EP3471785A1

EP3471785A1 - Device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active agents

Info

Publication number: EP3471785A1
Application number: EP16731030.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Dycher
Original assignee: CTR Lda
Current assignee: CTR Lda
Priority date: 2016-06-16
Filing date: 2016-06-16
Publication date: 2019-04-24
Also published as: US11911539B2; US20220088254A1; WO2017215728A1; CN109715221B; US20190117817A1; CN109715221A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active agents, comprising a container (2) for a substance to be dispensed, comprising at least one capillary element (15) which is arranged at least partially in the container and is in contact with the substance to be dispensed and conveys said substance to be dispensed to at least one substance dispensing region by means of a capillary effect, comprising at least one electrical heating element (5) which adjoins the at least one capillary element (15), and comprising an electrical connection element (3) by means of which the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be supplied with electrical energy. According to the invention, the at least one electrical heating element (5) is a constituent part of the container (2) and the container (2) can be connected to the electrical connection element (3) in a releasable manner, wherein an electrical contact device (9) is provided, by means of which the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be electrically connected to the electrical connection element (3) in a releasable manner.

Description

Description Device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and / or active substances

The invention relates to a device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and / or active substances, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a container for receiving volatile substances according to the preamble of claim 48.

Devices for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and / or active substances, are generally known and as a rule comprise a container in which a substance to be dispensed is received. In the container, a wick is arranged as a capillary element, which projects beyond the container with a free wick end and in such a way is in contact with the substance to be dispensed that it is conveyed by means of the capillary action of the wick towards the free wick end. The free wick end is regularly associated with a heating element, in particular an electric heating element, by means of which the free wick end can be subjected to heat in order to release the substance accumulating in the free wick end even faster to the environment or to be able to evaporate. Such a structure is known for example from WO 98/58692 A1. If the substance absorbed in the container is evaporated, the container is replaced by a new, fresh container in which either the same substance to be evaporated is contained or else another substance to be evaporated may be present. The electric heating element is arranged in these known devices in the interior of the housing and supported there, wherein the electric heating element is regularly formed by a so-called heating block of a ceramic material in which an electrical resistance element is added. If the resistance element flows through a current, the heating block heats up and then releases the heat to the free end area of the wick, which enters the heating block protrudes, so that the suctioned by the wick by the capillary effect substance is evaporated and can escape through the housing into the environment.

For power supply protrude from the heating block electrical conductors, which are led to a connector, which in turn can be connected to a power outlet.

In such a conventional construction with a wick projecting into the region of a heating block, relatively high temperatures and thus relatively large-scale structures are required for higher evaporation rates. The constructive freedoms are therefore relatively limited and the structure requires a total of a plurality of individual components. This in turn means a relatively high manufacturing and assembly costs in connection with the final assembly of such devices.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular scents and / or active ingredients, by means of a compact, physically small construction and / or a reduction of the effective evaporation required temperatures is possible. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for receiving volatile substances, which is particularly suitable for use in connection with a device according to the invention. This object is achieved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, of volatile substances, in particular of fragrances and / or active ingredients, proposed, with a container in which a substance to be dispensed is received or received. Furthermore, at least one capillary element arranged at least partially in the container, for example in the form of a wick, is provided which is in contact with the substance to be dispensed and conveys it by capillary action to at least one substance dispensing area, preferably towards at least one substance dispenser. Dispensing area associated outlet opening of the container out promotes. Furthermore, at least one provided electrical heating element adjacent to the at least one capillary and this can act on heat. Further, an electrical connection element is provided, by means of which the at least one electrical heating element can be supplied with electrical energy. According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one electrical heating element is part of the, preferably a separate component or a separate unit forming, container, that the container is detachably connectable to the electrical connection element, and that an electrical contact device is provided by means of at least an electrical heating element is releasably and electrically connectable to the electrical connection element.

With the solution according to the invention is thus achieved that the at least one electric heating element is no longer part of a housing in which the container is used, but that the at least one heating element is now part of the container itself, said at least one electric heating element of the container Power supply then with, preferably also a separate component or a separate unit forming, electrical connection element is to be connected. The incorporation or integration of the at least one electrical heating element into the container results in new constructional degrees of freedom, for example in that the at least one electrical heating element can be arranged directly adjacent to the capillary element (in a manner described in more detail below) this can be heated in an effective manner by heat conduction in a capillary element to be heated, whereby an optimized evaporation of the substance to be dispensed is achieved at a comparatively lower temperature.

Furthermore, in connection with such integration or incorporation of the at least one electric heating element into the container assembly, an overall relatively compact and physically small construction results, which in turn can advantageously contribute to reducing the overall size and dimension of a device for dispensing volatile substances , Furthermore, this results in a different manufacturing and manufacturing technology, in which the at least one electrical heating element already in the production of the Container is installed, so that can be advantageously reduce the vertical range of manufacture.

The term "substance to be dispensed" is to be understood here explicitly in a broad sense and includes all substances that can be conveyed by means of the capillary action of a wick as a capillary element.This can, in addition to liquid substances, also be gel-like or other suitable substances.

The electrical contact device only has to enable an electrical connection between the at least one electrical component forming part of the container and the electrical terminating element, and furthermore also to enable the releasable connection of these two structural units. The electrical contact device, by means of which the at least one electrical heating element is detachably and electrically connectable to the electrical connection element, can therefore be designed in a variety of ways, for example as an electrical contact device, which can be a wireless energy transmission (also known as contactless energy transmission, as wireless power transmission or is referred to as contactless power transmission), in which the electrical energy is transmitted without contact from the electrical connection element to the at least one electrical heating element. In principle, in particular also in the case of non-contact energy transmission, it therefore applies that the electrical contact device can at least partially be part of the at least one electrical heating element and / or at least partially a component of the electrical connection element. In other words, in other words, the electrical contact device can be completely part of the at least one electrical heating element or, alternatively, can be completely part of the electrical connection element or, alternatively, can be configured such that a part of the electrical contact device is part of the electrical heating element and a further part the electrical contact device is part of the electrical connection element.

According to a particularly preferred specific embodiment, the detachable connection between the container and the electrical connection element is partially or completely made by the electrical contact device, which thus in a dual function at the same time the detachable connection and support between the at least one electric heating element and the electric Connection element and further at least in part, the detachable connection between the container and the electrical connection element can produce. The detachable connection between the container and the electrical connection element and / or between the at least one electrical resistance element and the electrical connection element can take place in different ways, wherein a positive connection, in particular a latching connection as positive connection, and / or a frictional connection is preferred.

According to a further particularly preferred specific embodiment, the electrical connection element may have a holding device, by means of which the container is mounted on the electrical connection element. Such a holding device on the electrical connection element allows easy positioning and mounting of the container in a defined position, for example in the region of at least one electric heating element, whereby a simple electrical contact between the at least one electric heating element and the electrical connection element by means of the electrical contact device is possible, which in turn is advantageous for a compact, physically small construction of the device as a whole.

According to a further particularly preferred specific embodiment, the electrical contact device on the at least one electric heating element arranged and spaced from each other contact elements, which are assigned to the electrical connection element, preferably in the region of a holding device, terminal contacts, by means of which the contact elements are electrically connected in the mounted state , With such a construction results in a particularly reliable electrical connection between the electrical contact means of the at least one electric heating element and the ultimately the power supply bewerkstelligenden electrical connection element.

