Scenting device

Abstract

Scenting device (1, 10) comprising a housing (21), a scent cartridge (2, 11), a closure element (12), and a blower (3, 13), wherein the blower (3, 13) and the closure element (12) are arranged within the housing (21), and the housing (21) has a first opening (14) and a second opening (15), wherein the housing (21) is permeable to an airflow from the first opening (14) to the second opening (15), and wherein the scent cartridge (2, 11) can be released and closed by the closure element (12), characterized in that the scent cartridge (2, 11) is arranged within the housing (21), wherein the first opening (14) and the scent cartridge (2, 11) are located upstream of the airflow direction (17) in the housing (21) with respect to the airflow direction (17). blower (3, 13) are arranged and the second opening (15) is arranged downstream of the blower (3, 13) in the housing (21) with respect to the airflow direction (17).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a fragrance device comprising a housing, a fragrance cartridge, a closure element, and a blower, wherein the blower and the closure element are arranged inside the housing and the housing has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the housing is permeable to an airflow from the first opening to the second opening, and wherein the fragrance cartridge can be released and closed by the closure element according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] To increase passenger comfort and improve the interior climate, air conditioning and ventilation systems in motor vehicles use fragrance diffusers that release scents. Simpler models continuously scent the interior or the airflow passing by the diffuser. This is disadvantageous because the scent release is uncontrollable, leading to scent adaptation. To maintain perceptibility for the passengers, the amount of scent released must be constantly increased. Furthermore, the continuous exposure of the interior to fragrances results in fragrance contamination.

[0003] More complex scenting systems offer the possibility to actively control the release of the fragrance and thus specify the amount of fragrance released and the time of release.

[0004] Solutions are known in the prior art that incorporate a blower within a fragrance device, which generates an airflow used to convey a fragrance from a fragrance cartridge or from a space surrounding the fragrance cartridge. The airflow can direct the fragrance precisely to a dispensing point. This point could be located, for example, in an air duct of an air conditioning system or directly in the interior of a vehicle.

[0005] Axial or radial blowers are regularly used to disperse the fragrance. These blowers generate an airflow that is directed into an area containing the fragrance. This carries the fragrance along and ultimately distributes it.

[0006] A disadvantage of prior art solutions is that, with a pressurized airflow, particularly high demands are placed on the connections and seals in and around the area of ​​the fragrance device, as otherwise the pressurized airflow can lead to unwanted fragrance leakage through gaps between housing parts or similar. Alternatively, pressurized airflow solutions are known that provide for a complete additional enclosure for the fragrance device. These additional housing components result in weight disadvantages and therefore also cost disadvantages.

[0007] US Patent 5,154,893 A discloses a scenting device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Description of the invention, problem, solution, advantages

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance device that has a simple and space-saving design and is optimized compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide an air conditioning system with a fragrance device according to the invention.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by a scenting device having the features of claim 1.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention relates to a fragrance device comprising a housing, a fragrance cartridge, a closure element, and a blower, wherein the fragrance cartridge, the blower, and the closure element are arranged within the housing, and the housing has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the housing is permeable to an airflow from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the fragrance cartridge can be released and closed by the closure element, and wherein the first opening and / or the fragrance cartridge is arranged upstream of the blower with respect to the airflow direction in the housing, and the second opening is arranged downstream of the blower with respect to the airflow direction in the housing.

[0011] Advantageously, the fragrance cartridge and its associated sealing element are arranged in a section of the fragrance dispenser from which the air is drawn in by the blower. This is particularly advantageous because the pressure generated inside the housing by the blower is lower than in a design where the blower forces air towards the fragrance cartridge. The lower pressure also allows for simpler sealing measures for the opening of the fragrance cartridge and the housing in the area in front of the blower. For example, there is no need for complex seals to create a gas-tight seal at the interfaces on the housing or the fragrance cartridge.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a fragrance chamber is provided within the fragrance cartridge, which has an air volume that can be saturated with fragrance.

[0013] An air volume maintained within the fragrance cartridge, which can be filled with the fragrance when the cartridge is closed, is advantageous for achieving a defined saturation with the fragrance. The transfer of the fragrance from the carrier material into the fragrance chamber advantageously occurs through natural diffusion and transfer processes.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the pressure generated by the blower is lower in the area of ​​the fragrance cartridge than in an area directly behind the blower.

[0015] This can be achieved in particular by operating the blower in such a way that the air volume is drawn from the area around the fragrance cartridge and expelled from the housing. The lower pressure allows for a simpler design and construction of the housing in the area of ​​the fragrance cartridge, since a gas-tight design is not necessary due to the lower pressure. The blower is therefore advantageously designed as a suction blower.

