Aroma device

Abstract

To provide an aroma device which enables a container housing a solid fragrant material to be removed from the aroma device and arranged at hand of a user.SOLUTION: An aroma device 100 includes, at least, a container 1 including a bottom surface part 10 on which a solid fragrant material is placed, a lid 2 detachably attached to the container 1, an installation part 3 on which the container 1 is detachably installed, and a heater 4 for heating the bottom surface part 10 of the container 1 installed on the installation part 3. The lid 2 is formed with one or multiple diffusion holes 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aroma diffuser that heats solid fragrance materials to diffuse fragrance. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, aroma diffusers that diffuse fragrance by heating liquid aromatic materials such as aromatic oils have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The fragrance diffused from the aroma diffuser provides users with various effects such as a relaxing effect and a refreshing effect.

[0003] In conventional aroma diffusers, the aromatic material is placed in a tray and heated by, for example, a candle flame placed below the tray, or by the heat of a light bulb or LED when it is turned on. This causes the aromatic material to vaporize, dispersing the scent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-55360 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional fragrance diffusers, the tray cannot be removed from the device. Therefore, when placing fragrance materials in the tray or removing used fragrance materials from the container, the user must place the entire fragrance diffuser down to place the tray within reach. In this case, the tray is located high in the device, making it difficult to replace fragrance materials. Furthermore, when placing fragrance materials with different fragrance components in the tray, the tray must be washed to remove any dirt adhering to it. However, if the tray cannot be removed from the device, it cannot be easily washed, making maintenance difficult.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an aroma diffuser that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses as its subject the aroma diffuser described in item 1 below.

[0008] Item 1. A device comprising at least a container having a bottom surface on which a solid fragrance material is placed, a lid that can be attached and detached to the container, a mounting part on which the container is detachably mounted, and a heater that heats the bottom surface of the container mounted on the mounting part; The aroma diffuser has one or more diffusion holes formed in the lid.

[0009] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 2 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 1 above.

[0010] Item 2. The aroma diffuser according to Item 1, wherein the aromatic material is a natural material.

[0011] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 3 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 1 or 2 above.

[0012] Item 3. The heater is a heater plate, the heater plate is fixed to the mounting portion, Item 3. The aroma diffuser according to item 1 or 2, wherein the container is placed on the placement part so that the lower surface of the bottom part is in contact with the upper surface of the heater plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 4 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 3 above.

[0014] Item 4. The container further includes a peripheral surface portion rising from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion and a flange portion protruding outward from the upper edge of the peripheral surface portion, the installation portion includes a support portion on which the flange portion is placed, the support portion being disposed around the heater plate; Item 4. The aroma diffuser according to item 3, wherein the support part has heat insulating properties.

[0015] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 5 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in any one of items 1 to 4 above.

[0016] Item 5. The lid is attached to the container by placing the outer peripheral edge portion on the container, Item 5. The aroma diffuser according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein at least one vertically oriented protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the lid or on the portion of the container on which the outer periphery of the lid rests.

[0017] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 6 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in any one of items 1 to 5 above.

[0018] Item 6. The lid is attached to the container by placing the outer periphery on the container, Item 6. The aroma diffuser according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the container further comprises a surrounding wall portion surrounding the outer peripheral edge portion of the lid.

[0019] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 7 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 6 above.

[0020] Item 7. The aroma diffuser according to Item 6, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the lid or the surrounding wall of the container is provided with at least one horizontally oriented protrusion.

[0021] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 8 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 6 or 7 above.

[0022] Item 8. The aroma diffuser according to item 6 or 7, wherein the container further comprises a handle provided on the surrounding wall portion.

[0023] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 9 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in any one of items 1 to 8 above.

[0024] Item 9. The lid is attached to the container by placing the outer periphery on the container, Item 9. The aroma diffuser according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the lid is formed so that the vertical cross section thereof is shaped such that the center rises higher than the outer periphery, and further comprises a handle provided in the center in a plan view.

[0025] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure encompasses the aroma diffuser described in the following item 10 as a preferred embodiment of the aroma diffuser described in item 9 above.

[0026] Item 10. The container further includes a peripheral surface portion rising from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion and a flange portion protruding outward from the upper edge of the peripheral surface portion, Item 10. The aroma diffuser according to item 9, wherein the lid is attached to the container by placing the outer periphery on the flange. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure, the container can be removed from the aroma diffuser and placed within the user's reach. This allows for easy loading and unloading of the aroma material into the container. Additionally, the container can be easily cleaned if it becomes dirty, facilitating maintenance. Furthermore, according to the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure, the container is fitted with a lid with diffusion holes, so heat applied to the bottom of the container is trapped in the space between the container and the lid, preventing it from escaping to the outside. This allows for efficient heating of the aroma material placed on the bottom. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aroma diffuser. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light source unit shown in FIG. 1 by a broken line. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the aroma diffuser. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light source unit shown in FIG. 3 by dashed lines. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aroma diffuser. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the aroma diffuser with the container and lid removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the aroma diffuser with the container and lid removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the installation unit and the light source unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lampshade. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(A) is a perspective view of the container with the lid attached, and FIG. 11(B) is a plan view of the container with the lid attached. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lid and container. [Figure 13] 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 11B, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11B. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is a plan view of the container, and FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1 of FIG. 14(A). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the container. [Figure 16] FIG. 16(A) is a side view of the lid, and FIG. 16(B) is a plan view of the lid. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The aroma diffuser of the present disclosure is configured to heat a solid aromatic material to diffuse a scent. The aroma diffuser of the present disclosure allows the user to enjoy a variety of scents depending on the type of aromatic material, and the effects of the scents can provide the user with various effects such as a relaxing effect and a refreshing effect.

