GB2233230A

GB2233230A - An ultrasonically energised aroma supply apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2233230A
Application number: GB9011946A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tsuyoshi Horiyama; Hisato Yano; Teruhiko Momoi
Original assignee: Shimizu Construction Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shimizu Construction Co Ltd
Priority date: 1989-06-05
Filing date: 1990-05-29
Publication date: 1991-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2010-05-29
Also published as: SE9001819D0; SE9001819L; GB2233230B; GB9011946D0; CA2018181A1; IT1248659B; IT9020458A0; DE4018020A1; IT9020458A1; FR2653022A1

Abstract

In an aroma supply apparatus, at least one aroma supply unit includes an aromatic reservoir (110) containing therein a liquid aromatic, an aromatic supply device (111) for supplying the liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir to a location adjacent an end of the aromatic reservoir, an ultrasonic radiator (112) arranged adjacent the location for misting the liquid aromatic, and an ultrasonic oscillator (113) connected to the ultrasonic radiator. A control unit (114) is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator for controlling the intensity of ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator. Such control may be directed by a feedback signal from an aroma sensor (116). An air supply unit (115) is provided for supplying air toward the location and the ultrasonic radiator. The liquid aromatic supplied by the aromatic supply device is misted and mixed with the air supplied by the air supply unit so as to be vaporized, and the vaporized liquid aromatic is supplied to a predetermined space together with the air. <IMAGE>

Description

i AROMA SUPPLY APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aroma supply apparatuses for supplying adequate aroma to various spaces such as internal spaces within a building, internal spaces within a vessel or ship, an automotive vehicle and an aircraft, and so on, within an adequate period of time and at an optimum concentration and, more particularly, to an aroma supply apparatus for supplying aroma to a space within which mankind is active, to create comfortable environment.

In recent years, concern or interest with respect to aroma increases as means for improving living environment. Not only a masking is applied to a bad smell or an offensive odor such as cigarette and so on by an indoor aromatic or the like, but also consideration has been made to superior advantages in which aroma exerts a human being physiologically or psychologically.

Conventionally, the physiological or psychological effects of aroma exerted upon a human being have been known empirically as "aromaterapy" or the like. In recent years, however, it has been proved from researches and so on on the companion negative variation (CNV) of the brain waves of a human being, and the like that a certain aroma has arousing and sedation effects and physiological activity with respect to the human being. Further, if aroma such as lemon or the like is mixed with conditioned air within a council room or a keypuncher room, and is supplied, it has also been confirmed empirically that there are effects in an improvement in efficiency of the conference, a reduction in punch mistakes of a keypuncher, and so on.

In the manner described above, there are aromas having effects of activating a mind to activate arousing or a cure for drowsiness and circulatory functions, like lemon aroma, effects of sedating a mind to dissolve stress, uneasiness, melancholy and so on like lavender aroma, effects of an increase in appetite, relaxation and so on like 1 rosemary aroma, effects of sterilizing bacteria injurious to a human body and a virus to recover health physically like phittonchid. It has been considered that it is useful in an Improvement in the living environment to effectively utilize the effects which the aroma has.

By the way, there are many cases where the aromatic is generally liquid. Aroma of the aromatic is usually composed of aromatic components which reach a few kinds or types to few hundred kinds or types. The aromatic components differ from each other in volatility. For this reason, when the aromatics including various aromatic components are naturally vaporized, aromatic components easy to be volatilized are first vaporized. Thus, it is difficult to generate aroma that is the object, and the components and compositions of the generated aroma change with the passage of time so that the quality of smell or odor is altered.

In view of the above, in recent years, various aroma supply apparatuses have been developed in which liquid aroma is misted and mixed with air thereby being vaporized. As one of such aroma supply apparatuses, for instance, as shown in Fig. 12 of the attached drawings, an aroma supply apparatus has been known in which ultrasonic waves are utilized to mist the liquid aroma.

The ultrasonic aroma supply apparatus comprises an air pump 1, an aromatic vaporization chamber 2 arranged downstream of the air pump 1, an aromatic supply unit 3 for supplying liquid aromatic to the aromatic vaporization chamber 2, an ultrasonic radiator 4 arranged within the aromatic vaporization chamber 2, and an ultrasonic oscillator 5 connected to the ultrasonic radiator 4. The air pump 1, the aromatic supply unit 3 and the ultrasonic oscillator 5 are controlled by a programmable controller 6.

The aromatic supply unit 3 Includes an aromatic storage tank 7 for storing therein a liquid aromatic, a micro-liquid-delivery pump 8 for supplying the liquid aromatic within the aromatic storage tank 7 to the aromatic vaporizing chamber 2, and an aromatic injection nozzle 9 for injecting the liquid aromatic supplied from the micro-liquid- 2 delivery pump 8, against an ultrasonic oscillation surface of the ultrasonic radiator 4.

In the conventional aroma supply apparatus constructed as above, however, in control of a generation quantity of aroma, both a supply quantity of the liquid aromatic injected through the aromatic injection nozzle 9 and an Intensity of the ultrasonic waves oscillated at the ultrasonic radiator 4 must be controlled. Thus, the following problems arise. That is, since it is difficult to control the supply quantity of the liquid aromatic and the intensity of the ultrasonic waves in a well balanced manner, it is difficult to generate a predetermined quantity of aroma and, at this time, it is difficult to vaporize the liquid aromatic without waste.

