JP7398272B2 - Automotive volatilizer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automotive volatilizer that is used by being installed in an air vent inside a car, and that can volatilize aromatic liquid over a long period of time.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, volatilizers that volatilize aromatic liquid have been widely used in order to add fragrance or the like to the interior of an automobile to make it a comfortable space. The volatilizers used inside automobiles include types that are placed on the dashboard etc. (mounted type), types that are hung from room mirrors etc. (hanging type), and types that are attached to the air outlet of an air conditioner or defroster (ventilation type). (For example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Mounted type and hanging type volatilizers for automobiles naturally evaporate the aromatic liquid, so they have the advantage that the rate of weight loss (volatilization rate) of the aromatic liquid tends to be relatively constant. or may obstruct your view. On the other hand, vent-mounted car volatilizers have the advantage of being compact and do not get in the way when installed, but since they use air from the air conditioner to volatilize the aromatic liquid after the engine has started, they do not need to be used when the air conditioner is running. There is a drawback that the rate of weight loss of the aromatic liquid increases rapidly due to the blowing of air.

In this way, the vent-mounted type of volatilizer for automobiles is compact, so the volume of aroma liquid stored is small, and the amount of aroma liquid is quickly lost when air is blown, so the aroma liquid runs out quickly, and the usage period is shortened. The problem is that it is short.

JP 2019-123554 Publication JP2019-34088A JP 2017-56048 Publication

An object of the present invention is to provide an automobile volatilization device that is used by being installed in the air vent of an automobile air conditioner and is capable of volatilizing aromatic liquid for a long period of time.

The inventors of the present invention conducted extensive studies to solve the above problems, and found that the liquid absorbent member, which includes an aromatic liquid, a liquid absorbing member, and a container, is housed in the liquid absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid. In the volatilizer, the container is provided with ventilation holes only on the surface facing the air outlet of the air conditioner, and the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space of the container is 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² / ^mm3 , when installed in the air vent of a car's air conditioner, it suppresses the rapid volatilization of the aromatic liquid caused by the air flow when the air conditioner is operating, while still releasing the fragrance when the air conditioner is not operating. It has been found that excessive volatilization of the liquid can be suppressed and the period of use can be extended. The present invention was completed through further studies based on this knowledge.

That is, the present invention provides the inventions of the following aspects.
Item 1. An automotive volatilizer that is installed and used in the air vent of a car's air conditioner,
Including an aromatic liquid, a liquid absorbing member, and a container,
The liquid absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid is housed in the container,
The container has ventilation holes only on the surface facing the ventilation opening, and the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space of the container is 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ A volatilizer for automobiles.
Item 2. Item 2. The automobile volatilizer according to Item 1, wherein the total opening area of the vent holes in the container is 1 to 300 mm ² .
Item 3. Item 3. The automotive volatilizer according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the number of vent holes in the container is 1 to 20.

According to the present invention, in a volatilization device installed and used at the air vent of an automobile air conditioner, it is possible to suppress rapid volatilization of the aromatic liquid when the air conditioner is operating, and to prevent excess aromatic liquid when the air conditioner is not operating. Since the volatilization can be suppressed, the aromatic liquid can be volatilized over a long period of time, and the period of use can be extended. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sufficiently strong fragrance while extending the period of use.

A is an example of a cross-sectional view schematically showing the flow of air in a conventional volatilizer for automobiles. B is an example of a cross-sectional view schematically showing the flow of air in the automotive volatilization device of the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing the shape of a container used in Test Example 1. FIG. A is the shape seen from the side opposite to the side facing the air conditioner outlet of the car, B is the shape seen from the side opposite the side facing the car air conditioner air outlet, and C is the shape seen from the side. .

The automotive volatilizer of the present invention is an automotive volatilizer that is used by being installed in the air vent of an air conditioner of a car, and includes an aromatic liquid, a liquid absorbing member, and a container, and the aromatic liquid is placed in the container. The liquid-absorbing member impregnated with a liquid is housed in the container, and the liquid-absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid is housed in the container, and the container has ventilation holes only on the surface facing the air outlet. and a ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space of the container is 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ . Hereinafter, the automotive volatilizer of the present invention will be explained in detail.

[Aromatic liquid]
The fragrance liquid is a volatilization liquid that volatilizes a fragrance, and may contain a fragrance and a solvent.

