Aroma dispensing device

Abstract

To provide an aroma providing device which can emit aroma and can easily replace or refill the aroma.SOLUTION: An aroma providing device includes: an aroma holding structure which has holding spaces where aroma is held and which is detachable; a blower device for supplying air made to pass through the holding spaces; air supply paths through which the air is introduced into the respective holding spaces; an opening / closing mechanism for switching whether to allow the air to pass through or not for each of the holding spaces; and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing mechanism. Therein, the opening / closing mechanism has: valve members for closing respective flow channels of the air; energization members for energizing the respective valve members in a direction of closing the flow channels of the air; and deformation members for moving the respective valve members in a direction of opening the flow channels of the air. The deformation member is a thin line-like shape memory alloy deformed according to temperature generated by energization, and the control unit controls an energization amount to the deformation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aroma providing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to aroma providing devices that provide aromas have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aroma generating device including an aroma source tank having a plurality of independent spaces, with separate aroma sources in each space, an inlet hole for blowing air from a blower pump into the space, and an outlet hole for blowing air containing aroma materials from the aroma source out of the space, provided for each space; a control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the air flow path from the blower pump for each space; and a drive circuit for driving the blower pump to blow air into each space of the aroma source tank and driving the control valve to open and close the air flow path for each space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, the aroma generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured by integrating an aroma source tank having spaces in which aroma sources are arranged, an active valve array, and a check valve array with screws. Therefore, when the function (aroma component) of the aroma source disappears, it is necessary to replace the entire aroma providing device. If the replacement or replenishment of the aroma source is easy, the aroma providing device can be used for a long period of time.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a novel and improved aroma providing device that can release aromas and allows for easy replacement or replenishment of fragrance materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to this disclosure, a fragrance providing device is provided, comprising: a detachable fragrance holding structure having a holding space for holding fragrance; a blower for supplying air to pass through the holding space; an air supply passage for introducing the air into the holding space; an opening / closing mechanism for switching whether or not the air can pass through the holding space; and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing mechanism, wherein the opening / closing mechanism comprises a valve member for closing the air passage, a biasing member for biasing the valve member in the direction of closing the air passage, and a deformable member for moving the valve member in the direction of opening the air passage, the deformable member being a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy that deforms in accordance with the temperature generated by the application of current, and the control unit controlling the amount of current applied to the deformable member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, this disclosure allows for the release of fragrance and facilitates the replacement or replenishment of fragrance.

[0008] Furthermore, the effects described above are not necessarily limited, and any of the effects described herein, or any other effects that can be inferred from this specification, may be achieved in conjunction with or in lieu of the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the fragrance dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the fragrance dispensing device according to the same embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a fragrance dispensing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a head-mounted display device equipped with a fragrance dispensing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view from below of a head-mounted display device equipped with a fragrance dispensing device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a perspective view of the scent emission device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the scent emission device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the scent emission device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an exploded perspective view of the fragrance cartridge. [Figure 10] It is a front view of the fragrance cartridge. [Figure 11] It is a rear view of the fragrance cartridge. [Figure 12] It is an axial cross-sectional view of the fragrance cartridge. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing the valve member and the deformation member of the opening / closing mechanism. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the deformation member when non-energized. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the deformation member when energized. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram showing the emission direction of the scent emission device and the emission direction of the air emission device. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the simplified control circuit of the scent providing device. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen display of the operating device of the scent providing device. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the scent providing device. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing a head-mounted display device provided with the scent providing device according to the modification example. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of the head-mounted display device provided with the scent providing device according to the modification example as seen from the lower side. [Figure 22] It is an explanatory diagram showing the airflow discharged by the air emission device of the head-mounted display device provided with the scent providing device according to the modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] While referring to the accompanying drawings below, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Overview of the fragrance providing device 2. Configuration example of the fragrance releasing device 3. Configuration example of the air releasing device 4. Circuit configuration example 5. Operation example 6. Variation example

[0012] In the following description, the direction in which the fragrance is released is referred to as the front side or the tip side, and the opposite direction is also referred to as the rear side or the rear end side.

[0013] <1. Overview of the fragrance providing device> First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an overview of the fragrance providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be briefly described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the fragrance providing device 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fragrance providing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the lower side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the I-I cross-section of FIG. 1.

[0014] The fragrance providing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a case 10, a fragrance releasing device (fragrance releasing unit) 130, and an air releasing device (air releasing unit) 90. The fragrance releasing device 130 is capable of selectively releasing a fragrance selected from a plurality of fragrances.

[0015] The fragrance releasing device 130 includes a housing 710, a fragrance cartridge 200, an opening / closing mechanism 150, and a first blower 840. In the present embodiment, the fragrance cartridge 200 corresponds to the fragrance holding structure. The fragrance cartridge 200 is detachably attached to the front side of the housing 710.

[0016] The fragrance release device 130 supplies air from the first blower 840 to each of the multiple holding spaces 231 (only one is shown in Figure 3) provided in the fragrance cartridge 200, vaporizing and releasing the liquid fragrance held in the fragrance holders 251 located in each holding space 231. For example, the fragrance release device 130 vaporizes the liquid fragrance or moist fragrance (hereinafter collectively referred to as "liquid fragrance") by passing the air supplied from the first blower 840 through the holding spaces 231 of the fragrance cartridge 200, and releases it from the holding spaces 231 along with the air. The opening / closing mechanism 150 is provided inside the housing 710 and opens and closes the air passages supplied to each holding space 231.

