Device for spraying a fragrance

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for spraying a liquid fragrance, comprising a fragrance container (2) for receiving the fragrance and a spray unit (5), said spray unit having an immersion tube (8) immersed into the fragrance container (2), a push-button (5), a nozzle opening (6) which is provided in the push-button and in which a nozzle (7) connected to the immersion tube (8) is provided, and a circuit (15) in which a voltage source (14) and a light source (9) are provided, said circuit (15) being closed when the push-button (5) is actuated. The aim of the invention is to reliably and quickly detect the exact position of the nozzle in such a device by means of a visual inspection. This is achieved in that the light source (9) is designed to display the position of the nozzle (7) on the push-button (5).

Description

[0001] Device for spraying a fragrance

[0002] The invention relates to a device for spraying a liquid fragrance with a fragrance container for holding the fragrance and a spray unit, wherein the spray unit has a dip tube immersed in the fragrance container, a print head, a nozzle opening provided in the print head, in which a nozzle connected to the dip tube is arranged, and an electrical circuit in which a voltage source and a light source are arranged, wherein the electrical circuit is closed when the print head is actuated.

[0003] Such a device is already known from WO2005 / 095003 A1. This discloses an atomizer that is arranged on the opening of a fragrance container and seals it in a liquid-tight manner. The atomizer comprises a pressure head that is mounted for movement in a longitudinal direction. When the pressure head is manually applied to the pressure head by a user, it is moved in said longitudinal direction toward the fragrance container, whereby a metallic contact spring closes an electrical circuit. Batteries as a voltage source and an illumination device are arranged in the electrical circuit. The illumination device is arranged below the entire atomizer in the direction of movement of the pressure head and illuminates the interior of the fragrance container.

[0004] Further prior art is known from DE 202006 013 373 U1 , US 2028 / 0016088A1 , US 2015 / 0266042 A1 and DE 29622 749 U1.

[0005] The device mentioned above has the disadvantage that the exact position of the nozzle on the print head cannot be easily determined visually. Especially when the print head is freely rotatable, this often results in experimental spraying of the fragrance, with the exact position of the nozzle ultimately becoming apparent to the user due to the escaping aerosol fan. However, this unnecessarily consumes the often costly fragrance. Furthermore, this spraying can cause the fragrance to be applied to areas where it is perceived as unpleasant.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset in which the exact position of the nozzle can be reliably and quickly detected by visual inspection.

[0007] The invention solves this problem in that the light source is configured to indicate the nozzle position on the print head, wherein the surface of the print head facing away from the fragrance container is designed as a touch-sensitive surface and means are provided which close the circuit when the touch-sensitive surface is touched.

[0008] According to the invention, the light source simplifies the process of locating the precise nozzle position on the print head. This can be achieved by illuminating the nozzle directly by the light source upon actuation of the print head, allowing the user to quickly locate it. However, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to design the light source as a pure position sensor, so that the precise position of the nozzle can be determined simultaneously by detecting the illuminated light source.

[0009] The light source is expediently arranged in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle. For example, it is possible to arrange the light source directly next to the nozzle or on either side of the nozzle without directly illuminating the nozzle. In the latter case, the light source comprises two illumination units. Within the scope of the invention, the light source can have one or more illumination units. Within the scope of the invention, the light source can also be arranged offset into the print head and illuminate the nozzle from the interior of the print head. In this case, only the illuminated nozzle is visible from the outside. Advantageously, however, the light source is arranged on one of the outer surfaces of the print head, with each illumination unit generating a light cone pointing away from the surface. Advantageously, the light source has at least one light-emitting diode (LED) as the illumination unit.LEDs are known as light-emitting diodes. They are familiar to those skilled in the art, so further explanation is unnecessary.

[0010] Conveniently, within the scope of the invention, the lighting units can only be switched on or off together.

[0011] Deviating from this, however, it is also possible within the scope of the invention for the lighting units to be switched on and off one after the other, for example simulating a movement of the light onto the nozzle.

[0012] In this variant of the invention, the LEDs are arranged, for example, in a straight line, with the nozzle positioned in the center of this line. When the circuit is closed, the LEDs on either side of the line begin to illuminate. After a brief illumination period, they go out again. At the same time, the two LEDs immediately adjacent to the nozzle briefly illuminate. This process is repeated from LED to LED until finally the two LEDs closest to the nozzle illuminate. This entire process can also be repeated within the scope of the invention.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, several such LED lines or sections can also be provided, aligned at right angles to one another, with the nozzle located at the intersection of the lines or LED rows or sections. In this case, a type of illumination pattern is created. However, it is essential within the scope of the invention that the illumination or, in other words, firing pattern allows the position of the nozzle to be quickly and reliably determined by visual inspection. Single-color, as well as multi-color, illumination units can be used within the scope of the invention.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source surrounds the nozzle in a ring-like manner. In other words, the illumination units of the light source surround the nozzle in a ring-like manner. They thus form a circle, with the nozzle at the center of this circle.

