JP6759819B2 - Functional component release device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a functional component release device capable of controlling the release amount of the functional component.

A functional component release device that releases a functional component into a room has been developed for the purpose of making the room such as a vehicle, a house, or a storage room more comfortable. The functional component is released toward the occupant in order to promote attention, awakening, relaxation of tension, etc., for example, in the vehicle interior.

As described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the functional component is generally stored as a liquid or a solid, vaporized, mixed with a transport air flow such as air, and released into a room. .. By bringing the airflow into contact with the functional component and vaporizing it in contact with the functional component, a transport flow containing the functional component can be generated. In order to promote the vaporization of the functional component, in addition to the contact vaporization, heating vaporization for heating the functional component, ultrasonic atomization by ultrasonic waves, or the like can also be performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-8944 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-97736

When the functional component is used for the purpose of calling attention or the like, the functional component releasing device needs to release the functional component in a timely manner. However, if the functional component is excessively released, the functional component may be adsorbed indoors, and may remain due to being adsorbed indoors when the functional component releasing device does not release the functional component. In particular, when the threshold value of the functional component (the lower limit of the concentration acting on a person) is low, the functional component remaining in the room may cause an erroneous effect on the occupant when the functional component release device is stopped.

In view of the above, the present inventors aim to provide a functional component release device capable of controlling the release amount of the functional component.

The functional component discharge device of the present invention includes an air supply unit that generates an air flow, a generating unit that stores the functional component and generates a transport flow in which the functional component is mixed as a gas in the air flow, and the transport flow. It is provided with a release unit that discharges into the room after condensing and removing a part of the functional component inside.

According to the functional component discharging device of the present invention, a transport flow in which the functional component is mixed as a gas is generated in the air flow at the generating part. At the discharge part, a part of the functional component in the transport flow is condensed and removed. By removing an excessive amount of the functional component in the discharge part, an appropriate amount of the functional component can be released in a timely manner, so that it is possible to suppress the remaining of the functional component in the room and to release the functional component in a timely manner. And it can work properly.

In the functional component release device of the present invention, the release unit may store the functional component that has been condensed and removed. The functional components stored in the discharge section can be mixed with the transport flow to be discharged into the room as needed, and the functional components can be used without waste. In particular, when a functional component having a low threshold value is used, it is necessary to adjust the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow generated at the generation part to be extremely low, and the amount of the functional component to be condensed at the discharge part. Will increase. Therefore, since the functional components condensed in the discharge portion can be stored and used, a more remarkable effect can be obtained in terms of cost and the like. For example, a transport flow containing a functional component is generated in a pulse shape at a generation part, and most of the functional components are condensed and stored in the discharge part, and then the functional component stored in the discharge part is gradually transferred. By mixing with and releasing it into the room, a low concentration of the functional component can be continuously released into the room, and the functional component can be utilized without waste.

In the functional component discharge device of the present invention, the discharge part may expand the transport flow supplied to the discharge part. By expanding the transport flow at the discharge portion, the transport flow is cooled, and the functional components in the transport flow can be condensed and removed.

The functional component release device of the present invention may further include a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the release unit. By cooling the transport flow in the discharge section by the temperature control unit, the functional components in the transport flow can be condensed and removed. Further, by controlling the temperature of the discharge unit using the temperature control unit, the amount of the functional component condensed in the discharge unit can be adjusted more precisely.

In the functional component release device of the present invention, the release unit may further include a valve for discharging the functional component in the release unit to the outside of the room. For example, by opening and closing the valve, the functional component in the release unit can be released to the outside of the vehicle or the like in a timely manner. For example, by setting the valve to be in the open state when the functional component release device is stopped, the excess functional component in the release unit can be released to the outside when the functional component release device is stopped.

In the functional component discharge device of the present invention, the dilution flow path that supplies the airflow from the air supply unit to the flow path connecting the generation part and the discharge part, and the flow path that is supplied from the air supply part to the generation part. A flow rate control mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the air flow and the flow rate of the air flow supplied from the air supply unit to the dilution flow path may be further provided. By supplying the air flow from the dilution flow path, the transport flow flowing into the discharge portion can be easily diluted.

The functional component release device of the present invention may further include a pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of the transport flow supplied to the release unit. By controlling the pressure of the transport flow using the pressure control mechanism, the amount of the functional component condensed in the discharge portion can be easily adjusted.

