IT202100004667A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR THE PERFUME AND/OR SANITIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTS WITH ADJUSTABLE MOTOR - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the Italian Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

?APPARATUS FOR THE PERFUME AND/OR SANITIZATION OF

ENVIRONMENTS WITH ADJUSTABLE MOTOR?

field of technique

The present invention relates to an apparatus for perfuming and/or sanitizing environments, for example but not necessarily environments for commercial use such as shops and exhibition halls, hotel rooms, conference rooms, offices, public transport vehicles and many others .

State of the art

One of the techniques currently used to professionally perfume environments such as those outlined above involves diffusing an aerosol of a perfuming liquid substance, such as a perfume or a perfumed oil, which can be initially contained in a special tank or bottle.

To generate the aerosol, a small motor-compressor is generally used to generate a high-speed air stream, and an atomizer which, being crossed by the aforementioned pressurized air stream, is used to generate the aerosol. able to enter within the same amount? dosed of the perfuming substance, so that? the latter is nebulized and divided into a multitude of fine droplets.

These droplets are fine enough to remain suspended in the air for a relatively long time, thus forming a mist (or aerosol) that can spread in the environment to be treated, effectively carrying out its perfuming action.

The diffusion of the aerosol can take place freely and directly, or by dispensing it into a ventilation duct which in turn flows into the room or rooms to be treated through corresponding vents.

The technique outlined above can? theoretically be used not only for perfuming treatments but also to carry out sanitizing treatments, simply by replacing the perfuming liquid substance with a sanitizing liquid substance, for example with a germicidal, antibacterial and/or antiviral substance.

However, a drawback of currently known apparatuses consists in the fact that their operation? exclusively of the ON/OFF type, or in the fact that the motor compressor can? be turned on and off but that, when ? on, it ? able to always dispense the same amount? of air, consequently producing the same quantity? of aerosols.

? therefore it is evident that this rigidity? of functioning does not allow a particularly efficient regulation of the perfuming and/or sanitizing effect generated with this type of apparatus.

Exhibition of the invention

In the light of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is that of solving or at least mitigating the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, within the ambit of a simple, rational and relatively low-cost solution.

These and other objects are achieved by the characteristics of the invention set forth in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention but not strictly necessary for its implementation.

In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for diffusing aerosols in an environment, comprising:

- at least one tank suitable for containing a liquid substance,

- an atomizer suitable for taking said liquid substance from the tank and dispersing it in a current of air to obtain an aerosol,

- a compressor, for example a volumetric or rotary compressor, capable of feeding said air stream to the atomizer, and

- an electric motor to drive the compressor,

in which said electric motor ? an engine speed? variable, for example a brushless electric motor, and ? connected to an electronic card capable of regulating the speed? of the electric motor to regulate the flow of air fed by the compressor to the atomizer.

Thanks to this solution, the apparatus pu? be controlled in a much more efficient, ensuring an aerosol delivery commensurate with the requests and surrounding conditions.

According to one aspect of the invention, the atomizer can include an outlet suitable for introducing said aerosol into an aeration duct of a building and, in this context, the electronic card can? be configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor on the basis of the measurement made by a flow sensor suitable for detecting an air flow in said aeration duct.

In this way ? it is advantageously possible to regulate the quantity? of aerosol introduced into the ventilation duct based on the flow of air flowing through it.

In particular, the electronic card can? be configured to stop the electric motor, if the flow sensor detects zero airflow, and to activate the electric motor, if the flow sensor detects a non-zero airflow. Thanks to this solution, the aerosol is dispensed into the ventilation duct only if the latter is crossed by an air current capable of spreading the aerosol in the environments to be treated.

Otherwise, the delivery of the aerosol is interrupted, avoiding the consumption of quantities? of liquid substance which would accumulate in the ventilation duct, without having any effect and/or risking generating an excessive effect when the ventilation system restarts.

Even during the phases in which the electric motor ? in operation, the electronic card can? also be configured to decrease the speed? of the electric motor following a decrease in the air flow detected by the flow sensor in the ventilation duct and vice versa.

In this way ? can effectively adjust the amount? of aerosol dispensed commensurate with the capacity? of the ventilation system to distribute it towards the environments to be treated.

For example, the electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor at a predetermined speed? nominal, if the flow sensor detects a flow of? air higher than a pre-set threshold value, and to operate the electric motor at a speed? equal to a fraction of the speed? nominal, for example equal to 50% of the speed? nominal, if the flow sensor detects an air flow lower than this threshold value.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the flow sensor can include a thermistor.

This type of flow sensor is in fact very simple and reliable for this type of application.

According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic board can be configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor on the basis of the measurement made by a particle sensor, which ? suitable for detecting a concentration of PM2.5 particles inside an environment where the aerosol produced by the atomizer is introduced.

To ensure people's health, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 in an environment must remain below a pre-set maximum value which, according to the World Health Organization and other national and international bodies, pu? be for example quantified in 25 micrograms per cubic meter (?g/m<3>).

Although the concentration of PM2.5 is mainly due to external pollution and/or sources unrelated to the apparatus of the present invention, by regulating the speed? of the electric motor (and therefore the emission of aerosols) on the basis of this parameter ? it is advantageously possible not to make a situation worse from a sensory point of view already? potentially critical.

In this sense, the electronic card can? then be configured to reduce the speed? of the electric motor following an increase in the concentration of PM2.5 detected by the particle sensor and vice versa.

For example, the electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor at a predetermined speed? nominal, if the particle sensor detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles lower than a first threshold value, for example equal to 110% of the maximum value allowed by health recommendations; to operate the electric motor at a fraction of the speed? nominal, for example at 50% of the speed? nominal, if the particle sensor detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles between the first threshold value and a second threshold value higher than the first, for example equal to 120% of the maximum value allowed by health recommendations; and to stop the electric motor, if the particle sensor detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles higher than the second threshold value.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the electronic card can be configured to regulate the speed? of the electric motor on the basis of the measurement made by a sensor of CO<2>, which ? suitable for detecting a concentration of CO2 inside an environment where the aerosol produced by the atomizer is introduced.

The reason for this choice is that the concentration of CO2 in an environment can be related to the number of people who occupy it, on the basis of which pu? be advisable to vary the amount of aerosol dispensed.

In this sense, the electronic card can? be, for example, configured to increase the speed? of the electric motor following an increase in the CO2 concentration detected by the CO2 sensor and vice versa.

In this way, if the concentration of CO2 ? high due to a large number of people, ? it is advantageously possible to consequently also increase the quantity of perfuming and/or sanitizing liquid substance which is dispensed into the treated environment.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic board can be configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor on the basis of the measure carried out by a level sensor, for example of the pneumatic or capacitive type, which ? adapted to detect a quantity? of liquid substance contained inside the tank.

Thanks to this solution ? it is advantageously possible to modify the consumption of liquid substance according to the availability? of the same inside the tank.

In particular, the electronic card can? be configured to reduce the speed? of the electric motor following a decrease in the quantity? of liquid substance detected by the level sensor.

In this way the consumption of liquid substance is slowed down, without completely interrupting the treatment, gaining time in view of any interventions to top up or replace the tank.

For example, the electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor at a predetermined speed? nominal, if the level sensor detects a quantity? of liquid substance greater than or equal to a predetermined fraction of the capacity? of the tank, for example equal to 10%, and to operate the electric motor at a speed? equal to a fraction of the speed? nominal, for example equal to 50%, if the level sensor detects a quantity? of liquid substance lower than said fraction of the capacity? of the tank.

Alternatively or in addition, the electronic card can? be configured to establish an expected value of the consumption of liquid substance present in the tank, to monitor a current value of said consumption of liquid substance by means of the level sensor, and to generate a warning signal, if the current value ? different from the expected value.

In this way ? it is advantageously possible to signal the occurrence of an anomalous consumption of the liquid substance, which can? be an indication of a malfunction that needs to be remedied.