Likewise, the container and / or the electrical connection element, preferably a holding device of the electrical connection element, at least one stop element, by means of which the container mounted in the Condition is positionable so that the at least one electrical heating element by means of the electrical contact means is electrically connectable or connected to the electrical connection element. Particularly preferred in this case is an embodiment in which the container is positioned in the assembled state due to the at least one stop element so that at least one electrical heating element disposed contact elements of the electrical contact device associated with connection contacts of the electrical connection element and are electrically conductively connected or connected. The electrical connection element preferably has a plug (expressly also comprises a structure with a cable and a plug arranged thereon), by means of which, for example, a connection to an electrical socket is possible. Particularly preferred in this context is an embodiment in which the electrical connection element is formed by a holding device having the plug. Particularly preferred in this case can be provided that the holding device is firmly connected to the plug, for example, is integrally formed on the plug. Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, it can be provided that the electrical connection element is a one-piece component produced, for example, by injection molding. With such a structure, the variety of components is reduced and created a total of inexpensive and easy to produce electrical connection element. Next, the plug can also be rotatably mounted on the electrical connection element.

In principle, there are various possibilities for integrating or integrating the at least one electrical heating element in the container. Quite generally, this can for example be done so that the constituent of the container forming, at least one electric heating element is arranged on the container, preferably on an outer side of the container, and / or on a component of the container that the at least one electric heating element to heat the container and / or to a, at least one electric heating element associated, aufzuheizenden Kapillarelementbereich transmits by means of heat conduction. Heat conduction here means a heat transfer in which heat is transferred from an area of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature through contiguous bodies touching each other in a contact area (heat transfer area). Such heating or heating by heat conduction allows a particularly effective and optimized heating of the capillary element region to be heated, and thus optimized dispensing or evaporation of the substance. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the at least one electrical heating element in a heat transfer region on the outside of a container wall of the container, in particular flat, is present and / or fixed, preferably in one - for a particularly preferred heat transfer by heat conduction - substantially gap-free or direct contact connection on the outside of the container, in particular flat, rests and / or fixed. As a result, the at least one electrical heating element can transmit heat to the container wall directly or by direct contact by means of heat conduction. In this context, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that the container wall is made of a heat-conducting or good heat-conducting material, at least in the heat transfer region. Such an outer arrangement of the at least one electric heating element can be realized in a particularly simple and reliable manner. Particularly preferred in this context is an embodiment in which the at least one capillary element, at least in the heat transfer region with a capillary element region to be heated, rests against the inside of the container wall of the container, in particular flat, and / or is fixed, preferably in such a way directly or in an abutment connection or ., gap-free on the inside of the container, in particular flat, rests and / or is determined that the container wall transmits the heat by means of heat conduction to the capillary element area to be heated. As a result, according to a particularly preferred specific embodiment, heat can be transferred by means of heat conduction from the at least one electrical heating element via the container wall made of a thermally conductive material in the heat transfer area directly and directly to the capillary element or the capillary element region to be heated. This results in the previously mentioned lower heating element temperatures in conjunction with a still very good efficiency of the evaporation device, and in particular also in connection with a very good control of the substance delivery. For example, the container according to a preferred embodiment on the outer wall or on the outside of the container wall, for example, in the manufacture of the container already formed on the outer wall or molded, container-side support for the at least one electric heating element, with the at least an electrical heating element is mounted on the container.

The container-side holder can be formed for example by a formed in the outer wall or on the outside of the container wall of the container, for example, in the manufacture of the container molded into the outer wall, receptacle or recess in which the electric heating element is then received accordingly , And is taken for an optimized heat transfer to the wall of the container preferably fitting or shape and contour adapted.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, an electrical contact device forming part of the electrical heating element may in principle have at least one flat and / or substantially parallel to the outer wall of the container and / or arranged on the outer wall of the container, preferably platelet-shaped, contact area, which Contact elements, in particular in the form of contact pins or contact elevations having. In this case, a concrete embodiment is particularly preferred, in which the electric heating element rests in the receptacle or recess in such a way that the electrical contact device forms a flat and / or platelet-shaped contact region resting on the outer wall of the container with raised contact elements. Such a construction is overall small and compact and also allows a simple and reliable connection option to the electrical connection element. Furthermore, the electrical contact device can be provided on its raised contact elements having contact area with a cover, preferably with a releasably attachable to the contact surface and / or adhesive cover, through which protrude the contact elements for connection to the terminal contact of the electrical connection element. Such a cover allows the attachment of a label or a Labeling and / or helps to increase the overall reliability of the device.

The at least one electrical heating element can be formed by a, preferably pill-shaped and / or disk-shaped and / or flat, electrical resistance element, which has the electrical contact device or is coupled or connected to the electrical contact device. It is preferably provided here that the electrical contact device is formed by at least one flat contact plate which has one or more contact elements. The electrical resistance element is preferably a PTC resistance element, ie a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor, which has the advantage that it is substantially self-regulating and does not require an electrical control unit to limit the maximum heating current so that there is no risk of overheating ,

The holding device of the electrical connection element is preferably designed such that it at least partially surrounds the container at the container outer wall, and preferably surrounds it in the region of the at least one electrical heating element. The holding device can be in a material-saving manner only a U-shaped bracket or even a relatively stable retaining ring, which are preferably against the container itself kleinbauend and extend only over a portion of the container or cover only a portion of the container and / or cover. In principle, the holding device could also be a pocket-shaped receptacle or the like, in which the container is then correspondingly inserted accordingly.

Particular preference is further a specific embodiment in which the contact elements, which are preferably formed by contact pins or contact elevations, are assigned to the electrical connection element, preferably in the region of a holding device of the electrical connection element, recesses into which the contact elements, in particular for fixing or With-fixation of the container on the electrical connection element, in the assembled state positive, in particular latching, engage and there are each electrically connected to a terminal contact of the electrical connection element. Next, a specific embodiment is preferred in which the holding device is formed by a retaining ring, which engages around the insertable in the retaining ring (and retractable) container in the assembled state, and preferably surrounds so that the retaining ring at least partially rests against the container outer wall. In this context, it is further preferred that the retaining ring to form an elastically resilient wall portion when inserting (and pushing out) of the container, the electrical contact device has raised contact elements, at least partially elastically yielding. This ensures that the retaining ring during insertion of the container into the retaining ring and thereby caused contact of the pins or contact elevations at which the recesses surrounding inner wall portion of the retaining ring elastically rebound at least partially until the contact pins or contact elevations in an engaged position at the level of the recesses lie, in which the rebounded wall portion of the retaining ring springs back to produce the positive connection. Analog applies when pushing out that the contact pins or Kontakeshiftungen get out of engagement with the recesses and thereby in turn reach the contact pins and contact elevations in a system in which the recesses surrounding inner wall portion of the retaining ring, whereby this resiliently springs and the container is disengaged from the retaining ring can.

The electric heating element according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the same and in connection with all embodiments of the inventive idea described here, but in particular with a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, be an electrical resistance element and one, preferably the capillary element area to be heated and / or film-like , Have resistance layer as a heating layer. Such a resistance layer as a heating layer allows, as will be explained in more detail below, a particularly advantageous embodiment of an electrical heating element by a flexible and / or printed resistor. In this context, it is further preferred that the electrical contact device having the resistive layer connected or connectable leads, with which the electrical connection between the resistive layer and the electrical connection element can be produced. According to a specific embodiment, for example, two spaced-apart supply lines may be provided which have an electrical connection to the intermediate resistance layer. The resistance layer itself preferably forms a PTC resistance element, ie a resistance element with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). A particular advantage of this PTC resistor layer as a resistance element is that this creates a self-regulating heater that does not require an electronic control unit in order to limit the maximum heating current.

