Functional component release device

Abstract

The present invention provides a functional component release device that can avoid inhibiting the release of the desired functional component. [Solution] Functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c include a raw material storage unit 15 for storing raw materials for functional components, an airflow generating unit 14 for generating a flow of transport gas, a main path 13 connecting an intake port 11 to an outlet port 12, a component removal path 17 having a functional component removal unit 17a for removing functional components contained in the transport gas, a bypass path 16 through which the transport gas does not pass the raw material storage unit 15, a first path switching mechanism 21 for switching between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transport gas flows and a path through which the transport gas passes the bypass path 16, a second path switching mechanism 22 for switching between the main path 13 and a path through which the transport gas passes the component removal path 17, and a control unit 19 for controlling the airflow generating unit 14, the first path switching mechanism 21, and the second path switching mechanism 22.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aroma generating system having an aroma generating unit that can generate one or more types of aromas and uses a plurality of aroma generating methods.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an aroma providing device including an aroma generating means capable of generating a plurality of types of fragrances, a transport pipe for transporting the aroma generated from the aroma generating means and discharging it at a discharge port, and a cleaning means for feeding a cleaning liquid into the transport pipe to clean the inside of the transport pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the aroma generating system of Patent Document 1, when one type of aroma is generated, this aroma component remains inside the aroma generating system. Therefore, later, when generating a different type of aroma from the previous one, the previous aroma and the different type of aroma may mix and inhibit the functional component to be released.

[0006] Therefore, in Patent Document 2, the inside of the transport pipe is cleaned by feeding a cleaning liquid into the transport pipe. However, when the cleaning liquid is fed, an aroma different from the original aroma is discharged from the aroma providing device to the outside, and as a result, there is a problem that the functional component to be discharged is inhibited.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a functional component release device that can avoid inhibiting the functional components that are to be released. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A functional component release device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a functional component release device for introducing a transport gas and releasing a functional component contained in the transport gas, comprising: at least one raw material storage section for storing the raw material of the functional component in a replenishable manner; an airflow generating section for generating the flow of the transport gas; an intake port for introducing the transport gas into the functional component release device; an outlet port for releasing the transport gas to the outside of the functional component release device; a main path connecting the intake port to the outlet port via the airflow generating section and the raw material storage section; and connected to the main path and contained in the transport gas. The system includes: a component removal path having a functional component removal unit for removing the functional components; a bypass path connected to the main path, through which the transport gas does not pass the raw material storage unit; a first path switching mechanism for switching between the main path from the intake port to the outlet through which the transport gas flows and a path through which the transport gas passes the bypass path; a second path switching mechanism for switching between the main path from the intake port to the outlet through which the transport gas flows and a path through which the transport gas passes the component removal path; and a control unit for controlling the airflow generation unit, the first path switching mechanism, and the second path switching mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a functional component release device can be made so as not to inhibit the functional component to be released. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a functional component release device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 1 of the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 2 of the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 3 of the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a functional component release device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is another schematic diagram showing a functional component release device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 4 of the functional component release device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same component is denoted by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration and function of the functional component release device 1 will be described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0016] The functional component release device 1 is a device for allowing a carrier gas to flow in and releasing the functional component by including it in the carrier gas. The carrier gas is, for example, air, but may be a known gas other than air as long as it can include and release the functional component.

[0017] The functional component release device 1 is used, for example, in a space within a building. The building is, for example, a single-family house, an apartment house, an office building, etc.

[0018] The functional component release device 1 generates the functional component by volatilizing the functional component contained in a solid or liquid or by spraying it as liquid droplets. Thereby, the functional component release device 1 can spray the functional component desired by the user into the space.

[0019] The functional component is a fragrance component, a deodorizing component, etc.

[0020] The functional component release device 1 can place the functional component on the carrier gas and spray it into the air by a vaporization method, a heating method, and a misting method. The vaporization method is a method of generating wind to place the functional component on the carrier gas and spray it into the space. The heating method is a method of raising the temperature of the raw material of the functional component to place the functional component on the carrier gas and spray it into the space. The misting method is a method of misting the liquid containing the functional component by ultrasonic vibration or the like and placing the misted functional component on the carrier gas and spraying it into the space.

[0021] The functional component release device 1 comprises an intake port 11, an outlet port 12, a main path 13, an airflow generating unit 14, at least one raw material storage unit 15, a first path switching mechanism 21, a bypass path 16, a second path switching mechanism 22, a component removal path 17, and a control unit 19. The at least one raw material storage unit 15, the airflow generating unit 14, the main path 13, the component removal path 17, the bypass path 16, the first path switching mechanism 21, the second path switching mechanism 22, and the control unit 19 are housed in a housing 10.

[0022] The air intake port 11 is formed in the housing 10, allowing the transport gas to be introduced into the functional component release device 1.

[0023] The discharge port 12 is formed in the housing 10, and the transport gas introduced into the functional component discharge device 1 can be discharged to the outside of the functional component discharge device 1.

[0024] The main path 13 is a path connecting the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, and passes through the airflow generation unit 14, the first path switching mechanism 21, the raw material storage unit 15, and the second path switching mechanism 22.

[0025] The airflow generating unit 14 is provided in the main path 13 and generates an airflow of the transport gas in the main path 13, thereby drawing the transport gas in through the intake port 11 and releasing the transport gas containing the functional components through the outlet port 12. For example, if the functional component release device 1 is a vaporization type, the airflow generating unit 14 is a fan or the like. In the case of the functional component release device 1, a heater may also be provided. In the case of the functional component release device 1 is a misting type, an ultrasonic generator may also be provided.

