SCENT CARTRIDGE AND SCENT CARTRIDGE HOUSING

TECHN ICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a scent cartridge and a scent cartridge housing. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a scent cartridge and a scent cartridge housing in a fragrance system for a vehicle interior.

Aspects of the invention relate to a scent cartridge, a scent cartridge housing, a system and/or a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Some conventional fragrance systems use a hard mechanical seal function to prevent unwanted scent from being distributed into a vehicle interior. However, in such systems scent can still escape, particularly when the temperature of the vehicle is raised, leading to unwanted or very strong scents in the vehicle interior.

Furthermore, in such systems fragrance material may leak into surrounding areas leading to further unwanted fragrance in the vehicle interior and also possible damage and contamination of the surrounding areas affected by the leaking fragrance.

In fragrance systems that do employ a seal to prevent unwanted leakage of fragrance only a static seal is provided and therefore a system using parts having relative motion is not possible while maintaining the sealing function.

It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the embodiments of the invention provide a scent cartridge, a scent cartridge housing, a system and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge comprising: a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge; and at least one abutment surface for cooperating with at least one surface of a scent cartridge housing to form at least one air-tight sliding seal with the scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise sealing material around the plurality of apertures for abutting against the at least one surface of the scent cartridge housing to form at least one air-tight sliding seal. The at least one abutment surface may comprise sealing material around each of the plurality of apertures.

The sealing material may comprise a compound from the groups of rubbers, plastomers, elastomers and plastics.

The sealing material may comprise at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer.

The hardness of the sealing material may be in the range 20 to 80 ShoreA.

The hardness of the sealing material may be in the range 20 to 40 ShoreA.

The volume of the sealing material may increase by less than or equal to 50 percent over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

The hardness of the sealing material may change by no more than ± 10 ShoreA over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

The sealing material may comprise a self-lubricating material.

The self-lubricating material may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum disulphide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The sealing material may be attached to the scent cartridge by at least one of clipping, one component moulding, multi component moulding, welding and adhesive bonding.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise a friction reducing surface coating.

The coating may comprise at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane.

The at least one abutment surface may be for cooperating with sealing material on the at least one surface of the scent cartridge housing to form at least one air-tight sliding seal.

The at least one abutment surface may have a surface roughness value of higher than 0.12 micrometers and less than 2.5 micrometers.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise 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 coefficient of static friction between the at least one abutment surface of the scent cartridge and the at least one surface of the scent cartridge housing may be less than 0.2.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge housing comprising:

a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing; and at least one abutment surface for cooperating with at least one surface of a scent cartridge to form at least one air-tight sliding seal with the scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise sealing material for abutting against the at least one surface of the scent cartridge to form at least one air-tight sliding seal around a plurality of apertures in a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. The at least one abutment surface may comprise sealing material to form at least one airtight sliding seal around each of the plurality of apertures in a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. The sealing material may comprise a compound from the groups of rubbers, plastomers, elastomers and plastics.

The sealing material may comprise at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer.

The hardness of the sealing material may be in the range 20 to 80 ShoreA.

The hardness of the sealing material may be in the range 20 to 40 ShoreA. The volume of the sealing material may increase by less than or equal to 50 percent over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

The hardness of the sealing material may change by no more than ± 10 ShoreA over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

The sealing material may comprise a self-lubricating material.

The self-lubricating material may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum disulphide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The sealing material may be attached to the scent cartridge housing by at least one of clipping, one component moulding, multi component moulding, welding and adhesive bonding. The at least one abutment surface may comprise a friction reducing surface coating.

The coating may comprise at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane. The at least one abutment surface may be for cooperating with sealing material on the at least one surface of the scent cartridge to form at least one air-tight sliding seal.

The at least one abutment surface may have a surface roughness value of higher than 0.12 micrometers and less than 2.5 micrometers.