Such resistance layers can also be adapted very simply to the size of the capillary element area to be heated, in particular with regard to size and / or dimension, so that a particularly effective heating of the capillary element area to be heated is possible.

Basically, there are different ways of arranging these in connection with the resistance layer. Thus, the resistance layer, preferably the resistance layer together with the supply lines, on the one hand directly or alternatively indirectly with the interposition of at least one intermediate layer, preferably at least one intermediate layer of an electrically insulating and / or thermally conductive material, in a heat transfer region on the outside of at least in this area be arranged or applied to a container wall made of heat conductive material. In order to ensure in the desired manner that the electric heating element transfers heat by means of heat conduction to the container wall and from there to the capillary element region to be heated, it is further provided that in the heat transfer region on the inside of the container wall the capillary element region to be heated rests in a contact connection, preferably flat.

The electrical heating element preferably has a carrier layer as a substrate, on which the resistance layer, preferably as a film layer and / or the leads, is applied, wherein it is preferably provided that the carrier layer and the resistive layer and optionally together with the leads to form a total flexible electrical heating element are designed to be flexible. The carrier layer as a substrate allows a particularly advantageous application the resistive layer or the resistive layer together with the supply lines, for example an imprinting, for example in conjunction with a screen printing process. A flexible electrical heating element further allows for a simple system connection to a wide variety of geometries. In addition, the so-formed flexible electric heating element can then be easily, for example, as Meterbzw. Roll goods are kept, from which the required electrical resistance element can be easily cut to length.

The carrier layer forms, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one intermediate layer.

Furthermore, the electrical heating element can also have a, preferably flexible, protective layer, which at least partially shields or covers the resistance layer applied to the carrier layer, preferably the resistance layer applied to the carrier layer, together with the supply lines.

Particularly preferred here is an embodiment in which the non-necessarily, but preferably flexible, resistive layer is formed by an electrically conductive ink or ink having a resistance function, preferably an ink or ink having a PTC function. Such a resistive layer can be applied particularly advantageously as a film layer to a carrier layer or onto a container wall region to be heated directly, preferably printed, so that it then forms the desired resistive layer in the dried state. Analogously to this, the leads, which are not necessarily but preferably flexible, can be formed by electrically conductive, preferably silver, ink or ink having a current-carrying function. Again, it is preferably provided that the leads are applied directly to a carrier layer or on a Behältniswandbereich to be heated, preferably printed and dried. The term ink or color is to be understood here in a broad sense and here includes any substance that can be applied in the manner of an ink or paint and then forms the resistive layer or the leads in the dried state. The supply lines forming the electrical contact device or forming part of the electrical contact device may be at least partially a component of the electrical heating element and / or at least partially a component of the electrical connection element. This means that the supply lines can be completely part of the at least one electrical heating element and can then be connected directly or via contact elements with connection contacts of the electrical connection element. Alternatively, however, the supply lines can also be completely part of the electrical connection element and then connected directly or via contact elements to the resistance layer. Further alternatively, the leads can also be designed so that a part of the leads is part of the electrical resistance element and another part of the leads is part of the electrical connection element, which are then connected to each other either directly or via contact elements.

The container has, according to a particularly preferred concrete embodiment, a, preferably integrally and / or plate-shaped and / or two-sided formed, pad of a thermally conductive material having a, the capillary element to be heated of the capillary and thus the interior of the container associated inner portion the capillary element region to be heated rests and / or is fastened in a capillary element support region, preferably rests and / or is fastened directly to a thermally conductive thermal contact. Furthermore, the support has an outer portion facing away from the inner side of the capillary element supporting region and thus assigned to the outer region of the container, on which the electrical heating element is arranged and / or fixed for heat-conducting thermal contact, wherein it is preferably provided that a carrier layer of the electrical heating element is connected by lamination with the support.

According to a further particularly preferred variant, the container may have a protruding, preferably plateau-like, projection, which engages for producing the electrical connection between the electric heating element and the electrical connection element by means of the electrical contact device in a receptacle of the electrical connection element, wherein it is preferably provided that heating element-side supply lines, preferably with these associated contact elements, are electrically conductively connected with opening into the receptacle terminal contacts. In addition to a functionally reliable construction, this also ensures, above all, a compact structure which is easy to produce in terms of manufacturing technology.

In connection with the just described embodiment, it is further particularly advantageous for a function-integrated solution if the outer portion of the support together with the associated electrical heating element form part of the projection, wherein it is preferably provided that the projection in the mounted state in the receptacle of the electrical Connection element is accommodated shape and / or contour-adapted.

Particularly good results can be achieved with a moreover also compact construction in which the capillary element, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis, has an underside of a free end region forming the substance dispensing region, preferably a lower side of an L-leg of a capillary element having an L-shape overall. from above rests on the capillary element support region of the inner portion of the support. The free end region of the capillary element is associated with its upper side at least one container outlet opening, preferably such that it directly adjoins at least one container outlet opening, whereby a functionally reliable delivery of the substance via the container outlet opening is possible.

The holding device may according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, for example, have a sliding and / or plug connection, in which a Beigkeitsitiger web engages in a guide slot of the electrical connection element, wherein in the inserted and / or inserted state of the container, the electrical contact means of the at least one electric heating element is electrically connected to the electrical connection element. Such sliding and / or plug connection is characterized by a high reliability and allows a simple and secure mounting of the container on the electrical connection element.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the holding device has or forms a housing region which covers the container at least in the region of a container outlet opening, wherein in FIG Cover region is formed at least one housing-side outlet opening. In this embodiment of the holding device, this thus forms in a dual function at the same time also a slim-fitting housing, via which the substance to be dispensed can evaporate into the environment.

According to a concrete embodiment of this, the guide slot may be formed on the housing by two individual slots, which extend in two mutually spaced transversely to the insertion direction, parallel housing walls each in the insertion direction. This results in a total of a compact, little großbauender structure, which is also particularly easy to manufacture manufacturing technology.

The conditional web can basically be formed in different ways. Particularly preferably, the contact-side web is formed by a flange which at least partially surrounds the container, which in turn can serve in a double function also for fixing a cap or cover, as will be explained in more detail below.

For all embodiments described above in detail, the capillary element, in particular a wick as a capillary element, could in principle project beyond the container with a free end, so that this free end forms a substance dispensing area located outside the container. However, the solution according to the invention makes it possible in particular to arrange the capillary element completely inside the container. In such an embodiment, the capillary then adjoins with its free end from the inside with a defined, preferably extremely small, gap distance or directly to at least one outlet outlet and is discharged to the substance via the at least one outlet-side outlet opening from the container or evaporated. According to such a particularly preferred embodiment, it can then be provided that the at least one capillary element with its substance delivery region, preferably with a free end region as the substance delivery region, adjoins a container outlet opening, in particular directly, so that the substance to be dispensed by means of Capillary element is conveyed in the direction of the container outlet opening and there via the at least one container outlet opening from the container can be brought out. Particularly preferred is provided in connection with such a configuration that the at least one, constituent of the container forming electrical heating element is assigned to the adjacent to the container outlet opening substance delivery area of the capillary to accelerate the evaporation of the substance and to increase the discharge amount ,

Likewise, the following optional embodiments are advantageous for all of the previously described embodiments: On the one hand, an embodiment in which the container has an upper ceiling wall, viewed in the vertical axis direction, in which at least one container outlet opening is formed. Particularly preferred here is an embodiment in which the at least one container outlet opening is formed in a cover-side receptacle in which the free end region of the capillary element, preferably in shape and / or contour-adapted manner, is accommodated. This is preferably done in such a way that the free end region of the capillary element directly adjoins the container outlet opening.

