Fragrance holding member and fragrance providing device

The fragrance retention member with a movable part and tolerance absorbing mechanism effectively seals and controls fragrance release, addressing leakage issues and maintaining fragrance quality in fragrance providing devices.

JP7732452B2Active Publication Date: 2025-09-02SONY GROUP CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022517541
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-04-30
Filing Date
2021-03-15
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-15

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Abstract

This perfume holding member prevents perfume from leaking from joints, openings or other gaps. The perfume holding member 101 is provided with a perfume holding body 208 that holds a perfume, a holding space 209 where the perfume holding body is arranged, a first opening 202 and a second opening 211 where the holding space is opened to the outside, movable parts 204, 210 that can open and close the first opening 202 and the second opening 211, and an error absorption part 207 that absorbs the tolerance between the first opening / closing position of the first opening by the movable part and the second opening / closing position of the second opening by the movable part. The holding space has a ventilation flow path configured by the first opening and the second opening; during normal times, the movable parts seal the first opening and the second opening, and when the holding space is opened, the movable parts open the first opening and the second opening.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a fragrance holding member and a fragrance providing device, and more particularly to a fragrance holding member and a fragrance providing device that provide a fragrance by opening and closing an air supply path and a fragrance releasing path. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed in the past that provides a fragrance to a user by supplying air to a storage device containing a fragrance-holding member that holds a fragrance, and releasing the vaporized fragrance through the air flow.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a fragrance providing device that includes a cylindrical shielding tube with an internal cavity that serves as a fragrance transport airway and an opening on one side; a fragrance container that stores fragrance inside and is attached to the outer surface of the shielding tube and has an opening on the side facing the shielding tube; and an air blowing means that can blow air to one end of the fragrance transport airway, wherein the shielding tube and the fragrance container can be rotated relative to each other while in close contact, thereby overlapping the opening of the shielding tube with the opening of the fragrance container, thereby creating a penetrating state between the interior of the fragrance container and the fragrance transport airway, and the shielding tube and the fragrance container can be rotated relative to each other while in close contact, thereby overlapping one opening of the shielding tube with the part other than the opening, thereby creating a non-penetrating state between the interior of the fragrance container and the fragrance transport airway.

[0004] The fragrance providing device described in Patent Document 1 is said to be able to prevent unintended release of fragrance and provide fragrance at an appropriate timing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-094436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the scent providing device of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that the scent may leak from the fitting between the container that holds the scent and the case, or from openings such as the scent inlet / outlet that communicates with the outside, which may cause problems such as the scent deteriorating (weakening due to evaporation and alteration due to oxidation), mixing, or dissolving the label attached to the case, etc.

[0007] Therefore, a main object of the present technology is to provide a fragrance retention member and a fragrance providing device that can prevent fragrance leakage from gaps such as fitting portions and openings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present technology provides a fragrance retention member comprising: a fragrance retention body that retains a fragrance; a retention space in which the fragrance retention body is placed; first and second openings that open the retention space to the outside; a movable part that can move to open and close the first and second openings; and a tolerance absorbing part that absorbs the tolerance between the first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable part and the second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable part, wherein the retention space has a ventilation flow path formed by the first opening and the second opening, and the movable part seals the first opening and the second opening when in a steady state and opens the first opening and the second opening when the retention space is open. The movable part may have a detachable part that can be attached and detached by a driving source and / or magnetic means. The movable portion may have an elastic body biased in a direction of sealing the first opening and the second opening. The tolerance absorbing portion may have an elastic body that absorbs the tolerance. The movable portion may have a first ridge that seals the first opening and a second ridge that seals the second opening. The movable portion may be a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly in the opening and closing directions of the first opening and the second opening. The device may further include a locking mechanism that seals the holding space in a normal state and opens the holding space when the device is attached to an external device. a first case having the holding space and the first opening, and a second case attached to the first case and having the second opening, A sealed structure may be formed at the fitting portion between the first case and the second case. The sealing structure may be an O-ring. An oil seal material and / or an elastic material may be provided at the mating portion between the first case and the second case. The surface may be formed of a material selected from one of low gas permeable resins, organic polymers, organic low molecules, organic metals, metals, and metal films, or a combination of two or more of these. The inner wall surface may be made of metal. The fragrance holding member may be a fragrance cartridge that is attached to the fragrance providing device.

[0009] The present technology also provides a fragrance providing device comprising: a fragrance retaining member having a fragrance retainer that retains a fragrance; a retention space in which the fragrance retainer is placed; first and second openings that open the retention space to the outside; a movable part that can move to open and close the first and second openings; and a tolerance absorbing part that absorbs the tolerance between the first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable part and the second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable part; and a drive mechanism part that is connected to the movable part and drives the movable part, wherein the retention space has a ventilation flow path formed by the first opening and the second opening, and the movable part seals the first opening and the second opening when in a steady state and opens the first opening and the second opening when the retention space is open. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present technology, it is possible to prevent leakage of fragrance from gaps in fitting portions, openings, etc. Note that the above effects are not necessarily limiting, and any of the effects described in this specification or other effects that can be understood from this specification may be achieved in addition to or instead of the above effects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a fragrance provision device according to a first embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing a configuration example of a fragrance provision device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an aroma providing device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a fragrance retention member according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of operation of the aroma providing device according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the fragrance holding member according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a side perspective view showing a modified example of the connecting portion between the fragrance holding member and the opening / closing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a fragrance holding member according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of a fragrance retention member according to a second embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a fragrance holding member according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of typical embodiments of the present technology, and any of the embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, these are not intended to narrow the scope of the present technology. The description will be given in the following order. 1. First embodiment (1) Example of the configuration of the scent providing device (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Fragrance cartridge (fragrance holding member) (1-3) Opening and closing mechanism (2) Example of operation of the scent providing device (3) Modified Fragrance Cartridge (4) Modified connection part 2. Second embodiment (1) Example of fragrance cartridge configuration (2) Example of fragrance cartridge operation

