Fragrance container and drinking device with fragrance container

By designing an aroma container with non-woven fabric material and top space, the problems of uneven mixing of aromatic substances in drinking liquids and health risks are solved, and uniform mixing of aromatic substances in the airflow and a taste experience perceived after the nose are achieved.

CN120678325APending Publication Date: 2025-09-23AIR UP GRP GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511135931.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-05-18
Publication Date
2025-09-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drinking liquids contain health risks from aromatic additives and sugar, and the sense of smell and taste make it difficult to evenly mix the aromatic substances to provide a uniform taste experience.

Method used

An aroma container is designed, comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, side walls, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A non-woven fabric material is used as a carrier with an air permeability of 200-500 l/(m²·s). A headspace is provided in the aroma chamber to uniformly mix the aromatic substances. The annular geometry and protrusion structure are combined to facilitate operation and storage.

Benefits of technology

It achieves uniform mixing of aromatic substances in the airflow, reduces pressure loss, extends the service life of the aroma container, provides a uniform taste experience through retronasal perception, and avoids unnecessary volatilization of aromatic substances.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A fragrance container for adding a fragrance substance to a gas flow flowing through the fragrance container (10), comprising: an upper wall (12), a lower wall (14) and at least one side wall (18) surrounding a fragrance chamber (40); at least one air inlet (48) leading into the fragrance chamber (40); and at least one air outlet (24) exiting the fragrance chamber (40); wherein a carrier (42) for a fragrance substance is provided in the fragrance chamber. A head space (32) is preferably provided between the carrier (42) and the side of the upper wall (12) facing the fragrance chamber (40). The carrier (42) comprises a non-woven fabric material, wherein at least one of the air inlets (48) is located in the region of the lower wall (14) of the fragrance container (10); at least one of the air outlets (24) is arranged in a side wall (16) of the fragrance container, preferably in the inner side wall (16) when the fragrance container has an outer side wall (18) and an inner side wall (16) and has a substantially annular geometry.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT invention application entering China with the international application date of the applicant El Arp Group Co., Ltd. on May 18, 2020, the date of entry into the Chinese national phase on November 18, 2022, the invention name being "Aromatic container and drinking device with an aromatic container", and the Chinese national application number being 202080101100.7 (international application number being PCT / EP2020 / 063793). Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a fragrance container and a drinking device having the fragrance container. Background Art

[0003] There is a growing demand for drinking liquids that have a pleasant taste while avoiding the health risks associated with the ingestion of aromatic substances or stabilizers dissolved in the drinking liquid. Furthermore, the intake of additional calories should be avoided.

[0004] Therefore, water with a faint fruity aroma has become popular in recent years. However, even in these fragrances, undesirable additives such as stabilizing substances and a certain proportion of sugar can be found. Many consumers have already rejected these drinks due to the caloric content.

[0005] Since the olfactory sensory impression plays a significant role in the taste perception when consuming food and beverages, current drinking systems attempt to influence the smell perceived while drinking. To this end, aroma elements are proposed that can be fastened to the drinking container close to the drinking opening, so that the aroma element is in close proximity to the user's nose, through which the user breathes in during drinking and thus inhales the aroma.

[0006] Patent document WO2019 / 016096A1 discloses a drinking device for inhaling aromatic substances through the nose, which has a breathable aroma container that supplies scented air to the drinking liquid transport channel. In this way, the aromatic substance is inhaled through the nose (retronasal). When drinking, the aromatic substance enters the user's mouth together with the drinking liquid, and then rises to the olfactory mucosa through the retronasal pharyngeal space, where it is captured by the receptors located there and perceived by the user. What is exploited here is the fact that there is a close connection between smell and taste. Therefore, even if the user actually only smells it retronasally, they will have the feeling of tasting the fragrance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance container for adding fragrance into an air flow passing through the fragrance container, which can better enrich the fragrance into the air flowing through the fragrance container.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by an aroma container having the features described in the technical solution of the present invention and a drinking device having the features described in the technical solution of the present invention. Preferred embodiments are given below.

[0009] The aroma container according to the present invention for adding an aromatic substance to an air flow passing through the aroma container comprises: an upper wall, a lower wall and at least one side wall surrounding an aromatic chamber, at least one air inlet leading to the aromatic chamber and at least one air outlet from the aromatic chamber. A carrier for the aromatic substance is located in the aromatic chamber. In addition, a head space is preferably provided between the carrier and the side of the upper wall facing the aromatic chamber. In addition, the carrier according to the present invention comprises a non-woven material, wherein the air permeability L of the non-woven material is L≥200 l / (m 2 ·s), and preferably at 220 l / (m 2 ·s) and 280l / (m 2 ·s).

[0010] Therefore, the carrier of the aromatic substance and the head space, which is preferably located between the carrier and the wall that closes the aroma chamber upwards, are located in the aroma chamber. The provision of the head space improves the mixing of the aromatizing air flow. Here, the air flow flowing through the aroma chamber flows through the carrier provided with the aromatic substance. Here, different partial air flows are formed inside the carrier comprising non-woven material, which may be aromatized to different degrees, especially when the aroma container has been used for a long time and there is no longer so much aromatic substance in the carrier. By flowing through the head space (which is the cavity in the aroma chamber that is not filled with the carrier), the partial air flows that may be aromatized with different intensities are homogenized. Therefore, the provision of the head space ensures that the user of the drinking device, which also absorbs the aromatized air flow in addition to the drinking liquid, can experience a taste that is as uniform as possible.

[0011] Another advantage of the headspace is that it allows for homogenization of the aroma of the airflow with different aroma substances. Many aroma substances are not composed of a single compound, but rather a combination of compounds whose mass transfer characteristics from the carrier material to the airflow vary. Therefore, individual sub-airflows emerging from the carrier material can be aromatized with different chemical compositions. By mixing the sub-airflows in the headspace, an airflow is generated that delivers aroma substances with the desired compound composition as uniformly as possible.

[0012] Another important aspect is that the air permeability of the nonwoven material under a pressure difference of 100 Pa is greater than 200 l / (m 2s). This air permeability of the nonwoven material ensures a good air flow through the fragrance container without causing excessive pressure losses that would make it difficult for the aromatized air to be discharged into the drinking liquid transport channel of the associated drinking device.

[0013] Therefore, it is important to have a good overall appearance of the carrier, which includes the nonwoven material, which does not fill the entire fragrance chamber, but leaves a headspace, and a suitable choice of a high air permeability of the nonwoven material, which should not be less than 200 l / (m 2 ·s).

