WO2009053399A2

WO2009053399A2 - Self-contained device for diffusing a volatile agent

Info

Publication number: WO2009053399A2
Application number: PCT/EP2008/064306
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent Feuillard; Didier Loup; Frédéric Ladrech; Laurence Cornu; Jean-David Laffeyrayrie
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2007-10-24
Filing date: 2008-10-22
Publication date: 2009-04-30
Also published as: FR2922772B1; FR2922772A1; WO2009053399A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for diffusing a volatile agent, that comprises a diffusion chamber (4) of the volatile agent provided with an air inlet and an air outlet (5), said diffusion chamber (4) being formed by an envelope (2) and a main part (3), wherein said diffusion device (1) includes an electric battery (8) and a pulser (13) for driving the air that flowed in at the air inlet towards the air outlet (5), characterised in that the pulser (13) is operated by the rotation of the envelope (2) relative to the main part (3).

Description

Dispersion device of an autonomous volatile agent

The invention relates to a device for diffusing a volatile agent. More particularly, the diffusion device is housed in an accessory of a motor vehicle.

In the automotive field, the air treatment of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle becomes a major concern. On the one hand, car manufacturers offer vehicles equipped with increasingly efficient air conditioning system, which can provide a separate air temperature for each passenger of the vehicle for example. On the other hand, the olfactory and / or antibacterial treatment of this air conditioning becomes in the eyes of the user of the vehicle an important condition related to passenger comfort. In this regard, a large number of diffusion devices have been made, such as, for example, integrated diffusion devices directly inside the air-conditioning system fitted to the motor vehicle, or diffusion devices attached to the air-conditioning vents supplying the air-conditioned air. interior of the motor vehicle.

However, such diffusion devices have the disadvantage of being dependent on the operating mode of the air conditioning system of the motor vehicle. Indeed, if the latter is not in operation, the diffusion of the volatile agent contained in the diffusion device is not optimal, or even absent, because no pulsed air travels through the diffusion device and does not release the volatile agent into the passenger compartment.

To overcome this drawback, autonomous broadcast devices vis-à-vis the air conditioning system has been made. For this purpose, its diffusion devices include their own blower, either powered by an electric battery, or electrically connected to the electrical network of the motor vehicle. Such devices are illustrated in US 5,662,835 and JP 2006-131140.

Nevertheless, these autonomous diffusion devices are complex and expensive from the point of view of their manufacture. In this respect, each of these devices comprises a multitude of elements constituting the diffusion device, this multitude of elements considerably lengthening the assembly time of the device. In addition, the multitude of elements significantly increases the cost of manufacture.

The applicant therefore proposes a device for diffusing a volatile agent comprising a reduced number of constituent elements. The reduction of the number of elements is feasible because certain elements have several functions.

The object of the present invention relates to a device for diffusing a volatile agent comprising a diffusion chamber of the volatile agent provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, said diffusion chamber being formed by an envelope and a main part, said diffusion device comprising an electric battery and a blower driving the air admitted to the air inlet to the air outlet. The diffusion device is recognizable in that the operation of the blower occurs by rotating the envelope relative to the main part.

The broadcasting device according to the present invention comprises a blower, an electric battery, a volatile agent such as the broadcasting devices described in the documents referenced above. However, the diffusion device according to the invention comprises only two elements for both physically constituting a diffusion device, forming a diffusion chamber and actuate or not the blower. Thus, the diffusion device comprises a very small number of constituent elements. The assembly time and the manufacturing cost are then significantly reduced.

According to a first characteristic, the envelope comprises a cavity housing the volatile agent, said cavity comprising at least one orifice for diffusing the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber.

Thus, the volatile agent diffuses directly into the diffusion chamber. As a result, any means of transporting the volatile agent from a reservoir to a diffusion point (by capillarity for example) is no longer necessary. The manufacturing cost of the diffusion device according to the invention is reduced. According to a second characteristic, the cavity comprises a window for the insertion of the volatile agent, said window being accessible from outside the diffusion device.

Access to the volatile agent from outside the diffusion device provides the advantage of not disassembling said device to change volatile agent. Indeed, in US 5,662,835, to change the volatile agent, it is necessary to remove from the device several elements such as an emanator diffusing the volatile agent and a cap of the reservoir containing the volatile agent. This tedious operation is avoided in the diffusion device according to the invention because of the direct access (no plug) and particular (access from the outside) to the cavity containing the volatile agent.

According to another feature, the cavity houses an insert containing the volatile agent, said insert having at least one opening for diffusing the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber through the orifice. The housing of the volatile agent in an insert ensures, during a change of volatile agent different from that present in the diffusion device according to the invention, a facility and speed of change significantly improved. In this regard, for the device described in US 5 662 835, it is necessary both to remove the reservoir cap and the emanator, to fill the reservoir of the new volatile agent, to change the wick (carried by capillarity the volatile agent contained in the reservoir to the emanator) since it is impregnated with the previous volatile agent and change emanator, also being impregnated with the previous volatile agent. Accordingly, in a volatile agent change according to US 5,662,835, it is essential to purchase a replacement wick and emanator. This represents a high cost because of the number of elements to change.

