Aroma diffuser

Abstract

To provide a fragrance dispersal device that can be installed safely, efficiently disperses fragrance, and has excellent design. [Solution] The fragrance dispersal device of the present invention comprises a container 10 for containing fragrance liquid having an opening 14 at the top, a lid 20 covering the opening 14, and a suction part 30 inserted into the container 10 and in partial contact with the fragrance liquid. The lid 20 has an insertion port 21 for inserting the suction part 30, and the suction part 30 is hollow with its top and bottom surfaces open. The lid 20 and the suction part 30 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the surface of the lid 20 and the surface of the suction part 30 are anodized, and the surface of the lid 20 and the outer surface of the suction part 30 are further coated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma diffusing device that sucks up and diffuses an aromatic liquid.

Background Art

[0002] There are aroma diffusers that diffuse aroma, such as those that turn the aroma into a mist and diffuse it by ultrasonic vibration, and those that evaporate the aroma using heat. However, these require a power source and have limited installation locations.

[0003] On the other hand, there is a type of aroma diffuser called a reed diffuser that involves putting essential oil or aroma oil in a container and inserting a lead (wick), such as a rod, into it. In a reed diffuser, the lead sucks up the oil and diffuses the aroma. Reed diffusers have the advantages of not requiring a power source and being able to be installed anywhere. Also, they are non-heated and can be used safely. Furthermore, because they have a simple mechanism, they are easy to set up and do not require special maintenance.

[0004] As an example of a reed diffuser, for instance, Patent Document 1 discloses a diffusing device in which a plurality of rod-shaped diffusers are inserted into a container containing a chemical solution. In this type of diffusing device, a liquid fragrance is sucked up by the plurality of rod-shaped diffusers, and the fragrance diffuses from the part protruding outside the opening of the container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In conventional reed diffusers, such as the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, multiple rod-shaped volatile elements are not fixed inside the container but simply inserted. This makes the container prone to tipping over if something catches on the volatile elements extending above the container, posing a safety hazard. If the container tips over and the oil spills, it could contaminate furniture, floors, and other surfaces. Furthermore, if the multiple volatile elements do not spread evenly but clump together, the surface area of ​​the volatile elements exposed to the outside air becomes smaller, resulting in lower diffusion efficiency.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an aroma diffuser that can be safely installed, efficiently diffuses fragrance, and has excellent design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors diligently studied to solve the above problems and, as a result, fabricated an aroma diffuser in which the suction section that draws up and vaporizes the aroma liquid is box-shaped with openings on the top and bottom, and the lid has an insertion opening for insertion. They found that by constructing the suction section from aluminum or an aluminum alloy and anodizing the surface, the aroma liquid can be efficiently drawn up. On the other hand, it became clear that the aroma liquid leaked out of the container through the suction section when it was drawn up from the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid. Therefore, they found that by coating the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid, the aroma liquid is drawn up only to the surface surrounding the inner cavity of the suction section, and the aroma can be vaporized even more efficiently. Based on these findings, the present invention was completed.

[0009] The present invention provides an aroma diffuser comprising a container for containing an aromatic liquid having an opening at the top, a lid covering the opening, and a suction part inserted into the container and partially in contact with the aromatic liquid, wherein the lid has an insertion port for inserting the suction part, the suction part is hollow with its top and bottom surfaces open, the lid and suction part are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the surface of the lid and the surface of the suction part are anodized, and the surface of the lid and the outer surface of the suction part are further coated.

[0010] The present invention also provides an aroma diffuser in which the above coating is formed by applying a glass coating agent.

[0011] The present invention also provides a fragrance dispersal device in which the suction part is a card holder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The fragrance diffuser of the present invention has a hollow suction section and is inserted into a slot formed in the lid, allowing for safe installation and use. Furthermore, by constructing the suction section from aluminum or an aluminum alloy and anodizing its surface, the fragrance liquid can be efficiently absorbed. In addition, by coating the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid, the fragrance liquid is absorbed only by the surface surrounding the hollow portion inside the suction section, allowing for even more efficient fragrance diffusion. Moreover, coating the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid does not interfere with the aesthetic design of the aluminum. Furthermore, by coating the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid, the fragrance liquid is not absorbed from the outer surface of the suction section and the surface of the lid, preventing the fragrance liquid from leaking out of the container via the suction section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 2]A diagram showing only the lid of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a configuration in which a card is inserted inside the suction section of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] These are perspective views of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, (a) a top view, (b) a left side view, (c) a front view, (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a bottom view, respectively. [Figure 5] These are external views of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, (a) a top view, (b) a left side view, (c) a front view, (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a bottom view, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] One embodiment of the fragrance diffusion apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 2 shows only the lid of the aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which a card is inserted inside the suction section of the aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) a top view, (b) a left side view, (c) a front view, (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a bottom view, respectively. Figure 5 is an external view of the aroma diffuser according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) a top view, (b) a left side view, (c) a front view, (d) a right side view, (e) a rear view, and (f) a bottom view, respectively.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the fragrance dispersal device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container 10, a lid 20, and a suction unit 30.