[0014] Preferably, the air permeability L of the non-woven fabric material under a pressure difference of 100 Pa is not greater than 500 l / (m 2 If the air permeability is too high, there is a risk of preferential flow paths forming within the nonwoven material, allowing the airflow through the fragrance container to flow with very little resistance, resulting in only a slight tendency for the airflow to flow through other areas of the nonwoven material and absorb the fragrance present therein. This would result in the airflow outflowing from the fragrance container exhibiting a reduced degree of fragrance enhancement long before the fragrance is actually depleted.

[0015] The carrier in the fragrance chamber does not necessarily have the same extent as the geometry of the fragrance chamber. Therefore, in addition to the headspace provided vertically between the carrier and the upper wall, one or more regions may be present in the fragrance container in the transverse direction, in which no carrier is present and in which the homogenization of the air flow through the fragrance container can be improved.

[0016] If different aromas are used in the drinking device, the most suitable geometry may vary between the individual aroma substances in terms of the amount of headspace and the lateral extent of the load in the aroma chamber. Different aroma substances have different chemical structures, which affects their mass transfer behavior in the airflow.

[0017] If the carrier does not cover the entire lower wall of the fragrance chamber, this can also have the advantage that the insertion of the carrier during production is simplified in the case of complex geometric shapes of the cross section of the fragrance chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the support is located on a side of the lower wall facing the fragrance chamber.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side wall of the fragrance container at least partially comprises a protrusion, which preferably extends outward substantially perpendicularly to the outer side wall.

[0020] On the one hand, this protrusion facilitates manual operation by the user. In addition to appropriately labeling the aroma container based on the protrusion, the user can also use the protrusion to identify the orientation in which the aroma container must be connected to the relevant drinking device. In addition, as will be explained later, the protrusion extending outward from the side wall can also be used to automatically move the aroma container to an operating position in conjunction with a correspondingly designed drinking device. Conversely, it can also be brought to a position that allows the aroma container to be stored for a long time by preventing undesirable evaporation of the aroma container, as will be explained later.

[0021] Preferably, the nonwoven material has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa·s / m It is preferably less than 400 Pa·s / m, and most preferably about 380 Pa·s / m. According to conventional definition, the ratio of the pressure difference before and after the material layer to the velocity of the air flowing through is called specific flow resistance.

[0022] Preferably, the nonwoven material also has a density of less than 1500 g / m 2 The weight per unit area is preferably about 1000 g / m 2 ; and the non-woven material has a density of less than 300kg / m 3 The density is preferably about 200 kg / m 3 .

[0023] The weight per unit area, the maximum density and preferably the specific flow resistance have proven to be particularly suitable characteristic parameters for achieving good flow through the carrier in the fragrance chamber and for achieving good aroma enrichment and improved fragrance development when the fragrance container is used in the relevant drinking device.

[0024] 100% polyester is preferably used as the nonwoven material, since it is an inert material and does not interact undesirably with the fragrance.

[0025] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to arrange a carrier in the fragrance chamber with a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably of approximately 5 mm.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the carrier is at least 50% of the height between the upper wall and the lower wall of the fragrance container, preferably at least 80% of the height between the upper wall and the lower wall of the fragrance container. If the upper wall and the lower wall of the fragrance container do not extend parallel to each other, the geometric mean thickness of the carrier and the geometric mean height of the fragrance chamber are used in the carrier area.

[0027] If the thickness of the carrier is less than 50% of the clear height of the interior of the fragrance chamber, the nonwoven material no longer flows adequately through it. Therefore, to ensure good flow through the nonwoven material, the thickness of the carrier is particularly preferably at least 80% of the height between the upper wall and the lower wall of the fragrance container.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the carrier material consists of more than one part, such as particles. Similarly, the carrier material can be divided at least once, essentially longitudinally or transversely, with respect to the fiber orientation of the material and the geometry of the fragrance chamber. This makes it easier to fill the fragrance chamber with the carrier material.

[0029] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the carrier material, the carrier material has been impregnated with fragrance before being placed in the fragrance chamber, or is impregnated with fragrance during or after being placed in the fragrance chamber. Likewise, this object of the invention can also be filled by the user himself or designed to be refillable.

[0030] The height between the top wall and the lower wall defines the height of the inner volume of the fragrance chamber.Therefore, the head space above the carrier should not exceed half the height of the fragrance container between the top wall and the lower wall in the region of the carrier.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one air inlet has a diameter of at least 0.2 mm or has a different geometric shape equivalent to the minimum opening cross section.

[0032] An opening cross section of the air inlet of less than 0.2 mm will result in excessively high pressure losses and thus make it difficult for the fragrance container to flow through. In addition, further reducing the opening cross section of the air inlet will have a negative impact on the flow pattern prevailing in this area. There is no advantage either, as the flow regime is already in the turbulent range under normal operating conditions.

[0033] Preferably, the porosity of the nonwoven material is between 70% and 93%, and preferably between 70% and 80%.

[0034] The high porosity of the nonwoven material is not only important for good flowability and low specific flow resistance, but also allows the carrier to absorb a large amount of fragrance, so that the small fragrance container has a long service life until the stored fragrance is exhausted.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Reynolds number Re in the air inlet region of the fragrance container is greater than 2000, where the Reynolds number is defined as Re=(w·d) / ν, where ν[m 2 / s] is the kinematic viscosity of air, d [m] is the diameter of the air inlet, and w [m / s] is the flow rate when flowing into the fragrance container at a time-averaged volume flow rate between 250 ml / min and 600 ml / min.

[0036] A Reynolds number greater than approximately 2000 characterizes turbulent flow, or at least flow already in the transition region between laminar and turbulent flow. Turbulent flow ensures good mixing, which improves the absorption of aromatic substances in the air flow flowing through the fragrance container. The minute volume flow rate takes into account that when the fragrance container according to the present invention is connected to a drinking device and the air outlet is fluidly connected to the drinking liquid transport channel, the instantaneous volume flow rate can sometimes fluctuate significantly. Since the drinking process is not a uniform, static process, but rather involves different pressures during inhalation and swallowing, as well as different flow rates in the drinking liquid transport channel, there can be significant fluctuations in the instantaneous volume flow rate and, therefore, in the flow rate of air through the air inlet. However, experiments have shown that when the fragrance container according to the present invention is used as intended, an average volume flow rate of between 250 ml / min and 600 ml / min flows through it. The physiological drinking process described above was determined based on a number of different adults. Since the volume flow rate is the product of the flow velocity and the cross-section, the appropriate range of the opening cross-section of the air inlet can be determined under the condition that the Reynolds number describing the flow state must be greater than 2000.