The at least one abutment surface may comprise 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 coefficient of static friction between the at least one abutment surface of the scent cartridge housing and the at least one surface of the scent cartridge may be less than 0.2. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: a scent cartridge housing; and

a scent cartridge located in the scent cartridge housing;

the scent cartridge housing comprising

a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing; and

at least one abutment surface;

the scent cartridge comprising

a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge; and at least one abutment surface;

wherein the at least one abutment surface of the scent cartridge housing and the at least one abutment surface of the scent cartridge are for co-operating with each other to form at least one air-tight sliding seal between the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge for cooperating with a scent cartridge housing to form at least one air-tight sliding seal between the scent cartridge and the scent cartridge housing, when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge housing for cooperating with a scent cartridge to form at least one air-tight sliding seal between the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge comprising means for forming at least one air-tight sliding seal with a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a scent cartridge housing comprising means for forming at least one air-tight sliding seal with a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a scent cartridge housing and a scent cartridge, wherein the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge cooperate to form at least one sliding seal between the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided 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 system as described in the preceding paragraphs.

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 : Fig 1 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge;

Fig 2 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge housing;

Figs 3A - 3C illustrate an example of a system ;

Fig 4 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig 5 illustrates an example of a system ; and

Fig 6 illustrates an example of a system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a fragrance system. In some examples, the fragrance system is for a vehicle cabin interior, such as a car.

The fragrance system may be for providing fragrance to the cabin interior via, for example, one or more air vents of the vehicle. In examples, at least one surface of a scent cartridge cooperates with at least one surface of a scent cartridge housing to form at least one air-tight sliding seal between the scent cartridge and the scent cartridge housing. For example, the at least one surface of the scent cartridge and/or scent cartridge housing may comprise sealing material to form at least one air-tight sliding seal between the scent cartridge and the scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

As used herein '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 technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that a fragrance system may be provided that has an "off" position in which at least one sliding seal prevents scent from escaping from a scent cartridge into a vehicle interior. This prevents unwanted fragrance from entering the vehicle interior. In addition, this prevents the surrounding areas adjacent to the fragrance system being contaminated with the fragrance over time. Examples of the present disclosure provide for a system, such as a fragrance system, having the advantages described in the preceding paragraphs and having parts that move relative to one another. This provides for an intuitive, easy to use interface for a user of the system. As used herein the terms scent, perfume and fragrance may be used interchangeably.

Figs 1 , 3A to 3C, 4 and 5 illustrate a scent cartridge 10 comprising: a plurality of apertures 12 for allowing air 14 to flow through the scent cartridge 10; and at least one abutment surface 16 for cooperating with at least one surface18 of a scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge housing 20 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

Figs 2, 3A to 3C, 4 and 5 illustrate a scent cartridge housing 20 comprising: a plurality of apertures 30 for allowing air 14 to flow through the scent cartridge housing 20; and at least one abutment surface 32 for cooperating with at least one surface 34 of a scent cartridge 10 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge 10 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

Figs 5 and 6 illustrate a ventilation system 36 comprising: a scent cartridge housing 20; and a scent cartridge 10 located in the scent cartridge housing 20; the scent cartridge housing 20 comprising a plurality of apertures 30 for allowing air 14 (not illustrated in Figs 5 and 6) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 20; and at least one abutment surface 32; the scent cartridge 10 comprising a plurality of apertures 12 for allowing air 14 to flow through the scent cartridge 10 and at least one abutment surface 16; wherein the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 and the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 are for cooperating with each other to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 between the scent cartridge housing 20 and the scent cartridge 10. In general, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 may also be considered to be the at least one surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 that cooperates with the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20. Similarly, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 may also be considered to be the at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 that cooperates with the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Figs 3A-C, 4 and 5). Fig 1 schematically illustrates an example of a scent cartridge 10. In the example of Fig 1 the scent cartridge 10 comprises a plurality of apertures 12 and at least one abutment surface 16.

