EP1569594A1

EP1569594A1 - Device for fragrance generation with a steam production

Info

Publication number: EP1569594A1
Application number: EP03782337A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jens Grabowski; Dirk Sand
Original assignee: Hansgrohe SE
Current assignee: Hansgrohe SE
Priority date: 2002-12-12
Filing date: 2003-12-09
Publication date: 2005-09-07
Also published as: CN1725995A; DE10259260A1; US20060140595A1; AU2003289987A1; WO2004052266A1

Abstract

A device (11) for fragrance generation can be achieved by means of an example embodiment of the invention, suitable for steam rooms. Steam is fed from a steam generator to a container (13) by means of a steam supply line (15). A housing (26) for aromatic supports (28) is arranged in the container which can be embodied as a sieve, for example. The hot steam (13) releases fragrance or aroma from the aroma support. A steam escape line (16) for the steam saturated with fragrance or aroma leads from the container out into the steam room. The container (13) can be sealed with a lid (30). A simple operation can be guaranteed by placing said device (11) in an accessible position of medium height in a steam room.

Description

description

Device for fragrance production with a steam generator

Field of application and state of the art

The invention relates to a device for generating or aromatizing steam from a steam generator. This device is particularly suitable for use in a sauna, steam cabin or steam shower cabin.

It is known to also add fragrances to steam in steam cabins. There are various techniques for this. For example, it is known to use fragrances such as oils or the like. evaporate on the hot steam outlet nozzle. There are also systems that introduce fragrances into the steam line to the steam outlet nozzle using a metering pump. However, such metering pumps are complex and expensive.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object to provide a device for fragrance production mentioned at the outset by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art can be avoided and in particular fragrance production can be achieved in a relatively simple manner while at the same time being highly safe from the risk of burns from hot steam.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred configurations of the Invention are the subject of further claims and are explained in more detail below. The wording of the claims is made the content of the description by express reference.

According to the invention, a device for generating fragrance or for aromatizing steam has steam generation. The steam generation can be designed per se in a known manner, for example a steam generator. From the steam generation, a main steam line can lead to a steam outlet which extends into a steam cabin. Furthermore, the device has a container in or on which a receptacle for aroma carriers is arranged. Another steam supply line leads from the steam generation into the container, in particular to the receptacle. As a result, the steam heats the aroma carriers to stimulate or intensify the development of the fragrance or aroma.

Flavor carriers can be in solid form, for example. Leaves, needles, dried flowers or other parts of plants are suitable for this. It is also possible to use liquid aroma carriers such as essential oils or the like. to use. Preferred embodiments of the invention for the different types of flavor carriers are discussed in more detail below.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to lead the steam from the steam feed line directly to the aroma carriers, as a result of which they can be washed around. This is advantageous for those aroma carriers which are designed for such treatment or which require direct exposure to steam. For this purpose, the receptacle can be designed in the form of a sieve or a net and thus vapor-permeable. In particular, it can be a sieve. A steam drain can lead from or out of the container in order to discharge the steam soaked in fragrance or aroma and into the steam cabin. In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the steam from the steam feed line does not come into contact with the aroma carriers, but is only guided to the receptacle from the outside, the receptacle being made impermeable to steam. The fragrance or aroma released from the aroma carriers can then either be passed directly into the steam cabin or via a detour.

It is advantageous if the steam supply line leading to the container from the steam generation is a secondary line. The greater part of the steam can run via the main steam line to the steam outlet and, for example, into a steam cabin. It has been shown that with a favorable vapor deposition of the aroma carrier, a relatively small amount of steam is already sufficient to release the aroma or fragrance from the aroma carrier and to provide or soak the steam with it. In this way, too much admixture of fragrance or aroma in a steam cabin can be avoided. Furthermore, a main steam line is kept as simple as possible.

The steam generation can be carried out in the container in such a way that it is led directly and directly to the receptacle for aroma carriers or the aroma carriers themselves. It can run in the direction of the interior of the receptacle, preferably from below with the upward direction. The hot steam rises on its own in order to release the aroma from the aroma carrier.

