Fragrance mat with life indicator for arrangement in ventilation device in interior of vehicle, and ventilation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fragrance pad for arrangement within a ventilation device in the interior of a vehicle, the fragrance pad being arranged in a region, in which heated air at a predetermined temperature can flow aside the fragrance pad towards the air outlet, and close to the air outlet, the fragrance pad is provided with at least one service life indicator which is designed as a display element in such a way that the service life indicator changes characteristics as the fragrance saturation of the fragrance pad decreases or after a predetermined service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma pad with a service life indicator and a ventilation device, which are used in a ventilation device arranged in the interior space of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, aroma diffusion systems for the interior space of vehicles are known. The simplest form is the commonly known aroma tree or similar aroma diffusion devices, which are, for example, hung on the rearview mirror.

[0003] Furthermore, aroma diffusion devices are known, in which, for example, small glass bottles or ampoules are positioned in a holder, and the holder is then fastened to the air outlet. The aroma is then released into the interior space of the vehicle by the air flow. In addition, aroma diffusion devices that are not visible in the interior space are known, which are, for example, arranged in the glove box or in a ventilation opening, and the aroma is sprayed into the interior space by the vehicle's air conditioning equipment.

[0004] Instead of aromatic substances in liquid form, the aroma can also be provided in so-called aroma pads. Such aroma pads can be formed from a porous material (solid), which is impregnated with the aromatic substance. The aroma pad releases the aromatic substance in such a way that air flows through the aroma pad and thereby absorbs the aromatic molecules. In contrast to the liquid aromatic substance in a container, it is difficult to determine when the aroma pad must be replaced in the aroma pad, because the consumption cannot be seen, for example, by the liquid level. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a service life indicator for an aroma pad arranged in the interior space of a vehicle, by means of which the service life of the aroma pad can be displayed in a simple manner. According to the present invention, this object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are the technical solutions of the dependent claims.

[0006] An aroma pad for use in a ventilation device arranged in the interior space of a vehicle is proposed, wherein the aroma pad is arranged in a region and close to an air outlet, in which heated air of at least one predetermined temperature can flow past the aroma pad towards the air outlet from the side, and the aroma pad is provided with at least one service life indicator, which is formed as a display element such that the service life indicator changes its characteristics as the aroma saturation of the aroma pad decreases or after a predetermined service life.

[0007] Via the heated air flowing by from the side, the aroma molecules are loosened from the aroma pad and are transported by the air through the outlet of the ventilation device into the interior space of the vehicle. By the loosening of the aroma molecules from the aroma pad, the aroma saturation, i.e., the number of aroma molecules present in the aroma pad, decreases. Once the aroma saturation has reached a predetermined limit value, there are no longer sufficiently many aroma molecules in the aroma pad to provide scent diffusion in a predetermined area of the interior space, and the aroma pad must be replaced. To indicate this, a lifespan indicator is provided on the aroma pad, and the characteristics of the lifespan indicator change as the aroma saturation decreases.

[0008] In one embodiment, it is provided that the change in the characteristics includes at least one or a combination of the following: fading of the lifespan indicator, i.e., a gradual decrease in the perceptible concentration; a gradual or sudden change in the color of the lifespan indicator; a change in the graphical representation of the lifespan indicator; fading of the lifespan indicator and a gradual appearance of another lifespan indicator at another location (slowly increasing in terms of concentration).

[0009] In one embodiment, it is provided that the lifespan indicator is formed over the entire surface of the entire aroma pad. In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the lifespan indicator is formed as a logo on the upper side of the aroma pad. In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the lifespan indicator is formed as a sequence of letters and / or numbers on the upper side of the aroma pad. The lifespan indicator can thus be formed in different types without losing its function as an indication of whether the aroma pad should be replaced.

[0010] In one embodiment, it is provided that the aroma pad is at least partially formed of a solid loaded with at least one aromatic substance, and the solid is formed to release the aroma according to the air flowing onto it and / or a predetermined temperature.