[0030] Examples of solid aromatic materials include natural materials that exist in nature and emit fragrance, such as herbs, nuts, fragrant woods such as agarwood and sandalwood, wood chips made by finely chipping cypress, birch, cherry blossom and pine wood, tea leaves such as Japanese tea and black tea, and coffee beans, as well as materials such as fabrics, dried flowers or porous bodies impregnated with aromatic liquids such as essential oils and aroma oils extracted from natural materials such as plants. It is preferable to use natural materials as the aromatic material.

[0031] Aromatic liquids are refined by extracting aromatic components from natural materials, but because some aromatic components are removed during the refining process, aromatic materials impregnated with aromatic liquids may not be able to diffuse the original scent of the natural material. By using natural materials in aromatic materials, the aromatic components inherent in the natural material can be diffused as they are, allowing users to enjoy the original scent of the natural material. The aromatic material is not particularly limited, but is preferably a natural material that emits a fragrance at low temperatures, for example, about 60°C to 90°C, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and peppermint.

[0032] The aroma diffuser of the present disclosure is preferably configured as an aroma lamp that not only diffuses fragrance but also creates a visual effect with light by having a lamp function. The preferred aroma diffuser of the present disclosure allows the user to enjoy both fragrance and light at the same time, effectively providing the user with various effects such as a relaxing effect and a refreshing effect.

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the aroma diffuser of the embodiment described below is configured to not only diffuse a scent but also to create a visual effect using light, but the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure is not limited to one that creates a visual effect using light.

[0034] 1 to 4 show an aroma diffuser 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aroma diffuser 100 comprises an aroma unit 101 that diffuses an aroma, and a light-emitting unit 102 that diffuses light. In the illustrated example, the aroma unit 101 is located at the top of the aroma diffuser 100, and the light-emitting unit 102 is located at the bottom of the aroma diffuser 100, with the light-emitting unit 102 located below the aroma unit 101. The aroma lamp 100 further comprises a rotatable handle 9 that can be held by a user's hand when carrying the aroma lamp 100.

[0035] <Explanation of the light-emitting part> 2 and 4, the aroma diffuser 100 includes a light source unit 5 and a lampshade 6 that encompasses the light source unit 5 as the light-emitting unit 102. The aroma diffuser 100 is configured so that light is emitted from the light source unit 5 and passes through the lampshade 6, thereby diffusing the light into the external space.

[0036] The aroma diffuser 100 has a heavy lampshade 6 located at the bottom of the aroma diffuser 100, and the center of gravity of the aroma diffuser 100 is at the bottom. This reduces the burden on the user when they grasp the handle 9 and lift the aroma diffuser 100, and also allows the aroma diffuser 100 to be placed stably.

[0037] In addition, when a user carries the aroma diffuser 100 by holding the handle 9, the handle 9 swings, and the heavy lampshade 6 is located at the bottom of the aroma lamp 100, so that the center of gravity of the aroma lamp 100 is at the bottom, preventing the container 1 placed on the installation part 3 from tilting. This prevents the aromatic material placed in the container 1 from spilling out of the container 1.

[0038] <Lampshade explanation> As shown in FIG. 10 , the lampshade 6 has the shape of a hollow, bottomed housing that can accommodate the light source unit 5 and the control unit 7 that controls the lighting operation of the light source unit 5. An opening is provided at the top of the lampshade 6 for inserting the light source unit 5 and the control unit 7 into the lampshade 6. The material of the lampshade 6 is not particularly limited as long as it is translucent and allows light to pass through. The lampshade 6 may be transparent or translucent, and may be colored, such as milky white or white, or may be colorless. The lampshade 6 can be made of, for example, glass, resin, ceramics, etc.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the lampshade 6 has a bottle shape and is composed of a cylindrical body 60 with a bottom that can accommodate the light source unit 5, the control unit 7, etc., and a cylindrical neck 61 that is integrally formed with the body 60. The body 60 forms the lower part of the lampshade 6, and the neck 61 forms the upper part of the lampshade 6. The neck 61 is formed to be slightly smaller than the body 60. The neck 61 is formed with two recesses 62 that are recessed inward on both the inner and outer surfaces. The two recesses 62 extend along the circumferential direction of the neck 61 and are formed at positions that face each other in the circumferential direction of the neck 61.

[0040] <Explanation of the light source> 2, 4, and 9, the light source unit 5 is not particularly limited as long as it emits light under the control of the control unit 7, and can be configured with various lighting fixtures such as LED lights using light-emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc. In the illustrated example, the light source unit 5 includes a plurality of small LED lights 50.

[0041] The LED lights 50 are attached to a cylindrical casing 51. The casing 51 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a polygonal cross section, and a plurality of side surfaces 52 are connected in the circumferential direction of the casing 51. Each side surface 52 of the casing 51 extends from near the upper end to near the lower end of the body 60 of the lampshade 6, and each side surface 52 has a plurality of LED lights 50 arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. In other words, the light source unit 5 has a structure in which a plurality of LED lights 50 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and a plurality of rows of these LED lights 50 arranged in the vertical direction are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows light to be diffused into the external space by passing through the entire lampshade 6, not just a portion of the lower or upper part of the lampshade 6. Furthermore, since a shadow is not formed between the lights emitted from adjacent LED lights 50 and the center of the light of each LED light 50 is not visible through the light, and uniform light without spots is emitted from the plurality of LED lights 50, the entire lampshade 6 can be illuminated beautifully.

