Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
  • A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
  • A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
  • B60H3/0007—Adding substances other than water to the air, e.g. perfume, oxygen
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
  • A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
  • A61L2209/13—Dispensing or storing means for active compounds
  • A61L2209/133—Replaceable cartridges, refills
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
  • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
  • A61L2209/15—Supporting means, e.g. stands, hooks, holes for hanging
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
  • B60H3/0007—Adding substances other than water to the air, e.g. perfume, oxygen
  • B60H2003/0057—Servicing means therefor, e.g. for renewal of substances

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a scent cartridge housing and scent cartridge. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a scent cartridge housing and scent cartridge in a vehicle system.
• aspects of the invention relate to a scent cartridge housing, a scent cartridge, a system, a vehicle ventilation system and a vehicle.
• a user of the system may control the amount of scent released by the fragrance system . In some systems this may be achieved by the user rotating a scent cartridge to provide this control. However, this can be cumbersome and difficult to manipulate, particularly, for example when driving a vehicle, as precise movements to achieve the desired amount of scent may be required. It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages of the prior art.
• a scent cartridge housing comprising:
• a body for receiving a scent cartridge and having an axis of insertion, the body comprising a plurality of housing apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing;
• the means for receiving the first and second actuations and for controlling movement of the scent cartridge may comprise a cap and/or a spring.
• the cap may be a spring cap.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise engagement means for engaging with a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body of the scent cartridge housing.
• the engagement means may comprise at least one housing protrusion for engaging with at least one cartridge guide on a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body the scent cartridge housing.
• the at least one housing protrusion may be resiliently biased.
• the engagement means may comprise at least one housing guide for engaging with at least one cartridge protrusion on a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body of the scent cartridge housing.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one cartridge protrusion to engage with the housing guide as a scent cartridge is inserted into the body of the scent cartridge housing.
• the housing guide may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.
• the housing guide may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding at least one cartridge protrusion from a first retaining position to a second retaining position under the action of the first actuation and for guiding at least one cartridge protrusion from the second retaining position to the first retaining position under the action of the second actuation.
• the guiding means may comprise at least one abutment surface.
• the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise means for retaining a scent cartridge in the first and second positions.
• the means for retaining a scent cartridge may comprise the engagement means.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise release means for disengaging the engagement means from a scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing.
• the release means may comprise a button having a surface for receiving an actuation and a protrusion comprising an abutment surface, and a swing pin.
• the swing pin may be attached to the housing protrusion.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise force means for providing a force on a scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
• the force means may comprise at least one spring.
• the scent cartridge housing may comprise means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge in the body of the scent cartridge housing in the first direction along the axis of insertion.
• the means for limiting movement of the scent cartridge may comprise a cap.
• the cap may be a spring cap.
• a scent cartridge comprising: a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge; and engagement means for engaging with a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.
• the engagement means may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion for engaging with at least one housing guide on a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.
• the at least one cartridge protrusion may be resiliently biased.
• the engagement means may comprise at least one cartridge guide for engaging with at least one housing protrusion on a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.
• the scent cartridge may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one housing protrusion to engage with the cartridge guide as the scent cartridge is inserted into the scent cartridge housing.
• the cartridge guide may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.
• the cartridge guide may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one housing protrusion from a first retaining position to a second retaining position under the action of a first actuation and for guiding the at least one housing protrusion from the second retaining position to the first retaining position under the action of a second actuation.
• the guiding means may comprise at least one abutment surface.
• the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces.
• a scent cartridge housing comprising: a body for receiving a scent cartridge and having an axis of insertion, the body comprising a plurality of housing apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing;
• the scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing, the scent cartridge comprising a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge.
• a scent cartridge housing comprising:
• a scent cartridge comprising:
• a vehicle system comprising a scent cartridge housing as described in the preceding paragraphs and/or a scent cartridge as described in the preceding paragraphs.
• a vehicle comprising a scent cartridge housing as described in the preceding paragraphs and/or a scent cartridge as described in the preceding paragraphs and/or a vehicle system as described in the preceding paragraphs.
• Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge housing
• Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a system
• Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system
• Fig.4 illustrates an example of a system
• Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a system
• Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a system
• Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge
• Fig 8 illustrates an example of a system.
