FR3119329A1 - Pendulum device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air - Google Patents

Abstract

Device with a pendulum for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air One aspect of the invention relates to a device (1) with a pendulum (3) for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air. The device comprises a support (2) on which the pendulum is mounted. The pendulum is mobile relative to the support around an axis of oscillation (X), and oscillates under the effect of its own weight. The balance comprises an upper part (31) and a lower part (36) which extend respectively above and below said axis, opposite one another. The upper part of the balance being provided with a diffuser (32) which releases said substance into the air. The lower and upper parts of the balance wheel are mechanically balanced with respect to each other like a metronome, so as to obtain a period of oscillation of the balance wheel at least greater than 2 seconds. Figure to be published with abstract: Figure 6

Description

Pendulum device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air

The technical field is that of air treatment, more specifically that of devices and processes for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Document EP3231448 describes a pendulum device for diffusing an odorous substance into the air. The upper end of the pendulum is connected by a pivot to a support. This pendulum carries a diffuser which comprises a reservoir containing the substance in question, in liquid form, and which is delimited laterally by a porous wall, at the level of which the substance is released into the air. The oscillation of the balance contributes to the diffusion of this substance in the environment of the device. But the diffusion efficiency of this device remains limited and this diffusion mainly takes place in the immediate vicinity of the device, at a short distance from it.

SUMMARY

• le balancier étant relié au support par une liaison mécanique qui autorise une rotation du balancier par rapport au support autour d’un axe d’oscillation, de manière à permettre au balancier d’osciller autour dudit axe sous l’effet de son propre poids,
• le balancier comprenant une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure qui s’étendent respectivement au-dessus et au-dessous dudit axe, à l’opposé l’une de l’autre, la partie supérieure du balancier étant munie d’un diffuseur qui libère ladite substance dans l’air,
• les parties inférieure et supérieure du balancier étant équilibrées mécaniquement l’une par rapport à l’autre, de manière à obtenir une période d’oscillation au moins supérieure à 2 secondes,
• le dispositif comprenant en outre un système pour entretenir les oscillations du balancier.

In this context, a device is proposed for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, the device comprising a support and a rocker,

• the balance being connected to the support by a mechanical connection which allows rotation of the balance relative to the support around an axis of oscillation, so as to allow the balance to oscillate around said axis under the effect of its own weight,
• the balance comprising an upper part and a lower part which respectively extend above and below said axis, opposite one another, the upper part of the balance being provided with a diffuser which releases said substance in the air,
• the lower and upper parts of the balance wheel being mechanically balanced with respect to each other, so as to obtain an oscillation period at least greater than 2 seconds,
• the device further comprising a system for maintaining the oscillations of the pendulum.

By odorant or deodorant substance is meant a substance having an olfactory power, which can be detected by an average human nose or modifying an olfactory perception for this average nose (it can therefore be a substance having a characteristic odor, for example a lemony smell, or of a substance which reduces the olfactory perception of an unpleasant smell such as the smell of tobacco). This substance may comprise a single compound, or on the contrary a mixture of different compounds.

Under the effect of its own weight, the pendulum oscillates like a pendulum and thus moves the diffuser in the air. This creates a movement of air around the diffuser, or through it, thus entraining the odorous or deodorizing substance in the air. In addition, the movement of the diffuser allows a mixing of the ambient air which promotes the dissemination of this substance in the environment of the device.

Different types of diffusers are possible. It may be, for example, a cage or other receptacle with perforated walls containing balls or small solid blocks on the surface of which said substance is adsorbed. It can also be a system comprising a wick or other porous material bathed in a reservoir to, by capillarity, bring the odorous substance (initially in liquid form) from the reservoir to a diffusion surface where the substance is released into the air. Anyway, the diffuser is a passive system which, in itself, has no motorized ventilation. In general, it is a system configured to allow evaporation of said substance or transfer of this substance from a solid substrate to the air surrounding this substrate.

