Cartridges and aroma dispensing devices for aroma dispensing devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge (1) for an aroma dispensing device (20), comprising a hollow body (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), and means (7) for storing at least one flavoring composition, arranged within the hollow body (2). According to the invention, the cartridge (1) further comprises means (5) for closing the inlet (3) and the outlet (4), which are closed and airtight in the closed position. The present invention also relates to a device (20) for dispensing aroma, comprising at least two receptacles (22), each of which is adapted to removably receive a cartridge (1) according to the invention, each receptacle comprising, on the one hand, inlet means (26) and outlet means (27) for an air flow intended to be connected to the inlet (3) and outlet (4) of the cartridge (1), respectively, and, on the other hand, adapted to act on the closure means (5) of a cartridge placed within the receptacle (22) so as to move the closure means (5) to an open position. The invention also relates to a device (20) having a housing comprising two receptacles (22), airflow generating means (31) adapted to generate at least an airflow through the receptacles (22) between the inlet means (26) and the outlet means (27), and a control unit U capable of controlling the airflow generating means (31) and the inlet means (26) and the outlet means (27) and adapted to ensure independent or simultaneous dispensing of the flavoring composition contained in the cartridge (1) in variable proportions and closure of the cartridge (1) when the device is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of aroma dispensing devices, and more particularly to diffusers including aroma or scent cartridges. The present invention also relates to cartridges for aroma dispensing devices.

Background Art

[0002] In the above field, dry perfume dispensers including cartridges removably mounted in a diffuser, adapted to emit at least one aroma, are known.

[0003] For example, International Publication No. 2016 / 098114 pamphlet discloses an aroma dispensing device including a casing having compartments opening to the atmosphere, each intended to receive a cartridge for containing an aroma. According to this document, each cartridge consists of a cylindrical hollow body for containing an aroma container, the upper and lower surfaces of which are perforated so that the passage of an air stream can contact the container. Each compartment is further associated with a fan adapted to flow air from its base into the compartment and thus through the cartridge placed therein. Then, the system diffuses the aroma by changing the operating speed of the fan according to the user's instructions.

[0004] Such a system can diffuse the aroma and is easy to use. Specifically, however, since the container of each cartridge is always in contact with the ambient air, the aroma has the drawback of being permanently diffused even when the fan associated with the cartridge stops or the device completely stops. Therefore, the discharge of the cartridge container is not controlled, and as long as the cartridge diffuses the aroma component contained therein even when the fan associated with a specific cartridge stops, it becomes impossible to provide a perfume composition that should not contain the aroma of the cartridge.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To improve upon this drawback, the present invention relates to a cartridge for an aroma dispensing device, comprising a hollow body having an inlet and an outlet, and means for storing at least one fragrance composition disposed within the hollow body, and further comprising inlet and outlet closing means that can move between an open position and a closed position, are controlled to close, and are airtight in the closed position.

[0006] Therefore, by integrating an airtight, closed-control closure mechanism into the cartridge, leakage or deterioration of the cartridge contents is prevented when the cartridge contents are outside the device. Furthermore, the closure mechanism can completely seal each cartridge within the diffuser when the fragrance contained in the cartridge is not being used. "Airtight" should be understood as the absence of air leakage when the internal pressure of the cartridge is slightly higher than the external pressure. In this context, airtight is synonymous with airtight.

[0007] According to the features of the present invention, the closing means includes two shutters, one of which is for an entrance and the other for an exit.

[0008] According to another feature of the present invention, the cartridge is - A link element that is hermetically fitted onto the cartridge body and includes a seat that defines a passage, - A movable shutter adapted to move parallel to the open and closed positions of the passageway, - Closing control means for the shutter and The device includes at least one plug containing [a specific component]. The implementation of such a plug simplifies the manufacturing method of the cartridge, specifically the positioning of at least one fragrance or flavoring composition within the hollow body of the storage means. The cartridge can therefore be hermetically sealed by the means of the plug.