[0017] The first blower 840 is housed inside the case 10. Inside the case 10, in addition to the first blower 840, there is a battery 810 and a circuit board 820. The battery 810 is connected to the first blower 840 and the opening / closing mechanism 150. The circuit board 820 includes a drive circuit that controls the driving of the first blower 840 and a drive circuit that controls the driving of the opening / closing mechanism 150. The circuit board 820 controls the driving of the first blower 840 by controlling the power supply from the battery 810 to the first blower 840, and controls the release of fragrance by the fragrance release device 130. The circuit board 820 also controls the airflow path supplied to each holding space 231 by controlling the power supply to the opening / closing mechanism 150.

[0018] The air discharge device 90 comprises a second blower 91 and a blower duct 93. The second blower 91 is connected to a battery 810. The circuit board 820 also includes a drive circuit that controls the driving of the second blower 840. The circuit board 820 controls the driving of the second blower 91 by controlling the power supply from the battery 810 to the second blower 91, thereby controlling the discharge of air from the air discharge device 90. The second blower 91 has a blower outlet (not shown) on the blower duct 93 side, and the air generated by the second blower 91 is introduced into the blower duct 93. The blower duct 93 discharges the air generated by the second blower 91 in a predetermined direction.

[0019] The fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment is used as a device that releases fragrance into a limited space with relatively high directivity. For example, the fragrance dispensing device 1 is attached to a display device for experiencing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) and provides a fragrance associated with the displayed image. This allows the user to experience a more realistic sensation.

[0020] Figures 4 and 5 show a head-mounted display device 1000 equipped with the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the head-mounted display device 1000 as seen from the front, and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the head-mounted display device 1000 shown in Figure 4 as seen from below.

[0021] The head-mounted display device 1000 comprises a mounting unit 1010, a display unit 1020, and a fragrance dispensing device 1. The display unit 1020 is positioned in front of the user's eyes and displays an image. The mounting unit 1010 is connected to the display unit 1020 and is mounted on the user's head so that the display unit 1020 is positioned in front of the user's eyes.

[0022] The fragrance dispensing device 1 is mounted in the center of the lower part of the display unit 1020. The fragrance released from the fragrance emission device 130 is directed towards the user's nasal cavity. Similarly, the air released from the air emission device 90 is directed towards the user's nasal cavity. The fragrance dispensing device 1 receives operation signals from, for example, a control device (not shown) that controls the display unit 1020 of the head-mounted display device 1000, and releases either fragrance or air. Specific examples of usage will be explained in detail later.

[0023] The head-mounted display device 1000 is just one example of how the fragrance dispensing device 1 can be applied, and the fragrance dispensing device 1 may be applied to devices other than the head-mounted display device 1000.

[0024] <2. Example of fragrance release device configuration> Next, an example of the configuration of the fragrance release device 130 will be described.

[0025] (2-1. Example of overall structure) Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an example configuration of the fragrance release device 130. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fragrance release device 130. Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the fragrance release device 130 shown in Figure 4, obtained by cutting the device in the x and y directions, respectively.

[0026] The fragrance release device 130 includes a housing 710 into which a fragrance cartridge 200 can be mounted. The housing 710 includes a mounting portion 715 into which the fragrance cartridge 200 is mounted. A support member 760 having a cylindrical portion 761 into which the fragrance cartridge 200 is inserted is inserted into the mounting portion 715. A support shaft 763 is formed coaxially with the cylindrical portion 761 in the center of the cylindrical portion 761, into which an axial hole 215 provided in the fragrance cartridge 200 is fitted.

[0027] The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 761 of the support member 760 is provided with a projection 767, which is a positioning element when inserting the support member 760 into the housing 710. By inserting the support member 760 into the housing 710 with the projection 767 aligned with the position of the slit groove 716 provided in the mounting portion 715 of the housing 710, the support member 760 is positioned in the appropriate location.

[0028] The outer circumference of the case 210 of the fragrance cartridge 200 is provided with a projection 212 that serves as a positioning element when the fragrance cartridge 200 is attached to the support member 760. By inserting the fragrance cartridge 200 into the support member 760 with the projection 212 aligned with the positioning groove 768 provided in the cylindrical portion 761 of the support member 760, the fragrance cartridge 200 is positioned in the appropriate location.

[0029] The support member 760 has an air supply port 765 that penetrates axially. Air supplied from the first blower 840 is introduced into the holding space 231 of the fragrance cartridge 200 via the air supply port 765. Multiple air supply ports 765 are provided to correspond to all of the holding spaces 231 provided in the fragrance cartridge 200.

[0030] The first blower 840 may be, for example, a diaphragm-type pump that performs air suction and pumping by deforming a diaphragm by supplying an alternating current to a piezoelectric element. The battery 810 may be a replaceable battery that only discharges, or a rechargeable secondary battery. The drive of the first blower 840 is controlled, for example, by switching control by a circuit board 820.

[0031] The first blower 840 is not particularly limited as long as it can be driven by power supplied from the battery 810. In addition to a diaphragm pump, it may also be a blower of the type that rotates a fan, for example.

[0032] (2-2. Fragrance cartridge (fragrance-retaining structure)) Next, an example of a fragrance cartridge 200 that can be attached to and detached from the housing 710 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, a fragrance cartridge having five holding spaces, each in which a fragrance holder 251 is arranged, will be described as an example.

[0033] Figures 9 to 12 are diagrams illustrating an example configuration of the fragrance cartridge 200. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the fragrance cartridge 200. Figure 10 is a front view of the fragrance cartridge 200 viewed axially from the front side (fragrance discharge side), and Figure 11 is a rear view of the fragrance cartridge 200 viewed axially from the rear side (air inlet side). Figure 12 is an axial cross-sectional view of the fragrance cartridge 200, and is a view taken along the arrow in cross-section II shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0034] The fragrance cartridge 200 has an overall cylindrical appearance. The fragrance cartridge 200 has a plurality (five in this embodiment) holding spaces 231a to 231e (hereinafter collectively referred to as holding spaces 231 unless otherwise specified) through which air supplied from the first blower 840 passes. A fragrance holder 251 for holding liquid fragrance is arranged in each holding space 231. The fragrance may be, for example, an essential oil, or an essential oil diluted with ethanol. There may be four or fewer holding spaces 231, or six or more.