The present invention can also provide a functional component cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the air supply unit that generates the above-mentioned air flow. The functional component cartridge of the present invention can be attached to and detached from an air supply unit that generates an air flow, and has a generation unit that stores the functional component and generates a transport flow in which the functional component is mixed as a gas in the air flow. It is provided with a discharge unit that condenses and removes a part of the functional component in the transport flow and then releases it into the room. By replacing the functional component cartridge, the functional component can be easily replaced or replenished. In addition, by replacing the functional component cartridge, the generating part and the discharging part, which are the flow paths for the transport flow containing the functional component, can be easily replaced, so that the functionality before replacement when the type of the functional component is changed. It is possible to prevent the component from being mixed with the functional component after replacement and released.

The functional component cartridge of the present invention may be a housing having a recess for accommodating a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the discharge unit. By accommodating the temperature control unit in the recess of the housing, the functional component cartridge can be reliably mounted on the air supply unit or the like at the correct position.

It is a figure which conceptually shows the functional component release device of an Example. It is a figure which shows the structure in the cartridge of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment / detachment of the cartridge of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a figure which conceptually shows the generation part of the functional component discharge device which concerns on a modification. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG. It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the valve installed in the discharge part outlet flow path of the functional component discharge device of FIG.

The functional component releasing device according to the present invention can be used as a device for releasing functional components into a vehicle, a dwelling, a storage room, an exhibition room, a laboratory device, or the like. The functional component discharge device according to the present invention stores an air supply unit that generates an air flow and a functional component, and mixes the functional component as a gas with the air flow from the air supply unit to generate a transport flow. It includes a generation part and a discharge part that condenses and removes a part of the functional component in the transport flow and then releases it into the room.

≪Functional ingredient≫
The functional component may be any component that exhibits a function according to the intended use. For example, when acting on a person or an animal in a vehicle or a dwelling room, for example, it promotes a favorable action according to the activity status such as relaxation of tension (relaxation effect) and improvement of concentration and arousal (refresh effect). Ingredients, aromatic components having various aromas suitable for taste, and the like can be used. In addition, for example, components that maintain the freshness of vegetables and fruits in the storage room, components that ripen fruits and the like, components that are effective in preservatives, antifungals, sterilization, deodorization, etc. may be used. it can. Further, for example, an odor component such as a flower or a fruit displayed on an image displayed on a display can be used. Functional components are those that can be released by air flow regardless of whether they are solids, liquids, or gases, and do not necessarily have an odor that can be recognized by the sense of smell of humans or animals. Even if they are odorless, they are ingested through the nose and mouth. , It may be a component that exerts a favorable action on humans and animals according to the activity situation. Further, the type and concentration of the functional component may be controlled according to the surrounding environment, the operating conditions of the device, and the like. For example, when releasing functional components to the occupants in the vehicle interior, effective components are automatically switched and released according to position information such as car navigation, traffic congestion information, driving data, and observation data measured by humans. You can also do it.

≪Air supply part≫
As the air supply unit, a means for generating an air flow such as a pump or a blower can be used, and a means for generating an air flow such as an existing air conditioner system (air conditioner blower or the like) may be used.

≪Generation part≫
The generation part stores the functional component, and the vaporized functional component is mixed with the air flow from the air supply part. By circulating the airflow to the generating part and bringing it into contact with the functional component, the vaporized functional component is mixed with the airflow and becomes a transport flow. The functional component is preferably stored in a container as a solid or a liquid, and when the functional component is stored as a liquid, it can be immobilized by a porous material, a fiber bundle having a fine structure, or the like. The functional component can be released into the air flow by volatilization, heating, vaporization by ultrasonic vibration, or the like. The generation unit may include a storage unit for storing functional components and a distribution unit through which airflow flows, and the storage unit and the distribution unit may be separated by a gas permeable membrane. Examples of the gas permeable membrane include a reverse osmosis membrane, a membrane filter, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, and a silicon membrane. The generating unit may include a concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the functional component released into the air flow. For example, a volatile component supply device as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-0081944 by the present inventor can be used as the concentration adjusting means. Further, the inflow path of the airflow from the air supply portion may be opened in the storage portion of the functional component, or the airflow may be bubbled in the functional component. In addition, the generating unit may contain two or more types of functional components, and the type of the released functional component may be appropriately changed, or the two or more types of functional components may be mixed at an appropriate mixing ratio. It may be configured to be released at the same time.

