Device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for diffusing (1) an odorant or deodorizing substance into the air. The diffusion device comprises: - a lower part (10) having the shape of a spherical cap that allows rotation of the diffusion device about a point of contact with a support plane, the lower part being provided with a weighting element (5) arranged to allow the diffusion device to oscillate about an axis orthogonal to the support plane under the effect of its weight, and - an upper part (20) positioned on the lower part, the upper part being provided with a diffuser (30) that releases the odorant or deodorizing substance into the air. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for diffusing an odorant or deodorizing substance into the air technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of air treatment.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device for diffusing an odorant or deodorizing substance in the air. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Many systems for diffusing odorous or deodorizing substances are used to implement air treatment. It is particularly common to use systems such as fans, atomizers, aerosols, or sprayers.

[0004] Document EP3231448 describes an example of a device for diffusing an odorous substance into the air. This device is in the form of a pendulum whose upper end is connected by a pivot joint to a support.

[0005] This pendulum carries a diffuser which includes a reservoir containing the substance to be diffused. Here, this substance is in liquid form. The reservoir containing the odorant substance is laterally delimited by a porous wall, at the level of which the substance is released into the air.

[0006] The oscillation of the pendulum contributes to the diffusion of this substance in the environment of the device. According to this document, the movement of the pendulum is ensured by means of generating a magnetic flux. These means of generating the magnetic flux include an induction coil and a magnet. The detection of the magnet near the coil causes the pendulum to move, and thus the diffusion of the odorant substance.

[0007] However, this diffusion device is rather bulky. Furthermore, its effectiveness remains quite limited. Moreover, its manufacture is not necessarily easy and is rather expensive. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to improve devices for diffusing odorous and deodorizing substances in the air. In particular, it aims to provide a mobile diffusion device that is simple to use and simple to manufacture.

[0009] The invention then relates to a device for diffusing an odorant or deodorizing substance into the air, the diffusion device comprising:

[0010] - a lower part having a spherical cap shape which allows a rotation of the diffusion device relative to a point of contact with a support plane, the lower part being provided with a load element arranged so as to allow the diffusion device to oscillate around an axis orthogonal to the support plane under the effect of its weight, and

[0011] - an upper part positioned on the lower part, the upper part being equipped with a diffuser that releases the fragrant or deodorizing substance into the air.

[0012] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, under the effect of its own weight, the diffusion device oscillates like a roly-poly toy and thereby moves the diffuser in the air. More particularly, the diffuser, positioned on the upper part resting on the lower part weighted by the load element, oscillates until it returns to a vertical position.

[0013] This rocking motion then creates a movement of air around or through the diffuser, thus carrying the odorizing or deodorizing substance into the air. Furthermore, the movement of the diffuser mixes the ambient air, which promotes the dispersal of this substance in the environment surrounding the device.

[0014] The diffusion device according to the invention is simple to manufacture because it is formed by the cooperation of elements that are themselves simple to manufacture. No special tools are required to assemble the various elements of the diffusion device.

[0015] Moreover, this diffusion device is particularly easy to use because the odorant or deodorizing substance diffuses as soon as the direction of the diffuser is moved away from the vertical direction.

[0016] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the diffusion device according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: - the lower and upper parts have complementary mounting means allowing the upper part to be fixed to the lower part; - the complementary mounting means are interlocking means; - the lower part and the upper part are assembled by gluing; - the load element is shaped so as to fit into the lower part; - the load element has the shape of a truncated spherical cap; - the load element is fixed to the lower part; - the load element is fixed by gluing to the lower part; - the load element is fixed by force-fitting it to the lower part; - the load-bearing element and the lower part are formed from a single piece; - the charging element includes copper; - the charging element includes brass; - the lower part includes wood; - the upper part is made of wood; - the diffuser is placed at one upper end of the upper part; - the upper part has a spherical cap shape with a retaining portion protruding from the spherical cap, said retaining portion being arranged to hold the diffuser on the upper part of the diffusion device; - the load element and the diffuser have complementary means of cooperation allowing the diffuser to be fixed to the load element; - the complementary means of cooperation include a threaded portion and a tapped opening; - complementary means of cooperation are means of integration; - the diffuser is shaped like a rod; and - the diffuser includes wood or ceramic or paper or any other diffusing material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0018] [Fig.1] represents an assembled schematic view of a diffusion device according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] represents a schematic cross-sectional view, along plane AA shown on the [Fig.1], of a first example of the diffusion device according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.3] represents a schematic cross-sectional view, along plane AA shown on the [Fig. 1], of a second example of the diffusion device according to the invention; and

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a schematic view of a central part of a diffuser comprising in the dissemination device of [Fig.3].