In examples, the scent cartridge 10 may be any size and/or shape. For example, the scent cartridge 10 may be cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.

In examples, the scent cartridge 10 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge and/or an air freshener and/or a perfume cartridge. In examples, the scent cartridge may comprise one or more scents and/or fragrances and/or perfumes for distribution.

In the example of Fig 1 , the one or more apertures 12 are for allowing air 14 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 1 ) to flow through the scent cartridge 10 to distribute scent in the scent cartridge. For example, the scent from the scent cartridge may be distributed into a vehicle interior.

In examples, the scent cartridge 10 comprises at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet. In examples the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be "face to face" (see, for example, the example of Figs 3A to 3C) or may be displaced. For example, the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be displaced by 90 degrees or any other suitable angle.

In some examples, the scent cartridge 10 comprises a plurality of apertures 12 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 12 to act as an air outlet (see, for example, the example of Fig 5). The plurality of apertures may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 12 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge 10 used to introduce scent into the cartridge 10 for distribution (not illustrated in the figs).

In examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 may comprise any suitable abutment surface 16 for cooperating with at least one surface 18 of a scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge housing 20 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In examples, the scent cartridge 10 may comprise any suitable number of abutment surfaces 16. In some examples, the number of abutment surfaces 16 may depend upon the shape of the scent cartridge 10.

For example, where the scent cartridge 10 is cylindrical in shape, the scent cartridge 10 may be considered to comprise one abutment surface 16. In other examples where the scent cartridge 10 is cuboid, for example, the scent cartridge 10 may be considered to comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 16.

As used herein, the term "air-tight" is intended to mean that when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20, the seal(s) 22 between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 does not allow scent from the scent cartridge 10 to pass the seal(s) 22. For example, in examples the scent cartridge 10 may be placed in an "off" position in the scent cartridge housing 20 in which the plurality of apertures 12 in the scent cartridge 10 are aligned with at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 and the air-tight seal(s) does not allow scent to escape, for example into a vehicle interior.

In examples, the air-tight seal(s) 22 may be considered "gas-tight" and/or "gas-proof" as the seal(s) prevent passage of fragrance molecules from the scent cartridge 10.

In some examples, the seal(s) 22 formed between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 fills any gaps between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 such that scent from the scent cartridge 10 cannot bypass the seal(s) 22. In examples, the seal(s) 22 formed between the scent cartridge housing 20 and the scent cartridge 10 is a sliding seal or seals 22 and provides for at least one airtight seal between the scent cartridge housing 20 and the scent cartridge 10 but allows for relative movement between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20.

For example, the at least one sliding seal 22 may be configured to allow for relative motion between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 to allow the scent cartridge 10 to be moved between an "off" position in which scent cannot escape the scent cartridge into a vehicle interior, and an "on" position in which scent can escape the scent cartridge 10 into the vehicle interior.

In some examples, relative motion between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises linear and/or rotational motion.

Additionally or alternatively the relative motion between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 may comprise insertion of the scent cartridge 10 into the scent cartridge housing 20 (see, for example, the example of Figs 3A and 4). In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises sealing material 24 (see, for example, figs 3A - 3C). In examples, the sealing material 24 is located to provide at least one airtight sliding seal 22 between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises sealing material 24 around the plurality of apertures 12 for abutting against the at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22. In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises sealing material 24 around each of the plurality of apertures 12. The sealing material may be soft, flexible and adapt to the surrounding surface to provide at least one air-tight sliding seal. In examples, the sealing material 24 may be considered to surround each of the plurality of apertures 12 to form the at least one air-tight sliding seal 22.

In examples, the sealing material 24 may comprise any suitable material for cooperating with at least one surface 18 of a scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge housing 20.

In some examples, the sealing material 24 comprises a compound from the groups of rubbers, plastomers, elastomers and plastics. In some examples, the sealing material 24 comprises a compound from the groups of rubbers and plastomers.

