Fragrance delivery unit

Abstract

A fragrance delivery unit (12) for a vehicle (1000), the fragrance delivery unit (12) comprising: a housing (20) comprising a fragrance delivery unit inlet (27) configured to receive a flow of air and a fragrance delivery unit outlet (28) configured to deliver a fragrance-entrained flow of air; a fragrance storage compartment (22) received within the housing (20); a fragrance chamber (70) located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet (27) and the fragrance delivery unit outlet (28); a fragrance delivery mechanism (36) comprising an actuator (72) configured to open and close the fragrance chamber (70) to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber (70) and the fragrance delivery inlet (27) and / or the fragrance delivery outlet (28).

Description

[0001] FRAGRANCE DELIVERY UNIT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fragrance delivery unit. Aspects of the invention relate to a fragrance delivery unit, a vehicle and a method of selectively delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known to use air fresheners which passively release a fragrance to provide a pleasant smell inside a vehicle cabin. For example, an air freshener may be suspended from a rear-view mirror (e.g., using string). Alternatively, an air freshener may be clipped to a structure adjacent to a HVAC outlet (e.g., to a baffle which overlaps the HVAC outlet).

[0006] More recently, some vehicles have included a fragrance delivery system which has one or more components designed to actively distribute fragrance inside the vehicle cabin. For example, a known fragrance delivery system includes a fragrance delivery unit which receives a fragrance cartridge containing a fragrant substance, and a blower unit configured to blow fragrance-entrained air from the fragrance delivery unit around the vehicle cabin.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a fragrance cartridge, a fragrance delivery unit and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle, the fragrance delivery unit comprising: a housing comprising a fragrance delivery inlet configured to receive a flow of air and a fragrance delivery outlet configured to deliver a fragrance-entrained flow of air; a fragrance chamber located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet and the fragrance delivery unit outlet; a fragrance delivery mechanism comprising an actuator configured to open and close the fragrance chamber to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the fragrance delivery unit inlet and / or the fragrance delivery unit outlet.

[0011] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit comprises a fragrance storage compartment received within the housing.

[0012] The fragrance chamber enables the diffusing and entraining of fragrance to the flow of air through the fragrance chamber, as well as providing fluid communication with the inlet and / or outlet. The selective opening and closing of the chamber enables the fragrance to be selectively released, for example based on an input from a user, and inhibited when there is no demand for fragrance from the fragrance delivery unit.

[0013] Optionally, the actuator is a motor configured to open and close the fragrance chamber to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the inlet and / or the outlet.

[0014] Optionally, the actuator is a rotary motor.

[0015] Optionally, the actuator is a step motor. Motors have a high efficiency and durability. Additionally, motors can be compact, thereby improving the overall compactness of the fragrance delivery unit. Rotary motors, for example step motors, have the particular advantage of being simple to control and integrate with existing controllers and control systems.

[0016] Optionally, the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises an output shaft connected to the motor, and the motor is configured to drive the output shaft to selectively open and close the fragrance chamber.

[0017] Using the output shaft from the motor to open and close the chamber is a simple and compact arrangement for selectively providing fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the outlet.

[0018] Optionally, the motor is a rotary motor, and the output shaft comprises a cam surface mounted thereon and configured to rotate with the output shaft to selectively open and close the fragrance chamber.

[0019] Optionally the cam surface defines a first rotational position in which the fragrance chamber is open, and a second rotational position in which the fragrance chamber is closed.

[0020] The cam surface provides a simple mechanism for using the rotational motion of the motor to open and close the fragrance chamber. Additionally, the cam surface facilitates smooth opening and closing of the fragrance chamber. The same cam surface and rotational motion of the motor can be used to both open and close the chamber. This is a simple and compact mechanism for both opening and closing the chamber.

[0021] Optionally, the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a valve arrangement moveable with respect to the fragrance chamber, and the actuator is configured to move the valve arrangement to open and close the fragrance chamber.

[0022] Valves provide precise control, allowing for the precise opening and closing of the fragrance chamber. Additionally, valves are reliable components and are simple to integrate with different actuators.

[0023] Optionally, the cam surface is configured to engage the valve arrangement and axially move the valve arrangement with respect to the fragrance chamber to open and close the fragrance chamber.

[0024] Engagement between the cam surface and the valve arrangement allows for smooth and precise opening and closing of the fragrance chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a spring configured to bias the valve arrangement to close the fragrance chamber.

[0026] Optionally, the spring is a conical spring.

[0027] The spring providing the biasing force to close the fragrance chamber helps to reduce the risk of fragrance being erroneously released from the fragrance chamber when the chamber is intended to be closed. This also improves longevity of the fragrance substance. Optionally, the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a seal arrangement arranged between the valve arrangement and the fragrance chamber to sealingly engage the valve arrangement and the fragrance chamber when the fragrance chamber is closed.

[0028] The seal arrangement reduces the risk of fragrance being erroneously released from the fragrance chamber when the chamber is intended to be closed. This improves longevity of the fragrance substance, and helps to prevent mixing of fragrance substances.

[0029] Optionally, the fragrance chamber comprises a chamber inlet in fluid communication with the inlet when the fragrance chamber is open, and a chamber outlet in fluid communication with the outlet when the fragrance chamber is open, and wherein the valve arrangement comprises an inlet valve member configured to open and close the chamber inlet, and an outlet valve member configured to open and close the chamber outlet.

[0030] Providing a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet which can be opened and closed by respective valves members means that the chamber can be isolated both from the inlet and outlet of the housing. This helps to retain the fragrance in the fragrance chamber, thereby reducing the risk of erroneously releasing fragrance from the fragrance chamber.

[0031] Optionally, the seal arrangement comprises an inlet seal member located between the inlet valve member and the chamber inlet and configured to sealingly engage the inlet valve member and the chamber inlet, and an outlet seal member located between the outlet valve member and the chamber outlet and configured to sealingly engage the outlet valve member and the chamber outlet.

[0032] The inlet and outlet seal members reduce the risk of fragrance being erroneously released from either the fragrance inlet or outlet of the fragrance chamber when the chamber is intended to be closed. This improves longevity of the fragrance substance, and helps to prevent mixing of fragrance substances.

[0033] Optionally, the inlet valve member is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member.

[0034] Optionally, the inlet valve member is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member via a shaft extending through the fragrance chamber.

[0035] Rigidly mounting the inlet valve member to the outlet valve member enables the transfer of movement from one of the inlet or outlet valve member to the other of the inlet and outlet valve member. This means that the same actuator can be used to open and close both the chamber inlet and chamber outlet, thereby increasing synchronisation and increasing the compactness of the fragrance delivery mechanism.

[0036] Optionally, the fragrance storage compartment comprises more than one fragrance chambers each located between the inlet and the outlet, and the actuator is configured to selectively open and close each of the fragrance chambers to selectively provide fluid communication between the respective fragrance chamber and the inlet and / or outlet.

[0037] Providing more than one fragrance chamber increases the number of possible options of fragrances released from the fragrance delivery unit. Additionally, the fragrance may need loading / unloading less frequently if the user switches between fragrances. Isolating the fragrance chamber helps to prevent mixing of the different fragrances, either in the fragrance delivery unit or as the air is outlet from the fragrance delivery unit. Optionally, the output shaft comprises a cam surface associated with each of the fragrance chambers mounted thereon to open and close each of the fragrance chambers, and each of the cam surfaces is orientated on the output shaft at an angle with respect to the other cam surfaces.

[0038] The cam surfaces provide a simple mechanism for using the rotational motion of a single motor and output shaft to open and close each of the fragrance chambers. This is a compact arrangement for opening and closing each of the fragrance chambers. Additionally, the orientation of the cam surfaces helps to independently open and close the fragrance chambers.