In addition, the at least one container outlet opening is preferably closed with an openable cover, wherein this revealable cover is preferably formed by a peel-off film. This ensures that the substance can be dispensed from the container only after removing the cover or can evaporate. In principle, the entire container, including the ceiling wall, can be made of the same material and in one piece and the capillary element and / or the electrical heating element can be integrated into the container during the manufacturing process. However, particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the container is formed as a one-sided open container whose top wall is formed by a, a separate component and part of the container forming cap that closes the container, wherein in the cap, the at least one container outlet is trained. Such a container can be equipped particularly easily with the capillary element, wherein the ceiling wall in the form of a cap can be easily connected by, for example, molding or welding to the container. The container itself is produced for example by thermoforming or made of a plastic material and preferably has an elongated, in particular box-like, shape. In this context, in particular, such a form of advantage in which the container is rectangular in cross-section.

As previously stated often, the capillary element is preferably formed by a wick, with which the substance to be dispensed can be conveyed in the container in a particularly simple and reliable manner in the direction of the substance delivery area.

The container also preferably has at least one fixing device, by means of which the capillary element in the interior of the container can be held in a positionally accurate and precise position.

The capillary element, which is formed in particular by a wick, can in principle have any suitable shape. However, particularly preferably in connection with an elongate container, a capillary element, which has an L-shape, with a first L-leg, which extends in the container in the container high axis direction, and with a angularly projecting second L-leg, the associated with a container outlet opening. Such a capillary element having an L-shape has the advantage that the angled second L-leg can be assigned to the at least one electrical heating element in a particularly simple and functionally reliable manner in order to apply heat in the manner described above to it due to heat conduction while the first L-leg adjoining the second L-leg preferably extends over the entire height of the container in order to convey the substance into the region of the second L-leg, which is acted upon in the manner described above with heat ,

Furthermore, a specific embodiment in which the fixing device is formed by at least one of the following measures is particularly preferred: the first L-leg is held in the transverse direction of the container by inner-wall-side projections lying on opposite sides of the first L-leg, the first L-leg and / or the second L-leg is or are held in the depth of the container between a front wall and a rear wall of the container, in particular held between a rear wall and at least one front wall-side projection, the second L-leg engages behind an inner-wall-side projection, in particular a projection, which forms a recess for receiving the at least one electrical heating element on the outer wall, or a projection which is formed by an inner partial region of a support surface for the electrical heating element,

- The first L-leg is seen supported in the vertical axis direction on opposite container walls.

With at least one, but preferably with several or all of the above-mentioned features succeeds a particularly secure positionally accurate storage of the capillary in the interior of the container, said measures are also produced in a particularly simple manner or are formed by components that anyway already exist.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical connection element, preferably a holding device of the electrical connection element, a with this releasably or permanently connected decorative element, which conceals the container in the mounted state viewed from a visible side of the device at least partially. Such a decorative element serves as an ornament and may be formed for example by a decorative cover and / or a decorative plate. Particularly preferred is a device in which a plurality of such decorative elements are present in order to give the device, for example, depending on the customer or depending on the vaporized drug an individual aesthetic design.

Furthermore, a container for receiving volatile substances, in particular for receiving fragrances and / or active substances and / or for use in a device, as has been previously appreciated in detail, claimed. This container has at least one capillary element arranged in the container, which is in contact with the substance to be delivered and promotes this by capillary action to at least one substance delivery area. According to the invention, at least one electrical heating element (preferably at least one electrical heating element adjacent to the at least one capillary element) is provided which is part of the container. The at least one electrical heating element can in this case for example by means of an electrical contact means for power supply releasably and electrically be connected to a, also detachably connectable to the container electrical connection element. Further advantageous embodiments of such a container have already been explained in detail in connection with the appreciation of the device according to the invention. In this respect, reference is made to avoid repetition of the above statements.

The above described and / or reproduced in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention can - except for example, in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives - individually or in any combination with each other are used. The invention and its advantageous embodiments and further developments are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary and schematic drawings.

2 shows schematically a perspective, exploded illustration of a first embodiment variant of a device according to the invention, schematically a detail view with a resistance element accommodated in a container wall-side receptacle or depression, a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 with an electrical contact device of the resistance element,

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of FIG. 2 rotated through 180 ° and FIG. 3 with projections on the inside wall for holding a wick, 5 shows a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in which the receptacle or recess for receiving the resistance element is likewise shown, as is a front-side recess for fixing the position of the wick in the interior of the receptacle, FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional view through the container of FIGS. 1 to 5,

7 shows schematically a section along the line A-A of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a schematic section along the line B-B of FIG. 6,

9 shows the electrical resistance element together with electrical

Contact device before insertion into the receptacle or recess, Figure 10 is rotated by 90 ° view of the electrical resistance element of

FIG. 9,

11 shows the container together with electrical heating or resistance element, which is provided at the contact area with a cover,

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the electrical connection element together with the decorative plate,

FIG. 13 shows a perspective top view of the electrical connection element,

Figure 14 is a schematic, front perspective view of a second

Embodiment of the present invention idea,

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the illustration of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows the device according to FIG. 14 with the decorative panel removed,

FIG. 17 schematically shows a perspective exploded view of FIG

Individual parts of the device according to the second embodiment variant, FIG. 18 schematically shows a perspective basic illustration of the electrical connection element together with the connection contacts coupled with a plug, FIG. 19 shows a section along the line II of FIG. 18,

20a, b a schematic, perspective view of the container together with an electrical heating or resistance element, FIG. 21 the electrical resistance element in a bottom view, FIG.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic schematic diagram with a capillary element, the capillary element region to be heated being assigned to the sheet resistance,

FIG. 23 schematically shows a top view of the top side of the container with the container outlet opening open;

FIG. 24 shows the container according to FIG. 23, in which the container outlet opening is closed by a cover in the form of a release liner,

Figure 25 is a schematic cross-section through the container in an exploded view, Figure 26 is a representation corresponding to Figure 25 in the assembled

Condition of the container and with an electrical connection element in cross-section, and

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 26 corresponding representation in the assembled state.

FIGS. 1 to 13 show an exemplary first embodiment of a device 1 for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, for example fragrances and / or active substances. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1, the device here has a container 2 which, in a manner to be described in greater detail, is detachably connectable to an electrical connection element on which a container 2 together with electrical connection element 3 covers from the visible side or covering decorative plate 4 is arranged.

The decorative plate 4 is preferably detachably connected to the electrical connection element 3. As can now be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 to 10, the electrical heating element formed here by an electrical resistance element 5 is a component of the container 2. The resistance element 5 preferably forming a PTC resistor has, as shown particularly in FIG. 2 and FIG 3, preferably has a flat, pill-like or disc-like shape and is accommodated in a contoured and contour-adapted manner in a receptacle 7 or depression formed in the outer wall 6 of the container 2, so that the electrical resistance element 5 is directly in this heat transfer region 8 a system connection to the outer wall 6 of the container 2 is present.

The container 2 is made at least in this heat transfer region 8 of a thermally conductive material, preferably of a plastic material. Such a plastic material allows, for example, the manufacture of the container by thermoforming.