In examples, the sealing material comprises at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). In examples, the sealing material 24 comprises a self-lubricating material. Any suitable self- lubricating material may be used. For example, the self-lubricating material may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum disulphide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The sealing material 24 may have any suitable hardness. For example, the sealing material 24 may have any hardness suitable for forming an air-tight sliding seal or seals 22 with a scent cartridge housing 20.

In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material is in the range of 20 to 80 ShoreA. In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material is in the range 20 to 40 ShoreA.

In examples, various characteristics of the sealing material 24 remain stable over a temperature range encountered during normal use of a vehicle. In other examples, various characteristics of the sealing material 24 remain stable across a temperature range of minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C.

In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material 24 changes by no more than ±10 ShoreA over the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C. Additionally or alternatively, the volume of the sealing material 24 may increase by less than or equal to 50% over the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C. In some examples the volume of the sealing material 24 increases by less than or equal to 20% over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

Additionally or alternatively, the sealing material 24 may shrink by less than 10% of its volume across the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C. In examples, the sealing material 24 shrinks by less than 4% of its volume across the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C. The sealing material 24 may be attached to the scent cartridge 10 using any suitable method and/or means. For example, the sealing material 24 may be attached to the scent cartridge 10 by at least one of clipping, one component molding, multi component molding, welding and adhesive bonding. In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 is for cooperating with sealing material 24 on at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22 (see Figs 2 and 4).

In such examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 has a surface roughness value higher than a predetermined value to provide for the airtight sliding seal or seals 22. For example, the at least one abutment surface 16 may have a surface roughness value of higher than 0.15 micrometers. In examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 has a surface roughness value of higher than 0.12 micrometers. In examples the at least one abutment surface 16 has a surface roughness value in the range 0.24 micrometers to 0.48 micrometers. In some examples the at least one abutment surface 16 has a surface roughness value of less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers.

In some examples, sealing material 24 on the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises self- lubricating material. In such examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 may comprise a material selected and/or prepared to cooperate with at least one surface of a scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 comprises a friction reducing surface coating 28. Any suitable friction reducing surface coating 28 may be used to reduce the friction between an abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 and a surface 18 of a scent cartridge housing 20.

For example, the coating may comprise at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane.

In examples, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises/is 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).

In examples, the various characteristics of the at least one abutment surface 16 described above cooperate with the at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 to give a coefficient of static friction between the two surfaces of less than a predetermined value.

For example, the coefficient of static friction between the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 and at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 may be less than 0.2. In some examples, the coefficient of static friction between the two surfaces is less than 0.04.

Fig 2 schematically illustrates an example of a scent cartridge housing 20. In example of Fig 2, the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises a plurality of apertures 30 and at least one abutment surface 32.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 20 may comprise a single piece or may be made up of a plurality of pieces assembled together to form the scent cartridge housing 20. That is, the scent cartridge housing may comprise one part or a plurality of assembled parts.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 20 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge housing and/or an air freshener housing and/or a perfume cartridge housing. The scent cartridge housing 20 may be any suitable size and/or shape and may correspond to the size and/or shape of the scent cartridge 10. For example, the scent cartridge housing 20 may be configured to receive a scent cartridge 10 that is cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.

In the example of Fig 2, the one or more apertures 30 are for allowing air 14 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 2) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 20 to distribute scent in the scent cartridge. For example, the scent from the scent cartridge may be distributed into a vehicle interior.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet. In examples the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) are "face to face" (see, for example, the example of Figs 3A to 3C) or are displaced. For example, the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be displaced by 90 degrees or any other suitable angle.

In examples, the plurality of apertures 30 of the scent cartridge housing 20 correspond to the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10. For example, the number and/or shape and/or size of the apertures 30 of the scent cartridge housing may match the number and/or size and/or shape of the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10.