[0026] The raw material storage unit 15 is located in the main path 13, downstream of the airflow generation unit 14 (i.e., on the discharge port 12 side) and upstream of the second path switching mechanism 22 (i.e., on the intake port 11 side). In other words, the raw material storage unit 15 is located between the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22.

[0027] The raw material storage unit 15 can store functional component raw materials in a replenishable manner. In other words, the raw material storage unit 15 is configured to allow for the replacement of functional component raw materials. For example, the raw material storage unit 15 can be provided in the main path 13 by connecting a cartridge containing functional component raw materials to the housing 10. Multiple raw material storage units 15 can also be provided, allowing for the release of multiple types of functional components without changing cartridges.

[0028] The first path switching mechanism 21 is provided in the main path 13 and is positioned between the airflow generation unit 14 and the raw material storage unit 15. The first path switching mechanism 21 can switch between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transported gas flows (a path in which the transported gas flows only through the main path 13 via the raw material storage unit 15) and a path in which the transported gas passes through a bypass path 16 connected to the main path 13.

[0029] The bypass route 16 is connected to the main route 13 and is a route through which the transported gas does not pass through the raw material storage unit 15. Specifically, the bypass route 16 branches off from the first route switching mechanism 21 of the main route 13, bypasses the raw material storage unit 15, and is connected to the main route 13 between the raw material storage unit 15 and the second route switching mechanism 22. The first route switching mechanism 21 can be said to be located at the branching point between the main route 13 and the bypass route 16. Therefore, when the first route switching mechanism 21 switches the main route 13 to the route that passes through the bypass route 16, the transported gas will reach the second route switching mechanism 22 without passing through the raw material storage unit 15.

[0030] The second route switching mechanism 22 is provided in the main route 13 and is located downstream of the raw material storage section 15. The second route switching mechanism 22 can switch between the main route 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows (a route in which the transport gas flows only through the main route 13 via the raw material storage section 15) and a route in which the transport gas passes through the component removal route 17.

[0031] The component removal path 17 is connected to the main path 13 and has a functional component removal section 17a that removes functional components contained in the transported gas. Specifically, the component removal path 17 branches off from the second path switching mechanism 22 of the main path 13 and is connected to the main path 13 between the second path switching mechanism 22 and the discharge port 12 via the functional component removal section 17a. The second path switching mechanism 22 can be said to be located at the branching point between the main path 13 and the component removal path 17. Therefore, when the second path switching mechanism 22 switches the path from the second path switching mechanism 22 of the main path 13 to the discharge port 12 directly to the component removal path 17 via the functional component removal section 17a, the transported gas will reach the discharge port 12 via the functional component removal section 17a.

[0032] The component removal path 17 is configured to allow for the replacement of the functional component removal unit 17a. Any known functional component removal unit 17a can be used as long as it is capable of removing functional components from the transport gas.

[0033] The functional component removal unit 17a may be, for example, a filter arranged in the component removal path 17 that is capable of removing functional components, an ozone generator capable of decomposing and removing functional components contained in the transport gas, or a deodorizing component generator capable of removing functional components contained in the transport gas by rendering them inactive. Alternatively, any other known structure may be arranged in the component removal path 17 as long as it is capable of removing functional components contained in the transport gas. The filter is, for example, an air filter such as a HEPA filter, and is a filter that does not require electricity. The deodorizing component generator or the like is a device that is driven by electricity. If the functional component removal unit 17a is a deodorizing component generator or the like, it may be activated under control by the control unit 19 to remove functional components.

[0034] The control unit 19 can control the airflow generation unit 14, the first path switching mechanism 21, and the second path switching mechanism 22. Specifically, the control unit 19 can adjust the concentration or amount of functional components to be included in the transported gas by controlling the output of the airflow generation unit 14. The control unit 19 can also control the switching between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows, and the path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path 16 connected to the main path 13, by controlling the first path switching mechanism 21. Furthermore, the control unit 19 can control the switching between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows, and the path through which the transported gas passes via the component removal path 17 connected to the main path 13, by controlling the second path switching mechanism 22.

[0035] Furthermore, if the functional component removal unit 17a is a deodorizing component generator or the like, the control unit 19 can remove the functional components flowing through the component removal path 17 by controlling the functional component removal unit 17a in conjunction with the second path switching mechanism 22 when controlling the second path switching mechanism 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the functional component release device 1 may also include an input unit 18. For example, when replacing the raw material (cartridge) of the functional component, the user may input first information indicating the previously used functional component and second information indicating the replaced functional component into the input unit 18, thereby inputting both the first and second information into the input unit 18.

[0037] In this embodiment, the "path" refers to, for example, a guide path composed of a transport pipe through which the transport gas flows, or the inner wall of the housing 10 through which the transport gas flows.

