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

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

BACKGROUND

In conventional vehicle fragrance systems, a user of the system may control the amount of scent released by the fragrance system . In some systems this may be achieved by the user rotating a scent cartridge to provide this control. However, this can be cumbersome and difficult to manipulate, particularly, for example when driving a vehicle, as precise movements to achieve the desired amount of scent may be required. It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

a body for receiving a scent cartridge and having an axis of insertion, the body comprising a plurality of housing apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing;

means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge from a first position in which a plurality of cartridge apertures in the scent cartridge are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures to a second position in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures; and

means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for returning the scent cartridge to the first position.

The means for receiving the first and second actuations and for controlling movement of the scent cartridge may comprise a cap and/or a spring. The cap may be a spring cap.

The scent cartridge housing may comprise engagement means for engaging with a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body of the scent cartridge housing. The engagement means may comprise at least one housing protrusion for engaging with at least one cartridge guide on a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body the scent cartridge housing.

The at least one housing protrusion may be resiliently biased.

The engagement means may comprise at least one housing guide for engaging with at least one cartridge protrusion on a scent cartridge when the scent cartridge is located in the body of the scent cartridge housing. The scent cartridge housing may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one cartridge protrusion to engage with the housing guide as a scent cartridge is inserted into the body of the scent cartridge housing.

The housing guide may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.

The housing guide may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding at least one cartridge protrusion from a first retaining position to a second retaining position under the action of the first actuation and for guiding at least one cartridge protrusion from the second retaining position to the first retaining position under the action of the second actuation.

The guiding means may comprise at least one abutment surface.

The guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces.

The scent cartridge housing may comprise means for retaining a scent cartridge in the first and second positions.

The means for retaining a scent cartridge may comprise the engagement means.

The scent cartridge housing may comprise release means for disengaging the engagement means from a scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing.

The release means may comprise a button having a surface for receiving an actuation and a protrusion comprising an abutment surface, and a swing pin.

The swing pin may be attached to the housing protrusion.

The scent cartridge housing may comprise force means for providing a force on a scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The force means may comprise at least one spring.

The scent cartridge housing may comprise means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge in the body of the scent cartridge housing in the first direction along the axis of insertion. The means for limiting movement of the scent cartridge may comprise a cap.

The cap may be a spring cap.

According to another 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 engagement means for engaging with a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. The engagement means may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion for engaging with at least one housing guide on a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing.

The at least one cartridge protrusion may be resiliently biased.

The engagement means may comprise at least one cartridge guide for engaging with at least one housing protrusion on a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. The scent cartridge may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one housing protrusion to engage with the cartridge guide as the scent cartridge is inserted into the scent cartridge housing.

The cartridge guide may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion.

The cartridge guide may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one housing protrusion from a first retaining position to a second retaining position under the action of a first actuation and for guiding the at least one housing protrusion from the second retaining position to the first retaining position under the action of a second actuation.

The guiding means may comprise at least one abutment surface. The guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising: a scent cartridge housing comprising: a body for receiving a scent cartridge and having an axis of insertion, the body comprising a plurality of housing apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing;

means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge from a first position in which a plurality of cartridge apertures in the scent cartridge are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures to a second position in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures; and

means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for returning the scent cartridge to the first position; and the system comprising:

a scent cartridge located in the body of the scent cartridge housing, the scent cartridge comprising a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge.

In the first position air cannot flow through the scent cartridge.

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

a body for receiving a scent cartridge and having an axis of insertion;

means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge from a first position to a second position ; and

means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and for returning the scent cartridge to the first position.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a scent cartridge comprising:

engagement means for engaging with a scent cartridge housing when the scent cartridge is located in the scent cartridge housing. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle system comprising a scent cartridge housing as described in the preceding paragraphs and/or a scent cartridge as described in the preceding paragraphs. According to a still further 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 vehicle 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 housing;

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig.4 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a system ;

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge; and

Fig 8 illustrates an example of a system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Examples of the present disclosure relate to a fragrance system. In some examples, the fragrance system may be for a vehicle cabin interior, such as a car. The fragrance system may be for providing fragrance to the vehicle cabin interior via, for example, one or more air vents of the vehicle.

