A pendulum device for diffusing a fragrant or deodorizing substance into the air.

Abstract

A pendulum-type device for diffusing an odorant or deodorizing substance into the air. One aspect of the invention relates to a pendulum-type device (1) with a pendulum (3) for diffusing an odorant or deodorizing substance into the air. The device comprises a support (2) on which the pendulum is mounted. The pendulum is free to rotate relative to the support about an axis of oscillation (X) and oscillates under its own weight. The pendulum comprises an upper part (31) and a lower part (36) extending respectively above and below said axis, opposite each other. The upper part of the pendulum is provided with a diffuser (32) that releases said substance into the air. The upper and lower parts of the pendulum are mechanically balanced with respect to each other in the manner of a metronome, so as to obtain an oscillation period of the pendulum of at least 2 seconds. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Swing device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air Technical field

[0001] The technical field is that of air treatment, more precisely that of devices and methods for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Document EP3231448 describes a pendulum device for diffusing an odorous substance into the air. The upper end of the pendulum is connected by a pivot to a support. This pendulum carries a diffuser which comprises a reservoir containing the substance in question, in liquid form, and which is delimited laterally by a porous wall, at which level the substance is released into the air. The oscillation of the pendulum contributes to the diffusion of this substance into the environment of the device. However, the diffusion efficiency of this device remains limited and this diffusion takes place essentially in the immediate vicinity of the device, at a short distance from it. SUMMARY

[0003] In this context, a device is proposed for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, the device comprising a support and a balance, • the balance being connected to the support by a mechanical connection which allows rotation of the balance relative to the support around an oscillation axis, so as to allow the balance to oscillate around said axis under the effect of its own weight, • the balance comprising an upper part and a lower part which extend respectively above and below said axis, opposite one another, the upper part of the balance being provided with a diffuser which releases said substance into the air, • the lower and upper parts of the balance being mechanically balanced with respect to each other, so as to obtain an oscillation period at least greater than 2 seconds, • the device further comprising a system for maintaining the oscillations of the balance.

[0004] By odorant or deodorant substance is meant a substance having an olfactory power, which can be detected by an average human nose or modifying an olfactory perception for this average nose (it can therefore be a substance having an odor ca characteristic, for example a lemony smell, or a substance that reduces the olfactory perception of an unpleasant odor such as a tobacco smell). This substance may comprise a single compound, or on the contrary a mixture of different compounds.

[0005] Under the effect of its own weight, the pendulum swings like a pendulum and thus moves the diffuser in the air. This creates a movement of air around the diffuser, or through it, thus carrying the odorous or deodorizing substance into the air. In addition, the movement of the diffuser allows mixing of the ambient air which promotes the dissemination of this substance in the environment of the device.

[0006] Different types of diffusers are conceivable. It may be, for example, a cage or other receptacle with perforated walls containing balls or small solid blocks on the surface of which said substance is adsorbed. It may also be a system comprising a wick or other porous material immersed in a reservoir to, by capillarity, bring the odorous substance (initially in liquid form) from the reservoir to a diffusion surface where the substance is released into the air. In any case, the diffuser is a passive system which, in itself, is devoid of motorized ventilation. Generally speaking, it is a system configured to allow evaporation of said substance or transfer of this substance from a solid substrate to the air surrounding this substrate.

[0007] Although the device includes a system for maintaining the oscillations, it is under the effect of its own weight that the pendulum oscillates, on either side of an equilibrium position. This type of oscillation, marked by a notable slowing of the pendulum at each end of its trajectory, before it turns back, is well suited to diffusing the odorous or deodorizing substance into the air (more than a movement at constant speed, controlled by a motor).

[0008] The position of the diffuser, in the upper part of the balance (above the oscillation axis), also contributes to an efficient diffusion of the substance in question, in the environment of the balance device. Indeed, the mixing of the air, alternately pushed downwards and upwards by the diffuser, from a position situated high above the ground (or above the support plane on which the device rests), facilitates a rapid and homogeneous dissemination of this substance, in the environment in question.

[0009] The slowness of the oscillations in question (with a period greater than 2 seconds) also promotes effective dissemination of the substance, because it leaves sufficient time for ample air movements to develop, before changing direction of movement.

[0010] On this subject, one might think at first sight that it is essential that the pendulum be of large dimensions (typically one or two meters high) to obtain a sufficiently large period of oscillation. Indeed, it is known that the period of oscillation of a pendulum is all the greater the higher the pendulum is, and is of the order of two seconds for a pendulum one meter long (one meter between the axis of oscillation and the center of gravity of the pendulum).

