Diffuser device designed to disperse a substance in liquid or solid form into the air in vapor form at ambient temperature

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffuser (10; 210) for dispersing a substance in liquid or solid form at ambient temperature into the air as a vapor. The diffuser (10; 210) comprises a receptacle (31) opening to the atmosphere through an upward-facing opening (33) when the diffuser is in its operating position. A storage container (60) containing the substance is received in the receptacle (31) such that a drain orifice (61) is downward-facing in the operating position. A porous body (70) has an evaporation surface located within the receptacle (31) in the operating position. A heating element (100) is arranged on or within the porous body (70) to control the flow of the substance through the porous body (70). An aeration system is configured to create an airflow from the air inlet (98) to the opening (33), sweeping across the evaporation surface. Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Diffuser apparatus intended to disperse in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid or solid state at room temperature Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of diffuser devices intended to disperse in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid or solid state at ambient temperature. Prior art

[0002] A diffuser apparatus of the aforementioned type is known for example from document WO 2019 / 243734 A1. In this apparatus, a storage container containing the substance is connected to a dispensing member. The dispensing member comprises micro-pipes forming an outlet arranged in the pipe in order to constitute an evaporation zone for the substance. A heating member is arranged on or in the dispensing member so as to control a flow of the substance through the dispensing member. Summary of the invention

[0003] One idea underlying the invention is to propose an arrangement of the dispensing member and the storage container which facilitates the placement of the storage container in the diffuser apparatus.

[0004] The invention thus provides a diffuser apparatus for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid or solid state at room temperature, the diffuser apparatus comprising: - a receptacle opening into the open air through an upward-facing opening when the diffuser device is in a position of use; - a storage container containing the substance and having a drain opening, the storage container being received in the receptacle such that the drain opening faces downwards in the use position; - a distributor member positioned at the outlet of the drain orifice and connected to the drain orifice, the distributor member comprising a porous body having an evaporation surface located in the receptacle in the position of use and being located below the drain orifice in the position of use; - a heating member arranged on or in the porous body so as to control a flow of the substance through the porous body; and - a ventilation system comprising an air inlet and configured to create an air flow from the air inlet to the opening by sweeping the evaporation surface.

[0005] The heating member allows the flow of the substance through 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 2019 / 243734 A1 already cited previously or in the document WO 2020 / 254733 A1.

[0006] Due to the fact that the receptacle opens into the open air through an upwardly oriented opening when the diffuser device is in a position of use, it is easy to place the storage container in place in the diffuser device, since it is sufficient to insert the storage container into the receptacle through the opening.

[0007] The diffuser apparatus finds a particular application for diffusing a substance in an enclosed place such as a greenhouse or a building, for example, or in a place sheltered from precipitation. Indeed, in such places, it is not problematic for the opening to be oriented upwards when the diffuser apparatus is in the position of use, since water coming from precipitation does not risk entering the diffuser apparatus through this opening. On the other hand, since the ventilation system is configured to create an air flow going from the air inlet to the opening by sweeping the evaporation surface, the diffuser apparatus makes it possible to obtain a good dispersion of air loaded with evaporated substance in the ambient air.

[0008] According to embodiments, such a diffuser apparatus may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus comprises a housing, the housing comprising an upper wall and a side wall, and the opening opens onto the upper wall.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises an internal wall defining the receptacle and extending from the upper wall.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the porous body has a porosity in an interior portion of the porous body that is lower than a porosity in an exterior portion of the porous body surrounding the interior portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the porous body comprises a wick made of wood, textile, ceramic, polymer, or a porous metallic material obtained by sintering a metallic powder or a metallic alloy powder.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the dispensing member is integral with the storage container.

[0014] Thus, the storage container and the dispensing member can be provided in the form of a removable assembly to be inserted as a single piece into the receptacle. This makes the use of the diffuser apparatus even easier, since it is sufficient to insert this removable assembly into the receptacle through the opening. However, other arrangements are possible. Thus, in one embodiment, the dispensing member or at least the porous body is permanently in the diffuser apparatus. In another embodiment realization, the distributor organ can be dismantled from the storage container.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the drain orifice is closed by a cover, and the diffuser apparatus further comprises a perforation device disposed between the porous body and the cover, the perforation device comprising a plurality of teeth and / or needles configured to perforate the cover when the porous body is moved towards the cover.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the receptacle and the porous body are shaped such that said movement of the porous body towards the cover occurs during installation of the removable assembly in the receptacle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the drain orifice is arranged at a first end of the storage container, and the storage container has, at a second end opposite the first end, a diverging portion facilitating the gripping of the storage container and arranged above the opening so as to deflect the air flow leaving the opening towards the periphery of the diffuser device.