In examples, a scent cartridge housing receives a scent cartridge in a body of the scent cartridge housing along an axis of insertion. The body of the scent cartridge housing and the scent cartridge each comprising a plurality of apertures for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing and scent cartridge respectively.

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.

In examples, a user may provide a first actuation on the scent cartridge in a first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and the scent cartridge housing receives the first actuation and controls movement of the scent cartridge from a first position in which the plurality of apertures in the scent cartridge and the scent cartridge housing are not aligned to a second position in which the plurality of scent cartridge apertures are aligned with at least some of the plurality of scent cartridge housing apertures.

In examples, a user may provide a second actuation in the first direction along the axis of insertion of the housing and the scent cartridge housing may receive the second actuation and return the scent cartridge to the first position in which the plurality of apertures are not aligned.

In this way a simple and intuitive "push-on, push-off" interface for controlling scent dispersal is provided.

In some examples, a user may provide an actuation on release means to release and eject the cartridge from the housing. Damping means may be used to provide a controlled release of the scent cartridge from the scent cartridge housing. A technical effect of at least some examples of this disclosure is that an easy, intuitive to use fragrance system is provided that may, in some examples, provide for a safer mechanism for a driver to use whilst driving, for example.

As used herein, the term scent, perfume and fragrance may be used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, the fragrance system may be considered an air freshener.

Figs 1 to 6 illustrate a scent cartridge housing 10 comprising:

a body 12 for receiving a scent cartridge 24 and having an axis of insertion 14 the body 12 comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10;

means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16;

means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for returning the scent cartridge 24 to the first position.

Figs 2 to 7 illustrate a scent cartridge 24 comprising:

a plurality of apertures 28 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge 24; and engagement means 36 for engaging with a scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.

Figs 2 to 6 illustrate a system 64 comprising:

a scent cartridge housing 10 comprising:

a body 12 for receiving a scent cartridge 24 and having an axis of insertion 14, the body 12 comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10;

means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16; and

means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for returning the scent cartridge 24 to the first position 26; and the system comprising:

a scent cartridge 24 located in the body of the scent cartridge housing 10, the scent cartridge 24 comprising a plurality of apertures 28 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge 24.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a scent cartridge housing 10.

In the example of Fig. 1 , the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 having an axis of insertion 14 (not illustrated in Fig. 1 ) and comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10. The body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 is for receiving a scent cartridge 24 (not illustrated in Fig. 1 ).

The scent cartridge housing 10 of Fig. 1 also comprises means for receiving a first actuation in a first direction 22 (see, for example, Fig. 5) along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from a first position 26 in which a plurality of cartridge apertures 28 in the scent cartridge 24 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 to a second position 30 in which at least some of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with at least some of the plurality of housing apertures 16. In Fig. 1 , the scent cartridge housing (10) also comprises means for receiving a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 and for returning the scent cartridge 24 to the first position 26.

In Fig. 1 , the means have been labelled receiving/control means 20.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise/be comprised of at least one of polypropylene (PP) polyamide 6/6 (PA6.6), polyamide 12 (PA12), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polybutylene terephthalate-polyethylene terephthalate (PBT-PET). In examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a single piece or may be made up of a plurality of pieces assembled together to form the scent cartridge housing 10. That is, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise one part or a plurality of assembled parts.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge housing and/or an air freshener housing and/or a perfume cartridge housing.

The scent cartridge housing 10 may be any suitable size and/or shape and may correspond to the size and/or shape of a scent cartridge 24 to be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10. For example, the scent cartridge housing 10 may be configured to receive a scent cartridge 24 that is cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.

In the example of Fig 1 , the one or more apertures 16 are for allowing air 74 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 1 ) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10 to distribute scent in a scent cartridge 24. For example, the scent from a scent cartridge 24 may be distributed into a vehicle interior.

In examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet. In examples the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be in line or "face to face" 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 examples, the plurality of apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may correspond to the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 10 to be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10. For example, the number and/or shape and/or size of the apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may match the number and/or size and/or shape of the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24. In other examples, the plurality of apertures 16 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may not correspond with the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24.

In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a plurality of apertures 16 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 16 to act as an air outlet. The plurality of apertures 16 may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 16 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge housing 10 used to introduce the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.

In examples, the receiving/control means 20 may comprise any suitable means for receiving a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and controlling movement of a scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30 and for receiving the second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for returning the scent cartridge to the first position 26 (see, for example, Figs 4 and 5).

In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise means for retaining a scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions 26, 30 (see, for example, Fig 4).

Additionally or alternatively, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise engagement means 36 for engaging with a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see, for example, Fig 2). Additionally or alternatively, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise force means for providing a force on a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22 (see, for example, Fig 2). Additionally or alternatively, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see, for example, Figs 4 to 6).

In some examples, the means for retaining, the engagement means, the force means and/or the means for limiting movement may be considered part of the receiving/control means 20.

In some examples, the means for retaining, the engagement means, the force means and/or the means for limiting movement may be separate from the receiving/control means 20. In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise release means for disengaging the engagement means 36 from a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see, for example, Fig. 6). In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise any number of additional elements.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a system 64. In the example of Fig. 2, a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.

In the example of Fig. 2 the system 64 comprises a scent cartridge 24 and a scent cartridge housing 10. The scent cartridge housing 10 may be as described in relation to Fig. 1 .

In the example of Fig. 2, the scent cartridge 24 is separate from the scent cartridge housing 10 but may be inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10 in a first direction 22 along an axis of insertion 14. In the example of Fig. 2 the first direction is to the right of the figure.

The scent cartridge 24 comprises a plurality of apertures 28 for allowing air to flow through the scent cartridge 24. The scent cartridge 24 also comprises engagement means 36 for engaging with the scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.

In the illustrated example, the scent cartridge 24 comprises scent 72 stored, for example, on a perfume oil storage system such as a non-woven material.

In examples, the scent cartridge 24 may be any size and/or shape. For example, the scent cartridge 24 may be cylindrical, cuboid, square and so on.

In examples, the scent cartridge 24 may also be considered a fragrance cartridge and/or an air freshener and/or a perfume cartridge. In examples, the scent cartridge 24 may comprise one or more scents and/or fragrances and/or perfumes for distribution.

In the example of Fig 2, the one or more apertures 28 of the cartridge 24 are for allowing air

74 (not illustrated in the example of Fig 2) to flow through the scent cartridge 24 to distribute scent in the scent cartridge 24. For example, the scent from the scent cartridge 24 may be distributed into a vehicle interior.

In examples, the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one aperture to act as an air inlet and at least one aperture to act as an air outlet. In examples the air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) may be in line or "face to face" 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 24 may comprise a plurality of apertures 28 to act as an air inlet and/or a plurality of apertures 28 to act as an air outlet.

The plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24 may be any suitable shape and/or size and may be different shapes and/or sizes. Additionally or alternatively the plurality of apertures 28 of the scent cartridge 24 may be separate from and not include the aperture in the scent cartridge 24 used to introduce scent into the cartridge 24 for distribution (not illustrated in the figs).

In Fig. 2, the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 having an axis of insertion 14 and comprising a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 (see, for example, Fig 3) to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10. In the example of Fig. 2, some of the housing apertures 16 are illustrated using a dotted line indicating that they are at the back face of the scent cartridge housing 10. That is, in the example of Fig. 2 the plurality of housing apertures are displaced by approximately 90°. The scent cartridge housing 10 of Fig. 2 also comprises a spring 60 and a cap 70. The cap 70 may also be considered an interface as it is for receiving the scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10 and for providing an interface between, for example the scent cartridge 24 and the spring 60. The cap 70 may also provide an interface for other functions such as damping (see Fig 4 for example). The cap/interface 70 may also be considered a spring cap as it, in some examples, sits over the spring 60 or a slider as it slides back and forth under the force of the spring 60 and user actuations. The spring 60 is for providing a force on a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, at least a component of the force being along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22. In the example of Fig. 2 the second direction 59 is to the left of the figure.

