitable positions. In another alternative, not shown, embodiment of the aroma device 10 according to the invention, the storage container 12 may have only one chamber 12.1, 12.2, wherein at least one outlet 16 is arranged on at least one suitable wall 12.4 of the chambers 12.1, 12.2. In another, not shown, embodiment of the aroma device 10 according to the invention, the storage container 12 may have more than two chambers 12.1, 12.2.

[0029] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2It can also be seen that in the embodiment shown, the aroma device 10 is arranged on the end area of ​​the air channel 4. The air channel 4 guides and conveys the air flow LS generated by the outflow device. Here, the air channel 4 can be part of an air conditioning device, by which the flow force F1 and the temperature of the air flow LS can be adjusted. By means of the aroma device 10 according to the present invention, aroma molecules can be added to the generated air flow LS. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the air flow LS can be generated in one of the chambers 12.1, 12.2 by a suitable arrangement. Thus, in addition to the area arranged near the air channel 4, the aroma device 10 according to the present invention can also be arranged in other areas.

[0030] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment of the aromatizing device 10 according to the invention, the first chamber 12.1 is connected to the air channel 4 via a connecting device 11. The connecting device 11 comprises a connecting flange 11.2 surrounding the chamber side, a supporting surface 11.4 on the air channel side and at least one receiving opening for at least one connecting element. The surrounding connecting flange 11.2 is at least partially against the outer side of the air channel 4 with its inner side. In addition, one end face of the connecting flange 11.2 is located on the surrounding supporting surface 11.4 of the air channel 4. The receiving opening of the connecting flange 11.2 is arranged in alignment with the receiving opening of the air channel 4, so that suitable connecting elements can pass through each receiving opening to connect the air channel 4 to the connecting flange 11.2 in a form-locked or force-locked manner. Other suitable connecting devices 11, not shown, can also be implemented to connect the storage container 12 to the air channel 4.

[0031] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that the closing element 20 can be swung around the swing edge 22, wherein the closing element 20 can be reversibly deformed in the region of the swing edge 22. Here, the first outer edge 21 of the closing element 20 is fixed to the edge 16.2 that delimits the outlet 16. For example, the first outer edge 21 can be glued or clamped or fixed to the edge 16.2 in another way. The force F3 caused by the flow force F1 and the closing force F2 raises the second outer edge 24 opposite to the first outer edge 21, or lowers the second outer edge 24. The outer edge connecting the first outer edge 21 to the second outer edge 24 is freely movable. By raising the second outer edge 24 by the induced force F3, a swinging movement of the closing element 20 around the swing edge 22 is generated. Here, the swing edge 22 can be designed to act automatically according to the lever law, or a region of the closing element 20 has a folded portion or has a higher deformability than the rest of the closing element 20, so that the swing edge 22 is designed in this region. The closure element 20 can have an arcuate extension in the open position.

[0032] As from Figure 2 It can also be seen that the stop 12.6 for the second outer edge 24 defines a maximum positioning angle 26 of the closure element 20. In the illustrated embodiment of the aromatizing device 10 according to the invention, the acting closing force F2 corresponds to the force of gravity. The plane spanned by the outlets 16 is perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity, and the flow direction of the air flow LS out of at least one outlet 16 is opposite to the direction of action of gravity. In order to ensure an effective action of gravity on the closure element 20, the positioning angle 26 can have a value between 0° and 55°.

[0033] As from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the closing element 20 turns the airflow LS in the open position, wherein the turned airflow LS carries the aroma molecules emitted by the fragrance 14 and flows into the interior space 2 through the outflow 18. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the second chamber 12.2 has an outflow 18. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the common wall 12.4 is designed as the top of the first chamber 12.1 and the bottom of the second chamber 12.2. The outflow 18 is arranged in the side wall of the second chamber 12.2 facing at least one occupant. The outflow 18 can be covered with a breathable, not shown design element or covered with a cover element with an air guiding element. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the airflow LS turns about 90° between the outlet 16 and the outflow 18. In an alternative, not shown embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the airflow LS can be directly introduced into the interior space 2 or turned at another suitable angle after passing through the outlet 16.

[0034] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the closure element 20 is designed as a textile fabric 20A, which is impermeable to the aroma molecules emitted by the fragrance 14. In an alternative, not illustrated, embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the closure element 20 can be designed as an elastic plastic element. The plastic element can also be combined with the textile fabric 20A.

[0035] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2It can also be seen that at least one air-permeable fragrance carrier 15 stores fragrance 14, wherein the fragrance carrier 15 at least partially overlaps at least one outlet 16. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the fragrance carrier 15 covers most of the outlet 16. The fragrance carrier 15 is fastened on the side of the common wall 12.4 facing the closure element 20. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the fragrance carrier 15 can also be fastened on the side facing away from the closure element 20. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the fragrance carrier 15 is fastened on the edge 16.2 that delimits the outlet 16. For example, the fragrance carrier 15 can be glued to the edge 16.2 or reversibly fastened to the edge 16.2. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the end region of the outlet 16 is exposed, so that the air flow LS can flow to the closure element 20 unhindered at the end region of the outlet 16. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the invention, the fragrance carrier 15 can completely cover the outlet 16. Alternatively, the fragrance carrier 15 can be clamped in the outlet 16 , wherein the fragrance carrier 15 at least partially covers the outlet 16 .