Although the device includes an oscillation maintenance system, it is under the effect of its own weight that the balance oscillates, on either side of a position of equilibrium. This type of oscillation, marked by a noticeable slowing down of the pendulum at each end of its trajectory, before it turns back, is well suited to diffuse the fragrant or deodorizing substance in the air (more than a movement at constant speed, controlled by a motor).

The position of the diffuser, in the upper part of the balance (above the axis of oscillation), also contributes to effective diffusion of the substance in question, in the environment of the balance device. Indeed, the mixing of the air, folded alternately downwards and upwards by the diffuser, from a position situated in height relative to the ground (or relative to the support surface on which the device rests), facilitates rapid and homogeneous dissemination of this substance in the environment in question.

The slowness of the oscillations in question (with a period greater than 2 seconds) also promotes efficient dissemination of the substance, as it allows sufficient time for ample air movements to develop, before changing the direction of movement.

On this subject, one might think at first sight that it is essential for the balance wheel to be large (typically a meter or two high) to obtain a sufficiently large period of oscillation. Indeed, it is known that the period of oscillation of a pendulum is all the greater as the pendulum is high, and is of the order of two seconds for a pendulum one meter long (one meter between the axis of oscillation and the center of gravity of the pendulum).

But in fact, by balancing the balance wheel mechanically, that is to say by balancing its upper and lower parts with respect to each other, one can markedly increase its period of oscillation and thus obtain the period of desired oscillation regardless of device size, such as a metronome, tuned to achieve a long beat period. Moreover, at the limit where the pendulum is perfectly balanced (i.e. when it can remain in equilibrium for any angular position, even if it is deviated from the vertical), this period of oscillation becomes infinitely long.

The balance wheel is balanced, but it is not completely, exactly balanced either (because otherwise, we would not obtain oscillation): a slight imbalance in favor of the lower part (weight and/or greater lever arm for the lower part as for the upper part of the balance wheel) makes it possible to return the balance wheel to its equilibrium position, in which it is vertical.

As already indicated, the balancing of the balance wheel is such that its period of oscillation (which corresponds to a complete round trip of the balance wheel) is at least greater than 2 seconds.

This balancing can in particular be such that the period of oscillation of the balance is greater than twice the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum of the same height as the lower part of the balance. So, for example, for a pendulum 1.5 meters high with a lower part of 0.75 meters, we will have a period of oscillation greater than 3.4 seconds (for example a period of 4 seconds), instead 1.7 seconds corresponding to a simple pendulum 0.75 m long (simple pendulum which corresponds in a way to a pendulum not balanced at all).