[0009] According to another feature of the present invention, the closing control means for the shutter includes a spring. By using a spring or any other elastic member, the shutter can be simply controlled to the closed position. This spring may be, for example, a leaf spring or a coil spring.

[0010] According to the present invention, the closing means is not necessarily created as a movable element whose closing is controlled by an elastic member. Therefore, the closing means can be created as an elastically deformable membrane having at least one slot that opens for the passage of an airflow intake or exhaust tube and can automatically close when the tube is removed. When closed, the membrane is airtight.

[0011] According to another feature of the present invention, the body has at least locally local external rotation asymmetry to define the direction in which the cartridge is introduced into a complementary shaped compartment intended to receive the cartridge. This asymmetrical shape provides a foolproof function to avoid poor positioning of the cartridge within the diffusion device intended to receive the cartridge.

[0012] According to another feature of the present invention, the means for storing at least one fragrance composition includes an absorbent material. The implementation of such an absorbent material allows for the formation of a container in which the fragrance composition is absorbed, thereby facilitating the handling of the storage means, specifically the cartridge assembly. In fact, the storage means can be pre-filled before being placed in the cartridge.

[0013] According to another feature of the present invention, the cartridge includes identification means suitable for automatic reading. The implementation of such means allows each cartridge in the diffusion device to be automatically identified, which can then modify its operating mode in response to the information read.

[0014] The present invention relates to an aroma dispensing device, - At least two compartments, each adapted to removably receive a cartridge according to the present invention, and each compartment includes an airflow intake and exhaust means, on the one hand intended to be connected to the inlet and outlet of a cartridge located within the casing, and on the other hand adapted to act on the closing means of a cartridge located within the compartment so as to shift the closing means to an open position. - Airflow generating means adapted to generate at least an airflow passing through the compartment between the intake means and the exhaust means, - A control unit adapted to control the airflow generating means and the intake and exhaust means, and to provide independent, continuous or simultaneous diffusion of the flavoring composition contained in the cartridge at a variable rate, and to close the cartridge when the device is stopped. The present invention also relates to an aroma dispensing device equipped with a casing containing such a device.

[0015] By combining a cartridge having an integrally closed and controlled shutter with an intake and discharge means controlled by a control unit, precise modification of the resulting mixture can be obtained, as long as it is ensured that there is no emission from the cartridge, which can prevent current diffusion, by completely closing the cartridge when the flavoring composition in the cartridge should not be used. Furthermore, sealing the cartridge can ensure that inadvertent diffusion of the composition contained in these cartridges does not occur when the device is stopped, and premature discharge of the cartridge can also be prevented.

[0016] Furthermore, it was eventually found that the prior art diffusion systems could not produce the subtle or precise modifications of the olfactory composition that could be expected by modifying the fan flow. The inventors have confirmed that the permanent opening of the cartridge is one of the causes of this defect. The inventors have also confirmed that the imperfection of the aroma mixing is another cause of the imperfection of the olfactory perception of the diffusion performed by the prior art devices.

[0017] To improve upon this drawback, according to a modified embodiment, the diffusion device includes a mixing chamber that opens outward through a diffusion port, and to which the discharge means of each compartment is connected upstream of the diffusion port. Such a diffusion chamber implementation allows for the uniform mixing of different olfactory compositions derived from the cartridge before releasing them into the atmosphere, thereby enabling better control of the resulting effect or olfaction.

[0018] According to the features of the present invention, the mixing chamber has an elongated shape along the average fibers, the diffusion port is located at one end of the mixing chamber, and the discharge means is connected to the mixing chamber by a tube, the average axis of the tube forming an acute angle of less than 90 degrees with the average fibers of the mixing chamber and converging toward the diffusion port. Such orientation of the connecting tube can at least limit the possibility of backflow phenomena within the connecting tube and reduce air noise associated with diffusion.

