DE102016115337A1 - Dispensing and dosing device for a scenting system, in particular for use in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing and metering device (10) for a scenting system (50) for integration into an air-conducting channel (51), in particular for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The dispensing and metering device (10) according to the invention comprises for this purpose a holding device (20) with docking sites (21, 23, 24) provided for receiving fragrance containers, wherein the holding device (20) comprises one or more openings (22) which are adapted to communicate with container openings of the fragrance container. It further comprises a closure device (30) for opening and closing the openings (22). The dispensing and metering device (10) according to the invention is characterized in that the closure device (30) comprises a band-shaped film (33) which has opening sections (33A) and closure sections (33B). The position of the opening portions (33A) and closure portions (33B) relative to the openings (22) in the holding device (20) are variable by means of an actuator unit (34, 38).

Description

The present invention relates to a dispensing and metering device for a scenting system for integration into an air duct, in particular for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. Generic dispensing and dosing devices for this purpose include a holding device with docking sites, which are provided for receiving scent containers. The holding device comprises for this purpose one or more openings which are adapted to communicate with container openings of the fragrance container when they are intended to be connected to the holding device. In addition, a closure device is provided for opening and closing the openings. The present invention further relates to a ventilation and / or air conditioning with such a dispensing and metering device. The present invention can also be used independently of air conditioners.

Scenting systems for vehicles are known as such for a long time. They serve to provide a pleasant fragrance in the vehicle cabin while possibly neutralizing or masking unpleasant odors. The fragrance can be selected individually by the vehicle occupants, in particular the holder and / or the driver of the vehicle, according to their preferences. The fragrance itself is typically provided on an exchangeable carrier or in a closable fragrance container, from where it can then be selectively released via a corresponding metering device.

The release of the fragrance in the vehicle cabin, for example, by outgassing or by means of an injector or a pump mechanism. Advantageously, alternatively or additionally, the fragrance is first supplied to a stream of air, which is then admitted into the vehicle cabin.

In order to enable the vehicle occupants a simplified selection of the perfumes to be emitted fragrance systems are also known, which combine several fragrance containers each with different fragrances in a system. However, this poses the problem that the fragrance container must be sealed well against the environment in particular when alternately different substances are to flow and the flow of a previously used fragrance is to be effectively prevented.

In the DE 103 27 859 A1 For example, a closing mechanism is indicated, by means of which a fragrance cartridge can be opened and closed by an axially displaceable lid. In the DE 10 2008 032 615 A1 is a corresponding scenting indicated, in which by means of an actuator and a coupling device two caps can be opened or closed alternately.

Furthermore, the dosage of perfume from a perfume container with a simple lid is not very satisfactory. From the DE 10 2008 031 156 A1 there is disclosed a closure device in which two relatively slidable apertured plates form a variable passageway for the perfume from the perfume cartridge.

The disadvantages of the solutions of the prior art are in particular that a variable dosage especially for a plurality of alternatively dispensable fragrances can be realized only with a relatively large space requirement. Furthermore, the solutions specified in the prior art are not flexibly adaptable to subsequent changes. Furthermore, the amount of actuators increases with the number of perfume containers used in parallel.

Similar problems also arise with scenting equipment for use in other environments, particularly for indoor use of buildings and in connection with air conditioning systems.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a dispensing and metering device for a scenting plant of the type mentioned, which allows a flexible dosage of different perfumes and has a relatively small space requirement.

This object is achieved by a dispensing and metering device with the features of claim 1 and by a ventilation and / or air conditioning with such a dispensing and metering device with the features of claim 10. Advantageous training and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

The dispensing and metering device according to the invention is characterized in that the closure device comprises a band-shaped film which has opening sections and closure sections. It is further characterized in that the closure device comprises an actuator unit, by means of which the position of the opening portions and closure portions are variable relative to the openings in the holding device. The use of a film has the advantage that it can be made particularly thin. The film thus has a comparatively small volume. It is also flexible and can be rolled up.

Advantageously, the band-shaped film has a thickness between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably between 0.02 mm and 0.05 mm. The band-shaped film may have a length adapted to the requirements. This depends in particular on the number of scent containers used at the same time as well as the requirements for the dosage options. For common applications, a belt length of 200-1000 mm is assumed, and depending on the required flexibility of the dosage, even larger lengths are conceivable.

According to advantageous embodiments of the invention, the film is made of metal, in this case preferably made of aluminum, nickel or steel, or also of a plastic-coated fabric. Depending on the material, the thickness of the film may be slightly different. First tests have shown good results with a steel foil having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm, in particular in the range of 0.025 mm. A fabric film is assumed to have a slightly larger thickness.