[0038] <Example of operation 1> Next, we will describe an example of operation 1 of the functional component release device 1 with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 1 of the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 3, in this embodiment, when the raw material of the functional component is replaced, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the path. Here, an example of the operation when switching the path when the raw material (cartridge) of the functional component is replaced will be explained in detail.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 3, the functional component release device 1 is in a standby state, waiting for instructions from the user. When any instruction is input from the user to this functional component release device 1, the functional component release device 1 is activated in accordance with the instruction. For example, the functional component release device 1 acquires an instruction to release a functional component and an instruction for the functional component to be released, and prepares to release the functional component according to the acquired instruction and instruction. At this time, the functional component release device 1 is aware of the amount of functional component stored in the raw material storage unit 15 (the current amount of component). For example, the functional component release device 1 is aware of the current amount of component by calculating the current amount from the operating time or by acquiring the current amount of component stored in the memory unit. If the current amount of component is less than a predetermined amount, the functional component release device 1 can notify the user to prompt replacement of the functional component raw material.

[0042] If the current amount of a functional component is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the functional component release device 1 performs the following processing.

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 19 acquires replacement information indicating that the raw material for the functional component has been replaced (S11). For example, the control unit 19 may acquire replacement information from a sensor or switch that detects when a cartridge has been replaced in the raw material storage unit 15. Alternatively, the control unit 19 may acquire replacement information by inputting it into the input unit 18 mounted on the functional component release device 1.

[0044] Next, if the raw materials of a functional component are replaced, the control unit 19 determines whether the functional component used previously is different from the replaced functional component (S12). For example, the control unit 19 may perform the above determination by obtaining first information indicating the functional component used previously and second information indicating the replaced functional component from the input unit 18. Alternatively, when replacing the raw materials (cartridges) of a functional component, the control unit 19 may perform the above determination by obtaining first information indicating the functional component used previously from a recording medium such as memory mounted on the cartridge containing the raw materials of the previously used functional component, and second information indicating the replaced functional component from a recording medium such as memory mounted on the cartridge containing the raw materials of the replaced functional component.

[0045] If the raw materials for the functional component are replaced, the control unit 19 determines that the components of the raw materials used previously and the components of the replaced raw materials for the functional component are the same (NO in S12), and then terminates the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(b) and Figure 3, if the raw material of the functional component is replaced, the control unit 19 determines that the components of the raw material of the functional component used previously are different from those of the replaced raw material of the functional component (YES in S12), and performs an operation to remove residual functional components in the main path 13 before releasing the replaced raw material of the functional component in the transport gas. Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path in which the transport gas passes through the bypass path 16. Furthermore, the control unit 19 controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path in which the transport gas passes through the component removal path 17. Furthermore, if the functional component removal unit 17a is a deodorizing component generator or the like, the control unit 19 controls the functional component removal unit 17a in conjunction with the second path switching mechanism 22 when controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, thereby removing the functional components flowing through the component removal path 17.

[0047] Next, after switching the route by controlling the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 controls the airflow generating unit 14 for a predetermined period of time to draw in the transport gas from the intake port 11 and release it from the outlet port 12 (S13). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generating unit 14 and the first route switching mechanism 21 of the main route 13, bypasses the raw material storage unit 15, goes through the bypass route 16 to the main route 13, and is released from the outlet port 12 via the functional component removal unit 17a of the component removal route 17 via the second route switching mechanism 22. In other words, functional components remaining in the main route 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 are carried on the transport gas and released from the outlet port 12.

[0048] Next, the control unit 19 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22 were controlled to switch routes (S14).

[0049] If the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S14), it repeats the process in step S14.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 3, when the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S14), it controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the path that goes through the bypass path 16 and the component removal path 17 to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transported gas flows (the main path 13 that does not go through the bypass path 16 and the component removal path 17) (S15). As a result, the transported gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generation section 14, the first path switching mechanism 21 and the raw material storage section 15 of the main path 13 to contain functional components, and is then discharged from the discharge port 12 via the second path switching mechanism 22. In other words, as the transported gas passes through the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, it is discharged from the discharge port 12 having contained functional components in the raw material storage section 15. This allows the functional component release device 1 to disperse the replaced functional component into the space without mixing it with the previously used functional component.

[0051] This concludes the example of operation of the functional component release device 1 shown in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0052] <Example of operation 2> Next, we will describe example 2 of the operation of the functional component release device 1 with reference to Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 4.

[0053] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation 2 of the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the raw material for the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit 15, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the path. Here, an example of operation when switching the path when the raw material (cartridge) for the functional component is removed will be described in detail. In this example of operation, explanations of processes similar to those in Operation Example 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] First, as shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 4, the control unit 19 acquires removal information indicating that the functional component raw material has been removed from the raw material storage unit 15 (S11a). For example, the control unit 19 may acquire removal information by means of a sensor or switch that detects that a cartridge has been removed from the raw material storage unit 15. Alternatively, the control unit 19 may acquire removal information by inputting it into the input unit 18 mounted on the functional component release device 1.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 2(b) and Figure 3, when the raw material for the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit 15, the control unit 19 switches the path to remove residual functional components in the main path 13 before releasing the newly installed raw material for the functional component in the transport gas (S12a). Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path in which the transport gas passes through the bypass path 16. Furthermore, the control unit 19 controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path in which the transport gas passes through the component removal path 17.

[0057] Next, after switching the route by controlling the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 controls the airflow generating unit 14 for a predetermined period of time to draw in the transport gas from the intake port 11 and release it from the outlet port 12 (S13). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generating unit 14 and the first route switching mechanism 21 of the main route 13, bypasses the raw material storage unit 15, goes through the bypass route 16 to the main route 13, and is released from the outlet port 12 via the functional component removal unit 17a of the component removal route 17 via the second route switching mechanism 22. In other words, functional components remaining in the main route 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 are carried on the transport gas and released from the outlet port 12.

