Odor cartridge for a device for the selective dispensing of odorous substances.

Abstract

An olfactory cartridge (2) containing an odorant substance in the form of granules (GR), comprising a body (20) and a closing cap (21), the body extending along a longitudinal axis of elongation (U) with a common cross-section of generally trapezoidal shape, with a cartridge length (L2) along the longitudinal axis, the body comprising two longitudinal end faces (22, 23), of generally trapezoidal shape, a bottom face (2b), a head face (2a) opposite the bottom face, and two large faces (2c, 2d) extending between the bottom face and the head face, the cartridge comprising an outlet orifice (4) positioned on the head face, the cartridge comprising air inlet holes (24) positioned on one of the two longitudinal end faces. (See illustration: Fig. 10)

Description

Title of the invention: Olfactory cartridge for a device for the selective dispensing of odorous substances.

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for the selective dispensing of odorous substances and to olfactory cartridges used in such dispensing devices.

[0002] Odorous substances may correspond to odors which accompany a circumstance of being placed in a virtual reality and / or augmented reality situation (olfactory information complements auditory and visual information).

[0003] The odorants in question may be perfume compositions that a user wishes to test. The odorants may be activated individually, one after the other, according to a predefined sequence or a specific scenario. The odorants are contained individually in olfactory cartridges, which form the subject of the present invention.

[0004] The selective dispensing device in question here is individual; the device delivers odorous substances to a single person at a given time in the vicinity of their nose.

[0005] An example of such a system is known from document WO2019131808.

[0006] However, in the solution proposed according to WO2019131808, the dispensing ports for the various odorants are located in a horizontal plane, and the user may be distracted by the odorants emanating from the right or left. It should also be noted that the solution proposed according to WO2019131808 occupies a considerable amount of space under the virtual reality headset.

[0007] The inventors sought to propose a solution for dispensing odorous substances in front of a user's nose without right-left imbalance effect on olfactory perception.

[0008] It is proposed to place the olfactory cartridges one above the other in a sector in front of and below the user's nose. It is therefore desirable that the entire set of cartridges occupy a reasonable and minimal volume in a sector located in front of the user's nose and mouth. Furthermore, the cartridges should be easy to manufacture and easy to fill with coated or impregnated granules of odorant substances. In addition, the cartridges should be easy to insert into and remove from the device. Incidentally, the airflow inside the cartridge should be as efficient as possible for collecting odorant substances.

[0009] For this purpose, an olfactory cartridge (2) containing an odorant substance in the form essentially of granules (GR) is proposed, comprising a body (20) and a closing cap (21), the body extending along a longitudinal elongation axis (U) with a common section of generally trapezoidal shape, with a cartridge length (L2) along the longitudinal axis, the body comprising two longitudinal end faces, of generally trapezoidal shape, a bottom face, a head face opposite the bottom face, and two large faces extending between the bottom face and the head face, the cartridge comprising an outlet orifice (4) positioned on the head face, the cartridge comprising air inlet holes (24) positioned on one of the two longitudinal end faces / on the closing cap.

[0010] Thanks to the arrangements proposed above, several cartridges can be arranged one after the other, with their large faces adjacent to each other, so as to create a set of cartridges in the shape of an angular sector, which can be used in a dispensing device intended to selectively deliver odorous substances in a sagittal plane of a user's head.

[0011] The scent cartridge is activated by blowing air through the air intake holes, and the airflow through the cartridge becomes charged with scent substance upon contact with the granules and exits through the outlet towards the tip of the user's nose.

[0012] Advantageously, the cartridges are devoid of any active element; they simply contain granules loaded with odorant substances. A control module drives the airflow that passes through a cartridge and exits through an outlet towards the base of the user's nose.

[0013] The hood can be provided in or on one of the faces of the body. It will be seen later that, according to a particular solution, the hood acts as one of the longitudinal end faces.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the air intake holes (24) are located on the closing cover (21).

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, the air intake holes (24) are located in the body, for example on one of the faces of the body, in particular on one of the longitudinal end faces distinct from the hood.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the outlet orifice (4) is positioned on the head face, midway between the two longitudinal end faces. This arrangement gives symmetry to the cartridge and its outlet, which allows for alternating orientations of the cartridges, one being rotated 180° relative to its neighboring cartridge.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cartridge has an internal cartridge volume (VC), and a filling rate is defined as the total volume occupied by the granules, divided by the internal volume of the cartridge. The cartridge is characterized by a fill level between 50% and 90%. As an example, the fill level is preferably around 80%.

