Fragrance device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fragrance device with at least one fragrance reservoir, in particular for a vehicle.

[0002] There are numerous variations of scenting devices for vehicles. The scenting of vehicle interiors is usually achieved via fragrance reservoirs filled with fragrances. These reservoirs are opened at intervals to optimize olfactory perception. The opening mechanism is usually implemented via electric motor-driven flaps. The size of the drives and flap mechanisms can take up a considerable amount of space. Furthermore, the construction of several moving components may require noise reduction measures. Furthermore, all components are individual and can only perform a single function. This can lead to high costs and weight.

[0003] DE 10 2013 221 351 A1 discloses a fragrance device comprising a fragrance cartridge, an actuator, and a flap element for opening and closing the fragrance cartridge. The fragrance cartridge has an opening that can be opened and closed by the flap element, which is movable by the actuator. The actuator is made of a shape memory alloy and / or a bimetal and is integrally formed with the flap element.

[0004] WO 2021 / 116562 A1 discloses a device for dispensing a fragrance, which is intended for installation in a vehicle interior and comprises a container for storing a fragrance that can be diffused into the passenger compartment by an atomization device. Furthermore, the device comprises a channel connected to the container and a closure element capable of managing the opening and closing of the channel. The closure element comprises at least one electroactive element, which assumes a position closing the channel when the at least one electroactive element is subjected to a first voltage, and assumes a position opening the channel when the at least one electroactive element is subjected to a second voltage different from the first voltage, which is in particular higher than the first voltage.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a fragrance device with at least one fragrance reservoir, which enables a quiet opening and closing of the at least one fragrance reservoir with a small installation space requirement and low weight.

[0006] This object is achieved by a scenting device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0007] In order to provide a scenting device with at least one fragrance reservoir, which enables quiet opening and closing of the at least one fragrance reservoir with a small installation space requirement and low weight, an outlet opening of the at least one fragrance reservoir can be closed via a closure device which is designed as a flexible printed circuit board actuator. In this case, the flexible printed circuit board actuator is designed with two layers in at least one area, so that a cover section of the printed circuit board actuator seals the outlet opening when de-energized and opens the outlet opening when energized. The flexible printed circuit board actuator comprises at least one flexible printed circuit board with an energizable first coil structure and with an energizable second coil structure. Alternatively, the flexible printed circuit board actuator comprises at least one flexible printed circuit board with an energizable first coil structure and with a permanent magnet.

[0008] Preferably, the two energizable coil structures can be electrically connected in series. In the assembled state of the flexible printed circuit board actuator, the first coil structure and the cover section can be arranged in a first layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board, which faces the outlet opening of the fragrance reservoir. The second coil structure can be arranged in a second layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board, which faces away from the outlet opening of the fragrance reservoir. Furthermore, the two layers of the at least one flexible printed circuit board can preferably be aligned with one another such that the two coil structures are arranged one above the other. In this case, the coil structures can, for example, be arranged in two separate flexible printed circuit boards, each forming one of the two layers.The two flexible circuit boards can be arranged one above the other with a predetermined distance between them.

[0009] In the alternative embodiment of the scenting device, when the flexible printed circuit board actuator is in the assembled state, the first coil structure and the cover section can be arranged in a first layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board, which faces the outlet opening of the fragrance reservoir. The permanent magnet can be arranged in a second layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board, which faces away from the outlet opening of the fragrance reservoir. Preferably, the two layers of the at least one flexible printed circuit board can be aligned with one another such that the first coil structure and the permanent magnet are arranged one above the other. In this case, the first coil structure and the permanent magnet can be arranged, for example, in two separate flexible printed circuit boards, each forming one of the two layers. The two flexible printed circuit boards can be arranged one above the other at a predetermined distance from one another.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the scenting device, at least one spring element can press at least the cover section of the first layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board with the first coil structure sealingly against an edge of the outlet opening, so that the two layers of the at least one flexible printed circuit board have a predetermined distance from one another in the de-energized state. In the embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator with two coil structures, a magnetic force generated by the energization of the two coil structures can move the first layer facing the outlet opening, comprising the first coil structure and the cover section, from the edge of the outlet opening in the direction of the second coil structure in the second layer of the flexible printed circuit board, so that the cover section of the first layer exposes the outlet opening.In the embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator with a first coil structure and a permanent magnet, a magnetic force generated by energizing the first coil structure and by the permanent magnet can move the first layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board facing the outlet opening with the first coil structure and the cover section against the force of the at least one spring element from the edge of the outlet opening in the direction of the permanent magnet in the second layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board, so that the cover section of the first layer releases the outlet opening.