[0035] The fragrance cartridge 200 according to this embodiment comprises a case 210 and a fragrance holder 251. The case 210 includes a first case body 211 and a second case body 100 fixed to the front side of the first case body 211. The fragrance holder 251 holds liquid fragrance and is positioned in each of the plurality of holding spaces 231 provided in the case 210. Even when the fragrance holder 251 is positioned in the holding space 231, air introduced into the holding space 231 can pass through.

[0036] For example, the fragrance holder 251 may be a holder in which a liquid fragrance is impregnated into an impregnating material as a base material. In this case, the impregnating material can be, for example, a porous or fibrous material made of polyester, nylon, felt, or polyacetal. Furthermore, it is preferable that the impregnating material is a material that has resistance to liquid fragrance. The liquid fragrance may be, for example, an essential oil or an essential oil diluted with ethanol. The liquid fragrance to be held in the fragrance holder 251 may be different for each holding space 231, or it may be the same for each space.

[0037] The fragrance cartridge 200 has protrusions 212a and 21b on its outer surface that serve as positioning elements when the fragrance cartridge 200 is mounted. Protrusion 212a is provided on the second case body 100, and protrusion 212b is provided on the first case body 211, and they are formed along the axial direction so as to be connected to each other.

[0038] The first case body 211 has a cylindrical outer shape in which the axial length is longer than the diameter. The central part of the first case body 211 is provided with axial holes 215 that open on both ends in the axial direction. The first case body 211 has five holding spaces 231 arranged at 60-degree intervals around the axis, while one space is provided as a pseudo-space 232. The multiple holding spaces 231 and the pseudo-space 232 each open to the front side of the first case body 211. The rear sides of the multiple holding spaces 231 are each open to the outside via air intake holes 221, while the rear side of the pseudo-space 232 is closed.

[0039] The first case body 211 has the same number of air inlet holes 221a to 221e (hereinafter collectively referred to as air inlet holes 221 unless otherwise specified) on its rear end face as the number of retaining spaces 231. The air inlet holes 221 open each retaining space 231 to the outside. In this embodiment, the five air inlet holes 221a to 221e, together with one pseudo-hole 223, are arranged at equal intervals of 60 degrees around the axis. The air inlet holes 221 can communicate with the air supply port 765 of the support member 760 inserted into and fixed in the housing 710. This air supply port 765 and the air inlet holes 221 function as air supply passages that supply air to each retaining space 231. Note that the arrangement positions of the multiple retaining spaces 231 and air inlet holes 221 do not have to be at equal intervals.

[0040] The second case body 100 has a cylindrical outer shape in which the axial length is shorter than the diameter. The second case body 100 is engaged with and fixed to the front end of the first case body 211. The outer circumferential surface of the second case body 100 is knurled, and a plurality of fine grooves are formed along the circumferential direction.

[0041] The central part of the second case body 100 is provided with axial holes 111 that open at both ends in the axial direction. When the second case body 100 is attached to the first case body 211, the axial holes 111 of the second case body 100 form a single axial hole together with the axial holes 215 of the first case body 211. Around the axial hole 111, there are a plurality of (five in this embodiment) fragrance release holes 101a to 101e (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, they will be collectively referred to as fragrance release holes 101) that open at both ends in the axial direction. The plurality of fragrance release holes 101, together with one pseudo-hole 103, are provided around the axial hole 111 at equal intervals (60-degree intervals in this embodiment). However, the arrangement of the fragrance release holes 101 does not have to be at equal intervals.

[0042] With the second case body 100 attached to the first case body 211, the multiple fragrance release holes 101a to 101e each communicate with the holding spaces 231a to 231e, opening the holding spaces 231a to 231e to the outside. The air inlet holes 221a to 221e provided in each of the holding spaces 231a to 231e and the respective fragrance release holes 101a to 101e of the second case body 100 are located in the same phase around the axis. In other words, the air inlet holes 221 provided in each of the holding spaces 231 and the fragrance release holes 101 are linearly connected along the axial direction.

[0043] On the outer circumferential surface of the second case body 100, a projection 212a having a predetermined length along the axial direction is provided at a position corresponding to the outer circumferential portion of the location where the pseudo-hole 103 is positioned. When the second case body 100 is attached to the first case body 211, the projection 212a of the second case body 100 is positioned continuously with the projection 212b of the first case body 211, forming a single projection 212.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fragrance cartridge 200 allows air to pass through the holding space 231 even when the fragrance holder 251 is in place. As air passes through the holding space 231, the liquid fragrance is vaporized, mixed with the air, and released. Furthermore, since the space from the air inlet 221, which is the air supply port, to the fragrance release port 101, which is the release port, is a closed space with no other openings, all of the fragrance vaporized by the airflow can be efficiently released from the release port.

[0045] If the fragrance release device 130 has a detachable fragrance cartridge 200, only the fragrance cartridge 200 can be easily replaced, allowing the fragrance provider 1 to be used for a long period of time. Furthermore, since it is possible to easily replace the fragrance cartridge 200 with a different one depending on the application or mood, it becomes easy to use different types of fragrances even if there are not many types of fragrances to hold in one fragrance cartridge 200.

[0046] (2-3. Opening and closing mechanism) Returning to Figures 6 to 8, we will now explain in detail the opening and closing mechanism 150 that switches whether or not air can pass through each of the holding spaces 231.

