U.S. patent application number 16/310259 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-25 for device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active agents.
The applicant listed for this patent is CTR, LDA. Invention is credited to DAVID DYCHER.
Application Number | 20190117817 16/310259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56178299 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190117817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DYCHER; DAVID |
April 25, 2019 |
DEVICE FOR DISPENSING, IN PARTICULAR FOR VAPORIZING, VOLATILE
SUBSTANCES, IN PARTICULAR FRAGRANCES AND/OR ACTIVE AGENTS
Abstract
A device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile
substances such as fragrances and/or active agents, includes a
container and a capillary element in contact with said substance to
be dispensed that conveys said substance to at least one substance
dispensing region by a capillary effect. At least one electrical
heating element adjoins said at least one capillary element. An
electrical connection element supplies said electrical heating
element with electrical energy. The heating element is a
constituent part of said container and said container can be
releasably connected to said electrical connection element. An
electrical contact device is provided for electrically connecting
said heating element to said electrical connection element in a
releasable manner.
Inventors: |
DYCHER; DAVID; (PORT ERIN,
ISLE OF MAN, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CTR, LDA |
Samora Correia |
|
PT |
|
|
Family ID: |
56178299 |
Appl. No.: |
16/310259 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 16, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/001008 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2209/133 20130101;
A61L 9/037 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/03 20060101
A61L009/03 |
Claims
1-48. (canceled)
49. A device for dispensing volatile substances, said device
comprising: a container for a substance to be dispensed; at least
one capillary element arranged at least in part in said container
for contacting said substance to be dispensed and for conveying
said substance by capillary effect to at least one substance
dispensing region; at least one electrical heating element
adjoining said at least one capillary element; an electrical
connection element for supplying said at least one electrical
heating element with electrical power, said at least one electrical
heating element being a constituent part of said container, and
said container being releasably connectable to said electrical
connection element; and an electrical contact device by way of
which said at least one electrical heating element is releasably
and electrically connectable to said connection element.
50. The device according to claim 49, wherein said electrical
contact device is at least in part a constituent part of said at
least one electrical heating element and/or at least in part a
constituent part of said electrical connection element.
51. The device according to claim 49, wherein said releasable
connection between said container and said electrical connection
element is produced in part or entirely by said electrical contact
device.
52. The device according to claim 49, wherein said releasable
connection between said container and said electrical connection
element and/or between said at least one electrical resistance
element and said electrical connection element is formed by a
positive locking connection and/or by a non-positive locking
connection.
53. The device according to claim 49, wherein said electrical
connection element comprises a holding device, by means of which
said container is held on said electrical connection element.
54. The device according to claim 49, wherein said electrical
contact device comprises contact elements, which are arranged on
said at least one electrical heating element and are spaced apart
from one another, connection contacts, by means of which said
contact elements are connected so as to be electrically conductive
in said mounted state, being assigned to said contact elements on
said electrical connection element, preferably in said region of a
holding device.
55. The device according to claim 49, wherein said container and/or
said electrical connection element comprises at least one stop
element which positions said container in said mounted state such
that said at least one electrical heating element is connectable or
connected electrically to said electrical connection element by
means of said electrical contact device, which are arranged on said
at least one electrical heating element, are assigned to connection
contacts of said electrical connection element and are connectable
or connected to said same so as to be electrically conductive.
56. The device according to claim 53, wherein said electrical
connection element is formed by a plug which comprises said holding
device, wherein said holding device is fixedly connected to said
plug and/or said electrical connection element is a one-piece
component which is produced by injection molding.
57. The device according to claim 49, wherein said at least one
electrical heating element forming a constituent part of said
container is arranged in such a manner on said container and/or on
a constituent part of said container, that said at least one
electrical heating element transfers heat to said container and/or
to a capillary element region to be heated, which is assigned to
said at least one electrical heating element, by way of heat
conduction.
58. The device according to claim 49, wherein said at least one
electrical heating element abuts, and/or is fixed, against said
outside surface of a container wall of said container in a heat
transfer region, and said at least one electrical heating element
transfers heat to said container wall by means of heat
conduction.
59. The device according to claim 58, wherein said at least one
capillary element abuts and/or is fixed against said inside surface
of said container wall of said container by way of a capillary
element region to be heated at least in said heat transfer region
and said container wall transfers heat to said capillary element
region to be heated by means of thermal conduction.
60. The device according to claim 58, wherein said container
comprises a container-side holder for said at least one electrical
heating element on said outside wall or on said outside surface of
said container wall, by way of which holder said at least one
electrical heating element is held on said container.
61. The device according to claim 60, wherein said container-side
holder is formed by a receiving element or indentation which is
realized in said outside wall or on said outside surface of said
container wall of said container and in which said electrical
heating element is received.
62. The device according to claim 54, wherein said electrical
contact device is a constituent part of said electrical heating
element and comprises at least one contact region that is flat
and/or extends substantially parallel to said outside wall of said
container and/or is arranged or rests on said outside wall of said
container and comprises said contact elements.
63. The device according to claim 62, wherein said electrical
contact device is provided on its contact region, which comprises
raised contact elements, with a cover and wherein said contact
elements project through said cover.
64. The device according to claim 49, wherein said at least one
electrical heating element is formed by a pill-shaped and/or
disk-shaped and/or flat, electrical resistance element, which
comprises said electrical contact device or is coupled with said
electrical contact device, and wherein said electrical contact
device is formed by at least one flat contact plate which comprises
one or multiple contact elements.
65. The device according to claim 53, wherein said holding device
encompasses said container, at least in a region of said at least
one electrical heating element.
66. The device according to claim 54, wherein recesses are assigned
to said contact elements on said electrical connection element into
which recesses said contact elements, in said mounted state, engage
in a positive locking manner and are each connected there to a
connection contact of said electrical connection element so as to
be electrically conductive.
67. The device according to claim 66, wherein said holding device
is formed by a holding ring which, in said mounted state,
encompasses said container which is insertable into said holding
ring, and wherein said holding ring is elastically flexible at
least in regions thereof.
68. The device according to claim 49, wherein said electrical
heating element is an electrical resistance element and comprises a
resistance layer as heating layer which is assigned to a capillary
element region to be heated and/or is film-like, wherein said
electrical contact device comprises feed lines which are connected
or connectable to said resistance layer and by way of which said
electrical connection between said resistance layer and said
electrical connection element is producible.
69. The device according to claim 68, wherein there are two feed
lines provided which are spaced apart from one another and comprise
an electrical connection to said resistance layer which is located
in said space between and/or in that said resistance layer realizes
a PTC resistance element.
70. The device according to claim 68, wherein said resistance layer
is arranged directly or indirectly with said interposition of at
least one intermediate layer in a heat transfer region on said
outside surface of said container wall, which is produced at least
in said region from a heat conducting material, wherein in said
heat transfer region, said capillary element region to be heated
abuts against said inside surface of said container wall in a
bearing connection, such that said electrical heating element
transfers heat to said container wall by means of heat conduction
and from there to said capillary element region to be heated.