[0042] The multiple LED lights 50 may all emit light of the same color, or may all emit light of different colors, or may be color-coded into predetermined groups, with some emitting light of the same color, some emitting light of another same color, and the rest emitting light of yet another same color.

[0043] For example, the multiple LED lights 50 may be configured to include some that emit white light and others that emit orange light, and the LED lights 50 adjacent above and below the white light-emitting LED light 50, as well as the LED lights 50 adjacent on both the left and right sides in the circumferential direction of the white light-emitting LED light 50, may be configured to emit orange light. By controlling the lighting operation of the multiple orange light-emitting LED lights 50 so that the adjacent LED lights 50 above, below, and on both the left and right sides in the circumferential direction alternately emit light, it is possible to achieve lighting that resembles the flickering of a candle flame, and to provide the user with a soothing light effect.

[0044] 1 to 4 and 7 to 9, the head 30 constituting the installation unit 3, which will be described later, is provided with a light-emitting switch 53 for setting the light emission intensity of each LED light 50. In the illustrated example, the light-emitting switch 53 is configured as a rotatable knob, and by rotating the knob, the user can turn each LED light 50 on / off and adjust the brightness. The lighting operation of each LED light 50 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0045] <Explanation of the aromatic part> 1 to 5, aroma diffuser 100 comprises, as aroma unit 101, container 1 containing a solid aromatic material, lid 2 detachably attached to container 1, installation unit 3 on which container 1 is detachably installed, and heater 4 that heats container 1 installed on installation unit 3 from below. Aroma diffuser 100 is configured so that the aromatic material contained in container 1 and lid 2 is heated by heater 4, and the aroma is diffused into the external space as it passes through lid 2.

[0046] Because the container 1 is detachable from the installation part 3 of the aroma diffuser 100, the container 1 can be removed from the aroma diffuser 100 and placed close to the user. This makes it easy to put fragrance material into the container 1 and remove used fragrance material from the container 1. In addition, the container 1 can be washed if it becomes soiled, making maintenance easy.

[0047] <Container description> 1 to 5, the container 1 is located at the top of the aroma diffuser 100 and is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the container 1 can be easily removed from the aroma diffuser 100.

[0048] The container 1 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity. The container 1 is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum or copper. A metal container 1 has a glossy surface and a beautiful appearance, which can improve the design of an aroma diffuser 100 equipped with a metal container 1. The container 1 can also be made of materials other than metal, such as heat-resistant resin, ceramics, pottery, or stoneware.

[0049] 11 to 15, the container 1 comprises a bottom portion 10 on which the aromatic material is placed, a peripheral portion 11 rising from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 10, a flange portion 12 protruding outward from the upper edge of the peripheral portion 11, and a surrounding wall portion 13 rising from the outer periphery of the flange portion 12. The container 1 has a circular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the container 1 can be variously formed to match the shape of the installation portion 3, which will be described later.

[0050] The bottom portion 10 is plate-shaped with flat upper and lower surfaces. A solid aromatic material is placed on the upper surface of the bottom portion 10. When the container 1 is placed on the placement portion 3, the bottom portion 10 is placed on a heater plate 40 constituting the heater 4 described below, and the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 contacts the upper surface of the heater plate 40 (see FIG. 5). Because the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 is flat and a large contact area with the heater plate 40 can be secured, the aromatic material placed on the bottom portion 10 can be efficiently heated by the heater plate 40.

[0051] The peripheral portion 11 has a wall shape that is perpendicular to the bottom portion 10 or that slopes outward. The peripheral portion 11 surrounds the fragrance material placed on the bottom portion 10 and holds it on the bottom portion 10.

[0052] The flange portion 12 is plate-shaped with a flat bottom surface and a curved top surface. When the container 1 is placed on the installation unit 3, the flange portion 12 is placed on a support portion 33 located around the heater plate 40 in the installation unit 3, which will be described later, and the bottom surface of the flange portion 12 contacts the top surface of the support portion 33 (see FIG. 5).

[0053] The upper surface of the flange portion 12 is composed of an inner inclined surface 120 that slopes upward relative to the horizontal direction and an outer horizontal surface 121. When the lid 2 is attached to the container 1, legs 21 that form the outer peripheral edge of the lid 2, which will be described later, are placed on the horizontal surface 121 of the flange portion 12 (see FIG. 13 ). When the lid 2 is attached to the container 1, it is placed on the flange portion 12 that surrounds the bottom surface 10 of the container 1. The bottom surface 10 of the container 1 is the part that is heated by the heater 4, but when the lid 2 is placed on the bottom surface 10, heat applied to the bottom surface 10 is easily conducted to the lid 2, and the heat is easily dissipated from the bottom surface 10. This reduces the heating efficiency of the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10. By placing the lid 2 on the flange portion 12 that surrounds the bottom surface 10 of the container 1, it is possible to prevent heat applied to the bottom surface 10 from dissipating to the lid 2. This allows efficient heating of the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface portion 10. In addition, the natural material does not smell burnt due to low-temperature heating, and the fragrance can be continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0054] The surrounding wall 13 has a wall shape that is perpendicular to the horizontal surface 121 of the flange 12. When the lid 2 is attached to the container 1, the surrounding wall 13 surrounds the lid 2 placed on the horizontal surface 121 of the flange 12 and holds it on the flange 12 (see FIG. 13). This allows the lid 2 to be placed stably on the container 1.

