Aromatic keyring for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aromatic key fob (100). The key fob (100) comprises an outer casing (102), a control unit (108) connected to a plurality of input units (106), and an aroma dispensing unit (200). The aroma dispensing unit (200) comprises a rechargeable battery (202) connected to the control unit (108); a reservoir (204) suitable for holding one or more aromatic liquids; an actuator (206) communicatively connected to the rechargeable battery (202) and the control unit (108). The actuator (206) is configured to facilitate the flow of compressed air from the environment into the reservoir (204); and a conduit (208) configured to fluidically connect the actuator (206) to the reservoir (204).An outlet nozzle (210) is fluidically connected to the container (204) to release the aromatic air passed through the container (204) into the surroundings. The aromatic key fob allows the user to take the same fragrance with them wherever they wish.

Description

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

[0001] The following description explains the invention and how it is to be implemented in more detail. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a key fob for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an aromatic key fob that is integrated with an aroma dispensing unit. BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicle manufacturers are constantly developing their processes and systems to produce vehicles with greater utility and efficiency for their customers and users. Vehicle manufacturing always demands precision and a certain level of aesthetic appeal that meets customer expectations for a quality product and its delivery reliability. As people's living standards continue to improve, so do their expectations. Vehicle manufacturers are now rapidly moving towards producing vehicles that offer users more and more diverse functions, such as automating various vehicle-related processes.

[0004] Vehicle manufacturers are also focusing on vehicle aesthetics, incorporating additional features to facilitate various operations and enhance the vehicle's appearance. One such feature is keyless entry, along with other functions like key fobs that simplify unlocking doors, turning on headlights, starting the engine, and similar actions. Furthermore, the fragrance within the vehicle's interior, specifically the passenger compartment, plays a significant role in creating a pleasant ambiance for passengers. Typically, users purchase a separate fragrance diffuser and place it in the passenger compartment or attach it to the vehicle's air vents to enhance the interior experience.The device consists of a container filled with a fragrance. If the user wishes to have the same fragrance in their room, apartment, or anywhere other than the passenger compartment, they must either purchase a separate device and store it elsewhere, or carry the same device with them to every location where they desire the same fragrance. This can be inconvenient and cumbersome for the user / passenger, as it is a separate item or device.

[0005] Vehicle manufacturers have sought, proposed, and implemented various solutions to address the aforementioned problems. More recently, they have developed devices to disperse aromatic liquids into the vehicle's surroundings. However, these fragrance dispensers are stationary and cannot be carried around. Over time, the fragrance may become ineffective, and changing the scent requires replacing the entire refill pack. Furthermore, none of these devices are integrated into the vehicle's key fob, and conventional key fobs serve only specific purposes, such as locking / unlocking the vehicle, opening the trunk, or starting the engine.

[0006] One of the existing key fobs for a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. patent application US20240001887A1 [hereinafter referred to as Publication '887]. Publication '887 discloses a device for opening at least one door of a motor vehicle. The key fob disclosed in '887 comprises a reservoir for storing disinfectant fluid in an interior of the reservoir. The reservoir includes a pressure mechanism for dispensing the disinfectant fluid from the interior into the surroundings of the device. However, Publication '887 does not disclose any means or mechanisms for dispensing an atomized aromatic liquid into the surroundings.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] One or more shortcomings of conventional key fobs or fragrance dispensers are overcome, and additional benefits are created by an aromatized key fob for a vehicle with a fragrance dispenser unit.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an aromatic key fob for a vehicle. The key fob can include a variety of input devices, such as physical buttons, touch buttons, touchscreens, and the like, which facilitate the operation of various processes related to the vehicle, such as opening doors, turning on headlights, starting the engine, and the like. The aromatic key fob can also include an aromatic diffusion unit consisting of a rechargeable battery, an actuator, an aromatic reservoir, and a nozzle for spraying aromatics into the environment. The key fob is connected to the aromatic diffusion unit to form a single, unified structure.Integrating the design features and functionality of the aroma diffuser into the key fob allows the user or occupant to take the same fragrance with them wherever they want. Furthermore, using a rechargeable battery for the aroma diffuser eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements. A communicable connection between the aroma diffuser and a main unit / central console or personal digital assistant facilitates automatic activation of the actuator, i.e., the automatic distribution of the fragrance at predefined frequencies and intervals. The fragrance fluid stored in the diffuser's reservoir can be easily replaced or refilled without the need for bulky refill containers.The user or occupant can easily adjust the frequency with which the key fob should spread the scent.