[0018] This may tend to further disperse the air laden with evaporated substance into the ambient air.

[0019] Various positions are possible for the air inlet. According to one embodiment, the air inlet is on the side wall of the housing. According to one embodiment, the air inlet is below the porous body in the position of use. In particular, the housing has a lower end opposite the upper wall of the housing and below the porous body in the position of use, and the air inlet is located at this lower end.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the ventilation system further comprises at least one fan.

[0021] Various positions are possible for the fan. According to one embodiment, the fan is arranged below the porous body in the position of use. According to one embodiment, the fan is arranged between the side wall of the housing and the inner wall of the housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fan is an axial fan or a centrifugal fan.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the ventilation system further comprises an air guide member, the air guide member comprising at least one through hole facing the evaporation surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the air guide member is arranged under the porous body in the position of use.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the air guide member comprises a plurality of through holes facing the evaporation surface.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the through holes have a circular section. or ovoid with an inner diameter between 0.1 mm and 4 mm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the heating member comprises an electrical resistance placed directly on an external surface of the porous body or received partly in a recess, preferably blind, which the porous body has.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the heating member extends through the air guide member.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises an electronic card, the electrical resistance being electrically powered by the electronic card.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus further comprises a control device configured to control the heating member as a function of a set temperature in the porous body.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the control device is arranged on the electronic card.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the control device is further configured to control an operating speed of the fan.

[0033] According to one embodiment, said substance comprises at least one compound selected from semiochemical molecules, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, synomones of natural or synthetic origin.

[0034] 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.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution containing at least one pheromone or sexual pheromone, allomone, synomone or kairomone intended to provoke a positive or negative response relative to the target species, the behavioral result of which may be in particular appeasement, relaxation, euphoria or intimidation in the classes mammalia and aves.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the substance comprises a solvent chosen from isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, for example an L or P or N or V isoparaffin.

[0037] 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 and phytosanitary and agricultural agents. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound taken from this group.

[0038] 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. According to one embodiment, the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound taken from this group.

[0039] 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.

[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] According to one embodiment, the substance has a boiling temperature of between 30°C and 400°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the substance is in the liquid state at room temperature, and said storage container further contains an internal alveolar retention member impregnated with said substance in the liquid state.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the alveolar retention member comprises a material chosen from a felt, for example wool felt, and a melamine foam.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a plurality of alveolar retention members are in contact and arranged in the storage container.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the storage container has no opening other than the drain orifice, and the storage container contains, in addition to the substance, a gaseous phase occupying at least 20% of the volume of the storage container.

[0046] 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.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the substance has a viscosity which varies as a function of temperature, said viscosity being such that, in the position of use, the substance cannot 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 higher than the first temperature.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the substance is in the liquid state at room temperature. For example, the substance may have a melting temperature of between -70°C and 0°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the substance is in the solid state at room temperature. For example, the substance may have a melting temperature at atmospheric pressure greater than 30°C, for example between 30°C and 40°C.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the diffuser apparatus comprises several storage containers containing different substances, each of the storage containers having a drain orifice and being received in the receptacle so that the drain orifice is oriented downwards in the position of use. Such storage containers can be produced in different ways, for example with an internal partitioning of a single tank or by means of several separate tanks. Brief description of the figures

[0051] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, 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 appended drawings.

[0052] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a diffuser apparatus according to a first variant of realization.

[0053] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is another perspective view of the diffuser apparatus of [Fig.l], where a removable assembly is received in the receptacle of the diffuser apparatus.

[0054] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a perspective view of the removable assembly intended to be received in the receptacle of the diffuser device.

[0055] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is another perspective view of the removable assembly of [Fig.3A].

[0056] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is a view of the storage container of the removable assembly of Figures 3A and 3B, in planar section along IV-IV in [Fig.3A].

[0057] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is a planar sectional view similar to [Fig.4A], showing the storage container and the dispensing member of the removable assembly of Figures 3A and 3B.

[0058] [Fig.4C] [Fig.4C] is an enlarged view, partly in perspective and partly in section, of the IVC detail of [Fig.4B], showing an alternative embodiment of the removable assembly.

[0059] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] is a planar sectional view along VV of [Fig.2].

[0060] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] is another sectional view, in perspective, along VV of [Fig.2].

[0061] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a diffuser apparatus according to a second variant of implementation.

