FR2868017A1 - Olfactory substance e.g. perfume, diffusing device for motor vehicle, has gate valve subjected to action of axial spring, gripping head and ribs, where head and ribs exert thrust on cartridge against spring to disengage open end - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a hollow cylindrical body (3) to receive an interchangeable cartridge (9) with an open end (25) to be closed by a gate valve (15). The valve is subjected to an action of an axial spring (22), gripping head (12) and ribs (28). The head and ribs exert thrust on the cartridge against the spring, to disengage the end and assure momentary or permanent contact of air flow with a roving (11) in the cartridge.

Description

The present invention relates to a perfume diffuser device,

  essential oil or other similar olfactory substance, intended in particular for being mounted in a conduit or

  similar channel delivering a flow of air directly or indirectly into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in particular to perfume the interior atmosphere thereof.

  Diffuser devices intended for this purpose, which most often comprise a receptacle possibly provided with a lid or a similar closure element, that the user operates when he wishes to obtain an emission of perfumed air, are already known. this receptacle comprising suspension means at an appropriate point of the passenger compartment, where appropriate in front of an outlet orifice through which the air, hot or cold, supplied in this passenger compartment by a fan or by simple natural convection.

  These devices are of limited effectiveness, in particular do not allow to perfume continuously the entire air flow that is delivered by the ventilation system of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

  The present invention relates to a diffuser device of different design that fits inside the duct in which air, hot or cold is delivered to the passenger compartment, this device comprising adjustment means for delivering at will in the flow of air flowing in this duct to an orifice or passage through which it spreads inside the passenger compartment, an adjustable amount of perfume provided by a removable and interchangeable cartridge introduced into the device, the diffusion of the perfume being able to be carried out continuously or partially limited in time, as required For this purpose, the device, comprising a hollow cylindrical body, adapted to axially receive a removable interchangeable cartridge having an open end towards the inside of the body and containing a perfume storage and diffusion element capable of impregnating a flow of air delivered into the passenger compartment, this air flow is both in motion in a flow conduit in direct communication with the cylindrical body so as to be brought into contact with the storage element by the open end of the cartridge, is characterized in that the cylindrical body contains a plug closure of the open end of the cartridge, subjected permanently to the action of an axial spring compressed between the body and the plug and means carried by the cartridge and exerting an axial thrust on the bushel against spring, in order to clear this end and allow the permanent or momentary contact of the air flow with the perfume storage and diffusion element, contained in this cartridge.

  According to a particular characteristic, the interchangeable cartridge is removable vis-à-vis the cylindrical body and comprises a gripping head, allowing it to rotate about the axis of the body, inside thereof.

  According to another characteristic also, the device comprises a support base of the cartridge, coaxial with the cylindrical body and defining therewith an annular passage for the flow of air to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

  Advantageously, the support base comprises at least two longitudinal grooves, equidistant, for the engagement of two parallel and opposite ribs, provided projecting in the outer surface of the cartridge to ensure the guiding thereof during its displacement axial in the body, pushing the closing plug against the spring.

  Also preferably, the support base comprises stops which do not prevent rotation of the cartridge around the axis of the body after axial displacement of the ribs over a distance greater than the length of the grooves, but prohibiting the return of these ribs in the grooves under the effect of the thrust in the opposite direction of the spring.

  According to another characteristic of the device in question, the closure plug is coaxial with the cylindrical body and comprises at least one inclined ramp forming a cam, adapted to cooperate with the end of the ribs of the cartridge to allow these ribs, as a result of the rotation of the cartridge in the support base around the axis of the cylindrical body, to describe the cam and gradually push the bushel, so that the air flow is in contact with more and more accentuated with the element for storing and diffusing the perfume contained in the cartridge, through the open end thereof.

  Preferably, the base comprises two complementary limit stops to limit the rotation of the cartridge inside the cylindrical body.

  As the case may be, the interchangeable cartridge is normally closed, before it is introduced into the cylindrical body, by a peelable seal or by a removable closure cap, screwed or crimped into the open end of the cartridge.

  Advantageously, the cartridge consists of an outer container, delimiting an internal space enclosing a wick or similar support, impregnated or saturated with perfume.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure plug comprises a shutter with a substantially conical outer profile, adapted to close tightly the open end, also conical and of complementary profile of the cartridge, under the action of the spring.