According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic board can be further connected with a sensor capable of measuring at least one of the following parameters: temperature, humidity? and concentration of volatile organic compounds inside an environment where the aerosol produced by the atomizer is introduced.

The data collected by each of these additional sensors can be used to create a report on the operation of the device and on the effects that it can have on the treated environment.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables.

Figure 1 ? a side view of an atomizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to a corresponding tank.

Figure 2 ? a top view of the atomizer in figure 1.

Figure 3 ? section III-III indicated in figure 2.

Figure 4 ? an enlarged detail of figure 3 showing the bottom of the tank. Figure 5 ? an enlarged detail of figure 3 showing the atomizer.

Figure 6 ? section VI-VI indicated in figure 2 shown on an enlarged and partially scale.

Figure 7 ? a perspective view of a perfuming/sanitizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 ? a side view of the apparatus of figure 7.

Figure 9 ? a side view of a central device belonging to the apparatus of figure 7 , shown without a part of its outer casing, so as to expose the internal components.

Figure 10 ? a top view of the central device of figure 9.

Figure 11 ? a side view in transparency of a portable perfuming/sanitizing apparatus, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 schematically illustrates a system in which the apparatus shown in Figure 11 is utilized.

Figure 13 schematically shows the portable apparatus of figure 11 with a relative transponder.

Detailed description

Figures 1 to 6 show an atomizer 100, i.e. a device adapted to produce an aerosol (or colloidal dispersion) of air in which particles of a liquid substance are finely dispersed, so as to obtain a mixture similar to a mist.

The liquid substance can be, for example, a perfuming substance, which ? primarily suitable for perfuming an environment in which the aforesaid aerosol is diffused.

Alternatively or in addition, the liquid substance can? be a sanitizing substance, i.e. a substance capable of effectively eliminating germs and/or viruses and/or bacteria from the surfaces with which it comes into contact.

For example, but not exclusively, this sanitizing substance can contain hydrogen peroxide.

To generate the aerosol, the atomizer 100 ? adapted to withdraw the liquid substance from a tank 105, in which said liquid substance ? contained, and to put it in a current of air at high speed, in order to obtain a nebulization of the liquid substance which is therefore? divided into droplets dispersed and mixed in the air mass.

These droplets preferably have very fine dimensions, for example with an aerodynamic diameter between 1 µm and 30 µm (extremes included).

In particular, ? preferable that at least 70% of the total mass of nebulised liquid substance is in the form of droplets having an aerodynamic diameter greater than or equal to 10?m, in such a way as to be included (pursuant to the EN481 standard) among the extra-thoracic inhalable particles, or stopping at the larynx.

? otherwise? it is preferable that the droplets having an aerodynamic diameter of less than 4 μm, or falling (in accordance with the EN481 standard) among the respirable particles capable of reaching the non-ciliated respiratory tract in depth. in the pulmonary alveoli, are in quantity? less than 4% of the total mass of nebulised liquid substance.

In this way, the possibilities are advantageously reduced? that the nebulised liquid substance can penetrate the body of people who may inhale it.

The tank 105 in which ? contained the liquid substance can? have multiple shapes and sizes, without affecting the present discussion.

For example, the tank 105 could have a capacity? corresponding to about 3 liters of liquid substance, but the possibility is not excluded? to use tanks 105 (or bottles) of capacity? different, for example from 250, 500 or 1000 millilitres.

The 105 tank can? be made of plastic or any other suitable material.

In general, the tank 105 has a bottom 110 intended to represent its lower portion, when the tank 105 is installed on site, and which is therefore always occupied by the liquid substance.

The tank 105 further comprises a mouthpiece 115, which is generally disposed in the upper part of the tank 105, when the same ? installed on site, or in that part which is substantially never occupied by the liquid substance.

The 115 mouthpiece can? for example, be shaped like a cylindrical spout which protrudes above the body of the tank 105.

The 100 atomizer can? comprising an outer casing, indicated as a whole by 120, which ? adapted to be mechanically applied/coupled to the mouth 115 of the tank 105, preferably so as to close it hermetically.

The coupling between the tank 105 and the external casing 120 ? preferably of the releasable type, so as to allow the atomizer 100 to be separated and therefore the opening 115 to be opened, for example for replacing or filling the tank 105.

For example, the?mouthpiece 115 pu? be threaded and the? outer casing 120 pu? be screwed to the mouthpiece 115.

In particular, to allow the atomizer 100 to be screwed and unscrewed without having to rotate or the atomizer 100 same n? the tank 105, the? external casing 120 pu? be axially constrained to a threaded ring nut 125, which ? free to rotate with respect to the atomizer 100 and ? equipped with a thread suitable for screwing onto the mouth 115 of the tank 105.

To allow the atomizer 100 to be used on tanks 105 having mouthpieces 115 of different sizes, ? otherwise? is it possible to foresee the use of one or more? adapter rings 130 (see fig.5), each of which ? adapted to be screwed on the mouth 115 of the tank 105 and on which it can? then screw the threaded ring nut 125 of the atomizer 100.

Entering more in detail, the outer casing 120 of the atomizer 100 can? comprise a cup-shaped body 140 (that is, shaped like a cup), having a side wall 145 of a substantially tubular shape, typically cylindrical, and a bottom wall 150, for example of a substantially flat shape, which ? designed to close a? extremity? sidewall axial 145.

The outer casing 120 pu? further comprise a lid 155, which ? designed to close, preferably hermetically sealed, the? axial side wall 145 opposite the bottom wall 150.

When the? Outer casing 120 ? coupled to the tank 105, the cup body 140 pu? surmount the?mouthpiece 115 and pu? present its own concavity? facing the opposite side (upwards), i.e. so that the bottom wall 150 of the cup-shaped body 140 is arranged more? near the mouth 115 with respect to the lid 155.

The side wall 145 of the outer casing 120 can be coaxial with the mouth 115 of the tank 105 and the threaded ring 125 can? be coaxially and rotatably coupled to the outside of the side wall 145, so as to bring its own threaded portion to protrude from the bottom wall 150 towards the mouth 115

Regardless of these considerations, the outer casing 120 of the atomizer 100 is adapted to define, internally, a mixing chamber 160 for the aerosol.

For example, this 160 Mix Chamber can? be delimited by the cup-shaped body 140 closed by the lid 155.

The outer casing 120 of the atomizer 100 can? further comprise a connecting port 165, which ? suitable for placing the mixing chamber 160 in communication with the internal volume of the tank 105, while keeping both these volumes isolated with respect to the external environment.

For example, the opening of link 165 pu? be made in the bottom wall 150 of the outer casing, preferably coaxially with the mouth 115 of the tank 105.

Furthermore, in the outer casing 120 of the atomizer 100 an inlet 170 for the air stream and an outlet 175 for the aerosol (see fig. 6) can be made, both of which communicate with the mixing chamber 160 .

For example, both the inlet 170 and the outlet 175 can be made in the lid 155.

The entrance 170 can? communicate with the mixing chamber 160 through a venturi duct 180, which ? also made in the outer casing 120, for example in the lid 155.

This Venturi duct 180 preferably extends according to a predetermined rectilinear axis, along which it has a first converging section 185 and a second diverging section 190 separated by an orifice 195 having a minimum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the converging section 185 and of the diverging section 190.

For example, the minimum diameter of the 195 orifice can? be approximately equal to 0.5 mm.

Naturally, the concepts of convergent and divergent are to be referred to the direction of the air stream which enters the atomizer 100 through the inlet 170 and flows into the mixing chamber 160 (indicated by the downward arrow in figure 5).

What? for example, the converging section 185 has a passage section which progressively narrows in the direction of the air current, while the diverging section 190 has a passage section which progressively widens in the same direction.