[0036] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that the fragrance carrier 15 is designed as a scented plush fabric 15A. The air flow LS flows through the outlet 16 and the scented plush fabric 15A. When flowing through the scented plush fabric 15A, the air flow LS absorbs odor molecules and transports them into the interior space 2. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the fragrance 14 can also be applied or introduced or stored on another suitable fragrance carrier 15. In the illustrated embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the closure element 20 covers the fragrance carrier 15 in the closed position. In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the fragrance device 10 according to the present invention, the common wall 12.4 can have a plurality of outlets 16, each of which has a fragrance carrier 15. Here, the fragrance carriers 15 can differ from each other in terms of the material and the stored fragrance 14 and the aroma molecules that can be emitted by the fragrance 14.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the interior space 2 is a vehicle interior, but it can also be a room or another space to be scented.

[0038] List of reference numerals:

[0039] 2 Internal Space

[0040] 4 Air channels

[0041] 10 Aroma enhancement device

[0042] 11 Connecting device

[0043] 11.2 Connection flange

[0044] 11.4 Supporting surface on the air duct side

[0045] 12 Storage Containers

[0046] 12.1 First Chamber

[0047] 12.2 Second Chamber

[0048] 12.4 Wall

[0049] 12.6 Stopper

[0050] 14. Spices

[0051] 15 Spice Carrier

[0052] 15A Scented Plush Fabric

[0053] 16 Exit

[0054] 16.2 Edge

[0055] 18 Outlet

[0056] 20 Closure element

[0057] 20A Textile fabric

[0058] 21 First outer edge

[0059] 22 Swing edge

[0060] 24 Second outer edge

[0061] 26 Positioning Angle

[0062] LS airflow

[0063] F1 Flow

[0064] F2 Closure force

[0065] Force caused by F3

Claims

1. A fragrance device (10) for an interior space (2), comprising at least one storage container (12) for at least one fragrance (14), the at least one storage container having at least one outlet (16), wherein: The at least one outlet (16) is provided with a closing element (20) which is movable between an open position maximizing the effective cross section of the respective outlet (16) and a closed position minimizing the effective cross section of the respective outlet (16), It is characterized in that The storage container (12) comprises two chambers (12.1, 12.2), the two chambers (12.1, 12.2) being separated by a common wall (12.4), an outlet (16) being arranged in the common wall (12.4), the outlet connecting the chambers (12.1, 12.2) to each other in an operating state when the closing element (20) is in an open position, at least one closing element (20) directly covering a fragrance carrier (15) in the closed position, in an operating state, an airflow (LS) flows through the at least one outlet (16), the airflow generates a flow force (F1), the flow force overcomes a closing force (F2) and transfers the corresponding closing element (20) to the open position and keeps it in the open position, wherein in a non-operating state, no airflow (LS) flows through the at least one outlet (16), the closing force (F2) transfers the corresponding closing element (20) to the closed position The invention relates to a method for placing a sealing member (20) in a closed position and maintaining it in a closed position, wherein gravity acts as a closing force (F2), a plane spanned by the at least one outlet (16) is perpendicular to the direction of action of gravity, a flow direction of an air flow (LS) flowing out of the at least one outlet (16) is opposite to the direction of action of gravity, wherein a closing element (20) can be swung about a swinging edge (22), wherein the closing element (20) can be reversibly deformed in the region of the swinging edge (22), a first outer edge (21) of the closing element (20) is fixed to an edge (16.2) limiting the outlet (16), a force (F3) caused by the flow force (F1) and the closing force (F2) causes a second outer edge (24) opposite to the first outer edge (21) to be raised or lowered, and at least one air-permeable fragrance carrier (15) stores fragrance (14) and at least partially overlaps the at least one outlet (16).

2. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The stop (12.6) for the second outer edge (24) defines a maximum positioning angle (26) of the closure element (20).

3. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The closure element (20) deflects the air flow (LS) in the open position, wherein the deflected air flow (LS) carries the aroma molecules emitted by the fragrance (14) and flows into the interior space (2) through the outflow opening (18).

4. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one sealing element (20) is designed as a textile fabric (20A) or an elastic plastic element that cannot be penetrated by the aroma molecules emitted by the fragrance (14).

5. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one air-permeable fragrance carrier (15) is designed as a scented plush fabric (15A).

6. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The flow force (F1) and / or the temperature of the air flow (LS) may be adjustable.

7. The aroma enhancement device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The aromatizing device (10) is suitable for being arranged at the end region of the air channel (4).

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