  The closure plug has a guide skirt in the cylindrical body, on which is formed the cam ramp, and nozzles or orifices for passage of the air flow towards the cartridge.

  Advantageously, the spring acting permanently on the closure plug is a spiral spring whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the cylindrical body to allow its mounting inside thereof, the plug being extended opposite the the cartridge by a guide finger having lateral fins, cooperating with slots provided opposite in the inner surface of the cylindrical body. It also has an internal return, forming support shoulder for the spring.

  According to yet another advantageous characteristic, the support base may comprise an indexed track, having a series of successive notches adapted to materialize as many immobilization positions of the cartridge relative to the closure bushel during its rotation about the axis. of the cylindrical body.

  Alternatively, the track of the support base may be smooth and include a single stop arranged at the end of stroke to allow the immobilization of the cartridge in fully open position, its shutter being automatically ensured by the action inverse of the closing plug under the effect of the axial spring, after escaping the cartridge at the stop.

  Other characteristics of a perfume dispensing device, established in accordance with the invention, will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the appended drawings in which - Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a diffuser device according to the invention, wherein the interchangeable cartridge, placed in this device, is shown in the closed position by the closure plug.

  - Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but in which, following a maneuver exerted by the cartridge, the plug valve is pushed against its spring, opening the cartridge to allow the diffusion of the perfume content in this one.

  3 is a sectional view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the various parts thereof are illustrated in an exploded view, separated from each other.

  FIG. 4 is a view FIG. 3, according to FIG. 3, according to FIG. 3, according to FIG. 3, according to FIG. 3, according to FIG. of line IV-IV thereof.

  is a sectional view of the V-V line thereof.

  6 is a sectional view of line VI-VI thereof.

  7 is a sectional view of line VII-VII thereof.

  8 is a sectional view of line VIII-VIII thereof.

  9 is a sectional view of Figure 3 along line IX-IX thereof.

  - Figure 10 is a sectional view of Figure 3, along the line X-X thereof.

  11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 along line XI-XI thereof.

  - Figure 12 is a perspective view of the interchangeable cartridge of the device, in the position where it does not exert force on the closure plug which closes.

  - Figure 13 is a perspective view of the interchangeable cartridge of the device, in the position where it pushes the closure plug.

  In Figures 1 to 3, the reference 1 designates, as a whole, the perfume diffuser device according to the invention. It comprises mainly a support base 2 and a hollow cylindrical body 3, of revolution about an axis 4, recessed and integral with the base, this body being opposite connected to a conduit 20 of distribution of a air flow to the passenger compartment (not shown) of a motor vehicle, this duct preferably being itself connected to a fan which delivers into the passenger compartment a pulsed, continuous or discontinuous air flow, hot or cold depending on the case.

  The cylindrical body 3, which preferably, but not necessarily, has a stepped outer profile, is extended by a portion 3a, and delimits, in particular with and the means associated therewith, an annular duct 5, with lateral diffusion openings. 5a, designed so that the flow of air produced, whose circulation is schematically terminated flared support base 2 which are described terminated by the assembly being by the arrows 6, is delivered and distributed within the cabin.

  The support base 2 comprises, towards the cylindrical body 3, an extension 7 arranged axially therein, this extension providing an internal passage 8 in which a detachable cartridge can be mounted and immobilized in the manner specified hereinafter. interchangeable 9.

  The cartridge 9 comprises mainly a container 10 in which is enclosed a wick 11 or the like, saturated, at least impregnated with a room fragrance, an essential oil or other suitable olfactory product, intended to spread progressively in the flow of air flowing in the space 5 inside the cylindrical body 3, before being brought to the exit ports 5a and from there, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, for spread homogeneously in the atmosphere of it.

  The removable cartridge 9 has at its end, a gripping head 12, preferably button-shaped, optionally covered with a material facilitating its holding by the user and if necessary bearing an identification inscription of its function, this button being able to penetrate partly inside a receiving housing 13 provided in the support base 2, following a translational thrust force exerted on this cartridge along the axis 4 of the cylindrical body 3, this effort being shown schematically by the direction of the arrow 14 in Figure 2.

