GB2560571A

GB2560571A - Automotive fragrance system

Info

Publication number: GB2560571A
Application number: GB1704226.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Onley Ben
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-16
Filing date: 2017-03-16
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Also published as: GB201704226D0

Abstract

A fragrance dispenser (10) for a vehicle (66, fig. 13) comprises a housing (12) having an air inlet (16) and an air outlet (18) and an airflow path through the housing (12) between the air inlet (16) and the air outlet (18). The fragrance dispenser (10) further comprises a holder (26) for two or more fragrance canisters (30) located within the housing (12), the holder (26) being operable to selectively move each of the two or more fragrance canisters (30) into and out of alignment with the airflow path. Said holder (26) may be rotatable to move a fragrance canister as required, and may comprise a drive means such as a stepper motor. Said holder may comprise two or more holding apertures, each aperture including a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain or partially eject a fragrance canister (30) in or from the aperture. Said retention mechanism may include a resilient member (54, fig. 4) located within the holding aperture, and cam surfaces of the holding aperture (56, fig. 4) and fragrance canister (50, fig. 7). A fragrance canister (30) for use with the fragrance dispenser (10) is also described.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Automotive fragrance system

Abstract Title: Fragrance System with Holder for Moving Canisters into Airflow (57) A fragrance dispenser (10) for a vehicle (66, fig. 13) comprises a housing (12) having an air inlet (16) and an air outlet (18) and an airflow path through the housing (12) between the air inlet (16) and the air outlet (18). The fragrance dispenser (10) further comprises a holder (26) fortwo or more fragrance canisters (30) located within the housing (12), the holder (26) being operable to selectively move each of the two or more fragrance canisters (30) into and out of alignment with the airflow path. Said holder (26) may be rotatable to move a fragrance canister as required, and may comprise a drive means such as a stepper motor. Said holder may comprise two or more holding apertures, each aperture including a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain or partially eject a fragrance canister (30) in or from the aperture. Said retention mechanism may include a resilient member (54, fig.

4) located within the holding aperture, and cam surfaces of the holding aperture (56, fig. 4) and fragrance canister (50, fig. 7). A fragrance canister (30) for use with the fragrance dispenser (10) is also described.

FIG. 1

FIG. 3

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/12

FIG. 1

2/12

CN

FIG. 2

3/12

FIG. 3

4/12

FIG. 4

5/12

FIG. 5

A 40

FIG. 6

6/12

FIG. Ί

7/12

FIG. 8

8/12

100

Ο co

FIG. 9

9/12

CM

Λ ο

ο

FIG. 10

10/12

CM

FIG. 11

11/12

FIG. 12

12/12

FIG. 13

AUTOMOTIVE FRAGRANCE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fragrance system for a vehicle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a system that is operable to dispense a fragrance to the passenger cabin of a vehicle such as an automobile. Aspects of the invention relate to a fragrance canister for a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, and a vehicle having a fragrance canister and/or a fragrance dispenser.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide fragrance dispensing means for the passenger cabin of an automobile. In perhaps the simplest form such fragrance dispensing means comprise a piece of absorbent carrier material within which a fragrance medium is absorbed. The piece of carrier material is often provided with a support which allows it to be attached to a location within the passenger cabin, for example suspended from a rear view mirror. In use, the fragrance medium diffuses into the atmosphere of the passenger cabin at an uncontrolled rate.

More complex fragrance dispensing means are known which interface with the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system of the vehicle. The configuration of such systems typically allows a user to selectively introduce a fragrance into the air supplied to the vehicle cabin by the HVAC system. Such systems however typically use fragrance sources which result in the introduction of potentially harmful compounds into the vehicle cabin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a fragrance canister for a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, and a vehicle having a fragrance canister and/or a fragrance dispenser as claimed in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle comprising a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path through the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a holder for two or more fragrance canisters located within the housing, the holder being operable to selectively move each of the two or more fragrance canisters into and out of alignment with the airflow path.