In the example of Fig. 2, the spring 60 provides the force means for providing a force in the second direction 59 on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10. However, in examples, any suitable means for providing a force in the second direction 59 on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may be used. For example the force means may comprise any suitable elastomer such as a compressible elastomer and/or a foamed elastomer and/or a closed cell foam and so on.

The scent cartridge housing 10 in the example of Fig. 2 also comprises engagement means 36 for engaging with a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10. In examples, any suitable engagement means 36 may be used (see, for example, Fig. 4).

In the example of Fig. 2, the scent cartridge housing 10 also comprises release means 56 for disengaging the engagement means 36 from a scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10. Any suitable release means 56 may be used (see, for example, Fig. 6).

In examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 for engaging with at least one housing guide 42 (see Fig 8) on the scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10.

That is, in some examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 for engaging with the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 which may comprise at least one housing guide 42 (see Fig 8). In examples, the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 may be resiliently biased to retain the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10 and to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10. Additionally or alternatively the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 may be resiliently biased so as to be operable to be disengaged from the housing guide 42 to facilitate removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10..

In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one chamfer for allowing the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 to engage with the housing guide 42 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.

The housing guide 42 may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion. In some examples, the housing guide 42 may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for guiding the at least one cartridge protrusion 44 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).

In some examples, the guiding means may comprise at least on abutment surface 54, for example the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 (see Fig. 7).

In some examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one housing protrusion 38 (see, for example, Fig. 4) for engaging with at least one cartridge guide 40 on a scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.

That is, in examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 comprises at least one cartridge guide 40 for engaging with at least one housing protrusion 38 on a scent cartridge housing 10 when the scent cartridge 24 is located in the scent cartridge housing 10. Accordingly, in some examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise at least one housing protrusion 38 and the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise a cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 7).

In examples, the at least one housing protrusion 38 may be resiliently biased to retain the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10 and to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the scent cartridge housing 10. Additionally or alternatively the at least one housing protrusion 38 may be resiliently biased so as to be operable to be disengaged from the cartridge guide 40 to facilitate removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10.

In examples, the cartridge guide 40 comprises at least one chamfer 46 for allowing the at least one housing protrusion 38 to engage with the cartridge guide 40 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10.

In examples, the cartridge guide 40 may comprise at least one recessed portion and/or at least one raised portion. In examples, the cartridge guide 40 may comprise at least two retaining positions and guiding means, the guiding means for guiding the at least one housing protrusion 38 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 and for guiding the at least one housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).

In some examples, the guiding means may comprise at least on abutment surface 54, for example the guiding means may comprise a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 (see Fig. 7).

In some examples, the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 may comprise at least one cartridge protrusion 44 and at least one cartridge guide 40 and the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise the corresponding at least one housing protrusion 38 and at least one housing guide 42. In examples, the at least one housing guide 42 and/or the at least one cartridge guide 40 may be formed as an over-moulded shape for engaging and guiding the corresponding housing/cartridge protrusion(s). For example the at least one housing guide 42 and/or the at least one cartridge guide 40 may be formed from an over-moulded elastomer.

In the example of Fig. 2, the spring 60, cap/interface 70 and engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 form the receiving/control means 20 described in relation to Fig. 1 .

In examples, the scent cartridge 24 may be separate from the scent cartridge housing 10 and therefore not part of the system 64.

In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 and/or the scent cartridge 24 may comprise any number of additional elements. In some examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 and/or the scent cartridge 24 may not comprise one or more elements illustrated in the example of Fig 2.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system 64. In the example of Fig. 3 a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated. In Fig. 3, the cross-section is taken vertically through the system 64 and the figure illustrates the view from one side.

