Aromatherapy device and method for operating an aromatherapy device

Abstract

The invention relates to an aromatherapy device and a method for operating an aromatherapy device. The aromatherapy device has a blower for generating a flow of fresh air, an aroma storage container having an inlet and an outlet, a fresh air channel connected to the blower, which opens into the inlet of the aroma storage container, a closure device which in each case comprises a closure for the inlet and the outlet of the aroma storage container and a drive element for the closure and which is designed to close the inlet and the outlet of the aroma storage container fluid-tightly in a closed state and to release them in an open state, an outlet channel which opens into an interior space and which is connected to the outlet of the aroma storage container, an analysis control unit which is designed to control the blower and the closure device to carry out an aromatherapy mode or a scavenging mode, wherein the closure device releases a spill channel in the closed state, the spill channel directly connecting the fresh air channel to the outlet channel, wherein the drive element is arranged in the spill channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aromatherapy device, particularly an aromatherapy device for vehicles. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a method for operating such an aromatherapy device. Background Technology

[0002] Various variations of air fresheners for vehicles are known. Such air fresheners for scenting the interior of a vehicle include at least one fragrance storage container and can operate, for example, using solid or liquid fragrances. To prevent fragrance diffusion when the vehicle is parked, the inlet and outlet of the at least one fragrance storage container are closed, which is accomplished using corresponding covers. These covers, for example, can be electrically adjustable. When using multiple switchable fragrances, these covers are operated, for example, by an electric actuator and camshaft to adjust the cover to the desired position. To reduce switching noise, these covers can alternatively be driven by shape memory actuators or bimetallic actuators. In both cases, heat is introduced into the system, causing the actuator to potentially heat up during continuous operation of the air freshener. This heating may alter the switching time of the actuator. Furthermore, after the covers are closed, the air passages of the air freshener can be purged with fresh air to prevent unwanted fragrance diffusion. To purge all air passages while keeping the at least one fragrance storage container closed, an overflow channel is used to bypass the at least one fragrance storage container. This usually requires an additional valve adjustment device or an additional valve.

[0003] An aromatherapy device having a first cover, a second cover, an actuator, a first fragrance cartridge, and a second fragrance cartridge is known from DE 10 2012 224 497 A1. Here, the first fragrance cartridge has a first opening that can be closed by the first cover in at least one position, and the second fragrance cartridge has a second opening that can be closed by the second cover in at least one position. The first and second covers are operated by the actuator, which has an actuation mechanism that can be translated by the actuator. The actuator is formed, for example, by a piezoelectric actuator, a shape memory metal alloy, or an electrically driven lifting magnet.

[0004] DE 10 2013 221 351 A1 discloses an aromatherapy device with an aromatherapy cartridge, the device having an actuator and a cover element for opening and closing the aromatherapy cartridge. The aromatherapy cartridge has an opening that can be opened and closed by the cover element (which can be moved by the actuator). The actuator is made of shape memory alloy and / or bimetal and is integrally implemented with the cover element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an aromatherapy device with a closure, particularly for vehicles, and a method for operating such an aromatherapy device, which reduces the temperature rise of the drive element of the closure.

[0006] This objective is achieved by an aromatherapy device having the features of claim 1 and a method for operating the aromatherapy device having the features of claim 11. Advantageous designs and suitable modifications of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] In order to provide an aromatherapy device, especially for vehicles (which reduces the temperature rise of the drive element of the closure device), at least one drive element of the closure device is arranged in an overflow channel that directly connects the fresh air passage to the exhaust passage.

[0008] In the following text, the aromatherapy device is understood as a device comprising: a blower for generating a fresh airflow; at least one aroma storage container having an inlet and an outlet; a fresh air passage connected to the blower, which leads into the inlet of the at least one aroma storage container; a sealing device, which accordingly includes a closure for the inlet and outlet of the at least one aroma storage container and at least one drive element for the closure, the sealing device being configured to fluid-tightly close the inlet and outlet of the at least one aroma storage container in a closed state and to release the inlet and outlet of the at least one aroma storage container in an open state; an exhaust passage leading into an internal space, which is connected to the outlet of the at least one aroma storage container; and an analysis and control unit configured to control the blower and the sealing device to execute an aromatherapy mode or a purging mode. Here, the sealing device releases an overflow passage in the closed state, the overflow passage directly connecting the fresh air passage to the exhaust passage.