[0016] It is also advantageous if a gas space is provided within the housing, whereby fluid communication between the gas space and the fragrance chamber of the fragrance cartridge can be established by opening the closure element. This allows the fragrance-saturated fluid to flow from the fragrance chamber into the gas space, where it can be carried out by a carrier airflow.

[0017] The gas chamber advantageously serves to mix the fragrance from the fragrance cartridge with the airflow passing through the housing. Advantageously, the gas chamber is located directly adjacent to the fragrance cartridges, so that opening a closure element allows the direct discharge of the fragrance-saturated fluid between the interior of the fragrance cartridge and the gas chamber. This enables a particularly effective mixing of the fragrance from the cartridge with the airflow passing through the gas chamber.

[0018] It can also be advantageous if the fragrance can be drawn from the gas chamber by the blower.

[0019] The suction effect keeps the pressure in the gas chamber particularly low. This is advantageous because the housing and fragrance cartridges do not necessarily need to be gas-tight.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if a carrier material is arranged inside the fragrance cartridge, which can be filled with a fragrance.

[0021] The carrier material can advantageously be a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a fragrance. The fragrance can then be released from the carrier material into the surrounding environment through diffusion or outgassing.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the housing has a third opening through which the fragrance cartridge can be inserted into or removed from the housing.

[0023] The fragrance cartridge is preferably replaceable via an opening in the housing to ensure easy maintenance. For example, an opening can be provided through which a fragrance cartridge can be positioned inside the housing. Alternatively, the fragrance cartridge can be designed in such a way that it itself seals the opening.

[0024] It is also preferable if the fragrance cartridge and / or the sealing element are exposed to an airflow.

[0025] By allowing the fragrance released from the fragrance cartridge to flow over or around the airflow, it can be carried along particularly effectively. This ensures a particularly favorable mixing of the airflow with the fragrance.

[0026] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the blower is also provided to be a radial blower or an axial blower. Depending on the available installation space, either a radial blower or an axial blower can be advantageously used.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable if the fragrance cartridge and the closure element are designed as a single unit.

[0028] A one-piece design is particularly advantageous during maintenance or repair, as it ensures easy replacement. In a particularly advantageous design, the fragrance cartridge, the closure element, and an actuator that operates the closure element are combined in a single unit, allowing them to be inserted into an existing mounting device in one step.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that a plurality of fragrance cartridges are available, wherein a singular fragrance cartridge or a plurality of fragrance cartridges can be closed by a closure element or by several closure elements.

[0030] Using multiple fragrance cartridges allows for a larger quantity of the same fragrance to be introduced into a fragrance dispenser, or for several different fragrances to be contained in individual cartridges. If the same fragrance is used in the different cartridges, a defined number of cartridges can remain permanently sealed until the fragrance has been completely emptied from the cartridges already in use. This extends the replacement intervals for individual fragrance cartridges.

[0031] If different fragrances are used, different scents can be produced or released, thereby creating different comfort levels in the vehicle.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing may be provided to form a plurality of separate flow paths inside, with one or more fragrance cartridges being assigned to each flow path.

[0033] Particularly in the gas space within the housing, it is advantageous to provide several flow paths through which the air conveyed through the housing can flow. The flow paths can be separated from each other, for example, by partitions.

[0034] In an advantageous design, each flow path is assigned one or more fragrance cartridges. This allows for targeted flow control of the fragrance emanating from the cartridges. Particularly when different fragrances are stored in the cartridges, dividing the flow into separate paths can be advantageous to prevent the unintentional mixing of one fragrance with another.

[0035] The object of the present invention is further achieved by an air conditioning system with the features of claim 13.

[0036] One embodiment of the invention relates to an air conditioning system with a fragrance device according to the invention, wherein the fragrance device is arranged within an air conditioning system housing or on an air conditioning system housing and fragrance can flow through the second opening of the fragrance device into a flow channel within the air conditioning system or fragrance can flow through the second opening of the fragrance device into a flow channel separate from the air conditioning system.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the fragrance dispenser is located directly adjacent to the air conditioner or even inside the air conditioner itself. This allows for the simple fragrance application of an airflow within the air conditioner or an airflow exiting the air conditioner, without the need for complex additional airflow ducts.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fragrancing device is arranged in or on an air conditioning system, wherein the fragrance discharge from the fragrancing device occurs through a flow channel that is not part of the air conditioning system.