[0058] Next, the control unit 19 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22 were controlled to switch routes (S14).

[0059] If the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S14), it repeats the process in step S14.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 4, when the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S14), it controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the path that goes through the bypass path 16 and the component removal path 17 to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transported gas flows (the main path 13 that does not go through the bypass path 16 and the component removal path 17) (S15). As a result, the transported gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generation section 14, the first path switching mechanism 21 and the raw material storage section 15 of the main path 13 to contain functional components, and is then discharged from the discharge port 12 via the second path switching mechanism 22. In other words, as the transported gas passes through the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, it is discharged from the discharge port 12 having contained functional components in the raw material storage section 15. This allows the functional component release device 1 to disperse the replaced functional component into the space without mixing it with the previously used functional component.

[0061] This concludes the example of operation of the functional component release device 1 shown in the flowchart of Figure 4.

[0062] <Example of operation 3> Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, we will describe in detail an example of operation 3 in which the functional component release device 1 is provided with multiple raw material storage sections 15.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the functional component release device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0064] Here, it is assumed that the raw material storage unit 15 has a first raw material storage unit 15a for storing the first raw material of the first functional component, and a second raw material storage unit 15b for storing the second raw material of the second functional component, which is a different raw material from the first raw material of the first functional component. In this case, the first route switching mechanism 21 is controlled by the control unit 19 to switch between two of the following routes: the main route 13 through which the transported gas passes via the first raw material storage unit 15a, the main route 13 through which the transported gas passes via the second raw material storage unit 15b, and the bypass route 16. Although two raw material storage units 15 have been described here, the system is not limited to this, and there may be three or more raw material storage units 15. Furthermore, the second raw material of the second functional component, which is a different raw material from the first raw material of the first functional component, means that the functional component and raw material are different.

[0065] First, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 6, the control unit 19 acquires a signal to switch from the transport gas containing the first functional component to the transport gas containing the second functional component and release it to the outside of the functional component release device 1 (S21). For example, if the user wishes to switch from releasing the transport gas containing the first functional component to releasing the transport gas containing the second functional component, or if the raw material for the first functional component runs out, the control unit 19 releases the transport gas containing the second functional component as requested by the user. The user wishing to switch from releasing the transport gas containing the first functional component to releasing the transport gas containing the second functional component is, for example, when the user inputs a switch to the input unit 18. Alternatively, the control unit 19 may acquire information indicating that the raw material for the first functional component has run out from the recording medium of the cartridge storing the raw material.

[0066] Next, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6, when switching from a transport gas containing the first functional component to a transport gas containing the second functional component and releasing it to the outside of the functional component release device 1, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, through which the transport gas passes the first raw material storage unit 15a, to a path through which the transport gas passes the bypass path 16. Furthermore, by controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 switches the transport gas to a path through which the transport gas passes the component removal path 17 (S22). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generation unit 14 and the first path switching mechanism 21 of the main path 13, bypasses the raw material storage unit 15, goes through the bypass path 16 to the main path 13, and is released from the discharge port 12 via the functional component removal unit 17a of the component removal path 17 via the second path switching mechanism 22. In other words, the first functional component remaining in the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 is carried by the transport gas and discharged from the discharge port 12. Furthermore, if the functional component removal unit 17a is a deodorizing component generator or the like, the control unit 19 controls the functional component removal unit 17a in conjunction with the second path switching mechanism 22 when controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, thereby removing the functional component flowing through the component removal path 17.

[0067] Next, the control unit 19 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22 were controlled to switch routes (S23).

[0068] If the control unit 19 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S23), it repeats the process in step S23.

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(c) and Figure 6, when the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S23), after the predetermined period has elapsed, it controls the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second route switching mechanism 22 to switch the route through which the transport gas passes via the bypass route 16 and the component removal route 17 to the main route 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 (the main route 13 that does not pass through the bypass route 16 and the component removal route 17) through the second raw material storage unit 15b (S24). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the airflow generation unit 14, the first route switching mechanism 21 and the second raw material storage unit 15b of the main route 13 to contain the second functional component, and is discharged from the discharge port 12 via the second route switching mechanism 22. In other words, as the transport gas passes through the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, it is released from the discharge port 12 containing the second functional component in the second raw material storage section 15b. This allows the functional component release device 1 to disperse the second functional component into the space without mixing it with the first functional component.

[0070] In addition, the above description explained the case of switching from releasing the first functional component on the transport gas to releasing the second functional component on the transport gas, but the reverse is also included in this embodiment. In other words, the case of switching from releasing the second functional component on the transport gas to releasing the first functional component on the transport gas is the same as described above.

[0071] This concludes the example of operation of the functional component release device 1 shown in the flowchart of Figure 6.

[0072] (modified version) Next, with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the functional component release device 1b having a third path switching mechanism 23 will be described in detail.

[0073] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram showing a functional component release device 1b according to an embodiment. Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing a functional component release device 1c according to an embodiment.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7A, the component removal path 17 of the functional component release device 1b may have a first path 117 that goes from the second path switching mechanism 22 of the main path 13 to the discharge port 12 via the functional component removal unit 17a, and a second path 118 that goes from the second path switching mechanism 22 of the main path 13 to the third path switching mechanism 23 via the functional component removal unit 17a.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7A, the functional component release device 1b may also include a third path switching mechanism 23.