[0018] Such a partial filling rate allows the granules to reconfigure and / or recombine when the orientation of the olfactory cartridge changes.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the granules are shaped like grains of rice. This shape allows for empty spaces between the granules, which is favorable to the passage of air between them. The airflow can thus penetrate to the core of the cluster of granules.

[0020] Other forms of granules that promote air penetration into the granules are also possible

[0021] According to one embodiment, the outlet orifice has an axis (W) perpendicular to the direction of the air inlet flow (U) through the air inlet holes. This allows for a non-linear airflow path and improves the air path through the core of the cluster of rice-grain-shaped granules.

[0022] In this case, the cartridge body is prismatic with the current section forming the base of the prism perpendicular to the longitudinal axis U.

[0023] It should be noted that the longitudinal axis of the cartridge U corresponds to the transverse direction X of the device and the control module.

[0024] The longitudinal direction of the cartridge corresponds to a transverse direction of the dispensing device, perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the hood is domed and protrudes towards the inside of the body. The inventors have found that this inward protrusion is favorable to good diffusion of the air forced into the inside of the cartridge, and to good licking of the granules by the airflow.

[0026] According to an example, the volume occupied by the bulging belly is 5% and 10% of the envelope volume of the cartridge.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the large faces of the cartridge are separated angularly by an angle 02 between 10° and 16°, preferably between 12° and 14°. In a particular case, the angle 02 may be between 12° and 13°.

[0028] Thus, with six cartridges placed adjacent to each other, the angular coverage of the entire cartridge ranges from 80° to 90°. This assembly represents a reasonable footprint in the area if positioned in front of and below the user's nose. It can be roughly shaped like a sector of a cylinder, e.g., a quarter of a cylinder.

[0029] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has a single diffusion orifice (4) having a passage cross-section of at most 2 mm2, and preferably of at most 1 mm2.

[0030] As a result, the exit is very localized and, as a reminder, it is located in the sagittal plane of the head.

[0031] The inventors have noted that this single outlet of small section accentuates the selective nature of the diffusion of the product, and reduces the risk of cross-pollution between the different odorant substances.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the closing cover (21) is clipped onto the body (20). The cartridge assembly is thus easy to carry out.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the cartridge is made of a translucent plastic material, polyethylene, inert to perfumes and impermeable to perfumes.

[0034] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has a length (L2) along the transverse axis, between 30 mm and 60 mm.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a bearing is provided at the outlet orifice to receive a plug intended to close the outlet orifice.

[0036] The outlet orifice is slightly recessed relative to the outer surface envelope of the cartridge, to leave room for the bearing in question.

[0037] It is therefore possible to cap the cartridge, for example between two uses.

[0038] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig. 1] schematically represents, in side view, a user using a virtual reality mask with a selective dispensing device for odorous substances according to the present invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents the same user from a top view than that of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] schematically represents, in front view, the same user as that of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.4] schematically represents, in three-quarter front view, the same user than that of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.5] is analogous to [Fig.4] with the odorant dispensing device shown in exploded view; - [Fig.6] shows a three-quarter view of an example of the control module implementation, with the side cover disassembled; - [Fig.7] shows in perspective view an example of a cartouche; - [Fig.8] shows an example of a cartouche from the end; - [Fig.9] shows in profile view an example of a cartridge cover; - [Fig. 10] shows in cross-section an example of a cartouche; - [Fig. 11] schematically represents, in front view, an example of a module order; - [Fig. 12] schematically represents in side view the example of control module of [Fig. 11]; - [Fig. 13] shows the example of the control module of [Fig. 11] seen from the other side; - [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates an example of a functional control diagram for a device dispensing odorous substances; - [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates an example of a functional diagram of the information flows involved; - [Fig. 16] schematically illustrates an example of a sequence chronogram corresponding to a scenario for providing olfactory information; - [Fig. 17] schematically illustrates a variant embodiment concerning the selective air circulation in the cartridges.

[0039] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a user UU using a virtual reality mask 9. The virtual reality mask 9 is complemented by a selective dispensing device for odorants, generally denoted 1, which is the subject of the present invention.

[0041] The virtual reality mask can also be complemented by audio headphones (headset or in-ear), not shown.

[0042] Thus, visual information, olfactory information, and optionally auditory information are delivered.

[0043] As already mentioned, the dispensing device could be used for olfactory purposes only, independently of a visual and / or auditory scenario.

