Mobile fragrance dispensing unit

Abstract

A fragrancing device (1) for dispensing at least one liquid fragrance agent, the fragrancing device (1) comprising at least two reservoirs (2) for storing fragrance agent, each with a valve (3) for selectively opening and closing the respective reservoir (2), at least one actuator (4) for actuating the valves (3), and a dispensing unit (5) for actively dispensing ambient air enriched with fragrance, characterized in that - at least one fragrance agent wets or is at least partially stored in a dimensionally stable and porous structure (6) located in the corresponding reservoir (2), the surface of which is at least partially temporarily exposed to the ambient air; wherein - the fragrancing device (1) comprises a valve (3) associated with each reservoir (2), which closes an opening (7) of the reservoir (2) in a rest position and opens it in a working position; and wherein - the drive (4) comprises a gearbox (8) which is configured to selectively open a single valve (3) or to close all valves (3).

Description

Introduction

[0001] The invention relates to the field of scenting devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a mobile scenting device with active scent delivery for multiple scents. State of the art and disadvantages

[0002] Fragrance units are known in a variety of forms from the state of the art. They are used to deliver olfactory aerosols and can be fragrances, i.e., odors perceptible to a person, as well as substances that neutralize unpleasant odors, or even therapeutically effective compositions that are delivered to a person through the respiratory tract.

[0003] A recently growing market is the area of ​​room fragrances, where the primary focus is on enhancing well-being. Such devices comprise at least one fragrance source, which is released into the ambient air in a controlled manner by means of a suitable dispenser.

[0004] The fragrance can be in solid or liquid form. Liquid fragrances typically allow for the fragrance application of a larger volume, as transfer into the surrounding air is easier. However, storing a liquid fragrance is generally more challenging; unwanted leakage from the reservoir (e.g., leakage due to tilt or temperature-induced pressure differences) plays a minor role with solids, but must be carefully considered with liquids.

[0005] A further distinction is made between passive and active delivery units. Passive delivery occurs, for example, through the drying of a wick, one end of which is dipped in a fragrance liquid, in the ambient air. This drying process can also be assisted by an energy source (heating). In an active system, the evaporating or vaporizing fragrance is additionally transported out of the device by a fan or similar device that sets the air in motion. While this may require additional energy, it offers the possibility of scenting larger volumes of air.

[0006] A further distinction can be made between stationary and mobile devices. While the former essentially remain in the same location and in the same orientation both during operation and between uses, the latter are at least intended to be frequently moved from one location to another (e.g., from the bathroom to the living room, then to the kitchen), whereby the orientation of the device may temporarily change during transport. With mobile devices, the challenge arises that the fragrance(s) do not leave the device in an undesired manner, at least during transport. At the same time, recommissioning should be possible without special, complex steps, such as removing the fragrance reservoirs, safely stowing them before, and then reinserting them after transport.

[0007] Another aspect is the size of the fragrancing device. On the one hand, it should contain a sufficient amount of fragrance to avoid excessive refilling, for example, by replacing the reservoir containing the fragrance or by refilling it. However, the device also contains other components such as a power source, a controller, and / or a dispensing unit, each of which takes up space in the housing. However, it is desirable, particularly with regard to the mobility of the device, to keep it as small as possible despite the presence of these components.

[0008] Finally, energy consumption also plays a significant role, especially in an active system. Ideally, this should be as low as possible without compromising the volume of scented air. Task of the invention and solution

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] The invention aims to provide a transportable fragrancing device for liquid fragrances, ensuring that the fragrance reservoirs contained therein remain sealed at all times when not in use and during transport. Furthermore, the device should provide as much space as possible for the fragrances within a given size. Furthermore, the device should have the lowest possible energy consumption despite the use of an active dispensing unit.