[0010] Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail here and are considered part of the claimed disclosure.

[0011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an aromatic key fob for a vehicle is disclosed. The aromatic key fob comprises an outer housing with provisions for positioning a plurality of input units. The input units are configured to selectively trigger predefined operations related to the vehicle. The aromatic key fob includes a control unit that is communicatively connected to the input units and is arranged in an inner housing located within the outer housing. The key fob includes an aroma dispensing unit that is removably housed in the inner housing. The aroma diffusion unit includes at least one rechargeable battery connected to the control unit. The aroma diffusion unit includes at least one reservoir suitable for receiving one or more aromatic liquids.The aroma dispensing unit further comprises an actuator that is communicatively connected to the battery and the control unit. The actuator is configured to facilitate the flow of compressed air from the environment into the reservoir. The aroma dispensing unit further comprises at least one line configured to fluidically connect the actuator to the reservoir. The line is designed to allow the compressed air expelled by the actuator to flow into the reservoir. The aroma dispensing unit further comprises at least one outlet nozzle that is fluidly connected to the container to release the aromatic air passed through the container into the environment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the key fob includes a charging port suitable for receiving a charging cable to facilitate charging the rechargeable battery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aromatic key fob includes an inlet opening suitable for receiving air from the environment, extending from the inner housing towards the outer housing and in fluid communication with the actuator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery, the actuator, the reservoir and the cable are housed in a casing that is located inside the inner casing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aromatic key fob includes a sound-absorbing foam that is arranged between the housing and the inner housing to prevent the transmission of noise generated during the operation of the actuator into the environment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing is made of a polymeric material to provide support for the aroma dispensing unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aroma dispensing unit includes an injection port to facilitate the filling of the one or more aromatic liquids into the reservoir.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate the key fob with at least one main unit of the vehicle and a personal digital assistant via at least one of the following media: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC.

[0019] In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises a plurality of compartments suitable for holding different types of aromatic liquids with different scents.

[0020] In one embodiment, the line comprises a first end that is in fluid communication with an outlet of the actuator. The line comprises a second end that is connected to the reservoir, such that the second end has a narrow cross-section to atomize the compressed air expelled by the actuator.

[0021] In one embodiment, both the main unit and the personal digital assistant include a display unit configured to show the charge level of the rechargeable battery and the contents of the aromatic liquid in the reservoir, and the display unit includes a variety of touch-sensitive sections to vary the frequency and duration of the diffusion of aromatic air into the environment.

[0022] In another, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing aromatic air from a key fob with an aroma dispensing unit is disclosed. The method comprises: authenticating the presence of the key fob, which is connected to a corresponding vehicle, by a head unit and / or a personal digital assistant. The method comprises connecting the key fob to the head unit and / or the personal digital assistant by a control unit via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or NFC. The method comprises actuating a plurality of touch-sensitive sections provided on a display unit of the head unit and / or the personal digital assistant to vary the frequency and duration of the dispensing of aromatic air into the environment.

[0023] It is understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above can be used in combination with one another. Several of the aspects and embodiments can be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] The preceding summary serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and features will become clear through reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ENCLOSED DRAWINGS

[0025] The new features and properties of the disclosure are set forth in the attached claims. However, the disclosure itself, as well as a use, further objectives and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which identical reference numerals represent identical elements and in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of an aromatic key fob for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an outer casing of the aromatic key ring made of Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the aromatic key ring made of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an inner casing of the key fob. Fig. 1, in which an aroma delivery unit is housed according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a section of the inner casing of Fig. 4 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view of the aromatic key ring made of Fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an aroma delivery unit ( Fig. 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a main unit of a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The figures show embodiments of the disclosure for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods presented herein can be used without deviating from the objective of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] While the embodiments described in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures and are described below. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the disclosed forms, but rather, on the contrary, to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] It is noted that a person skilled in the art will be motivated by the present disclosure to modify a key fob for a vehicle, preferably an aromatic key fob for a vehicle, which may vary for different vehicle manufacturing industries. Such modifications should, however, be interpreted within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are important for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art familiar with the present description. For the sake of simplicity, neither the complete vehicle nor the complete occupant of the vehicle is shown in the drawings.

