Deodorizing device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a deodorizing device that achieves both effective and long-lasting deodorizing effects. [Solution] The deodorizing device 1 comprises a container 2 for containing the chemical agent and a housing 3 that covers the opening 2a of the container 2. The housing 3 includes a fan 4 that imparts kinetic energy to the air to cause it to flow, a drive motor 5 that drives the fan 4, a power supply 6 for operating the drive motor 5, a blower 7 that surrounds the fan 4 and the drive motor 5, and a support 9 that supports each component. The support 9 has an opening 10 that penetrates the support 9, and the opening 10 is characterized by having a first opening 10a provided within the area surrounded by the blower 7 and a second opening 10b arranged around the blower 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a deodorizing device used indoors or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a container for accommodating agents such as deodorants and fragrances, there is a deodorizing and aromatic device including a container body and a lid portion having a volatilization hole (air intake hole) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In these, the agent inside the container volatilizes through the volatilization hole, or the deodorant inside the container supplements the malodor floating in the air, thereby exerting an effect. Among these, in a container for accommodating a deodorant, in order to enhance the deodorizing effect, a battery-driven deodorizing device having a configuration including a motor and a fan is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Further, as a deodorant, a bead-shaped gel-like deodorant in which a granular water-insoluble polymer is吸水·膨潤させた (absorbed water and swelled) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It should be noted that the phrase "吸水·膨潤させた" in the original text seems to be an incomplete or incorrect expression. I have translated it as "absorbed water and swelled" based on the context, but it might need to be further clarified in the original language for a more accurate translation.Battery-powered deodorizing devices equipped with fans aim to achieve a high deodorizing effect by creating airflow with the fan and actively interacting with the deodorizer. However, there are problems such as a short period of deodorizing effect due to the rapid volatilization of the deodorizer and other chemicals, and insufficient deodorizing effect due to turbulent airflow between the intake and exhaust. Furthermore, if volatilization holes (intake holes) are placed close to the fan to enhance the deodorizing effect, there is a risk that if the container holding the chemicals tips over, the liquid chemical seeping from the gel-type deodorizer may come into contact with electrical components such as the motor through the volatilization holes (intake holes), causing malfunction. Also, if the position of the volatilization holes (intake holes) is placed far away from electrical components, it becomes impossible to place the volatilization holes (intake holes) in a position where a higher deodorizing effect can be expected.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a deodorizing device that can achieve both deodorizing effect and its duration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The deodorizing device of the present invention preferably has the following configuration. (1) A deodorizing device comprising a container section for containing a drug and a housing that covers the opening of the container, The housing comprises a fan for blowing air, a drive motor for driving the fan, a blower tube surrounding the fan and the drive motor, and a support having an opening that supports the fan, the drive motor, and the blower tube. The opening is characterized by comprising a first opening provided within the area surrounded by the air blower tube and a second opening other than the first opening.

[0007] (2) A deodorizing device according to one embodiment, in the deodorizing device described in (1), Preferably, the air blower tube protrudes both toward the container side and outward from the position of the support that supports the periphery of the air blower tube, and the lower end of the container side reaches the upper end of the container.

[0008] (3) A deodorizing device according to one embodiment, in the deodorizing device described in (1) or (2), Preferably, the fan is positioned on the upper side and the drive motor on the lower side, and the fan rotates to draw air towards the container.

[0009] (4) A deodorizing device according to one embodiment, in the deodorizing device described in any of (1) to (3), The fan preferably has two blades.

[0010] (5) A deodorizing device according to one embodiment, in the deodorizing device described in any of (1) to (4), Preferably, the opening in the support is composed of a plurality of slit holes.