[0055] The container 1 is provided with a handle 14 that the user can grasp with their hand when carrying the container 1, such as when placing the container 1 on the installation unit 3 or removing the container 1 from the installation unit 3. The handle 14 is formed so as to protrude upward from the container 1. The handle 14 can be formed, for example, in a "U" shape or a "C" shape, and can be formed integrally with the container 1 by fixing both ends to the container 1 by welding or the like.

[0056] The handle 14 can be formed on the bottom 10, flange 12, or surrounding wall 13 of the container 1, but is preferably formed on the flange 12 or surrounding wall 13 that is farthest from the bottom 10, and more preferably on the surrounding wall 13 that is farthest from the bottom 10. In the illustrated example, both ends of the handle 14 are fixed to the upper surface of the surrounding wall 13 of the container 1. The bottom 10 of the container 1 is the part that is heated by the heater 4, but if the handle 14 is formed on the bottom 10, heat applied to the bottom 10 will be easily conducted to the handle 14, and the heat will easily escape from the bottom 10. This reduces the heating efficiency of the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10. For example, compared to heating an aromatic material with a candle flame, heating an aromatic material with heater plate 40 requires that the aromatic material be heated at a relatively low temperature (approximately 60°C to 90°C), and therefore the heat applied to bottom portion 10 must be efficiently transferred to the aromatic material. As shown in the illustrated example, by forming handle 14 on a part of container 1 away from bottom portion 10, it is possible to prevent the heat applied to bottom portion 10 from escaping to handle 14, and the aromatic material placed on bottom portion 10 can be efficiently heated. In addition, low-temperature heating prevents the natural material from developing a burnt smell, and the fragrance can be continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0057] <Explanation of the lid> As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 11 to 13, the lid 2 is removably attached to the container 1. When the lid 2 is attached to the container 1, it covers the aromatic material on the bottom surface 10 of the container 1. This traps heat applied to the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 in the space between the container 1 and the lid 2, making it less likely to escape to the outside space, thereby efficiently heating the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10. In the illustrated example, the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 simply by placing it over the container 1, and is removed from the container 1 simply by lifting it up from the container 1.

[0058] The lid 2 is preferably made of metal like the container 1, which improves the design of the aroma diffuser 100. The lid 2 can also be made of materials other than metal, such as heat-resistant resin, ceramics, earthenware, or stoneware.

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 to 13 and Figures 16 to 17, the lid 2 includes a top surface 20 and legs 21 formed on the outer periphery of the top surface 20. The top surface 20 has a circular plate shape in a plan view. One or more diffusion holes 22 are formed in the top surface 20. The diffusion holes 22 are through-holes that penetrate the top surface 20 in the thickness direction and serve to widely disperse the scent diffused by heating the aromatic material into the external space. It is preferable that the top surface 20 has multiple small diffusion holes 22 formed uniformly scattered over a wide area. This prevents heat applied to the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 from escaping to the external space through the diffusion holes 22, while facilitating the transmission of the scent emitted from the aromatic material to the external space through the diffusion holes 22.

[0060] In a vertical cross section, the top surface 20 has a shape that rises higher at the center than at the outer periphery. In the illustrated example, the top surface 20 is curved in an upwardly convex dome shape, and when the lid 2 is attached to the container 1, the center of the lid 2 in a plan view becomes the part that is farthest from the bottom surface 10 of the container 1.

[0061] The top surface 20 is provided with a handle 23 that the user can grasp with their hand when carrying the lid 2, such as when attaching the lid 2 to the container 1 or removing the lid 2 from the container 1. The handle 23 is formed to protrude upward from the top surface 20. The handle 23 can be formed, for example, in a "U" shape or a "C" shape, and can be formed integrally with the lid 2 by fixing both ends to the top surface 20 by welding or the like.

[0062] The handle 23 can be formed at any part of the top surface 20, but is preferably formed at the center of the top surface 20, which is the highest point and farthest from the bottom surface 10 of the container 1. The bottom surface 10 of the container 1 is the part heated by the heater 4. If the handle 23 is formed on the lid 2 in a part close to the bottom surface 10 of the container 1, heat applied to the bottom surface 10 will be easily conducted to the handle 23 of the lid 2, and the heat will be more likely to escape from the bottom surface 10. This reduces the heating efficiency of the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10. As shown in the illustrated example, by forming the handle 23 on the lid 2 in a part farthest from the bottom surface 10 of the container 1, the heat applied to the bottom surface 10 can be prevented from escaping to the handle 23 of the lid 2, allowing the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10 to be efficiently heated. In addition, the natural material will not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the fragrance can be continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0063] The top surface portion 20 is not limited to the curved plate shape described above, and may be, for example, a flat plate shape.

[0064] The legs 21 are annular protrusions with a predetermined width that hang down from the outer periphery of the top surface 20. The lower surfaces of the legs 21 are flat. The lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21, which form the outer periphery, on the container 1.