The fragrance used in the aromatic liquid may be any oil-based fragrance such as natural fragrance, single fragrance separated from natural fragrance, single fragrance synthesized, or a blend of these fragrances, and conventionally known fragrances may be used. can do. Specifically, single fragrances include hydrocarbon fragrances, alcohol fragrances, ether fragrances, aldehyde fragrances, acetal fragrances, ester fragrances, ketone fragrances, carboxylic acid fragrances, lactone fragrances, and musk fragrances. , nitrile fragrances, sulfur-containing fragrances, and the like. In addition, natural fragrances include tuberose oil, musk tincture, castorium tincture, civet tincture, ambergris tincture, peppermint oil, perilla oil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, ginger oil, aromatic oil, and clary sage. oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, spiked lavender oil, star anise oil, lavandin oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, neroli oil, oakmoss oil, ocotia oil, patchouli oil, thyme oil, tonka bean Tincture, turpentine oil, wanilla bean tincture, basil oil, nutmeg oil, citronella oil, clove oil, boad rose oil, cananga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, cedarwood oil, orange oil, mandarin oil, tangerine oil, anise oil, bay oil , coriander oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, cypress oil, cypress oil, jasmine oil, vetiver oil, bergamot oil, ylang-ylang oil, grapefruit oil, yuzu oil, and the like. These perfumes may be used alone or in any combination of two or more.

The content of the fragrance in the aromatic liquid may be set as appropriate depending on the type of fragrance used, the strength of the fragrance, etc. Preferably, the amount is 50 to 80% by weight.

The solvent used in the aromatic liquid may be any solvent as long as it can dissolve or solubilize the fragrance, and examples thereof include lipophilic solvents. Specifically, the lipophilic solvents include paraffin hydrocarbons (plasma fluid isoparaffin, plasma fluid normal paraffin), 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene Examples include glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, etc. . These solvents may be used alone or in any combination of two or more.

The content of the solvent in the aromatic liquid may be set as appropriate depending on the type of solvent used, the strength of the fragrance, etc. Preferably, the amount is 20 to 50% by weight.

In addition to the fragrance and the solvent, the aromatic liquid may contain other additives as necessary. Examples of such other additives include thickeners, preservatives, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, and colorants.

[Liquid absorption member]
The liquid absorbing member is a member that is impregnated with an aromatic liquid and volatilized. Examples of liquid-absorbing materials include fibrous materials such as natural fibers such as cotton, vegetable fibers, and pulp, synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate, and mixed fibers thereof; wood chips, rattan, bamboo, and sola. Wooden materials; examples include foamed urethane resin sponge materials. In addition, when the volatilization member is formed of a fibrous material, the liquid-absorbing felt is preferably a nonwoven fabric, but may be a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or the like. The shape of the volatilization member is not particularly limited, and may be any sheet, block, rod, belt, string, or the like.

The size of the liquid absorbing member may be appropriately set depending on the amount of aromatic liquid to be impregnated, the type of volatilization member, etc., but for example, it is about 1 to 20 cm ³ , preferably about 2 to 10 cm ³ , more preferably about 2 to 10 cm 3 . An example of this is about 4 to 8 ^cm3 .

[container]
The container is a member that accommodates a liquid-absorbing member impregnated with an aromatic liquid, and is provided with a vent hole that allows air to flow in and out.

In the present invention, the container is provided with ventilation holes only on the surface facing the air outlet of the air conditioner. In the vent-mounted type of volatilizer for automobiles, the air blown out from the vent flows into the internal space of the container through the vent of the container, and the air with the scent volatilized from the aromatic liquid is released outside the container. By letting it flow out, it imparts a fragrance to the interior of the car. In conventional vent-mounted automotive volatilizers, the container's vents are provided both on the side facing the air conditioner's air vent and on the opposite side or side. It has a structure in which air flows in through the vents on the opposing sides, and air with scent volatilized from the aromatic liquid flows out through the vents on the opposite side or side. In this type of structure, when the air conditioner is operating, the vents that allow air to flow in and the vents that allow air to exit are different, so the air blown out from the vents when the air conditioner is operating is not restricted. As a result, the amount of air flowing into the internal space of the container and the amount of air flowing out will increase, and the rate of weight loss (volatilization rate) of the aromatic liquid will inevitably increase (see Figure 1). (See A). On the other hand, in the automotive volatilizer of the present invention, the vent hole of the container is provided only on the surface facing the air outlet of the air conditioner, and the same vent hole is responsible for air inflow and air outflow. Therefore, when the air conditioner is operated, the inflow of air blown out from the air outlet is limited by the resistance of the air flowing out of the container, and as a result, the amount of air flowing into the internal space of the container and the amount of air flowing out are limited. is reduced, and the rate of weight loss (volatilization rate) of the aromatic liquid can be suppressed from increasing rapidly when the air conditioner is in operation (see B in FIG. 1). The symbols in Fig. 1 are as follows: 1 is a "container," 2 is a "liquid absorbing member impregnated with an aromatic liquid," and 3 is a "liquid absorbing member impregnated with an aromatic liquid." 4 is the ``vent hole installed on the opposite side of the car from the side that faces the air conditioner vent,'' and 5 is the ``air flow.''