[0037] Preferably, the air inlet has a diameter of between 0.2 mm and 20 mm. Although a relatively large air inlet of 20 mm does not ensure turbulent flow directly in the area of ​​the air inlet, this can be compensated by appropriately selecting the geometry of the fragrance chamber, for example by causing the carrier to rest directly against the air inlet in the fragrance chamber, thereby causing the air flow entering the fragrance chamber to flow turbulently through the carrier within the nonwoven material.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance container has a substantially annular geometric shape, comprising an outer side wall and an inner side wall.

[0039] This geometry offers numerous advantages. Firstly, the aroma container can be fastened to the head of the drinking device around the transport channel for the drinking liquid without the weight of the aroma container being perceived as unpleasant, as it does not create an asymmetrical weight distribution on the drinking device. Furthermore, the annular geometry allows for the targeted arrangement of the air inlet and outlet to ensure that the airflow through the aroma container travels as far as possible, thereby ensuring that the load contained in the aroma chamber flows as completely as possible.

[0040] Preferably, in the fragrance container having a substantially annular geometry, the inner side wall encloses a space whose cross section has a geometry that deviates from a circle.

[0041] As will be described with reference to various examples, this design offers numerous advantages. First, it can specifically reduce friction between the inner sidewall and the head of the drinking device in which the aroma container is placed. Furthermore, the non-circular shape can be used to coordinate with a suitably designed drinking device to move the aroma container between different operating positions. Finally, the non-circular shape can also be used to make it easier for the user to correctly position the aroma container on the drinking device.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous here to design the aroma container such that the geometry of the inner wall defines only one position of the aroma container with respect to its rotation in cooperation with a correspondingly shaped mouth of the drinking device, wherein preferably the space enclosed by the inner wall has a substantially teardrop-shaped cross section.

[0043] In other words, the geometry of the inner sidewall of the fragrance container is selected so that the space enclosed by the inner sidewall has a cross-section that allows for unambiguous positioning of the fragrance container. For example, a hexagonal geometry of the inner sidewall would not allow this. Although the space enclosed by the inner sidewall has a cross-sectional geometry that deviates from a circular shape, the fragrance container can be placed in six different rotational positions on the correspondingly shaped mouthpiece that fills the inner space.

[0044] It has proven particularly advantageous if the fragrance container has a substantially annular geometry, but the cross section of which deviates from a circular shape, so that the maximum extent (L max ) and the minimum cross-sectional extension of the space enclosed by the inner wall (L min ) is as follows:

[0045] 1.05≤L max / L min ≤1.15;

[0046] And preferably,

[0047] L max / L min About 1.1.

[0048] Here, the geometric shape of the fragrance container that deviates from the circle of the basic annular shape has not only proved to be advantageous in terms of the possible clear positioning options, but also has the following effect: the air flow flowing through the fragrance container is better mixed due to the changes in the cross section and curvature of the fragrance chamber, because all changes in the flow process support the occurrence of turbulence. On the other hand, if the ratio between the minimum extension and the maximum extension is too large, it will have a negative impact on the distance the air flow has to flow in relation to the volume of the fragrance chamber. Here, the best is achieved with a pure circular shape. Therefore, L max / Lmin The span between the values ​​of 1.05 and 1.1 represents the best compromise between the longest possible distance of the air flow through the fragrance container and supporting the development of turbulence and / or maintaining existing turbulence.

[0049] Preferably, the fragrance container further comprises sliding ribs in the area of ​​the inner side wall. The provision of the sliding ribs reduces friction when the substantially annular fragrance container is pushed onto the drinking device by reducing the contact area between the fragrance container and the mouth of the drinking device extending in the space enclosed by the inner side wall.

[0050] Likewise, grooves can be provided in the inner side wall instead of the sliding ribs. This measure also reduces the potential contact surface between the fragrance container and the possible design of the drinking device and, associated therewith, reduces the friction during the relative movement between the two parts.

[0051] If the groove in the inner side of the fragrance container extends deep enough inwardly in the direction of the fragrance chamber, this results in a protrusion on the side of the inner wall facing the fragrance chamber, which extends into the fragrance chamber and also supports the mixing of the air flow through the fragrance container by repeatedly separating the air flow along the inner wall.

[0052] Likewise, friction can be reduced by making the inner side wall of the aroma container partially inconsistent with the outer shape of the head of the beverage container and thus preventing the aroma container from being in full contact with the drinking device.

[0053] Preferably, the air inlet is located in the region of the lower wall of the fragrance container; and the air outlet is arranged in the side wall of the fragrance container, in the case where the fragrance container has an outer wall and an inner wall and has a substantially annular geometry, the air outlet is arranged in the inner wall.

[0054] If the fragrance container is to be inserted into the head of a drinking device and there come into sealing contact with the head of the drinking device, it is advantageous to arrange the air inlet in the lower wall region of the fragrance container. Furthermore, by arranging the air inlet in the lower wall region of the fragrance container and depending on the arrangement of the carrier in the fragrance container, a flow through the container can be generated, wherein the air flow through the fragrance container must flow through the carrier and not directly into the head space arranged in the fragrance container.

[0055] Providing an air outlet in the side wall of the fragrance container allows for a defined and extended path for the air flow through the fragrance container. For example, the air outlet can be located in an area where the contents of the fragrance chamber rest against the air outlet. This ensures that the air flow through the fragrance container must pass through the contents before exiting the fragrance container and can be discharged from there through the air outlet.

[0056] In the case of a fragrance container with an essentially annular geometry having an outer wall and an inner wall, the air outlet is preferably located in the inner wall of the fragrance container so that the aromatized air exhausted from the fragrance container can enter a transport channel for the drinking liquid, which extends through the space enclosed by the inner wall of the fragrance container.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance container includes a lower shell and an upper shell connected to the lower shell, wherein the air outlet is arranged in a connecting area between the upper shell and the lower shell.

[0058] The advantage of this design is that it is technically easy to implement within the scope of production using the injection molding process. No slide is required for the production of the air outlet.