[0047] In the fragrance release device 130 of the fragrance providing device 1 according to this embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 150 is formed by an air supply port 765 and an air introduction hole 221, respectively, and opens and closes an air supply passage that supplies air to the holding space 231. The opening / closing mechanism 150 includes a member that deforms due to physical or chemical stimuli, and switches whether or not air can pass through each holding space 231.

[0048] The opening / closing mechanism 150 comprises a valve member 151, a biasing member 153, and a deformation member 155. A valve member 151, a biasing member 153, and a deformation member 155 are independently provided for each air supply port 765 that communicates with each holding space 231 of the fragrance cartridge 200. Figure 14 shows only the valve member 151c, biasing member 153c, and deformation member 155c corresponding to the holding space 231c.

[0049] A gallery chamber 713 is formed inside the housing 710. A substrate 160 is attached to the rear end surface of the housing 710 so as to cover the gallery chamber 713. The contact area between the housing 710 and the substrate 160 is made airtight by a process such as soldering.

[0050] The gallery chamber 713 is connected to an air inlet 711 from the first blower 840 and an air supply port 765 that communicates with each of the holding spaces 231. In the center of the gallery chamber 713 is a rear shaft portion 769 that extends rearward from the cylindrical portion 761 of the support member 760. Around the rear shaft portion 769 are valve members 151a to 151e, biasing members 153a to 153e, and deformation members 155a to 155e, corresponding to the respective holding spaces 231a to 231e. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, these will be collectively referred to as valve member 151, biasing member 153, or deformation member 155.

[0051] Air introduced into the gallery chamber 713 from the inlet 711 is distributed throughout the gallery chamber 713 through the gap between the opening / closing mechanism 150 and the rear shaft portion 769. Within the gallery chamber 713, the gap between the opening / closing mechanism 150 and the rear shaft portion 769 is configured to be relatively small, so that when the first blower 840 is driven, air is quickly supplied to the holding space 231.

[0052] Each valve member 151a to 151e is supported by support shafts 157a to 157e located within the gallery chamber 713 so as to be axially slidable. Specifically, valve member 151 is provided with an insertion hole 151ca that opens to the rear, and the tip of the support shaft 157 is inserted into the insertion hole 151ca, thereby supporting the valve member 151 so as to be axially slidable. The tip surface of valve member 151 is capable of contacting the edge surface surrounding the air supply port 765 of the support member 760. The support shaft 157 and the insertion hole 151ca are machined to have a D-shaped cross-section, preventing the valve member 151 from rotating.

[0053] The biasing member 153 is positioned between the valve member 151 and the rear end of the support shaft 157, and biases the valve member 151 in the forward direction, that is, in the direction of closing the air supply port 765. In this embodiment, a coil spring is used as the biasing member 153, with the tip of the coil spring embedded in the valve member 151c and the rear end supported by the rear end of the support shaft 157c.

[0054] The deformable member 155 deforms in response to physical or chemical stimuli, causing the valve member 151 to move in the retraction direction, that is, in the direction that opens the air supply port 765, against the biasing force of the biasing member 153. In this embodiment, the deformable member 155 is a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, which is a type of temperature-sensitive deformable member that deforms in response to temperature changes. The shape memory alloy generates heat due to electrical resistance when energized and deforms.

[0055] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the valve member 151 and the deformation member 155. The deformation member 155, made of a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, is arranged from one of the protruding portions 152a and 152b provided on both sides of the valve member 151, straddling the central axis, through the valve member 151 to the other protruding portion 152b. In other words, the deformation member 155, which is arranged with both ends extending backward, is locked to the valve member 151. Although not shown in the figure, both ends of the deformation member 155 are electrically connected to the drive circuit of the circuit board 820.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, both ends of the deformation member 155 are led out from the gallery chamber 713 to the outside through the internal holes of the eyelets 161a and 161b, respectively. The eyelets 161a and 161b are crimped with the deformation member 155 passing through the internal holes. This fixes the deformation member 155 and improves the airtightness of the gallery chamber 713 to the outside. Further airtightness-enhancing treatments such as soldering may be applied to the eyelets 161a and 161b. In this case, the eyelets 161a and 161b are crimped after the deformation member 155 has been pre-tensioned. This allows the valve member 151 to close the air supply port 765 when tension is generated in the deformation member 155 when it is not energized, thereby improving the responsiveness until the valve member 151c starts moving when the deformation member 155 is energized.

[0057] Figures 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the opening / closing mechanism 150. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the deformation member 155c in an unenergized state, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the deformation member 155c in an energized state.

[0058] When the deformable member 155c is not energized, the valve member 151c is biased forward by the biasing force of the biasing member 153, and the air supply port 765 of the support member 760 is closed. On the other hand, when the deformable member 155c is energized, the deformable member 155 contracts, causing the valve member 151c to retract against the biasing force of the biasing member 153, and the air supply port 765 of the support member 760 is opened. As a result, the air introduced from the first blower 840 into the gallery chamber 713 is supplied to the holding space 231 via the air supply port 765 and the air introduction hole 221. The air supplied to the holding space 231 is released from the fragrance release hole 101 along with the fragrance that has vaporized within the holding space 231.

[0059] The valve member 151, biasing member 153, and deformation member 155 are provided corresponding to their respective holding spaces 231, and the energization of each deformation member 155a to 155e is controlled by the drive circuit of the circuit board 820. Therefore, when the blower 840 is driven, an operation signal is input to the drive circuit of the circuit board 820, allowing air to be supplied to the desired holding space 231 and different fragrances to be released at any desired timing.