The band-shaped film may be configured as an endless belt. Both ends are then connected together. In particular, the winding of such an endless belt perpendicular to the air duct, for example, take place around the air duct or the recording of the fragrance container. Alternatively, the band-shaped film can be wound on both sides, for example on a respective roller at both ends of the holding device. These two rollers are then advantageously actuated jointly via an actuator, d. H. rolled up or unrolled.

Typically, the closure device comprises at least one rotatably mounted transport means, which is in physical engagement with the band-shaped film or is firmly connected thereto. By means of this transport means it is then possible to change the relative position between the opening sections and closing sections on the one hand and the openings in the holding device on the other hand. The transport means has to be provided in the band-shaped film first engagement means complementary second engagement means, z. B. teeth, which engage in a perforation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the band-shaped film is connected at both ends with the transport means, wherein the actuator unit acts only on one end and in the region of the second end a return element is arranged. This provides freedom of design and may be cheaper. When actively winding the film through the actuator at one end, the return element is then pulled apart at the other end by increasing the bias. When unwinding in the opposite direction, the return element at the other end then pulls back the band-shaped film. Alternatively or additionally, a coupling element may be provided, for. As a belt or a chain which couples the rollers together to always tension the film evenly.

In the event that the band-shaped film is an endless belt, the endless belt can also be guided over at least one deflection roller. This deflection can be purely passive without an engagement between pulley and endless belt. As a result, the available space can optionally be used more flexibly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a pressure plate is arranged on the side facing away from the docking side of the holding device. The pressure plate has recesses adapted to the openings of the holder device. The band-shaped film is then guided between the holding device and the pressure plate. Advantageously, it is additionally provided that a compressible sealing material, in particular in the peripheral region of the openings of the holding device and / or in the region of the recesses in the pressure plate, is provided between the holding device and the pressure plate. The compressible sealing material is then arranged between the holding device and the band-shaped film and / or between the band-shaped film and the pressure plate. Preferably, the pressure plate is spaced in relation to the holding device such that the compressible sealing material is slightly precompressed. As a result, an improved sealing effect is achieved.

According to a development of the invention, a plurality of sequences of opening sections and / or closure sections are arranged on the strip-shaped film. The characteristic of the opening sections and / or closure sections of a sequence may differ in particular from the characteristic of the opening sections and / or closure sections of another sequence. A characteristic within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, the pattern or sequence of the opening sections or closure sections relative to one another and their position and opening cross sections. A different characteristic thus makes it possible to carry out different dosages for different docking sites with an adjustment action. If the difference in the characteristics of two sequences consists in the fact that the same opening cross-section exists in the corresponding section but a different shape and / or distribution and / or number of openings, this has the advantage that, for example, the mixing of a passing air stream is changed , in particular homogeneous or inhomogeneous can shape. Furthermore, an adaptation to different fragrance containers or their container openings can be achieved. Alternatively, at least some sequences may be the same. For example, the sequences at the two respective ends of the band-shaped foil are, so to speak, the same as a "standard sequence", so that a fast reset to this "standard sequence" is possible from any position of the band-shaped foil. In addition, in the provision of several "standard sequences" uniform use of the band-shaped film can be achieved.

Advantageously, it can also be provided that a plurality of openings are provided in the holding device, which are adapted to communicate with container openings of a plurality of fragrance containers, and that in each case a sequence of opening portions and / or closure portions with the plurality of openings in the holding device can be brought into correspondence , A sequence is then adapted in particular for the entire closure device. An adjustment of the band-shaped film is then always in particular always a complete sequence. This not only offers the advantage of providing several preset patterns to different passenger scenarios ("memory effect"). It also reduces the risk that, after prolonged use of the scenting system, cross-contamination of various scents will occur via the closure positions. The advantage lies in the fact that the number of fragrances without additional actuators is easily expandable.

According to the invention, a ventilation and / or air conditioning system is equipped with a previously mentioned dispensing and metering device, wherein in particular the closure device is arranged delimiting on or in an air-guiding duct of the ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments and with reference to the figures.

The 1 shows the top view of a dispensing and metering device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

the 2 shows the dispensing and dosing of the 1 in a perspective view,

the 3 shows a sectional view of the dispensing and dosing of the 2 along a section across the band-shaped film of the closure device,

the 4 shows a detail of one opposite the 1 - 3 slightly modified dispensing and metering device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

the 5 shows a side view of a scenting system with a dispensing and dosing device according to a third embodiment of the invention,

the 6 - 8th show embodiments of actuator units for the closure device of the dispensing and metering devices according to the invention and

the 9 - 12 show embodiments of various band-shaped films for the closure device of the dispensing and metering devices according to the invention.