[0062] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a sectional view, in perspective, along VIIVII of [Fig.6]. Description of the embodiments

[0063] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a diffuser apparatus intended to disperse in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid state at room temperature. This diffuser apparatus bears the reference 10 in the drawings; it will hereinafter be referred to as “apparatus 10” for convenience.

[0064] The apparatus 10 comprises a fixed part generally designated by 20.

[0065] The fixed part 20 is first described. The fixed part 20 comprises a housing 30 and an electrical power supply socket 40. Figures 5A and 5B are sectional views of the device 10 along the plane VV of [Fig. 2] and thus reveal components of the device 10 arranged inside the housing 30.

[0066] The housing 30 defines a receptacle 31. The receptacle 31 is intended to receive a removable assembly 50 described below. The receptacle 31 here has a section in the shape of a rounded square, but it could also be a circular, elliptical or even polygonal section. The receptacle 31 opens onto an upper wall 32 of the housing 30 via an opening 33. The receptacle 31 is defined by an internal wall 35 (see [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B]) of the housing 30 which extends from the upper wall 32 towards the interior of the housing 30. The reference 39 in the figures designates an external side wall of the housing 30.

[0067] The electrical power socket 40 is made integral with the housing 30 in any suitable manner. In the example shown, the electrical power socket 40 is a mains power socket. The appliance 10 can thus be supplied with mains electricity, which in particular allows use in an enclosed place such as a greenhouse or a building, for example, or in a place sheltered from precipitation. However, other types of electrical power sockets 40 are conceivable, in particular direct current electrical power sockets.

[0068] The removable assembly 50 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B. The removable assembly 50 comprises a storage container 60 and a wick 70. The wick 70 is integral with the storage container 60 such that the removable assembly 50 can be inserted integrally into the receptacle 31 by grasping the removable assembly 50.

[0069] [Fig.4A] is a sectional view of the storage container 60 alone. As best seen in [Fig.4A], a lower portion 59 of the storage container 60 has a right cylinder section whose directrix is ​​a main axis PP and whose generatrix is ​​here in the shape of a rounded square. In other words, a section of the storage container 60, perpendicular to the axis PP, at the level of the lower portion 59, is in the shape of a rounded square. This section is preferably identical to the section of the receptacle 31. The interior volume 69 of the storage container 60 is delimited by a peripheral wall 64, by an upper wall 66, and by a lower wall 65.

[0070] As can be better seen in [Fig.4A], the lower wall 65 has a counterbore 65A. A drain orifice 61 is made in all or part of the bottom of the counterbore 65A. The drain orifice 61 is oriented downwards in a position of use of the removable assembly 50, this position of use being shown in [Fig.2], [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B].

[0071] It is specified that the terms “downward”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the acceleration of gravity in the position of use.

[0072] The storage container 60 may have a symmetry of revolution around the axis PP.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the storage container 60 is made by injection molding a suitable plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) for example. One or more pressurization vents (not shown) may be provided in the upper wall 66 and / or the peripheral wall 64 to ensure that the liquid substance contained in the storage container 60 can continue to flow as the storage container 60 is emptied. Alternatively, the storage container 60 has no opening other than the drain orifice 61, and contains, in addition to the liquid substance, a gaseous phase occupying at least 20% of the volume of the storage container 60.

[0074] An intermediate portion 62 of the storage container 60 is divergent, that is to say shaped in such a way that the peripheral wall 64 moves away from the main axis PP by moving away from the lower portion 59. This intermediate portion 62 is extended by an end portion 63 at which the peripheral wall 64 is again parallel to the main axis PP. It is understood that the intermediate portion 62 and the end portion 63 facilitate the gripping of the storage container 60 by a user, since the latter can easily grasp the storage container 60 by bringing his fingers around the end portion 63 then placing the tips of his fingers on the intermediate portion 62.

[0075] The interior volume 69 of the storage container 60 may optionally be at least partially filled with a polymer foam (not shown) impregnated with the liquid substance. Alternatively, the interior volume 69 may simply be filled with the liquid substance.

[0076] According to certain variants not shown, the interior volume 69 can contain several different liquid substances. For this, the interior volume 69 can be partitioned so as to define several interior sub-volumes, each interior volume 69 containing a liquid substance and having a drain orifice 61 for this liquid substance. According to still other variants not shown, the removable assembly 50 can comprise several storage containers 60, possibly identical, each containing a liquid substance and all connected to the wick 70 which will now be described. These variants make it possible to provide a removable assembly 50 containing several liquid substances which only mix at the time of their diffusion by the device 10.