71. The device according to claim 68, wherein said electrical
heating element comprises a carrier layer as substrate, on which
said resistance layer is applied as a film layer and/or together
with said feed lines, wherein said carrier layer and said
resistance layer are realized in a flexible manner for realizing an
electrical heating element which is flexible overall.
72. The device according to claim 70, wherein said carrier layer
forms said at least one intermediate layer.
73. The device according to claim 72, wherein said electrical
heating element further comprises a protective layer which covers,
at least in regions, said resistance layer which was applied on
said carrier layer.
74. The device according to claim 68, wherein said resistance layer
is formed by an electrically conductive ink or paint which
comprises a resistance function, wherein said resistance layer is
applied as a film layer onto a carrier layer or onto a container
wall region which is to be heated.
75. The device according to claim 68, wherein said feed lines are
formed by a paint or ink, which comprises a current-carrying
function, is electrically conductive, wherein said feed lines are
applied onto a carrier layer or onto a container wall region which
is to be heated.
76. The device according to claim 68, wherein said feed lines,
which realize said electrical contact device or form a constituent
part of said electrical contact device, are at least in part a
constituent part of said electrical heating element and/or at least
in part a constituent part of said electrical connection
element.
77. The device according to claim 49, wherein: said container
comprises a support, which is realized integrally and/or in a
plate-shaped manner and/or with two sides from a heat-conducting
material and comprises an inside part region, which is assigned to
said capillary element region of said capillary element to be
heated and consequently to said interior of said container and on
which said capillary element region to be heated rests and/or is
fastened in a capillary element support region, preferably rests
and/or is fastened directly for heat conducting thermal contact,
and said support further comprises an outer part region, which is
remote from said inside capillary element support region and is
consequently assigned to said outside region of said container and
on which said electrical heating element is arranged and/or
fastened for heat-conducting thermal contact, wherein a carrier
layer of said electrical heating element is connected to said
support as a result of lamination.
78. The device according to claim 49, wherein said container
comprises a projection which juts out in a plateau-like manner and,
for producing said electrical connection between said electrical
heating element, and said electrical connection element by means of
said electrical contact device, engages in a receiving element of
said electrical connection element, wherein feed lines on said
heating element side are connectable in an electrically conductive
manner by way of said assigned contact elements to connection
contacts which open out into said receiving element.
79. The device according to claim 78, wherein said outer part
region of said support together with said electrical heating
element assigned thereto form a constituent part of said
projection, wherein said projection, in said mounted state, is
received in said receiving element of said electrical connection
element in a manner adapted to its shape and/or contour.
80. The device according to claim 79, wherein: said capillary
element, when viewed in said direction of said vertical axis, rests
with an underside of a free end region, which realizes said
substance dispensing region from above on said capillary element
support region of said inside part region of said support, and said
free end region of said capillary element is assigned to at least
one container outlet opening with its top side and directly adjoins
at least one container outlet opening.
81. The device according to claim 53, wherein said holding device
comprises a sliding and/or plug connection or is formed by a
sliding and/or plug connection, where a container-side web engages
in a guide slot of said electrical connection element, wherein,
with said container in said slid-in and/or plugged-in state, said
electrical contact device of said at least one electrical heating
element is connected electrically to said electrical connection
element.
82. The device according to claim 53, wherein said holding device
comprises and/or realizes a housing region which covers said
container at least in said region of a container outlet opening,
wherein at least one housing-side outlet opening is realized in
said coverage region.
83. The device according to claim 82, wherein said guide slot on
said housing is formed by two individual slots which extend in each
case in said slide-in direction into two parallel housing walls
which are spaced apart from one another transversely to said
slide-in direction.
84. The device according to claim 83, wherein said container-side
web is formed by a flange which extends around said container at
least in regions.
85. The device according to claim 49, wherein said at least one
capillary element adjoins a container outlet opening by way of its
substance dispensing region in such a manner that said substance to
be dispensed is conveyable by said capillary element in said
direction of said container outlet opening and can be output there
out of said container by means of said at least one container
outlet opening, wherein said at least one electrical heating
element which forms a constituent part of said container is
assigned to said substance dispensing region of said capillary
element which adjoins said container outlet opening.
86. The device according to claim 49, wherein said container, when
viewed in said direction of said vertical axis, comprises an upper
covering wall in which said at least one container outlet opening
is realized.
87. The device according to claim 86, wherein said at least one
container outlet opening is realized in a covering-side receiving
element in which said free end region of said capillary element is
received at least in regions, in such a manner that said free end
region of said capillary element directly adjoins said container
outlet opening.
88. The device according to claim 86, wherein said at least one
container outlet opening is closed by way of an openable cover, in
particular is closed by way of a tear-off film as a cover.
89. The device according to claim 86, wherein said container is
realized as a container which is open on one side, said covering
wall of which is realized by a cap which realizes a separate
component and constituent of said cover and closes said container,
wherein said at least one container outlet opening is realized in
said cap.
90. The device according to claim 49, wherein said container is
produced from a plastics material and/or comprises an elongated
shape and/or comprises a shape that is rectangular in cross
section.
91. The device according to claim 49, wherein said capillary
element is a wick.
92. The device according to claim 49, wherein said container
comprises at least one fixing device, by means of which said
capillary element is held in said interior of said container in an
accurate position and condition.
93. The device according to claim 49, wherein said capillary
element comprises an L-shaped form, with a first L leg, which
extends in said interior of said container in said direction of
said container vertical axis, and with a second L leg which
projects therefrom at an angle and is assigned to a container
outlet opening.
94. The device according to claim 93, wherein said fixing device is
formed by at least one of said following measures: said first L
leg, when seen in said transverse direction of said container, is
held by inside wall-side projections which are located on opposite
sides of said first L leg, said first L leg and/or said second L
leg, when seen at said bottom of said container, is or are held
between a front wall and a rear wall of said container, in
particular is or are held between a rear wall and at least one
front wall-side projection, said second L leg engages behind an
inside wall-side projection, in particular a projection which
realizes an indentation on said outside wall for receiving said at
least one electrical heating element, or a projection which is
formed by an inside part region of a support surface for said
electrical heating element, said first L leg, when seen in said
direction of said vertical axis, is supported on oppositely
situated container walls.
95. The device according to claim 49, wherein said electrical
connection element comprises a decorative element which is
releasably or non-releasably connected to said same, said
decorative element being a decorative cover and/or a decorative
plate, which, when viewed from a visible side of the device, covers
said container in said mounted state thereof at least in
regions.
96. A container for receiving volatile substances, the container
comprising: at least one capillary element which is arranged in
said container and is in contact with a substance to be dispensed
from the container and conveying the substance by capillary action
to at least one substance dispensing region; at least one
electrical heating element disposed to adjoins said at least one
capillary element and being a constituent part of the container; an
electrical contact device configured to electrically and releasably
connect said at least one electrical heating element to an
electrical connection element for supplying power to said at least
one electrical heating element, wherein said electrical connection
element is releasably connectable to the container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device for dispensing, in
particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular
fragrances and/or active agents, according to the preamble of claim
1. In addition, the invention relates to a container for receiving
volatile substances according to the preamble of claim 48.