[0011] In one embodiment, it is provided that the aroma pad is formed of a material having one or more aroma types, and the aroma types are released according to the temperature of the air flowing by from the side next to the aroma pad. In this way, aromas adapted to different temperatures can be emitted.

[0012] Furthermore, a ventilation device is provided, which is provided in the interior space of the vehicle. The ventilation device has at least one air outlet and an aroma pad disposed adjacent to the air outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, it is provided that the ventilation device is formed as a foot heater, and the foot heater is arranged under the vehicle seat in the front area of the vehicle such that the heated air flowing out of the air outlet is output towards the footwell area in the rear area of the vehicle.

[0014] In one embodiment, it is provided that a sensor is further provided, which detects or adjusts the current ventilation state and transmits the ventilation state to the control device of the vehicle in such a way that the control device controls one or more visual and / or audible staging means provided in the vehicle according to the ventilation state.

[0015] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed which has the described ventilation device.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention result from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with the aid of the figures in the drawings showing the details according to the present invention and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination of several in variants of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic view of a fragrance pad equipped with a life indicator without replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 the fragrance pad shown in, in which the life indicator indicates the necessity for replacing the fragrance pad.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic view of a ventilation device provided in a vehicle and equipped with a fragrance pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0021] In the following description of the drawings, the same elements or functions are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0022] The object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance pad 300 with a display possibility which serves as a life indicator 400 in order to indicate the presence or absence of the necessity for replacing the fragrance pad 300.

[0023] The fragrance pad 300 is a substantially flat object which consists of or contains a material in which fragrance substances can be stored and from which the fragrance substances can be released. The fragrance substances can here be a single fragrance type or multiple fragrance types which are released depending on the temperature of the air flowing past or through the fragrance pad 300 from the side. The material can here be a porous material which releases the fragrance substances when flowed through or flowed into by air, even if the air is not heated. Here, the material can also be formed such that the material only releases the fragrance substances when flowed through by air at a defined (minimum) temperature. The material is also formed such that not all of the fragrance substances are released simultaneously, but successively, so that the fragrance pad 300 can be used over a longer period of time. The period of time can be defined as a fixedly predetermined period within which a predefined fragrance release can be reliably carried out and, for example, the characteristics of the fragrance also do not change. The period of time can, for example, be determined under predefined standard conditions and then, for example, a fixed end date of use is applied, for example printed, onto the fragrance pad 300. Since, however, not every user has the same behavior, it can happen that in one case the fragrance pad 300 may no longer provide the desired fragrance release significantly earlier, or in another case the fragrance pad may be used significantly longer. In order to appropriately handle these situations, it is proposed that a service life indicator 400 be provided which is directly arranged on the fragrance pad 300, i.e. visibly arranged on the fragrance pad.

[0024] The service life indicator 400 is here formed such that the service life indicator changes at least one of its characteristics as the consumption of the fragrance substances increases, i.e. as the fragrance saturation in the fragrance pad 300 decreases. The characteristic can be that the service life indicator fades, i.e. shows a gradual decrease in concentration. The service life indicator can also gradually or suddenly change its color. A characteristic can also be that the service life indicator changes its color during the fading process. A characteristic can also be that the service life indicator 400 changes its shape, i.e. for example changes from a symbol, such as a tick or a manufacturer's icon, to an "X" or other symbol. Here, the service life indicator can only change its shape, or it can also change its color and / or fade simultaneously. In Figure 1 a top view of the upper side of the fragrance pad 300 with a service life indicator 400 formed as a tick is shown. The tick symbolically indicates that the fragrance pad 300 does not yet need to be replaced because there is still sufficient fragrance substance. In Figure 2 a top view of the upper side of the fragrance pad 300 with the service life indicator 400 is also shown. Here, the tick has changed to an "X" in order to indicate that the fragrance pad 300 should be replaced because it no longer contains sufficient fragrance substance to ensure the desired fragrance release, i.e. the fragrance saturation is too low.