[0017] Container 10 is a container for holding fragrance liquid and has an opening 14 at the top.

[0018] In this embodiment, the shape of the container 10 is a cylindrical shape having two circular bottom surfaces 13 and upper surfaces (openings 14), and side surfaces connecting these. Note that the shape of the container used in the present invention is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and as long as it can accommodate the fragrance liquid and partially contact the suction part inserted through the opening with the fragrance liquid, it is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed in consideration of design and the like. The shape of the container used in the present invention may be, for example, different sizes or different shapes of the bottom surface and the upper surface, or may be a prismatic shape or the like.

[0019] The material of the container 10 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, glass, plastic, pottery, etc. The container 10 may be any of transparent, opaque, translucent, etc., and is not particularly limited, but if it is transparent, the remaining amount of the fragrance liquid inside can be easily confirmed. Also, it can create an aesthetic appearance due to reflection of the liquid, etc.

[0020] In the fragrance diffusing device of the present invention, the container 10 has a layer 11 in which the fragrance liquid is accommodated. Also, the container 10 in this embodiment can be of any shape, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, it may be a two-layer structure of the layer 11 and a layer 12 formed below the layer 11. A partition 15 is formed between the layer 11 and the layer 12. In the container 10 in this embodiment, the layer 12 is simply provided as a pedestal. Also, the container 10 may accommodate decorations, etc. in consideration of design. The partition 15 may be made of the same material as the material constituting the container 10, or may be made of a different material. Note that the container 10 used in the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may have only a layer for accommodating the fragrance liquid, or may have one or more layers other than the layer for accommodating the fragrance liquid.

[0021] The lid 20 is a member that covers the opening 14 of the container 10. In the fragrance diffusing device of the present invention, the lid 20 has a shape substantially the same size as the opening 14. The lid 20 in the present embodiment has a shape substantially the same size as the opening 14 and seals the container 10 in an interference fit manner. Further, in the lid 20, for example, the surface in contact with the container 10, that is, the surface (back side) in contact with the fragrance liquid, may have a protrusion that fits inside the opening 14. By pushing the lid 20 into the opening 14 of the container 10, the protrusion fits inside the opening 14, and the lid 20 can be firmly fixed to the opening 14 of the container 10.

[0022] Note that the lid used in the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and any shape or structure that can cover the opening of the container may be used. Protrusions or grooves such as ribs or flanges may be formed in the opening of the container in the present invention, and grooves or protrusions corresponding to the ribs on the container side may be formed in the lid. When the lid is pushed into the opening of the container, the protrusions or grooves on the lid side may be fixed by fitting into the ribs on the container side. A rubber packing or the like for obtaining complete airtightness may be provided at the contact portion between the lid and the container.

[0023] Further, the manner of opening and closing the lid and the container in the present invention is not limited to the interference fit manner as described above, and may be, for example, a screw type, a hinge type, or any other arbitrary manner.

[0024] The lid 20 has an insertion port 21 for inserting the suction part 30. The insertion port 21 can be a hole penetrating from the front surface to the back surface of the lid 20. The size and shape of the insertion port 21 can be designed so that no gap is formed around the suction part 30 when the suction part 30 is inserted. By fitting the insertion port 21 and the suction part 30 precisely in this way, the aesthetic appearance can be enhanced, and the fragrance liquid does not volatilize from the gap. Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the insertion port 21 is an elongated rectangle, but the insertion port 21 can be appropriately set according to the width and thickness of the suction part 30, and any hole larger than the width and thickness of the suction part 30 may be used.

[0025] The lid 20 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, as described below.

