Diffuser device for vapour dispersion of substance in liquid or solid state at room temperature into air

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffuser device (1; 1 ') for vapour-dispersing a substance in a liquid or solid state at room temperature into the air; 2; 3; 4). A storage container (60) contains the substance. The porous body (70) extends in a longitudinal direction (Q-Q) with a proximal portion (71) located in the storage container (60) and a distal portion (72) located outside the storage container (60). The distal portion (72) of the porous body (70) includes a peripheral surface (73) forming an evaporation surface of a substance and a central cavity (74) at a distance from the peripheral surface (73). A heating element (110) is housed in the cavity (74).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of diffusion devices, which are intended to disperse a substance in a liquid or solid state at ambient temperature in vapor form into the air. Background Art

[0002] Diffusion devices of the aforementioned type are known, for example, from document WO 2019 / 243734 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a diffusion device for dispersing a substance in a liquid or solid state at ambient temperature in vapor form into the air, the diffusion device comprising:

[0004] - a storage container including an internal volume for containing the substance;

[0005] - a porous body extending longitudinally, the porous body having a proximal portion and a distal portion longitudinally opposite the proximal portion, the proximal portion being located within the internal volume of the storage container and the distal portion being located outside the storage container;

[0006] - a heating element,

[0007] wherein the storage container includes a bottom wall partially defining the internal volume, the proximal portion of the porous body being in contact with the bottom wall or spaced apart from the bottom wall by a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance being selected such that when the internal volume is filled with the substance to 50%, the porous body is in contact with the substance,

[0008] wherein the distal portion of the porous body includes an outer peripheral surface forming an evaporation surface of the substance and a central cavity spaced from the outer peripheral surface, the heating element being received in the cavity; and

[0009] - an air guiding device configured to guide an air flow around the outer peripheral surface.

[0010] In a diffusion device of this type, the liquid substance diffuses through the porous body by capillary action to the distal portion and then to the outer peripheral surface. Heating of the porous body by the heating element and the air flow around the outer peripheral surface promote evaporation of the substance at the outer peripheral surface.

[0011] Since the heating element is accommodated in the cavity, a greater proportion of the energy supplied to the heating element is effectively supplied to the porous body rather than being lost, for example, by convection, especially as compared to configurations in which the heating element is in contact with the outer peripheral surface or the end surface of the distal portion. Thus, the diffusion device is significantly more energy-efficient. Notably, the device is capable of evaporating a significantly greater amount of the substance per unit of energy supplied to the heating element.

[0012] Furthermore, since the heating element is accommodated in the cavity, the temperature of the porous body at the outer peripheral surface can be significantly more easily controlled as compared to configurations in which the heating element is in contact with the outer peripheral surface or the end surface of the distal portion, and thereby the effect of the heating of the porous body by the heating element on the evaporation of the substance at the outer peripheral surface can be controlled.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a diffusion device of this type may include one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the porous body is made of: wood, fabric, ceramic, polymer, or a porous metal material obtained by sintering metal powder or metal alloy powder.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the porous body has a uniform porosity.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cavity extends from the distal portion to the proximal portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the porous body has a constant cross-sectional profile from the distal portion to the proximal portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the entire porous body exhibits the said constant cross-section. This can allow for the simplification of the manufacturing process of the porous body, since the porous body can be formed by extrusion or by molding.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cross-section is annular. This type of cross-section further simplifies the manufacture of the porous body.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cavity opens at the end surface of the distal portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes a heat-insulating element, and the heat-insulating element encloses the cavity.

[0022] The heat-insulating element further increases the proportion of the energy supplied to the heating element that is effectively supplied to the porous body rather than being lost, for example, by convection. Thus, the diffusion device is even more energy-efficient.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the distal portion of the porous body includes an end wall that closes the recessed cavity.