[0009] Furthermore, a method for operating such an aromatherapy device is proposed. In the aromatherapy mode, the sealing device enters its open state for a predetermined aromatherapy period, and a flow of fresh air generated by a blower is transmitted via a fresh air channel to at least one fragrance storage container, where fragrance is added to the fresh air flow. The fragrance-added air flow is then transmitted from the at least one fragrance storage container to the interior space via an outlet and an exhaust channel. After the aromatherapy period ends, the sealing device enters its closed state, in which the inlet and outlet of the at least one fragrance storage container are fluid-tightly closed. In the subsequent purging mode, the blower generates a flow of fresh air for a predetermined operating period, which, as a purging air flow, is directly transmitted via a fresh air channel and an overflow channel to the exhaust channel and the interior space, where at least one drive element arranged in the overflow channel is cooled.

[0010] By arranging at least one drive element in the overflow channel, which is surrounded (or cooled) by a flow of fresh air, overheating can be prevented. The cooling effect can be amplified such that the effective cross-section of the overflow channel increases when the closure is closed. Advantageously, in purging mode, the overflow channel is implemented without additional valves or closures, thereby reducing the cost of operating the aromatherapy device according to the invention. Furthermore, in the case of multiple aromatherapy sessions in existing cover housings, no additional structural space is required to integrate the uncontrolled overflow channel into the cover housing. If the closure is closed, the blower operates, and the entire length of the outlet channel is purged through the overflow channel.

[0011] In an advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, the analysis and control unit can control the blower and the sealing device in such a way that, in aromatherapy mode, fresh airflow can be transmitted to at least one fragrance storage container via a fresh air channel and inlet when the sealing device is open. In the fragrance storage container, fragrance can be added to the fresh airflow, and the fragrance-added airflow can be transmitted from the at least one fragrance storage container to the interior space via an outlet and an exhaust channel. Furthermore, the analysis and control unit can further control the blower and the sealing device in such a way that, in scavenging mode, fresh airflow can be transmitted as scavenging airflow to the interior space via a fresh air channel, an overflow channel, and an exhaust channel when the sealing device is closed. Here, in scavenging mode, the effective flow cross-section of the scavenging airflow can be smaller than the effective flow cross-section of the fragrance airflow in aromatherapy mode. This means that, when the sealing device is closed, the effective flow cross-section through the overflow channel between the fresh air channel and the exhaust channel is smaller than the effective flow cross-section through the at least one fragrance storage container between the fresh air channel and the exhaust channel when the sealing device is open. Therefore, in the aromatherapy mode when the closed device is open, unwanted leakage between the fresh air channel and the exhaust channel can be reduced.

[0012] In another advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, the overflow channel can be arranged and implemented such that at least one drive element is surrounded by a leakage flow between the fresh air channel and the exhaust channel when the closed device is in the open state, and by an overflow flow between the fresh air channel and the exhaust channel when the closed device is in the closed state. Here, the overflow flow can be greater than the leakage flow. Furthermore, the closure can be configured to effectively reduce the flow cross-section of the overflow channel and the leakage flow in its open position. This can further reduce the leakage flow.

[0013] In another advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, the closures can be connected to each other by connecting elements and moved simultaneously by at least one drive element. Preferably, the connecting elements can form the wall area of ​​the overflow channel.

[0014] In another advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, at least one driving element can be implemented as a shape memory alloy actuator or a bimetallic actuator. This enables a low-cost and space-saving implementation of at least one driving element.

[0015] In another advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, at least one actuating element can be used to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein a first closure, implemented as an inlet cover, for the inlet of at least one aroma storage container and a second closure, implemented as an outlet cover, for the outlet of at least one aroma storage container. In the closed position, the inlet cover fluid-tightly closes the inlet, and the outlet cover fluid-tightly closes the outlet; in the open position, the inlet cover releases the inlet, and the outlet cover releases the outlet. This enables a particularly simple and inexpensive implementation of the closure device.

[0016] In another advantageous design of the aromatherapy device, at least one fragrance storage container can be implemented as a replaceable fragrance box.