[0015] In a further advantageous variant of the invention, the voltage source is designed as a battery or a piezoelectric element. A battery is preferably used with touch-sensitive surfaces.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, the surface of the print head intended for contact with the user's finger is designed to be touch-sensitive. The touch-sensitive surface is connected to an electronic unit, for example, a programmable logic unit on which software is stored. This unit can detect contact with the touch-sensitive surface. It is also configured to close the circuit, in which, in addition to possible circuit resistors, a voltage source and a light source are arranged. Within the scope of the invention, touching said surface thus causes the light source to illuminate.

[0017] A piezoelectric voltage source only generates a voltage under pressure, so that in this variant according to the invention the print head can be moved against an elastic effect of a spring or the piezoelectric element itself before the fragrance is sprayed towards the fragrance bottle.

[0018] Advantageously, a section of the outer surface of the print head is designed as a photovoltaic cell connected to a rechargeable battery as a voltage source. This variant of the invention avoids the need to replace exhausted batteries. The photovoltaic cell is expediently designed so that it generates a current flow even when irradiated by artificially generated light, which can be used to charge the rechargeable battery. Artificial light is generated by lighting devices such as light bulbs. This allows charging in enclosed spaces regardless of the time of day. A charging electronics unit with charging control software is used to regulate the charging of the rechargeable battery. Instead of a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0019] Advantageously, a further light source is provided which is intended to illuminate a section of the pressure medium container.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached figures of the drawing, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components and wherein

[0021] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a perspective view schematically,

[0022] Fig. 2 - 4 an embodiment of the print head of a

[0023] Device according to Figure 1 in different positions,

[0024] Fig. 5 an embodiment of the print head of a

[0025] Device according to Figure 1 with the light source switched off,

[0026] Fig. 6 the print head according to Figure 5 with the light source switched on and

[0027] Fig. 7 shows a different embodiment of the print head with some components arranged hidden inside the nozzle head.

[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. It can be seen that the device 1 comprises a fragrance container 2, which is hollow-cylindrical in shape and extends in a longitudinal direction 3. At the upper end of the fragrance container 2, it has a through-opening (not shown in the figure), through which a liquid fragrance 4 can be poured into the fragrance container 2.

[0029] The through-opening of the fragrance container 2 is closed by an atomizer unit, which will be explained in more detail below. The atomizer unit has a pressure head 5 with a nozzle opening 6 in which a nozzle 7 is arranged. The nozzle 7 is connected to a dip tube 8 of the atomizer unit, which is designed as a hose. The dip tube 8 extends into the interior of the fragrance container 2 and is tubular in shape.

[0030] The print head 5 also has a pumping mechanism (not explained further below) for applying the liquid fragrance, which is located in the fragrance container 2, to the desired surface as a fine mist via the nozzle 7. To do this, the print head 5 must be manually pressed longitudinally toward the fragrance container 2, whereby it is displaced downwards in the longitudinal direction 3 in the position shown in Figure 1. The fragrance container, however, remains stationary. When the print head 5 is actuated or pressed, a spring is compressed, which returns the print head 5 to its original position after it is released.

[0031] The nozzle opening 6 and the nozzle 7 are difficult to identify from a distance by simple observation. Therefore, with previously known devices, the fragrance is often sprayed in an unintended direction. The exact nozzle position can then be determined from the aerosol emerging from the nozzle. This method has the disadvantage that the often costly fragrance is wasted unnecessarily. Furthermore, the fragrance can be applied to surfaces that are not suitable for it.

[0032] In order to be able to easily identify the position of the nozzle with the naked eye, even from a distance, a light source is provided within the scope of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the light source comprises several lighting units in the form of LEDs, which are arranged in a ring around the nozzle opening. In the initial position shown in Figure 1, the LEDs do not generate any light. In order to generate light, according to a preferred variant of the invention, the print head only needs to be lightly touched with a finger on its front surface facing away from the fragrance container. This variant of the invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, a piezoelectric element serves as the voltage source. If pressure is applied to the elastically deformable piezoelectric element, it generates a voltage at its outputs. This voltage causes the LEDs to light up.When the pressure is released, the piezoelectric element relaxes and the print head returns to its original position.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates the print head 5 in its initial position, in which it is free of external pressure. The LEDs 9 arranged in a ring around the nozzle 7 are not illuminated. This is represented by the dashed line.