[0077] It should be noted that the upper wall 66 may possibly be materialized by a cover which is removable so as to allow the interior volume 69 of the storage container 60 to be refilled when the latter has been emptied of liquid substance. The reference 66A in [Fig.3A] designates a chamfer which may make it easier to remove such a cover.

[0078] [Fig.4B] shows in section the storage container 60 together with a wick 70.

[0079] The wick 70 is positioned at the outlet of the drain orifice 61, so that the liquid substance can pass from the interior space 69 of the storage container 60 to the wick 70 and thereby to evaporation surfaces constituted by the outer walls of the wick 70. The wick 70 here comprises a main portion 72 of the same section as the lower portion 61 of the storage container 60. Furthermore, a recess 75 extends into the wick 70, here parallel to the axis PP, from a lower surface 72A of the main portion 72. The recess 75 is preferably blind as shown in the figures.

[0080] The wick 70 may have a symmetry of revolution around the axis PP.

[0081] The wick 70 can be attached to the storage container 60 in various ways. In the example shown in the figures, the drill bit 70 comprises a lug 77 intended to be received in the counterbore 65A, for example forced into the counterbore 65A.

[0082] The wick 70 is made partially or entirely of a porous material, for example wood, textile, ceramic or polymer. Another example of a possible porous material is a porous metal material obtained by sintering a metal powder or a metal alloy powder. Such porous metal materials are known as such and the techniques for obtaining them are not described in detail here.

[0083] As already mentioned above, the storage container 60 comprises a drain orifice 61 which is oriented downwards in a position of use of the removable assembly 50. The wick 70 is positioned at the outlet of this drain orifice 61 so as to receive and be impregnated, due to its porosity, with the substance liquid contained in the interior volume 69 of the storage container 60.

[0084] [Fig.4C] is an enlarged view of the detail IVC of [Fig.4B] and thus shows the connection between the wick 70 and the drain orifice 61 in a particular embodiment of the removable assembly 50. In the embodiment shown, the drain orifice 61 is closed by a cover 65B. The wick 70 has a central lug 77A. The removable assembly 50 further comprises a perforation device 140 arranged between the wick 70 and the drain orifice 61. The perforation device 140 comprises an annular main body 141 fitted onto the central lug 77A of the wick 70, and optionally held in position relative to the central lug 77A by an annular projection 77B that the wick 70 has around the central lug 77A. The main body 141 has a plurality of teeth 142, and, between the teeth 142, a plurality of slots 143. The teeth 142 are arranged so as to be able to perforate the cover 65B.Once the seal 65B is perforated by the teeth 142, the liquid substance flows through the holes made by the teeth 142, then through the openings 143, and wets the lug 77, then the rest of the wick 70 by capillarity. This perforation of the seal 65B by the teeth 142 can in particular be obtained by moving the wick 70 in the direction of the drain orifice 61. The receptacle 31 and the wick 70 can be shaped such that this movement of the wick 70 in the direction of the drain orifice 61 occurs when the removable assembly 50 is installed in the receptacle 31.

[0085] The perforation device 140 may for example be produced by injection molding of a suitable polymer. Alternatively, it could also be a metal part, for example molded, or a ceramic part. Furthermore, the perforation device 140 could consist of several annular sectors, possibly but not necessarily integral with each other.

[0086] The teeth 142 and the slots 143 are preferably regularly spaced so as to promote uniform impregnation of the wick 70 by the liquid substance.

[0087] The geometry of the teeth 142 and the slots 143 shown in [Fig.4C] is only an example. Many other configurations are possible. In addition, in addition to or as a replacement for the teeth 142, needles, hollow or not, may be arranged on the perforation device 140 so as to perforate the cover 65B as just described.

[0088] The connection which has just been described between the wick 70 and the interior volume 69 of the storage container 60 via the drain orifice 61 is only one example. Many other connections are possible. In particular, when the interior volume 69 of the storage container 60 is at least partly filled with a polymer foam impregnated with the liquid substance, the wick 70 may have one or more lugs which pass through the drain orifice 61 until they come into contact with this foam. polymer. One or more sealing gaskets (not shown) can then be arranged so as to guarantee a watertight connection between the wick 70 and the drain orifice 61.

[0089] According to yet another variant not shown, the lug 77 can be configured such that the wick 70 can be screwed into the drain orifice 61 of the storage container 60. Optionally in this case, the lug 77 can comprise microneedles (not shown) which perforate the seal 65B during this screwing.