[0011] (6) A deodorizing device according to one embodiment, in the deodorizing device described in any of (1) to (5), Preferably, the housing has an annular projection around the entire circumference of its inner wall, and the projection forms a groove between the inner surface of the projection and the wall surface of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The deodorizing device of the present invention makes it possible to achieve both deodorizing effect and its long-lasting effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a deodorizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view showing the internal structure of the deodorizing device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a comparison of performance based on the arrangement of the fan and drive motor and the direction of airflow. [Figure 4] This graph shows the relationship between the shape of the fan blades and the amount of deodorant used. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the airflow of the deodorizing device. [Figure 6]It is a perspective sectional view of the deodorizing device in a fallen state and a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 7] It is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the deodorizing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a view showing the deodorizing device shown in FIG. 1 separated into a container and a housing.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a deodorizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be exemplified and described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The deodorizing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed, for example, in a living room, kitchen, entrance, storage space, etc. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the deodorizing device 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the internal structure with the cover portion 8 of the deodorizing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 removed.

[0016] The deodorizing device 1 includes a container 2 for storing a chemical agent and a housing 3 that covers the container opening 2a of the container 2. The housing 3 has a fan 4 that gives kinetic energy to air and causes it to flow, a drive motor 5 that drives the fan 4, an operating power source 6 for the drive motor 5, a blower cylinder 7 that surrounds the fan 4 and the drive motor 5, and a support 9 that supports each member. The support 9 has an opening 10 that passes through the support 9, and the opening 10 is composed of a first opening 10a provided in the region surrounded by the blower cylinder 7 and a second opening 10b arranged around the blower cylinder 7. The housing 3 may have a cover portion 8 that can be separated, and the cover portion 8 preferably has a cover opening 8a. Further, it is desirable that the housing 3 is provided with a power switch 11 for controlling the on / off of the fan 4 and the drive motor 5 on the side surface.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the fan 4, the drive motor 5, the operating power source 6, and the blower cylinder 7 are supported by a support 9 provided in the housing 3. Note that the operating power source 6 may be installed at an arbitrary position inside the housing 3 instead of being installed on the support 9.

[0018] In this embodiment, the air blower 7 protrudes both toward the container 2 (container side) and toward the outside (outside) relative to the position of the support 9 that supports the air blower 7 (height position of the second opening 10b). The support 9, located within the area enclosed by the air blower 7, is located lower than the support 9 that supports the air blower 7, and supports the fan 4 and drive motor 5 from below. The first opening 10a is located in the support 9 within the area enclosed by the air blower 7, and is therefore formed closer to the drug X contained in the container 2. In this specification, the terms "up" and "down" refer to the direction in which gravity acts as "down" and the opposite direction as "up". In the deodorizing device 1, the directions are indicated based on the installation in the normal operating state, with the cover 8 at the top and the container 2 at the bottom.

[0019] To use the deodorizing device 1, the housing 3 is attached to a container 2 containing a deodorizer or other chemical X (for example, a bead-shaped gel deodorizer) so as to cover the opening 2a of the container 2. When the power switch 11 on the housing 3 is turned on, the drive motor 5 operates, causing the blades 4a of the fan 4 to rotate, drawing outside air into the deodorizing device 1 and creating airflow within the housing 3. The deodorizing device 1 produces a deodorizing effect whether the fan 4 is rotated to allow outside air to flow in through the air duct 7 or to expel deodorized air from the air duct 7. However, as described later, rotating the fan 4 to draw air into the container through the air duct 7 results in a higher deodorizing effect.

[0020] In this embodiment, a blower tube 7 surrounds the fan 4 and the drive motor 5, and the blower tube 7 protrudes both toward the container side and outward from the position of the support body 9 that supports the periphery of the blower tube 7. That is, the upper end of the blower tube 7 is close to the cover opening 8a of the cover portion 8. Also, the lower end of the blower tube 7 reaches the upper end of the container 2 and is close to the drug X. This structure separates the intake and exhaust air, preventing turbulence from occurring, thereby enhancing the deodorizing effect and stabilizing the duration of the deodorizing effect.