[0034] In the illuminated position shown in Figure 3, however, the same print head 5 is displaced by a distance Zi in the longitudinal direction toward the compressed gas cylinder by pressure from the user's hand against the elastic force of the piezoelectric element. The horizontal line 10 above the print head 5 corresponds to the position of the print head in its initial position according to Figure 2. In the illuminated position shown in Figure 3, the piezoelectric element is compressed and generates a voltage. This causes the LED ring 9 to illuminate. This is indicated by the dotted line in Figure 3.

[0035] In Figure 4, the print head has been moved further away from the user's finger toward the fragrance container and is in its final spray position. The position of the print head in the illuminated position, shown in Figure 3, is indicated in Figure 4 by line 11. Against an elastic counterpressure of the spray mechanism, which ensured that a predetermined amount of fragrance emerged from the fragrance container 2 as an aerosol from the nozzle, the print head 5 was moved again by the distance Z2 toward the fragrance container. As already explained, the spray mechanism as such is well known to those skilled in the art, so further explanations are unnecessary here.

[0036] In the variant shown in Figures 2 to 4, light is generated when light pressure is applied, allowing the exact position of the nozzle to be identified. However, when the print head is in the illuminated position, no fragrance is emitted from the nozzle. The user can thus easily identify the position of the nozzle and align the device 1 according to the invention so that the nozzle 7 points in the desired direction. The pressure can then be increased, and the fragrance can be applied in this way.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates the print head 5 according to Figures 2 and 3, i.e. with illuminated LEDs 7, in an enlarged view.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the print head 5 according to Figure 3 with non-illuminated LEDs 7.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a different variant of the spray unit with its print head 5. The components of the print head 5 hidden inside are indicated by dot-dash outlines. It can be seen that the end face 11 of the print head 5 facing away from the fragrance container (not shown in the figure) is designed as a touch-sensitive surface 12. In the embodiment shown, said surface is configured as a touchscreen 12 or touchpad. The touchscreen 12 has fine wires that run lengthwise and crosswise across the touchscreen and are not visible to the naked eye. The touchscreen 12 is connected via a data line to an electronic unit 13, which has a controller and software. Using the so-called capacitive principle, the electronic unit 13 determines whether the touchscreen is being touched, for example, by the user's index finger.If this is the case, the electronic unit 13 ensures that a switch 16 of an electrical circuit 15 is closed.

[0040] In said circuit 15, the components of which are only partially illustrated, a battery 14 serves as a voltage source and a light source 9 in the form of the LED ring 9 already shown in connection with Figure 1 are arranged. Closing the switch 16 effectively connects the battery 14 to the LEDs of the LED ring, i.e., the light source 9, so that the LEDs begin to illuminate upon touching the touchscreen 12. The user can thus easily identify the exact position of the nozzle 7, which lies at the center of the circular light source 9.

[0041] Within the scope of the invention, the touchscreen or touchpad can also be based on a different principle, for example, the resistive principle or another physical principle or effect. Thus, touch-sensitive surfaces based on a heat or pressure principle are also conceivable within the scope of the invention. In both cases, the warmth of the user's finger or a light pressure from the finger triggers the activation of the light source.

Claims

Claims 1 . Device (1 ) for spraying a liquid fragrance with - a fragrance container (2) for holding the fragrance and - a spray unit (5), wherein - the spray unit is a dip tube (8) immersed in the fragrance container (2), - a print head (5), - a nozzle opening (6) provided in the print head, in which a nozzle (7) connected to the immersion tube (8) is arranged, and - has an electrical circuit (15) in which a voltage source (14) and a light source (9) are arranged, wherein the electrical circuit (15) is closed upon actuation of the print head (5), characterized in that the light source (9) is designed to indicate the position of the nozzles (7) on the print head (5), wherein the surface of the print head (5) facing away from the fragrance container (2) is designed as a touch-sensitive surface (12) and means (13) are provided which close the circuit (15) when the touch-sensitive surface (12) is touched.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source (9) illuminates the nozzle (7) or is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle (7).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light source (7) has at least one light-emitting diode (LED) as a lighting unit.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light source surrounds the nozzle (7) in a ring shape.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the voltage source is a battery (14) or is designed as a piezoelectric element.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a portion of the outer surface of the print head (5) is designed as a photovoltaic cell connected to a rechargeable battery as a voltage source.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further light source is provided for illuminating a portion of the printing medium container (2).

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