FR3101778A1 - Device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, in particular for an olfactory diffuser, comprising sealing means for a removable perfume cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a device for the controlled diffusion of an odor or a perfume comprising an internal circuit for the forced circulation of an air flow, a housing (74) for receiving a removable cartridge (C) which comprises a housing in which is housed a storage medium for an odorous or perfumed substance or composition and the wall of which has an inlet opening and an opposite outlet opening, a sealed closure sheath (90) which is mounted movable relative to the housing (74) between a high rest position in which the sleeve (90) cooperates with the housing (74) to delimit a sealed internal cavity (98) in which the support is enclosed, and a low active position allowing the passage of the housing (130) by an air flow, and at least one actuator controlling the movements of the sealing sleeve (90). Figure for abstract: 6

Description

Device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, in particular for an olfactory diffuser, comprising means for sealing a removable perfume cartridge

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, a perfume or a perfumed composition.

The invention relates in particular to an olfactory diffuser device capable of waking up or helping to put a user to sleep using an odor or a perfume.

The invention relates to a device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, in particular for an olfactory diffuser for waking up, helping to fall asleep and maintaining the quality of a user's sleep, comprising means for sealing a removable perfume cartridge

Technical background

The document FR-A1-3,007,540 describes and represents a device for waking up an individual thanks to a smell, which comprises a clock module and a smell diffusion device and in which signal coming from the clock module can, thanks to the interpretation of this signal, start the diffusion of an odor by the odor diffusion device and thus wake up the user thanks to his olfactory sense.

The diffusion device is composed of a fan, a pod soaked in an odorous substance which is introduced into the odor diffusion device through a slot and a controlled diffusion duct opening during the activating the olfactory alarm.

To improve such a device, document FR-A1-3,070,272 has proposed a design of a removable cartridge or capsule for storing the odorous substance which comprises a casing in which is housed a storage medium of a fragrant or perfumed substance or composition, and whose wall has at least one inlet opening and an opposite outlet opening for the passage of an air flow through the housing.

The aim of the present invention is to improve such a type of diffusion device making it possible to avoid undesired untimely diffusion of the odor out of the device when the latter is stopped.

The invention proposes a device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, a perfume or a perfumed composition, comprising:
- an internal circuit for the forced circulation of an air flow;
- A housing, arranged in said circuit, for receiving a removable cartridge;
- a removable cartridge, in the position of use in the housing, which comprises a casing in which is housed a storage medium for an odorous or perfumed substance or composition, and whose wall comprises at least one opening of inlet and an opposite outlet opening for the passage of an air flow through the housing;
- a sealed closing sleeve which is mounted to move relative to the housing between:
* a high rest position in which the sleeve cooperates with the housing, or with a complementary part of the cartridge housing in the use position, to delimit a sealed internal cavity in which the support is enclosed, and
* an active low position allowing the passage of the case by an air flow;
- And at least one actuator controlled by the movements of the sheath, between its rest position and its active position.

According to other device features:

- the housing is formed in a tube for receiving the cartridge in which a solid sealing wall portion of the housing of the cartridge is received in a sealed manner when the cartridge is in the position of use;
- The sleeve has an open face through which the housing is able to move relative to the sleeve and which is delimited by an annular end edge; And
- In the rest position of the sleeve, the annular end edge of the sleeve cooperates with an annular sealing surface of the housing to delimit said sealed internal cavity;

- the sealing sleeve is mounted to slide axially with respect to the receiving tube between its rest position and a retracted active position of the sleeve with respect to the cartridge;

- the device comprises means for guiding the displacements of the sealing sheath, and the actuator is connected to the sheath by a rack and pinion connection;

- the actuator is a wax jack;

- the device comprises a closed outer shell comprising:
- an air inlet grille in the internal circulation circuit;
- a fragrant or perfumed air outlet grille outside the internal circulation circuit;
- An orifice for introducing a removable cartridge in the use position in the housing of the cartridge;

- Said orifice is connected to one end of the cartridge receiving tube;

- in the sleeve rest position, the annular end edge of the sleeve cooperates with an annular sealing surface arranged at the other end of the cartridge receiving tube;

- the housing comprises a flat inlet face in which at least one inlet opening is formed and an opposite parallel flat outlet face in which at least one outlet opening is formed.