[0024] The end wall further increases the proportion of the energy supplied to the heating element that is usefully supplied to the porous body rather than being lost, for example, by convection. Thus, the diffusion device is even more significantly energy-saving. In addition, the surface of the end wall forms an additional evaporation surface for the substance, which increases the total surface area available for the evaporation of the substance. Therefore, the diffusion device is capable of evaporating an even greater amount of the substance per unit of energy supplied to the heating element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the heating element is in contact with the inner wall that defines the distal portion of the recessed cavity.

[0026] This improves the heating efficiency of the distal portion by the heating element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the porous body and the storage container are integral.

[0028] Thus, the storage container and the porous body can be provided as a removable assembly to be integrally inserted into the diffusion device. This further simplifies the use of the diffusion device. However, other arrangements are also possible. Thus, in one embodiment, the porous body is permanently installed in the diffusion device. In another embodiment, the porous body can be separated from the storage container.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes a support element for the heating element, and the support element is fixed to the diffusion device. According to one embodiment, the heating element is fixed to the support element.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the storage container includes an opening through which the porous body extends.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the proximal portion is located below the opening in the downward direction along the longitudinal axis, and the distal portion is located above the opening in the upward direction opposite to the downward direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the proximal portion of the porous body is in contact with the bottom wall.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the bottom wall includes a groove in which one end of the proximal side wall is received.

[0034] The groove helps to keep the proximal portion in place within the internal volume of the storage container. In addition, the groove together with the opening helps to prevent the porous body from deforming in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device is intended to be used in a use position in which, with respect to the acceleration due to gravity, the downward direction is downward and the upward direction is upward. In a use position of this type, substances tend to diffuse upward through the porous body by capillary action. According to one embodiment, in this case, the predetermined distance is selected in such a way that the porous body remains in contact with the substance when the internal volume is filled with the substance to less than 50%, preferably when the internal volume is filled with the substance to less than 20%, more preferably when the internal volume is filled with the substance to less than 5%, and even more preferably when the internal volume is filled with the substance to less than 3%.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the air guiding device includes a housing that surrounds a distal portion of the porous body and extends longitudinally to be able to guide an air flow longitudinally along the outer peripheral surface.

[0037] This enables satisfactory evaporation of the substance to be obtained at the outer peripheral surface with a simple construction, in particular a simple design of the porous body.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes an air inlet, at least one air outlet, and at least one fan for driving an air flow from the air inlet towards the at least one air outlet in such a way that the air flow moves longitudinally along the outer peripheral surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the fan is located downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the porous body in the flow direction of the air flow. Thus, the substance evaporated at the evaporation surface does not pass through the fan.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the fan is an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device is configured such that the air flow travels along the outer peripheral surface in the downward direction. Thus, the air flow travels downward along the outer peripheral surface while the substance tends to diffuse upward through the porous body by capillary action. According to one embodiment, the air inlet is located above the at least one air outlet longitudinally such that the air flow moves downward along the outer peripheral surface. According to one embodiment, the support element is located above the heating element longitudinally.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device is configured such that the air flow moves along the outer peripheral surface in the upward direction. According to one embodiment, the air inlet is located below the at least one air outlet longitudinally such that the air flow moves upward along the outer peripheral surface. According to one embodiment, the support element is located below the heating element longitudinally.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes an internal partition wall located within the housing, the internal partition wall at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the storage container, and the internal partition wall is configured such that an air flow circulates around the internal partition wall.