In Fig. 3, the system 64 comprises a scent cartridge housing 10 and a scent cartridge 24 located in the scent cartridge housing 10.

The scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 may be as described in relation to Figs 1 and/or 2. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate like elements. In the example of Fig. 3, the scent cartridge 24 has been inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 along the axis of insertion 14 in a first direction 22, which is into the scent cartridge housing 10. In the example of Fig. 3, the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a body 12 in which the scent cartridge 24 is located. The scent cartridge housing 10 also comprises a spring 60 and cap/interface 70 for providing a force, on the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10, along the axis of insertion 14 in a second direction 59 opposite to the first direction 22. That is, out of the scent cartridge housing 10.

The body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a plurality of housing apertures 16 for allowing air 74 to flow through the scent cartridge housing 10. In Fig. 3, the scent cartridge 24 comprises scent 72 in the scent cartridge 24 and a scent cartridge cap 78. In examples, the scent cartridge comprises a perfume oil storage system, such as a non-woven material, to store the scent 72.

The scent cartridge cap 78 is for receiving actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 to move the scent cartridge 24. In the example of Fig 3 the cap/interface 70 forms at least part of the means for receiving the actuation(s) in the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Fig 1 ). In the example, the actuation(s) are transferred through the scent cartridge 24 to the scent cartridge housing 10. In the example of Fig. 3, the scent cartridge 24 is in a first position 26 in which the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are not aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16. In the first position 26 air 74 cannot flow through the scent cartridge 24 as the housing apertures 16 are not aligned with the cartridge apertures 28. In some examples, in the first position 26 air 74 cannot flow through the scent cartridge 24 and the scent cartridge housing 10.

In the example of Fig. 3, the scent cartridge 24 comprises sealing material 76 around the cartridge apertures to provide an air-tight seal between the scent cartridge 24 and the scent cartridge housing 10. The air-tight seal provided by the sealing material 74 may be considered "gas-tight" and/or "gas proof" as the seal prevents scent 72 in the scent cartridge 24 from escaping the scent cartridge 24 when the scent cartridge 24 is in the first position 26.

Accordingly, the first position 26 may be considered an "off" position in which scent 72 from the scent cartridge 24 cannot escape into a vehicle interior for example. In the example of Fig. 3, the scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 are comprised in and/or are configured to operate with a vehicle system 68. The vehicle system 68 may comprise a ventilation system and/or be located at an interface with a ventilation system and is comprised in a vehicle 66.

In the example of Fig. 3, the spring 60 and cap/interface 70 form at least part of force means (see Figs 1 and 2). In addition, in the example of Fig 3, the cap/interface 70 also forms means for limiting movement of the scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14.

In the example of Fig. 3, the cap/interface 70 has a depth that limits movement of the scent cartridge 24 along the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 by abutting against the back surface of the scent cartridge housing 10. This, for example, prevents over compression of the spring 60.

In examples, the cap/interface 70 may comprise at least one protrusion (not illustrated) for abutting against a corresponding surface (not illustrated) of the scent cartridge housing 10 to limit movement of the scent cartridge 24 along the axis of insertion 14 in the first direction 22.

In examples, any suitable means for limiting movement of a scent cartridge 24 in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 may be used.

In the example of Fig. 3, the engagement means 36 and release means 56 of the scent cartridge housing 10 and the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 are not visible (see Fig. 4).

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a system 64. The system 64 illustrated in Fig. 4 is the system of Fig. 3 and the various components may be as described in relation to Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, a different cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated. In the example of Fig. 4, the cross-section is taken horizontally through the system 64 and the view from above illustrated. In the example of Fig. 4, the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 is still in the first position 26 or "off" position.

In Fig. 4, the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises damping means for slowing movement of the scent cartridge 24.

In the example of Fig. 4, the damping means comprises a damper 80. The damper 80 may be any suitable damper such as a rotary damper and so on.

