DE102007007583A1 - Bedufter - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a scenting apparatus comprising: a conveying channel for conveying a scent medium from an entrance to an exit of the conveying channel; and a scavenging device for scavenging the scent medium within the conveying channel with a gas or gas mixture, thereby promoting the delivery of scents through the scent medium to the environment becomes. With the scenting device according to the invention, it is possible to scent the environment of the device "authentically", ie the scenting takes place on the basis of the odor of the fragrance medium and not on the basis of artificial fragrances.
For example, the fragrance medium may be formed by coffee powder, the fragrance of which can be released by the transport and simultaneous flow and released to the environment over a wide area.

Description

The The present invention relates to a scenting device, and more particularly a device for enriching the ambient air with fragrances or the cleaning of the ambient air by means of odors, the bad smell can absorb.

background

Buyer of Products are in addition to the purely rational decision-making like Price and quality also by the first "feeling", that in context with the product is affected. This "feeling" is of all human senses dependent. In addition to the optical, tactile and acoustic stimuli is also the Odor and taste are crucial for the final purchase decision for a Product.

The devices on the market for the production of defined odor and fragrance, as well as cleaning the ambient air of unpleasant odors through special media are based i. d. R. on the method that fragrances are solved in essential oils, in Gels, in granules, as gas (sprays) and in other carrier materials like fleece, filter mats, clay or cork.

adversely It is because the base is always a specially "composed", mostly synthetic Fragrance is and not the medium, its "smell" of fragrance the ambient air is anticipated.

task This invention is to address this problem and a Product smell based on "original and authentic "home products to create.

These The object is achieved by the invention defined in claim 1. advantageous Embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Brief description of the invention

According to the invention is a A scenting device is provided, comprising: a conveying channel for transportation a fragrance medium from an entrance to an exit of the delivery channel; and a flow device to the flow of the fragrance medium within the transport channel with a gas or gas mixture, whereby the delivery of fragrances by the fragrance medium promoted to the environment becomes.

With the scenting device according to the invention Is it possible, scent the environment of the device "authentically", d. H. the fragrance is based on the odor of the fragrance medium, and not by artificial Fragrances. For example, the fragrance medium by coffee powder be formed, whose fragrance released by the carriage and simultaneous flow and spacious the environment can be delivered.

In According to one embodiment of the invention, the transport channel is inclined so that the fragrance medium by gravity from the entrance to the exit is transported. This embodiment has the advantage that the transport the fragrance medium quasi "of alone ", ie without further drive means comes to conditions.

Preferably is within the transport channel a variety of slats, baffles, stairs or similar provided on the the fragrance medium during carriage within the transport channel impinges, eliminating the transport route extended and the speed of transport is slowed down. This lengthens the transport and flow time the fragrance medium, which allows it to give off more fragrances, without for one renewal the transport channel to need so that the scenting device is comparatively compact can be.

Preferably is the angle of each of the multitude of slats, baffles, stairs or the like, relative to the direction of transport variable. Thereby can the transport speed and thus the duration of the flow adapted to the conditions of use.

In In another embodiment, the scenting device comprises a Carrying device for transportation the fragrance medium within the transport channel. The conveyor For example, means for rotating the transport channel about its longitudinal axis include. Alternatively, the conveying device may be formed be to the transport channel to vibrate. In a further embodiment, the Carrying device through a rotatable conveyor screw formed within the transport channel.

The Use of a conveyor has the advantage that the transport speed and time precisely controlled and adapted to local requirements can be. For this purpose, preferably a control for Setting the transport speed and time provided.

In In a preferred embodiment, the flow device has a heating device, for warming of the gas or gas mixture. This will release the fragrance required by the fragrance medium.

In a simple embodiment of the invention is the flow device through an air blower educated.

The Fragrance medium may consist of crushable bulk material. In this case the scenting device can be a device for comminuting the bulk and for feeding the comminuted bulk material into the entrance of the transport channel. For example, the bulk material be formed by coffee beans, and the device for crushing of the bulk material through a mill for grinding the coffee beans. According to this Design can in the bulk contained fragrances are optimally preserved before they are reduced by crushing (Grinding) released and by transport / flow on the environment will be delivered.