[0002] Devices for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing,
volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active agents,
are known generally and as a rule include a container in which a
substance to be dispensed is received. A wick, which projects
beyond the container by way of a free wick end and is in contact
with the substance to be dispensed in such a manner that said
substance is conveyed in the direction of the free wick end by
means of the capillary action of the wick, is arranged in the
container as a capillary element. The free wick end regularly has
associated therewith a heating element, in particular an electrical
heating element, by means of which the free wick end is able to be
acted upon with heat in order to be able to dispense or vaporize
the substance accumulating in the free wick end even quicker to the
surrounding area. Such a design is disclosed, for example, in WO
98/58692 A1. Insofar as the substance received in the container is
vaporized, the container is replaced by a new, fresh container in
which either the same substance to be dispensed is contained or,
however, another substance to be vaporized can also be
contained.
[0003] In the case of said known devices, the electrical heating
element is arranged in the interior of the housing and is held
there, the electrical heating element being formed regularly by a
so-called heating block which is produced from a ceramic material
and in which an electrical resistance element is received. If the
resistance element is traversed by a current, the heating block is
heated and then outputs the heat to the free end of the wick which
projects into the heating block such that the substance, sucked up
by the wick by means of the capillary effect, is vaporized and is
able to escape via the housing into the surrounding area.
[0004] Electrical conductors, which are run to a connection plug
which in turn can be connected to a socket, project out of the
heating block for supplying power.
[0005] In the case of such a conventional design with a wick which
projects into the region of a heating block, relatively high
temperatures and consequently relatively large structures are
required overall for higher vaporizing rates. Structural freedoms
are consequently relatively restricted and the design requires a
plurality of individual components overall. This, in turn, means
relatively high production and assembly expenditure in conjunction
with the final assembly of such devices.
[0006] Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to
create a device for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing,
volatile substances, in particular fragrances and/or active agents,
by means of which a compact, small design and/or a reduction in the
temperatures necessary for effective vaporizing is possible. In
addition, it is an object of the present invention to create a
container for receiving volatile substances which is suitable, in
particular, for use in conjunction with a device according to the
invention.
[0007] Said object is achieved with the features of the independent
patent claims. Advantageous designs are the object of the
subclaims.
[0008] Proposed according to claim 1 is a device for dispensing, in
particular for vaporizing, volatile substances, in particular
fragrances and/or active agents, having a container in which a
substance to be dispensed is receivable or received. Additionally
provided is at least one capillary element, for example in the form
of a wick, which is arranged at least in part in the container, is
in contact with the substance to be dispensed and conveys said
substance by means of capillary action to at least one substance
dispensing region, preferably in the direction of at least one
outlet opening of the container which is assigned to the substance
dispensing region. Additionally provided is at least one electrical
heating element which adjoins the at least one capillary element
and is able to act on said capillary element with heat.
Additionally provided is an electrical connection element, by means
of which the at least one electrical heating element can be
supplied with electrical power. It is provided according to the
invention that the at least one electrical heating element is a
constituent part of the container, preferably realizing a separate
component or a separate structural unit, that the container is
releasably connectable to the electrical connection element and
that an electrical contact device is provided, by means of which
the at least one electrical heating element is releasably and
electrically connectable to the connection element.
[0009] The achievement with the solution according to the invention
is that the at least one electrical heating element is no longer a
constituent part of a housing into which the container is inserted
but that the at least one heating element is now a constituent part
of the container itself, the at least one electrical heating
element of the container having then to be connected, for supplying
power, to the electrical connection element which also realizes, in
a preferred manner, a separate component or a separate structural
unit.
[0010] As a result of the inclusion or integration of the at least
one electrical heating unit in the container, new structural
degrees of freedom are produced, for example to the effect that the
at least one electrical heating element is thus able to be arranged
(in a manner described in more detail below) directly adjoining the
capillary element such that said capillary element is able to be
heated in a capillary element region to be heated in an effective
manner as a result of heat conduction, as a result of which
optimized vaporization of the substance to be dispensed is achieved
at comparatively lower temperatures overall.
[0011] Furthermore, in conjunction with integrating or including
the at least one electrical heating element in the container
assembly in such a manner, an relatively compact and small design
overall is produced which in turn can contribute advantageously to
reducing the overall size and dimension of a device for dispensing
volatile substances.
[0012] Furthermore, this also produces another production and
manufacturing technology where the at least one electrical heating
element is installed as early as during the manufacturing of the
container such that the vertical range of manufacture can be
advantageously reduced as a result.
[0013] The term "substance to be dispensed" is to be understood
here specifically in a broad sense and includes all substances
which can be conveyed by means of the capillary action of a wick as
a capillary element. Along with volatile substances, these can also
be specifically gel-like or other suitable substances.
[0014] The electrical contact device has simply to make an
electrical connection possible between the at least one electrical
heating element, which forms a constituent part of the container,
and the electrical end element and further also to make the
releasable connection between said two structural units possible.
The electrical contact device, by means of which the at least one
electrical heating element is electrically and releasably
connectable to the electrical connection element, can consequently
be realized in the most varied of ways, for example as an
electrical contact device which makes wireless power transfer
possible (also designated as contactless power transfer, as
cable-free power transfer or as contactless power transfer) where
the electrical power is transmitted in a non-contact manner to the
at least one electrical heating element. In principle, in
particular also in the case of non-contact-free power transfer, it
is consequently implicit that the electrical contact device can be
a constituent part of the at least one electrical heating element
at least in part and/or a constituent part of the electrical
connection element at least in part. This means, in other words,
that the electrical contact device can be a constituent part of the
at least one electrical heating element in its entirety or, as an
alternative to this, can be a constituent part of the electrical
connection element in its entirety or, as a further alternative to
this, can be realized such that part of the electrical contact
device is a constituent part of the electrical heating element and
a further part of the electrical contact device is a constituent
part of the electrical connection element.
[0015] According to a particularly preferred specific design, the
releasable connection between the container and the electrical
connection element is produced in part or entirely by the
electrical contact device, which can consequently produce in a dual
function at the same time the releasable connection and fixture
between the at least one electrical heating element and the
electrical connection element and further, at least in part, also
the releasable connection between the container as a whole and the
electrical connection element.
[0016] The releasable connection between the container and the
electrical connection element and/or between the at least one
electrical resistance element and the electrical connection element
can be effected, in this case, in different ways, a positive
locking connection, in particular a latching connection as a
positive locking connection, and/or a non-positive locking
connection being preferred.
[0017] According to a further particularly preferred specific
design, the electrical connection element can comprise a holding
device, by means of which the container is held on the electrical
connection element. Such a holding device on the electrical
connection element enables simple positioning and fixing of the
container in a defined position, thus, for example, in the region
of the at least one electrical heating element, as a result of
which simple electrical contacting between the at least one
electrical heating element and the electrical connection element is
possible by means of the electrical contact device, which is, once
again, advantageous for a compact, small design of the device
overall.