[0065] <Explanation of the first protrusion> As shown in Figures 12 to 13 and Figures 16 to 17, at least one protrusion 24 (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion 24") facing vertically is provided on the leg 21 of the lid 2 or on the flange 12 of the container 1, which is the portion on which the leg 21 of the lid 2 is placed. A protrusion facing vertically means that the protrusion extends in the up-down direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 24 is formed on the underside of the leg 21 of the lid 2 so as to protrude downward. Note that when the first protrusion 24 is provided on the flange 12 of the container 1, the first protrusion 24 is formed on the horizontal plane 121 outside the flange 12 so as to protrude upward.

[0066] Preferably, three or more first protrusions 24 are formed on the underside of the leg portion 21 of the lid 2 or on the outer horizontal surface 121 of the flange portion 12 of the container 1, and more preferably, the three or more first protrusions 24 are formed at uniform intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows the lid 2 to be stably placed on the container 1. When the lid 2 is placed on the container 1, the first protrusions 24 are interposed between the leg portion 21 of the lid 2 and the flange portion 12 of the container 1, preventing the underside of the leg portion 21 and the outer horizontal surface 121 of the flange portion 12 from coming into surface-to-surface contact. This prevents heat applied to the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the flange portion 12, which contacts the lid 2 on the container 1, to the lid 2, thereby efficiently heating the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10. In addition, the natural material does not develop a burnt odor due to low-temperature heating, and the fragrance is continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0067] <Explanation of the second protrusion> As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21 forming the outer peripheral edge on the container 1, and at least one protrusion 15 (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion 15") facing horizontally is provided on the legs 21 of the lid 2 or on the surrounding wall 13 of the container 1 that surrounds the legs 21 of the lid 2. A protrusion facing horizontally means that the protrusion extends in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane. In the illustrated example, the second protrusion 15 is formed on the inner surface of the surrounding wall 13 of the container 1 so as to protrude inward. Note that when the second protrusion 15 is provided on the legs 21 of the lid 2, the second protrusion 15 is formed on the outer surface of the legs 21 so as to protrude outward.

[0068] Preferably, two or more second protrusions 15 are formed on the outer surface of the leg portion 21 of the lid 2 or the inner surface of the surrounding wall portion 13 of the container 1, and more preferably, the two or more second protrusions 15 are formed at uniform intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows the lid 2 to be stably placed on the container 1. When the lid 2 is placed on the container 1, the second protrusions 15 are interposed between the leg portion 21 of the lid 2 and the surrounding wall portion 13 of the container 1, preventing the outer surface of the leg portion 21 from coming into surface contact with the inner surface of the surrounding wall portion 13. This prevents heat applied to the bottom portion 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the surrounding wall portion 13 that contacts the lid 2 to the lid 2, allowing the aromatic material placed on the bottom portion 10 to be efficiently heated. In addition, the natural material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the fragrance can be continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0069] <Installation section description> As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, the container 1 is detachably mounted on the mounting part 3. The aroma diffuser 100 includes, as the mounting part 3, a head 30 that is attached to a neck part 61 that forms the upper part of the lampshade 6. The head 30 is not particularly limited, but is preferably made of a material that is thermally insulating and has lower thermal conductivity than the metal that is the material of the container 1 and the lid 2. The head 30 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin, but can also be made of materials other than synthetic resin, such as ceramics, pottery, or wood.

[0070] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the head 30 comprises a top surface 31 with an opening formed in the center, and a cylindrical peripheral surface 34 hanging down from the outer periphery of the top surface 31. A heater plate 40 constituting the heater 4 is disposed in the central opening of the top surface 31. The head 30 has a circular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the head 30 is not particularly limited and can be various shapes. The central opening of the top surface 31 has a circular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the opening is not particularly limited and can be various shapes.

[0071] The top surface portion 31 is annular and plate-shaped with a predetermined width. The top surface portion 31 includes a base portion 32 on the outer periphery side and a support portion 33 on the central opening side. The upper surface of the base portion 32 is located higher than the upper surface of the support portion 33, and the boundary between the base portion 32 and the support portion 33 is stepped. The support portion 33 is located around the heater plate 40. In the illustrated example, the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 of the container 1 contacts the upper surface of the heater plate 40, and the flange portion 12 of the container 1 is placed on the support portion 33 of the head 30, thereby installing the container 1 on the head 30, which constitutes the installation portion 3. The flange portion 12 and surrounding wall portion 13 of the container 1 fit inside the base portion 32 of the top surface portion 31, allowing the container 1 to be stably installed on the head 30, which constitutes the installation portion 3. Furthermore, because the head 30 forming the mounting portion 3 has thermal insulation properties, it is possible to prevent heat applied to the bottom portion 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the flange portion 12 to the mounting portion 3. This allows for efficient heating of the aromatic material placed on the bottom portion 10. In addition, the natural material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the fragrance can be continuously released while maintaining its strength.

[0072] 6, the peripheral surface portion 34 has an upper portion 35A and a lower portion 35B, the inner surface of the lower portion 35B is positioned outward from the inner surface of the upper portion 35A, and the boundary between the upper portion 35A and the lower portion 35B is a step 36. In the illustrated example, the head 30 is attached to the lampshade 6 so that the upper end of the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6 abuts against the step 36 of the peripheral surface portion 34 and the lower portion 35B of the peripheral surface portion 34 surrounds the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6.