[0076] The third path switching mechanism 23 may be provided in the main path 13 and positioned upstream of the airflow generating unit 14, that is, between the airflow generating unit 14 and the intake port 11. The third path switching mechanism 23 may be controlled by the control unit 19 to switch between a path in which the transport gas flows from the intake port 11 to the airflow generating unit 14 and a path in which the transport gas flows from the second path 118 to the airflow generating unit 14 in the main path 13 in order to remove functional components remaining in the main path 13.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, the functional component release device 1c may also include a fourth route switching mechanism 24. The fourth route switching mechanism 24 may be provided in the main route 13 and positioned between the raw material storage unit 15 and the second route switching mechanism 22. The fourth route switching mechanism 24 is located downstream of the bypass route 16 and at the connection point between the bypass route 16 and the main route 13. By providing the fourth route switching mechanism 24, it is possible to suppress backflow to the raw material storage unit 15 side when the transport gas is introduced via the bypass route 16.

[0078] The fourth route switching mechanism 24, controlled by the control unit 19 in conjunction with the first route switching mechanism 21, can switch between the main route 13, through the raw material storage unit 15, and the route through the bypass route 16, through which the transported gas passes. In other words, the fourth route switching mechanism 24 can switch between the route that goes to the second route switching mechanism 22 via the raw material storage unit 15 and the route that goes to the second route switching mechanism 22 via the bypass route 16.

[0079] <Example of operation 4> Next, with reference to Figures 7B, 8, and 9, an example of the operation of the functional component release device 1c having a third path switching mechanism 23 and a fourth path switching mechanism 24 will be described in detail.

[0080] Figure 8 shows the flow of the transport gas through the functional component release device 1c according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart of operation example 4 of the functional component release device 1c according to the embodiment.

[0081] Here, we assume that the component removal pathway 17 includes the first pathway 117 and the second pathway 118. Note that processes identical to those in Figures 2 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0082] First, as shown in Figure 8(b) and Figure 9, the control unit 19 acquires removal information indicating that the raw material for the functional component has been removed from the raw material storage unit 15 (S11a).

[0083] Next, when the raw material for the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit 15, the control unit 19 switches the path to remove residual functional components in the main path 13 before releasing the newly installed raw material for the functional component in the transport gas (S12b). Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the fourth path switching mechanism 24 in conjunction with the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path through which the transport gas passes via the bypass path 16. Furthermore, the control unit 19 controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path through which the transport gas passes via the second path 118. Furthermore, the control unit 19 controls the third path switching mechanism 23 to switch the main path 13, from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows, to a path through which the transport gas flows from the second path 118 to the airflow generation section 14 of the main path 13.

[0084] Next, after switching the route by controlling the first route switching mechanism 21, the second route switching mechanism 22, the third route switching mechanism 23, and the fourth route switching mechanism 24, the control unit 19 controls the airflow generating unit 14 for a predetermined period of time to draw in the transport gas from the intake port 11 and release it from the discharge port 12 (S13b). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 travels through the airflow generating unit 14, the first route switching mechanism 21, and the fourth route switching mechanism 24 of the main route 13, bypasses the raw material storage unit 15, goes through the bypass route 16 to the main route 13, and then returns to the main route 13 by going through the second route 118 via the second route switching mechanism 22 and the functional component removal unit 17a to the third route switching mechanism 23. Since the airflow generation unit 14 generates airflow toward the outlet 12, the transport gas via the second path switching mechanism 22 and the functional component removal unit 17a flows to the second path 118 instead of the first path 117. Furthermore, it is thought that the flow rate of the transport gas decreases by the amount of functional components removed by the functional component removal unit 17a. At this time, the flow rate that has passed through the functional component removal unit 17a is smaller than the suction flow rate at the airflow generation unit 14, making it difficult for the gas to flow out to the outlet 12 via the first path 117. Moreover, if the functional component removal unit 17a is a deodorizing component generator or the like, when the control unit 19 controls the second path switching mechanism 22, it controls the functional component removal unit 17a in conjunction with the second path switching mechanism 22 to remove the functional components flowing through the component removal path 17.

[0085] In other words, the transport gas is circulated in this order: airflow generation unit 14, main path 13, first path switching mechanism 21, bypass path 16, fourth path switching mechanism 24, main path 13, second path switching mechanism 22, second path 118, third path switching mechanism 23, and main path 13. As functional components remaining in the main path 13 are carried on the transport gas, the functional component removal unit 17a in the second path 118 can recover the functional components contained in the transport gas.

[0086] Next, the control unit 19 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first route switching mechanism 21, the second route switching mechanism 22, the third route switching mechanism 23, and the fourth route switching mechanism 24 were switched (S14b).

[0087] If the control unit 19 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S14b), it repeats the process in step S14b.

[0088] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 7B, 8(a), and 9, when the control unit 19 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S14b), it controls the first path switching mechanism 21, the second path switching mechanism 22, the third path switching mechanism 23, and the fourth path switching mechanism 24 to switch the transport gas from the bypass path 16 and the second path 118 to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 (the main path 13 that does not go through the bypass path 16 and the second path 118) (S15b). As a result, the transport gas drawn in from the intake port 11 passes through the third path switching mechanism 23, the airflow generation unit 14, the first path switching mechanism 21, and the raw material storage unit 15 of the main path 13 to contain functional components, and is then discharged from the discharge port 12 via the fourth path switching mechanism 24 and the second path switching mechanism 22. In other words, as the transport gas passes through the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, it is released from the discharge port 12 with the functional components already contained in the raw material storage section 15. This allows the functional component release device 1c to disperse the functional components into the air.