[0022] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE IMPLEMENTATION

[0024] The present invention aims to improve devices for diffusing odorous and deodorizing substances in the air. In particular, it aims to provide a mobile diffusion device that is simple to use and manufacture.

[0025] By convention, the terms "inside" (or "internal") and "outside" (or "external") are used in relation to the diffusion device itself, to designate respectively the side of an element turned towards the center of the diffusion device and the side of an element turned towards the outside of this diffusion device.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "front" and "rear" are used in relation to a support plane of the diffusion device. Thus, the "rear" of an element refers to the side of an element facing this support plane, while the "front" of an element refers to the side facing away from this support plane.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent a device for diffusing 1 in the air of an odorant or deodorizing substance (also referred to as diffusion device 1 in the following) according to the invention.

[0028] In this description, the term "odorant or deodorizing substance" means a substance with an olfactory power, capable of being detected by an average human nose or modifying an olfactory perception for that average nose (it may therefore be a substance with a characteristic odor, for example a lemony odor, or a substance that reduces the olfactory perception of an unpleasant odor such as a tobacco odor). This substance may comprise a single compound, or conversely, a mixture of different compounds.

[0029] The diffusion device 1 is presented here in the form of a pendulum, that is to say a device mobile around an axis, animated by an oscillating movement.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the diffusion device 1 comprises a lower part 10, a loading element 5, an upper part 20 and a diffuser 30.

[0031] The lower part 10 forms a support part of the diffusion device 1.

[0032] The lower part 10 comprises, for example, wood. Alternatively, it may including any other type of material, for example, in particular, a metallic material.

[0033] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the lower part 10 has the shape of a spherical cap. In this description, "spherical cap" means a portion of a sphere cut by a plane and extending between a vertex of the spherical part and a flat base.

[0034] Advantageously, this spherical cap shape allows a rotational movement of the diffusion device 1 relative to a point of contact I with a support plane P ([Fig.1]).

[0035] The lower part 10 therefore comprises a spherical portion 12 and an end 14 (at the level of its base) having a circular section.

[0036] At its end 14, the lower part 10 includes a peripheral rim 15. This peripheral rim 15 extends, towards the front of the lower part 10, along the periphery of the end 14. This peripheral rim 15 is arranged so as to allow the assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 (as described below).

[0037] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the spherical portion 12 includes a lateral wall 12A partially delimiting an internal housing 13.

[0038] This internal housing 13 is adapted to accommodate the load element 5. More particularly, the load element 5 is shaped so as to fit into the internal housing 13 defined by the lower part 10.

[0039] This load element 5 acts as a ballast, that is to say a heavy material positioned at the lower part 10 of the diffusion device 1 so as to concentrate the mass of the diffusion device 1 mainly at the lower part 10. In other words, thanks to the presence and positioning of the load element 5, the mass of the diffusion device 1 is unevenly distributed.

[0040] The loading element 5 preferably comprises a metallic material. Here, the loading element 5 comprises copper. Even more preferably, the loading element 5 comprises brass.

[0041] Here, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the load element 5 is in the form of a truncated spherical cap. This spherical cap includes, at its spherical portion, a mounting area 5A. This mounting area 5A is, for example, a portion of the spherical portion. Alternatively, the spherical portion can be truncated so as to present, at its apex, a plane cross-section forming the mounting area.

[0042] The load element 5 in this spherical cap form comprises, opposite the attachment area 5A, a flat base 5B.

[0043] In order to fit into the inner housing 13 of the lower part 10, the spherical cap forming the load element 5 is truncated at the periphery of the flat base 5B, all around the perimeter of the load element 5. This allows the shape of the load element 5 to be adjusted to the peripheral rim 15 so that the load element 5 can be positioned in the lower part 10 (and more particularly, in the inner housing 13 delimited by the side wall 12A of the spherical portion 12).

[0044] In other words, the load element 5 here has a form complementary to the contour of the side wall 12A of the spherical portion 12, partially delimiting the inner housing 13.

[0045] In practice, the load element 5 is fixed to the lower part 10. More particularly, the load element 5 is fixed to the side wall 12A of the lower part 10.

[0046] For example, the load element 5 is fixed by gluing to the lower part 10. The glue is positioned here at the fixing area 5A of the load element 5.

