DE LANGE, Cornelis (Spoorhaven 19, AV Berkel en Rodenrijs, NL-2651, NL)
| CLAIMS 1. Atomizing device (1) for atomizing a liquid such as an essential oil, comprising: - at least one liquid container (2) for holding a determined quantity of the liquid (4); - a vibrating member (25) arranged on or in a bottom wall of the container (2) and in contact with the liquid at least during use, wherein the vibrating member is adapted to set at least a part of the liquid into vibration such that a mist of liquid is created above the liquid; - a heating element (26) for heating the liquid (4) in the liquid container. 2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating element (26) is arranged in the liquid container (2) . 3. Device as claimed in one or more of the forego- ing claims, wherein the device comprises a temperature sensor arranged in the liquid container (2) . 4. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a temperature control for controlling a temperature of the liquid. 5. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the container comprises an inner wall comprising P300 material. 6. Device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the vibrating member (25) is adapted to vibrate at a frequency between 20 kHz and 500 MHz, preferably between 1 MHz and 3 MHz, and more preferably between 1.5 MHz and 1.7 MHz. 7. Device as claimed in one or more of the forego- ing claims, wherein the level of the liquid in the container lies at least during use between 3 - 5 cm, and preferably between 3.5 - 4.5 cm. 8. Device as claimed in one or more of the forego- ing claims, wherein the device comprises a controllable air pump (20) for pumping the mist out of the container (2). 9. Device as claimed in one or more of the forego- ing claims, wherein the device comprises a level control for regulating a level of the liquid in the container. 10. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises an air speed meter (30) for measuring an air speed in a ventilation duct of a ventilation system. 11. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the device comprises a control unit (22) which is adapted to de- termine an activation pattern of the vibrating member subject to the measured air speed. 12. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises at least one replenishing system for replenishing the liquid in the liquid container, wherein the replenishing system comprises: - an air inlet for admitting air; - a coupling member for coupling a liquid vessel to the replenishing system; - an elongate hollow tube which is in fluid connection with the air inlet for the purpose of introducing the air into the liquid vessel at least during use; - a chamber for storing part of the liquid from the liquid vessel; - a liquid outlet which is in fluid connection with the chamber. 13. Device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the hollow tube comprises a sharp point for causing an opening in a closing sheet which closes the liquid vessel. 14. Device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the device comprises an air pump which is connected to the container (2) for pumping the mist out of the container (2) and which is also connected to the air inlet of the replenishing system. 15. Air treatment system, comprising: - at least one atomizing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a communication module; - a central atomizing device comprising a control system adapted to communicate with the communication module and to control at least one parameter of the at least one atomizing device. 16. Air treatment system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one parameter comprises one or more of the following parameters: - the temperature of the liquid in the liquid container (2); - the frequency of the vibrating member; - the active and non-active time duration of the vibrating member. 17. Method for atomizing a liquid, the method comprising of: - filling a container with a liquid such as an es- sential oil; - heating the liquid to a determined temperature; - setting at least a part of the liquid into vibration using a vibrating member arranged in or on a bottom wall of the container such that a mist of liquid is created above the liquid. |
The present invention relates to an atomizing device, an air treatment system and a method for atomizing a liquid. The invention relates more specifically to aromatizing ventilating air in buildings.
In order to aromatize air, air treatment systems are currently provided with spray nozzles which are used to atomize a liquid such as an aroma liquid. The thus produced liquid mist is mixed with air which can be blown into user spaces using a ventilation system. This method has the drawback that the concentration of the liquid in the air cannot be precisely controlled, and is only suitable for relatively large spaces. The spray nozzles further produce a mist with relatively large droplets, whereby the liquid is used up quickly.
It is an object of the present invention to pro- vide an atomizing device with which a liquid mist can be introduced into the air in a more efficient manner.
This object is achieved with an atomizing device (1) for atomizing a liquid such as an essential oil, comprising: - at least one liquid container for holding a determined quantity of the liquid;
- a vibrating member arranged on or in a bottom wall of the container and in contact with the liquid at least during use, wherein the vibrating member is adapted to set at least a part of the liquid into vibration such that a mist of liquid is created above the liquid;
- a heating element for heating the liquid in the liquid container. The vibrating member can be adjusted such that an optimal mist is created which can be mixed with air for an air treatment system. Liquid is saved with the invention when compared to existing systems. The viscosity and the surface tension of the liquid can be reduced by means of the heating element. This is highly suitable in the atomizing of essential oils for the purpose of aromatizing air.