[0019] In a modified form of this feature, the connecting tube extends from a projection inside the mixing chamber. This configuration can induce turbulence within the chamber to optimize the mixing of the olfactory composition therein.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, the airflow generating means may be an air pulsar such as a propeller or turbofan, or a mechanical compressor such as a membrane compressor or piston compressor. Naturally, the airflow generating means can be a combination of several systems of the same or different types.

[0021] Similarly, the airflow generating means may be common to all compartments, or conversely, individual by including airflow generating means assigned to each compartment. According to the present invention, the airflow generating means may also be connected only to the mixing chamber when the diffusion device according to the present invention has a mixing chamber.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airflow generating means includes a first means connected to the suction means of the compartment. By positioning the airflow generating means upstream of the cartridge with respect to the circulation direction of the airflow, any deposition of the perfume composition on the airflow generating means is avoided.

[0023] According to a variant of this embodiment, the first airflow generating means includes an individual air pulsator operated by a control unit for each compartment. By implementing the individual air pulsator, the airflow within each compartment, and thus the quality of the olfactory composition released by each compartment, can be modified in a simple manner.

[0024] According to another feature of the present invention, the airflow generating means includes a second means directly connected to the mixing chamber.

[0025] According to a variant of this feature, the second airflow generating means is connected to the mixing chamber upstream of the connection of the discharge means of the compartment to the mixing chamber. By implementing the second airflow generating means directly connected to the mixing chamber, an airflow rate higher than the total airflow rate from the compartments at the diffusion opening can be obtained, which enables better mixing to be performed. Moreover, the upstream position of the second airflow generating means prevents it from being disturbed or contaminated by the olfactory composition.

[0026] According to a variant of this feature, the second airflow generating means includes an air pulsator connected to the mixing chamber at the opposite end of the diffusion opening. By implementing such an air pulsator, a turbulent flow favorable for mixing the perfume composition within the chamber can be generated.

[0027] According to another feature of the invention, the device includes means for reading identification means present on the cartridge, and the control unit is adapted to modify the operating mode of the device in response to the reading. According to another feature of the invention, each compartment has at least partially an asymmetrical shape intended to cooperate with the cartridge so as to define the insertion direction of a cartridge of complementary shape. This feature provides a foolproof function and can guide the user regarding the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into its compartment.

[0028] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the cartridge and the diffuser according to the invention can be related to each other in various combinations, provided that the various combinations are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0029] Moreover, various other features of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying description, with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the cartridge and the diffuser according to the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a cartridge according to the invention. [Figure 2] It is an axial cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 1 with the closing means of the cartridge in the closed position. [Figure 3] It is an exploded view of the plug structure of the cartridge of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an axial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 with the cartridge closing means in the open position. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the central part of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a schematic perspective view of a diffuser according to the invention. [Figure 7] It is another schematic perspective view of the diffuser illustrated in FIG. 6 with the drawer open. [Figure 8] It is a partially cut-away schematic perspective view of the diffuser illustrated in FIG. 6 showing the structural details of the diffuser. [Figure 9] This is a left perspective view of Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the XI-XI plane. [Figure 11] This is a modified diagram of the cartridge according to the present invention, in which the closing mechanism is in the open position. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of the cartridge shown in Figure 11, with the closing mechanism in the open position. [Figure 13] This is another modified diagram of the cartridge according to the present invention, in which the cartridge closing mechanism is in the closed position. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of the cartridge shown in Figure 13, with the closing mechanism in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Note that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variants may have the same reference numeral.

[0032] The present invention specifically aims to enable the diffusion of fragrances resulting from mixtures of fragrance compositions according to demand. To this end, the present invention proposes the implementation of a diffusion device comprising at least two, preferably three or more, removable cartridges, each containing a fragrance composition. The diffusion device according to the present invention is further adapted to control the circulation of air within the cartridges in order to provide dry diffusion of the fragrance compositions contained therein.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 1 and shown overall by reference numeral 1, the cartridge according to the present invention includes a hollow body 1 with an inlet 3 and an outlet 4 associated with a closed-control closure means 5, as understood below.