[0026] The suction unit 30 is a component that draws up the fragrance liquid contained in the container 10 and volatilizes it into the atmosphere. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the suction unit 30 has a hollow shape with an open top surface 31 and a bottom surface 32, and the inside is hollow. The suction unit 30 can be any shape as long as it is hollow and cylindrical, for example, it can be cylindrical or rectangular. The suction unit 30 can be shaped like a hollow card case with an open top surface 31 and a bottom surface 32, as shown in Figure 3, and can be shaped so that a card can be inserted into its hollow space. Also, the suction unit 30 can have a shape with a notch in part, as shown in Figure 3, and can be any shape to create an aesthetic sense. The suction unit 30 is inserted into the container 10 through an insertion opening 21 formed in the lid 20, and its lower part partially contacts the fragrance liquid inside the container 10. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the lower part of the suction unit 30 is in contact with the fragrance liquid poured into layer 11 of the container 10.

[0027] In this invention, the suction section 30 is not particularly limited as long as it has a hollow shape with an open top and bottom. The height of the suction section can be such that the bottom surface reaches the bottom surface of the layer containing the fragrance liquid in the container, and the top surface protrudes above the opening of the container. The fragrance liquid is drawn up along the inner surface of the suction section and volatilized into the atmosphere from the top surface.

[0028] In this embodiment, the suction section 30 has a thin, card-like shape into which a card-shaped member can be inserted from the top surface 31 into the inner cavity. That is, the suction section 30 also functions as a card holder. The card inserted into the suction section 30 is not particularly limited, but may be made of a material that can absorb and vaporize fragrance liquid, such as plant materials like wood, paper, chemical fibers, glass fibers, ceramics, and gypsum. As shown in Figure 3, by inserting a card into the hollow space of the suction section 30, the fragrance liquid is absorbed by the card itself, and more fragrance liquid can be vaporized than when it is absorbed only along the inner surface of the suction section. The card of the present invention can be made of paper, and in particular can be made of a material that easily absorbs liquids, such as Japanese paper.

[0029] In the fragrance dispersal device of the present invention, the lid 20 and the suction section 30 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Examples of aluminum alloys include aluminum-manganese alloys, aluminum-magnesium alloys, aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloys, aluminum-zinc alloys, and alloys of aluminum with other elements.

[0030] The surface of the lid 20 and the surface of the suction section 30 are anodized. Specifically, the front surface 22 of the lid 20, the back surface 23 of the lid 20, the outer surface of the suction section 30, and the surface surrounding the inner cavity of the suction section 30 are all anodized.

[0031] Anodizing is a process that forms an oxide film on the surface of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Anodizing is not particularly limited and can be carried out by any method. For example, a common procedure is to blast the aluminum to make the surface rough. Then, a surface treatment is performed to create an anodic oxide film on the surface of the aluminum. For example, an oxide film can be formed on the surface by electrolysis, where an electric current is passed through aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the anode in an electrolyte solution such as dilute sulfuric acid or oxalic acid. The anodizing can be, for example, white anodizing, which is known as a common anodizing process. In the fragrance disperser of the present invention, the lid 20 and the suction unit 30 can be formed into the shape of the lid 20 and suction unit 30 of the fragrance disperser of the present invention using a material whose surface has been anodized. Alternatively, the surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30 can be anodized after they have been formed into the shape of the lid 20 and suction unit 30 of the fragrance disperser of the present invention.

[0032] The suction unit 30 is inserted into the container 10 via an insertion port 21 formed in the lid 20, and when its lower part partially contacts the fragrance liquid inside the container 10, the fragrance liquid is drawn up along the anodized surface. At this time, the fragrance liquid flows along all surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30. As a result, not only is the fragrance liquid vaporized from the suction unit 30, but the fragrance liquid also flows out along the lid 20. This results in a state similar to the fragrance liquid overflowing, so simply anodizing the surface is insufficient for use as a fragrance vaporization device. Therefore, to solve this problem, the fragrance vaporization device of the present invention has a coating applied to the lid 20 and the suction unit 30.

[0033] In the fragrance dispersal device of the present invention, the surface of the lid 20 (front surface 22 and back surface 23) and the outer surface of the suction unit 30 are further coated. The coating is applied to prevent the fragrance liquid from spreading across the anodized outer surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30. The coating can be carried out by any means as long as the outer surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30 are made of a material that the fragrance liquid does not spread through. For example, it can be used to make the outer surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30 hydrophobic, which can be achieved by, for example, applying paint or a coating agent. The coating agent can be any material that does not absorb the fragrance. For example, the coating agent can be a glass coating agent. The glass coating agent can form a glass film as a coating. Therefore, by coating the outer surfaces of the lid 20 and the suction unit 30 of the present invention, the fragrance liquid will not spread across its surface and diffuse even if it comes into contact with the fragrance liquid. For the glass coating agent, any commercially available glass coating agent can be used, and the coating can be applied by applying it to the outer surface of the lid 20 and the suction part 30 according to the product instructions.

