TW201526930A - Apparatus and method for diffusing chemical substance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for diffusing a chemical substance, comprising: a chamber having a diffusing member arranged to diffuse a chemical substance to air disposed within the chamber, wherein the chamber is in communication with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is arranged to receive air from an exterior of the chamber, and the air outlet is arranged to expel air from within the chamber.

Description

Device and method for diffusing chemical substances

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for diffusing a chemical substance, particularly, but not limited to, a device that is configured to diffuse a fragrance material into a particular area of space.

People in a variety of fields, including business owners, environmental experts, architects, and event organizers, recognize the need to control air quality in a particular space. In general, by controlling air quality, space habitability can be improved and the quality of time that people may spend in this space is improved. Improvements like this have been used, for example, in homes, schools, and businesses to increase the appeal of space.

One method of controlling the air quality of a space is to diffuse the compound into the interagency space. Sometimes, the compound can be a scented compound and as an aromatherapy compound, providing an attractive and therapeutic aroma to the surrounding environment. By spreading the fragrance to an area, business owners and event organizers can improve the appeal and comfort of a particular area. For example, retailers can provide a scent that meets their expectations to a specific shopping space, thereby increasing the patron's enjoyment, while hotel owners can also use the fragrance to improve the habitability and comfort of the space for the customer.

Although there are many ways to diffuse aroma into the air, the spread of the fragrance is often limited to small and limited spaces, such as toilets, kitchens, living rooms, or smaller spaces. For large spaces with air conditioning systems or environments that often have more user traffic or are regularly exposed, such as hotel halls, concert halls, or stations, these small-scale aroma diffusion methods cannot be effectively operated. , thus reducing any effectiveness in improving air quality.

The technical means for solving the problems of the prior art provides a device for diffusing a chemical substance, comprising a chamber having a diffusion member configured to diffuse chemicals into the chamber. Air, wherein the chamber is in communication with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being configured to receive air from outside the chamber, the air outlet being configured to exhaust air from the chamber.

In an embodiment of the invention, the air inlet and the air outlet are positioned such that air flowing from the air inlet and the air outlet is a diffusion member that substantially passes through the chamber.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chamber is defined by a housing that is configured to surround the diffusing member.

In an embodiment of the invention, the air outlet is configured to vent air at an angle relative to an axis of a base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the angle is an acute angle.

In an embodiment of the invention, a fan is further included, the fan being configured to drive air from the air inlet and out of the air outlet through the chamber.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diffusion member is in fluid communication with a container configured to contain the chemical.

In an embodiment of the invention, the liquid communication between the diffusion member and the container is formed by a wick.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diffusion member is a diffusion member that is heated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diffusion member is heated to a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius.

In an embodiment of the invention, the container includes a conduit extending from the container to an opening disposed in the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the opening disposed on the housing includes a plug that is pivotally coupled to the housing, the plug being configured to pivotally embed the conduit to seal the container.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fan is regulated by a controller to change the speed of the fan.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chemical is an aromatic compound.

Another technique employed by the present invention to solve the problems of the prior art is to provide a method of diffusing aroma to a zone of space using a device as described above.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an apparatus for diffusing a chemical according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a chamber having a diffusion member configured to diffuse chemicals into the chamber The air, wherein the chamber is in communication with an air inlet and an air outlet configured to receive air from outside the chamber, the air outlet being configured to exhaust air from the chamber.

In the present embodiment, the apparatus 100 for diffusing chemicals includes a housing 102 that is configured to surround a chamber 104 having an air inlet 106 and an air outlet 108. The device is configured to be placed on the base 110 of the device such that it can be supported on a floor, shelf or any other surface that, in operation, is configured to diffuse chemicals into the surrounding space.

In operation, the device 100 can be placed on a surface, such as a table, floor, or a shelf space, and can be continuously operated to diffuse chemicals stored in the device 100. In operation, the apparatus 100 has an operating fan 202 within the housing 102 for driving air into the chamber 104 of the apparatus 100 from the surrounding space via the air inlet 106. Air travels through the air inlet 106 and then through a diffusing member 204 within the chamber 104, which in turn diffuses chemicals stored within the device into the air within the chamber 104. The air stored in the chamber 104 is in turn mixed with the diffused chemicals and then discharged from the chamber 104 via the gas outlet 108. By operating the device 100, the chemicals stored in the device 100 diffuse into the air surrounding the device 100.

Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air outlet 108 is placed at an angle relative to the base such that air exhausted from the chamber 104 within the housing 102 can be directed to the side up. Direction (shown more clearly in the side profile of Figures 2, 5). An advantage of this embodiment is that the scented air exiting the air outlet 108 of the device 100 can diffuse out of the device 100 in a generally upward direction such that the surrounding air and the scented air or The air of the diffusion chemistry diffused by the device 100 is maximally mixed.

In one embodiment, the chemical diffused by the device 100 may be water, a pharmaceutical compound, a disinfectant, a scented compound such as a compound for aromatherapy or an aromatic compound, or other chemical substance. . In these examples, the chemical includes a scented compound or fragrance, and the device 100 is capable of effectively diffusing the scented compound into the surrounding space to provide a fragrance to the surrounding space.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the internal components of the apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. As shown, the chamber 104 in the housing 102 of the device is positioned between the air inlet 106 and the air outlet 108 of the device 100 such that air driven by the fan 202 can be moved therethrough. The gas port 106 flows and passes through the chamber 104 and exits from the gas outlet 108.

In the present embodiment, the chamber 104 has a diffusing member 204. Preferably, the diffusing member 204 is disposed in a path through which air flows through the chamber 104 such that a substantial portion of the air passes through the chamber 104. The diffusion member 204 can be passed close or adjacent. This in turn has the advantage that the diffusion member 204 can increase the amount of air diffused by the diffusion member 204 into the chamber 104.

As shown in the figures, the diffusion member 204 is in fluid communication with a container 206 that is configured to store chemicals that are diffused by the device 100. In one embodiment, in order to transfer the chemical stored in the container 206 to the diffusion member 204, a wick 212 made of cotton, polyester, or any other suitable material may be used to capillaryly actuate the chemical. Transfer to the diffusion member 204. In other embodiments, a mechanical pump or an electric pump can be used to deliver chemicals.

Once the chemical is delivered to the diffusion member 204, the diffusion member 204 is configured to diffuse the chemical into the air within the chamber 104. Preferably, the diffusion member 204 is made of a porous stone or ceramic material, such as pores acting to increase the surface area of the diffusion member 204, so that more chemicals can be exposed to the diffusion member 204. The air around. The diffusing member 204 can also be heated by a source of heat, such as an electric heater disposed within the diffusing member 204, within the diffusing member 204, or adjacent to the diffusing member 204. By heating the diffusion member, the chemical transferred to the diffusion member 204 can be quickly evaporated into the air in the chamber 104, thereby increasing the diffusion of the chemical.

Preferably, the temperature of the diffusion member 204 can be controlled by a control circuit that can be implemented in the form of an electronic logic circuit disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 302. The control circuit can provide an adaptive function to the device 100 and control the heater of the diffusing member 204 to control the temperature of the diffusing member 204. In some embodiments, the diffusion member 204 can also be heated to between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius. Experiments in which the diffusion member 204 was heated to this temperature range showed that this temperature range facilitated the effective diffusion of certain types of chemicals. Furthermore, by heating the diffusion member 204 to this temperature range, pathogens in the air or chemicals can be effectively destroyed. Therefore, the device can also provide a disinfecting function. In particular, the chemical substance diffused by the apparatus 100 contains an antibacterial substance such as an alcohol compound.

In this particular embodiment, a fan 202 is disposed adjacent the air outlet 108 to drive air through the chamber 104 of the apparatus 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fan 202 can be placed anywhere in the device 100. However, by positioning the fan 202 adjacent to the air outlet 108, the fan 202 can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance via the air outlet 108. In these embodiments, the fan 202 can be detachably coupled to a power source or a controller such that the entire air outlet 108 and the fan 202 can be removed from the device 100 for cleaning or maintenance. As shown in this embodiment, the fan 202 is coupled to a louver member 310 having a plurality of adjustable louvers so that the direction of air flow can also be adjusted. In other embodiments, the louver member 310 is rotatable so that air flow can be adjusted in any direction away from the air outlet 108.