[0011] The object is achieved by a scenting device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent subclaims, the following description and the figures. Description

[0012] The invention relates to a scenting device for dispensing at least one liquid fragrance. The term "fragrance" is to be understood broadly here and generally includes all substances that can be released into the air and transported through it, including substances that are not perceptible to the nose, such as odor-neutralizing substances, or physiologically active substances, as well as pharmaceutical products such as medicaments. The invention preferably relates to a scenting device for dispensing several, in particular three, different fragrances.

[0013] The scenting device comprises at least two (and preferably exactly three) reservoirs for storing fragrance, a valve for selectively opening and closing each reservoir, at least one drive for operating the valves, and a delivery unit for actively distributing fragrance-enriched ambient air. "Active" in this context means that the air is set in motion by a means other than natural air movement, possibly assisted by heating.

[0014] The invention is firstly characterized in that at least one liquid fragrance wets a dimensionally stable and porous structure located in the corresponding reservoir or is at least partially stored in this structure, the surface of which is at least partially temporarily exposed to the ambient air. The advantage of a dimensionally stable, porous structure lies in its significantly larger surface area, which leads to a faster transition of the liquid stored in the structure into the gaseous state through evaporation. This in turn - for a given evaporation rate - has a positive effect on the required size of the reservoir and in particular on the areas thereof that communicate with the ambient air, since these can be made smaller. Consequently, such a reservoir can be built smaller than one that uses a wick for evaporation, and / or a larger volume of air can be treated with the same size. If necessary.The structure required for evaporation can be made smaller so that more space is available for the actual fragrance.

[0015] A typical reservoir size is 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, or 50 ml. However, it can also be larger. Due to the inventive design, a volume of several ml, e.g., 1 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, or more, is available for the fragrance. This advantage is particularly significant when the overall volume is small.

[0016] Also according to the invention, the fragrance device comprises a valve assigned to each reservoir, which closes an opening in the reservoir in a rest position and opens it in a working position. Due to the use of a valve, it is possible to close the cartridge safely and securely when not in use, and in particular when transporting the fragrance device, without the cartridge having to be removed from the housing and safely stored separately. The valve can be easily actuated automatically, which is not the case with known screw caps and the like. "Rest position" in this case means that in this state no (additional) energy needs to be supplied to the valve to maintain this state ("normally closing valve"), i.e. the valve does not consume any energy in this position.This ensures that if the power source runs out or if the device is not used for a long time, no uncontrolled release of fragrance can occur. Since the valve is "normally closed" according to the invention, it also ensures that no energy is required to securely close the cartridges when the device is not in use.

[0017] The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0018] The invention provides a portable fragrance dispenser, ensuring that the fragrance reservoirs contained therein remain sealed at all times when not in use and during transport. Furthermore, the fragrance dispenser provides as much space as possible for the fragrances within a given size. Furthermore, the fragrance dispenser has the lowest possible energy consumption despite using an active dispenser.

[0019] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the reservoir is designed as a cartridge comprising a fragrance container closable with a lid, in which the porous structure, which is preferably a fragrance-wettable fleece, is contained. In general, a fleece can also be described as a body consisting of a fabric- or sponge-like material and thus to a certain extent elastic. However, highly porous solids such as sintered materials or so-called "nanosponges" can also be advantageously used. The advantage of a fleece lies in its simple and very cost-effective availability; particularly with regard to non-refillable cartridges, such a material can be disposed of without problems.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the valve is positioned inside the cartridge in order to selectively close the opening, which is preferably positioned in the lid of the cartridge, in the rest position or to open it in the working position.

[0022] The opening is therefore preferably located in the cartridge lid so that, in the normal operating position of the fragrance device, gravity keeps fragrance away from the opening. The valve lid is pressed against the opening from the inside, preferably by means of a spring also located in the cartridge, thus providing a "normally closed" valve. It is clear that any necessary sealing means (O-rings) must also be provided to increase security against accidental release of fragrance and also to prevent drying out.