Further, the following problem further arises. That is, in the above aroma supply apparatus, since the generation quantity of aroma is controlled by a program which is based on Information given beforehand, it is difficult to quantitatively control strictly the aroma quantity generated.

Furthermore, in recent years, an aroma supply apparatus has also been developed in which the aromatic is forcibly vaporized whereby a ratio among the various aromatic components contained in the generated aroma is always maintained at a constant value, and the aroma is mixed with conditioned air to supply the mixture to a room thereby being distributed evenly or uniformly within the entire room.

As shown in Fig. 13 of the attached drawings, the above-described aroma supply apparatus is arranged such that the aromatic is supplied to an air conditioning duct 12 connected to an air conditioner 11 whereby aroma of the aromatic is supplied to a room together with the conditioned air. The aroma supply apparatus comprises an aromatic reservoir 13, an aromatic supply pump 14, an air supply blower 15, an aromatic vaporization chamber 16 and an impactor 16a.

Connected to the aromatic vaporization chamber 16 are an aromatic supply tube 17 through which the aromatic within the aromatic reservoir 13 is supplied to the aromatic 3 vaporization chamber 16, an air supply tube 18 through which air is supplied from the air supply blower 15, and an airconditioning-duct connecting tube 19 connected to the air conditioning duct 12 to supply the vaporized aromatic thereto. The aromatic supply tube 17 is provided therein with the aromatic supply pump 14 and a flow-rate regulator valve 20. The air supply tube 18 is provided therein with the air supply blower 15 and a flow-rate regulator valve 21. Further, the aromatic supply pump 14, the flow-rate regulator valve 20, the air supply blower 15 and the flow-rate regulator valve 21 are all connected to a controller 22. By this controller 22, operation and suspension of the aromatic supply pump 14 and the aromatic supply blower 15 are controlled. opening degrees of the respective flow-rate regulator valves 20 and 21 are controlled thereby adjusting the supply quantity of the aromatic to the air conditioning duct 12. In this connection, the aromatic supply pump 14, the flow-rate regulator valve 20, the air supply blower 15 and the flowrate regulator valve 21 may be operated in interlocking relation to the air conditioner 11.

The aromatic vaporization chamber 16 is provided therein with a mechanism for misting the aromatic to forcibly vaporize the same. As the misting mechanism, there is a spraying mechanism utilizing a spray principal, or an ultrasonic mechanism in which ultrasonic waves are utilized to mist the aromatic.

By the way, when the aroma is supplied to the room from supply openings of the air conditioning, the aroma is diluted and diffused to spread out In the room. Accordingly, a concentration C of the aroma at a location spaced away from the supply openings by a distance x and at a time t Is expressed by the following complicated equation:

C = f(Tro, TSO. V, CSr X, t, C) The above equation is expressed, in addition to x and t, by a room temperature Tro, temperature T. and an air volume V of air supplied, a concentration CS of the aroma supplied, and 4 J t C.

Accordingly, in order to adjust the concentration of the aroma within the room that is the subject, it has been considered to necessitate that the function f is obtained to know the condition of the aroma within the entire room. Since, however, it is extremely difficult to obtain the function f, in substitution therefor, it is considered effective that at least one sensor is arranged within the room, and the condition of the aroma within the entire room is approximately obtained on the basis of information from the sensor.

However, the above aroma supply apparatus has its object to evenly or uniformly add the aroma to a single or a plurality of spaces that are the subject. Accordingly, there is such a problem that a concentration difference of the aroma cannot intentionally be created for the individual spaces, or for a plurality of regions within a single space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an aroma supply apparatus capable of vaporizing all a liquid aromatic without waste, and capable of quantitatively controlling a generation quantity of the aroma strictly.

It is another object of the invention to provide an aroma supply apparatus capable of intentionally creating a concentration difference of an aroma for individual spaces or for regions within.a single space.

According'to the invention, there is provided an aroma supply apparatus comprising:

at least one aroma supply unit including a aromatic reservoir having accumulated therein a liquid aromatic, aromatic supply means for supplying the liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir to a location adjacent an end of the aromatic reservoir, an ultrasonic radiator arranged adjacent the location for misting the liquid aromatic, and an ultrasonic oscillator connected to the ultrasonic radiator; control means connected to the ultrasonic oscillator for controlling an intensity of ultrasonic waves 1 oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator; and air supply means for supplying air toward the location and the ultrasonic radiator, wherein the liquid aromatic supplied by the aromatic supply means is misted and mixed with the air supplied by the air supply means so as to be vaporized, and the vaporized liquid aromatic Is supplied to a predetermined space together with the air.

What the waroma" is in this specification is not only aroma which is superior and which improves feeling, but also aromas due respectively to various aromatics which act physiologically and psychologically to exhibit various effects such as fatigue recovery, sedation of a mind and activation of a mind, or includes aromatic substances or the like having sterilization action, physiological active action and so on like phittonchid which is diffused by plants.

