Fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a fragrance delivery unit (12) for a vehicle. The fragrance delivery unit comprises a housing (20) and a fragrance storage compartment (22) movably received within the housing. The fragrance storage compartment is movable between a closed position in which an interior (52) of the fragrance storage compartment is enclosed within the housing and an open position in which the interior is accessible from outside of the housing. The fragrance delivery unit also comprises a compartment cover (54) which defines an exterior surface (56) of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state. The compartment cover is a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment.

Description

[0001] FRAGRANCE DELIVERY UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a fragrance delivery unit, to a glovebox assembly, to a vehicle, and to a method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known to use air fresheners which passively release a fragrance to provide a pleasant smell inside a vehicle cabin and / or to mask odours in the 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 delivery unit, a glovebox assembly, a vehicle, and a method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit 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 comprises a fragrance storage compartment. The fragrance storage compartment is movable between a closed position in which an interior of the fragrance storage compartment is inaccessible from outside and an open position in which the interior is accessible from outside. The fragrance delivery unit comprises a compartment cover which defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state. The compartment cover is a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle. The fragrance delivery unit comprises a housing and a fragrance storage compartment movably received within the housing. The fragrance storage compartment is movable between a closed position in which an interior of the fragrance storage compartment is enclosed within the housing and an open position in which the interior is accessible from outside of the housing. The fragrance delivery unit comprises a compartment cover which defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state. The compartment cover is a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment. It will be understood that the compartment cover may be visible / accessible in a vehicle when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position, whereas the fragrance storage compartment itself will be hidden / protected within the housing. Therefore, it may be desirable for the compartment cover to have certain properties that are not needed for the fragrance storage compartment itself. By having the compartment cover as a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment (i.e., instead of being integrally formed with the fragrance storage compartment), the compartment cover and fragrance storage compartment can be made of different materials suited to their respective purposes. For example, the compartment cover may be made from a more durable material such as a scratch-proof material, a more expensive material such as a coated material, and / or the compartment cover may have an indicatorto instruct a user how to open / close the fragrance storage compartment and / or to make it easier to identify the fragrance storage compartment. Further, where the material of the compartment cover is comparatively more expensive, this may allow a suitable material for the exterior (i.e., visible / accessible) surface of the fragrance storage compartment to be achieved at a lower cost.

[0012] Furthermore, such a fragrance delivery unit may be customisable for different vehicles (by swapping the compartment cover for an alternative compartment cover) which allows a single unit to be used in a variety of different vehicles without having to change components other than the compartment cover. This may increase productivity and save manufacturing and design costs when using the fragrance delivery unit for various different vehicles.

[0013] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit comprises one or more fragrance cartridges removably stored within the fragrance storage compartment. The one or more fragrance cartridges may each contain a fragrant substance, for example absorbed in a porous ceramic block within each cartridge.

[0014] Optionally, the compartment cover is secured to the fragrance storage compartment by a snap-fit engagement. This may simplify manufacturing and / or assembly.

[0015] Optionally, the snap-fit engagement comprises one or more clips on the compartment cover and / or fragrance storage compartment. Such clips may provide an easier means for forming a snap-fit engagement.

[0016] Alternatively, the compartment cover may be secured to the fragrance storage compartment by fasteners, adhered to the fragrance storage compartment, or secured to the fragrance storage compartment by any other suitable means.

[0017] Optionally, the compartment cover is releasably secured to the fragrance storage compartment. This may facilitate customisation and / or replacement of the compartment cover if it becomes scratched or otherwise worn / damaged. As used herein, the term “releasably secured” means that the two discrete components are fixed together in a manner in which the two components can be detached from each other without any significant damage to either component. Optionally, the compartment cover comprises a base material and a coating layer over the base material. It will be understood that such a coating layer (e.g., a paint, film, plating, leather or other covering) may produce a desirable finish for durability and / or aesthetic purposes. By providing the compartment cover as a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment, the coating layer only needs to be applied to the compartment cover (e.g., to an exterior face of the compartment cover). This can reduce the cost and / or manufacturing duration and complexity in comparison to coating an integrally formed fragrance storage compartment / cover.