[0023] If the valve is part of the cartridge, it is ensured that the cartridge remains securely closed even when it is removed, for which, according to the invention, no energy is required.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the valve can be moved into the working position from the outside by means of a plunger. This means that the valve cap can be moved from outside the cartridge into the interior, allowing fragrance-enriched air in the cartridge to escape and unscented air to enter. The plunger is preferably designed to center with the valve cap so that the valve is actuated safely and as intended and does not jam. This can be achieved, for example, by a combination of a tip and a matching recess, or by a guide provided by interlocking surfaces on the outside of the plunger and the edge of the opening.

[0025] The tappet is preferably designed to move (at least substantially) in the direction of the valve's longitudinal axis.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the valve is arranged in an inner cavity of the porous structure. This means that the porous structure surrounds the valve. A fragrance agent is located around the inner wall of the cavity, which comes into contact with the air and enriches it with fragrance.

[0027] The advantage of this design is that the valve, which is located below the opening, can come into contact with scented air from all directions, so that the release of actually scented air from the cartridge is even and as efficient as possible.

[0028] The idea is that the valve (or more precisely, the valve cover) only exposes a portion of the cavity wall communicating with the opening in the operating position, allowing the air in the corresponding free space to be enriched with fragrance and extracted from it. When the valve is in the resting position, either the possibility of communication between the free space and the environment (through the opening) is prevented, and / or the valve reduces the size of the free space to such an extent that evaporation of fragrance is also no longer possible.

[0029] Preferably, the scenting device implements both mechanisms (closing the opening and reducing the size of the free space). This ensures particularly efficient prevention of scented air escaping from the cartridge, since, on the one hand, hardly any such air is created, and, on the other hand, it is prevented from escaping.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, a support structure is arranged between the valve and the porous structure, which support structure is designed to be continuous for gas at least in the region of the part of the wall of the cavity that communicates with the opening. Accordingly, the valve does not directly contact the wall, but rather is inserted into a hollow body, the outer wall of which then contacts the porous structure. Particularly in the presence of a nonwoven fabric, this hollow body improves its dimensional stability and prevents the moving valve from undesirably changing the shape of the nonwoven fabric or from pushing it between the valve cover and the opening.

[0031] To allow the fragrance to continue evaporating in the air, the support structure must have appropriate openings. These can be holes, for example, or the support structure can be constructed as a grid.

[0032] It is sufficient if the openings only border on the part of the wall of the cavity that can communicate with the opening when the valve is open (free space).

[0033] It should be noted that although the described cartridge with internal valve can be advantageously combined with the other components of the scenting device described in this document, it can also be used in a device different from the present scenting device.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the fragrancing device comprises exactly one drive for actuating the valves, which reduces complexity and susceptibility to errors.

[0035] The transmission preferably comprises a camshaft, which particularly preferably has a number of cams corresponding to the number of valves. The cams are configured to actuate the respective (valve) tappet directly or by means of a lever deflectable by them. The camshaft has at least one working position corresponding to the number of valves, in which exactly one of the valves can be actuated, and a rest position in which all valves can be closed.

[0036] In other words, when the camshaft rotates, all of the valves are actuated one after the other, so that the corresponding fragrance is "selected," and this is followed by a final position in which all valves are closed. This can be achieved by having three cams (with three cartridges) that are offset by 90 degrees. This ensures that the valves are particularly easy to control, and at the same time it can be ensured that no energy needs to be supplied in either the active or "standby" position. This considerably reduces energy consumption and increases safety, because if the energy source runs out (e.g. due to the fragrance device not being used for an extended period), all of the valves remain closed.

[0037] Preferably, the plunger is located at a distal end of a lever, the proximal end of which interacts with the respective cam. This allows for a mechanical amplification of the force available to actuate the valve.

[0038] It should be noted that the described drive or components thereof (camshaft, lever, tappet, etc.) can advantageously be combined with the other components of the scenting device described in this document; however, a combination with another device different from the present scenting device is also possible.