≪Discharge part≫
In the discharge section, a part of the functional components in the transport flow flowing from the generation section is condensed and removed, and then discharged into the room. The discharge unit may condense a part of the functional components in the transport flow by cooling the transport flow. For example, the discharge unit may be cooled by expanding the transport flow. In this case, the discharge unit can be configured as, for example, a container having a sufficiently large volume with respect to the flow path connecting the generation unit and the discharge unit, and with such a configuration, the transport flow flows into the discharge unit. As a result, it expands and is cooled, and a part of the functional components contained in the transport flow is condensed and removed from the transport flow. When the transport flow is expanded and cooled in the discharge section, the functional component discharge device is provided with a pressure control mechanism described later, and is configured to be able to control the pressure of the transport flow supplied to the discharge section. preferable. Further, the discharge part may be cooled by using a means for cooling the discharge part such as the temperature control part described later, and a part of the functional components in the transport flow may be condensed. The transport stream may be cooled in the discharge section by a plurality of cooling means. For example, a container in which the discharge unit expands the transport flow can be further cooled by the temperature control unit described later.

The release section may be a container capable of containing the functional components that have been condensed and removed from the transport stream. In this case, if necessary, the functional component stored in the release section may be vaporized and mixed with the transport flow discharged from the release section. After storing the functional component in the release section, the supply of the functional component from the generation section was stopped or suppressed, and a part or all of the functional component in the transport flow to be released into the room was stored in the release section. It may be covered by functional ingredients. When the threshold value of the functional component is remarkably low and the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow generated at the generation part is significantly higher than the threshold value, a pulse-like transport flow is generated at the generation part and the transport flow is changed. After condensing and storing the contained functional components in the discharge section, an air flow is circulated in the release section to mix the functional components stored in the release section to generate a transport flow to be discharged into the room. Is preferable.

The discharge unit may further include a valve that opens and closes a flow path for discharging the conveyed flow into the room. By opening and closing the valve, the functional components in the release section can be released into the room in a timely manner. This valve may be, for example, an on-off valve controlled by a control means or the like, or an on-off valve that opens and closes according to the pressure of the transport flow. Further, the flow path that discharges the transport flow into the room may be provided with a sensor that can detect the flow rate, temperature, concentration of functional components in the transport flow, and the like, and the control means is this sensor. Each configuration of the functional component release device may be controlled based on the detected value of. In addition, the functional component discharge device of the present invention may include a cleaning mechanism that is connected to the outlet of the discharge unit and circulates an air flow through a flow path that opens into a room such as a vehicle interior to clean the inside of the flow path. For example, the cleaning mechanism may include a cleaning airflow supply path that supplies airflow to the cleaning flow path and a decompression mechanism that reduces the pressure inside the cleaning flow path. When the functional component release device is mounted on the vehicle, for example, the intake air (engine intake air, differential pressure during travel, etc.) accompanying the traveling of the vehicle can be used as the decompression mechanism. The cleaning mechanism may be further configured to allow airflow to flow through the discharge section for cleaning.

Further, the functional component discharge device of the present invention may further include a dilution flow path for supplying the air flow from the air supply part to the flow path connecting the generation part and the discharge part. In this case, the functional component discharge device further includes a flow rate control mechanism that adjusts the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit to the generation unit and the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit to the dilution flow path. Is preferable. The flow rate control mechanism may be, for example, a distribution valve provided downstream of the air supply section and upstream of the generation section and the dilution flow path. By distributing the airflow from the air supply section to the generation section side and the dilution channel side at a desired distribution ratio by the distribution valve, the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow flowing into the discharge section can be adjusted. Alternatively, for example, by installing a resistance portion in the flow path on the generation portion side or the dilution flow path, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the air flow or the transport flow flowing in each flow path. Further, when the supply of the functional component from the generation part is stopped and the transport flow in which the functional component stored in the discharge part is mixed with the air flow supplied to the discharge part is discharged into the room, the dilution flow path is changed. It can also be used as a flow path for supplying the air flow from the air supply part (air flow in which the functional components are not mixed) to the discharge part. The dilution channel can also be used as a cleaning airflow supply path in the cleaning mechanism described above. Further, in order to prevent the functional component from entering the air supply part and the dilution flow path, the functional component is removed by adsorption or the like between the air supply part and the generation part or near the downstream end of the dilution flow path. Means may be installed.