[0025] A characteristic can also be that one indicator fades gradually while another indicator (as a second life indicator 400 at other positions on the fragrance pad 300) becomes gradually visible. The new indicator can also have an additional color or shape. Here, a color change can also occur between the two life indicators 400 during the usage time.

[0026] The life indicator 400 can be formed in different types and ways. The life indicator can be formed as an indicator, as shown in Figure 1 and 2 or can be formed as an icon, for example, formed as a manufacturer icon. However, the life indicator can also be formed as a sequence of letters and / or numbers. The life indicator can be formed in one color or in multiple colors. The surface of the fragrance pad 300 itself can also be formed as the life indicator 400. In this embodiment, when the replacement of the fragrance pad 300 is necessary, the surface of the fragrance pad 300 advantageously changes its color.

[0027] The life indicator 400 can be attached to continuously visible information, such as the manufacturing date, shelf life, etc., and is set to provide a display based on the actual consumption of the fragrance substance: whether the fragrance pad 300 should be replaced.

[0028] The life indicator 400 can additionally be used as an indicator that the fragrance pad 300 is an original accessory, for example, in such a way that the manufacturer icon is used as the life indicator 400.

[0029] To provide the characteristics of the life indicator 400, suitable materials or chemical components are used, which are coordinated with the material of the fragrance pad 300 and the desired characteristics, i.e., the type of life display. The time period until there is a need to replace the fragrance pad 300 is also advantageously determined according to the size of the ventilation device 200 and the materials and fragrance substances used. The life indicator 400 can either react to the fragrance saturation in the material of the fragrance pad 300 and (based on the decrease in fragrance saturation) change its characteristics, or the life indicator can change its characteristics after a (fixed) predetermined time period.

[0030] The fragrance pad 300 as described above can be provided within the ventilation system of the vehicle 100. Here, the fragrance pad is advantageously provided within the ventilation device 200 and as close as possible to the air outlet into the interior space of the vehicle 100, which air outlet is directed towards the passengers (users), as shown in Figure 3 The fragrance pad 300 can, for example, be inserted, snapped in (einklickbar), hung in, or magnetically fastened in the ventilation device 200 and is thus replaceable. Here, the fragrance pad 300 is arranged in the ventilation device 200 in such a way that the fragrance pad is as invisible as possible to the passengers of the vehicle 100.

[0031] The fragrance pad 300 proposed here is advantageously arranged in the ventilation device 200, which serves as a foot heater 200. The foot heater 200 is arranged under the vehicle seat, particularly under the vehicle seat in the front region 101 of the vehicle 100. The air outlet 201 of the foot heater 200 points towards the rear region 102, so that the foot heater 200 heats and causes the air rich in aromatic substances to flow out towards the foot space 103 of the passengers in the rear region 102, as shown in Figure 3 as shown.

[0032] As also shown in Figure 3 The fragrance pad 300 is arranged on the edge region, preferably the upper edge region, of the foot heater 200. This enables the easy replacement of the fragrance pad 300 by opening the upper region of the foot heater 200. The fragrance pad 300 is advantageously arranged in the foot heater 200 such that when the upper region of the foot heater 200 is opened, the life indicator 400 is directly visible.

[0033] The foot heater 200 can be arranged only for outputting heated air. In an alternative embodiment, the foot heater can also be arranged for outputting unheated or cooled air. Here, the foot heater is advantageously implemented such that separate ventilation channels are provided for the heated air and for the unheated or cooled air. Heated air can be understood as air that can be used to heat the feet of the passengers in the vehicle 100. The corresponding minimum temperature can be specified by a person skilled in the art and, for example, based on empirical values.

[0034] Advantageously, the fragrance pad 300 is arranged in the region of the foot heater 200 where only hot air flows along, so that as little aromatic substance as possible is released by the unheated air flow, thereby shortening the life.