[0018] Optionally, the compartment cover comprises an exterior face and an interior face, and wherein the interior face comprises a rib at a periphery of the interior face. Such a rib may help to stiffen the compartment cover and increase overall robustness of the compartment. The rib may also define a support surface for abutment against a side and / or underside of the fragrance storage compartment, to facilitate alignment of the compartment cover with the fragrance storage compartment during assembly.

[0019] Optionally, the rib extends around the entire periphery of the interior face. The rib may extend around the periphery continuously or discontinuously. Alternatively, the rib may be provided on only a portion of the periphery of the interior face, such as only at an upper and / or lower portion of the periphery.

[0020] Optionally, the housing comprises an aperture through which at least a portion of the fragrance storage compartment moves between the open and closed positions, wherein the compartment cover has a complementary shape to close the aperture when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position. In this way, the compartment cover may protect the interior of the fragrance storage compartment and / or other interior parts of the housing when in the closed position.

[0021] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit comprises a bezel component which surrounds the aperture and which projects from an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the bezel component surrounds the compartment cover when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position. By projecting from a surface of the housing, such a bezel component may be received in a recess in a surface of a vehicle to align the fragrance delivery unit in the correct position. This simplifies assembly. Furthermore, because the bezel component surrounds the compartment cover, the compartment cover may be located at a correct position within a recess in a surface of a vehicle by locating the bezel within the recess, which ensures that the fragrance storage compartment can be opened or closed through the recess.

[0022] Optionally, the bezel component comprises an internal surface which faces a periphery of the compartment cover, and wherein the internal surface of the bezel component comprises a guide surface which tapers inwards towards the aperture. Such a guide surface may help to guide a fragrance cartridge or other object received in the fragrance storage compartment into the correct position inside the fragrance storage compartment as it moves from the open to the closed position.

[0023] Optionally, the bezel component is a discrete component which is secured to the housing. It will be understood that the bezel component may be at least partially visible / accessible when it is located within a recess in a surface of the vehicle, whereas the housing may be hidden / protected behind the surface. Therefore, it may be desirable for the bezel component to have certain properties that are not needed for the housing. By having the bezel component as a discrete component which is secured to the housing (i.e., instead of being integrally formed with the housing), the bezel component and housing can be made of different materials suited to their respective purposes. For example, the bezel component may be made from a more durable material such as a scratch-proof material, a more expensive material such as a coated material, and / or the bezel component may have an indicator to instruct a user how to open / close the fragrance storage compartment and / or to make it easier to identify the fragrance storage compartment. Further, where the material of the bezel component is comparatively more expensive, this may allow a suitable material for the visible / accessible surface of the fragrance delivery unit to be achieved at a lower cost.

[0024] Furthermore, such a fragrance delivery unit may be customisable for different vehicles (by swapping the bezel component for an alternative bezel component) which allows a single unit to be used in a variety of different vehicles without having to change components other than the bezel component (and potentially the compartment cover). This may increase productivity and save manufacturing and design costs when using the fragrance delivery unit for various different vehicles.

[0025] Optionally, the bezel component is secured to the housing by a snap-fit engagement. This may simplify manufacturing. Optionally, the snap-fit engagement comprises one or more clips on the bezel component and / or housing.

[0026] Alternatively, the bezel component may be secured to the housing by fasteners, adhered to the housing, or secured to the housing by any other suitable means.

[0027] Optionally, the bezel component is releasably secured to the housing. This may facilitate customisation and / or replacement of the bezel component if it becomes scratched or otherwise worn / damaged.