[0059] Preferably, an annular groove is present in the contact area between the lower shell and the upper shell. This groove serves as a separating seam and can fulfill multiple functions. On the one hand, this separating seam can indicate to the user the position of the aroma container, which is movable relative to the head of the drinking device. On the other hand, the lower shell and the upper shell can be connected to each other by ultrasonic welding without the risk of material that may accumulate in the weld seam area extending outward onto the outer surface of the outer side wall.

[0060] A second aspect of the invention relates to a drinking device comprising an aroma container according to the invention and a head to which the aroma container can be connected such that at least a portion of the aroma container can be moved from an activated position to an inactivated position, wherein in the activated position the air outlet is in flow connection with a transport channel for beverage liquid in the drinking device; and in the inactivated position there is no flow connection between the air outlet and the transport channel for beverage liquid, and the air inlet is substantially sealed.

[0061] Here, when moving from the activated position to the inactivated position, the fragrance container can be completely moved, for example, by a translational motion or a rotational motion. It is also possible that only at least a portion of the fragrance container can be moved from the activated position to the inactivated position. Thus, for example, two relatively movable parts of the fragrance container can be moved relative to each other by rotating relative to each other. It is also possible that the two parts of the fragrance container are activated by pulling or squeezing them apart, wherein, by pulling the two parts apart, the air outlets and / or air inlets in the corresponding parts of the fragrance container can be placed in a position aligned with each other. In the simplest case, in an annular fragrance container, the two housing parts can be rotated relative to each other, and only in a limited rotational position are the air outlets provided in the two housing parts in a position aligned with each other and the fragrance container is in the activated position.

[0062] The drinking device is also characterized in that, in the activated position, the air outlet of the aroma container is in fluid communication with the transport channel for the drinking liquid. Therefore, the aromatized airflow is not released into the ambient air and acts on the user orthonasally, but is instead fed into the transport channel for the drinking liquid. This allows the aromatized air to be perceived by the user retronasally and produce a sensory impression of the taste of the drinking liquid.

[0063] Preferably, the drinking device comprises a removable cover mountable on the drinking device head, wherein the removable cover comprises at least one force-exerting element, by means of which the fragrance container can be moved from the inactive position to the active position when the cover is removed.

[0064] Moving the fragrance container between the inactive and active positions extends the life of the fragrance container, as it prevents accidental volatilization when not in use. While the user can perform this movement, there's always the risk of forgetting. Therefore, equipping the drinking device with a removable lid is a beneficial solution. The lid must be removed when drinking from the drinking device. If the drinking device includes a force-applying element that automatically moves the fragrance container from the inactive to the active position when the lid is removed, the drinking device automatically enters a standby state after the lid is removed, with the fragrance container in the active position.

[0065] Likewise, the aroma container can also be brought into the inactive position after the drinking process by fitting the cover.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one force-applying element has a contact surface on the lid, which enables the fragrance container to be rotated from the inactive position to the active position during rotation of the lid when the lid is loosened. In other words, the rotational movement of the lid when loosened is used to rotate the fragrance container from the inactive position to the active position. This operating principle can be applied in the same manner: when tightening the lid, the fragrance container is also rotated from the active position to the inactive position using the contact surface on the lid.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the side wall of the fragrance container at least partially comprises an outwardly extending protrusion. The at least one force-exerting element comprises an engaging element on the lid, preferably a hook-shaped element, which is arranged and designed to engage the protrusion in a form-fitting manner during removal of the lid and to move the fragrance container from the inactive position to the active position.

[0068] For this purpose, a single annular hook element can be provided on the lid, or a plurality of hook elements can be provided on the lid, which, when the lid is screwed onto the drinking device, engage the underside of a projection on the side wall of the aroma container and, when the lid is removed, the aroma container is pulled out together by pulling it apart or screwing it together and from the inactive position into the active position. At the end of the screwing process, the aroma container in the active position can strike a stop element, so that in the final stage of screwing the lid, the hook element undergoes elastic deformation and releases the projection on the side wall of the aroma container again, allowing the lid to be removed.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the force-exerting element comprises an elastic prestressing element, which is arranged between the fragrance container and the head of the drinking device and which prestresses the fragrance container into the activated position when the lid is removed.

[0070] Here, the elastic prestressing element can be a component of the head of the drinking device in one piece, or be provided as a separate element. In this solution as well, when the cover is removed, the fragrance container is moved from the inactive position to the active position without user intervention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The present invention is described below by way of examples, wherein:

[0072] Figure 1 shows an overall diagram of a fragrance container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A top view of the aroma container;

[0074] Figure 3 Shown are aroma containers along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the section line AA in FIG;

[0075] Figure 4 Shown are aroma containers along Figure 2 A sectional view of the section line BB in FIG;

[0076] Figure 5 shows an overall diagram of a fragrance container according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 The aroma container is similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment shown along the cutting plane AA;

[0078] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 5 The aroma container is similar to Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the cutting plane BB of the first embodiment is shown;

[0079] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 5 Bottom view of the aroma container;

[0080] Figure 9 and Figure 10 shows a top view and a three-dimensional view of a fragrance container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 11 and Figure 12 shows a top view and a three-dimensional view of a fragrance container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 13a and Figure 13b shows a three-dimensional diagram and a top view of a fragrance container in an activated position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 14a and Figure 14b Shown according to Figure 13a A three-dimensional diagram and a top view of the fragrance container in an inactive position;

[0084] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Shows a top view and a three-dimensional view of a fragrance container according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 17 and Figure 18 shows a fragrance container in a first, inactive position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 19 Shown according to Figure 17 The fragrance container is in an activated position;

[0087] Figure 20 Shown according to Figure 19 A cross-sectional detail of the fragrance container in the activated position;

[0088] Figure 21 and Figure 22 An embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention is shown, which has an automatically operated lid for an aroma container;

[0089] Figure 23 An embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention is shown, which has a first alternative option for a force-exerting element;

[0090] Figure 24 An embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention is shown, which has a second alternative option for the force-exerting element;

[0091] Figure 25 and Figure 26 Shown according to Figure 24 A top view and a side view of a force applying element;

[0092] Figure 27 A view showing a cover of a drinking device according to the invention for automatic operation of an aroma container;

[0093] Figure 28 Shown according to Figure 27 Bottom view of the cover;

[0094] Figure 29 Shown along Figure 28 A cross-sectional view taken along the direction AA in FIG. 1 ; and

[0095] Figure 30 A cross-sectional view is shown to illustrate the Figure 27 Cover and basis Figure 5 Collaboration of aroma containers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The invention will be described below purely by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Concepts such as top, bottom and side are used herein, for example, the fragrance container is arranged according to Figure 1 Place on a level, flat surface with its lower wall.