The receptacle 7 here thus forms a container-side holder, in which the resistance element 5 is accommodated in shape and contour, wherein the electrical resistance element 5 also has an electrical contact means 9, by means of which the electrical resistance element in a manner to be described releasably and electrically with the , also detachably connected to the container 2 connectable electrical connection element 3 can be connected.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 10, the electrical contact device 9 of the electrical resistance element 5 here has, for example, two flat and substantially parallel to the outer wall 6 of the container 2 or on the outer wall 6 of the container arranged or resting, platelet-shaped contact areas 10, 11, which in turn each have with raised contact elements in the form of contact pins 12, 13. As can be seen from the figures, the term "contact pin" is to be understood here in a comprehensive sense and should thus also encompass the contact elevations shown in the figures.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, the contact regions 10, 11 of the electrical contact device 9 of the electrical resistance element 5 are preferably provided with a cover 14 which completely covers the contact regions 10, 11 and which can be designed, for example, in the form of a cover film which protrude the contact pins 12, 13 for connection to the electrical connection element 3.

The cover 14 is for example releasably applied to the contact areas 10, 11 and can be used for example for labeling or marking the container.

It is understood that the cover 14, if it is not or will not be replaced, is thermally resistant, so as not to be damaged during a heating process.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 6, a capillary element 15, for example formed by a wick, is held in the interior of the container 2, which for example has an L-shape here with a first L-leg 16 extending in the vertical axis direction of the Container 2 seen extends over substantially the entire container length, for example, from the floor area to the ceiling area. In addition, the capillary element here has a second L-leg 17, which projects at an angle from the first L-leg and forms a substance delivery area substantially immediately adjacent to a container outlet opening 18, so that the substance to be dispensed in the container 2 is conveyed by means of the Capillary element 15 in the direction of the container outlet opening 18 is conveyed and can be discharged there via the container outlet opening 18 from the container 2. The second L-leg 17 thus forms both a free end region of the capillary element 15 and a substance delivery region, wherein the electrical resistance element 5 is here associated with the adjacent to the outlet port 18 outlet second L-leg as a substance-dispensing area of the capillary element. Specifically, in this case, the capillary element 15 surrounds the region of the receptacle 7 in the transition region from the first L-leg to the second L-leg so that the capillary element region to be heated contacts or rests there in an abutment connection.

This direct or gap-free installation of the capillary element 15 on the inner wall 19 of the container and thus in the heat transfer region 8 ensures that the heat is transferred by heat conduction from the electrical resistance element via the container wall in the heat transfer area 8 directly to the capillary element 15, thereby already at a high substance release rate over the container outlet opening 18 is achieved at relatively low temperatures.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 and 7, the container outlet opening 18 is closed by an openable cover 20, which may be formed, for example, by a release liner. If this is withdrawn (FIG. 7), then the substance can escape or evaporate via the container outlet opening 18.

The container 2 is preferably designed as a container open on one side, the top wall is formed by a, a separate component and part of the container forming cap 21, which closes the container 2 and which is welded, for example, firmly with the container 2. In this cap 21 as a ceiling wall then the container outlet opening 18 is formed.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the container, which is preferably made of a plastic material, here has an elongated, box-like shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section.

In such a container 2, the capillary element 15, which is preferably formed by a wick, can be held and fixed in a simple manner. There are various possibilities for this, which are listed below by way of example only: Thus, for example, the first L-leg 16 seen in the transverse direction of the container 2 can be supported by lying on opposite sides of this first L-leg 16 inner wall-side projections 22 (Fig. 4). Furthermore, the first leg 16 and / or the second leg 17, as can be seen in particular in Figure 6, seen in the depth of the container 2 between a front wall 23 and a rear wall 24 of the container to be supported, including, for example, front wall projections provided can be, such as the receptacle 7, which supports the capillary element 15 in a high axis direction upper portion, and a lower projection 25 in this respect, the first L-leg 16 in a lower portion between the front wall 23 and the rear wall 24 holds.

Alternatively, what is not shown here, the first L-leg 16 seen in the vertical axis direction on the opposite container walls, so be supported on the top wall and the bottom wall.

The lower projection 25 can also be seen in FIG. As can be seen in particular from the combination of FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, the electrical connection element 3 has a holding device formed here merely by way of example by a retaining ring 26, by means of which the container 2 is mounted on the electrical connection element in the region of the electrical resistance element 5 can.

Specifically, the electrical connection element 3 here has a plug 27 constructed in the usual way with contact pins 28 for connection to an electrical socket, on which plug 27 the retaining ring 26 directly adjoins. The retaining ring 26 is preferably formed on the plug 27, so that the electrical connection element 3, for example, according to a preferred embodiment, a one-piece component, which can be produced for example by injection molding.

The retaining ring 26 preferably surrounds the container inserted in the retaining ring 26 in the assembled state so that the retaining ring 26 at least partially abuts the container outer wall. As can be seen in particular from Figure 13, in the region of the retaining ring 26, the contact pins 12, 13 of the container 2 arranged electrical resistance element 5 associated recesses 29, 30 are provided, in which the contact pins 12, 13 preferably in the mounted state and form or protrude and / or intervene in order to be electrically conductively connected to electrical connection contacts of the electrical connection element 3 which open there.

To ensure that the raised contact pins 12, 13 can engage in the recesses 29, 30 of the retaining ring 26 is provided according to a particularly preferred embodiment that the retaining ring is at least partially elastically yielding, so that this retaining ring 26 during insertion of the container in the Retaining ring 26 and thereby caused contact of the pins 12, 13 at the recesses 29, 30 surrounding inner wall portion of the retaining ring 26 at least partially resiliently rebound so long until the contact pins 12, 13 in an engaged position at the level of the recesses 29, 30, in the rebounded wall portion of the retaining ring 26 then springs back to produce a positive connection. Similarly applies when pushing out that the contact pins 12, 13 out of engagement with the recesses 29, 30 and thereby turn the contact pins 12, 13 reach into contact with the recesses 29, 30 surrounding inner wall portion of the retaining ring 26, whereby this resiliently springs and the container 2 can be brought out of engagement with the retaining ring 26. As is further apparent, for example, from FIG. 1, the container 2, preferably in the region close to the cap, has an at least partially, here completely circumferential flange 31 as a stop element, which is designed such that when the flange 31 rests on the, in Seen high axis direction, top of the retaining ring 26, the contact pins 12, 13 of the electrical resistance element 5 with the recesses 29, 30 are aligned in the retaining ring to produce the releasable electrical connection between the electrical resistance element 5 and the electrical connection element 3.

In the exemplary first embodiment variant shown here, the detachable connection between the container 2 and the electrical connection element 3 is therefore on the one hand via the contact pins 12, 13 of the electrical contact device. 9 formed on the container 2 arranged electrical resistance element 5. This detachable connection between container 2 and electrical connection element 3 is also supported by the detachable arrangement of the container 2 in the retaining ring 26 of the electrical connection element 3, in particular a positionally accurate alignment of the contact pins 12, 13 with respect to the opening into the recesses 29, 30 connecting contacts of the electrical connection element 3 causes.

An exemplary second embodiment of a solution according to the invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 27:

In this second exemplary variant of the invention, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and, as is apparent from Figures 14 to 16, the device 1 basically constructed in three parts, so that they are a container 2, an electrical connection element 3 and a detachable the decorative element 3 festlegbare the electrical connection element 4 comprises. This decorative panel 4 covers, as can be seen in particular from Figure 14, in the assembled state, the container from the visible side so from that this is not or only partially visible.