[0047] Alternatively, the glue can be positioned at any point between the load element and the side wall of the lower part so as to hold the load element in the lower part.

[0048] Alternatively, the load element can be fixed by force-fitting to the lower part.

[0049] As shown in [Fig.3], when the load element 5 is inserted into the lower part 10, its flat base 5B extends in line with the peripheral rim 15. The arrangement of the lower part 10 with the load element 5 allows the diffusion device 1 to oscillate, under the effect of its weight, around an axis Z orthogonal to the support plane P ([Fig.1]).

[0050] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the load element 5 is also adapted to allow the attachment of the diffuser 30. In other words, the load element 5 is shaped to receive and hold the diffuser 30.

[0051] For this purpose, the load element 5 includes, at its flat base 5B, an opening 5C. This opening 5C is not through-hole. In other words, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the opening 5C forms, from the flat base 5B, a notch adapted to receive the diffuser 30.

[0052] This opening 5C has a cross-section whose dimensions are substantially on the order of the dimensions of one end of the diffuser 30 so as to ensure the fixing of the diffuser 30 on the load element 5.

[0053] The opening 5C is then provided with a side wall delimiting the opening 5C. This side wall includes means for fixing the diffuser 30 to the loading element 5. For example, here, the fixing means are in the form of a thread. The opening 5C is therefore tapped.

[0054] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the diffusion device 1 also includes the upper part 20. The upper part 20 is shaped to cooperate with the lower part 10 in order to form a body 2 of the diffusion device 1.

[0055] The upper part 20 comprises, for example, wood. Alternatively, it may comprise any other type of material, for example, a metallic material. It should be noted that the materials used to form the lower and upper parts are not necessarily identical.

[0056] The upper part 20 is also presented here in the form of a spherical cap. Alternatively, it may, for example, have a conical shape.

[0057] The upper part 20 comprises a spherical portion 22 and an end 24 having a circular section.

[0058] At its end 24, the upper part 20 includes an external peripheral rim 25. This external peripheral rim 25 extends, towards the rear of the upper part 20, along the periphery of the end 24. This external peripheral rim 25 is arranged to cooperate with the peripheral rim 15 of the part lower 10 during the assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 (as described below).

[0059] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the spherical portion 22 includes a lateral wall 22A which partially delimits the inner housing 13. In other words, the inner housing 13 is delimited by the lateral wall 12A of the lower part 10 and by the lateral wall 22A of the upper part 20.

[0060] As can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the spherical portion 22 is provided with a retaining portion 27. This retaining portion 27 extends outwards from the spherical portion 22.

[0061] The retaining portion 27 is adapted to hold the diffuser 30 on the upper part 20 of the diffusion device 1.

[0062] More particularly here, the retaining portion 27 includes a lateral wall 27A delimiting a through orifice 28. This through orifice 28 is adapted to cooperate with the diffuser 30 so as to allow the diffuser 30 to be retained on the upper part 20.

[0063] The diffuser 30 here corresponds to a system configured to allow evaporation of said substance or transfer of this substance from a solid substrate to the air surrounding this substrate. It is a passive system which, in itself, is devoid of motorized ventilation.

[0064] Here, the diffuser 30 has a central part 31 and an external part 32.

[0065] As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, the central portion 31 is in the form of a metal rod, having a lateral surface 31C and extending between a first free end 31A and a second free end 31B. This central portion 31 comprises, for example, aluminum. Here, the central portion 31 has an overall cylindrical shape.

[0066] This central part 31 is for example hollow or filled with a material (preferably a metallic material).

[0067] As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, the central part 31 includes, at its first free end 31A, mounting means 35 for attaching the diffuser 30 to the load element 5. The mounting means 35 are adapted to cooperate with the fastening means present on the side wall of the opening 5C of the load element 5. In other words, the load element 5, on the one hand, and the diffuser 30, on the other hand, include complementary means for attaching the diffuser 30 to the load element 5. Here, these complementary means are formed by the mounting means 35 (of the central part 31) and the fastening means present on the side wall (of the opening 5C of the load element 5).

[0068] Here, the mounting means 35 are in the form of a threaded portion 35 adapted to cooperate with the tapped opening 5C so as to fix the diffuser 30 on the load element 5. In other words, the complementary cooperation means are in the form of a screw (i.e. the threaded portion 35) which cooperates with a screw thread (i.e. the tapped opening 5C).