[0044] For this type of internal partition wall, if re - condensation of the evaporated substance occurs within the housing, the re - condensation tends to occur on the internal partition wall rather than on the storage container.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the heating element includes a resistor or consists of a resistor.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes an electronic circuit board, and the resistor is powered by the electronic circuit board.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes a control device, which is configured to control the heating element based on a set - point temperature in the porous body.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device further includes at least one temperature sensor connected to the control device, and the control device is configured to control the heating element based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the control device is arranged on the electronic circuit.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the control device is further configured to control the fan, in particular to control the operating speed of the fan.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the substance includes at least one compound selected from chemical information molecules, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, synomones of natural or synthetic origin.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution that contains at least one sex or non - sex pheromone, allomone, synomone or kairomone that is intended to cause a positive or negative response in the target species, and the behavioral result may be sexual confusion, some other type of confusion, sexual attraction, some other type of attraction, any type of repulsion in arthropods (including arachnids or hexapods, especially including insects, including harmful insects).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution that contains at least one pheromone or a sex pheromone, allomone, synomone or kairomone that is intended to cause a positive or negative response in the target species, and the behavioral result may particularly be calming, relaxation, euphoria or intimidation in mammals and birds.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises a solvent selected from isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and isoparaffins, such as L or P or N or V isoparaffins.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of odorants, semiochemicals, cosmetic agents, essential oils, fragrances, disinfectants, odor neutralizers, and phytosanitary and agricultural agents that can be used for humans or animals. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound selected from this group.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of odorants, cosmetic agents, essential oils, fragrances, disinfectants, and odor neutralizers that can be used for humans. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound selected from this group.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the odorants that can be used for animals are selected from fatty acids or esterified forms of said fatty acids, such as methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, dimethyl azelate, and dimethyl pimelate.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid substance is greater than 1 cPa s at 25 °C, for example greater than 8 cPa s at 25 °C, and less than 1 cPa s at 60 °C.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the boiling point of the substance at atmospheric pressure is between 30 °C and 400 °C, including the end values.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the substance is in a liquid state at ambient temperature. For example, the substance may have a melting point between -70 °C and 0 °C at atmospheric pressure.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the substance is in a solid state at ambient temperature. For example, the substance may have a melting point higher than 30 °C, for example between 30 °C and 40 °C (including the end values) at atmospheric pressure.

[0062] The present invention also relates to the use of the diffusion device as described above for dispersing a substance that is in a liquid or solid state at ambient temperature into the air in a vapor state, wherein, at the use location, the downward direction of the diffusion device is downward with respect to the acceleration due to gravity.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the diffusion device is located in an enclosed place, such as a greenhouse or a building, or in a place sheltered from precipitation. Description of the Drawings

[0064] In the following description of several specific embodiments of the present invention provided by way of non-limiting illustration and with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be better understood, and its other objects, details, features, and advantages will become more apparent.

[0065] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a diffusion device according to a first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 2 Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 and shows a diffusion device according to a second embodiment.

[0067] Figure 3 Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1 and shows a diffusion device according to a first variant of the second embodiment.

[0068] Figure 4 Figure 4 is similar to Figure 1 and shows a diffusion device according to a second variant of the second embodiment.

[0069] Figure 5 Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional view in

[0070] Figure 6 Figure 6 is Figure 1 a partial view of the diffusion device in and a functional block diagram showing the various components of the diffusion device.

[0071] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a diffusion device that is designed to disperse a substance that is liquid at ambient temperature into the air in vapor form. The diffusion device has the reference numeral 1 in the drawing; for convenience, it will hereinafter be referred to as "device 1".

[0072] Device 1 includes a fixed part generally designated 20.

[0073] The fixed part 20 includes a wall 25. The wall 25 defines an internal space 26 of the fixed part 20. As described below, the various components of device 1 are accommodated in this internal space 26. In an equivalent manner, the wall 25 forms an enclosure surrounding these components of device 1.

[0074] Figure 1 ​​​​​​​​​​​​Not shown in the figure, the wall 25 may form part of the housing or other suitable rigid container, and the rigid container forms part of the fixed portion 20. The housing or rigid container may enclose various components of the device 1, in particular a power socket and / or a battery, one or more indicator lights for the user of the device 1, one or more buttons for the user of the device 1, etc.

[0075] Figure 1 The removable component 50 is also shown. The removable component 50 is intended to be partially or fully inserted into the internal space 26. The removable component 50 includes a storage container 60 and a core 70. The core 70 is fastened to the storage container 60 such that the removable component 50 can be integrally inserted into the internal space 26 by picking up the removable component 50.

[0076] The storage container 60 includes an internal volume 69 for containing a liquid substance. The internal volume 69 is defined by a bottom wall 68, a side wall 67 and a top wall 66 of the storage container 60.