In order to fix the decorative plate, it can laterally grasp the electrical connection element 3, as in the first embodiment, with two laterally projecting retaining clips 32, 33 and be fixed there by means of a releasable connection, not shown here, for example by means of a latching and / or or clip connection. In the first embodiment described above, the retaining clips 32, 33 engage the retaining ring 26 and in the second embodiment described below on a housing portion 34 of the electrical connection element, which housing portion 34 connected to the connector 27, in particular is formed and forms a slim-fitting housing part, which covers the container 2, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, in the region of its container outlet opening 18, wherein in the overlap area here, for example, a plurality of housing-side outlet openings 35, here only by way of example in the form of slots, formed on the substance to be dispensed can evaporate the housing portion 34 (see also arrows 36 in Figure 27). As can also be seen further from FIG. 16 in conjunction with FIG. 18 and FIGS. 26 and 27, the housing region 34 also forms the holding device for the container 2, this holding device actually being a sliding and / or plug connection is formed or has, in which a Beigkeitsitiger web 37, which is formed here by way of example by a peripheral flange on the container 2, with transversely to the insertion direction opposite web portions 43, 44 substantially conformed shape and contour in two individual slots 38, 39 which engages in two also spaced apart from each other transversely to the insertion direction parallel housing walls 40, 41 each extend in the insertion direction.

The individual slots 38, 39 forming a guide slot of the sliding and / or plug connection are in this case designed in conjunction with the contact-side web 37 such that in the mounted state an electrical contact device 9 of an electrical heating element to be described in greater detail is electrically connected to the electrical connection element 3 ,

As can further be seen, in particular, from the exploded illustrations of FIGS. 17 and 25, the container 2 is here again designed, for example, as an upwardly open container, which can be closed by a cap 21 as a cover wall.

As can also be seen in particular from FIGS. 23 and 24, a container outlet opening 18 which can be closed in the same manner as in the first embodiment with a cover 20 is provided in the cap 21, which is formed, for example, by a peel-off film or the like. If this peel-off film or cover 20 is removed (state of FIG. 23), then the substance can escape from the container interior via the container outlet opening 18 or evaporate.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 23 and 24, the cap 21 forms as part of the container 2 also those opposite web regions 43, 44 of the web 37, which in the assembled state of the container into the individual slots 38, 39 of the housing walls 40 , 41 intervene. The web portions 43, 44 and the individual slots 38, 39 are in this case dimensioned so that the web portions 43, 44 by means of a clamping connection in the individual slots 38, 39 are releasably supported. As a result, on the one hand a secure fixing of the container 2 is achieved on the electrical connection element 3 and also ensures that the container 2 can be easily solved again by the electrical connection element. As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 16 and 17, individual clamping projections 45 can also be formed in the region of the individual slots 38, 39 for this purpose.

Inside the container 2, a preferably L-shaped capillary element 15 is arranged, which is preferably formed by a wick or is made of a wick material.

Here, too, the capillary element 15, viewed in the container vertical axis direction, extends with a first L-leg 16 substantially over the entire container length to just below the container outlet opening 18 in the cap 21, which, for example, very well from FIGS. 26 and 27 is apparent. As a result, the second L-limb 17 forming the substance delivery region directly adjoins the container outlet opening 18 or, if appropriate, is at least partially accommodated therein in a cap-side receptacle 46 in order to enable a functionally reliable dispensing or vaporization of the substance.

The fixing and mounting of the capillary element 5 in the interior of the container 2 can basically be carried out analogously to the first embodiment with one or more of the measures described therein. In this respect, reference is made to the statements made above.

However, the essential difference of the second embodiment variant compared to the first embodiment lies in the fact that the electric heating element, which in turn is likewise preferably formed by an electrical resistance element 5, is designed differently, as will be explained in greater detail below by way of example:

The electrical heating or resistance element 5 has here, which is also apparent in particular from FIGS. 21 and 22, a resistance layer 47 as a heating layer, wherein the electrical contact device 9 in the exemplary case shown here has feed lines 48, 49 connected to this resistance layer 47. Specifically, here are two spaced supply lines 48, 49th provided, which have an electrical connection to the spaced-apart resistance layer 47.

Specifically, in this embodiment shown here, the resistive layer 47, together with the feed lines 48, 49, is applied to a carrier layer 50 as a substrate, which in the mounted state (see in particular also FIGS. 22 and 26) in a manner described in more detail below on the outer wall of the container 2 is arranged in a planar contact connection and associated with the capillary element area to be heated. In the example case shown here, this assignment takes place in such a way that a lower side of the second L-leg 17 forming the capillary element area to be heated is in direct thermal-thermal thermal contact with the electrical resistance element 5. It can be seen very clearly from FIG. 22 that the resistance layer 47 can here be adapted in terms of shape and size to the capillary element region to be heated (formed here merely by way of the second L-leg 17), which is not absolutely necessary. In principle, the resistance layer 47 could also extend over a larger area on the carrier layer 50.

The carrier layer 50, the resistance layer 47 and the feed lines 48, 49 are preferably formed or made of such a material that they form an overall flexible heating or resistance element 5.

Particularly preferred in this case is an embodiment in which the, preferably flexible, resistive layer 47 is formed by an electrically conductive ink or ink having a resistance function, preferably a PTC function, which is applied, for example as a film layer, to the carrier layer 50, preferably printed becomes. The printing can be done for example by screen printing.

Analogously, the, preferably flexible, leads 48, 49 are preferably formed by an electrically conductive ink or ink having a current-carrying function, for example a silver-bearing ink or ink. Here too For example, the feed lines 48, 49 may advantageously be printed directly onto the carrier layer 50, for example also in conjunction with a screen printing method.

The carrier layer can be made of a plastic material, for example of polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviation PET), for example.

As can be seen in particular from the synopsis of FIGS. 17, 20 and 22, the container 2 has an upper region, which is associated with the cap 21 and / or the second L-leg 17 of the capillary element, seen here in the vertical axis direction, here by way of example integrally, plate-shaped and two-sided support 51 made of a thermally conductive material. This support 51 has one, the L-leg 17 as aufzuheizenden Kapillarelementbereich the capillary element 15 and thus the interior of the container 2 associated inner portion 52, on which the L-leg 17 as aufzuheizender Kapillarelementbereich in a capillary element support area for a thermally conductive thermal contact immediately rests and / or is attached. The support 51 further has a, the inside Kapillarelement- support area facing away and thus the outer region of the container 2 associated, outer portion 53 on which the electric heating element 5 is arranged and / or fixed for a thermally conductive thermal contact, preferably such that a Carrier layer 50 of the electric heating element 5 is connected by lamination with the support 51 and the outer portion 53, respectively. As further shown, can be formed on the container wall, the support 51 and thus the arrangement region of the electrical resistance element 5, a recess 54, on the one hand a very good assignment of the electrical resistance element 5 to the support 51 and on the other hand, a secure support Capillary element 15 allows inside the container. This indentation 54 can extend over the entire container length (for example, FIGS. 25 to 27) or else only over a subregion thereof (see FIG. 20 b).

The support surface 51 here has a substantially rectangular outer contour and, in terms of size and dimension, preferably corresponds essentially to the dimensions of the flat and / or flexible electrical resistance element 5, which is applied to this support surface 51 or its outer subregion 53. The electrical heating element 5 may further comprise a, preferably flexible, protective layer, which at least partially covers the resistance layer 47 applied to the carrier layer 50, together with the supply lines 48, 49, but this is not shown here. It is important here with respect to the leads 48, 49 only that they are arranged or designed so that they can be contacted with electrical contact elements.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 26, the outer subarea 53 of the support 51 together with the electrical heating element 5 associated therewith form part of a projection protruding from the container 2, which is used to establish the electrical connection between the electrical heating element 5 and the electrical connection element 3 a receptacle 55 of the electrical connection element 3 engages, so that here forming part of the electrical contact means 9 heating element-side leads 48, 49 with opening into the receptacle 55 and also part of the electrical contact means 9 forming terminal contacts 56 are electrically conductively connected (see Figure 27).