Compared to the direction of the air current, the diverging section 190 ? place downstream of the convergent section 185, so that? the current of air flowing towards the mixing chamber 160 must first travel along the converging section 185, cross the orifice 195 and finally travel along the diverging section 190.

In this way, at the orifice 195, due to the Venturi effect, a vacuum is created which is capable of recalling/sucking the liquid substance present in the tank 105 into the Venturi duct 180.

To this end, the 100 atomizer can? further comprise an inlet conduit 200 of the liquid substance, which ? made in the outer casing 120, where it has a first end? which flows laterally at the orifice 195 of the venturi duct 180.

A second end? of this duct of? entry 200? then connected to a draft straw 205, which in turn has a first end? connected to the intake duct 200 and a second end? placed inside the tank 105 (see fig.3).

In particular, the second end? of the draft straw 205 ? preferably located at the bottom 110 of the tank 105, or at a small distance from the latter, in order to be able to draw out most of the liquid substance contained therein.

Entering more in detail, the duct? entry 200 pu? be made in the lid 155 and its second end? can? flows inside the mixing chamber 160, where, for example through a suitable hermetically sealed coupling, it is connected to the first end? of the draft straw 205.

The draft straw 205 can? then extend partially inside the mixing chamber 160 and, passing through the connection opening 165 and the mouth 115, slip inside the tank 105.

In this way, when the air current entering the atomizer 100 travels through the Venturi duct 180, the depression created at the orifice 195 sucks in the liquid substance contained in the tank 105, through the draft straw 205 and the inlet duct 200, causing it to collide with the air current itself which, therefore, produces its nebulisation, filling the mixing chamber 160 with aerosol which finally exits through the outlet 175.

The Draft Straw 205, which ? destined to be immersed in the liquid substance, pu? be made of steel, so as to reduce any thermal shock in the event of excessive sudden changes in temperature which would cause condensation.

so that can the atomizer 100 operate in an optimal manner for a long time, constantly obtaining an aerosol having droplets of suitable dimensions, for example such as those indicated previously, ? it is generally necessary that the geometry and dimensions of the venturi duct 180, and in particular of the orifice 195, do not undergo significant changes over time due to wear, corrosion or other phenomena.

Except? some liquid substances can sometimes have a high oxidizing power (think for example but not exclusively of the case of a sanitizing liquid substance based on hydrogen peroxide), and can therefore? trigger corrosion phenomena which lead to a relatively rapid consumption of the material surrounding the orifice 195, with consequent geometric and/or dimensional alterations.

To avoid this phenomenon? therefore it is preferable that at least the orifice 195 of the venturi duct 180 be obtained in a portion of the outer casing 120 made of a polymeric material which is not easily attacked by oxidative phenomena, such as for example PEEK (polyether ether ketone).

In particular, ? preferable that the?whole cover 155 in which ? obtained the Venturi 180 duct can be made in PEEK.

Another phenomenon that can that occur during operation of the atomizer 100 consists in the fact that a part of the nebulised liquid substance can precipitate in the mixing chamber 160 and is unable to escape as an aerosol through the outlet 175.

Thanks to the presence of the connection opening 165, this liquid substance, which accumulates on the bottom of the mixing chamber 160, can however fall back to gravity? inside the tank 105 to be reused.

However, inside the mixing chamber 160, it can? also occur the condensation of a part of?humidity? contained in the air current that has crossed the venturi duct 180.

This water can then mixing with the precipitated liquid substance and, together with it, reaching the internal volume of the tank 105 through the connection opening 165, also contaminating the remaining liquid substance contained therein.

The result ? that, in the long run, the tank 105 could fill up with a significant quantity? of water, making the perfuming and/or sanitizing action of the aerosol extremely inefficient.

To overcome this inconvenience, the 100 atomizer can? include a conveying tube 210, which ? sealed to the connection opening 165, so as to stay in communication with the mixing chamber 160, protruding externally with respect to the external casing 120 and slipping into the tank 105 through the mouth 115.

In particular, this conveying tube 210 has a first end? inserted to the connection opening 165 and a second end? located at the bottom 110 of the tank 105, or so as to be positioned at a small distance from the latter (see fig.4).

The conveying tube 210 slackly contains the draft straw 205 and preferably extends so that the second end? of the conveying tube 210 do you exceed the second end? of the draft straw 205, or so that the second end? of the conveying tube 210 is more? close to the bottom 110 of the tank 105 with respect to the second end? of the draft straw 205.

In any case, the section of the conveying tube 210 which exceeds the draft straw 205 is equipped with one or more passages 215 able to place it in communication with the internal volume of the tank 105 and therefore with the liquid substance contained therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, these passages 215 are formed in a cap 220 which is applied to close the second end? of the conveying tube 210.

In other embodiments, the passages 215 could however be obtained directly in the side wall of the conveying tube 210, keeping the second end completely closed, or could they be defined directly from the second end? of the conveying tube 210, if it is left open.

In this way, the water which condenses inside the mixing chamber 160 is forced to flow along the conveying tube 210 and is brought directly to the second end? of the draft straw 205, from where it is immediately sucked up and returned to the Venturi duct 180, to be nebulized again, before contaminating the liquid substance contained in the tank 105.

Regardless of all this, the 100 atomizer can be further equipped with a level sensor 225 act to detect the quantity? of liquid substance that ? contained inside the tank 105.

In the example shown, this level sensor 225 ? of the pneumatic type and comprises a differential pressure gauge 230 (see fig.5) equipped with a first inlet 235 and a second inlet 240, which is suitable for measuring a pressure difference between these first and second inlets 235 and 240, i.e. the difference between the pressure which reigns inside the first inlet 235 and that which reigns inside the second inlet 240.

In particular, the differential pressure gauge 230 ? a transducer able to generate an electric signal having a characteristic parameter, for example the frequency, whose value ? proportional or in any case in univocal relationship with the pressure difference between the first and second inlets 235 and 240.

This differential pressure gauge 230 pu? be fixed to the outer casing 120, for example to the lid 155, externally with respect to the mixing chamber 160.

The first input 235 of the differential pressure gauge 230 ? placed in communication with the mixing chamber 160, for example through a first channel 245 which ? made in a passing way in the outer casing 120, in this case in the lid 155.

The 160 mix chamber ? placed in turn in communication with the volume of the tank 105 proximal to the mouth 115, thanks to a second channel 250, which passes through the external casing 120, for example the bottom wall 150 of the cup-shaped body 140 (see fig .6).

In particular, the second channel 250 has a first end? flowing into the mixing chamber 160 and a second end? flowing out of the outer casing 120, so as to result in communication with the mouth 115 of the tank 105 but not to be immersed in the liquid contained therein (at least when the tank is assembled on site).

The first end? of the second channel 250 ? preferably spaced (that is placed at a higher level) with respect to the bottom wall 150 of the outer casing 120, so that the water condensed in the mixing chamber 160 cannot flow into the tank 105 through said second channel 250 but only through the ?connection opening 165 and the relative conveying pipe 210.

For example, the second channel 250 can? be obtained inside a pin 255 which, from the outside, fits hermetically into a first through hole made in the lid 155 and into a second through hole made in the back wall 150.

This 255 pin can? be threaded at its end? lower to screw into the second through hole, while, at the end? superior, can? have an enlarged head which, remaining outside the outer casing 120, tightens and tightens against the surface of the lid 155.

The second channel 250 pu? extend axially inside the pin 255, starting from its end? lower, where? located the second extremity? of the second channel 250, up to an intermediate height in which the pin 255 has a radial hole which defines the first end.

In this way, the pressure which reigns in the mixing chamber 160 and, therefore, in the first inlet 235 of the differential pressure gauge 230, is substantially equal to that which reigns inside the tank 105, above the free surface of the liquid substance.

At the second input 240 of the differential pressure gauge 230 ? instead connected to the hermetic seal, the first end? of a manometer tube 260, whose second end? ? placed inside the tank 105, so as to be immersed in the liquid substance contained therein.