[0011] But in fact, by mechanically balancing the pendulum, that is to say by balancing its upper and lower parts with respect to each other, its oscillation period can be significantly increased and thus the desired oscillation period can be obtained regardless of the size of the device, as with a metronome, set to obtain a long beat period. Moreover, at the limit where the pendulum is perfectly balanced (that is to say when it can remain in balance for any angular position, even if it is moved away from the vertical), this oscillation period becomes infinitely long.

[0012] The balance wheel is balanced, but it is not completely, exactly balanced either (because otherwise, no oscillation would be obtained): a slight imbalance in favor of the lower part (weight and / or lever arm greater for the lower part than for the upper part of the balance wheel) allows the balance wheel to be brought back into its equilibrium position, in which it is vertical.

[0013] As already indicated, the balancing of the balance is such that its oscillation period (which corresponds to a complete round trip of the balance) is at least greater than 2 seconds.

[0014] This balancing may in particular be such that the period of oscillation of the balance is greater than twice the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of the same height as the lower part of the balance. Thus, for example, for a balance 1.5 meters high with a lower part of 0.75 meters, there will be an oscillation period greater than 3.4 seconds (for example a period of 4 seconds), instead of the 1.7 seconds corresponding to a simple pendulum 0.75 m long (a simple pendulum which corresponds in some way to a balance that is not balanced at all).

[0015] In addition to the characteristics presented above, the device according to the invention may have one or more of the following optional characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: • the diffuser is placed at an upper end of the balance; the diffuser is therefore placed not only at the level of the upper part of the balance, above the oscillation axis, but as high as possible; as already explained, such a position, in height, is favorable to the diffusion of the substance in question; In addition, this allows to benefit from a maximum amplitude of movement for the diffuser; • the upper part of the balance extends from said oscillation axis to the upper end of the balance, and the diffuser, as a whole, is located between the middle of the upper part of the balance wheel, and said upper end; the balance has a total height greater than 0.3 meters, or even greater than 0.5 meters or even greater than 1 meter; the large dimensions of the balance then allow ample mixing of the ambient air; the device is configured to allow the balance to oscillate with an amplitude greater than 20 degrees, or even greater than 30 degrees, on either side of an equilibrium position of this balance; this oscillation amplitude is favorable to the diffusion of the matter, in particular because the diffuser is then clearly inclined relative to the vertical, at the end of its travel, which allows the air to be stirred not only horizontally, but also vertically, by folding it downwards; the system for maintaining the oscillations of the balance wheel comprises a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, fixed respectively to the balance wheel and to the support, or vice versa; such an oscillation maintenance system has the advantage of being contactless, convenient to install, and of simpler structure than a purely mechanical maintenance device (of the escapement system type; the device comprises an electrical circuit configured to control said electromagnet, the electrical circuit comprising a detector for detecting the passage of the balance through its equilibrium position and being configured to deliver to the electromagnet an electrical actuating pulse when said passage is detected, with an adjustable time lag between said detection and said pulse, the electrical circuit further comprising an adjustment member or communication means allowing a user to adjust said time lag to different values; the support comprises a first part which forms a fixed base, and a second part which is movable in rotation relative to the first part, around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, the balance being connected by said connection to the second, movable part of the support; by substantially vertical, we mean vertical to within plus or minus 20 degrees, when the device, in the position of use, rests on a ground or a horizontal plane; the rotation of the part of the support on which the balance is mounted makes it possible to gradually rotate the oscillation plane of the balance, around this vertical axis, thanks to which the balance sweeps an entire volume, in a homogeneous manner, which promotes an efficient and homogeneous diffusion of the substance in question; the device further comprises a motor for driving the second part of the support rotating relative to its first part, the device being configured so that the second part of the support rotates on itself with a rotation period of between 20 times and 400 times the oscillation period of the balance; • the diffuser contains, between two openwork grids or plates, small solid balls or blocks on which the said substance is adsorbed; by small size, we mean a dimension less than 1 cm; this type of diffuser is advantageously devoid of a reservoir where the substance would be contained in liquid form; in addition, the replacement of the substance in question by another, or the recharging of the diffuser are then particularly convenient, since it is sufficient to replace the solid balls or blocks, which can moreover be contained in a removable cartridge, by others; • the support comprises an upright which forms a vertically elongated loop, said mechanical connection connecting the balance to the upright, in a middle part of the loop in question, and when the balance is in its equilibrium position, said loop surrounds the balance by passing above it; this loop structure of the support, with the connection mounted in the middle (between the left and right parts of the loop), provides robustness and rigidity to the support; moreover, this loop protects the balance from possible shocks, when it is in its equilibrium position, at rest; • the mechanical connection further connects a left part of this loop to a right part of this loop; • the mechanical connection comprises at least one fixed part, integral with both the left part and the right part (of the loop formed by the support upright; this further improves the rigidity of the support; • said loop is in the shape of an eight, with an upper half-loop and a lower half-loop; • the upper half-loop and the lower half-loop are contained respectively in two different planes angularly offset from each other, and the oscillation axis makes a non-zero angle with each of these planes; this allows in particular better support of the upright on the base, allowing the upright to resist the forces it undergoes during the oscillation of the balance; • the oscillation axis is horizontal, to within plus or minus 20 degrees, when the device rests on a floor or a horizontal support plane.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising several devices as described above, and each comprising an electrical circuit which controls the electromagnet of the device in question, this electrical circuit comprising means communication means as well as synchronization means configured to synchronize the oscillation of the pendulum of the device with a synchronization signal received by said communication means.