With the arrangement of the invention, the liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir is supplied by the aromatic supply means, and the liquid aromatic supplied by the aromatic supply means is quickly misted by the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator. The mist is mixed with the air supplied by the air supply means and is quickly vaporized. Accordingly, only maintaining of the intensity of the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator to a constant value enables a generation quantity of aroma to be maintained at a constant value. Further, in the aroma supply apparatus, an outflow quantity of the liquid aromatic discharged by the aromatic supply means varies or changes in accordance with the intensity of the ultrasonic waves. Thus, the intensity of the ultrasonic waves is controlled by the control means, whereby the generation quantity of aroma can accurately be controlled, and the supplied liquid aromatic can all be vaporized without waste.

Preferably, the aromatic supply means comprises a bundle of capillary tubes which has its lower end immersed in the liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir. The ultrasonic radiator is arranged adjacent an upper end of the 6 1 A' 1 bundle of capillary tubes. Aroma detecting means is arranged adjacent the ultrasonic radiator for detecting aroma of the vaporized liquid aromatic. The control means connected to the ultrasonic oscillator is connected to the aroma detecting means.

With the above arrangement of the invention, the aroma detecting means is arranged adjacent the ultrasonic radiator connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and the control means connected to the ultrasonic oscillator is connected to the aroma detecting means. Thus, it is possible to control the Intensity of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic radiator and an ultrasonic oscillation time on the basis of information from the aroma detecting means. Accordingly, a quantity of aroma generated can quantitatively be controlled strictly on the basis of the actually generated quantity of aroma.

Preferably, the aroma supply apparatus is for use with an air conditioner having a plurality of supply openings through which conditioned air is discharged to ones of a plurality of spaces and a plurality of regions within a single space. A plurality of aroma supply units are arranged respectively at the supply openings. The control means Includes at least one aroma controller for individually controlling generation quantities of aroma respectively from the aroma supply units.

With the above arrangement of the invention, the aroma supply apparatus comprises the aroma supply units arranged respectively at the supply openings through which the conditioned air is discharged to the spaces or the regions within the single space, and the at least one aroma generating controller for Individually controlling the aroma generation quantities from the respective aroma supply units. Accordingly, it is possible to change or alter the aroma generating quantities generated respectively at the aroma supply units. Thus, it is possible to intentionally create a concentration difference of aroma within the individual spaces or within the regions in the single space.

7 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a basic or fundamental arrangement of an aroma supply apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic constitutional view showing an aroma supply apparatus according to a second embodiment of the Invention; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary constitutional view showing an impactor which may be used in the aroma supply apparatus illustrated In Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic constitutional view showing an aroma supply apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic constitutional view showing an aroma supply apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a graphical representation of a supply pattern of the aroma; Fig. 7 is a schematic constitutional view showing an aroma supply apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic constitutional view showing an aroma generating controller of the aroma supply apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a schematic constitutional view showing one of a plurality of aroma supply units illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 10 Is a top plan view of the aroma supply unit illustrated In Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view showing an example of a mounting condition of the aroma supply unit illustrated in Figs. 8 through 10; Fig. 12 Is a schematic constitutional view showing the conventional aroma supply apparatus; and Fig. 13 is a schematic constitutional view showing another conventional aroma supply apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

8 Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an aroma supply apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. Basically or fundamentally, the aroma supply apparatus comprises at least one aroma supply ynit which Includes an aromatic reservoir 110 for storing therein a liquid aromatic. A bundle of capillary tubes 111 is inserted in the aromatic reservoir 110 from the above, and has a lower end which is immersed In the liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir 110. An ultrasonic radiator 112 is arranged adjacent an upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111. An ultrasonic oscillator 113 is connected to the ultrasonic radiator 112. A controller 114 is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 113. An air pump or blower 115 serving as air supply means is provided for supplying air toward the upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111 and the ultrasonic radiator 112. An aroma detector or sensor 116 is arranged adjacent the ultrasonic radiator 112. The controller 114 is connected to the aroma sensor 116. The bundle of capillary tubes 111 has its upper end which is inclined obliquely, and the ultrasonic radiator 112 has its ultrasonic oscillating face which is arranged in facing and parallel relation to the inclined upper surface of the bundle of capillary tubes 111.

In connection with the above, if It is desired that the kinds or types of the aroma generated by the above aroma supply apparatus are altered, the aromatic reservoir 110, the bundle of capillary tubes 111 and the ultrasonic radiator 112 are replaced together by other ones. In this manner, not only the liquid aromatic, but also appliances to which the liquid aromatic adheres, are all replaced together by other ones. Thus, replacement can be made without contamination of hands. Further, it is possible to prevent a lingering scent, muddiness of aroma, and so on.

Fig. 2 shows an aroma supply apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The aroma supply apparatus comprises its basic constitutional elements which are the same as those of the aroma supply apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, 9 J components and parts like or similar to those illustrated in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of such like or similar components and parts will be simplified.

