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 odorous 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 odorous or deodorizing substance into the air. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Many systems for diffusing odorous or deodorizing substances are used to implement air treatment. It is particularly known 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 balance whose upper end is connected by a pivot link to a support.

[0005] This balance carries a diffuser which comprises a reservoir containing the substance to be diffused. Here, this substance is in liquid form. The reservoir containing the odorous substance is delimited laterally 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 into 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 comprise an induction coil and a magnet. The detection of the magnet near the coil causes the movement of the pendulum, and therefore the diffusion of the odorous substance.

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

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

[0009] The invention then relates to a device for diffusing an odorous 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 odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

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

[0013] This rocking movement then 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.

[0014] The diffusion device according to the invention is simple to manufacture because it is formed by the cooperation of elements which are themselves simple to manufacture. No particular tool is necessary to assemble the different elements of the diffusion device.

[0015] Furthermore, this diffusion device is particularly simple to use because the odorous or deodorizing substance diffuses as soon as the direction of the diffuser moves away from the vertical direction.

[0016] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the diffusion device according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations: - the lower part and the upper part have complementary mounting means allowing the upper part to be fixed to the lower part; - the additional 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 a truncated spherical cap shape; - 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 to the lower part; - the load element and the lower part are formed from a single piece; - the load element comprises steel; - the lower part is made of wood; - the upper part is made of wood; - the diffuser is placed at an upper end of the upper part; - the upper part has the shape of a spherical cap provided with a holding portion projecting from the spherical cap, said holding portion being arranged to hold the diffuser on the upper part of the diffusion device; - the holding portion and the diffuser have complementary means of cooperation allowing the diffuser to be fixed to the upper part; - complementary means of cooperation are means of nesting; - the diffuser has the shape of a rod; and - the diffuser includes wood or ceramic or any other diffusing material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

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

[0019] [Fig.2] represents a schematic exploded perspective view of the diffusion device according to the invention; and

[0020] [Fig.3] represents a schematic sectional view of the diffusion device of [Fig.l] according to plane AA represented in [Fig.l].

[0021] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT

[0023] The present invention aims to improve devices for diffusing odorous and deodorizing substances into the air. In particular, it aims to provide a mobile diffusion device that is simple to use and manufacture.

[0024] By convention, the terms "interior" (or "internal") and "exterior" (or "external") are used in relation to the diffusion device itself, to designate respectively the side of an element facing the center of the diffusion device and the side of an element facing the exterior of this diffusion device.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "front" and "rear" are used in relation to a support plane of the diffusion device. Thus, the "rear" of an element designates the side of an element facing towards this support plane while the "front" of an element designates the side facing away from this support plane.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent a device 1 for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air (also referred to as diffusion device 1 in the following) in accordance with the invention.

[0027] In the present description, the term “odorous or deodorizing substance” means a substance having an olfactory power, which can be detected by an average human nose or which modifies an olfactory perception for this average nose (it can therefore be a substance having a characteristic odor, for example a lemony odor, or a substance which reduces the olfactory perception of an unpleasant odor such as a tobacco odor). This substance can comprise a single compound, or on the contrary a mixture of different compounds.

[0028] The diffusion device 1 is here in the form of a balance, that is to say a device mobile around an axis, animated by an oscillating movement.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the diffusion device 1 comprises a lower part 10, a load element 5, an upper part 20 and a diffuser 30.

[0030] The lower part 10 forms a support part of the diffusion device 1.

[0031] The lower part 10 comprises, for example, wood here. Alternatively, it may include any other type of material, for example in particular a metallic material.

[0032] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the lower part 10 has the shape of a spherical cap. In the present description, the term “spherical cap” means a part of a sphere cut by a plane and extending between a vertex of the spherical part and a flat base.

[0033] Advantageously, this spherical cap shape allows rotational movement of the diffusion device 1 relative to a point of contact I with a support plane P ([Fig.l]).

[0034] The lower part 10 therefore comprises a spherical portion 12 and an end 14 (at its base) having a circular section.

[0035] At its end 14, the lower part 10 comprises 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).

[0036] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the spherical portion 12 comprises a side wall 12A partially delimiting an interior housing 13.