[0021] Figure 3 shows a comparison of performance based on the arrangement of the fan 4 and drive motor 5 and the direction of airflow. Pattern a is a structure in which the fan 4 is positioned on the upper side and the drive motor 5 is positioned on the lower side, and the fan 4 is rotated so that air is discharged through the air duct 7 (airflow direction upwards). Pattern b is a structure in which the fan 4 is positioned on the upper side and the drive motor 5 is positioned on the lower side, and the fan 4 is rotated so that air flows into the container 2 side through the air duct 7 (airflow direction downwards). Pattern c is a structure in which the fan 4 is positioned on the lower side and the drive motor 5 is positioned on the upper side, and the fan 4 is rotated so that air is discharged through the air duct 7 (airflow direction upwards). Pattern d is a structure in which the fan 4 is positioned on the lower side and the drive motor 5 is positioned on the upper side, and the fan 4 is rotated so that air flows into the container 2 side through the air duct 7 (airflow direction downwards).

[0022] The test method was as follows: [Deodorizing Efficacy Test] Trimethylamine was used as the odorant, and it was placed in a 10L airbag along with the sample so that the odor concentration reached 100 ppm. The time τ0.1 (min) when the odor concentration decreased to 1 / 10 (10 ppm) was measured. [Persistence Evaluation Test] Using bead-shaped agents, the amount of deodorant lost was measured in a constant temperature and humidity chamber under summer conditions (27°C, 65%RH).

[0023] As a result, it was found that controlling the airflow so that the air flows downwards and through the air duct 7 into the container 2 (patterns b and d) resulted in a high deodorizing effect. Furthermore, comparing patterns b and d, although pattern d had a larger airflow to the bead-shaped chemical than pattern b, the deodorizing effect was higher with pattern b, which was a surprising result. In addition, it was confirmed that pattern b, which uses indirect airflow, resulted in a smaller daily loss of chemical and a longer-lasting effect of the chemical than pattern d. Therefore, it is desirable to position the fan 4 on the upper side and the drive motor 5 on the lower side, and rotate the fan 4 to draw air into the container 2, in order to achieve both deodorizing effect and its duration.

[0024] Figure 4 is a graph showing the correlation between the shape of the fan blades and the amount of deodorant beads used. Assuming a replacement cycle for the deodorant (more than one month), the amount of deodorant beads used after 18.5 hours of operation was tested for 630g of deodorant beads, varying the number and size of the blades to confirm the degree of influence each shape had on the amount of deodorant used. Here, the degree of influence on the amount of deodorant used was confirmed using the sensitivity of the orthogonal table test in quality engineering (Taguchi method), and a lower sensitivity can be interpreted as having less influence on the amount of deodorant beads used (allowing for a longer duration). The following three types of feathers were used in the experiment: • Number of blades: 2, Blade size (length): 32mm, Incline angle: 15 degrees, Blade weight: 1.77g • Number of blades: 2, Blade size (length): 21mm, Inclination angle: 15 degrees, Blade weight: 2.21g • Number of blades: 5, Blade size (length): 21mm, Incline angle: 15 degrees, Blade weight: 3.13g

[0025] As is clear from the results graph in Figure 4, fans with two blades showed no significant difference in characteristics depending on the blade size, while fans with five blades had high sensitivity, which had a major negative impact on achieving the target duration of the deodorizing effect. Furthermore, they had the disadvantage of being heavier in weight. Fans with three blades were also tested, and their characteristics were intermediate between those of the two-blade and five-blade fans. Based on these results, it can be said that two blades are desirable for the duration of the deodorizing effect.

[0026] Figure 5 is an inclined cross-sectional view showing the airflow of the deodorizing device 1. In this embodiment, the deodorizing device 1 has a fan 4 on the upper side and a drive motor 5 on the lower side, and the fan 4 is rotated to draw air towards the container 2. The following describes each component in detail.