The design and dimensioning of the plateau-like projection and / or the receptacle 55 in this case is preferably carried out so that the projection is accommodated in the mounted state shape and / or contour-adapted in the receptacle 55 of the electrical connection element 3, in particular by means of a Formschlussbzw. Clamping releasably retained in the receptacle 55. In particular, in Figures 25 to 27, the electrical resistance element 5 is shown exaggerated only for reasons of better representability. It is understood that the electrical resistance element 5 can of course be made extremely thin.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device (1) for dispensing, in particular for evaporating, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active ingredients, with a container (2) for a substance to be dispensed, with at least one capillary element (15) arranged at least partially in the container. , which is in contact with the substance to be delivered and conveys it to at least one substance delivery area by means of capillary action, with at least one electrical heating element (5) which adjoins the at least one capillary element (15), and with an electrical connection element (3), by means of which the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be supplied with electrical energy, characterized in that the at least one electrical heating element (5) is part of the container (2), that the container (2) is detachable with the electrical connection element (3) can be connected, and that an electrical contact device (9) is provided, by means of which the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be detachably and electrically connected to the electrical connection element (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contact device (9) is at least partially part of the at least one electrical heating element (5) and / or at least partially part of the electrical connection element (3).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detachable connection between the container (2) and the electrical connection element (3) is produced partially or completely by the electrical contact device (9).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detachable connection between the container (2) and the electrical connection element (3) and / or between the at least one electrical resistance element (5) and the electrical connection element (3) by a Positive connection, in particular by a locking connection as a positive connection, and / or is formed by a non-positive connection.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical connection element (3) has a holding device (26) by means of which the container (2), preferably in the area of the at least one electrical heating element (5), on the electrical connection element (3) is held.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contact device (9) has contact elements (12, 13; 54) arranged on the at least one electrical heating element (5) and spaced apart from one another, which on the electrical connection element (3), preferably in the area of a holding device (26), connecting contacts are assigned, by means of which the contact elements (12, 13; 54) are connected in an electrically conductive manner in the assembled state.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) and / or the electrical connection element (3), preferably a holding device (26) of the electrical connection element (3), has at least one stop element (31), which the container is positioned in the assembled state so that the at least one electrical heating element (5) is heated by means of the electrical Contact device (9) can be electrically connected or connected to the electrical connection element (3), in particular contact elements (12, 13; 54) of the electrical contact device (9) arranged on the at least one electrical heating element (5) are assigned to connection contacts of the electrical connection element (3). and can be connected or connected to them in an electrically conductive manner.

8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the electrical connection element (3) is formed by a plug (27) having the holding device (26), it being preferably provided that the holding device (26) is firmly connected to the Plug (27) is connected, in particular formed on the plug (27), and / or the electrical connection element (3) is a one-piece component, in particular produced by injection molding.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical heating element (5) forming part of the container (2) is on the container (2), preferably on an outside of the container (2), and / or on a component of the container (2) is arranged so that the at least one electrical

Heating element (5) transfers heat to the container (2) and / or to a capillary element area to be heated assigned to the at least one electrical heating element (5) by means of heat conduction.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical heating element (15) rests and/or is fixed in a heat transfer region (8) on the outside (6) of a container wall of the container (2), in particular flatly , preferably directly, in particular directly and flatly, is applied and / or fixed in such a way that the at least one electrical

Heating element (5) transfers heat to the container wall by means of heat conduction.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one capillary element (15) is heated at least in the heat transfer region (8).

Capillary element area on the inside (19) of the container wall Container (2), in particular flat, lies against and/or is fixed, preferably directly, in particular directly and flatly, lies against and/or is fixed in such a way that the container wall transfers heat to the capillary element area to be heated by means of heat conduction.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the container (2) on the outer wall or on the outside (6) of the container wall has a container-side holder (7) for the at least one electrical heating element (5), with which the at least one electrical heating element (5) is held on the container (2).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the container-side holder (7) is formed by a receptacle or recess formed in the outer wall or on the outside (6) of the container wall of the container (2), in which the electrical heating element ( 5) is recorded, preferably adapted to the shape and contour.

14. Device according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the electrical contact device (9) is part of the electrical heating element (5) and at least one flat and / or substantially parallel to the outer wall (6) of the container (2). and/or has a preferably plate-shaped contact area (10, 11) arranged or resting on the outer wall (6) of the container (2), which has the contact elements (12, 13), in particular in the form of contact pins or contact elevations.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the electrical contact device (9) on its contact area (10, 11) having raised contact elements (12, 13) with a cover (14), preferably with one on the contact area (10, 11 ) is provided with a cover (14) which can be detachably fixed and/or adhered and through which the contact elements (12, 13) protrude.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical heating element (5) is provided by a, preferably pill-shaped and/or disc-shaped and/or flat, Electrical resistance element, preferably by a PTC resistance element as an electrical resistance element, is formed, which has the electrical contact device (9) or is coupled to the electrical contact device (9), it is preferably provided that the electrical contact device (9) through at least one flat

Contact plate is formed, which has one or more contact elements (12, 13).

17. Device according to one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the holding device (26) surrounds the container at least partially, preferably in the area of the at least one electrical heating element (5).

18. Device according to one of claims 6 to 17, characterized in that the contact elements (12, 13), preferably contact pins or

Contact elevations, on the electrical connection element (3), preferably in the area of a holding device (26), are assigned recesses (29, 30), into which the contact elements (12, 13) engage in a form-fitting, in particular snap-fitting manner in the assembled state and there each with a Connection contact of the electrical connection element (3) are electrically connected.

19. The device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the holding device (26) is formed by a retaining ring which, in the assembled state, surrounds the container (2) which can be inserted into the retaining ring, preferably in such a way that the retaining ring is at least partially attached to the Container outer wall (6), it is preferably provided that the retaining ring is elastically flexible at least in some areas.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical heating element (5) is an electrical resistance element and has a resistance layer (47), preferably assigned to a capillary element region to be heated and/or film-like, as a heating layer, it being preferably provided that the electrical contact device (9) has supply lines (48, 49) connected or connectable to the resistance layer (47), with which the electrical Connection between the resistance layer (47) and the electrical connection element (3) can be produced.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that two spaced-apart supply lines (48, 49) are provided, which have an electrical connection to the resistance layer (47) located at the intermediate distance and / or that the resistance layer (47) forms a PTC resistance element .

22. Device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the resistance layer (47), preferably the resistance layer (47) together with the supply lines (48, 49), directly or indirectly with the interposition of at least one intermediate layer, preferably at least one intermediate layer made of an electrical insulating and / or heat-conducting material, is arranged in a heat transfer area on the outside of the container wall made of a heat-conducting material, at least in this area, the capillary element area to be heated resting in a contact connection, preferably flat, in the heat transfer area on the inside of the container wall, so that the Electric heating element (5) transfers heat to the container wall by means of heat conduction and from there to the capillary element area to be heated.

23. Device according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the electrical heating element (5) has a carrier layer (50) as a substrate on which the resistance layer (47), preferably as a film layer and / or together with the supply lines (48 , 49), it is preferably provided that the carrier layer (50) and the resistance layer (47), preferably together with the supply lines (48, 49), are designed to be flexible to form an overall flexible electrical heating element (5).