  At its end opposite to the gripping head 12, the container 10 of the cartridge 9 is open and capable of being normally isolated from the outside by a closing plug 15 which enters the corresponding part of the container.

  The closing plug 15 comprises, opposite the gripping head 12 of the cartridge 9, a guide skirt 16 in the cylindrical body 2868017 8 3 and extends, along the axis 4, by a finger 17, comprising two diametrically opposite side fins 18 adapted to cooperate with corresponding slots 19 formed in internal projection in the surface of the duct 20 connected to the cylindrical body 3.

  On the side opposite to the cartridge 9, the closing plug 15 has a flat face 21 on which a spiral spring 22 permanently mounted is mounted inside the cylindrical body 3 around the guide pin 17. whose diameter is slightly less than that of the cylindrical body to allow its mounting therein, being applied against an internal shoulder 23, provided in particular between the body 3 and the conduit 20.

  The spring 22 thus constantly exerts a thrust force on the closure plug 15, such that, via an axial shutter 24 of generally conical shape which is integral therewith, it normally comes to close the container 10 of the cartridge 9, the open end 25 of the latter, opposite the gripping head 12, having a complementary flare 25 cooperating with the shutter 24.

  The skirt 16 of the plug 15 comprises a lateral cylindrical return 26 guiding the plug in the body 3, the plane face 21 of the plug comprising, between this return 26 and the shutter 24, passages 27, four in number in the example more especially considered, allowing the flow of air flowing inside the body 3 to cross freely and in any circumstance this bushel and flow into the annular space 5 towards the outlets 5a.

  In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the open end 25 of the cartridge 9 being closed by the shutter 24, no contact of the air flow with the impregnated wick 11 enclosed in the container 10 is possible, the air delivered to the passenger compartment not being loaded with it.

  On the other hand, in the situation schematized in FIG. 2, where, as explained below, the cartridge 9 directly moves the closure plug 15 in opposite direction against the spring 22 by partially compressing the latter, the flow of air passing through the flat face 21 through the passages 27, swirls inside the cartridge 9 in contact with the wick 11 and thus charges with the perfume before being discharged into the annular space 5 and beyond to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, through the outlets 5a.

  The more the cartridge 9 is opened, that is to say the more the shutter 24 of the closure plug 15 is spaced from the end 25, the more the turbulent air flow which passes through the passages 27 is perfumed in contact with the wick 11 and diffuse in the cockpit a quantity of more important perfume.

  The position control of the shutter 15 and in particular the opening controlled by the latter of the cartridge 9 to allow the flow of air to be charged with the perfume contained therein, is achieved by means of the cartridge itself, thanks to a relative movement thereof inside the support base 2, decomposing in particular into an axial displacement movement guided by the cylindrical extension 7, followed by a rotation around the axis 4, these two successive movements being performed using the gripping head 12.

  For this purpose, the container 10 of the cartridge 9 comprises, formed in its outer surface, two opposite ribs 28 (see in particular Figure 3), of limited length, these ribs being provided to cooperate with two grooves 29 open, made in the outer surface of the extension 7 of the support base 2.

  The extension 7 furthermore comprises two series of axial stops, respectively 30 and 31 (FIG. 3), the heights of which are different, these stops playing roles which are also distinct during the implementation of the cartridge 9.

  The stops 30 of greater length are non-return stops having the purpose, once the opposite ribs 28 moved in the grooves 29 over a distance slightly greater than the longitudinal dimension of these grooves under the effect of the thrust of the 9 cartridge exerted on its gripping head 12 against the spring 22, this displacement being a rotation about the axis 4, to prevent these ribs 28 cross the stops, to prohibit their return not controlled in the opposite direction in the grooves 29, the cartridge thus being held imprisoned in the support base 2, without preventing its relative rotation with respect thereto about the axis 4.

  The stops 31, distinct from the stops 30, are provided to limit the possible rotation of the cartridge 9 inside the extension 7 of the base 2, with an appropriate opening angle, shown schematically in the sectional view of FIG. by the reference a, this rotation may according to the desired embodiment, be carried out in the clockwise direction or vice versa.