[0044] In the example illustrated in the figures, the selective dispensing device for odorous substances 1, also referred to more concisely in the following as dispensing device or dispensing apparatus, contains 6 cartridges.

[0045] By cartridge, we mean an individual interchangeable container; it should be noted that there is no connotation of ammunition in this document.

[0046] The number of cartridges could be different, for example 4 cartridges, 5 cartridges, or more than 6 cartridges.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, we use an orthogonal spatial coordinate system where the Z direction is the local vertical of the user's head TU, the X direction corresponds to the lateral direction, i.e., the left-right direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the anteroposterior direction, i.e., the front-back direction. We immediately identify the sagittal plane of the head, which corresponds to a plane that includes a vertical direction Z and an anteroposterior direction Y. This plane is denoted PS and corresponds to a YZ plane. The user's head TU is generally symmetrical with respect to this sagittal plane. The sagittal plane PS passes through the bridge of the nose and the tip of the nose.

[0048] The dispensing device includes a control module generally denoted 3 and an adapter element 10 which makes it possible to form a mechanical interface between the virtual reality mask 9 and the control module 3 itself.

[0049] According to the illustrated example, the adapter element 10 is a purely mechanical element used to securely and repeatably attach the control module, particularly to the virtual reality headset. It may include clipping elements, e.g., systems with positioning and locking mechanisms. In practice, there are no limitations regarding any system that allows the control module to be attached to the virtual reality headset and thus ensures the desired positioning of the dispensing device 1 relative to the user's nose.

[0050] According to other variants, the adapter element could convey an electrical supply to the control module or even a pneumatic supply to the control module.

[0051] In [Fig. 1], the cartouches are generically identified by the reference numeral 2. The first cartouche C1 is located in the highest position. The second cartouche C2 is generally adjacent to the first cartouche C1, along their larger faces, below the first. There may be a small gap between the two cartouches, occupied by low walls or a partition, which will be discussed later.

[0052] Following the same logic, the third cartridge C3 is located below the second cartridge, the fourth cartridge C4 is located below the third cartridge, the fifth cartridge C5 is located below the fourth cartridge, and the sixth cartridge C6 is located below the fifth cartridge. The sequence of cartridges follows a general arc centered below the nose, which will be seen later.

[0053] Each cartridge 2 contains a limited quantity of an odorant substance; therefore, the cartridge is intended to be used, i.e., requested, a certain number of times, but it is intended either to be disposed of after a certain number of uses, or to be introduced into a refilling circuit which will allow the container to be reused and new contents to be put inside the container.

[0054] The odorant substance is contained on small solid elements called GR granules. These are coated or impregnated with the odorant substance. The cartridge does not contain any liquid. The cartridge is not completely filled with GR granules.

[0055] It is an airflow which passes through the cartridge and which becomes charged with the odorous substance of interest upon contact with the granules contained in the cartridge.

[0056] The airflow in question is a controlled and selective flow. The airflow enters the cartridge when an airflow delivery device is activated and pushes air towards the inside of the cartridge.

[0057] After passing through the cartridge in contact with the granules, the charged air exits through the diffusion orifice, also called the outlet orifice.

[0058] Each cartridge 2 has a single diffusion orifice 4. The cross-sectional area of ​​this diffusion orifice is small. Preferably, the cross-sectional area is less than 2 mm². In one particular example, the cross-sectional area of ​​this orifice is close to 1 mm².

[0059] Therefore, each cartridge is provided with air intake holes. The number of holes and the passage cross-section are discussed later.

[0060] Cleverly according to the present invention, as seen in [Fig.3], the set of diffusion orifices 4 is arranged in a configuration for use in the sagittal plane PS.

[0061] In addition, the axis of the diffusion orifice 4 of each cartridge is directed towards a target point marked A, as seen in [Fig.1].

[0062] The set of orifices 4 of the cartridges C1-C6 is arranged on an arc of a circle CV having as its center a target point A. It is noted that the air flows exiting through the diffusion orifices converge towards the target point A.

[0063] In the position of use, the target point A is located in a nostril area of ​​a user, under the tip of the nose, and furthermore, the circle CV is located in a vertical plane YZ, i.e. in the sagittal plane PS.

[0064] Cartridge

[0065] According to an example of an embodiment as illustrated, the cartridge 2 comprises a hollow body 20 and a hood 21. The hood can also be called a cover or a cap.

[0066] The hollow body and the hood together define an internal volume in which the GR granules are housed.

