Diffuser device for attachment to the neck of a container, and diffuser apparatus comprising the diffuser device and the container

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffuser device (D) intended to be attached to a neck (102) of a container (101), the neck (102) comprising a dispensing orifice (103) and a helical thread (104), the diffuser device (D) comprising a ring (20) and a porous body (30) retained on the ring (20), wherein the ring (20) has an inner surface (21) comprising an internal helical thread (22) intended to cooperate with the helical thread (104) of the neck (102) in order to screw the ring (20) onto the neck (102), the inner surface (21) defining a central orifice (23) configured to bring an end surface (31) of the porous body (30) in communication with the dispensing orifice (103) when the ring (20) is screwed onto the neck (102).

Description

Diffuser device intended to be fixed on the neck of a container, and diffuser apparatus comprising the diffuser device and the container

[0001] The invention relates to a diffuser device intended to be fixed on the neck of a container. The invention also relates to a diffuser apparatus comprising the diffuser device and the container. Technological background

[0002] Document WO 2020 / 254733 A1 discloses a removable assembly for a diffuser apparatus, the diffuser apparatus being intended to disperse in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature. The substance is contained in a storage container. A heating element heats a porous body associated with the storage container so as to control a flow of the substance through the porous body. Summary

[0003] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a diffuser device intended to be fixed on a neck of a container, the neck comprising a dispensing orifice and a helical thread, the diffuser device comprising a ring and a porous body retained on the ring, in which the ring comprises an internal surface comprising an internal helical thread intended to cooperate with the helical thread of the neck to screw the ring onto the neck, the internal surface defining a central orifice configured to put an end surface of the porous body into communication with the dispensing orifice when the ring is screwed onto the neck.

[0004] The diffuser device is thus a diffuser device for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature, and is suitable for being fixed to any container equipped with a neck of a container containing the substance, said neck comprising a helical thread. It is only necessary that the ring and its internal helical thread be suitably sized to allow the ring to be screwed onto the neck. The internal helical thread is thus adapted to cooperate with the helical thread of the neck of the container. Thus, the diffuser device is suitable for being fixed to containers commonly used to contain liquid substances, in particular fragrances or perfumes, in a simple manner.

[0005] By "in communication" is meant that a liquid substance contained in the container and exiting the container through the dispensing orifice can flow to the end surface through the central orifice. Thus, the diffuser device attached to the container allows the liquid substance contained in the container to impregnate the porous body. The liquid substance having impregnated the porous body can then be evaporated into the ambient air. The diffuser device is therefore both suitable for attachment to generic liquid containers and for use in a diffuser apparatus of the aforementioned type. Thus, the diffuser apparatus can be used without a storage container dedicated to the diffuser apparatus. In addition, the container can be used if desired.

[0006] According to embodiments, such a diffuser device may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the diffuser device further comprises a flange, the flange having a passage orifice, the porous body extending through the passage orifice. According to one embodiment, the flange is retained on the ring. According to another embodiment, the flange is formed integrally with the ring.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the porous body comprises a collar forming said end surface of the porous body, a largest dimension of the collar being strictly greater than a largest dimension of the passage orifice, the flange comprising a first shoulder around the passage orifice, a first seal being arranged between the collar and the first shoulder. According to one embodiment, the first seal is a flat seal.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the ring has a second shoulder between the internal helical thread and the central orifice, a second seal being disposed on the second shoulder. According to one embodiment, the second seal is positioned such that the second seal is capable of being compressed between the second shoulder and the neck when the ring is screwed onto the neck. According to one embodiment, the second seal is an O-ring.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the ring comprises a groove facing the end surface of the porous body, a third seal being disposed in the groove. According to one embodiment, the third seal is an O-ring.