[0017] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0019] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a first embodiment implementing the teachings of the invention, seen in perspective.

[0020] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows in more detail a mechanical connection between a balance and a support of the device of [Fig.l].

[0021] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents the device of [Fig.l], seen in perspective and from below.

[0022] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a front view of a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a second embodiment close to the first embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a side view of the device of [Fig.4], the balance of the device being in its equilibrium position.

[0024] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of the device of [Fig.4], the balance being moved away from its equilibrium position.

[0025] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a top view of the device of [Fig.4].

[0026] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] schematically represents a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a third embodiment implementing the teachings of the invention, seen from the front.

[0027] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] schematically represents elements of an electrical circuit for controlling an electromagnet of the device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

[0028] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows electrical, detection and control signals involved in the operation of the electrical circuit of [Fig.9].

[0029] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a table grouping together values ​​of amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the device of [Fig.l], corresponding to different parameters of electrical control of the oscillations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figures 1, 4 and 8 show respectively a first, a second and a third embodiment of a pendulum device, for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

[0031] The first two embodiments (figures 1 and 4) are essentially identical, except as regards their respective sizes. The different elements of the device 1 will therefore be identified by the same reference signs, for these two embodiments, and will not necessarily be described each time.

[0032] The device 1' according to the third embodiment ([Fig.8]) differs mainly from the two previous ones by the structure of the support 2' on which the balance 3' is mounted. In this third embodiment, the different elements of the device 1' bear the same reference signs as for the corresponding elements of the first or second embodiment, but accompanied by a prime "'".

[0033] The first and second embodiments of the device 1 are now described in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0034] This device 1 comprises a support 2 and a balance 3 provided with a diffuser 32 which releases the odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

[0035] The balance 3 is connected to the support by a mechanical connection, 4, which allows a rotation of the balance 3, relative to the support 2, around an oscillation axis X, so as to allow the balance to oscillate around this axis under the effect of its own weight (in the manner of a pendulum - see figures 1 and 6 for example). Here, the oscillation axis X is horizontal (more precisely, when the support 2 rests on a horizontal ground, this axis is also horizontal).

[0036] The support 2 comprises here (figures 1 and 4): • a first part forming a fixed base, 21, which rests on the ground or on the support surface receiving the pendulum device, and • a second part 22 comprising a generally vertical upright 23, on which the balance 3 is mounted (via the connection 4).

[0037] The base 21, which acts as a base, can be weighted for better stability of the device. Here it has the shape of a low cylinder.

[0038] The second part of the support, 22, further comprises a circular plate 24, which is mounted on the base 21. The upright 23 is fixed to this plate 24, with which it is integral. The plate 24 is movable in rotation relative to the base 21, around a vertical axis Z. This axis Z crosses the oscillation axis X of the balance (thus, when the balance is at rest, in its equilibrium position, it extends along the axis Z in question). The plate 24, and the upright 23 fixed thereto, are driven in rotation, around the axis Z, by a motor housed in the base 21.