≪Pressure control mechanism≫
The functional component discharge device according to the present invention may include a pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of the transport flow supplied to the discharge unit. For example, a resistance portion can be installed in the dilution flow path or the flow path connecting the generation part and the discharge part to control the pressure of the air flow or the transport flow flowing through these flow paths. These resistance portions may be composed of variable resistors whose flow path resistance before and after passage can be adjusted.

≪Temperature control unit≫
The functional component discharge device according to the present invention may include a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the discharge unit. It is preferable that the temperature control unit can switch between cooling and heating of the discharge unit, and a Peltier element or the like can be preferably used. The temperature control unit can promote the condensation of the functional component by cooling the release unit, and can promote the vaporization of the functional component stored in the release unit by heating the release unit. By controlling the temperature of the discharge section, the amount of functional components condensed in the discharge section can be adjusted more precisely. When the condensed functional component is stored in the discharge unit, it is preferable that the temperature control unit is installed in a positional relationship in which the side where the functional component of the discharge unit is stored can be heated. The temperature control unit may be further installed in a positional relationship in which the temperature of the generation unit can be controlled. For example, the temperature control unit may be configured to be able to heat the generation unit at the same time when the temperature control unit cools the discharge unit. Good.

≪Control means≫
The functional component releasing device according to the present invention may further include a control means for changing the type and concentration of the functional component to be released according to the surrounding environment, the operating conditions of the device, and the like. For example, the type of the functional component can be changed by controlling the generation part to change the functional component in contact with the air flow. Further, for example, by controlling the air supply unit, the above-mentioned distribution valve, the resistance unit, the temperature control unit, and the like, the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow discharged from the discharge unit into the room can be controlled. The control means may be installed exclusively for the functional component release device, or may use a control means for controlling a device or the like for installing the functional component release device such as a storage or an air conditioner. ..

To explain more specifically by exemplifying the case where the functional component release device is installed in the vehicle, for example, the functional component to be released may be changed according to the driving environment information or the observation state of the occupant. More specifically, the control means is mounted on the vehicle and connected to an in-vehicle device or device such as a radio, an AV device, or a car navigation system, and the functional component is based on the information input from the device or device. The functional components introduced into the transport stream of the discharge device may be changed. For example, using information such as music from radios and AV equipment, and location information from car navigation, etc., switch to functional components suitable for the driving scene, such as winding roads in mountainous areas and straight roads along the coastline. Can be released. In addition, for example, it has the effect of maintaining a comfortable driving state by judging the driver's psychological, physical fatigue, arousal state, etc. from traffic jam information, driving data, observation data measured by humans such as a vehicle interior camera, and the like. It is also possible to select a functional component, introduce it into the transport stream, and release it to the driver who needs it.

Further, the above-mentioned control means may be incorporated into the air conditioning system of the vehicle and operated integrally with the air conditioning system. In that case, the flow path of the airflow from the air conditioner blower is used as the air conditioner outlet so that part or all of the airflow from the air conditioner blower is taken into the functional component discharge device and the appearance of the vehicle interior is not spoiled. It may be shared or merged inside or around the air outlet.

≪Functional component cartridge≫
A part of the functional component discharging device of the present invention may be configured as a functional component cartridge that can be easily attached and detached. This cartridge can be detachably configured, for example, from the air supply unit that generates the above-mentioned air flow. The functional component cartridge preferably includes the above-mentioned generating part and discharging part. The functional component can be easily replenished by replacing the functional component cartridge. In addition, by replacing the functional component cartridge, the generating part and the discharging part, which are the flow paths for the transport flow containing the functional component, can be easily replaced, so that the functionality before replacement when the type of the functional component is changed. It is possible to prevent the component from being mixed with the functional component after replacement and released. A dilution channel may be further housed in the functional component cartridge. An easily removable connector is provided in the flow path that connects the part that is not housed in the functional component cartridge such as the air supply part and the part that is housed in the cartridge such as the generating part. It is preferred that these connectors allow each flow path to be easily connected or separated during replacement.

(Example)
The functional component discharge device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an air supply unit 111, a generation unit 240, a discharge unit 250, a control unit 10, a temperature control unit 30, a cleaning unit 40, and a substrate 50. .. The functional component discharge device 1 is installed inside the air outlet of the air conditioner installed in the vehicle, and the air supply unit 111 is a pump that pumps the air flow from the air conditioner blower to the pipeline 101 side. The control unit 10 and the temperature control unit 30 are separated from each other and fixed to the substrate 50. The generating unit 240 and the discharging unit 250 are housed in the cartridge 20. The cleaning unit 40 is connected to the pipeline 401 via the switching valve 411.