In particular, the second end? of this manometer tube 260 ? located at the bottom 110 of the tank 105, or positioned at a small distance from the latter.

For example, the 260 gauge tube can? be inserted hermetically inside a through hole made in the outer casing 120 of the atomizer 100, in this case in the lid 155, and, extending inside the mixing chamber 160, come out of the connection opening 165, for example sliding loosely into the conveying tube 210, protruding until it crosses the mouth 115 and reaches the bottom of the tank 105.

In this way, the pressure which reigns inside the manometer tube 260 and, therefore, in the second inlet 240 of the differential manometer 230, is substantially equal to the sum of the pressure exerted by the liquid contained in the tank 105 and the pressure of the overlying atmosphere, or the pressure which also reigns in the mixing chamber 160.

Consequently, the pressure difference measured by the differential pressure gauge 230 between the first and second inlets 235 and 240 is substantially equal to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid substance currently contained inside the tank 105.

The hydrostatic pressure of a liquid substance? represented by the following formula:

p = ?gh

where p ? the hydrostatic pressure (Pa), ? ? the density? of the liquid substance (kg/m<3>), g ? the acceleration of gravity? (m/s<2>) and h ? the height of the head of liquid substance, or rather the height of its level starting from the bottom 110 of the tank 105 or, more? precisely, starting from the second extremity? of the manometer tube 260.

It follows that the electric signal generated by the differential manometer 230, being proportional to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid substance contained in the tank 105, is proportional and therefore also representative of the height h of its level.

In reality, the pressure difference measured by the differential pressure gauge 230 is not ? exactly equal to the hydrostatic pressure, since the liquid substance partially rises inside the manometer tube 260 due to the compressibility? of the air it contains.

However, this error ? generally quite small and pu? however be compensated during the processing phase of the electrical signal generated by the differential pressure gauge 230.

It should be noted here that the use of the differential pressure gauge 230 ? mainly due to the fact that the pressure above the free surface of the liquid substance is higher than the atmospheric one and it cannot? be assimilated to a constant value.

In fact, this pressure depends on the application in which the atomizer 100 ? entered and can? vary mainly as a function of the resistance that the aerosol encounters in leaving the mixing chamber 160 through the outlet 175: greater ? the greatest resistance encountered ? the pressure that you can? establish in the mixing chamber 160 and then inside the tank 105.

Thanks to the measurement of the differential pressure these oscillations become irrelevant, leading to the determination of a height of the level of liquid substance more? trusted and reliable.

Preferably, the differential pressure gauge 230 ? analog type, i.e. capable of providing an analog electrical signal in output, as generally more? simple and cheap.

because however the remote management of analog signals with the necessary precision? more complex compared to the use of digital signals, the differential pressure gauge 230 pu? be connected to an electronic controller 265, for example a microcontroller, which ? suitable for converting the analog electric signal generated by the differential pressure gauge 230 into a digital electric signal, for example at 12V, the frequency of which is proportional to the differential pressure and therefore to the level of the liquid substance.

Although the level sensor 225 described above is of the pneumatic type, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, it may be of any other type, for example a capacitive sensor.

The pneumatic sensor? however preferable because, unlike a capacitive sensor, which in general can? operate only with liquid substances that are not electrically conductive, the pneumatic sensor can? work with any type of liquid substance.

It works accordingly both with the various types of perfumes, oils and solvents, as well as with the active ingredients for sanitization which are sometimes particularly oxidizing such as hydrogen peroxide.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the atomizer 100 described above can be advantageously used in the context of an apparatus 300 suitable for perfuming and/or sanitizing environments, for example but not exclusively rooms of buildings and/or interiors of vehicles (e.g. buses).

In particular, the aforementioned apparatus 300 can include one or more 100 atomizers, each of which ? preferably associated with a respective tank 105 containing a liquid substance to be diffused into the environment in the form of an aerosol.

The liquid substance contained in the various tanks 105 of the apparatus 300 can be different, for example some tanks 105 can contain a perfuming liquid substance while at least one tank 105 can contain a sanitizing liquid substance.

In the illustrated example, the outlet 175 of each atomizer 100 ? connected, for example by means of a respective connection pipe 270, rigid or flexible, with an aeration duct 800 of a building, so as to introduce the aerosol into said aeration duct 800.

The 800 air duct can? be part of a ventilation system, and possibly air conditioning and/or air conditioning, of the building.

In particular, the ventilation duct 800 can be appointed to transport the air, for example the renewal air and/or the hot and/or cold air generated by the air conditioning and/or heating device, towards one or more? of the rooms of the building, with each of which? generally in communication through one or more? outlet vents.

The air can flow along the aeration duct 800 thanks to the action of suitable fans or other devices having the same function.

In this way, the aerosol produced by each atomizer 100 of the apparatus 300 is introduced directly into the air flow which flows in the aeration duct 800, which conveys it towards the outlets and diffuses it in the corresponding environments of the building.

Although in the illustrated example the outlet 175 of all the atomizers 100 belonging to the apparatus 300 is connected to the same aeration duct 800, it cannot be excluded that, in other embodiments, one or more of the atomizers 100 of the apparatus 300 can be connected to different ventilation ducts 800, for example capable of conveying the flow of ventilation, air conditioning and/or heating air towards different rooms.

Nor is it excluded that, in other applications, the output 175 of one or more? or of all the atomizers 100 of the apparatus 300 can lead directly into the environment to be treated, possibly through a respective diffuser tube, without being connected to any aeration duct 800, allowing a free outflow of the aerosol inside the said environment.

In the latter case, the apparatus 300 could be provided with its own fan (not shown) able to generate a current of free air which, for example by hitting the outlet point of the aerosol, allows a more rapid flow of air. widespread in the surrounding environment.

Regardless of these considerations, the apparatus 300 can? comprise, in addition to the tanks 105 and the relative atomizers 100, also a central device 305 able to allow their operation.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, this central device 305 can understand first of all a motor compressor 310, which ? adapted to create the air current to be sent to the inlet 170 of each atomizer 100 of the apparatus 300, so as to allow the generation of the aerosol.

This motor compressor 310 essentially comprises a compressor 315 and an electric motor 320.

In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 315 is directly installed on the frame of the electric motor 320, but it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the same can be made as separate and kinematically connected devices.

The 315 compressor can? be of any known type, both volumetric and possibly rotary.

In all cases, the compressor 315 generally comprises an outer casing provided with an inlet 330 and an outlet 335 (see fig.10), as well as a suitable operating member (not shown) able to suck ambient air from the inlet 330, to which it can? be fitted with a suitable air filter 385, and push it under pressure towards outlet 335.

By way of example, the operating part of a volumetric compressor can? be a piston which slides with reciprocating motion inside a cylinder communicating with the inlet 330 and the outlet 335 through suitable intake and delivery valves.

The operating organ of a rotary compressor can? instead simply be an impeller equipped with vanes.

The electric motor 320 generally comprises a drive shaft and electric means (widely known per se) which, when electrically powered, are capable of causing the drive shaft to rotate on itself. itself around its axis.

The crankshaft? kinematically connected to the operating member of the compressor 315, so that the rotation of the driving shaft is transformed into the movement of the operating member, for example in a reciprocating movement of the piston or in a rotational movement of the impeller.

In any case, the speed? of rotation of? crankshaft ? generally in direct functional relationship (eg proportional) to the speed? of the movement made by the? operative body, which can? be in turn in a direct functional relationship (e.g. proportional) to the air flow rate which is delivered to the outlet 335 of the compressor 315.

In the illustrated example, the electric motor 320 ? preferably an electric motor at speed? adjustable, i.e. an engine for which ? is it possible to adjust the speed? of rotation of the motor shaft, in order to be able to adjust the flow of air generated accordingly.

To this end, the 320 electric motor can? be for example but not necessarily a brushless type electric motor.