In general, the damping means may comprise any suitable means for slowing motion of the scent cartridge 24.

In the example of Fig. 4, the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a housing protrusion 38 and the scent cartridge 24 comprises a cartridge guide 40. The housing protrusion 38 is engaged with the cartridge guide 40. In Fig. 4, the cartridge guide 40 comprises abutment surfaces for guiding the housing protrusion 38 under the action of actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 (see Fig. 7).

In the illustrated example, the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a button 84 having a surface for receiving an actuation and a protrusion comprising an abutment surface 86. In the example of Fig. 4, the abutment surface 86 is configured to cooperate with an abutment surface of a swing pin 82 under the action of an actuation on the button 84 to disengage the housing protrusion 38 from the cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 6).

In the example of Fig. 4, the housing protrusion 38 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 and the cartridge guide 40 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24. In the example of Fig. 4, the button 84 and swing spring 82 form at least part of the release means 56 for disengaging the engagement means 36 from the scent cartridge 24 located in the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10 (see Fig. 6). In the example of Fig. 4, the spring 60, cap/interface 70, damper 80 and engagement means 36 form, at least part of, the means for receiving/control means 20 (see Fig 1 ).

In the example of Fig. 4 the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 form, at least part of, the retaining means of the scent cartridge housing 10.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a system 64. The system 64 illustrated in Fig. 5 is the system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig. 4 and may be as described in relation to Fig 4.

In Fig. 5 the system 64 has received a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10, as illustrated by the pointing hand in Fig 5.

In the example of Fig. 5, the actuation has moved the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 into a second position 30 in which the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16. In some examples, not all of the plurality of cartridge apertures 28 are aligned with the plurality of housing apertures 16 when the scent cartridge 24 is in the second position 30.

In the second position 30, air 74 can flow through the scent cartridge 24 and scent cartridge housing 10 as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 5. In examples, the air 74 may distribute scent from the scent cartridge 24 into a vehicle interior, for example. The second position 30 may be considered an "on" position.

In the example of Fig. 5, the housing protrusion 38 has moved from a first retaining position 48 in the cartridge guide 40 (see Fig. 4) to a second retaining position 50 in the cartridge guide 40.

As can be seen in the examples of Figs 4 and 5, an actuation, from a user for example, on the scent cartridge 24 in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 moves the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30. In examples, this changes the system 64 from an "off" position in which scent is not distributed into a vehicle interior to an "on" position in which scent is distributed into a vehicle interior.

In examples, a second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10 returns the scent cartridge 24 to the first position 26 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 4. That is, in examples, actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 move the scent cartridge 24 from the first position 26 to the second position 30 and from the second position 30 to the first position 26. Repeated actuations in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 move the system 64 between the positions illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. This allows, for example, a user to simply and easily move the system 64 from the "off" position to the "on" position and back again. Accordingly, this provides a simple and intuitive way for switching on and off a fragrance system in a vehicle for example.

In some examples the system may have any number of intermediate positions between the first and second positions 26, 30 to control the amount of scent released, into a vehicle interior for example, for odour intensity control function.

In the examples of Figs 3, 4 and 5 the spring 60, cap/interface 70, housing protrusion 38 and cartridge guide 40 cooperate to control movement of the scent cartridge 24 between the first and second positions 26, 30. That is, in the illustrated examples the spring 60, cap/interface 70, housing protrusion 38 and cartridge guide 40 form at least part of the receiving/control means 20 of Fig 1 .

In examples, a first actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 compresses the spring 60. The engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10 and scent cartridge 24 retain the spring in the compressed state and keep the scent cartridge 24 in the "on" position (second position 30). A second actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 allows the spring 60 to return the scent cartridge 24 to the first position and the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and housing 10 retain the scent cartridge 24 in the "off" position (first position 26). See, for example, Fig. 7 for further details.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a system 64. In the example of Fig. 6, the system 64 is the system of Figs 4 and 5 and may be as described in relation to those figures.