The invention also proposes a removable cartridge for a device according to the invention, the housing of which comprises a flat inlet face in which is formed at least one inlet opening and an opposite parallel flat outlet face in which is formed at least an outlet opening.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

– Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for the controlled diffusion of an odor, a perfume or a perfumed composition, in particular for waking up, helping to fall asleep and maintaining the quality of sleep of its user, on which a removable cartridge is shown in the position of use in the device;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view, from another angle, of the device of Figure 1, without cartridge in the device;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view and in section, by a median vertical and longitudinal plane, of the device of Figure 2;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view, by a vertical and median longitudinal plane, of the device of Figure 1 in which the sealing sleeve is illustrated in the active low position;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view, by a vertical and median longitudinal plane, of the device of Figure 2 in which the sealing sleeve is illustrated in the active low position;

- Figure 5 is a detail view on a larger scale of certain components shown in Figure 4 and on which the sealing sleeve is shown in the high rest position;

- Figure 6 is a sectional view by a vertical and transverse plane passing through the median vertical plane of the cartridge, of some of the components of the device and on which the sealing sleeve is illustrated in the high rest position;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the components of the device shown in Figure 6 and on which the sealing sleeve is illustrated in the active low position;

- Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 in which the sealing sleeve is illustrated in the upper rest position;

- Figure 9 is a detailed side view illustrating the sealing sleeve and the main components of its motorized actuation system;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the main components of the technical module of the device shown in the previous figures;

- Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the lower half-frame of the technical module of the device;

- And Figure 12 is a large-scale view, in perspective and in section through a median vertical and longitudinal plane, of the housing of a cartridge, or capsule, removable adapted to be received in the diffusion device.

Detailed description of the invention

For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures whose longitudinal axes L and transverse T extend in a horizontal plane.

By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from the rear to the front and according to the direction in which the flow of air to be diffused passes through the device.

In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

In the following description, the diffusion device has a general design symmetry with respect to its median vertical and longitudinal plane.

The outer shell

There is shown in the figures a device 20, for the controlled diffusion of an odor or a perfume, which comprises an outer shell which is here made in two parts or half-shells, lower 22 and upper 24, connected according to a plane of horizontal joint 26.

The lower half-shell 22 incorporates a central portion 28 forming a foot, the inclined planar underside 30 of which is designed to rest on a table or similar piece of furniture.

The upper half-shell 24 comprises, substantially in its center, a vertical slot 32 of rectangular contour with rounded corners which is surrounded by a concave concave surface 34 for guiding for the introduction of a cartridge "C" into the device. 20.

The light 32 is associated with two transversely opposed side tabs 36, the two upper, horizontal and longitudinal coplanar edges 38 of which constitute an abutment surface determining the inserted position of a cartridge C in the device.

Near light 32, upper half-shell 24 includes a button 40 for actuating an electric control switch.

The shell 22-24 of the device is generally cylindrical in shape with a substantially horizontal axis and it is closed at its two opposite rear and front axial ends, respectively by a rear grille 42 for inlet of fresh air into the device 20 and by a front face 44 which incorporates a front grille 46 for the scented air to exit from the device 20.

The rear inlet grille 42 is here made in one piece with the upper half-shell 24.

The general axis A1 of circulation of the air flow through the device 20 has been indicated in the figures.

The components of the envelope 22-24, 42 and 46 are for example made by molding in plastic material.

The envelope has in particular a covering role allowing variations of shapes and colors, as well as different designs of the air inlet and outlet grilles of the device 20.

The envelope houses a technical module "M", also called technical core, produced according to the teachings of the invention.

The technical module

The technical module M comprises a hollow frame 50 which is here made in two parts or half-frames, rear 52 and front 54, connected along a vertical joint plane 56.