In some embodiments the present invention provides a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle which can contain multiple fragrance canisters. A desired canister can be moved into the airflow path in order to impart a fragrance to the interior space of the vehicle.

The housing may further include an air movement means operable to move air into the air inlet, along the airflow path and out of the air outlet. The air movement means may be a fan.

Such a fan may be operated in order to start and stop the flow of air along the airflow path. The mass flow rate of air conduct through the dispenser may also be varied by operation of the fan.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the air inlet may, in use, be connectable to an air supply to move air into the air inlet, along the airflow path and out of the air outlet. In such an embodiment the air supply may be the HVAC system of a vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment a seal means may be provided for fragrance canisters which are not aligned with the air outlet and arranged to engage with inlets and/or outlets of the fragrance canisters therein, the or each seal means being configured to seal the inlets and/or outlets of the fragrance canisters against internal sealing surfaces of the fragrance dispenser.

The holder may be rotatable to move a fragrance canister carried by the holder into and out of alignment with the airflow path. The fragrance dispenser may include a drive means operable to rotate the holder. In such an embodiment the drive means may be a stepper motor.

The holder may be rotatable to, for example, change the fragrance that can be dispensed. Alternatively, the holder may be rotated to change a depleted fragrance canister for an unused or partially used fragrance canister.

The holder may comprise two or more holding apertures, wherein each holding aperture is configured to receive a single fragrance canister. Each holding aperture may have an inlet 2 which is, in use, alignable to be in fluid communication with the air inlet of the fragrance dispenser, and an outlet which is, in use, alignable to be in fluid communication with the air outlet of the fragrance dispenser.

In an alternative embodiment, each holding aperture may include a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain or partially eject a fragrance canister in or from the holding aperture. Said retention mechanism may include a resilient member located within the holding aperture and cam surfaces of the aperture and fragrance canister.

In one embodiment of the present invention the holder may include an actuator means operable to retract and/or eject a fragrance canister into and/or out of a holding aperture. In such an embodiment the actuator means may be a linear actuator.

The housing of the fragrance dispenser may include a closure member which is movable between an open position which allows access to the holder and a closed position. The air outlet of the fragrance dispenser may be provided in the closure member.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of the fragrance dispenser for a vehicle according to the aspect described above with the fragrance canister according to an aspect described below.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fragrance canister for a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, the fragrance canister comprising a housing having an internal cavity, and a canister inlet and a canister outlet each in fluid communication with the internal cavity and provided proximal to opposing ends of the housing, the internal cavity containing a carrier medium and a fragrance medium.

The carrier medium may be a solid sorbent. In an embodiment the solid sorbent may selected from the group comprising wood, silica and cotton.

The use of a solid sorbent eliminates the need for the fragrance medium to be carried by a solvent or solvent based medium. The possibility of spillage or leakage of the fragrance medium from the canister is greatly reduced.

The housing may be formed from a material selected from the group comprising Polyether ether ketone, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polychlorinated dibenzofuran, Ethylene ChloroTriFluoroEthylene and Viton (RTM) F.

The use of such materials prevents the absorption of the fragrance medium into the housing material.

The canister inlet and canister outlet may oppose one another along a major axis of the housing. Alignment of the canister inlet and outlet along a major axis of the housing of the canister ensures that a non-convoluted airflow path is provided through the canister.

In an alternative embodiment, the canister inlet may be aligned with a first axis of the housing and the canister outlet may be aligned with a second axis of the housing. Said first and second axes may be substantially perpendicular to one another and further may intersect.

An external seal means may be provided on the housing around the canister inlet and/or the canister outlet, the or each seal means being configured to seal against internal sealing surfaces of a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, in use.

Such external seals, in use, seal against a fragrance dispenser to which the canister is fitted to prevent the leakage of fragrance from the canister when not in use.

In an embodiment of the invention the fragrance canister may include a data storage means configured to store data including data relating to the fragrance medium and the time period during which the fragrance canister has been in use. The data storage means may comprise an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentity) device or SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card.