24. Device according to claim 22 and 23, characterized in that the carrier layer (50) forms the at least one intermediate layer.

25. Device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the electrical heating element (5) further has a, preferably flexible, protective layer which at least partially covers the resistance layer (47) applied to the carrier layer (50), preferably the resistance layer (47) applied to the carrier layer (50) together with the supply lines (48, 49).

26. Device according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the, preferably flexible, resistance layer (47) is formed by an electrically conductive ink or paint having a resistance function, preferably an ink or paint having a PTC function, preferably it is provided that the resistance layer (47) as

Film layer is applied to a carrier layer (50) or to a container wall area to be heated, preferably printed and dried. 27. Device according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the, preferably flexible, supply lines (48, 49) are formed by an electrically conductive paint or ink that has a current-carrying function, preferably containing silver, which is preferably provided that the supply lines (48, 49) are applied to a carrier layer (50) or to a container wall area to be heated, preferably printed and dried.

Device according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the supply lines (48, 49) forming the electrical contact device (9) or forming part of the electrical contact device (9) are at least partially part of the electrical heating element (5) and/or at least partially Are part of the electrical connection element (3).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) has a support (51), preferably integrally and/or plate-shaped and/or two-sided, made of a heat-conducting material, which has a capillary element region of the capillary element (15) to be heated ) and thus has the inner partial area (52) assigned to the interior of the container (2), on which the area to be heated Capillary element area rests and/or is fastened in a capillary element support area, preferably rests and/or is fastened directly for a heat-conducting thermal contact, and that the support (51) further has a support area facing away from the inside capillary element support area and thus the outer area of the container ( 2) assigned, outer portion (53), on which the electrical heating element (5), preferably an electrical heating element according to one of claims 20 to 28, is arranged and / or fastened for a heat-conducting thermal contact, it is preferably provided that a carrier layer (50) of the electrical heating element (5) is connected to the support (51) by lamination.

30. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) has a projection, preferably projecting in a plateau-like manner, which is used to establish the electrical connection between the electrical heating element (5), preferably an electrical heating element according to one of claims 20 to 28, and the electrical connection element (3) engages in a receptacle (55) of the electrical connection element (3) by means of the electrical contact device (9), it being preferably provided that heating element-side supply lines (48, 49), preferably with contact elements assigned to them (54), can be connected in an electrically conductive manner to connection contacts (56) opening into the receptacle (55).

31. Device according to claim 29 and 30, characterized in that the outer portion (53) of the support (51) together with the electrical heating element (5) associated therewith form part of the projection, it being preferably provided that the projection in the assembled state the receptacle (55) of the electrical connection element (3) is accommodated in a shape- and/or contour-adapted manner.

32. Device according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the capillary element (15), viewed in the vertical axis direction, has an underside of a free end region forming the substance delivery area, preferably an underside of an L-leg (17) of an overall L-shaped capillary element (15), from above on the Capillary element support area of the inner portion (52) of the support (51) rests, and that the free end area of the capillary element (15) is assigned with its upper side to at least one container outlet opening (18), preferably directly to at least one container outlet opening (18 ) adjacent.

33. Device according to one of claims 5 to 32, characterized in that the holding device has a sliding and / or plug connection or is formed by a sliding and / or plug connection, in which a container-side web (37) in a guide slot of the electrical Connecting element (3) engages, wherein in the inserted and / or inserted state of the container (2), the electrical contact device (9) of the at least one electrical heating element (5) is electrically connected to the electrical connecting element (3).

34. Device according to one of claims 5 to 33, characterized in that the holding device has and / or forms a housing area (34) which covers the container (2) at least in the area of a container outlet opening (18), wherein in the coverage area at least a housing-side outlet opening (35) is formed.

35. Device according to claim 33 and 34, characterized in that the guide slot on the housing is formed by two individual slots (38, 39), which each extend in the insertion direction in two parallel housing walls (40, 41) spaced apart from one another transversely to the insertion direction.

36. Device according to one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the container-side web (37) is formed by a flange which runs at least partially around the container (2).

37. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one capillary element (15) with its substance delivery area, preferably with a free end area as a substance delivery area, adjoins a container outlet opening (18), in particular directly, in such a way that the substance to be dispensed can be conveyed by means of the capillary element (15) in the direction of the container outlet opening (18) and can be discharged there from the container (2) via the at least one container outlet opening (18), it being preferably provided that that the at least one electrical heating element (5) forming part of the container (2) is assigned to the substance delivery area of the capillary element (15) adjacent to the container outlet opening (18).

38. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) has an upper ceiling wall viewed in the vertical axis direction, in which at least one container outlet opening (18) is formed.

39. Device according to claim 37 and 38, characterized in that the at least one container outlet opening (18) is formed in a ceiling-side receptacle (46) in which the free end region of the capillary element (15) at least in some areas, preferably in shape and/or or contour-adapted, preferably in such a way that the free end region of the capillary element (15) directly adjoins the container outlet opening (18).

40. Device according to one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the at least one container outlet opening (18) is closed with an open cover (20), in particular is closed with a release film as a cover.

41. Device according to one of claims 38 to 40, characterized in that the container (2) is designed as a container open on one side, the top wall of which is formed by a cap (21) forming a separate component and part of the container (2), which closes the container (2), the at least one container outlet opening (18) being formed in the cap (21).

42. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) is made of a plastic material and / or has an elongated, in particular box-like, shape and / or has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

43. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary element (15) is formed by a wick.

44. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) has at least one fixing device by means of which the capillary element (15) is held in the interior of the container (2) in a precise position and position.

45. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary element (15) has an L-shape, with a first L-leg (16) which extends inside the container (2) in the container vertical axis direction, and with one thereof angularly projecting second L-leg (17), which is assigned to a container outlet opening (18).

46. Device according to claim 44 and 45, characterized in that the fixing device is formed by at least one of the following measures:

- the first L-leg (16), viewed in the transverse direction of the container (2), is held by inner wall-side projections (22) located on opposite sides of the first L-leg,

- The first L-leg (16) and/or the second L-leg (17) is or are seen in the depth of the container (2) between a front wall (23) and a rear wall (24) of the container (2) held, in particular held between a rear wall (24) and at least one projection (25) on the front wall,

- The second L-leg (17) engages behind a projection on the inside wall, in particular a projection which forms a recess on the outer wall receiving the at least one electrical heating element (5), or a projection which is formed by an inner portion (52) of a support surface (51) for the electrical heating element (5),

- The first L-leg (16), viewed in the vertical axis direction, is supported on opposite container walls.

47. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical connection element (3), preferably a holding device (26) of the electrical connection element (3), a decorative element (4) detachably or permanently connected to it, in particular a decorative cover and / or decorative plate, which at least partially covers the container (2) in its assembled state when viewed from a visible side of the device (1).

48. Container (2) for holding volatile substances, in particular for holding fragrances and/or active ingredients and/or for use in a device according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one capillary element (15) arranged in the container (2), which is in contact with the substance to be dispensed and conveys it to at least one substance delivery area by means of capillary action, characterized in that at least one electrical heating element (5), preferably adjacent to the at least one capillary element (15), is provided, which is part of the container (2), wherein it is preferably provided that the at least one electrical heating element (5) can be detachably connected by means of an electrical contact device (9) for energy supply and electrically connected to an electrical connection element (3) which can be detachably connected to the container (2).