[0073] 6, mounting portions 37 are formed on the lower portion 35B of the peripheral surface portion 34 to attach fasteners 8 that fix the head 30 to the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6. In the illustrated example, two mounting portions 37 are formed at positions facing each other in the circumferential direction of the neck portion 61.

[0074] <Fastener Description> 1 to 9, the fastener 8 is not particularly limited as long as it can secure the head 30 to the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6. In the illustrated example, the fastener 8 is configured to secure the head 30 to the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6 and to arrange the handle 9 rotatably around the head 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the fastener 8 includes a latch 80, a fixing member 81, a ring 82, a washer 83, and a cap 84. The handle 9 can be made of wood, for example, but can also be made of materials other than wood, such as metal, resin, ceramics, leather, etc.

[0075] The latch 80 includes a base 85 that is annular and plate-like and has a predetermined thickness, and a pair of opposing protrusions 86 that protrude from one surface of the base 85. The latch 80 is attached to the attachment portion 37 so that the base 85 is disposed inside the circumferential surface 34 of the head 30 and the pair of protrusions 86 extend outside the circumferential surface 34, passing through the circumferential surface 34.

[0076] The fixing device 81 may be a screw, a bolt, or the like, and in the illustrated example, a set screw is used. The fixing device 81 is fixed to the mounting part 37 by fitting into a screw hole 38 formed in the mounting part 37. The tip of the fixing device 81 penetrates the base 85 of the latch 80 and abuts against the recess 62 in the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6. The head 30 is fixed to the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6 by clamping and supporting the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6 from multiple directions with the multiple fixing devices 81 fixed to the mounting part 37.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the tips of the fasteners 8 abut against recesses 62 formed in the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6, so that the head 30 can be stably fixed to the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6 by the multiple fasteners 8.

[0078] The ring 82 is installed on the mounting part 37 so that a part of it fits inside the recess 39 formed in the outer surface of the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6 and a part of it protrudes outward from the recess 39. The washer 83 is placed on the end of the ring 82 that protrudes from the recess 39.

[0079] The cap 84 comprises a disk-shaped cover portion 87 having a predetermined thickness, and an annular wall portion 88 that protrudes from one side of the cover portion 87 at a position inward from the outer periphery. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the annular wall portion 88, and by fitting with a male thread formed on the outer surface of a pair of protrusions 86 of the latch 80, the cap 84 is integrated with the latch 80. A step is provided on the outer surface of the annular wall portion 88 of the cap 84, and the ring 82 and the washer 83 are sandwiched between this step and a recess 39 formed on the outer surface of the neck portion 61 of the lampshade 6.

[0080] A gap is formed between the cover portion 87 of the cap 84 and the washer 83, and the handle 9 is attached to this gap. The handle 9 is strip-shaped with a predetermined thickness and is bent, for example, into a "U" or "C" shape. Through holes are formed at both ends of the handle 9, and the annular wall portion 88 of the cap 84 is inserted into these through holes. The handle 9 is then sandwiched between the washer 83 and the cover portion 87 of the cap 84, thereby rotatably attached to the head 30. The handle 9 is rotatable so as to be able to transition at least between a horizontally reclined state and a vertically erected state. When the handle 9 is rotated to be erected vertically, the handle 9 extends over the fragrance unit 101, i.e., the container 1 and the lid 2. A user can easily carry the fragrance device 100 by grasping the top of the handle 9 with their hands. When a user carries the aroma diffuser 100 by holding the handle 9, the handle 9 swings relative to the head 30, thereby preventing the container 1 placed on the head 30 from tilting and preventing the aromatic material placed in the container 1 from spilling out of the container 1.

[0081] The handle 9 is rotatably attached to the fastener 8 between the base end of the fastener 8 fixed to the head 30 (in the illustrated example, the cover part 87 opposite to the tip of the fastener 8) and the peripheral part 34 of the head 30. Here, the head 30 is fixed to the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6 by the multiple fasteners 8 penetrating the head 30 and the tip of each fastener 8 abutting against the neck part 61 of the lampshade 6. Therefore, when a user holds the handle 9 and carries the aroma diffuser 100, the head 30 can be prevented from coming off the lampshade 6.

[0082] <Heater Description> 5, 7, and 8, the heater 4 heats the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 placed on the placement section 3 from below. There are no particular limitations on the heater 4 as long as it can heat the bottom surface 10 of the container 1, but it is preferable to use a heater plate 40 in order to efficiently heat the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 at a low temperature. A conventionally known heater plate can be used as the heater plate 40, and the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 is placed on a heating plate 41 made of a metal such as aluminum.

[0083] The heater plate 40 is fixed to a holder 42. The holder 42 is fixed to at least one of the head 30 and a casing 51 fixed to the head portion 30 so that the heating platen 41 of the heater plate 40 faces the central opening in the top surface portion 31 of the head 30.

[0084] The head 30 is provided with a heating switch 43 for setting the amount of heat from the heater 4. In the illustrated example, the heating switch 43 is configured with a rotatable knob, and by rotating the knob, the user can turn the heater 4 on and off and adjust the volume. The heat generation operation of the heater 4 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0085] <Explanation of the control section>

[0086] 5 and 9 controls the lighting operation of the light source unit 5 and the heat generation operation of the heater 4. The control unit 7 is composed of one or more printed circuit boards that include a control circuit that receives input signals from the switches 43, 53 to control the amount of heat generated by the heater 4 and the amount of light emitted by each of the LED lights 50 of the light source, and a power circuit that receives commands from the control circuit to supply electricity to the heater 4 and each of the LED lights 50. The control circuit is composed of, for example, a microcontroller, and a program that causes each of the LED lights 50 to light up in a predetermined pattern is written into the microcontroller. The control circuit is configured to light up each of the LED lights 50 in a predetermined pattern in response to an input signal from the light-emitting switch 53.