On the one hand, it is possible to design the receptacle as a sieve or a network. This is particularly advantageous for solid aroma carriers, for example the aforementioned parts of plants. In this way, the receptacle is vapor-permeable and the steam can both flow into the receptacle and, impregnated with aroma, from the receptacle and the loading out again. One possibility is a sieve-like receptacle with a mesh size in the range of a few millimeters.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the impregnation of the steam with aroma can be switched off or prevented. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the steam feed line can be closed or turned off into the container or into the receptacle. One option here is a separate closure, especially for the steam feed into the container. Compared to closing the steam discharge line, closing the steam feed line has the advantage that no pressure can then arise which leads to damage or injuries. Furthermore, it is advantageous if such a closure can be operated from outside the container. For this purpose, it can be moved into the container, for example, via an opening in the steam feed line. So it is not necessary to reach into the container itself or open it.

An insert with a base plate can be provided in the container. This base plate can run just above the opening of the steam feed line and have a recess which is at least approximately the size of the opening of the steam feed line. By turning the insert, the recess can cover the opening of the steam feed line to different degrees. As a result, the steam feed line can be closed. It is advantageous if either the underside of the base plate lies against the upper edge of the opening or, when closed, not only covers the opening, but also essentially seals it. For this purpose, the insert should be attached to the container in such a way that it is not pushed up by the vapor pressure and the opening becomes free again.

Furthermore, a latching device can be provided for closing the opening of the steam feed line. This locking device can cause that the opening can be closed in certain stages.

In addition to the opening of the steam supply line into the container, a steam discharge from the container is advantageously provided. The opening for this, which leads out of the container, can be lower than the opening of the steam feed line. This causes all of the steam to escape from the container. Furthermore, if the opening and the steam discharge lead downwards, this can be used as an outlet for small particles of the aroma carrier. Alternatively, a flow through the aroma carrier can be achieved, advantageously in the vertical or horizontal direction.

The container can advantageously be closed. For this purpose, a closure can be provided, which can be placed in particular on an upward opening of the container. The closure can be provided with a lock. However, it is advantageously unlockable. As a result, it is particularly advantageously possible to provide a safety device in the interior of the container at a certain overpressure by simply lifting the closure a little. If this is already possible with very little overpressure, a larger overpressure cannot build up first. The outgoing steam discharge into the cabin is preferably designed so that it cannot be closed at the exit or is arranged such that it cannot be closed.

The closure can have a wide edge with which it can protrude beyond the cross section or an outer edge of the container. The edge can also have a material thickening. This can ensure that the edge of the closure is at a lower temperature because it is not heated so much by the steam inside the container, which lies at least centrally on the underside of the closure. Furthermore, the closure can be curved upwards. On the one hand, it is possible to provide a widening outwards with a material thickening at the upper end. A narrowing or constriction can be provided between the widening and the lower part of the closure. Among other things, this can fulfill the function that the heat conduction into the widening of the closure is somewhat less. This will make the flare less warm than the rest of the closure and can be used to lift the closure off the container.

In one embodiment of the invention, the widening can be so wide that it can still be introduced into the interior of the container when the closure is turned over. However, it can then advantageously lie sealingly on the inside of the container and thus in turn achieve the sealing effect. The advantage of such a sealing in the area of the widening is that hot steam can then no longer flow to the upper area of the closure, that is to say relatively close to its edge. This keeps it cooler and the closure can be picked up by gripping the edge without the risk of burns.

The closure can have a type of cavity or recess on the inside. It can extend to just before the top of the closure with a resulting low material thickness. If the closure is placed the other way round on the container, i.e. with the widening into the container, the cavity lies within the container and relatively close to the steam feed line. So it is possible with an unscrewed closure an aroma oil or the like. to drip into the cavity. This is then in the cavity like in a bowl, whereby it is heated from below by the hot steam from the steam feed line and the aroma is expelled directly into a room in a steam cabin. can flow. Such a closure is therefore also suitable for the evaporation of liquid or very fine-grained flavor carriers.