In the example of Fig. 6, the user has actuated the release button 84 and the abutment surface 86 of the protrusion of the button 84 has cooperated with the swing spring 82 to disengage the housing protrusion 38 from the cartridge guide 40.

In the illustrated example, the abutment surface 86 of the release button protrusion and the cooperating surface of the swing spring 82 convert the motion of the button into the scent cartridge housing 10 into motion of the swing spring 82 and housing protrusion 38 away from the scent cartridge 24.

As the housing protrusion 38 is no longer engaged with the cartridge guide 40, the spring 60 becomes uncompressed and forces the scent cartridge 24 to protrude from the scent cartridge housing 10 providing for removal of the scent cartridge 24 from the scent cartridge housing 10.

As described above in relation to Fig. 5, the damper 80 slows motion of the cap/interface 70 to prevent the scent cartridge 24 from being shot out of the scent cartridge housing 10 under the force of the spring 60.

In general, any suitable release means may be used for disengagement of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and scent cartridge housing 10 to allow removal of the scent cartridge 24.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a scent cartridge 24.

The scent cartridge 24 in the example of Fig. 7 may be as described in relation to Figs 2 to 6. The example of Fig. 7 illustrates in detail a cartridge guide 40 for engaging with a housing protrusion (see, for example, Figs 4 to 6). In the example of Fig. 7, the scent cartridge 24 comprises a chamfer 46 for allowing a housing protrusion 38 to engage with the cartridge guide 40 as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the body 12 of the scent cartridge housing 10.

That is, when the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into a scent cartridge housing 10 it will be moved along the first direction 22. Accordingly, the housing protrusion 38 will move in the second direction 59 relative to the scent cartridge 24. As the scent cartridge 24 moves into the scent cartridge housing 10 the housing protrusion 38 moves up the chamfer 46 and engages with the cartridge guide 40. The cartridge guide 40 comprises a first retaining position 48 and a second retaining position 50 for retaining the housing protrusion 38 and retaining the scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions ("off" and "on" positions respectively, see Figs 4 and 5).

The cartridge guide 40 comprises a plurality of abutment surfaces 54 for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the first retaining position 48 to the second retaining position 50 (Fig. 4 to Fig. 5) under the action of an actuation and for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation (Fig. 5 to Fig. 4). In the example of Fig. 7, three arrows are shown illustrating the path of the housing protrusion 38 under various actions on the scent cartridge 24.

The arrow 100 illustrates the path of the housing protrusion 38 under insertion of the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.

As can be seen by the arrow labelled 100 in Fig. 7, as the scent cartridge 24 is inserted into the scent cartridge housing 10 (along the first direction 22) the housing protrusion 38 enters into the cartridge guide 40 up the chamfer 46 and is guided by the abutment surfaces 54 around and into the second retaining position 50. In the examples, the housing protrusion 38 is resiliently biased and therefore follows the path of the arrow 100 under the action of the insertion of the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10.

In the example of Fig 7 the cartridge guide 40 comprises a first abutment surface 54 adjacent the first position 48, which is angled with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and therefore moves the housing protrusion away from the axis of insertion 14 as the scent cartridge 24 is moved in the first direction 22.

When the housing protrusion 38 moves past the first angled abutment surface 54 the bias of the housing protrusion 38 brings the housing protrusion 38 back towards its rest position and into the second retaining position 50.

After insertion of the scent cartridge 24 the force means, for example the spring 60, of the scent cartridge housing 10 applies a force in the second direction 59 and the housing protrusion 38 is retained in the retaining position 50 which forms a local minima for the housing protrusion 38 to rest in.

Accordingly, in examples the combination of the force provided by the force means of the scent cartridge housing 10 and the abutment surfaces 54 of the cartridge guide 40 retain the housing protrusion 38 in the retaining position 50.

In this position, the scent cartridge 24 is as illustrated in the example of Fig. 5 and is therefore retained in the "on" position. In other examples, upon insertion of the scent cartridge 24 into the scent cartridge housing 10 the housing protrusion 38 may not move all the way to the second retaining position 50 and may be retained in the first retaining position 48.