[0013] 1. First embodiment (1) Example of the configuration of the scent providing device (1-1) Overall structure An example configuration of the aroma provision device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the aroma provision device 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example configuration of the aroma provision device 100. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of the aroma provision device 100. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of the aroma cartridge (aroma retention member) 101 provided in the aroma provision device 100.

[0014] 1 and 2, the aroma providing device 100 according to this embodiment includes a cylindrical fragrance cartridge 101 that is a fragrance holding member, a cylindrical opening / closing mechanism 102, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 103. The fragrance cartridge 101 includes a first case 111 and a second case 112 attached to the rear side of the first case 111. The opening / closing mechanism 102 includes a sleeve case 113 and an opening / closing mechanism bottom 114 attached to the rear side of the sleeve case 113. The main body 103 includes an opening / closing mechanism fixing part 115 that fixes the opening / closing mechanism 102, and a stand 116 that limits the rearward movement of the opening / closing mechanism 102.

[0015] The aroma providing device 100 has a plurality of opening and closing mechanism units 102 arranged at one longitudinal end (front side) of the top surface of the main body unit 103, and each opening and closing mechanism unit 102 is fixed by an opening and closing mechanism fixing unit 115. A stand 116 is provided at the other longitudinal end (rear side) of the top surface of the main body unit 103. The rear end of the second case 112 of the fragrance cartridge 101 is detachably connected to the front side of the sleeve case 113 of the opening and closing mechanism unit 102. The aroma providing device 100 can also be used upright by placing the stand 116 at the bottom and pointing the fragrance cartridge 101 upward so that the aroma is released upward.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the fragrance provision device 100 is a device that flows air into a desired fragrance holding space 209 selected from the fragrance holding spaces 209 provided in each fragrance cartridge 101, and vaporizes and releases the fragrance held in the fragrance holder 208 arranged in the fragrance holding space 209. For example, in the fragrance provision device 100, air supplied from an air pump (not shown) is flowed into the fragrance holding space 209 of the fragrance cartridge 101, thereby vaporizing the liquid fragrance or the fragrance in a wet state (hereinafter referred to as liquid fragrance) and releasing the fragrance from the fragrance holding space 209 together with the air.

[0017] The scent provision device 100 is used, for example, as a device that releases a scent within a limited space. For example, a user may release a scent from the scent provision device 100 one or more times near their face to relax. In this case, the scent provision device 100 releases the scent in a highly directional manner, making it difficult for the scent to diffuse over a wide area, making it difficult for people nearby to detect the scent. The scent provision device 100 may be a portable device that can be carried by the user, or a stationary device.

[0018] (1-2) Fragrance cartridge Next, a configuration example of the fragrance cartridge 101 as a fragrance holding member included in the fragrance providing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0019] As described above, the fragrance cartridge 101 includes a first case 111 and a second case 112 attached to the rear side of the first case 111. The fragrance cartridge 101 has a cylindrical shape, but the outer shape of the fragrance holding member according to the present technology is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be, for example, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or any other appropriate shape.

[0020] 3 and 4, first case 111 has an outlet hole 201 for releasing scented air containing a fragrance to the outside, a first opening 202 for releasing scented air, a mixture of fragrance and air, into outlet hole 201, and a first O-ring 203 arranged at the fitting portion with second case 112. First opening 202 is formed into an inclined surface that tapers toward the front.

[0021] The fragrance cartridge 101 can seal the mating portion between the first case 111 and the second case 112 with the first O-ring 203, thereby preventing fragrance from leaking from this mating portion. Note that the first O-ring 203 is not limited to this, and any other highly airtight sealing structure can be used as long as it can seal the mating portion between the first case 111 and the second case 112, and it may also have a protrusion fitting structure, a threaded structure, or the like.

[0022] The second case 112 is formed with a fragrance holding space 209 that holds a liquid fragrance and has a ventilation flow path formed by a first opening 202 and a second opening 211. The first opening and the second opening allow the fragrance holding space 209 to be opened to the outside. The fragrance holding space 209 is provided with an upper shaft portion 204, a first spring 205 and a second spring 206 that are elastic bodies, a tolerance absorbing portion 207, a fragrance holder 208 such as an impregnated material that holds the liquid fragrance, and a lower shaft portion 210.