An aromatic vaporization chamber 117 is connected to the air pump 115 which serves as air supply means. The upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111 inserted into the aromatic reservoir 110, the ultrasonic radiator 112 and the aroma sensor 116 are arranged within the aromatic vaporization chamber 117. An aroma supply tube 118 is connected to the aromatic vaporization chamber 117, and is connected to an air conditioning duct 119.

The ultrasonic oscillator 113 and the air pump 115 are connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 112. The controller 114 is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 113 and the air pump 115 and is connected to the aroma sensor 116. On the basis of information from the aroma sensor 116, the controller 114 controls an intensity of the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator 112 and an air quantity supplied from the air pump 115, thereby controlling a generation quantity of aroma within the aromatic vaporization chamber 117.

In connection with the above, the air supplied to the aromatic vaporization chamber 117 from the air pump 115 has a pressure which is required for feeding the air having added thereto the aroma to the air conditioning duct 119, compensating for a pressure within the air conditioning duct 119 and a pressure loss within the aroma supply tube 118 to the air conditioning duct 119.

Further, in the aroma supply apparatus constructed as above, the liquid aromatic misted within the aromatic vaporization chamber 117 can vaporized substantially completely. As shown in Fig. 3, however, an impactor 120 of striking-plate type is arranged downstream of the aromatic vaporization chamber 117 as occasion demands, whereby, in the case where a small quantity of mist remains not to be volatilized, the mist can completely be removed. The impactor 120 is arranged as follows. That is, the aromatic supplied together with the air under such a condition as to be vaporized within the aromatic vaporization chamber 117 is blown out through a nozzle 121, and the aromatic and the air are struck or collide against a closed end face 122 of the supply tube 118, whereby the mist not to be vaporized falls down. Only the aromatic completely vaporized and the air flow Into at least one Inflow bore 123 which is formed at a lateral side of the supply tube 118, which Is slightly above the closed end face 122. Thus, the aromatic and the air are supplied to the aroma supply tube 118. The mist not to be volatilized falling down within the impactor 120 is returned to the aromatic reservoir 110 through a return pipe 124 together with the aromatic which remains not to be vaporized within the aromatic vaporization chamber 117.

Fig. 4 shows an aroma supply apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 4, components and parts like or similar to those illustrated in Fig. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of such like or similar components and parts will be simplified.

The aroma supply apparatus according to the third embodiment is arranged such that the upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111, the ultrasonic radiator 112 and the aroma sensor 116 are arranged within the air conditioning duct 119, whereby air flow or current within the air conditioning duct 119 is utilized without the use of the air pump, blower or the like serving as air supply means.

In the aroma supply apparatus, the air flow or current within the air conditioning duct 119 is guided to the ultrasonic radiator 112 and the upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111 by an air guide plate unit 125. By the air current, the liquid aromatic misted by the ultrasonic waves is vaporized to generate aroma. In this case, a generation quantity of aroma is controlled by the controller 114. However, the controller 114 merely controls the intensity of the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator 112, on the basis of the information from the aroma detector or sensor 116, to control the generation 11 0, quantity of aroma.

In connection with the above, in the aroma supply apparatus, the aroma supply unit formed by the upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111 and the ultrasonic radiator 112 is arranged at the intermediate section of the air conditioning duct 119. As the case may be, however, a plurality of aroma supply units are arranged respectively at supply openings of each room to which the air conditioning duct 119 is connected, whereby the supply quantities of aroma from the respective supply openings can individually be controlled.

Fig. 5 shows an aroma supply apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 5, components and parts like or similar to those illustrated in Fig. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of such like or similar components and parts is simplified.

The aroma supply apparatus according to the fourth embodiment comprises the controller 114, the ultrasonic oscillator 113 and the aromatic reservoir 110 which are arranged at the central section, as well as the bundle of capillary tubes 111 which is inserted into the aromatic reservoir 110. Further, an air filter 127 is mounted to an air intake port 126 which is arranged below a front panel provided at the right-hand side in Fig. 5. The blower 115 serving as air supply means is arranged adjacent the air filter 127. An air guide tube 128 is connected to the blower 115 so as to surround the controller 114, the ultrasonic oscillator 113 and th ' e aromatic storage tank 110. The upper end of the bundle of capillary tubes 111, the ultrasonic radiator 112 and the aroma sensor 116 are arranged above the aromatic reservoir 110 which is arranged at the downstream side of the air guide tube 128. An aroma discharge port 129 is formed above the front panel.

In the aroma supply apparatus, the blower 115 is operated to introduce the outdoor air through the air intake port 126. The outdoor air is passed through the air filter 127 to remove dust or the like. The air is introduced into 12 the air guide tube 128. The liquid aromatic misted by the ultrasonic radiator 112 is vaporized within an aromatic vaporization section 130 which is arranged on the downstream side of the air guide pipe 128. The " vaporized aromatic is discharged together with the air into a room through the discharge port 129. Thus, the generated aroma is directly supplied to the room not through the air conditioning duct and the like. When it is desired to control the generation quantity of aroma, the controller 114 controls the intensity of the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic radiator 112 on the basis of the Information from the aroma sensor 116.

