Functional component release device

Abstract

The present invention provides a functional component release device capable of releasing desired functional components. [Solution] The functional component release device 1 comprises a functional component holding member 12 that holds functional components, a wind power source 11 that blows a transport gas to the functional component holding member 12, an acquisition unit 13 that acquires airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11, which is derived based on the amount of functional components held in the functional component holding member 12, and a control unit 15 that controls the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 based on the airflow rate information acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a functional component release device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aroma generating device having an aroma storage unit that stores an aroma agent, a fan that generates an air flow passing through the aroma agent, and a control unit that changes the rotation speed of the fan according to the usage time of the aroma agent, and that maintains a constant degree of the scent carried by the air flow.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the aroma generating device of Patent Document 1 has a problem that, depending on the usage environment, it may not be able to sufficiently release a desired amount of components.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a functional component release device that can release a desired amount of components even in a usage environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A functional component release device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a functional component holding member that holds a functional component, a wind power source that blows a conveying gas to the functional component holding member, an acquisition unit that acquires blowing amount information for adjusting the blowing amount of the wind power source, which is derived based on the amount of the functional component held by the functional component holding member, and a control unit that controls the blowing amount of the wind power source based on the blowing amount information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a functional component release device can release a desired amount of component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a functional component release device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a functional component release device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing a functional component release device related to other modifications. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a functional component release device 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the amount of the first functional component on the horizontal axis. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is another diagram showing the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the amount of the first functional component on the horizontal axis. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows the relationship between the airflow rate from the wind power source (vertical axis) and the usage time (horizontal axis). [Figure 4D] Figure 4D shows the relationship between the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the current amount of the first functional component on the horizontal axis. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a functional component release device, example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Note that the embodiments described below are all illustrative of comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent members.

[0012] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 2B, the configuration and function of the functional component discharge device 1 will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional component discharge device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the functional component discharge device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the functional component discharge device 1 according to other modification examples.

[0014] The functional component discharge device 1 is a device for allowing a carrier gas to flow in and discharging the functional component by including it in the carrier gas. The carrier gas is, for example, air, but may be other known gases other than air as long as the functional component can be included and discharged.

[0015] The functional component discharge device 1 is used, for example, in a space inside a building. The building is, for example, a detached house, an apartment house, an office building, or the like.

[0016] The functional component discharge device 1 generates the functional component by volatilizing the functional component contained in a solid or liquid or spraying it as liquid droplets. Thereby, the functional component discharge device 1 can disperse the functional component desired by the user into the space.

[0017] The functional component is a fragrance component, a deodorant component, or the like.

[0018] The functional component releasing device 1 can spray the functional components into the air by riding on the carrier gas in the vaporization method, heating method, and atomization method. The vaporization method is a method of generating wind to ride the functional components on the carrier gas and spraying them into the space. The heating method is a method of raising the temperature of the raw material of the functional components to ride the functional components on the carrier gas and spraying them into the space. The atomization method is a method of atomizing the liquid containing the functional components by ultrasonic vibration or the like, and riding the atomized functional components on the carrier gas and spraying them into the space. In the present embodiment, mainly the case where the functional component releasing device 1 uses the vaporization method will be described.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the functional component releasing device 1 includes an intake port 10a, an outlet port 10b, a conveyance path 10c, a wind power source 11, a functional component holding member 12, an acquisition unit 13, a storage unit 14, a control unit 15, and a power supply unit 16.

[0020] The intake port 10a is formed in the housing 10 and can introduce the carrier gas into the functional component releasing device 1.

[0021] The outlet port 10b is formed in the housing 10 and can discharge the carrier gas introduced into the functional component releasing device 1 to the outside of the functional component releasing device 1.

[0022] The conveyance path 10c connects from the intake port 10a to the outlet port 10b via the wind power source 11 and the functional component holding member 12.

[0023] The air source 11 can blow the conveying gas onto the functional component holding member 12. The air source 11 is positioned to blow the conveying gas onto the conveying path 10c or the functional component holding member 12, and generates an airflow of the conveying gas inside the housing 10, thereby drawing the conveying gas in through the intake port 10a and releasing the conveying gas containing the functional components from the outlet port 10b. For example, if the functional component release device 1 is a vaporization type, the air source 11 is a fan or the like. If the functional component release device 1 is a heating type, it may also be equipped with a heater. If the functional component release device 1 is a misting type, it may also be equipped with an ultrasonic generator.