According to yet another characteristic, a keying means ensures the placement vis-à-vis the orifice with the opening during the introduction of the insert into the cavity.

Advantageously, the insert is formed of a first and a second cylinder arranged one on the other, the first cylinder having the opening and having a diameter identical to that of the cavity, the second cylinder comprising at least a groove and being of smaller diameter than that of the cavity so that an extraction means is adapted to cooperate with the groove to extract the insert from the cavity.

Manual removal of a volatile agent is still easy. For example, the manual extraction may result in impregnation of the volatile agent on the user's hands, this being unpleasant for the latter because of the strong residual smell in the hands. In addition, for aesthetic issues of the diffusion device according to the invention, the insert is not projecting from the cavity in which it is located. As a result, the insert does not protrude from the envelope. The insert is thus shaped so as to cooperate with an extraction means. By means of this extraction means, the user does not touch the insert directly and avoids having his hands impregnated with volatile agent.

Advantageously, the main part supports both the blower, the electric battery and the envelope.

The main piece is the major constituent element of the diffusion device according to the invention. Indeed, it forms with the envelope the diffusion chamber and supports the other constituent elements of the diffusion device. Thus, contrary to US 5,662,835 and JP 2006-131140, the diffusion device according to the invention comprises a minimum number of elements, this decreasing its manufacturing cost and its assembly time. The term "support" means that the main part is shaped to receive and / or accommodate the constituent elements of the device according to the invention.

Preferably, the envelope and the main part cooperate with each other by shape correspondence.

More preferably, the main part incorporates a sealing means cooperating with the envelope. The reduction of the cost of the diffusion device according to the invention is further improved by the addition of a sealing means in the main room. Indeed, this sealing means is integrated in the main room and does not constitute a separate element simply placed or attached to the main room. "Integrate" means the fact that the sealing means is integral with the main piece. More specifically, the sealing means is formed during molding of the main part.

According to another characteristic, the envelope comprises the air outlet and the main part comprises the air inlet.

The location of the air outlet on the envelope and the air inlet on the main part avoids having to add additional elements to the diffusion device for conveying the air to the diffusion chamber. Thus, the number of constituent elements remains reduced.

Advantageously, a receptacle supports the main part so as to contain the battery.

The presence of the receptacle improves on the one hand the aesthetics of the diffusion device according to the invention and on the other hand provides security with respect to the user. Indeed, the receptacle housing the battery, the latter is no longer visible by the user. In addition, this receptacle prevents a user manipulates the battery during operation of the diffusion device according to the invention. For example, if the user wishes to move the device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the presence of the receptacle is a gripping means of the diffusion device and a means of protecting the user against the improper handling of the battery or even of the pulser during operation of the diffusion device according to the invention.

Advantageously, the main part comprises an electrical track connected to the blower cooperating with an electric contactor located on the casing so that the rotation of the envelope or not implements the blower.

According to another embodiment, the casing is rotatable relative to an intermediate piece, said intermediate piece being supported by the main piece and comprising a cage provided with at least one hole, said cage housing said cavity, said hole cooperating with the orifice to regulate the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber. The intermediate piece provides a variable modification of the diffusion intensity of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber. Thus, the user has the opportunity to choose the degree of diffusion of the volatile agent.

According to a variant, the intermediate piece comprises an electrical track connected to the blower cooperating with an electric contactor located on the casing so that the rotation of the casing is implemented or not the blower.

Advantageously, the main part and the intermediate part are united in material. In order to keep a limited number of constituent elements of the diffusion device according to the invention to reduce the mounting time of the diffusion device, the main piece and the intermediate piece are molded. In other words, these two parts are molded so as to form a single element.

The invention also relates to a charging system for a volatile agent diffusion device for a motor vehicle, said charging system comprising an insert provided with openings for the diffusion of a volatile agent located inside the vehicle. insert and said refill system further comprising extraction means forming a storage space for the insert. The charging system comprises a hooking means adapted to cooperate with means for receiving the insert to remove the insert from the diffusion device or the extraction means.

In addition to avoiding the user to receive on these hands volatile agent during handling of the insert, the extraction means itself is a means of storing a replacement insert. Thus, the user having such a means of extraction is ensured to have available a replacement insert in the case where the insert located in the diffusion device according to the invention is completely emptied of its volatile agent.

The charging system includes other features listed below:

the receiving means (R) is a hole. - the hole is equipped with an oval entrance.

- The attachment means (310) is a cone (310a).

- The attachment means (310) is a clip provided with a harpoon (311) and a flexible portion (312).

- The attachment means (310) is a stud completed by an oval head (310b).

- The extraction means (300) comprises the attachment means (310).

- The storage space (304) comprises a peripheral wall (303) shaped to cooperate sealingly with the compartment (C) so that the peripheral wall (303) closes the openings (28) of the insert (6). ).