In an embodiment the vibrating member comprises a piezoelectric element adapted to vibrate at a frequency between 20 kHz and 500 MHz, preferably between 1 MHz and 3 MHz, and more preferably between 1.5 MHz and 1.7 MHz. At these ultrasonic frequencies a fine mist is created, which can be readily mixed with air and which can be well con- trolled and so is reproducible.
The level of the liquid in the container preferably lies between 3 - 5 cm, and more preferably between 3.5 - 4.5 cm. These levels have produced good results.
In an embodiment the device comprises a tempera- ture control for controlling a temperature of the liquid. The temperature can hereby be regulated, and the temperature can also be set for a determined oil, since different oils require different temperatures.
In an embodiment the device comprises a control which is adapted to determine an activation pattern of the vibrating member subject to the air speed in a ventilation duct. The intensity of the aroma in the ventilating air can thus be well controlled.
In a special embodiment the device comprises at least one replenishing system for replenishing the liquid in the liquid container, wherein the replenishing system comprises:
- an air inlet for admitting air; - a coupling member for coupling a liquid vessel to the replenishing system;
- an elongate hollow tube which is in fluid connection with the air inlet for the purpose of introducing the air into the liquid vessel at least during use;
- a chamber for storing part of the liquid from the liquid vessel;
- a liquid outlet which is in fluid connection with the chamber. The invention also relates to an air treatment system comprising a local atomizing device as described above, and a central atomizing device comprising a control system adapted to communicate with a communication module of the local atomizing device for the purpose of control- ling at least one parameter of the local atomizing device.
The invention further relates to a method for atomizing a liquid as according to claim 17. Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a de- scription of several embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
- Figure 1 shows schematically an air treatment device according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 shows schematically the device of.Fig- ure 1, which is connected to a ventilation duct of an air treatment system;
- Figure 3 shows schematically an embodiment of the invention with a plurality of aroma containers;
- Figure 4 shows a graph with an example of the control of the vibrating member by the control unit;
- Figure 5 shows schematically a replenishing system according to an embodiment of the invention; - Figure 6 shows schematically a part of an air treatment system according to an embodiment.
Figure 1 shows schematically an air treatment device 1 for providing an aroma in air as according to an embodiment of the invention. Device 1 is provided with an aroma container 2 for holding a determined quantity of aroma liquid 4, such as an essential oil 4. Aroma container 2 is also referred to as atomizing chamber 2. The inner wall of atomizing chamber 2 is for instance manufac- tured from P300 material. This material is light and can also withstand essential oils well.
Aroma liquid 4 can reach atomizing chamber 2 from a liquid vessel 10 via an inlet 6. In order to provide the pressure required here, liquid vessel 10 is itself brought under pressure using a controllable air pump 20 which is controlled by means of a control unit 22. Air pump 20 is connected to liquid vessel 10 via a valve 60 and a venting valve 29. Venting valve 29 serves to vent liquid vessel 10 after filling so that no pressure remains thereon. The pressure is preferably vented to atomizing chamber 2 so that no undesired aroma is released into the vicinity of the apparatus.
It is noted that dimensions of the elements in figure 1 are not shown to scale, nor do the proportions reflect reality. Both containers 2, 10 are preferably cylindrical. Liquid vessel 10 will in reality often be larger than aroma container 2. Aroma container 2 typically has diameter dimensions of 5-15 cm and height dimensions of 15-30 cm. Liquid vessel 5 typically has diameter dimen- sions of 10-25 cm and height dimensions of 15-40 cm.
Aroma container 2 of Figure 1 further comprises an air inlet 14 and an air outlet 16. Air is pumped into a space 18 above oil 4 by means of air pump 20 under the control of control unit 22. A level meter 24 is arranged on a side wall of aroma container 2 in order to measure the level. Level meter 24 is for instance an optical metre which transmits signals to control unit 22. A vibrating member 25 is arranged on the underside of aroma container 2 for the purpose of setting oil 4 into vibration. Vibrating member 25 vibrates at a frequency such that a mist of oil is created above oil 4. Vibrating member 25 preferably comprises a piezoelectric element which vibrates at a frequency between 1.5 MHz and 1.7 MHz. Broader values are possible, such as for instance between 1-3 MHz.