[0023] The second case 112 also has a second opening 211 that allows air sent from the outside to flow into the fragrance holding space 209, and a second O-ring 212 that is arranged at the fitting portion with the opening / closing mechanism 102. The second opening 211 is formed as an inclined surface that tapers toward the front. The portion of the lower shaft 210 that is attached to and detached from the opening / closing mechanism 102 is provided with a metal screw 213 that can be attached and detached by a driving source and / or magnetic means. Note that the screw 213 does not have to be made of metal, and may be any material that can be attracted by magnetic force.

[0024] The axial upper part 204 is movable in the direction of extension of the aromatic material holding space 209, and is biased by the first spring 205 in the direction of sealing the first opening 202 on the front side. The axial upper part 204 is a movable part that is movable to open and close the first opening 202.

[0025] The tolerance absorbing section 207 is connected to the front of the upper shaft section 204 via a second spring 206. The front section of the tolerance absorbing section 207 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows toward the front, and the elastic force from the upper shaft section 204 presses the surface of the front section of the tolerance absorbing section 207 against the surface of the first opening 202 in a steady state, thereby sealing the first opening 202. This allows the fragrance cartridge 101 to prevent fragrance leakage from the first opening 202 and the discharge hole 201.

[0026] In this way, tolerance absorbing section 207 is structured to absorb the tolerances of the components that constitute the seal and act as a cap that seals first opening 202. Here, tolerance refers to manufacturing errors and variations in dimensions related to the seal, such as the distance between the first opening / closing position of first opening 202 and the second opening / closing position of second opening 211, the width of the opening, and the parallelism and length of parts. For example, tolerance absorbing section 207 can maintain a sealed state by using second spring 206 to absorb the degree of tilt of upper shaft 204 or lower shaft 210, even if the sealed surfaces are not parallel.

[0027] Although a coil spring is used as the first spring 205 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and any elastic body or the like that can bias the axial upper portion 204 toward the sealing direction of the first opening 202 may be used. Furthermore, although a coil spring is used as the second spring 206 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and any elastic body or the like that can absorb the tolerance between the first opening 202's first open / close position and the second opening 211's second open / close position by the tolerance absorbing portion 207 may be used.

[0028] The lower shaft portion 210 is connected to the rear of the upper shaft portion 204 and is movable together with the upper shaft portion 204 in the extension direction of the fragrance holding space 209. The lower shaft portion 210 is a movable portion that can open and close the second opening 211 and is in contact with the second opening 211 in a steady state. The upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 210 can be a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly in the opening and closing directions of the first opening 202 and the second opening 211. The contact portion of the lower shaft portion 210 with the second opening 211 is formed in a tapered shape with a tapered front side, and is pressed against the second opening 211 by the elastic force of the first spring 205, sealing the second opening 211 in a steady state. This allows the fragrance cartridge 101 to prevent fragrance from leaking from the second opening 211.

[0029] Furthermore, the fragrance cartridge 101 can seal the mating portion between the second case 112 and the opening / closing mechanism 102 with the second O-ring 212, thereby preventing fragrance leakage from this mating portion. Note that the first O-ring 203 is not limited to this, and any other highly airtight sealing structure can be used as long as it can seal the mating portion between the second case 112 and the opening / closing mechanism 102, and it may also be a threaded structure or the like.

[0030] The fragrance holder 208 holds the liquid fragrance. The fragrance holder 208 is in a plate-like shape, but may also be in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the side of the upper shaft portion 204. The liquid fragrance may be, for example, essential oil, or essential oil diluted with ethanol. The fragrance holding space 209 serves to pass air supplied from an air pump (not shown), which is an example of an air source. The fragrance holding space 209 in the second case 112 may be one or more.

[0031] The liquid flavor is adhered in a wet state to and held on at least a portion of the inner surface of the flavor holding space 209. For example, after the liquid flavor is filled into the flavor holding space 209, by supplying high-pressure gas such as air into the flavor holding space 209 for a predetermined period of time, the excess liquid flavor is sprayed out, and the flavor can be adhered in a wet state to the inner surface of the flavor holding space 209.

[0032] The aroma providing device 100 can control the discharge of multiple aromas by connecting and arranging multiple aroma cartridges 101 in the main body 103. In this case, the aroma cartridge 101 through which air flows can be switched by operating one of the opening and closing mechanisms 102 connected to each aroma cartridge 101. The liquid aromas held in the aroma holding spaces 209 in each aroma cartridge 101 may all be the same, or some or all may be different. When different liquid aromas are held in each aroma holding space 209, the aroma to be released can be switched by switching the aroma cartridge 101 that can supply air.

[0033] The first case 111 and the second case 112 of the fragrance cartridge 101 may be made of an organic polymer material to allow the liquid fragrance to easily penetrate. Examples of such organic polymer materials include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, phenolic resin, olefin resin, nylon, polyester, synthetic rubber, silicone resin, natural rubber, protein, nucleic acid, lipid, and polysaccharide, or a mixture thereof. However, the first case 111 and the second case 112 are not limited to these examples. For example, one or more of the following materials may be used: polymer resins such as acrylic resin, urethane resin, ABS resin, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin, polyacetal (POM) resin, fluororesin, cycloolefin polymer resin, and polyimide resin; metals such as stainless steel and aluminum; inorganic crystals such as quartz; and glass.

[0034] Although not shown, the second case 112 may be provided with a reading unit that can read the contents of the fragrance cartridge 101. For example, the surface of the second case 112 may be provided with a label, a barcode, or the like.