The air supply unit 111 and the distribution valve 112 are connected by a pipe line 101. The distribution valve 112 distributes the airflow from the pipeline 101 to the pipeline 102 and the pipeline 103 in a desired distribution ratio. A flow rate sensor 131 is provided in the pipeline 102, and a male connector 114 is provided at the downstream end thereof. A flow rate sensor 132 is provided in the pipeline 103, and a male connector 115 is provided at the downstream end thereof. The air supply unit 111, the distribution valve 112, and the pipelines 101 to 103 are provided in the casing in which the control unit 10 is housed, and are fixed to the substrate 50.

The generation unit 240 is a container sealed with respect to the outside air, and includes a distribution unit 241 through which airflow flows and a storage unit 242 for storing functional components, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The distribution unit 241 and the storage unit 242 are separated by a gas permeable membrane 243. The storage unit 242 contains functional components having a boiling point of up to about 300 ° C. The functional component vaporizes, passes through the gas permeable membrane 243, and moves to the distribution section 241. A pipeline 203 is connected to the upstream side of the distribution unit 241 and a pipeline 205 is connected to the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 1, the pipelines 203 and 205 penetrate the upper surface of the generating portion 240 and open into the distribution portion 241. A female connector 215 that can be connected to the male connector 115 is provided at the upstream end of the pipeline 203. The pipeline 203 is further provided with an adsorption layer 234. The adsorption layer 234 is filled with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the functional component stored in the storage unit 242, and suppresses the functional component from entering the pipeline 203 side from the generation unit 240. The pipeline 205 is provided with a resistance portion 236 and a valve 245 connected downstream of the resistance portion 236. On the downstream side of the valve 245, the line 205 is connected to the line 206. A resistance portion 251 is provided in the pipeline 206. On the downstream side of the resistance portion 251 the pipeline 206 is connected to the discharge portion 250. The resistance portions 236 and 251 are variable resistance tubes whose flow path length can be controlled. The pipeline 202 is an example of a dilution flow path, and the distribution valve 112 is supplied to the dilution channel (pipeline 202) from the flow rate of the air flow supplied from the air supply unit 111 to the generation unit 240 and from the air supply unit 111. This is an example of a flow control mechanism that adjusts the flow rate of the air flow. The pipeline 202 is provided with a female connector 214 that can be connected to the male connector 114 at its upstream end, and its downstream end is connected to the upstream end of the pipeline 206 and the downstream end of the pipeline 205. Further, the resistance portion 235, the suction layer 237 and the valve 246 are further provided in the pipeline 202 in this order from the upstream side. The adsorption layer 237 is filled with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the functional component stored in the storage unit 242, and suppresses the functional component from entering the pipeline 202 side from the pipelines 205 and 206. .. The resistance section 235 is a variable resistance tube whose flow path length can be controlled. The resistance units 235, 236, 251 are an example of a pressure control mechanism that controls the pressure of the transport flow supplied to the discharge unit 250. The resistance units 235 and 236 serve as a flow rate control mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit 111 to the generation unit 240 and the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit 111 to the dilution flow path (pipeline 202). It can also be used.

The discharge unit 250 is a container that is hermetically sealed to the outside air and, as shown in FIG. 1, is smaller than the generator 240 and has a sufficiently larger volume than the pipe line 206 and the like. Valves 245 and 246 for preventing backflow and pipeline 206 are connected to the upstream side of the discharge portion 250, and pipeline 207 is connected to the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 1, the pipelines 206 and 207 penetrate the upper surface of the discharge portion 250 and open into the discharge portion 250. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the pipeline 206 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the pipeline 207. A valve 252 is provided in the pipe line 207 outside the discharge portion 250, and a male connector 253 is provided at the downstream end. The valve 252 is an example of a valve that opens and closes the flow path (pipeline 207) of the transport flow discharged into the room. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the valve 252 includes a cylindrical portion 601 and a circular tube portion 602 arranged inside the cylindrical portion 601 and a disk-shaped lid portion 603 that covers the opening of the circular tube portion 602. ing. The lid portion 603 is attached to the support portion 604 fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 601 by a screw 605. The valve 252 is a so-called check valve, and the internal pressure of the discharge portion 250 exceeds the pressure in the pipeline 207 to open the valve by lifting the lid portion 603, and the internal pressure of the discharge portion 250 is equal to or lower than the pressure in the pipeline 207. The valve closes when it becomes low. The threshold value of the internal pressure when opening and closing the valve 252 can be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the lid portion 603 and the like. The pipelines 202 to 207, the resistance portions 235, 236, 251 and the suction layers 234, 237 and the valve 252 are housed in the cartridge 20. If necessary, flow rate sensors 131 and 132 may be provided in the pipelines 101 and 103. Further, the control unit 10 may control the distribution valve 112 based on the detected values of the flow rate sensors 131 and 132.