[0060] In this case, the amount of retraction of the valve member 151 may be adjustable according to the amount of current supplied to the deformation member 155. This makes it possible to adjust the airflow rate passing through each holding space 231 even if the amount of air supplied from the first blower 840 is constant. Furthermore, by supplying air to multiple holding spaces 231 while adjusting the amount of retraction of each valve member 151, various fragrances can be released from the fragrance release device 130 while adjusting the mixing ratio of different fragrances.

[0061] The configuration of the opening / closing mechanism 150 is not limited to the example described above. Various modifications are possible as long as it includes a deformable member that deforms due to physical or chemical stimuli, and the air supply passages supplied to each holding space 231 can be opened and closed in accordance with the deformation of the deformable member. Here, deformation due to physical or chemical stimuli means that the shape of the member changes due to electric current, electromagnetic action, thermal reaction, humidity change, photoreaction, or chemical reaction, etc. In addition to shape memory alloys, bimetals, expandable materials, etc. may be used as such deformable members.

[0062] Furthermore, the valve member 151 of the opening / closing mechanism 150 is not limited to moving in the front-rear direction, but may also slide in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the air supply passage. The opening / closing mechanism may also have a throttling function in which the area of ​​the air passage is reduced in diameter by the deformation of a deformable member, or it may have a door function in which the air passage is opened and closed by the rotation of a rotating plate. Moreover, the opening / closing mechanism may be configured to provide a member having a hole that constitutes part of the passage in the middle of the air passage, and to connect the air passage by moving the member.

[0063] <3. Example of air discharge device configuration> When using a fragrance emitter capable of emitting multiple types of fragrances, if different fragrances are emitted at short intervals, the fragrances will mix, making it difficult for the user to perceive the intended fragrance. For this reason, the fragrance providing device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with an air release device 90.

[0064] As described above, the air release device 90 includes a second blower 91 and a blower duct 93. Power is supplied from the battery 810 to the second blower 91, which generates air that is released in a predetermined direction via the blower duct 93. The direction of air release from the air release device 90 is designed to intersect with the direction of fragrance release from the fragrance release device 130. Therefore, residual fragrance can be dissipated by the air in the vicinity of the point where the air released from the air release device 90 and the fragrance released from the fragrance release device 130 intersect.

[0065] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the release direction L1 of the fragrance emitter 130 and the release direction L2 of the air emitter 90 of the head-mounted display device 1000 shown in Figures 4 and 5. When the head-mounted display device 1000 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is worn by a user on their head H, the release direction L1 of the fragrance emitter 130 and the release direction L2 of the air emitter 90 are designed to intersect near the nasal cavity of the user's nose N. This allows the fragrance emitter 130 to sequentially release different fragrances while dissipating lingering scents and allowing the user to experience the next fragrance.

[0066] <4. Circuit Configuration Example> Next, an example of a circuit configuration for controlling the drive of the fragrance release device 130 and the air release device 90 of the fragrance providing device 1 will be described.

[0067] Figure 17 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing an example of a control circuit 20 that controls the power supply from the battery 810 to the deformation members 155a to 155e, the first blower 840, and the second blower 91. The control circuit 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). The control unit may be a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0068] The control circuit 20 includes a main switch 21 for turning the power supply to the entire device on and off. The control circuit 20 also includes switches 23a to 23e for turning the power supply to each of the deformable members 155a to 155e on and off, a switch 25 for turning the power supply to the first blower 840 on and off, and a switch 27 for turning the power supply to the second blower 91 on and off. With the main switch 21 turned on, turning on the respective switches 23a to 23e, 25, and 27 supplies power to the deformable members 155a to 155e, the first blower 840, and the second blower 91, respectively.

[0069] Switches 23a-23e, 25, and 27 may be linear switches that allow the magnitude of the supplied current to be set linearly. If switches 23a-23e are linear switches, the amount of movement of the valve member 151, that is, the passage area of ​​the air supply path, can be changed linearly, thereby adjusting the fragrance discharge flow rate. Also, if switches 25 and 27 are linear switches, the amount of air blown by the first blower 840 or the second blower 91 can be changed linearly, thereby adjusting the fragrance or air discharge flow rate.

[0070] The on / off operation of switches 23a~23e, 25, and 27 of the control circuit 20 may be performed according to button operations by the user, or according to operation signals from the control device.

[0071] Furthermore, the control circuit 20 may be equipped with a wireless communication interface. This allows it to receive operation signals from an external control device and control the fragrance dispensing device 1.

[0072] <5. Example of operation> Next, an example of the operation of the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0073] The control circuit 20 controls the release of fragrance from the fragrance emitter 130 according to button operations by the user or operation signals from the control device. For example, the user may select and release a desired fragrance according to their mood, or the control device may drive the control circuit 20 to release an appropriate fragrance according to the content or atmosphere of the images or videos the user is viewing.

[0074] (5-1. Examples of actions taken by the user) Figure 18 shows an example of a screen display 30 for an operating device that allows the user to control the release of fragrance and air. Such an operating device may be a smartphone or tablet terminal, or it may be a dedicated operating device. The illustrated screen display 30 includes an operation unit 31 for selecting the on / off status of the main switch 21, an operation unit 33 for selecting the fragrance to be released from the fragrance release device 130, and an operation unit 35 for selecting the airflow rate to be released from the air release device 90. The user can control the release of fragrance and air by pressing the desired operation button according to the screen display 30.

[0075] The user presses the appropriate operation button according to the holding space 231 (indicated as SLOT1 to SLOT5 in the figure) corresponding to the type of fragrance they wish to release. In the illustrated example, the control unit opens a valve member 151 leading to the holding space 231 corresponding to the button selected by the user, supplying air to the holding space 231 and releasing the fragrance for a preset time (for example, 1 second).