The two half-frames 52 and 54 are two molded plastic parts which are fixed to each other in particular by sets 58 with lugs and notches.

The hollow frame 50 internally delimits a duct for the "forced" circulation of air through the device 20.

The circulation duct comprises an upstream duct formed in the rear half-frame 52 for guiding the air flow, and a downstream duct formed in the front half-frame 54 for guiding the air flow.

Thus, the air circulation duct extends from rear to front from a rear circular inlet 62 to a circular front outlet 64.

The passage section is generally decreasing from the rear entry 62 to the front exit 64.

With the exception of the upper tube 72 for retaining the cartridge C in the position of use in the hollow frame 50 which will be described later, and with the main exception of the lower cutout 80 which receives the sealing sleeve 90 , conduit 60 is generally continuous and sealed between its rear inlet 62 and its front outlet 64.

The rear inlet 62 is formed in a rear transverse face 68 (in two upper and lower parts) on which is fixed here an electric fan 70 which, when energized, causes a circulation of air - sucked downstream through rear grille 42 - through conduit 60 which exits through front outlet 64 which is immediately adjacent to front grille 46 of device shell 20.

The upper tube 72 for retaining the cartridge C, which is here made in one piece with the upper half-frame 54, delimits an internal housing 74, cylindrical of rectangular section with rounded corners, for receiving a removable cartridge.

The upper tube 72 is delimited by a horizontal upper edge 76 which is arranged outside the upper half-frame 54 and which is adjacent to the lower edge 33 of the vertical slot 32 of the upper half-shell 24.

The upper tube 72 is also delimited by a horizontal lower edge 78 which is arranged inside the upper half-frame 54, inside the conduit 60 for the circulation of air through the device 20.

As can be seen in particular in Figure 7, the lower edge 78 is thinned.

The lower half-frame 52 essentially comprises a rectangular cutout 80 which is vertically aligned with the upper tube 72.

At its rear end, the rectangular cutout 80 is adjacent to a vertical and transverse wall 82 which has a central slot 84 over its entire height.

The cutout 80 is extended forwards by a longitudinal slot 86. At the front of the slot 86, the lower half-frame 52 still has a circular hole 88.

The sealing sheath

The lower half-frame 52 partially accommodates and guides the vertical movements of a sealing sleeve 90.

The sealing sleeve 90 is generally tubular in shape with a rectangular section with rounded corners. It is closed at its lower part by a substantially horizontal bottom wall 92, while its upper face is open and is delimited by a thinned horizontal edge 94.

The wall of the sealing sleeve 90 delimits an internal cavity 98.

The wall of the sealing sleeve 90 comprises a transverse and vertical rear outer face 100 and a parallel and opposite front outer face 102 .

In its center, the rear outer face 100 comprises a vertical rail 104, of "T" section for the vertical sliding guidance of the sealing sleeve 90 in the lower half-frame 52, being received in the vertical slot 84.

In its center, the front outer face 102 comprises a toothed vertical rack 106.

The dimensions of the sealing sleeve 90 are such that it is able to move vertically in both directions through the cutout 80.

To drive the movable sheath in vertical displacement in both directions, the device comprises a drive system consisting essentially of the rack 106, of a complementary pinion 108 in the form of a toothed sector in an arc of a circle, and of a cylinder 110 drive in rotation in both directions of the pinion 108.

The pinion 108 is rotatably mounted in the lower half-frame 52 around a horizontal transverse axis A2 and it comprises a split front bracket 112 which receives a spreader bar 114 arranged at the free end 116 of the rod 118 of the cylinder 110 which can be driven in both directions along its axis.

The axis extends in the vertical and longitudinal median plane and is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical as can be seen in particular in Figure 4.

The cylinder body 110 is fixed on the lower half-frame 52 on the outside, and it extends partly on the inside with its rod 118 through the circular hole 88.

In the active low position of the sealing sleeve 90 illustrated in particular in FIG. 4, the rod 118 is in the extended position.

