WO2023145266A1

WO2023145266A1 - Odor generating device, and cartridge unit for odor generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023145266A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/045096
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸人井上; 浩孝木原; 修二藤田; 真也大谷
Original assignee: ソニーグループ株式会社
Priority date: 2022-01-25
Filing date: 2022-12-07
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide an odor generating device, and a cartridge unit for the odor generating device, which are easy to handle and from which odor does not leak.　Provided is an odor generating device comprising: a cartridge for holding a glass tube containing an odor component; and a holding portion provided with a crushing mechanism for cracking a plurality of the glass tubes. Also provided is a cartridge unit for the odor generating device, the cartridge unit comprising: a plurality of the cartridges for holding the glass tubes containing the odor component; and a supporting portion for supporting a plurality of the cartridges.

Description

Odor generator and cartridge unit for the odor generator

This technology relates to an odor generator and a cartridge unit for the odor generator. More specifically, the present invention relates to an odor generator and a cartridge unit for the odor generator, which are easy to handle and do not leak odors.

Conventionally, there has been proposed a technique for providing an odor to a user by supplying air to an odor retainer that retains the odor and causing the odor to be released by the flow of air.

For example, in Patent Document 1, there is a shielding cylinder having a cylindrical shape, an internal cavity serving as a perfume transport airway, and an opening on a part of the side surface, and a perfume is stored inside, and is provided on the outer surface of the shielding cylinder, A perfume container having an opening on the side of the shielding cylinder, and an air blowing means capable of blowing air at one end of the perfume transporting airway are provided, and the shielding cylinder and the perfume container are brought into close contact with each other by rotating relative to each other. By overlapping the opening of the flavor container with the opening of the flavor container, the interior of the flavor container and the airway for transporting the flavor can be in a penetrating state, and the shielding cylinder and the flavor container are in close contact with each other. It is possible to make the inside of the flavor container and the flavor conveying airway non-penetrating by overlapping the shielding tube and the one opening of the flavor container and the part other than the one opening by a rotating operation. A scent providing device characterized by:

JP 2013-094436 A

However, in conventional odor generators, it is considered that the odor deteriorates (for example, weakening due to volatilization or deterioration due to oxidation) and handling is inconvenient if a long period of time elapses before the odor retainer is used. be done. In addition, there is a possibility that the odor leaks from the fitting portion of the container holding the odor and the case, or from the entrance and exit of the odor that communicates with the outside.

Therefore, the main purpose of the present technology is to provide an odor generator and a cartridge unit for the odor generator, which are easy to handle and do not leak odors.

The present technology first provides an odor generating device that includes a cartridge that holds glass tubes containing odor components, and a holder that includes a crushing mechanism that breaks the plurality of glass tubes.

The present technology also provides a cartridge unit for an odor generator, which includes a plurality of cartridges holding glass tubes containing odor components, and a support portion supporting the plurality of cartridges.

1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an odor generating device 1; FIG. 6A and 6B are six views showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 taken along line PP. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 taken along line QQ. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a holding portion 11; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining how the cartridge 10 is mounted in the holding portion 11; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining how the cartridge 10 is mounted in the holding portion 11; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for breaking a plurality of glass tubes 102 step by step; 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a movable part 12; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining how the cartridge unit 20 is engaged with the movable portion 12; FIG. 7B is an enlarged view schematically showing a portion of the buckle structure portion of FIG. 7A; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for breaking a plurality of glass tubes 102 step by step by changing the chucking position for each engaging portion 121. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a support portion 13; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the cartridge 10 is held by the supporting portion 13 and viewed from above; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the mounting and demounting direction of the cartridge 10 and the planar direction perpendicular to the mounting and demounting direction; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a cartridge unit 20; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a cartridge unit 20; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 different from FIGS. 11 and 12; FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 different from FIGS. 11 to 13; 13 is a perspective view showing a surface (rear surface of FIG. 11 or 12) of the holding section 202 that does not have the plurality of support sections 13 in the cartridge unit 20. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of releasing air K containing odor in the odor generating device 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the odor generator 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the odor generator 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an olfactory test or olfactory training operation in the olfactory test or olfactory training system;

Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The embodiments described below are examples of representative embodiments of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology should not be interpreted narrowly. The description will be given in the following order.

1. First embodiment (odor generator 1)
(1) Configuration example of odor generator 1 (1-1) Overall configuration (1-2) Cartridge 10
(1-3) Holding portion 11
(1-4) Movable part 12
(1-5) Supporting portion 13
(1-6) Cartridge unit 20 for odor generator
(1-7) Others (2) Operation example of odor generator 1 2. Second embodiment (odor generator 1)
(1) Configuration example of odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall configuration (1-2) Front storage unit 14
(1-3) Contact portion 16
(1-4) Deodorizing section 17
3. Third embodiment (odor generator 1)
(1) Configuration example of odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall configuration (1-2) Position adjustment unit 18
4. Application example of the odor generator 1

1. First embodiment (odor generator 1)

(1) Configuration example of the odor generator 1

A configuration example of an odor generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG.

(1-1) Overall configuration

The odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding portion 11, a movable portion 12, a support portion 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front housing portion 14, a rear housing portion 15, and an information processing portion. , a storage unit, and an analysis unit.
Each part will be described in detail below.