[0039] Preferably, each cartridge can be inserted into the housing from below into a holder designed to accommodate it. This allows a uniform top surface of the fragrance device to be maintained; a special lid is unnecessary, as it is irrelevant that the cartridges are visible from the bottom.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, each holder has a spring on its upper side that acts against the cartridge. This spring therefore tries to push the cartridge out of the holder, which makes it easier to remove it. To retain the cartridge, the holder also has a holding mechanism that interacts positively with the cartridge and can be actuated from below. The holding mechanism can, for example, have a hook that interacts positively with a projection or recess in the cartridge. When actuated, the hook is pivoted out of the projection or recess, releasing the cartridge; the spring supports this process and at the same time ensures that the cartridge, once inserted, remains in the holder after locking, since the hook is pressed firmly against the cartridge.

[0041] The fragrancing device preferably comprises a fan arranged in the housing as a delivery unit. This fan is preferably adjustable and battery-operated. This allows the amount of fragrant air to be regulated, and the fragrancing device can be operated mobile without a power connection.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the fan is positioned centrally in the housing and directed upwards into a distribution chamber, from which spiral-shaped flow channels extend, essentially in the same plane. Such channels create a centrifugal effect, which promotes turbulence, mixing, and even distribution in the designated part of the housing interior. These flow channels initially communicate downstream with the openings of the cartridges, where they are enriched with scented air. Since the air drawn directly from the cartridges has a strong fragrance concentration, it is advisable to mix it with fresh ambient air. After enrichment, the scented air then leaves the housing. Character description

[0043] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to figures. Fig. 1 a sectional view through an embodiment of a reservoir with an internal valve in the rest position; Fig. 2 the reservoir according to Fig. 1 in the working position; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the components used to operate the valves, with one valve open; Fig. 4 the components according to Fig. 3, with all valves closed; Fig. 5 a perspective view of some components, together with the cartridge holder; Fig. 6 a sectional view through the scenting device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic view of the flow channels.

[0044] In the Fig. 1 is a sectional view through an embodiment of a reservoir with an internal valve associated with it in the rest position.

[0045] Reservoir 2 is used to store liquid fragrance (not shown). Valve 3 is used to selectively open and close reservoir 2; in the rest position shown, opening 7 of valve 3 is closed.

[0046] The reservoir 2 is designed here as a cartridge comprising a fragrance container 9A that can be closed with a lid 9B. The opening 7 is arranged in the lid 9B.

[0047] Located in the reservoir 2 is a dimensionally stable and porous structure 6 in which the fragrance is stored (not shown). In other words, the porous structure 6, which in this case is designed as a fleece, absorbs the fragrance so that the fleece is essentially completely wetted with the fragrance. The remaining part of the reservoir 2 may initially contain more fragrance, which is gradually absorbed by the fleece during operation until all of the fragrance is consumed.

[0048] The valve 3 can be brought into the working position from the outside by means of a tappet 10, which in Fig. 2. Centering means in the form of a tip 11 and a recess 12 positioned in alignment therewith are also provided on the tappet 10 or valve 3, respectively, so that reliable actuation of the valve cover (no reference symbol) is possible. The tappet 10 works against a compression spring (no reference symbol) arranged below the valve cover. For better sealing, an O-ring (also no reference symbol) is arranged between the valve cover and cover 9B.

[0049] As can be seen, the valve 3 is located in an inner cavity of the porous structure 6, thus being almost completely surrounded by it. The inner wall 13 of the cavity is therefore initially surrounded by liquid fragrance. When this comes into contact with air, it evaporates and enriches the air with fragrance.