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below as an indication in relation to drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the diffusion device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the diffusion device with its receptacle according to the invention,

FIG. 3 represents a view from above of the main part according to the invention, FIG. 4 represents a side view of the main part according to the invention,

FIG. 5 represents a view from above of the envelope according to the invention,

FIG. 6 represents a perspective view of the insert according to the invention,

FIG. 7 represents a view from above of the insert housed in the envelope according to the invention; FIG. 8 represents a side view of the intermediate piece according to the invention;

FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment according to the invention, FIG. 10 represents a perspective front view of an extraction means according to the invention,

- Figure 11 shows a rear perspective view of an extraction means according to the invention. - Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 show the various embodiments of a charging system comprising an insert housed in an extraction means.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a single insert

- Figure 17 shows a single extraction means according to another embodiment.

In Figure 1, a first embodiment of the diffusion device 1 according to the invention is shown. The diffusion device 1 comprises a volatile agent, an envelope 2, a main part 3, a blower 13 and an electric battery 8. A volatile agent, not shown, is included in the diffusion device 1. This volatile agent is an agent olfactory, anti-bacterial, odorous or antifungal. The main part 3 forms with the casing 2 a diffusion chamber 4. The latter 4 is of spherical shape and comprises an air inlet 5a and a plurality of air outlet 5 located on the casing 2. According to a variant of this embodiment, the casing 2 comprises an air outlet 5. An insert 6 is housed inside the diffusion chamber 4. This insert 6 comprises the volatile agent. The main part 3 comprises three parts, a box 7 to house the electric battery 8, a peripheral collar 9 and a first shell 10, said first shell 10 forming with the casing 2 the diffusion chamber 4. An indexing means 100 is formed on the broadcasting device 1. More details will be given later on this indexing means 100. The various constituent elements of the broadcasting device 1 will be described in more detail later.

In FIG. 2, the diffusion device 1 is received in a receptacle 11. The peripheral collar 9 cooperates with a not shown peripheral rim of the receptacle 11 to hold the diffusion device 1 on the receptacle 11. The receptacle 11 provides the housing 7. Thus, the aesthetics of the diffusion device is improved. The receptacle 11 is an accessory of a motor vehicle and is placed in any place inside the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

In Figures 3 and 4, only the main part 3 is shown. As indicated above, this main part 3 comprises a first shell 10 forming part of the diffusion chamber 4. This first shell 10 is in the shape of a half-sphere of axis A. A case 12 is located in a volume defined by the first shell 10. This case 12 houses a blower 13. The blower 13 drives the air admitted to the air inlet 5a of the diffusion device 1 to the air outlet 5. The air inlet is formed on the main part 3. According to a variant of the embodiment, the main part 3 comprises at least two air inlet 5a. More precisely, the one or more air inlets 5a are formed in the peripheral flange 9. According to another variant embodiment, the air inlet (s) are formed in the first shell 10. This blower 13 is of axial type. The case 12 is a hollow cylinder and has at its open ends, retaining means 14, such as flexible tabs, for holding the blower 13 in the case 12. The case is located in the center of the first shell 10 by arms 15, the latter connecting the outer surface of the case to the inner surface of the first shell 10. In addition, an open end 16 by which the blower 13 is introduced into the case 12 is projecting from the first shell 10. The mounting of the blower 13 in the case 12 is by an access 17. The latter 17 corresponds to a hole in the first shell 10 wide enough to allow the case 12 to be projecting. The case 12 also comprises stop means 18, such as plates, in order to correctly position the blower 13 in the case 12. These stop means 18 are located at the other open end of the case 12 opposed to that protruding from the first shell 10.

The peripheral collar 9 forms a collar around the first shell 10. To cooperate with the not shown peripheral rim of the receptacle 11 and thus ensure the maintenance between the diffusion device 1 and the receptacle 11, this peripheral flange 9 is hollow. Thus, the peripheral flange 9 conformally matches the peripheral flange of the receptacle 11, the section of the peripheral flange having a U shape. The open portion of the U-shape is on the left side of the peripheral flange 9 according to FIG. 4. According to another variant not shown, the peripheral flange 9 is hollow and U-shaped, the open portion of the U being flared. In this way, a not shown peripheral air passage is formed between the receptacle and the peripheral collar 9. This peripheral air passage then constitutes the air inlet 5a. This variant embodiment provides an aesthetic advantage since the air inlet 5a is then no longer visible to the user. In addition, the passage section of the air inlet 5a is significantly increased, this to obtain a higher air flow with a blower 13 identical to other embodiments.

The casing 7, housing the electric battery 8 supplying energy to the blower 13, has a fastening means 19 cooperating with a not shown receiving means of the receptacle 11. This attachment means 19 is a tab ensuring a definitive and unique position of the diffusion device 1 when it is inserted into the receiving means of the receptacle 11. In addition, the casing 7 may comprise stabilization means of the diffusion device 1. These stabilization means maintain a stability of the diffusion device 1 inside the receptacle 11. For example, the box 7 comprises one or more lugs coming into contact with the receptacle 11.

The first shell 10 has an edge 20 on which is located a sealing means 21. In the form of a peripheral ring, this sealing means 21 cooperates with the casing 2 to prevent air leakage out of the diffusion chamber 4. According to one embodiment variant, the peripheral ring is in the form of a slot. Such a sealing means 21 is integral with the first shell 10. Thus, the air leaks out of the diffusion chamber 4 are eliminated in a simple and inexpensive way. For example, the presence of a rubber seal between the casing 2 and the main part 3 is then not necessary, this reducing the cost of the diffusion device and its mounting time.