The odor generating device 1 is used, for example, as a device that emits odors in a limited space, and is specifically used for olfactory tests, olfactory training (olfactory stimulation therapy), and the like. It may also be installed in automobiles, head-mounted displays, relaxation products such as neck pillows and eye pillows, and the like. When installed in a car, for example, it can emit an odor based on the instructions of a driver or a passenger, detects the position information of the car, the movement of the driver or a passenger, biological signals, etc., and the detection result An odor may be generated based on When mounted on a head-mounted display, for example, an odor can be generated in conjunction with an image presented on the display, the user's movement or biological signals are detected, and the odor is generated based on the detection result. may When installed in relaxation products such as neck pillows and eye pillows, for example, it is possible to generate odors based on user instructions, detect user movements or biosignals, and generate odors based on the detection results. You may

In addition, the odor generating device 1 may be used as a device that emits odors over a wide range of spaces, and more specifically, it can be installed in customer-attracting products such as vending machines, digital signage, and robots. When it is installed in a customer-attracting product, for example, it is possible to detect the actions and facial expressions of an unspecified number of users, and generate odors based on the detection results.

The odor generating device 1 may be of a portable type that can be carried by the user, or may be of a stationary type.

(1-2) Cartridge 10

The cartridge 10 holds a glass tube 102 containing odor components.

FIG. 2A is a six-sided view showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge 10. FIG. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 taken along line PP. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 taken along line QQ.

The cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes an opening 101 (101a, 101b), a glass tube 102, a glass tube holding portion 103, an odor holding body 104, a ventilation portion 105, a closed crushing portion 106, and a convex portion. and C2. In addition, an odor component guide portion 108, an intermediate member 109, and the like may be provided as necessary.

In the cartridge 10, when the convex portion C2 is pushed, the portion of the closed crushing portion 106 pushed by the convex portion C2 is deformed toward the glass tube 102, and pressure is applied to the glass tube 102 through the intermediate member 109 to compress the glass tube. 102 is crushed. Odor components are released from the crushed glass tube 102 , and the released odor components are absorbed and retained in the odor retainer 104 .

The shape of the convex portion C2 is not particularly limited as long as it can press a part of the sealed crushing portion 106 to crush the glass tube 102, and can be designed freely. For example, it is not limited to the form of pressing a part of the sealed crushing part 106 with a surface, and may be a form of pressing at a point in order to concentrate the pressure.

In the cartridge 10, when one opening 101a (inflow opening 101a) is opened while odor components are retained in the odor retainer 104, air flows in from the outside. The inflowing air flows into the ventilation part 105 and mixes with the odor components retained in the odor retainer 104 . By opening the other opening 101b (release opening 101b) in this state, air containing odor components is released to the outside.

The ventilation part 105 is divided into three compartments (first ventilation part 105a, second ventilation part 105b, third ventilation part 105c), and two or three sealing lids 1012, shafts 1013, and springs 1014 are provided. provided (first sealing lid 1012a, second sealing lid 1012b, third sealing lid 1012c, first shaft 1013a, second shaft 1013b, first spring 1014a, second spring 1014b, third spring 1014c), The present technology is not limited to this. Also, the vent 105 may be a single compartment or two or more compartments. Also, the number of sealing lids 1012, shafts 1013, and springs 1014 can be freely designed in accordance with the number of sections of ventilation section 105. FIG.

(1-3) Holding portion 11

The holding part 11 is a part where a plurality of cartridges 10 are mounted and held, and includes a crushing mechanism C for breaking the plurality of glass tubes 102 . By providing this crushing mechanism C, even when a plurality of glass tubes 102 are attached, they can be easily handled and crushed in the holding part 11, so the risk of smell leaking to the outside is reduced. can be suppressed. Although the number of cartridges held by the holding unit 11 is four in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the present technology is not limited to this.

A space 110 in which the cartridge 10 can be mounted is formed in the holding portion 11 . The shape of the space 10 is not particularly limited, and can be adapted to the shape of the cartridge 10, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cubic shape, or the like. A communication hole 111 is formed in the lower surface of the holding portion 11 (the surface on the flat storage portion side) to communicate with a pusher of a drive mechanism portion 151 to be described later.

The crushing mechanism C includes both chemical means and physical means, and may be contact or non-contact. As the chemical means, for example, a means of melting and breaking the glass tube 102 with a reagent or the like previously held in the space 110 can be used. As physical means, a means for breaking the glass tube 102 in a non-contact manner with a laser or the like provided in the holding portion 11, or a mechanism for transmitting an external force to the glass tube 102 is provided in the holding portion 11 as described later, and the glass tube 102 is broken. and the like.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, the cartridge 10 has a convex portion C2 that transmits an external force to the glass tube 102. By pressing the convex portion C2 from the outside, the glass tube 102 is broken. means. In this case, the crushing mechanism C includes a pressing portion C1 capable of pressing the convex portion C2. When the cartridge 10 having the convex portion C2 is inserted into the holding portion 11, the convex portion C2 and the pressing portion C1 come into contact with each other, and an external force is transmitted to the glass tube 102, thereby crushing the glass tube 102. - 特許庁

In the present technology, the plurality of glass tubes 102 may be broken simultaneously, or part or all of them may be broken step by step. As a method for breaking a plurality of glass tubes 102 at the same time, for example, when a pressing portion C1 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the attaching/detaching direction of the cartridge 10 is provided as shown in FIG. A plurality of glass tubes 102 can be broken at the same time by designing the positions in the attachment/detachment direction to be at the same height.

In the present technology, it is preferable that part or all of the plurality of glass tubes 102 break in stages. Thereby, the force required to crush the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be distributed, and usability can be improved.