[0039] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit is configured to open and close the fragrance chamber in response to a user input.

[0040] Optionally, the shaft comprises an abutment surface projecting radially from the shaft, and the spring is fixedly connected to the abutment surface at a first end such that when the fragrance chamber is closed the spring exerts a biasing force on the abutment surface.

[0041] The spring providing the biasing force on the abutment surface to bias the fragrance chamber closed helps to reduce the risk of fragrance being erroneously released from the fragrance chamber when the chamber is intended to be closed. This also improves longevity of the fragrance substance.

[0042] Optionally, the shaft comprises a baffle mounted thereon and located in the fragrance chamber.

[0043] The baffle helps to improve airflow and mixing in the fragrance chamber.

[0044] Optionally, the fragrance delivery mechanism is configured to receive a control signal from a controller to control the actuator to open and close the fragrance chamber to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the outlet.

[0045] Opening and closing the fragrance chamber upon receiving a signal helps to improve consistency of movement, as well as increasing precision and accuracy of the movement. Additionally, the controller allows for remote operation of the opening and closing of the fragrance storage compartment.

[0046] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit comprises a blower unit located within the housing and configured to draw air through the inlet, and subsequently move the air through the fragrance chamber and out of the outlet when the fragrance chamber is open.

[0047] The inlet and outlet enable the flow of fluid, for example ambient air, through the fragrance chamber to entrain fragrance in the flow of air before being expelled through the outlet. The blower unit helps to facilitate forced induction of fluid through the fragrance delivery unit, thereby increasing flow rate of fluid through the fragrance delivery unit.

[0048] Optionally, the inlet seal member and the outlet seal member are co-moulded with the inlet valve member and the outlet valve member.

[0049] Co-moulding the seal members creates a strong connection between the housing and the seal, and reduces the risk of failure and fragrance being erroneously released when the closed. Co-moulded the seals also improves longevity of the seals. Optionally, the actuator is configured to open and close the fragrance chambers independently from one another.

[0050] Optionally, each of the fragrance chambers is isolated from fluid communication with the other of the fragrance chambers, in use.

[0051] Providing more than one fragrance chamber increases the number of possible options of fragrances released from the fragrance delivery unit. Additionally, the fragrance may need loading / unloading less frequently if the user switches between fragrances. Isolating the fragrance chamber helps to prevent mixing of the different fragrances, either in the fragrance delivery unit or as the air is outlet from the fragrance delivery unit.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a fragrance delivery system, the fragrance delivery system including a fragrance delivery unit as disclosed herein.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of selectively delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fragrance delivery unit including a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet, a fragrance storage compartment received within the housing, a fragrance chamber located between the inlet and the outlet and a fragrance delivery mechanism comprising an actuator configured to open and close the fragrance chamber; opening the fragrance chamber using the actuator to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the inlet and / or outlet; receiving a flow of air through the inlet and into the fragrance chamber; delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air from the fragrance chamber and through the outlet.

[0054] Such a vehicle and method benefit from the advantages of the fragrance delivery unit outlined above.

[0055] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a fragrance delivery system of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0060] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a touchscreen and user inputs of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a control system of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2;

[0061] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a glovebox area of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0062] Figures 6A and 6B show perspective views of a fragrance delivery unit of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2;

[0063] Figures 7A and 7B show cutaway perspective views of a compartment drive mechanism of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 6A and 6B;

[0064] Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional views of the fragrance delivery unit of Figure 6A and 6B through the plane A of Figure 7A;

[0065] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a fragrance storage compartment of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 6A and 6B;

[0066] Figure 10 shows a cutaway perspective view of a fragrance selection mechanism of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 6A and 6B;

[0067] Figure 11 shows a plan view of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 6A and 6B with a housing of the fragrance delivery unit removed;

[0068] Figure 12 shows a cutaway cross- sectional perspective view of the fragrance delivery unit of Figure 6A and 6B along the cross-section x-x of Figure 11 ; and

[0069] Figures 13A and 13B show cross-sectional views of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 6A and 6B along the cross-section y-y of Figure 11.

[0070] Figure 14 shows a flow diagram of a method of opening and closing a fragrance delivery unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0071] Figure 15 shows a flow diagram of a method of selectively delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0072] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] A fragrance delivery system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 2 to 6A. As shown in Figure 1, the fragrance delivery system is installed in a vehicle 1000.

[0074] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a vehicle 1000 with a vehicle cabin 1002. The vehicle 1000 includes an instrument panel or dashboard area 1004 inside the vehicle cabin 1002. The dashboard area 1004 has a steering wheel 1006, a centre console 1008, and a fragrance delivery system 10. As will be described in more detail below, the fragrance delivery system 10 has a fragrance delivery unit 12 which is configured to supply fragrance-entrained air along a fragrance flow path 14 into the vehicle cabin 1002.

[0075] In the illustrated arrangement, the steering wheel 1006 is provided on a left-hand side of the centre console 1008 and the fragrance delivery unit 12 is provided on a right-hand side of the centre console 1008 in a glovebox assembly 1010 of the vehicle 1000. In alternative arrangements, the steering wheel 1006 and / or fragrance delivery unit 12 are provided on the opposite sides of the centre console 1008 to that shown. In some arrangements, the steering wheel 1006 and fragrance delivery unit 12 are provided on the same side of the centre console 1008. In some arrangements, the fragrance delivery unit 12 is provided in a central region of the dashboard area 1004.

[0076] The centre console 1008, or another part of the dashboard 1004 or the vehicle more generally, may include a user input device for the fragrance delivery system 10 by which one or more user inputs 16 may be provided to the fragrance delivery system 10. The user input device may be a touchscreen 18, for which the one or more inputs 16 may be provided as icons on the touchscreen 18, and / or as manual switches, buttons or other controls.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, the one or more user inputs 16 may include: a power input 16a configured to turn the fragrance delivery system 10 on or off; a fragrance compartment control input 16b configured to open or close a fragrance storage compartment 22 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 (as described in more detail below); one or more fragrance selection inputs 16c which allow a particular fragrance and / or combination of fragrances to be selected; one or more fragrance intensity inputs 16d which allow an intensity of one or more fragrances to be selected; and / or an instruction input 16e configured to output visual and / or audible instructions for operating the fragrance delivery system 10. Any other suitable user inputs may also be provided.

[0078] In the illustrated arrangement, there are three fragrance selection inputs 16c which correspond to three different fragrance cartridges 24 (which will be described in more detail below). It will be understood that in fragrance delivery systems 10 including greater or less than three fragrance cartridges 24, the number of fragrance selection inputs 16c may vary accordingly. Where only a single fragrance cartridge 24 is provided, the fragrance selection inputs 16c may be omitted entirely. Similarly, the fragrance compartment control input 16b may be omitted (e.g., in arrangements where the fragrance storage compartment 22 can be manually opened and closed). Similarly, the fragrance intensity inputs 16d may be omitted (e.g., in arrangements where the fragrance delivery system 10 only has a single fragrance intensity level, or arrangements which automatically control the fragrance intensity level). Similarly, the instruction input 16e may be omitted.

[0079] In some arrangements, the fragrance delivery system 10 may be operated automatically and the user inputs 16 and user input device may be omitted entirely. In some arrangements, the fragrance delivery system 10 may be operated remotely (e.g., via an app on a mobile device). In some embodiments, the fragrance delivery system 10 may be operated by voice control (e.g., including a microphone which sends an input signal to a controller configured to perform voice recognition on the input signal to determine a requested setting of the fragrance delivery system 10).

[0080] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the fragrance delivery system 10 includes a control system 200. The control system 200 includes one or more controllers 210. The control system 200 may be configured to receive one or more input signals 260 (e.g., from the one or more user inputs 16) and to determine a desired fragrance delivery setting based on the one or more input signals 260. The control system 200 may then output one or more control signals 270 to the fragrance delivery unit 12 to control the output of fragrance-entrained air from the fragrance delivery unit 12.