[0076] In addition to allowing users to select a fragrance, the fragrance release time may also be selectable. For example, the user may be able to select a fragrance release time in three stages (0.3 seconds, 1 second, 3 seconds), and the valve member 151 may be opened according to the selected time. Furthermore, the fragrance intensity may also be selectable. For example, the user may be able to select a fragrance intensity in three stages (strong, medium, weak), and the opening degree of the valve member 151 may be adjusted according to the selected intensity.

[0077] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 18, the user can select the airflow rate in three stages (HI / MID / LO). The control unit may continuously release air from the air release device 90 according to the selected flow rate. By continuously releasing air, the area around the user's nose can be kept odorless during periods other than the fragrance release period, and any lingering fragrance can be quickly dissipated after the user has smelled the released fragrance. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the next fragrance to be released. In this case, the control unit may stop releasing air only during the fragrance release period.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit may release air from the air release unit 90 after releasing fragrance from the fragrance release unit 130. By releasing air after releasing fragrance, any lingering fragrance can be dissipated after the user has been exposed to the released fragrance. In this case, the control unit may release air for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount, or it may adjust the amount of air released according to the amount of fragrance released. Also, the power consumption can be reduced depending on the frequency of fragrance release.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit may release air from the air release device 90 immediately before releasing fragrance from the fragrance release device 130. In other words, the control unit may release air from the air release device 90 first, and then release fragrance from the fragrance release device 130. By releasing air immediately before releasing fragrance, the user can be made aware of the fragrance release.

[0080] (5-2. Examples of operation based on control unit operation commands) The release of fragrance and air by the fragrance dispensing device 1 may be controlled based on operation commands from other control devices, such as control devices that control the display of still images or videos. For example, the fragrance dispensing device 1 may be controlled to create an atmosphere corresponding to the content of a video being played in AR, VR, or movies. Alternatively, in an adrenaline facility, the fragrance dispensing device 1 may be controlled to create an atmosphere corresponding to the location where the user moves.

[0081] Figure 19 shows an example of operation of a fragrance providing device 1 equipped with a fragrance emitter 130 and an air emitter 90. This example of operation involves displaying an image of food while providing the user with a fragrance reminiscent of the displayed food. In this example, the fragrance emitter 130 provides fragrance A through one holding space 231 (SLOT1), and then provides fragrance B through another holding space 231 (SLOT5) within a short period of time. In this case, the control device that displays the image is configured to output an operation command to the control unit of the fragrance providing device 1 to generate an appropriate fragrance in accordance with the timing of displaying the image.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 19, at least one of the output of the first blower 840 or the opening of the valve member 151 is adjusted so that the intensity of fragrance A released from the fragrance dispensing device 1 gradually increases. Then, the second blower 91 is activated and air is released from the air release device 90 (E1 in the figure), reducing the intensity of fragrance A. Immediately before fragrance B is released, air is again released from the air release device 90 (E2 in the figure), dissipating fragrance A. After that, at least one of the output of the first blower 840 or the opening of the valve member 151 is adjusted so that the intensity of the released fragrance B gradually increases. Subsequently, air is released after the release of fragrance B (E3 in the figure), reducing the intensity of fragrance B.

[0083] In this way, the fragrance dispensing device 1 provides fragrances based on operation commands from other control devices in order to create the atmosphere provided to the user. This makes it less likely for fragrances to mix when different fragrances are provided to the user in a short period of time, and allows for appropriate control of the atmosphere provided to the user.

[0084] Furthermore, even when the fragrance dispensing device 1 is operated by an operation command from the control device, the method of releasing air corresponding to the release of fragrance may be the operation by the control unit described in (5-1.) above. In addition, in addition to the configuration example in which information on the operation pattern for operating the fragrance dispensing device 130 and the air dispensing device 90 is stored in another control device and operation commands are output from the other control device to the fragrance dispensing device 1, information on an operation pattern linked to a video or the like may be stored in advance in the control unit of the fragrance dispensing device 130, and the fragrance dispensing device 1 itself may operate the fragrance dispensing device 130 and the air dispensing device 90 according to the said operation pattern.

[0085] <6. Variation> The fragrance release device 130 can be modified in various ways other than the examples shown above.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the fragrance emitter 130 and the air emitter 90 were configured as a single unit, but the fragrance emitter 130 and the air emitter 90 may be configured separately.

[0087] Figures 20 and 21 show a modified head-mounted display device 1001 equipped with a fragrance dispensing device. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the head-mounted display device 1001 seen from the front, and Figure 21 is a perspective view of a part of the head-mounted display device 1001 shown in Figure 20, seen from below.

[0088] The modified head-mounted display device 1001 comprises a mounting section 1010, a display section 1020, a fragrance emitter 130, and an air emitter 90, with the fragrance emitter 130 and the air emitter 90 being arranged separately. The fragrance emitter 130 is positioned above the display section 1020, which is located in front of the user's eyes, and the air emitter 90 is positioned below the display section 1020. The fragrance emitter 130 and the air emitter 90 are connected by an air supply pipe 80, and the fragrance emitted from the fragrance emitter 130 is sent to the air emitter 90 via the air supply pipe 80.

[0089] The air release device 90 comprises an air supply duct 97 and a second air supply device 91. The air supply duct 97 has a guide section 98 where the user's nose is positioned. The air supply duct 97 opens on the end side where the guide section 98 is provided. An air supply pipe 80 is connected to the end opposite to the end side where the guide section 98 is provided. The fragrance sent from the fragrance release device 130 via the air supply pipe 80 passes through the guide section 98 and is guided to the user's nose.