[0028] Optionally, the bezel component comprises a base material and a coating layer over the base material. It will be understood that such a coating layer (e.g., a paint, film, plating, leather or other covering) may produce a desirable finish for durability and / or aesthetic purposes, but will lead to increased cost. However, because the bezel component is a discrete component which is secured to the housing, the coating layer only needs to be applied to the bezel component (e.g., before assembly) which reduces the costs in comparison to coating an integrally formed housing / bezel component.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a glovebox assembly is provided. The glovebox assembly comprises a fragrance delivery unit as disclosed herein. The glovebox assembly also comprises a glovebox body which defines a glovebox interior for storing objects. The glovebox interior may comprise a recess, and the fragrance delivery unit may be secured to the glovebox body proximal to the recess so that the fragrance storage compartment can move between the open and closed positions through the recess. Such a glovebox assembly benefits from the advantages of the fragrance delivery unit outlined above. Furthermore, because the fragrance storage compartment may move between the open and closed positions through the recess (i.e., so that the fragrance storage compartment is visible and accessible from the glovebox interior), the benefits of the compartment cover being a discrete component secured to the fragrance storage compartment are particularly beneficial. For example, an appearance of the compartment cover can be chosen to blend in with the glovebox interior and / or a material of the compartment cover can be chosen to withstand scratches from objects within the glovebox interior.

[0030] Optionally, the fragrance delivery unit comprises a bezel component as disclosed herein, wherein the bezel component is positioned within the recess.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a fragrance delivery unit as disclosed herein and / or a glovebox assembly as disclosed herein. Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the fragrance delivery unit and / or glovebox assembly outlined above.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a housing; coupling a fragrance storage compartment to the housing so that it is movably received within the housing between a closed position and an open position; and securing a compartment cover to the fragrance storage compartment so that it defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state.

[0033] It will be understood that the compartment cover may be visible / accessible in a vehicle when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position, whereas the fragrance storage compartment itself may be hidden / protected within the housing. Therefore, it may be desirable for the compartment cover to have certain properties that are not needed for the fragrance storage compartment itself. By securing the compartment cover to the fragrance storage compartment (e.g., the compartment cover being a discrete component, instead of being integrally formed with the fragrance storage compartment), the compartment cover and fragrance storage compartment can be made of a different materials suited to their respective purposes. For example, the compartment cover may be made from a more durable material such as a scratch-proof material, a more expensive material such as a coated material, and / or the compartment cover may have an indicatorto instruct a user how to open / close the fragrance storage compartment and / or to make it easier to identify the fragrance storage compartment. Further, where the material of the compartment cover is comparatively more expensive, this method may allow a suitable material for the exterior (i.e., visible / accessible) surface of the fragrance storage compartment to be achieved at a lower cost. This may also reduce manufacturing duration and / or complexity by removing the need to provide additional manufacturing steps, such as applying a coating layer, to other regions of the fragrance compartment or fragrance delivery unit.

[0034] Furthermore, such a method may be used to produce fragrance delivery units with a variety of different appearances, by using different compartment covers, without having to change any other components. This may increase productivity and save manufacturing and design costs when using the method to assemble fragrance delivery units for various different vehicles.

[0035] Optionally, the method further comprises removing the compartment cover from the fragrance storage compartment and securing a different compartment cover to the fragrance storage compartment.

[0036] Such a method may be used to replace a damaged compartment cover with an alternative compartment cover. Alternatively, such a method may be used to customise the exterior (e.g., visible) portion of the fragrance storage compartment (e.g., by swapping the compartment cover for an alternative compartment cover).

[0037] 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.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a fragrance delivery system of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a touchscreen and user inputs of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a control system of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a glovebox area of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figures 6A and 6B show perspective views of a fragrance delivery unit of the fragrance delivery system of Figure 2;

[0046] Figures 7 and 8 show front perspective views of a fragrance delivery unit according to an embodiment of the invention, with the fragrance storage compartment shown in closed and open states respectively; Figure 9 shows a side perspective view of a fragrance storage compartment of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 7 and 8;

[0047] Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of a compartment cover of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 7 and 8;

[0048] Figures 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of a snap-fit engagement between the fragrance storage compartment and compartment cover of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 7 and 8, taken along planes A- A and B-B of Figure 10, respectively;

[0049] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the compartment cover only of Figure 10, taken along plane C-C;

[0050] Figure 14 shows a side perspective view of a bezel component of the fragrance delivery unit of Figures 7 and 8; and

[0051] Figure 15 shows a method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, the fragrance delivery unit 12 is shown in more detail. The fragrance delivery unit 12 optionally 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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). 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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. In other examples, the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be provided without a housing. In such examples, the internal components of the fragrance delivery unit 12 may be open to an exterior of the unit. The function of a housing may then be provided by a region of the vehicle, such as the glovebox, in which the fragrance delivery unit 12 is located during use.