[0017] The features and combinations of features mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as the features and combinations mentioned below in the description of the accompanying drawings and / or shown only in the drawings, may be used not only in the combinations described separately, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, embodiments not explicitly shown or explained in the drawings, but which can be derived from the explained embodiments by individual combinations of features, should also be considered as included and disclosed within the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and will be explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote parts or elements that perform the same or similar functions. Herein:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic partial view of an embodiment of the aromatherapy device according to the present invention in aromatherapy mode is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic partial view of the aromatherapy device according to the invention in scavenging mode is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing device for an aromatherapy apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of the sealing device in the aromatherapy mode of the aromatherapy device according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of the sealing device in the scavenging mode of the aromatherapy device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the illustrated embodiment of the aromatherapy device 1 according to the present invention includes: a blower 5 that generates a fresh airflow 6A; at least one aroma storage container 20 having an inlet 24 and an outlet 26; a fresh air passage 7A connected to the blower 5, the fresh air passage leading into the inlet 24 of the at least one aroma storage container 20; sealing devices 10, 10A, each including a closure 14 for the inlet 24 and outlet 26 of the at least one aroma storage container 20 and at least one drive element 16 for the closure 14, the sealing devices fluidly sealing the inlet 24 and outlet 26 of the at least one aroma storage container 20 in a closed state and releasing the inlet 24 and outlet 26 of the at least one aroma storage container 20 in an open state; an exhaust passage 7B leading into the internal space 3, the exhaust passage being connected to the outlet 26 of the at least one aroma storage container 20; and an analysis and control unit 2 that controls the blower 5 and the sealing devices 10, 10A to perform an aromatherapy mode or a purging mode. When the sealing devices 10 and 10A are in the closed state, they release the overflow channel 18, which directly connects the fresh air channel 7A and the exhaust channel 7B. At least one drive element 16 is arranged in the overflow channel 18.

[0025] According to the method for operating the aromatherapy device 1 according to the present invention, in the aromatherapy mode, the sealing devices 10, 10A are in their respective positions during a predetermined aromatherapy time period. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the open state shown, a fresh airflow 6A generated by the blower 5 is transmitted through a fresh air channel 7A to at least one fragrance storage container 20, where fragrance is added to the fresh airflow 6A. The fragrance-added airflow 6B is then transmitted from the at least one fragrance storage container 20 to the internal space 3 via an outlet 26 and an exhaust channel 7B. After the fragrance treatment period ends, the sealing devices 10 and 10A are closed. Figure 2 and Figure 5In the closed state shown, at least one fragrance storage container 20 has its inlet 24 and outlet 26 fluidly sealed. In the subsequent scavenging mode, the blower 5 generates a fresh airflow 6A for a predetermined operating period. This fresh airflow, as a scavenging airflow 6C, is directly transmitted via the fresh air passage 7A and the overflow passage 18 to the outlet passage 7B and the internal space 3, where it cools at least one drive element 16 arranged in the overflow passage 18.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment of the aromatherapy device 1, in aromatherapy mode, the analysis and control unit 2 controls the blower 5 and the sealing devices 10 and 10A, so that fresh airflow 6A is transmitted through fresh air channel 7A and inlet 24 to at least one fragrance storage container 20 with fragrance added, while the sealing devices 10 and 10A are open. Then, the fragrance-added airflow 6B is transmitted from at least one fragrance storage container 20 to the interior space 3 via outlet 26 and exhaust channel 7B. In scavenging mode, the analysis and control unit 2 controls the blower 5 and the sealing devices 10 and 10A, so that fresh airflow 6A, as scavenging airflow 6C, is transmitted to the interior space 3 through fresh air channel 7A, overflow channel 18, and exhaust channel 7B while the sealing devices 10 and 10A are closed.

[0027] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be further seen, the effective flow cross-section through the overflow channel 18 between the fresh air channel 7A and the exhaust channel 7B when the sealing device 10 is closed is smaller than the effective flow cross-section through at least one fragrance storage container 20 between the fresh air channel 7A and the exhaust channel 7B when the sealing device 10 is open. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one fragrance storage container 20 is implemented as a replaceable fragrance box 20A and has a plurality of fragrance objects 22, implemented as solid fragrances, arranged spaced apart from each other within the interior space of at least one fragrance storage container 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be further seen, a seal 28 is arranged between at least one fragrance storage container 20 and the sealing device 10. Here, a first seal 28A seals the connection between the inlet 24 of at least one fragrance storage container 20 and the section of the air outlet 7B arranged within the sealing device 10. A second seal 28B seals the connection between the outlet 26 of at least one fragrance storage container 20 and the section of the fresh air channel 7A arranged within the sealing device 10.