[0011] Each of the aforementioned seals tends to ensure a tight connection between the neck of the container and the porous body. In addition, due to its elasticity, each of the aforementioned seals is capable of compressing, which tends to prevent the porous body from undergoing excessive mechanical stresses when the diffuser device is fixed to the neck of the container, and also allows simple and inexpensive manufacture of the diffuser device, since very strict dimensional tolerances on the ring, the flange and the porous body are not necessary. These results are more assured when the diffuser device comprises two of the three aforementioned seals, and even more assured when the diffuser device comprises all three aforementioned seals.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the porous body comprises a recess on the side opposite said end surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the porous body comprises a flat outer surface on the side opposite said end surface.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the diffuser device further comprises a removable cap configured to cover a peripheral surface of the porous body.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the removable cap comprises a projection of complementary shape with the recess.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides an assembly comprising a diffuser device according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments and a container equipped with a neck, the neck comprising a dispensing orifice and a helical thread, the diffuser device being fixed to the neck by cooperation between the internal helical thread of the ring and the helical thread of the neck, and the central orifice of the ring putting the end surface of the porous body into communication with the dispensing orifice.

[0017] According to embodiments, such an assembly may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the container contains a substance in the liquid state at room temperature.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a diffuser apparatus for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature, the diffuser apparatus comprising:- a diffuser device according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments;- a container equipped with a neck, the neck comprising a dispensing orifice and a helical thread;and- a diffusion housing which defines a housing receiving at least a portion of the porous body, the container containing the liquid substance, the diffuser device being fixed on the neck by cooperation between the internal helical thread of the ring and the helical thread of the neck, and the central orifice of the ring putting the end surface of the porous body in communication with the dispensing orifice, so that the liquid substance leaving the container through the dispensing orifice can impregnate the porous body via the end surface and then evaporate at a peripheral surface of the porous body.;

[0020] According to embodiments, such a diffuser apparatus may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises a heating element configured to heat the porous body.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the porous body of the diffuser device comprises the aforementioned recess, the heating element is received in the recess.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the porous body of the diffuser device comprises the aforementioned flat outer surface and the heating element is arranged against said flat outer surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the heating element comprises or consists of an electrical resistor.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises a control device configured to control the heating element as a function of a set temperature of the porous body.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises a support element for the heating element, the support element being integral with the diffuser apparatus. According to one embodiment, the heating element is integral with the support element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises at least one temperature sensor, connected to the control device, and the control device is configured to control the heating element according to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises an air inlet, at least one air outlet and at least one fan for driving an air flow from the air inlet to said at least one air outlet so that the air flow circulates around the peripheral surface of the porous body.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the control device is further configured to control the fan.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said substance comprises at least one compound selected from semiochemical molecules, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, synomones of natural or synthetic origin.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution containing at least one sexual or non-sexual pheromone, an allomone, a synomone or a kairomone intended to provoke a positive or negative response relative to the targeted species, the behavioral result of which may be sexual confusion, confusion of another nature, sexual attraction, attraction of another nature, repulsion of any nature, in arthropods, including arachnids, or including hexapods, among which in particular insects, including harmful insects.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution containing at least one pheromone or sex pheromone, allomone, synomone or kairomone intended to provoke a positive or negative response relative to the target species, the behavioral result of which may notably be appeasement, relaxation, euphoria or intimidation in the classes mammalia and aves.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises a solvent selected from isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, for example an L or P or N or V isoparaffin.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises at least one compound taken from the group formed by odoriferous agents usable for humans or animals, semiochemical substances, cosmetic agents, essential oils, perfumes, disinfectant agents, odor neutralizing agents and phytosanitary and agricultural agents. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound taken from this group.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises at least one compound taken from the group formed by odoriferous agents usable for humans, cosmetic agents, essential oils, perfumes, disinfectant agents, odor neutralizing agents. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound taken from this group.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the odoriferous agents usable for the animal are chosen from fatty acids or the esterified form of said fatty acids such as methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, dimethyl azelate, and dimethyl pimelate.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the substance has a temperature-dependent viscosity, said viscosity being such that the substance does not flow through the porous body at any ambient temperature below a first temperature, the first temperature being above 0°C, and that the substance flows through the porous body at a second temperature above the first temperature.