[0069] Alternatively, the additional cooperation means may be in the form of snap-fit ​​means. Alternatively still, the additional cooperation means may be in the form of interlocking means.

[0070] As also shown in [Fig.4], the central part 31 includes a shoulder 33. This shoulder 33 extends outwards from the lateral surface 31C of the central part 31. The shoulder 33 prevents the odorant substance (which has become liquid) from flowing into the inner housing 13 (by directing this odorant substance, which would have liquefied, outwards from the diffusion device 1).

[0071] As shown in [Fig. 2], according to a particular embodiment, the central part 31 includes at least one notch 33A, 33B formed from the lateral surface 31C of the central part 31. This notch 33A, 33B notably provides a housing for receiving a sealing gasket 37. This sealing gasket 37 is therefore positioned between the central part 31 and the external part 32. It notably ensures the sealing of the diffuser 30 near its free ends.

[0072] The sealing gasket 37 includes, for example, silicone.

[0073] In the example of [Fig. 2], two notches 33A, 33B are formed on the central part 31, opposite the free ends of the external part 32 (described below). Two sealing gaskets 37 are therefore positioned in each of the two notches 33A, 33B, between the central part 31 and the external part 32.

[0074] The outer part 32 is in the form of a tube. The outer part 32 (as such) is therefore hollow. The outer part 32 is positioned around the central part 31. This outer part 32 comprises the odorant substance.

[0075] This tube has, for example, perforated walls containing beads or small solid blocks on the surface of which said substance is adsorbed.

[0076] Alternatively, the diffuser may have any shape suitable for diffusing the odorant or deodorizing substance and compatible with the rocking motion of the diffusion device. In other words, any type and shape of diffuser may be used provided that the rocking motion of the diffusion device can be implemented.

[0077] In practice, the diffuser comprises wood, ceramic, or paper. Alternatively, the diffuser may comprise any other diffusing material.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diffuser 30 also includes a cap 40. This cap 40 is positioned at the free end of the diffuser 30 (i.e., that is to say opposite the upper part 20). It allows, in particular in the case where the central part 31 is hollow, to seal the free end of the diffuser 30 so that no external element or moisture can enter it.

[0079] The cap 40 is for example made of a material comprising a polymer. This is for example polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA for poly(methylmethacrylate) according to the commonly used Anglo-Saxon acronym).

[0080] The diffuser 30 is positioned at one upper end of the upper part 20 of the diffusion device 1. More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the central part 31 of the diffuser 30 is inserted through the retaining portion 27 of the upper part 20 so as to allow the diffuser 30 to be fixed to the load element 5 of the diffusion device 1. During this fixing, the shoulder 33 on the central part 31 is positioned against the retaining portion 27 of the upper part 20.

[0081] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 are assembled so as to form the body 2 of the diffusion device 1.

[0082] To implement this assembly, the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 include complementary mounting means.

[0083] These additional mounting means are, for example, here interlocking means. Here, these interlocking means are formed by the peripheral rim 15 of the lower part 10 and the external peripheral rim 25 of the upper part 20.

[0084] The assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 is then implemented by fitting the peripheral rim 15 of the lower part 10 and the external peripheral rim 25 of the upper part 20 together. More particularly, the external peripheral rim 25 is positioned outside the peripheral rim 15 so that each of the peripheral rim 15 and the external peripheral rim 25 comes respectively against the side wall 22A of the upper part 20 and against the side wall 12A of the lower part 10.

[0085] The assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 is, for example, reinforced by bonding. For example, an adhesive is applied between the peripheral rim 15 of the lower part 10 and the outer peripheral rim 25 of the upper part 20 so as to strengthen the interaction between the lower part 10 and the upper part 20.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, when the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 are assembled, the body 2 of the diffusion device 1 presents here overall a spherical shape. Only the support portion 27 protrudes from this spherical shape.

[0087] Alternatively, the additional mounting means may be in the form of snap-on means.

[0088] Once assembled, the diffusion device 1 extends vertically along the Z-axis. Under the effect of its own weight, the diffusion device oscillates like a roly-poly toy and thus moves the diffuser through the air. More specifically, the diffuser positioned on the upper part resting on the lower part weighted by the load element oscillates until it returns to a vertical position (i.e., in which the diffuser extends parallel to the Z-axis).

[0089] Advantageously, thanks to the arrangement of the different elements of the diffusion device 1, this pendulum motion occurs even when the diffuser extends in a direction positioned at 90 degrees from the direction defined by the Z axis. In other words, the oscillations of the diffusion device 1 are observed as soon as the direction of the diffuser 30 deviates from the vertical (i.e., from the Z axis).