[0087] The control unit 7 is fixed to a casing 51. As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8, the head 30 is provided with a receptacle 70 to which an AC / DC adapter plug can be connected in order to supply operating power to the control unit 7 from an external power source, which is an AC power source. A battery that can be charged with operating power to be supplied to the control unit 7 is fixed to the casing 51.

[0088] <Actions and effects of aroma diffusers> The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment described above is characterized by comprising at least a container 1 having a bottom surface 10 on which a solid fragrance material is placed, a lid 2 that can be attached and detached to the container 1, an installation part 3 on which the container 2 is detachably installed, and a heater 4 that heats the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 installed in the installation part 3, and the lid 2 has one or more diffusion holes 22 formed therein.

[0089] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the container 1 can be removed from the aroma diffuser 100 and placed close to the user. This allows for easy replacement of the aromatic material by removing used aromatic material from the container 1 and refilling the container 1 with new aromatic material. In addition, the container 1 can be washed if it becomes soiled, making maintenance easy.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the lid 2 having the diffusion holes 22 attached to the container 1 allows heat applied to the bottom surface 10 of the container 1 to be trapped in the space between the container 1 and the lid 2, making it difficult for the heat to escape to the outside. This allows for efficient heating of the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10. In addition, the aromatic material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained.

[0091] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the aromatic material is a natural material.

[0092] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, by using natural materials as the fragrance material, the fragrance components inherent in the natural materials can be diffused as they are, allowing the user to enjoy the original scent of the natural materials.

[0093] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the heater 4 is a heater plate 40, which is fixed to the installation part 3, and the container 1 is installed on the installation part 3 so that the lower surface of the bottom part 10 is in contact with the upper surface of the heater plate 40.

[0094] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the lower surface of the base portion 10 is in contact with the upper surface of the heater plate 40, thereby ensuring a large contact area between the base portion 10 and the heater plate 40. Therefore, the aromatic material placed on the base portion 10 can be efficiently heated by the heater plate 40.

[0095] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the container 1 further comprises a peripheral portion 11 rising from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 10 and a flange portion 12 protruding outward from the upper edge of the peripheral portion 11, and the installation portion 3 comprises a support portion 33 around the heater plate 40 on which the flange portion 12 is placed, and the support portion 33 has thermal insulating properties.

[0096] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment allows the container 1 to be stably placed on the installation part 3, and also prevents heat applied to the bottom part 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the flange part 12 to the installation part 3. This allows for efficient heating of the aromatic material placed on the bottom part 10. In addition, the aromatic material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained.

[0097] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is also characterized in that the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21 forming the outer peripheral edge on the container 1, and the legs 21 forming the outer peripheral edge of the lid 2 are provided with at least one first protrusion 24 facing vertically.

[0098] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, when the lid 2 is placed on the container 1, the first protrusions 24 are interposed between the legs 21 of the lid 2 and the flange 12 of the container 1 on which the legs 21 of the lid 2 are placed, so that the undersides of the legs 21 and the outer horizontal surface 121 of the flange 12 do not come into surface-to-surface contact. This prevents heat applied to the bottom 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the flange 12, which contacts the lid 2 of the container 1, to the lid 2. This allows the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10 to be heated efficiently. In addition, the aromatic material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained.

[0099] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is also characterized in that the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21 that form the outer peripheral edge on the container 1, and the container 1 further comprises an enclosing wall portion 13 that surrounds the legs 21 that form the outer peripheral edge of the lid 2.

[0100] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the lid 2 can be placed on the container 1 stably.

[0101] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the surrounding wall 13 of the container 1 is provided with at least one second protrusion 15 that faces horizontally.

[0102] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, when the lid 2 is placed on the container 1, the second protrusions 15 are interposed between the legs 21 of the lid 2 and the surrounding wall 13 of the container 1, so that the outer surfaces of the legs 21 and the inner surface of the surrounding wall 13 do not come into surface-to-surface contact. This prevents heat applied to the bottom 10 of the container 1 from escaping from the surrounding wall 13, which is in contact with the lid 2 of the container 1, to the lid 2. This allows the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10 to be heated efficiently. In addition, the aromatic material does not develop a burnt smell due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained.

[0103] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the container 1 further includes a handle 14 provided on the surrounding wall portion 13.

[0104] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the handle 14 of the container 1 is formed on the surrounding wall 13, which is the part of the container 1 that is farthest from the bottom surface 10, and therefore, heat applied to the bottom surface 10 is prevented from escaping to the handle 14. This allows the aromatic material placed on the bottom surface 10 to be heated efficiently. In addition, the aromatic material does not smell burnt due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained. Furthermore, since the handle 14 is prevented from becoming hot, the user can easily hold the container 1.

[0105] The aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21 forming the outer peripheral edge on the container 1, the lid 2 is formed so that the vertical cross section has a shape that rises higher at the center than at the outer peripheral edge, and further includes a handle 23 provided in the center when viewed in a plane.