As a method for breaking the plurality of glass tubes 102 step by step, for example, the pressing portion C1 is provided step by step in the detaching direction of the cartridge 10 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the pressing portions C1 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the mounting and demounting direction of the cartridge 10 are provided, the positions of all or part of the plurality of pressing portions C1 in the mounting and demounting direction are designed to have different heights, the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be broken step by step. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the glass tubes 102 in the cartridge 10 that come into contact with the pressing portions C1 at the heights of A→B→C→D in order are broken step by step.

The mechanism for breaking a plurality of glass tubes step by step will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5B.
When the cartridge 10 is pulled into the holding portion 11, the heights of the pressing portions C1 that contact the convex portions C2 of the cartridge 10 are different, so that the convex portions C2 of the cartridge 10 are brought into contact with the corresponding pressing portions C1 in stages. can be made In FIG. 5B, it can be seen that the convex portion C2 of the left cartridge 10 is not in contact with the pressing portion C1, and the convex portion C2 of the right cartridge 10 is in contact with the pressing portion C1. In this way, by staggering the splitting timing of the plurality of cartridges 10, the load applied to the convex portion C2 when splitting the glass tube can be dispersed. , the engaging portion 121 can reduce the force when the cartridge unit 20 is pulled.

Further, as another method of breaking a plurality of glass tubes step by step, for example, the positions of the convex portions C2 of the cartridges 10 are shifted for each cartridge 10, or the mounting/dismounting direction of the cartridge 10 on the lower surface of the holding portion 11 is By changing the height of each of the spaces 110, the timing of contact between the convex portion C2 of the cartridge 10 and the pressing portion C1 can be staggered.

The material forming the holding portion 11 is not particularly limited, and may be formed of, for example, an organic polymer material. Organic polymer materials include, for example, one or two of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, phenol resin, olefin resin, nylon, polyester, synthetic rubber, silicon resin, natural rubber, protein, nucleic acid, lipid, polysaccharide, etc. More than one species of material may be used. In addition, for example, polymer resins such as acrylic resin, urethane resin, ABS resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, polyacetal (POM) resin, fluorine resin, cycloolefin polymer resin, polyimide resin, stainless steel , metals such as aluminum, inorganic crystals such as quartz, glass, and the like. Furthermore, the holding part 11 may be formed porous, and as the porous material, for example, a mesh structure, cork, mesoporous silica, calcium carbonate, or the like can be used. In addition to porous materials, fibrous structures, layered structures (for example, clay minerals, etc.), ceramics, and the like can also be used.

(1-4) Movable part 12

The movable part 12 is a part provided with a plurality of holding parts 11 . Although the number of holding portions 11 included in the movable portion 12 is ten in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the present technology is not limited to this.

The material forming the movable portion 12 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the same materials as the examples of the material forming the holding portion 11, so the description is omitted here.

The shape of the movable part 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold a plurality of holding parts 11 , and it can be formed to match the shape of the holding parts 11 .

The movable part 12 preferably has a plurality of holding parts 11 in parallel. Thereby, space saving can be achieved. As a form in which the movable part 12 has a plurality of holding parts 11 arranged in parallel, a form in which the plurality of holding parts 11 are arranged in parallel in one direction, or a form in which the plurality of holding parts 11 are arranged in parallel in one direction and in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. A form, and a form in which a plurality of holding portions 11 are arranged in an annular shape as shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a hole 120 is provided in the center of the movable part 12 so as to be fitted with the rear housing part 15 and constitute a rotating mechanism. It should be noted that the form in which the movable part 12 has a plurality of holding parts 11 is preferably formed so as to conform to the form in which the cartridge unit 20 supports a plurality of cartridges 10 .

Also, the movable part 12 preferably has an engaging part 121 that engages with the cartridge unit 20 having the plurality of supporting parts 11 . By having the engaging portion 121 , it is possible to more reliably break the plurality of glass tubes 102 and reduce the force required to crush the plurality of glass tubes 102 . The form of the engaging portion 121 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be a threaded form (male thread or female thread), a cam latch handle, a buckle structure, or a locking tool such as a lever structure used in a cutting machine or punching. , an adhesive layer, or the like. If the engaging portion 121 is threaded, it is preferable that at least a portion of the cartridge unit 20 has a portion that engages with the threaded portion.

Note that the engaging portion 121 is not an essential component of the movable portion 12. For example, the entire movable portion 12 or the cartridge unit 20 may be formed into a screw shape, and either of them may be rotated to engage them, or the housing may be rotated. You may make it engage with a body. Also, a member such as a tripod screw or a handle may be rotated using a lead screw or the like to engage the cartridge unit 20 with the movable portion 12 or the housing.

The engaging part 121 is preferably a fastener having a buckle structure, as shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view schematically showing part of the buckle structure portion of FIG. 7A. The fixture includes, for example, a buckle portion 1211 and a buckle fixing portion 1212 for moving the buckle portion 1211 to an actuated position or a non-actuated position, as shown in FIG. 7B. By moving the buckle portion 1211 to the operating position using the buckle fixing portion 1212 , the user hooks at least part of the cartridge unit 20 and pulls it in to combine with the cartridge unit 20 . By using such a structure and using the principle of leverage, the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be crushed with less force.

Also, it is possible to change the chucking position for each engaging portion 121 in the movable portion 12 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be broken in stages, and the force required to break the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be further dispersed.