  Advantageously, the extension 7 of the support base 2 comprises, in line with the stops 30 and 31, an indexed track 32 comprising a series of successive notches, adapted to immobilize the cartridge 9 in as many distinct positions during its rotational movement. around the axis 4, controlled by the head 12, between the stops 30 and 31.

  This rotation of the cartridge 9 then transmits to the closure plug 15 a movement movement in the direction of the axis 4, thanks to the presence on the skirt 16 of one and preferably two inclined ramps 33, forming cams and on which respectively bear the opposite ends of the ribs 28 of the cartridge 9, these ramps 33 for pushing the bushel and therefore gradually open the container 10 so that the flow of air circulating through the passages 27 come to impregnate effectively perfume in contact with the wick 11, as explained above.

  Figures 12 and 13 provide a good understanding of the implementation of the dispenser and in particular to illustrate how the ribs 28 provided on the outer surface of the container 10 of the cartridge 9 cooperate with the inclined ramps 33 of the closure plug 15 , to allow to raise it gradually and to open the cartridge, Figure 12 corresponding to the closed position of the latter by the plug and Figure 13 to the position where the cartridge is opened, consecutively to the axial displacement of the bushel over a distance schematized by the reference e in this Figure.

  In the previous solution, the presence of the notches provided along the length of the track 32, fixing as many distinct positions of the cartridge inside the support base, allows a progressive adjustment of the diffusion of the perfume in the air in flow. A variant may also consist of removing the successive notches and replacing the track thus indexed by a smooth track, of substantially helical shape, having only a single detent arranged at the end of the race, to allow either immobilization of the cartridge in fully open position, or its automatic closure provided by the action in the opposite direction of the closure valve under the effect of the axial spring, after escaping the cartridge at this stop.

  In this case, it suffices to exert sufficient force on the gripping head 12 so that the cartridge 9 escapes from the detent before, after releasing the pressure, the spring 22 does not push the closure bush until the complete filling of the cartridge, thanks to the helical shape of the smooth track.

  In all cases, the cartridges 9 are of course removable and interchangeable, the removal of a cartridge from the dispenser being performed by executing in the reverse order of the operations described above by means of the gripping head 12.

  Advantageously, any new cartridge before use is hermetically sealed, for example by a peelable seal 34, as shown in Figure 3, or by equivalent means of the kind of a cap screwed or crimped to the corresponding open end of the cartridge.

  Thus, a perfume diffuser assembly of simple design and high efficiency, in which it is the cartridge itself that ensures the adjustment of the diffuser flow and the intensity of the scent distributed with the air flow that is introduced into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In addition, the device is still subject to the counter pressure of the spring 22, the possible vibrations of its various parts are eliminated, which eliminates the creation of noise in the passenger compartment during operation of the vehicle.

  The change of the cartridge, once it is exhausted, by another, is simple and ergonomic, and requires no tools or specific accessories.

  The dispenser is furthermore arranged in such a way that the open cartridge put into place therein normally remains sealed, as long as the shutter 24, under the effect of the thrust of the spring 22 on the bushel of closure 15, cooperates with the conical bearing 25 of its container 10, completely isolating the scented wick 11 from the outside, resulting in an extended life, the effectiveness of the perfume of the cartridge being retained when it is closed its gradual depletion occurring only during the phases in which it is open as a result of the voluntary control of its rotation and cooperation of inclined ramps 33 with the ribs 28 of the container 10.

  Note that the presence of setting notches on the indexed track of the support base makes the opening command of the cartridge perfectly perceptible to the user, who can thus adjust at will the flow of perfume delivered into the passenger compartment Of course, it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment more specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings; it encompasses all variants on the contrary, the structure of the cartridge itself being indifferent to the implementation of the invention provided that it comprises, as described, means adapted to allow a gradual opening of the closure bushel .

  Finally, it should be emphasized that the presence of an actuating head on this cartridge allows a convenient integration thereof among the set of control means provided on the dashboard of the vehicle, according to the needs to be met during its driving.