[0018] According to a further particularly preferred specific
design, the electrical contact device can comprise contact elements
which are arranged on the at least one electrical heating element
and are spaced apart from one another, connection contacts, by
means of which the contact elements are connected so as to be
electrically conductive in the mounted state, being assigned to
said contact elements on the electrical connection element,
preferably in the region of a holding device. Such a design
produces a particularly functionally reliable electrical connection
between the electrical contact device of the at least one
electrical heating element and the electrical connection element
which ultimately achieves the supply of power.
[0019] The container and/or the electrical connection element,
preferably a holding device of the electrical connection element,
can also comprise at least one stop element by means of which the
container is positionable in the mounted state such that the at
least one electrical heating element is connectable or connected
electrically to the electrical connection element by means of the
electrical contact device. Particularly preferred, in this
connection, is an embodiment where the container is positioned in
the mounted state on account of the at least one stop element such
that contact elements of the electrical contact device, which are
arranged on the at least one electrical heating element, are
assigned to connection contacts of the electrical connection
element and are connectable or connected to the same so as to be
electrically conductive.
[0020] The electrical connection element preferably comprises a
plug (specifically also includes a design with a cable and a plug
arranged thereon), by means of which, for example, a connection to
an electrical socket is possible. Particularly preferred in this
context is an embodiment where the electrical connection element is
formed by a plug which comprises the holding device. It can then be
provided in a particularly preferred manner, in this connection,
that the holding device is fixedly connected to the plug, for
example is integrally molded on the plug. It can also be provided
further, as an alternative to this or in addition to it, that the
electrical connection element is a one-piece component which is
produced, for example, by injection molding. With such a design,
the large variety of components is reduced and an electrical
connection element which overall is cost-efficient and simple to
produce is created. In addition, however, the plug is also able to
be held on the electrical connection element so as to be
rotatable.
[0021] In principle, there are different possibilities for
including or integrating the at least one electrical heating
element in the container. Generally speaking, this can be effected,
for example, such that the at least one electrical heating element
forming the constituent part of the container is arranged in such a
manner on the container, preferably on an outside surface of the
container, and/or on a constituent part of the container, that the
at least one electrical heating element transfers heat to the
container and/or to a capillary element region to be heated, which
is assigned to the at least one electrical heating element, by
means of heat conduction. Heat conduction is to be understood here
as heat transfer where the heat is transferred from a region of
higher temperature to a region of lower temperature through bodies
which adjoin each other and touch each other in a contact region
(heat transfer region). Such warming or heating by means of heat
conduction enables particularly effective and optimized heating of
the capillary element region to be heated and consequently
optimized dispensing or vaporizing of the substance.
[0022] Particularly preferred is an embodiment where the at least
one electrical heating element abuts, and/or is fixed, in
particular flatly, against the outside surface of a container wall
of the container in a heat transfer region, in a preferred manner
abuts and/or is fixed, in particular flatly, in a--for particularly
preferred heat transfer by means of heat conduction--substantially
gap-free or direct bearing connection against the outside surface
of the container. As a result, the at least one electrical heating
element can transmit heat to the container wall directly or through
direct contact by means of heat conduction. In said context, it is
particularly advantageous according to a particularly preferred
embodiment that the container wall is produced, at least in the
heat transfer region, from a heat-conducting or a good
heat-conducting material. Such an outside arrangement of the at
least one electrical heating element can be realized in a
particularly simple and functionally reliable manner.
[0023] Particularly preferred in said context is additionally a
design where the at least one capillary element abuts and/or is
fixed, in particular flatly, against the inside surface of the
container wall of the container by way of a capillary element
region to be heated at least in the heat transfer region, in a
preferred manner abuts or is fixed directly or in a bearing
connection or gap-free against the inside surface, in particular
flatly, in such a way that the container wall transfers the heat to
the capillary element region to be heated by means of heat
conduction. As a result, according to a particularly preferred
specific design, heat can consequently be transferred by means of
heat conduction from the at least one electrical heating element
via the container wall, which is produced from a heat-conducting
material, in the heat transfer region immediately and directly to
the capillary element or the capillary element region to be heated.
This results in the previously named lower heating element
temperatures in conjunction with a degree of efficiency of the
vaporizing device which is still very good, in particular also in
conjunction with an excellent capability to control the substance
dispensing.
[0024] According to a preferred realization variant, the container
can comprise a container-side holder for the at least one
electrical heating element on the outside wall or on the outside
surface of the container wall, said container-side holder already
being realized or integrally molded on the outside wall, for
example during the production of the container, by way of which
holder the at least one electrical heating element is held on the
container.
[0025] The container-side holder can be formed, in this case, for
example, by a receiving element or indentation, which is realized
in the outside wall or on the outside surface of the container wall
of the container, for example is molded into the outside wall
during the production of the container, and in which receiving
element or indentation the electrical heating element is then
correspondingly received, and for optimized heat transfer is
preferably received abutting against the wall of the container or
in a manner adapted to its shape and contour.
[0026] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, an
electrical contact device forming a constituent part of the
electrical heating element can comprise, in principle, at least
one, preferably plate-shaped, contact region that is flat and/or
extends substantially parallel to the outside wall of the container
and/or is arranged or rests on the outside wall of the container
and comprises the contact elements, in particular in the form of
contact pins or contact elevations. Particularly preferred, in this
connection, is a specific embodiment where the electrical heating
element is inserted in such a manner in the receiving element or
indentation that the electrical contact device realizes a flat
and/or plate-shaped contact region which rests on the outside wall
of the container and has raised contact elements. Such a design is
small and compact overall and additionally enables a simple and
functionally reliable possibility for connection to the electrical
connection element.
[0027] Furthermore, the electrical contact device can be provided
on its contact region, which comprises raised contact elements,
with a cover, preferably with a cover which is releasably fixable
on and/or adherable to the contact surface, through which cover the
contact elements project for connection to the connection contact
of the electrical connection element. Such a cover enables the
attachment of a label or a marking and/or contributes to increasing
the functional reliability of the device overall.
[0028] The at least one electrical heating element can be formed by
a, preferably pill-shaped and/or disk-shaped and/or flat,
electrical resistance element which comprises the electrical
contact device or is coupled with or connected to the electrical
contact device. It is provided, in this connection, in a preferred
manner that the electrical contact device is formed by at least one
flat contact plate which comprises one or multiple contact
elements. The electrical resistance element is preferably a PTC
resistance element, that is to say a resistor with a positive
temperature coefficient (PTC), which has the advantage of being
substantially self-regulating and not needing an electrical control
unit in order to limit the maximum heating current such that there
is no risk of overheating.
[0029] The holding device of the electrical connection element is
preferably realized such that it encompasses the container, at
least in regions, on the container outside wall, preferably in the
region of the at least one electrical heating element. So as to
save material, in this case, the holding device can be simply a
U-shaped bracket or, however, also a relatively stable holding
ring, both of which in a preferred manner are relatively small
compared to the container and only extend over a part region of the
container or only cover and/or overlap a part region of the
container. In principle, the holding device could, however, also be
a pocket-shaped receiving element or the like, in which the
container is then correspondingly inserted.