[0027] When the power switch 11 located on the housing 3 is turned on, the drive motor 5 operates, causing the blades 4a of the fan 4 to rotate downwards, drawing outside air into the deodorizing device 1. The rotational airflow generated by the fan 4 draws the outside air into the air duct 7, which then flows into the container 2 through the first opening 10a (see airflow A due to intake). The malodorous odors that have entered the container 2 are deodorized by the chemical X, and the deodorized air is discharged outside through the cover opening 8a via the second opening 10b (see airflow B due to exhaust).

[0028] In this embodiment, the fan 4 consists of two blades 4a. The rotation of the fan 4's rotation axis, which is connected to the drive motor 5, causes the blades 4a to rotate, creating an airflow that draws in outside air into the deodorizing device 1. The drawn-in malodorous odor then comes into contact with the chemical agent X at an appropriate airflow rate. The fan 4 is positioned so that the airflow it generates directly hits the chemical agent X, such as deodorizing beads. The airflow rate is adjusted appropriately so that air is drawn in from the outside by natural convection, such as a weak breeze. The fan 4 only needs to be configured to draw outside air into the container 2, and the number of blades 4a, the width and length of each blade, etc., can be set as appropriate. However, as mentioned above, two blades are preferable, and it is desirable that the length of one blade in the longitudinal direction be about 20 to 35 mm. In addition, the blades 4a are installed at an angle with respect to the rotation axis of the fan 4, and specifically, it is desirable that they be configured at an angle of inclination of 15 to 30 degrees. Furthermore, while a rotational speed of approximately 500 to 750 rpm is desirable for the drive motor 5, it can be appropriately selected to ensure both deodorizing effect and its duration.

[0029] The fan 4 is mounted on top of the drive motor 5, and a first opening 10a is provided in the support 9 between the fan 4 and the container 2, where the fan 4 blows air into the container 2. The airflow generated by the fan 4, driven by the drive motor 5, draws outside air into the blower 7 inside the housing 3 through the cover opening 8a. The drawn-in air is then blown into the container 2 through the first opening 10a, and the air comes into contact with the chemical X, such as deodorizing beads, inside the container 2, where it is purified. The blower 7 efficiently supplies the drawn-in outside air to the chemical X contained in the container 2.

[0030] It is desirable that the fan 4 be positioned inside the air duct 7 (at a position lower than the upper end of the air duct 7) so that the blades 4a do not come into contact with the cover opening 8a. This avoids turbulence in the intake and exhaust air inside the housing 3, allowing odors to be efficiently delivered to the deodorizing beads. In addition, the convection generated by the fan 4 causes the deodorized air in the container 2 to flow from the second opening 10b towards the top of the housing 3, and the deodorized air is discharged to the outside through the cover opening 8a.

[0031] It is desirable that the fan 4 has its blades 4a positioned a certain distance away from the chemical X, and that the airflow hitting the chemical X, such as deodorizing beads, be a weak breeze that creates natural convection. This makes it possible to suppress the volatilization of the chemical X.

[0032] Drug X is volatile (releases its effects slowly), and exerts its effects such as deodorizing, fragrance, odor removal, and insect repellent by gradually releasing the drug into the air. It can be used in various forms, such as gel, solid, granular (bead-shaped), or liquid. Although drug X is shown in gel form in Figure 5, drug X in bead form may also be used.

[0033] The air blower 7 only needs to be configured to surround the sides of the drive motor 5 and the fan 4. This prevents turbulence in intake and exhaust air inside the housing 3. Furthermore, it is desirable that the air blower 7 extends to the vicinity of the chemical agent X, such as deodorizing beads, and that the lower end on the container side reaches the upper end of the container 2. This allows for efficient supply of malodorous odors to the chemical agent X, thereby enhancing the deodorizing effect. While it is desirable that the air blower 7 completely surrounds the fan 4, slits or through holes may be provided in part to accommodate power wiring (for example, wiring connecting the drive motor 5 and the operating power supply 6).