[0081] The control system 200 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 comprises one controller 210, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The controller 210 comprises processing means 220 and memory means 230. The processing means 220 may be one or more electronic processing devices which operably execute computer-readable instructions. The memory means 230 may be one or more memory devices. The memory means 230 may be electrically coupled to the processing means 220. The memory means 230 may be configured to store instructions, and the processing means 220 may be configured to access the memory means 230 and execute the instructions stored thereon.

[0082] The controller 210 comprises an input means 240 and an output means 250. The input means 240 may comprise an electrical input of the controller 210. The output means 250 may comprise an electrical output of the controller 210.

[0083] The input means 240 is arranged to receive one or more input signals 260 from the one or more user inputs 16. The one or more input signals 260 may be electrical signals which are indicative of a one or more desired settings of the fragrance delivery system 10.

[0084] The output means 250 is arranged to output one or more control signals 270 for controlling one or more components of the fragrance delivery unit 12 in order to control the output of fragrance-entrained air from the fragrance delivery unit 12. For example, the output means 250 may output a control signal 270 to a blower unit 26 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 (as illustrated schematically in Figure 6B) in response to a user instruction made via the power input 16a and / or one or more of the fragrance intensity inputs 16d. The output means 250 may output a control signal 270 to a fragrance delivery mechanism 36 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 (as illustrated schematically in Figure 6B) in response to a user instruction made via one or more of the fragrance selection inputs 16c. The output means 250 may output a control signal 270 to a compartment drive mechanism 38 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 (as illustrated schematically in Figure 6A) in response to a user instruction made via the fragrance compartment control input 16b.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 5, the glovebox assembly 1010 of the vehicle 1000 is shown in more detail. The glovebox assembly 1010 includes a glovebox body 1012 which defines a glovebox interior 1014 for storing objects, such as driving gloves. The glovebox assembly 1010 also includes a glovebox closure 1016 which is coupled to the glovebox body 1012 by a hinge arrangement 1018. In this way, the glovebox closure 1016 is pivotal between an open state (illustrated in Figure 5) in which the glovebox interior 1014 is accessible for insertion and / or removal of objects, and a closed state (not illustrated) in which the glovebox interior 1014 is covered by the glovebox closure 1016.

[0086] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance delivery unit 12 is provided in the glovebox assembly 1010. In particular, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be provided in a recess 1020 in a rear of the glovebox body 1012 such that at least part of the fragrance delivery unit 12 is accessible from the glovebox interior 1014. For example, the fragrance storage compartment 22, described in more detail below, may be opened and closed by sliding through the recess 1020. In this way, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be accessed by moving the glovebox closure 1016 to the open state.

[0087] In alternative arrangements, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be positioned elsewhere. For example, the glovebox body 1012 may not have a recessed region 1020, and the fragrance delivery unit 12 may instead be positioned fully inside the glovebox interior 1014. Alternatively, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be positioned in, and directly accessible from, a front or lower region of the dashboard area 1004. Alternatively, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be positioned in any other suitable location in the vehicle cabin 1002.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, the fragrance delivery unit 12 is shown in more detail. The fragrance delivery unit 12 has a housing 20 and a fragrance storage compartment 22 which is configured to receive one or more fragrant substances (e.g., contained in one or more fragrance cartridges 24). The fragrance delivery unit 12 also includes a blower unit 26 (shown schematically on Figure 6B) which is configured to drive a flow of air through the fragrance delivery unit 12. In particular, the blower unit 26 may drive a flow of air through or past the one or more fragrant substances in the fragrance storage compartment 22 to entrain fragrance in the flow of air before being expelled through a fragrance delivery unit outlet 28. The fragrance delivery unit outlet 28 may be connected to a duct arrangement (not shown in Figures 6A and 6B) for guiding the fragrance-entrained air along a flow path 14 into the vehicle cabin 1002. The blower unit 26 may be controlled by a control signal 270 from the controller 210 of the control system 200 described above (e.g., in response to the power input 16a and / or one or more fragrance intensity inputs 16d being operated by the user).

[0089] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance delivery unit outlet 28 is provided on an upper surface 30 of the housing 20. In alternative arrangements, the fragrance delivery unit outlet 28 may be provided on a side surface 32 or a lower surface 34 of the housing 20.

[0090] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is configured to receive a plurality of fragrance cartridges 24. The fragrance cartridges 24 may each contain a fragrant substance, for example in the form of a liquid fragrance stored in a reservoir and / or absorbed in a porous ceramic block within each cartridge. The fragrance cartridges 24 may each contain a different fragrant substance, so that a user can choose different fragrances and / or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the fragrance cartridges 24 may all contain the same fragrant substance, with the plurality of fragrance cartridges 24 providing a greater capacity for the fragrant substance than a single similarly sized fragrance cartridge 24. In alternative arrangements, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may receive a fragrant substance directly (e.g., by pouring a fragrant liquid directly into a reservoir formed within or by the fragrance storage compartment 22).

[0091] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the form of a tray. In alternative arrangements, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be formed of any other suitable structure (e.g., a frame with supports for receiving one or more fragrance cartridges 24).

[0092] In order to control which of the fragrance cartridges 24 are used to deliver fragrance via the exhaust 28, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may include a fragrance delivery mechanism 36 (shown schematically on Figure 6B). The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may be configured to control the flow of air through the fragrance delivery unit 12 (driven by the blower 26) to selectively entrain a fragrant substance from one or more of the fragrance cartridges 24 in the flow of air. In other words, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may be configured to selectively provide a fluid communication between one or more of the fragrance cartridges 24 and the flow of air through the fragrance delivery unit 12 (driven by the blower 26).

[0093] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may include one or more valves, moveable baffles or other air directing components. The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may be controlled by a control signal 270 output from the controller 210 of the control system 200 described above (e.g., in response to one or more fragrance selection inputs 16c being operated by the user).

[0094] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is configured to receive three fragrance cartridges 24, but in alternative arrangements the fragrance storage compartment 22 may receive greater than three fragrance cartridges 24 or less than three fragrance cartridges 24 (e.g., a single fragrance cartridge 24).

[0095] The fragrance storage compartment 22 is movable relative to the housing 20 between an open position (illustrated in Figure 6A), and a closed position (illustrated in Figure 6B). It will be understood that the open position of the fragrance storage compartment 22 is for loading and / or unloading of fragrance cartridges 24, and the closed position corresponds to the normal operating state of the fragrance delivery unit 12. In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is slidable relative to the housing 20 to transition between the open and closed positions. In other arrangements, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be pivotable relative to the housing 20 to transition between the open and closed positions.

[0096] The fragrance delivery unit 12 may include a compartment drive mechanism 38 (illustrated schematically on Figure 6A) for moving the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and closed positions. The compartment drive mechanism 38 may be controlled by a control signal 270 output from the controller 210 of the control system 200 described above (e.g., in response to the fragrance compartment control input 16b being operated by the user). In alternative arrangements, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be spring-loaded and / or manually moved between the open and closed positions (e.g., by gripping and then pulling the fragrance storage compartment 22).

[0097] In the illustrated arrangement, the fragrance delivery unit 12 has an electrical connector 50 for connecting one or more power and / or control lines to electrical components of the fragrance delivery unit 12. For example, the electrical connector 50 may be configured to connect the blower unit 26 and / or the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 and / or the compartment drive mechanism 38 to an electrical power source (e.g., a battery of the vehicle 1000). The electrical connector 50 may also be configured to receive one or more control signals 270 from the controller 210 for controlling the blower unit 26 and / or the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 and / or the compartment drive mechanism 38. The electrical connector 50 may be positioned on the upper surface 30, side surface 32, or lower surface 34 of the housing 20. In the illustrated arrangement, a single electrical connector 50 is provided for the fragrance delivery unit 12, but in some arrangements a separate electrical connector 50 may be provided for each electrical component of the fragrance delivery unit 12.