• the fragrance system may be for a vehicle cabin interior, such as a car.
• the fragrance system may be for providing fragrance to the vehicle cabin interior via, for example, one or more air vents of the vehicle.
• a scent cartridge housing receives a scent cartridge in a body of the scent cartridge housing along an axis of insertion.
• the body of the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge each comprising a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing and scent cartridge respectively.
• scent cartridge housing' is intended to relate to a housing for receiving a scent cartridge, which may form at least part of a fragrance system for example, and not part of a scent cartridge itself.
• a user may provide a first actuation on the scent cartridge in a first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and the scent cartridge housing receives the first actuation and controls movement of the scent cartridge from a first position in which the plurality of apertures in the scent cartridge and the scent cartridge housing are not aligned to a second position in which the plurality of scent cartridge apertures are aligned with at least some of the plurality of scent cartridge housing apertures.
• a user may provide a second actuation in the first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and the scent cartridge housing may receive the second actuation and return the scent cartridge to the first position in which the plurality of apertures are not aligned.
• a user may provide an actuation on release means to release and eject the cartridge from the housing.
• Damping means may be used to provide a controlled release of the scent cartridge from the scent cartridge housing.
• scent perfume and fragrance may be used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, the fragrance system may be considered an air freshener.
• Figs 1 to 6 illustrate a scent cartridge housing 10 comprising:
• a scent cartridge 24 for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16;
• Figs 2 to 7 illustrate a scent cartridge 24 comprising:
• Figs 2 to 6 illustrate a system 64 comprising:
• a scent cartridge housing 10 comprising:
• a scent cartridge 24 for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16;
• scent cartridge 24 located in the body of the scent cartridge housing 10, the scent cartridge 24 comprising a plurality of apertures 28 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge 24.
• Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 having an axis of insertion 14 (not illustrated in Fig. 1 ) and comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 is for receiving a scent cartridge 24 (not illustrated in Fig. 1 ).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 of Fig. 1 also comprises means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 (see, for example, Fig. 5) along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16.
• the scent cartridge housing (10) also comprises means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for returning the scent cartridge 24 to the first position 26.
• Fig. 1 the means have been labelled receiving/control means 20.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise/be comprised of at least one of polypropylene (PP) polyamide 6/6 (PA6.6), polyamide 12 (PA12), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polybutylene terephthalate-polyethylene terephthalate (PBT-PET).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a single piece or may be made up of a plurality of pieces assembled together to form the scent cartridge housing 10. That is, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise one part or a plurality of assembled parts.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge housing and/or an air freshener housing and/or a perfume cartridge housing.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may be any suitable size and/or shape and may correspond to the size and/or shape of a scent cartridge 24 to be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may be configured to receive a scent cartridge 24 that is cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.
• the one or more apertures 16 are for allowing air 74 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 1 ) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10 to distribute scent in a scent cartridge 24.
• the scent from a scent cartridge 24 may be distributed into a vehicle interior.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet.
• the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be in line or "face to face” or may be displaced.
• the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be displaced by 90 degrees or any other suitable angle.
• the plurality of apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may correspond to the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 10 to be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the number and/or shape and/or size of the apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may match the number and/or size and/or shape of the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24.
• the plurality of apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may not correspond with the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a plurality of apertures 16 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 16 to act as an air outlet.
• the plurality of apertures 16 may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 16 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge housing 10 used to introduce the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the receiving/control means 20 may comprise any suitable means for receiving a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30 and for receiving the second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for returning the scent cartridge to the first position 26 (see, for example, Figs 4 and 5).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise means for retaining a scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions 26, 30 (see, for example, Fig 4).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise engagement means 36 for engaging with a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see, for example, Fig 2). Additionally or alternatively, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise force means for providing a force on a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22 (see, for example, Fig 2). Additionally or alternatively, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see, for example, Figs 4 to 6).
• the means for retaining, the engagement means, the force means and/or the means for limiting movement may be considered part of the receiving/control means 20.
• the means for retaining, the engagement means, the force means and/or the means for limiting movement may be separate from the receiving/control means 20.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise release means for disengaging the engagement means 36 from a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see, for example, Fig. 6).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise any number of additional elements.
• Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a system 64.
• a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.