[0079] Referring now to Figures 7 to 13, the fragrance storage compartment 22 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 is described in more detail. As mentioned above, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is movably received within the housing 20. In particular, the fragrance storage compartment 22 is movable between a closed position (shown in Figures 6B and 7), in which an interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 is enclosed within the housing 20, and an open position (shown in Figures 6A and 8) in which the interior 52 is accessible from outside of the housing 20 (e.g., for refilling the fragrance storage compartment 22 with a fragrant substance). The fragrance delivery unit 12 also has a compartment cover 54 which defines an exterior surface 56 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed state.

[0080] As will be described in more detail below, the compartment cover 54 is a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment 22. In other words, the compartment cover 54 is not integrally formed with the fragrance storage compartment 22. This allows the compartment cover 54 and fragrance storage compartment 22 to be made of different materials suited to their respective purposes.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment cover 54 has an exterior face 56 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) and an interior face 58 (shown in Figure 10). The compartment cover 54 is secured to a front face 60 (shown in Figure 9) of the fragrance storage compartment 22, so that the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 54 faces the front face 60 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the exterior face 56 of the compartment cover 54 defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit 12 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed state.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment cover 54 is secured to the fragrance storage compartment 22 by a snap-fit engagement 62 (shown in Figures 11 and 12). In particular, the snap-fit engagement 62 includes one or more clips 64 on the compartment cover 54 and / or fragrance storage compartment 22, as best seen in Figures 10 to 12.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 54 has one or more lugs 66, 68 which are each configured to be received under a corresponding lip 70, 72 on the front face 60 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 (as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 12). Further, the front face 60 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 has one or more clips 64 which are each configured to be received under a corresponding lip 74 on the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 22 (as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11).

[0084] The one or more lugs 66, 68 and lips 70, 72, 74 may be substantially rigid, whereas the one or more clips 64 may be resiliently deflectable in order to be pushed under the corresponding one or more lips 74. For example, each of the one or more clips 64 may have a lip-engaging portion 76 at the end of a resiliently-deflectable arm 78, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11 .

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more lugs 66, 68 and corresponding one or more lips 70, 72 are configured to limit movement in a direction parallel to a plane of interior face 58 (e.g., in an upwards direction in Figure 12). The one or more clips 64 and corresponding one or more lips 74 are configured to limit movement in an opposite direction (e.g., in a downwards direction in Figure 11). In this way, the snap-fit engagement 62 constraints relative movement between the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the compartment cover 20 in a direction parallel to the plane of the interior face 58.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more lugs 66, 68 and corresponding one or more lips 70, 72 define an interlocking arrangement 80, as best illustrated in Figure 12. Such interlocking arrangements 80 limit relative movement between the fragrance storage compartment 22 and the compartment cover 54 in a direction transverse to the plane of the interior face 58.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 54 has one or more upper lugs 66 and one or more lower lugs 68. In particular, there are two upper lugs 66 and two lower lugs 68. This may facilitate a more secure engagement. However, in alternative embodiments the upper lugs 66 or lower lugs 68 may be omitted. Alternatively, there may be a single upper lug 66 and a single lower lug 68.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper lugs 66 and corresponding upper lips 70 define longer engaging surfaces than the lower lugs 68 and corresponding lower lips 72. Therefore, to form the snap-fit engagement 62, the upper lugs 66 may first be engaged with the upper lips 70 and then the lower lugs 68 may be pushed over the lower lips 72 as the clips 64 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 are pushed into engagement with the corresponding lips 74 on the compartment cover 54. In other words, the lower lugs 68 may be snap- fitted over the lower lips 72 (e.g., due to flexing of the compartment cover 54).

[0089] The lips 70, 72, 74 may be defined by a projection from the corresponding face 58, 60, and / or by a recess in the corresponding face 58, 60. For example, the lips 74 on the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 54 are each defined by a projection 82 and a recess 84. The recess 84 accommodates the lip-engaging portion 76 of the corresponding clip 64, and the projection 82 increases the width of the lip 74 to inhibit accidental disconnection of the clip 64. The lips 70, 72 on the front face 60 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 are each defined by a projection 86 from the front face 60.