In other examples, the plurality of apertures 30 of the scent cartridge housing 20 do not correspond with the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10. In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises a plurality of apertures 30 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 30 to act as an air outlet (see, for example, the example of Fig 5).

The plurality of apertures 30 may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 30 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge housing 20 used to introduce the scent cartridge 10 into the scent cartridge housing 20. In examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 may comprise any suitable abutment surface 32 for cooperating with at least one surface 34 of a scent cartridge 10 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge 10 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 20 may comprise any suitable number of abutment surfaces 32. In some examples, the number of abutment surfaces 32 may depend upon the shape of the scent cartridge 10 as the shape of the scent cartridge housing 20 may correspond to the shape of the scent cartridge 10.

For example, in examples where the scent cartridge 10 is cylindrical in shape, the scent cartridge housing 20 may be considered to comprise one abutment surface 32. In other examples where the scent cartridge 10 is cuboid, for example, the scent cartridge housing 20 may be considered to comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 32.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises sealing material 24 (see, for example, Fig 4). In examples, the sealing material 24 is located to provide at least one airtight sliding seal 22 between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20 when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises sealing material 24 for abutting against at least one surface of the scent cartridge 10 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22 around the plurality of apertures 12 in the scent cartridge 10 when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises sealing material 24 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22 around each of the plurality of apertures 12 in a scent cartridge 10 when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing 20.

In examples, the sealing material 24 may be considered to surround each of the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 to form the at least one airtight sliding seal 22. In examples, the sealing material 24 may comprise any suitable material for cooperating with at least one surface 34 of a scent cartridge 10 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 with the scent cartridge 10. In some examples, the sealing material 24 comprises a compound from the groups of rubbers, plastomers, elastomers and plastics. In some examples, the sealing material 24 may comprise a compound from the groups of rubbers and plastomers.

In examples, the sealing material comprises at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV).

In examples, the sealing material 24 comprises a self-lubricating material. Any suitable self- lubricating material may be used. For example, the self-lubricating material may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum disulphide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The sealing material 24 may have any suitable hardness. For example, the sealing material 24 may have any hardness suitable for forming an air-tight sliding seal or seals 22 with a scent cartridge housing 20. In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material is in the range of 20 to 80 ShoreA. In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material is in the range 20 to 40 ShoreA.

In examples, various characteristics of the sealing material 24 remain stable over a temperature range encountered during normal use of a vehicle. In other examples, various characteristics of the sealing material 24 remain stable across a temperature range of minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C.

In some examples, the hardness of the sealing material 24 changes by no more than ±10 ShoreA over the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C.

Additionally or alternatively, the volume of the sealing material 24 may increase by less than or equal to 50% over the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C. In some examples the volume of the sealing material 24 increases by less than or equal to 20% over the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing material 24 may shrink by less than 10% of its volume across the temperature range minus 40 ^° C to 85 ^° C. In examples, the sealing material 24 shrinks by less than 4% of its volume across the temperature range minus 40°C to 85°C.

The sealing material 24 may be attached to the scent cartridge housing 20 using any suitable method and/or means. For example, the sealing material 24 may be attached to the scent cartridge housing 20 by at least one of clipping, one component molding, multi component molding, welding and adhesive bonding.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 is for cooperating with sealing material 24 on at least one surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22 (see Figs 3A-3C and 5). In such examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 has a surface roughness value higher than a predetermined value to provide for the airtight sliding seal or seals 22. For example, the at least one abutment surface 32 may have a surface roughness value of higher than 0.15 micrometers. In some examples, the at least on abutment surface 32 has a surface roughness value of higher than 0.12 micrometers. In examples the at least one abutment surface 32 has a surface roughness value in the range 0.24 micrometers to 0.48 micrometers. In some examples the at least one abutment surface 32 has a surface roughness value of less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers.

In some examples, sealing material 24 on the scent cartridge 10 comprises self-lubricating material. In such examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 comprises a material selected and/or prepared to cooperate with at least one surface 34 of a scent cartridge 10 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22.

