Vehicle with a bracket and a fragrance dispenser connected to the bracket

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) with a holder (3) and a fragrance dispenser (2) connected to the holder (3) for scenting the interior of the vehicle (1), wherein the fragrance dispenser (2) comprises a solid soap body (4) containing at least one fragrance. The fragrance dispenser (2) is characterized in that it comprises a housing (5) enclosing the soap body (4) for storing the soap body (4), that the housing (5) comprises at least one opening (8) for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior, and that the housing (5) is designed such that the soap body (4) can be removed from the housing (5) for reuse as washing soap. Furthermore, the use of a fragrance dispenser (2) is proposed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a bracket and a fragrance dispenser connected to the bracket for scenting the interior of the vehicle, as well as the use of a fragrance dispenser for scenting the interior of a vehicle.

[0002] Fragrance dispensers are used in vehicle interiors to create a pleasant atmosphere, neutralize unpleasant odors, or enhance individual well-being during the journey. The fragrance is released either passively through evaporation or actively, for example, through the action of the airflow from the vehicle's ventilation system.

[0003] GB 2 349 869 A discloses a container suitable for cosmetics, perfumes, and the like, which consists of a solid material and comprises a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and an acid, preferably citric acid. The solid material foams up strongly upon immersion in water and dissolves or precipitates rapidly. The solid material thus directly yields a product such as bath salts or the like.

[0004] A fragrance dispenser is known from CN 201981175 U. The fragrance dispenser comprises an inner cavity connected to the outside by an opening. A characteristic feature is that the cavity contains a container for essential oil, the degree of opening of which can be regulated by a rotating adjustment mechanism with a control hole to control the release of the essential oil.

[0005] A holder for an aroma stone, suitable for use in a vehicle interior, is known from CN 218702625 U. This holder comprises a base plate, an inner lining, and a fastening strap. A recess is provided on the top of the base plate; the inner lining is positioned within this recess and also has a recess on its top surface. One end of the fastening strap is attached to the inner lining, while the other end is free. The fastening strap serves to secure and fix the aroma stone.

[0006] One disadvantage of existing solutions is that the fragrance dispensers used are designed as disposable products and must be completely discarded once their fragrance effect is exhausted. This not only leads to increased resource consumption but also regularly generates avoidable waste. Furthermore, some open fragrance sources, such as scented stones or liquid dispensers, are often unprotected against external influences like dust, dirt, or mechanical stress. This can result in the uncontrolled release of fragrance, contamination of the interior, or a deterioration of hygiene. The aesthetic appeal of the vehicle interior also suffers from dirty fragrance dispensers.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular to provide a resource-saving fragrance dispenser solution.

[0008] The problem is solved by a vehicle and the use of a fragrance dispenser with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims.

[0009] A vehicle is proposed with a holder and an integrated fragrance dispenser for scenting the vehicle interior. The fragrance dispenser comprises a solid soap body containing at least one fragrance. It is advantageous if the soap body includes a surfactant, preferably based on saponification products of vegetable oils or fats with alkalis. In particular, it is advantageous if the soap body is in a solid, dimensionally stable form, e.g., cuboid, cylindrical, or ellipsoidal. The term "soap body" includes both classic solid soaps and solid washing or cleaning agents suitable for body or surface cleaning.

[0010] The fragrance is preferably a volatile, odor-active substance or a mixture of such substances suitable for distributing a perceptible fragrance in the vehicle interior. It is advantageous if the fragrance is added to the soap body by mixing, impregnation, pressing, or incorporation during manufacturing. Preferably, the fragrance is selected to be released continuously or intermittently under the ambient conditions in the vehicle interior. Suitable fragrances include, for example, essential oils, synthetic fragrance compositions, or natural extracts.

[0011] Furthermore, the fragrance dispenser includes a housing that encloses the soap body for storing it. Preferably, the housing is designed such that it completely or at least partially surrounds, supports, and / or receives the soap body. In particular, it is advantageous if the housing mechanically holds, positions, and / or secures the soap body against slippage; the enclosure can be form-fitting, friction-fit, or simply space-defining. This protects the soap body, for example, against damage or contamination.

[0012] The housing has at least one opening for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior. This opening can be, for example, a single opening, a slotted structure, or several small perforations.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing is designed so that the soap body can be removed for reuse as washing soap. Preferably, after its function as a fragrance carrier in the vehicle interior, the soap body can be used, for example, for cleaning hands or surfaces. This contributes to resource conservation and the sustainability of the device and represents a functional advantage over conventional disposable fragrance dispensers.