[0067] The cartridge is not completely filled with granules. The granules occupy a proportion of the available internal volume. This proportion can be between 50% and 90%. Thanks to this partial filling, when the cartridge undergoes mechanical movement, the granules can move and rearrange themselves, which is favorable for the absorption of the odorant substance by the airflow during the next use.

[0068] In a particular example, this proportion of filling may be on the order of 80%.

[0069] Each cartridge has a generally prismatic external shape with a trapezoidal base CB and an elongation direction U perpendicular to the base CB

[0070] The trapezoidal base comprises two opposite parallel sides 25,26, each parallel to the direction noted V and two opposite non-parallel sides 27,28 longer than the parallel sides 25,26.

[0071] The two non-parallel sides are also called the long sides of the base.

[0072] The long sides 27,28 of the trapezoidal base are separated angularly by an angle 02. The angle 02 characterizes the opening of the wedge shape of the prismatic wedge shape of the cartridge.

[0073] Generally, depending on the proposed configurations, angle 02 is between 10° and 16°. In particular, angle 02 can be within a typical range of 12° to 14°. In a specific case, angle 02 can be between 12° and 13°.

[0074] Thus, with six cartridges placed adjacent to each other, the angular coverage of all the cartridges is 80° to 90°. This assembly represents a reasonable bulk in the area in front of and below the user's nose. The assembly can be roughly shaped like a quarter cylinder.

[0075] Each cartridge has two trapezoidal longitudinal end faces 22, 23 (base CB). One of the two longitudinal end faces is provided with a plurality of holes 24. There are approximately ten to fifteen holes; these holes receive an airflow from the outside, the air entering the internal volume of the cartridge through the holes.

[0076] It is noted that due to the random arrangement of the granules inside the cartridge, the air path TA is chaotic (cf [Fig.7]).

[0077] It is also noted that the direction of the flow entering the cartridge is generally perpendicular to the direction that the air takes when passing through the outlet orifice 4.

[0078] In addition to the two longitudinal end faces, the cartridge includes a bottom face 2b, a top face 2a, and two large faces 2c,2d.

[0079] Angle 02 angularly separates the two large faces.

[0080] The apex face 2a is quite narrow, it is a few millimeters wide.

[0081] Due to the narrowness of the vertex face, the trapezoidal shape of the base CB is close to a triangular shape.

[0082] Regarding the overall dimensions of the cartridge, the length L2 along the longitudinal axis U of the cartridge can typically be between 50 mm and 80 mm. The width W2 along the axis V can typically be between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0083] The height H2 along the axis W can typically be between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0084] The cartridge can be made of synthetic material, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyamide. Preferably, An inert material is used when exposed to various chemical compounds, including perfumes. The same material is chosen for both the hollow body and the cap.

[0085] The hood can be fitted with clipping tabs (not shown) which each anchor behind a small shoulder provided in the hollow body.

[0086] Optionally, a counterbore 4a or a wider area for receiving a plug may be provided in the area of ​​the outlet orifice 4 (see [Fig. 10]).

[0087] Control Module

[0088] The cartridges are housed in a control module 3.

[0089] The cartridges are interchangeable in the control module, individually or in groups.

[0090] The cartridges can be received directly or indirectly in the control module. When received indirectly in the control module, they are first installed in a receptacle called a session kit or charger 8. The session kit or charger thus comprises a group of cartridges installed in the control module 3.

[0091] The control module includes an electronic unit 7 with an electronic board on which is arranged a microcontroller 70.

[0092] The control module is formed as a structure which includes two side uprights 31, 32 and a top cross member 30. The side uprights extend downwards from the ends of the top cross member 30. In addition, there is optionally a lower connecting element 33, which connects the lower ends of the side uprights.

[0093] The structure in question can be called a chassis or frame (or even a portal frame in the absence of a lower connecting element).

[0094] The control module can be manufactured as a single molded plastic piece. The control module can be manufactured in two or three pieces assembled together.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the control module comprises a main part and two side covers 36 which close the side uprights from the outside.

[0096] The control module includes airflow delivery elements, labeled Fl to F6. Each airflow delivery element is configured to impart air circulation within a corresponding cartridge (Cl to C6). In the illustrated example, the airflow delivery elements are small fans, but as will be seen later, other means may be suitable for the same function.

[0097] As can be seen in Figures 6, 12 and 13 in the illustrated example, the right side post 31 includes three airflow delivery devices and the left side post 32 includes three airflow delivery devices.

