Fragrance and sanitizer applicator for use in a vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to a fragrance and disinfectant applicator for use in vehicles, comprising a container including an upwardly open cavity for receiving a fragrance unit and a disinfectant configured as a liquid or foam. The cavity is formed by multiple sidewalls and a bottom, and the container is rotatably configured along its longitudinal axis. An electronically operable temperature control unit is disposed below the cavity for activating the fragrance unit, causing it to release fragrance. An output member is disposed in the cavity in synergistic contact with the disinfectant, the output member discharging the disinfectant out of the container by manipulation. The fragrance unit is configured as an upwardly open, otherwise sealed tube, inserted into the disinfectant, with the fragrance and disinfectant not in contact with each other. The output member is configured as a rigid or pivotable and / or rotatable discharge tube inserted into the disinfectant, and the output member is equipped with a pump unit that allows the disinfectant to move through the discharge tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an applicator for fragrance and disinfectant application in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] To date, it is unknown whether the following accessories are used in vehicles, which consist of a combination of fragrance and disinfectant applicators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide such an accessory. This object is achieved according to the invention by an applicator for fragrance and disinfectant application in a vehicle.

[0004] A fragrance and disinfectant applicator for use in a vehicle is proposed, comprising a container including an upwardly open cavity for receiving a fragrance unit and a disinfectant configured as a liquid or foam. The fragrance unit emits fragrance through a predetermined temperature control. The cavity is formed by a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom connected to each sidewall. The container is fixedly mounted in a turntable such that it is rotatable along its longitudinal axis. The turntable is mounted in a bracket in the center console of the vehicle. Furthermore, an electronically operable temperature control unit is specified, disposed below the cavity, configured to activate at least one fragrance unit disposed in at least one cavity, causing the at least one fragrance unit to emit fragrance. Additionally, an output member is specified, disposed in the cavity in contact with the disinfectant, configured to output the disinfectant out of the container based on operation. The fragrance unit is configured as an upward-opening, otherwise sealed tube, which is inserted into the disinfectant, and the fragrance and disinfectant do not come into contact with each other; wherein, the output member is configured as at least one rigid discharge tube or as a pivotable and / or rotatable discharge tube, which is inserted into the disinfectant, and the output member is provided with a pump unit, which enables the disinfectant to move through the discharge tube.

[0005] By combining a fragrance unit and a disinfectant applicator in a single container, two functions are provided in an extremely confined space and in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A wide variety of constructions are available to suit different aesthetic requirements and intended applications.

[0006] Furthermore, it is specified that the fragrance unit is configured as an upward-opening tube that is otherwise sealed to the medium. This fragrance unit can be placed in the disinfectant, meaning it can essentially move within the disinfectant. A retainer can also be provided to hold the tube in a predetermined position within the cavity, i.e., within the disinfectant. However, the tube can also be placed within the cavity provided for the fragrance unit, as will be described later, without contact with the disinfectant.

[0007] Furthermore, the cavity is configured in multiple parts, such that the fragrance unit and the disinfectant are disposed separately within the cavity. In one embodiment, when the container has a smooth cross-section, the cavity is divided into at least two concentric cavities or into at least two sectors of the same or different sizes. Alternatively, when the container has an angular cross-section, the cavity has at least one inner circle as a first cavity or is divided into at least two partitions of the same or different sizes. By dividing the cavity into multiple partitions, the fragrance unit and the disinfectant can be provided separately from each other. This division is achieved by means of partition walls, which can be constructed not only vertically but also cylindrically.

[0008] Furthermore, it is specified that at least one section of each sidewall of the container has multiple openings that serve as aroma outlets. Therefore, the aroma not only escapes upwards but is also better distributed. This is particularly significant when designing a lid that seals the openings of the cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the output component is configured as at least one rigid discharge pipe or as a pivotable and / or rotatable discharge pipe. This simplifies the output of the disinfectant.

[0010] Furthermore, the container is configured to be rotatable along its longitudinal axis. This is particularly advantageous when a rigid discharge pipe is provided. However, it can also be advantageous when the fragrance unit and disinfectant are separated from each other and the occupant desires a greater output of fragrance. Thus, the occupant can rotate the component with the fragrance unit toward themselves.

[0011] In addition, the output component is configured such that it outputs disinfectant based on manual or electric operation.

[0012] Furthermore, the disinfectant is configured such that it can be converted into a gaseous state by a temperature control unit through predetermined manipulation, and the output component is configured to spray the gaseous disinfectant into the vehicle interior. In this case, it can be specified that the disinfectant is released only when no one or no animal is in the vehicle.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, aided by the accompanying drawings illustrating the details of the invention. Each individual feature may be implemented individually or in any combination thereof in variations of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a fragrance and disinfectant applicator for use in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figures 2 to 6 Top views showing different embodiments of the fragrance and disinfectant applicator according to the present invention.