[0030] Particularly preferred is additionally a specific design
where recesses are assigned to the contact elements, which are
preferably formed by contact pins or contact elevations, on the
electrical connection element, preferably in the region of a
holding device of the electrical connection element, in which
recesses the contact elements, in particular also for the fixing or
shared-fixing of the container on the electrical connection
element, engage in the mounted state in a positive locking manner,
in particular in a latching locking manner, and are each connected
there to a connection contact of the electrical connection element
so as to be electrically conductive.
[0031] Further preferred is a specific embodiment where the holding
device is formed by a holding ring which, in the mounted state,
encompasses the container which is insertable into the holding ring
(and removable out of the holding ring), preferably encompasses it
such that the holding ring abuts at least in regions against the
container outside wall. It is provided in a further preferred
manner in this conjunction that the holding ring is elastically
flexible at least in regions for realizing an elastically flexible
wall region when inserting (and removing) the container, the
electrical contact device of which comprises raised contact
elements. This ensures that the holding ring, when the container is
inserted into the holding ring causing the contact pins or contact
elevations to abut against the inside wall region of the holding
ring surrounding the recesses, extends elastically at least in
regions until the contact pins or contact elevations are in an
engagement position at the level of the recesses, in which
engagement position the extended wall region of the holding ring
springs back to produce the positive locking connection.
Analogously, when the container is removed, the contact pins or
contact elevations move out of engagement with the recesses and, as
a result, once again the contact pins and contact elevations move
into abutment against the inside wall region of the holding ring
surrounding the recesses, as a result of which said holding ring
extends elastically and the container is able to be moved out of
engagement with the holding ring.
[0032] The electrical heating element, according to a particularly
preferred design of the same and in conjunction with all
embodiments of the inventive concept described here, in particular
however with a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, can be an
electrical resistance element and comprise as heating layer a
resistance layer which is preferably assigned to a capillary
element region to be heated and/or is film-like. Such a resistance
layer as heat layer, as will be shown in more detail below, enables
a particular advantageous realization of an electrical heating
device by a flexible and/or printed resistor. In said context, it
is provided in a further preferred manner that the electrical
contact device comprises feed lines which are connected or
connectable to the resistance layer, by way of which the electrical
connection between the resistance layer and the electrical
connection element is producible.
[0033] According to a specific design, it is possible to provide,
for example, two feed lines which are spaced apart from one another
and comprise an electrical connection to the resistance layer which
is located in the space between.
[0034] In a preferred manner, the resistance layer itself forms a
PTC resistance element, that is to say a resistance element with a
positive temperature coefficient (PTC). A particular advantage of
said PTC resistance layer as resistance element is that, as a
result, self-regulating heating is created which manages without an
electronic control unit in order to delimit the maximum heating
current.
[0035] Such resistance layers can be additionally adapted in the
simplest manner as regards size and/or dimensions precisely to the
capillary element region to be heated, in particular can correspond
to the same as regards size and/or dimension such that it is
possible to heat the capillary element region to be heated in a
particularly effective manner.
[0036] In principle, in connection with the resistance layer, there
are diverse possibilities to arrange the same. Thus, the resistance
layer, preferably the resistance layer together with the feed
lines, is arranged or applied, on the one hand, directly or, as an
alternative to this, indirectly with the interposition of at least
one intermediate layer, preferably at least one intermediate layer
produced from an electrically insulating and/or heat-conducting
material, in a heat transfer region on the outside surface of the
container wall, which is produced at least in said region from a
heat conducting material. In order to ensure in the desired manner
that the electrical heating element transfers heat by means of heat
conduction to the container wall and from there onto the capillary
element region to be heated, it is further provided that in the
heat transfer region, the capillary element region to be heated
abuts against the inside surface of the container wall, preferably
flatly, in a bearing connection.
[0037] The electrical heating element comprises in a preferred
manner a carrier layer as substrate, on which the resistance layer
is applied, preferably as a film layer and/or together with the
feed lines, wherein it is provided in a preferred manner that the
carrier layer and the resistance layer, as well as, where
applicable, together with the feed lines, are realized in a
flexible manner for realizing an electrical heating element which
is flexible overall. The carrier layer as substrate allows the
resistance layer or the resistance layer together with the feed
lines to be applied in a particularly advantageous manner, for
example to be imprinted, for example in conjunction with a
silk-screen printing process. A flexible electrical heating element
additionally makes possible, on the one hand, a simple bearing
connection against the most varied geometries. In addition, the
flexible electrical heating element realized in this manner can
then be stored, for example, as piece or rolled goods, from which
the required electrical resistance element can simply be cut to
length.
[0038] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the
carrier layer realizes the at least one intermediate layer.
[0039] The electrical heating element can further comprise a,
preferably flexible, protective layer which screens or covers, at
least in regions, the resistance layer which was applied on the
carrier layer, preferably the resistance layer which was applied on
the carrier layer together with the feed lines.
[0040] Particularly preferred, in this connection, is a design
where the not necessarily, but preferably flexible, resistance
layer is formed by an electrically conductive ink or paint which
comprises a resistance function, in a preferred manner an ink or
paint comprising a PTC function. In a particularly advantageous
manner, such a resistance layer can be applied directly as a film
layer onto a carrier layer or onto a container wall region to be
heated, preferably imprinted such that it then realizes the desired
resistance layer in the dried state. Analogously to this, the not
necessarily, but preferably flexible, feed lines can be formed by a
paint or ink which comprises a current-guiding function, is
electrically conductive and preferably comprises silver. Here too,
it is provided in a preferred manner that the feed lines are
applied, preferably imprinted and dried, directly onto a carrier
layer or onto a container wall region to be heated. The definition
ink or paint is to be understood here in a broad sense and here
includes any substance which can be applied in the manner of an ink
or paint and then realizes the resistance layer or the feed lines
in the dried state.
[0041] The feed lines, which realize the electrical contact device
or form a constituent part of the electrical contact device, can be
at least in part a constituent part of the electrical heating
element and/or at least in part a constituent part of the
electrical connection element. This means that the feed lines, on
the one hand, can be entirely a constituent part of the at least
one electrical heating element and can then be connected directly
or by means of contact elements to connection contacts of the
electrical connection element. As an alternative to this, the feed
lines can, however, also be entirely a constituent part of the
electrical connection element and can then be connected directly or
by means of contact elements to the resistance layer. As a further
alternative to this, the feed lines can also be realized such that
part of the feed lines is a constituent part of the electrical
resistance element and a further part of the feed lines is a
constituent part of the electrical connection element, which are
then connectable to one another either directly or by means of
contact elements.
[0042] According to a particularly preferred specific embodiment,
the container comprises a support, which is preferably realized
integrally and/or in a plate-shaped manner and/or with two sides
from a heat conducting material and comprises an inside part
region, which is assigned to the capillary element region of the
capillary element to be heated and consequently to the interior of
the container, on which the capillary element region to be heated
rests and/or is fastened in a capillary element support region,
preferably rests and/or is fastened directly for heat conducting
thermal contact. The support further comprises an outer part region
which is remote from the inside capillary element support region
and is consequently assigned to the outside region of the
container, on which the electrical heating element is arranged
and/or fastened for heat conducting thermal contact, wherein it is
provided in a preferred manner that a carrier layer of the
electrical heating element is connected to the support as a result
of lamination.