[0038] Thus, the heating element makes it possible to control the flow of the substance through the thickness portion of the porous body, simply by heating or not heating the porous body. The physical principles underlying this control of the flow of the substance through the porous body are described in the document WO 2020 / 254733 A1 already cited previously or in the document WO 2019 / 243734 A1.

[0039] The first temperature can be set in different ranges. If the diffuser device is intended to be used outdoors, the first temperature will be chosen in particular according to local climatic data. According to embodiments, the first temperature is for example between 1°C and 50°C, or between 5°C and 40°C or between 10°C and 35°C, or between 15°C and 25°C.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the substance has in the liquid state a viscosity greater than 1 cPa.s at 25°C, for example greater than 8 cPa.s at 25°C, and less than 1 cPa.s at 60°C.

[0041] These viscosity values ​​are dynamic viscosity values ​​characterizing the resistance of a fluid to its laminar flow at a given temperature.

[0042] These physicochemical data are available on the safety data sheets of the chemical products that may constitute the substance.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the substance has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of between 30°C and 400°C. For example, the substance may have a melting point at atmospheric pressure of between -70°C and 0°C. Brief description of the figures

[0044] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The figure represents in exploded view, from two different viewing angles, a diffuser device according to a first embodiment, together with a container to which the diffuser device is intended to be fixed.

[0046] This is a bottom view of the diffuser device.

[0047] This is a view of the diffuser device of the, in section according to plane AA of the.

[0048] This is a view of the diffuser device of the, in section according to plane BB of the.

[0049] This is an enlarged view of part of the, showing the diffuser device ring.

[0050] This is an enlarged view of another part of the, showing the flange of the diffuser device.

[0051] This is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a diffuser apparatus comprising the first embodiment of the diffuser device of the.

[0052] This is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a diffuser apparatus comprising a second embodiment of the diffuser device.

[0053] This is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a diffuser apparatus comprising a third embodiment of the diffuser device.

[0054] Figures 1 to 6 show a diffuser device D (hereinafter referred to as “device D”) according to a first embodiment. Device D is intended to be fixed to a container 101 containing a liquid substance. When fixed to the container 101, device D makes it possible to disperse the liquid substance contained in the container 101 into the air, in the vapor state.

[0055] With particular reference to 1a, 1a and 1a, the container 101 comprises a threaded neck 102. More specifically, the neck 102 comprises a dispensing orifice 103 connecting the interior volume 105 of the container 101 with the exterior of the container 101, and the neck 102 comprises a helical thread 104 allowing a cap (not shown) to be screwed onto the neck 102. The container 101 may in particular be of the type suitable for containing liquid substances, in particular fragrances or perfumes.

[0056] The device D mainly comprises a ring 20, a wick 30 and a flange 40. As can be seen in the drawings, the ring 20, the wick 30 and the flange 40 extend along a main axis XX. The axis XX is shown in a thick line and a dashed line on the, and the position of the axis XX is indicated by the reference X on the. When the device D is fixed on the container 101, the axis XX coincides with, or at least is substantially parallel to, the axis of the neck 102.

[0057] With particular reference to 1a, 1a and 1a, the ring 20 has the general shape of a cylinder of revolution with axis XX, and thus comprises an internal surface 21 and an external surface 29. The internal surface 21 comprises an internal helical thread 22 intended to cooperate with the helical thread 104 to screw the ring 20 onto the neck 102. In addition, the internal surface 21 defines a central orifice 23 which will be described in more detail below.