Information from the data storage means may be read by the control system of a vehicle and displayed on an interior information display of the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle including a fragrance dispenser and or a fragrance canister according to the aspects described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fragrance dispenser comprising a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path through the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a holder for two or more fragrance canisters located within the housing, the holder being operable to selectively move each of the two or more fragrance canisters into and out of alignment with the airflow path.

The fragrance dispenser described above may be used independently of a vehicle, for example in the home or office. Such a fragrance dispenser may embody selected features described above in connection with the fragrance dispenser for a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fragrance canister for a fragrance dispenser, the fragrance canister comprising a housing having an internal cavity, and a canister inlet and a canister outlet each in fluid communication with the internal cavity and provided at opposing ends of the housing, the internal cavity containing a carrier medium and a fragrance medium, and wherein the fragrance medium comprises one or more fragrance oils.

The fragrance canister described above may be used in conjunction with the fragrance dispenser described above which can be used independently of a vehicle, for example in the home or office. Such a fragrance canister may embody selected features described above in connection with the fragrance canister for the fragrance dispenser for a vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fragrance dispenser according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the fragrance dispenser of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the fragrance dispenser with a portion of the housing removed;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the fragrance dispenser;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fragrance canister according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fragrance canister;

Figure 7 shows an external view of the fragrance canister shown in figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 shows a further external view of the fragrance canister;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a fragrance dispenser according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a sectioned view of the fragrance dispenser of figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an upper portion of another embodiment of a fragrance dispenser according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a sectioned view of a further fragrance dispenser according to an aspect of the present invention

Figure 13 shows a vehicle including a fragrance dispenser according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 4 there is shown an embodiment of a fragrance dispenser 10 for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention. The fragrance dispenser 10 includes a body or housing 12 comprising an upper housing portion 12a, a middle housing portion 12b and a lower housing portion 12c. In the embodiment shown, the housing portions 12a, 12b, 12c are connected to one another by screws 14 which extend through apertures (not shown) in the upper housing portion 12a and are received in threaded recesses (not shown) of the lower housing portion 12c.

The housing 12 is further provided with an air inlet aperture 16 and an air outlet aperture 18. In the embodiment shown the inlet aperture 16 is provided through a side surface 20 of the housing 12 and further is positioned at the interface of the upper and middle housing portions 12a, 12b. The outlet aperture 18 is provided through a top surface 22 of the housing 12 which is defined solely by the upper housing portion 12c. It will be appreciated that other inlet and outlet aperture locations may be utilised. It will further be appreciated that, when connected together in the manner described above, the housing portions 12a, 12b, 12c define a housing 12 having in internal chamber 13 within which internal components and assemblies of the fragrance dispenser 10 are located.

The housing 12 is further provided with socket 24 which is configured to receive a connector (not shown) for the purpose of supplying electrical power and control signals to the fragrance dispenser 10.

Within the housing 12 of the illustrated embodiment there is provided a rotatable holder in the form of carousel 26. The carousel 26 is provided with a plurality of holding apertures 28. Each holding aperture 28 is configured to receive a single fragrance canister 30. The construction and configuration of the fragrance canister 30 will be described in greater detail below. In the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 3 the carousel 26 is provided with six holding apertures 28. In alternative embodiments of the invention the carousel 26 may be provided with as few as two holding apertures 28 or more than six holding apertures 28. Each holding aperture 28 extends fully through the carousel 26 so as to define a through bore 32 of the carousel 26.

The carousel 26 is rotatable within the housing 12 so as to align one of the plurality of holding apertures 28 with the outlet aperture 18 of the housing 12. In one embodiment of the invention the carousel 26 may be rotated manually within the housing 12. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the carousel 26 may be motorised.