(1-5) Supporting portion 13

The support portion 13 is a portion that supports the plurality of cartridges 10 . Although the number of cartridges supported by the support portion 13 is four in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the present technology is not limited to this. However, in this embodiment, since the supporting portion 13 engages with the holding portion 11 while supporting the plurality of cartridges 10, the number of cartridges supported by the supporting portion 13 and the number of cartridges held by the holding portion 11 are determined. The number is preferably the same number.

The material for forming the support portion 13 is not particularly limited, and for example, the same material as the example of the material for forming the holding portion 11 can be mentioned, so the description is omitted here.

The shape of the support portion 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can support a plurality of cartridges 10 , and can be formed to match the shape of the cartridges 10 . In this embodiment, the lower surface of the support portion 13 (the surface on the side of the front storage portion 14) is formed with a communication hole 130 for sending the taken-in air to the user. As shown in 9A, a positioning mechanism 131 is formed for fitting into the cartridge unit 20. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 9B is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the cartridge 10 is held by the support portion 13 and viewed from above. The arrangement of the plurality of cartridges 10 on the support portion 13 is not particularly limited, and the ejection openings 101b of the cartridges 10 may be arranged close to each other, or the size of the entire cartridge unit 20 may be reduced. Although it is possible, it is particularly preferable to dispose the ejection openings 101b of the plurality of cartridges 10 so that the distances between them are even, as shown in FIG. 9B. Also, the layout shown in FIG. 9B is efficient in breaking multiple glass tubes 102 .

A method of engaging the plurality of cartridges 10 with the support portion 13 is not particularly limited, and a method of mounting each cartridge 10 by pushing it into contact with the support portion 13 can be used. In this case, the support portion 13 preferably has a fixing portion 132 that fixes movement of the cartridge 10 in the mounting/demounting direction (direction of arrow R in FIGS. 9A and 10). As a result, the cartridge 10 can be fixed at a desired position on the support portion 13 via the fixing portion 132 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the form of the fixing part 132 is a claw, but the form of the fixing part 132 is not particularly limited. male thread or female thread), a fastener such as a buckle, an adhesive layer, or the like. If the fixing portion 132 has a threaded shape or the like, it is preferable that at least a portion of the cartridge 10 in the detachment/removal direction has a portion that engages with the threaded portion.

Further, it is preferable that the support portion 13 be configured to allow movement in a plane direction (for example, the direction of arrow S in FIG. 10, etc.) perpendicular to the attachment/detachment direction of the cartridge 10 . If the fixing portion 132 restricts the movement in the attachment/detachment direction and also restricts the movement in the planar direction perpendicular to the attachment/detachment direction, the support portion 13 having the plurality of cartridges 10 with respect to the holding portion 11 may be restricted. If the insertion position of the cartridge 10 deviates even a little when mounting the cartridge 10, it cannot be fitted. Therefore, by adopting a so-called floating structure, even if the insertion position of the cartridge 10 is shifted, the cartridge 10 can move to a normal position and can be fitted at the normal position. Further, in this case, a slide rail 133 is formed on the lower surface of the support portion 13 (the surface on the side of the front storage portion 14) to enable smooth movement of the cartridge 10 in a planar direction perpendicular to the attachment/detachment direction. good too.

(1-6) Cartridge unit 20 for odor generator

The odor generator cartridge unit 20 (also simply referred to as "cartridge unit 20") is used in the odor generator 1 and has a plurality of cartridges 10 and a plurality of support portions 13. The number of support portions 13 included in the cartridge unit 20 is, for example, ten in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, but the present technology is not limited to this. However, in this embodiment, the cartridge unit 20 engages with the movable portion 12 while having a plurality of support portions 13. Therefore, the number of holding portions 11 held by the movable portion 12 and the number of holding portions 11 held by the cartridge unit 20 The number of supporting portions 13 is preferably the same.

The form of the cartridge unit 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to have a plurality of cartridges 10 and a plurality of support portions 13, and can be formed by conforming to the shapes of the cartridges 10 and support portions 13. 11 schematically shows a configuration in which the cartridge unit 20 has a plurality of cartridges 10 on only some of the support portions 13, and FIG. Although a configuration with a is schematically shown, the technology may include either configuration.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 different from FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 shows a case where a plurality of cartridges 10 are arranged side by side in one direction (the X direction in FIG. 13) and supported. In the present embodiment, by moving the support portion 13 or the cartridge unit 20 in the X direction in FIG. 13, the cartridge 10 (portion P in FIG. 13) that discharges the odor can be changed. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the cartridge unit 20 not only supports a plurality of cartridges 10 on one plane, but also supports a plurality of cartridges 10 in parallel in the Z-axis direction (not shown). may

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a different embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 from FIGS. 11-13.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 shows a case where a plurality of cartridges 10 are supported side by side in one direction and in a direction perpendicular to the one direction (XY directions in FIG. 14). When the number of cartridges 10 is large, this embodiment can save space more than the embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the cartridge 10 (portion P in FIG. 14) that discharges the odor can be changed by moving the support portion 13 or the cartridge unit 20 in the X direction or the Y direction in FIG. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the cartridge unit 20 not only supports a plurality of cartridges 10 on one plane, but also supports a plurality of cartridges 10 in parallel in the Z-axis direction (not shown). may

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 shows a case where a plurality of cartridges 10 are annularly supported. In this embodiment, when the odor components are transferred to the odor retainer 104 in the cartridge 10, the odor components can be transferred to the odor retainer 104 using the centrifugal force by rotating the cartridge unit 20 together. Therefore, the odor can be efficiently generated. Furthermore, the cartridge unit 20 may not only support a plurality of cartridges 10 on one plane, but may also support a plurality of cartridges 10 on a plurality of planes in an annular shape.