[0090] The second blower 91 is capable of discharging air or fragrance from the air duct 97 to the outside. In other words, the air discharge device 90 of the head-mounted display device 1001 shown in Figures 20 and 21 does not discharge air towards the user's nasal cavity, but rather is capable of discharging air from within the air duct 97. This allows the lingering fragrance to be quickly discharged from within the air duct 97 after the fragrance has been released towards the guide section 98 where the user's nose is positioned.

[0091] The airflow discharged by the second blower 91 may be directed towards the user's mouth. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing how the airflow discharged by the second blower 91 is directed towards the user's mouth. By directing the airflow towards the user's mouth, for example, if the second blower 91 is operated for a short period of time just before releasing the fragrance, the airflow will collide with the area around the mouth, making the user aware of the release of the fragrance.

[0092] In addition, in the modified head-mounted display device 1001 shown in Figures 20 to 22, the fragrance emitter 130 may be positioned at a location other than the top of the display unit 1020.

[0093] Furthermore, the fragrance release device 130 may include a fragrance mixing chamber into which air that has passed through each of the holding spaces 231 of the fragrance cartridge 200 can flow. By including a fragrance mixing chamber, air can be passed through multiple holding spaces 231 that hold different types of fragrances simultaneously, and these fragrances can be mixed before being released. Therefore, for example, if the fragrance cartridge can hold five types of fragrances, a total of 30 different fragrances can be released by using one type individually or in combination with multiple types.

[0094] Furthermore, if a fragrance mixing chamber is provided, a configuration for generating a turbulent flow may be provided inside the fragrance mixing chamber. For example, fins may be provided that rise from the inner wall surface of the fragrance mixing chamber, or a static mixer capable of generating a turbulent flow may be provided inside the fragrance mixing chamber.

[0095] Furthermore, although the opening / closing mechanism 150 of the fragrance release device 130 described above opens and closes the air supply passage to the holding space 231, the opening / closing mechanism may also open and close the fragrance release passage from the holding space 231. Even when the fragrance release passage is closed, air cannot pass through the holding space 231, so the opening / closing mechanism can switch whether or not fragrance is released. When the opening / closing mechanism is configured to open and close the fragrance release passage, leakage of fragrance from holding spaces 231 other than the one through which air passes can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the opening / closing mechanism is configured to open and close the air supply passage, damage such as corrosion of the components constituting the opening / closing mechanism by the liquid fragrance can be suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 150 may be provided in both the air supply passage and the fragrance release passage. This enhances the effect of preventing fragrance leakage from the retaining space 231, which does not allow air to pass through.

[0097] Furthermore, the fragrance dispensing device 1 may include multiple fragrance cartridges and an opening / closing mechanism. In this case, the multiple fragrance cartridges may be arranged in series, and the air supplied from the first blower 840 may pass through the multiple fragrance cartridges sequentially. By passing air through multiple fragrance cartridges, different fragrances can be mixed or the intensity of the same fragrance can be increased.

[0098] Furthermore, the fragrance dispensing device 1 may be equipped with multiple fragrance dispensing devices 130. This allows for the dispensing of a wider variety of fragrances. In this case, each of the multiple fragrance dispensing devices 130 may be equipped with a first air blower 840, or some or all of the multiple fragrance dispensing devices 130 may be equipped with a shared first air blower 840. This allows for the dispensing of a variety of fragrances. Additionally, the multiple fragrance dispensing devices 130 may be arranged so that the fragrance outlets from each device face each other. This allows for easy mixing and dispensing of fragrances.

[0099] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple holding spaces 231 of the fragrance cartridge 200 may be used without holding fragrance. For example, by passing air through one of the holding spaces 231 that holds fragrance while also passing air through the holding space 231 that does not hold fragrance, the intensity of the fragrance can be reduced. Also, by providing a holding space 231 that does not hold fragrance, odorless air can be released, and the air release device 90 can be omitted. Moreover, instead of holding fragrance, a deodorant such as activated carbon may be held. This can enhance the deodorizing effect of the lingering scent.

[0100] Furthermore, in the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to the above embodiment, at least one of the fragrance release direction or the air release direction may be adjustable. This allows the user to adjust the fragrance or air release direction according to their preference.

[0101] As described above, the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a fragrance release device 130 that uses a detachable fragrance cartridge 200, each having a plurality of holding spaces 231 in which fragrance is held. Therefore, the fragrance can be easily replaced or replenished simply by changing the fragrance cartridge 200. Consequently, the fragrance dispensing device 1 can be used for a long period of time.

[0102] Furthermore, the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with an opening / closing mechanism 150 that switches whether or not air can pass through each of the multiple holding spaces 231, so that the fragrance to be released can be switched quickly. Also, because the fragrance dispensing device 1 is equipped with an opening / closing mechanism 150 that switches whether or not air can pass through each of the multiple holding spaces 231, air can be passed through multiple holding spaces 231 simultaneously, and fragrances can be released while being mixed. In addition, because the opening / closing mechanism 150 is a mechanism that includes a deformable member 155 that deforms in response to physical or chemical stimuli, vibrations during operation can be reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, the fragrance dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with an air release device 90, which can replace the air around the nose by releasing air toward the user's nose or blowing air away from near the user's nose. This allows the fragrance to disappear or to prepare for switching fragrances. In addition, the fragrance intensity may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of air released from the air release device 90, either in conjunction with or in addition to adjusting the amount of fragrance released from the fragrance dispensing device 130.