Within the housing 12 there is further provided an air movement means, which in the illustrated example comprises a motorised fan 34. In the illustrated example, the fan 34 is located in the middle housing portion 12b, just inside the air inlet aperture 16. A conduit 36 is further provided within the housing 12 which extends from an outlet of the fan 34 to an inlet of the carousel 26. The inlet of the carousel 26 is configured such that it is aligned with the 7 through bore 32 of one of the holding apertures 28 of the carousel 26 that is aligned with the housing outlet 18. Each holding aperture 28 has an inlet which is, in use, alignable to be in fluid communication with the air inlet 16 of the fragrance dispenser 10 via conduit 36 and an outlet which is, in use, alignable with the air outlet 18 of the fragrance dispenser 10. It will be understood that, in use, the fan 34 is operable to draw air through the inlet 16, and then convey the air to the housing outlet 18 through the holding aperture 28 of the carousel 26 that is aligned with the housing outlet 18. Thus, in this manner an airflow path is provided through the housing 12 between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet 18, via the fan 34, conduit 36 and holing aperture 28 of the carousel 26 that is aligned with the housing outlet 18. Where a fragrance canister 30 is present within the holding aperture 28 of the carousel 26 that is aligned with the housing outlet 18, it will be understood that a fragrance medium within the canister is entrained with the air flow and delivered to the housing outlet 18.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the fan 34 may be omitted. In such an embodiment the housing inlet 16 is, in use, connectable to a supply of air, with the supply of air itself providing an air movement means for moving air into the air inlet 16, along the airflow path and out of the air outlet 18. The supply of air may be provided by the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle. In such an embodiment a valve (not shown) may be provided at or near the inlet 16 to regulate the air supply into to the housing 12. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the housing outlet 18 may be connected to a Venturi arrangement operable to draw air through the housing 12. In such an embodiment a valve may be provided between the housing outlet 18 and the Venturi arrangement.

A seal means is provided for holding apertures 28 of the carousel which are not aligned with the housing outlet 18 and arranged to engage with the canister inlets 40 and/or the canister outlets 42 of the fragrance canisters 30 therein, the or each seal means being configured to seal the inlets 40 and/or outlets 42 of the fragrance canisters 30 against internal sealing surfaces 23,25 of the fragrance dispenser 10. In particular for the illustrated example, the holding apertures 28 of the carousel 26 which are not aligned with the housing outlet 18 are instead aligned with opposing seal arrangements 27,29 which are provided on interior surfaces of the upper and middle housing portions 12a,12b respectively. In an alternative embodiment, seal arrangements may be provided on opposing ends of the fragrance canister 30. It will be understood that the seal arrangements seek to prevent leakage, degradation or cross contamination of fragrances contained within canisters 30 that are not currently in use.

In some alternative embodiments, a seal means (not shown) may additionally/alternatively be provided on the housing of the fragrance canister 30, around the canister inlet 40 and/or the canister outlet 42, the or each seal means being configured to seal against the internal sealing surfaces 23,25 of the fragrance dispenser 10.

Referring now to figures 5 to 8 there is shown an embodiment of a fragrance canister 30 according to an aspect of the present invention. The fragrance canister 30 comprises a tubular housing 38 having an inlet aperture 40 and an outlet aperture 42. The inlet and outlet apertures 40,42 are in fluid communication with one another via an internal cavity or through bore 44 of the tubular housing 38. The inlet and outlet apertures 40,42 are provided proximal to opposing ends of the tubular housing 38 and, in the embodiment shown in figures 5 to 8, oppose one another along a major axis of the tubular housing 38. In the embodiment shown the major axis is the longitudinal centreline axis A-A of the tubular housing 38. The outlet aperture 42 is provided with a recessed cover 46 having a plurality of through holes 48.

In an alternative embodiment the inlet and outlet apertures 40,42 may be provided at opposing ends of the tubular housing 38, but not in opposition to or in coaxial alignment with one another. Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a fragrance dispenser generally designated 300. Features common to the embodiment of the invention described with reference to figures 1 to 8 are identified with like reference numerals. In this embodiment each canister 30 is provided with an inlet aperture 40 provided in the end of the tubular housing 38 and an outlet aperture 42 provided in the side of the housing 38. The inlet aperture 40 is thus aligned with the longitudinal centreline axis of the tubular housing 38 and the outlet aperture 42 is aligned with an axis which is perpendicular to, and intersects with, the centreline axis of the tubular housing 38. In this embodiment the housing outlet 18 is provided through a side of the housing 12 as opposed to an end.