[0017] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, the same elements or functions are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0018] exist Figure 1 The image shows a fragrance and disinfectant applicator for use in vehicles. The applicator includes a container 1 with upward-opening cavities 8 and 9, formed by multiple sidewalls 5 and a bottom 6 connected to each sidewall. The cavities 8 and 9 receive a fragrance unit 2 and a disinfectant 3, the fragrance unit releasing fragrance through predetermined temperature control, and the disinfectant being in the form of a liquid or foam.

[0019] In such Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the fragrance unit 2 is configured as a tube, which is preferably open upwards to release the fragrance, but otherwise sealed to the medium, i.e., on the sides and downwards. Therefore, the tube can be directly inserted into the disinfectant 3 and thus can be said to move within the disinfectant. However, the fragrance and the disinfectant 3 do not come into contact with each other.

[0020] An alternative is as follows: the fragrance and disinfectant 3 do not come into contact with each other, and the cavities 8 and 9 are divided into at least two partitions, namely one partition (which is configured to receive the fragrance unit 2 in cavity 8) and one cavity 9 (which is configured to receive the disinfectant 3).

[0021] Therefore, it can be stipulated that, in the case where container 1 has a (substantially) smooth cross-section, at least two cavities 8 and 9 are formed. When... Figure 2 When two cavities 8 and 9 are formed as shown, the second cavity is formed, for example, by inserting a partition wall concentric with the outer cross-section. One embodiment is shown here, in which the disinfectant 3 is disposed in the outer cavity 9 and the fragrance unit 2 is disposed in the inner cavity 8. However, the arrangement can also be reversed. Depending on the application, the size of the cavity 9 for receiving the disinfectant 3 can be selected to be larger than, smaller than, or equal to the size of the cavity 8 for receiving the fragrance unit 2.

[0022] Alternatively, when container 1 is not smoothly constructed and is configured as a polygon with multiple straight sidewalls 5, at least two cavities 8 and 9 may be constructed. Figure 3 In the case where two cavities 8 and 9 are formed, one cavity 9 is, for example, configured as a cylinder, that is, having a circular cross-section. Figure 3 In this case, cavity 9 is used to receive disinfectant 3. However, it can also be the exact opposite, and in all embodiments it can be the exact opposite.

[0023] Alternatively, not only in the case where container 1 is smoothly constructed, but also in the case where the container is polygonal, division can be achieved by introducing straight partition walls 11, such as in... Figures 4 to 6 As described in [the text]. It is also possible to divide the space such that the size of the cavity 9 for receiving the disinfectant 3 is selected to be greater than, less than, or equal to the size of the cavity 8 for receiving the fragrance unit 2, depending on the application.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one section of each sidewall 5 of the container 1 may have multiple openings serving as fragrance outlets 11. These openings may be configured differently, for example, as one or more circumferential grooves or one or more holes. When the container 1 is rounded, each sidewall 5 is configured as a single circumferential sidewall 5, and when the container is angularly configured, there are multiple sidewalls 5 that are angularly connected to each other. Here, each opening may be provided only in one (circumferential) sidewall or in multiple sections of multiple sidewalls 5. The fragrance can be better distributed through the openings on the sides of the container. When a lid is additionally provided, the lid closes the opening at the top of the container 1, and the openings on each side can be used as a single fragrance outlet 11. When the fragrance unit 2 is configured as a tube, the tube advantageously has openings corresponding to the openings in the sidewalls 5.

[0025] In all embodiments, the fragrance unit 2 can be configured as a tube containing a solid fragrance. However, the fragrance unit 2 can also be configured as a liquid or foam containing fragrance, or as a solid block (without a shell, e.g., without a tube). The fragrance unit or fragrance is configured such that the fragrance is released only after activation by heating. In other words, permanent fragrance release is not achieved, but fragrance is released as required or as activated. Activation is achieved by heating, i.e., temperature control. This is achieved by means of an electronically operable temperature control unit 4 disposed below the cavity 8, in which the fragrance unit 2 is disposed. The temperature control unit 4 is advantageously configured to achieve non-contact temperature control. For this purpose, the temperature control unit is advantageously configured as a Peltier element disposed on the bottom 6 of the container 1. Alternatively, the bottom 6 can be specified as part of the temperature control unit 4, for example as a heating coil, which is heated by applying current in connection with a cable.

[0026] The temperature control unit 4 advantageously has a connection to the vehicle's controller, which determines, based on predetermined factors, when and which fragrance should be released into the vehicle's interior, and sends a corresponding control signal to the temperature control unit 4, thereby heating the fragrance unit 2, activating the predetermined fragrance and thus releasing it into the interior air. However, the temperature control unit 4 can also be manually activated.