[0058] With particular reference to 1a, 1a and 1a, the bit 30 has a general shape with symmetry of revolution of axis XX, for example an overall shape of a cylinder of revolution of axis XX. The bit 30 thus comprises a peripheral surface 33. In addition, the bit 30 comprises a collar 32 at one of its ends. The collar 32 forms an end surface 31 of the bit 30. The bit 30 further comprises a recess 34, which here has a frustoconical section of axis XX. The recess is delimited by walls of rounded frustoconical contour. Alternatively, the recess 34 may have a conical shape of axis XX with a triangular axial section, a cylindrical shape of circular cross-section XX, or even a cylindrical shape of polygonal cross-section. An example of a recess of cylindrical shape of circular cross-section is shown in 1a and described in more detail later.

[0059] The wick 30 is made of a porous material. It constitutes a porous body. It is for example made of ceramic, for example alumina, with or without the addition of a pore-forming agent, for example starch. Alternatively, the wick is made of mullite composed of kaolin or clay mixed with alumina and silica.

[0060] The nature of the aluminas used and the addition of porogenic agents influence the porosity rate as well as the pore size of the ceramic.

[0061] Ceramic is obtained by a sintering process which also influences the pore size and porosity of the strands.

[0062] Commercial alumina ceramics that can be used come, for example, from the company NABALTEC ®, with the trade names Granalox ®, Nabalox ®.

[0063] With particular reference to 1a, 1a and 1a, the flange 40 has a cylindrical main portion comprising an external surface 46 and an internal surface 47. The flange 40 has a passage orifice 41 aligned with the axis XX, the passage orifice 41 being surrounded by an internal shoulder 42. Optionally, the flange 40 has an axial projection 43 in the extension of the passage orifice 41 to cooperate with the peripheral surface 33 of the bit 30 or with a chamfer (not shown) that the peripheral surface of the bit 30 has.

[0064] The flange 40 is retained on the ring 20, this being able to be achieved in various ways. In the first embodiment shown, the inner surface 47 of the flange 40 comprises a plurality of inclined projections 45 (cf.,), and the outer surface 29 of the ring 20 comprises a plurality of notches 24 (cf.). The projections 45 are received in the notches 24. Each notch 24 comprises a stop surface 24A (cf.) for locking the flange 40 in translation relative to the ring 20 when the projections 45 are received in the notches 24. As shown in the, the notches 24 may have a width which increases away from the stop surfaces 24A to facilitate the insertion of the projections 45 into the notches 24.

[0065] With reference to la and la, the wick 30 extends through the passage orifice 41, while a larger dimension of the collar 32 is strictly greater than a larger dimension of the passage orifice 41. Thus, when the wick 30 extends through the passage orifice 41, the collar 32 can rest on the internal shoulder 42 via a seal JA, here a flat seal, arranged between the collar 32 and the internal shoulder 42. The ring 20 can comprise a counterbore 28 (cf.,) to block the seal JA in translation orthogonally to the axis XX, and a counterbore 27 (cf.,) to block the collar 32 in translation orthogonally to the axis XX.

[0066] In addition, the ring 20 has an internal shoulder 26 (cf.,) between the internal helical thread 22 and the central orifice 23. The internal shoulder 26 receives a seal JB, here an O-ring. In the example shown, the O-ring JB is compressed between the internal shoulder 26 and a shoulder 102A which the neck 102 has at its top.

[0067] Furthermore, the ring 20 has an internal shoulder 25 (cf.) around the central orifice 23 on the side opposite the internal helical thread 22. A groove 25R (cf.,,) being made in the internal shoulder 25. The groove 25R receives a sealing joint JC, here an O-ring.

[0068] The seals JA, JB, JC do not only tend to ensure a sealed connection between the neck 102 and the wick 30. In addition, the seals JA, JB, JC are capable of compressing, which tends to prevent the wick 30 from undergoing excessive mechanical stresses when the device D is fixed to the neck 102, and also allows simple and inexpensive manufacture of the device D, since very strict dimensional tolerances on the ring 20, the flange 40 and the wick 30 are not necessary.