[0024] The functional component holding member 12 holds the raw materials of the functional components. The functional component holding member 12 is made of a porous material impregnated with a liquid raw material containing the functional components. The functional component holding member 12 is installed in the transport path 10c, and the functional components can be carried on the transport gas when the transport gas is blown onto it by the wind source 11. Porous materials include porous stone, activated carbon, fibers, sponges, porous glass, etc.

[0025] The functional component holding member 12 is equipped with a filling mechanism 17 that can refill the functional component. In other words, the functional component holding member 12 can store the raw material of the functional component in a replenishable manner. For example, if the functional component of the functional component holding member 12 is a liquid raw material, the filling mechanism 17 may consist of a tank 17a for storing the liquid raw material, a nozzle 17b extending from the tank 17a toward the functional component holding member 12, and a valve 17c for opening and closing the nozzle 17b. By opening the valve 17c, the liquid raw material in the tank 17a may be replenished to the functional component holding member 12 via the nozzle 17b. Alternatively, by closing the valve 17c, the replenishment of the liquid raw material to the functional component holding member 12 can be stopped. In another example, the functional component holding member 12 may be connected to a cartridge containing the raw material of the functional component, and the raw material of the functional component may be replaced by connecting the cartridge to the housing 10.

[0026] Furthermore, it is possible to provide multiple functional component holding members 12 in the housing 10, and to switch between releasing multiple types of functional components. In this case, multiple filling mechanisms 17 or multiple cartridges may be provided in the housing 10.

[0027] The acquisition unit 13 can estimate the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on at least one of the following: the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 by the wind power source 11, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information about the functional component holding member 12, as well as the usage time (elapsed time) of the functional component holding member 12.

[0028] The usage time of the functional component retaining member 12 is the period from when the power of the functional component release device 1 is turned ON until the transport gas is blown onto the functional component retaining member 12, or the total period during which the transport gas is blown onto the functional component retaining member 12. Information regarding the functional component retaining member 12 includes, for example, information indicating the performance of the functional component retaining member 12, such as the volatility of the functional component retaining member 12, the particle size of the functional component, and the size of the porous pores.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the amount of functional components held by the functional component holding member 12 tends to decrease as the usage time increases, and tends to decrease more easily as the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 increases. The acquisition unit 13 can estimate the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 using the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 by the air source 11 and the usage time of the functional component holding member 12.

[0030] Furthermore, if the amount of the first component is estimated based on the temperature and humidity of the intake air drawn in from the intake port 10a and information regarding the functional component holding member 12, the result will be as follows.

[0031] For example, the acquisition unit 13 may estimate the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the usage time of the functional component holding member 12 and the temperature and humidity of the intake air drawn in from the intake port 10a. For example, the higher the temperature, the easier it is for the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 to be released, while the lower the humidity, the easier it is for the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 to be released. Therefore, the acquisition unit 13 may estimate the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 by adding the temperature and humidity of the intake air drawn in from the intake port 10a to the amount of functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the usage time of the functional component holding member 12.

[0032] For example, the acquisition unit 13 may estimate the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the usage time of the functional component holding member 12 and information related to the functional component holding member 12. Therefore, the acquisition unit 13 may estimate the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 by adding information related to the functional component holding member 12 to the amount of functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the usage time of the functional component holding member 12.

[0033] The acquisition unit 13 can acquire airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11, which is derived based on the amount of functional components held in the functional component holding member 12. In other words, the acquisition unit 13 can generate airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the estimated amount of the first functional component, and acquire the airflow rate information.

[0034] Thus, the acquisition unit 13 may also function as a processing unit that estimates the amount of the first functional component and generates airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the estimated amount of the first functional component.

[0035] For example, the acquisition unit 13 generates airflow rate information by setting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 to satisfy the release amount of a preset functional component.

[0036] The acquisition unit 13 may also acquire airflow rate information by using a correlation table between the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 and the amount of discharge relative to the airflow rate, thereby adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the amount of the first functional component.