[0098] The housing 20 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be formed of a plurality of housing portions 40, 42, 44 which are coupled together. For example, the housing 20 may include a side housing portion 40, an upper housing portion 42 which is coupled to an upper end of the side housing portion 40, and a lower housing portion 44 which is coupled to a lower end of the side housing portion 40. In some arrangements, the housing portions 40, 42, 44 are releasably coupled together (e.g., via a snap-fit arrangement, such as an arrangement include one or more clips 46). This may help to provide access to the inside of the housing 20 for maintenance or other purposes.

[0099] The housing 20 may also include one or more mounting arrangements 48 (e.g., including one or more apertures for receiving a fastener) for mounting the fragrance delivery unit 12 at an appropriate position in the dashboard area 1004.

[0100] Referring now to Figures 7A to 9, the compartment drive mechanism 38 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail.

[0101] As mentioned above, the fragrance delivery unit 12 includes the housing 20 and a fragrance storage compartment 22 moveably received within the housing 20. The fragrance storage compartment 22 is configured to receive a fragrant substance configured to release fragrance. In particular, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is moveable between a closed position, illustrated in Figures 7A and 8A, in which an interior of the fragrance storage compartment 22 is enclosed within the housing 20, and an open position, illustrated in Figures 7B and 8B, in which the interior is accessible from outside of the housing 20 (e.g., for refilling the fragrance storage compartment 22 with fragrant substance). The fragrance delivery unit 12 may also include a compartment cover 51 which defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit 12 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position. The fragrance storage compartment 22 is illustrated with the compartment cover 51 removed in Figure 9. The housing 20 includes an open or front end 20a configured to moveably receive the fragrance storage compartment 22, and a closed or rear end 20b. As best illustrated in Figure 8A, the open end 20a of the housing includes an aperture 64 through which at least a portion of the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves between the open and closed position.

[0102] The term “rear” in the current context refers to an end or wall, for example of the fragrance delivery unit 12 or fragrance storage compartment 22, which is intended to be distal to the open end 20a of the housing 20 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position (e.g. the end of the fragrance storage compartment that is first introduced into the housing 20). The term “front’ refers to a wall or end, for example of the fragrance delivery unit 12 or the fragrance storage compartment 22, intended to be proximal to the open end 20a of the housing 20 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position.

[0103] The fragrance storage compartment 22 is substantially rectangular, as illustrated in Figure 9, and defines a base wall 22a and side walls 22b-e extending from the base wall 22a (including front wall 22b and rear wall 22c). The fragrant substance is located in a space defined between the four side walls 22b-e. In alternative embodiments, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be a substantially flat tray, and any or all of the side walls 22b-e may be omitted.

[0104] The compartment drive mechanism 38, best illustrated in 7A to 8B, is configured to facilitate linear movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 with respect to a central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12 between the open position and the closed position. Such linear motion is simple to facilitate and control, thereby improving accuracy and consistency of the movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and the closed position. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be configured to pivot between the open and closed positions, for example about axes perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12.

[0105] The compartment drive mechanism 38, illustrated in Figures 7A to 8B, is located within the housing 20. In Figures 7A and 7B, the fragrance delivery unit 12 is shown with a base wall of the housing removed so that the compartment drive mechanism 38 is visible.

[0106] The compartment drive mechanism 38 is configured to receive a control signal from the controller 210 to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and closed position. As described above, the input means 240 of the controller 210 is configured to receive the input signal 260 in response to the fragrance compartment control input 16b being operated by the user. The output means 250 of the controller 210 is configured to output the control signal 270 to the compartment drive mechanism 38 to move the compartment drive mechanism 38 between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the user is able to control the compartment drive mechanism 38 via the control input 16b to open and close the fragrance storage compartment 22.

[0107] The compartment drive mechanism 38 includes an actuator 52, illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, configured to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. The position of the actuator 52 is fixed with respect to the housing 20. The actuator 52 is located towards the closed or rear wall 20b of the housing 20 and is offset from the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12. This arrangement is space efficient because the blower unit 26 can be located adjacent the drive mechanism 38. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the drive mechanism 38 (including the actuator 52) may be located at any suitable location.

[0108] In the embodiment of the Figures, the actuator 52 is an electrically driven actuator 52. The electrically driven actuator 52 is configured to receive the electric control signal 270 and move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be a simplified system wherein the controller 210 is omitted and the compartment drive mechanism 38 is configured to move the actuator 52 between the open and closed position in response to the user opening and closing a circuit. In the embodiment of the Figures, the actuator 52 is a motor configured to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. In particular, the motor 52 is a rotary motor configured to facilitate linear movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. In order to convert the rotary motion of the motor 52 into linear motion of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and closed position, the drive mechanism 38 includes a threaded shaft 54 driven by the rotary motor 52, and a captive nut 56, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0109] The threaded shaft 54 is an output shaft of the motor 52, and the axial position of the threaded shaft 54 is fixed with respect to the motor 52 and with respect to the housing 20. The threaded shaft 54 extends along an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12, and is offset from the central longitudinal axis a-a. The threaded shaft 54 extends underneath the fragrance storage compartment 22.

[0110] The captive nut 56 is located in a recess 58 of the fragrance storage compartment 22, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B. The captive nut 56 is therefore fixed to the fragrance storage compartment 22 both axially and rotationally. The captive nut 56 includes a flange, and the shape of the recess 58 corresponds to the shape of the captive nut 56 (i.e. including the flange). The recess 58 is located at or towards the rear wall 22c of the fragrance storage compartment 22, and on an underside of the base wall 22a of the fragrance storage compartment 22. This arrangement helps to retain the components of the compartment drive mechanism 38 inside the housing 20 during movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and the closed position, thereby protecting the compartment drive mechanism 38.

[0111] As the rotary motor 52 rotates the threaded shaft 54, the threaded shaft 54 rotates inside the captive nut 56, causing relative axial movement between the threaded shaft 54 and the captive nut 56. This is illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, where in the closed position of Figure 7A the captive nut 56 is located at a first end (or rear end) of the threaded shaft 54, and in the open position of Figure 7B the captive nut 56 is located at a longitudinally opposing second end (or front end) of the threaded shaft 54. The captive nut 56 pushes against a front side of the recess 58, thereby causing relative linear motion between the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the threaded shaft 54 and movement from the closed to the open position as shown by arrow 701. In order to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 from the open position of Figure 7B to the closed position of Figure 7A, the rotational direction of the rotary motor 52 is reversed, and the captive nut 56 pushes against a rear side of the recess 58, thereby causing relative linear motion between the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the threaded shaft 54 in an opposing direction.

[0112] The compartment drive mechanism 38 is relatively simple, thereby improving ease of maintenance, ease of control and costeffectiveness of the drive mechanism 38. The threaded shaft 54 and the captive nut 56 arrangement provides precise and smooth movement as the captive nut 56 is constrained by the threaded shaft 54, as well as being self-locking (e.g. when the rotary motor 52 is not driving the threaded shaft 54). The compartment drive mechanism 38 has the additional advantage of being compact and efficient at converting the rotary motion of the rotary motor 52 into linear motion.

[0113] It shall be appreciated that the drive mechanism 38 described above and illustrated in the Figures is one possible embodiment of the drive mechanism 38. The location of components of the drive mechanism 38, for example the actuator 52, threaded shaft 54 and captive nut 56, as well as the components of the drive mechanism 38 may be varied.