[0029] The terms “includes”, “contains”, or other variations thereof used in the disclosure cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a device comprising a list of components may contain not only those components but also other components not expressly listed or belonging to such an arrangement. In other words, one or more elements in an arrangement or device introduced by “includes ... a” does not, without further limitations, exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a key fob, in particular an aromatic key fob for a vehicle. The aromatic key fob is equipped with an aroma release unit configured to release various types of fragrances into the surroundings or environment. The aromatic key fob may hereinafter be referred to as a "key fob," "key fob device," or "key device." The key fob is configured to open at least one vehicle door, but is not limited to doing so. The key fob may also be configured to operate or trigger the vehicle's headlights, start the vehicle's engine or power generation unit, and the like. The vehicle may include a frame or chassis configured to support the vehicle's suspension or chassis.It supports the vehicle's body structure and vehicle components such as power generation units, air conditioning systems, exhaust systems (in vehicles with internal combustion engines), and the like. The chassis incorporates provisions to facilitate the mounting of at least two front ground-penetrating elements and at least two rear ground-penetrating elements. The vehicle includes a power generation unit (alternatively referred to as the "power unit") mounted on the chassis and configured to supply power to at least one of the front ground-penetrating elements and the rear ground-penetrating elements. The front ground-penetrating elements may alternatively be referred to as the "front wheels" and the rear ground-penetrating elements may alternatively be referred to as the "rear wheels" of the vehicle. Furthermore, depending on the size and type of vehicle, it may have more than two front and more than two rear ground-penetrating elements.

[0031] The vehicle can comprise a front section, a middle section, and a rear section, such that the power generation unit and other associated components are mounted on the front section of the vehicle. The power generation unit is preferably covered by the vehicle's hood. Furthermore, the front section of the vehicle includes at least two headlight units mounted on the vehicle's frame to provide illumination when driving in dark environments.

[0032] The vehicle can be described as a front-wheel-drive vehicle if the power generation unit transmits power to the vehicle's front wheels to propel it. Similarly, the vehicle can be defined as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle if the power generation unit transmits power to the vehicle's rear wheels to propel it. Furthermore, the vehicle is described as an all-wheel-drive vehicle if the power generation unit is configured to transmit power to all of the vehicle's wheels to enable it to travel on rough terrain, preferably for off-road and adventure activities.

[0033] The power-generating unit can be an internal combustion engine configured to generate electricity by burning hydrocarbons as fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, and the like. The power-generating unit can also be a traction motor driven by a high-voltage battery, which supplies the vehicle's traction motor with electrical current. The traction motor is coupled to the front wheels, rear wheels, or all wheels of the vehicle to propel it. Vehicles powered by the traction motor are referred to as electric vehicles. The console system disclosed in this disclosure can be installed in any type of vehicle as disclosed herein, but is not limited to them.

[0034] The central section of the vehicle comprises the passenger compartment or cabin, extending from the front to the rear. The passenger compartment may contain a cabin with multiple seats to facilitate the seating of the occupants or the driver. It also includes a steering system for maneuvering the vehicle in a desired direction, a dashboard with various buttons, switches, gauges, a main control unit, a center console, and similar components for operating various vehicle functions, as well as enhancing the vehicle's aesthetics and providing comfort for the driver or passengers. The rear section of the vehicle may include a trunk suitable for storing the luggage of the occupants or the driver.The rear section of the vehicle may include a taillight configured to illuminate in various situations, e.g., when the brakes are applied, etc.

