Aroma generation device

Abstract

To send an aroma with an air volume equal to or more than the capability of an air pump.SOLUTION: An aroma generation device 5 comprises an air pump 6, a perfume chamber 8, a chamber 7, a first valve 91, and a second valve 92. The air pump 6 is arranged in a flow passage 51 through which air flows. The air pump 6 takes the air into the flow passage 51 from the outside of the flow passage 51, and sends the air to the downstream side of the flow passage 51. The perfume chamber 8 is arranged in the flow passage 51. The perfume chamber 8 can house a perfume 82, and passes the air sent from the air pump 6. The chamber 7 is arranged in the flow passage 51. The chamber 7 can store the air sent from the air pump 6. The first valve 91 is arranged in the flow passage 51 between the air pump 6 and the chamber 7. The second valve 92 is arranged in the flow passage 51 between the chamber 7 and the perfume chamber 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to fragrance generating devices, and more particularly to fragrance generating devices that include an air pump. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an olfactory display equipped with a fragrance chamber and a wind source. The olfactory display in Patent Document 1 uses a diaphragm having a piezoelectric element to send air into the fragrance chamber, thereby spraying air containing fragrance components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-173381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a method such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which air containing fragrance components is sprayed by sending air into a fragrance chamber using a diaphragm, the amount of air flow per unit time is limited by the capacity of the wind source (air pump).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an aroma generating device that can deliver an aroma at an air volume greater than the capacity of an air pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aroma generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an air pump, a fragrance chamber, a chamber, a first valve, and a second valve. The air pump is disposed in a flow path through which air flows. The air pump takes the air from outside the flow path into the flow path and sends the air downstream of the flow path. The fragrance chamber is disposed in the flow path. The fragrance chamber is capable of storing a fragrance and passes the air sent out from the air pump. The chamber is disposed in the flow path. The chamber is capable of storing the air sent out from the air pump. The first valve is disposed in the flow path between the air pump and the chamber. The second valve is disposed in the flow path between the chamber and the fragrance chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, fragrance can be delivered at an air volume greater than the capacity of an air pump. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a ventilation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a flow path of the aroma generating device in the above air blowing system. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between time and pressure in a chamber of the aroma generating device, respectively, and the relationship between flow rate and pressure in the chamber of the aroma generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aroma generating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow path of the aroma generating device in the air blowing system according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the embodiments and modifications described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the common elements may be omitted. The following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of the embodiment may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The following embodiments and modifications may also be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0010] The drawings described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely examples and are not intended to define the directions when using the ventilation system 1. Furthermore, the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0011] In this disclosure, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" refers not only to a state where the angle between two things is exactly 90 degrees, but also to a state where two things intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two orthogonal things is within a certain range of difference from 90 degrees (for example, 10 degrees or less). In other words, "orthogonal" in this disclosure includes a case where the angle between two things is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. Similarly, "parallel" in this disclosure includes not only a case where two things do not strictly intersect, but also a case where two things are lined up within a certain range of difference. For example, "parallel" in this disclosure includes a case where one thing is inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or less relative to the other. In other words, "parallel" in this disclosure includes a case where the angle between one thing and the other is between -10 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0012] (1) Overview First, an overview of a ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air blowing system 1 of this embodiment includes an airflow generation device 4 that generates a first airflow A1, and an aroma generation device 5 that generates a second airflow A2.

[0014] The aroma generating device 5 includes an air pump 6, a fragrance chamber 8, a chamber 7, a first valve 91 (see FIG. 2), and a second valve 92 (see FIG. 2).

[0015] The air pump 6 is disposed in the flow path 51 through which the air flows. The air pump 6 takes in air from outside the flow path 51 into the flow path 51 and sends the air out to the downstream side of the flow path 51.

[0016] The fragrance chamber 8 is disposed in the flow path 51. The fragrance chamber 8 is capable of storing a fragrance 82. The fragrance chamber 8 allows air delivered from the air pump 6 to pass through.

[0017] The chamber 7 is disposed in the flow path 51. The chamber 7 is capable of storing the air pumped out from the air pump 6.

[0018] The first valve 91 is disposed in the flow path 51 between the air pump 6 and the chamber 7 .

[0019] The second valve 92 is disposed in the flow path 51 between the chamber 7 and the fragrance chamber 8 .