The number of ventilation holes provided in the container is not particularly limited as long as they are provided only on the surface facing the air outlet of the air conditioner and satisfy the ratio of volume to total opening area described below, but for example, 1 to 20. , preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 6, still more preferably 1 to 3, particularly preferably 1.

In the present invention, the container has a ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space of 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ . By meeting this ratio, the amount of air flowing into and out of the container when the air conditioner is operating can be appropriately controlled, and the rapid rate of weight loss (volatilization rate) of the aromatic liquid during operation of the air conditioner can be prevented. It becomes possible to suppress the increase. In addition, when the air conditioner is not operating, by satisfying the ratio described above, excessive natural volatilization of the aromatic liquid can be suppressed, and excessive reduction of the fragrance liquid can be suppressed when the air conditioner is not operating. becomes possible. From the perspective of prolonging the period of use while providing the desired fragrance strength, the ratio is preferably 0.001 to 0.010 mm ² /mm ³ , more preferably 0.001 to 0.010 mm 2 /mm 3 . 0.005mm ² /mm ³ is mentioned. In the present invention, the "opening area" is the area of the opening (hole) area when projected on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the vent extends, and the "total opening area" refers to the area where the vent is If there is one ventilation hole, this is the opening area of the ventilation hole, and if there are multiple ventilation holes, it is the total opening area of the plurality of ventilation holes. Moreover, the value of the range of the ratio is a value expressed by rounding off four digits after the decimal point and using three digits after the decimal point as significant figures.

In the present invention, the total opening area of the vents provided in the container may be within a range that satisfies the above ratio, for example, 1 to 300 mm ² , preferably 5 to 250 mm ² , more preferably 10 to 160 mm ² , more preferably 10 to 70 mm ² .

In addition, in the present invention, the volume of the internal space of the container may be within a range that satisfies the above ratio, for example, 1000 to 50000 mm ³ , preferably 5000 to 30000 mm ³ , more preferably 10000 to 20000 mm ³ . It will be done.

Moreover, it is preferable that the container has an attachment part for attachment to the air outlet of an air conditioner of an automobile. Furthermore, the container may be provided with a support portion to which the liquid absorbing member accommodated in the internal space can be fixed. In addition, the container is divided into a plurality of parts so as to accommodate the liquid-absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid, and the plurality of parts are fixed after accommodating the liquid-absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid. Bye.

[Volatilizer]
The automobile volatilizer of the present invention has a structure in which the liquid absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid is housed in the container. In the automotive volatilizer of the present invention, it is preferable that all of the aromatic liquid in the container be impregnated with the liquid-absorbing member, but a part of the aromatic liquid in the container can be supplied to the liquid-absorbing member. It may be stored in a state where it is not impregnated in the liquid absorbing member.

The automotive volatilizer of the present invention is used by installing the container so that the surface side provided with the ventilation holes faces the air outlet (outlet) of the automotive air conditioner.

Test example 1
1. Preparation of volatilizer and liquid absorbent member The aromatic liquid shown in Table 1 was prepared. In addition, a rectangular liquid-absorbing member (liquid-absorbing felt; length 40 mm, width 18 mm, thickness 5 mm, density 0.12 g/m ³ , composite fiber material of 80% by weight polyethylene terephthalate and 20% by weight rayon; product) ``E-6H'' (manufactured by Yonejima Felt Sangyo Co., Ltd.) was prepared.

2. Preparation of Container A container having the shape shown in FIG. 2 (inner space volume: 15,775 mm ³ ) was provided with ventilation holes shown in Table 2. In Fig. 2, A is the shape seen from the side opposite to the side facing the air vent of the car's air conditioner, B is the shape seen from the side facing the air vent of the car's air conditioner, and C is the shape seen from the side. It shows. The container is provided with a mounting part (not shown in FIG. 2) for mounting on the air outlet (air conditioner louver part) of an automobile's air conditioner. In addition, the container is divided into parts that make up a part of the side opposite to the side facing the air conditioner's air outlet, and parts that make up the other parts, and these two parts are removable. It is configured to accommodate a liquid-absorbing member impregnated with an aromatic liquid.

3. Preparation of volatilizer A liquid absorbent member was impregnated with 3 ml of the aromatic liquid and placed in each container to prepare a volatilizer.

4. Evaluation of rate of weight loss of aroma liquid Each volatilizer was left standing in an environment with a temperature of 40° C. and a humidity of 15 to 20% RH for 24 hours, and the weight of the volatilizer was measured before and after being left still. The weight loss rate (g/day) was calculated by subtracting the weight of the volatilizer after standing for 24 hours from the weight of the volatilizer before standing.