In the 1 - 3 is a dispensing and dosing device 10 with an associated closure device 30 illustrated according to a first embodiment of the invention. 1 shows the dispensing and metering device 10 in the plan view, 2 in a perspective view and 3 a sectional view of the 2 along a cut across the foil band 33 the closure device 30 ,

The dispensing and dosing device 10 has a receiving housing in the lower area 20 made of a plastic. It is made for example of a material for the air-carrying housing of an automotive air conditioning system. The receiving housing 20 provides docking stations 21 which are adapted to receive scent containers, for example perfume-filled cartridges (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, there are three adjacent docking sites 21 with the dimensions of about 60 mm × 25 mm × 20 mm (L × W × H). The space provided for the fragrance container cavity has a base area of about 60 mm × 80 mm in the lateral arrangement of the fragrance container. The entire dispensing and metering device 10 can thus be given relatively compact for 3 transversely inserted fragrance containers with overall dimensions of about 140 mm × 80 mm × 30 mm (L × W × H).

In the upper area of the housing 20 are openings 22 which are adapted to communicate with the container openings of the fragrance container. In particular, an outlet nozzle of such a scent container in the opening cross-section of the openings 22 be introduced. In the arranged state, sealing means are provided in the opening region, as is known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art. At the upper end of the fragrance container near the container openings, for example, latching noses may be provided, which in notches 23 (please refer 5 ) intervene. Between the individual docking stations 21 can partition walls 25 be arranged (see 5 ).

In the lower part of the housing 20 can also have a snap-in structure 24 be provided, which additionally hold the fragrance container from below in position. Alternatively or additionally, the fragrance container by z. B. leaf springs from below easily into the openings 22 be pressed to improve the tightness. The fragrance containers can, depending on the embodiment of the bottom or side in the docking areas 21 be introduced. For this purpose corresponding access openings are provided in the receiving housing, which can be closed, for example, with flaps or covers (not shown). The receiving housing 20 Alternatively, it can also be open at the bottom and the tight fit of the fragrance container can be ensured in a manner known per se.

The receiving housing 20 has several eyelets along the edge 27 on, via which the dispensing and metering device 10 on an air duct 51 (please refer 5 ) can be attached. Instead of the eyelets 27 can also other fasteners, such. B. locking elements may be provided. Alternatively, the receiving housing 20 integrally integrated into an air duct of a ventilation and / or air conditioning.

The dispensing and dosing device 10 points above the receiving housing 20 a closure device 30 for opening and closing the openings 22 on. For this purpose are on two opposite edge regions of the receiving housing 20 pivot bearing 26 for receiving a wave 31 intended. In the middle section of the waves 31 is each a coil 32 arranged on which a foil strip 33 is windable.

The foil tape 33 has opening sections 33A and closure sections 33B on. The foil strip may also have several sequences of opening sections along the winding direction 33A and / or closure sections 33B having the characteristic of the opening portions 33A and / or closure sections 33B a sequence to the characteristic of the opening sections 33A and / or closure sections 33B different from another sequence. This allows a sequence, for example, only opening sections 33A , another sequence only shutter sections 33B have, wherein the opening cross-sections or opening geometry of the opening portions 33A may also be different from each other, as related to the 9 - 12 will be explained in more detail.

The foil tape 33 is now by means of the two coils 32 displaceable such that the position of the opening portions 33A and the closure sections 33B relative to the openings 22 in the receiving housing 20 is changeable. In particular, thus an opening portion 33A with an underlying opening 22 be brought to cover. The closure sections 33B at the same time conceal the respective underlying openings 22 ,

To move the foil strip 33 an actuator unit is provided, which in this embodiment consists of a drive unit and one on the one shaft 31 fixed output gear 34 consists. On the drive unit is related to the 6 - 8th discussed in more detail.

The foil strip in the embodiment shown has a thickness of 0.025 mm and is made of steel. When using other film materials, the thickness must be adjusted according to the expected mechanical stress and the manufacturability.

In the 4 is a detail view of the opposite 1 - 3 slightly modified dispensing and dosing device 10 illustrated according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this case, the foil tape 33 in the region of the edge of the receiving housing 20 deflected downwards. The winding coil 32 is thus below the plane of the openings 22 ,

Further, the wave 31 the coil 32 at this end of the receiving housing with a coil spring 35 coupled (the wave 31 at the opposite end of the cradle 20 is then for example via a drive unit according to the 6 - 8th driven). During a rotary movement of the shaft 31 generates the spiral spring 35 an opposing force, by means of which the rewinding in the opposite direction takes place when the drive unit at the other end has changed the direction of rotation.