Claims (9)

  1 - Scent diffuser device or the like in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising a hollow cylindrical body (3), adapted to axially receive an interchangeable cartridge (9), having an open end towards the inside of the body and containing an element for storing and diffusing (11) a perfume capable of impregnating a flow of air delivered into the passenger compartment, this air flow being in motion in a flow conduit (20) in direct communication with the cylindrical body so as to be brought into contact with the storage element by the open end (25) of the cartridge, characterized in that the cylindrical body (3) contains a closure plug (15) of the end open (25) of the cartridge, permanently subjected to the action of an axial spring (22) compressed between the body and the plug and means (12,28), carried by the cartridge (9) and exerting a thrust on this bushel (15) against the spring (22), afi n to release this end and allow the permanent or momentary contact of the air flow with the storage element and diffusion (11) of the perfume contained in this cartridge.   2 - Diffuser device according to claim 1, characterized in that the interchangeable cartridge (9) is removable vis-à-vis the cylindrical body (3) and comprises a gripping head (12), to rotate it around the axis (4) of the body, inside thereof.   3 - Diffuser device according to one of   1 or 2, characterized in that the   cylindrical body (3) comprises a support base (2) of the cartridge (9), coaxial with the body and defining therewith an annular passage (5) for the flow of air flow in the passenger compartment of the vehicle .   4 - Diffuser device according to claim 3, characterized in that the support base (2) comprises at least two longitudinal grooves (29), equidistant, for the engagement of two parallel and opposite ribs (28), provided in projecting in the outer surface of the cartridge (9) to ensure the guiding thereof during its axial engagement in the body (3), pushing the closure plug (15) against the spring (22).   - Diffuser device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the support base (2) comprises non-return stops (30) does not prevent a rotation of the cartridge (9) around the axis (4) the body after axial displacement of the ribs (28) over a distance greater than the length of the grooves (29), but prohibiting the return of these ribs in the grooves under the effect of the thrust in the opposite direction of the spring (22). 6 - Diffuser device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the closure plug (15) is coaxial with the cylindrical body (3) and comprises at least one inclined ramp (33) forming a cam, suitable for cooperate with the end of the ribs (28) of the cartridge (9) to allow these ribs, following the rotation of the cartridge in the support base (2) about the axis (4) of the cylindrical body , describe the cam and gradually push the bushel (15), so that the air flow is e n contact increasingly accentuated with the storage element and diffusion (11) of the perfume contained in the cartridge, through the open end thereof.   7 - Diffuser device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the support base (2) comprises two complementary end stops (31) to limit the rotation of the cartridge (9) inside. of the cylindrical body (3).   8 - Diffuser device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the interchangeable cartridge (9) is normally closed, before its introduction into the cylindrical body (3), by a peelable seal (34) or by a Removable plug cap, screwed or crimped into the end of the cartridge.   9 - Diffuser device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cartridge (9) consists of an outer container (10) defining an internal space enclosing a wick (11) or similar support, impregnated or saturated with perfume.   - Diffuser device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the closure plug (15) comprises a shutter (24) of substantially conical outer profile, adapted to close tightly the open end (25) of the cartridge under the action of the spring (22).   11 - Diffuser device according to claim 10, characterized in that the shutter (24) of the closure plug (15) comprises a skirt (16) for guiding in the cylindrical body (3), on which is formed the ramp (3) forming a cam, and nozzles or openings (27) for the flow of air towards the cartridge (9).   12 diffuser device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the spring (22) acting permanently on the closing plug (15) is a spiral spring whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the cylindrical body to allow its mounting inside thereof, the plug being extended opposite the cartridge by a guide finger (17) having lateral fins (18) adapted to cooperate with slots (19) provided facing in the inner surface of the cylindrical body (3).   13 diffuser device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cylindrical body (3) comprises an internal return (23), forming support shoulder for the spring (22).   14 - Diffuser device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the support base (2) comprises an indexed track (32), having a series of successive notches (32) to achieve as many positions of immobilization of the cartridge (9) with respect to the closure plug (15) during its rotation about the axis (4) of the cylindrical body (3).   - Diffuser device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the support base (2) comprises a smooth track comprising a single detent arranged end of stroke to allow the immobilization of the cartridge in fully open position, its closure being automatically ensured by the reverse action of the closure plug under the effect of the axial spring, after escape of the cartridge to the detent.