[0039] The upright 23 forms a loop which has an elongated shape in the vertical direction. This loop has a figure eight shape, with an upper half-loop 29A and a lower half-loop 29B (Figures 3 and 4). The upright 23 has a left part 26 and a right part 27 ([Fig.5]), each in the shape of an S (inverted with respect to each other), and which connect to each other at the top and the foot of the upright 23 to form this loop in a figure eight, continuous. The amount 23 is made here from several tubular sections, straight or curved, mounted one after the other to form this loop.

[0040] The link 4, which connects the balance 3 to the upright 23, is mounted on the upright 23 approximately halfway up the latter, at the junction between the upper half-loop 29A and the lower half-loop 29B, that is to say where the left and right parts 26, 27, in the shape of an S, cross.

[0041] The connection 4 is mounted so as to securely connect the left and right parts of the upright. In this case, the connection 4 comprises at least one fixed part 41, 42 (here two), integral with both the left part 26 and the right part 27 of the upright (and which therefore connects these two parts together). This makes it possible to stiffen the upright 23, precisely where the connection 4 is located on which mechanical forces can be exerted, during the oscillation of the pendulum 3.

[0042] The connection 4 is a pivot connection, the axis of which is the oscillation axis X. As can be seen in [Fig.3], it comprises here a central part 47, cylindrical, integral with a shaft 48 which passes through this part from one side to the other. The shaft 48 is mounted so as to be able to rotate, on one side on a first cheek 41, and on the other on a second cheek 42. These two cheeks come to bear against the central part 47, on either side of the latter (to stop this part axially, this part being in a way sandwiched between these two cheeks). The axis of the shaft 48 is the oscillation axis X mentioned above. The mounting of the shaft 48 on the cheeks 41, 42 can be carried out by means of ball or roller bearings, to limit friction.

[0043] The cheeks 41 and 42 are fixed relative to the upright 23. Each of these cheeks is fixed (figures 3 and 5), on the one hand to the left part 26 of the upright 23, by a first connection 43, and on the other hand, to the right part 27 of the upright 23, by a second connection 44. These two cheeks 41, 42 are cylindrical, pierced on their axis to be able to mount the shaft 48. The balance 3 is fixed to the central part 47. During the oscillation of the balance, the shaft 48 and the central part 47 pivot in the cheeks 41, 42.

[0044] Alternatively, the central part 47 could for example be omitted, the balance wheel then being fixed directly to the shaft in question. Or, the shaft in question and the central part could be produced in the form of a single piece.

[0045] More generally, it can be provided, whatever the detail of the construction of the connection in question, that it is a low-friction connection, this reduced friction being obtained through the use of one or more ball or roller bearings. Furthermore, the connection preferably has a rigid mechanical structure, which does not deform during the oscillations of the balance (despite the weight of the latter). This low friction, preferably combined with the rigidity of the connection, contributes to obtaining a wide movement, and therefore favors a phase of quasi-immobility, at the end of course of the oscillations, before the pendulum turns back (which is favorable in terms of diffusion of the odorous substance).

[0046] The figure-of-eight loop formed by the upright 23 is not planar. More precisely, the mean line followed by the upright 23 is not contained in the same plane (it is not a planar curve). The upper half-loop 29A is contained in a plane PA (more precisely, the mean line followed by this half-loop is contained in the plane PA), while the lower half-loop 29B is contained in another plane PB (the mean line followed by the lower half-loop 29B is contained in a plane PB). These two planes are different from each other (see figures 1 and 7). They are both vertical, and pass through the Z axis that the balance wheel 3 occupies when it is at rest. They are in some way twisted relative to each other, around the Z axis. The X axis of oscillation is located neither in the plane of the upper half-loop 29A, nor in the plane of the lower half-loop 29B: it forms an angle (of approximately 30 degrees) with each of these two planes.

[0047] This non-planar structure, in some way twisted by this figure-of-eight loop, makes the upright 23 even more rigid. And during the oscillations of the balance, the fact that the plane PB of the lower half-loop forms an angle with the oscillation axis X allows the upright 23 to bear on the plate 24 in a much more solid manner than if the plane PB were parallel to the axis X (this support, in some way at an angle, allows it to better resist the forces undergone during the oscillation).

[0048] The balance 3 comprises an upper part 31 and a lower part 36 which extend respectively above and below the oscillation axis X.

[0049] The upper part 31 extends from the oscillation axis X to an upper end 33 of the balance. It comprises a rectilinear rigid rod, the lower end of which is fixed to the central part 47 of the link 4, and which carries at its top the diffuser 32. The diffuser 32 is therefore located at the very top of the balance.