[0090] It will be understood that the snap-fit engagement 62 may be of any other suitable kind. For example: one or more of the clips 64 may be provided on the compartment cover 54 rather than the fragrance storage compartment 22; one or more of the lugs 66, 68 and clips 64 may fit over (rather than under) a corresponding lip 70, 72, 74; there may be a single lip 70, 72, 74 which is engaged by multiple lugs 66, 68 or clips 64, rather than having a designated lip 70, 72, 74 for each lug 66, 68 or clip 64; there may be more or less than the illustrated number of clips 64, lugs 66, 68 and corresponding lips 70, 72, 74; and one or more of the lugs, 66, 68, clips 64, or lips 70, 72, 74 may be provided on a side, upper or underside face of the corresponding fragrance storage compartment 22 or compartment cover 54.

[0091] In alternative embodiments, the compartment cover 54 may be secured to the fragrance storage compartment 22 by discrete fasteners, such as threaded bolts, adhered to the fragrance storage compartment 22, or secured to the fragrance storage compartment 22 by any other suitable means.

[0092] The compartment cover 54 may be releasably secured to the fragrance storage compartment 22. As used herein, the term “releasably secured” means that the compartment cover can be disengaged from the fragrance storage compartment without any significant damage to either part. For example, the clips 64 may be disengaged from the corresponding lips 74 when a great enough force is applied to urge the compartment cover 54 and fragrance storage compartment 22 apart. Alternatively, in embodiments where the compartment cover 54 is fastened to the fragrance storage compartment 22, the compartment cover 54 may be removed by releasing one or more discrete fasteners.

[0093] In some embodiments, the compartment cover 54 has a base material 88 and a covering or coating layer 90 over the base material (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 13). The coating layer 90 may be a paint, film, plating, leather or other covering. In the illustrated embodiment, the coating layer 90 is provided over both the exterior and interior faces 56, 58 of the compartment cover 54. However, in alternative embodiments it may be only the exterior face 58 which has the coating layer 90.

[0094] The fragrance storage compartment 22 may be uncoated (e.g., comprising only a base material), or may be coated by a different coating layer to that of the compartment cover 54. Alternatively, the fragrance storage compartment 22 may have the same type of coating layer as the compartment cover 54.

[0095] As best illustrated in Figures 10 and 13, the compartment cover 54 may have a rib 92 at a periphery of the interior face 58, such as a rib extending rearwardly from the interior face 58 of the compartment cover 54, as shown on Figures 10 and 13. Such a rib 92 may help to stiffen the compartment cover 54. The rib 92 may also define a support surface 94 for abutment against a side 96 and / or underside 98 of the fragrance storage compartment 22, to facilitate alignment of the compartment cover 54 with the fragrance storage compartment 22 during assembly. The rib 92 may also give the compartment cover 54 a thicker appearance with a reduced amount of material and weight (and associated cost savings) compared to a cover of uniform thickness across its width. In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 92 extends around the entire periphery of the interior face 58. In other embodiments, the rib 92 may extend around only a portion of the periphery of the interior face 58, and / or there may be a plurality of separate ribs 92 which are distributed around the periphery of the interior face 92. As best illustrated in Figure 8, the housing 20 has an aperture 100 through which at least a portion of the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves between the open and closed positions. The compartment cover 54 has a complementary shape to close the aperture 100 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position (as illustrated in Figure 7). In this way, the compartment cover 54 may close and / or protect the interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 and / or other interior parts of the housing 20 when in the closed position.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the fragrance delivery unit 12 has a bezel component 102 which surrounds the aperture 100 and which projects from an exterior surface 104 of the housing. As best illustrated in Figure 7, the bezel component 102 surrounds the compartment cover 54 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position. By projecting from the exterior surface 104 of the housing 20, the bezel component 102 may help to improve form and fit between the compartment cover 54 and the housing 20, for example in the event of slight variations in the gap between the compartment cover 54 and the housing 20. Further, this arrangement may enable the bezel component 102 to be better received in a recess in a surface of a vehicle (e.g., as shown in Figure 5, with the bezel component 102 received in the recess 1020 of the glovebox assembly 1010). This may help to align the fragrance delivery unit 12 in the correct position during assembly.