[0034] According to the represented embodiment and as shown in Figure 2, the main body 2 has a generally cylindrical tubular central portion 6, inside which means 7 for accumulating the fragrance composition are arranged. According to the illustrated example, the accumulation means is made as a skirt made from an absorbent material such as the material sold under the brand name POREX (Registered Trademark). The accumulation means 7 then defines a central channel for circulating the airflow within the cartridge 1. The accumulation means 7 thus forms a container for the fragrance composition adapted for dry diffusion. It is preferable, but not necessarily, that the accumulation means 7 be filled with the fragrance composition before positioning them within the cartridge. In a variant form, the accumulation means 7 may have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape, that pass through the cartridge so as to generate at least two airflow circulation channels around this shape. Any other configuration may also be contemplated. Thus, the accumulation means may be made in the form of a set of absorbent balls arbitrarily placed within the cartridge.

[0035] The cartridge body 2 includes two plugs 10 that close the central portion 6 by fixing a storage means 7 inside the central portion 6 and define the inlet 3 and outlet 4 of the cartridge, respectively. As specifically shown in Figure 3, each plug 10 includes a link element 11 that fits hermetically onto the central portion 6. The link element 11 further includes a passage 12, as shown in Figure 4, which forms the inlet 3 or outlet 4 of the cartridge 1. To provide hermetically closed passage 12, the plug 10 includes a shutter 13 that can move in parallel between a closed position F and an open position O of the passage 12. In this case, the shutter 13 is made as a ball intended to seat on a truncated seat 14 that forms the passage 12. The plug 10 also includes a closing control means 15 for the shutter 13. In this case, the closing control means 15 is made in the form of a coil spring. Each plug 10 thus has a configuration that may resemble a check valve, and the two plugs are mounted on opposite sides on the central portion 6 of the cartridge body.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the body 2 of the cartridge 1 has local external rotation asymmetry as shown in Figure 5. In this case, this local asymmetry consists of a plane 18 that extends along the central portion 6 and supports a cartridge identification means 19 suitable for automatic reading. The identification means 19 is composed of, for example, an RFID chip.

[0037] A cartridge configured in accordance with the present invention is intended for use in a diffusion device 20 according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. According to the illustrated example, the diffusion device 20 includes a casing 21 that tends to receive five removable cartridges 1, and therefore includes five compartments 22 located in a drawer 23, as shown in Figure 7. Each compartment 22 has a shape complementary to the shape of the cartridge 1 and, in this case more specifically, its central portion 6. The asymmetry of the cartridge and the compartments with complementary shapes then provides a foolproof feature that ensures the proper positioning of the cartridges, such that an identification means 19 is located opposite the reading means 25 shown in Figure 8 and comprises the diffusion device 20, and is connected to a control unit U of the diffusion device 20.

[0038] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each compartment 22 intended to receive cartridge 1 includes an airflow intake means 26 and an exhaust means 27.

[0039] The suction means 26 is intended to be connected to the inlet 3 of the corresponding cartridge 1 and is adapted to act on the corresponding closing means 5. In this case, the suction means 26 associated with each compartment 22 includes an suction circuit 30, one end of which is connected to a first airflow generating means 31. The other end of the suction circuit includes a connecting head 32 with an operating element 33 that forms a finger adapted to press a shutter from the inlet of the cartridge 1.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the first airflow generating means 31 is formed by five air pulsators or fans, each affecting a section 22. The fans 31 are further controlled by a control unit U adapted to control the rotational speed of the fans 31 and, therefore, their flow rate.