[0106] According to the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the handle 23 of the lid 2 is formed in the center of the lid 2, at the highest point away from the bottom 10 of the container 1, thereby preventing heat applied to the bottom 10 from escaping to the handle 23 of the lid 2. This allows the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10 to be heated efficiently. In addition, the aromatic material does not smell burnt due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained. Furthermore, preventing the handle 23 from becoming hot makes it easier for the user to hold the lid 2.

[0107] Furthermore, the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that the container 1 further comprises a peripheral portion 11 rising from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 10 and a flange portion 12 protruding outward from the upper edge of the peripheral portion 11, and the lid 2 is attached to the container 1 by placing the legs 21 forming the outer peripheral edge on the flange portion 12 of the container 1.

[0108] In the aroma diffuser 100 of this embodiment, the lid 2 is placed on the flange 12 around the bottom 10 of the container 1. The bottom 10 of the container 1 is the part heated by the heater 4. When the lid 2 is placed on the bottom 10, heat applied to the bottom 10 is easily conducted to the lid 2, making it easier for the heat to escape from the bottom 10. This reduces the heating efficiency of the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10. By placing the lid 2 on the flange 12 around the bottom 10 of the container 1, the heat applied to the bottom 10 is prevented from escaping to the lid 2. This allows the aromatic material placed on the bottom 10 to be efficiently heated. In addition, the aromatic material does not smell burnt due to low-temperature heating, and the strength of the fragrance can be maintained. Furthermore, since the lid 2 is prevented from heating up, the user can easily hold the lid 2.

[0109] <Modified Aroma Diffuser> While one embodiment of the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure has been described above, the aroma diffuser of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0110] For example, as a modified example, a known planar heater may be used as the heater 4 in place of the heater plate 40, as long as a large contact area with the underside of the bottom portion 10 of the container 1 can be ensured. Alternatively, a sheathed heater in which metal pipes are densely arranged may be used as the heater 4.

[0111] In one modified example, the positions of the handle 14 of the container 1 and the handle 23 of the lid 2 can be changed as appropriate. The handle 14 of the container 1 may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface 10. In this case, the handle 14 of the container 1 may penetrate the top surface 20 of the lid 2 to integrate the lid 2 and the container 1, and the lid 2 may be configured to be movable up and down along the handle 14 of the container 1, making the lid 2 detachable from the container 1. In this modified example, the lid 2 is integrated with the container 1, which reduces the risk of the lid 2 being lost.

[0112] As another example of a modified example, the first protrusion 24 may be provided on the container 1, and the second protrusion 15 may be provided on the lid 2. Alternatively, the first protrusion 24 may not be provided on the container 1 and the lid 2, and the second protrusion 15 may not be provided on the container 1 and the lid 2.

[0113] As a further modification, for example, the shape of the container 1 and the shape of the lid 2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0114] Also, for example, as a modified example, the installation part 3 does not need to be configured by the head 30 attached to the lampshade 6, but can be modified as appropriate.

[0115] As another example, the aroma diffuser 100 may have another function in place of or in addition to the light-emitting function, or may have only the aroma function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 container 2 lid 3 Installation part 4 Heater 10. Bottom of the container 11 Circumferential surface of container 12 Container flange 13. Enclosing wall of container 14 Container handle 15 Second protrusion (container protrusion) 22 Lid ventilation holes 23 Lid handle 24 First protrusion (lid protrusion) 30 heads 33 Support part 40 Heater Plate 100 Air freshener

Claims

1. The device comprises at least a container having a bottom surface on which a solid fragrance material is placed, a lid that is removably attached to the container, a mounting portion on which the container is removably mounted, and a heater that heats the bottom surface of the container mounted on the mounting portion from below, The aroma diffuser has one or more diffusion holes formed in the lid.

2. The air freshener according to claim 1 , wherein the fragrant material is a natural material.

3. the heater is a heater plate, the heater plate is fixed to the mounting portion, The aroma diffuser according to claim 1 , wherein the container is placed on the placement part so that the lower surface of the base part is in contact with the upper surface of the heater plate.

4. The container further includes a peripheral surface portion rising from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion, and a flange portion protruding outward from an upper edge of the peripheral surface portion, the installation portion includes a support portion on which the flange portion is placed, the support portion being disposed around the heater plate; The aroma diffuser according to claim 3 , wherein the support portion has thermal insulation properties.

5. The lid is attached to the container by placing an outer periphery of the lid on the container; The aroma diffuser according to claim 1 , wherein at least one vertically oriented protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the lid or on a portion of the container on which the outer periphery of the lid rests.

6. The lid is attached to the container by placing an outer periphery of the lid on the container; The aroma diffuser according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the container further comprises an enclosing wall portion surrounding the outer peripheral edge portion of the lid.

7. The aroma diffuser according to claim 6, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the lid or the surrounding wall of the container is provided with at least one horizontally oriented protrusion.

8. The aroma diffuser according to claim 6 , wherein the container further comprises a handle provided on the surrounding wall portion.

9. The lid is attached to the container by placing an outer periphery of the lid on the container; The aroma diffuser according to claim 1 , wherein the lid is formed so that the center of the lid rises higher than the outer periphery in a vertical cross section, and further comprises a handle provided in the center in a plan view.

10. The container further includes a peripheral surface portion rising from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion, and a flange portion protruding outward from an upper edge of the peripheral surface portion, The aroma diffuser according to claim 9 , wherein the lid is attached to the container by placing the outer periphery on the flange.

Images