[0027] Container 1 also has an output member 7 connected to the disinfectant 3 in the cavity 9, the output member being configured to output the disinfectant 3 out of container 1 by manipulation. The output member 7 is configured as at least one rigid discharge tube or as a pivotable and / or rotatable discharge tube, said discharge tube being inserted as deeply as possible into the disinfectant 3. Multiple discharge tubes may also be provided. Each output member 7, as described below, can be referred to as a discharge tube, which is hollow inside, has two openings at both ends, and is inserted into the disinfectant 3 at one end and outputs the disinfectant 3 at the other end. Here, the movement of the disinfectant 3 through the discharge tube can be achieved by providing a pump unit, such as a pump unit of a soap dispenser. The output of the disinfectant 3 can be triggered manually, i.e., by manually manipulating the discharge tube or by connecting it to (in...) Figure 1 The operation can be achieved using a pump (not shown). However, it can also be electronically controlled. For example, a proximity sensor can be present, which triggers the output of disinfectant 3 when it is approached. Alternatively, buttons, levers, pushbuttons, etc., can be provided, which, when manually operated, cause the electronically controlled output of disinfectant 3. Advantageously, a pump mechanism is always present, which pumps disinfectant 3 through the discharge pipe when operated (manually or electrically).

[0028] In another embodiment, the container 1 is rotatably configured along its longitudinal axis L, for example, by means of a turntable disposed in the support 20, to which the container 1 is fixedly mounted. This has the advantage that the disinfectant 3 can still be comfortably applied by multiple occupants, for example, in the case of a rigidly configured output member 7, because these occupants can rotate the output member 7 toward themselves by rotating the container 1.

[0029] As already mentioned, container 1 is configured to be placed in bracket 20, for example, in the bracket of the center console of vehicle 100. Depending on the placement, a structural arrangement is also possible. Needless to say, container 1 can also be placed in other locations within the interior of vehicle 100.

[0030] In another embodiment, the disinfectant 3 is configured such that it can be converted to a gaseous state by the temperature control unit 4 through predetermined manipulation. The output member 7 is configured to spray the gaseous disinfectant 3 into the vehicle interior. This is advantageously implemented only when no personnel or animals are in the vehicle. For detection, one or more sensors can be provided, which can perform corresponding monitoring and can initiate disinfection, or stop disinfection when needed, such as when a body is detected. Not only can separate sensors be provided solely for this monitoring, but sensors already present in the vehicle, such as seat occupancy sensors or interior cameras, can also be used. Signal processing is implemented in a control device, which can be configured separately from other vehicle control devices or as part of the vehicle's control system. Furthermore, it can be specified that the system for disinfection can be manually turned on and off. Additionally, it can be specified that automatic control is implemented cyclically, where information is output to one or more users of the vehicle, and the next cycle is specified. Thus, the user can manually stop the output for the next cycle. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the temperature control unit 4 is also used to adjust the temperature of the disinfectant 3. To prevent the disinfectant 3 from being discharged together with the fragrance, the fragrance and disinfectant 3 can be activated at different temperatures, which can be achieved through chemical composition. Alternatively, two heating units or even two temperature-regulating units 4 can be provided.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1 container

[0033] 2 fragrance units

[0034] 3 Disinfectant

[0035] 4 temperature control units

[0036] 5. Container sidewalls

[0037] 6 bottom

[0038] 7 Output Components

[0039] 8. Cavities for spices

[0040] 9. Cavity for disinfectant

[0041] 10. The partition wall between cavity 8 and cavity 9

[0042] 11 Fragrance Exports

[0043] Supports in 12 vehicles

[0044] L-axis

Claims

1. A fragrance and disinfectant applicator for use in a vehicle, the fragrance and disinfectant applicator comprising: The container (1) includes an upwardly open cavity (9) for receiving not only a fragrance unit (2) but also a disinfectant (3) configured as a liquid or foam, the fragrance unit emitting fragrance through a predetermined temperature adjustment, the cavity (9) being formed by a plurality of side walls (5) and a bottom (6) connected to each side wall, the container (1) being fixedly mounted in a turntable such that the container (1) is rotatably configured along its longitudinal axis (L), the turntable being set in a bracket (20) of the center console of the vehicle; An electronically controllable temperature control unit (4) is provided below the cavity (9), which is configured to activate at least one fragrance unit (2) provided in at least one cavity (9) so that the at least one fragrance unit emits fragrance; An output member (7) is disposed in the cavity (9) in contact with the disinfectant (3), the output member being configured to output the disinfectant (3) out of the container (1) based on manipulation; The fragrance unit (2) is configured as an upward-opening tube that is otherwise sealed to the medium. The tube is placed in the disinfectant (3) and the fragrance and disinfectant do not come into contact with each other. The output component (7) is configured as at least one rigid discharge pipe or as a pivotable and / or rotatable discharge pipe, the discharge pipe being inserted into the disinfectant (3), and the output component is provided with a pump unit, through which the disinfectant (3) can move through the discharge pipe.

2. The fragrance and sanitizer applicator of claim 1, wherein, The tube is placed in the disinfectant, allowing it to move within the disinfectant.

3. The fragrance and sanitizer applicator of claim 1, wherein, The fragrance and disinfectant applicator includes a retainer to hold the tube in a predetermined position within the cavity.

4. The fragrance and sanitizer applicator of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one section of each sidewall (5) of the container (1) has multiple openings that serve as aroma outlets (11).

5. The fragrance and sanitizer applicator of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The output member (7) is configured such that it outputs disinfectant (3) based on manual or electric operation.

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