[0035] The passenger compartment has a floor panel attached to the vehicle's frame or chassis. The passenger compartment may further comprise at least two rows of seats attached to the floor panel, such that each of the at least two rows of seats comprises at least two seats arranged side by side. The seats in the passenger compartment may be mounted back-to-back or facing each other on the floor panel. Alternatively, the seats may be movably mounted on the passenger compartment floor panel by employing various mechanisms to facilitate movement, including linear and rotational movement of the seats. Each seat in the at least two rows of seats may have a seat cushion and a backrest to provide support and comfort to the occupant seated therein.The seat may also have a headrest, preferably a movable headrest, to support the head of the occupant sitting on the seat.

[0036] The aromatic key fob consists of an outer casing and an inner casing located within the outer casing. The outer casing may also be referred to as the outer housing, first casing, first sheath, or similar terms. Similarly, the inner casing may be referred to as the inner casing, second casing, second sheath, or similar terms. The outer casing may be made of a highly refined metallic material or alloy, which provides a good aesthetic impression to the user holding the key fob. The outer casing may include provisions for positioning a variety of input devices. These provisions may be defined as recesses, slots, or any negative space suitable for receiving the input devices.The input devices can be physical buttons, switches, touch panels, touch buttons, and similar devices configured to receive input from the occupant or user to trigger or activate various vehicle-related operations. The input devices are configured to selectively trigger predefined vehicle-related operations. These predefined operations may include opening at least one vehicle door, turning on the headlights, starting the engine, opening the trunk, or similar actions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the key fob can include a control unit that is communicatively connected to the input units and is located within the inner housing. The inner housing is located within the outer housing, preferably within a cutout defined in the outer housing. The key fob with flavorings further includes a flavor diffusion unit that is detachably housed within the inner housing. The flavor dispensing unit can alternatively be referred to as an "flavoring dispenser unit," but this is not limited to that term. The flavor dispensing unit can include at least one rechargeable battery connected to the control unit. The flavor dispensing unit can include at least one reservoir suitable for holding one or more flavoring liquids. The flavor dispensing unit can further include an actuator that is communicatively connected to the battery and the control unit.The actuator is configured to facilitate the flow of compressed air from the environment into the reservoir. The aroma dispensing unit may include at least one line configured to fluidically connect the actuator to the reservoir. This line is designed to allow the compressed air expelled by the actuator to flow into the reservoir. The aroma dispensing unit may also include at least one outlet nozzle connected to the reservoir to release the aromatic air passed through the reservoir into the environment. The aromatic key fob can be placed in a room, easily carried by the user to any desired location, and can thus be used as an aroma dispenser or fragrance release device.

[0038] In the following sections, the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 8 are described. In the figures, the same element or elements having similar functions are identified by the same reference numerals. By general reference to the drawings, an aromatic key fob according to the teachings of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure is shown and is generally identified in the corresponding figures by reference numeral 100. Other features and elements of the aromatic key fob (100) are represented in the corresponding figures by corresponding reference numerals [see list of reference numerals], and these are used below according to the respective feature. The complete vehicle is not shown in the corresponding figures for better understanding of the invention.

[0039] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound to any theory presented in the preceding background, summary, or detailed description. It should be understood that the disclosure may take various alternative orientations and sequences of steps unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices or components shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims.Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical properties relating to the embodiments are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some specific terms are used that point in a particular direction, the use of these terms or words is solely intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not unreasonably restrict the technical scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here serve descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," as well as their variations, are used in the broadest sense and include both direct and indirect fastenings, connections, supports, and couplings. Furthermore, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used here serves to illustrate certain embodiments and is not to be understood as limiting the claimed invention.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary configuration of the aromatic key fob (100). The aromatic key fob (100) may be referred to as a “key fob” or “key device,” but is not limited to these terms. The key fob (100) may comprise an outer casing (102) and an inner casing (104) suitable for receiving within an outer casing (102). The outer casing (102) may be made of a metallic material, a metallic alloy, or the like, but is not limited to these materials. The outer casing (102) is provided with provisions (102a) suitable for receiving the inner casing (104). The provisions (102a) may be defined as cutouts or as a cavity defined by a circumscribing wall of the outer casing (102), as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the outer housing (102) may also include a clamping element (102b) that is integrally formed with the outer housing (102) to facilitate the attachment of the key fob (100) to a hook-like structure for connecting a key chain to the key fob (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the provisions (102a) in the outer housing (102) facilitate the positioning of a plurality of input units (106). The input units (106) are configured to selectively trigger predefined operations related to the vehicle. The input units (106) may alternatively be referred to as buttons, switches, touch buttons, touch panels, and the like. The input units (106) are configured to receive user input to selectively trigger predefined operations. The input units (106) may alternatively be referred to as "buttons," but are not limited to this term.The input units (106) are mounted with or covered by a keypad (106a), as shown in . Fig. 3 shown. The keypad (106a) serves to prevent the ingress of dust particles, moisture or other foreign bodies into the vicinity of the input units (106).