[0028] If passed Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen from the comparison, Figure 2The effective flow cross-section of the scavenging airflow 6C shown in the scavenging mode is smaller than [a certain value]. Figure 1 The illustrated fragrance airflow 6B shows the effective flow cross-section in fragrance mode. Furthermore, the overflow channel 18 is arranged and implemented such that, in the open state of the closure device 10, at least one drive element 16 is surrounded by the leakage flow LS between the fresh air channel 7A and the exhaust channel 7B, and in the closed state of the closure device 10, it is surrounded by the overflow flow between the fresh air channel 7A and the exhaust channel 7B. Flow around. Here, the overflow flow is in the closed state of the enclosure 10. The leakage flow LS is greater than that in the open state of the closure device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 14 is configured to reduce the effective flow cross-section of the overflow passage 18 in its open position, thereby reducing the leakage flow LS.

[0029] As from Figures 3 to 5 As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment of the sealing device 10A, the first sealing member 14 is implemented as an inlet cover 14A for the inlet 24, and the second sealing member 14 is implemented as an outlet cover 14B for the outlet 2. The sealing members 14 are connected to each other by a connecting element 15 and move simultaneously between a closed position and an open position by at least one drive element 16. In the closed position, the inlet cover 14A fluid-tightly closes the inlet 24, and the outlet cover 14B fluid-tightly closes the outlet 26; in the open position, the inlet cover 14A releases the inlet 24, and the outlet cover 14B releases the outlet 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the common drive element 16 is implemented as a bimetallic actuator 16A, which is electrically connected to the analysis and control unit 2 via a corresponding connector contact 16.1. Alternatively, at least one drive element 16 may be implemented as a shape memory alloy actuator.

[0030] As from Figures 3 to 5 As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment of the closure device 10A, the connecting element 15 is implemented as an open semi-cylinder 15A rotatably supported about the rotation axis DA, with a corresponding closure 14 arranged at its end. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 15 and the closure 14 are manufactured as plastic injection molded parts in a common injection molding process. Here, a disc-shaped outlet cover 14B with a disc-shaped sealing element 14.1 is arranged on the upper end of the semi-cylinder 15A, and a disc-shaped inlet cover 14A with a disc-shaped sealing element 14.1 is arranged on the lower end of the semi-cylinder 15A. As particularly from Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be further seen, the connecting element 15, implemented as a semi-cylinder 15A, forms the wall region of the overflow channel 18. Here, in the closing device 10A... Figure 5In the closed position shown, the semi-cylinder 15A releases the inflow section of the overflow channel 18, allowing the overflow flow üS to flow directly from the fresh air channel 7A into the outlet channel 7B. Through the corresponding energization of the bimetallic actuator 16A, the semi-cylinder 15A, equipped with the inlet cover 14A and the outlet cover 14B, flows from... Figure 5 The closed position shown rotates around the rotation axis DA to Figure 4 The open position shown in the diagram, in which the semi-cylinder 15A and the closure 14 cover the inflow section of the overflow passage 18, allows only the leakage flow LS to flow directly from the fresh air passage 7A to the outlet passage 7B. Here, in the closing device 10... Figure 5 In the closed position shown, the effective inlet cross-section of the overflow channel 18 is significantly larger than that of the closure device 10. Figure 4 The effective inlet cross-section in the open position, and the overflow flow in the closed position. Fresh air flows directly from fresh air passage 7A into exhaust air passage 7B, in the open position, only when... Figure 4 The invisible small leak flow LS flows directly from the fresh air passage 7A into the exhaust passage 7B.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 1 Aromatherapy device