[0097] Figures 1 to 4 FIG. 1 shows a fragrance container 10 according to a first embodiment. Here, the fragrance container 10 has an upper wall 12, a lower wall 14, an inner wall 16, and an outer wall 18. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG, the upper wall 12, the lower wall 14, the inner wall 16 and the outer wall 18 enclose a fragrance chamber 40.

[0098] The upper wall 12 is preferably at least partially flat, whereby a label can be attached to the outer side of the upper wall 12 .

[0099] according to Figure 1 The fragrance container 10 is substantially annular, having an outer sidewall 18 in the shape of an annular ring and an inner sidewall 16 that deviates from a circular shape. In other words, the space enclosed by the inner sidewall 16 has a non-circular cross section.

[0100] In a specific example, Figure 2 As can be best seen in the view shown, the inner side wall 16 is provided with a flat portion 26 and otherwise has the approximate shape of a teardrop with a substantially tapering end 28. Figure 2As shown, the geometry of the inner side wall 16 allows the aroma container to be clearly positioned on a drinking device (not shown). Accordingly, the aroma container 10 can be placed on a correspondingly shaped element of the drinking device, the outer contour of which follows the geometry of the inner side wall, so that the aroma container can only be positioned in one angular position (i.e. with respect to the inner side wall). Figure 2 The device is placed on the drinking device.

[0101] The geometry of the inner wall 16 is selected so that the inner contour deviates only slightly from the circular shape. max With the minimum size L min The ratio ranges between 1.05 and 1.15, and is preferably about 1.1.

[0102] The flat portion 26 serves to seal the air outlet 24 when the aroma container is pushed onto a correspondingly designed geometry of the drinking device. For this purpose, a flat partial surface 26 is more suitable in the region of the air outlet 24 than a rounded surface.

[0103] The air outlet 24 is arranged in the seam area between the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22. The advantage of doing so is that the fragrance container can be easily manufactured because no separate slider is required during injection molding, and the air outlet 24 is formed by the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22 together.

[0104] A separating seam 30 is provided in the region between the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22, which performs various functions. On the one hand, the separating seam prevents material from escaping during welding of the upper and lower shells and affecting the visual appearance of the aroma container. Furthermore, the provision of a shadow gap allows for a rounded edge. Another advantage of providing the separating seam 30 is that it provides visual feedback to the user regarding the operating position of the aroma container by allowing the aroma container to be moved vertically relative to the drinking device. Consequently, when the aroma container is positioned vertically downward, the separating seam is no longer visible to the user.

[0105] The inner sidewall 16 has a vertical profile, meaning that the space enclosed by the inner sidewall has a constant cross-sectional dimension across the height of the fragrance container. This allows the fragrance container to be moved vertically relative to the components of the drinking device, which extends through the space enclosed by the inner sidewall and rests against it. Providing an inner sidewall with a vertical extension is advantageous in all embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] Air intake 48 Figure 4, is located in the lower wall 14 of the fragrance container. Preferably, the air inlet 48 is located in the lower wall 14 in the region of the tapering end 28 and is therefore diametrically opposite the air outlet 24. As a result, the air flow through the fragrance container must travel the greatest possible distance and, in this way, can be enriched with the fragrance substances particularly effectively.

[0107] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG, the fragrance chamber 40 is located inside the fragrance container 10. In addition, a carrier 42 is used to carry the fragrance substance in the fragrance chamber 40. Figure 2 As shown, the carrier is U-shaped, i.e. not completely around, which facilitates the mechanical insertion of the carrier into the lower shell 22 of the fragrance container before placing the upper shell 20 during the production process. In addition, the U-shaped geometry of the carrier enables better fragrance spread because Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, air first enters the air-filled space 44 of the fragrance chamber 40 in the region of the tapering end 28 and then enters this space uniformly over the entire height of the support 42 and can flow through the support.

[0108] Likewise Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, there is a head space above the carrier, in which the fragrance chamber 40 is not filled with the carrier 42. Providing the head space also has the function of enriching the air better and homogenizing the air and the fragrance substance.

[0109] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in , the carrier 42 is introduced into the fragrance chamber 40 by being placed on the side 36 of the lower wall 14 facing the fragrance chamber. As a result, a headspace 32 is provided between the carrier 42 and the side 34 of the upper wall 12 facing the fragrance chamber. Here, the height of the headspace 32 is less than 50% of the height of the fragrance chamber 42, that is, less than 50% of the distance between the side 34 of the upper wall 12 facing the fragrance chamber and the side 36 of the lower wall 14 facing the fragrance chamber. However, it is preferred that the carrier occupy at least 80% of the height of the fragrance chamber.

[0110] In all the embodiments shown, the carrier is a nonwoven material, the air permeability L of which is L≥200 l / (m 2 ·s), and preferably at 220 l / (m 2 ·s) and 280l / (m 2 s). Preferably, the nonwoven consists of 100% polyester. The porosity of the nonwoven material is between 70% and 93%, preferably between 70% and 80%.

[0111] In accordance with Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the air inlet in the lower wall is 1.2 mm.

[0112] By connecting the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22 to each other using an ultrasonic welding process, the upper shell and the lower shell are connected in a circumferentially sealed manner except in the area of ​​the air outlet, thereby preventing air from potentially penetrating into the fragrance container or escaping from the fragrance container undesirably, for example during storage.

[0113] Figures 5 to 8 The embodiment of the fragrance container 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 The only difference between the fragrance container and the fragrance container is that a protruding area 46 is provided on the outer side wall 18 of the fragrance container. Figure 5 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, the protruding area 46 is configured as a circumferential edge, but can also consist of individual, separate segments in the same manner. Figure 5 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the embodiment, the peripheral edge is arranged in the same way in a plane with the upper wall 12, which is also only shown as an example. Similarly, one or more protrusions can also be arranged at any position on the side wall. Finally, it should be clear that Figures 5 to 8 The overall geometry of the fragrance container shown in FIG should also be understood to be merely exemplary. The fragrance container does not need to have an annular shape. It is only important that the side wall at least partially includes a protrusion. It is preferred that the protrusion extends outwards substantially perpendicular to the outer side wall.