[0089] This concludes the example of operation of the functional component release device 1c shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0090] <Effects and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c in this embodiment will be described.

[0091] As described above, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 1 according to this embodiment are functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c for introducing a transport gas and releasing functional components contained in the transport gas, and include at least one raw material storage section 15 for storing raw materials of the functional components in a replenishable manner, an airflow generating section 14 for generating a flow of transport gas, an intake port 11 for introducing the transport gas into the interior of the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c, an outlet port 12 for releasing the transport gas to the outside of the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c, and a main path 13 connecting the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 via the airflow generating section 14 and the raw material storage section 15, and the main path 13 The system includes a component removal path 17 connected to the main path 13 and having a functional component removal unit 17a that removes functional components contained in the transport gas; a bypass path 16 connected to the main path 13, which allows the transport gas to bypass the raw material storage unit 15; a first path switching mechanism 21 that switches between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows, and a path through which the transport gas passes via the bypass path 16; a second path switching mechanism 22 that switches between the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows, and a path through which the transport gas passes via the component removal path 17; and a control unit 19 that controls the airflow generation unit 14, the first path switching mechanism 21, and the second path switching mechanism 22.

[0092] According to this, after releasing the transport gas containing functional components from the outlet 12, the transport gas can be introduced from the airflow generation unit 14 and the first path switching mechanism 21 of the main path 13 via the bypass path 16, and further from the second path switching mechanism 22 of the main path 13 via the component removal path 17, in order to recover the functional components remaining in the main path 13. As the functional components remaining in the main path 13 are recovered by the incoming transport gas, the functional component removal unit 17a of the component removal path 17 can collect the functional components contained in the transport gas (functional components remaining in the main path 13) when it passes through the component removal path 17.

[0093] Therefore, when the raw material for a functional component is replaced with the raw material for a different functional component, even if the transport gas that has passed through the functional component removal section 17a is released from the outlet 12, it is possible to suppress the release of the transport gas while it is still contained in the raw material for the functional component before the replacement. Furthermore, when the raw material for a functional component is replaced with the raw material for a different functional component, it is also possible to suppress the mixing of the functional component before the replacement and the functional component after the replacement that remains in the main path 13.

[0094] Therefore, with these functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c, it is possible to avoid inhibiting the functional component that is to be released.

[0095] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 2 according to this embodiment are the same as the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 1. In this case, the raw material storage unit 15 is configured to allow the exchange of the raw materials for the functional components.

[0096] According to this, the raw materials for the functional components desired by the user can be replaced.

[0097] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 3 according to this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 1 or 2. In this case, the component removal path 17 is configured to allow the replacement of the functional component removal unit 17a.

[0098] According to this, by replacing the functional component removal unit 17a after using the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c a certain number of times, the functional components remaining in the main path 13 can be recovered, and mixing of the functional components remaining in the main path 13 before replacement and the functional components after replacement can also be suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 4 in this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3. In this case, if the raw material for the functional component is replaced, the control unit 19, upon determining that the functional component used previously is different from the replaced functional component, controls the second path switching mechanism 22 before releasing the raw material for the replaced functional component by incorporating it into the transport gas. This switches the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path through which the transport gas passes via the component removal path 17.

[0100] This allows for the determination of whether the functional component used previously is different from the replaced functional component. Therefore, if the functional component used previously and the replaced functional component are the same, the control unit 19 does not need to automatically control the second path switching mechanism 22 to allow the transport gas carrying the remaining functional component to flow into the component removal path 17 and recover the functional component remaining in the main path 13 through the functional component removal section 17a of the component removal path 17.

[0101] On the other hand, if the functional component used previously is different from the replaced functional component, the control unit 19 automatically controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to allow the transport gas carrying the remaining functional component to flow into the component removal path 17, and the functional component remaining in the main path 13 can be recovered through the functional component removal section 17a of the component removal path 17. This prevents the previously used functional component remaining in the main path 13 from mixing with the replaced functional component.

[0102] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 5 in this embodiment are the same as the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 4. In this case, when controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 further controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows to a path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path 16.

[0103] According to this, when the raw material for a functional component is replaced, the functional component remaining in the main path 13 can be recovered without passing through the raw material storage section 15. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the functional component of the replaced raw material from being recovered by the functional component removal section 17a. As a result, the waste of the raw material for the functional component after replacement can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, the functional component emission devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 6 according to this embodiment are the functional component emission devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 4 or 5. In this case, the device includes an input unit 18 into which first information indicating the functional component used previously and second information indicating the replaced functional component are input, and the control unit 19 acquires the first information and the second information from the input unit 18.

[0105] According to this, the user can input the first information and the second information by operating the input unit 18, so the control unit 19 can determine whether the functional component used previously is different from the functional component that has been replaced.

[0106] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 7 in this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 4 or 5. In this case, the control unit 19 acquires first information indicating the components of the raw materials of the functional component that was used previously from the cartridge containing the raw materials of the functional component that was used previously, and second information indicating the components of the raw materials of the replaced functional component from the cartridge containing the raw materials of the functional component that was replaced.