In another embodiment of the invention, the closure can be formed on its upper side essentially smooth and in the form of a relatively flat spherical surface. This means that the closure can only be gripped on its outer edge. Here again, the temperature of the closure is very likely to be so low that there is no risk of burns.

Furthermore, it is possible to arrange an upwardly or obliquely laterally projecting projection on any closure. This projection can serve as a handle for the closure to remove it or the like.

A closure or lid advantageously consists of a plastic. On the one hand, this should be temperature-resistant, on the other hand, it should not be too good a heat conductor, otherwise the closure would be heated too much by the hot steam inside the closed container.

If the insert or receptacle can be removed from the container, they can easily be cleaned of aroma carriers or residues from aroma carriers. This also applies to the closure itself. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the container with a fastening device. It can thus advantageously be attached to a surface, for example a horizontal shelf. This should be arranged at a medium height. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to reach the container relatively conveniently for filling in flavoring agents or for closing a steam feed line. It is also the case with the above-mentioned training option with the introduction of Scented oil in the upside-down closure, an advantage if the generation of the aroma is not too far from a position of a person's head in the steam cabin.

These and further features emerge from the claims and also from the description and the drawings, the individual features being implemented individually or in groups in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields and being advantageous and protectable per se - Can represent designs for which protection is claimed here.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

1 shows a section through a device for generating steam according to the invention with an attached, upwardly curved lid, FIG. 2 shows the device from FIG. 1 in another configuration with an inverted lid as a receiving shell, FIG. 3 shows a horizontal section through the device from FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 a schematic illustration of a steam generator of the device according to FIG. 1 and steam lines into a steam cabin. Detailed description of the embodiment

In Fig. 1, a device 1 1 according to the invention for fragrance generation or for enriching steam for a steam cabin with aromas is shown. It consists essentially of a container 13 which can be attached to a storage surface 14, wherein it is inserted from above into a corresponding opening. The container 13 is approximately round and cup-shaped. A container flange 18 extends over a corresponding opening in the storage area 14. The container 13 thus lies on the storage area 14. It can be screwed from below using the screws shown. The storage surface 14 can be, for example, a pedestal or a kind of sideboard in a steam cabin. Above all, this has the advantage that the device 11 or the container 13 is easily accessible, for example for starting up or for refilling aroma carriers.

On the one hand, a steam feed line 15 runs into the container 13 from below. Furthermore, a steam discharge line 16 runs out of it. In this case, the steam discharge line 16 starts from a lower point in the interior of the container.

In the container 13 there is an insert 20 which is also approximately round or cup-shaped. The insert 20 is essentially designed such that it is adapted to the inner walls of the container 13 with respect to the side walls. Towards the top, it has a rim that is offset several times, expanded and pulled outwards. The edge overlaps the container flange 18. Furthermore, the adjustment lug 24 protrudes from the edge of the insert 20, see FIG. 3. With this, the insert 20 in the container 13 can be rotated about the vertical axis. The insert 20 has an insert base 21. This is stepped, see FIGS. 1 and 2. In the area above the steam feed line 15, the insert base 21 is higher and has the opening 22 through which steam from the steam feed line 15 reaches the interior of the container 13. In the lower area of the insert base 21, a further opening 23 is provided, which leads to the steam discharge line 16. It can be seen from FIG. 3 to what extent the opening 22 is round and is therefore essentially only in one position fully above the steam feed line 15. Upon rotation, the opening 22 is rotated away from the steam feed line 15 and the steam supply to the container 13 is thus interrupted or shut off.

Furthermore, a receiving screen 26 is inserted in the container 13 or in the insert 20. In its upper edge region 27 it is of stepped construction and fits exactly into the inner shape of the insert 20 in this region. In the lower area, the receiving screen 26 is flat in shape with a certain mesh size. This is advantageously such that certain solid aroma carriers 28a, such as leaves or other vegetable parts, can be held therein and do not fall through the sieve 26. As can be seen, the lower part of the receiving strainer 26 extends shortly before the opening 22 for the steam feed line 15. This can result in the steam being fed directly into the receiving strainer 26 or to the aroma carriers 28a located therein. Here it is also possible to align the area of the insert base 21 with the opening 22 more strongly towards the center of the receiving screen 26. This allows steam to flow through all the aroma carriers in it better.