[0014] It is advantageous if the housing is connected to the holder in such a way that it can be removed from the holder without the use of tools. Preferably, the holder is a component or structure on the vehicle that serves to mechanically secure the housing. The holder can be designed, in particular, as a clip, plug-in, magnetic, or clamp connection and can be located, for example, on air outlets, dashboard surfaces, or ventilation louvers of the vehicle. Alternatively, the ventilation louvers themselves can, for example, form the holder. Removing the housing from the holder without the use of tools allows for quick and user-friendly removal, e.g., for refilling or reusing the soap body.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fragrance dispenser includes a fastening element for attaching it to the holder. The fastening element can, for example, be designed as a magnet, with the holder preferably being designed as a magnet with the opposite polarity or as a metal element (of course, the holder itself can also be a magnet or include one that interacts with a metallic surface of the fragrance dispenser). This allows the fragrance dispenser to be easily attached to and removed from the holder.

[0016] Advantages arise when the fragrance dispenser includes a fixing unit for securing the soap body within the housing. This prevents the soap body from slipping, tilting, or falling out of the housing due to vehicle movement, vibrations, or shocks. The fixing unit can be designed, for example, as a clamping structure, elastic retaining element, snap-in device, molded insert, retaining frame, or even as a friction-fit inside the housing. Preferably, the fixing unit is integrated with the housing or is a separate component.

[0017] Furthermore, a housing that is essentially cuboid in shape offers advantages. For the purposes of the present invention, cuboid means that the housing has a substantially rectangular base shape, but does not necessarily have to have perfectly straight edges or flat surfaces. For example, rounded corners, slightly curved surfaces, or contoured shapes can be provided to improve visual integration into the vehicle interior or to facilitate handling. The soap dispenser itself, which is housed in the casing, can also have a corresponding shape, essentially based on the cuboid form, but which may also have rounded edges or a slightly curved surface. The essentially cuboid design allows for easy placement on flat surfaces or ventilation slots.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the housing is a single piece. A one-piece housing is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture and can, for example, be produced using injection molding. It has few or no moving parts, which increases mechanical stability and minimizes assembly effort.

[0019] Alternatively, a multi-part housing is advantageous. In particular, a two- or three-part housing offers benefits. This allows for better adaptation to different soap geometries and convenient handling by the user, as the housing can be easily opened and closed to insert or remove the soap bar.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the housing comprises at least two housing parts that are movable relative to each other. Preferably, the housing parts are designed such that the housing can be opened and the soap cartridge can be inserted or removed. This allows for a functional division of the housing, which particularly improves accessibility to the interior of the housing. Preferably, the housing parts are designed such that the housing can be opened by folding, sliding apart, twisting, or unlatching, so that the soap cartridge can be inserted or removed easily. This design not only facilitates the filling of the fragrance dispenser but also allows for the replacement of the soap cartridge, for example, for refilling or cleaning purposes.

[0021] It is advantageous if the housing includes at least one second opening opposite the first. Such an arrangement allows for improved air circulation within and around the soap body, which promotes efficient and even release of the fragrance into the vehicle interior. Good airflow through the housing increases the effectiveness of the fragrance release, even with minimal air movement.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, an extra opening can be arranged on another side of the housing. This allows for optimized airflow and the implementation of either a directed or diffuse fragrance release. Particularly with vehicle-side air intakes, the multiple openings can achieve a more aerodynamically efficient arrangement.

[0023] Preferably, the housing includes a perforation for the release of the fragrance from the housing into the vehicle interior. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "perforation" refers to a plurality of openings arranged in one or more wall surfaces of the housing. The perforation can consist of round, oval, slit-shaped, or polygonal openings, which may be evenly or irregularly distributed. The size, shape, and arrangement of the perforation are selected to ensure sufficient air permeability for the release of volatile fragrances from the interior of the housing into the surrounding environment.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the perforation can be wholly or partially covered by a semipermeable membrane, a filter fleece, or another permeable layer. Such a layer can, in particular, serve to prevent contamination, regulate the release of the fragrance, or improve hygiene and product safety.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the vehicle includes a control unit for monitoring the usage time of the fragrance dispenser, in particular the soap body.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, the control unit refers to an electronic computing unit, such as a vehicle control unit, a separate module or an integrated control circuit, which is equipped with suitable hardware and / or software to process, store and evaluate operating parameters of the fragrance dispenser.

[0027] Additionally, it is advantageous if the vehicle has a display unit, in particular a display, to show the usage time of the fragrance dispenser, especially the soap body.

[0028] Monitoring the usage duration refers to tracking the time the soap element is in use within the housing. This can be achieved by manually entering the insertion time of the soap element via the display unit (e.g., vehicle display, HMI (Human-Machine Interface), or smartphone app) or by automatic detection. Based on a predefined usage duration, such as in days, weeks, or operating hours, the control unit can then perform a check of the expiration period, signal a replacement time, or display the usage status. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be connected to sensors that monitor, for example, temperature, airflow, or fragrance intensity.