The 5 shows a side view of a scent plant 50 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The functional group of the dispensing and metering device 10 may be identical to that of the first and / or second embodiment. In addition, here is on the docking areas 21 opposite side of the receiving housing 20 (ie on the side of the openings 22 , which of the docking stations 21 are turned away) a pressure plate 40 arranged. This has recesses 41 on which to the openings 22 of the receiving housing 20 are adjusted.

Between the housing 20 and the pressure plate 40 is a slightly precompressed foam insert 42 a thickness of about 1-2 mm arranged. The foil tape 33 runs between the foam insert 42 and the pressure plate 40 , where the the foil strip 33 facing side of the foam insert 42 coated with a thin PTFE layer.

The scenting system 50 is above the pressure plate 40 with a lid 52 covered, which has lateral openings (not shown). Will the scenting system 50 then spent in a stream of air, so the gap between pressure plate forms 40 and lid 52 an air duct 51 in which the fragrances from possibly in the docking stations 21 arranged fragrance container can be released. Alternatively, the scenting system 50 be arranged in an air duct of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

Related to the 6 to 8th Now some embodiments of actuator units for the closure device 30 the dispensing and metering devices according to the invention 10 described. These can in particular be arbitrarily combined with the aforementioned embodiments. Common to all three variants is that the closure device 30 at least one rotatably mounted transport 32 . 36 having, which with the foil strip 33 is in physical engagement or is firmly connected to this. Furthermore, the rotatably mounted transport 32 . 36 from a drive motor 38 driven, which has a driven wheel 34 with the rotatably mounted transport 32 . 36 connected is.

In the variant according to 6 is the foil tape 33 designed as an endless belt. As a rotatably mounted transport is a takeaway girl 36 , by means of which the endless belt is driven. On the opposite side is a rotatably mounted pulley 37 arranged, which is not actively driven. The takeaway girl has teeth, which are in a perforation in the foil tape 33 intervention.

In the variant according to 7 is the foil tape 33 at both ends with one coil each 32 connected. While the drive motor 38 via a driven wheel 34 only on one of the two coils 32 (here shown on the right), is on the other coil 32 a coil spring 35 arranged as a return element.

In the variant according to 8th becomes the foil tape 33 via one pulley each 37 deflected down and there each to a coil 32 attached. Both coils 32 are each about a driven wheel 34 with the drive motor 38 connected. During a rotary movement of the drive motor 38 becomes one of the two coils 32 wound up, the other unwound, whereby the sense of rotation of the coils 32 according to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft of the drive motor 38 directed.

The drive motor 38 is typically via a manual actuator, for. As a rotary switch, or via an electronic control unit, controlled. When using the scenting system in a ventilation or air conditioning in a motor vehicle, the control can be done in particular via the control of the ventilation or air conditioning of the motor vehicle.

In the 9 to 12 are different embodiments of the film strips 33 for the closure device 30 the dispensing and metering devices according to the invention 10 shown. It is only the opening and closing sections 33A . 33B shown. The necessary for the guide, in particular for any deflection, and for fixing end portions are not shown.

These foil tapes 33 can be arbitrarily combined with the previously shown embodiments and variants. In particular, the film strips 33 also be exchangeable. For example, they can be sold individually as film rolls and can be exchanged by the end customer and / or by qualified workshop personnel. A foil strip to be exchanged 33 can z. B. by hand from the pivot bearing 26 (please refer 1 and 2 ) and a new foil tape 33 in the pivot bearing 26 be used again.

According to 9 has the foil band 33 only one opening section 33A and five closure sections 33B on. When used for a multiple cartridge system with three docking stations 21 for different fragrance containers may vary depending on the relative position of the foil strip 33 the one opening section 33A optionally one of the openings 22 release. The others are using the closure sections 33B covered.

According to 10 has the foil band 33 different opening sections 33A with different opening cross-sections and patterns. One end is a closure section 33B arranged. Such a film strip is particularly suitable for a scenting plant 50 with only one fragrance container but varying dosage requirements.

In the 11 and 12 are foil tapes 33 shown, which has several opening sequences 33C of opening sections 33A and closure sections 33B exhibit. The characteristic of an opening sequence 33C differs from the characteristic of another opening sequence 33C ,

The foil tape according to 11 has a sequence of ten opening and closing sections 33A . 33B on, with which eight different three-opening sequences 33C be generated. The opening sections 33A are the same in each case. When used in a dispensing and metering device according to the invention 10 with three docking stations 21 These eight sequences can at least qualitatively deliver the fragrance from each of the three docking sites 21 allow associated scent containers independently.