[0041] The discharge means 27 is intended to be connected to the outlet 4 of the corresponding cartridge 1 and acts on the corresponding closing means 5 to be adapted to connect to the mixing chamber 40 as shown in Figure 10.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the mixing chamber 40 has an elongated shape extending along the average fiber M. The mixing chamber 40 opens outward at one end through a diffusion port 41, while the other end is connected to a second airflow generating means 42. In this case, the airflow generating means 42 is formed by an air pulsator or fan operated by a control unit U adapted to control its flow rate.

[0043] The discharge means 27 includes a discharge circuit 44 for each compartment 22, one end of which is placed in the compartment 22 by being substantially opposite the head 32 of the corresponding intake circuit 30. The end of the discharge circuit 44 placed in the compartment 22 has a connecting head, not shown in the figure, similar to the head 32 of the intake circuit 30, and acts on a closing means 5 of the outlet 4 of the cartridge 1 placed in the corresponding compartment 22, just like the intake circuit 30, and is adapted to allow its opening.

[0044] The other end 45 of the discharge circuit 44 extends into the mixing chamber 40 by protruding into the mixing chamber 40. It should be noted that the cross section of the discharge circuit 44 protruding into the mixing chamber 40 has an average axis A that forms an acute angle of less than 90° with the average fiber M of the mixing chamber 40. This arrangement limits backflow in the discharge circuit 34 and ensures the quality of the mixture created in the chamber 40. Furthermore, by extending into the protrusion, it can also generate turbulence that is desirable for the quality of the mixture. As a variation, other mixing means, such as agitators such as blades with rotational motion in the chamber or stationary blades acting as deflectors, can also be considered.

[0045] The aroma diffuser according to the present invention is implemented as follows.

[0046] First, the drawer 23 of the device 20 opens to allow access to the compartments 22. The user can then easily place the cartridges 1 into each compartment 22. The drawer 23 is then closed back so that the device is stopped in standby configuration before power is turned on. Note that in this stopped state, all cartridges placed in the compartments are closed by their closing mechanisms.

[0047] Next, the user powers on the diffuser by acting on the interface 60 of the control unit. In the illustrated example, the interface is formed by a touchscreen connected to the control unit. However, the interface can be created by any suitable method, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which allows interaction with the control unit using, for example, a computer, smartphone, or tablet / computer, in the form of an analog control or wireless interface.

[0048] When the diffusion device is powered on, the control unit performs a read of the cartridge identification means in order to collect data from these cartridge identification means, specifically information about the flavoring composition contained in each cartridge.

[0049] The control unit then determines the operating mode based on the identification of the cartridges and pre-recorded programs or on user instructions entered into the interface. For the purposes of this explanation, the retained operating mode is assumed to be intended to perform the diffusion of the fragrances constituting the mixture of fragrance compositions of all cartridges present in the diffuser.

[0050] To that end, the control unit operates the opening of the closing means of each cartridge. To do this, the control unit operates the actuator 61, which moves the intake means 26 parallel to the inside of the compartment in the direction of arrow F1 until the inlet of each cartridge strikes the head 32 of the intake circuit and the outlet of each cartridge strikes the head of the discharge circuit 44. Thus, finger 33 pushes the corresponding closing means so that the inlet and outlet of the cartridge open. Note that the contact of the cartridges with the heads of the intake and discharge circuits provides an airtight connection between the circuits and the cartridges. For this purpose, the heads may include sealing gaskets.

[0051] To provide fragrance diffusion, the control unit U operates the first and second airflow generating means. Thus, the airflow injected into the cartridge fills it with the fragrance composition and mixes it together in the chamber 40. Modifications in which each of the fragrance composition contributes to the final result are operated by the control unit U, which defines the rotational speed of the fan designated for each compartment, and therefore the airflow rate in these compartments. In addition, the control unit U operates the rotational speed of the fan constituting the second airflow generating means, which can specifically modify the residence time of the fragrance composition in the mixing chamber.