[0039] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of the arrangement of the fragrance cartridge, the blower and an airflow over the fragrance cartridge and through the blower, and Fig. 2 a sectional view through a scenting device according to the invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0041] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a scenting device 1. In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a fragrance cartridge 2, which is arranged upstream of a blower 3. The blower 3 can generate an airflow that flows over the fragrance cartridge 2 and through the blower 3. This airflow is designated by reference numeral 4. The fragrance cartridge 2 is located upstream of the blower 3. The blower 3 draws air from above and around the fragrance cartridge 2 and expels it along the left arrow 4. The airflow above and around the fragrance cartridge 2 is thus generated by the suction of the blower 3.

[0042] By arranging the fragrance cartridge 2, or the space above the fragrance cartridge 2, in the intake area of ​​the blower 3, a particularly directed airflow, impregnated with a fragrance from the fragrance cartridge 2, can be generated at the outlet of the blower 3. This is particularly advantageous compared to arranging the fragrance cartridge 2 in the discharge area of ​​the blower 3, where the airflow would be forced practically over the fragrance cartridge.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view through a fragrance device 10. The fragrance device 10 has a housing 21 which has a first opening 14 and a second opening 15. An airflow can enter the housing 21 through the first opening 14 in the direction of the flow arrow designated by reference numeral 16. Along the flow arrow designated by reference numeral 18, the airflow can exit the housing 21 through the second opening 15. The first opening 14 and the second opening 15 are preferably located at opposite end regions of the housing 21.

[0044] Inside the housing 21, a blower 13 is arranged, which draws in air from the direction of the first opening 14 and blows it out towards the second opening 15. This operating mode of the blower 13 ensures that the air volume located upstream of the blower 13 within the housing 21 is completely removed from the housing 21. The air volume within the housing 21 that lies upstream, i.e., to the left of the blower 13, is drawn in and blown out to the right through the second opening 15.

[0045] In the front area downstream of the first opening 14, a gas chamber 19 is formed within the housing 21. Two fragrance cartridges 11 are arranged in this gas chamber 19. The fragrance cartridges 11 can each be opened and closed via locking elements 12. The individual locking elements 12 can be actuated independently of one another, so that, depending on the system configuration, one or more fragrance cartridges 11 can be released.

[0046] For opening and closing the fragrance cartridges 11, flap elements such as those used in the Fig. 2 are shown as closure elements 12. These can, for example, be mounted to rotate about an axis or pivot laterally, so that an opening on the fragrance cartridges 11 can be opened or closed. The closure element 12 can be driven by an actuator such as an electric motor. Gears can be provided for this purpose, which translate the movement of the motor to the closure element 12. Alternatively, actuators made of a shape-memory alloy or a bimetal can be provided. Piezoelectric actuators can also be provided in alternative designs.

[0047] The fragrance cartridges 11 advantageously contain a carrier material impregnated with a fragrance. In an advantageous embodiment, this carrier material can fill a portion of the internal volume of the fragrance cartridge 11. The fragrance can escape or degas from this carrier material at any time, thus initially filling a pre-existing volume of air inside the fragrance cartridge 11. After opening the closure element 12, the air volume saturated with fragrance can flow from the fragrance cartridge into the housing 21, where it can be carried away by an airflow.

[0048] The fragrance cartridges 11 also have sealing elements on their upper side, which enable a gas-tight closure of the fragrance cartridges 11 by the respective closure element 12.

[0049] In the area of ​​the fragrance cartridges 11, the housing 21 has an upwardly flared section. This forms a gas space 19 inside the housing 21. Within this gas space 19, mixing can occur between the fragrance from the fragrance cartridges 11 and the airflow, which flows through the housing 21 along the flow arrows with reference numeral 17. For this purpose, the fragrance can flow out of the respective fragrance cartridges 11 along the flow path 20 when the corresponding closure element 12 is open.

[0050] Through the first opening 14, fresh air can be continuously supplied into the housing 21 along the flow arrow 16 during operation of the blower 13. The airflow then flows along the flow arrows 17 through the gas space 19 of the housing 21 and further into the blower 13, before the air is expelled from the housing 21 through the second opening 15 along the flow arrow 18. The expelled air is advantageously mixed with the fragrance from the fragrance cartridges 11.

[0051] The fragrance cartridges 11 can preferably be removed individually or in multiples from the housing 21. For this purpose, for example, the tray-shaped base segment in which the fragrance cartridges 11 are held can be detached from the housing 21 and fitted with new fragrance cartridges 11.

[0052] As an alternative to the closure elements that open or close the fragrance cartridges by means of mechanical actuators, an atomizer can also be provided on the fragrance cartridge, which releases fragrance into the gas space as a result of a control signal or an electrical impulse.