[0035] The fragrance cartridge 101 can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer. In this case, the constituent material of the fragrance cartridge 101 may be selected to be a material suitable for the 3D printer.

[0036] (1-3) Opening and closing mechanism Next, a configuration example of the opening / closing mechanism 102 included in the aroma providing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0037] As described above, the opening / closing mechanism 102 includes the sleeve case 113 and the opening / closing mechanism bottom 114 attached to the rear side of the sleeve case 113. The opening / closing mechanism 102 is connected to the upper shaft 204 and the lower shaft 210, which are movable parts, and serves as a drive mechanism that drives these parts. Note that although the opening / closing mechanism 102 has a cylindrical shape, the outer shape of the opening / closing mechanism according to the present technology is not limited to a cylindrical shape and can be, for example, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or any other appropriate shape that is suited to the fragrance holding member.

[0038] 3, an operating space 225 in which the operating sleeve 221 is operable is formed in the sleeve case 113. The operating space 225 is provided with the operating sleeve 221, a magnet fixing part 222, a bias spring 223, and a magnet 224. An air intake port 226 is formed in the lower front part of the sleeve case 113 to take in air from the outside.

[0039] The movable sleeve 221 is movable in the extension direction of the movable space 225 by a bias spring 223. A magnet fixing portion 222 is connected to the front side of the movable sleeve 221, and a magnet 224 is fixed by the magnet fixing portion 222. When the front side of the sleeve case 113 and the rear side of the second case 112 of the fragrance cartridge 101 are connected, the magnet 224 magnetically attracts the screw 213 and comes into contact with the screw 213. In this way, the fragrance cartridge 101 can be easily attached to and detached from the opening and closing mechanism unit 102 by magnetically chucking the attachment / detachment portion with the opening and closing mechanism unit 102. The attachment / detachment portion may be a valve connection. Furthermore, direct driving force from the opening and closing mechanism unit 102 can be transmitted to the fragrance cartridge 101. Therefore, the fragrance cartridge 101 does not need to be provided with a drive source.

[0040] One end of the bias spring 223 is connected to the rear of the movable sleeve 221, and the other end is connected to the opening / closing mechanism bottom part 114 attached to the rear side of the sleeve case 113. The opening / closing mechanism part 102 moves the movable sleeve 221 rearward using an actuator, which is a driving source (not shown), and the restoring force of the bias spring 223, which is compressed at that time, can return the movable sleeve 221 to its original forward position. Note that, although a coil spring is used as an example of the bias spring 223, the bias spring 223 is not limited to this, and any elastic body that can move the movable sleeve 221 in the forward / backward direction may be used.

[0041] The actuator may be, for example, a shape memory alloy, a motor, a solenoid, a linear slide, a small electromagnet, or any other linear motion mechanism that linearly moves the movable sleeve 221. Here, the linear motion mechanism includes not only a case where one member moves in a linear direction, but also a case where some of multiple connected members move in a linear direction.

[0042] (2) Example of operation of the scent providing device Next, an example of the operation of releasing scented air from the scent provision device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the scent provision device 100.

[0043] First, an air pump (not shown) that supplies air and is connected to air inlet 226 of sleeve case 113 is turned on, and air introduced from the air pump is sent into air inlet 226. This air pump is one type of air source, and is driven by power supplied from a primary or secondary battery, and introduces air into the ventilation channel. The air pump may be, for example, a diaphragm pump that supplies an alternating current to a piezoelectric element to deform a diaphragm, thereby sucking in and pumping air.

[0044] Next, the actuator connected to the movable sleeve 221 is operated to move the movable sleeve 221 linearly toward the rear side of the aroma providing device 100. At this time, the bias spring 223 is pressed toward the rear side by the movable sleeve 221 and is compressed.

[0045] Then, the screw 213 is attracted rearward by the magnet 224 attached to the front of the movable sleeve 221, and the lower shaft portion 210 and the upper shaft portion 204 connected to the screw 213 move rearward at the same time. At this time, the first spring 205 is pressed rearward by the upper shaft portion 204 and compressed.

[0046] When the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 210 move rearward, the first opening 202 and the second opening 211, which were sealed by the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 210, simultaneously open, opening the fragrance holding space 209 to the outside. When the second opening 211 opens, air sent into the air intake 226 flows into the fragrance holding space 209 from the second opening 211.

[0047] Then, the scented air, which is a mixture of the air flowing into the fragrance holding space 209 and the fragrance contained in the fragrance holder 208 in the fragrance holding space 209, is released to the user outside through the discharge hole 201 via the first opening 202.

[0048] When the actuator is de-energized after releasing the scented air, the movable sleeve 221 returns to its original position in the steady state due to the restoring force of the bias spring 223. Furthermore, the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 210 slide forward due to the restoring force of the first spring 205 until they come into contact with and seal the first opening 202 and the second opening 211, respectively. This sliding capping mechanism formed by the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 210 seals the first opening 202 and the second opening 211 in the steady state. At this time, the tolerance absorbing portion 207 can simultaneously seal the first opening 202 and the second opening 211 even if a tolerance exists.

[0049] The aroma providing device 100 can adjust the tolerance absorption amount by the tolerance absorbing section 207 by adjusting the force and displacement of the first spring 205, the second spring 206, the bias spring 223, and the actuator.