[0114] In accordance with Figures 5 to 8 The circumferential edge 46 shown in the embodiment of the present invention is used to make it easier for the user to grip the fragrance container. In a specific embodiment of cooperation with a drinking device explained later, the circumferential edge 46 can also be used to make the fragrance container move between the inactive position and the active position in a convenient way, or to separate it from the drinking device.

[0115] The circumferential edge 46 only needs to have a minimal radial extension to make it easier for the user to grip the fragrance container. Thus, an outward extension of 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm is typically sufficient to provide additional support when the user grips and pulls the fragrance container upward. Furthermore, with respect to the vertical height of the circumferential edge, a thickness of between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm, i.e., a vertical extension of between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm, is sufficient. For common plastic materials suitable for manufacturing fragrance containers, sufficient stability can be achieved by providing the circumferential edge with a thickness in this region.

[0116] Figure 9 and Figure 10A plan view and a three-dimensional diagram are shown of another alternative embodiment of the fragrance container according to the invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The fragrance container in the embodiment is similar in structure to the fragrance container in the previous embodiment, but has a gripping recess 50 in the area of ​​the side wall 18. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The fragrance container can also be provided with a locally arranged edge or a peripheral edge, such as Figures 5 to 8 The gripping recess 50 is used to enable the user to better grip the fragrance container when pushing the fragrance container onto the head of the relevant drinking device, thereby simplifying the operation of the fragrance container.

[0117] In addition to protrusions, such as the circumferential edge 46 and the gripping recess 50 shown as an example, other geometric shapes that make it easier to grip the fragrance container are also conceivable. This can also be achieved, for example, by providing a suitable side wall surface structure (such as a textured surface) or using a coating, for example with an elastomer.

[0118] In many embodiments, the fragrance container is generally of a circular shape with an outer circular shape and an inner droplet shape, so as to better illustrate the specific differences between the various embodiments. However, it should be understood that the fragrance container according to the present invention is not limited to this geometric shape. Figure 11 and Figure 12 , which show a fragrance container 10 that is substantially U-shaped.

[0119] according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fragrance container also has an upper wall 12, a lower wall 14, an inner wall 16 and an outer wall 18. The outer wall 18 can be as shown in FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The embodiment of the fragrance container shown is provided with a gripping recess 50 arranged concavely in the side wall 18. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fragrance container can also be provided with a peripheral edge 46, such as according to Figures 5 to 8 As described in the embodiment shown. Figure 12 As shown, the air outlet 24 is arranged in the region of the flat portion 26 , in the middle of the U-shaped geometry of the fragrance container.

[0120] Different from the above embodiment, Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fragrance container 10 is provided with two air inlets 48 , which are respectively located in the region of the free ends 52 of the U-shaped profile and ensure that the fragrance substance in the carrier of the fragrance chamber is absorbed by the through-flowing air flow from the region of the two free ends 52 .

[0121] exist Figure 13a 、 Figure 13b 、 Figure 14a and Figure 14b The fragrance container 10 shown in FIG has a closure attachment 54 located in the area of ​​the inner wall 16, in the area of ​​the air outlet 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure attachment 54 is fixedly connected to the upper wall 12. However, if the closure attachment is fixedly connected to the lower wall instead of the upper wall, the closure attachment 54 can implement the operating principle described below in the same manner. The closure attachment extends along the inner wall 16 into the space enclosed by the inner wall and is arranged closely along the inner wall.

[0122] The closure attachment 54 is used to close the fragrance container 10. Figure 13a and Figure 13b The activation position shown is the same as Figure 14a and Figure 14b The air outlet 24 is moved between the inactive positions shown. In the active position, the air outlet 24 is exposed; in the inactive position, the air outlet 24 is closed by the closing attachment 54.

[0123] To this end, the upper wall 12 can be rotated relative to the wall portion of the inner wall 15 where the air outlet 24 is located. Therefore, the user can rotate the upper wall 12 along the rotation direction R to move the fragrance container 10 in the opposite direction. Figure 13a The activation position shown is the same as Figure 14a Move between the inactive positions shown.

[0124] Here, the rotation R can be achieved by the user grasping the fragrance container on the upper wall 12 and rotating the upper wall relative to the lower wall 14. Alternatively, the user can also move the closure attachment 54 with their fingers. To this end, as shown in the embodiment, the closure attachment 54 can have a concave gripping surface 55, and improve the contact between the fingers and the closure attachment 54 in another suitable manner.

[0125] Figure 15 and Figure 16 An embodiment of a fragrance container according to the invention is shown, in which a sliding rib 56 extends from the inner side wall 16 into the space enclosed by the inner side wall. The sliding rib extends vertically and has a rounded contour facing away from the inner side wall 16, so that in the region of the sliding rib 56 essentially only a linear contact can be established between the fragrance container 10 and the drinking device head, which extends through the space enclosed by the inner side wall 16 of the fragrance container.

[0126] The sliding ribs 56 extending in the vertical direction of the fragrance container additionally serve to guide the fragrance container and allow it to be pulled directly out of the drinking device. In the following embodiments, some design variations are shown, in which the fragrance container is movable between an activated position and an inactivated position.

[0127] In accordance with Figures 17 to 20 In the embodiment, the fragrance container is moved between the activated position and the inactivated position by enabling the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22 of the fragrance container 10 to move relative to each other. Figure 18 and Figure 20 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view in FIG, the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22 are able to move relative to each other in the vertical direction.

[0128] Here, the aroma container can cooperate with the drinking device so that the drinking device moves with its head through the space surrounded by the inner wall 16. Here, the lower wall 14 where the air inlet 48 is located is Figure 18 In the inactive state shown, it can be placed on the head of the drinking device so that the air inlet 48 is sealed. In addition, in the inactive state, the air outlet 24 is also closed. If the fragrance container is now pulled vertically upwards by the user or as explained later, the lid of the drinking device will catch under the peripheral edge 46 and pull the fragrance container upwards in the direction of arrow A, and the upper shell 20 and the lower shell 22 guided so as to be movable relative to each other are pulled apart from each other, thereby forming a channel 58 in the area of ​​the air outlet 24 (see Figure 20 ). In this way, during the vertical movement of the fragrance container in the direction of arrow A, the air inlet 48 and the air outlet 24 are opened and the fragrance container is thus brought into an operable activation position.