[0107] According to this, the control unit 19 can automatically acquire the first and second information simply by the user replacing the cartridge. Therefore, the user can avoid the trouble of inputting the information via the input unit 18, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 8 in this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 4 or 5. In this case, when the raw material for the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit 15, the control unit 19 controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the transport gas to a path that passes through the component removal path 17.

[0109] According to this, when the raw material for the functional component is removed, the control unit 19 automatically controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to allow the transport gas carrying the remaining functional component to flow into the component removal path 17, and the functional component remaining in the main path 13 can be recovered through the functional component removal section 17a of the component removal path 17. This prevents the mixing of the previously used functional component remaining in the main path 13 with the functional component of the newly installed raw material.

[0110] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 9 according to this embodiment are the same as the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 8. In this case, when controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 further controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12 through which the transport gas flows to a path through which the transport gas passes via the bypass path 16.

[0111] According to this, when the raw material for the functional component is removed, the functional component remaining in the main pathway 13 can be recovered before the raw material for the functional component is replaced.

[0112] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 10 according to this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9. In this case, the raw material storage unit 15 has a first raw material storage unit 15a for storing the first raw material of the first functional component, and a second raw material storage unit 15b for storing the second raw material of the second functional component, which is a different raw material from the first raw material of the first functional component. The first route switching mechanism 21 is controlled by the control unit 19 and can switch between two of the following routes: the main route 13 through which the transported gas passes the first raw material storage unit 15a, the main route 13 through which the transported gas passes the second raw material storage unit 15b, and the bypass route 16.

[0113] According to this, the raw material storage unit 15 can store raw materials for multiple functional components. Therefore, the user can switch to the desired functional component.

[0114] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c of Technology 11 according to this embodiment are the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 10. In this case, when switching from a transport gas containing the first functional component to a transport gas containing the second functional component and releasing it to the outside of the functional component release devices 1, 1b, and 1c, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, via the first raw material storage unit 15a, to a path in which the transport gas passes through the bypass path 16, and further controls the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the transport gas to a path in which the transport gas passes through the component removal path 17. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to switch the path in which the transport gas passes through the bypass path 16 back to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the discharge port 12, via the second raw material storage unit 15b.

[0115] According to this, when switching from releasing the first functional component on the transport gas to releasing the second functional component on the transport gas, the control unit 19 automatically controls the first path switching mechanism 21 and the second path switching mechanism 22 to cause the transport gas carrying the remaining first functional component to flow into the bypass path 16 and the component removal path 17, and to recover the first functional component remaining in the main path 13 through the functional component removal section 17a of the component removal path 17. Therefore, mixing of the first functional component remaining in the main path 13 and the second functional component after the switch can be suppressed.

[0116] The same applies when switching from releasing the second functional component on the transport gas to releasing the first functional component on the transport gas.

[0117] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1b and 1c of Technology 12 according to this embodiment further include a third path switching mechanism 23, and the component removal path 17 has a first path 117 that goes from the second path switching mechanism 22 to the discharge port 12 via the functional component removal unit 17a, and a second path 118 that goes from the second path switching mechanism 22 to the third path switching mechanism 23 via the functional component removal unit 17a, and the third path switching mechanism 23 can be controlled by the control unit 19 to switch between a path in which the transport gas flows from the intake port 11 to the airflow generation unit 14 and a path in which the transport gas flows from the second path 118 to the airflow generation unit 14 of the main path 13, as described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9.

[0118] According to this, the transport gas inside the functional component release devices 1b and 1c can be circulated so that it returns to the main path 13 by passing through the airflow generation unit 14 and the first path switching mechanism 21 of the main path 13, bypassing the raw material storage unit 15, going through the bypass path 16 to the main path 13, and then going through the second path 118 via the second path switching mechanism 22 and the functional component removal unit 17a to the third path switching mechanism 23. For this reason, for example, when replacing the raw material for the functional component, it is no longer necessary to release the transport gas recovered by the functional component removal unit 17a from the outlet 12. In other words, while the functional component remaining inside the functional component release devices 1b and 1c is being removed by the functional component removal unit 17a, it is no longer necessary to release the transport gas from the outlet 12.

[0119] Furthermore, the functional component release devices 1b and 1c in this embodiment of Technology 13 are the same as the functional component release devices 1b and 1c described in Technology 12. At this time, if the raw materials for the functional components are removed from the raw material storage unit 15, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21 to switch the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows, to a path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path 16. Furthermore, by controlling the second path switching mechanism 22, the control unit 19 switches the path through which the transported gas passes via the second path 118. Furthermore, by controlling the third path switching mechanism 23, the control unit 19 switches the path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path 16 and the second path 118 to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 19 controls the first path switching mechanism 21, the second path switching mechanism 22, and the third path switching mechanism 23 to switch the path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path 16 and the second path 118 back to the main path 13 from the intake port 11 to the outlet port 12 through which the transported gas flows.

[0120] According to this, the control unit 19 can automatically control the first route switching mechanism 21, the second route switching mechanism 22, and the third route switching mechanism 23 to allow the transport gas carrying the remaining functional components to flow into the bypass route 16 and the second route 118, and to recover the functional components remaining in the main route 13 through the functional component removal section 17a of the second route 118. This makes it possible to suppress the mixing of the previously used functional components remaining in the main route 13 with the raw materials of the newly installed functional components.