[0041] In one embodiment, the key fob (100) comprises a control unit (108) that is communicatively connected to the input units (106). The control unit (108) is located within the inner housing (104) of the key fob (100). The control unit (108) is configured to communicatively connect the key fob (100) to at least one main unit (300) of the vehicle and a personal digital assistant via at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The control unit (108) can be defined as a microprocessor, PCB, microchip, control unit, and the like. The control unit (108) can comprise at least one Bluetooth chip, one Wi-Fi chip, or one NFC chip configured to communicate with the key fob (100) and at least one main unit (300), as described in [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 8 shown, and can communicate with a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) (not shown in the figure). Alternatively, the key fob (100) can be communicated with the main unit (300) via conventional wireless connection means.

[0042] The vehicle may comprise a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate section between the front and rear sections. The intermediate section includes an occupant compartment or passenger compartment extending from the end of the front section to the beginning of the rear section of the vehicle. The passenger compartment may form a cabin or an area with a variety of seats (not shown in the figures) to facilitate seating for the occupants or the driver. The passenger compartment also includes a steering system for maneuvering the vehicle in a desired direction, a dashboard with a variety of buttons, switches, gauges, and the like for operating or activating various functions of the vehicle, and also for enhancing the aesthetics and providing comfort for the driver or occupants seated in the passenger compartment.The main unit (300) is mounted on the vehicle's dashboard and can alternatively be referred to as the vehicle's center console. Once the key fob (100) is communicatively connected to the main unit (300), the container can trigger several operations using various input modes, such as a console located between adjacent seats in the second row of the vehicle, a tablet, or any user interface connected to the vehicle and integrally integrated with the main unit (300). In one exemplary embodiment, the user can control or trigger various operations via a display unit (302) provided in the vehicle's main unit (300). The display unit (302) can alternatively be referred to as a screen configured to display content and also receive user input via a touch panel integrated into the display unit (302).

[0043] In one embodiment, the flavored key fob (100) comprises a flavor dispensing unit (200) which is detachably housed in the inner casing (104), as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the aroma release unit (200) can alternatively be called an "aroma dispenser unit" or "fragrance dispenser unit" or simply a "diffusion unit", but is not limited to these terms. The aroma release unit (200) comprises at least one rechargeable battery (202), at least one reservoir (204), one actuator (206), at least one line (208), and at least one outlet nozzle (210), as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the rechargeable battery (202), the actuator (206), the reservoir (204) and the line (208) are housed in a casing (212) which is arranged inside the inner casing (104), as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows the rechargeable battery (202), which can be defined as a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this. The rechargeable battery (202) is connected to the control unit (108) to power the control unit (108). The control unit (108) may also include a charging circuit configured to charge the rechargeable battery (202) wirelessly or via a charging cable. The rechargeable battery (202) may include a magnet or electromagnet that enables wireless charging of the rechargeable battery (202) via a wireless charging pad.

[0044] The key fob (100) can have a charging port (110) suitable for receiving a charging cable (not shown in the figures) to facilitate charging, preferably wired charging, of the rechargeable battery (202). The outer housing (102) and the inner housing (104) of the key fob (100) can be provided with charging slots (110a, 110b) that correspond to the shape and size of the charging port (110), so that the charging cable is adapted to be guided through the charging slots (110a, 110b) before making an electrical connection with the charging port (110). Alternatively, the charging port (110) can be defined as a "socket" suitable for receiving the "plug" of the charging cable to initiate the charging process of the rechargeable battery (202).The rechargeable battery (202) may include a charge detector configured to detect the amount of charge remaining in the battery. The charge detector may be communicatively connected to the control unit (108) to transmit the detected remaining charge to the control unit (108). The control unit (108) is configured to process the data and transmit the information to the main unit (300) and / or the PDA to facilitate the display of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (202) to the user via the display unit (302).