[0053] The fragrance cartridges 11 are preferably arranged on one of the inner walls of the gas space 19 of the housing 21 such that the airflow passes over the openings of the fragrance cartridges 11 along the flow arrows 17. In this way, the fragrance is discharged from the fragrance cartridges 11 and carried along in the airflow.

[0054] Inside the fragrance cartridges 11, a carrier material impregnated with a fragrance is arranged. Above this carrier material, an air volume, also referred to as the fragrance chamber 22, is formed. The fragrance chamber 22 is filled with fragrance escaping from the carrier material until saturation is reached. When the corresponding closure element 12 is opened, the fragrance present in the fragrance chamber 22 escapes from the fragrance cartridge 11 along the flow arrows 20 and is conveyed away in the direction of the flow arrow 17. The closure element 12 can also be opened at a time when the air volume in the fragrance chamber 22 is not yet completely saturated.

[0055] A scenting device 10, as used in the Fig. The odorizing device 10, as shown in Figure 2, can advantageously be arranged on or in the housing of an air conditioning system or a ventilation system. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the odorizing device 10 can also be an integral part of an air conditioning system housing.

[0056] The first opening 14 is advantageously in fluid communication with a region filled with ambient air. Alternatively, a pre-tempered air mixture from an air conditioning system can be drawn in through the opening 14. The flow outlet, which is located through the second opening 15 at the right end of the fragrancing device 10, can be connected to a flow duct of an air conditioning system (not shown), so that the fragrance medium bound in the airflow can be conveyed by the blower 13 to a predefined discharge point.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the second opening on the right can also lead directly into the interior of a vehicle or into a flow channel separate from the air conditioning system. This flow channel, separate from the air conditioning system, in turn leads into the interior of a vehicle.

[0058] The individual characteristics of the Fig. 1 and Fig. The two can each be combined with each other. The embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. They are not restrictive. This applies in particular to the arrangement of the individual elements relative to each other, as well as to the sizes and geometric dimensions of the elements. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 serve to describe the inventive concept.

Claims

[1] Fragrance device (1, 10) with a housing (21), with a fragrance cartridge (2, 11), with a closure element (12) and with a blower (3, 13), wherein the blower (3, 13) and the closure element (12) are arranged within the housing (21) and the housing (21) has a first opening (14) and a second opening (15), wherein the housing (21) can be flowed through by an air stream from the first opening (14) to the second opening (15), wherein the fragrance cartridge (2, 11) can be released and closed by the closure element (12), characterized by in that the fragrance cartridge (2, 11) is arranged within the housing (21), wherein the first opening (14) and the fragrance cartridge (2, 11) are arranged upstream of the fan (3, 13) in the housing (21) with respect to the air flow direction (17), and the second opening (15) is arranged downstream of the fan (3, 13) in the housing (21) with respect to the air flow direction (17). [2] Fragrance device (1, 10) according to claim 1, characterized by that a fragrance chamber (22) is provided within the fragrance cartridge (2, 11), which has an air volume that can be saturated with fragrance. [3] Fragrance device (1, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressure generated by the blower (3, 13) in the area of the fragrance cartridge (2, 11) is lower than in an area directly behind the blower (3, 13). [4] Fragrance device (1, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a gas space (19) is provided within the housing (21), wherein fluid communication can be established between the gas space (19) and the fragrance chamber (22) of the fragrance cartridge (11) by opening the closure element (12). [5] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fragrance can be sucked in from the gas chamber (19) by the blower (13). [6] Fragrance device (1, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a carrier material is arranged within the fragrance cartridge (2, 11) which can be mixed with a fragrance. [7] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (21) has a third opening through which the fragrance cartridge (11) can be inserted into the housing (21) or removed from the housing (21). [8] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fragrance cartridge (11) and / or the closure element (12) can be surrounded by an air stream. [9] Fragrance device (1, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fan (3, 13) is formed by a radial fan or an axial fan. [10] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fragrance cartridge (11) and the closure element (12) are formed as a single structural unit. [11] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a plurality of fragrance cartridges (11) can be provided, wherein a single number of fragrance cartridges (11) or a plurality of fragrance cartridges (11) can be closed by a closure element (12) or by a plurality of closure elements (12). [12] Fragrance device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (21) forms a plurality of separate flow paths in the interior, wherein one or more fragrance cartridges (11) are assigned to each flow path. [13] Air conditioning system with a fragrance device (1, 10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the scenting device (1, 10) is arranged inside an air conditioning unit housing or on an air conditioning unit housing and fragrance can flow through the second opening (15) of the scenting device (10) into a flow channel inside the air conditioning unit or fragrance can flow through the second opening (15) of the scenting device (10) into a flow channel separate from the air conditioning unit.

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