[0077] It should be noted that Figure 1 the external shape of the storage container 60 visible in the figure is just an example. The storage container 60 can have any suitable external shape as long as it includes the internal volume 69. Similarly, Figure 1 the shape of the internal volume 69 visible in the figure is just an example. The internal volume 69 can take any suitable form.

[0078] The core 70 extends in the longitudinal direction Q-Q. The longitudinal direction Q-Q is indicated by a thick dashed line in Figure 1 the figure.

[0079] In the following description, the longitudinal direction Q-Q is designated as the upward direction A and the downward direction D opposite to the upward direction A. Figure 1 The upward direction A and the downward direction D are indicated by arrows in the figure. Expressions such as "below", "beneath", "down", "lower" should be understood with respect to the downward direction D along the longitudinal direction Q-Q. Expressions such as "above", "over", "up", "upper" should be understood with respect to the upward direction A along the longitudinal direction Q-Q.

[0080] Figure 1 It is shown that the device 1 can be used in a use position in which, with respect to the acceleration of gravity G, the downward direction D is downward and the upward direction A is upward. The direction and orientation of the acceleration of gravity G are indicated by the Figure 1 arrows in the figure. More specifically, as Figure 1 shown, in the use position, the longitudinal direction Q-Q is parallel to the direction of the acceleration of gravity G. Alternatively, other directions are also possible.

[0081] The core 70 includes a proximal portion 71 and a distal portion 72 opposite to the proximal portion 71 in the longitudinal direction Q-Q.

[0082] The distal portion 72 is located outside the storage container 60. As Figure 1 shown, when the removable component 50 is inserted into the internal space 26, the distal portion 72 is located within the internal space 26.

[0083] The proximal portion 71 is located within the internal volume 69 of the storage container 60 such that the proximal portion 71 is in contact with the liquid substance contained in the internal volume 69.

[0084] The proximal portion 71 is inserted into the storage container 60 through the opening 65 of the storage container 60. Here, the opening 65 passes through the upper wall 66. One or more sealing elements (not shown) may be provided to ensure a sealed connection between the core 70 and the opening 65.

[0085] In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the lower end portion of the proximal portion 71 is received in the groove 64 provided in the bottom wall 68. The groove 64 tends to hold the proximal portion 71 in place within the internal volume 69. In addition, the groove 64 together with the opening 65 tends to prevent the core 70 from deforming perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Q-Q.

[0086] Alternatively, the bottom wall 68 may not include the groove 64, and the proximal portion 71 is in contact with the bottom wall 68. At least one holding element (not shown) may be provided within the internal volume 69 to hold the proximal portion 71 in contact with the bottom wall 68, for example, by holding the core 70. In this way, it is ensured that the proximal portion 71 remains in contact with the liquid substance until the storage container 60 is almost emptied of the liquid substance.

[0087] Alternatively, the proximal portion 71 is not in contact with the bottom wall 68 and is spaced from the bottom wall 68 by a predetermined gap in the longitudinal direction Q-Q. The predetermined gap is selected such that when the internal volume 69 is filled with the substance to less than 50%, preferably when the internal volume 69 is filled with the substance to less than 20%, more preferably when the internal volume 69 is filled with the substance to less than 5%, and even more preferably when the internal volume 69 is filled with the substance to less than 3%, the core 70 remains in contact with the substance. At least one holding element (not shown) may be provided within the internal volume 69 to maintain the predetermined gap, for example, by holding the core 70 in place. The predetermined gap is selected to ensure that the proximal portion 71 remains in contact with the liquid substance until the storage container 60 is almost completely emptied of the liquid substance.

[0088] The core 70 is partially or entirely made of a porous material, such as wood, fabric, ceramic, or polymer. Another example of a possible porous material is a porous metal obtained by sintering metal powder or metal alloy powder. This type of porous metal is known in the art, and the techniques for obtaining it are not described in detail here.

[0089] Specifically, the proximal portion 71 and the distal portion 72 are partially or entirely made of one of the above porous materials, and between the proximal portion 71 and the distal portion 72 along the longitudinal Q-Q, the core 70 is partially or entirely made of the above porous materials.