• le diffuseur est placé à une extrémité supérieure du balancier ; le diffuseur est donc placé non seulement au niveau de la partie supérieure du balancier, au-dessus de l’axe d’oscillation, mais le plus haut possible ; comme déjà expliqué, une telle position, en hauteur, est favorable à la diffusion de la substance en question ; En outre, cela permet de bénéficier d’une amplitude de mouvement maximale pour le diffuseur ;
• la partie supérieure du balancier s’étend dudit axe d’oscillation jusqu’à l’extrémité supérieure du balancier, et le diffuseur, dans son ensemble, est situé entre le milieu de la partie supérieure du balancier, et ladite extrémité supérieure ;
• le balancier a une hauteur totale supérieure à 0,3 mètre, voire supérieure à 0,5 mètre ou même supérieure à 1 mètre ; les dimensions importantes du balancier permettent alors un brassage ample de l’air ambiant ;
• le dispositif est configuré pour permettre au balancier d’osciller avec une amplitude supérieure à 20 degrés, voire supérieure à 30 degrés, de part d’autre d’une position d’équilibre de ce balancier ; cette amplitude d’oscillation est favorable à la diffusion de la question, notamment parce que le diffuseur est alors nettement incliné par rapport à la verticale, en bout de course, ce qui permet de brasser l’air non seulement horizontalement, mais aussi verticalement, en le rabattant vers le bas ;
• le système pour entretenir les oscillations du balancier comprend un aimant permanent et un électro-aimant, fixés respectivement au balancier et au support, ou inversement ; un tel système d’entretien des oscillations a l’avantage d’être sans contact, commode à installer, et de structure plus simple qu’un dispositif d’entretien purement mécanique (de type système à échappement ;
• le support comprend une première partie qui forme une embase fixe, et une deuxième partie qui est mobile en rotation par rapport à la première partie, autour d’un axe de rotation sensiblement vertical, le balancier étant relié par ladite liaison à la deuxième partie, mobile, du support ; par sensiblement vertical, on entend vertical à plus ou moins 20 degrés près, lorsque le dispositif, en position d’usage, repose sur un sol ou un plan horizontal ; la rotation de la partie du support sur la laquelle est monté le balancier permet de de faire tourner progressivement le plan d’oscillation du balancier, autour de cet axe vertical, grâce à quoi le balancier balaye tout un volume, de manière homogène, ce qui favorise une diffusion efficace et homogène de la substance en question ;
• le dispositif comprend en outre un moteur pour entrainer la deuxième partie du support en rotation par rapport à sa première partie, le dispositif étant configuré de sorte que la deuxième partie du support tourne sur elle-même avec une période de rotation comprise entre 20 fois et 400 fois la période d’oscillation du balancier ;
• le diffuseur contient, entre deux grilles ou plaques ajourées, des billes ou des blocs solides de petite taille sur lesquels ladite substance est adsorbée ; par petite taille, on entend de dimension inférieure à 1 cm ; ce type de diffuseur est avantageusement dépourvu d’un réservoir où la substance serait contenue sous forme liquide ; de plus, le remplacement de la substance en question par une autre, ou le rechargement du diffuseur sont alors particulièrement commodes, puisqu’il suffit de remplacer les billes ou blocs solides, qui peuvent d’ailleurs être contenus dans une cartouche amovible, par d’autres ;
• le support comprend un montant qui forme une boucle allongée verticalement, ladite liaison mécanique reliant le balancier au montant, dans une partie médiane de la boucle en question, et lorsque le balancier est dans sa position d’équilibre, ladite boucle entoure le balancier en passant au-dessus de lui ; cette structure en boucle du support, avec la liaison montée au milieu (entre les parties gauche et droite de la boucle), apporte robustesse et rigidité au support ; par ailleurs, cette boucle protège le balancier d’éventuels choc, lorsqu’il est dans sa position d’équilibre, au repos ;
• la liaison mécanique relie en outre une partie gauche de cette boucle à une partie droite de cette boucle ;
• la liaison mécanique comprend au moins une pièce fixe, solidaire à la fois de la partie gauche et de la partie droite (de la boucle formée par le montant du support ; cela améliore encore la rigidité du support ;
• ladite boucle est en forme de huit, avec une demi-boucle supérieure et une demi-boucle inférieure ;
• la demi-boucle supérieure et la demi-boucle inférieure sont contenues respectivement dans deux plans différents décalés angulairement l’un par rapport à l’autre, et l’axe d’oscillation fait un angle non nul avec chacun de ces plans ; cela permet notamment un meilleur appui du montant sur l’embase, permettant au montant de montant de résister aux efforts qu’il subit lors de l’oscillation du balancier ;
• l’axe d’oscillation est horizontal, à plus ou moins 20 degrés près, lorsque le dispositif repose sur un sol ou un plan d’appui horizontal.