The edge 20 also includes an electric track 22. This electrical track 22 is connected to the blower 13. An electric switch not shown is located on the casing 2 and cooperates with the electrical track 22 to implement or not the blower 13. Des details will be given later on this cooperation. In addition, the edge 20 includes a flexible tab 201 constituting part of a detent means 200. This flexible tab 201 cooperates with a plate 202 provided with two recesses 203. Thus the detent means 200 comprises the flexible tab 201 and the plate 202 Each recess 203 corresponds to an operating state of the diffusion device i, this operating state being presented to the user via the indexing means 100.

The main part 3 is made of plastic, such as polypropylene. The constituent parts of this main part 3, namely the first shell 10, the box 7, the case 12 and the peripheral flange 9, are obtained by molding and form a single main piece 3.

In Figure 5 is illustrated the envelope 2 alone. In the form of a half-sphere of axis A, this envelope 2 comprises a plurality of air outlets 5. A variant according to which the envelope comprises a single air outlet 5 is envisaged. These air outlets 5 are distributed over the entire envelope 2 so that the air leaving the diffusion chamber 4 is diffused in a multitude of directions. The half-sphere shape of the envelope 2 is complementary to the shape of the first shell 10 of the main part 3. Thus, the diffusion chamber 4 is embodied by the superposition of the first shell 10 and the shell 2 and has a spherical shape. The envelope 2 comprises a cavity 23 in which is housed the volatile agent not shown. This cavity 23 is of cylindrical shape with axis A. In addition, the cavity 23 is located inside the diffusion chamber 4. A cylindrical wall 24 and a bottom 24a form this cavity 23 on the concave side of the envelope 2.

For the diffusion of the volatile agent in the cavity 23, the latter comprises three orifices 25. Distributed uniformly on the cylindrical wall 24, the three orifices 25 allow the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the chamber 4. More precisely, the three orifices 25 are disposed on the cylindrical wall 24 at an angle of 120 ° with respect to the axis A. According to an alternative embodiment, the cavity comprises an orifice 25.

The cavity 23 also includes a window 26 for the insertion of the volatile agent. In order for the volatile agent to be easily accessible and extractable from the diffusion device 1, the window 26 is located on the opposite side to that of the bottom 24a. In other words, the window 26 is formed in the casing 2 so that the extraction or insertion of the volatile agent into the cavity 23 is effected by the outside of the diffusion chamber 4 More generally, the extraction or insertion of the volatile agent into the cavity 23 is effected by the outside of the diffusion device 1. This particular arrangement of the cavity 23 and especially of the window 26 with respect to the envelope 2 provides immediate access to the volatile agent in the case of a change of the latter. Indeed, there is no need to dismantle the diffusion device 1 in part or in full to perform a change of volatile agent.

A recess 30 is located on the periphery of the window 26. This recess 30 cooperates with a keying means 29 of the insert 6.

The casing 2 comprises a not shown electrical contactor cooperating with the electrical track 22. By rotating the casing 2 relative to the main part 3, this electric contactor comes into contact with the electrical track 22. As a result, the blower 13, powered by the electric battery 8, is implemented and causes the air admitted by the air inlet 5a to the air outlet or 5. The envelope 2 has two first ribs 101 forming part of the indexing means 100 of the diffusion device 1. These first ribs 101 cooperate both with a stud 102 formed on the peripheral flange 9 of the main part 3 and with second ribs 103 formed on the insert 6. The indexing means 100 thus comprises the first ribs 101, the second ribs 103 and the pad 102. The indexing means 100 makes it possible to inform the user on the state of the implementation of the pulser.

Thus, the envelope 2 has a plurality of functions. First, the casing 2 partially forms the diffusion chamber 4. Secondly, the casing 2 supports the volatile agent via the cavity 23. Thirdly, the casing 2 is a switch for the implementation of the blower 13. In addition, the path of the pulsed air flow from the air inlet 5a to the air outlet 5 is direct. Thus, the pressure losses are greatly reduced. The term "direct" means that the flow of air pulsed inside the diffusion chamber 4 is monodirectional. The reduction of pressure drop of the pulsed air flow is achieved because of the alignment of the blower 13 and the cavity 23 along the axis A inside the diffusion chamber 4. Precisely, the flow of air set in motion by the blower 13 has just licked the orifice 25 of the cavity 23 to load volatile agent and therefore does not undergo a change of direction. Finally, in order to avoid the loss of charge of the pulsed air stream charged with volatile agent, the air outlet 5 is preferably located on the casing 2 at the periphery of the cavity 23, that is to say at the periphery from the window 26.