[0069] To use the device D, a user can unscrew the cap of the container 101 and fix the device D on the neck 102 of the container by screwing the ring 20 onto the neck 102. The external surface 29 of the ring 20 may comprise, between the notches 24 or between some of the notches 24, a plurality of projections 29T (cf.,) spaced apart to facilitate the gripping of the ring 20 by the user when screwing the ring 20. The device D and the container 101 then form an assembly E in which the central orifice 23 places the end surface 31 of the wick 30 in communication with the dispensing orifice 103. By “in communication”, it is meant that the liquid substance contained in the container 101 and leaving the container 101 through the dispensing orifice 103 can flow to the end surface 31 by passing through the orifice central 23.

[0070] Optionally, the device D further comprises a removable cap 50. With reference to 1a, 1a and 1a, the cap 50 comprises a shell portion 51 and a flared portion 52. As shown, the flared portion 52 covers the flange 40 and the ring 20, while the shell portion 51 covers the peripheral surface 33 of the wick 30, thereby preventing damage or misplacement of the wick 30 during transport of the device D or prior to use of the device D.

[0071] In the first embodiment shown, the flared portion 52 comprises an internal thread 54 intended to cooperate with an external thread 44 (cf.) which the external surface 46 of the flange 40 comprises. The threads 44, 54 allow the cap 50 to be screwed onto the flange 40 and then allow the user to unscrew the cap 50 in order to use the device D.

[0072] Furthermore, the casing portion 51 may comprise a projection 53 of complementary shape with the recess 34 of the wick. This tends to better protect the wick 30 against accidental damage.

[0073] Alternatively, the flange 40 may be formed integrally with the ring 20.

[0074] A sectional view of a diffuser device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown. The diffuser device 1 is intended to disperse in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature. It will be referred to below as “the device 1” for convenience.

[0075] Device 1 has a fixed part generally designated by 2.

[0076] The fixed part 2 comprises a wall 3. The wall 3 delimits an internal space 4 of the fixed part 2. Various elements of the device 1 are received in this internal space 4 as will be described below.

[0077] In a manner not shown in the, the wall 3 may be part of a housing or other suitable rigid container forming part of the fixed part 2. This housing or rigid container may contain various elements of the device 1, in particular an electrical power socket and / or a battery, one or more indicator lights for the user of the device 1, one or more buttons for the user of the device 1, etc.

[0078] As can be seen in the, the assembly E formed by the device D and the container 101 can be associated with the apparatus 1 in order to disperse the liquid substance contained in the container 101. More precisely, the assembly E can be inserted in part or in full into the internal space 4.

[0079] In the remainder of this description, the direction of the axis XX is assigned an upward direction A and a downward direction D opposite to the upward direction A. The upward direction A and the downward direction D are indicated by arrows on la and la. Expressions such as "lower than", "downwards" are understood in relation to the downward direction D along the longitudinal direction QQ. Expressions such as "higher than", "upwards" are understood in relation to the upward direction A along the direction of the axis XX.

[0080] La shows that the apparatus 1 can be used in a position of use in which the downward direction D is downwards and the upward direction A is upwards relative to the acceleration of gravity G. The direction and direction of the acceleration of gravity G is indicated by an arrow on the. More particularly, in the position of use, the axis XX is parallel to the direction of the acceleration of gravity G. Alternatively, other orientations are possible.

[0081] The apparatus 1 comprises, in the internal space 4, a heating member 8. The heating member 8 comprises a heating element 9 such as an electrical resistor. When the assembly E is inserted into the internal space 4 as mentioned above, the heating element 9 is received in the recess 34 of the wick. More particularly, the heating element 9 is entirely received in the recess 34. Preferably, the heating element 9 and the recess 34 are dimensioned so that the heating element 9 is in contact with the internal surface of the recess 34. This increases the efficiency of the heating of the wick 30. For this purpose, the heating element 9 may have a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the recess 34.

[0082] The heating element 9 is secured to, or at least held in place by, a support element 9A of the heating member 8, the support element 9A being located lower than the heating element 9. The support element 9A is made integral with the apparatus 1 in any suitable manner.