[0090] In a simple exemplary embodiment, the core 70 is entirely made of a single porous material and has a uniform porosity. This can allow for the simplification of the manufacture of the core 70.

[0091] Alternatively, the core 70 can have a non-uniform porosity and / or be made of multiple of the above porous materials.

[0092] The core 70 further includes a central cavity 74 (hereinafter referred to as "cavity 74"). The cavity 74 is separated from the outer peripheral surface 73. In the illustrated example, the cavity 74 extends from the distal portion 72 to the proximal portion 73. More specifically, the cavity 74 extends throughout the entire length of the core 70 along the longitudinal Q-Q so as to open at the upper end surface 72A of the distal portion 72 and at the lower end surface of the proximal portion 71. Alternatively, the cavity 74 may not open at the proximal portion 71. The cavity 74 may even extend only within the distal portion 72.

[0093] The core 70 can have a constant cross-section from the distal portion 72 to the proximal portion 71; equivalently, the core 70 between the distal portion 72 and the proximal portion 71 can exhibit rotational symmetry about the longitudinal Q-Q. In particular, the entire core 70 can exhibit rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis Q-Q. This can further simplify the manufacture of the core 70, since the core 70 can be produced by extrusion or by molding.

[0094] The core 70 can have various cross-sections selected.

[0095] For example, the cross-section can be annular, which means that the outer peripheral surface 73 and the wall defining the cavity 74 are concentric cylinders. This cross-section further simplifies the manufacture of the core 70.

[0096] Alternatively, the cross-section can be such that the outer peripheral surface 73 and / or the wall defining the cavity 74 are concentric cylinders with a polygonal base, particularly a regular polygonal base, more particularly a regular hexagon base.

[0097] Alternatively, the cavity 74 can have a non-constant cross-section, such as a conical or frustoconical cross-section.

[0098] Figure 1 It is also shown that the device 1 includes a heating unit 100 within the internal space 26. The heating unit 100 includes a heating element 110, such as a resistor. When the removable component 50 is inserted into the internal space 26 as described above, the heating element 110 is received within the cavity 74. More particularly, the heating element 110 is fully received within the cavity 74. Preferably, the heating element 110 and the cavity 74 are sized such that the heating element 110 contacts the inner wall of the distal portion 72 that defines the cavity 74. This improves the heating efficiency of the distal portion 72 by the heating element 110. To this end, the heating element 110 may have a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the cavity 74.

[0099] To facilitate insertion of the heating element 110 into the cavity 74, the opening in the upper end wall 72A (where the cavity 74 opens) may be chamfered, as Figure 1 shown.

[0100] The heating element 110 is fixed to or at least held in place by a support element 105 of the heating unit 100, and the support element 105 is located above the heating element 110. The support element 105 is fixed to the device 1 in any suitable manner, for example, fixed to the wall 25.

[0101] Alternatively, the heating element 110 may be part of the removable component 50 rather than being permanently located in the device 1. In this case, the support element 105 may hold the heating element 110 in place relative to the device 1 and / or relative to the core.

[0102] Figure 1 It is also shown that the device 1 includes an air inlet 98, an air outlet 99, and a fan 90. The air inlet 98 is located above the fan 90. The fan 90 is located above the heating element 110. The heating element 110 and the outer peripheral surface 73 are located above the air outlet 99.

[0103] Now the operation of the device 1 when the removable component 50 is in its position will be described, as Figure 1 shown.

[0104] Since the proximal portion 71 is in contact with the liquid substance and since the core 70 is porous as described above, the liquid substance impregnates the proximal portion 71 and then diffuses through the core 70 by capillary action until it reaches the distal portion 72. As described above, since the distal portion 72 is porous, the liquid substance continues to diffuse through the distal portion 72 by capillary action until it reaches the outer peripheral surface 73 of the distal portion 72. Then, this outer peripheral surface 73 forms the evaporation surface of the substance.