In some examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 comprises a friction reducing surface coating 28. Any suitable friction reducing surface coating 28 may be used to reduce the friction between an abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 and a surface 34 of a scent cartridge 10. For example, the coating 28 may comprise at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane.

In examples, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises/is 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).

In examples, the various characteristics of the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 described above cooperate with the at least one surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 to give a coefficient of static friction between the two surfaces of less than a predetermined value.

For example, the coefficient of static friction between the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 and at least one surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 may be less than 0.2.

In some examples, the coefficient of static friction between the two surfaces is less than 0.04.

In general, the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 may also be considered to be the at least one surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 that cooperates with the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20. Similarly, the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 may also be considered to be the at least one surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 that cooperates with the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Figs 3A-C, 4 and 5). Fig 3A illustrates an example of a system 40. In the example of Fig 3A a cross section of the system 40 is illustrated. In the example of Fig 3A the system 40 comprises a scent cartridge 10 and a scent cartridge housing 20. The scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing may be as described in relation to Figs 1 and 2. In some examples, the system 40 may be comprised in a ventilation system 36 (see, for example, Fig 5).

In the example of Fig 3A, the scent cartridge 10 is illustrated to the left of the figure and is separate from the scent cartridge housing 20 which is illustrated to the right of the figure.

The scent cartridge 10 comprises a plurality of apertures 12 to allow air 14 (not illustrated in Fig 3A) to flow through the scent cartridge 10.

The scent cartridge 10 also comprises an abutment surface 16 comprising sealing material 24 around the plurality of apertures 12. In the example of Fig 3A, the scent cartridge 10 is cylindrical and therefore may be considered to comprise only a single abutment surface 16.

In Fig 3A, the scent cartridge 10 comprises a single aperture for the air inlet and a single aperture for the air outlet. The scent cartridge housing 20 has a corresponding number of apertures at air inlet and air outlet.

In the example of Fig 3A, the plurality of apertures 12 are on opposite sides of the scent cartridge and may be considered to be "face to face". The plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 are aligned to let air 14 flow through the scent cartridge 10 to disperse the scent in the scent cartridge 10 (see, for example, Fig 3B).

In Fig 3A, the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises a plurality of apertures 30 and a corresponding surface 18 for cooperating with the abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 (see Fig 3B) when the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing 20. The corresponding surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 may be considered at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20. In the example of Fig 3A the abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises a friction reducing coating 28.

The scent cartridge 10 may be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 20 as indicated by the dotted arrow pointing to the right and into the scent cartridge housing 20 in Fig 3A.

In examples, the scent cartridge 10 may be inserted along an axis of insertion of the scent cartridge housing 20 and may be moved between a first position in which air 14 may flow through the scent cartridge 10 ("on" position) and distribute scent in the scent cartridge 10, and a second position in which air 14 cannot flow though the scent cartridge 10 and scent cannot escape the scent cartridge 10 ("off" position).

That is, in examples the scent cartridge may be slid under force along the axis of insertion between a first position in which at least some of the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 are at least partially aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 in the scent cartridge housing 20 and a second position in which the plurality of apertures 12 in the scent cartridge 10 are not aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 in the scent cartridge housing 20 (see Figs 3B and 3C). Fig 3B illustrates a further example of the system 40. In the example of Fig 3B a cross section is illustrated.

The example of Fig 3B illustrates the system 40 of Fig 3A when the scent cartridge 10 has been inserted into the scent cartridge housing 20.

In the example of Fig 3B the plurality of apertures 12 in the scent cartridge 10 are aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 in the scent cartridge housing 20. In this example, air 14 can flow through the scent cartridge housing 20 and the scent cartridge 10 and therefore scent can be distributed from the scent cartridge 10 into an interior of a vehicle for example.