[0083] Lamontre further shows that the device 1 has an air inlet 5, an air outlet 7, and a fan 6.

[0084] The operation of the apparatus 1 is now described when the diffuser element 20 is in its position shown in the figure.

[0085] Since the wick is made partially or entirely of a porous material, and since the end surface 31 is in communication with the dispensing orifice 103 as described above, the liquid substance permeates the wick 30 via the end surface 31, then diffuses by capillarity through the wick 30 until it reaches the peripheral surface 33. The peripheral surface 33 then forms an evaporation surface for the substance.

[0086] When the fan 6 is operating, the fan 6 drives an air flow F, which is indicated by the dot-and-dash arrows in the figure. The air flow F is driven from the air inlet 5 to the air outlet 6, here in the longitudinal direction QQ and in the upward direction A. The geometry of the wall 4 ensures that the air flow F circulates in the longitudinal direction QQ. The air flow F circulates around the peripheral surface 33, where it is loaded with evaporated substance. The air flow F loaded with evaporated substance exits through the air outlet 7 and disperses the evaporated substance into the ambient air.

[0087] When the heating element 9 is operating, the heating element 9 heats the wick 30. Heating the wick 30 tends to promote evaporation of the substance at the peripheral surface 33.

[0088] The amount of substance evaporated by the apparatus 1 can be adjusted by suitably adjusting the operating parameters of the fan 6 and / or the heating element 9.

[0089] Various constructions may be adopted for the fan 6, including an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, or other types of fan. The fan 6 may be held in place in the apparatus 1 in any suitable manner.

[0090] An air filter may optionally be placed between the air inlet 5 and the fan 6 in order to limit the risk of the wick 30 becoming clogged by undesirable external particles.

[0091] Lamontre also shows a functional block diagram showing various elements of the device 1. The dotted lines indicate connections between the elements shown.

[0092] A control device 12, such as a microprocessor, controls the heating element 9 as a function of a temperature detected by a temperature sensor 10 suitably arranged in the apparatus 1. For example, as shown in the, the temperature sensor 10 is arranged on the peripheral surface 33 of the wick 30 so as to measure a temperature of the peripheral surface 33. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 10 is embedded in the wick 30. The control device 12 can then control the heating element 9 as a function of a set temperature of the wick 30 detected by the temperature sensor 10.

[0093] Alternatively, the temperature sensor 10 may be arranged elsewhere in the apparatus 1, for example in or on the heating element 9.

[0094] The control device 12 is for example arranged on an electronic card, the electronic card also being able to provide the electrical power supply to the heating element 9. The control device 12 can furthermore control the fan 6, in particular an operating speed of the fan 6.

[0095] It should be noted that the elements described above with reference to are represented schematically and may be located at various locations in the apparatus 1.

[0096] It should further be noted that many other constructions are conceivable for the apparatus 1, in particular with several fans 6, and / or several air outlets 7 as described in document WO 2023 / 089019 A1, and / or several assemblies E each heated by a heating element 9 as described in document WO 2023 / 089019 A1, etc.

[0097] For example, figures 8 and 9 show a second and a third embodiment of the diffuser device 1.

[0098] In these two figures 8 and 9, the elements similar or identical to those described above in relation to the bear the same reference signs and are not described again.

[0099] The second and third embodiments of the diffuser device 1 are distinguished from the first embodiment of this diffuser device 1 in that they respectively comprise a second and a third embodiment of the diffuser device.

[0100] The second and third embodiments of the diffuser device are similar to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, except that the wick 30', 30'' has a different geometry from that of the wick 30 of the first embodiment.

[0101] According to the second embodiment of the porous body, shown in the, the wick 30' constituting the porous body has a general shape of a cylinder of revolution of axis XX. The wick 30' thus comprises a peripheral surface 33' similar to the peripheral surface 33 of the wick 30 of the first embodiment. At one of its axial ends, the wick 30' comprises a collar 32' similar to the collar 32 of the wick 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, at the axial end located on the side of the collar 32' along the axis XX, the wick 30' has an end surface 31'.