In this embodiment, the cartridge unit 20 preferably has an indwelling section 202 for indwelling a plurality of support sections 13 as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The configuration of the indwelling section 202 is not particularly limited, and it can be formed in accordance with the support section 13 and its arrangement form. The support 13 can be left in place. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the holding section 202 supports a plurality of cartridges 10 in a multi-circular shape in a plan view. By supporting in an annular shape, more cartridges 10 can be supported and space can be saved.

The material forming the indwelling portion 202 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include organic polymer materials, acrylic resins, urethane resins, ABS resins, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resins, polyacetal (POM) resins, fluororesins, and cycloolefins. One or more of polymer resins, polymer resins such as polyimide resins, and metals such as stainless steel and aluminum may be used.

In this case, the indwelling section 202 may be formed, for example, in a substantially circular shape as shown in FIGS. 12 can be used as a positioning mechanism. Thereby, for example, it is possible to configure a rotation mechanism in a state of being engaged with the movable portion 12 . Further, the projection 2021 or the like may be provided as another member constituting the positioning mechanism. Note that the hole 2020 may be a hole instead of a through hole.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the detaining section 202 preferably has a positioning mechanism 2022 for engagement with the movable section 12, particularly at the periphery. Thereby, the cartridge unit 20 can be engaged with the movable part 12 at a desired position, and the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be crushed more reliably. In addition, when the engaging portion 121 is a fixture or the like having a buckle structure, the buckle portion 1211 can be configured to engage with the positioning mechanism 2022. In this case, the principle of leverage can be used. , the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be crushed with less force.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the surface (rear surface of FIG. 11 or 12) of the placement section 202 that does not have the plurality of support sections 13 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The holding part 202 preferably has a discharge hole 2023 for discharging the odor component. More preferably, there are a plurality of discharge holes 2023 , and it is particularly preferable that the number of discharge holes 2023 is the same as the number of cartridges 10 supported by the cartridge unit 20 . Moreover, it is preferable that the discharge hole 2023 is located at a position corresponding to the communication hole 130 of the support portion 13 . In this case, the airflow sent from the communication hole 130 can be discharged through the discharge hole 2023 .

When the detention part 202 has a discharge hole 2023, the detention part 202 preferably has at least a region 2024 without the discharge hole as shown in FIG. Thereby, for example, it is possible to form a positioning mechanism such as the projection 2021 or form a substrate, a substrate holder, or the like on the back surface of the region 2024 . In addition, the cartridge unit 20 is moved so that the surface of the release portion 140 on the inside of the housing faces the region 2024, and the region 2024 is made to function as a lid for preventing the release of the odor component to the outside of the housing. good too. Furthermore, on the substrate formed on the back surface of the region 2024, it is possible to arrange a switch or the like for detecting opening/closing between the movable portion 12 and the cartridge unit 20. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cartridge unit 20 may have a plurality of cartridges 10 preliminarily attached to a part or all of the support portions 13. In this case, the cartridge unit 20 may be partly or entirely supported. It may be distributed in a state in which a plurality of cartridges 10 are provided in advance in the portion 13 .

In addition, in this embodiment, the user can replace only the cartridge unit 20 when the odor inside the cartridge 10 is partially or entirely gone, or when a certain period of time has passed since the purchase of the cartridge unit 20. can be dealt with. Therefore, the cartridge unit 20 according to the present technology can be distributed alone. It is also possible to replace only some or all of the cartridges 10 in the cartridge unit 20 . Therefore, the cartridge 10 can also be distributed alone.

Furthermore, although not shown, the odor generating device 1 is not shown in the figure, but when the odor in the cartridge 10 is partially or completely eliminated, or when a certain period of time has passed since the purchase of the cartridge unit 20, the odor is eliminated. A disposal mechanism for discarding some or all of the cartridges 10 and the cartridge unit 20 may be provided.

(1-7) Others

As other parts, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a front storage section 14, a rear storage section 15, and although not shown, an information processing section, a storage section, and an analysis section.

A discharge part 140 that can communicate with the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20 is provided in the front storage part 14 . An airflow containing an odor component is discharged to the user through the discharge section 140 .

A fitting portion 150 that fits with the movable portion 12 is provided in the rear storage portion 15 . The fitting portion 150 is preferably configured to withstand the load applied to the cartridges 10 in the detachment/removal direction when the plurality of cartridges 10 are crushed.

In addition, the rear storage section 15 is provided with a drive mechanism section 151 . Furthermore, a board for energizing the drive mechanism section 151 or the like based on an instruction or the like from an information processing section (not shown) may be provided. The drive mechanism section 151 includes a drive mechanism housing section, and is connected to the operating shaft, which is a movable section, and the first shaft in the cartridge 10 to drive them. For example, the drive mechanism accommodating portion may have a cylindrical shape, but may be adapted to the shape of the cartridge 10 and formed in a columnar shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cubic shape, or the like.

The drive mechanism section 151 includes, inside the drive mechanism housing section, a plunger connected to the operating shaft, and a thin wire shape memory alloy SMA as a drive source for driving the plunger. A rear end of the pusher is fixed to a drive mechanism fixing portion provided at an internal rear end of the drive mechanism accommodating portion. Near the tip of the plunger, an SMA sliding portion is provided for folding and sliding the shape memory alloy SMA. The pusher is movable in the extension direction inside the drive mechanism accommodating portion by expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy SMA. The shape of the pusher is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that pushes the operating shaft, and may be cylindrical, conical, cylindrical, prismatic, or the like.