[0020] With the aroma generating device 5 of this embodiment, for example, by opening the first valve 91 and closing the second valve 92, air is accumulated in the chamber 7, and by closing the first valve 91 and opening the second valve 92, the aroma can be sent at an air volume greater than the capacity of the air pump 6. This ensures that the aroma is delivered to the destination of the first airflow A1. Furthermore, with the aroma generating device 5 of this embodiment, the aroma can be sent intermittently by opening and closing the first valve 91 and second valve 92, thereby reducing lingering aroma.

[0021] (2) Details Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the air blowing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3A and 3B.

[0022] (2.1) Overall structure The air blowing system 1 of this embodiment is installed on an installation surface 101 such as a ceiling or wall surface of a facility. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the facility is an office. Note that the "facility" referred to in this disclosure includes residential facilities used for residential purposes, as well as non-residential facilities such as stores, offices, welfare facilities, educational facilities, hospitals, and factories. Non-residential facilities also include restaurants, amusement parks, hotels, inns, kindergartens, nurseries, and community centers. In other words, the facility may be a residential facility such as an apartment building, or a non-residential facility such as an office. Furthermore, the facility may include a combination of residential and non-residential facilities, for example, with stores on the lower floors and residences on the upper floors.

[0023] The air blowing system 1 of this embodiment includes a base 2, an arm 3, an airflow generating device 4, and an aroma generating device 5.

[0024] The base 2 is attached to an installation surface 101. In this embodiment, the installation surface 101 is a ceiling surface. However, the base 2 may be attached to a wiring duct installed on the installation surface 101, or may be attached to a wiring duct suspended from the installation surface 101, such as a ceiling surface.

[0025] The base 2 of this embodiment houses a control unit 11. Furthermore, the air pump 6 of the aroma generating device 5 is attached to the base 2 of this embodiment.

[0026] The arm 3 is formed in a rod shape. The arm 3 connects the base 2 and the airflow generation device 4. The arm 3 supports the airflow generation device 4 in a state in which the airflow generation device 4 can rotate around a rotation axis. The rotation axis is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1.

[0027] (2.2) Airflow generating device The airflow generation device 4 blows out a first airflow A1 that travels in a straight line. More specifically, the first airflow A1 generated by the airflow generation device 4 is a jet, and is a directional airflow that travels in a straight line. Because the first airflow A1 does not easily diffuse, the air blowing system 1 of this embodiment can suppress the diffusion of the aroma and efficiently transport the aroma to the target area. The strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow generation device 4 is controlled by the control unit 11.

[0028] The airflow generation device 4 has a main body 40. The main body 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body 40 is mechanically connected to the arm 3. In this embodiment, the main body 40 is mechanically connected to the arm 3 at the upper side of the main body 40. In addition, the chamber 7 and the fragrance chamber 8 of the aroma generation device 5 are provided above the main body 40 in this embodiment.

[0029] The upper side of the main body 40 refers to one end side (first end side) of the main body 40 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical main body 40. The lower side of the main body 40 refers to the other end side (second end side) of the main body 40 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical main body 40. In the present disclosure, the axial direction of the cylindrical main body 40 is referred to as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 40 is referred to as the second direction. In the present disclosure, the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is referred to as the third direction. The third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.

[0030] The main body 40 has an inlet 41 and an outlet 42. The inlet 41 is formed at a first end (the right end in FIG. 1 ) of the main body 40 in the first direction, and the outlet 42 is formed at a second end (the left end in FIG. 1 ) of the main body 40 in the first direction. In the present disclosure, the first end of the main body 40 in the first direction is the rear end of the main body 40, and the second end of the main body 40 in the first direction is the front end of the main body 40. When the fan housed in the main body 40 is driven, the airflow generating device 4 draws air in through the inlet 41 and blows the drawn air out through the outlet 42. The airflow generating device 4 blows out a first airflow A1 along the first direction. In the present disclosure, the direction in which the first airflow A1 travels is the forward direction.

[0031] (2.3) Aroma generator The aroma generating device 5 merges the second airflow A2, to which the aroma has been added, with the first airflow A1. The aroma generating device 5 includes an air flow path 51 (see FIG. 2) provided between the inlet 61 and the outlet 81. As described above, the aroma generating device 5 includes the air pump 6, the fragrance chamber 8, the chamber 7, the first valve 91 (see FIG. 2), and the second valve 92 (see FIG. 2). The air pump 6, the fragrance chamber 8, the chamber, the first valve 91, and the second valve 92 each constitute part of the air flow path 51 from the inlet 61 to the outlet 81. In other words, the air pump 6, the fragrance chamber 8, the chamber, the first valve 91, and the second valve 92 each constitute part of the air flow path 51.