[0043] According to a further particularly preferred variant, the
container can comprise a projection which preferably juts out in a
plateau-like manner and, for producing the electrical connection
between the electrical heating element and the electrical
connection element by means of the electrical contact device,
engages in a receiving element of the electrical connection
element, wherein it is provided in a preferred manner that feed
lines on the heating element side are connectable in an
electrically conductive manner, preferably by way of said assigned
contact elements, to connection contacts which open out into the
receiving element. Along with a functionally reliable design, this
also ensures, above all, a compact design which can be manufactured
in a simple manner.
[0044] In conjunction with the design just depicted, it is
additionally particularly advantageous to a functionally-integrated
solution when the outer part region of the support together with
the electrical heating element assigned thereto form a constituent
part of the projection, wherein it is provided in a preferred
manner that the projection, in the mounted state, is received in
the receiving element of the electrical connection element in a
manner adapted to its shape and contour.
[0045] Particularly good results can also be obtained with a
compact design where the capillary element, when viewed in the
direction of the vertical axis, rests from above on the capillary
element support region of the inside part region of the support by
way of an underside of a free end region, which realizes the
substance dispensing region, preferably an underside of an L leg of
a capillary element which comprises an L-shaped form overall. The
free end region of the capillary element is assigned to at least
one container outlet opening with its top side, preferably in such
a manner that it directly adjoins at least one container outlet
opening, as a result of which it is possible to dispense the
substance in a functionally reliable manner via the container
outlet opening.
[0046] According to a particularly advantageous realization
variant, the holding device can comprise, for example, a sliding
and/or plug connection, where a container-side web engages in a
guide slot of the electrical connection element, wherein, with the
container in the slid-in and/or plugged-in state, the electrical
contact device of the at least one electrical heating element is
connected electrically to the electrical connection element. Such a
sliding and/or plug connection is distinguished by a high level of
functional reliability and allows the container to be held in a
simple and reliable manner on the electrical connection
element.
[0047] According to a further particularly advantageous design, the
holding device comprises a housing region or realizes such a
housing region which covers the container at least in the region of
a container outlet opening, wherein at least one housing-side
outlet opening is realized in the coverage region. In the case of
said realization variant of the holding device, said holding
device, in a dual function, consequently also simultaneously
realizes a slim housing, above which the substance to be dispensed
is able to vaporize into the surrounding area.
[0048] According to a specific design to this end, the guide slot
on the housing can be formed by two individual slots which extend
in each case in the slide-in direction into two parallel housing
walls which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the
slide-in direction. As a result, a compact, less large design,
which is additionally particularly simple to manufacture, is
produced overall.
[0049] The container-side web can be formed, in principle, in
different ways. In a particularly preferred manner, the
container-side web is formed by a flange which extends around the
container at least in regions and which, once again in a dual
function, can also serve for fixing a cap or a cover, as will be
explained in more detail below.
[0050] For all realization variants described in detail beforehand,
the capillary element, in particular a wick as capillary element,
could, in principle, project beyond the container by way of a free
end so that said free end realizes a substance dispensing region
which lies outside the container. The solution according to the
invention, however, makes it possible, in particular, to arrange
the capillary element entirely in the interior of the container. In
the case of such an embodiment, the capillary element then adjoins
at least one container-side outlet opening by way of its free end
from the inside, with a defined, preferably extremely small, gap
clearance or directly, and is dispensed or vaporized from the
container via the at least one container-side outlet opening to the
substance. According to such a particularly preferred design, it
can then be provided that the at least one capillary element
adjoins a container outlet opening by way of its substance
dispensing region, preferably by way of a free end region as
substance dispensing region, in particular directly, so that the
substance to be dispensed is conveyable by means of the capillary
element in the direction of the container outlet opening and there
is dispensable from the container via the at least one container
outlet opening.
[0051] It is provided in a particularly preferred manner in
conjunction with such a design that the at least one electrical
heating element, which forms a constituent part of the container,
is assigned to the substance dispensing region of the capillary
element adjoining the container outlet opening in order to
accelerate the vaporizing of the substance there and to increase
the quantity dispensed.
[0052] The optional designs below are also advantageous to all the
realization variants described beforehand:
[0053] Firstly, a design where the container, when viewed in the
direction of the vertical axis, comprises an upper covering wall in
which at least one container outlet opening is realized.
Particularly preferred, in this connection, is a design where the
at least one container outlet opening is realized in a
covering-side receiving element in which the free end region of the
capillary element is received, preferably in a manner adapted to
its shape and/or contour. This is preferably effected in such a
manner that the free end region of the capillary element directly
adjoins the container outlet opening.
[0054] The at least one container outlet opening is additionally
closed preferably by way of an openable cover, said openable cover
being formed in a preferred manner by a tear-off film. This ensures
that the substance can only be dispensed or vaporized from the
container once the cover has been removed.
[0055] In principle, the entire container including the covering
wall can be realized in the same material and in one piece and, in
this case, the capillary element and/or the electrical heating
element can be integrated into the container during the production
process. However, particularly preferred is a design where the
container is realized as a container which is open on one side, the
covering wall of which is formed by a cap, which realizes a
separate component and constituent part of the container and closes
the container, wherein the at least one container outlet opening is
realized in the cap. Such a container can be provided with the
capillary element in a particularly simple manner, the covering
wall in the form of a cap being able to be connected to the
container in a simple manner as a result, for example, of integral
molding or welding.
[0056] The container itself is produced, for example, by means of
thermoforming or is produced from a plastics material and in a
preferred manner comprises an elongated, in particular box-like,
shape. In this context, such a form where the container is realized
so as to be rectangular in cross section is particularly
advantageous.
[0057] As has already been stated many times previously, the
capillary element is formed in a preferred manner by a wick, by way
of which the substance to be dispensed in the container can be
conveyed in a particularly simple and functionally reliable manner
in the direction of the substance dispensing region.
[0058] The container additionally preferably comprises at least one
fixing device, by means of which the capillary element can be held
in the interior of the container in an accurate position and
condition.
[0059] The capillary element, which is formed in particular by a
wick, can comprise, in principle, any suitable form. Particularly
preferred, in particular in conjunction with an elongated
container, however, is a capillary element which comprises an
L-shaped form, with a first L leg, which extends in the interior of
the container in the direction of the container vertical axis, and
with a second L leg which projects therefrom at an angle and is
assigned to a container outlet opening. Such a capillary element
which comprises an L-shaped form has the advantage that the angled
second L leg can be assigned in a particularly simple and
functionally reliable manner to the at least one electrical heating
element in order to be acted upon with heat by said heating element
in the previously described manner on account of heat conduction,
whilst the first L leg, which connects to the second L leg, extends
preferably over the entire height of the container in order to
convey the substance into the region of the second L leg which is
acted upon with heat in the manner previously described.