[0090] As mentioned above, the removable assembly 50 is intended to be received in the receptacle 31 defined by the housing 30. [Fig. 2], [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B] show the removable assembly 50 in position in the receptacle 31 in the use position. As shown in these figures, in the use position, the terminal portion 63 projects relative to the upper wall 32 of the housing 30. This facilitates gripping the storage container 60 and replacing the removable assembly 50. Although not shown in the drawings, the terminal portion 63 could even have a larger external dimension approximately equal to, or even larger than, the largest dimension of the opening 33 of the receptacle 31.

[0091] Returning to [Fig. 1], the bottom of the receptacle 31 is viewed from above the apparatus 10. A heating member, generally designated by the reference 100 and partially shown in the sectional views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, is arranged in the diffusion housing 30. The heating member 100 comprises a rod 101 carrying at its upper end an electrical resistor 110. The rod 101 can extend through the recess 75, such that the electrical resistor 110 comes into contact with the walls of the recess 75 when the removable assembly 50 is in place in the receptacle 31. By supplying or not supplying electricity to the electrical resistor 110, it is possible to implement control of the flow of the liquid substance through the wick 70 according to the physical principles described in the documents WO 2019 / 243734 Al and WO 2020 / 254733 AL

[0092] Optionally, the lower surface 72A of the wick 70 can be connected to the recess 75 by an inclined face 72B (see [Fig.3B] and [Fig.4B]), so as to facilitate the insertion of the rod 101 and the electrical resistance 110 into the recess 75.

[0093] Alternatively, the wick 70 may not have a recess 75; the electrical resistance 110 is then placed directly on an exterior surface of the wick 70, for example on the lower surface 72A.

[0094] The heating member 100 may comprise an electronic card 150 (shown schematically in [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B]) for the electrical supply and control of the electrical resistance 110. For example, a control device (not shown), such as a microprocessor, may be arranged on the electronic card. 150 in order to control the electrical resistance 110 as a function of a set temperature of the wick 70. This set temperature can be detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), carried for example by the rod 101. The electronic card 150 is here carried by the cover part 85 described later, but can alternatively be arranged at various locations in the housing 30.

[0095] The apparatus 10 further comprises a ventilation system. This ventilation system comprises an air inlet 98 and a fan 120. The air inlet 98 is arranged below the removable assembly 50 in the position of use. The fan 120, which is visible in the sectional views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, is arranged below the removable assembly 50 in the position of use. It is understood that in this way, the fan 120 brings an air flow from the air inlet 98 to the evaporation surfaces formed by the outer walls of the wick 70, then to the opening 33. The arrows F in phantom in [Fig.5A] indicate the direction and direction of this air flow. Thus, when the fan 120 and the electrical resistor 110 operate, the device 10 generates a flow of air loaded with evaporated substance.

[0096] Referring more particularly to [Fig.5A], it can be seen that, opposite the intermediate portion 62 of the storage container 60, the receptacle 31 may have a divergent portion 31A, at which the walls of the receptacle 31 are curved so as to widen the section of the receptacle 31. For example, the walls of the receptacle 31 at the divergent portion 31A may have a curvature identical or substantially identical to the curvature of the intermediate portion 62. The curvatures of the divergent portion 31A and of the intermediate portion 62 tend to deflect the air flow in the vicinity of the opening 33, as represented by the arrows F. This may tend to further disperse the air laden with evaporated substance in the ambient air.

[0097] The air inlet 98 can be produced in various ways. In the example shown, the lower end of the housing 30 is closed by a cover piece 85 (see FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B). The cover piece 85 has a plurality of openings 86 materializing the air inlet 98. The openings 86 may or may not extend corresponding openings (not shown) that the housing 30 has in line with the cover piece 85. The cover piece 85 can be produced in a single piece with the housing 30 or else fixed to the housing 30. Alternatively, the cover piece 85 can be fixed to the housing 30 in a removable manner. In particular in this case, the lower end of the housing 30 can be connected to an air duct or another air inlet; and the fan 120 can be offset in this duct or air inlet.

[0098] In the example shown, the lower end of the receptacle 31 is closed by an air guide part 130 (see [Fig.1], [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B]) which is a bottom wall protecting in particular the fan 120 and the electrical components from access by the user. The air guide part 130 here comprises a plurality of through holes 131 which allow the air flow created by the fan 120 to pass through. The air guide part 130 further has a central through hole 139 to allow the rod 101 and the heating resistor 110 to pass through. The rod 101 may optionally be secured to the air guide part 130.