[0090] This rocking motion then creates a movement of air around or through the diffuser, thus carrying the odorizing or deodorizing substance into the air. Furthermore, the movement of the diffuser mixes the ambient air, which promotes the dispersal of this substance in the environment surrounding the device.

[0091] Furthermore, the position of the diffuser, in the upper part of the diffusion device, also contributes to the efficient diffusion of the substance in question within the environment of the pendulum device. Indeed, the mixing of the air, alternately blown from one side to the other by the diffuser, from a position located higher than the ground (or relative to the support plane on which the device rests), facilitates a rapid and homogeneous dissemination of this substance within the environment in question.

[0092] The diffusion device according to the invention is simple to manufacture because it is formed by the cooperation of elements that are themselves simple to manufacture. No special tools are required to assemble the various elements of the diffusion device.

[0093] Moreover, this diffusion device is particularly easy to use because the odorant or deodorizing substance diffuses as soon as the direction of the diffuser is moved away from the vertical direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the load-bearing element and the lower part can be formed from a single piece. This single piece thus has the shape of a solid (i.e., weighted) spherical cap. In this embodiment, they are, for example, formed by molding a material containing steel. In this embodiment, the upper part therefore cooperates with this single piece, forming the load-bearing element and the lower part.

[0095] The diffusion device according to the invention is suitable for all types of use. For example, it can be used to diffuse the odorant or deodorizing substance locally, within a relatively small area. For such an application, the diffusion device can be in a miniature version. This miniature version is, for example, associated with the following characteristic dimensions: the diameter of the spherical body is less than 5 centimeters (cm), the height (to the end of the peripheral rim 15) of the spherical cap forming the lower part is less than 2 cm, the length of the rod forming the diffuser is less than 10 cm, and the diameter of the rod is less than 0.5 cm.

[0096] The diffusion device is also adapted for use in such a way as to diffuse the odorant or deodorizing substance over a wider area. For this application, the diffusion device therefore has larger dimensions than the miniature version.

[0097] Preferably, the diameter of the spherical body is approximately 9 cm. The height (to the end of the peripheral rim 15) of the spherical cap forming the lower part is approximately 4 cm. The length of the diffuser is approximately 25 cm. The diameter of the diffuser (taking into account the assembled central part 31 and outer part 32) is, for example, between 5 and 10 millimeters (depending on the material used to form the outer part 32).

[0098] Of course, the diffusion device is not limited to the dimensions introduced previously. In particular, it may have even larger dimensions than those shown. Specifically, the diffusion device can be resized without any particular size limitations.

Claims

Claims

1. A device (1) for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, the diffusion device (1) comprising: - a lower part (10) having a spherical cap shape which allows rotation of the diffusion device (1) relative to a point of contact (I) with a support plane (P), the lower part (10) being provided with a load element (5) arranged so as to allow the diffusion device (1) to oscillate around an axis (Z) orthogonal to the support plane (P) under the effect of its weight, and - an upper part (20) positioned on the lower part (10), the upper part (20) being provided with a diffuser (30) which releases the odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

2. Diffusion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lower part (10) and the upper part (20) have complementary mounting means (15, 25) allowing the upper part (20) to be fixed to the lower part (10).

3. A diffusion device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the complementary mounting means (15, 25) are nesting means.

4. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower part (10) and the upper part (20) are assembled by gluing.

5. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging element (5) is shaped to fit into the lower part (10).

6. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the charging element (5) has a truncated spherical cap shape.

7. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the charging element (5) is fixed by gluing to the lower part (10).

8. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the charging element (5) comprises copper, preferably brass.

9. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower part (10) comprises wood.

10. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper portion (20) comprises wood.

11. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the diffuser (30) is placed at an upper end of the upper part (20).

12. Diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper part (20) has a spherical cap shape provided with a holding portion (27) projecting from the spherical cap, said holding portion (27) being arranged to hold the diffuser (30) on the upper part (20) of the diffusion device (1).

13. Diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the load element (5) and the diffuser (30) have complementary cooperation means (5C, 35) allowing the diffuser (30) to be fixed to the load element (5).

14. A diffusion device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the complementary cooperation means (5C, 35) comprise a threaded portion (35) and a tapped opening (5C).

15. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the diffuser (30) comprises wood or ceramic or paper.

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