In the example of Fig 3B, the sealing material 24 on the abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 has formed sliding seals 22 with the surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20. In the example of Fig 3B four sliding seals 22 are indicated, one at each side of each of the plurality of apertures 12. However, in examples the sealing material 24 may be considered to surround each aperture 12 of the scent cartridge 10 and therefore may be considered to form a single seal 22 around each aperture 12.

In the example of Fig 3B, the sliding seals 22 have permitted the scent cartridge 10 to be slid into the scent cartridge housing 20 but have still formed an air-tight seal between the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20. Fig 3C illustrates a further example of the system 40. In the example of Fig 3C a cross section is illustrated.

In the example of Fig 3C, the scent cartridge 10 has been moved into the scent cartridge housing 20 along the axis of insertion and the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 are no longer aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 of the scent cartridge housing 20.

Accordingly, in the example of Fig 3C scent cannot escape from the scent cartridge 10 into a vehicle interior for example. The sliding seals provide for prevention of unwanted scent from being released from the scent cartridge when the user of a vehicle has placed a scent cartridge into an "off" position.

In examples, a user performs an actuation on the scent cartridge 10 along the axis of insertion to move the scent cartridge 10 from the first position in Fig 3B to the second position in Fig 3C. That is, the scent cartridge 10 moves from the "on" position to the "off" position.

In examples, there may be any number of possible intermediate positions between the "on" position and the "off" position. For example, there may be a plurality of intermediate positions in which the plurality of apertures of the scent cartridge 10 are partially aligned and/or some apertures 12 are aligned and others not to reduce the amount of scent escaping into a vehicle interior for example. This provides control of the amount of scent released into a vehicle interior, for example, for odour intensity control. Fig 4 illustrates an example of a system 40. In the example of Fig 4 a cross section is illustrated.

In examples, the system 40 is comprised in a ventilation system 36 (see Fig 5), for example the system 40 may be on the interface to a ventilation system (see Fig 6).

The system 40 of Fig 4 comprises a scent cartridge 10 and a scent cartridge housing 20. The example of Fig 4 is similar to the example of Fig 3A and the components of Fig 4 may be as described in relation to the example of Fig 3A.

However, in the example of Fig 4 the scent cartridge housing 20 comprises sealing material 24 on the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20.

Furthermore, in the example of Fig 4, the scent cartridge 10 comprises a friction reducing surface coating 28 on the corresponding surface 34 of the scent cartridge 10 which is also an abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10.

In Fig 4 the scent cartridge 10 is also illustrated within the scent cartridge housing 20 using a dotted line. This is to illustrate the position of the scent cartridge 10 in the "off" position in the system 40 of the example of Fig 4.

As can be seen from the example of Fig 4 the sealing material 24 is located on the abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 to form at least one airtight sliding seal 22 around the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 when the scent cartridge 10 is in the "off" position. That is, when scent is to be prevented from escaping the scent cartridge 10.

In some examples, both the at least one abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 and the at least one abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20 comprise sealing material 24 and/or are configured to cooperate with the corresponding abutment surface 16, 32 to form at least one air-tight sliding seal 22. For example, both surfaces may comprise a friction reducing surface coating 28. Fig 5 illustrates a further example of a system 40. Fig 5 illustrates a cross section of the system 40.

In the example of Fig 5, the system comprises a scent cartridge 10 in a scent cartridge housing 20. The components of Fig 5 are similar to those described in relation to the example of Figs 3A to 3C and may be as described above in relation to those Figs.

In the example of Fig 5, the scent cartridge 10 is located in the scent cartridge housing in the on position. That is, in the example of Fig 5 the plurality of apertures 12 in the scent cartridge 10 are aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 in the scent cartridge housing 20 to allow air 14 to flow through the scent cartridge 10 and the scent cartridge housing 20.

In the example of Fig 5 the scent cartridge 10 has a plurality of apertures at the air inlet and a plurality of apertures at the air outlet.