A cover 30 sits on the container 13. The cover 30 has a wide cover edge 31 with a thickening of material that projects beyond the inner cross section of the container 13. The lid 30 runs upwards into a constriction 32, in order to widen from there 33 as a kind of grip. A particularly strong material thickening is also provided here.

On the inside, the lid is designed like a shell, see also FIG. 2. In particular, there is a recess 35 within the widening 33. From FIG. 2 it can be seen that this recess 35 extends deep into the interior of the container 13. At the lowest point of the recess 35, the wall thickness is relatively small. This is explained in more detail below.

4 shows a schematic representation of an entire steam generation system. A main steam line 39 extends from a steam generator 38. It opens into a steam outlet 41 which, for example, opens into the interior of a steam cabin, in particular in the foot area. Most of the steam is introduced into the steam cabin via the main steam line 39.

A secondary steam line 40 leads from the main steam line 39. This passes into the steam supply line 15, which runs into the container 13 of the device 11. In turn, the steam outlet 16 emerges from the container 13 and forms a fragrance inlet 43, likewise into the interior of the steam cabin. In the example shown here, the fragrance inlet 43 also extends approximately into the foot region of a steam cabin. It is also possible to let the scent inlet 43, which only contributes to a small part to the steam formation in the steam cabin, end higher. In this way, people who sit in the steam cabin are better reached.

It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the secondary steam line 40 can be shut off without any problems, in particular by means of the insert base 21 above the steam feed line 15. Since the steam can flow out essentially via the free main steam line 39, Steam line 40 or on the steam supply line 15 no excess pressure. Regarding the function of the device 11, it must be said that in a configuration according to FIG. 1, flavor carriers are firmly introduced into the receiving sieve 26. Then the cover 30 is put on and the insert 20 is rotated into a position in which the steam access into the container 13 via the steam feed line 15 is free. Steam from the steam generator 38 flows via the secondary steam line 40 into the container 13 and hits the aroma carriers 28a in the receiving sieve 30. The hot and possibly also moist steam releases the aromas or a scent from the aroma carriers and is discharged via the steam discharge line 16 and fragrance inlet 43 is discharged and enters the steam cabin. If the fragrance production is to be switched off, the insert 20 is simply rotated in the container 13 by means of the adjusting lug 24 such that the steam feed line 15 is closed. Then the opening 22 is turned away. This closing of the steam feed line 15 can also be provided when aroma carriers are refilled or replaced.

The configuration according to FIG. 2 is provided for aroma carriers which are designed only for a lower temperature or cannot be introduced into a receiving sieve 26, for example because they are liquid or powdery. The lid 30 is placed on the container 13 in reverse. The wide lid edge 31 still covers the interior of the container so that there is essentially a sealing effect. Above all, this is supported by the lid weight.

The area of the cover 30 with the widening 33, which has the recess 35 on its inside, projects into the container 13. The shell formed by the recess 35 can have an aroma oil 28b. From below, hot steam passes through the steam supply line 15 and the opening 22 into the container 13 and thus to the downward-pointing region of the cover 30. The steam heats the aromatic oil in the recess 35 in a manner known per se. In this way, the fragrances and aromas contained therein are released and enter the interior the steam cabin. Therefore, the wall thickness of the cover 30 is made thin in the lower region of the recess 35. In this way, good heat coupling into the aroma oil 28b in the recess 35 can take place. Depending on the usually desired temperatures or given steam temperatures or other circumstances, the material thickness can be varied here in order to influence the temperature generated in the recess 35.

As shown here, the outside of the widening 33 of the cover 30 does not lie completely against the inside wall of the receiving screen 26. This could be provided in the upper area to prevent hot steam from reaching the lid edge 31 upwards. In this way, heating of the lid edge 31 could essentially be avoided.