[0032] The air pump 6 has a main body 60. The main body 60 is formed with an inlet 61 and an outlet 62. The inlet 61 is a through-hole that takes in air outside the flow path 51 into the flow path 51. The outlet 62 is a through-hole that sends air in the internal space of the main body 60 to the downstream side of the flow path 51.

[0033] The air pump 6 is a positive displacement air pump. The air pump 6 in this embodiment is a diaphragm pump. The air pump 6 has a diaphragm. The air pump 6 also has a first check valve that opens and closes the inlet 61 and a second check valve that opens and closes the outlet 62. The first check valve and the second check valve allow air flowing in the direction from the inlet 61 toward the outlet 81 of the flow path 51 to pass, but do not allow air flowing in the opposite direction to pass.

[0034] The diaphragm is a flexible membrane. The diaphragm is displaced based on the control of the control unit 11. In the suction process, the diaphragm is displaced so as to increase the volume of the internal space of the main body 60. In the suction process, air flows from outside the flow path 51 into the internal space of the main body 60 through the inlet 61. In the discharge process, the diaphragm is displaced so as to decrease the volume of the internal space of the main body 60. In the discharge process, air flows out from the internal space of the main body 60 through the outlet 62 to the first valve 91 (see FIG. 2).

[0035] 2, in this embodiment, the chamber 7, the first valve 91, and the second valve 92 are arranged in the flow path 51 between the air pump 6 and the fragrance chamber 8. More specifically, in the flow path 51, the first valve 91 is located upstream of the chamber 7, and the chamber 7 is located upstream of the second valve 92.

[0036] The first valve 91 opens and closes the flow path 51. The first valve 91 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path 51 based on the control of the control unit 11. In this embodiment, the first valve 91 is controlled by the control unit 11 to be in an open state during a pressurizing operation, which will be described later. In addition, the first valve 91 is controlled by the control unit 11 to be in a closed state during an injection operation, which will be described later.

[0037] The second valve 92 opens and closes the flow path 51. The second valve 92 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path 51 under the control of the control unit 11. The second valve 92 in this embodiment is controlled by the control unit 11 to be in a closed state during a pressurizing operation. The second valve 92 is also controlled by the control unit 11 to be in an open state during an injection operation.

[0038] The chamber 7 is capable of storing air delivered from the air pump 6. As shown in Fig. 1, the chamber 7 has a main body 70, an inlet 71, and an outlet 72. The inlet 71 is a through-hole that takes in the air delivered from the air pump 6 into the main body 70 during pressurization. The outlet 72 is a through-hole that delivers the air in the main body 70 to the fragrance chamber 8 during spraying.

[0039] The chamber 7 of this embodiment further includes a detection unit that detects the pressure value inside the main body 70. The detection unit is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 11, and transmits the detection result of the pressure value to the control unit 11. Note that "capable of communication" in this disclosure means that signals can be sent and received directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, using an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0040] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure value in the main body 70 of the chamber 7 and time. In the following description, the inside of the main body 70 of the chamber 7 may be simply referred to as "inside the chamber 7." At timing T1 in FIG. 3A, the aroma generating device 5 (or the control unit 11) starts a pressurizing operation. More specifically, at timing T1, the control unit 11 controls the air pump 6 to alternately perform an inhalation process and an exhalation process. Furthermore, at timing T1, the control unit 11 controls the first valve 91 to be in an open state and the second valve 92 to be in a closed state. This causes air to accumulate in the chamber 7. The control unit 11 continues the pressurizing operation until the pressure value in the chamber 7 reaches or exceeds a first specified value P2. The initial pressure value P0 in the chamber 7 at timing T1 reaches the first specified value P2 at timing T2.

[0041] The control unit 11 ends the pressurizing operation at timing T2. More specifically, at timing T2, the control unit 11 stops the operation of the air pump 6 and closes the first valve 91. In the following description, the operation between timing T2 and timing T3 may be referred to as the "standby operation."