In addition to the features presented above, the device in accordance with the invention may have one or more of the following optional features, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

• the diffuser is placed at an upper end of the balance wheel; the diffuser is therefore placed not only at the level of the upper part of the balance wheel, above the axis of oscillation, but as high as possible; as already explained, such a position, in height, is favorable to the diffusion of the substance in question; In addition, this makes it possible to benefit from a maximum amplitude of movement for the diffuser;
• the upper part of the balance extends from said axis of oscillation to the upper end of the balance, and the diffuser, as a whole, is located between the middle of the upper part of the balance, and said upper end;
• the pendulum has a total height greater than 0.3 meter, or even greater than 0.5 meter or even greater than 1 meter; the large dimensions of the pendulum then allow ample mixing of the ambient air;
• the device is configured to allow the balance to oscillate with an amplitude greater than 20 degrees, or even greater than 30 degrees, on either side of a position of equilibrium of this balance; this amplitude of oscillation is favorable to the diffusion of the question, in particular because the diffuser is then clearly inclined with respect to the vertical, at the end of its travel, which allows the air to be stirred not only horizontally, but also vertically, by folding it down;
• the system for maintaining the oscillations of the balance comprises a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, fixed respectively to the balance and to the support, or vice versa; such an oscillation maintenance system has the advantage of being contactless, convenient to install, and of simpler structure than a purely mechanical maintenance device (of the exhaust system type;
• the support comprises a first part which forms a fixed base, and a second part which is rotatable relative to the first part, around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, the pendulum being connected by said link to the second part, mobile, from the support; by substantially vertical, is meant vertical to within plus or minus 20 degrees, when the device, in the position of use, rests on the ground or a horizontal plane; the rotation of the part of the support on which the pendulum is mounted makes it possible to gradually rotate the plane of oscillation of the pendulum, around this vertical axis, whereby the pendulum sweeps an entire volume, in a homogeneous manner, which promotes effective and homogeneous diffusion of the substance in question;
• the device further comprises a motor for driving the second part of the support in rotation relative to its first part, the device being configured so that the second part of the support rotates on itself with a rotation period of between 20 times and 400 times the period of oscillation of the balance;
• the diffuser contains, between two perforated grids or plates, beads or solid blocks of small size on which said substance is adsorbed; by small size, we mean less than 1 cm in size; this type of diffuser advantageously does not have a reservoir in which the substance would be contained in liquid form; moreover, the replacement of the substance in question by another, or the reloading of the diffuser are then particularly convenient, since it suffices to replace the balls or solid blocks, which can moreover be contained in a removable cartridge, by d 'others ;
• the support comprises a post which forms a vertically elongated loop, said mechanical link connecting the balance to the post, in a middle part of the loop in question, and when the balance is in its position of equilibrium, said loop surrounds the balance passing above him ; this loop structure of the support, with the link mounted in the middle (between the left and right parts of the loop), provides robustness and rigidity to the support; moreover, this loop protects the balance wheel from possible shocks, when it is in its position of equilibrium, at rest;
• the mechanical connection also connects a left part of this loop to a right part of this loop;
• the mechanical connection comprises at least one fixed part, integral with both the left part and the right part (of the loop formed by the upright of the support; this further improves the rigidity of the support;
• said loop is in the shape of a figure eight, with an upper half-loop and a lower half-loop;
• the upper half-loop and the lower half-loop are respectively contained in two different planes angularly offset from each other, and the axis of oscillation forms a non-zero angle with each of these planes; this allows in particular a better support of the amount on the base, allowing the amount of amount to resist the forces it undergoes during the oscillation of the balance;
• the axis of oscillation is horizontal, to within plus or minus 20 degrees, when the device rests on a ground or a horizontal support plane.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description and on examining the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The figures are presented for information only and in no way limit the invention.

There schematically represents a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a first embodiment implementing the teachings of the invention, seen in perspective.

There shows in more detail a mechanical connection between a pendulum and a support of the device of the .

There schematically represents the device of the , seen in perspective and from below.

There is a front view of a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a second embodiment close to the first embodiment.

There is a side view of the device from the , the pendulum of the device being in its equilibrium position.

There is a side view of the device from the , the pendulum being moved away from its equilibrium position.

There is a top view of the device from the .