[0105] When the fan 90 operates, the fan 90 drives an air flow F, as Figure 1As shown by the dashed arrow in the figure. The air flow F is inhaled from the air inlet 98 along the longitudinal direction Q-Q in the downward direction D towards the air outlet 99. The geometry of the wall 25 ensures that the air flow F moves along the longitudinal direction Q-Q. The air flow F bypasses the outer peripheral surface 73, where it is filled with the evaporated substance. Now the air flow F filled with the evaporated substance is discharged through the air outlet 99 and disperses the evaporated substance into the ambient air.

[0106] When the heating element 110 is operating, the heating element 110 heats the distal portion 72. The heating of the distal portion 72 tends to promote the evaporation of the substance at the outer peripheral surface 73. The heating of the core 70 via the distal portion 72 also tends to promote the capillary diffusion of the substance through the core 70, especially since the viscosity of the substance decreases as the temperature rises.

[0107] By appropriately adjusting the operating parameters of the fan 90 and / or the heating element 110, the amount of the substance evaporated by the device 1 can be adjusted.

[0108] The fan 90 can adopt various structures, including an axial flow fan, a centrifugal fan or other types of fans. The fan 90 can be held in place in the device 1 in any suitable manner.

[0109] The air filter 91 can optionally be placed between the air inlet 98 and the fan 90 to limit the risk of the core 70 being blocked by unwanted external particles.

[0110] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device 2 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 2 this figure, the elements that are the same or similar to the elements already described have the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0111] The device 2 is different from the device 1 in that the removable component 50 is intended to be inserted into the internal space 26 in the downward direction D instead of in the upward direction A. Therefore, the support member 105 is located below the heating element 110. As shown in the figure, the support member 105 extends into the recess 74, and the support element 105 extends upward above the bottom wall 68 of the storage container 60.

[0112] As shown in the figure, the air inlet 98 is located below the fan 90. The fan 90 is located below the heating element 110. The heating element 110 and the outer peripheral surface 73 are located below the air outlet 99. The air flow F circulates in the upward direction A. The operation of the device 2 is the same as that of the device 1 in other aspects and will not be described again.

[0113] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device 3 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 3 this figure, the elements that are the same or similar to the elements already described have the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0114] The apparatus 3 differs from the apparatus 2 in that the heat-insulating element 51 closes the recess 74. For example, the heat-insulating element 51 is made of a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The heat-insulating element 51 may be part of the removable assembly 50. Alternatively, the heat-insulating element 51 may be permanently located in the apparatus 3. The operation of the apparatus 3 is otherwise the same as that of the apparatus 2.

[0115] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 4 those in which elements that are the same as or similar to the elements already described have the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0116] The apparatus 4 differs from the apparatus 2 in that the distal portion 72 of the core 70 includes an end wall 75 that closes the recess 74. Preferably, the heating element 110 is in contact with the end wall 75. The upper surface 75A of the end wall 75 forms an additional evaporation surface for the substance. The operation of the apparatus 4 is otherwise the same as that of the apparatus 2.

[0117] In Figures 2 to 4 the illustrated example, the proximal portion 71 of the core 70 passes through the bottom wall 68 of the storage container 60. For example, the proximal portion 71 is press-fitted into a through-hole made in the bottom wall 68. One or more sealing gaskets (not shown) may be provided to ensure a seal around the proximal portion 71 at the bottom wall 68. Alternatively, as described above with reference to Figure 1 the proximal portion 71 may be in contact with the bottom wall 68, optionally provided with a groove 64, or spaced apart from the bottom wall 68.

[0118] Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional view in which it is shown that the apparatus 1 may exhibit an internal partition wall 49. The internal partition wall 49 is arranged within the internal space 26, between the side wall 67 of the storage container 60 and the inner wall 25.

[0119] The distal portion 72 is not surrounded by the internal partition wall 49, while the side wall 67 is completely surrounded by the internal partition wall 49. Thus, the air flow F carrying the evaporating substance at the outer peripheral surface 73 does not flow along the side wall 67 but along the internal partition wall 49. Thus, if re-condensation of the evaporating substance occurs in the internal space 26, this re-condensation does not occur on the side wall 67 but on the internal partition wall 49. Thus, the risk of a user of the apparatus 1 accidentally coming into contact with the re-condensed substance is significantly reduced.