The pusher can be moved in the extension direction inside the drive mechanism housing by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy SMA. The shape of the pusher is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that pushes the operating shaft, and may be cylindrical, conical, cylindrical, prismatic, or the like.

The shape memory alloy SMA is folded back into a U-shape by the SMA sliding part provided near the tip of the plunger, passes through the inside of the plunger, and the driving mechanism fixing part where both ends are located at the rear end of the plunger. is fixed to Furthermore, the actuator, which is the drive source, is not limited to the shape memory alloy SMA. I wish I had. Here, the linear motion mechanism includes not only the case where one member moves in the linear direction, but also the case where a part of a plurality of members connected together moves in the linear direction.

The information processing section (not shown) is a section that controls each section of the odor generating device 1 . The form of the information processing unit is, for example, various devices having a user interface unit, and the user can give instructions to each unit via the user interface unit. Specifically, tablet terminals, wearable terminals, personal computer terminals, smartphones, and the like are listed.

The information processing unit is connected to the odor generating device 1 via a wired or wireless network. In this case, for example, when performing an olfactory test, a doctor, a nurse, a laboratory technician, or the like can instruct the release of a specific odor via the user interface unit. Further, in this case, a storage unit (not shown) may be provided for storing responses from the person to be inspected who has smelled the specific smell. It may also have an analysis unit (not shown) that performs analysis based on the answer. These storage unit and analysis unit can also be connected to the odor generator 1 via a wired or wireless network.

The information processing section, storage section, and analysis section may be included in the housing of the odor generating device 1, but may be outside the housing. Moreover, these are not essential components in this embodiment, and it is also possible to use an external device or the like.

The functions performed by each part of the odor generating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can be performed by a general-purpose computer, a control part including a CPU, a recording medium (for example, a non-volatile memory (for example, a USB memory, etc.), an HDD, a CD, etc.). etc.) can be stored as a program in a hardware resource and made to function. Also, the functions may be realized by a server computer or a cloud connected via a wired or wireless network.

(2) Operation example of the odor generator 1

The odor generating operation of the odor generating device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 16A , the drive mechanism section 151 receives an instruction through the information processing section or the like. Shrink while sliding through. Then, when the shape memory alloy SMA is contracted, the drive mechanism fixture connected to the end of the shape memory alloy SMA moves the plunger toward the cartridge 10 .

When the pusher moves in the direction of the cartridge 10, the operating shaft connected to the tip of the pusher pushes the first sealing lid 1012a toward the inside of the first ventilation portion 105a, and the inflow opening 101a is opened to allow the air to flow through. 1 flows into the ventilation part 105a. At this time, the first spring 1014a is compressed by the first sealing lid 1012a.

By pushing the first sealing lid 1012a toward the inside of the first ventilation portion 105a, the first shaft 1013a attached to the first sealing lid 1012a moves toward the second ventilation portion 105b. The first shaft 1013a pushes the second sealing lid 1012b toward the inside of the second ventilation portion 105b, and the air in the first ventilation portion 105a flows into the second ventilation portion 105b. At this time, the second spring 1014b is compressed by the second sealing lid 1012b.

The air that has flowed into the second ventilation section 105b mixes with the odor components retained in the odor retainer 104, and the odor component-containing air K is produced.

By pushing the second sealing lid 1012b toward the inside of the second ventilation portion 105b, the second shaft 1013b attached to the second sealing lid 1012b moves toward the third ventilation portion 105c. The second shaft 1013b pushes the third sealing lid 1012c toward the inside of the third ventilation portion 105c, and the air containing the odor component in the second ventilation portion 105b flows into the third ventilation portion 105c. At this time, the third spring 1014c is compressed by the third sealing lid 1012c.

Since the third ventilation section 105c communicates with the release opening 101b, the air K containing the odor component that has flowed into the third ventilation section 105c is discharged from the release opening 101b. Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, the air K containing the odor component flows through the discharge opening 101b, and passes through the communication hole 130 of the support portion 13 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20 to the front storage portion 14. It is discharged from the discharge part 140 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 16C, after the odor component-containing air is released to the outside, the electromotive force of the actuator is cut off. By returning to the position, the first sealing lid 1012a is also returned to its original position by the restoring force of the contracted first spring 1014a. The second sealing lid 1012b is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the second spring 1014b, and the third sealing lid 1012c is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the third spring 1014c.

The sliding capping mechanism of the first sealing lid 1012a, the second sealing lid 1012b, and the third sealing lid 1012c can seal the first ventilation section 105a and the second ventilation section 105b.

It should be noted that the drive mechanism section 151 is a mechanism that does not apply a load to the shape memory alloy SMA in a non-energized state. Further, in the present embodiment, the shape memory alloy SMA is used as an example, but it is not limited to this, and an elastic body or the like that can move the pusher in the front-rear direction may be used.

Then, if necessary, by energizing the actuator, for example, the cartridge unit 20 is rotationally driven, and the support section 13 that supports the next cartridge 10 having a specific odor is arranged in the vicinity of the release section 140 .