There schematically represents a device for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, according to a third embodiment implementing the teachings of the invention, seen from the front.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1, 4 and 8 show respectively a first, a second and a third embodiment of a pendulum device, for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

The first two embodiments (Figures 1 and 4) are essentially identical except for their respective sizes. The different elements of the device 1 will therefore be identified by the same reference signs, for these two embodiments, and will not necessarily be described each time.

The device 1' according to the third embodiment ( ) differs mainly from the two previous ones by the structure of the support 2' on which the rocker arm 3' is mounted. In this third embodiment, the various elements of the device 1' bear the same reference signs as for the corresponding elements of the first or second embodiment, but accompanied by a prime “'”.

The first and second embodiments of device 1 are now described in more detail, with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

This device 1 comprises a support 2 and a pendulum 3 provided with a diffuser 32 which releases the odorous or deodorizing substance into the air.

The balance 3 is connected to the support by a mechanical connection, 4, which allows a rotation of the balance 3, relative to the support 2, around an axis of oscillation X, so as to allow the balance to oscillate around this axis under the effect of its own weight (like a pendulum – see figures 1 and 6 for example). Here, the axis of oscillation X is horizontal (more precisely, when support 2 rests on horizontal ground, this axis is also horizontal).

• une première partie formant une embase fixe, 21, qui vient reposer sur le sol ou sur le plan d’appui accueillant le dispositif à balancier, et
• une deuxième partie 22 comportant un montant 23 globalement vertical, sur lequel est monté le balancier 3 (via la liaison 4).

The support 2 here comprises (FIGS. 1 and 4):

• a first part forming a fixed base, 21, which comes to rest on the ground or on the support surface accommodating the pendulum device, and
• a second part 22 comprising a generally vertical upright 23, on which the rocker arm 3 is mounted (via the link 4).

The base 21, which acts as a base, can be weighted for better stability of the device. It has here the shape of a cylinder of low height.

The second part of the support, 22, further comprises a plate 24, circular, which is mounted on the base 21. The upright 23 is fixed on this plate 24, of which it is integral. The plate 24 is rotatable relative to the base 21, around a vertical axis Z. This axis Z crosses the axis of oscillation X of the balance (thus, when the balance at rest, in its position of equilibrium, it extends along the Z axis in question). The plate 24, and the upright 23 which is fixed to it, are driven in rotation, around the Z axis, by a motor housed in the base 21.

Post 23 forms a loop which has an elongated shape in the vertical direction. This loop has a figure eight shape, with an upper half-loop 29A and a lower half-loop 29B (FIGS. 3 and 4). The upright 23 has a left part 26 and a right part 27 ( ), each in the shape of an S (inverted with respect to each other), and which connect to each other at the top and at the foot of the upright 23 to form this continuous figure-of-eight loop. The upright 23 is made here from several tubular sections, straight or curved, mounted one after the other to form this loop.

The connection 4, which connects the balance 3 to the upright 23, is mounted on the upright 23 approximately halfway up the latter, at the junction between the upper half-loop 29A and the lower half-loop 29B, this is that is to say where the left and right parts 26, 27, in the shape of an S, intersect.

Link 4 is mounted in such a way as to firmly connect the left and right parts of the upright. In this case, the connection 4 comprises at least one fixed part 41, 42 (here two), integral with both the left part 26 and the right part 27 of the upright (and which therefore connects these two parts together) . This makes it possible to stiffen the upright 23, precisely where the connection 4 is located on which mechanical forces can be exerted, during the oscillation of the balance 3.

Link 4 is a pivot link, the axis of which is the axis of oscillation X. As can be seen in the , it comprises here a central part 47, cylindrical, integral with a shaft 48 which crosses this part right through. The shaft 48 is rotatably mounted, on one side on a first cheek 41, and on the other on a second cheek 42. These two cheeks bear against the central part 47, this part and the other of this one (to stop this part axially, this part being in a way sandwiched between these two cheeks). The axis of shaft 48 is the axis of oscillation X mentioned above.