[0099] The air guide piece 130 is here flared, but alternatively, it could be flat. It is further specified that although the drawings represent the lower surface 72A of the wick 70 as being almost in contact with the air guide piece 130, a certain space, of the order of a few millimeters or a few centimeters, for example, can be provided between the lower surface 72A and the air guide piece 130 so as to allow evaporation of the liquid substance at the level of the lower surface 72A.

[0100] The number, arrangement and relative orientations of the through holes 131 may be chosen in various ways to direct the air flow onto the outer walls of the wick 70 and thereby promote evaporation of the substance on the outer walls of the wick 70. Furthermore, although the figures show that the air guide part 130 comprises a large number of through holes 131 of circular or ovoid cross-section of small dimensions (internal diameter of the order of 0.1 mm to 4 mm, for example), other dimensions and shapes of through holes are possible. For example, in a variant not shown, the air guide part 130 comprises, in addition to or as a replacement for the through holes 131, an annular or circular through orifice. In this variant, the air guide part 130 may optionally carry the rod 101; the annular or circular through orifice may be arranged under the rod 101.

[0101] Various constructions can be retained for the fan 120. In the example shown, the fan 120 is an axial fan. The fan 120 is here held in place in an internal recess 129 that the housing 30 has under the heating member 100 and the air guide part 130. The bottom of this internal recess 129 has a through orifice 129A disposed between the wick 70 and the fan 120 to allow the air flow to pass. Alternatively, the fan 120 can be held in place differently in the housing 30. Furthermore, as a variant, the fan 120 can be a centrifugal fan or other types of fan.

[0102] An air filter (not shown) may optionally be arranged between the air inlet 98 and the fan 120 in order to limit the risk of the wick 70 becoming clogged by undesirable external particles.

[0103] Although the figures show that the air inlet 98 is arranged at the lower end of the housing 30, below the fan 120, which is itself arranged below the wick 70, many other positionings of the air inlet 98 and the 120 fan in 30 housing are possible.

[0104] In particular, the air inlet 98 may be arranged on the outer side wall 39 of the housing 30. In this case, the air inlet 98 is possibly, but not necessarily, further down the upper wall 32 than the wick 70. The fan 120 may be arranged below the wick 70 as shown in the figures, or else be arranged between the outer side wall 39 and the inner wall 35 defining the receptacle 31. Of course, in the latter case, it is possible for through holes similar to the through holes 131 of the air guide piece 130 to be made in the inner wall 35, opposite the wick 70.

[0105] The fan 120 can be controlled by the above-mentioned control device.

[0106] The removable assembly 50 can be held in place in the receptacle 31 in various ways, as long as the removable assembly 50 can be removed from the receptacle 31 in order to be replaced with the same when the liquid substance contained in the storage container 60 is exhausted. For example, the removable assembly 50 can be screwed or snapped into the receptacle 31. In one embodiment, the removable assembly 50 is limited to the container 60, while the wick 70 remains permanently in the apparatus 10. In another embodiment, the wick 70 can be disassembled and replaced independently of the container 60.

[0107] The housing 30 may be provided with a light indicator 34, indicating for example the operating state of the apparatus 10 according to commands provided by the control device mentioned above. In the example shown in the figures, this light indicator 34 takes the form of a translucent ring illuminated by one or more colored light-emitting diodes and extending over the upper wall 32 of the housing around the opening 33. However, many other implementations of the light indicator 34 are possible. Examples

[0108] Two diffuser devices 10 described above were manufactured, identical except for the construction of their wick 70. The two different wicks 70 of the two diffuser devices 10, hereinafter referred to as “system 1” and “system 2” respectively, have the following characteristics: - system 1: the wick 70 is made of sintered alumina, and has a pore size of 120 nm and a uniform porosity of 40%. The height h (see [Fig.4B]) of the wick 70 is 8 mm; - system 2: the wick 70 is made of sintered alumina, and has a pore size of 120 nm and a uniform porosity of 40%. The height h (see [Fig.4B]) of the wick 70 is 25 mm.

[0109] Three experiments, hereinafter referred to as “experiment 1”, “experiment 2” and “experiment 3”, were carried out with system 1 or system 2.

[0110] In these three experiments, a diffusion rate, also called an evaporation rate, is measured. The measurements of these rates are carried out according to a gravimetric measurement protocol which consists of measuring the relative mass loss of the system over time, considering (by visual observation) that any loss of mass is due to evaporation and then expulsion of the molecules from the system, to the exclusion of any leakage of liquid.