[0042] Next, the control unit 11 starts the spraying operation at timing T3, which is the application timing (or spraying timing). The application timing is set, for example, in advance. More specifically, the control unit 11 opens the second valve 92. This causes the air stored in the chamber 7 to be sprayed toward the fragrance chamber 8. This generates a second airflow A2. The control unit 11 continues the spraying operation until the pressure value in the chamber 7 becomes equal to or less than the second specified value P1.

[0043] Next, the control unit 11 starts the pressurization operation again at timing T4 when the pressure value in the chamber 7 becomes equal to or less than the second specified value P1. Thereafter, the control unit 11 repeats the pressurization operation, the standby operation, and the spraying operation. As described above, the chamber 7 of this embodiment stores air by the operation of the air pump 6 when the first valve 91 is open and the second valve 92 is closed, and sends the stored air downstream of the flow path 51 when the first valve 91 is closed and the second valve 92 is open. This makes it possible to deliver fragrance at a volume of air that exceeds the capacity of the air pump 6.

[0044] Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the pressure and flow rate inside the main body 70 of the chamber 7. The curve L1 in Fig. 3 shows the pressure loss-flow rate characteristics of the aroma generating device 5. The line L2 shows the pressure-flow rate characteristics of the air pump 6. The arrow AR1 corresponds to the change in pressure value inside the chamber 7 between timing T1 and timing T2 in Fig. 3A. The arrow AR2 corresponds to the change in pressure value inside the chamber 7 during the second and subsequent pressurizing operations. The arrow AR3 corresponds to the change in pressure value inside the chamber 7 during the spraying operation.

[0045] When the aroma generating device does not include a chamber 7, the air pump 6 can inject air at a flow rate Q1 at a second specified value P1, as shown in Figure 3B. On the other hand, an aroma generating device 5 that includes a chamber 7 can inject air at a flow rate Q2 at the second specified value P1. The flow rate Q2 is greater than the flow rate Q1. In other words, the aroma generating device 5 of this embodiment can deliver an aroma at a volume greater than the capacity of the air pump 6.

[0046] The fragrance chamber 8 functions as an imparting section that imparts a fragrance to the second airflow A2 (or the air in the flow path 51) in the flow path 51. As a result, the second airflow A2 flowing out from the outlet 81 becomes an airflow containing the fragrance. The fragrance chamber 8 is disposed downstream of the second valve 92 in the flow path 51.

[0047] 1, the fragrance chamber 8 has a main body (or container) 80, an inlet 83, and an outlet 81. The inlet 83 is a through-hole that takes in the air (i.e., second airflow A2) sent out from the chamber 7 into the main body 80. The outlet 81 is a through-hole that sends the air to which the fragrance has been added (i.e., second airflow A2) out of the flow path 51. The outlet 81 is an outlet of the flow path 51.

[0048] The main body 80 contains a fragrance 82 inside. In this embodiment, the fragrance 82 is a solid fragrance. Therefore, the risk of the fragrance 82 leaking out of the flow path 51 can be reduced. However, the fragrance 82 may be semi-solid or liquid. The fragrance 82 is vaporized to generate a fragrance. This allows the fragrance to be imparted to the second airflow A2 passing through the main body 80.

[0049] (2.4) Control Unit The control unit 11 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the control unit 11, the one or more processors execute a program recorded in the memory, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 11. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0050] The control unit 11 of this embodiment controls the operation of the airflow generation device 4 and the aroma generation device 5 based on operation commands received from a management device or the like. For example, upon receiving an operation command to start the operation of the airflow generation device 4, the control unit 11 controls the airflow generation device 4 to generate a first airflow A1. Furthermore, upon receiving an operation command to stop the operation of the airflow generation device 4, the control unit 11 stops the operation of the airflow generation device 4. Furthermore, upon receiving an operation command to start the operation of the aroma generation device 5, the control unit 11 controls the aroma generation device 5 to generate a second airflow A2 to which the aroma has been added. More specifically, upon receiving an operation command to start the operation of the aroma generation device 5, the control unit 11 controls the air pump 6, the first valve 91, and the second valve 92 to generate the second airflow A2 to which the aroma has been added. Furthermore, upon receiving an operation command to stop the operation of the airflow generation device 4 or the aroma generation device 5, the control unit 11 stops the operation of the aroma generation device 5.

[0051] (3) Operation Next, the operation of the aroma generation device 5 (or the control unit 11) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aroma generation device 5 of this embodiment.