In connection with the above, in the various embodiments described above, the case has been described where only a single kind of aroma is supplied. However, two or more kinds of aromas may be supplied. In that case, a plurality of aromas are beforehand selected for respective time zones and in agreement therewith. Further, the concentration of the aromas and the continuous or intermittent operational schedule are set within and stored by the controller 114. Thus, the aromas in agreement with the respective time zones are supplied, and the concentration of the aromas supplied is adjusted to an adequate value.

For instance, in the case where the type of the aroma A is lemon aroma, the type of the aroma B is rosemary aroma and the type of the aroma C is lavender aroma, these aromas are supplied to the room whereby different effects as indicated by the below table 1 are produced with respect to a people within the room.

TABLE 1

TYPE OF AROMA EFFECT A LEMON AROMA STIMULUS, REFRESHMENT CURE FOR DROWSINESS, LIGHT B ROSEMARY AROMA RELAXATION 13 c LAVENDER AROMA STRESS DISSOLUTION, UNEASINESS DISSOLUTION, ANTI- MELANCHOLY When the aromas A, B and C are supplied to a room or the like, as shown, for example, in Fig. 6, aromas are supplied on the basis of such a pattern that the aromas generated change at predetermined time intervals, and intensities of the respective aromas change to give fluctuation.

When the aromas are generated on the basis of the specific generating pattern, the generating pattern is beforehand programmed within the controller 114, and a plurality of, three in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the aroma supply units are controlled by the controller 114. Each of the aroma supply units comprises the aromatic reservoir 110, the bundle of capillary tubes 111, the ultrasonic radiator 112 and the like. Thus, the aroma supply units are switched at the predetermined time intervals to alter the types of the aromas and to fluctuate the intensities of the respective aromas. When the types of the aromas supplied In this manner change at several times per a day, it is possible to supply the aromas which are suitable for the respective time zones. Further, since the intensities of the aromas generated are fluctuated, it is possible to accent the living rhythm of a day. Moreover, it Is possible to effectively utilize the superior advantages which the aromas have. Thus,, it is possible to form environment which exerts superior effects physically and mentally.

Referring next to Fig. 7, there is shown an aroma supply apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Aroma is to be supplied to a room 225. A plurality of supply openings 240 are arranged respectively at a plurality of positions within the room 225, which are different from each other. A plurality of aroma supply units 14 7 223 are arranged respectively at the supply openings 240. An aroma generating controller 241 individually controls generating quantities of aroma at the respective aroma supply units 223. The aroma generating controller 241 is arranged at an accommodating section 242 which Is located at a lower portion of the room 225 adjacent a window thereof.

The supply openings 240 are connected to an air conditioning duct 230 which is mounted to the ceiling of the room 225. The air conditioning duct 230 is connected to an air conditioner 222 which is arranged within a machine house (not shown) or the like. The aroma generating controller 241is connected to the body of the air conditioner 222 and takes out an operational signal from the body of the air conditioner 222 as control Information to the aroma supply units 223. Alternatively, the aroma generating controller 241 is connected to an air-conditioning controller unit (not shown) of the air conditioner 222 and takes out a control signal from the air-conditioning controller unit as control information to the aroma supply units 223.

A plurality of sensors 226 are mounted respectively on a wall 243 of the room 225 and a desk 244 on the floor of the room 225. Information detected by the sensors 226 is transmitted to the aroma generating controller 241. On the basis of the information, the aroma generating controller 241 computes generation quantities of aroma from the respective aroma supply units 223. An aroma sensor for detecting an aroma concentration per se is most adequate for each of the sensors 226. However, the aroma moves together with the conditioned air, and the diffusion condition is a function of temperature. Accordingly, a temperature sensor may be substituted for each of the sensors 226. In this case, it is desirable that, since heat sources such as illumination instruments, office-automation instruments, people and so on exist within the room 225 so that the approximate accuracy is reduced due to the heat sources, two kinds or types of sensors are used together to raise the accuracy. It is desirable to increase the number of sensors to further raise the accuracy. Moreover, the aroma condition in the room 225 i to which the aroma is to be supplied always varies or changes. Accordingly, it is extremely effective means that, in order to accurately know the changing condition, change or variation Is given to the temperature and the concentration of aroma of the conditioned air supplied to the room 225, and a difference In pattern is utilized between generating sources, that is, the air conditioner 222 for the conditioned air and the aroma supply units 223 for the aroma, and the information from the sensors 226 which are arranged within the room 225.

In connection with the above, when the aroma is supplied to the room 225 in the manner described above, smell or odor tends to be felt if humidity of the room 225 is raised. Further, if temperature is raised, an unpleasant or disagreeable feeling is given to people, depending upon the kinds or types of aromas. In view of this, when the aroma supply apparatus is used, it is desirable that a plurality of humidity detecting sensors are arranged, in addition to a plurality of temperature detecting sensors, respectively at requisite locations within the room 225 to which the aroma is to be supplied. The temperature and humidity within the room 225 are detected by these sensors, whereby an adequate aroma is selected which is in agreement with the temperature and humidity. The adequate aroma is so controlled as to be supplied at an adequate concentration.