[0098] It is noted that the positioning of the cartridges is alternated and corresponds to a balanced distribution to the right and left of the air flow delivery elements.

[0099] In use, even-numbered cartridges have their air inlet on the left and odd-numbered cartridges have their air inlet on the right. One cartridge is rotated 180° relative to its neighbor.

[0100] In other words, two adjacent cartridges have a position that differs by a rotation of 180° around the axis W.

[0101] We thus have on the right the odd cartridges (C1,C3,C5) and the odd air flow delivery elements (F1,F3,F5), and conversely on the left the even cartridges (C2,C4,C6) and the even air flow delivery elements (F2,F4,F6).

[0102] The control module includes lights 51 to 56, which allow air from the air flow delivery devices to reach the air intake holes 24 of the cartridges 2.

[0103] The first fan Fl blows through the first light 51 into the first cartridge Cl. The third fan F3 blows through the third light 53 into the third cartridge C3. The fifth fan F5 blows through the fifth light 55 into the fifth cartridge C5.

[0104] The second fan F2 blows through the second light 52 into the second cartridge C2. The fourth fan F4 blows through the fourth light 54 into the fourth cartridge C4. The sixth fan F6 blows through the sixth light 56 ​​into the sixth cartridge C6.

[0105] It should be noted that, depending on the position of the fan, the air blown by the fan is conveyed to the corresponding light. A duct called a nozzle can be used for this function.

[0106] Furthermore, it is planned that the path taken by the air through the air flow distribution device is closed outside of the activation phases.

[0107] In the case of fans, at zero speed, the fans are of the blackout type when stopped.

[0108] The sealing of the air duct in the non-selective activation phases prevents air circulation inside the cartridge possibly induced either by a movement of the user's head, or by an external air current.

[0109] This avoids potential pollution from their involuntary circulation of air inside the cartridges when the cartridge is not activated.

[0110] The fan housing area is concealed once the control module is assembled by a side cover 36 which includes openings 14 to allow intake air to pass through.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the axis of each fan can be parallel to the transverse direction X of the control module.

[0112] According to another embodiment, the axes of the fans are inclined with respect to the transverse direction X, so that the fans can overlap each other, thus there is a partial overlap of one fan on another.

[0113] Generally, the airflow activation elements are located in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding ports. Such a short distance between the delivery elements and the outlet port and inlet holes 24 of the cartridge promotes a short response time and avoids aerodynamic pressure drop effects.

[0114] The cartridges can be held individually by clipping them into the control module. For example, the cartridges can be held individually by means of a system of unlockable hooks.

[0115] According to one illustrated possibility, the cartridges are received in a charger, and the charger itself is received in the control module. As a reminder, the charger corresponds to a session kit in the case of perfume composition trials.

[0116] Alternatively, the cartridges could be received by individual clipping into each of the locations provided in the control module.

[0117] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the width L3 of the control module can be between 80 mm and 90 mm. Such a width is much smaller than the width of the configuration proposed in document WO2019131808. It should be noted that the control module occupies a space that is generally symmetrical on either side of the sagittal plane PS.

[0118] With reference to [Fig. 1], the height H3 of the control module can be between 75 mm and 85 mm. This represents a very modest dimension considering the presence of the six cartridges arranged one above the other.

[0119] Furthermore, still with reference to [Fig. 1], if we consider an average individual, the device's extension below the base of the chin, dimension denoted E3, is less than 20 mm, or even less than 15 mm in a particular application. The user UU can thus lower their head without any discomfort.

[0120] Regarding the weight of the device, the weight of the control unit alone, without the cartridges or battery, is less than 150 grams, preferably less than 120 grams. The device is thus comfortable to wear without the user feeling any heaviness. Adding 6 cartridges adds approximately 40 grams, so the total weight of the device without the battery is in all cases less than 200 g.

[0121] Charger

[0122] The illustrated magazine includes a base case 8a, with a base that can be largely perforated and a cover 8b that closes the magazine from the front.

[0123] The charger 8 includes on its side cheeks openings which correspond geometrically to the position of the lights of the control module.

[0124] Thus the orifice 81 is opposite the light 51, the orifice 84 is opposite the light 54, and the orifice 86 is opposite the light 56, the same logic as applying mutatis mutandis to the other orifices and lights.

[0125] The cover 8b can be clipped onto and unclipped from the base case as needed. The cover 8b can be perforated and include vents or a grid 87 to allow air into the internal volume of the magazine if necessary.