[0045] The reservoir (204) can hold one or more aromatic liquids with different fragrances. In an exemplary embodiment, the reservoir (204) can include a plurality of compartments suitable for holding different types of aromatic liquids with different fragrances. The reservoir (204) can include a mixing mechanism or a separate compartment to facilitate the mixing of different aromatic liquids to create a unique and blended fragrance. The reservoir (204) is connected to a device that facilitates refilling the aromatic liquids in the reservoir (204). The reservoir (204) can include a sensor that detects the fill level of the aromatic liquid present in the reservoir (204) and transmits the detected data to the control unit (108).The control unit (108) is configured to process the data and transmit the information to the main unit (300) and / or the PDA to display the remaining aromatic liquids in the container (204) to the user via the display unit (302).

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator (206) can be defined as an air pump, preferably a miniature air pump, configured to draw in ambient air and increase the air pressure. The actuator (206) is communicatively connected to the rechargeable battery (202) and the control unit (108). The control unit (108) controls the predefined operation of the actuator (206) depending on the inputs provided by the user via the main unit (300), a PDA, or another input device connected to the vehicle, such as tablets, screens mounted between adjacent second-row seats, etc. The actuator (206) is configured to facilitate the flow of compressed air from the environment into the reservoir (204). The aromatic key fob (100) includes an inlet opening (206a) suitable for drawing in ambient air.The inlet opening (206a) extends from the inner housing (104) towards the outer housing (102) and is fluidically connected to the actuator (206), as shown in . Fig. 5 shown. The outer casing (102) and the inner casing (104) are provided with inlet openings (206b, 206c), as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the inlet openings (206b, 206c) having a structure that corresponds to the structure of the inlet opening (206a). The inlet openings (206b, 206c) are designed to accommodate the inlet opening (206a) extending from the actuator (206). The inlet opening (206a) is in fluid communication with the actuator (206) to prevent any escape of air during operation of the actuator (206).

[0047] The aromatic key fob (100) includes a sound-absorbing foam (214) arranged between the housing (212) and the inner housing (104). The foam is referred to in the preceding description as "sound-absorbing foam" (214) because it prevents the transmission of noise generated during the operation of the actuator (206) to the surrounding environment. The sound-absorbing foam (214) can be replaced by any sound-reducing or sound-absorbing material that prevents the transmission of sound from the actuator (206) during operation. The aroma dispensing unit (200) includes an injection port (216) to facilitate the filling of the one or more aromatic liquids into the reservoir (204).The injection port (216) can be divided into several connecting ports configured to fluidically connect the injection port (216) to the respective compartment of the reservoir (204) to facilitate refilling with different types of aromatic fluids. The injection port (216) can include a one-way valve that prevents the flow of aromatic fluid from the reservoir (204) into the environment and allows unidirectional flow of aromatic fluid from an external aromatic fluid container into the reservoir (204).

[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one line (208) is configured to fluidically connect the actuator (206) to the reservoir (204), as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown. The line (208) is designed so that the compressed air expelled by the actuator (206) can flow into the reservoir (204). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the line (208) comprises a first end (208a) and a second end (208b) opposite the first end (208a). The first end (208a) is fluidically connected to an outlet of the actuator (206), which can receive the compressed air expelled by the actuator (206). The second end (208b) is fluidically connected to the reservoir (204), such that the second end (208b) has a narrow cross-section to atomize the compressed air expelled by the actuator (206). The second end (208b) can be inserted into the reservoir (204), and the narrow cross-section at the second end (208b) atomizes droplets of the aromatic fluid stored in the reservoir (204), producing a fine mist. The at least one outlet nozzle (210) connected to the container (204) is configured to release the aromatic air flowing through the container (204) into the environment.In one embodiment, the outlet nozzle (210) is configured to release the fine mist of fragrance or aromatic liquid that is produced by mixing the compressed air expelled by the actuator (206) with the aromatic liquid present in the container (204).