In Fig 5 the scent cartridge housing 20 has a corresponding number of apertures at the air inlet and air outlet to allow air to flow through the scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing 20 to allow scent from the scent cartridge 10 to be distributed into a vehicle interior for example.

In the example of Fig 5, the abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises sealing material 24 around each of the apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10. That is, in the example of Fig 5 the abutment surface 16 of the scent cartridge 10 comprises sealing material around each of the apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10.

The sealing material of the abutment surface of the scent cartridge 10 cooperates with the corresponding surface 18 of the scent cartridge housing 20 to form a plurality of airtight sliding seals 22. In the example of Fig 5, the scent cartridge 10 may move in and out of the scent cartridge 20 along the axis of insertion as illustrated by the double ended arrow in the figure.

In the example of Fig 5, the scent cartridge 10 may be moved, for example by user actuation, to place the scent cartridge 10 in an "off" position such that the plurality of apertures 12 of the scent cartridge 10 are not aligned with the plurality of apertures 30 of the scent cartridge housing 20.

In the example of Fig 5, the scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing 20 are comprised in a ventilation system 36. The ventilation system 36 may be any suitable system for example a car or other vehicle ventilation system.

In some examples, the scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing 20 are comprised in a fragrance system or a control panel system.

In some examples, the ventilation system 36 comprises means for forcing air through the scent cartridge and scent cartridge housing 20. For example, the ventilation system 36 may comprise one or more fans to force air through the scent cartridge 10 of the cartridge housing 20 to distribute scent from the scent cartridge into the vehicle interior.

In other examples, the ventilation system 36 uses a differential air pressure to draw air through the scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing 20 to disperse the scent in the scent cartridge. For example, the pressure at the outlet may be less than the pressure at the inlet to draw air through the scent cartridge housing 20 and scent cartridge 10 (see Fig 6).

In the example of Fig 5 the ventilation system 36 is comprised in a vehicle 38. The ventilation system 36 may be comprised at any suitable location in a vehicle 38 for example in an instrument panel of the vehicle 38. In some examples, the scent from the scent cartridge 10 may be dispersed into the vehicle interior using central vents of the vehicle 38.

Fig 6 illustrates a further example of a system 40. Fig 6 illustrates a cross section of the system 40.

The example of Fig 6 is as the example of Fig 5 and the components in Fig 6 may be as described in relation to Fig 5. In the example of Fig 6 however, the scent cartridge housing 20 (and scent cartridge 10) is located in an instrument panel island 37 at an interface with a ventilation system 36.

In Fig 6 there is ambient air pressure behind the instrument panel island and therefore the air inlet of the scent cartridge housing 20 (at bottom of figure) is at ambient air pressure.

In the illustrated example there is lower air pressure in the ventilation system 36 due to the movement of air through the ventilation system and out of one or more vents into a vehicle interior (not illustrated in Fig 6). Therefore there is lower air pressure at the air outlet (at top of figure) of the scent cartridge housing 20.

The pressure differential across the scent cartridge housing draws air through the scent cartridge 10 and scent cartridge housing 20, when the scent cartridge is in the "on" position as in Fig 6, and distributes scent from the scent cartridge into the vehicle interior.

As used herein "for" should be considered to also include "configured or arranged to". For example "a system for" should be considered to also include "a system configured or arranged to". Examples of the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, examples of the disclosure provide for a fragrance system in which unwanted scent is prevented from being distributed. Furthermore, the prevention of leaks from a scent cartridge in a fragrance system also prevents surrounding surfaces from becoming contaminated with the leaking scent.

In addition, examples of the present disclosure provide for a fragrance system having these advantages and having parts that move relative to one another. This provides, for example, for an intuitive, easy to use interface for a user of the fragrance system. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one.." or by using "consisting".

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, sealing material 24 in Fig 5 may additionally or alternatively be present on the abutment surface 32 of the scent cartridge housing 20.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.