Figure 6 shows the insert 6 alone. A wick 27, containing the volatile agent, is contained in the insert 6. Thus, the insert 6 houses the unrepresented volatile agent and each insert 6 houses its own volatile agent. Housed in the cavity 23 of the casing 2, the insert 6 comprises three openings 28 ensuring the diffusion of the volatile agent contained in the wick 27 inside the diffusion chamber 4. According to an alternative embodiment, the insert 6 comprises an opening 28. Each opening 28 cooperates with an orifice 25 of the cavity 23 for the diffusion of the volatile agent. More specifically, when the insert 6 is inserted into the cavity 23, each opening 28 coincides with an orifice 25. In other words, each opening 28 is vis-à-vis an orifice 25. This positioning openings 28 in relation to the orifices 25 is ensured by the presence of a polarizing means 29 on the insert 6. In the form of a tongue, this coding means cooperates with the recess 30 and thus ensures a unique positioning of the insert 6.

The insert 6 is formed of a first cylinder 31 and a second cylinder 32. The first cylinder 31 is hollow and houses the wick 27. The openings 28 are disposed on the first cylinder 31. In addition, the first cylinder 31 is of diameter equal to that of the cavity 23. More specifically, the outer diameter of the first cylinder 31 is equal to the internal diameter of the cavity 23. In this way, any air leakage through the window 26 is eliminated . Indeed, when the insert 6 is housed in the cavity 23, the first cylinder 31 is in direct contact with the cavity 23 (Figure 7). The second cylinder 32 comprises the polarizing means 29 and two grooves 33 diametrically opposed. According to an alternative embodiment, the second cylinder comprises a groove 33. This second cylinder 32 is of smaller diameter than the first cylinder 31. The lower diameter of the second cylinder 32 relative to the internal diameter of the cavity 23 creates an annular spacing 34 (Figure 7). Since the cavity 23 is of identical height to that of the insert 6, the latter 6 is not projecting with respect to the casing 2. As a result, an extraction means 300 is useful for handling the insert. during a change of volatile agent.

An extraction means 300, described in detail later, cooperates with the two grooves

33 to extract the insert 6 from the cavity 23. More specifically, the extraction means 300 comprises a first hollow cylinder 301 whose peripheral partition 303 forms a storage space 304 and a second hollow cylinder 305 provided with two lugs 302 diametrically opposed. The two lugs 302 are disposed on the inner peripheral surface 307 of the second hollow cylinder 305. The annular spacing

34 allows the inner peripheral surface 307 and the two lugs 302 to fit into the cavity 23. Thus, by turning the extraction means 300, the two lugs 302 cooperate with the two grooves 33 to mechanically fasten the insert 6 with the extraction means 300. It is then sufficient to pull the extraction means 300 in a direction away from the diffusion device 1 to extract the insert 6 of the cavity 23. It should be noted that for the insertion of the insert 6 in the cavity 23, the extraction means 300 is not necessary.

As indicated above, the insert 6 also has two second ribs 103 constituting part of the indexing means 100 of the diffusion device 1. Each second rib 103 corresponds to an operating state of the pulser 13. Thus, each second rib 103 is associated with an adjacent symbol 104 indicating to the user the operating state of the broadcasting device 1. For example, the symbol "0" indicates that the broadcasting device 1 is not working, that is to say that the blower 13 is not implemented. The symbol "1" corresponds to the implementation of the blower 13. The operation of the diffusion device 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. When the insert 6 containing the volatile agent is housed in the cavity 23 of the casing 2, the coding means 29 co-operates with the recess 30 for facing the orifices 25 with the openings 28 and the first ribs 101 with the second ribs 103. The polarizing means 29 also allows the insert 6 to be fixed relative to the casing 2 When the user rotates the envelope 2 with respect to the main part 3, one of the first ribs 101 approaches the stud 102 formed on the peripheral collar 9. The displacement of the envelope 2 causes the displacement of the insert 6, the first 101 and second 103 ribs thus remaining face to face. Once one of the first ribs 101 in front of the pad 102, the detent means 200 ensures the stabilization of the indexing position indicated by one of the first ribs 101 facing the stud 102. The cooperation pad 102, one of the first ribs 101, one of the second ribs 103 and its associated symbol 104 informs the user on the operating state of the diffusion device 1.

When the user has positioned the envelope 2 so as to implement the blower 13, ie according to the position associated with the symbol 104 "1", the blower 13 sucks the air coming from the air intake for the projecting inside the diffusion chamber 4. More particularly, the projected air is directed towards the cavity 23. The air thus projected licks the wick 27 at the orifices 25 of the cavity 23 and impregnates volatile agent. The air laden with volatile agent is then discharged from the diffusion chamber via the air outlets 5 located on the casing 2. A uniform diffusion of the volatile agent is then carried out in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. .