[0011] By designing the closure device based on printed circuits on a flexible circuit board, quiet movement of the first layer of the flexible circuit board is possible while requiring minimal space. Furthermore, the first layer of the flexible circuit board also seals the outlet opening. The flexible circuit board with the printed coil structures can be mass-produced easily, cost-effectively, and with a low weight.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the scenting device, the first coil structure and the second coil structure or the first coil structure and the permanent magnet can be arranged in a common flexible circuit board, which has a first wave between the two coil structures or between the first coil structure and the permanent magnet, which deflects the common flexible circuit board and forms a first spring element. The first layer is thereby reset via the resilient properties of the flexible circuit board. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of components for implementing the flexible circuit board actuator. The first wave can be designed such that the two layers of the common flexible circuit board have a predetermined distance from one another when de-energized.

[0013] InIn a further advantageous embodiment of the scenting device, an end section of the common flexible circuit board can have a second waveform, which can deflect the common flexible circuit board again and form a second spring element, so that the cover section of the first layer of the common flexible circuit board facing the outlet opening can be pressed evenly against the edge of the outlet opening. The end section of the common flexible circuit board can be attached to the first layer after the second waveform.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the scenting device, the flexible circuit board can have a recess in the area of ​​the first wave and in the area of ​​the second wave, so that the first spring element and the second spring element can each have two spring legs. The dimensions and shape of the recess can be used to specify the spring forces generated by the two spring elements and adapt them to different designs.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the scenting device, a surface of the cover portion of the first layer of the at least one flexible printed circuit board facing the outlet opening can be designed as a sealing surface. For this purpose, a corresponding coating or sealing material can be applied to the cover portion of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0016] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate components or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic and partial representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a fragrance device according to the invention with at least one fragrance reservoir in an open position; Fig. 2 shows a schematic and partial representation of the fragrance device according to the invention in a closed position; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a flexible printed circuit board for a closure device of the fragrance device according to the invention. Fig. 1 and 2 before assembly; Fig. 4 a schematic and perspective view of the assembled closure device from Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a flexible circuit board for a closure device of the fragrance device according to the invention from Fig. 1 and 2 before assembly; and Fig. 6 a schematic and perspective view of the assembled closure device from Fig. 5 ;

[0017] As from Fig. 1 to 6As can be seen, the illustrated first embodiment of a scenting device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one fragrance reservoir 3, shown in detail. The at least one fragrance reservoir 3 has an outlet opening 5 which can be closed via a closure device 7, 7A, 7B. In this case, the closure device 7, 7A, 7B is designed as a flexible printed circuit board actuator 10, 10A, 10B, wherein the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10, 10A, 10B is designed in two layers in at least one area, so that a cover section 16 of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10, 10A, 10B seals the outlet opening 5 in the de-energized state and releases the outlet opening 5 in the energized state.

[0018] As from Fig. 1 to 6As can further be seen, in the illustrated embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10A, 10B each comprises at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B with an energizable first coil structure 12A and with an energizable second coil structure 12B. In the assembled state of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10, 10A, 10B, the first coil structure 12A and the cover section 16 are arranged in a first layer 11.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B, which faces the outlet opening 5 of the fragrance reservoir 3. The second coil structure 12B is arranged in a second layer 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B, which faces away from the outlet opening 5 of the fragrance reservoir 3.

[0019] As from Fig. 1, 2 , 4 and 6As can also be seen, the two layers 11.1, 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B are aligned with one another such that the two coil structures 12A, 12B are arranged one above the other. At least one spring element 14 presses at least the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B with the first coil structure 12A sealingly against an edge of the outlet opening 5, so that the two layers 11.1, 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the de-energized state. A magnetic force generated by the energization of the two coil structures 12A, 12B moves the first layer 11 facing the outlet opening 5.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B with the first coil structure 12A and the cover section 16 against the force of the at least one spring element 14 from the edge of the outlet opening 5 in the direction of the second coil structure 12B in the second layer 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B, so that the cover section 16 releases the outlet opening 5 in the energized state.