[0120] Alternatively, the side wall 67 of the storage container 60 may be only partially surrounded by the internal partition wall 49; however, in such a case, it is preferred to limit the surface of the side wall 67 that is not surrounded by the internal partition wall 49 in order to prevent re - condensation of the evaporation substance on the side wall 67.

[0121] The internal partition wall 49 is permanently located in the device 1. For example, the internal partition wall 49 is connected to the wall 25 via one or more ribs (not shown).

[0122] The storage container 60 can be fixed to the device 1 via the internal partition wall 49, for example by screws, bayonet fastening, clips or snap - fits. The storage container 60 can thus be fixed to the internal partition wall 49 while the core 70 has already been fixed to the storage container 60. In other words, the removable assembly 50 is inserted into the internal space 26 as a single unit and during the insertion of the removable assembly 50 into the internal space 26, the storage container 60 is fixed to the internal partition wall 49. The internal partition wall 49 defines an opening at its upper end, which allows the distal portion 72 of the core 70 to pass through to the position where the heating element 110 is received in the cavity 74.

[0123] Although Figure 5 the internal partition wall 49 implemented in the device 1 is shown, it is conceivable that the internal separation wall 49 can also be implemented in the devices 2, 3 or 4.

[0124] Figure 6 is a partial view of the device 1 and a functional block diagram showing the various elements of the device 1. In this figure, the dashed lines represent the connections between the elements shown.

[0125] The control device 140, such as a microprocessor, controls the heating element 110 based on the temperature measured by a temperature sensor 141 appropriately located in the device 1. For example, as Figure 6 shown, the temperature sensor 141 is placed on the outer peripheral surface 73 of the core 70 to measure the temperature of the outer peripheral surface 73. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 141 is embedded in the core 70. Then, the control device 140 can control the heating element 110 based on the set - point temperature of the core 70 measured by the temperature sensor 141.

[0126] Alternatively, the temperature sensor 141 can be located elsewhere in the device 1, such as in or on the heating element 110.

[0127] The control device 140 is arranged, for example, on an electronic circuit board 150, which can also supply power to the heating element 110. The control device 140 can also control the fan 90, especially the operating speed of the fan 90.

[0128] It should be noted that as referred to above Figure 6The described elements are schematically represented and can be located at various positions within the device 1. Additionally, although Figure 6 these elements are shown as implemented in the device 1, it is conceivable that they could also be implemented in devices 2, 3, or 4.

[0129] The above-described embodiments are merely examples. Many other designs are possible.

[0130] According to a variant not shown, a plurality of fans 90 can be provided. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of air outlets 99 can be provided. In this case, one or more fans 90 drive an air flow F towards each of these air outlets 99.

[0131] The air inlet 98 and one or more air outlets 99 can be formed in any suitable manner. Additionally, the orientation and / or positioning of the air inlet 98 and / or one or more air outlets 99 can be different from that in the example shown in the figures. In particular, the air inlet 98 does not necessarily have to be defined by an opening at one end of the wall 25, and the air outlet 99 does not necessarily have to be defined by an opening at the other end of the wall 25.

[0132] According to a variant not shown, the air flow F may not flow along the longitudinal direction Q-Q. For example, the air flow F may flow in a direction inclined or even perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Q-Q. In this case, the geometry of the wall 25 and / or the geometry of other air guiding means ensure that the air flow F flows in this direction.

[0133] So far, embodiments have been described in which the substance is in a liquid state at ambient temperature. However, alternatively, the substance is in a solid state at ambient temperature. For example, the melting point of the substance at atmospheric pressure may be higher than 30 °C, for example between 30 °C and 40 °C. In this case, the storage container 60 contains the substance in a solid state at ambient temperature. Heating of the core 70 by the heating element 110 causes local melting of the substance near the proximal portion 71. The substance, now in liquid form, then impregnates the core 70 and is dispersed into the ambient air as described above.