In some modified embodiments, the apparatus 100 can also include a plurality of sensors and control logic implemented in the controller 302 to provide additional functionality to the apparatus 100. In addition to controlling the temperature of the diffusing member 204, the control panel 302 can also promote the desired air flow to diffuse chemicals by controlling the speed of the fan 202 of the device 100. In other embodiments, a sensor within the chamber 104 can be coupled to the controller 302 to sense the degree of diffusion of chemical components within the chamber 104 to meet a predetermined or desired degree of diffusion while carrying The container 206 of chemical material can also include a sensor to sense the extent of residual chemical species within the container 206. In another example, a sensor disposed external to the device 100 or external to the housing 102 can sense the extent of chemical surrounding the air, which in turn transmits the information to the controller 302, thereby increasing or decreasing The extent to which chemical substances are diffused.

In a further improved embodiment, the apparatus can include a network or communication window that can allow more than one device to communicate with one another or with a central controller or server as a cluster or network Spread the fragrance to a specific area. Such an embodiment can operate over a wide range of areas, such as a hotel lobby, and a plurality of devices 100 can be placed in a lobby or large space of a restaurant and can be individually or collectively controlled to ensure proper diffusion of chemicals during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a container 206 as a container or can of a chemical can include a conduit 208 that is configured to extend to an opening 210 in the housing 102. This has the advantage that the housing 102 does not need to be removed to open the container 206, thereby reducing the time and effort required to refill the container 206. As shown in FIG. 5, the catheter 208 is sealed by a piston-type plug 214 inserted into the catheter 208 to seal the container 206. The piston-type plug 214 is also pivotally coupled to the opening 210 such that when the opening is rotated upwardly, the piston-type plug 214 is lifted from the conduit to open the container 206. To seal the container 206, the piston-type plug 214 is inserted into the conduit 208 by a pivoting action of the opening 210 and pushed down into the conduit 208.

Preferably, the apparatus 100 also includes a weighted base 110 made of a heavier material such as metal, stone, or ceramic, the base 110 being disposed below the container 206. The base 110 provides stability to the device 100 and reduces the likelihood of tipping of the device 100 as the container 206 approaches empty. As shown in this example, the air outlet 108 is also disposed at an angle relative to the base 110, that is, at an angle from a vertical axis extending from the base 110. Preferably, the angle is about 45° with respect to the base 110, so that the air in the chamber 104 can be substantially transverse and upward while the operation and the weighted base 110 help the device 100 to stabilize on a surface. The profile is discharged.

In the present embodiment, the device 100 is powered by an external power source that is coupled to a power port 402 disposed within the device 100 adjacent to the base 110. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the power port 402 can be placed anywhere on the device 100. In other embodiments, the device 100 can also be powered from within, such as by a battery or a rechargeable battery disposed adjacent to the base 110, or indeed replacing the weighted base 110. In other embodiments, the housing 102 can also include a solar panel to provide a power to operate some or all of the components of the device 100.

An advantage of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 is that the apparatus 100 can be utilized in a more efficient manner to spread chemicals, particularly in large spaces, such as in the lobby or lobby. The chemical substance can be more efficiently diffused by using a controlled heating diffusion member and a fan member, and providing the diffusion member between the air inlet and the air outlet to approach or be adjacent to the position where the air flows. For example, compounds for aromatherapy. In addition, the heated diffusion member also helps to destroy pathogens in the air, so the device can also provide cleaning or antibacterial benefits, thereby enhancing the comfort of the environment in which the device is operated.

Referring to Figures 6 through 10, an apparatus 200 in accordance with another implementation of the present invention is illustrated. As shown, the device 200 includes a housing 220 having an air inlet 222 and an air outlet 224. The device 200 has a fan 226 configured to drive air from the air inlet 222 and then through a diffusing member 232 disposed between the air inlet 222 and the air outlet 224 disposed within the chamber. The air is mixed with the diffused material and further discharged to the periphery via the gas outlet 224.