Preferably the scenting device comprises a reservoir for Absorption of the fragrance medium and delivery of the fragrance medium for delivery in the entrance of the transport channel. As a result, the device is suitable for use over a longer Period.

Preferably a controller is provided for controlling the dispensing adjustable Quantities of the fragrance medium from the reservoir, and / or for control the time of delivery. In this embodiment, the Scenting device especially for use in environments in which the scenting at different times varies be strong or temporarily interrupted.

Preferably the reservoir comprises a level sensor for determination and display of the filling level. Dependent from the level can be an automatic filling of the storage container carried out become.

In an embodiment of the scenting device is a collecting container for Consumption of spent fragrance medium from the exit of the transport channel intended. Preferably, the collecting container has a closing device on, in particular an electromagnetic or electromotive Closing device, to complete from in the receptacle taken up spent fragrance medium from the transport channel. This will prevent unwanted from being used up Fragrance medium secreted fragrances back into the transport channel reach.

In an advantageous embodiment comprises the scenting device a controller for controlling the conveying speed and / or the flow rate and / or duration. Thus, the scenting device optimally to different Fragrance media and / or environments are set.

In Another preferred embodiment is the flow device to the flow the fragrance medium formed opposite to the direction of conveyance. This will increase the degree of flow and thus improving the delivery of the fragrances. For this purpose can the transport channel a flow inlet near output and a discharge outlet near of the input.

In In another embodiment, the scenting device comprises means for transmission predetermined operating parameters to a remote maintenance device and means for receiving signals for controlling the scenting device and / or setting predetermined operating parameters by the remote maintenance device on. This is eliminated the need for maintenance " Place " an adaptation to different fragrance media and / or environments per Remote control be made. This is preferably done via modem / telephone line / internet or via GSM / GPS signals.

In a use of the invention present invention is the scenting device with coffee powder or in the embodiment with mill operated with coffee beans as a fragrance medium.

In an alternative embodiment can the device of the invention also be used for "de-scented". In this case, a fragrance medium is used, which fragrances which neutralizes existing fragrances in the environment.

Description of the figures

The Figures illustrate devices according to exemplary embodiments the invention. Show:

1 : Storage container with medium with level sensor

2 : Grinder

3 : Ventilation duct with baffles

4 : Rotary ventilation area

5 : Ventilation channel with medium transport through a screw

6 : Vibration motors for emptying support

7 : Control to optimize the ventilation strategy

8th : Separation device for used medium

9a . 9b : Concept with remote maintenance device (1) and (2)

10 : Embodiment with gravity and lamellae / harassment

11 : Exemplary embodiment with auger conveying in the ventilation channel

• • Manuell ohne Füllstandsanzeige
• • Manuell, jedoch mit Sensorik des Füllstandes – wobei hier die Sensorik entweder das Bedienpersonal vor Ort alarmiert, oder – Die Sensorik über ein Fernwartungsmodul den Füllstand bzw. die Nachfüllnotwendigkeit einem nicht vor Ort befindlichen Servicetechniker übermittelt
• • Automatisch, selbsttätig nachfüllend

The medium, whose odor can be released into the ambient air as a fragrance, is stored in a storage container ( 1 ) saved. A refill can be done as follows:

• • Manual without level indicator
• • Manually, but with level sensor technology - whereby the sensor system either alerts the operating personnel on site, or - The sensor system uses a remote maintenance module to transmit the fill level or the refill need to a non-local service technician
• • Automatic, automatically refilling

• • Direkt weitergeleitet wird, um für die Beduftung verwendet zu werden (z. B. gemahlenes Kaffeepulver)
• • Vor der Weiterleitung weiter bearbeitet werden muss, dass es für die Nutzung der Beduftung besser geeignet ist (z. B. Mahlen des Kaffeepulvers) (2)

The medium can either be in the state that:

• • Directly forwarded to be used for scenting (eg ground coffee powder)
• • It must be further processed before forwarding, so that it is better suited for the use of the scenting (eg grinding of the coffee powder) ( 2 )

• • Schwerkraft, wobei das Medium über schikanenartige oder wendelförmige Lamellen in einem Belüftungskanal je nach Steigung mehr oder weniger schnell den Belüftungskanal durchläuft (3).
• • Rotatorische Weiterbewegung (durch externen Antrieb) von einer Einbringstelle, dann durch den Belüftungskanal/Belüftungsbereich bis zu einer Stelle, wo das „verbrauchte" Medium dann in einen Abfallschacht fällt oder zugeführt wird (4)
• • Durch Weiterbewegung durch eine Schnecke in einem Rohr (durch externen Antrieb), wo das Medium von der Einbringstelle bis zum Abfallschacht weiterbefördert wird und während dieser Zeit der Raum, der die Schnecke umschließt, durch einen Luft- oder Gasstrom umströmt wird. (5)

The medium, or the authentic odoriferous substance is then carried on and flowed around by air or other gas to specifically absorb the smell / smell of the medium. The onward transport can take place through:

• • Gravity, whereby the medium passes through the ventilation channel more or less rapidly via baffles or helical lamellae in a ventilation channel, depending on the gradient ( 3 ).
• • Rotary movement (by external drive) from a point of introduction, then through the ventilation channel / ventilation area to a point where the "spent" medium then falls or is fed into a waste chute ( 4 )
• • By moving through a screw in a pipe (by external drive), where the medium is transported from the point of introduction to the refuse shaft, during which time the space surrounding the screw is circulated through an air or gas stream. ( 5 )

emptying of the ventilation duct / ventilation area: For some authentic odors (eg coffee) that occurs phenomenon on that from a certain aeration time (Some of them are also media-dependent additionally also from the temperature of the medium as well as the ventilation temperature dependent) the scent effect wears off, the fragrance gets a different smell, or the medium completely becomes odorless and for the application described here completely useless depending on the purpose can be.

• • Es sind eine oder mehrere Einrichtungen am Beduftungskanal/Beduftungsbereich angebracht, die durch Rüttelbewegungen den Beduftungskanal/Beduftungsbereich in Schwingungen versetzen, so dass dieser vibriert. Durch die Vibration löst sich der Geruchsstoff, der schon eine gewisse Zeit mit Luft oder Gas umströmt wurde und somit weitgehend den Geruchsstoff an die vorbeiströmende Luft abgegeben hat (6).
• • Eine Steuerung, mit der es möglich ist, je nach eingesetztem Medium die für das Medium optimale Zeit der Umströmung mit Luft oder Gas einzustellen (7). Gesteuert wird dann z. B. in der Sequenz: – Medium in den Belüftungskanal einbringen (im Beispiel Mahlen des Kaffees) – Durchführen der Belüftung mit der optimalen Belüftungsdauer – Entleerung des Beduftungskanals – Neubefüllung mit frischem Medium
• • Eine Abschottvorrichtung, so dass der Geruch des bereits verbrauchten Mediums nicht in den Belüftungsbereich des frischen Mediums eintritt; damit wird sichergestellt, dass es immer nach dem frischen Medium (im Bsp. nach frischem Kaffee) duftet (8). Diese Abschottvorrichtung kann z. B. mit einer elektromagnetisch/elektromotorisch gesteuerten Klappe versehen sein, die beim Entleerungsvorgang geöffnet wird, um das austretende Medium in die Kammer des bereits verbrauchten Mediums eintreten zu lassen.