With the housing protrusion in the second retaining position 50, under an actuation from the user in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion 14 of the housing 10, the housing protrusion 38 is moved out of the retaining position 50 and is guided by the abutment surfaces 54 to allow the force from the force means, for example spring 60, to move scent cartridge 24 such that the housing protrusion 38 moves to be in the first retaining position 48 corresponding to the "off" position illustrated in Fig. 4. The first retaining position 48 also comprises a local minima for the housing protrusion 38 to be retained in under the action of the force provided by the force means of the scent cartridge housing 10. This movement of the housing protrusion 38 is illustrated by the arrow 200.

The cartridge guide 40 comprises a second abutment surface 54 adjacent the second retaining position 50 which is angled with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and therefore moves the housing protrusion away from the axis of insertion 14 as the scent cartridge 24 is moved in the first direction 22. In the example of Fig 7, the second angled abutment surface moves the housing protrusion 38 in the opposite direction away from the axis of insertion 14 compared to the first angled abutment surface 54.

When the housing protrusion has been moved out and away from the second retaining position 50 by the action of the actuation and the second angled abutment surface the force means moves the scent cartridge 24 in the second direction 59 and the housing protrusion is guided to the first retaining position 48 by abutment surfaces 54 that form a channel to guide the housing protrusion to the first retaining position 48. When the housing protrusion 38 moves past the channel formed by the abutment surfaces 54 the bias of the housing protrusion will return the housing protrusion towards its rest position with respect to the axis of insertion 14 and into the first retaining position 48.

As illustrated by the arrow 300, a further actuation in the first direction 22 along the axis of insertion will move the housing protrusion 38 from the first retaining position 48 to the second retaining position 50 as the housing protrusion 38 is guided by the plurality of abutment surfaces 54 under the action of the actuation in the same way as described above with regard to insertion of the scent cartridge 24. In general, the combination of the resiliently biased housing protrusion 38, the plurality of abutment surfaces 54 and the forces provided by the user actuations and the force means of the cartridge housing 10 switch the housing protrusion between the first and second retaining positions 48, 50 to allow the scent cartridge 24 to move between and retain the scent cartridge 24 in the first and second positions (Figs 4 and 5). In Fig. 7 the abutment surfaces 54 form guiding means for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from a first retaining position 48 to a second retaining position 50 under the action of a first actuation and for guiding the housing protrusion 38 from the second retaining position 50 to the first retaining position 48 under the action of a second actuation.

Additionally or alternatively, in examples, the scent cartridge housing 10 may comprise a housing guide 42 and the scent cartridge 24 may comprise a cartridge protrusion 44 (see Fig 8). In such examples, the housing guide 42 may be as the cartridge guide 40 illustrated in the example of Fig. 7 and the cartridge protrusion 44 may be as the housing protrusion 38 described in relation to Fig. 7.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a system 64. In the example of Fig. 8, a cross-section of the system 64 is illustrated.

The system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig 8 is as the system 64 illustrated in the example of Fig 2 and the components of the system 64 may be as described in relation to the example of Fig 2. However, in the example of Fig 8 the scent cartridge 24 comprises a cartridge protrusion 44 and the scent cartridge housing 10 comprises a housing guide 42. That is, in the example of Fig. 8, the cartridge protrusion 44 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge 24 and the housing guide 42 forms at least part of the engagement means 36 of the scent cartridge housing 10.

The housing guide 42 may be as the cartridge guide 40 of Fig 7 and the cartridge protrusion 44 may be as the housing protrusion 38 of Fig 7. In examples, the cartridge protrusion 44 and the housing guide 42 interact and cooperate in the same way as the cartridge guide 40 and housing protrusion 38 of Fig 7.

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 a simple, easy to use fragrance system that, for example, allows for easier control of the fragrance system during driving of a vehicle.

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 embodiments of the present invention 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 the first and second positions of the scent cartridge 24 may be reversed with regard to the "off" and "on" state of the system 64. 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 disclosure 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.