• the system 64 comprises a scent cartridge 24 and a scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may be as described in relation to Fig. 1 .
• the scent cartridge 24 is separate from the scent cartridge housing 10 but may be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10 in a first direction 22 along an axis of insertion 14.
• the first direction is to the right of the figure.
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises a plurality of apertures 28 for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge 24.
• the scent cartridge 24 also comprises engagement means 36 for engaging with the scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises scent 72 stored, for example, on a perfume oil storage system such as a non-woven material.
• the scent cartridge 24 may be any size and/or shape.
• the scent cartridge 24 may be cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.
• the scent cartridge 24 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge and/or an air freshener and/or a perfume cartridge.
• the scent cartridge 24 may comprise one or more scents and/or fragrances and/or perfumes for distribution.
• the one or more apertures 28 of the cartridge 24 are for allowing air
• the scent cartridge 24 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 2) to flow through the scent cartridge 24 to distribute scent in the scent cartridge 24.
• the scent from the scent cartridge 24 may be distributed into a vehicle interior.
• the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet.
• the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be in line or "face to face” or may be displaced.
• the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be displaced by 90 degrees or any other suitable angle.
• the scent cartridge 24 may comprise a plurality of apertures 28 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 28 to act as an air outlet.
• the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24 may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge 24 used to introduce scent into the cartridge 24 for distribution (not illustrated in the figs).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 having an axis of insertion 14 and comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 (see, for example, Fig 3) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10.
• some of the housing apertures 16 are illustrated using a dotted line indicating that they are at the back face of the scent cartridge housing 10. That is, in the example of Fig. 2 the plurality of housing apertures are displaced by approximately 90°.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 of Fig. 2 also comprises a spring 60 and a cap 70.
• the cap 70 may also be considered an interface as it is for receiving the scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10 and for providing an interface between, for example the scent cartridge 24 and the spring 60.
• the cap 70 may also provide an interface for other functions such as damping (see Fig 4 for example).
• the cap/interface 70 may also be considered a spring cap as it, in some examples, sits over the spring 60 or a slider as it slides back and forth under the force of the spring 60 and user actuations.
• the spring 60 is for providing a force on a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22. In the example of Fig. 2 the second direction 59 is to the left of the figure.
• the spring 60 provides the force means for providing a force in the second direction 59 on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• any suitable means for providing a force in the second direction 59 on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may be used.
• the force means may comprise any suitable elastomer such as a compressible elastomer and/or a foamed elastomer and/or a closed cell foam and so on.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 in the example of Fig. 2 also comprises engagement means 36 for engaging with a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• any suitable engagement means 36 may be used (see, for example, Fig. 4).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 also comprises release means 56 for disengaging the engagement means 36 from a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10. Any suitable release means 56 may be used (see, for example, Fig. 6).
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 for engaging with at least one housing guide 42 (see Fig 8) on the scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 for engaging with the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 which may comprise at least one housing guide 42 (see Fig 8).
• the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 may be resiliently biased to retain the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10 and to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 may be resiliently biased so as to be operable to be disengaged from the housing guide 42 to facilitate removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 to engage with the housing guide 42 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the housing guide 42 may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.
• the housing guide 42 may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for guiding the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).
• the guiding means may comprise at least on abutment surface 54, for example the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 (see Fig. 7).
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one housing protrusion 38 (see, for example, Fig. 4) for engaging with at least one cartridge guide 40 on a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 comprises at least one cartridge guide 40 for engaging with at least one housing protrusion 38 on a scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one housing protrusion 38 and the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise a cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 7).
• the at least one housing protrusion 38 may be resiliently biased to retain the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10 and to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10. Additionally or alternatively the at least one housing protrusion 38 may be resiliently biased so as to be operable to be disengaged from the cartridge guide 40 to facilitate removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises at least one chamfer 46 for allowing the at least one housing protrusion 38 to engage with the cartridge guide 40 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the cartridge guide 40 may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.
• the cartridge guide 40 may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one housing protrusion 38 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for guiding the at least one housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).
• the guiding means may comprise at least on abutment surface 54, for example the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 (see Fig. 7).
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 and at least one cartridge guide 40 and the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise the corresponding at least one housing protrusion 38 and at least one housing guide 42.