[0034] The first intake opening 10a and the second exhaust opening 10b can be of various shapes, such as elongated rectangle, slit, circle, square, polygon, etc., and in this embodiment they are formed in an elongated slit shape. The size of the slit holes is preferably smaller than the drug X, for example, the dimension of each slit hole in the short direction is preferably smaller than the particle size of the bead-shaped drug X. This prevents the drug X in the container 2 from passing through the first opening 10a or the second opening 10b when the deodorizing device 1 is tilted, preventing the drug X from coming into contact with electrical components or spilling outside the deodorizing device 1.

[0035] The external shape of the housing 3 can be any shape that fits with the container 2, and can be a square, a rounded square, a cylinder, an ellipse, or any other shape.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that the housing 3 has an annular projection 20 that encircles the entire inner wall of the housing 3. Figure 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view (a) of the deodorizing device 1 in a tipped-over state and a magnified view of a part thereof (b). With this structure, even if the deodorizing device 1 is tipped over, the bead-shaped chemical agent X and the liquid chemical seeping out from the chemical agent X are blocked by the projection 20, so that the seeped liquid chemical does not come into contact with the drive motor 5 or operating power supply 6 of the housing 3 or flow out of the container.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the projection 20 forms a groove 21 facing the container opening 2a, which is formed by the inner surface of the projection 20 and the wall surface of the housing 3. By forming a groove 21 that opens toward the container opening 2a, the groove 21 functions as a liquid reservoir, and in the event that the deodorizing device 1 is knocked over, it is possible to further block the liquid seeping out from the bead-shaped agent X.

[0038] The groove portion 21 can be in the shape of a U, step, or other shape, and in this embodiment, a step-shaped groove portion 21 is used.

[0039] The first intake opening 10a is preferably located around the drive motor 5 and in the center of the housing 3. This allows for efficient delivery of the intake air to the container 2, and in the event that the deodorizing device 1 tips over, the projection 20 or projection 20 having a groove 21 on the inner wall of the housing 3 will catch any liquid leaking from the bead-shaped chemical, preventing the liquid from flowing out of the container 2 and coming into contact with the electrical system.

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the deodorizing device 1. Figure 8 is a view of the deodorizing device 1 separated into a container 2 and a housing 3, with the container 2 viewed from an oblique angle above and the housing 3 viewed from an oblique angle below. It is desirable that the housing 3 of the deodorizing device 1 covers more than the upper half of the container 2 and is locked in place by a fixing mechanism. This makes it easy to attach the container 2 and the housing 3, and prevents the container 2 from coming off when the deodorizing device 1 is lifted. Preferably, the method of fixing the container 2 and the housing 3 is to lock them at two points: a first fixing mechanism 30 provided on the upper part of the side of the container 2 and a second fixing mechanism 31 provided on the lower part. Specifically, the first fixing mechanism 30 consists of a first recess 30a provided on the upper part of the container 2 and a first protrusion 30b on the inner wall of the housing 3 provided at the location where it locks into the first recess 30a. The second fixing mechanism 31 consists of a second recess 31a provided below the first recess 30a of the container 2, and a second protrusion 31b provided at a location that engages with the second recess 31a. The second protrusion 31b may be provided on the housing 3, or it is preferable that it be provided on the second protrusion 31b of a hinge fixing device 32 attached to the housing 3. This makes it easy to attach and detach the housing 3 using the hinge fixing device 32. In this embodiment, the protrusions and recesses of the first fixing mechanism 30 and the second fixing mechanism 31 are configured such that the container 2 has a recess and the housing 3 has a protrusion, but it is also possible to configure the container 2 to have a protrusion and the housing 3 to have a recess. Furthermore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of fixing the container 2 and the housing 3 that the first fixing mechanism 30 and the second fixing mechanism 31 be provided at positions facing each other with the center of the container 2 in between.