[0050] In addition, the fragrance providing device 100 opens and closes the first opening 202 and the second opening 211 simultaneously to improve responsiveness, but in order to increase the discharge force from the discharge hole 201, the mechanism may be such that the opening and closing occurs with a time lag, such as opening the second opening 211 before opening the first opening 202.

[0051] Here, conventionally, fragrance leaks constantly from the mating portion between first case 111 and second case 112, the mating portion between second case 112 and opening / closing mechanism 102, first opening 202, and second opening 211. This causes problems such as fragrance deterioration (weakening due to evaporation and alteration due to oxidation), mixing, and label dissolution. Because of these problems, conventional fragrance cartridges are not suitable for long-term storage, and the fragrance cartridge itself is sealed in an aluminum pouch to prevent fragrance deterioration.

[0052] In contrast, in the fragrance providing device 100 equipped with the fragrance cartridge 101 of this embodiment, the fitting portion between the first case 111 and the second case 112, the fitting portion between the second case 112 and the opening / closing mechanism portion 102, the first opening 202, and the second opening 211 are sealed in the steady state, thereby preventing fragrance from leaking from these gaps.

[0053] Furthermore, since the fragrance holding space 209 of the fragrance cartridge 101 can be closed up to a certain pressure, the valve of the air supply path can be opened after turning on a pump or the like for ventilation. This allows the fragrance providing device 100 to keep air intake and exhaust in one direction, preventing backflow, protecting the device, and preventing contamination (mixing of fragrances).

[0054] Furthermore, the tolerance absorbing structure of tolerance absorbing section 207 makes it possible to structurally control whether to open first the second opening 211, which is the air supply path, or the first opening 202, which is the scented air release path. This allows aroma providing device 100 to prevent backflow, protect the device, and prevent contamination by opening second opening 211 first and then opening first opening 202, or by closing second opening 211 first and then closing first opening 202.

[0055] To prevent gas permeation, the fragrance cartridge 101 can have an oil sealant or an elastic material such as silicone rubber or fluororubber applied to the mating portion between the first case 111 and the second case 112, or can have a material that combines an oil sealant and an elastic material. For the same purpose, the surface of the fragrance cartridge 101 can be formed from a material selected from one of low-gas-permeable fluororesin, a polymer film, a self-assembled organic polymer or organic low-molecular-weight material such as a LB film, an organic metal, a metal, a metal film, or a combination of these. Metal or metal films can be used for metal vapor deposition. Furthermore, the fragrance cartridge 101 can have an inner wall surface formed from metal.

[0056] (3) Modified Fragrance Cartridge Next, a modified example of the fragrance cartridge 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the fragrance cartridge 101 according to the present embodiment. The fragrance cartridge 301 of this modified example differs from the fragrance cartridge 101 in that the contact surfaces between each opening and the shaft are not inclined surfaces but are formed on surfaces perpendicular to the direction in which the shaft can move. The other configurations of the fragrance cartridge 301 are the same as those of the fragrance cartridge 101, and the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0057] 6, the fragrance cartridge 301 includes a first case 302 and a second case 303 attached to the rear side of the first case 302. The fragrance cartridge 301 has a cylindrical shape, but the outer shape of the fragrance holding member according to the present technology is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be, for example, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, or any other appropriate shape.

[0058] The first case 302 is equipped with an outlet 201 for releasing scented air containing a fragrance to the outside, a first opening 312 for releasing scented air, a mixture of fragrance and air, into the outlet 201, and a first O-ring 203 arranged at the fitting portion with the second case 303. The contact surface of the first opening 312 with the upper shaft part 204 is formed on a surface perpendicular to the direction in which the upper shaft part 204 moves. The first O-ring 203 seals the fitting portion between the first case 302 and the second case 303, preventing fragrance leakage from this fitting portion.

[0059] The second case 303 is formed with a fragrance holding space 209 for holding a liquid fragrance. The fragrance holding space 209 includes an upper shaft portion 204, a first spring 205, a second spring 206, a tolerance absorbing portion 317, a fragrance holder 208, and a lower shaft portion 320.

[0060] The second case 303 also has a second opening 321 that allows air sent from the outside to flow into the fragrance holding space 209, and a second O-ring 212 that is arranged at the fitting portion with the opening / closing mechanism 102. The contact surface of the second opening 211 with the lower shaft 320 is formed on a surface that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lower shaft 320. The contact portion of the lower shaft 210 with the opening / closing mechanism 102 is provided with a metal screw 213.

[0061] The shaft upper part 204 is movable in the extending direction of the aromatic material holding space 209 and is biased by the first spring 205 toward the first opening 202 on the front side.

[0062] The tolerance absorbing section 317 is connected to the front of the upper shaft section 204 via the second spring 206. The front section of the tolerance absorbing section 317 is formed on a surface perpendicular to the direction of movement of the upper shaft section 204, and due to the elastic force from the upper shaft section 204, the surface of the front section of the tolerance absorbing section 317 is pressed against the surface of the first opening 312 in a steady state, sealing the first opening 312. Similar to the tolerance absorbing section 207, the tolerance absorbing section 317 is structured to absorb tolerances of the parts that constitute the seal and to act as a cap that seals the first opening 312. This enables the fragrance cartridge 301 to prevent fragrance leakage from the first opening 312 and the discharge hole 201.