[0049] In Fig.Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the main unit (300) of the vehicle. The main unit (300) includes at least one display unit (302). The display unit (302) may include a screen (302a) configured to display various vehicle-related information. The display unit (302) may also include a touch panel located behind the screen (302a) configured to receive user input through touch. Once the key fob (100) is communicatively connected to the main unit (300), the user can access a specific application or touch a specific button connected to the aroma diffusion unit (200).When the user clicks or touches the corresponding symbol associated with the aroma dispensing unit (200), a window or display opens showing various parameters associated with the aroma dispensing unit (200). In one embodiment, the display unit (302) is configured to show the charge level of the rechargeable battery (202) and the amount of aromatic liquid in the reservoir (204). The display unit (302) includes several touch-sensitive sections (302b) to vary the frequency and duration of aromatic air diffusion into the environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the display unit (302) includes a first symbol (302c) that indicates the fill level of the aromatic liquid present in the reservoir (204). The display unit (302) may further include a second symbol (302d) that indicates the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery (202).The display unit (302) may contain additional special symbols to display various parameters related to the aroma delivery unit (200).

[0050] In a working implementation, a method for releasing aromatic air from the aromatic key fob (100) is disclosed. The method comprises authenticating the presence of the aromatic key fob (100), which is connected to a corresponding vehicle, by a main unit (300) and / or a personal digital assistant; connecting the aromatic key fob (100) to the main unit (300) and / or the personal digital assistant via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and / or NFC by a control unit (108); and actuation by a plurality of touch-sensitive sections provided on a display unit of the main unit (300) and / or the personal digital assistant to vary the frequency and duration of the release of aromatic air into the environment.

[0051] In another embodiment, if the user wishes to operate the aroma dispensing unit (200) via their PDA, e.g., their mobile phone, they must open a special application installed on their PDA. Once the application is open, the user activates the key fob (100) so that the key fob (100) can be detected by the application via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. The application performs authentication by comparing the unique ID of the key fob (100) with the user's user ID after the user has logged into the application. Once the key fob (100) is authenticated, the user can see the name associated with the key fob (100) in the list of nearby devices that have Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / NFC enabled.The user can connect the key fob (100) to their PDA via the application and control various operations related to the aroma dispensing unit (200) integrated into the key fob (100).

[0052] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the integration of the design features / elements and the functionality of the aroma dispensing unit inside the key fob offers the user or occupant the possibility of taking the same fragrance to any desired location.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequent replacement of batteries is avoided by using a rechargeable battery for the aroma dispensing unit.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communicable connection of the aroma dispensing unit with a main unit / central console or a personal digital assistant enables the automatic actuation or triggering or activation of the actuator, i.e., the automatic distribution of the fragrance at a predefined frequency and time intervals.

[0055] It is self-evident that a person skilled in the art can develop an aromatic key fob for a vehicle with a similar configuration without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations can be made without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that this disclosure covers such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056] Regarding the use of terms in the plural and / or singular, the expert may translate from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural, depending on the context and / or application. For the sake of clarity, the various singular / plural permutations are explicitly listed here.