The cleaning unit 40 can clean the functional components adsorbed or retained in the discharge unit 250 and the pipeline 207. The cleaning unit 40 includes pipelines 401 and 402 and a valve 411. A female connector 453 that can be connected to the male connector 253 is provided at the upstream end of the pipeline 401. The downstream side of the pipeline 401 is fixed in a duct connected to the air conditioner outlet, and the downstream end thereof opens toward the air conditioner outlet. The pipeline 402 relays to the pipeline 401 and is connected to a decompression mechanism (not shown) via a valve 411. The decompression mechanism is a decompression mechanism that utilizes the intake pressure difference generated when the vehicle is running and the intake pressure difference of the engine, and the inside of the pipelines 401 and 402 can be depressurized by opening the valve 411. Further, in order to perform cleaning efficiently, a valve 261 may be provided in the discharge unit 250. The side opposite to the release 250 of the valve 261 is open to the atmosphere outside the vehicle. By opening the valve 261 the excess functional component in the release section 250 can be disposed of in the air outside the vehicle.

The temperature control unit 30 is a Peltier element, and can switch between heating and cooling the surface 311 and the surface 312 shown in FIG. When the surface 311 is high temperature, the surface 312 becomes low temperature, and when the surface 311 is low temperature, the surface 312 becomes high temperature. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge 20 is a housing having a recess 23 that opens on the surface 20a side. When the cartridge 20 is mounted so that the temperature control unit 30 is housed in the recess 23 with the surface 20a facing the substrate 50, the male connector 114 and the female connector 214 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. Pipeline 202 is connected. Further, the male connector 115 and the female connector 215 are connected, and the pipeline 103 and the pipeline 203 are connected. Further, the male connector 253 and the female connector 453 are connected, and the pipeline 207 and the pipeline 401 are connected. The discharge unit 250 is arranged on the surface 311 side of the temperature control unit 30, and the generation unit 240 is arranged on the surface 312 side. By accommodating the temperature control unit 30 in the recess 23 of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 can be reliably mounted at the correct position.

The control unit 10 controls the air supply unit 111, the distribution valve 112, the resistance unit 235, 236, 251 and the temperature control unit 30 to control the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow discharged from the discharge unit into the room. Control. The control unit 10 controls the air flow rate of the air flow in the air supply unit 111, the distribution ratio in the distribution valve 112, and the flow path resistance of the resistance units 235, 236, 251 to flow the air flow through the pipelines 202 and 203. And the pressure, the flow rate of the transport flow through the pipelines 205, 206, the pressure and the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow can be controlled. For example, the control unit 10 controls the distribution valve 112 to control the distribution ratio of the airflow flowing through the pipeline 203 and the pipeline 202, thereby adjusting the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow flowing into the discharge unit 250. Can be adjusted. If the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the pipeline 202 is distributed more, the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow flowing into the discharge unit 250 can be lowered. Further, the control unit 10 lowers the flow path resistance of the resistance unit 235 and raises the flow path resistance of the resistance unit 236 to lower the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow flowing into the discharge unit 250. You can also do it. Further, if the control unit 10 controls the flow path resistance of the resistance units 236 and 251 to be small, the amount of the functional component vaporized by the generation unit 240 can be increased. Further, the control unit 10 can control the amount of vaporization of the functional component by controlling the temperature control unit 30 to heat or cool the generation unit 240. The pipeline 401 may be provided with a sensor capable of detecting the flow rate, temperature, concentration of functional components in the transport flow, etc., and the control unit supplies air based on the detection value of this sensor. The unit 111, the distribution valve 112, the resistance units 235, 236, 251 and the temperature control unit 30 may be controlled.