[0063] The first spring 205 may be an elastic body or the like that can bias the axial upper portion 204 in the direction of sealing the first opening 312. The second spring 206 may be an elastic body or the like that can absorb the tolerance between the first opening 312's first open / close position and the second opening 321's second open / close position by the tolerance absorbing portion 317.

[0064] The lower shaft portion 320 is connected to the rear of the upper shaft portion 204 and is movable together with the upper shaft portion 204 in the extension direction of the fragrance holding space 209. The lower shaft portion 320 is in contact with the second opening 321 in a steady state. The contact portion of the lower shaft portion 320 with the second opening 321 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lower shaft portion 320, and is pressed against the second opening 321 by the elastic force of the first spring 205, sealing the second opening 321 in a steady state. This allows the fragrance cartridge 301 to prevent fragrance from leaking from the second opening 321.

[0065] Furthermore, the fragrance cartridge 301 has a second O-ring 212 that seals the fitting portion between the second case 303 and the opening / closing mechanism 102, thereby preventing fragrance from leaking from this fitting portion.

[0066] By including the fragrance cartridge 301 in the fragrance provision device according to the present technology, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the fragrance provision device 100. Furthermore, the fragrance cartridge 301 can be manufactured more easily than the fragrance cartridge 101 because the contact surfaces between the first opening 312 and the second opening 321 and the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 320 are formed on surfaces perpendicular to the direction of movement of the upper shaft portion 204 and the lower shaft portion 320. Furthermore, the fragrance cartridge 301 can be manufactured more easily than the fragrance cartridge 101 in order to increase the sealing performance of the contact surfaces, thereby preventing fragrance leakage with greater accuracy.

[0067] (4) Modified connection part Next, a modified example of the aroma providing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a side perspective view showing a modified example of the connecting portion between the fragrance cartridge 101 and the opening / closing mechanism 102. In this modified example, the connecting portion between the fragrance cartridge 401 and the opening / closing mechanism 402 is provided with a locking mechanism. The other configurations are the same as those of the fragrance cartridge 101 and the opening / closing mechanism 102, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the fragrance cartridge 401 has a sealing part 403 attached to the rear end thereof which is connected to the opening / closing mechanism part 402. A protrusion 404 is formed on the sealing part 403. An L-shaped protrusion fixing groove 405 into which the protrusion 404 can be inserted is formed on the rear end of the fragrance cartridge 401. When the sealing part 403 is attached to the fragrance cartridge 401, the protrusion 404 is inserted into the protrusion fixing groove 405, and the sealing part 403 is rotated in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the fragrance cartridge 401 to hook the protrusion 404 onto the bent part of the protrusion fixing groove 405 and fix it.

[0069] The opening / closing mechanism 402 has a protrusion movement groove 406 formed in the front portion thereof that is connected to the fragrance cartridge 401, the protrusion movement groove 406 having a straight portion, an inclined portion and another straight portion, into which the protrusion 404 can be inserted.

[0070] When attaching the fragrance cartridge 401 to the opening / closing mechanism 402, first, the rear of the fragrance cartridge 401 and the front of the opening / closing mechanism 402 are connected by aligning the openings of the protrusion fixing groove 405 and the protrusion moving groove 406. Next, the sealing part 403 is rotated in the opposite direction to when the protrusion 404 was fixed to the protrusion fixing groove 405, thereby releasing the protrusion 404 from the protrusion fixing groove 405. Then, the protrusion 404 is slid from the protrusion fixing groove 405 to match the shape of the protrusion moving groove 406. As a result, when attached, the sealing part 403 moves toward the opening / closing mechanism 402, and the interior of the fragrance cartridge 401 and the interior of the opening / closing mechanism 402 communicate with each other, opening the fragrance holding space.

[0071] The locking mechanism at the connection between the fragrance cartridge 401 and the opening / closing mechanism 402 seals the fragrance holding space when the fragrance cartridge 401 is in a steady state by itself, preventing fragrance leakage from the rear end of the fragrance cartridge 401, and also preventing the rear end lid or the like from accidentally coming off and causing fragrance leakage. Furthermore, since the fragrance cartridge 401 and the opening / closing mechanism 402 can be connected in a sealed state, fragrance leakage can be prevented even after connection.

[0072] 2. Second embodiment (1) Example of fragrance cartridge configuration Next, a configuration example of a fragrance cartridge 501 according to a second embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the fragrance cartridge 501 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the fragrance cartridge 501. Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the fragrance cartridge 501. The fragrance cartridge 501 differs from the fragrance cartridge 101 according to the first embodiment in that the inner surfaces of each opening are in contact with the raised portion of the shaft to form a sealed structure.