[0114] For example, the actuator 52 may be a linear motor configured to facilitate linear movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. Alternatively, the actuator 52 may include an extendable member connected to the fragrance storage compartment 22 and configured to extend relative to the housing 20 to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open and closed position, for example an electrically actuated extendable member. The extendable member or linear motor may be located in substantially the same location as the rotary motor 52. The fragrance delivery unit 12 includes a detection arrangement 60a-d, illustrated in Figures 8A to 9, configured to detect when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the dosed / open position. The fragrance delivery unit 12 is configured to stop or prevent motion of the actuator 52 when the detection arrangement 60a-d detects that the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the dosed / open position of Figure 8A. In particular, the detection arrangement 60a-d provides an indication of a reference position of the fragrance storage compartment 22 in the dosed / open position. This helps to prevent the actuator 52 from moving the fragrance storage compartment 22 further than the dosed / open position, and helps to calibrate the compartment drive mechanism 38 to improve precision and accuracy of movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22.

[0115] The detection arrangement 60a-d comprises at least one sensor 60a configured to sense when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the closed position, and at least one sensor 60c configured to sense when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the open position. The sensors 60a, 60c are located in the housing 20. The sensor 60a is located towards the rear wall 20b of the housing 20, and the sensor 60c is located towards the front wall 20a of the housing 20. The sensors 60a, 60c may be light beam sensors. The fragrance storage compartment 22 includes a protrusion or tab 60b configured to break the light beam produced by the light beam sensor 60a when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the closed position, and a protrusion or tab 60d configured to break the light beam produced by the light beam sensor 60c when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the open position. The protrusion 60b extends from the rear wall 22c of the fragrance storage compartment 22, for example from a rear arm, as illustrated in Figure9. The protrusion 60d extends from the second side wall 22d of the fragrance storage compartment 22, and is located towards the rear wall 22c, as illustrated in Figure 9. It shall be appreciated that the detection arrangement 60a-d may include one sensor, and one corresponding formation configured to co-operate with the sensor. Alternatively, the detection arrangement 60a-d may include more than two sensors 60a, 60c and more than two corresponding formations configured to co-operate with the sensor. The sensors 60a, 60c and the tabs 60b, 60d may be located at any suitable location on the fragrance storage compartment 22 or housing 20.

[0116] In alternative embodiments, an alternative detection arrangement may be used to detect when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is at or near the dosed / open position, for example a limit switch or a contact sensor. In further alternative embodiments, the detection arrangement may be omitted. In such embodiments, the compartment drive mechanism 38 may drive the actuator 52 to open and close the fragrance storage compartment 22 for a set period of time.

[0117] In the embodiment of the Figures, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is configured to receive at least one fragrance cartridge 24. The fragrance cartridge 24 is moveable between a closed configuration in which release of fragrant substance is prevented, and an open configuration in which fragrant substance is releasable from the fragrance cartridge 24, as will be described in more detail below. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fragrance cartridge 24 may be a fragrance block, and any of the features of the fragrance cartridge 24 illustrated in the Figures may be omitted. In further alternative embodiments, liquid fragrance may be poured into the fragrance storage compartment 22.

[0118] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8A and 8B, the at least one fragrance cartridge 24 includes three fragrance cartridges 24. In order to correctly position the fragrance cartridges 24 with respect to the fragrance storage compartment 22, the fragrance storage compartment 22 includes partition walls configured to divide the fragrance storage compartment 22 into a number of sub-compartments depending on the desired maximum number of fragrance cartridges 24 received in the fragrance storage compartment 22, as illustrated in Figure 9. In addition, the fragrance storage compartment 22 includes a holder 23 associated with each of the fragrance cartridges 24 and configured to engage a rear end of the respective fragrance cartridge 24, in use. The holder 23 includes opposing arms configured to engage with opposing lateral sides of the fragrance cartridge 24. The holders 23 are located at or towards the rear wall 22c of the fragrance storage compartment 22, between the partition walls. The fragrance delivery unit 12 includes a guide arrangement 62a, 62b configured to guide the fragrance cartridge 24 relative to the fragrance storage compartment 22 during movement of the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the open position and the closed position. The guide arrangement 62a, 62b helps to provide accurate alignment and smooth movement between the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the fragrance cartridge 24 during relative movement thereof. The guide arrangement 62a, 62b includes a compartment guide formation 62a located on the fragrance storage compartment 22, as illustrated in Figures 8A and 9. In embodiments where the holder 23 is present, the compartment guide formation 62a may be located on the holder 23 to engage with the fragrance cartridge 24, in use. Alternatively, the compartment guide formation 62a may be located on the rear wall 22c of the fragrance storage compartment 22, and / or on either of the side walls 22d, 22e.

[0119] The fragrance cartridge 24 includes a corresponding guide formation 62b configured to engage with the compartment guide formation 62a, as illustrated in Figure 8A. The compartment guide formation 62a and the corresponding cartridge guide formation 62b are linear formations 62a, 62b. In this embodiment, the compartment guide formation 62a is a rib and the cartridge guide formation 62b is a groove or channel configured to receive the rib 62a. The groove or channel 62b extends at least partially around an outer surface of the fragrance cartridge 24, for example along the rear side wall of the fragrance cartridge 24 and partially along each lateral side. The rib 62a may extend along the holder 23, including along the opposing arms of the holder 23, so as to engage with the groove or channel 62b along the rear side wall of the fragrance cartridge 24 as well as partially along each of the two lateral sides.

[0120] It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the compartment guide formation 62a may be a groove or channel, and the corresponding cartridge guide formation 62b may be a rib, or an alternative guide arrangement may be used. In some embodiments, the guide arrangement 62a, 62b may be omitted, or may be an alternative interlocking mechanism.

[0121] The fragrance storage compartment 22 includes a resilient member (not shown), for example a spring, configured to exert a biasing force on the fragrance cartridge 24 to move the fragrance cartridge into a tilted configuration, illustrated in Figure 8B, when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the open position. Biasing the fragrance cartridge 24 into the tilted configuration improves ease of access to the fragrance cartridges 24, for example during loading and / or unloading of fragrance cartridges 24 by the user. In the open position of the fragrance storage compartment 22, the fragrance cartridge 24 defines a leading end with respect to a direction of opening of the fragrance storage compartment 22, and in the tilted configuration the leading end is upwardly inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12. Put another way, the front end of the fragrance cartridge 24 is upwardly inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis a-a. When the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position, the leading or front end of the fragrance cartridge 24 is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12, referred to as the axial configuration of the fragrance cartridge 24. This is illustrated in Figure 8A.

[0122] Although not shown, the resilient member may be a torsion spring extending around a shaft 69 of the fragrance storage compartment 22, illustrated in Figure 8A. The shaft 69 is located towards the rear wall 22c of the fragrance storage compartment 22. By way of example, the shaft 69 may extend through the holder 23. The torsion spring rotates the shaft 69, and therefore tilts the fragrance cartridges 24 about the shaft 69 into the tilted configuration.

[0123] As the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves from the open position to the closed position, the housing 20 is configured to engage the fragrance cartridge 24 to overcome the biasing force exerted on the fragrance cartridge 24 by the resilient member. In particular, an upper edge of the aperture 64 exerts a force on the fragrance cartridge 24 to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member, thereby automatically moving the fragrance cartridge 24 from the tilted configuration of Figure 8B to the axial configuration of Figure 8A.

[0124] The housing 20 includes an actuation surface 66, illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B configured to engage, in use, with a complimentary actuation surface 67 of the fragrance cartridge 24 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves from the open position to the closed position. The actuation surface 66 is located in the housing 20, above the fragrance storage compartment 22, when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position. The actuation surface 66 is configured to exert an actuation force on the on the complimentary actuation surface 67 of the fragrance cartridge 24 to move the fragrance cartridge 24 into the open configuration. As such, when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position, the fragrance cartridge 24 is automatically moved into the open configuration by the actuation surface 66, and when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the open position, the fragrance cartridge 24 is automatically moved into the closed configuration because the actuation surface 66 is not in engagement with the complimentary actuation surface 67.