When the control unit 10 controls the air supply unit 111, the distribution valve 112, and the resistance units 235, 236, 251 to control the pressure of the transport flow flowing through the pipeline 206 and flows into the discharge unit 250 from the pipeline 206. The transport flow expands and cools, condensing some of the functional components in the transport flow. The control unit 10 cools the discharge unit 250 by the temperature control unit 30 as needed when condensing the functional component. The control unit 10 can cool the bottom surface side of the discharge unit 250 by controlling the temperature control unit 30 so that the surface 311 shown in FIG. 3 becomes low temperature and the surface 312 becomes high temperature, and at the same time, the surface 312 can be cooled. Heats the generator 240. The heating of the generating unit 240 promotes the vaporization of the functional component in the generating unit 240, and the cooling of the discharging unit 250 promotes the condensation of the functional component in the discharging unit 250. The condensed functional component is temporarily stored in the release unit 250.

The control unit 10 controls the distribution ratio in the distribution valve 112 and the flow path resistance of the resistance units 235, 236, 251 to store a predetermined amount of the functional component in the discharge unit 250, and then the discharge unit 240 to the discharge unit 250. It is also possible to stop the supply of functional ingredients to. After that, the control unit 10 introduces an air flow (air flow in which the functional component is not mixed) from the pipeline 202 into the discharge unit 250, mixes the functional components stored in the discharge unit 250, and enters the room as a transport flow. It can also be released. Thereby, the functional component removed in order to control the concentration of the functional component can be effectively used. The control unit 10 can also control the release unit 250 to be heated by the temperature control unit 30 as necessary when vaporizing the functional components temporarily stored in the release unit 250. The control unit 10 can heat the bottom surface side of the discharge unit 250 by controlling the temperature control unit 30 so that the surface 311 shown in FIG. 3 becomes hot and the surface 312 becomes low temperature, and at the same time, the surface 312 can be heated. Cools the generator 240. By cooling the generating unit 240, the vaporization of the functional component in the generating unit 240 is suppressed, and by heating the releasing unit 250, the vaporization of the functional component stored in the releasing unit 250 is promoted.

When the threshold value of the functional component is low, it is preferable to significantly reduce the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow discharged into the room, but simply increasing the flow rate of the airflow flowing through the pipeline 202 is sufficient during the transport flow. It is difficult to sufficiently reduce the concentration of the functional component of. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 10 controls the functional component release device 1 as follows. First, the control unit 10 causes the generation unit 240 to generate the transport flow containing the functional component in a pulse shape at a concentration higher than the concentration of the functional component in the transport flow discharged into the room, such as the distribution valve 112. The resistance unit 251 and the temperature control unit 30 are controlled so that the functional components in the flow transported from the generation unit 240 are condensed and stored in the discharge unit 250. After that, the control unit 10 controls the distribution valve 112, the temperature control unit 30, and the like so as to stop or suppress the vaporization of the functional component in the generation unit 240 and introduce the air flow into the discharge unit 250 from the pipeline 202. The functional components stored in the discharge unit 250 are vaporized and mixed with the air flow introduced from the pipe line 202, and are discharged from the pipe line 207 into the room as a transport flow. By controlling the functional component discharging device 1 in this way, it is possible to stably supply a transport flow having a sufficiently low concentration of the functional component and to effectively utilize the functional component.

As described above, according to the functional component release device 1, an excess amount of the functional component is released by expanding the transport flow in which the functional components are mixed in the generation unit 240 and condensing a part of the transport flow. Can be removed. Since an appropriate amount of the functional component can be released in a timely manner, it is possible to prevent the functional component from remaining in the room, and the functional component can be allowed to act on the occupant in a timely and appropriate manner. The functional component release device 1 is particularly excellent in that when the threshold value of the functional component is low, the carrier flow containing a very low concentration of the functional component can be easily released. As described above, the functional component release device 1 is controlled to generate a transport flow containing the functional component in a pulse shape in the generation unit 240, and the functional component is condensed and stored in the release unit 250, and then the release unit is used. By introducing the air flow into the 250 from the pipeline 202, it is possible to stably supply the transport flow having a sufficiently low concentration of the functional component and to effectively utilize the functional component.