[0102] The wick 30' does not have any recess here. It has, at the axial end opposite the end surface 31', a flat outer surface 35'.

[0103] In this second embodiment of the diffuser apparatus 1, a heating member 8 is provided comprising a heating element 9 similar to that described for the first embodiment of the diffuser apparatus. The heating element 9 is applied against the flat outer surface 35' of the wick 30'. Preferably, the heating element 9 is sized so as to completely cover the outer surface 35' so that the heating element 9 is in contact with the entire outer surface 35' of the wick 30'. This increases the efficiency of the heating of the wick 30'.

[0104] The heating element 9 is secured to, or at least held in place by, a support element 9A of the heating member 8, the support element 9A being located lower than the heating element 9. The support element 9A is made integral with the apparatus 1 in any suitable manner.

[0105] Alternatively, the heating element 9 is fixed to the outer surface 35', for example by gluing.

[0106] According to the third embodiment of the porous body, shown in the, the wick 30'' constituting the porous body has a general shape of a cylinder of revolution of axis XX. The wick 30'' thus has a peripheral surface 33'' similar to the peripheral surface 33 of the wick 30 of the first embodiment. At one of its axial ends, the wick 30'' has a collar 32'' similar to the collar 32 of the wick 30 of the first embodiment. In addition, at the axial end located on the side of the collar 32'' along the axis XX, the wick 30'' has an end surface 31''.

[0107] The 30'' bit further comprises, at the axial end opposite the end surface 31', a recess 35'' here having a generally cylindrical shape of circular cross-section and axis XX.

[0108] In this third embodiment of the diffuser apparatus 1, there is provided, in a manner similar to the first embodiment, a heating member 8 comprising a heating element 9. The heating element 9 is housed in the recess 35'' of the wick 30'. Preferably, the heating element 9 is sized so as to be in contact with the internal faces of the recess 35''. This increases the efficiency of the heating of the wick 30'.

[0109] The heating element 9 is secured to, or at least held in place by, a support element 9A of the heating member 8, the support element 9A being located lower than the heating element 9. The support element 9A is made integral with the apparatus 1 in any suitable manner.

[0110] Finally, it is specified that the assembly E can be used to disperse the liquid substance contained in the container 101 without the apparatus 1, by removing the removable cap 50 and placing the assembly E in the position of use shown.

[0111] In the embodiments described above, it is envisaged, for example, to diffuse a substance consisting of a pheromone solution corresponding to the following composition:

[0112] - 87% by weight of (8E,10E)-dodeca-8,10-dien-1-ol, known as Codlemone, a pheromone associated with Cydiapomonella (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), and

[0113] - 13% by weight of dodecan-1-ol. This solution is known under the trade name RAK3®.

[0114] The boiling point of Codlemone solution at atmospheric pressure is about 270°C, and the viscosity at room temperature, i.e. 25°C, is about 8 cPa.s and 1 cPa.s at 60°C.

[0115] It is possible to substitute the Codlemone in the solution with the pheromone of formula (7E,9Z)-Dodeca-7,9-dienylaceteate, trade name RAK2®, whose boiling point is approximately 300°C. The viscosity of the solution remains close to that of the Codlemone solution. The RAK2® pheromone can also be used pure (100% by weight).

[0116] Alternatively, the substance may consist of rapeseed oils with a viscosity of 7.78 cPa.s at 20°C and 2.57 cPa.s at 50°C. The boiling point is approximately 150°C.

[0117] The substance to be diffused may also contain, for example, a pheromone component acting on the Oriental fruit moth, also known as Grapholita molesta. This is the chemical compound Z8-dodecenyl acetate, which has a dynamic viscosity of 3.4 mPa.s at 20°C.