[0097] As best seen in Figure 11 , the fragrance storage unit 12 may include an illumination means 120 for illuminating the interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 in the open position. This may make it easier for a user to load / re-load fragrance into the interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 (e.g., by replacing cartridges 24). This may be particularly beneficial in low light conditions such as those found within the interior 1014 of a glovebox assembly 1010.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment the bezel component 102 has a lighting housing 122 on an upper edge of the bezel component 102 (as best illustrated in Figures 11 and 14). The lighting housing 122 may house at least part of the illumination means 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the lighting housing 122 houses a light guide 124 which is configured to direct light in a downwards direction from a light source 126 (e.g., one or more LEDs, as shown schematically on Figure 11). The light guide 124 may run along an entire length of the lighting housing 122. In alternative embodiments, the lighting housing 122 may directly house a downwardly facing light source 126 (e.g., one or more downwardly facing LEDs).

[0099] In alternative embodiments, the illumination means 120 may be of any other suitable configuration.

[0100] The illumination means 120 may be controlled by the control system described above. For example, the controller 210 may be configured to set a control signal 270 to turn on the illumination means 120 (e.g., by turning on the light source 126) when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the open position. Similarly, the controller210 may be configured to set a control signal 270 to turn off the illumination means 120 (e.g., by turning off the light source 126) when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed position. For example, the controller 210 may set a control signal 270 to illuminate the illumination means 120 when the fragrance compartment control input 16b is activated to open the fragrance storage compartment 22. As best illustrated in Figures 11 , 12 and 14, the bezel component 102 has an internal surface 106 which faces a periphery of the compartment cover 54. The internal surface 106 of the bezel component 102 may have a guide surface 108 which tapers inwards towards the aperture 100. Such a guide surface 108 may help to guide a fragrance cartridge 24 or other object received in the fragrance storage compartment 22 into the correct position inside the interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 as the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves from the open to the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 124 described above also has an angled guide surface 128 which is flush with the guide surface 108 of the bezel component 102 (as shown in Figure 11). This may further facilitate guiding of a fragrance cartridge 24 or other object received in the fragrance storage compartment 22 into the correct position inside the interior 52 of the fragrance storage compartment 22 as the fragrance storage compartment 22 moves from the open to the closed position.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the bezel component 102 is a discrete component which is secured to the housing 20. In this way, the bezel component 102 and housing 20 can be made of different materials suited to their respective purposes.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the bezel component 102 is secured to the housing 20 by a snap-fit engagement 110. In particular, the snap-fit engagement 110 has one or more clips 112 on the bezel component 102 and / or housing 20.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the snap-fit engagement 110 includes two clips 112 on opposite sides of the bezel component. The clips 112 are configured to engage corresponding projections 114 on opposing side surfaces 116, 118 of the housing 20. In other embodiments, the snap-fit engagement may be of any other suitable form. In the illustrated embodiment, the clips 112 of the bezel component 102 are resiliency deflectable so that they can be released from the corresponding projections 114 as well as snap-fitted over the projections 114. In other words, the bezel component 102 is releasably secured to the housing 20.

[0104] Alternatively, the bezel component 102 may be secured to the housing 20 by discrete fasteners (e.g., releasable fasteners for releasably securing to the housing 20), adhered to the housing 20, or secured to the housing 20 by any other suitable means.

[0105] The bezel component 102 may have a base material and a coating layer over the base material, e.g. in a similar construction to the base material 88 and coating layer 90 of the compartment cover 54 illustrated in Figure 13. The coating layer of the bezel component 102 may be a paint, film, plating, leather or other covering.

[0106] Referring now to Figure 15, a method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit 12 for a vehicle 1000 is indicated at 300. The method includes the following steps: at step 310, providing a housing 20; at step 320, coupling a fragrance storage compartment 22 to the housing 20 so that it is movably received within the housing 20 between a closed position and an open position; and at step 330, securing a compartment cover 54 to the fragrance storage compartment 22 so that it defines an exterior surface 56 of the fragrance delivery unit 12 when the fragrance storage compartment 22 is in the closed state.