In one embodiment of the invention the tubular housing 38 and cover 46 may be formed from a plastics material, and more specifically a plastics material which will not absorb and/or interact with a fragrance medium contained within the fragrance canister 30. The tubular housing 38 and cover 46 may, for example, be formed from Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), Ethylene ChloroTriFluoroEthylene (ECTFE) or Viton (RTM) F.

In an alternative embodiment the tubular housing 38 and/or cover 46 may be formed from glass.

In the embodiment shown, the cross-sectional diameter of the tubular housing 38 decreases in a stepwise fashion in the direction from the outlet aperture 42 to the inlet aperture 40. It will be understood that this stepwise configuration for the tubular housing 38 is illustrative and that other housing configurations may be used. The exterior of the tubular housing 38 includes a circumferential cam surface 50 and a locking recess 52. The cam surface 50 and recess 52 co-operate with a spring 54, cam ring 56 and locking projection (not shown) provided in a given holding aperture 28 of the carousel 26 to provide a sprung retention mechanism for the fragrance canister 30. The configuration of the cam surface 50 and cam ring 56 is such that the fragrance canister 30 is able to rotate relative to the carousel 26. In the embodiment shown the cam surface 50 and cam ring 56 are configured such that the fragrance canister 30 is able to rotate in a clockwise direction. Arrow markings 58 provided around the canister outlet aperture 42 indicate to a user the direction in which the canister 30 needs to be rotated in order to release the canister 30 from the carousel 26. Thus, in this manner, the retention mechanism provided by, in the illustrated example, the spring 54, cam ring 56 and locking projection (not shown) are configured to selectively retain or partially eject the fragrance canister 30 in or from the holding aperture 28.

The fragrance canister 30 is rotatable between a retention position and a release position. In the retention position, which is shown in figures 3 and 4, the fragrance canister 30 is held in a holding aperture 28 of the carousel 26 such that the canister outlet aperture 42 lies substantially flush to the edge of the carousel 26. In this position, the spring 54 urges the locking recess 52 of the fragrance canister 30 into engagement with the locking projection of the holding aperture 28. In this position the spring 54 is in a partially compressed state.

In the release position the fragrance canister 30 projects partially from the holding aperture 28. In this position the spring 54 is substantially uncompressed and thus pushes the fragrance canister 30 from the holding aperture 28. Movement of the fragrance canister 30 between the release and retention positions is achieved by urging the fragrance canister 30 into the holding recess 28 against the spring 54 such that the spring 54 is fully or almost fully 10 compressed. The cam surface 50 and cam ring 56 are configured such that movement of the fragrance canister 30 to fully or almost fully compress the spring 54, and/or subsequent movement of the fragrance canister 30 relative to the carousel 26 under the influence of the spring 54 when the canister is released, results in rotation of the fragrance canister 30 relative to the holding aperture 28.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the fragrance dispenser may be provided with a motorised arrangement for the retention of fragrance canisters 30 within the holding apertures 28 of the carousel 26. Such a motorised arrangement may include an actuator means, such as a linear actuator, operable to selectively draw a fragrance canister 30 into a holding aperture 28 or eject a fragrance canister 30 out of a holding aperture 28.

Within the fragrance canister 30 there is provided a fragrance carrier medium and a fragrance medium. In an embodiment of the invention the fragrance carrier medium is a solid sorbent. The fragrance carrier medium may, for example, comprise a cotton pad, stick or wick 60. In such an embodiment the cotton stick 60 may have a density of approximately 390 kg/m3. In an alternative embodiment the carrier medium may, for example, comprise silica pellets 62. In a further embodiment (not shown) the carrier medium may be wood. The fragrance medium may comprise a fragrance oil or a mixture of fragrance oils.