[0050] If valve 3 is now as in Fig. 2, in the working position, a free space 14 is created above the pressed-down valve cover. This is fluidically connected to the opening 7, i.e., ambient air passing by the opening 7 will entrain the scented air located in the free space 14 due to the suction effect, and unscented air will flow into the free space 14. The higher the speed of the ambient air, the more intensive the exchange. As can be seen, the valve 3, or more precisely the valve cover, (only) exposes a part of the wall 13 of the cavity that communicates with the opening 7 in the working position. Only then can the air located in the free space 14 be enriched with scent and extracted from it.

[0051] In the present case, a support structure 15 is arranged between valve 3 and porous structure 6. In the example shown, this is designed to be integrated with the base 9A. In this way, fragrance located in the lower region of the reservoir 2 cannot flow into the valve chamber. According to an embodiment not shown, the support structure 15 is manufactured to be integrated with the lid. The support structure 15 is then preferably designed to be continuous in the region of the part of the wall 13 of the cavity for gas that communicates with the opening 7, for example by means of a perforated pattern. Thus, fragrance can flow from the fleece through the support structure 15, reaches the free space 14 (provided the valve 3 is in the working position), and enriches the air present there with fragrance. It can then be continuously withdrawn from the free space 14 and mixed with the ambient air flowing past.

[0052] The liquid volume of the cartridge shown is approximately 15 ml. The cartridge is roughly shaped like a circular ring, with an angle of approximately 45°. This allows multiple cartridges to be arranged around a common center, as shown in the following figure.

[0053] In this Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the components used to actuate the valves 3 (not shown), with one valve 3 (front left in the image) open. The three reservoirs 2 are arranged around a common center (only the two front reservoirs 2 are shown, and these are shown only schematically). Fig. 4 all valves 3 are closed.

[0054] Also shown is the gear mechanism 8, via which the drive 4 actuates the valves 3. In this case, the gear mechanism 8 comprises a camshaft 16, wherein the cams (without reference number) are each configured to actuate the respective tappet 10 by means of a lever 17, so that a corresponding power amplification is achieved. The camshaft 16 has a number of working positions corresponding to the number of valves 3. In each of the working positions, exactly one of the valves 3 can be actuated. For this purpose, the cams are offset from one another by 90 degrees, ie, when one cam points upwards, the following one points to the side, and the third cam points downwards, etc. There is also a rest position (see Fig. 4), in which all valves 3 are closed (no cam points upwards, all tappets 10 are in their upper end position). In this position, none of the cams are aligned such that the corresponding lever 17 is actuated by it and the associated valve 3 is opened, or all cams are aligned such that all valves 3 are closed. In this case, this is achieved by the cams (more precisely: their tips) pointing to the side or downwards, i.e. away from the respective tappet 10.

[0055] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of some components of the scenting device 1, along with the cartridge holder, viewed diagonally from below. Each cartridge is inserted from below into a holder 18 designed to accommodate it in the housing 19.

[0056] Each holder 18 has a spring 20 on its upper side, which acts against the cartridge and is designed as a leaf spring in this case. Furthermore, a holding mechanism 21 is provided, which interacts positively with a recess 23 in the cartridge via a hook 22. When the hook 22 pivots out of the recess 23, the recess is released, and the spring 20 presses the cartridge slightly out of the holder 18. Conversely, the engaged hook 22, together with the spring 18, ensures that the cartridge cannot become detached during operation of the fragrance device 1. The holding mechanism 21 can be actuated from below by pressing the trigger 24 integrated therein.

[0057] In the Fig. 5, but especially in the Fig. 6, which shows a sectional view through the scenting device 1, the arrows without reference symbols indicate the air flow. In the bottom area, the fan (shown in dotted lines, without reference symbols) enclosed by the dispensing unit 5 and used to move the air can be seen. This fan is positioned centrally in the approximately barrel-shaped housing 19 and initially sucks in ambient air below the housing 19. It is directed upwards into a distribution chamber 25. From this, spiral-shaped flow channels 26 are provided, each of which initially communicates downstream with the openings 7 of the cartridges before leaving the housing 19. As they flow past the openings 7, they create a suction effect in the area of ​​the openings 7, which causes the fragrance-enriched air located in the free space 14 (not shown separately) of the reservoir 2 to be expelled from the free space 14 and replaced with unscented air.The area of ​​the flow channels 26 downstream of the openings 7 is again designed to be fluidically connected, so that a further mixing of scented and unscented air occurs here.