[0052] 4, the aroma generation device 5 opens the first valve 91 and closes the second valve 92 (Step S1). Next, the aroma generation device 5 starts the operation of the air pump 6 to begin pressurization (Step S2). Next, the aroma generation device 5 determines whether the pressure value in the chamber 7 is equal to or greater than the first specified value P2 (Step S3). If it determines that the pressure value in the chamber 7 is less than the first specified value P2 (Step S3: No), the aroma generation device 5 repeats the process of Step S3.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure value in the chamber 7 is equal to or greater than the first specified value P2 (Step S3: Yes), the aroma generation device 5 closes the first valve 91 (Step S4), stops driving the air pump 6 (Step S5), and starts standby operation. Next, the aroma generation device 5 determines whether the current timing is the aroma addition timing (Step S6). If it is determined that the current timing is not the aroma addition timing (Step S6: No), the aroma generation device 5 repeats the processing of Step S6.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current timing is the aroma supply timing (Step S6: Yes), the aroma generation device 5 opens the second valve 92 (Step S7) and starts the spraying operation. Then, the aroma generation device 5 determines whether it is time to start the pressurization operation (Step S8). In other words, the aroma generation device 5 determines whether the pressure value in the chamber 7 is equal to or less than the second specified value P1 (Step S8). If it is determined that the pressure value in the chamber 7 is higher than the second specified value P1 (Step S8: No), the aroma generation device 5 repeats the process of Step S8. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure value in the chamber 7 is equal to or less than the second specified value P1 (Step S8: Yes), the process performed by the aroma generation device 5 returns to Step S1.

[0055] (4) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

[0056] (4.1) Variation 1 An aroma generation device 5 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the aroma generation device 5 according to the first modification includes a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 5) aromatic chambers 8 and a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 5) second valves 92.

[0058] The chamber 7 , the first valve 91 , and the plurality of second valves 92 are located in the flow path 51 between the air pump 6 and the plurality of fragrance chambers 8 .

[0059] Between the plurality of fragrance chambers 8 and the chamber 7, there are a plurality of flow paths 511 (three in the example of FIG. 5) that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of fragrance chambers 8. The plurality of flow paths 511 are also part of the flow path 51.

[0060] The second valves 92 correspond one-to-one to the flow paths 511. Each of the second valves 92 is disposed in a corresponding one of the flow paths 511.

[0061] The fragrances 82 in the fragrance chambers 8 are different from one another.

[0062] The control unit 11 of the first modification performs control during the spraying operation so that the second airflow A2 passes through one or more of the plurality of fragrance chambers 8. This makes it possible to change the fragrance imparted to the second airflow A2.

[0063] (4.2) Other variations In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 is housed in the base 2, but it is not essential that the control unit 11 be housed in the base 2. The control unit 11 may be housed in the airflow generation device 4 or the aroma generation device 5, or the like, or may be provided on the installation surface 101, or the like, separately from other components such as the airflow generation device 4 and the aroma generation device 5.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the aroma generation device 5 merges the second airflow A2 with the first airflow A1 by sending the second airflow A2 forward of the outlet 42 of the airflow generation device 4. However, the aroma generation device 5 may merge the second airflow A2 with the first airflow A1 by sending the second airflow A2 backward of the inlet 41 of the airflow generation device 4. For example, the aroma generation device 5 may be provided on the airflow generation device 4 in a mirror-image position in FIG. 1 to merge the second airflow A2 with the first airflow A1.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the aroma generation device 5 merges the second airflow A2 with the first airflow A1 by sending the second airflow A2 forward of the outlet 42 of the airflow generation device 4. However, the aroma generation device 5 may merge the second airflow A2 with the first airflow A1 by sending the second airflow A2 to the flow path of the first airflow A1 within the airflow generation device 4. For example, the outlet 81 of the aroma generation device 5 may be connected to the flow path of the first airflow A1 within the airflow generation device 4.

[0066] The aroma generating device 5 may further include a collection unit capable of collecting the fragrance. The collection unit is formed of, for example, nonwoven fabric, diatomaceous earth, sponge, or the like. For example, the collection unit is provided on the edge of the outlet 81. This reduces the risk of the fragrance leaking from the aroma generating device 5 (or the flow path 51).