In the present embodiment, the apparatus 200 also includes a container 230 positioned in the lower portion of the apparatus 200 and having a conduit 234 extending to an opening 236 that is configured to act as a housing on the housing. A button, in turn, provides an access opening through which the container is refilled with chemicals. A base 240 supports the device, and the base 240 is disposed below the container 230. A power port 260 is configured adjacent to the base 240 to connect to an external power source. This power 埠 can also be configured anywhere in the device 200.

As shown in Figures 8 through 10, the fan 226 is coupled to a rotatable ball bearing assembly 228 to provide a movable engagement for engaging the fan to the device. Thus, in this example, the fan 226 is movable such that the direction of the air flowing from the device 200 is adjustable. This has the advantage that the adjustable fan allows the scented air discharged from the air outlet 224 to diffuse better to the surrounding air.

In the present embodiment, the air inlet 222 is directly positioned behind the air outlet 224, and the diffusion member 232 is disposed between the air inlet 222 and the air outlet 224 in the chamber. This configuration allows air driven by the fan 226 to flow directly from the air inlet 222, through the diffusing member 232, and exit through the air outlet 224. An advantage of this configuration is that most of the air can pass through the diffusing member 232 before the air is discharged through the air outlet 224, thereby allowing the chemical to diffuse well into the air.

Preferably, the opening 226 of the container 230 is configured to act as a button on the housing 220. The opening 226 includes a spring 238 that enables the conduit 234 to be opened to refill the container 230 when the button is depressed. This has the advantage that this configuration reduces the force of opening the catheter for ease of operation.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; Therefore, all the examples are to be considered as illustrative and not limiting.

Any prior art related to this should not be construed as a general knowledge unless otherwise stated.

100, 200‧‧‧ devices
102, 220‧‧‧ housing
104‧‧‧ chamber
106, 222‧‧‧ air intake
108, 224‧‧ vents
110, 240‧‧‧ base
202, 226‧‧‧ fans
204, 232‧‧‧ diffusing members
206, 230‧‧‧ containers
208, 234‧‧‧ catheter
210, 236‧‧
212‧‧‧ wick
214‧‧ ‧ embolization
228‧‧‧Ball bearing assembly
238 ‧ ‧ spring
260‧‧‧Power 埠
302‧‧‧ Controller
310‧‧‧ louver components
402‧‧‧Power equipment

1 is a front and rear perspective view showing a device for diffusing a chemical substance according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a elevational view, two side views, a front view, and a rear view showing the device of FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view and a rear cross-sectional view showing the device of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the apparatus of Figure 1. 6 is a front and rear perspective view showing a device for diffusing a chemical according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a elevational view, two side views, a front view, and a rear view showing the device of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a front cross-sectional view and a rear cross-sectional view showing the device of Figure 6. Figure 9 is an exploded view showing the apparatus of Figure 6. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the apparatus of Figure 6.

100‧‧‧ device

102‧‧‧ housing

106‧‧‧air inlet

108‧‧‧ outlet

210‧‧‧ openings

Claims (15)

An apparatus for diffusing a chemical, comprising: a chamber having a diffusion member configured to diffuse a chemical into the air in the chamber, wherein the chamber is in communication with an air inlet and An air outlet configured to receive air from outside the chamber, the air outlet being configured to exhaust air from the chamber. The device of claim 1, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are positioned such that air flowing from the air inlet and the air outlet is the diffusion member that substantially passes through the chamber. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber is defined by a housing that is configured to surround the diffusing member. The device of clause 2 or 3, wherein the air outlet is configured to vent air at an angle relative to an axis of a base. The device of claim 4, wherein the angle is an acute angle. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fan configured to drive air from the air inlet and exit the air outlet through the chamber. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the diffusion member is in fluid communication with a container configured to receive the chemical. The device of claim 7, wherein the liquid communication between the diffusion member and the container is formed by a wick. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the diffusion member is a diffusion member that is heated. The device of claim 9, wherein the diffusion member is heated to a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius to 90 degrees Celsius. The device of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the container comprises a conduit extending from the container to an opening disposed in the housing. The device of claim 11, wherein the opening disposed on the housing includes a plug pivotally coupled to the housing, the plug being configured to pivotally embed the conduit to seal the container. The device of any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the fan is regulated by a controller to change the speed of the fan. The device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the chemical is an aromatic compound. A method of diffusing aroma to a region space using the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14.