• the at least one housing guide 42 and/or the at least one cartridge guide 40 may be formed as an over-moulded shape for engaging and guiding the corresponding housing/cartridge protrusion(s).
• the at least one housing guide 42 and/or the at least one cartridge guide 40 may be formed from an over-moulded elastomer.
• the spring 60, cap/interface 70 and engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 form the receiving/control means 20 described in relation to Fig. 1 .
• the scent cartridge 24 may be separate from the scent cartridge housing 10 and therefore not part of the system 64.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 and/or the scent cartridge 24 may comprise any number of additional elements. In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 and/or the scent cartridge 24 may not comprise one or more elements illustrated in the example of Fig 2.
• Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system 64.
• a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.
• the cross-section is taken vertically through the system 64 and the figure illustrates the view from one side.
• the system 64 comprises a scent cartridge housing 10 and a scent cartridge 24 located in the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 may be as described in relation to Figs 1 and/or 2.
• the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate like elements.
• the scent cartridge 24 has been inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 along the axis of insertion 14 in a first direction 22, which is into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 in which the scent cartridge 24 is located.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 also comprises a spring 60 and cap/interface 70 for providing a force, on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22. That is, out of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises scent 72 in the scent cartridge 24 and a scent cartridge cap 78.
• the scent cartridge comprises a perfume oil storage system, such as a non-woven material, to store the scent 72.
• the scent cartridge cap 78 is for receiving actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 to move the scent cartridge 24.
• the cap/interface 70 forms at least part of the means for receiving the actuation(s) in the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Fig 1 ).
• the actuation(s) are transferred through the scent cartridge 24 to the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge 24 is in a first position 26 in which the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16.
• air 74 cannot flow through the scent cartridge 24 as the housing apertures 16 are not aligned with the cartridge apertures 28.
• air 74 cannot flow through the scent cartridge 24 and the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises sealing material 76 around the cartridge apertures to provide an air-tight seal between the scent cartridge 24 and the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the air-tight seal provided by the sealing material 74 may be considered "gas-tight" and/or “gas proof” as the seal prevents scent 72 in the scent cartridge 24 from escaping the scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is in the first position 26.
• the first position 26 may be considered an "off" position in which scent 72 from the scent cartridge 24 cannot escape into a vehicle interior for example.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 are comprised in and/or are configured to operate with a vehicle system 68.
• the vehicle system 68 may comprise a ventilation system and/or be located at an interface with a ventilation system and is comprised in a vehicle 66.
• the spring 60 and cap/interface 70 form at least part of force means (see Figs 1 and 2).
• the cap/interface 70 also forms means for limiting movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14.
• the cap/interface 70 has a depth that limits movement of the scent cartridge 24 along the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 by abutting against the back surface of the scent cartridge housing 10. This, for example, prevents over compression of the spring 60.
• the cap/interface 70 may comprise at least one protrusion (not illustrated) for abutting against a corresponding surface (not illustrated) of the scent cartridge housing 10 to limit movement of the scent cartridge 24 along the axis of insertion 14 in the first direction 22.
• any suitable means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 may be used.
• Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a system 64.
• the system 64 illustrated in Fig. 4 is the system of Fig. 3 and the various components may be as described in relation to Fig. 3.
• a different cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.
• the cross-section is taken horizontally through the system 64 and the view from above illustrated.
• the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 is still in the first position 26 or "off" position.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises damping means for slowing movement of the scent cartridge 24.
• the damping means comprises a damper 80.
• the damper 80 may be any suitable damper such as a rotary damper and so on.
• the damping means may comprise any suitable means for slowing motion of the scent cartridge 24.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a housing protrusion 38 and the scent cartridge 24 comprises a cartridge guide 40.
• the housing protrusion 38 is engaged with the cartridge guide 40.
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises abutment surfaces for guiding the housing protrusion 38 under the action of actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a button 84 having a surface for receiving an actuation and a protrusion comprising an abutment surface 86.
• the abutment surface 86 is configured to cooperate with an abutment surface of a swing pin 82 under the action of an actuation on the button 84 to disengage the housing protrusion 38 from the cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 6).
• the housing protrusion 38 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 and the cartridge guide 40 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24.
• the button 84 and swing spring 82 form at least part of the release means 56 for disengaging the engagement means 36 from the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Fig. 6).