[0037] This interior housing 13 is adapted to accommodate the charging element 5. More particularly, the charging element 5 is shaped so as to be inserted into the interior housing 13 defined by the lower part 10.

[0038] This load element 5 plays the role of a ballast, that is to say a heavy material positioned at the level of the lower part 10 of the diffusion device 1 so as to concentrate the mass of the diffusion device 1 mainly at the level of 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.

[0039] The load element 5 preferably comprises a metallic material. Here, the load element 5 comprises steel.

[0040] 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 is here truncated at the top of its spherical part, so as to form a fixing zone 5A of flat section. The load element 5 in this spherical cap form comprises, opposite the fixing zone 5A, a flat base 5B.

[0041] In order to fit into the inner housing 13 of the lower part 10, the spherical cap forming the load element 5 is also truncated at the periphery of the flat base 5B, over the entire perimeter of the load element 5. This makes it possible to adjust the shape of the load element 5 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).

[0042] In other words, the load element 5 here has a shape complementary to the contour of the side wall 12A of the spherical portion 12, partly delimiting the internal housing 13.

[0043] 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.

[0044] For example, the load element 5 is fixed by gluing to the lower part 10. The glue is here positioned at the level of the fixing zone 5A of the load element 5.

[0045] Alternatively, the glue may be positioned anywhere between the load member and the sidewall of the lower portion so as to hold the load member in the lower portion.

[0046] Alternatively, the load element may be fixed by force fitting to the lower part.

[0047] As shown in [Fig. 3], when the load element 5 is inserted into the lower part 10, its flat base 5B extends in the extension of the peripheral rim 15. The arrangement of the lower part 10 provided 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]).

[0048] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the diffusion device 1 also comprises the upper part 20. The upper part 20 is shaped so as to cooperate with the lower part 10 in order to form a body 2 of the diffusion device 1.

[0049] The upper part 20 comprises, for example, wood here. Alternatively, it may comprise any other type of material, for example in particular a metal material metal. It should be noted that the materials used to form the lower part and the upper part are not necessarily identical.

[0050] The upper part 20 is also in the form of a spherical cap. Alternatively, it may, for example, have a conical shape.

[0051] The upper part 20 comprises a spherical portion 22 and an end 24 having a circular section.

[0052] At its end 24, the upper part 20 comprises 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 so as to cooperate with the peripheral rim 15 of the lower part 10 during the assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 (as described below).

[0053] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the spherical portion 22 comprises a side wall 22A partially delimiting the interior housing 13. In other words, the interior housing 13 is delimited by the side wall 12A of the lower part 10 and by the side wall 22A of the upper part 20.

[0054] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the spherical portion 22 is provided with a holding portion 27. This holding portion 27 projects from the spherical portion 22.

[0055] The holding portion 27 is adapted to hold the diffuser 30 on the upper part 20 of the diffusion device 1.

[0056] More particularly here, the holding portion 27 comprises a side 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 fixed to the upper part 20.

[0057] 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. This is a passive system which, in itself, is devoid of motorized ventilation.

[0058] Here, the diffuser 30 is in the form of a rod. This rod has, for example, 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 (positioned, for example, in the interior housing 13) 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.

[0059] Alternatively, the diffuser may have any shape suitable for allowing the diffusion of the odorous or deodorizing substance and which is compatible with the swinging motion of the diffusion device. In other words, any type and shape of diffuser can be used as long as the swinging motion of the diffusion device can be implemented.

[0060] In practice, the diffuser comprises wood or ceramic. Alternatively, the diffuser may comprise any other diffusing material.

[0061] The diffuser 30 is positioned at an upper end of the upper part 20 of the diffusion device 1. For this, the diffuser 30 comprises at one of its ends a mounting portion 30A intended to cooperate with the holding portion 27 of the upper part 20 so as to hold the diffuser 30 on the upper part 20 of the diffusion device 1.

[0062] Here, the mounting portion 30A is formed by a projecting portion of the diffuser 30. This portion is adapted to cooperate with the through-orifice 28 of the upper part 20 to allow the diffuser 30 to be fixed on this upper part 20.