[0058] The mixed, scented air finally leaves the scenting device 1 through slots 27 located on the upper edge of the housing 19.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 schematically indicates the spiral course of the flow channels 26. In particular, it can be seen that the region 26B of the openings 7 downstream of the openings is designed to be continuous, in this case annular and circumferential. The slots 27 are not shown here. List of reference symbols 1 fragrance device 2 reservoirs 3 valve 4 Drive 5 Application unit 6 porous structure 7 Opening 8 gearboxes 9A Fragrance container 9B lid 10 pestles 11 top 12 Deepening 13 Wall 14 Free space 15 Support structure 16 Camshaft 17 levers 18 Bracket 19 housings 20 springs 21 Holding mechanism 22 hooks 23 Recess 24 triggers 25 Distribution room 26,26B Flow channel 27 slots

Claims

[1] Fragrance device (1) for dispensing at least one liquid fragrance, the fragrance device (1) comprising at least two reservoirs (2) for storing fragrance, one valve (3) for selectively opening and closing the respective reservoir (2), at least one drive (4) for actuating the valves (3), and a dispensing unit (5) for actively dispensing ambient air enriched with fragrance, characterized by , that - at least one fragrance wets a dimensionally stable and porous structure (6) located in the corresponding reservoir (2) or is at least partially stored therein, the surface of which is at least partially temporarily exposed to the ambient air; wherein - the scenting device (1) comprises a valve (3) associated with each reservoir (2), which closes an opening (7) of the reservoir (2) in a rest position and opens it in a working position; and wherein - the drive (4) comprises a gear (8) which is designed to selectively open a single valve (3) or to close all valves (3). [2] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir (2) is designed as a cartridge comprising a fragrance container (9A) which can be closed with a lid (9B) and in which the porous structure (6) such as in particular a fleece wettable by fragrance is contained. [3] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve (3) is positioned inside the cartridge to selectively close the opening (7) in the rest position or to open it in the working position. [4] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the valve (3) can be brought into the working position from the outside by means of a tappet (10). [5] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the valve (3) is arranged in an inner cavity of the porous structure (6) and only in the working position releases a part of the wall (13) of this cavity communicating with the opening (7), so that air in the corresponding free space (14) can then be enriched with fragrance and can be removed therefrom. [6] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 5, wherein a support structure (15) is arranged between the valve (3) and the porous structure (6), which support structure is designed to be continuous for gas at least in the region of the part of the wall (13) of the cavity communicating with the opening (7). [7] Fragrance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same comprises exactly one drive (4) for actuating the valves (3), and the gear (8) comprises a camshaft (16), wherein the cams are designed to actuate the respective tappet (10) directly or by means of a lever (17), wherein the camshaft (16) has at least one number of working positions corresponding to the number of valves (3), in which exactly one of the valves (3) can be actuated, and a rest position in which all valves (3) can be closed. [8] Fragrance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each cartridge can be inserted from below into a holder (18) arranged to receive the same in a housing (19). [9] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 8, wherein each holder (18) has on its upper side a spring (20) acting against the cartridge, as well as a holding mechanism (21) which cooperates positively with the cartridge and which can be actuated from below and with which the cartridge inserted into the holder (18) can be released again. [10] Fragrance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the same comprises a fan arranged in the housing (19) as the dispensing unit (5). [11] Fragrance device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the fan is arranged centrally and is directed upwards into a distribution space (25) from which spiral flow channels (26) emanate, which downstream initially communicate with the openings (7) of the cartridges and then leave the housing (19).

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