The foil tape 33 according to the 12 has a sequence of twelve opening and closing sections 33A . 33B on. The three-opening sequences that can be generated here 33C In particular, these can be used to provide only one or none of three possible openings 22 to release a fragrance container. The only three opening sections 33A each have different opening cross-sections in order to regulate the dosage.

The length of the foil strip 33 depends among other things on the number of opening and closing sections 33A . 33B , Another parameter is the width of a docking station 21 as well as the length of the end sections. For the use of scents in motor vehicles, the typical lengths of the in 9 to 12 shown sections in the range of 150-500 mm, with the end sections 200-600 mm. For foil tapes 33 with many opening sequences 33C , especially with a variety of dosing options for possibly a larger number of fragrances, but the film may also be longer, z. B. 1000 mm or even longer. It can be z. B. always only a small portion of the film strip 33 be active, but this section can, for. B. before departure, once selected and changed. With a bobbin diameter of 10 mm, a belt length of 1000 mm and a film thickness of 0.025 mm, the bobbin with the film tape completely wound thereon is 33 only about 1.5 mm thicker than without foil tape 33 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Dispensing and dosing device

20

receiving housing

21

docking places

22

openings

23

notches

24

latching structure

25

partition wall

26

pivot bearing

27

eyelets

30

closure device

31

wave

32

Kitchen sink

33

foil tape

33A

opening portions

33B

closing sections

33C

Opening sequences

34

output gear

35

spiral spring

36

driving wheel

37

idler pulley

38

drive motor

40

platen

41

recesses

42

Foam insert

50

atomiser

51

air ducting

52

cover

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10327859 A1 [0005]
• DE 102008032615 A1 [0005]
• DE 102008031156 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) for a scenting plant ( 50 ) for integration into an air-conducting channel ( 51 ), in particular for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, comprising - a holding device ( 20 ) with docking sites intended for receiving fragrance containers ( 21 . 23 . 24 ), wherein the holding device ( 20 ) one or more openings ( 22 ) adapted to communicate with container openings of the scent container, and - a closure device ( 30 ) for opening and closing the openings ( 22 ), characterized in that the closure device ( 30 ) - a band-shaped foil ( 33 ), which opening sections ( 33A ) and closure sections ( 33B ), and - an actuator unit ( 34 . 38 ), by means of which the position of the opening sections ( 33A ) and closure sections ( 33B ) relative to the openings ( 22 ) in the holding device ( 20 ) are changeable. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the band-shaped film ( 33 ) has a thickness between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably between 0.02 mm and 0.05 mm Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure device ( 30 ) at least one rotatably mounted transport ( 32 . 36 ), which with the band-shaped film ( 33 ) is in physical engagement or is firmly connected to this. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the band-shaped film ( 33 ) at both ends with the means of transport ( 32 ), wherein the actuator unit ( 34 . 38 ) acts only on one end and in the region of the second end a return element ( 35 ) is arranged. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the band-shaped film ( 33 ) - is an endless belt and - at least one pulley ( 37 ) to be led. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the docking of the ( 21 ) facing away from the holding device ( 20 ) a pressure plate ( 40 ) is arranged, which at the openings ( 22 ) of the holder device ( 20 ) adapted recesses ( 41 ), wherein the band-shaped film ( 33 ) between the holding device ( 20 ) and the pressure plate ( 40 ) to be led. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that between the holding device ( 20 ) and the pressure plate ( 40 ) a compressible sealing material ( 42 ), in particular in the peripheral region of the openings ( 22 ) of the holding device ( 20 ) and / or recesses ( 41 ) in the pressure plate ( 40 ), which is provided between holding device ( 20 ) and the band-shaped film ( 33 ) and / or between the band-shaped film ( 33 ) and the pressure plate ( 40 ) is arranged. Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the band-shaped film ( 33 ) several sequences ( 33C ) of opening sections ( 33A ) and / or closure sections ( 33B ), the characteristic of the opening sections ( 33A ) and / or closure sections ( 33B ) of a sequence ( 33C ) to the characteristic of the opening sections ( 33A ) and / or closure sections ( 33B ) of another sequence ( 33C ). Dispensing and dosing device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that - in the holding device ( 20 ) several openings ( 22 ) adapted to communicate with container openings of a plurality of scent containers, and each having a sequence ( 33C ) of opening sections ( 33A ) and / or closure sections ( 33B ) with the plurality of openings ( 22 ) in the holding device ( 20 ) can be brought in correspondence. Ventilation and / or air conditioning with a dispensing and metering device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular the closure device ( 30 ) delimiting on or in an air duct ( 51 ) the ventilation and / or air conditioning is arranged.

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