[0050] The lower part 36 of the balance extends from the oscillation axis X to a lower end of the balance. It comprises a rectilinear rigid rod, aligned with the rod of the upper part of the balance, and also fixed to the central part 47 of the link 4. A counterweight, here of spherical shape, is fixed to the lower end of this rod.

[0051] As shown, the diffuser 32 is a receptacle comprising two perforated plates 34 and 35 which delimit an internal volume intended to accommodate balls or small solid blocks on the surface of which the substance to be diffused is adsorbed, possibly contained in a removable cartridge which is also perforated. The balls or blocks in question each have a characteristic dimension (diameter, or width) less than one centimeter.

[0052] Each of the perforated plates 34, 35 is perpendicular to the oscillation plane of the pendulum, and therefore perpendicular to the direction in which the diffuser 32 moves during the oscillation of the pendulum. This makes it possible to maximize the airflow which passes through the diffuser due to the oscillation of the pendulum.

[0053] The diffuser 32 has the overall shape of a circular pancake, here. In particular, the perforated plates 34 and 35 are circular. The diffuser 32 thus matches the shape of the semicircular arch formed by the upper part of the upright 23.

[0054] As already indicated, in its equilibrium position, the balance 3 extends vertically, along the Z axis (the two rods mentioned above are then vertical). In this situation, the balance 3 extends in some way into the opening 28 delimited by the loop formed by the upright 23. The arch, formed by the upper part of this loop, passes above the diffuser 32, in line with it. When it is at rest, the balance 3 is therefore in some way framed, surrounded by the upright 23, which protects it from possible shocks. When the balance oscillates, it passes through the opening 28 in question with each oscillation.

[0055] Remarkably, the balance wheel 3 is mechanically balanced so that its oscillation period is at least greater than 2 seconds, as explained above in the section entitled “summary”. Here, the oscillation period is approximately 4 seconds, whether for the first embodiment or for the second embodiment (which requires balancing to be carried out more precisely than for the first embodiment, because the device is lower, in the second embodiment).

[0056] In the first embodiment, the balance has a total height h of 1.5 meters, while in the second embodiment, its total height h is 0.5 meters. This height h denotes the total extension (in a way, the length) of the balance, measured along the axis zo of the balance.

[0057] The device 1 comprises a system 5 for maintaining the oscillations of the balance 5. This system comprises a permanent magnet 51, fixed to the lower part 36 of the balance. Here, this magnet is fixed more precisely to the lower end of the balance. This system also comprises an electromagnet 52, fixed to the support 2 (figures 3 and 4), directly above the position occupied by the balance when it is at rest (opposite the magnet 51).

[0058] An electrical circuit for controlling the electromagnet, 60 (as well as a possible power source for this circuit comprising one or more electric cells or batteries) is housed in the base 21 of the support 2. This circuit is described below, with reference to figures 9 to 11.

[0059] From the point of view of its kinematics, the device 1 is configured in such a way that the motor mentioned above drives the second part 22 of the support 2 (namely the plate 24 and the upright 23) in rotation around the Z axis with a rotation period between 20 and 400 times the oscillation period of the balance 3. This results in a slow rotation of the balance's oscillation plane around the vertical axis Z, which gives the balance time to oscillate and stir the air in one direction, before changing orientation to stir the air in another direction.

[0060] The device 1 is configured to allow the balance 3 to oscillate with an amplitude 00 greater than 30 degrees, on either side of its equilibrium position. This amplitude 00 corresponds to the angular difference between the axis zo of the balance 3 and the vertical axis Z, just before the balance turns back (see [Fig.6]). In particular, the link 4, and the way in which it is mounted on the upright 23, allow such an amplitude of oscillation. The system 5 for maintaining the oscillations is also configured (in terms of the intensity of the mechanical impulse transmitted to the balance to maintain its movement) to allow such an amplitude of oscillation.

[0061] The device 1' according to the third embodiment ([Fig.8]) is comparable to that of the first and second embodiments, but its support 2' is entirely fixed (without moving part), and comprises an upright 23' which forms an essentially flat figure-of-eight loop, instead of being in some way twisted.

[0062] The base 2' is in one piece. It comprises a base 24', which forms a sort of circular sole resting on the ground, and which is extended vertically by an upright 23' which forms a loop elongated in the vertical direction. This loop comprises a left part 26' and a right part 27' which meet at the top to form this closed loop. Approximately halfway up the loop, the left 26' and right 27' parts move closer to each other so that the loop has the overall shape of an eight. The connection 4', which connects the balance 3' to the upright 23', is mounted at this constriction. Higher up, the left and right parts move apart again so that the loop is wide enough to allow passage to the diffuser 32', which has a fairly large frontal surface (so that a significant air flow passes through it).