• the spring 60, cap/interface 70, damper 80 and engagement means 36 form, at least part of, the means for receiving/control means 20 (see Fig 1 ).
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 form, at least part of, the retaining means of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a system 64.
• the system 64 illustrated in Fig. 5 is the system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig. 4 and may be as described in relation to Fig 4.
• Fig. 5 the system 64 has received a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10, as illustrated by the pointing hand in Fig 5.
• the actuation has moved the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 into a second position 30 in which the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16. In some examples, not all of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 when the scent cartridge 24 is in the second position 30.
• air 74 can flow through the scent cartridge 24 and scent cartridge housing 10 as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 5.
• the air 74 may distribute scent from the scent cartridge 24 into a vehicle interior, for example.
• the second position 30 may be considered an "on" position.
• the housing protrusion 38 has moved from a first retaining position 48 in the cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 4) to a second retaining position 50 in the cartridge guide 40.
• an actuation, from a user for example, on the scent cartridge 24 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 moves the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30.
• this changes the system 64 from an "off" position in which scent is not distributed into a vehicle interior to an "on” position in which scent is distributed into a vehicle interior.
• a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 returns the scent cartridge 24 to the first position 26 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 4. That is, in examples, actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 move the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30 and from the second position 30 to the first position 26. Repeated actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 move the system 64 between the positions illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. This allows, for example, a user to simply and easily move the system 64 from the "off" position to the "on” position and back again. Accordingly, this provides a simple and intuitive way for switching on and off a fragrance system in a vehicle for example.
• system may have any number of intermediate positions between the first and second positions 26, 30 to control the amount of scent released, into a vehicle interior for example, for odour intensity control function.
• the spring 60, cap/interface 70, housing protrusion 38 and cartridge guide 40 cooperate to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 between the first and second positions 26, 30. That is, in the illustrated examples the spring 60, cap/interface 70, housing protrusion 38 and cartridge guide 40 form at least part of the receiving/control means 20 of Fig 1 .
• a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 compresses the spring 60.
• the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 retain the spring in the compressed state and keep the scent cartridge 24 in the "on" position (second position 30).
• a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 allows the spring 60 to return the scent cartridge 24 to the first position and the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and housing 10 retain the scent cartridge 24 in the "off" position (first position 26). See, for example, Fig. 7 for further details.
• Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a system 64.
• the system 64 is the system of Figs 4 and 5 and may be as described in relation to those figures.
• the user has actuated the release button 84 and the abutment surface 86 of the protrusion of the button 84 has cooperated with the swing spring 82 to disengage the housing protrusion 38 from the cartridge guide 40.
• the abutment surface 86 of the release button protrusion and the cooperating surface of the swing spring 82 convert the motion of the button into the scent cartridge housing 10 into motion of the swing spring 82 and housing protrusion 38 away from the scent cartridge 24.
• the spring 60 becomes uncompressed and forces the scent cartridge 24 to protrude from the scent cartridge housing 10 providing for removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the damper 80 slows motion of the cap/interface 70 to prevent the scent cartridge 24 from being shot out of the scent cartridge housing 10 under the force of the spring 60.
• any suitable release means may be used for disengagement of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and scent cartridge housing 10 to allow removal of the scent cartridge 24.
• Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge 24.
• the scent cartridge 24 in the example of Fig. 7 may be as described in relation to Figs 2 to 6.
• the example of Fig. 7 illustrates in detail a cartridge guide 40 for engaging with a housing protrusion (see, for example, Figs 4 to 6).
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises a chamfer 46 for allowing a housing protrusion 38 to engage with the cartridge guide 40 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises a first retaining position 48 and a second retaining position 50 for retaining the housing protrusion 38 and retaining the scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions ("off" and "on” positions respectively, see Figs 4 and 5).
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the first retaining position 48 to the second retaining position 50 (Fig. 4 to Fig. 5) under the action of an actuation and for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation (Fig. 5 to Fig. 4).
• a second actuation Fig. 5 to Fig. 4
• three arrows are shown illustrating the path of the housing protrusion 38 under various actions on the scent cartridge 24.
• the arrow 100 illustrates the path of the housing protrusion 38 under insertion of the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the housing protrusion 38 enters into the cartridge guide 40 up the chamfer 46 and is guided by the abutment surfaces 54 around and into the second retaining position 50.