[0121] (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.

[0122] 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 raw material storage unit, an airflow generation unit, an intake port, an outlet port, a main path, a component removal path, a bypass path, a first path switching mechanism, a second path switching mechanism, 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.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit included in the functional component emission device according to the above embodiment is typically implemented as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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]

[0128] 1, 1b, 1c Functional component release device 11 Air intake 12 Outlet 13 Main Route 14 Airflow generation section 15 Raw material storage section 15a First raw material storage section 15b Second raw material storage section 16 Bypass Route 17 Component Removal Routes 17a Functional component removal section 18 Input section 19 Control Unit 21. First Route Switching Mechanism 22 Second Route Switching Mechanism 23 Third Route Switching Mechanism 117 Route 1 118 Second Route

Claims

1. A functional component release device for introducing a transport gas and releasing functional components contained in the transport gas, At least one raw material storage section for storing the raw materials of the functional component in a replenishable manner, An airflow generating unit that generates the flow of the transport gas, An air intake port for introducing the aforementioned transport gas into the functional component release device, An outlet for releasing the aforementioned transport gas to the outside of the functional component release device, A main path connecting the intake port to the discharge port via the airflow generating unit and the raw material storage unit, A component removal path connected to the main path and having a functional component removal unit for removing the functional components contained in the transported gas, A bypass route connected to the main route, through which the transported gas does not pass through the raw material storage unit, A first path switching mechanism switches between the main path through which the transport gas flows from the intake port to the discharge port and a path through which the transport gas passes via the bypass path. A second path switching mechanism switches between the main path from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transport gas flows, and a path through which the transport gas passes via the component removal path. The system comprises the airflow generating unit, the first path switching mechanism, and a control unit that controls the second path switching mechanism. Functional component release device.

2. The raw material storage unit is configured to allow for the replacement of the raw materials for the functional components. The functional component release device according to claim 1.

3. The component removal path is configured to allow the functional component removal unit to be replaced. The functional component release device according to claim 1.

4. If the raw material of the functional component is replaced, and the control unit determines that the replaced functional component is different from the one previously used, it controls the second path switching mechanism before releasing the raw material of the replaced functional component into the transport gas, thereby switching the main path from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transport gas flows to a path through which the transport gas passes via the component removal path. A functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When controlling the second route switching mechanism, the control unit further controls the first route switching mechanism to switch the main route from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transported gas flows to a route through which the transported gas passes via the bypass route. The functional component release device according to claim 4.

6. It includes an input unit into which first information indicating the functional component used in the previous instance and second information indicating the functional component that has been replaced are input. The control unit acquires the first information and the second information from the input unit. The functional component release device according to claim 4.

7. The control unit acquires first information indicating the components of the raw material from the cartridge containing the raw material of the functional component that was used previously, and second information indicating the components of the raw material from the cartridge containing the raw material of the replaced functional component. The functional component release device according to claim 4.

8. When the raw material of the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit, the control unit controls the second path switching mechanism to switch the transport gas to a path that passes through the component removal path. The functional component release device according to claim 3.

9. When controlling the second route switching mechanism, the control unit further controls the first route switching mechanism to switch the main route from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transported gas flows to a route through which the transported gas passes via the bypass route. The functional component release device according to claim 8.

10. The raw material storage unit includes a first raw material storage unit for storing a first raw material of a first functional component, and a second raw material storage unit for storing a second raw material of a second functional component, which is a raw material different from the first raw material of the first functional component. The first route switching mechanism, controlled by the control unit, can switch between two of the following routes for the transported gas: the main route through the first raw material storage unit, the main route through the second raw material storage unit, and the bypass route. A functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. When switching from the transport gas containing the first functional component to the transport gas containing the second functional component and releasing it to the outside of the functional component release device, The control unit, The transport gas passes through the first raw material storage unit and along the main path from the intake port to the discharge port, By controlling the first path switching mechanism, the transport gas is switched to a path that passes through the bypass path, Furthermore, by controlling the second path switching mechanism, the transport gas is switched to a path that passes through the component removal path. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the transport gas is switched from the bypass path to the main path from the intake port to the discharge port, via the second raw material storage unit, by controlling the first and second path switching mechanisms. The functional component release device according to claim 10.

12. Furthermore, it is equipped with a third route switching mechanism, The component removal path includes a first path leading from the second path switching mechanism to the discharge port via the functional component removal unit, and a second path leading from the second path switching mechanism to the third path switching mechanism via the functional component removal unit. The third path switching mechanism, controlled by the control unit, can switch between a path through which the transport gas flows from the intake port to the airflow generating unit and a path through which the transport gas flows from the second path to the airflow generating unit of the main path. A functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. When the raw material of the functional component is removed from the raw material storage unit, the control unit will The main path from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transported gas flows is By controlling the first path switching mechanism, the transport gas is switched to a path that passes through the bypass path, Furthermore, by controlling the second path switching mechanism, the transport gas is switched to a path that passes through the second path. Furthermore, by controlling the third path switching mechanism, the transport gas is switched from the second path to a path in which it flows into the airflow generation section of the main path. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the path through which the transported gas passes via the bypass path and the second path is switched to the main path from the intake port to the discharge port through which the transported gas flows by controlling the first path switching mechanism, the second path switching mechanism, and the third path switching mechanism. The functional component release device according to claim 12.

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