The mist created above the oil surface is blown together with the air through air outlet 16 using air pump 20. The air leaving aroma container 2 in this manner is now provided with an aroma which can be determined by the choice of the aroma liquid 4 used. Vibrating member 25 is preferably set into vibration periodically. A period consists here of an active time duration and a non-active time duration. Because a part of oil 4 atomizes, the level of oil 4 in aroma container 2 will decrease in the course of time. In an embodiment the control unit 22 is adapted to activate pump 8 so that, when necessary, liquid 4 once again rises to a desired level. The pump is preferably ac- tivated in the non-active time duration of a period. A typical level h of oil 4 lies between 3-5 cm and is preferably about 4 cm. These stated values are found to produce good results in the atomizing of essential oils. In order to obtain a desired mist the oil 4 is heated using a heating element 26 arranged in the interior of aroma container 2. It is noted that heating element 26 can also be situated on an outer side of aroma container 2, although this is less favourable in terms of energy consumption. In order to enable a good control of the temperature, a temperature sensor 28 is preferably provided which is adapted to measure the temperature of oil 4 (or other liquid} . Control unit 22 receives measuring signals from temperature sensor 28 and controls heating element 26 subject to the measured temperature. By bringing oil 4 to a suitable temperature the surface tension and the viscosity of oil 4 are reduced, whereby using vibrating member 25 the oil 4 at the surface vibrates such that a fine mist can be created. The fine mist provides a determined aroma in the air above oil 4, which is expelled from aroma container 2 by means of an overpressure caused by pump 20. The thus obtained controllable air quantity is aromatized and can be introduced into an air treatment system in or- der to provide an aroma in a determined ventilated space. In an embodiment device 1 comprises an air speed meter 30 which can be arranged in a ventilation duct of an air treatment system. Air speed meter 30 is coupled to control unit 22 which, using the measured speed, deter- mines how often the liquid must be atomized per unit of time in order to obtain the desired concentration C. The frequency to be thus determined is referred to in this description as control frequency f a , while the frequency with which vibrating member 25 itself vibrates is . referred to as vibration frequency f t .
Figure 2 shows schematically a device 1 which is connected to a ventilation duct 32 of an air treatment system. The air provided with an aroma by device 1 is blown into duct 32. Here the air is mixed with ventilating air, see arrow 33, of ventilation duct 32. Owing to this mixing the ventilating air 32 obtains the same aroma, although in a lower concentration. The ventilating air, see arrow 35, will eventually arrive in a space 34 for venti- lating, where those present 36 can discern the aroma with their olfactory organ. This perception can be conscious or unconscious . When an aroma has been introduced into space 34 for a determined period of time, those present will no longer consciously discern the aroma. Research has however shown that aroma is a very important factor in people's sense of well-being. A properly chosen aroma in the correct concentration can ensure that the productivity of people is increased. It has also been found that for in- stance detainees at a police station requested less calming medication and more often submitted requests for permission to shower and used the toilet less frequently. Figure 3 shows a highly schematic view of an embodiment of the invention wherein an atomizing device 38 comprises a plurality of aroma containers 2,40,42,44 and a container 46 for disinfecting liquid. Also present in container 46 is a vibrating member (not shown) , but a heating element is not per se necessary here and depends on the composition of the disinfecting liquid. A disinfecting liquid is often less viscous than an essential oil and requires no heating for a correct atomization. By atomizing a disinfecting liquid it is possible to disinfect the ventilation ducts of an air treatment system. By suitable control of the vibrating member the concentration can be precisely determined and wasting of the liquid becomes a thing of the past. The embodiment with one or more aroma containers and a disinfecting container makes it possible for the air to be provided with a pleasant smell, while the air and the air ducts can also be disinfected. The disinfecting liquid is preferably atomized at times when no people are present in the spaces, such as at night, and the aroma liquid is atomized during the day. It is noted that Figure 3 shows only the discharge of the air from containers 2,40,42,44,46. An outward airflow for regulating is realized at each container 2,40,42,44,46 via a pump 48. Pumps 48 are controlled by control unit 22, which in this embodiment is accommodated in the housing of atomizing de- vice 38. It is noted that the control unit can also be placed remotely from atomizing device 38. It is also possible to envisage a computer being coupled to the control unit so that a person can control and set the device remotely. The desired concentration in a determined space can also be set via a software program, wherein the temperature of a determined space for ventilating can for instance also be included as an input parameter. Device 1;38 is preferably provided with an insulated wall so that the device is low-noise and not noticed by those present in a space.