[0129] according to Figure 21 and Figure 22 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an alternative design of a fragrance container 10 that can be moved between an active position and an inactive position when a lid 70 of a drinking device is operated. To this end, the lid 70 is either unscrewed from the drinking device or screwed onto the drinking device in a rotational direction B. The lid is designed so that it can move freely and independently of the fragrance container, but in the final stage of being completely screwed onto the drinking device, it is moved by a follower surface. 72 engages with the upper edge region 74 of the aroma container. Here, when the lid is screwed onto the drinking device, the aroma container is driven clockwise, placing the aroma container in an inactive state. In this inactive state, the air outlet is no longer aligned with the corresponding inlet in the transport channel for the beverage liquid, so that no aromatic air can be released from the aroma container. The aroma container can also be rotated manually by the user in the same manner.

[0130] In the cover from the Figure 21 When the drinking device is unscrewed, the follower surface 76 of the cover can be engaged with the upper edge area 78 of the fragrance container 10 in the same way and can be adjusted according to the Figure 21 The fragrance container is driven in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 1 until the fragrance container is in the activated position and the cover is opened by Figure 21The upward movement in the drawing plane of FIG. 7 no longer causes its follower surface 76 to engage with the upper edge region 78 , so that the fragrance container remains in its activated position during further rotation of the cover.

[0131] exist Figure 23 An alternative option is shown in FIG, wherein, when the lid is opened so that no vertical pressure acts on the fragrance container 10 from above, the fragrance container 10 can automatically enter the activated position by cooperating with the drinking device 60. For this purpose, an elastic element is provided in the region of the head 80 of the drinking device, in this embodiment a coil spring 82, which preloads the fragrance container 10 vertically upwards. Figure 23 The illustration does not show the fragrance container in its activated position, but rather when it is placed on the head 80 of the drinking device, so that the coil spring 82 is visible. During operation, and particularly when the fragrance container moves between the inactive and active positions, the coil spring 82 is sufficient to move the fragrance container upward only a short distance, where it strikes a stop in the portion of the head 80 that extends through the space defined by the inner sidewall 16. In this way, when the lid is unscrewed, the elastic preload of the coil spring 82 causes the fragrance container to move upward a defined distance toward the stop, where it assumes the activated position. When the lid is opened, pressure is similarly applied to the upper wall 12 of the fragrance container 10, causing it to move vertically downward to the inactive position.

[0132] Figures 24 to 26 The embodiment shown is Figure 23 The difference of the embodiment shown is that a spring washer 84 is provided instead of the coil spring 82. Figure 23 The coil spring 82 in the illustrated embodiment has the advantage of being easier to clean.

[0133] The spring washer may be provided as a separate component which is inserted into a recess in the head 80 of the drinking device 60 and which is released once the lid ( 80 ) of the drinking device is closed. Figure 24 (not shown) is removed and no longer exerts pressure on the upper wall 12 of the fragrance container, the spring washer moves the fragrance container 10 vertically upward from the inactive position to the active position. Figure 25 and Figure 26 An exemplary shape of the spring washer 24 is shown in FIG. 1 , from which it can be seen that the spring washer is simply an annular plate having a curved, elastically deformable middle portion 85 that can be easily cleaned by a user.

[0134] exist Figures 27 to 30 The cover 70 and its connection with the Figures 5 to 8The cooperation of the fragrance container 10 of the embodiment shown allows the fragrance container to be automatically moved between the inactive position and the active position. Figures 27 to 30 In the embodiment shown, there are three engaging hooks 86, which are Figure 28 It can be seen most clearly that these engaging hooks are evenly distributed around the circumference of the inner surface of the cover 70. Figure 29 The cross-sectional view in FIG can identify the geometry of the engagement hook 86 in this section. Here, the engagement hook extends downward from a stop surface 88 in the cover. The stop surface 88 has the function of positioning the upper wall 12 of the fragrance container 10. The fragrance container is provided with a circumferential edge 46, such as Figure 30 As shown, the engagement hook 86 can engage around this circumferential edge in a form-fitting manner. The aroma container 10 is positioned precisely on the head of the drinking device relative to this angle so that the aroma container does not rotate when the lid is rotated, but the engagement hook 86 moves around the circumferential edge 46 when the lid is rotated and pulls the aroma container 10 upward when the lid is unscrewed.

[0135] When the lid is unscrewed, the aroma container is pulled upwards until it hits a stop. Once the aroma container is pulled upwards to its activated position, i.e. its operating position, and hits a stop (not shown) on the mouth of the drinking device, the engaging hooks are deformed as the lid 70 continues to move vertically upwards, thereby disengaging from the peripheral edge 46 of the aroma container.

[0136] If, after using the drinking device, the lid is closed again while the fragrance container 10 is in the activated position pulled upward, the engaging hook 86 will catch on the circumferential edge 46 of the fragrance container. Subsequently, the upper wall 12 of the lid 70 comes into contact with the stop surface 88 of the lid 70, so that when the lid is further moved vertically downward (for example, when the lid is screwed onto the threads on the head of the drinking device), the fragrance container is pressed vertically downward until the fragrance container is in the inactivated position, in which the outlet is no longer in flow connection with the corresponding inlet in the transport channel for the drinking liquid, and the air inlet 48 arranged on the underside of the fragrance container presses against the sealing surface on the head of the drinking device.

[0137] In this embodiment, the user therefore no longer has to move the fragrance container back and forth between the inactive and active positions, as this occurs automatically when the cap is screwed on and off. However, if the user does not wish to inhale unfragrant drinking liquid, he or she can of course also manually push the fragrance container vertically downwards into the inactive position before drinking.

[0138] In addition to the aforementioned variants that enable the aroma container to be automatically moved between an active and inactive position, other technical solutions not described in detail here are also conceivable. The aroma container can be pulled by a magnetic connection between the aroma container and the lid. Instead of a threaded connection, a bayonet connection can also be provided between the lid and the beverage container in the same manner.

[0139] A hinged lid can also be provided, with or without a spring element, which releases the fragrance container when it is opened so that it can be moved into the activated position by the spring element, or by means of a ramp-shaped bevel on the lid, which automatically rotates the fragrance container slightly when the lid is opened and closed so that it can be moved between the activated and inactivated positions.

[0140] Finally, it is also possible to design an aroma container that automatically moves from an inactive position to an active position when negative pressure is applied. In this solution, the moving part in the aroma container is a check valve that automatically opens under negative pressure when the drinking device is in use, releasing the air outlet of the aroma container.