Moreover, in addition to the above temperature detecting sensors and the humidity detecting sensors, the room 225 to which the aroma is to be supplied may be provided with sensors for detecting an air current, radiation heat, the number of persons, the activity state of the persons and so on. In this case, the synthetic or composite state of the room 225 can be grasped by these sensors, and the generation quantities of aromas from the respective aroma supply units 223 can be controlled on the basis of the synthetic state.

In the aroma supply apparatus constructed as above, if the distance between the sensors 226 and the aroma generating controller 241 is short, the sensors 226 and the aroma generating controller 241 may directly be connected to 16 4 each other. If the sensors 226 and the aroma generating controller 241 are spaced away from each other, however, direct connection between the sensors 226 and the aroma generating controller 241 lengthens the lead lines through which first-hand information Is transmitted from the sensors 226. This Is not preferable because a reduction in an SIN ratio Is caused. In this case, it is desirable that the detecting signals from the respective sensors 226 are so processed as to be converted respectively to control signals and, subsequently, the control signals are sent to the aroma generating controller 241, thereby solving the problems such as reduction in the SIN ratio. In that case, a plurality of signal converters for converting and processing the detecting signals from the respective sensors 226 are incorporated respectively in the sensors 226. The signal converters and the aroma generating controller 241 are directly connected to each other through a digital or analogue communication circuit. Alternatively, a transmitter for converting the control signals respectively to transmission signals to send the same and a receiver for converting the transmission signals respectively to the control signals are required to be provided between the signal converter and the aroma generating controller 241. In this connection, the communication circuit due to wires may be used, or the communication circuit due to radio may be used. Specifically, as the wire communication circuit, there are a voltage signal line, a novolt signal line, a telephone circuit, a television circuit, a computer circuit, a branch digital circuit and a personal digital circuit. In addition thereto, it is possible also to cause a signal in the FM system to flow to an electric power source line. Further, as the radio communication circuit, there are various systems such as an FM system, an AM system and so on.

Fig. 8 shows an example of the aroma generating controller in the aroma supply apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7.

As shown in Fig. 8, the aroma generating controller 241 comprises a system logic 250 for setting once duration or 17 1 i.

an ON time through which the aroma is continuously generated by each of the supply units 223, and a interval time and for storing therein the duration and the interval time, thereby controlling the aroma supply units 223 in accordance with the setting. A remote- ' control transmitter 251 sends a control signal from the system logic 250 to the aroma supply units 223 by radio. A weekly timer 252 determines an operational time of each of the aroma supply units 223 at an interval of each of days of the week. The aroma generating controller 241 further comprises a control source of electric power 253 and an ultrasonic power source system 254. An antenna 256 is connected to the remote-control transmitter 251. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 7, the aroma generating controller 241 is connected to a body of the air conditioner 222 or to an airconditioning control unit by an input signal line 257 and an output signal line 258. The input signal line 257 transmits the operational signal or the control signal from the air conditioner 222 or the air-conditioning control unit to the aroma generating controller 241. The output signal line 258 transmits the control signal from the aroma generating controller 241 to the air conditioner 222 or the airconditioning control unit to control a supply quantity of the conditioned air.

In connection with the above, the aroma generating controller 241 calculates or computes the generation quantities of aroma to be generated by the individual aroma supply units 223, on the basis of the signals and so on sent by the sensors 226. A control signal on the basis of the computing results may be sent to the aroma supply units 223 through the remote-control transmitter 251 and the antenna 256.

Moreover, in the aroma supply apparatus provided with the aroma generating controller 241, the control signal from the system logic 250 is sent to the aroma supply units 223 through the remote-control transmitter 251 and the antenna 256 by radio. However, the transmission of the control signal from the system logic 250 should not be limited to the radio, but wiring for the signal may be 18 4 provided such that the control signal from the system logic 250 is sent through the wire. Further, as shown in Fig. 8, a wire control system output 255 provided at an ultrasonic power source system 254 of the aroma- generating controller 241 may be connected to the aroma supply units 223 through a power source line, so that the control signal is taken to and flows through the electric power source line by an FM system.

Furthermore, In the aroma supply apparatus, as shown in Fig. 7, the arrangement may be such that an airconditioning detecting sensor 261 is arranged within the airconditioning duct 230, and the operational state or condition of the air conditioner 222 is grasped to the aroma generating controller 241 by the air-conditioning detecting sensor 261. In this case, the input signal line 257 may be dispensed with which connects the system logic 250 of the aroma generating controller 241 to the air conditioner 222 or the airconditioning control unit.

Figs. 9 and 10 show an example of each of the aroma supply units 223 in the aroma supply apparatus.

As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, each of the aroma supply units 223 comprises an aromatic bottle 213 having stored therein a liquid aromatic. An aromatic supply element 214 is provided at an upper portion of the aromatic bottle 213 for supplying the liquid aromatic within the aromatic bottle 213 to an ultrasonic oscillating face of the aromatic supply element 214. An ultrasonic radiator 215 is arranged adjacent the aromatic supply element 214. An ultrasonic oscillator 216 is connected to the ultrasonic radiator 215. A control receiver 217 and an electric power source 218 are connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 216. The electric power source 218 comprises three SUM-1 dry cells. The aroma supply element 214 and the ultrasonic radiator 215 vaporize the aromatic so that aroma is generated. As shown in Fig. 11, an aroma discharge section 219 for discharging the aroma is arranged in facing relation to the airconditioning duct 230. An antenna 220 is connected to the control receiver 217, and receives the control signal from the aroma generating controller 241 through radio.