Figure 4 shows an example of a control of vibrating member 25 by control unit 22. The liquid is set into vibration in the first 20 seconds. The vibrating member then comes to a standstill and there is time to carry out a level measurement. This is possible for instance with the same control unit 22. It is also possible to envisage using different control units. After a non-active time duration of 40 seconds, the vibrating member is reactivated and in this example will vibrate at a frequency of 1.65 MHz. In this example the control frequency is 1/60 = 0.016 Hz. In an embodiment the control unit is adapted such that the control frequency f a is determined subject to the desired concentration C and the air speed in ventilation duct 32. The vibration frequency f t is preferably constant here. The best vibration frequency f t for a determined aroma liquid can optionally be obtained empirically. This is also the case for a temperature of the liquids in the different containers 2,40,42,44. Figure 5 shows schematically an atomizing device with a replenishing system according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 5 the replenishing system is enlarged so as to be able to show the different components better. Venting valve 29, see Figure 1, is not shown in Figure 5. The replenishing system is connected to liquid container 2 of the atomizing device so that the liquid container can be replenished if necessary. In this embodiment the replenishing system comprises an air inlet 51 for admitting air, a coupling member 52 for coupling of a liquid vessel 53. Liquid vessel 53 is preferably a glass or plastic transparent vessel comprising a neck with a screw thread coupling. Liquid vessel 53 can be placed on the replenishing system by means of rotation/screwing. The re- plenishing system further comprises an elongate conical hollow tube 54 which is in fluid connection with air inlet 51. Hollow tube 54 serves to admit the air into liquid vessel 53.
Further present is a chamber 55 into which the liquid runs once vessel 53 is connected. Chamber 55 serves to store a part of the liquid and is in fluid connection with a liquid outlet which is connected to chamber 55 via a tube system 57. A shut-off ball 59 is arranged in tube system 57 in order to prevent liquid from running back from container 2 to chamber 55.
In an embodiment the hollow tube 54 comprises a sharp point for piercing a closing sheet (not shown) of liquid vessel 53. During connection the liquid vessel 53 is tilted such that the closing sheet is situated on the underside of vessel 53. Vessel 53 is then screwed round coupling 52, wherein tube 54 pierces the sheet and protrudes above the liquid, as shown in Figure 5. Using a pump, preferably pump 20 which is also used to pump the mist out of container 2, air is introduced under pressure into vessel 53. A valve 60 is preferably present in a branch of a tube system 61, which is controlled by control unit 22 (not shown in Figure 5) . In this way both the mist extraction and the liquid supply can be controlled using a single pump, i.e. pump 22. Figure 5 further shows a float 62 which can move up and downward and serves to generate a signal when vessel 53 is empty.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a special air treatment system is provided. Figure 6 shows schematically a part of the air treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention. Air treatment system 70 of Figure 6 comprises at least one atomizing device 71 which comprises a communication module 72. Also present is a liquid container 73, which has already been described at length above. A control unit 74 is also arranged in atomizing device 71. Figure 6 also shows a central atomizing device 76 comprising a control system 77 which is adapted to communicate with communication module 72 and to control at least one parameter of the local atomizing device 71.
Atomizing device 71 is referred to as "local" atomizing device because it is intended to cause an aroma in ventilating air which is transported to a specific room in a building. Local device 71 can be provided with an aroma liquid which is personalized for the user of the specific room. It will be apparent that a building can be provided with a plurality of local atomizing devices.
The central atomizing device 76 preferably also comprises one or more liquid containers with the vibrating members present therein (not shown in Figure 6) . The central atomizing device 76 is intended to be installed such that the atomized liquid can be introduced into a central tube 80 of a ventilating system. A branch of tube 80 which runs to the specific room is shown in Figure 6 with reference numeral 81.
Control system 77 of the central atomizing device can determine one or more parameters of the local atomiz- ing device by transmitting suitable signals, which are optionally sent wirelessly. An example is the temperature of the liquid in liquid container 73, the frequency of the vibrating member in liquid container 73 or the active and non-active time duration of the vibrating member. Using the system it is possible to install a distributed atomizing system, wherein the correct liquid atomization is realized at the correct location. This achieves a saving in the quantity of liquid and also provides the option of meeting the requirements of the users. An advantage of the above stated atomizing device is that it can be easily connected to any existing air- treatment system in simple manner and are suitable for any space. It is however also possible to envisage the device operating autonomously and generating the aroma directly to the vicinity. The air feed and discharge can possibly be omitted here, wherein an aroma container is open on the top side. The feed of aroma liquid can optionally also be dispensed with. In this embodiment a manual addition of the liquid is then desirable however, so that the level of the liquid is maintained.
The atomizing device can be set to the second in fully automated manner by control unit 22. Owing to the atomizing of the liquid by vibration little energy and liquid is consumed, and it is efficient in use. As already stated, the device can further be operated and controlled locally and remotely via the PC. Scent combinations of different aromas are also possible by using a plurality of containers. The right ambience can thus be created for every occasion.
The present invention is described in the foregoing on the basis of several preferred embodiments. Differ- ent aspects of different embodiments can be combined, wherein all combinations which can be made by a skilled person on the basis of this document must be included. These preferred embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.
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