2. Second embodiment (odor generator 1)

(1) Configuration example of the odor generator 1

A configuration example of the odor generating device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a modification of the odor generator 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

(1-1) Overall configuration

The odor generating device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding portion 11, a movable portion 12, a support portion 13, a cartridge unit 20, a discharge portion 140 and a front storage portion 14 having a communication hole 141, It has a back storage portion 15 having a drive mechanism portion 151 , a contact portion 16 and a deodorizing portion 17 . In addition, an information processing section, a storage section, an analysis section, and the like may be included as necessary. 17 shows a state in which the movable portion 12 having a plurality of holding portions 11 and the driving mechanism portion 151 are already engaged with the rear storage portion 15 in order from the upper surface side (front storage portion 14 side). ing.
Each part will be described in detail below.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, holding portion 11, movable portion 12, support portion 13, cartridge unit 20, and drive mechanism portion 151 are the same as those described above, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

(1-2) Front storage section 14

The front storage section 14 has a communication hole 141 that communicates with the deodorizing section 17 described later, in addition to the discharge section 140 that can communicate with the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20 . Thereby, the air containing the residual odor can be guided to the deodorizing section 17 . The form of the communication hole 141 is not particularly limited, and can be formed in accordance with the form of the deodorizing section 17 or the like.

(1-3) Contact portion 16

The contact portion 16 is a portion that is screwed into and comes into contact with the housing including the movable portion 12 and the cartridge unit 20 .

The form of the contact portion 16 is not particularly limited. For example, when the contact portion 16 is a lead screw, a housing provided with the movable portion 12 and the cartridge unit 20 is driven by a driving motor or an external force applied by a user. A threaded groove 162 of the lead screw is pressed against a threaded protrusion 161 formed in the center of the lead screw. Accordingly, when the crushing mechanism C is a mechanism for crushing the glass tube 102 by bringing the cartridge 10 having the convex portion C2 into contact with the pressing portion C1 of the holding portion 11, the contact portion 16 is used to crush the glass tube 102. An external force for fitting the cartridge unit 20 having the cartridge 10 to the movable portion 12 having the plurality of holding portions 11 can be applied, and the force required for breaking the plurality of glass tubes 102 can be assisted.

The material forming the contact portion 16 is also not particularly limited, and examples thereof include organic polymer materials, acrylic resins, urethane resins, ABS resins, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resins, polyacetal (POM) resins, fluororesins, and cycloolefin polymers. One or two or more of resins, polymer resins such as polyimide resins, metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and the like may be used.

(1-4) Deodorizing section 17

The deodorizing part 17 is a part that deodorizes air containing residual odor components.

For example, the deodorizing part 17 is arranged so as to face the surface of the front storage part 14 on the inside of the housing as shown in FIG. 17 . The deodorizing section 17 can operate in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the rotating direction, and the power source of the deodorizing section 17 may be an actuator or airflow.

Although the form of the deodorizing part 17 is not particularly limited, it may have a filter structure. A slit structure or the like having a gas adsorption structure itself can be applied. Further, the slit structure may be a linear slit, a honeycomb structure, or a structure in which a substantially circular shape or a substantially square shape is divided by a plurality of straight lines so that each area is equally spaced.

3. Third embodiment (odor generator 1)

(1) Configuration example of the odor generator 1

A configuration example of the odor generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a modification of the odor generator 1 according to the first and second embodiments described above.

(1-1) Overall configuration

The odor generating device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding portion 11, a movable portion 12, a support portion 13, a cartridge unit 20, a discharge portion 140 and a front storage portion 14 having a communication hole 141, It has a rear housing portion 15 having a drive mechanism portion 151 , a contact portion 16 , a deodorizing portion 17 , and a position adjusting portion 18 . In addition, an information processing section, a storage section, an analysis section, and the like may be included as necessary. Note that FIG. 18 shows a state in which each part has already been engaged with the rear storage part 15 .
Each part will be described in detail below.

In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, the holding portion 11, the movable portion 12, the support portion 13, the cartridge unit 20, the ejection portion 140, the communication hole 141, the front storage portion 14, the driving mechanism portion 151, the rear storage portion 15, Since the contact portion 16 and the deodorizing portion 17 are the same as those described above, their description is omitted here.

(1-2) Position adjuster 18

The position adjustment section 18 is a section that can adjust the positions of the release section 140 and the guide section (not shown) that guides the airflow containing the odor component near the user's nose.

Although the form of the position adjusting part 18 is not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIG. The angle can be adjusted freely, and you can smell the scent in a comfortable posture. With such a configuration, the user can sniff the scent without bending the neck. can smell. Other forms of the position adjustment unit 18 include, for example, a jack (including mechanical type, liquid-actuated type, and air-actuated type), a stand supported by a rod, a plate-shaped member, a shape memory material, or the like, a flip mechanism, and the like. be done. Also, as the position adjusting section 18, a plurality of jacks, stands, and the like may be provided.

It should be noted that the position adjusting section 18 can adjust the position of the housing so that the holding section 202 of the cartridge unit 20 is substantially horizontal with the installation surface when the cartridge unit 20 is replaced. This facilitates replacement of the cartridge unit 20 and improves usability. Further, when the cartridge unit 20 is engaged with the movable part 12 to break the plurality of glass tubes 102, the user can easily apply an external force by adjusting the position of the housing.

4. Application example of the odor generator 1

An example of using the odor generating device 1 according to the present technology as an olfactory inspection system or an olfactory training system will be described below.

The olfactory test system according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a conventionally known olfactory test method such as the T&T olfactometer method used in Japan, an olfactory test method used overseas, or may be developed in the future. It can be applied to various olfactory test methods, including new olfactory test methods.

The olfactory training system according to the present embodiment can be applied, for example, to training in which several kinds of scents are smelled for a predetermined period of time and a predetermined number of times. .