The cheeks 41 and 42 are fixed with respect to the upright 23. Each of these cheeks is fixed (FIGS. 3 and 5), on the one hand to the left part 26 of the upright 23, by a first connector 43, and on the other hand , to the right part 27 of the upright 23, by a second connection 44. These two cheeks 41, 42 are cylindrical, pierced on their axis in order to be able to mount the shaft 48. The rocker arm 3 is fixed to the central part 47. During the oscillation of the balance, the shaft 48 and the central part 47 pivot in the cheeks 41, 42.

As a variant, the central piece 47 could for example be omitted, the pendulum then being fixed directly to the shaft in question. Or, the shaft in question and the central piece could be made as a single piece.

The figure-of-eight loop formed by post 23 is not flat. More precisely, the average line followed by the upright 23 is not contained in the same plane (it is not a plane curve). The upper half-loop 29A is contained in a plane P _A (more precisely, the average line followed by this half-loop is contained in the plane P _A ), while the lower half-loop 29B is contained in another plane P _B (the middle line followed by the lower half-loop 29B is contained in a plane P _B ). These two planes are different from each other (see Figures 1 and 7). They are both vertical, and pass through the Z axis occupied by the balance wheel 3 when it is at rest. They are somehow twisted relative to each other, around the axis Z. The axis of oscillation X is located neither in the plane of the upper half-loop 29A, nor in the plane of the lower half-loop 29B: it forms an angle (of approximately 30 degrees) with each of these two planes.

This non-planar, somewhat twisted structure of this figure-of-eight loop makes the upright 23 even more rigid. And during the oscillations of the balance, the fact that the plane P _B of the lower half-loop forms an angle with the axis of oscillation X allows support of the upright 23 on the plate 24 which is much stronger than if the plane P _B was parallel to the X axis (this support, somewhat obliquely, makes it possible to better resist the forces undergone during the oscillation).

The balance 3 comprises an upper part 31 and a lower part 36 which extend respectively above and below the axis of oscillation X.

The upper part 31 extends from the axis of oscillation X to an upper end 33 of the balance. It comprises a rectilinear rigid rod, the lower end of which is fixed to the central part 47 of the link 4, and which carries the diffuser 32 at its top. The diffuser 32 is therefore located at the very top of the balance wheel.

The lower part 36 of the balance extends from the axis of oscillation X to a lower end of the balance. It comprises a rectilinear rigid rod, aligned with the rod of the upper part of the balance, and also fixed to the central part 47 of the link 4. A counterweight, here of spherical shape, is fixed to the lower end of this rod .

As shown, the diffuser 32 is a receptacle comprising two perforated plates 34 and 35 which delimit an internal volume intended to accommodate balls or small solid blocks on the surface of which the substance to be diffused is adsorbed, possibly contained in a removable cartridge also perforated . The balls or blocks in question each have a characteristic dimension (diameter or width) of less than one centimeter.

Each of the perforated plates 34, 35 is perpendicular to the plane of oscillation of the balance, and therefore perpendicular to the direction in which the diffuser 32 moves during the oscillation of the balance. This maximizes the flow of air that passes through the diffuser due to the oscillation of the pendulum.

The diffuser 32 has the overall shape of a circular pancake, here. In particular, the perforated plates 34 and 35 are circular. The diffuser 32 thus follows the shape of the semi-circular arch formed by the upper part of the upright 23.

As already indicated, in its equilibrium position, the balance wheel 3 extends vertically, along the Z axis (the two rods mentioned above are then vertical). In this situation, the pendulum 3 extends in a way into the opening 28 delimited by the loop formed by the upright 23. The arch, formed by the upper part of this loop, passes above the diffuser 32, at the right of it. When it is at rest, the pendulum 3 is therefore framed in some way, surrounded by the upright 23, which protects it from possible shocks. When the balance oscillates, it crosses the opening 28 in question with each oscillation.