[0020] To improve the sealing properties, a surface of the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B facing the outlet opening 5 is designed as a sealing surface. For this purpose, in the described embodiments, a suitable sealing material is applied to the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1. InIn the illustrated embodiments, the cover section 16 designed as a sealing surface is arranged in the region of the first coil structure 12A on the first layer 11.1 of the at least one printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B. In alternative embodiments not shown, the cover section 16 is adjacent, ie arranged before or after or next to the first coil structure 12A on the first layer 11.1 of the at least one printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B.

[0021] As from Fig. 1 to 6As can be further seen, the first coil structure 12A and the second coil structure 12B are arranged in a common flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B and are electrically connected in series. The common flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B has a first wave deflection 13A between the two coil structures 12A, 12B, which deflects the common flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B and forms a first spring element 14A. In addition, an end section 11.3 of the flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B in the illustrated embodiments has a second wave 13B, which deflects the flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B and forms a second spring element 14B, so that the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1 of the flexible printed circuit board 11, 11A, 11B facing the outlet opening 5 can be pressed evenly against the edge of the outlet opening 5.

[0022] In an embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10 (not shown), the first coil structure 12A and the second coil structure 12B are each arranged in a flexible printed circuit board 11. The two flexible printed circuit boards 11 are arranged one above the other and coupled to one another via at least one spring element 14.

[0023] As from Fig. 1 to 4As can further be seen, in the illustrated first embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10A, the flexible printed circuit board 11A has a recess 18, 18A, 18B in the region of the first wave run 13A and in the region of the second wave run 13B, so that the first spring element 14A and the second spring element 14B each have two spring legs 15, 15A, 15B. This means that a first recess 18A is introduced into the region of the flexible printed circuit board 11A arranged between the first coil structure 12A and the second coil structure 12B, and the first spring element 14A has two first spring legs 15A. Furthermore, a second recess 18B is introduced into the end region 11.3 of the flexible printed circuit board 11A behind the first coil structure 12A, so that the second spring element 14B has two second spring legs 15B.

[0024] As from Figs. 5 and 6As can be further seen, in the illustrated second embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10B, in contrast to the first embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10A, the flexible printed circuit board 11B has no recesses 18, 18A, 18B in the region of the first wave run 13A and in the region of the second wave run 13B. Therefore, in the illustrated second embodiment of the flexible printed circuit board actuator, the entire first wave run 13A forms the first spring element 14A, and the entire second wave run 13B forms the second spring element 14B.

[0025] In a second exemplary embodiment of the fragrance device 1 according to the invention (not shown), the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10 comprises at least one flexible printed circuit board 11 with an energizable first coil structure 12A and with a permanent magnet. In the alternative exemplary embodiment, in the assembled state of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10, the first coil structure 12A and the cover section 16 are arranged in a first layer 11.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, which faces the outlet opening 5 of the fragrance reservoir 3. In contrast to the embodiment described in connection with Fig. 1 to 6In the first exemplary embodiment of the scenting device 1 described above, instead of the second coil structure 12B, the permanent magnet is arranged in the second layer 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, which faces away from the outlet opening 5 of the fragrance reservoir 3. Analogous to the exemplary embodiment described above, the two layers 11.1, 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11 are aligned with one another such that the first coil structure 12A and the permanent magnet are arranged one above the other. A magnetic force generated by energizing the first coil structure 12A and by the permanent magnet moves the first layer 11.1 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, facing the outlet opening 5, with the first coil structure 12A and the cover section 16, against the force of the at least one spring element 14 from the edge of the outlet opening 5 toward the permanent magnet in the second layer 11.2 of the at least one flexible printed circuit board 11, so that the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1 releases the outlet opening 5.

[0026] Analogous to the first exemplary embodiment of the scenting device 1, in the second exemplary embodiment of the scenting device 1 (not shown), the first coil structure 12A and the permanent magnet are also arranged in a common flexible printed circuit board 11, which has a first wave run 13A between the first coil structure 12A and the permanent magnet, which deflects the common flexible printed circuit board 11 and forms a first spring element 14A. In addition, an end section 11.3 of the flexible printed circuit board 11 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment has a second wave run 13B, which deflects the flexible printed circuit board 11 and forms a second spring element 14B, so that the cover section 16 of the first layer 11.1 of the flexible printed circuit board 11 facing the outlet opening 5 can be pressed evenly against the edge of the outlet opening 5.Alternatively, the first coil structure 12A and the second coil structure 12B of the flexible printed circuit board actuator 10 can each be arranged in a flexible printed circuit board 11. In this case, the two flexible printed circuit boards 11 are arranged one above the other and coupled to each other via at least one spring element 14. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0027] 1 Fragrance device 3 Fragrance reservoir 5 Outlet opening 7, 7A, 7BClosing device 10, 10A, 10Bflexible printed circuit board actuator 11, 11A, 11Bflexible printed circuit board 11.1, 11.2Printed circuit board layer 11.3End section 12A, 12BCoil structure 13A, 13BWave 14, 14A, 14BSpring element 15, 15A, 15BSpring leg 16Cover section 18, 18A, 18BRecess