[0037] Furthermore, the amount of the first component estimated by the acquisition unit 13 indicates the current amount of the first component in the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12. Since the amount of the first component in the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 gradually decreases over time, the acquisition unit 13 is configured to estimate the current amount of the first component in the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 at predetermined intervals or in real time in order to appropriately release the desired amount of component. The acquisition unit 13 stores the estimated current amount of the first component in the storage unit 14 and updates the information to the latest information.

[0038] For example, as shown in Figure 2B, an external server may estimate the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 as described above. The external server may generate airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the estimated amount of the first functional component. In this case, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire the airflow rate information from an external server as shown in Figure 2B. In this case, the acquisition unit 13 may be, for example, an input interface, a wireless or wired communication unit, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, if the functions for estimating the amount of the first functional component and generating airflow rate information are installed on an external server, the external server and the functional component release device 1 may function as a single functional component release system. In other words, the functional component release device 1 may be replaced with a functional component release system. In this case, the control unit 15 can also communicate with an external network and device via the acquisition unit 13 of the functional component release device 1 to acquire airflow rate information.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2A, the control unit 15 is configured using a computer including a processor, memory, and recording medium. The control unit 15 is connected to the acquisition unit 13 and other components, and can comprehensively control the operation of the functional component release device 1. Specifically, the control unit 15 can control the airflow rate of the air source 11 based on the airflow rate information acquired by the acquisition unit 13 using a pre-installed computer program.

[0041] The storage unit 14 is a recording medium that stores information necessary for information processing performed by, for example, the acquisition unit 13 and the control unit 15. The storage unit 14 stores the amount of the first component of the functional component contained in the functional component holding member 12. The information necessary for information processing also includes computer programs executed by the acquisition unit 13 and the control unit 15. The computer programs are, for example, so-called application programs that are pre-installed in the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0042] The power supply unit 16 can supply power to each of the following components: the wind power source 11, the power acquisition unit 13, the control unit 15, and the storage unit 14. The power supply unit 16 is composed of a circuit board on which multiple circuit components are mounted. For example, the power supply unit 16 supplies power to the wind power source 11, the power acquisition unit 13, the control unit 15, and the storage unit 14, etc., by receiving commercial AC power and converting it to a predetermined power (for example, DC power), or by supplying power from a replaceable built-in battery.

[0043] The functional component emission device 1 may further include a color sensor 18.

[0044] The color sensor 18 is a sensor capable of detecting the color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12. Specifically, the color sensor 18 irradiates the functional component holding member 12 with light and detects the light reflected from the functional component holding member 12. The color sensor 18 identifies the color of an object by analyzing the wavelength components of the detected light. For example, the color sensor 18 has a photodiode or photoelectric conversion element that individually detects the light of each RGB (red, green, blue) component and determines the color of the object's surface by measuring the intensity of each component. In this way, the color sensor 18 can perform real-time monitoring to detect changes or abnormalities in the color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12. The color sensor 18 outputs color information indicating the detected color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12 to the acquisition unit 13.

[0045] The acquisition unit 13 can estimate the amount of the second functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the color information indicating the surface color of the functional component holding member 12 detected by the color sensor 18. Specifically, the acquisition unit 13 can correct the amount of the first component based on the estimated amount of the second component, generate airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the corrected amount of the first component, and acquire the airflow rate information.

[0046] Furthermore, if there are multiple types of functional components in the functional component holding member 12, the color sensor 18 can detect each color and even subtle color differences.

[0047] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 may also notify the user of the time to refill (replenish) or replace the functional component retaining member 12 based on color information indicating the color of the surface of the functional component retaining member 12 detected by the color sensor 18, using a notification unit or the like. The notification unit may be, for example, a light source that emits light, an acoustic device that emits sound, or the like.

[0048] <Example of operation 1> Next, we will explain example 1 of the operation of the functional component release device 1, referring to Figures 3 to 4B.

[0049] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 1 of the functional component release device 1. Figure 4A is a diagram showing the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the amount of the first functional component on the horizontal axis. Figure 4A shows the relationship between the amount of release and the amount of the first functional component for both high and low airflow rates. Figure 4B is another diagram showing the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the amount of the first functional component on the horizontal axis. Figure 4B shows the relationship between the amount of release and the amount of the first functional component for both high and low airflow rates, and also shows the user's desired release amount.