[0060] Particularly preferred is additionally a specific design
where the fixing device is formed by at least one of the following
measures: [0061] the first L leg, when seen in the transverse
direction of the container, is held by inside wall-side projections
which are located on opposite sides of the first L leg, [0062] the
first L leg and/or the second L leg, when seen at the bottom of the
container, is or are held between a front wall and a rear wall of
the container, in particular is or are held between a rear wall and
at least one front wall-side projection, [0063] the second L leg
engages behind an inside wall-side projection, in particular a
projection which realizes an indentation on the outside wall for
receiving the at least one electrical heating element, or a
projection which is formed by an inside part region of a support
surface for the electrical heating element, [0064] the first L leg,
when seen in the direction of the vertical axis, is supported on
oppositely situated container walls.
[0065] A particularly reliable, positionally-accurate bearing
arrangement of the capillary element in the interior of the
container is achieved with at least one, preferably, however, with
multiple or all the features just mentioned, the named measures
additionally being producible in a particularly simple manner or
being formed by components which are already present in any
case.
[0066] According to a further particularly preferred design, the
electrical connection element, preferably a holding device of the
electrical connection element, comprises a decorative element which
is releasably or non-releasably connected to the same, which, when
viewed from a visible side of the device, conceals the container in
the mounted state thereof at least in regions. Such a decorative
element serves as an ornament and can be formed, for example, by a
decorative cover and/or a decorative plate. Particularly preferred
is a device where multiple such decorative elements are present in
order to impart an individual aesthetic form to the device, for
example depending on customer requirements or depending on the
active agent vaporized.
[0067] Additionally claimed is a container for receiving volatile
substances, in particular for receiving fragrances and/or active
agents and/or for use in a device as has been appreciated
beforehand in detail. Said container comprises at least one
capillary element which is arranged in the container and is in
contact with the substance to be dispensed and conveys it by means
of capillary action to at least one substance dispensing region.
Provided according to the invention is at least one electrical
heating element (preferably at least one electrical heating element
which adjoins the at least one capillary element) which is a
constituent part of the container. For supplying power, the at
least one electrical heating element can be releasably and
electrically connectable, in this connection, for example by means
of an electrical contact device, to the electrical connection
element which is also releasably connectable to the container.
Further advantageous designs of such a container have already been
explained previously in detail in conjunction with the appreciation
of the device according to the invention. Reference is made in this
respect to the previously made statements to avoid repetition.
[0068] The advantageous realizations and further developments of
the invention explained previously and/or reproduced in the
subclaims can be used, in this case,--apart from, for example, in
cases of clear dependencies or incompatible
alternatives--individually or, however, also in arbitrary
combinations with one another.
[0069] The invention and its advantageous realizations and further
developments are explained in more detail below by way of simply
exemplary and schematic drawings, in which:
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation in perspective of an
exploded drawing of a first realization variant of a device
according to the invention,
[0071] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a view of a
detail with a resistance element received in a container wall-side
receiving element or indentation,
[0072] FIG. 3 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 with
an electrical contact device of the resistance element,
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 turned through
180.degree. with inside wall-side projections for holding a
wick,
[0074] FIG. 5 shows a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG.
3, where the receiving element or indentation for receiving the
resistance element is shown along with a front wall-side
indentation for fixing the wick in position in the interior of the
container,
[0075] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view
through the container of FIGS. 1 to 5,
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a section along
the line A-A of FIG. 6,
[0077] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a section along
the line B-B of FIG. 6,
[0078] FIG. 9 shows the electrical resistance element together with
an electrical contacting device prior to insertion into the
receiving element or indentation,
[0079] FIG. 10 shows a view of the electrical resistance element of
FIG. 9 turned through 90.degree.,
[0080] FIG. 11 shows the container together with an electrical
heating or resistance element which is provided with a cover on the
contact region,
[0081] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the electrical
connection element together with a decorative plate,
[0082] FIG. 13 shows a perspective top view of the electrical
connection element,
[0083] FIG. 14 shows a schematic front view in perspective of a
second realization variant of the present inventive concept,
[0084] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the representation in FIG.
14,
[0085] FIG. 16 shows the device according to FIG. 14 with the
decorative plate removed,
[0086] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation in perspective of
an exploded drawing of the individual parts of the device according
to the second realization variant,
[0087] FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation in perspective of a
schematic diagram of the electrical connection element together
with the connection contacts which are coupled with a plug,
[0088] FIG. 19 shows a section along the line I-I of FIG. 18,
[0089] FIGS. 20a, b show a schematic representation in perspective
of the container together with an electrical heating or resistance
element,
[0090] FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of the electrical resistance
element,
[0091] FIG. 22 shows a schematic sketch with a capillary element,
the capillary element region to be heated being assigned to the
layer resistance,
[0092] FIG. 23 shows a schematic representation of a top view of
the top side of the container with the container outlet opening
open,
[0093] FIG. 24 shows the container according to FIG. 23, where the
container outlet opening is closed with a cover in the form of a
tear-off film,
[0094] FIG. 25 shows a schematic representation of an exploded
drawing of a cross section through the container,
[0095] FIG. 26 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 25 with
the container in the assembled state and with an electrical
connection element in cross section and
[0096] FIG. 27 shows a representation corresponding to the
cross-sectional representation in FIG. 26 in the fully mounted
state.
[0097] FIGS. 1 to 13 show a first exemplary embodiment of a device
1 for dispensing, in particular for vaporizing, volatile
substances, such as for example fragrances and/or active
agents.
[0098] As can be seen, in particular, in FIG. 1, the device here
comprises a container 2 which is releasably connectable, in a
manner to be described in more detail, to an electrical connection
element, on which is additionally arranged a decorative plate 4
which covers or conceals the container 2 together with the
electrical connection element 3 from the visible side.
[0099] The decorative plate 4 is also releasably connected in a
preferred manner to the electrical connection element 3.
[0100] As can now be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 2 to 10, the
electrical heating element, which is formed here by an electrical
resistance element 5, is a constituent part of the container 2. The
resistance element 5, which preferably realizes a PTC resistor, as
can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in a preferred
manner comprises a flat, pill-like or disk-like form and is
received in a manner adapted to its shape and contour in a
receiving element 7 or indentation realized in the outside wall 6
of the container 2, such that, in said heat transfer region 8, the
electrical resistance element 5 abuts directly against the outside
wall 6 of the container 2 in a bearing connection.
[0101] The container 2 is produced, at least in said heat transfer
region 8, from a heat-conducting material, preferably a plastics
material. Such a plastics material makes it possible, for example,
to produce the container by means of thermoforming.
[0102] The receiving element 7 consequently forms here a
container-side holder in which the resistance element 5 is able to
be received in a manner adapted to its shape and contour, the
electrical resistance element 5 additionally comprising another
electrical contact device 9, by means of which the electrical
resistance element can be releasably and electrically connected, in
a manner yet to be described, to the electrical connection element
3 which is also releasably connectable to the container 2.