[0111] Some of the essential oils or food fragrances used in the experiments below were previously diluted in DPG (dipropylene glycol; a substance having a melting point of -39°C and a boiling point of 230°C at atmospheric pressure. The dilution in DPG is expressed as a mass percentage, with the following convention: a 25% rhubarb essential oil-DPG mixture contains 25% by mass of rhubarb essential oil in DPG. One method of preparing such a mixture therefore consists of adding 75 g of DPG to 25 g of rhubarb essential oil.

[0112] Experiment 1

[0113] Experimental device: Three different substances were successively diffused with system 1: rhubarb essential oil, eucalyptus pine essential oil, rose essential oil, the storage container 60 being filled each time with 5 g of essential oil, the latter not being diluted by adding a solvent. System 1 was left to operate each time at an ambient temperature of 20°C, maintaining the wick 70 at a temperature of 35°C, and operating the fan 120 so as to create a constant air flow equal to 4 m3 / h.

[0114] Result: The three substances tested flow through the wick 70 and evaporate, without any recondensation observed, with variable diffusion rates. The weight loss is linear over time, unlike what is observed with passive diffusers for which the diffusion rate is a function of the concentration. The olfactory sensation is extremely powerful. The diffusion rates measured with each substance are recorded in Table 1 below.

[0115] [Tables 1] Substance Undiluted rhubarb essential oil Undiluted eucalyptus pine essential oil Undiluted rose essential oil Diffusion rate in grams / day 0.8 1.6 0.9

[0116] Experiment 2

[0117] Experimental device: Three different substances were successively diffused with system 1: undiluted eucalyptus pine essential oil, 25% eucalyptus pine essential oil-DPG mixture, 50% eucalyptus pine essential oil-DPG mixture, the storage container 60 being filled each time with 5 g in total mass of substance. System 1 was left to operate each time at an ambient temperature of 20°C, maintaining the wick 70 at a temperature of 35°C, and operating the fan 120 so as to create a constant air flow equal to 4m3 / h.

[0118] Result: The tested substances flow through the wick 70 and evaporate with different diffusion rates, which are recorded in Table 2 below. No recondensation was observed. The weight loss is linear over time, unlike what is observed with passive diffusers for which the diffusion rate is a function of the concentration. It was qualitatively observed that the olfactory rendering is less powerful with a greater dilution with DPG. It was qualitatively observed that the substances perfumed a room of 120 m2 in less than 15 minutes.

[0119] [T ables 2] Substance Undiluted Eucalyptus Pine Essential Oil Blend 25% Eucalyptus Pine Essential Oil-DPG Blend 50% Eucalyptus Pine Essential Oil-DPG Diffusion Rate in grams / day 1.66 1.0 0.5

[0120] Experiment 3

[0121] Experimental device: Five substances were successively diffused with system 2: 10% mixture of marine scent essential oil-DPG, 50% mixture of marine scent essential oil-DPG, undiluted marine scent essential oil, 50% mixture of cake-cake food fragrance-DPG, 2% mixture of lobster food fragrance-DPG, the storage container being filled each time with 15 g of total mass of substance. System 2 was left to operate each time at an ambient temperature of 20°C, maintaining the wick 70 at a temperature of 32°C, and operating the fan 120 so as to create a constant air flow rate equal to 4 m3 / h. The diffusion rates measured with each food fragrance are recorded in table 1 below.

[0122] Result: The tested substances flow through the wick 70 and evaporate with different diffusion rates, which are recorded in Table 3 below (on specifies that in Table 3, "he" means essential oil in short and "fa" means food fragrance in short). The weight loss is linear over time. The quality of the olfactory sensation is excellent and constant over time.

[0123] [Tables3] Substance Mixture 10% marine he-DPG Mixture 50% marine he-DPG undiluted marine he Mixture 50% fa pièce montée-DPG Mixture 2% fa lobster-DP G Diffusion rate in mg / hour 6.2 5.5 5.2 4.0 29.2

[0124] Alternative embodiments

[0125] The construction of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5B is only one example. Many other constructions are conceivable.

[0126] A second variant embodiment of an apparatus 210 is shown in perspective in [Fig. 6] and in section in [Fig. 7]. In these figures, the elements identical to those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 5B bear identical references and are not described in detail again. The apparatus 210 differs from the apparatus 10 in that the housing 230 has two receptacles 31 whose openings 33 both open onto the upper wall 232 of the housing 230. Each of the two receptacles 31 receives a removable assembly 50. The apparatus 210 can thus be used to diffuse two different substances, by inserting into each of the two receptacles 31 two removable assemblies 50 containing different substances. Of course, a larger number of receptacles 31 and removable assemblies 50 can be provided in the same apparatus 210 if desired.It is provided here that each of the receptacles 31 is associated with a fan 120, but alternatively, a single fan 120 can be associated with all the receptacles 31.