[0125] The fragrance delivery unit 12 includes a magnet 68, illustrated in Figure 9, configured to co-operate, in use, with a corresponding ferrous insert of the fragrance cartridge 24. The magnet 68 is positioned at the rear end of the fragrance storage compartment 22, for example on the holder 23 below the guide formation 62b. As such, when the ferrous insert of the fragrance cartridge 24 is brought into proximity with the magnet 68, the ferrous insert is attracted to the magnet 68 so as to retain the fragrance cartridge 24 in the fragrance storage compartment 22, whilst also providing haptic feedback to the user that the fragrance cartridge 24 has been correctly positioned. In alternative embodiments, the cartridge 24 may include the magnet, and the fragrance storage compartment 22 may include the ferrous insert. It shall be appreciated that the magnet 68 may be located in any suitable position on the fragrance storage compartment 22, for example on the rear wall 22c.

[0126] The fragrance storage compartment 22 includes at least one identification reader (not shown) configured to engage with a corresponding identification arrangement of the fragrance cartridge 24. The identification reader is capable of extracting data from the identification arrangement when the cartridge 24 is in use. The extracted data may be inputted into the control system 200 and / or may be displayed on the console 1008 for the user. The identification reader can provide the user or the control system 200 with data regarding the fragrance cartridge 24, including for example information relating to the type of fragrant substance in the fragrance cartridge 24, or the authenticity of the fragrance cartridge 24. The identification reader may be configured to read, for example, a barcode, a printed arrangement, an engraving or embossment on the fragrance cartridge 24, a QR code, a radio-frequency identification arrangement, or the like. The Sim card (or alternative method) may be able to be both read from and be written to. For example, the fragrance cartridge 24 may store the information about its life remaining (a counter or similar), therefore if the fragrance cartridge 24 is moved between vehicles its life remaining is known.

[0127] With reference to Figure 14, a method of opening and closing the fragrance delivery unit 12 will be described hereafter. The method includes the step of providing a fragrance delivery unit 12 as described above in relation to Figures 7A to 9. The actuator 52 is operated to move the fragrance storage compartment 22 between the closed position in which an interior of the fragrance storage compartment 22 is enclosed within the housing 20 and the open position in which the interior is accessible from outside of the housing 20. As such, fragrant substance, for example the fragrance cartridge 24 can be loaded and unloaded from the fragrance storage compartment 22. For example, if one of the fragrance cartridges 24 is empty, it may be replaced. Alternatively, if the user wishes to change the scent of the fragrance, the user may change the fragrant cartridge 24.

[0128] Referring now to Figures 10 to 13B, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail. The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 is configured to selectively control the flow of air through the fragrance delivery unit 12 (driven by the blower unit 26).

[0129] The fragrancy delivery unit 12 of Figures 10 to 13B includes the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a fragrance delivery unit inlet configured to receive a flow of air and the fragrance delivery unit outlet 28 (described above) configured to deliver a fragrance-entrained flow of air in the direction shown by arrows 1001. In the embodiment of the Figures, the fragrance delivery unit 12 includes first and second inlets 27 located towards the front 20a housing 20. The inlets 27 may be of substantially the same configuration. Providing two inlets is particularly advantageous when there is more than one fragrant substance because a maximum distance between the inlet and the fragrant substance is reduced. This helps to facilitate a more even distribution of air flow through the different fragrant substances. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any suitable number of fragrance delivery unit inlets may be provided, for example one inlet.

[0130] The fragrance storage compartment 22 is received within the housing 20. It shall be appreciated that in some embodiments, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be of substantially the same configuration as described above in relation to Figure 7A to 9. For example, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be moveable between the open position and the closed position. In alternative embodiments, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be fixed with respect to the housing 20. The fragrance substance may be directly loaded and unloaded into the fragrance storage compartment 22 by the user. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the compartment drive mechanism 38 and the associated feature may be omitted. Similarly, in some embodiments, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may be omitted and the compartment drive mechanism 36 may be included.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is configured to receive three fragrance cartridges 24, as described above in reference to Figures 7A to 9. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be configured to receive any suitable number of fragrance cartridges 24, and / or the fragrance storage compartment 22 may be configured to receive a fragrance block or a liquid fragrant substance.

[0132] The fragrance delivery unit 12 includes at least one fragrance chamber 70 located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet 27 and the fragrance delivery unit outlet 28, as illustrated in Figure 11. The fragrance chamber 70 enables the diffusion of fragrance substance into the flow of air therethrough. There is provided a fragrance chamber 70 associated with each of the fragrance cartridges 24 (or each of the compartments for storing a fragrance cartridge 24 or fragrant substance). It shall be appreciated that the number of fragrance chambers 70 may therefore correspond to the maximum number of fragrance cartridges 24 (or fragrant substances) able to be received by the fragrance storage compartment 22. It shall be appreciated that the three fragrance chambers 70 shown in Figures 10 and 11 are of substantially the same configuration.

[0133] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 is configured to receive a control signal 270 from the controller 210 to control the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 to selectively open and close each fragrance chamber 70 to selectively provide fluid communication between one of the fragrance chambers 70 and the fragrance delivery unit inlet 27 and / or the fragrance delivery unit outlet 28. The fragrance delivery unit 12 is configured to open and close each fragrance chamber 70 in response to the fragrance selection input 16c being selected by the user, as described above. It shall be appreciated that in embodiments with only one fragrance chamber 70, the fragrance selection input 16c may be to enable or prevent fragrance being released from the outlet 28.

[0134] The fragrance chambers 70 are located in series along an axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13A, each fragrance chamber 70 is located above the respective fragrance storage compartment 22. In particular, when a fragrance cartridge 24 is located in the fragrance storage compartment 22, the corresponding fragrance chamber 70 is located above the fragrance cartridge 24. Each of the fragrance chambers 70 is in fluid communication with each of the fragrance cartridges 24. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiment wherein the fragrance cartridge 24 is omitted, the fragrance chamber 70 may be in fluid communication with a fragrance block, or a reservoir of fragrant substance, as described above.

[0135] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes a delivery mechanism housing 96, illustrated in Figure 12, for housing components of the fragrance delivery mechanism 36. The delivery mechanism housing 96 is located between the fragrance chamber 70 and the outlet 28. The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes an actuator 72 configured to open the fragrance chamber 70, as illustrated in Figure 13B, and to close the fragrance chamber 70, as illustrated in Figure 13A, to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber 70 and the inlet 27 and / or outlet 28. The actuator 72 is located in the delivery mechanism housing 96. In the embodiment of the Figures, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 is configured to selectively provide fluid communication with the fragrance chamber 70 and the inlet 27, as well as with the fragrance chamber 70 and the outlet 28. As such, when the fragrance chamber 70 is open, a flow path (as shown by arrows F) is defined through the inlet 27, through the fragrance chamber 70 and out of the outlet 28, as illustrated in Figure 11. The blower unit 26 is configured to draw air through the inlet 27, and subsequently move the air through the fragrance chamber 70 and out of the outlet 28 when the fragrance chamber 70 is open. As illustrated in Figure 12, the flow path F extends through the delivery mechanism housing 96 and through the outlet 28. Accordingly, the delivery mechanism housing 96 is in fluid communication with both the fragrance chamber 70 and the outlet 28.

[0136] It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may only selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber 70 and one of the inlet 27 and the outlet 28. In such embodiments, by way of example, the fragrance delivery unit inlet 27 or outlet 28 may extend directly into the fragrance chamber 70 such that one of the inlet 27 or outlet 28 is in permanent fluid communication with the fragrance chamber 70.