[0063] The average line followed by the upright 23' is located in the same plane, here. This is the plane (X, Z), where X is the oscillation axis and where Z is a vertical axis passing through the link 4'. When the balance is at rest, it extends along this Z axis.

[0064] As previously, the balance 3' comprises a lower part 36' and an upper part 31' which extend respectively below and above the oscillation axis X of the balance. The upper part 31' comprises a rigid rod which extends from the link 4' and which carries at its top the diffuser 32'. The lower part 36' also comprises a rigid rod, aligned with that of the upper part (or formed in a single rod which extends from the bottom to the top of the balance), and which carries a counterweight, here cylindrical, at its lower end.

[0065] The diffuser 32', located at the upper end 33' of the balance, is a cage in the shape of a thin cylinder. Two grids, flat and circular, form the two faces of this cylindrical cage. It contains balls or small solid blocks as described above. The two grids in question are perpendicular to the plane of oscillation of the balance. Thus, when the balance is in its equilibrium position, these grids are each parallel to the plane (X, Z).

[0066] When the balance 3' is in its equilibrium position, the loop-shaped upright 23' surrounds it by passing over it, and thus forms a frame which protects the balance. When the balance oscillates, it passes through the opening 28' delimited by this loop at each oscillation.

[0067] The upper and lower parts of the balance are also balanced with each other, so as to obtain an oscillation period of at least 2 seconds.

[0068] The system 5' for maintaining the oscillations comprises a permanent magnet 51' fixed to a lower end of the balance, and an electromagnet 52' secured to the support 2', located opposite the magnet 51' when the balance is in its equilibrium position. Here too, the device 1', in particular the link 4' and the drive system 5', are configured so as to allow an oscillation of the balance with an amplitude greater than 30 degrees on either side of its equilibrium position.

[0069] The structure of the electrical circuit, 60, which controls the electromagnet of the device, is now presented in more detail, with reference to figures 9 to 11.

[0070] In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical circuit is powered by an external source 70, which delivers a direct voltage of 12 V produced from an electrical voltage supplied by the mains (230 V alternating current). In terms of power supply, the circuit 60 comprises a voltage regulation module, 61, which comprises an active regulator (for example of the L7805CV model from the manufacturer STmicroelectronics), and one or more smoothing capacitors. This regulation module 61 here delivers a regulated direct voltage of 5 volts, for the power supply of a control module 63, and a direct voltage of 12 V, for the power supply of a driver 62 (i.e.: of a control module 62), which controls, that is to say actuates the electromagnet 52.

[0071] The driver 62 is here an electronic module which receives as input one or more control signals Sp, in this case digital signals, and which, in response, delivers as output an electrical control signal Sc adapted to actuate the electromagnet 52. The driver 62 is configured in particular to deliver a high intensity electrical current, typically greater than 1, or even 2 or 3 amperes, in order to effectively actuate the electromagnet. The driver 62 can for example take the form of a driver of the model L6203 from the manufacturer STmicroelectronics.

[0072] The electromagnet 52 itself here comprises a coil formed of 1300 turns (in copper wire of diameter 0.3 mm), having a resistance of 16 Ohms. It is provided, on its axis, of a steel core of 5 mm in diameter. The axis of this coil is vertical.

[0073] The passage of the balance 3 through its rest position (vertical position) is detected by a detector 66, produced here in the form of a Hall effect sensor (for example model A1318LUA from the manufacturer Allegro Microsystems), which delivers a passage detection signal Sd. The detector 66 is mounted here on the axis of the electromagnet, just above it. The assembly comprising the electromagnet 52 and the detector 66 is placed at right angles (in line with) the position occupied by the magnet 51 of the balance when the balance is in its rest position.

[0074] The driver 62 is controlled by the control module 63, depending on the detection signal Sd received by the microcontroller. The control module 63 is implemented here in the form of a microcontroller. It is configured (programmed) as follows: when a passage of the balance through its rest position is detected by the microcontroller (on the basis of the signal Sd), then the microcontroller controls the driver 62 so that it generates an electrical pulse making it possible to actuate the electromagnet, to “restart” the balance. The microcontroller is configured more precisely so that this electrical pulse begins with a delay At determined relative to the detection of the passage of the balance (see [Fig. 10]). It is also configured so that this control pulse has a determined duration Lp. The control module 63 is configured to allow a user to adjust the delay At, and even, here, to adjust the duration Lp of the pulse.