Further, in the functional component discharge device 1, the generation unit 240, the discharge unit 250, the pipelines 202 to 207, the resistance units 235, 236, 251 and the adsorption layers 234, 237 and the valve 252 are housed in the cartridge 20. The structure fixed in the vehicle interior such as the air supply unit 111, the control unit 10, and the temperature control unit 30 can be easily replaced in cartridge units.

In the above embodiment, the case where a variable resistance tube whose flow path length can be controlled is used as the resistance portion has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The resistance portion may be provided with means for adjusting other flow path resistance such as an orifice or a resistance plate. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the generation unit 240 may have a downstream end of the pipeline 203 that opens into the functional component. When the air flow is introduced from the pipe line 203 in the state of FIG. 5, the functional component of the liquid can be bubbled, and the amount of vaporization of the functional component can be increased. Further, instead of the gas permeable membrane 243, a tube formed of a gas permeable material connects the downstream end of the pipeline 203 and the upstream end of the pipeline 205, and the tube is immersed in the functional component. The airflow may be introduced from the pipe line 203. The vaporized functional component moves inside a tube made of a gas permeable material and mixes with the airflow passing through the tube.

Further, FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 8A and 8B show modified examples of the valve 252. The float valve 7 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B has a cylindrical large-diameter portion 701 and a small-diameter portion 702, a substantially conical inclined portion 703 continuous with the large-diameter portion 701 and the small-diameter portion 702, and an inner wall of the large-diameter portion 701. From the flat mesh 704 fixed to the float portion 704 (not shown in FIG. 7A), the substantially conical float portion 705 formed so that the outer edge is in contact with the inclined portion 703, and the circular apex of the float portion 705. It is provided with a guide portion 707 extending to the small diameter portion 702 side. When the internal pressure of the release portion 250 is lower than the threshold value, the float portion 705 is in contact with the inclined portion 703 to close the valve as shown in FIG. 7B, and when the internal pressure of the discharge portion 250 becomes higher than the threshold value, the float portion 705 is opened. It moves to the mesh 704 side and opens the valve away from the inclined portion 703. Further, the float valve 8 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has a cylindrical large diameter portion 801 and a small diameter portion 802, a substantially conical inclined portion 803 continuous with the large diameter portion 801 and the small diameter portion 802, and a large diameter portion 801. It is provided with a curved mesh 804 fixed to the inner wall of the above (not shown in FIG. 8A) and a substantially spherical float portion 805 formed so as to be in contact with the inclined portion 803. When the internal pressure of the discharge portion 250 is lower than the threshold value, the float portion 805 contacts the inclined portion 803 and closes the valve as shown in FIG. 8B, and when the internal pressure of the discharge portion 250 becomes higher than the threshold value, the float portion 805 opens. It moves to the mesh 804 side and opens the valve away from the inclined portion 803. The threshold value of the internal pressure when opening and closing the valves 7 and 8 can be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the float portions 705 and 805 and the like.

1 Functional component release device
10 Control unit 20 Cartridge 30 Temperature control unit 40 Cleaning unit 101, 102, 103, 202, 203, 206, 207, 401, 402 Pipeline 114, 115, 214, 215, 253, 453 Connector 111 Air supply unit 112 Distribution valve 240 Generator 250 Discharge 235,236,251 Resistance 245,246,252,261 Valve

Claims (8)

The air supply part that generates airflow and
A generator that stores the functional component and generates a transport flow in which the functional component is mixed as a gas in the air flow.
A functional component discharge device including a discharge unit that expands the transport flow, condenses and removes a part of the functional component in the transport flow , and then discharges the functional component into a room. The functional component release device according to claim 1, wherein the release unit stores the functional component that has been condensed and removed. The functional component release device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the release unit. The functional component release device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the release unit further includes a valve for discharging the functional component in the release unit to the outside of the room. A dilution flow path that supplies the airflow from the air supply part to the flow path that connects the generation part and the discharge part, and
One of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a flow rate control mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit to the generation unit and the flow rate of the airflow supplied from the air supply unit to the dilution flow path. The functional component release device described. The functional component discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising a pressure control mechanism for controlling the pressure of the transport flow supplied to the discharge unit. It is removable to the air supply part that generates airflow,
A generator that stores the functional component and generates a transport flow in which the functional component is mixed as a gas in the air flow.
A functional component cartridge including a discharge portion that condenses and removes a part of the functional component in the transport flow and then releases it into a room. The functional component cartridge according to claim 7 , which is a housing having a recess for accommodating a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the discharge unit.

Images