[0034] Furthermore, the surface surrounding the inner cavity of the suction section 30, i.e., the surface of the hollow space, is not coated, and the anodized surface is exposed. Because only the surface surrounding the inner cavity of the suction section 30 is not coated, the fragrance liquid is not drawn up to the surface of the lid or the outer surface of the suction section 30, and the fragrance liquid can be efficiently drawn up to the inner surface of the suction section 30, and to the card if a card is inserted into the suction section 30. [Examples]

[0035] The aroma diffuser described in Figures 4 and 5 was fabricated. The container 10 was made of glass. The glass was molded to produce a container 10 having layers 11, 12, a bottom surface 13, an opening 14, and a partition wall 15.

[0036] The lid 20 and the suction section 30 were manufactured by molding anodized aluminum. The anodized aluminum was molded into the shapes of the lid 20 and the suction section 30. The anodized material used was anodized according to a general procedure. In short, the aluminum was blasted to make the surface rough. The material used was electrolytically treated in a dedicated pool to create an anodic oxide film on the surface of the aluminum. The lid 20 and the suction section 30 were molded into the shapes shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.

[0037] After anodizing, the surface of the lid 20 and the outer surface of the suction part 30 were further coated with a glass coating agent. SG-MAX (distributor ZI-NA) was used as the glass coating agent. The glass coating agent was applied to the surface of the lid 20 and the outer surface of the suction part 30 according to the manufacturer's instructions. In short, first, all dust and dirt were wiped off the surface of all aluminum parts with a cloth. Next, the coating agent was sprayed onto both the front and back surfaces and left for about 10 minutes. Then, the coating agent was wiped off with a cloth and heat-cured while drying with a heat gun. Finally, once the heat from the heat gun had cooled, the entire surface was wiped again thoroughly with a cloth.

[0038] The manufactured components shown in Figures 4 and 5 were assembled and installed as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the fragrance liquid was poured into layer 11 and the lid 20 was placed on top. Next, the suction unit 30 was inserted into the opening 21 of the lid 20. As the lower part of the suction unit 30 came into contact with the fragrance liquid in layer 11, the liquid was drawn up along the anodized surface of the hollow space of the suction unit 30 to the front surface 31 of the suction unit. This fragrance liquid was then released into the air, and the fragrance was diffused.

[0039] Furthermore, in this device, a card was inserted into the hollow space of the suction section 30. The card was made of Japanese paper and was sized to fit the suction section 30 just as shown in Figure 3. When the card was inserted, the fragrance liquid was absorbed not only from the anodized surface but also from the card, causing the fragrance liquid to volatilize into the air and diffuse the fragrance.

[0040] When a lid 20 and suction part 30 made of un-anodized aluminum were used instead of an anodized lid 20 and suction part 30, the fragrance liquid was not drawn up, and the fragrance was not diffused.

[0041] Furthermore, when using a lid 20 and suction part 30 that were only anodized and not coated, the fragrance liquid was drawn up from the outer surface of the suction part 30, and also drawn up from the insertion port 21 in contact with the suction part 30 to the lid 20, resulting in the fragrance liquid overflowing. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] The aroma diffusion device of the present invention can be used industrially as an aroma diffuser or other device for dispersing fragrances. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1...Aromatic volatilization device 10...container 11...layer 12...layer 13. Bottom 14.. Opening 15...Bulkhead 20...lid 21...Socket 30... Suction section 31. Upper surface of the suction section 32...Bottom surface of the suction section

Claims

1. A container for holding aromatic liquid, having an opening at the top, A cover that covers the opening, The container comprises a suction part that is inserted into the container and partially contacts the fragrance liquid, The lid has an insertion opening for inserting the suction part. The suction section has a hollow shape with openings on its top and bottom surfaces. The lid and the suction part are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The surface of the lid and the surface of the suction part are anodized. The surface of the lid and the outer surface of the suction portion are further coated. Aromatic volatilization device.

2. The fragrance dispersal device according to claim 1, wherein the coating is formed by applying a glass coating agent.

3. The fragrance dispersal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction portion is a card holder.

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