Starting from this low position, to "raise" the sealing sleeve 90, it is necessary to supply the cylinder 110 to cause a retraction or descent of the rod 118 which drives the pinion 108 in counterclockwise rotation to drive the rack. 106 and the sealing sleeve 90 upwards.

By way of non-limiting, jack 110 is preferably a wax jack.

The device comprises an electronic circuit for controlling and managing its operation which comprises in particular an electronic card 120 illustrated schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4 which is associated with a vertical plate 122 which is adjacent to the rear face of the upper tube 72 and which can carry or integrate an RFID antenna or transmitter intended to cooperate with an RFID tag carried opposite by a cartridge C.

The removable cartridge

There is shown in Figure 12 an embodiment of the housing 130 of a removable cartridge C compatible with the diffuser 20.

By way of non-limiting, this is a cartridge of the type described and represented in detail in the document FR-A1-3.070.272 to the content of which reference can be made.

The large rear vertical and transverse plate or face 132 of the housing wall 130 has a series of entry openings 134.

The large front vertical and transverse plate or face 136 of the housing wall 130 has a series of exit openings 138.

The rear 132 and front 136 plates are parallel and opposite and the inlet 134 and outlet 138 openings are arranged substantially opposite each other.

A flow of air can thus pass through the housing 130 while being in contact with an odorous substance or composition arranged inside and which is for example carried by a support or substrate (not represented in FIG. 12).

The design and layout of the substrate may be of any suitable type.

As a variant, the cartridge can be a single block forming a substrate, for example in the form of a perfumed and pierced "wafer" to allow the passage of the air to be perfumed. In this case, the cartridge case within the meaning of the definition of the invention consists of the block itself.

At its upper part, the box 130 is closed by a horizontal plate 140 which protrudes transversely on either side of the box.

Thus, the upper plate 140 comprises two lower facets 141 each of which is capable of coming into abutment vertically downwards against an associated upper edge 38 of a lateral leg 36 which constitutes an abutment surface determining the inserted vertical position of a cartridge. C in the device (See figure 6).

The inlet 134 and outlet 138 openings are generally arranged in the lower half of the housing while the other upper half 133 and 137 of the rear 132 and front 136 plates are solid parts.

Thus, the housing 130 of the cartridge C comprises an upper section 142 delimited over its entire periphery by a solid wall.

In the position of use of the cartridge C in the device 20, it is this "full" upper section 142 which is received in the upper tube 72, in a leaktight or almost leaktight manner, that is to say with a clearance reduced.

Thus, almost no air can leak out of the duct 60 passing between the upper tube 72 and the upper section 142 of the cartridge C (see in particular FIGS. 3, 5 and 6).

Below the solid upper section 142, the cartridge C has a pierced or perforated lower section 144.

Operation

The operation and use of the device 20 will now be described.

When the device 20 is not used to diffuse a flow of scented air in a controlled manner, it is at rest, and the fan 70 is off. No forced air flows through duct 60.

If a cartridge C is in the position of use in the device 20, its lower section comprising the inlet 34 and outlet 136 openings is located inside the internal duct 60 of the frame 50.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention, in this state of rest, the lower section 144 of the cartridge C is surrounded by the sealing sleeve 90 which occupies its high or upper position of rest which is illustrated in particular in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8.

In this rest position, the upper edge 94 of the sealing sleeve 90 cooperates in a quasi-sealed manner with the lower edge 78 of the tube 72 for receiving the housing of the cartridge C, the full upper section 142 of which is housed in a quasi-sealed manner in housing 74.

Thus, as can be seen in Figures 5, 6 and 8, the substrate or the support which is housed in the casing 130 of the cartridge C is enclosed in a sealed or quasi-sealed cavity 98.

According to a variant not shown, the sealing sleeve can cooperate directly with one or more complementary parts of the housing of a cartridge - designed for this purpose, to "enclose" in a sealed manner the substrate or the support which is housed in the cartridge case 130 C.

Preferably, the operating program of the device 20 is such that the sealing sleeve 90 is always in its high rest position when the device 20 is in its rest state, whether or not a removable cartridge is present in the rest position. use in device 20.