[0050] First, as shown in Figure 3, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on at least one of the following: the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 by the wind power source 11, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information about the functional component holding member 12, as well as the usage time of the functional component holding member 12 (S11).

[0051] For example, the acquisition unit 13 uses the pre-configured Figure 4A to estimate the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12, as shown in Figure 4B, based on the amount of air blown by the wind source 11 onto the functional component holding member 12 and the usage time of the functional component holding member 12. The acquisition unit 13 stores the estimated amount of the first functional component in the storage unit 14.

[0052] Next, the acquisition unit 13 generates airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the estimated amount of the first component of the functional component, and acquires the airflow rate information (S12). For example, the acquisition unit 13 may use a correlation table (Figure 4A) between the amount of the first component of the functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 and the discharge amount relative to the airflow rate to generate airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the amount of the first component, and acquire the airflow rate information. The acquisition unit 13 outputs the acquired airflow rate information to the control unit 15.

[0053] Next, the control unit 15 controls the airflow rate of the air source 11 based on the airflow rate information acquired from the acquisition unit 13 (S13). As a result, the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 is adjusted by the control unit 15 controlling the air source 11 based on the airflow rate information.

[0054] Then, the process for the functional component release device 1 is stopped, and the same operation is repeated, returning to step S11.

[0055] This is because, as the transport gas is blown onto the functional component holding member 12, the amount of the first functional component contained in the functional component holding member 12 is expected to gradually decrease. For this reason, the acquisition unit 13 is required to acquire airflow rate information at predetermined intervals or in real time by estimating the current amount of the first functional component contained in the functional component holding member 12, and the control unit 15 is required to control the airflow source 11 based on the acquired airflow rate information. In other words, since the acquisition unit 13 generates airflow rate information corresponding to the amount of the first functional component which changes according to the usage time of the functional component holding member 12, the control unit 15 can control the airflow source 11 according to this usage time.

[0056] This case will be explained with reference to Figures 4C and 4D.

[0057] Figure 4C shows the relationship between the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 (vertical axis) and the usage time (horizontal axis). In Figure 4C, humidity and temperature change over time, and the control unit 15 controls the wind power source 11 based on the airflow rate information to intermittently adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11. Figure 4C is merely one example of control by the control unit 15; the control unit 15 may also adjust the wind power source 11 continuously.

[0058] Figure 4D shows the relationship between the amount of functional component released on the vertical axis and the amount of the first functional component in the functional component holding member 12 (current amount of the first functional component) on the horizontal axis. Figure 4D shows the relationship between the amount of release and the amount of the first functional component for both high and low airflow rates. Furthermore, Figure 4D shows that the amount has been updated to the estimated current amount of the first functional component.

[0059] The acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12, as shown in Figure 4D, by taking into account the amount of air blown by the wind source 11 onto the functional component holding member 12, the usage time of the functional component holding member 12, and the temperature and humidity of the intake air shown in Figure 4D.

[0060] For example, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of functional components released from the time the functional component release device 1 is put into use, based on the usage time of the functional component holding member 12, the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 by the wind power source 11, and the temperature and humidity of the intake air. The acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first functional component (new amount of the first functional component) contained in the functional component holding member 12 by subtracting the estimated amount of release from the amount of the functional component (initial value) contained in the functional component holding member 12 at the time the functional component release device 1 is put into use. The acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first functional component at predetermined intervals or in real time. Each time the acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first functional component, it updates the current amount of the first functional component (overwrites the old amount with the new amount of the first functional component) and stores the updated current amount of the first functional component in the storage unit 14.

[0061] As a result, the control unit 15 can control the airflow rate of the air source 11 based on updated airflow rate information corresponding to the current amount of the first component. Therefore, the amount of air blown can be adjusted according to the current amount of the functional component contained in the functional component holding member.

[0062] <Example of operation 2> Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of operation 2 of the functional component emission device 1 further equipped with a color sensor 18 will be described.

[0063] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing example 2 of the operation of the functional component release device 1. In this example, explanations of operations that are the same as those in example 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] First, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 (S11).