[0073] 8 and 9, the fragrance cartridge 501 according to this embodiment is cylindrical and includes a first case 511, a second case 512 attached to the rear side of the first case 511, and a shaft portion 513 which is a movable portion that can move in the extension direction inside the first case 511 and the second case 512. However, the shape of the fragrance cartridge 501 is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0074] First case 511 has two protrusions 514 formed at opposing positions on the side surface of the connecting portion with second case 512. Second case 512 has two L-shaped protrusion fixing grooves 515 formed in the connecting portion with first case 511, into which protrusions 514 can be inserted. The number of protrusions 514 and protrusion fixing grooves 515 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0075] When the first case 511 and the second case 512 are connected, the first case 511 is fixed by inserting each of the protrusions 514 into each of the protrusion fixing grooves 515 and rotating the first case 511 in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the fragrance cartridge 501 so that each of the protrusions 514 is hooked onto the bent portion of each of the protrusion fixing grooves 515.

[0076] 9, shaft 513 is cylindrical, with first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517 formed at spaced-apart positions on its side surface. Cross-sectional shapes of first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517 perpendicular to the axial direction are annular. The distance between first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517 corresponds to the distance between the diameter of first opening 522 and the diameter of second opening 525, which will be described later.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, first case 511 has an outlet hole 521 that releases scented air containing fragrance to the outside, a first opening 522 that flows scented air mixed with fragrance and air into outlet hole 521, and a first O-ring 523 arranged at the fitting portion with second case 512.

[0078] In the fragrance cartridge 501, the first O-ring 523 seals the fitting portion between the first case 511 and the second case 512, thereby preventing fragrance from leaking from this fitting portion.

[0079] The second case 512 is formed with a fragrance holding space 519 that holds a liquid fragrance. The fragrance holding space 519 is provided with a stem 513 and a fragrance holder 524. The fragrance holder 524 is plate-shaped, but may also be cylindrical and surround the side of the stem 513. The second case 512 also has a second opening 525 that allows air sent from the outside to flow into the fragrance holding space 519. The stem 513 is a movable part that can open and close the first opening 522 and the second opening 525 simultaneously or with a time lag.

[0080] The diameters of first opening 522 and second opening 525 are formed narrower than the internal spaces such as fragrance holding space 519, and are approximately equal to the diameter of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517. As a result, when shaft portion 513 is housed inside first case 511 and second case 512, first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517 abut against the inner surfaces of first opening 522 and second opening 525, respectively, thereby sealing first opening 522 and second opening 525.

[0081] The diameter portion of first opening 522 and the diameter portion of second opening 525 are formed wide in the extension direction, and the width of each diameter portion acts as a tolerance absorbing structure that absorbs tolerances. By adjusting the width of each diameter portion, which is this tolerance absorbing structure, first opening 522 and second opening 525 can be opened and closed simultaneously or with a time lag.

[0082] (2) Example of fragrance cartridge operation Next, an example of the operation of releasing scented air from the fragrance cartridge 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] When the shaft 513 is moved toward the rear of the fragrance cartridge 501 by the driving force of an actuator or the like, the first raised portion 516 and the second raised portion 517 move away from the inner surfaces of the first opening 522 and the second opening 525, respectively, opening the first opening 522 and the second opening 525. At this time, by adjusting the width of each diameter portion of the first opening 522 and the second opening 525 in the extension direction, the first opening 522 and the second opening 525 can be opened simultaneously or with a time lag.

[0084] When the second opening 525 is opened, the air sent to the air intake port flows from the second opening 525 into the fragrance holding space 519 of the second case 512 .

[0085] Then, the scented air, which is a mixture of the air that has flowed into the fragrance holding space 519 and the fragrance contained in the fragrance holder 524 in the fragrance holding space 519, is released to the user outside through the discharge hole 521 via the first opening 522.

[0086] After releasing the scented air, stem 513 is slid back to its original position, causing first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517 to contact the inner surfaces of the diameters of first opening 522 and second opening 525, respectively, thereby sealing first opening 522 and second opening 525. At this time, by adjusting the width of the diameters of first opening 522 and second opening 525 in the extension direction, first opening 522 and second opening 525 can be sealed simultaneously without considering the tolerance in the extension direction of first raised portion 516 and second raised portion 517, even if a tolerance exists between first opening 522 and second opening 525.

[0087] As described above, the fragrance cartridge 501 of this embodiment not only has the same effects as the first embodiment, but also absorbs the tolerance between the diameters of the first opening 522 and the second opening 525 and can easily control the opening and closing of each opening without having to consider the tolerance in the extension direction of the first raised portion 516 and the second raised portion 517.