Remarkably, the balance wheel 3 is mechanically balanced so that its period of oscillation is at least greater than 2 seconds, as explained above in the part entitled “summary”. Here, the period of oscillation is approximately 4 seconds, whether for the first embodiment or for the second embodiment (which requires balancing to be carried out more precisely than for the first embodiment, because the device is less high, in the second embodiment).

In the first embodiment, the pendulum has a total height h of 1.5 meters, while in the second embodiment, its total height h is 0.5 meters. This height h designates the total extension (in a way, the length) of the balance, measured along the axis z _o of the balance.

The device 1 comprises a system 5 for maintaining the oscillations of the balance 5. This system comprises a permanent magnet 51, fixed to the lower part 36 of the balance. Here, this magnet is attached more precisely to the lower end of the balance wheel. C system also comprises an electromagnet 52, fixed to the support 2 (FIGS. 3 and 4), plumb with the position occupied by the pendulum when it is at rest (facing the magnet 51 ).

An electric circuit for controlling the electromagnet, and a possible power source for this circuit comprising one or more cells or electric batteries, are housed in the base 21 of the support 2.

From the point of view of its kinematics, the device 1 is configured so that the motor mentioned above drives the second part 22 of the support 2 (namely the plate 24 and the upright 23) in rotation around the axis Z with a period of rotation of between 20 times and 400 times the period of oscillation of the balance 3. A slow rotation of the plane of oscillation of the balance is thus obtained, around the vertical axis Z, which leaves time for the balance to oscillate and stir the air in one direction, before changing orientation to stir the air in another direction.

The device 1 is configured to allow the balance 3 to oscillate with an amplitude θ _o greater than 30 degrees, on either side of its position of equilibrium. This amplitude θ _o corresponds to the angular difference between the axis z _o of the balance wheel 3 and the vertical axis Z, just before the balance wheel turns back (see the ). In particular, link 4, and the way it is mounted on upright 23, allow such an amplitude of oscillation. The system 5 for maintaining the oscillations is also configured (in terms of the intensity of the mechanical impulse transmitted to the balance to maintain its movement) to allow such an amplitude of oscillation.

The device 1' according to the third embodiment ( ) is comparable to that of the first and second embodiments, but its support 2' is entirely fixed (without moving part), and comprises an upright 23' which forms an essentially planar figure-of-eight loop, instead of being in a way twisted.

The 2' base is in one piece. It includes a 24' base, which forms a sort of circular sole resting on the ground, and which is extended vertically by a 23' upright which forms an elongated loop in the vertical direction. This loop includes a 26' left part and a 27' right part which meet at the top to form this closed loop. About halfway up the loop, the left 26' and right 27' parts approach each other so that the loop has the overall shape of a figure eight. Link 4', which connects balance 3' to upright 23', is mounted at this constriction. Higher up, the left and right parts diverge again from each other so that the loop is wide enough to give passage to the diffuser 32', which has a fairly large front surface (so that a flow of important air passes through it).

The middle line followed by the 23' upright is located in the same plane, here. This is the plane (X, Z), where X is the oscillation axis and where Z is a vertical axis passing through the 4' connection. When the pendulum is at rest, it extends along this Z axis.

As before, the balance 3′ comprises a lower part 36′ and an upper part 31′ which extend respectively below and above the axis of oscillation X of the balance. The upper part 31' comprises a rigid rod which extends from the link 4' and which carries the diffuser 32' at its top. The lower part 36' also comprises a rigid rod, aligned with that of the upper part (see formed in a single and same rod which extends from the bottom to the top of the balance), and which carries a counterweight, here cylindrical, at its lower end.

The 32' diffuser, located at the upper 33' end of the balance wheel, is a thin cylinder-shaped cage. Two grids, flat and circular, form the two faces of this cylindrical cage. It contains balls or solid blocks of small size as described above. The two grids in question are perpendicular to the plane of oscillation of the balance wheel. Thus, when the pendulum is in its equilibrium position, these grids are each parallel to the plane (X, Z).