[0107] Such a method may be used to assemble a fragrance delivery unit 12 of the kind described above, with reference to Figures 7 to 14.

[0108] The method may optionally include, at step 340, securing a bezel component 102 to the housing 20.

[0109] The method may optionally include, at step 350, removing the compartment cover 54 from the fragrance storage compartment 22 and securing a different compartment cover 54 to the fragrance storage compartment 22.

[0110] The method may optionally include, at step 360, removing the bezel component 102 from the housing 20 and securing a different bezel component 102 to the housing 20.

[0111] Although the method steps are shown in a particular order on Figure 15, it will be understood that steps 320 to 360 may be carried out in any suitable order. For example, steps 320 to 340 may performed in any order, step 350 may be performed at any time after step 330, and step 360 may be performed at any time after step 340.

[0112] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. It should also be noted that whilst the appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle, the fragrance delivery unit comprising: a housing; a fragrance storage compartment movably received within the housing and movable between a closed position in which an interior of the fragrance storage compartment is enclosed within the housing and an open position in which the interior is accessible from outside of the housing; and a compartment cover which defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state, and wherein the compartment cover is a discrete component which is secured to the fragrance storage compartment.

2. The fragrance delivery unit of claim 1 , wherein the compartment cover is secured to the fragrance storage compartment by a snap-fit engagement.

3. The fragrance delivery unit of claim 2, wherein the snap-fit engagement comprises one or more clips on the compartment cover and / or fragrance storage compartment.

4. The fragrance delivery unit of any preceding claim, wherein the compartment cover is releasably secured to the fragrance storage compartment.

5. The fragrance delivery unit of any preceding claim, wherein the compartment cover comprises a base material and a coating layer over the base material.

6. The fragrance delivery unit of any preceding claim, wherein the compartment cover comprises an exterior face and an interior face, and wherein the interior face comprises a rib at a periphery of the interior face; optionally, wherein the rib extends around the entire periphery of the interior face.

7. The fragrance delivery unit of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an aperture through which at least a portion of the fragrance storage compartment moves between the open and closed positions, and wherein the compartment cover has a complementary shape to close the aperture when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position.

8. The fragrance delivery unit of claim 7, wherein the fragrance delivery unit comprises a bezel component which surrounds the aperture and which projects from an exterior surface of the housing, and wherein the bezel component surrounds the compartment cover when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed position.

9. The fragrance delivery unit of claim 8, wherein the bezel component comprises an internal surface which faces a periphery of the compartment cover, and wherein the internal surface of the bezel component comprises a guide surface which tapers inwards towards the aperture.

10. The fragrance delivery unit of claim 8 or 9, wherein the bezel component is a discrete component which is secured to the housing; optionally, wherein the bezel component is releasably secured to the housing.11 . The fragrance delivery unit of claim 10, wherein the bezel component is secured to the housing by a snap- fit engagement; optionally, wherein the snap-fit engagement comprises one or more clips on the bezel component and / or housing.

12. The fragrance delivery unit of any of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the bezel component comprises a base material and a coating layer over the base material.

13. A glovebox assembly comprising the fragrance delivery unit of any preceding claim, wherein the glovebox assembly comprises a glovebox body which defines a glovebox interior for storing objects, wherein the glovebox interior comprises a recess, and wherein the fragrance delivery unit is secured to the glovebox body proximal to the recess so that the fragrance storage compartment can move between the open and closed positions through the recess; optionally, wherein the fragrance delivery unit is a fragrance delivery unit according to any of claims 8 to 12 and wherein the bezel component is positioned within the recess.

14. A vehicle comprising the fragrance delivery unit of any of claims 1 to 12, and / or a glovebox assembly according to claim 13.

15. A method of assembling a fragrance delivery unit for a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a housing; coupling a fragrance storage compartment to the housing so that it is movably received within the housing between a closed position and an open position; and securing a compartment cover to the fragrance storage compartment so that it defines an exterior surface of the fragrance delivery unit when the fragrance storage compartment is in the closed state.

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