[0075] This adjustment could be carried out by means of one or more adjustment buttons mounted on the support of the pendulum device. Here, it is carried out rather by means of a connection interface, of the wired type (for example of the USB type), or of the wireless type (for example of the Wifi type). For this purpose, the microcontroller 63 comprises a wired connection interface 65 (USB) and / or wireless 64 (wifi, here). The user can thus adjust the delay At, as well as the duration Lp, by means of an additional electronic device (for example a smartphone) having a USB or Wifi interface. The microcontroller 63 can for example be of the “MKR wifi 1010” model, from the manufacturer Arduino.

[0076] [Fig. 10] shows, in the form of an oscillogram, the detection signal Sd delivered by the detector 66, as well as the control signal Sc applied to the electromagnet, as a function of time t (the time base is 0.1s per tile, for this oscillogram). As can be seen in this figure, the control pulse begins with a time shift At relative to the detection of the passage of the pendulum).

[0077] [Fig. 11] groups together, in the form of a table, values ​​of an oscillation amplitude A of the balance 3, and of a half-oscillation frequency of the balance fo (frequency of passage through the rest position), corresponding to different values ​​of the delay At and pulse duration Lp.

[0078] In this table, the delay At is expressed in milliseconds (ms), and varies from 10 to 150 ms (in rows). The duration Lp of the "restart" pulse is also expressed in milliseconds, and varies from 30 to 200 ms (in columns). The amplitude A is expressed in cm (this is the distance swept by the end of the balance, knowing that for these measurements it is the balance device according to the second embodiment, of reduced dimensions). As for the half-oscillation frequency fo, it is expressed in Hertz (Hz). This is the frequency of the beats of the balance, that is to say the frequency of passage through the vertical position (regardless of the direction of this passage); it is therefore twice the complete oscillation frequency (for a complete round trip of the balance).Thus, the value fo=0.68 Hz corresponds to a complete oscillation frequency of 0.34 Hz, or also a complete oscillation period of 2.9 seconds (and 1.45 seconds between two vertical passages).

[0079] The series of measurements reported in [Fig.l 1] shows that the duration of the "restart" pulse has little influence on the oscillation frequency, and little influence also on the oscillation amplitude.

[0080] On the other hand, the delay At directly influences the oscillation amplitude A, and allows it to be adjusted over a wide range. In this case, the shorter this delay, the greater the oscillation amplitude. One explanation for this strong influence of the delay At on the oscillation amplitude is that the repulsion force between the electromagnet 52 and the magnet 51 (force which allows the pendulum to be pushed back, and therefore restarted) is relatively short-range, and is therefore effective especially when the pendulum is located directly above the electromagnet, that is to say when the detection of the passage has just taken place. It is then understandable that a short delay At makes it possible to obtain a wide oscillation.

[0081] In any case, adjusting the delay At proves to be a convenient and effective way of adjusting the oscillation amplitude of the device (and this without modifying the energy consumption of the device).

[0082] The fact that the electrical circuit 60 is configured to allow adjustment of the delay At by a user is therefore particularly interesting, since this allows this user to conveniently adjust the oscillation amplitude, and therefore the more or less rapid and more or less significant dissemination of the odorous substance.

[0083] Optionally, the electronic circuit 60 (in this case, its microcontroller 63) can be configured to induce a synchronization of the oscillations of the balance with an external synchronization signal, received by the electronic circuit 60 (received thanks to its communication means 64, 65). To obtain this synchronization, the control module 63 can control a regular excitation of the electromagnet 52, synchronized with this signal. This synchronization can also be obtained by a command combining the detection information provided by the signal Sd, and the synchronization signal in question (for example in the form of a servocontrol, configured to gradually bring to zero an offset between the detection signal and the synchronization signal).

[0084] The fact that the electronic circuit 60 comprises the communication means 64, 65, and the synchronization means in question advantageously makes it possible to synchronize the oscillation of the balance 3 of the device, and the oscillation of one or more other devices of the same type. For an assembly grouping several such devices, this makes it possible to obtain a synchronized oscillation of the different balances, rather than an erratic overall operation. By synchronized oscillation, we mean an overall oscillation for which the different balances start their oscillation at the same time, or at least with a stable (fixed) time shift relative to each other.