[0063] In other words, the holding portion 27, on the one hand, and the diffuser 30, on the other hand, comprise complementary cooperation means allowing the diffuser 30 to be fixed to the upper part 20. These complementary cooperation means are, for example, nesting means. Here, these complementary cooperation means are formed by the through-orifice 28 (of the holding portion 27) and the mounting portion 30A (of the diffuser 30).

[0064] Alternatively, the complementary cooperation means may be in the form of snap-fastening means. Alternatively, the complementary cooperation means may comprise a screw thread at the holding portion and a screw portion at the mounting portion.

[0065] 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.

[0066] To implement this assembly, the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 comprise complementary mounting means.

[0067] These complementary mounting means are, for example, 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.

[0068] 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. 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 respectively abuts against the side wall 22A of the upper part 20 and against the side wall 12A of the lower part 10.

[0069] The assembly of the lower part 10 and the upper part 20 is for example reinforced by gluing. An adhesive is for example applied between the peripheral edge 15 of the lower part 10 and the external peripheral edge 25 of the upper part 20 so as to reinforce the cooperation between the lower part 10 and the upper part 20.

[0070] 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 here has a spherical shape overall. Only the holding portion 27 projects from this spherical shape.

[0071] Alternatively, the complementary mounting means may be in the form of snap-fastening means.

[0072] Once assembled, the diffusion device 1 extends vertically along the Z axis. Under the effect of its own weight, the diffusion device oscillates in the manner of a tumbler and thus moves the diffuser in the air. More particularly, the diffuser positioned on the upper part resting on the weighted lower part of the load element oscillates until it returns to a vertical position (i.e. in which the diffuser extends parallel to the Z axis).

[0073] Advantageously, thanks to the arrangement of the different elements of the diffusion device 1, this pendulum movement 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).

[0074] This rocking movement then 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.

[0075] Furthermore, the position of the diffuser, in the upper part of the diffusion device, also contributes to an efficient diffusion of the substance in question, in the environment of the balancing device. Indeed, the mixing of the air, alternately pushed to one side then to the other 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.

[0076] The diffusion device according to the invention is simple to manufacture because it is formed by the cooperation of elements which are themselves simple to manufacture. No particular tool is necessary to assemble the different elements of the diffusion device.

[0077] Furthermore, this diffusion device is particularly simple to use because the odorous or deodorizing substance diffuses as soon as the direction of the diffuser of the vertical direction.

[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the load element and the lower part can be formed from a single piece. This single piece therefore has the shape of a solid (i.e. weighted) spherical cap. In this alternative, they are for example formed by molding a material comprising steel. In this alternative, the upper part therefore cooperates with this single piece forming the load element and the lower part.

[0079] The diffusion device according to the invention is suitable for any type of use. It can, for example, be used to diffuse the odorous or deodorizing substance locally, within a rather restricted perimeter. For such an application, the diffusion device can then be presented in a miniature version. This miniature version is, for example, associated with the following characteristic dimensions: the diameter of the spherical shape of the body is less than 5 centimeters (cm), the height (up 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, the diameter of the rod is less than 0.5 cm.

[0080] The diffusion device is also suitable for use in such a way as to diffuse the odorous or deodorizing substance over a wider area. For this application, the diffusion device therefore has larger dimensions than for the miniature version.

[0081] Preferably, the diameter of the spherical shape of the body is of the order of 9 cm. The height (up to the end of the peripheral rim 15) of the spherical cap forming the lower part is of the order of 4 cm. The length of the rod is of the order of 25 cm. The diameter of the rod is for example between 5 and 10 millimeters (depending on the material used to form this rod).

[0082] Of course, the diffusion device is not limited to the dimensions introduced previously. In particular, it may have even larger dimensions than those presented. In particular, the diffusion device may be resized without any particular size limits.

Claims

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10. Claims 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 orthogonal (Z) 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. 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). Diffusion device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the complementary mounting means (15, 25) are nesting means. Diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the lower part (10) and the upper part (20) are assembled by gluing. 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). Diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the charging element (5) has a truncated spherical cap shape. 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). A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the load element (5) comprises steel. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower part (10) comprises wood. 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 claim 12, in which the holding portion (27) and the diffuser (30) have complementary cooperation means (27A, 30A) allowing the diffuser (30) to be fixed to the upper part (20).

14. A diffusion device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the complementary cooperation means (27A, 30A) are nesting means.

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

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