According to a second embodiment, the diffusion device comprises the envelope 2, the main piece 3, the electric battery 8, the blower 13, a volatile agent and an intermediate piece 35. It should be noted that the same references will be used. for the elements common to both embodiments. The intermediate piece 35 is supported by the main piece 3. Thus, the casing 2 is in direct mechanical contact with the intermediate piece 35. Formed by a peripheral ring 36 and a cage 37, the intermediate piece 35 is made of plastic. Unlike the first embodiment, the main part 3 no longer includes the flexible tab 201 or the electrical track 22. The edge 20 has only the sealing means 21 and carries the peripheral ring 36. The cage 37 is integral with the peripheral ring 36 via rods 38. The track 22 and the flexible tab 201 are formed on the peripheral ring 36. The cage 37 is of hollow cylindrical shape of axis A, open at its ends and comprises at least three holes 39 on its wall 37a. According to an alternative embodiment, the cage 37 comprises a hole 39. The cage 37 is of corresponding shape with the cavity 23. As a result, when the casing 2 is placed on the intermediate piece 35, the cavity 23 is housed in the cage 37. The holes 39 cooperate with the orifices 25 of the cavity 23 to diffuse the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber 4. The casing 2 being rotatable relative to the intermediate piece 35, the position of the orifices 25 with respect to the holes 39 varies. Thus, the diffusion device 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to regulate the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber 4. By "regulate" it is meant to modify the quantity of volatile agent released. in the diffusion chamber 4. For example, when the first rib 101 associated with the symbol 104 "1" is opposite the stud 102, the holes 39 are vis-à-vis the orifices 25 and the blower 13 is implemented. In this way, the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber 4 is maximum. When the first rib 101 associated with the symbol 104 "0" is opposite the pad 102, the blower 13 is not implemented and the orifices 25 are closed by the wall 37a of the cage 37. In this case, no diffusion volatile agent is not achieved.

According to a variant of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a third indexing position is possible. For this, the indexing means 100 and the detent means 200 comprise three positions. In this sense, the envelope 2 comprises three first ribs 101, the insert 6 comprises three second ribs 103 and the plate 202 comprises three recesses 203. The first indexing position, associated with the symbol 104 "1" corresponds to that where the blower 13 is implemented and the orifices 25 are opposite the holes 39, the diffusion of the volatile agent is then maximum. The second indexing position, associated with the symbol 104 "0", corresponds to the one where the blower is not powered and the orifices 25 are opposite the wall 37a of the cage 37, the diffusion of the agent volatility is non-existent. The third indexing position is not associated with a symbol 104. However, the user easily identifies this position since the ribs 101, 103 associated with this position is between the ribs associated with the symbols 104 "0" and "1". ". This third indexing position corresponds to the operation of the blower 13 and the partial closing of the orifices 25 by the wall 37a of the cage 37. By "partial shutter" is meant that a first half of each orifice 25 is closed by the wall 37a and a second half of each orifice 25 is in aeraulic communication with a hole 39. Thus, the diffusion of the volatile agent is reduced by half compared to the maximum diffusion position associated with the symbol 104 "1" .

According to another embodiment not shown of the invention, the indexing means 100 is simplified. In this case, the first ribs 101 are removed and the stud 102 is formed on the casing 2. As a result, the operating state in which the diffusion device 1 is located is indicated by the cooperation of the stud 102 with the one of the second ribs 104 of the insert 6. More precisely, in this embodiment, the casing 2 is the only constituent element of the mobile diffusion device 1. In other words, the insert 6 and the main part 3 are fixed relative to the casing 2. When the user manipulates the diffusion device 1, he rotates the casing 2, the pad 102 moving then with respect to the second ribs 103 of the insert 6. By this embodiment, the indexing means 100 is easier to read by the user because the stud 102 is located on the casing 2 and preferably in the the periphery of the window 26 of the cavity 23.

In Figures 10 and 11 is shown the extraction means 300. The extraction means 300 comprises a first hollow cylinder 301, a second hollow cylinder 305, two pins 302. The two pins 302 are located on the second cylinder 305 diametrically opposed . According to an alternative embodiment, the extraction means 300 comprises a pin 302. More specifically, the two pins 302 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface 307. The first hollow cylinder 301 forms a storage space 304 for accommodating an insert 6. A plug 306 closes the storage space 304. According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 12 of the extraction means 300, the storage space 304 is sized to accommodate a single insert. In addition, the inner surface of the first hollow cylinder 301 cooperates with the opening 28 of the insert to prevent leakage of volatile agent inside the storage space 304. In other words, the plug 306 is no longer necessary because the inner surface of the first hollow cylinder 301 acts as a plug for the opening 28 through which the volatile agent escapes from the insert 6. In fact, if the volatile agent is may be released in the storage space, its life when installed in the diffusion device 1 is not optimal. The removal of the plug 306 implies a manufacturing cost of the reduced extraction means 300. According to this embodiment, when the insert 6 is housed in the storage space 304, the grooves 33 of the insert are accessible because the second cylinder 32 is of smaller diameter than the storage space 304 According to the same principle of extraction of the insert 6 out of the cavity 23, it is possible to use another extraction means to extract the insert 6 housed in the storage space 304 of the extraction means 300.

Thus, the extraction means 300 and the insert 6 form a charging system S for the volatile agent diffusion device (1). Indeed, when the extraction means houses the insert 6, it allows both to remove an insert 6 disposed inside the cavity

23 of the diffusion device 1 and whose wick no longer contains volatile agent and remove another insert 6 housed in another extraction means 300 to place it in the diffusion device 1. Because the extraction means 300 has a storage space 304 for an insert 6, it is then understood the advantage of the charging system S to manipulate an insert for its removal from the diffusion device and constituting a volatile agent refill in the same system.