5. Evaluation of scent intensity: We started the engine of a car (Fit, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.), opened the car windows fully, set the airflow to maximum, and waited until the water temperature warning light (blue) went out. When the water temperature warning light (blue) went out, I stopped blowing air and closed the windows. Next, the volatilizer was attached to the air conditioner louver on the center side of the passenger seat, the air volume was set to "2" and the temperature of the air conditioner was set to "Lo", and the intensity of the scent was evaluated. Thereafter, after fully opening the car window to provide sufficient ventilation, the air volume was set to "2" and the temperature of the air conditioner to "Hi", and the intensity of the scent was evaluated. In addition, when evaluating the scent, the air vents on the driver's and passenger's door sides were kept closed.

In addition, the intensity of the scent was rated by 6 trained expert panelists according to the following criteria, and the temperature of the air conditioner was categorized as ``Lo'' and ``Hi'' except for the highest and lowest scores among the 6 people. An average value was calculated for each case. Then, for each volatilizer, the average value of the score in the case of "Lo" and the average value of the score in the case of "Hi" were further averaged to calculate the overall average score of the scent intensity.
<Criteria for determining scent intensity>
The intensity of the fragrance was evaluated by a method based on the [II]-1 Air Freshener Efficacy Test Method of the [II] Efficacy Test Method specified by the Aromatic Deodorizer Deodorizer Association. To judge the scent intensity, use the 6-level odor intensity display method, and set the target scent intensity to 4: strong odor (control intensity), 0: no odor, 1: barely perceptible odor (detection threshold). , 2: Weak odor (cognitive threshold), 3: Easily detectable odor, 4: Strong odor, 5: Intense odor. The average value was calculated based on the results obtained by the successful candidates.

The results obtained are shown in Table 3. A liquid absorbent impregnated with an aromatic liquid in a container provided with ventilation holes only on the side facing the ventilation opening, and in which the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space is more than 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ Although there was no problem with the strength of the scent in the volatilizer that housed the components, the rate of weight loss of the aromatic liquid was more than 1.0 g/day, and the scent could only be produced for a short period of time (comparison). Examples 1 to 4). In addition, even if ventilation holes are provided on both the side facing the ventilation opening and the side opposite thereto, and the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space is set to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ or less, the weight loss can be reduced. The rate was as fast as 1 g/day or more, and the scent could only be exhibited for a short period of time (Comparative Example 5). In contrast, use a container that has ventilation holes only on the side facing the ventilation opening, and in which the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space is 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ In the volatilizer, the weight loss rate was 1. g/day, it was possible to exhibit a fragrance for a long period of time, and the strength of the fragrance was also sufficiently satisfactory.

Test example 2
Each aromatic liquid shown in Table 4 was prepared. The liquid-absorbing member used in Test Example 1 was impregnated with 3 ml of each aromatic liquid, and this was placed in the container 1 used in Test Example 1 to prepare a volatilizer.

The obtained volatilizer was left standing in an environment with a temperature of 40° C. and a humidity of 15 to 20% RH for 168 hours, and the weight of the volatilizer was measured before and after standing. The weight of the volatilizer was measured before and after being left still. The weight loss rate (g/day) was calculated by subtracting the weight of the volatilizer after standing still for 168 hours from the weight of the volatilizer before standing still and dividing the value by 7. In addition, the intensity of fragrance was evaluated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 using the obtained volatilizer.

The results obtained are shown in Table 5. As a result, even if the composition of the aromatic liquid is changed, the liquid-absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid can be provided with ventilation holes only on the side facing the ventilation opening, and the total opening area of the ventilation holes relative to the volume of the internal space can be reduced. A volatilizer housed in a container with a ratio of 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ has a weight loss rate of 1. g/day was slow and the strength of the aroma was sufficiently satisfactory.

1 Container 2 Liquid-absorbing member 3 impregnated with aromatic liquid Ventilation hole 4 provided on the surface facing the air vent of the automobile air conditioner 4 Ventilation hole 5 provided on the surface opposite to the surface facing the air vent of the automobile air conditioner Air flow Location of ventilation holes on the side

Claims (3)

An automotive volatilizer that is installed and used in the air vent of a car's air conditioner,
Including an aromatic liquid, a liquid absorbing member, and a container,
The liquid absorbing member impregnated with the aromatic liquid is housed in the container,
The container has ventilation holes only on the surface facing the ventilation opening, and the ratio of the total opening area of the ventilation holes to the volume of the internal space of the container is 0.001 to 0.015 mm ² /mm ³ A volatilizer for automobiles. The automotive volatilizer according to claim 1, wherein the total opening area of the vent holes in the container is 1 to 300 mm ² . The automotive volatilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of vent holes in the container is 1 to 20.