[0134] Although the invention has been described in connection with several specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is not limited thereto in any way, and the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described embodiments and their combinations if all technical equivalents of the described embodiments and their combinations fall within the scope of the invention.

[0135] The use of the verb “comprise”, “contain” or “include” and their combined forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims.

[0136] In a claim, any reference signs in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. A diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) for dispersing a substance that is liquid or solid at ambient temperature into the air in vapor form, said diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) comprising: - a storage container (60) including an internal volume (69) for containing said substance; - a porous body (70) extending in a longitudinal direction (Q-Q), said porous body (70) having a proximal portion (71) and a distal portion (72) opposite to the proximal portion (71) in the longitudinal direction (Q-Q), the proximal portion (71) being located within the internal volume (69) of the storage container (60), and the distal portion (72) being located outside the storage container (60); - a heating element (110), wherein the storage container (60) includes a bottom wall (68) that partially defines the internal volume (69), the proximal portion (71) of the porous body (70) being in contact with the bottom wall (68) or spaced apart from the bottom wall (68) by a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance being selected such that when the internal volume (69) is filled with the substance to 50%, the porous body (70) is in contact with the substance, wherein the distal portion (72) of the porous body (70) includes an outer peripheral surface (73) forming an evaporation surface of the substance and a central cavity (74) spaced from the outer peripheral surface (73), the heating element (110) being received in the cavity (74) and in contact with the inner wall of the distal portion (72) that defines the cavity (74); and - an air guiding device configured to guide an air flow (F) around the outer peripheral surface (73).

2. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity (74) extends from the distal portion (72) to the proximal portion (71).

3. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The porous body (70) has a constant cross-sectional profile from the distal portion (72) to the proximal portion (71).

4. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cavity (74) opens at an end surface (72A) of the distal portion (72).

5. The diffusion device (3) according to claim 4, further comprising a heat-insulating element (51), and wherein, The heat insulating element (51) closes the cavity (74).

6. The diffusion device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal portion (72) of the porous body (70) includes an end wall (75) that closes the cavity (74).

7. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a support element (105) for the heating element (110), the support element (105) being fixed to the diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4).

8. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the storage container (60) includes an opening (65), and the porous body (70) extends through the opening; and - the proximal portion (71) is located below the opening (65) in a downward direction (D) along the longitudinal axis (Q-Q), and the distal portion (72) is located above the opening (65) in an upward direction (A) opposite to the downward direction (D) along the longitudinal axis (Q-Q), the diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) Intended for use in a use position in which, relative to the acceleration due to gravity (G), the downward direction (D) is downward and the upward direction (A) is upward.

9. The diffusion device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The air guiding device includes a housing (25) that surrounds a distal portion (72) of the porous body (70) and extends along the longitudinal direction (Q-Q) to be able to guide the air flow (F) along the outer peripheral surface (73) in the longitudinal direction (Q-Q).

10. The diffuser device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to claim 9, further comprising an air inlet (98), at least one air outlet (99), and at least one fan (90) for driving the air flow (F) from the air inlet (98) towards the at least one air outlet (99) in such a way that the air flow (F) moves along the outer peripheral surface (73) in the longitudinal direction (Q-Q).

11. The diffusion device (1) according to the combination of claim 8 and claim 10, wherein, The air inlet (98) is located above the at least one air outlet (99) in the longitudinal direction (Q-Q) such that the air flow (F) moves along the outer peripheral surface (73) in the downward direction (D).

12. The diffusion device (2; 3; 4) according to the combination of claim 8 and claim 10, wherein, The air inlet (98) is located below the at least one air outlet (99) in the longitudinal direction (Q-Q) such that the air flow (F) moves along the outer peripheral surface (73) in the upward direction (A).

13. The diffuser device (1; 2; 3; 4) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising an internal partition wall (49) located within the housing (25), the internal partition wall (49) at least partially and preferably completely surrounds the storage container (60), and the internal partition wall (49) is configured such that the air flow (F) circulates around the internal partition wall (49).

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