[0137] In the embodiment of the Figures, where there is more than one fragrance chamber 70, the actuator 72 is configured to open and close the fragrance chambers 70 independently from one another. Each of the fragrance chambers 70 is isolated from fluid communication with the other of the fragrance chambers 70, in use. This helps to prevent mixing of fragrant substance in the fragrance delivery unit 12.

[0138] In the embodiment of the Figures, the actuator 72 is a rotary motor, in particular a step motor. The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes an output shaft 74 connected to the motor 72. The output shaft 74 extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12. The motor 72 is configured to rotate the output shaft 74. In embodiments where the motor 72 is a step motor, the motor 72 may be configured to rotate the output shaft 74 incrementally (or in “steps”) through a pre-determined angle to a range of rotational positions. The pre-determined angle may be approximately 90°, by way of example, and the output shaft 74 may be rotated to four rotational positions for every 360° rotation of the output shaft 74.

[0139] The motor 72 is configured to drive the output shaft 74 to selectively open and close the fragrance chambers 70. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the central chamber 70 is open, and the left and right chambers 70 are closed, as will be described in more detail below.

[0140] As illustrated in Figures 10 to 13B, the output shaft 74 includes a cam surface 76 mounted thereon and configured to rotate with the output shaft 74 to selectively open and close the fragrance chamber 70. In particular, the output shaft 74 includes a cam surface 76 associated with each of the fragrance chambers 70 (i.e. three cam surfaces 76) mounted thereon to open and close each of the fragrance chambers 70. Each of the cam surfaces 76 is of substantially the same configuration. The cam surfaces 76 provide a simple mechanism for using the rotational motion of a single motor 72 and output shaft 74 to open and close each of the fragrance chambers 70. This provides a compact arrangement for opening and closing each of the fragrance chambers 70. Additionally, the orientation of the cam surfaces 76 helps to independently open and close the fragrance chambers 70, for example when the user selects one of the fragrance chambers 70 to release fragrant substance.

[0141] The cam surface 76 includes a smoothly curving convex profile that gradually tapers towards a pointed end, illustrated in Figure 12. The pointed end extends outward from the output shaft 74, and the curved profile has a substantially constant radius. As such, the cam surface 76 enables gradual and controlled motion to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, any suitable profile of cam surface 76 may be provided. The cam surface 76 defines a first rotational position, illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 in relation to the middle chamber 70, in which the fragrance chamber 70 is open, and a second rotational position, illustrated in Figure 11 in relation to the left and right fragrance chambers 70, in which the fragrance chamber 70 is closed. In the first rotational position, the pointed end of the cam surface 76 engages with the fragrance chamber 70, and the pointed end is parallel to the central longitudinal axis a-a of the fragrance delivery unit 12. The second position is any position of the cam surface 76 in which the curved profile engages with the fragrance chamber 70 and the fragrance chamber 70 is closed.

[0142] It shall be appreciated that in embodiments where the fragrance chambers 70 are opened independently from each other, only one of the cam surfaces 76 is in the first rotational position at one time (i.e. the cam surfaces 76 cannot simultaneously be in the first rotational position). However, in embodiments where mixing of fragrances may be desirable, it is also feasible that two or more of the cam surfaces 76 may be in the first rotational position simultaneously.

[0143] In order to enable independent opening of the fragrance chambers 70, each of the cam surfaces 76 is orientated on the output shaft 74 at an angle with respect to the other cam surfaces 76. In particular, each of the cam surfaces 76 is arranged at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the other cam surfaces 76. As such, when the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 receives the control signal 270 in response to the fragrance selection input 16c being selected by the user, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 moves the cam surface 76 associated with the selected fragrance chamber 70 into the first position to open the fragrance chamber 70. If the user selects an alternative fragrance, the output shaft 74 is rotated through the predetermined angle until the cam surface 76 associated with the newly selected fragrance chamber 70 is in the first position, and the cam surface 76 associated with the previously selected fragrance chamber 70 is in the second position.

[0144] It shall be appreciated that the angle of the cam surfaces 76 may depend on the number of fragrance chambers 70, and therefore the number of cam surfaces 76. As such, the cam surfaces 76 may be orientated at any suitable angle with respect to the other cam surfaces 76. It shall be appreciated that in embodiments where fluid communication between fragrance chambers 70 may be desirable (for example for mixing of fragrant substances), two or more of the cam surfaces 76 may be orientated at the same angle on the output shaft 74.

[0145] With reference to Figures 11 to 13B, the fragrance chamber 70 includes a chamber inlet 71a and a chamber outlet 71b. As such, ambient air enters the fragrance chamber 70 via the chamber inlet 71a, and fragrance-entrained air leaves the fragrance chamber 70 via the chamber outlet 71b. Although each of the fragrance chambers 70 are of substantially the same configuration, only one of the fragrance chambers 70 is labelled in detail in Figures 11 and 12 for reasons of clarity.

[0146] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes a valve arrangement 80a, 80b moveable with respect to the fragrance chamber 70. The actuator 72 is configured to move the valve arrangement 80a, 80b to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. In particular, the cam surface 76 is configured to engage the valve arrangement 80a, 80b and axially move the valve arrangement 80a, 80b with respect to the fragrance chamber 70 to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. Accordingly, when the fragrance chamber 70 is open, the cam surface 76 is in the first position and the pointed end is configured to engage with the valve arrangement 80a, 80b to push the valve arrangement 80a, 80b into the open position, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 with respect to the central fragrance chamber 70.

[0147] The valve arrangement 80a, 80b includes an inlet valve member 80a configured to open and close the chamber inlet 71a, and an outlet valve member 80b configured to open and close the chamber outlet 71b. Providing a chamber inlet 71a and a chamber outlet 71 b which can be open and closed by respective inlet and outlet valve members 80a, 80b means that the fragrance chamber 70 can be isolated from both the inlet 27 and the outlet 28 of the housing 20. This helps to retain fragrance in the fragrance chamber 70, thereby reducing the risk of erroneously releasing fragrance from the fragrance chamber 70. The actuator 72 is configured to move the outlet valve member 80b to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. In particular, the cam surface 76 is configured to engage the outlet valve member 80b to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. As illustrated in Figures 12 to 13B, the outlet valve member 80b includes a protrusion 92 configured to act as a “follower'’ and move over the cam surface 76 as the cam surface 76 rotates. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the actuator 72 may be configured to move the inlet valve member 80a to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. In such embodiments, the fragrance delivery mechanism 36, including the delivery mechanism housing 96, may be located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet 27 and the fragrance chamber 70.

[0148] The inlet valve member 80a is located outside of the fragrance chamber 70, and the outlet valve member 80b is located inside the fragrance chamber 70. As such, the inlet valve member 80a engages an exterior surface of the fragrance chamber 70, and the outlet valve member 80b engages an interior surface of the fragrance chamber 70. The inlet valve member 80a is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member 80b. The inlet valve member 80a is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member 80b via a shaft 88 extending through the fragrance chamber 70. The shaft 88 is coaxial with the protrusion 92. As such, engagement between the cam surface 76 and the outlet valve member 80b moves the inlet valve member 80b to open and close both the chamber inlet 71a and the chamber outlet 71b. Locating the outlet valve member 80b inside the fragrance chamber 70 and the inlet valve member 80a outside of the fragrance chamber 70 provides space for the inlet and outlet valve members 80a, 80 to move axially as one rigid body without being obstructed by the fragrance chamber 70. This is illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B in relation to the right fragrance chamber 70 of Figure 11.