In an embodiment of the invention the fragrance canister 30 may include a data storage means 64. The data storage means 64 may take the form of an RFID device either provided on, or incorporated into, the tubular housing 38. In the embodiment shown, the data storage means 64 is located within a recess 63 on the exterior of the fragrance canister 30. The data storage means 64 may include data relating to the fragrance contained therein and the remaining life of the fragrance canister 30 based upon recorded usage. In an alternative embodiment, the data storage means 64 may be a SIM card.

In use, the fragrance dispenser 10 is incorporated into the interior structure of a vehicle 66 (figure 13). For example, the fragrance dispenser 10 may be incorporated into a centre console of the vehicle 66. In an alternative embodiment, the fragrance dispenser 10 may be incorporated into the dash console of the vehicle 66. It will be understood that the fragrance dispenser 10 may be sited in other locations within the vehicle 66.

The fragrance dispenser 10 may be incorporated into the interior structure of the vehicle 66 such that the housing outlet 18 communicates directly into the interior driver and passenger space of the vehicle 66. In an alternative embodiment, the fragrance dispenser 10 may be incorporated into the interior structure of the vehicle 66 such that the housing outlet 18 communicates with an air distribution arrangement of the vehicle 66. For example, the housing outlet 18 may be arranged to vent into ducting of the dash console that supplies air to driver and passenger facing vent apertures of the dash console. In such an embodiment, a conduit 68 is provided which extends from the housing outlet 18 to an inlet of the air distribution arrangement.

In use, control signals and power are supplied to the fragrance dispenser 10 via the socket

24. Control signals in the form of commands may be supplied to the fragrance dispenser 10 from the Human Machine Interface (HMI) system of the vehicle 66. Such control signals may, for example, start and stop the flow of air through the fragrance dispenser 10. When air is flowing through the fragrance dispenser 10, control signals to vary the mass flow rate of air through the dispenser 10 may also be supplied via the HMI system of the vehicle 66. In embodiments where the carousel 26 is motorised, further control signals may be supplied to the fragrance dispenser 10 in order to rotate the carousel 26 and thereby change the fragrance canister 30 aligned with the dispenser outlet 18.

In instances where the fragrance canisters 30 are provided with a data storage means 64, the HMI system of the vehicle 66 may read information from the canisters 30 and display relevant information on a screen or other information display device of the vehicle 66. Such information may include, for example, the name of the fragrance provided within the canister 30 aligned with the housing outlet 18 and the names of the fragrances provided within the remaining canisters 30 in the carousel 26. The amount of fragrance remaining in each canister 30 may also be displayed

Referring now to figures 9 and 10 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a fragrance dispenser generally designated 100. Features common to the embodiment of the invention described with reference to figures 1 to 8 are identified with like reference numerals. The dispenser 100 of figures 8 and 9 is provided with a carousel 26 that has five holding apertures 28 for fragrance canisters 30. The dispenser 100 is further provided with a driver means, such as a stepper motor 70, operable to rotate the carousel 26.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a fragrance dispenser generally designated 200. Features common to the embodiment of the invention described with reference to figures 1 to 8 are identified with like reference numerals. The dispenser of figure 11 is provided with a housing 12 having a lid 72 which, in a closed position, overlies the carousel

26. The housing outlet 18 is provided in the lid 72. The underside of the lid 72 is further provided with seals 27 which, in use, seal against fragrance canisters 30 carried by the carousel 26. The lid 72 is movable between the open position shown in figure 11 where all of the holding apertures 28 of the carousel 26 are accessible, and a closed position.