Claims

1. Fragrancing device (1) with at least one fragrance reservoir (3), wherein the at least one fragrance reservoir (3) has an outlet opening (5), which can be closed by a closing device (7), wherein the closing device (7) is designed as a flexible printed circuit board actuator (10), wherein the flexible printed circuit board actuator (10) is formed in two layers in at least one region, such that a cover section (16) of the printed circuit board actuator (10) seals the outlet opening (5) in the deenergized state and opens it in the energized state, characterized in that the flexible printed circuit board actuator (10) comprises at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) with a first coil structure (12A) that can be energized and with a second coil structure (12B) that can be energized or at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) with a first coil structure (12A) that can be energized and with a permanent magnet.

2. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the mounted state of the flexible printed circuit board actuator (10), the first coil structure (12A) and the cover section (16) are arranged in a first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), which faces the outlet opening (5) of the fragrance reservoir (3), and the second coil structure (12B) is arranged in a second layer (11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), which faces away from the outlet opening (5) of the fragrance reservoir (3).

3. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two layers (11.1, 11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) are aligned relative to one another such that the two coil structures (12A, 12B) are arranged above one another.

4. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the mounted state of the flexible printed circuit board actuator (10), the first coil structure (12A) and the cover section (16) are arranged in a first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), which faces the outlet opening (5) of the fragrance reservoir (3), and the permanent magnet is arranged in a second layer (11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), which faces away from the outlet opening (5) of the fragrance reservoir (3).

5. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the two layers (11.1, 11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) are aligned relative to one another such that the first coil structure (12A) and the permanent magnet are arranged above one another.

6. Fragrancing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one spring element (14) presses at least the cover section (16) of the first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) with the first coil structure (12A) in a sealing manner against an edge of the outlet opening (5), such that the two layers (11.1, 11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) have a predetermined distance from one another in the deenergized state.

7. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 2 and 6, characterized in that a magnetic force generated by the energization of the two coil structures (12A, 12B), which moves the first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) with the first coil structure (12A) facing the outlet opening (5) and the cover section (16) against the force of the at least one spring element (14) from the edge of the outlet opening (5) in the direction of the second coil structure (12B) in the second layer (11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), such that the cover section (16) of the first layer (11.1) opens the outlet opening (5).

8. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first coil structure (12A) and the second coil structure (12B) are arranged in a common flexible printed circuit board (11), which has a first shaft runout (13A) between the two coil structures (12A, 12B), which deflects the common flexible printed circuit board (11) and forms a first spring element (14A).

9. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 4 and 6, characterized in that a magnetic force generated by the energization of the first coil structure (12A) and by the permanent magnet, which moves the first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) with the first coil structure (12A) facing the outlet opening (5) and the cover section against the force of the at least one spring element (14) from the edge of the outlet opening (5) in the direction of the permanent magnet in the second layer (11.2) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11), such that the cover section (16) of the first layer (11.1) opens the outlet opening (5).

10. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 6 or 9, characterized in that the first coil structure (12A) and the permanent magnet are arranged in a common flexible printed circuit board (11), which has a first shaft runout (13A) between the first coil structure (12A) and the permanent magnet, which deflects the common flexible printed circuit board (11) and forms a first spring element (14A).

11. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 8 or 10, characterized in that an end section (11.3) of the common flexible printed circuit board (11) has a second shaft runout (13B), which deflects the common flexible printed circuit board (11) and forms a second spring element (14B), such that the cover section (16) of the first layer (11.1) of the common flexible printed circuit board (11) facing the outlet opening (5) can be pressed evenly against the edge of the outlet opening (5).

12. Fragrancing device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the common flexible printed circuit board (11) has a recess (18) in each case in the region of the first shaft runout (13A) and in the region of the second shaft runout (13B), such that the first spring element (14A) and the second spring element (14B) each have two spring legs (15).

13. Fragrancing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that a surface of the cover section (16) of the first layer (11.1) of the at least one flexible printed circuit board (11) facing the outlet opening (5) is designed as a sealing surface.