• the housing protrusion 38 is resiliently biased and therefore follows the path of the arrow 100 under the action of the insertion of the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises a first abutment surface 54 adjacent the first position 48, which is angled with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and therefore moves the housing protrusion away from the axis of insertion 14 as the scent cartridge 24 is moved in the first direction 22.
• the force means, for example the spring 60, of the scent cartridge housing 10 applies a force in the second direction 59 and the housing protrusion 38 is retained in the retaining position 50 which forms a local minima for the housing protrusion 38 to rest in.
• the scent cartridge 24 is as illustrated in the example of Fig. 5 and is therefore retained in the "on" position.
• the housing protrusion 38 may not move all the way to the second retaining position 50 and may be retained in the first retaining position 48.
• the housing protrusion 38 With the housing protrusion in the second retaining position 50, under an actuation from the user in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10, the housing protrusion 38 is moved out of the retaining position 50 and is guided by the abutment surfaces 54 to allow the force from the force means, for example spring 60, to move scent cartridge 24 such that the housing protrusion 38 moves to be in the first retaining position 48 corresponding to the "off" position illustrated in Fig. 4.
• the first retaining position 48 also comprises a local minima for the housing protrusion 38 to be retained in under the action of the force provided by the force means of the scent cartridge housing 10. This movement of the housing protrusion 38 is illustrated by the arrow 200.
• the cartridge guide 40 comprises a second abutment surface 54 adjacent the second retaining position 50 which is angled with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and therefore moves the housing protrusion away from the axis of insertion 14 as the scent cartridge 24 is moved in the first direction 22.
• the second angled abutment surface moves the housing protrusion 38 in the opposite direction away from the axis of insertion 14 compared to the first angled abutment surface 54.
• the force means moves the scent cartridge 24 in the second direction 59 and the housing protrusion is guided to the first retaining position 48 by abutment surfaces 54 that form a channel to guide the housing protrusion to the first retaining position 48.
• the housing protrusion 38 moves past the channel formed by the abutment surfaces 54 the bias of the housing protrusion will return the housing protrusion towards its rest position with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and into the first retaining position 48.
• a further actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion will move the housing protrusion 38 from the first retaining position 48 to the second retaining position 50 as the housing protrusion 38 is guided by the plurality of abutment surfaces 54 under the action of the actuation in the same way as described above with regard to insertion of the scent cartridge 24.
• the combination of the resiliently biased housing protrusion 38, the plurality of abutment surfaces 54 and the forces provided by the user actuations and the force means of the cartridge housing 10 switch the housing protrusion between the first and second retaining positions 48, 50 to allow the scent cartridge 24 to move between and retain the scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions (Figs 4 and 5).
• the abutment surfaces 54 form guiding means for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation and for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation.
• the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a housing guide 42 and the scent cartridge 24 may comprise a cartridge protrusion 44 (see Fig 8).
• the housing guide 42 may be as the cartridge guide 40 illustrated in the example of Fig. 7 and the cartridge protrusion 44 may be as the housing protrusion 38 described in relation to Fig. 7.
• Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a system 64. In the example of Fig. 8, a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.
• the system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig 8 is as the system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig 2 and the components of the system 64 may be as described in relation to the example of Fig 2.
• the scent cartridge 24 comprises a cartridge protrusion 44
• the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a housing guide 42. That is, in the example of Fig. 8, the cartridge protrusion 44 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and the housing guide 42 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10.
• the housing guide 42 may be as the cartridge guide 40 of Fig 7 and the cartridge protrusion 44 may be as the housing protrusion 38 of Fig 7.
• the cartridge protrusion 44 and the housing guide 42 interact and cooperate in the same way as the cartridge guide 40 and housing protrusion 38 of Fig 7.
• examples of the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, examples of the disclosure provide a simple, easy to use fragrance system that, for example, allows for easier control of the fragrance system during driving of a vehicle.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
• Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-11-11 GB GB1519874.0A patent/GB2542439A/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2016
  • 2016-09-15 EP EP16845814.9A patent/EP3350000A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-09-15 WO PCT/IB2016/055488 patent/WO2017046726A1/en not_active Ceased

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