[0104] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art of the present disclosure that various modifications or alterations may be conceived within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0105] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A detachable fragrance holding structure having multiple holding spaces, each holding a fragrance, A blower that supplies air to pass through the holding space, A plurality of air supply passages for introducing the air into each of the aforementioned holding spaces, A member that deforms due to physical or chemical stimulation, and an opening / closing mechanism that switches whether or not the air can pass through each of the holding spaces, The system includes a control unit that controls the opening and closing mechanism, A fragrance dispensing device. (2) The opening and closing mechanism is A valve member that closes the air passage, A biasing member that biases the valve member in the direction of closing the air passage, A deformable member that deforms due to physical or chemical stimulation, thereby moving the valve member in a direction that opens the air passage, The fragrance dispensing device described in (1) above. (3) The deformable member is a temperature-sensitive deformable member that deforms in response to temperature changes. The fragrance dispensing device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The temperature-sensitive deformation member is a shape memory alloy, a bimetal, or an expandable material. The fragrance dispensing device described in (3) above. (5) The deformable member is a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, The aforementioned thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy deforms due to temperature changes caused by the application of electricity, moving the valve member against the biasing direction of the biasing member and opening the air passage. The fragrance dispensing device described in (2) above. (6) In the non-electric state of the thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, the valve member closes the air passage while tension is generated in the thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy. The fragrance dispensing device described in (5) above. (7) The opening and closing mechanism is provided in the air supply passage, A fragrance dispensing device as described in any one of items (1) to (6) above. (8) A gallery room to which air supplied from the blower is introduced and to which a plurality of air supply passages are connected, A fragrance dispensing device as described in any one of items (1) to (7) above. (9) The opening and closing mechanism is provided in the air supply passage, The deformable member is a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, At least a portion of the aforementioned thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy is placed in the gallery chamber, The aforementioned thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy is led out of the gallery chamber through the internal hole of the eyelet. The eyelet is crimped to fix the thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy, and the gallery chamber is closed to the outside. The fragrance dispensing device described in (8) above. (10) Each of the aforementioned holding spaces is equipped with a fragrance mixing chamber into which air that has passed through the space can flow in, A fragrance dispensing device as described in any one of items (1) to (9) above. (11) A fragrance release unit capable of selectively releasing a fragrance selected from among multiple fragrances, An air release unit capable of releasing air towards the reach of the released fragrance, A control unit that controls the fragrance release unit and the air release unit, A fragrance dispensing device equipped with a fragrance dispenser. (12) The direction of fragrance release from the fragrance release unit and the direction of air release from the air release unit intersect. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (13) The fragrance dispensing device is used by being attached to the user's head, and the direction of fragrance discharge from the fragrance dispensing part and the direction of air discharge from the air dispensing part intersect around the user's nostrils. The fragrance dispensing device described in (12) above. (14) The control unit, With the main power supply of the fragrance dispensing device turned on, the air is continuously released from the air release section. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (15) The control unit, During the period when the fragrance is released from the fragrance release unit, the release of the air is stopped. The fragrance dispensing device described in (14) above. (16) The control unit, After releasing the fragrance from the fragrance release unit, the air is released from the air release unit. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (17) The control unit, After releasing the air from the air release section, the fragrance is released from the fragrance release section. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (18) The control unit, The intensity of the released fragrance is adjusted by adjusting the amount of air released from the aforementioned air release section. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (19) The fragrance dispensing device is used by being attached to the user's head and includes a blower duct having a guide portion where the user's nose is positioned. The fragrance released from the fragrance release device is released towards the guide section via the air duct. The air discharge device discharges the air or fragrance from the air duct to the outside of the air duct. The fragrance dispensing device described in (11) above. (20) The airflow discharged outside the air supply duct by the air discharge device is directed towards the user's mouth. The fragrance dispensing device described in (19) above. (21) A mounting part that is attached to the user's head, A display unit positioned in the user's line of sight when the user is wearing the device, Equipped with a fragrance dispensing device, The aforementioned fragrance dispensing device is A fragrance emitter capable of selectively releasing a fragrance selected from multiple fragrances, An air release unit capable of releasing air towards the reach of the released fragrance, A control unit that controls the fragrance release unit and the air release unit, A head-mounted display device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Aroma dispensing device 20 Control circuits 90 Air release device 91 Second blower 93 Air supply duct 151 Valve member 153 Biasing member 155 Deformed member 200 Fragrance-retaining structures (fragrance cartridges) 221c Air intake vent 231 Holding space 765 Air supply port 810 Battery 820 Circuit Board 840 First blower

Claims

1. A detachable fragrance-holding structure having multiple holding spaces for holding fragrances, and other holding spaces for holding activated carbon, A blower that supplies air to pass through the holding space, A plurality of air supply passages for introducing the air into each of the aforementioned holding spaces, An opening / closing mechanism for switching whether or not the air can pass through each of the holding spaces, A control unit that controls the opening and closing mechanism, Air supplied from the aforementioned blower is introduced into the gallery room, to which the plurality of air supply passages are connected, Equipped with, The opening and closing mechanism is A valve member that closes the aforementioned air passage, A biasing member that biases the valve member in the direction of closing the air passage, A deformation member that moves the valve member in the direction that opens the air passage, It has, The deformable member is a thin wire-shaped shape memory alloy that deforms in accordance with the temperature generated by the application of electricity. The control unit controls the amount of current supplied to the deformable member, At least a portion of the deformation member is placed inside the gallery room, The deformed member is led out of the gallery chamber through the internal hole of the eyelet, The grommet is crimped to fix the deformable member, and the gallery chamber is closed to the outside. A fragrance dispensing device.

2. The deformation member moves the valve member by an amount of movement corresponding to the amount of current flow, against the biasing direction of the biasing member, thereby adjusting the degree to which the air passage is open. The fragrance dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. In the deformable member, when tension is generated in the deformable member, the valve member closes the air passage. The fragrance dispensing device according to claim 2.

4. The opening and closing mechanism is provided in the air supply passage. A fragrance dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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