According to another non-illustrated embodiment of the extraction means 300, the two lugs 302 are not diametrically opposed. An angular offset of the two lugs 302 is made so that the extraction means 300 is the only tool capable of extracting the insert 6 from the cavity 23. Thus, an angular offset specific of the two lugs 302 and the two grooves 33 of the insert 6 is made.

Three variants of another embodiment of the extraction means 300 and the insert 6 are shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

For the three variants, the following features are common. The insert 6 is formed by a single cylinder 31a. This cylinder 31 has, hollow and housing the wick 27, is of external diameter equal to that of the cavity 23. In other words, the cylinder 31 has a diameter identical to that of the first cylinder 31 of the embodiment of the insert 6 previous . More generally, the cylinder 31a has dimensions equal to those of the cavity 23. As a result, the annular spacing 34 is no longer present, this improving the aesthetics of the diffusion device housing the insert 6. , the manufacture of the insert 6 is facilitated because it has a simpler overall shape, that is to say in a single cylinder. Finally, the sealing of the openings 28 is improved by the large contact area between the internal surface of the storage space 304 and the cylinder 31a. The structure in a single cylinder 31a of the insert 6 implies that the grooves 33 are removed. Thus, according to the three variants illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the insert 6 comprises a receiving means R adapted to cooperate with the extraction means 300. This receiving means R is located at the top of the cylinder 31a, at the level of the surface on which the symbols 104 are located.

As for the extraction means 300, it comprises only the first hollow cylinder 301 forming the storage space 304. To cooperate with the receiving means of the insert 6, the extraction means 300 comprises means for hanging 310.

In Figure 13, the attachment means 310 is in the form of a cone 310a placed on the outer surface of the extraction means 300. This cone 310a cooperates with the receiving means R formed by a cylindrical recess. The cone 310a has, on at least half of its height, a diameter greater than the diameter of the recess. Thus, when the cone 310a is introduced inside the recess, the cone 310a ends up being trapped inside the recess, this making it possible to extract the insert 6 either from the diffusion device or from another extraction means 300.

In Figure 14, the attachment means 310 is a stud completed by an oval head 310b. The receiving means R is formed by a hole whose entry is oval. The hole dimensions are larger than those of the inlet so that the oval head 310b can rotate inside the hole. The dimensions of the oval inlet being identical to those of the oval head 310b, this allows the head 310b to be inserted inside the hole. When the oval head 310b is within the hole, the manipulator must turn ninety degrees the extraction means 300 so as to position the oval head 310b abutting against an inner wall of the hole. By adopting this position of the oval head in abutment with respect to the inlet, the insert 6 is easily extractable from the diffusion device 1 or another extraction means.

In FIG. 15, the hooking means 310 is a clip 310c comprising a harpoon 311 and a flexible part 312. For the extraction of the insert 6, the harpoon 311 engages inside a recess forming the receiving means R. Once the extraction of the insert 6 is performed, the disengagement of the harpoon 311 and the insert 6 is done by pressing the flexible portion 312 of the clip.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show another embodiment of the extraction means 300 and the insert 6.

FIG. 16 illustrates the extraction means 300. According to this embodiment, the extraction means 300 is identical to that shown in FIG. 14 except that it is formed by a single hollow cone 301a and no longer by a cylinder. .

In Figure 17, the insert 6 is identical to that of Figure 14 except for its conical shape. Indeed, the insert 6 is formed by a hollow cone 31b housing a wick 27. By correspondence of shape, the shape of the insert 6 cooperates with the shape of the storage space 304 to ensure a seal vis-à-vis -vis the volatile agent. The conical shape of the extraction means and the insert 6 offers the advantage of improving the seal. In fact, there is no need for a sealing lip to be overmolded on the insert, nor a low tolerance for molding the insert and the extraction means, nor a plug for closing the storage space. In addition, the insert 6 and the extraction means 300 being each formed by a simple structure (single hollow cone), the method of manufacturing such elements is easy and inexpensive.

Of course, for such an embodiment in which the insert 6 is conical, the cavity 23 of the diffusion device then has a corresponding shape to ensure the housing of the insert 6.

In general, the insert 6 is formed by a compartment C housing the wick 27. As previously described, the compartment C is either a hollow cone 31b or a hollow cylinder 31a according to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 a hollow cylinder 31 according to FIGS. 6 and 12. In addition, the embodiments according to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 have an improved sealing by the shape cooperation between the insert 6 and the storage space 304. No overmoulding lip is necessary to achieve this seal and the respective simple shapes of the insert 6 and the storage space 304 reduce the manufacturing costs of the charging system S. Finally, no cap is necessary to ensure the lifetime of the volatile agent contained in the wick 27 located in compartment C.

Note that for all the embodiments of the insert 6, the extraction means 300 is necessary and essential for the removal of the insert 6 from the cavity 23 of the diffusion device 1. Since the insert 6 completely housed inside the cavity 23, it is impossible for the user to remove the insert 6 of the diffusion device 1 with his fingers.

Of course, the embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the claims.