[0118] The substance to be diffused can also consist of fatty esters that are components of mammalian appeasing pheromones, for example methyl oleate which has a dynamic viscosity of 6.8 mPa.s at 20°C.

[0119] The substance to be diffused can also be a conventional insecticide such as prallethrin which has a dynamic viscosity of 0.55 Pa s at 25°C, or a mosquito repellent such as citriodiol which has a dynamic viscosity of 56.1 cP at 60°C = 0.06 Pa.s at 60°C.

[0120] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0121] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprise" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0122] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Diffuser device (D) for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature, adapted to be fixed on a neck (102) of a container (101) containing said substance, the neck (102) of the container (101) comprising a dispensing orifice (103) and a helical thread (104), the diffuser device (D) comprising a ring (20) and a porous body (30) retained on the ring (20), in which the ring (20) comprises an internal surface (21) comprising an internal helical thread (22) adapted to cooperate with the helical thread (104) of the neck (102) to screw the ring (20) onto the neck (102), the internal surface (21) defining a central orifice (23) configured to put an end surface (31) of the porous body (30) into communication with the dispensing orifice (103) when the ring (20) is screwed onto the neck (102). Diffuser device (D) according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser device (D) further comprises a flange (40) retained on the ring (20) or formed integrally with the ring (20), the flange (40) having a passage orifice (41), the porous body (30) extending through the passage orifice (41). Diffuser device (D) according to claim 2, wherein the porous body (30) comprises a collar (32) forming said end surface (31) of the porous body (30), a largest dimension of the collar (32) being strictly greater than a largest dimension of the passage orifice (41), the flange (40) comprising a first shoulder (42) around the passage orifice (41), a first seal (JA) being arranged between the collar (32) and the first shoulder (42). Diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the ring (20) comprises a second shoulder (26) between the internal helical thread (22) and the central orifice (23), a second seal (JB) being arranged on the second shoulder (26). Diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the ring (20) comprises a groove (25R) opposite the end surface (31) of the porous body (30), a third seal (JC) being arranged in the groove (25R). Diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the porous body (30) comprises a recess (34) on the side opposite to said end surface (31). Diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the porous body (30) has a flat outer surface on the side opposite said end surface (31). Diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the diffuser device (D) further comprises a removable cap (50) configured to cover a peripheral surface (33) of the porous body. Diffuser apparatus (1) for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature, the diffuser apparatus (1) comprising:- a diffuser device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 8;- a container (101) equipped with a neck (102), the neck (102) comprising a distribution orifice (103) and a helical thread (104);and- a diffusion housing which defines a housing (4) receiving at least a portion of the porous body (30), the container (101) containing the liquid substance, the diffuser device (D) being fixed on the neck (102) by cooperation between the internal helical thread (22) of the ring (20) and the helical thread (104) of the neck (102), and the central orifice (23) of the ring (20) putting the end surface (31) of the porous body (30) into communication with the distribution orifice (103), so that the liquid substance leaving the container (101) through the distribution orifice (103) can impregnate the porous body (30) via the end surface (31) and then evaporate at a peripheral surface (33) of the porous body (30).; A diffuser apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the substance has a temperature-dependent viscosity, said viscosity being such that the substance does not flow through the porous body (30) at any ambient temperature below a first temperature, the first temperature being above 0°C, and that the substance flows through the porous body (30) at a second temperature above the first temperature. A diffuser apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the diffuser apparatus (1) further comprises a heating element (9) configured to heat the porous body (30). Diffuser apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the diffuser device (D) is according to claim 6 and the heating element (9) is received at least partly in the recess (34). Diffuser apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the diffuser device (D) is according to claim 7 and the heating element (9) is disposed against said flat outer surface. Diffuser apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the diffuser apparatus (1) further comprises an air inlet (5), at least one air outlet (7) and at least one fan (6) for driving an air flow (F) from the air inlet (5) to said at least one air outlet (7) so that the air flow (F) circulates around the peripheral surface (33) of the porous body (30).

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