[0067] The second valve 92 may be a second valve 92 whose opening degree is controllable. For example, the control unit 11 may control the second valve 92 to open more widely during the spraying operation as the pressure value in the chamber 7 becomes lower (relatively lower). This allows the fragrance to be more reliably delivered to the target area even when the pressure value in the chamber 7 is relatively low. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 11 may vary the degree of opening of the second valve 92 during the spraying operation depending on the type of fragrance 82 contained in the fragrance chamber 8. This allows control such that the second valve 92 is opened relatively less in the case of a fragrance that is easily detected by humans, and opened relatively more in the case of a fragrance that is not easily detected by humans. Furthermore, the fragrance chamber 8 may have a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of fragrance 82. For example, the control unit 11 may control the second valve 92 to open more widely during the spraying operation as the remaining amount of fragrance 82 becomes lower. This makes it possible to more reliably transport the fragrance to the target area even when it is difficult to impart fragrance to the second airflow A2, such as when the remaining amount of fragrance 82 is low.

[0068] The air pump 6 may be an air pump capable of controlling the pressure at which it pumps out air. As described above, the second valve 92 intermittently switches from a closed state to an open state. For example, the control unit 11 may control the air pump 6 so that the shorter the interval T10 (see FIG. 3A) at which the second valve 92 is in the open state, the higher the pressure at which it pumps out air downstream. In other words, the control unit 11 may control the air pump 6 so that the shorter the interval T10 at which the second airflow A2 is sprayed, the higher the pressure at which it pumps out air downstream. By controlling the pressure at which the air pump 6 pumps out air according to the interval at which the fragrance is sprayed, it is possible to more reliably deliver the fragrance to the target area.

[0069] The chamber 7 may be made of an elastic material, which increases the volume of the chamber 7 during the pressurizing operation and decreases the volume of the chamber 7 during the ejection operation, thereby increasing the flow rate of the second airflow A2.

[0070] The chamber 7 may be made of a material with thermal insulation properties. This increases the temperature of the air in the chamber 7 by adiabatic compression during the pressurization operation. By sending relatively warm air into the fragrance chamber 8, the evaporation of the fragrance 82 is promoted, making it easier for the air to absorb the fragrance.

[0071] The aroma generating device 5 may be a functional ingredient generating device that merges a second airflow A2 containing a functional ingredient other than an aroma with the first airflow A1. That is, the fragrance chamber 8 may be an imparting unit that imparts a functional ingredient to air. Examples of functional ingredients include deodorizing ingredients, disinfecting ingredients, sterilizing ingredients, beauty ingredients, and medicinal ingredients. The imparting unit generates the functional ingredient. The imparting unit generates, for example, a mist containing the functional ingredient. The imparting unit is configured to supply the functional ingredient from a functional ingredient material that generates the functional ingredient. The functional ingredient material that generates the functional ingredient is, for example, a solution containing the functional ingredient. The imparting unit has a container configured to hold the functional ingredient material that generates the functional ingredient. The imparting unit also includes, for example, an atomizing unit that atomizes the solution containing the functional ingredient and an energy supplying device that imparts energy to the solution to atomize it in the atomizing unit. The energy supplying device is, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) device. The imparting unit is controlled, for example, by the control unit 11. The functional component may be charged atomized water particles containing OH radicals. In this case, the application unit may be, for example, an electrostatic atomizer that generates charged atomized water particles containing OH radicals. The charged atomized water particles are nanometer-sized ion particles. For example, an electrostatic atomizer can generate ion particles with a particle diameter of 5 nm to 20 nm by applying a high voltage to water in the air. The OH radicals in the charged atomized water particles are likely to act on various substances.

[0072] (summary) As is clear from the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the aroma generating device (5) according to the first aspect includes an air pump (6), a fragrance chamber (8), a chamber (7), a first valve (91), and a second valve (92). The air pump (6) is disposed in a flow path (51) through which air flows. The air pump (6) takes air from outside the flow path (51) into the flow path (51) and sends the air downstream of the flow path (51). The fragrance chamber (8) is disposed in the flow path (51). The fragrance chamber (8) is capable of storing a fragrance (82) and passes air sent out from the air pump (6). The chamber (7) is disposed in the flow path (51). The chamber (7) is capable of storing air sent out from the air pump (6). The first valve (91) is disposed in the flow path (51) between the air pump (6) and the chamber (7). The second valve (92) is disposed in the flow path (51) between the chamber (7) and the fragrance chamber (8).

[0073] According to this embodiment, the fragrance can be delivered with an air volume exceeding the capacity of the air pump (6).