This brushless motor can? operate with direct current power supply, for example at 12Volts and possibly with a maximum consumption of 20W.

Regardless of this?, the 310 motor compressor can? be globally configured so that, when the electric motor 320 is operated at a predetermined speed? nominal, the compressor 315 is capable of producing at the outlet 335 an air flow rate equal to, for example, 6.5 litres/minute.

Decreasing the speed? of the electric motor 320, or the speed? of rotation of its driving shaft, it is therefore possible to reduce the air flow produced by the compressor 315, and vice versa.

The central device 305 further comprises an external cabinet 340, which is adapted to contain the motor compressor 310 and other components which will be detailed below.

This 340 external cabinet can be made of metal and can? for example, have a square shape.

Inside the 340 cabinet, the 310 motor compressor can be further enclosed in a silencer casing 345, which has the function of reducing the noisiness? of the central device 305.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, this muffler case 345 appears to be open but, in reality, it is open. preferably a closed casing.

Even the casing silencer 345 pu? be made of metal, such as aluminum, and pu? for example, have a square shape.

To further reduce noise? of the central device 305, the silencer casing 345 can? be supported inside the external cabinet 340 by one or more? elastic elements 350 which act as suspensions.

Similarly, the 310 motor compressor can? be supported inside the silencer casing 345 by one more? elastic elements 355 which act as suspensions.

In this way, the vibrations generated by the motor compressor 310 during its operation are not transmitted directly to the external cabinet 340, where they could generate noise, but are at least partially damped by the elastic elements 350 and/or 355.

The central device 305 can? further comprising three outlet fittings, of which a first outlet fitting 365, a second outlet fitting 370 and a third outlet fitting 375 (see fig.10).

These outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375 are connected to the outlet 335 of the compressor 315, so as to receive the air stream which is generated by the latter.

A 390 muffler can? be placed along the pipe which connects the outlet 335 of the compressor 315 with the outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375.

This 390 muffler can? in turn be fixed inside the silencer casing 345.

The outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375 can be fixed to the external cabinet 340, so as to protrude outside the same.

The central device 305 can? also include a 380 distribution group, which ? connected to the outlet 335 of the compressor 315, so as to receive the air current generated by the latter and distribute it towards the outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375.

The 380 distribution group can be installed inside the external cabinet 340, for example in the space between the latter and the silencer casing 345.

Inside the distribution unit 380 there may be valve means (not visible) which can be operated to selectively divert the air coming from the compressor inside one or more? of the aforementioned outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375.

For example, these valve means can be operated in three operating configurations, of which a first operating configuration in which they convey all the air coming from the compressor 315 towards the first outlet fitting 365, a second configuration in which they convey all the air coming from the compressor 315 towards the second outlet fitting 370, and a third configuration in which they convey the air coming from the compressor 315 partially towards the first outlet fitting 365 and partially towards the third outlet fitting 375, leaving the second outlet fitting closed 370.

The operation of the valve means can? take place by means of an electric actuator (not shown).

Each of these 365, 370 and 375 outlet fittings ? adapted to be connected, for example by means of a flexible or rigid connection tube, with the inlet 170 of a respective atomizer 100.

In this way, the central device 305 can put into operation a minimum number of atomizers 100 equal to the number of outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375, in this case three.

For example, the central device 305 can? operate with a single atomizer 100 connected to the first outlet fitting 365; with two alternately operating atomizers 100 connected respectively to the first and second outlet fittings 365 and 370; or with two atomizers 100 operating simultaneously connected to the first and third outlet fittings 365 and 375.

One advantage of these possibilities? operational can? be, for example, that of diffusing two perfuming substances having different scents throughout the day, for example one perfume for the morning and one for the afternoon. Another advantage can be to have a double introduction of the same perfuming substance at the same time, if the room and/or the ventilation duct 800 are particularly large, or to introduce the same perfuming substance or different perfuming substances into two rooms or ventilation ducts at the same time 800 different.

This range of possibilities? can? be further increased by installing an expansion module 430 (see fig.7), which can? be connected with one of the outlet fittings of the central device 305, for example with the third outlet fitting 375, and contains a further distribution group (not visible since it is contained in the cabinet of the expansion module 430), which ? capable of distributing the air coming from said outlet fitting towards a plurality? of additional outlet fittings, each of which pu? be connected with a respective atomizer 100.

In the illustrated example, the expansion module 430 includes, for example, three further outlet fittings, so that? the central device 305 ? advantageously capable of operating a maximum global number of five different 100 atomizers.

It should be noted here that, although an example has been described in which the central device 305 comprises three outlet fittings 365, 370 and 375, other embodiments could provide that the central device 305 comprises only one outlet fitting or any other number of outlet fittings greater than one.

Similarly, the number of expansion module 430 outlet fittings can also be different from the one shown.

The central device 305 can? further comprise an electronic control card 395, which ? connected with the electric motor 320 of the motor compressor 310 and possibly with the distribution group 380, so as to control its operation.

In particular, this 395 electronic card can? be set in order to establish when the motocompressor 310 is turned on and off and, within the ignition periods, in order to establish the speed? of the electric motor 320 which corresponds to the delivered aerosol flow rate and therefore the?intensity? of placing a liquid substance (e.g. perfume and/or sanitizer) in the environment to be treated.

This setting of the electronic card 395 takes place preferably remotely. For this reason, the electronic board 395 ? preferably equipped with a LAN connection module (wireless or wired) and/or to a mobile telecommunications network (e.g. GSM, UMTS, 4G, 5G, etc.), through which it can? be connected to a remote server (for example via the Internet).

If the apparatus 300 is installed in environments ?under construction? the wiring to the LAN connection module allows a connection more? stable and secure to the remote server.

If the apparatus 300 is instead installed in pre-existing rooms, it can be preferable to use the mobile connection module (for example based on the use of a data SIM), in order to be free from any wiring.

In both cases, to increase the safety of the apparatus 300, the communications between the electronic board 395 and the remote server which determines the settings can take place according to a ?polling? logic.

In other words, the remote server can't? connect ?calling? the electronic board 395 of the apparatus 300.

In reverse, ? the electronic card 395 that ? configured to connect ?calling? at pre-established intervals the remote server, in order to obtain from it the setting parameters that have been previously set and memorized in the remote server itself.

For example, when the electronic card 395 is activated for the first time after its installation, it calls the remote server and acquires the first preset setting.

In this first setting ? also contained? information relating to when the electronic card 395 will have to? reconnect to the remote server to check if ? a new setting has been set.

For example, during the first week after the installation of the 300 apparatus, the electronic board will be able to be set to call the remote server every ten minutes, why? ? Is it necessary to intervene promptly in case of need? of adjustments of time and intensity?, while at regime, pu? be set to connect every two hours.

In this way, the managers of the apparatus 300 will be able to modify the settings of the electronic card 395 by acting only on the remote server, without entering the telematic/IT system of the building in which the apparatus 300 is installed. installed.

The electronic card 395 can? also be equipped with a wireless connection module, such as WiFi and/or Bluetooth.

This wireless connection module can be mainly used by qualified technicians who are physically located and operate in the? environment in which? the apparatus 300 has been installed, or in the immediate vicinity, for example at the end of the installation and/or during maintenance interventions.

In particular, these or other operators may be equipped with an electronic device, such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, which able to connect to the wireless connection module of the electronic card 395 and, for example through a special APP loaded on it, modify its settings, without having to physically access the central device 305 itself.

In any case, the central device 305 preferably also comprises one or more? safety manual controls, mounted on-board on it, through which ? It can be activated, deactivated and possibly set manually if none of the wireless connections described above is available/functioning.

Ultimately, the 395 electronic card can? be equipped with Ethernet LAN, GSM sim, WiFi and Bluetooth and/or possibly with a Modbus data transmission system (RS 485 and RS 232 serial).

The central device 305 can? moreover, it can be equipped with a backup battery (not shown), which allows the electronic card 395 to keep the programmed data and settings in the memory, should the mains fail.