[0033] 2 Analysis and Control Unit

[0034] 3. Interior space

[0035] 5 blowers

[0036] 6A Fresh Air Flow

[0037] 6B Fragrance Airflow

[0038] 6C scavenging airflow

[0039] 7 air channels

[0040] 7A Fresh Air Channel

[0041] 7B Exhaust Channel

[0042] 9A air intake

[0043] 9B air outlet

[0044] 10. 10A Sealing Device

[0045] 12 shells

[0046] 14 closures

[0047] 14A Inlet Cover

[0048] 14B Exit Cover

[0049] 14.1 Disc-shaped sealing element

[0050] 15 Connecting elements

[0051] 15A Semi-cylinder

[0052] 16 drive elements

[0053] 16A Bimetallic Driver

[0054] 16.1 Connector Contacts

[0055] 18 overflow channels

[0056] 20 Fragrance Storage Containers

[0057] 20A Fragrance Box

[0058] 22 Fragrance Objects

[0059] 24 entrances

[0060] 26 Exports

[0061] 28, 28A, 28B seals

[0062] LS Leakage Flow

[0063] Overflow Stream

[0064] DA rotation axis

Claims

1. A fragrance device (1) having a blower (5) generating a flow of fresh air (6A), at least one fragrance storage container (20) having an inlet (24) and an outlet (26), a fresh air channel (7A) connected to the blower (5) which opens into the inlet (24) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20), a closure device (10) comprising a closure (14) for the inlet (24) and the outlet (26) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20) and at least one drive element (16) for the closure (14), which closure device is designed to fluid-tightly close the inlet (24) and the outlet (26) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20) in a closed state and to release the inlet and the outlet of the at least one fragrance storage container in an open state, an air outlet channel (7B) opening into an interior space (3), which air outlet channel is connected to the outlet (26) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20), an evaluation control unit (2) designed to control the blower (5) and the closure device (10) to perform a fragrance mode or a scavenging mode, wherein The closure device (10) releases an overflow channel (18) in the closed state, which directly connects the fresh air channel (7A) with the outlet channel (7B), wherein at least one drive element (16) is arranged in the overflow channel (18).

2. The aromatherapy device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The analysis control unit (2) implements a control of the blower (5) and the closure device (10) such that, in the aromatherapy mode, a fresh air stream (6A) can be conducted into the at least one aroma storage container (20) via the fresh air channel (7A) and the inlet (24) in the open state of the closure device (10), in which the fresh air stream (6A) can be added with an aroma, from which the aroma air stream (6B) added with the aroma can be conducted from the at least one aroma storage container (20) into the interior space (3) via the outlet (26) and the outlet channel (7B), wherein the analysis control unit (2) further implements a control of the blower (5) and the closure device (10) such that, in the scavenging mode, the fresh air stream (6A) can be conducted into the interior space (3) as a scavenging air stream (6C) via the fresh air channel (7A), the overflow channel (18) and the outlet channel (7B) in the closed state of the closure device (10).

3. The aromatherapy device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that In the scavenging mode, the effective flow cross section of the scavenging air stream (6C) is smaller than the effective flow cross section of the aroma air stream (6B) in the aromatherapy mode.

4. The aromatherapy device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The overflow channel (18) is arranged and implemented such that the at least one drive element (16) is flowed around by a leakage flow (LS) between the fresh air channel (7A) and the outlet channel (7B) in the open state of the closure device (10) and by an overflow flow (üS) between the fresh air channel (7A) and the outlet channel (7B) in the closed state of the closure device (10).

5. The aromatherapy device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The overflow flow (üS) is greater than the leakage flow (LS), wherein the closure (14) is implemented for reducing the effective flow cross section of the overflow channel (18) and thus the leakage flow (LS) in its open position.

6. The aromatherapy device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The closures (14) are coupled to one another by coupling elements (15), which can be moved simultaneously by the at least one drive element (16).

7. The aromatherapy device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The coupling elements (15) form wall regions of the overflow channel (18).

8. The aromatherapy device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The at least one drive element (16) is implemented as a shape memory alloy actuator or a bimetallic actuator (16A).

9. The aromatherapy device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least one drive element (16) causes a first closure (14) embodied as an inlet cover plate (14A) for an inlet (24) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20) and a second closure (14) embodied as an outlet cover plate (14B) for an outlet (26) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20) to move between a closed position, in which the inlet cover plate (14A) fluid-tightly closes the inlet (24) and the outlet cover plate (14B) fluid-tightly closes the outlet (26), and an open position, in which the inlet cover plate (14A) releases the inlet (24) and the outlet cover plate (14B) releases the outlet (26).

10. The aromatherapy device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The at least one fragrance storage container (20) is embodied as a replaceable fragrance cartridge (20A).

11. A method for operating an aromatherapy device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, In the aromatherapy mode, the closure device (10) is brought into its open state over a predetermined aromatherapy time period, the fresh air stream (6A) generated by the blower (5) is transmitted into the at least one fragrance storage container (20) via the fresh air channel (7A), in which the fresh air stream (6A) is added with fragrance, wherein the fragrance-added fragrance air stream (6B) is transmitted from the at least one fragrance storage container (20) into the interior space (3) via the outlet (26) and the outlet air channel (7B), wherein, after the end of the aromatherapy time period, the closure device (10) is brought into its closed state, in which the inlet (24) and the outlet (26) of the at least one fragrance storage container (20) are fluid-tightly closed, wherein, in the subsequent purge mode, the blower (5) generates a fresh air stream (6A) over a predetermined operating time period, which is transmitted as a purge air stream (6C) via the fresh air channel (7A) and the overflow channel (18) directly into the outlet air channel (7B) and the interior space (3), while the at least one drive element (16) arranged in the overflow channel (18) is cooled.

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