[0065] Next, the color sensor 18 detects the color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12 (S12a). The color sensor 18 outputs color information indicating the detected surface color of the functional component holding member 12 to the acquisition unit 13.

[0066] Next, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of the second functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on the color information indicating the surface color of the functional component holding member 12 detected by the color sensor 18 (S12b).

[0067] Next, the acquisition unit 13 corrects the first component amount based on the estimated second component amount, generates airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the corrected first component amount, and acquires the airflow rate information (S12c). The acquisition unit 13 outputs the acquired airflow rate information to the control unit 15.

[0068] Next, the control unit 15 controls the airflow rate of the air source 11 based on the airflow rate information acquired from the acquisition unit 13 (S13).

[0069] Then, the process for the functional component release device 1 is stopped, and the same operation is repeated, returning to step S11. As a result, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12, based on, for example, the amount of air blown onto the functional component holding member 12 by the wind source 11 and the usage time of the functional component holding member 12. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the second functional component held in the functional component holding member 12, based on the color information indicating the surface color of the functional component holding member 12 detected by the color sensor 18.

[0070] In other words, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first component and the current amount of the second component at predetermined intervals or in real time. Each time the acquisition unit 13 estimates the current amount of the first component, it also estimates the current amount of the second component. Based on the estimated current amount of the second component, the acquisition unit 13 corrects the current amount of the first component and updates it to the corrected current amount of the first component (overwriting the old amount of the first component with the new amount of the first component), thereby storing the corrected current amount of the first component in a recording medium such as memory.

[0071] As a result, the control unit 15 can control the airflow rate of the air source 11 based on the corrected current airflow rate information corresponding to the amount of the first component. Therefore, the amount of air blown can be adjusted according to the current amount of the functional component contained in the functional component holding member.

[0072] <Effects and Effects> Next, the effects and benefits of the functional component release device 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0073] As described above, the functional component release device 1 of the technology 1 according to this embodiment comprises a functional component holding member 12 that holds functional components, a wind power source 11 that blows a transport gas to the functional component holding member 12, an acquisition unit 13 that acquires airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11, which is derived based on the amount of functional components held in the functional component holding member 12, and a control unit 15 that controls the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 based on the airflow rate information acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

[0074] According to this, the acquisition unit 13 can acquire airflow rate information based on the amount of functional components held in the functional component holding member 12, which is derived by understanding the current amount of components. In other words, although the amount of functional components contained in the functional component holding member 12 changes with use, the acquisition unit 13 can acquire airflow rate information corresponding to this change.

[0075] Therefore, this functional component release device 1 can release the desired functional component.

[0076] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 of Technology 2 according to this embodiment is the functional component release device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, the acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on at least one of the following: the airflow rate of the wind power source 11, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information concerning the functional component holding member 12, and the usage time of the functional component holding member 12. It then generates airflow rate information to adjust the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the estimated amount of the first functional component, and acquires the airflow rate information.

[0077] According to this, the current amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 can be estimated. Although the amount of the functional component contained in the functional component holding member 12 changes with use, the acquisition unit 13 can generate airflow rate information corresponding to the changing current amount of the first functional component. Therefore, even if the functional component release device 1 is used for a long period of time, it can be expected that the functional component desired by the user will be released.

[0078] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 of Technology 3 according to this embodiment is the functional component release device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, it is further equipped with a color sensor 18 that detects the color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12. The acquisition unit 13 estimates the amount of a first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 based on at least one of the following: the airflow rate of the wind power source 11, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information concerning the functional component holding member 12, as well as the usage time of the functional component holding member 12. Based on the color information indicating the color of the surface of the functional component holding member 12 detected by the color sensor 18, it estimates the amount of a second functional component held in the functional component holding member 12. Based on the estimated amount of the second functional component, it corrects the amount of the first functional component, generates airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the corrected amount of the first functional component, and acquires the airflow rate information.

[0079] According to this, the current amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 can be estimated. In addition, the current amount of the second functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 can also be estimated by the color sensor 18. Then, by correcting the current amount of the first functional component by taking the current amount of the second functional component into account, the current amount of the first functional component can be estimated with greater accuracy.