The embodiments of the invention described with reference to the accompanying figures relate to fragrance dispensers 10,100, 200, 300 that may be used to dispense one or more fragrances within the interior atmosphere of the passenger and driver compartment of a vehicle 66. However, it is contemplated that the fragrance dispensers described herein may be alternatively utilised to remove fragrances from the interior atmosphere of the passenger and driver compartment of a vehicle 66. For example, a canister having the same external dimensions and configuration as a fragrance canister 30 may be provided and loaded into a holding aperture of the carousel 26. Said canister may contain a filtration and/or fragrance capture medium such as, for example, activated charcoal. The dispenser 10,100,200, 300 may thereafter be operated to draw air from the interior atmosphere of the passenger and driver compartment of a vehicle through the filtration and/or fragrance capture medium. Accordingly, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the fragrance dispensers herein described and as illustrated in the accompany drawings are used as air filtration/treatment devices, and the fragrance canisters herein described and as illustrated in the accompany drawings are used as air filtration/treatment canisters comprising a filtration and/or fragrance capture medium.

The embodiments of the invention described with reference to the accompanying figures relate to fragrance dispensers 10,100, 200, 300 which are incorporated into the interior of a vehicle 66. In an alternative embodiment the fragrance dispenser of the present invention may be configured for use independently of a vehicle. For example, the fragrance dispenser may be configured as a standalone unit for use in a home or office.

Claims

1. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle comprising; a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet;

an airflow path through the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet; and a holder for two or more fragrance canisters located within the housing, the holder being operable to selectively move each of the two or more fragrance canisters into and out of alignment with the airflow path.

2. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing further includes an air movement means operable to move air into the air inlet, along the airflow path and out of the air outlet.

3. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the air movement means is a fan.

4. A fragrance dispense for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the air inlet is, in use, connectable to an air supply to move air into the air inlet, along the airflow path and out of the air outlet.

5. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 4 wherein the air supply is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle.

6. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a seal means is provided for fragrance canisters which are not aligned with the air outlet and arranged to engage with inlets and/or outlets of the fragrance canisters therein, the or each seal means being configured to seal the inlets and/or outlets of the fragrance canisters against internal sealing surfaces of the fragrance dispenser.

7. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the holder is rotatable to move a fragrance canister carried by the holder into and out of alignment with the airflow path.

8. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 7 wherein the fragrance dispenser includes a drive means operable to rotate the holder.

9. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein the drive means is a stepper motor.

10. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the holder comprises two or more holding apertures, wherein each holding aperture is configured to receive a single fragrance canister.

11. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein each holding aperture has an inlet which is, in use, alignable to be in fluid communication with the air inlet of the fragrance dispenser, and an outlet which is, in use, alignable to be in fluid communication with the air outlet of the fragrance dispenser.

12. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein each holding aperture includes a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain or partially eject a fragrance canister in or from the holding aperture.

13. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein said retention mechanism incudes a resilient member located within the holding aperture and cam surfaces of the holding aperture and fragrance canister.

14. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the holder includes an actuator means operable to retract and/or eject a fragrance canister into and/or out of a holding aperture.

15. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 14 wherein the actuator means is a linear actuator.

16. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes a closure member which is movable between an open position which allows access to the holder and a closed position.

17. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16 wherein the air outlet of the fragrance dispenser is provided in the closure member.

18. A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim and including a fragrance canister.

19. A fragrance canister for a fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, the fragrance canister comprising a housing having an internal cavity, and a canister inlet and a canister outlet each in fluid communication with the internal cavity and provided proximal to opposing ends of the housing, the internal cavity containing a carrier medium and a fragrance medium.

20. A fragrance canister as claimed in claim 19 wherein the carrier medium is a solid sorbent.

21. A fragrance canister as claimed in claim 20 wherein the solid sorbent is selected from the group comprising wood, silica and cotton.

22. A fragrance canister as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the housing is formed from a material selected from the group comprising Polyether ether ketone, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polychlorinated dibenzofuran, Ethylene ChloroTriFluoroEthylene and Viton F.

23. A fragrance canister as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22 wherein the fragrance canister includes a data storage means configured to store data including data relating to the fragrance medium and the time period during which the fragrance canister has been in use.

24. A fragrance canister as claimed in claim 23 wherein the data storage means comprises an RFID device or SIM card.

25. A vehicle including the fragrance dispenser or fragrance canister of any preceding claim.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1704226.8