? also foreseen the possibility that the central device 305 is equipped with an additional electrical outlet, for example voltage controllable, which can? be used to feed any air fan which helps the diffusion of the aerosol in autonomous direct diffusion applications, if the atomizers 100 are not connected to an aeration duct 800.

The electronic card 395 can? also be connected with one or more? sensors able to detect suitable operating parameters, so as to be able to use them for example in the control of the apparatus 300 and/or to be able to communicate them to the remote server (ie to the managers of the apparatus 300) for monitoring.

These sensors can be connected by cable to the electronic card 395 through respective connection ports installed on board the central device 305, or in the wireless.

When a sensor is connected to one of these ports, the 395 electronic board can? be able to automatically recognize it and use it, no matter which port you use.

The sensors that can be connected to the electronic board first of all include the level sensors 225 which are associated with the atomizers 100.

In this way, through the remote server, the managers of the apparatus 300 can know the level of the liquid substance present in each tank 105 and possibly calculate its consumption, in order to program any interventions for filling or topping up the tanks 105.

? it is also possible to elaborate reports, for example weekly or monthly, in which the activities are summarized? carried out, the periods, the times and the quantities? of liquid substance diffused in the treated environments.

This reporting? particularly important for activities of sanitation, as it is generally necessary to demonstrate that the quantity? of active ingredient introduced per cubic meter/hour is lower than the parameters of toxicity? defined by the regulations and is in line, or higher, than the quantity necessary so that? its effectiveness has been proven.

The electronic card 395 can? use the measurements made by the level sensor 225 also to adjust the speed? of the electric motor 320 of the motor compressor 310.

In particular, the electronic card 395 can? be configured to reduce the speed? of the electric motor 320 following a decrease in the quantity? of liquid detected by the level sensor 225.

In this way can be advantageously reduced the quantity? of liquid substance that is dispensed in the form of an aerosol, when its quantity? inside the tank 105 it begins to run low, however allowing the apparatus 300 to operate and gain time in view of maintenance.

For example, the 395 electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor 320 at speed? nominal, for example to that previously mentioned, if the level sensor 225 detects in the tank 105 a quantity? of liquid substance (eg a level) greater than or equal to a predetermined fraction, for example 10%, of the capacity? maximum (e.g. of the maximum level) of the 105 tank itself.

On the other hand, when the level sensor 225 detects a quantity in the tank 105 of liquid substance (eg a level) lower than the aforementioned fraction, for example lower than 10%, of the maximum capacity (eg of the maximum level) of the tank 105, the electronic board 395 can? be configured to drive the electric motor 320 at a speed? equal to a predetermined fraction of the speed? nominal, for example at a speed? equal to 50% of the speed? nominal.

When the quantity? (eg the level) of the liquid substance inside the tank 105 drops below a pre-set fraction of the maximum capacity (eg the maximum level) of the tank 105, for example the gi? proposed 10%, the electronic card 395 pu? be further configured to generate a warning signal, such as an alarm, which can? be transmitted to the remote server.

In this way, the managers of the apparatus 300 can be made aware of the fact that ? maintenance is required.

Furthermore, the 395 electronic card can? be configured to estimate an expected consumption value (e.g. millilitres/day) of the liquid substance inside the tank 105, for example on the basis of the setting of the operating parameters of the central device 305, as well as to calculate and monitor a current value of said consumption during real operation, based on the time of use and the readings of the level sensor 225.

If the present value is different, for example but not exclusively lower than the expected value (unless there is a possible tolerance), for example without a modification of the setting of the central device 305 having taken place, the electronic board 395 can be configured to generate another warning signal, such as another alarm, which can? also be transmitted to the remote server.

In this way, the managers of the apparatus 300 can be made aware of the malfunction which could be due to some problem, for example to a clogging of the atomizer 100.

The electronic card 395 can? can also be connected to a flow sensor 400, which can? be installed inside the aeration duct 800 into which the connection pipes 270 of the atomizers 100 open, so as to detect a flow of ventilation air flowing inside the aeration duct 800 itself.

This 400 flow sensor can? comprising in particular a thermistor, which is inserted inside the aeration duct 800 and connected to the electronic card 395.

The thermistor has the property to vary its electrical resistance as a function of its temperature.

In this way, when electrically powered, the thermistor heats up to an operating temperature which corresponds to a predetermined nominal electrical resistance.

Being lapped by the flow of air flowing in the aeration duct 800, the thermistor tends to cool down, consequently varying its electrical resistance.

The electrical resistance offered by the thermistor can? be detected by the electronic card 395, which ? why? able to understand if in the air duct 800 ? there is airflow or not.

Also, the thermistor temperature can generally lower more? or less depending on? intensity? of the air flow and, therefore, of its speed? and/or its scope.

Consequently, by processing the resistance of the thermistor, the electronic card 395 can? be able to also measure the speed? and/or the flow rate of air flowing in the air duct 800.

However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the flow sensor 400 may comprise a pressure switch or any other instrument suitable for the purpose.

Optionally, the flow sensor 400 could also include a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the air flow.

The electronic card 395 can? be configured to use the measurements made by the flow sensor 400 to adjust the speed? of the electric motor 320 of the motor compressor 310.

In particular, the electronic card 395 can? be configured to stop the electric motor 320, if the flow sensor 400 detects that there is nothing inside the aeration duct 800? no flow? air, or that the flow? air ? equal to zero (for example because the ventilation system is off).

In this way, it is avoided that the aerosol of liquid substance (e.g. perfume and/or sanitizer) from accumulating and thickening inside the aeration duct 800, without exerting its effect and possibly exerting it in an excessive way when the? ventilation system restarts.

Consistently, the 395 electronic card can? then be configured to activate/reactivate the electric motor 320, only if or when the flow sensor 400 detects that in the aeration duct 800 ? there is actually an airflow, i.e. a non-zero airflow.

In addition to this ON/OFF control, the 395 electronic card can? be further configured to decrease the speed? of rotation of the electric motor 320 following a decrease in the air flow (for example of its speed/flow rate) detected by the flow sensor 400 in the aeration duct 800, and vice versa.

For example, the 395 electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor 320 at a predetermined speed? nominal, for example at the speed? rated already? mentioned above, if the flow sensor 400 detects an air flow greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value inside the aeration duct 800.

On the other hand, if the flow sensor 400 detects an air flow lower than said threshold value in the aeration duct 800, the electronic board 395 can be configured to drive the electric motor 320 at a speed? equal to a fraction of the aforementioned speed? nominal, for example equal to 50% of the speed? nominal.

In this way, the flow of aerosols inside the aeration duct 800 is reduced, if the air flow is not intense enough to allow effective diffusion.

The electronic card 395 can? finally be connected to one or more? environmental sensors suitable for detecting characteristic parameters of the treated environment, i.e. of the environment in which the aerosol generated by the apparatus 300 is diffused.

These sensors may include a particle sensor 405, which is designed to detect a concentration of PM2.5 particles that are present within the aforementioned environment.

The concentration of PM2.5 particles in an environment? mainly due to external pollution or from internal sources such as fireplaces, stoves or people who smoke

To ensure people's health, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 in an environment must remain below a pre-set maximum value which, according to the World Health Organization and other national and international bodies, pu? be for example quantified in 25 micrograms per cubic meter (?g/m<3>).

If this concentration rises to values 10% higher than the maximum allowed, i.e. higher than 27.5 ?g/m<3>, the risk of contracting diseases would significantly increase.

For these reasons, the 395 electronic card can? be configured to adjust the speed? of rotation of the electric motor 320 of the motor compressor 310 on the basis of the measurement carried out by said particle sensor 405, in particular to reduce the speed? of the electric motor 320 (and therefore the emission of aerosols) following an increase in the concentration of PM2.5 detected by the particle sensor 405, and vice versa.