[0035] In addition, in addition to the fragrance release, performance devices present in the interior space of the vehicle or provided additionally can emphasize the fragrance experience. The performance devices can be controlled by a controller present in the vehicle 100. Advantageously, there is at least one additional sensor, which is arranged, for example, on or in the air inlet 201, in particular in the area of the fragrance pad 300 and measures one or more parameters which are used for controlling the performance. The sensor should advantageously not be visible from the outside, and this is only advantageous for visual reasons. The sensor can be arranged at a location where the sensor is optimally arranged as much as possible in order to detect the parameters to be received. The parameters can be flow velocity and / or temperature and / or flow direction and / or fragrance type. Depending on the detected parameters, the sensor can then send corresponding information or signals to the controller of the vehicle 100, and the controller then correspondingly controls the performance devices. The control is carried out, for example, according to the fragrance type at a determined temperature and in coordination with the fragrance type at a determined temperature.

[0036] As performance devices, for example, a pre - defined audio device present in the vehicle 100 or a separate one or more speakers in the audio device can be used. Alternatively or additionally, as performance devices, for example, a pre - defined lighting device present in the vehicle 100 or one or more lighting elements in the lighting device can be used.

[0037] Reference numerals

[0038] 100 Vehicle

[0039] 101 Front area / driver

[0040] 102 Rear area / rear seat

[0041] 103 Footwell between 101 and 102

[0042] 200 Ventilation device, foot heater

[0043] 201 Air outlet

[0044] 300 Fragrance pad

[0045] 400 Lifetime indicator

Claims

1. An aroma pad (300) to be disposed within a ventilation device (200) provided in an interior space of a vehicle (100), wherein, The fragrance pad (300) is arranged in a region where heated air at at least one predetermined temperature can flow past the fragrance pad (300) towards the air outlet (201) from the side, and the fragrance pad (300) is provided with at least one life indicator (400), which is formed as a display element such that the life indicator changes its characteristics as the fragrance saturation of the fragrance pad (300) decreases or after a predetermined life.

2. The fragrance pad (300) according to claim 1, wherein, The change in the characteristics includes at least one or a combination of the following: - Fading of the life indicator (400), - A gradual or sudden change in the color of the life indicator (400), - A change in the graphical representation of the life indicator (400), - Gradual fading of the life indicator (400) and gradual appearance of another life indicator (400) at other positions.

3. The fragrance pad (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The life indicator (400) is formed over the entire fragrance pad (300) over the entire surface, or the life indicator (400) is formed as a logo on the upper side of the fragrance pad (300), or the life indicator (400) is formed as a sequence of letters and / or numbers on the upper side of the fragrance pad (300).

4. The fragrance pad (300) according to one of the above claims, wherein, The fragrance pad is at least partially formed of a solid loaded with at least one aromatic substance, which is formed to release fragrance according to the air flowing onto it and / or a predetermined temperature.

5. The fragrance pad (300) according to one of the above claims, wherein, The fragrance pad (300) is formed of a material having one or more fragrance types that are released according to the temperature of the air flowing past the fragrance pad (300) from the side.

6. A ventilation device (200) provided in the interior space of a vehicle (100), the ventilation device having at least one air outlet (201) and a fragrance pad (300) arranged adjacent to the air outlet (201) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

7. The ventilation device (200) as claimed in claim 6, which is formed as a foot heater (200) arranged under a vehicle seat in the front region (101) of the vehicle (100) such that the heated air flowing out of the air outlet (201) is output towards the footwell (103) in the rear region (102) of the vehicle (100).

8. The ventilation device (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, A sensor is also provided, which detects or adjusts the current ventilation state and transmits the ventilation state to a control device of the vehicle (100) such that the control device controls one or more visual and / or audible presentation devices provided in the vehicle (100) according to the ventilation state.

9. A vehicle (100) having a ventilation device (200) as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8.

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