[0080] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 of Technology 4 according to this embodiment is the functional component release device 1 described in Technology 2 or 3. In this case, the acquisition unit 13 uses a correlation table between the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member 12 and the release amount relative to the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 to generate airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source 11 according to the amount of the first functional component, and acquires the airflow rate information.

[0081] According to this, by using a correlation table, airflow rate information corresponding to the amount of the first component can be easily generated, thereby suppressing an increase in the processing load in the acquisition unit 13.

[0082] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 of Technology 5 according to this embodiment is the functional component release device 1 described in Technology 2 or 3. In this case, the functional component holding member 12 is a porous material impregnated with a liquid raw material containing functional components.

[0083] According to this, if the functional component holding member 12 is a porous material, it is expected that the impregnated liquid raw material will volatilize more slowly compared to simply placing the liquid raw material in a container, because it has many small holes. Even if the air source 11 does not blow air for a long period of time, the functional components will be retained in the functional component holding member 12 for a long time, thus suppressing excessive volatilization of the liquid raw material.

[0084] Furthermore, by blowing the transport gas from the air source 11 onto the functional component holding member 12, the functional components can be volatilized, thus allowing for the continuous release of functional components into the surrounding space.

[0085] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 of Technology 6 according to this embodiment is the functional component release device 1 described in any one of Technology 1 to 5. In this case, it is further equipped with a filling mechanism 17 that can refill the functional component holding member 12 with functional components.

[0086] According to this, if the amount of functional components in the functional component holding member 12 decreases, the functional components can be easily replenished in the functional component holding member 12 by operating the filling mechanism 17. This improves the convenience of the functional component release device 1 for the user.

[0087] (Other variations) Although the functional component release device relating to this disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may also be included in the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0088] For example, a functional component release device may be configured as a functional component release system. For instance, a functional component release device has components including at least one intake port, an outlet port, a transport path, a wind power source, a functional component holding member, an acquisition unit, and a control unit, and these components function in coordination with each other. Furthermore, the components of a functional component release device may not only operate independently but may also be designed to function as part of a functional component release system as a whole. Therefore, a functional component release device is not limited to operating as a standalone unit, but can also be used as part of an overall functional component release system, and can be used as a component of a functional component release system.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit and acquisition unit included in the functional component emission device according to the above embodiment are typically implemented as LSIs, which are integrated circuits. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0090] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be achieved using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0091] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0092] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0093] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each of the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Functional component release device 11 Wind source 12 Functional component holding member 13 Acquisition Department 15 Control Unit 17 Filling mechanism 18-color sensor

Claims

1. A functional component holding member that holds the functional component, A wind source for blowing conveying gas onto the functional component holding member, An acquisition unit that acquires airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source, which is derived based on the amount of the functional component held in the functional component holding member, The system includes a control unit that controls the airflow rate of the wind power source based on the airflow rate information acquired by the acquisition unit. Functional component release device.

2. The acquisition unit is, Based on at least one of the following: the airflow rate of the wind power source, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information concerning the functional component holding member, and the usage time of the functional component holding member, the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member is estimated. The system generates airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source according to the estimated amount of the first component of the functional component, and acquires the airflow rate information. The functional component release device according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it is equipped with a color sensor that detects the color of the surface of the functional component holding member, The acquisition unit is, Based on at least one of the following: the airflow rate of the wind power source, the temperature and humidity of the intake air, and information concerning the functional component holding member, and the usage time of the functional component holding member, the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member is estimated. Based on the color information indicating the surface color of the functional component holding member detected by the color sensor, the amount of the second functional component held in the functional component holding member is estimated. Based on the estimated amount of the second component, the amount of the first component is corrected. The system generates airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind power source according to the corrected amount of the first component, and acquires the airflow rate information. The functional component release device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit generates airflow rate information for adjusting the airflow rate of the wind source according to the amount of the first functional component held in the functional component holding member, by using a correlation table between the amount of the first functional component and the amount of discharge relative to the airflow rate of the wind source, and acquires the airflow rate information. A functional component release device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The functional component holding member is a porous material impregnated with a liquid raw material containing the functional component. A functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Furthermore, the facility includes a filling mechanism that can refill the functional component holding member with the functional component. A functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images