[0141] The common feature of all the above technical solutions is that the aroma container is designed so that the Reynolds number Re in the air inlet area is greater than 2000, where the Reynolds number is defined as Re=(w·d) / ν, where ν[m 2 Where d [m] is the kinematic viscosity of air, d [m] is the diameter of the air inlet, and w [m / s] is the flow rate when flowing into the fragrance container at an average volume flow rate between 250 ml / min and 600 ml / min. Preferably, the geometry of the fragrance chamber is designed so that the volume flow of air flowing through the fragrance container causes turbulent airflow throughout the fragrance container. In this case, the diameter d of the air inlet is replaced by the maximum free flow cross section in a local area of ​​the fragrance container to form a local Reynolds number that characterizes the local flow conditions at a specific point in the fragrance container.

[0142] The above embodiments describe various preferred embodiments of the fragrance container according to the present invention. These embodiments may also be combined with each other in other embodiments not described in detail, as long as they can be reasonably combined with each other.

[0143] Reference Signs List

[0144] 10 aromatic containers

[0145] 12 upper wall

[0146] 14 lower wall

[0147] 16 inner wall

[0148] 18 outer wall

[0149] 20 Upper shell

[0150] 22 lower shell

[0151] 24 air outlet

[0152] 26 flat part

[0153] 28 Gradually tapered end

[0154] 30 Isolation seams

[0155] 32 Headspace

[0156] 34 The side of the upper wall facing the aroma chamber

[0157] 36 The side of the lower wall facing the aroma chamber

[0158] 40 Aroma Chamber

[0159] 42 Carrier

[0160] 44 Gas-filled space of the aroma chamber

[0161] 46 Circumferential edge

[0162] 48 air intake

[0163] 50 Grip recess

[0164] 52 Free end of fragrance container

[0165] 54 Closed attachments

[0166] 55 gripping surface

[0167] 56 sliding ribs

[0168] 58 channels

[0169] 60 Drinking Devices

[0170] 70 cover

[0171] 72 Follower Surface

[0172] 74 Upper edge area

[0173] 76 Follower Surface

[0174] 78 upper edge area

[0175] 80 Head

[0176] 82 Coil spring

[0177] 84 Spring Washer

[0178] 85 curved middle section

[0179] 86 Engagement Hook

[0180] 88 Stop surface.

Claims

1. A fragrance container for adding fragrance to an air flow passing through the fragrance container (10), the fragrance container comprising: - an upper wall (12), a lower wall (14) and at least one side wall (18) surrounding the fragrance chamber (40), - at least one air inlet (48) into the fragrance chamber (40); and - at least one air outlet (24) from the aroma chamber (40); wherein, - a carrier (42) for the fragrance substance is present in the fragrance chamber; and - the carrier (42) comprises a non-woven material; wherein, - at least one of the air inlet openings (48) is located in the region of the lower wall (14) of the fragrance container (10); and at least one of the air outlet openings (24) is arranged in the side wall (16) of the fragrance container, preferably in the inner side wall (16) when the fragrance container has an outer side wall (18) and an inner side wall (16) and has a substantially annular geometry.

2. The aroma container according to claim 1, characterized in that: A top space (32) is provided between the support (42) and a side (34) of the upper wall (12) facing the fragrance chamber (40).

3. The aroma container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The side wall (18) at least partially comprises a protrusion (46), which preferably extends outwardly substantially perpendicularly to the side wall (18).

4. The fragrance container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The thickness of the carrier (42) is at least 50% of the height between the upper wall (12) of the fragrance container (10) and the lower wall (14) of the fragrance container (10), and preferably at least 80% of the height between the upper wall (12) of the fragrance container (10) and the lower wall (14) of the fragrance container (10).

5. The fragrance container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one air inlet (48) has a diameter of at least 0.2 mm or has a different geometry equivalent to a minimum opening cross section, and preferably, the at least one air inlet (48) has a diameter of no more than 20 mm.

6. The fragrance container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The Reynolds number Re in the air inlet region of the aroma container (10) is greater than 2000; wherein the Reynolds number is defined as Re=(w·d) / ν, ν[m 2 / s] is the kinematic viscosity of air, d [m] is the diameter of the air inlet, and w [m / s] is the flow rate when the air flows into the fragrance container at an average volume flow rate between 250 ml / min and 600 ml / min.

7. The fragrance container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fragrance container has a substantially annular geometric shape having an outer sidewall (18) and an inner sidewall (16).

8. The aroma container according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner side wall (16) encloses a space whose cross section has a geometric shape that deviates from a circle.

9. The aroma container according to claim 8, characterized in that: The geometry of the inner wall (16) defines only one single position of the aroma container (10) with respect to its rotation when cooperating with a correspondingly shaped mouth of a drinking device, wherein the space enclosed by the inner wall (16) preferably has a substantially teardrop-shaped cross section.

10. The fragrance container according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The maximum extension L of the cross section of the space enclosed by the inner wall (16) max The minimum extension L of the cross section of the space enclosed by the inner wall (16) min The proportional relationship between them is: 1.05≤L max / L min ≤1.15; And preferably L max / L min It is about 1.

1.

11. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising sliding ribs (56) in the region of the inner side wall (16).

12. The fragrance container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fragrance container comprises a lower shell (22) and an upper shell (20) connected to the lower shell (22), wherein the air outlet (24) is arranged in a connection area between the lower shell (22) and the upper shell (20).

13. A drinking device comprising - an aroma container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as - a head (80), to which the fragrance container (10) can be connected so that at least a portion of the fragrance container (10) can be moved from an activated position to an inactivated position; wherein, - in the activated position, the air outlet (24) is in flow connection with a transport channel for beverage liquid in the drinking device (60); and In the inactive position, there is no flow connection between the air outlet (24) and the transport channel for the beverage liquid, and the air inlet (48) is preferably substantially sealed.

14. The drinking device according to claim 13, characterized in that - the drinking device has a removable cover (70) that can be attached to the head (80) of the drinking device (60); and The drinking device (60) has at least one force-exerting element (72; 76; 82; 84; 86) by means of which the fragrance container (10) can be moved from the inactive position to the active position when the cover (70) is removed.

15. The drinking device according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least one force applying element has a stop surface (72, 76) located on the cover (70), and when the cover (70) is rotated to unscrew the cover (70), the fragrance container (10) can be rotated from the inactive position to the active position through the stop surface.

16. The drinking device according to claim 14, characterized in that The force-exerting element comprises an elastic prestressing element (82; 84) which is arranged between the fragrance container (10) and the head (80) of the drinking device (60) and which prestresses the fragrance container (10) in the activation position when the cover is removed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Drinking device

    WO2019016096A1