Although the aerosols produced by the 300 apparatus have a substantially negligible PM2.5 content, the reason for this choice lies in the desire to not to contribute from a sensory point of view to worsen a situation in itself? not ideal due to external pollution.

What? for example, the electronic card 395 pu? be configured to operate the electric motor at a predetermined speed? nominal, for example to the one already? mentioned above, if the particle sensor 405 detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles lower than a first pre-set threshold value, for example a threshold value equal to 110% of the maximum permitted by health recommendations (e.g. 27.5 ?g /m<3>).

If the particle sensor 405 detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles higher than the aforementioned threshold value, the electronic board 395 can be configured to drive the electric motor 320 at a speed? equal to a fraction of the speed? nominal, for example equal to 50%.

The electronic card 395 can? be further configured to maintain the electric motor 320 at this fraction of speed, only if the particle sensor 405 detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles in any case lower than a second pre-set threshold value higher than the first.

This second threshold value pu? be, for example, equal to 120% of the maximum value permitted by health recommendations (e.g. 30 ?g/m<3>).

If the particle sensor 405 detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles higher than the second threshold value, the electronic board 395 can? be configured to completely stop the electric motor 320 and therefore the delivery of the aerosol.

In other words, the 395 electronic card can? be configured to operate the electric motor 320 at speed? nominal, if the concentration of PM2.5 ? below the first threshold value; to operate the 320 electric motor at a fraction of the speed? nominal, if the concentration of PM2.5 ? between the first and second threshold value; and to stop the 320 electric motor, if the concentration of PM2.5 ? higher than the second threshold value.

The environmental sensors of the apparatus 300 can also include a CO2 sensor 410 capable of detecting a concentration of CO2 inside an environment into which the aerosol produced by the atomizers 100 is introduced.

The electronic card 395 can? then be configured to adjust the speed? of rotation of the electric motor 320 of the motor compressor 310 on the basis of the measurement made by said CO2410 sensor.

In particular, the electronic card 395 can? be configured to increase the speed? of the electric motor 320 following an increase in the CO2 concentration detected by the CO2410 sensor.

The reason for this choice is that the increase of CO2 in an environment can be due to an increase of people? within the same environment, from which the opportunity? to also increase the diffusion of aerosols (for example of perfumed substances).

Finally, environmental sensors can include one or more of the following sensors: a temperature sensor 415, a humidity sensor? 420 and a 425 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration sensor.

The data collected by each of these additional sensors 415, 420 and 425, so such as those collected by the particle sensor 405 and by the CO2410 sensor, can be transmitted by the electronic card 395 to the remote server, for example in order to create a report on the operation of the apparatus 300 and on the effects that the same can have on?the treated environment, which can? be, for example, useful to managers to study and establish the pi? correct setting parameters to be attributed to the apparatus 300 itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the environmental sensors mentioned above can be integrated in a single integrated device (?all in one?) which can be connected to the electronic board via cable or in mode? wireless, such as Bluetooth.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a perfuming and/or sanitizing apparatus 500 according to a second embodiment.

This apparatus 500, which has the same functional elements as the apparatus 300 described previously, is configured as a portable apparatus, which can be that? easily transported as a whole and put into operation in any environment to be treated.

In particular, as shown in figure 11, the portable apparatus 500 can include an external cabinet 505 which contains one or more? atomizers 100 (two in the example), each with a respective tank 105; the motor compressor 310, possibly enclosed in the silencer casing 345; the silencer 390 for the air stream leaving the motor compressor 310; the distribution unit 380, for distributing said air stream to the inlets 170 of the atomizers 100; and the electronic control card 395.

In this case, the outlet 175 of each atomizer 100 ? connected to a respective diffusion duct 510 which flows outside the external cabinet 505, for example through a suitable opening 515, so as to release the aerosol freely into the surrounding environment.

Possibly, inside the external cabinet 505 can? A fan (not shown) can also be accepted, designed to create an air flow which helps to spread the aerosol in the environment.

The operating principle of the 500 portable apparatus? entirely analogous to that of the previously described fixed apparatus 300.

Thanks to its portability, the 500 portable apparatus can however, be advantageously used for perfuming and/or, more? preferably, for the sanitization of many different environments 900 within a complex structure, such as for example the rooms of a hotel, the cabins of a ship, the compartments of a train and other similar applications (see fig.12).

In fact, the portable apparatus 500 pu? be effectively transported from one 900 environment to another without particular difficulties? and can work autonomously, requiring atalps? an electrical outlet.

In these contexts, however, the need generally arises to keep track of the 900 environments treated and/or the treatments performed in each 900 environment, in such a way as to be sure, for example, that a 900 environment has been sanitized before delivering it to a new guest and/or to avoid repeating the sanitization if it is already? been carried out.

Another need can? also be that of properly setting the operating parameters of the portable apparatus 500, for example the speed? of the electric motor 320 and/or the duration of the treatment, according to the characteristics of the environment 900 to be treated, for example according to its shape and/or its volume.

To meet these needs in an automated way? Is it possible to prepare a system which, in addition to the portable apparatus 500, also comprises a remote management server 700 and a plurality of of 600 transponders.

The Remote Management Server 700 can be physically located in the complex structure, for example inside the hotel, so as to be directly available to the managers of the same, or can it? be physically located in any other place, possibly even outside and at a great distance from the complex structure.

Each transponder 600 ? instead installed in a respective environment of the complex structure and ? equipped with a respective identification code, which ? uniquely associated, for example within a database connected to the remote management server 700, with the specific environment in which said transponder 600 is physically located.

The association of the identification code to the environment can? take place during the installation of the transponder 600, for example through a suitable electronic device (e.g. laptop, tablet or smartphone) capable of communicating with the transponder 600 and with the remote management server 700.

Each transponder 600 ? furthermore capable of interacting with the electronic card 395 of the portable apparatus 500, when the latter is placed in the environment in which said transponder 600 ? installed.

This interaction, which takes place preferably in mode? wireless and touchless, can? be considered as a detection and/or a reading and/or an activation of the transponder 600 by the electronic card 395, following which the identification code of that transponder 600 is transmitted directly and/or indirectly to the remote control server 700.

For example, each transponder 600 can be a normally inactive device which, following an? appropriate activation, ? capable of emitting a response signal in which information is encoded, including at least the aforementioned identification code.

At the same time, the portable apparatus 500 could? include an electronic detection device 520, which ? connected with the electronic card 395 and ? able to interrogate the 600 transponders that are installed in the various 900 rooms of the complex structure.

In particular, the detection device 520 can be able to generate an activation signal capable of activating each transponder 600 which is, for example, at a distance of less than or equal to 20 meters from it (e.g. without intermediate obstacles), receiving in response a series of information, among including the identification code.

The identification code cos? obtained potr? then be transmitted from the electronic card 395 to the remote management server 700.

Alternatively, after the activation of transponder 600, the latter can? be capable of transmitting its identification code directly to the remote management server 700, for example through a suitable wireless or wired telecommunications network involving all the transponders 600 installed in the complex structure.

In any case, upon receipt of the identification code, the remote management server 700 can for example updating a database in which the intervention data is automatically stored, for example the room number, the day and time of the treatment, the type of treatment, the duration, etc.

Additionally or alternatively, the Remote Management Server 700 can be configured to transmit to the electronic board 395 of the portable apparatus 500 which has activated the transponder 600, one more? setting parameters foreseen for the? corresponding environment, for example the speed? of the electric motor 320 and/or the duration of the treatment.

The 520 detection device can? be integrated in the external cabinet 505 of the portable apparatus 500, or can? be realized as a physically independent peripheral which is connected to the electronic card 395 by means of suitable wiring.

Entering more in detail (see fig.13), each transponder 600 can? comprising for example an infrared sensitive sensor 605 and/or an ultrasound sensitive sensor 610 with frequencies outside the audible range.