In order to control or regulate this, the following facilities are possible, which can be provided individually or in combination, depending on the application:

• • One or more devices are attached to the scenting / scenting area, which cause the scenting / scenting area to vibrate, causing it to vibrate. The vibration dissipates the odorant, which has already been circulated for some time with air or gas and thus has largely released the odorant to the passing air ( 6 ).
• • A controller with which it is possible, depending on the medium used, to set the optimum time for the medium to flow around with air or gas ( 7 ). Is controlled z. Eg in the sequence: - Introduce the medium into the ventilation channel (in the example grinding the coffee) - Perform the aeration with the optimal aeration time - Empty the scenting canal - Refill with fresh medium
• • A separating device, so that the smell of the already used medium does not enter the ventilation area of the fresh medium; This ensures that it always smells of the fresh medium (in the case of fresh coffee, for example) ( 8th ). This Abschottvorrichtung can z. B. be provided with an electromagnetically / electromotive controlled flap, which is opened during the emptying process to allow the leaking medium to enter the chamber of the already spent medium.

service and remote maintenance device: in the operation of the scenting equipment is of it it can be assumed that, with regard to maintenance by the customer, the qualification and motivation levels at the customer and as well as the clarification of organizational Questions (eg who for the scenting equipment is "in charge") with a very heterogeneous workforce is expected.

Therefore is to strive, the operating intervals as rare as possible and the operation as easy as possible to design.

In order to achieve the highest possible level of freedom from maintenance, the scenting device can be equipped with a remote maintenance function ( 9a and 9b ).

• • Das Gerät meldet regelmäßig (z. B. einmal pro Tag) den Status betriebsrelevanter Komponenteneinstellungen/Rückmeldedaten; dies kann z. B. der Füllgrad des Mediums, Häufigkeit und Intensität des Luft- oder Gasstroms, Ein- und Ausschalthäufigkeiten, Temperatur des Luftstroms, Verstopfungsanzeige im Belüftungsschacht, defekte Einzelteile (wie Gebläse, evtl. Heizung, Entleerungsrüttler usw.,), unerlaubtes Öffnen des Gerätes sein
• • Das Gerät meldet nur vorher definierte Fehlermerkmale (z. B. defekte Gebläseeinheit o. ä.); alle i. O. Statusarten werden nicht gemeldet
• • Über Fernwartung werden spezielle Wartungsprogramme „ferngesteuert" ausgelöst (z. B. ein ungeplanter Entleerungsvorgang, um einen Reinigungsvorgang leichter durchführen zu können)
• • Über Fernwartung wird die Steuerung der Beduftungsgeräte geändert und an die örtlichen Gegebenheiten (z. B. Umgebungstemperatur, Luftfeuchte usw.) angepasst.

Hereby the following goals can be achieved individually or in combination:

• • The device reports regularly (eg once a day) the status of the relevant component settings / confirmation data; this can be z. As the degree of filling of the medium, frequency and intensity of the air or gas flow, on and Ausschalthäufigkeiten, temperature of the air flow, clogging indicator in the ventilation shaft, defective items (such as blower, possibly heating, emptying shakers, etc.), unauthorized opening of the device
• • The device only reports previously defined fault characteristics (eg faulty blower unit or similar); all i. O. Status types are not reported
• • Remote maintenance triggers special maintenance programs remotely (eg unplanned emptying to make cleaning easier)
• • The control of the scenting devices is changed via remote maintenance and adapted to local conditions (eg ambient temperature, humidity, etc.).

10 shows an embodiment of the invention in the gravity / slat design. About the hopper, the medium whose odor is to be used as a scent, filled. A level sensor optionally reports the filling level; in the single version, this level can also be checked visually. A grinder or other device that prepares the medium for optimum odor and scenting unfolds, grinds, grinds or grinds the medium and then delivers it to the scenting channel. This work-up process takes place discontinuously in this embodiment. Over the individual lamellae / baffles or stairs, the processed fragrance medium falls from stage to stage. The aim is to have the largest possible surface area of the circulating air / or. to provide the gas in order to obtain as intense an odor development as possible. The air, assisted by one or more blower or ventilation devices, flows through the breather with the baffles. In the fan on the inlet side, an additional heating element may be integrated, in order to achieve that the medium with heated air / gas flows around it, so as to achieve an improvement in the Beduftungsergebnisses. Since the medium is "used up" after a certain period of time and does not give off the desired odor, after a certain period of time (number of minutes, depending on the medium), an emptying process begins.This emptying process is supported by vibration motors attached to the aeration container The spent medium slips downwards as a result of the vibrations of the ventilation pipe, and the used medium falls into the waste container and can be disposed of from there through the discharge flap which has been opened at this point in time (the sealing flap prevents unwanted odors). which could be caused by too long aeration with one and the same medium batch, be mixed with the fresh fragrance of the medium and could adversely affect the ventilation result.