[0126] In the illustrated example, partitions 89 are provided to separate the cartridges. The partitions extend radially from the bottom of the base case, with a divergence angle that corresponds substantially to the angle 02 of the opening of the wedge shapes of the cartridges.

[0127] An electronic label 88 is provided on the charger, allowing for automatic identification of the charger. The charger and its cartridge contents have been prepared beforehand. The contents may correspond to a scenario for presenting the odorants, also known as a session kit.

[0128] The session kit is identifiable by the control module 3 via the electronic identifier 88.

[0129] The identifier and the identifier reader 76 are preferably of the NFC tag type.

[0130] The electronic board and the microcontroller of the control module are of known technology per se and therefore not described in detail here.

[0131] According to an advantageous option, the control module 3 may include a battery 17 which provides power to the dispensing system for a substantial period. The battery 17 may be rechargeable.

[0132] As illustrated in [Fig.14], the microcontroller 70 includes control outputs which are each coupled to an airflow delivery element, there is optionally a power stage installed on the electronic board (PCB).

[0133] The microcontroller 70 includes a wireless communication coupler, for example a WiFi coupler or a Bluetooth coupler, which enables the microcontroller to communicate with a remote control system.

[0134] The remote control system can be, for example, a computer or a server generically identified by reference 5 or a smartphone identified by reference 6, the wireless link being noted 78.

[0135] System aspects

[0136] According to an operating configuration shown in [Fig. 15], the control module of the olfactory dispensing device communicates with a computer 5 and receives, via the wireless link, commands for sequences or scenarios for diffusing odorous substances. Simultaneously, the virtual reality headset 9 communicates with the computer 5 and receives, via the wireless link, commands of sequences or scenarios for broadcasting images. A complete coordinated scenario can thus be played out.

[0137] An example of a diffusion sequence for odorants is shown in [Fig. 16] where the control module activates each of the airflow diffusion elements corresponding to a cartridge containing a particular odorant product or substance in turn.

[0138] Other points and variations

[0139] Figure 17 shows a variant concerning the generation and delivery of air to the cartridges. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 17, a small compressed air reservoir 61 is provided, which can be placed, for example, in the upper crossmember of the control module. A pressure regulator 62 is provided at the outlet of the reservoir. A first pipe 63 supplies the right-hand side post 31, and a second pipe supplies the left-hand side post 32. In addition, at each of the openings, the side post includes a miniature solenoid valve 64.

[0140] Each of the uprights includes three solenoid valves which replace the fans of the main embodiment described above.

[0141] A diaphragm poppet on a poppet seat can be used as a miniature solenoid valve, the diaphragm being moved by an electromagnetic or piezoelectric effect.

[0142] It is noted that in this case, the operating noise when one of the cartridges is activated is extremely low.

[0143] According to another variant not shown in the figures, the aforementioned small fans could be replaced by miniature piezoelectric pumps.

Claims

Demands

1. An olfactory cartridge (2) containing an odorant substance in the form essentially of granules (GR), comprising a body (20) and a closing cap (21), the body extending along a longitudinal elongation axis (U) with a common section of generally trapezoidal shape, with a cartridge length (L2) along the longitudinal axis, the body comprising two longitudinal end faces (22,23), of generally trapezoidal shape, a bottom face (2b), a head face (2a) opposite the bottom face, and two large faces (2c,2d) extending between the bottom face and the head face, the cartridge comprising an outlet orifice (4) positioned on the head face, the cartridge comprising air inlet holes (24) positioned on one of the two longitudinal end faces.

2. An olfactory cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet holes (24) are located on the closing cover (21).

3. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the outlet orifice (4) is positioned on the head face (2a), midway between the two longitudinal end faces (22,23).

4. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having an internal cartridge volume (VC), in which a filling rate is defined as the total volume occupied by the granules, divided by the internal cartridge volume, and characterizing that the filling rate is between 50% and 90%.

5. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet orifice has an axis (W) perpendicular to the direction of air inlet flow (U) through the air inlet holes.

6. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cap (21) is domed and protrudes into the body.

7. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the large faces of the cartridge are separated angularly by an angle (02) between 10° and 16°, preferably between 12° and 13°.

8. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each cartridge has a single diffusion orifice (4) 15 having a passage cross-section of at most 2 mm2, and preferably of at most 1 mm2.

9. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closing cap (21) is clipped onto the body (20).

10. An olfactory cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a bearing (4a) is provided at the outlet orifice for receiving a plug intended to close the outlet orifice.

Images