Each transponder 600 can? further comprising a wireless communication module 615, for example a preferably long-range Bluetooth connection module, which ? by itself intrinsically endowed with a unique internal code.

Correspondingly, the detection device 520 will be able to include an infrared ray emitter 525 and/or an ultrasound emitter 530 with frequencies outside the audible range.

The 520 detection device can? further comprising a wireless communication module 535, for example a preferably long-range Bluetooth connection module, which is capable of communicating with the wireless communication module 615 of each transponder 600.

When the portable apparatus 500 is positioned and activated inside an environment to be treated, the emitter 525 and/or the emitter 530 emit infrared and/or ultrasound rays, which are picked up by the sensor 605 and/or by the sensor 610 of the transponder 600.

The capture of these signals activates the wireless communication module 615 of the transponder 600, which enters into communication with the wireless communication module 535 of the detection device 520, to which it communicates the identification code associated with the transponder 600 itself, for example the code unique of the Bluetooth module.

This identification code can then be transmitted to the remote management server 700 and used as outlined above.

In addition to transmitting the identification code, the 600 transponder can be configured to also transmit the values of the environmental parameters to the electronic card 395 of the portable apparatus 500.

Pi? precisely, the transponder 600 will be able? be equipped with one or more environmental sensors, for example selected among those already? mentioned for the fixed apparatus 300, ie selected from: a particle sensor 620 for measuring the concentration of PM2.5, a CO2625 sensor, a temperature sensor 630, a humidity sensor? 635 and a 640 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration sensor.

When the transponder 600 is activated, for example following the capture of the infrared and/or ultrasounds emitted by the detection device 520, the wireless communication module 615 can also transmit to the electronic card 395 the measurements made by these environmental sensors, which can be used according to the same logic outlined previously with reference to the fixed apparatus 300.

Furthermore, each transponder 600 can be equipped with a presence sensor 645, i.e. a sensor capable of detecting the presence of any people inside the room 900 to be treated.

This 645 presence sensor can? be a microphone capable of picking up noise, an optical sensor or any other sensor suitable for the purpose.

After the activation of the transponder 600, the wireless communication module 615 can? also transmit the detections of this presence sensor 645 to the electronic board 395.

In this way, if, for example, the presence of a person is detected inside the room 900, during the execution of a treatment (that is, when the detection device 520 interacts with the transponder 600 and possibly while the motor compressor 310 is in function), the electronic board 395 and/or the transponder 600 could activate a suitable alarm signal, for example an acoustic and/or luminous signal.

This alarm signal can be generated by suitable devices, such as loudspeakers and/or lamps (preferably LED), which can be installed in the portable apparatus 500 and/or in the transponder 600.

Each transponder 600 can? be equipped with an internal replaceable 650 battery, which ? suitable for powering all the electronic components, including for example the wireless communication module 615 and the sensors.

because the 600 transponder is activated only during the treatments, this internal battery 650 pi? be effective for a long time.

Nonetheless, when the charge of the internal battery 650 falls below a predetermined threshold value, the transponder 600 can? be configured to generate an appropriate signal.

This report can materialize in the switching on of a signaling device (e.g. a LED lamp) installed in the transponder 600.

In addition or alternatively, the report pu? take the form of an electronic signal which is transmitted to the remote management server 700, so as to allow immediate replacement intervention by the managers of the portable device 500.

This transmission can take place through the various transponders 600 installed in the complex structure, which can be networked together, for example via a Bluetooth Mesh network.

In addition or alternatively, the low battery signal can? be transmitted to the electronic card 395 of the portable apparatus 500, when the latter interacts with the transponder 600, which can in turn generate a local report and/or retransmit the information to the remote server.

Obviously to everything described above, a technician of the sector can? make numerous modifications of a technical application nature, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus (300, 500) for diffusing aerosols in an environment, comprising: - at least one tank (105) suitable for containing a liquid substance, - an atomizer (100) suitable for taking said liquid substance from the tank (105) and dispersing it in a stream of air to obtain an aerosol, - a compressor (315) suitable for feeding said stream of air to the atomizer (100) , and - an electric motor (320) able to drive the compressor (315), wherein said electric motor (320) ? an engine speed? variable and ? connected to an electronic card (395) suitable for regulating the speed? of the electric motor (320) to regulate the flow of air supplied by the compressor (115) to the atomizer (100). 2. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer (100) comprises an outlet (175) capable of introducing said aerosol into an aeration duct (800) of a building, and in which electronic board (395) ? configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor (320) on the basis of the measurement made by a flow sensor (400) suitable for detecting an air flow in said aeration duct (800). 3. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 2, wherein the electronic board (395) is configured to stop the electric motor (320), if the flow sensor (400) detects zero airflow, and to activate the electric motor (320), if the flow sensor (400) detects zero airflow ?air non-zero. 4. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 3, wherein the electronic card (395) is configured to decrease the speed? of the electric motor (320) following a decrease in the air flow detected by the flow sensor (400) in the aeration duct (800) and vice versa. 5. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 4, wherein the electronic board (395) is configured to drive the electric motor (320) at a pre-set speed? nominal, if the flow sensor (400) detects an air flow higher than a pre-set threshold value, and to operate the electric motor (320) at a speed? equal to a fraction of the speed? nominal, if the flow sensor (400) detects an air flow lower than said threshold value. 6. An apparatus (300, 500) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the flow sensor (400) can include a thermistor. 7. An apparatus (300, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic card (395) is configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor (320) on the basis of the measurement made by a particle sensor (405), which ? suitable for detecting a concentration of PM2.5 particles inside an environment into which the aerosol produced by the atomizer (100) is introduced. 8. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic card (395) is configured to reduce the speed? of the electric motor (320) following an increase in the concentration of PM2.5 detected by the particle sensor (405) and vice versa. 9. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 8, wherein the electronic board (395) is configured to drive the electric motor (320) at a pre-set speed? nominal, if the particle sensor (405) detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles below a first threshold value; to operate the electric motor (320) at a fraction of the speed? nominal, if the particle sensor (405) detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles between the first threshold value and a second threshold value higher than the first; and to stop the electric motor (320), if the particle sensor (405) detects a concentration of PM2.5 particles higher than the second threshold value. 10. An apparatus (300, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic card (395) is configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor (320) on the basis of the measurement made by a CO2 sensor (410), which ? suitable for detecting a concentration of CO2 inside an environment into which the aerosol produced by the atomizer (100) is introduced. 11. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 10, wherein the electronic card (395) is configured to increase the speed? of the electric motor (320) following an increase in the CO2 concentration detected by the CO2 sensor (410) and vice versa. 12. An apparatus (300, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic card is configured to adjust the speed? of the electric motor (320) on the basis of the measurement made by a level sensor (225), which ? adapted to detect a quantity? of liquid substance contained inside the tank (105). 13. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 12, wherein the electronic board (395) is configured to reduce the speed? of the electric motor (320) following a decrease in the quantity? of liquid substance detected by the level sensor (225). 14. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 13, wherein the electronic board (395) is configured to drive the electric motor (320) at a pre-set speed? nominal, if the level sensor (225) detects a quantity? of liquid substance greater than or equal to a predetermined fraction of the capacity? of the tank (105), and to operate the electric motor (320) at a speed? equal to a fraction of the speed? nominal, if the level sensor (225) detects a quantity? of liquid substance lower than said fraction of the capacity? of the tank (105). 15. An apparatus (300, 500) according to claim 12, wherein the electronic card (395) is configured to establish an expected value of the consumption of liquid substance present in the tank (105), to monitor a current value of said consumption of liquid substance by means of the level sensor (225), and to generate a warning signal, if the current value ? different from the expected value. 16. An apparatus (300, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic card (395) is further connected with a sensor (415, 420, 425) able to measure at least one of the following parameters: temperature, humidity? and concentration of volatile organic compounds inside an environment in which the aerosol produced by the atomizer (100) is introduced.