For example, the intermediate piece 35 can be screwed, nailed, glued, clipped or permanently attached to the main piece 3. In another example, the main part 3, the casing 2, the insert 6, the intermediate piece 35 and the receptacle 11 may be made of any plastic material. More specifically, all the constituent parts of each element are integrally molded with the associated element. For example, the first shell 10, the peripheral flange 9, the box 7, the sealing means 21, the case 12, the arms 15, the flexible tab 201 and the pad 102 are formed during the molding of the main part 3 according to the first embodiment. Still for example, the peripheral ring 36, the cage 37, the rods 38, the pad 102 and the flexible tab 201 are formed during the molding of the intermediate piece 35 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

According to yet another example, to ensure easy demolding during manufacture, the insert 6 may be generally conical. Similarly, the cavity of the casing 2 can be conical. The ease of demolding provides the advantage of using simple and inexpensive molds for the production of the diffusion device 1. The manufacturing cost is then decreased.

In another example, the electric battery 9 is constituted by non-rechargeable batteries or a rechargeable type battery. The electric battery 9 can also be replaced by an electrical connection means, such as an electric wire, for directly connecting the blower 13 to the electrical network of the motor vehicle. Finally, the electrical connection means can also be used to recharge the rechargeable battery by the electrical network of the motor vehicle.

Claims

Claims:

1.- Device for diffusing (1) a volatile agent comprising a diffusion chamber (4) of the volatile agent provided with an air inlet and an air outlet (5), said chamber of diffusion (4) being formed by an envelope (2) and a main part (3), said diffusion device (1) comprising an electric battery (8) and a blower (13) entraining the air admitted to the inlet d air to the air outlet (5), characterized in that the operation of the blower (13) occurs by rotating the casing (2) relative to the main part (3).

2.- diffusion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the casing (2) comprises a cavity (23) housing the volatile agent, said cavity (23) having at least one orifice (25) for diffusion volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber (4).

3.- diffusion device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the cavity (23) comprises a window (26) for the insertion of the volatile agent, said window (26) being accessible from outside the device of diffusion (1).

4.- diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the cavity (23) houses an insert (6) containing the volatile agent, said insert (6) having at least one opening ( 28) ensuring the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber (4) through the orifice (25).

5.- diffusion device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a keying means (29) provides placement vis-à-vis the orifice (25) with the opening (28) when the introducing the insert (6) into the cavity (23).

6.- diffusion device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insert (6) is formed of a first (31) and a second (32) cylinder arranged one on the other , the first cylinder (31) having the opening (28) and having a diameter identical to that of the cavity (23), the second cylinder (32) having at least one groove (33) and being of diameter less than that of the cavity (23) so that a means extraction (300) is adapted to cooperate with the groove (33) to extract the insert (6) of the cavity (23).

7. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main part (3) supports both the blower (13), the electric battery (8) and the casing (2).

8. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the envelope (2) and the main part (3) cooperate with each other by correspondence of form.

9. Diffuser device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the main part (3) incorporates a sealing means (21) cooperating with the casing (2).

10. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (2) comprises the air outlet (5) and the main part comprises the air inlet.

11. A diffusion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a receptacle (11) supports the main part (3) so as to contain the battery (8).

12. A diffusion device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main part (3) comprises an electrical track (22) connected to the blower (13) cooperating with an electric contactor located on the envelope ( 2) so that the rotation of the casing (2) or not implements the blower (13).

13.- diffusion device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the casing (2) is rotatable relative to an intermediate piece (35), said intermediate piece (35) being supported by the main piece (3) and having a cage (37) provided with at least one hole (39), said cage (37) housing said cavity (23), said hole (37) cooperating with the orifice (25) to regulate the diffusion of the volatile agent inside the diffusion chamber (4).

14.- diffusion device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the intermediate piece (35) comprises an electrical track (22) connected to the blower (13) cooperating with an electric contactor located on the casing (2) so the rotation of the casing (2) does or does not implement the blower (13).

15.-diffusion device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the main part (3) and the intermediate piece (35) are united material.

16.- charging system (S) for a diffusion device (1) volatile agent for a motor vehicle, said charging system (S) comprising an insert (6) provided with openings (28) for the diffusion of a volatile agent located inside the insert (6), said recharging system (S) further comprising extraction means (300) forming a storage space (304) for the insert (6) , characterized in that the charging system (S) comprises a hooking means (310) adapted to cooperate with a means (R) for receiving the insert (6) to remove the insert (6) from the diffusion (1) or extraction means (300).

17.- recharging system (S) according to claim 16, wherein the receiving means (R) is a hole.

18.- charging system (S) according to claim 17, wherein the hole is provided with an oval entrance.

19.- charging system (S) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the attachment means (310) is a cone (310a).

20.- recharging system (S) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the attachment means (310) is a clip provided with a harpoon (311) and a flexible portion (312).

21.- recharging system (S) according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the attachment means (310) is a stud completed by an oval head (310b).

22.- charging system (S) according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the extraction means (300) comprises the attachment means (310).

23.- charging system (S) according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the storage space (304) comprises a peripheral wall (303) shaped to cooperate sealing with the compartment (C) so the peripheral wall (303) closes the openings (28) of the insert (6).