19 A 41 In connection with the above, the invention utilizes the aroma supply units 223 which utilize the energy of the ultrasonic waves as described above to finely mist the liquid aromatic thereby vaporizing the same. However, the invention may utilize (1) an aroma generating element which vaporizes the liquid aromatic on the principle of a spray blower, (2) an aroma generating element in which the aromatic is impregnated in a porous material such as ceramics, polymer beads and so on, the porous material is filled in a container and, under this condition, a surface of the porous material, which Is in contact with an air current, is changed or varied, (3) the liquid aromatic impregnated in the porous material is heated and vaporized by a low-temperature heating element such as a semiconductor heater or the like, and so on.

Moreover, in connection with the above, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the plurality of aroma supply units 223 are arranged respectively at the plurality of supply openings 240 arranged at the ceiling or the like of the room 225 to which the aroma is to be supplied, and the plurality of aroma supply units 223 are controlled by the single aroma generating controller 241. However, the arrangement of the invention may be such that a plurality of aroma generating controllers 241 are incorporated respectively In the individual aroma supply units 223. Further, the arrangement may be such that the plurality of aroma supply units 223 are incorporated in the system ceiling, or are Incorporated in a space below the floor.

In the above fifth embodiment, since the conditioned air from the air conditioner 222 arranged within the machine house or the like is supplied from the supply openings 240 of the room 225 through the air-conditioning duct 230, the aroma supply units 223 are provided respectively at the supply openings 240. However, in the case where the air conditioning system of the room 225 to which the aroma is to be supplied is an individual air conditioning system such as a fan-coil unit or the like, the aroma supply units 223 should be arranged respectively at 1 supply openings thereof.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the body of the aroma generating controller 241 may be arranged on the outside of the room 225, and only the antenna 256 connected to the remote-control transmitter 251 of the aroma generating controller 241 may be arranged within the room 225. Further, also in the case where the aroma generating controller 241 is connected to the aroma supply units 223 through wires, it is natural that the aroma generating controller 241 may be arranged on the outside of the room 225.

Moreoverf in the embodiment, the concentration difference is created among a plurality of regions in the single room 225 which are different from each other. In this invention, however, the concentration difference may be created among the respective aromas within a plurality of respective rooms.

21 i

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aroma supply apparatus comprising:

at least one aroma supply unit including a aromatic reservoir having accumulated therein - a liquid aromatic, aromatic supply means for supplying said liquid aromatic within the aromatic reservoir to a location adjacent an end of said aromatic reservoir, an ultrasonic radiator arranged adjacent said location for misting the liquid aromatic, and an ultrasonic oscillator connected to said ultrasonic radiator; control means connected to said ultrasonic oscillator for controlling an intensity of ultrasonic waves oscillated by said ultrasonic radiator; and air supply means for supplying air toward said location and said ultrasonic radiator, wherein the liquid aromatic supplied by said aromatic supply means Is misted and mixed with the air supplied by said air supply means so as to be vaporized, and the vaporized liquid aromatic is supplied to a predetermined space together with the air.

2. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said aromatic supply means comprises a bundle of capillary tubes which has Its lower end immersed in the liquid aromatic within said aromatic reservoir, said ultrasonic radiator being arranged adjacent an upper end of said bundle of capillary tubes.

3. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 2, further Including aroma detecting means arranged adjacent said ultrasonic radiator for detecting aroma of the vaporized liquid aromatic, said control means connected to said ultrasonic oscillator being connected to said aroma detecting means.

4. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said air supply means is a blower.

5. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said bundle of capillary tubes has its upper end which is inclined obliquely, and said ultrasonic radiator has its ultrasonic oscillating face which is arranged in facing 22 i 1 and parallel relation to the inclined upper surface of said bundle of capillary tubes.

6. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said air supply means is an air pump, wherein said aroma supply apparatus further includes an aromatic vaporization chamber connected to said air pump, and wherein the upper end of said bundle of capillary tubes Inserted into said aromatic reservoir, said ultrasonic radiator and said aroma detecting means are arranged within said aromatic vaporization chamber.

7. The aroma supply apparatus for use with an air conditioner having air-conditioning duct means, according to claim 6, further Including aroma supply tube means connected between said aromatic vaporization chamber and said air conditioning duct means, the vaporized liquid aromatic being supplied to said air-conditioning duct means from said aromatic vaporization chamber through said aroma supply tube means.

8. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the air supplied to said aromatic vaporization chamber from said air pump has a pressure which is required for feeding the air having added thereto the aroma, to said air-conditioning duct means, compensating for a pressure within said air- conditioning duct means and a pressure loss within said aroma supply tube means to said air-conditioning duct means.

9. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 8, further including an Impactor arranged downstream of said aromatic vaporization chamber, for removing a small quantity of mist which remains not to be volatilized.

10. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said impactor has at least one inflow bore formed In said aroma supply tube means, said inflow bore being formed at a location above a closed end face of said aroma supply tube means, and nozzle means connected to said air pump and arranged in facing relation to said closed end face of said aroma supply tube means, wherein said impactor is arranged such that the aromatic supplied together with the air under 23 such a condition as to be vaporized within said aromatic vaporization chamber is blown out through said nozzle means, and the aromatic and the air collide against said closed end face of said aroma supply tube means, whereby the mist not to be vaporized falls down, wherein only the aromatic completely vaporized and the air flow into said inflow bore, wherein the aromatic and the air are supplied through the aroma supply tube means, and wherein the mist not to be volatilized falling down within said impactor is returned to the aromatic reservoir together with the aromatic which remains not to be vaporized within said aromatic vaporization chamber.

11. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the upper end of said bundle of capillary tubes, said ultrasonic radiator and said aroma detecting means are arranged within said air-conditioning duct means, whereby said air supply means utilizes an air current flowing through said air-conditioning duct means.

12 The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 11, further Including air guide means arranged within said air conditioning duct means for guiding air toward the upper end of said bundle of capillary tubes, said ultrasonic radiator and said aroma detecting means.

13. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 3, further Including air Intake port means and an air filter mounted to said air intake port means, wherein said air supply means is arranged adjacent said air filter, wherein said air supply means comprises air guide tube means which surrounds said control means, said ultrasonic oscillator and said aromatic reservoir, wherein the upper end of said bundle of capillary tubes, said ultrasonic radiator and said aroma detecting means are arranged above said aromatic reservoir which is arranged at the downstream side of said air guide tube means, and wherein said air supply means further comprises aroma discharge port means through which the vaporized liquid aromatic is discharged.

14. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said air supply means is operated to introduce the outdoor air through said air intake port means, and wherein 24 the outdoor air is passed through said air filter to remove dust.

15. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the generated aroma is directly supplied to a room without intervening of said air-conditioning duct means.

16. The aroma supply apparatus for use with an air conditioner having air-conditioning duct means serving as said air supply means and a plurality of supply openings through which conditioned air is discharged to ones of a plurality of spaces and a plurality of regions within a single space, according to claim 1, including a plurality of aroma supply units arranged respectively at said supply openings, wherein said control means includes at least one aroma generating controller for individually controlling generation quantities of aroma respectively from said aroma supply units.

17. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said supply openings are arranged respectively at a plurality of positions within a room, which are different from each other

18. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 17, further including an accommodating section located at a lower portion of said room adjacent a window thereof, said aroma generating controller being arranged within said accommodating section.

19. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said supply openings are connected to said air conditioning duct means of said air conditioner, which is mounted to a ceiling-of said room.

20. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said aroma generating controller is connected to a body of said air conditioner and takes out an operational signal of the body of said air conditioner as control information.

21. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 16, further including at least one sensor mounted on a wall of said room, wherein information detected by said sensor is transmitted to said aroma generating controller, and wherein, 1 on the basis of the information, said aroma generating controller computes generation quantities of aroma from said respective aroma supply units.

22. The aroma supply apparatus " according to claim 21, wherein a detecting signal from said sensor is so processed as to be converted respectively to a control signal and, subsequently, the control signal Is sent to said aroma generating controller, thereby solving the problem of a reduction in an SIN ratio.

23. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said aroma generating controller comprises a system logic for setting once duration through which the aroma is continuously generated by each of said aroma supply units, and a interval time and for storing therein the duration and the Interval time, thereby controlling said aroma supply units in accordance with the setting, a remote-control transmitter which sends a control signal from said system logic to said aroma supply units, a weekly timer which determines an operational time of each of said aroma supply units at an interval of each of days of the week, and wherein said aroma generating controller further comprises a control source of power, an ultrasonic power source system and an antenna connected to said remote-control transmitter.

24. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said aroma generating controller is connected to a body of the air conditioner by an Input signal line and an output signal line, wherein said input signal line transmits an operational signal from said air conditioner to said aroma generating controller, and wherein said output signal line transmits a control signal from said aroma generating controller to said air conditioner to control a supply quantity of the conditioned air.

25. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said aroma generating controller computes the generating quantities of aroma to be generated by said Individual aroma supply units, on the basis of the signal sent by said sensor, wherein a control signal on the basis of the computing results is sent to said aroma supply units 26 through said remote-control transmitter and said antenna.

26. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the control signal from said system logic is sent to said aroma supply units through said-remote-control transmitter and said antenna.

27. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 26, further including an air-conditioning detecting sensor arranged within said air-conditioning duct means, and the operational state of said air conditioner is grasped to said aroma generating controller by said air-conditioning detecting sensor.

28. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the conditioned air from said air conditioner is supplied from said supply openings of said room through said air-conditioning duct means, and wherein said aroma supply units are provided respectively at said supply openings.

29. The aroma supply apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the body of said aroma generating controller is arranged on the outside of said room, and only said antenna connected to said remote-control transmitter of said aroma generating controller is arranged within said room, and wherein, in the case where said aroma generating controller is connected to said aroma supply units through wires, said aroma generating controller is arranged on the outside of said room.

30. The aroma supply apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

v ^ninn Wr. 1 R 4TP. Further copies mav be obtained from The Patent office.