[0149] The inlet valve member 80a may be provided as a first part 98a including a first portion of the shaft 88, and the outlet valve member 80b may be provided as a second part 98b including a second portion of the shaft 88. The first part and the second part are mounted together to form the valve arrangement 80a, 80b. The shaft 88 includes a baffle 94 mounted thereon and located in the fragrance chamber 70, and the baffle 94 may be provided as part of the second portion of the shaft 88. The baffle 94 helps to improve airflow and mixing in the fragrance chamber 70.

[0150] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes a spring 82 configured to bias the valve arrangement 80a, 80b to close the fragrance chamber 70. In particular, the spring 82 may be a conical spring. The spring providing the biasing force to close the fragrance chamber 70 helps to reduce the risk of fragrance being erroneously released from the fragrance chamber 70 when the fragrance chamber 70 is intended to be closed. This also improves longevity of the fragrant substance. The shaft 88 includes an abutment surface 90, illustrated in Figure 13A, projecting radially from the shaft 88. It shall be appreciated that the abutment surface 90 may be provided as a surface of the baffle 94. The spring 82 is fixedly connected to the abutment surface 90 at a first end such that when the fragrance chamber 70 is closed the spring exerts a biasing force on the abutment surface 90 to bias the valve arrangement 80a, 80b closed.

[0151] The fragrance delivery mechanism 36 includes a seal arrangement 84a, 84b arranged between the valve arrangement 80a, 80b and the fragrance chamber 70 to sealingly engage the valve arrangement 80a, 80b and the fragrance chamber 70 when the fragrance chamber 70 is closed. The seal arrangement 84a, 84b includes an inlet seal member 84a and an outlet seal member 84b. The inlet seal member 84a is located between the inlet valve member 80a and the chamber inlet 71 a and is configured to sealingly engage the inlet valve member 80a and the chamber inlet 71 a. The outlet seal member 84b is located between the outlet valve member 80b and the chamber outlet 71 b and is configured to sealingly engage the outlet valve member 80b and the chamber outlet 71 b. The inlet seal member 84a and the outlet seal member 84b are co-moulded with the inlet valve member 80a and the outlet valve member 80b respectively. As the spring 82 exerts the biasing force to close the fragrance chamber 70, the spring 82 also causes the inlet and outlet valve members 80a, 80b to compress the respective inlet and outlet seal 84a, 84b, thereby further improving sealing when the fragrance chamber is closed. It shall be appreciated that the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 described above and illustrated in the Figures is one possible embodiment of the fragrance delivery mechanism. The location of components of the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 as well as the components of the fragrance delivery mechanism 36 may be varied, for example the cam mechanism may be omitted.

[0152] For example, the actuator 72 may be a linear actuator configured to axially move the valve arrangement 80a, 80b to open and close the fragrance chamber 70. The linear actuator may be one or more linear motors, or one or more extendable members. In embodiments where there are more than one fragrance chamber 70, an individual actuator may be provided to open and close each fragrance chamber 70.

[0153] With reference to Figure 15, a method of selectively delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air will be described hereafter. The method includes the step of providing 1501 a fragrance delivery unit 12 as described above in relation to Figures 10 to 13B. The fragrance chamber 70 is opened 1502 using the actuator 72 to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber 70 and the inlet 27 and / or outlet 28. A flow of air is received 1503 through the inlet 27 and into the fragrance chamber 70. A fragrance-entrained flow of air is delivered 1504 from the fragrance chamber 70 and through the outlet 28. It shall be appreciated that in embodiments with more than one fragrance chamber 70, the method may include the step of independently opening one of the fragrance chambers 70 in response to the user selection in order to release a selected fragrance from the fragrance delivery unit 12. If the user selects a different fragrance, the step motor 72 may rotate through a predetermined angle to close the previously selected fragrance chamber 70, and open the newly selected fragrance chamber 70.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle, the fragrance delivery unit comprising: a housing comprising a fragrance delivery unit inlet configured to receive a flow of air and a fragrance delivery unit outlet configured to deliver a fragrance-entrained flow of air; a fragrance storage compartment received within the housing; a fragrance chamber located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet and the fragrance delivery unit outlet; a fragrance delivery mechanism comprising an actuator configured to open and close the fragrance chamber to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the fragrance delivery inlet and / or the fragrance delivery outlet.

2. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is a motor configured to open and close the fragrance chamber to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the inlet and / or the outlet, optionally wherein the actuator is a rotary motor, optionally wherein the actuator is a step motor.

3. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 2, wherein the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises an output shaft connected to the motor, and wherein the motor is configured to drive the output shaft to selectively open and close the fragrance chamber.

4. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 3, wherein the motor is a rotary motor, and the output shaft comprises a cam surface mounted thereon and configured to rotate with the output shaft to selectively open and close the fragrance chamber, optionally wherein the cam surface defines a first rotational position in which the fragrance chamber is open, and a second rotational position in which the fragrance chamber is closed.

5. The fragrance delivery unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a valve arrangement moveable with respect to the fragrance chamber, and wherein the actuator is configured to move the valve arrangement to open and close the fragrance chamber.

6. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the cam surface is configured to engage the valve arrangement and axially move the valve arrangement with respect to the fragrance chamber to open and close the fragrance chamber.

7. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a spring configured to bias the valve arrangement to close the fragrance chamber, optionally wherein the spring is a conical spring.

8. The fragrance delivery unit according to any one of claim 5 to claim 7, wherein the fragrance delivery mechanism comprises a seal arrangement arranged between the valve arrangement and the fragrance chamber to sealingly engage the valve arrangement and the fragrance chamber when the fragrance chamber is closed.

9. The fragrance delivery unit according to any one of claim 5 to claim 8, wherein the fragrance chamber comprises a chamber inlet in fluid communication with the fragrance delivery unit inlet when the fragrance chamber is open, and a chamber outlet in fluid communication with the fragrance delivery unit outlet when the fragrance chamber is open, and wherein the valve arrangement comprises an inlet valve member configured to open and close the chamber inlet, and an outlet valve member configured to open and close the chamber outlet.

10. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the seal arrangement comprises an inlet seal member located between the inlet valve member and the chamber inlet and configured to seal ingly engage the inlet valve member and the chamber inlet, and an outlet seal member located between the outlet valve member and the chamber outlet and configured to sealingly engage the outlet valve member and the chamber outlet.

11. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the inlet valve member is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member, optionally wherein the inlet valve member is rigidly connected to the outlet valve member via a shaft extending through the fragrance chamber.

12. The fragrance delivery unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance storage compartment comprises more than one fragrance chambers each located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet and the fragrance delivery unit outlet, and wherein the actuator is configured to selectively open and close each of the fragrance chambers to selectively provide fluid communication between the respective fragrance chamber and the fragrance delivery unit inlet and / or the fragrance delivery unit outlet.

13. The fragrance delivery unit according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the output shaft comprises a cam surface associated with each of the fragrance chambers mounted thereon to open and close each of the fragrance chambers, and wherein each of the cam surfaces is orientated on the output shaft at an angle with respect to the other cam surfaces.

14. A vehicle comprising a fragrance delivery system, the fragrance delivery system including a fragrance delivery unit according to any preceding claim.

15. A method of selectively delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fragrance delivery unit including a housing comprising a fragrance delivery unit inlet and a fragrance delivery unit outlet, a fragrance storage compartment received within the housing, a fragrance chamber located between the fragrance delivery unit inlet and the fragrance delivery unit outlet and a fragrance delivery mechanism comprising an actuator configured to open and close the fragrance chamber; opening the fragrance chamber using the actuator to selectively provide fluid communication between the fragrance chamber and the fragrance delivery unit inlet and / or the fragrance delivery unit outlet; receiving a flow of air through the fragrance delivery unit inlet and into the fragrance chamber; delivering a fragrance-entrained flow of air from the fragrance chamber and through the fragrance delivery unit outlet.

Images