About the Remote maintenance and remote maintenance function can optionally be the respective plant conditions be monitored from a central terminal to provide the service and maintenance costs to be kept low.

11 shows an embodiment with Schneckenförderungsumgang in the ventilation duct. The basic principle is similar to the aforementioned embodiment 1, but with the difference that the further transport of the medium is not done by gravity, but here forcibly by a very slowly rotating screw conveyor; opposite to the screw conveyor flows the air or gas flow.

Claims (27)

A scenting device comprising: one transport channel for transportation a fragrance medium from an entrance to an exit of the delivery channel; and a flow device to the flow of the fragrance medium within the transport channel with a gas or gas mixture, whereby the delivery of fragrances by the fragrance medium promoted to the environment becomes. The scenting device of claim 1, wherein the transport channel is inclined so that the fragrance medium by means of gravity of transported to the entrance to the exit becomes. Scenting device according to claim 2, wherein within the transport channel a variety of slats, baffles, stairs or the like provided that is the fragrance medium during the transport within the transport channel impinges, eliminating the transport route extended and the speed of transport is slowed down. The scenting device of claim 3, wherein the Angle any of the variety of slats, baffles, stairs or Such as relative to the direction of transport variable is. Scenting device according to claim 1, to comprising a conveying device for conveying the fragrance medium within the conveying channel. Perfuming device according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the conveying device Means for rotating the transport channel around its longitudinal axis includes. Perfuming device according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the conveying device is formed to the transport channel to vibrate. Scenting device according to claim 5, wherein the Carrying device through a rotatable conveyor screw formed within the transport channel is. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flow device a heating device for heating of the gas or gas mixture. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flow device through an air blower is formed. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the fragrance medium by a powder, in particular coffee powder, is formed. Scenting device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fragrance medium is formed from comminuted bulk material comprising a Apparatus for crushing the bulk material and for supplying the comminuted bulk in the entrance of the transport channel. Scenting device according to claim 12, wherein the bulk formed by coffee beans, and the shredding device of the bulk material one Mill to Grinding the coffee beans includes. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, comprising a reservoir for receiving the fragrance medium and for dispensing the fragrance medium for Feed into the entrance of the transport channel. A scenting device according to claim 14, comprising a controller for controlling the dispensing of adjustable amounts of Fragrance medium from the reservoir, and / or to control the timing of the delivery. Scenting device according to claim 14 or 15, the reservoir a level sensor includes for determining and displaying the level. A scenting device according to claim 16, comprising a device for automatically filling the reservoir depending on Level. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, comprising a collecting container for receiving spent fragrance medium from the exit of the delivery channel. A scenting device according to claim 18, comprising a locking device, in particular an electromagnetic or electromotive locking device, to complete from in the receptacle taken up spent fragrance medium from the transport channel. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, comprising a controller for controlling the speed of transport and / or the flow rate and / or duration. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flow device to the flow the fragrance medium opposite to the direction of transport is trained. The scenting device of claim 21, wherein the transport channel a flow inlet near output and a discharge outlet near of the input. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, comprising a device for transmission from predetermined operating parameters to a remote maintenance device. Scenting device according to one of the preceding Claims, comprising a device for receiving signals for control the scenting device and / or setting of predetermined operating parameters from a remote maintenance device. Use of the scenting device after a of the preceding claims with coffee powder as a fragrance medium. Use of the scenting device according to claim 13 with coffee beans as a fragrance medium. Use of the scenting device after a of the preceding claims with a fragrance medium which releases fragrances already in the Environment absorb existing fragrances and thus neutralize.