[0088] The present technology can have the following configurations. (1) a fragrance holder that holds a fragrance; a holding space in which the fragrance holder is placed; a first opening and a second opening that open the holding space to the outside; a movable portion that is movable to open and close the first opening and the second opening; a tolerance absorbing unit that absorbs a tolerance between a first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable unit and a second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable unit, the holding space has a ventilation flow path defined by the first opening and the second opening, The movable portion seals the first opening and the second opening when in a steady state, and opens the first opening and the second opening when the holding space is opened. (2) The flavoring agent holding member according to (1), wherein the movable part has a detachable part that can be attached and detached by a driving source and / or a magnetic means. (3) The flavoring agent holding member according to (1) or (2), wherein the movable portion has an elastic body biased in a direction of sealing the first opening and the second opening. (4) The fragrance holding member according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the tolerance absorbing portion has an elastic body that absorbs the tolerance. (5) The flavoring agent holding member according to (1) or (2), wherein the movable portion has a first raised portion that seals the first opening and a second raised portion that seals the second opening. (6) The fragrance holding member according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the movable part is a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly in the opening and closing directions of the first opening and the second opening. (7) The fragrance holding member according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a locking mechanism that seals the holding space in a stationary state and opens the holding space when attached to an external device. (8) a first case having the holding space and the first opening, and a second case attached to the first case and having the second opening, The fragrance-holding member according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein a sealed structure is formed at the fitting portion between the first case and the second case. (9) The fragrance-holding member according to (8), wherein the sealing structure is an O-ring. (10) The fragrance holding member according to (8) or (9), wherein the fitting portion between the first case and the second case has an oil seal material and / or an elastic material. (11) A fragrance-holding member according to any one of (1) to (10), the surface of which is formed of a material selected from one of low-gas-permeable resins, organic polymers, organic low-molecular-weight materials, organic metals, metals, and metal films, or a combination of these materials. (12) The fragrance-holding member according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the inner wall surface is made of metal. (13) The fragrance holding member according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the fragrance holding member is a fragrance cartridge to be attached to a fragrance providing device. (14) a fragrance holder that holds a fragrance; a holding space in which the fragrance holder is placed; a first opening and a second opening that open the holding space to the outside; a movable portion that is movable to open and close the first opening and the second opening; a tolerance absorbing unit that absorbs a tolerance between a first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable portion and a second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable portion; a fragrance-holding member having a drive mechanism connected to the movable part and configured to drive the movable part; Equipped with the holding space has a ventilation flow path defined by the first opening and the second opening, The movable part seals the first opening and the second opening when in a steady state, and opens the first opening and the second opening when the holding space is open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Fragrance providing device 101, 301, 401, 501 Fragrance cartridge (fragrance holding material) 102, 402 Opening and closing mechanism 103 Main body 111, 302, 511 Case 1 112, 303, 512 Case 2 113 Sleeve Case 114 Opening / closing mechanism bottom 115 Opening / closing mechanism fixing part 116 Stand 201, 521 Discharge hole 202, 312, 522 First opening 203, 523 First O-ring 204 Upper shaft 205 First Spring 206 Second Spring 207, 317 Tolerance absorber 208, 524 Fragrance carrier 209, 519 Fragrance holding space 210, 320 shaft bottom 211, 321, 525 Second opening 212 Second O-ring 213 Screw 221 Moving Sleeve 222 Magnet fixing part 223 Bias Spring 224 Magnet 225 Operating Space 226 Air intake 403 Sealed part 404, 514 Protrusion 405, 515 Projection fixing groove 406 Projection movement groove 513 Shaft 516 1st protuberance 517 Second bulge

Claims

1. a fragrance support that holds a fragrance; a holding space in which the fragrance holder is placed; a first opening and a second opening that open the holding space to the outside; a movable portion that is movable to open and close the first opening and the second opening; a tolerance absorbing unit that absorbs a tolerance between a first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable portion and a second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable portion, the holding space has a ventilation flow path defined by the first opening and the second opening, the movable portion seals the first opening and the second opening in a steady state, and opens the first opening and the second opening when the holding space is opened; and The fragrance holding member further comprises a locking mechanism that seals the holding space in a normal state and opens the holding space when attached to an external device.

2. The flavoring agent holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion has a detachable portion that can be attached and detached by a driving source and / or a magnetic means.

3. The fragrance-holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion has an elastic body biased in a direction of sealing the first opening and the second opening.

4. The fragrance holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the tolerance absorbing portion has an elastic body that absorbs the tolerance.

5. The fragrance-holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion has a first raised portion that seals the first opening and a second raised portion that seals the second opening.

6. The fragrance holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the movable portion is a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly in the opening and closing directions of the first opening and the second opening.

7. a first case having the holding space and the first opening, and a second case attached to the first case and having the second opening, The fragrance-holding member according to claim 1 , wherein a sealed structure is formed at a fitting portion between the first case and the second case.

8. The fragrance-holding member according to claim 7 , wherein the sealing structure is an O-ring.

9. The fragrance holding member according to claim 7, wherein an oil seal material and / or an elastic material is provided at a fitting portion between the first case and the second case.

10. The fragrance holding member according to claim 1, wherein the surface is formed of a material selected from one of low gas permeability resins, organic polymers, organic low molecules, organic metals, metals, and metal films, or a combination of these materials.

11. 2. The fragrance-holding member according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall surface is made of metal.

12. The fragrance holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the fragrance holding member is a fragrance cartridge that is attached to a fragrance providing device.

13. a fragrance support that holds a fragrance; a holding space in which the fragrance holder is placed; a first opening and a second opening that open the holding space to the outside; a movable portion that is movable to open and close the first opening and the second opening; a tolerance absorbing unit that absorbs a tolerance between a first opening / closing position of the first opening of the movable portion and a second opening / closing position of the second opening of the movable portion; a fragrance-holding member having a drive mechanism connected to the movable part and configured to drive the movable part; Equipped with the holding space has a ventilation flow path defined by the first opening and the second opening, the movable portion seals the first opening and the second opening in a steady state, and opens the first opening and the second opening when the holding space is opened; and The scent providing device further comprises a locking mechanism that seals the holding space in a stationary state and opens the holding space when attached to an external device.

Citation Information

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