[0074] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the chamber (7), the first valve (91), and the second valve (92) are arranged between the air pump (6) and the fragrance chamber (8) in the flow path (51).

[0075] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the chamber (7) stores air by the operation of the air pump (6) when the first valve (91) is in an open state and the second valve (92) is in a closed state, and sends the stored air downstream of the flow path (51) when the first valve (91) is in a closed state and the second valve (92) is in an open state.

[0076] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the second valve (92) in the open state opens more as the pressure value in the chamber (7) decreases.

[0077] According to this aspect, the aroma can be more reliably delivered to the target area.

[0078] In the aroma generation device (5) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second valve (92) in the open state opens to different degrees depending on the type of aromatic.

[0079] According to this embodiment, for example, in the case of an aroma that is easily detected by people, the second valve (92) can be opened relatively little, and in the case of an aroma that is not easily detected by people, the second valve (92) can be opened relatively much.

[0080] In the aroma generation device (5) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second valve (92) in the open state opens more as the remaining amount of aromatic decreases.

[0081] According to this aspect, the aroma can be more reliably delivered to the target area.

[0082] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the second valve (92) is intermittently changed from a closed state to an open state, and the air pump (6) sends air downstream at a higher pressure as the intervals at which the second valve (92) is in the open state become shorter.

[0083] According to this aspect, the aroma can be more reliably delivered to the target area.

[0084] The aroma generating device (5) according to an eighth aspect is the same as any one of the first to seventh aspects, and includes a plurality of fragrance chambers (8) and second valves (92). The chamber (7), the first valve (91), and the plurality of second valves (92) are located between the air pump (6) and the plurality of fragrance chambers (8) in the flow path (51). Between the plurality of fragrance chambers (8) and the chamber (7), there are a plurality of flow paths (511) that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of fragrance chambers (8). The plurality of second valves (92) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of flow paths (511). Each of the plurality of second valves (92) is disposed in a corresponding flow path (51) among the plurality of flow paths (511).

[0085] According to this aspect, the fragrance to be imparted to the air can be changed.

[0086] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the chamber (7) is made of a stretchable material.

[0087] According to this aspect, the flow rate of the scented air can be increased.

[0088] In the aroma generating device (5) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the chamber (7) is made of a material having heat insulating properties.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to incorporate the fragrance into the air.

[0090] The configurations other than those of the first aspect are not essential for the aroma generating device (5) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 5. Aroma generator 51 Flow path 511 Flow path 6. Air pump 7 chambers 8 Perfume room 82 Fragrance 91 First Valve 92 Second Valve

Claims

1. an air pump disposed in a flow path through which air flows, the air pump taking in the air from outside the flow path into the flow path and sending the air to a downstream side of the flow path; a fragrance chamber disposed in the flow path, capable of storing a fragrance, through which the air pumped from the air pump passes; a chamber disposed in the flow path and capable of storing the air delivered from the air pump; a first valve disposed in the flow path between the air pump and the chamber; a second valve disposed in the flow path between the chamber and the fragrance chamber; Equipped with Aroma generator.

2. the chamber, the first valve, and the second valve are disposed in the flow path between the air pump and the fragrance chamber; The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The chamber stores the air by operation of the air pump when the first valve is in an open state and the second valve is in a closed state, and sends the stored air to the downstream side of the flow path when the first valve is in a closed state and the second valve is in an open state. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

4. the second valve in the open state opens more widely as the pressure value in the chamber decreases; The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

5. The second valve in the open state has a different degree of opening depending on the type of the fragrance. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

6. The second valve in the open state opens more as the remaining amount of the fragrance decreases. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

7. the second valve is intermittently switched from a closed state to an open state, the air pump delivers the air to the downstream side at a higher pressure as the interval during which the second valve is in an open state becomes shorter; The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

8. a plurality of the fragrance chambers and the second valves; the chamber, the first valve, and the plurality of second valves are located in the flow path between the air pump and the plurality of fragrance chambers; Between the plurality of fragrance chambers and the chamber, there are a plurality of flow paths which correspond one-to-one to the plurality of fragrance chambers, the second valves correspond one-to-one to the flow paths, Each of the plurality of second valves is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of flow paths. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

9. The chamber is formed of a stretchable material. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

10. The chamber is formed of a material having thermal insulation properties. The aroma generating device according to claim 1 .

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