Furthermore, it is possible to make 30 incisions, holes or the like in the area of the widening 33 of the cover. provided. These can bring about a particularly good heat coupling from the hot steam to the inside of the recess 35. In the configuration according to FIG. 1, particularly good heat dissipation of the cover 30 to the surroundings is thereby achieved in the manner of cooling fins.

As an alternative to such a cover 30 with a protruding widening 33, a cover, which roughly follows the lower course of the cover 30, can be part-spherical. Then it can only be gripped by the edge, which, as has also been explained above, is generally less hot. Protruding sections, similar to a pin or a handle, could also be provided. These can also allow safe handling of the lid.

If a powdery or liquid aroma carrier 28a, 28b is to be introduced into the container 13 itself with an aroma outlet in the steam flow, it is possible, for example, take out and replace with a differently trained recording. This can have a tight receptacle. On the other hand, however, the receptacle should be heatable by the steam entering. On the other hand, the aroma emerging from the aroma carrier should be able to mix with the steam. For this purpose, it would be sufficient, for example in the case of a take-up similar to the take-up screen 26, to make the lower region tight. Through an upper area, which can be vapor-permeable or sieve-like, steam can enter, absorb the released aroma and discharge it into the steam cabin via the steam discharge line 16.

Claims

claims

Device (11) for fragrance production, with a steam generation (38) and a main steam line (39) from the steam generation to a steam outlet (41), with a container (13) in which a receptacle (26) for aroma carriers (28) is arranged, a steam feed line (15) leading from the steam generation into the container and heating the aroma carriers to stimulate or intensify the development of the fragrance.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam from the steam feed line (15) is led directly to the aroma carriers (28), a steam discharge line (16) leading away from the container (13) in order to discharge the steam soaked in aroma.

Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the receptacle is designed as a sieve or mesh, wherein it is vapor-permeable and in particular is a receiving sieve (26).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam from the steam feed line (15) without coming into contact with the aroma carriers (28) is guided to the receptacle (26), the fragrance or aroma released from the aroma carriers is led directly into the steam cabin, the receptacle (26) preferably being vapor impermeable.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam supply line (15) coming from the steam generation (38) is a secondary line (40), the major part of the steam via the main steam line (40) to the steam outlet ( 41) is running.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam feed line (15) in the container (13) is guided directly and directly to the receptacle (26) for aroma carriers (28), preferably with a direction in the interior of the opening. would take.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a closability of the steam feed line (15) in the container (13) or the receptacle (26), preferably by means of a separate closure (21), in particular the closure being operable from outside the container an opening of the steam feed line (15) can be moved into the container.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an insert (20) in the container (13) with a

Bottom plate (21), the bottom plate running over the opening of the steam feed line (15) and having a recess (22) which can be brought over the opening by turning with partial or complete overlap, preferably with a latching device provided by means of which a turn in certain

Degrees of rotation of the detent is predetermined.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening of the steam feed line (15) in the container (13) is higher in the container than the opening of the

Vapor drainage (16) out of the container.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (13) can be closed, wherein it can preferably be locked in an unlockable manner by means of a closure (30) and the closure of the container opens at a certain excess pressure.

1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the closure (30) has a wide edge (31) which projects beyond the cross section of the container (13), the edge preferably having a material thickening.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the closure (30) is curved upwards with a widening (33) to the outside and a material thickening at the upper end, preferably a narrowing between the widening and the lower part of the closure (32) is formed.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the widening (33) at the upper end is so wide that it is in the inverted position of the closure (30) on the container

(13) extends inside, the widening preferably sealingly abutting the inside of the container.

14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the closure (30) on the inside a

Has cavity (35), which extends to just before the top, wherein the cavity is preferably in the upside-down position within the container (13) to form the receptacle.

15. Device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a protruding projection (24) is arranged on the closure (30), which protrudes preferably upwards and serves as a handle for the closure for removal.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (26) can be removed from the container (13).