[0029] It is advantageous if the housing has a length of 30 to 120 millimeters, preferably 35 to 45 millimeters. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the width of the housing is 15 to 80 millimeters, preferably 20 to 30 millimeters. Additionally, it is advantageous if the height of the housing is between 10 and 40 millimeters, preferably 12 to 20 millimeters. The aforementioned dimensional ranges offer a good compromise between functionality, space requirements, visual integration, and versatility in the vehicle interior. This facilitates, for example, universal retrofitting in different vehicle models.

[0030] It is further suggested that an air freshener be used to scent a vehicle's interior. Targeted scenting of a vehicle's interior not only enhances the subjective well-being of the occupants but can also neutralize unpleasant odors, increase comfort, and create a personalized atmosphere. Particularly in enclosed vehicle interiors, such as those found in cars, trucks, motorhomes, or caravans, the air quality is significantly improved through the use of suitable fragrance carriers.

[0031] The fragrance dispenser comprises a solid soap body containing at least one fragrance. The dispenser includes a housing that encloses the soap body for storing it. The housing has at least one opening for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior. Preferably, the fragrance dispenser is positioned near vehicle air currents, such as at air outlets or ventilation grilles.

[0032] The casing is designed so that the soap body can be removed for reuse as a washing soap. Reuse means that after its primary use as a fragrance carrier, the soap body can still be used as a functional soap for cleaning hands or surfaces. This reuse increases sustainability, conserves resources, and reduces packaging waste. In particular, the soap body contains skin-friendly ingredients and is water-soluble to enable its use as a washing soap.

[0033] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a fragrance dispenser in a vehicle interior according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic and partially cutaway side view of a fragrance dispenser according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 3 A schematic side view of a vehicle with a fragrance dispenser according to a third embodiment.

[0034] In the following descriptions of the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical and / or at least comparable features in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and / or mode of action are usually only explained in detail upon their first mention. If individual features are not explained again in detail, their design and / or mode of action corresponds to the design and mode of action of the similarly functioning or identically named features already described with reference to the preceding or subsequent figures.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of an air freshener 2 in a vehicle interior according to a first embodiment. The air freshener 2 comprises a mounting element 10 by means of which it is attached to a bracket 3 in the vehicle interior of a vehicle 1. In the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the bracket 3 is designed as a ventilation louver of the dashboard of vehicle 1. However, the fragrance dispenser 2 or the corresponding bracket 3 could also be mounted in a different position in the interior of vehicle 1. The fastening element 10 of the fragrance dispenser 2 is designed as a plug connection. This allows the fragrance dispenser 2 to be detachably connected to the bracket 3, in particular without the use of tools.

[0036] The fragrance dispenser 2 comprises a housing 5 in which a soap body 4 is positioned. The housing 5 and the soap body 4 are in the Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is essentially cuboid in shape, but other shapes and configurations are also possible. The soap body 4 is a solid containing at least one fragrance. The casing 5 encloses the soap body 4, thus protecting it from external contamination.

[0037] Furthermore, the housing 5 is designed in multiple parts and comprises a first housing part 6 and a second housing part 7. The first housing part 6 serves to hold and store the soap body 4, whereas the second housing part 7 is provided for opening and closing the housing 5. The second housing part 7 is connected to the first housing part 6 by a hinge (not shown in detail), so that the second housing part 7 can be opened relative to the first housing part 6. Alternatively, the housing 5 could, for example, also be designed such that it can be opened by sliding it apart, twisting it, or unlatching it.

[0038] The housing 5 includes several openings 8 for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior. In the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the openings 8 on the first housing part 6 are arranged both laterally and frontally. Alternatively or additionally, the second housing part 7 can also have at least one opening 8. Preferably, the openings 8 are positioned such that air circulation around the soap body 4 is permitted. This ensures an efficient and uniform release of the fragrance into the vehicle interior of the vehicle 1.

[0039] Preferably, the soap body 4 fits snugly into the housing 5, so that it is secured against slipping, tipping or falling out.

[0040] In the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fragrance dispenser 2 is in its open state. In normal use, the soap bar 4 is inserted into the open fragrance dispenser 2 and then closed. Once the fragrance in the soap bar 4 has been used up, i.e., the soap bar 4 has at least partially lost its fragrance effect, the user can open the housing 5 and remove the soap bar 4. The soap bar 4 can then be reused as washing soap.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic and partially cutaway side view of a fragrance dispenser 2 according to a second embodiment. For clarity, the openings 8 have been shown in Fig. 2 not shown in the illustration. The fragrance dispenser 2 is detachably connected to the holder 3 via the fastening element 10. In this second embodiment, the fastening element 10 is designed as a magnet, and the holder 3 is also designed as a magnet. It is understood that the magnets are aligned so that they attract each other, thereby attaching the fragrance dispenser 2 to the holder 3. Alternatively, one of the two magnets can be replaced by a magnetic metal structure.