[0041] The second recess 31a provided in the container 2 only needs to have a shape that engages with the second protrusion 31b, and preferably has a shape that has a linear element in the horizontal direction of the container. Furthermore, if multiple second recesses 31a are provided, they may be the same shape, or each second recess 31a may have a different shape, length, and configuration. In this embodiment, a second recess 31a with a rounded-corner square concave shape is provided on the first side surface 33 which is substantially square and on the side surface opposite it, while a second recess 31a with a groove-like configuration that is longer than the rounded-corner square second recess 31a is provided on the second side surface 34 which is opposite it. If the plan view of the housing 3 is substantially square and the front view and side view are the same shape, the housing 3 can be attached to the container 2 even if the housing 3 is rotated 90 degrees in the circumferential direction relative to the container 2. By arranging the second recesses 31a on the four sides of the container 2, the second recess 31a and the second protrusion 31b can engage regardless of the position of the second protrusion 31b.

[0042] Furthermore, a shoulder portion 35 is formed on the outside of the opening 2a of the container 2, connecting from the upper ends of the first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34. When the housing 3 is attached to cover the container 2, a positioning rib 36 on the inner surface of the housing 3 comes into contact with the shoulder portion 35 of the container 2, and the lower end portion 38 of the housing 3 comes into contact with a stepped portion 37 that is present in the circumferential direction on the first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34. This determines the positional relationship between the container 2 and the housing 3 in the height direction, making it easier for the first recess 30a and the first protrusion 30b, and the second recess 31a and the second protrusion 31b to fit together.

[0043] Furthermore, the contact between the shoulder portion 35 and the positioning rib 36, and the stepped portion 37 and the lower end portion 38 of the housing 3 creates a distance between the opening 2a of the container 2 and the projection 20 of the housing 3. This allows the projection 20 on the inner wall of the housing 3, or the projection 20 having a groove 21, to catch any liquid leaking from the bead-shaped chemical, preventing the liquid from flowing out of the container 2 and coming into contact with the electrical system if the deodorizing device 1 tips over. Note that the positional relationship between the container 2 and the housing 3 in the height direction can be determined by either the shoulder portion 35 and the positioning rib 36, or the stepped portion 37 and the lower end portion 38 of the housing 3; both are not required.

[0044] Although the embodiments described above are representative examples, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. Therefore, it should be noted that various modifications or changes to the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention. For example, each configuration and function described in the embodiments can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple configurations can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Deodorizing device 2 containers 2a Container opening 3 cabinets 4 Fans 4a Feather 5. Drive motor 6. Power supply for operation 7 Blower tube 8. Cover section 8a Cover opening 9 Support 10 Openings 10a First opening 10b Second opening 11 Power switch 20 Protrusion 21 Groove 30 First fixing mechanism 30a First recess 30b First protrusion 31 Second fixing mechanism 31a Second recess 31b Second protrusion 32 Hinge fasteners 33 First aspect 34 Second aspect 35 Shoulder 36 Positioning ribs 37 Step part 38 Lower end A. Airflow due to intake B. Airflow due to exhaust X Drug

Claims

1. A deodorizing device comprising a container for containing a drug and a housing that covers the opening of the container, The housing comprises a fan for blowing air, a drive motor for driving the fan, a blower tube surrounding the fan and the drive motor, and a support having an opening that supports the fan, the drive motor, and the blower tube. The opening consists of a first opening provided within the area enclosed by the air blower and a second opening other than the first opening. A deodorizing device characterized by the following.

2. The deodorizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the air blower protrudes both toward the container side and outward from the position of the support that supports the periphery of the air blower, and the lower end of the container side reaches the upper end of the container.

3. The deodorizing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fan is positioned on the upper side and the drive motor is positioned on the lower side, and the fan rotates to draw air towards the container.

4. The deodorizing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fan has two blades.

5. The deodorizing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening of the support is composed of a plurality of slit holes.

6. The deodorizing device according to claim 1, 2, or 5, characterized in that the housing has an annular projection around the entire circumference of the inner wall of the housing, and the projection forms a groove consisting of the inner surface of the projection and the wall surface of the housing.

Images