This makes it possible to ensure that when a user places a cartridge C in the position of use in the device 20, the risk of scented air leaks at rest is avoided, even if the user does not switch on the device and this until the next restart.

When the device 20 is started, by a user or automatically in a programmed manner, the drive system of the sealing sheath 90 is actuated to cause the change of position of the latter so that it comes to occupy its low position or lower, called active position, which is illustrated in particular in Figures 3, 4 and 7.

To this end, the supply of the wax cylinder 110 causes the rise or exit of its rod 108 which pivots, in the clockwise direction.

In the active low position, the perforated lower section 144 is arranged outside the sealing sleeve 90, and a forced air flow which circulates in the internal duct 60 can pass through the inlet 134 and outlet 136 openings to load in perfume or fragrant substance.

This air flow is caused by the switching on of the electric fan 70 which may be slightly prior to the change in position of the sealing sleeve, or simultaneously.

It will be noted that, in its active low position, the sealing sleeve 90 is arranged almost completely outside the internal conduit 60, thus avoiding causing pressure drops.

The use of a movable sealing sleeve 90 makes it possible to enclose the entire portion of the cartridge C which has openings which may be the source of unwanted leaks when the device 20 is not in operation.

The design according to the invention allows the implementation of sealing means making it possible to avoid untimely leaks of scented air, without requiring modification of the design of existing cartridges such as those mentioned above.

Claims (9)

Device (20) for the controlled diffusion of an odor, a perfume or a perfumed composition, comprising:
- an internal circuit for the forced circulation of an air flow;
- A housing (74), arranged in said circuit, for receiving a removable cartridge (C);
- a removable cartridge (C), in the position of use in the housing (74), which comprises a casing (130) in which is housed a storage medium for an odorous or perfumed substance or composition, and of which the wall has at least one inlet opening (134) and an opposite outlet opening (136) for the passage of an air flow through the housing (130);
- a sheath (90) for leaktight closure which is movably mounted relative to the housing (74) between:
-- a rest position in which the sheath (90) cooperates with the housing (74), or with a complementary part of the housing (130) of the cartridge (C) in the use position, to delimit a cavity (98) internal waterproof in which the support is enclosed,
-- and an active position allowing the crossing of the housing (130) by an air flow;
- And at least one actuator (110) controlled movements of the sleeve (90), between its rest position and its active position. Device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that:
- the housing (74) is formed in a tube (72) for receiving the cartridge (C) in which a solid wall portion (133, 137, 142) sealing the housing (130) of the cartridge (C) is received in a sealed manner when the cartridge (C) is in the use position;
- the sleeve (90) has an open face through which the housing (130) is able to move relative to the sleeve (90) and which is delimited by an annular end edge (94);
- and, in the rest position of the sleeve (90), the annular end edge (94) of the sleeve (90) cooperates with an annular sealing surface (78) of the housing (74) to delimit said cavity (98) internal waterproof. Device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sealing sleeve (90) is mounted to slide axially with respect to the receiving tube (72) between its rest position and a retracted active position of the sleeve (90) by relative to the cartridge (C). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means (104) for guiding the movements of the sealing sleeve (90), and in that the actuator (110) is connected to the sleeve (90 ) by a pinion (108) and rack (106) connection. Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator is (110) a wax jack. Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a closed outer shell (50) comprising:
- an air inlet grille (42) in the internal circulation circuit;
- a grille (46) for fragrant or perfumed air outlet outside the internal circulation circuit;
- an orifice (32) for introducing a cartridge (C) removable in the use position in the housing (74) of the cartridge (C). Device (20) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said orifice (32) is connected to one end (76) of the tube (72) for receiving the cartridge (C). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the rest position of the sleeve (90), the annular end edge (94) of the sleeve (90) cooperates with an annular sealing surface (78) arranged at the other end of the tube (72) for receiving the cartridge (C). Removable cartridge (C) for a device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (130) has a flat inlet face (132) in which at least one inlet opening is formed. (134) and an opposite parallel planar exit face (136) in which is formed at least one exit opening (138).