When balance 3' is in its equilibrium position, upright 23' in the form of a loop surrounds it passing above it, and thus forms a frame which protects the balance. When the balance oscillates, it crosses the opening 28' delimited by this loop at each oscillation.

The upper and lower parts of the balance wheel are also balanced with each other, so as to obtain a period of oscillation at least greater than 2 seconds.

The system 5' for maintaining the oscillations comprises a permanent magnet 51' fixed to a lower end of the pendulum, and an electromagnet 52' integral with the support 2', located opposite the magnet 51' when the pendulum is in its equilibrium position. Here too, the device 1′, in particular the link 4′ and the drive system 5′, are configured so as to allow oscillation of the balance with an amplitude greater than 30 degrees on either side of its position d 'balance.

Claims (11)

Device (1; 1') for diffusing an odorous or deodorizing substance into the air, the device comprising a support (2; 2') and a pendulum (3; 3'),

• the balance being connected to the support by a mechanical connection (4; 4') which allows rotation of the balance relative to the support around an axis of oscillation (X), so as to allow the balance to oscillate around said axis under the effect of its own weight,
• the balance comprising an upper part (31; 31') and a lower part (36; 36') which extend respectively above and below said axis (X), opposite one of the the other, the upper part 31; 31') of the balance being fitted with a diffuser (32) which releases said substance into the air,
• the lower (36; 36') and upper (31; 31') parts of the balance being mechanically balanced with respect to each other, so as to obtain a period of oscillation of the balance at least greater than 2 seconds,
• the device further comprising a system (5) for maintaining the oscillations of the pendulum.

Device (1; 1') according to claim 1, in which the diffuser (32; 32') is placed at an upper end (33; 33') of the rocker arm (3; 3'). Device (1; 1') according to claim 1 or 2, in which the pendulum (3; 3') has a total height (h) greater than 0.3 meter, or even greater than 0.5 meter. Device (1; 1') according to one of claims 1 to 3, configured to allow the balance (3; 3') to oscillate with an amplitude (θ _o ) greater than 20 degrees, or even greater than 30 degrees, either side of a position of equilibrium of this pendulum. Device (1; 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the system (5; 5') for sustaining the oscillations of the balance comprises a permanent magnet (51; 51') and an electromagnet (52 52'), fixed respectively to the rocker arm (3; 3') and to the support (2; 2'), or vice versa. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which:

• the support (2) comprises a first part (21) which forms a fixed base, and a second part (22) which is rotatable relative to the first part (21), around an axis of rotation (Z) substantially vertical, and in which
• the rocker arm (3) is connected by said link (4) to the second movable part (22) of the support (2).

Device (1) according to claim 6, further comprising a motor for driving the second part (22) of the support (2) in rotation with respect to its first part (21), the device being configured so that the second part ( 22) of the support rotates around said axis of rotation (Z) with a period of rotation between 20 times and 400 times the period of oscillation of the balance (3). Device (1; 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the diffuser (32; 32') contains, between two grids or perforated plates (34, 35), balls or solid blocks of small size on which said substance is adsorbed. Device (1; 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which:

• the support (2; 2') comprises an upright (23; 23') which forms a vertically elongated loop,
• said mechanical connection (4; 4') connects the balance (3; 3') to the upright (23; 23'), in a middle part of the loop in question, and
• when the pendulum (3; 3') is in its equilibrium position, said loop surrounds the pendulum passing over it.

Device (1) according to Claim 9, in which the said loop is in the form of a figure of eight, with an upper half-loop (29A) and a lower half-loop (29B) which are contained respectively in two planes (P _A , P _B ) different angularly offset relative to each other, and in which the axis of oscillation (X) makes a non-zero angle with each of these planes (P _A , P _B ). Device (1) according to Claim 9 or 10, in which the said link (4) comprises at least one fixed part (41, 42), integral with both a left part (26) and a right part (27 ) of the loop formed by the upright (23) of the support.