[0042] Mounting bracket 3 is permanently installed in vehicle 1. For clarity, in Fig. Figure 2 shows only a small section of a vehicle 1 schematically. Preferably, the holder 3 is arranged on the dashboard of the vehicle 1 so that the fragrance dispenser 2 is easily accessible to the user.

[0043] The fragrance dispenser 2 includes a fixing unit 9 for securing the soap body 4 within the housing 5. The fixing unit 9 is designed as a clamping structure. Alternatively, the fixing unit 9 can be designed, for example, as an elastic retaining element, a snap-fit ​​device, a molded insert, a retaining frame, or even as a friction-fit connection within the housing 5. Thanks to the fixing unit 9, the soap body 4 does not need to have the same shape as the interior of the housing 5. Furthermore, the fixing unit 9 allows the use of soap bodies 4 of different sizes.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 1 with a fragrance dispenser 2 according to a third embodiment (the components designated with reference numerals 2, 11 and 12 are of course placed inside the vehicle, but are shown for better understanding in Fig. 3 (still visible). Preferably, the fragrance dispenser 2 with the holder 3 is positioned on air outlets, dashboard surfaces, or ventilation louvers of the vehicle 1. Attaching it to air outlets or ventilation louvers allows the released fragrance to be distributed precisely and evenly throughout the vehicle interior. Furthermore, this placement saves space and does not impair other vehicle functions. Positioning it on dashboard surfaces allows easy access for inserting or replacing the soap body 4. For clarity, the holder is shown in the diagram. Fig. The third embodiment shown in section 3 is not shown.

[0045] Vehicle 1 includes a control unit 11 for monitoring the usage time of the fragrance dispenser 2. Furthermore, vehicle 1 has a display unit 12 for displaying the usage time of the fragrance dispenser 2 and / or soap body 4. In the Fig.In the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, the display unit 12 is designed as a vehicle display. Alternatively, the display unit 12 can also be designed as a display, HMI, or smartphone app.

[0046] In normal use, the user can enter the insertion time of the soap element 4 into the housing 5 via the display unit 12. This unit transmits the information to the control unit 11. A predefined usage period, for example, can be stored in the control unit 11. This allows the display unit 12 to show the usage period of the soap element 4 and to notify the user when the usage period has expired and the soap element 4 needs to be replaced. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 vehicle 2 fragrance dispensers 3 brackets 4 soap bodies 5 cases 6 first housing part 7 second housing part 8 Opening 9 Fixing unit 10 Fastening element 11 Control unit 12 Display unit 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] GB 2 349 869 A

[0003] CN 201981175 U

[0004] CN 218702625 U

[0005]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) with a holder (3) and a fragrance dispenser (2) connected to the holder (3) for fragranced interior of the vehicle (1), wherein the fragrance dispenser (2) comprises a solid soap body (4) containing at least one fragrance, characterized by , that the fragrance dispenser (2) includes a housing (5) enclosing the soap body (4) for storing the soap body (4), that the housing (5) includes at least one opening (8) for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior, and that the housing (5) is designed in such a way that the soap body (4) can be removed from the housing (5) for secondary use as washing soap. [2] Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the housing (5) is connected to the holder (3) in such a way that it can be removed from the holder (3) without the use of a tool. [3] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fragrance dispenser (2) includes a fixing unit (9) for fixing the soap body (4) in the housing (5). [4] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (5) is essentially cuboid in shape. [5] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (5) is made in one piece or in multiple pieces, preferably in two pieces or in three pieces. [6] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (5) comprises at least two housing parts (6, 7) that are movable relative to each other, so that the housing (5) can be opened and the soap body (4) can be inserted or removed. [7] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (5) comprises at least one second opening (8) opposite the opening (8) and / or arranged on another side of the housing (5) and / or a perforation for the fragrance to escape from the housing (5) into the vehicle interior. [8] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle (1) includes a control unit (11) for monitoring the usage time of the fragrance dispenser (2), in particular the soap body (4), and / or a display unit (12), in particular a display, for displaying the usage time of the fragrance dispenser, in particular the soap body (4). [9] Vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the case (5) has a length of 30 to 120 millimeters and / or a width of 15 to 80 millimeters and / or a height of 10 to 40 millimeters. [10] Use of a fragrance dispenser (2) for scenting the interior of a vehicle (1), wherein the fragrance dispenser (2) comprises a solid soap body (4) with at least one fragrance substance, characterized by , that the fragrance dispenser (2) includes a housing (5) enclosing the soap body (4) for storing the soap body (4), that the housing (5) includes at least one opening (8) for the fragrance to escape into the vehicle interior, and that the housing (5) is designed in such a way that the soap body (4) can be removed from the housing (5) for secondary use as washing soap.

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