[0052] It should be noted that when the fragrance composition should not contribute to the diffused aroma, the control unit U does not operate the corresponding actuator 61 to prevent the cartridge from opening, and if the cartridge is in the open position, the control unit U operates the actuator 61 in such a way that it shifts the intake means in the direction of arrow F2. The cartridge then engages and disengages from the shutter operating means integrated into the intake and exhaust circuit. Thus, the cartridge is automatically closed.

[0053] Similarly, when the diffuser is not in use, the control unit U operates the actuator 61 in such a manner that all cartridges engage and disengage, and thus close. Note that the control unit is adapted to allow for continuous diffusion of the flavoring composition in the cartridges, i.e., for the cartridges to be used alternately.

[0054] In the example illustrated above, the cartridge shutter operating mechanism is passive. However, these operating mechanisms may be created by other means and consist of motorized fingers, each operated by a control unit that acts on the shutter.

[0055] Figures 11-14 illustrate modified embodiments of the cartridge 1 according to the present invention. These cartridges 1 are similar to the first type described. In Figure 11, the cartridge body 2 includes two plugs 10 that close the central portion 6 by fixing a storage means 7 inside the central portion 6 and define the inlet 3 and outlet 4 of the cartridge, respectively. Each plug 10 includes a link element 11 that fits hermetically onto the central portion 6. The link element 11 further includes a passage 12, as seen in Figure 12, which forms the inlet 3 or outlet 4 of the cartridge 1. The plugs 10 further include a shutter 13 having a disc shape that can move parallel to the outside of the cartridge. In Figure 13, the shutter 13 has an elongated shape with rounded ends, and a single spring 15 pushes the shutter 13 against the opening to maintain the cartridge in the closed position F. Airflow intake means 26 and exhaust means 27 abut against the shutter 5 to place the cartridge in the open position as seen in Figure 14.

[0056] Naturally, various other modified embodiments of the diffuser, not just the cartridge, may be conceived within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A fragrance dispensing device (20), and this fragrance dispensing device (20) is - comprising at least two compartments (22), each adapted to removably receive a cartridge (1) which includes an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), a flavoring composition, and means (5) for closing the inlet (3) and the outlet (4), which can move between an open position (O) and a closed position (F), - Each section (22) includes an airflow intake means (26) and an exhaust means (27), and these airflow intake means (26) and exhaust means (27) are intended to be connected to the inlet (3) and outlet (4) of the cartridge (1), respectively. The aforementioned fragrance dispensing device (20) further - Airflow generating means (31) adapted to generate at least an airflow passing through the compartment (22) between the airflow intake means (26) and the discharge means (27), - A control unit (U) adapted to control the airflow generating means (31) and the airflow intake means (26) and discharge means (27), and adapted to provide independent, continuous or simultaneous diffusion of the flavoring composition contained in the cartridge (1) at a variable rate, and closing the cartridge (1) when the device is stopped. In an aroma dispensing device (20) including a casing, - An airflow generating means (31) is assigned to each section (22), - The airflow intake means (26) and exhaust means (27) are adapted to act on the closing means (5) of the cartridge (1) placed in the compartment (22) such that the closing means (5) is moved to the open position (O), and - The control unit (U) is adapted to control each airflow intake means (26) and each exhaust means (27), The fragrance dispensing device (20) further includes a mixing chamber (40) that opens outward through a diffusion port (41), and the discharge means (27) of each of the compartments is connected upstream of the diffusion port (41), The apparatus is characterized in that the mixing chamber (40) has an elongated shape along the average fibers (M), the diffusion port (41) is located at one end of the mixing chamber (40), and the discharge means (27) is connected to the mixing chamber (40) by a pipe, the average axis of the pipe forming an acute angle of less than 90 degrees with the average fibers (M) of the mixing chamber (40) and converging toward the diffusion port (41).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting pipe extends on a projection inside the mixing chamber (40).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the airflow generating means (31) includes a first means connected to the airflow intake means (26) of the compartment.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the airflow generating means includes a second means (42) directly connected to the mixing chamber (40).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one section (22) has a shape complementary to the shape of the cartridge (1).

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