[0057] The person skilled in the art will understand that the terms used here, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the parts of the appended claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "with" as "with at least", the term "comprises" as "comprises but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of introduced claims is intended, such intention will be expressly stated in the claim, and if no such statement is made, no such intention exists. For better understanding, the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" may be used in the following claims, for example, to introduce claim formulations.However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted as limiting a particular claim containing such an introduced claim to inventions containing only one such claim, even if the same claim contains the introductory expressions "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of specific articles to introduce claims. Even if a particular number of introduced claims is explicitly mentioned, the person skilled in the art recognizes that such mention should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the stated number (e.g.,The mere mention of "two mentions" without other modifiers typically means at least two mentions or two or more mentions. Furthermore, in cases where a convention is used analogously to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", such a construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system with at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art know that virtually any disjunctive word and / or disjunctive phrase with two or more alternative terms in the description, claims, or drawings is to be understood as including the possibility of one of the terms, one of the terms, or both of them.For example, the phrase "A or B" includes the possibilities "A" or "B" or "A and B". Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed here, other aspects and embodiments are obvious to the person skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed here serve for illustration and are not to be understood as limiting, the true scope being specified by the following claims. Reference symbol list: 100 Aromatic Keychains 102 Outer casing 102a Precautions 102b clamping element 104 Inner casing 106 input units 106a Keypad 108 Control unit 110 charging port 110a, 110b charging slot 200 aroma release units 202 Rechargeable Battery 204 Reservoir 206 Actuator 206a Entrance 206b, 206c Inlet holes 208 Management 208a First End 208b Second End 210 exhaust nozzle 212 cases 214 Sound-absorbing foam 216 Injection port 300 main unit 302 Display unit 302a screen 302b Touch-sensitive sections 302c First symbol 302d Second Symbol QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 20240001887A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Aromatic key fob (100) for a vehicle, wherein the aromatic key fob (100) comprises: an outer housing (102) with provisions (102a) for positioning a plurality of input units (106), wherein the input units (106) are configured to selectively trigger predefined operations associated with the vehicle; a control unit (108) which is communicatively connected to the input units (106) and is arranged in an inner housing (104) which is located inside the outer housing (102); an aroma dispensing unit (200) which is removably received in the inner housing (104); wherein the aroma dispensing unit (200) comprises: at least one rechargeable battery (202) connected to the control unit (108); at least one reservoir (204) suitable for receiving one or more aromatic fluids; an actuator (206) that is communicatively connected to the rechargeable battery (202) and the control unit (108), wherein the actuator (206) is configured to facilitate the flow of compressed air from the environment into the reservoir (204); at least one line (208) configured to fluidically connect the actuator (206) to the reservoir (204), wherein the line (208) is designed to allow a flow of the compressed air expelled by the actuator (206) into the reservoir (204); at least one outlet nozzle (210) which is in fluid communication with the container (204) in order to release the aromatic air passed through the container (204) into the environment. [2] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein the key fob (100) comprises a charging port (110) suitable for receiving a charging cable to facilitate the charging of the rechargeable battery (202). [3] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein the key fob (100) has an inlet opening (206a) suitable for taking in air from the environment, and the inlet opening (206a) extends from the inner housing (104) towards the outer housing (102) and is in fluid communication with the actuator (206). [4] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery (202), the actuator (206), the reservoir (204) and the cable (208) are housed in a casing (212) which is arranged inside the inner casing (104). [5] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 4, wherein the key fob (100) comprises a sound-absorbing foam (214) arranged between the housing (212) and the inner housing (104) to prevent the transmission of noise generated during the operation of the actuator (206) to the environment, and wherein the housing (212) is made of a polymeric material to provide support for the aroma dispensing unit (200). [6] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein the aroma dispensing unit (200) comprises an injection port (216) to facilitate the filling of the one or more aromatic liquids into the reservoir (204). [7] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to communicate the key fob (100) with at least one main unit (300) of the vehicle and a personal digital assistant via at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC. [8] Aromatic key ring (100) according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir (204) comprises a plurality of compartments suitable for receiving different types of aromatic liquids with different scents, and wherein the line (208) comprises: a first end (208a) which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the actuator (206); a second end (208b) which is fluidly connected to the container (204) such that the second end (208b) is defined with a narrow cross-section to atomize the compressed air ejected by the actuator (206). [9] Aromatic key fob (100) according to claim 1, wherein both the main unit (300) and the personal digital assistant comprise a display unit (302) configured to display the charge level of the rechargeable battery (202) and the contents of the aromatic liquid in the reservoir (204), and wherein the display unit (302) comprises several touch-sensitive sections (302b) to vary the frequency and duration of the diffusion of the aromatic air into the environment. [10] Method for dispensing aromatic air from an aromatic key fob (100) comprising an aroma dispensing unit (200), the method comprising the following steps: Authentication of the presence of the aromatic key fob (100) associated with a corresponding vehicle by at least one main unit (300) and a personal digital assistant; Connecting the key fob (100) to the main unit (300) and / or the personal digital assistant via a control unit (108) using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and / or NFC; and Operation via a variety of touch-sensitive sections provided on a display unit of the main unit (300) and / or the personal digital assistant to vary the frequency and duration of the diffusion of aromatic air into the environment.

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