The operation of the olfactory test or the olfactory test of the olfactory training system will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, an examiner such as a doctor, nurse, or laboratory technician instructs the subject to display the examination procedure using the information processing unit (S1). In this embodiment, not only the examiner but also the subject may be provided with an information processing unit such as various devices having a user interface unit. Next, the inspector determines the odor (olfactory element) to be emitted to the person to be inspected, and instructs the odor generator 1 via the information processing section. At this time, the driving mechanism section 151 that has received the instruction releases the odor according to the operation example of the odor generating device 1 described above (S3).

Next, when the release of the odor is completed (S4), the information processing section receives the response from the subject, and the storage section stores the response (S5). Next, the inspector determines whether or not to carry out the next inspection (S6), and if Yes, returns to step S2 to determine the next odor. In the case of No, the inspection is terminated as it is.

Note that the following configuration can also be adopted in the present technology.
[1]
a cartridge holding a glass tube containing an odor component;
a holding unit having a crushing mechanism for breaking the plurality of glass tubes;
An odor generator.
[2]
The cartridge has a convex portion that transmits an external force to the glass tube,
The odor generating device according to [1], wherein the crushing mechanism has a pressing portion capable of pressing the convex portion.
[3]
The odor generating device according to [2], wherein the pressing portion breaks the plurality of glass tubes step by step.
[4]
The odor generating device according to [3], wherein the pressing portion is provided stepwise in the mounting and demounting direction of the cartridge.
[5]
The odor generating device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a movable portion having a plurality of holding portions.
[6]
The odor generating device according to [5], wherein the movable portion includes a plurality of holding portions arranged in parallel.
[7]
The odor generating device according to [5] or [6], further comprising a support for supporting the plurality of cartridges.
[8]
The odor generating device according to [7], wherein the support section has a fixing section that fixes the movement of the cartridge in the mounting/removing direction.
[9]
The odor generating device according to [8], wherein the supporting portion is movable in a planar direction perpendicular to the attachment/detachment direction.
[10]
The odor generating device according to [7], wherein the movable portion has an engaging portion that engages with a cartridge unit having a plurality of the supporting portions.
[11]
The odor generating device according to [10], which has a contact portion that is screwed into and comes into contact with a housing provided with the movable portion and the cartridge unit.
[12]
a plurality of cartridges holding glass tubes containing odor components;
a support that supports the plurality of cartridges;
A cartridge unit for an odor generator.
[13]
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to [12], which supports a plurality of the cartridges in parallel.
[14]
The cartridge for an odor generator according to [12] or [13], wherein a plurality of the cartridges are annularly supported.
[15]
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to any one of [12] to [14], further comprising a retention section for retaining the plurality of support sections.
[16]
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to [15], wherein the holding section supports a plurality of the cartridges in a multi-circular shape in plan view.
[17]
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to [15] or [16], wherein the retaining portion has a positioning mechanism on its periphery.
[18]
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to [15], wherein the retention section has a discharge hole for discharging the odor component.
[19]
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to [18], wherein the retaining portion has a region without the discharge hole.

1: odor generating device 10: cartridge 11: holding portion 110: space 111: communication hole C1: pressing portion C2: convex portion 12: movable portion 120: hole 121: engaging portion 1211: buckle portion 1212: buckle fixing portion 13 : Support part 130: Communication hole 131: Positioning mechanism 132: Fixing part 133: Slide rail 14: Front storage part 140: Release part 141: Communication hole 15: Rear storage part 151: Drive mechanism part 16: Contact part 161: Screw Protruding portion 162: screw groove 17: deodorizing portion 18: position adjusting portion 20: cartridge unit for odor generator 202: retaining portion 2020: hole 2021: protrusion 2022: positioning mechanism 2023: discharge hole 2024: region without discharge hole

Claims

a cartridge holding a glass tube containing an odor component;
a holding unit having a crushing mechanism for breaking the plurality of glass tubes;
An odor generator.
The cartridge has a convex portion that transmits an external force to the glass tube,
The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein the crushing mechanism has a pressing portion capable of pressing the convex portion.
The odor generating device according to claim 2, wherein the pressing part breaks the plurality of glass tubes step by step.
The odor generating device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing portion is provided stepwise in the mounting and demounting direction of the cartridge.
The odor generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a movable part having a plurality of said holding parts.
The odor generating device according to claim 5, wherein the movable section includes a plurality of holding sections arranged in parallel.
The odor generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a support for supporting a plurality of said cartridges.
The odor generating device according to claim 7, wherein the support section has a fixing section that fixes movement of the cartridge in the detachment direction.
The odor generating device according to claim 8, wherein the support part is movable in a planar direction perpendicular to the attachment/detachment direction.
The odor generating device according to claim 7, wherein the movable portion has an engaging portion that engages with a cartridge unit having a plurality of the supporting portions.
The odor generating device according to claim 10, wherein the engaging portion has a contact portion that is screwed into and contacts a housing provided with the movable portion and the cartridge unit.
a plurality of cartridges holding glass tubes containing odor components;
a support that supports the plurality of cartridges;
A cartridge unit for an odor generator.
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of said cartridges are supported in parallel.
The cartridge unit for an odor generator according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of said cartridges are annularly supported.
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to claim 12, further comprising a holding section for holding a plurality of said support sections.
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to claim 15, wherein the detention section supports a plurality of the cartridges in a multiple annular shape in plan view.
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to claim 15, wherein the retaining section has a positioning mechanism on its periphery.
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to claim 15, wherein the retaining portion has a discharge hole for discharging the odor component.
The cartridge unit for an odor generating device according to claim 18, wherein the retaining portion has a region without the discharge hole.