[0085] For the user, the control of the electrical circuit 60 (in particular the adjustment of the delay At) can be carried out via a control interface, for example a dedicated computer application executed by a portable electronic device (of the smartphone type for example) having suitable communication means for communicating with the microcontroller 63. This control interface can present, as a value to be adjusted by the user, the delay At, or the delay At and the pulse duration Lp, or, a desired oscillation amplitude (a conversion then being carried out to determine the corresponding delay At, and control the electromagnet on this basis), or one of these quantities in question as well as other control data (for example data concerning the synchronization of several pendulum devices).

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1; 1') for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, the device comprising a support (2; 2') and a pendulum (3; 3'), - the pendulum being connected to the support by a mechanical connection (4; 4') which allows rotation of the pendulum relative to the support around an oscillation axis (X), so as to allow the pendulum to oscillate around said axis under the effect of its own weight, - the pendulum comprising an upper part (31; 31') and a lower part (36; 36') which extend respectively above and below said axis (X), opposite one another, the upper part (31; 31') of the pendulum being provided with a diffuser (32) which releases said substance into the air, - the lower (36; 36') and upper (31;31') of the balance being mechanically balanced with respect to each other, so as to obtain an oscillation period of the balance at least greater than 2 seconds, - the device further comprising a system (5; 5') for maintaining the oscillations of the balance.;

2. Device (1; 1') according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser (32; 32') is placed at an upper end (33; 33') of the balance (3; 3').

3. Device (1; 1') according to claim 1 or 2, in which the balance (3; 3') has a total height (h) greater than 0.3 meters, or even greater than 0.5 meters.

4. Device (1; 1') according to one of claims 1 to 3, configured to allow the balance (3; 3') to oscillate with an amplitude (0O) greater than 20 degrees, or even greater than 30 degrees, on either side of an equilibrium position of this balance.

5. Device (1; 1') according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the system (5; 5') for maintaining the oscillations of the balance comprises a permanent magnet (51; 51') and an electromagnet (52; 52'), fixed respectively to the balance (3; 3') and to the support (2; 2'), or vice versa.

6. Device (1; 1') according to claim 5, comprising an electrical circuit (60) configured to control said electromagnet (52; 52'), the electrical circuit comprising a detector (66) for detecting the passage of the balance (3; 3') through its equilibrium position and being configured to deliver to the electromagnet (52; 52') an electrical actuating pulse when said passage is detected, with an adjustable time lag (At) between said detection and said pulse, the electrical circuit (60) further comprising an adjustment member or communication means (64, 65) allowing a user to adjust said time lag (At) to different values.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which: - the support (2) comprises a first part (21) which forms a fixed base, and a second part (22) which is movable in rotation relative to the first part (21), around a substantially vertical axis of rotation (Z), and in which - the balance (3) is connected by said connection (4) to the second part (22), movable, of the support (2).

8. Device (1) according to claim 7 further comprising a motor for driving the second part (22) of the support (2) in rotation relative to its first part (21), the device being configured so that the second part (22) of the support rotates around said axis of rotation (Z) with a rotation period of between 20 times and 400 times the oscillation period of the balance (3).

9. Device (1; 1') according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the diffuser (32; 32') contains, between two perforated grids or plates (34, 35), small solid balls or blocks on which said substance is adsorbed.

10. Device (1; 1') according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which: - the support (2; 2') comprises an upright (23; 23') which forms a vertically elongated loop, - said mechanical connection (4; 4') connects the balance (3; 3') to the upright (23; 23'), in a middle part of the loop in question, and - when the balance (3; 3') is in its equilibrium position, said loop surrounds the balance by passing above it.

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said loop is in figure-of-eight shape, with an upper half-loop (29A) and a lower half-loop (29B) which are contained respectively in two different planes (PA, PB) angularly offset from each other, and in which the oscillation axis (X) makes a non-zero angle with each of these planes (PA, PB).

12. Device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said connection (4) comprises at least one fixed part (41, 42), integral with both a left part (26) and a right part (27) of the loop formed by the upright (23) of the support.

13. Assembly comprising several devices (1; 1') each according to claim 5 and each comprising an electrical circuit (60) for controlling the electromagnet (55; 52') of the device in question, the electrical circuit comprising communication means (64, 65) as well as synchronization means (63) configured to synchronize the oscillation of the balance of the device with a synchronization signal received by said communication means.

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