[0127] It can also be seen in [Fig.6] that the device 210 is supplied with electricity by a direct current power supply socket 240, here of the USB-C type, and it can be seen in [Fig.7] that the device 210 comprises several batteries 241, for example of the lithium-ion type, arranged inside the housing 230. Thus, the device 210 can operate even in the absence of mains power.

[0128] Furthermore, it is provided that the apparatus 210 is provided with a carrying handle 290, here articulated at two ends of the housing 230 by two opposite articulations 291. Thus, the apparatus 210 can easily be transported by hand by a user.

[0129] However, as a variant, the apparatus 210 may be mains powered like the apparatus 10 and / or be without the carrying handle 290.

[0130] Embodiments have been described so far where the substance is in the liquid state at room temperature. However, as a variant, the substance is in the solid state at room temperature. For example, the substance may have a melting point at atmospheric pressure greater than 30°C, for example between 30°C and 40°C. In this case, the storage container 60 contains the substance in the solid state at room temperature. The heating of the wick 70 by the heating member 100 causes local melting of the substance in the vicinity of the drain orifice 61. The substance thus become liquid can then flow through the wick 70 or as described above.

[0131] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0132] 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.

[0133] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Diffuser apparatus (10; 210) for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid or solid state at room temperature, the diffuser apparatus (10; 210) comprising: - a receptacle (31) opening into the open air through an opening (33) oriented in an upward direction of the diffuser apparatus; - a storage container (60) containing the substance and having a drain orifice (61), the storage container (60) being received in the receptacle (31) so that the drain orifice (61) is oriented in a downward direction of the diffuser apparatus; - a distributor member positioned at the outlet of the drain orifice (61) and connected to the drain orifice (61), the distributor member comprising a porous body (70) having an evaporation surface located in the receptacle (31) and being located beyond the drain orifice (61) in the downward direction of the diffuser device;- a heating member (100) arranged on or in the porous body (70) so as to control a flow of the substance through the porous body (70); and - an aeration system comprising an air inlet (98) and at least one fan (120), the aeration system being configured to create an air flow from the air inlet (98) to the opening (33) by sweeping the evaporation surface in the upward direction of the diffuser apparatus, the upward direction being opposite the downward direction, the diffuser apparatus being intended to be used in a position of use in which the downward direction is downward and the upward direction is upward relative to the acceleration of gravity.;

2. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 1, wherein the drain orifice (61) is arranged at a first end of the storage container (60), and wherein the storage container (60) has, at a second end opposite the first end, a diverging portion (62, 63) facilitating gripping of the storage container and arranged above the opening (33) so as to deflect the air flow exiting the opening (33) towards the periphery of the diffuser apparatus (10; 210).

3. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 1 or reven- dication 2, wherein the fan is arranged below the porous body (70) in the use position.

4. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air inlet (98) is below the porous body (70) in the use position.

5. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aeration system further comprises an air guide member (130), the air guide member (130) comprising at least one through hole (131) facing the evaporation surface.

6. Diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the heating member (100) comprises an electrical resistance (110) placed directly on an outer surface of the porous body (70) or received partly in a recess (75), preferably blind, which the porous body (70) has.

7. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claims 5 and 6 taken in combination, wherein the heating member (100) extends through the air guiding member (130).

8. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 6 or claim 7, which further comprises an electronic card (150), the electrical resistance (110) being electrically powered by the electronic card (150).

9. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a control device configured to control the heating member as a function of a set temperature in the porous body (70).

10. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 8 and claim 9 taken in combination, wherein the control device is arranged on the electronic card (150).

11. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to control an operating speed of the fan (120).

12. A diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the substance is a liquid substance which has a temperature-dependent viscosity, said viscosity being such that, in the position of use, the substance cannot flow through the porous body (70) at any ambient temperature below a first temperature, the first temperature being su- above 0°C, and that the substance flows through the porous body (70) at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

13. Diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which 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 and phytosanitary and agricultural agents.

14. Diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to claim 13, in which 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.

15. Use of a diffuser apparatus (10; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance in the liquid or solid state at room temperature, in which the diffuser apparatus (10; 210) is in the position of use, the downward direction of the diffuser apparatus (10; 210) being downwards relative to the acceleration of gravity.

16. Use according to claim 15, in which the diffuser apparatus (10; 210) is located in an enclosed place or in a place sheltered from precipitation.

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