[0103] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3 in conjunction with
FIG. 10, the electrical contact device 9 of the electrical
resistance element 5 comprises here, as an example, two flat,
plate-shaped contact regions 10, 11, which extend substantially
parallel to the outside wall 6 of the container 2 or are arranged
or rest on the outside wall 6 of the container and each comprise,
in turn, raised contact elements in the form of contact pins 12,
13. As can be seen from the figures, the term "contact pin" is to
be understood here in the broadest sense and is also consequently
to include the contact elevations shown in the figures.
[0104] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the contact regions 10, 11 of the
electrical contact device 9 of the electrical resistance element 5
are provided in a preferred manner with a cover 14, which covers
the contact regions 10, 11 entirely, can be realized, for example,
in the form of a cover film and through which the contact pins 12,
13 project for connection to the electrical connection element
3.
[0105] The cover 14 is releasably mounted, for example, on the
contact regions 10, 11 and can be used, for example, for labelling
or for marking the container.
[0106] It is obvious that the cover 14, if it is not removed or is
not to be removed, is realized in a thermally stable manner in
order not to be damaged in a heating operation.
[0107] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, a capillary element
15, realized for example by a wick, is held in the interior of the
container 2, which capillary element, as an example, has an
L-shaped form here with a first L leg 16 which, when viewed in the
direction of the vertical axis of the container 2, extends
substantially over the entire container length, for example from
the bottom region to the top region. In addition, the capillary
element comprises here a second L leg 17 which projects at an angle
from the first L leg and realizes a substance dispensing region
which substantially directly adjoins a container outlet opening 18
so that the substance to be dispensed, received in the container 2,
is conveyable by means of the capillary element 15 in the direction
of the container outlet opening 18 and there can be dispensed out
of the container 2 via the container outlet opening 18.
[0108] The second L leg 17 consequently realizes here both a free
end region of the capillary element 15 and a substance dispensing
region, the electrical resistance element 5 being assigned here to
the second L leg, which adjoins the container outlet opening 18, as
the substance dispensing region of the capillary element.
[0109] The capillary element 15 specifically encompasses here the
region of the receiving element 7 in the transition region from the
first L leg to the second L leg such that the capillary element
region to be heated rests or abuts there in a bearing
connection.
[0110] Said direct or gap-free abutment of the capillary element 15
against the inside wall 19 of the container and consequently in the
heat transfer region 8 ensures that the heat is transferred by
means of heat conduction from the electrical resistance element via
the container wall in the heat transfer region 8 directly to the
capillary element 15, as a result of which a high substance
dispensing rate is obtained via the container outlet opening 18
even at relatively low temperatures.
[0111] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 and 7, the
container outlet opening 18 is closed by way of an openable cover
20 which can be formed, for example, by a tear-off film. If this is
removed (FIG. 7), the substance is then able to escape or vaporize
via the container outlet opening 18.
[0112] The container 2 is realized here in a preferred manner as a
container that is open on one side, the covering wall of which is
formed by a cap 21 which forms a separate component and constituent
part of the container, closes the container 2 and is, for example,
welded fixedly to the container 2. The container outlet opening 18
is then realized in said cap 21 as the covering wall.
[0113] As can be seen in FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIGS. 6, 7 and
8, the container, which is produced in a preferred manner from
plastics material, comprises here an elongated, box-like form with
a substantially rectangular cross section.
[0114] The capillary element 15, which is preferably formed by a
wick, can be held and fixed in a simple manner in such a container
2. There are various possibilities for this purpose which are
listed below simply as examples:
[0115] the first L leg 16, when seen in the transverse direction of
the container 2, can thus be held, for example, by inside wall-side
projections 22 which are located on opposite sides of said first L
leg (FIG. 4).
[0116] Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, the
first L leg 16 and/or the second L leg 17, when seen at the bottom
of the container 2, is or are held between a front wall 23 and a
rear wall 24 of the container 2, to which end, for example, front
wall-side projections can also be provided such as, for example,
the receiving element 7 which supports the capillary element 15 in
an upper region in the direction of the vertical axis, and a lower
projection 25, in this connection, which holds the first L leg 16
in a lower region, in this connection, between the front wall 23
and the rear wall 24.
[0117] As an alternative to this, but which is, however, not shown
here, the first L leg 16, when seen in the direction of the
vertical axis, can also be supported on the oppositely situated
container walls, that is to say on the covering wall and the bottom
wall.
[0118] The lower projection 25 can also be seen in FIG. 5.
[0119] As can be seen in particular from the overall view in FIGS.
1, 12 and 13, the electrical connection element 3 comprises a
holding device which is formed here purely as an example by a
holding ring 26, by means of which the container 2 can be mounted
on the electrical connection element in the region of the
electrical resistance element 5.
[0120] The electrical element 3 specifically comprises here a
conventionally designed plug 27 with contact pins 28 for connection
to an electrical socket, the holding ring 26 connecting directly to
said plug 27. In a preferred manner, the holding ring 26 is
integrally molded on the plug 27 so that the electrical connection
element 3, for example according to a preferred design, is a
one-part component which can be produced, for example, by injection
molding.
[0121] The holding ring 26 encompasses the container, which is
inserted into the holding ring 26, in the mounted state in a
preferred manner such that the holding ring 26 abuts against the
container outside wall at least in regions.
[0122] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 13, recesses 29, 30,
which are assigned to the contact pins 12, 13 of the electrical
resistance element 5 arranged on the container 2, are provided in
the region of the holding ring 26, in which recesses the contact
pins 12, 13 project or engage in the mounted state preferably in a
positive locking and/or latching locking manner in order to be
connected in an electrically conductive manner to connection
contacts of the electrical connection element 3 which open out
there.
[0123] In order to ensure that the raised contact pins 12, 13 are
able to latch in the recesses 29, 30 of the holding ring 26, it is
provided according to a particularly preferred design that the
holding ring is elastically flexible at least in regions so that
said holding ring 26, when the container is inserted into the
holding ring 26 causing the contact pins 12, 13 to abut against the
inside wall region of the holding ring 26 surrounding the recesses
29, 30, extends elastically at least in regions until the contact
pins 12, 13 are in an engagement position at the level of the
recesses 29, 30 in which engagement position the extended wall
region of the holding ring 26 then springs back again to produce a
positive locking connection. In an analogous manner, during
removal, the contact pins 12, 13 move out of engagement with the
recesses 29, 30 and as a result the contact pins 12, 13, in turn,
move into abutment against the inside wall region of the holding
ring 26 surrounding the recesses 29, 30, as a result of which said
holding ring extends elastically and the container 2 is able to be
disengaged from the holding ring 26.
[0124] As can be seen further, for example, in FIG. 1, the
container 2, preferably in the region close to the cap, comprises a
flange 31 as a stop element which extends around at least in
regions, here completely, and is realized such that when the flange
31 rests on the top side of the holding ring 26, when seen in the
direction of the vertical axis, the contact pins 12, 13 of the
electrical resistance element 5 coincide with the recesses 29, 30
in the holding ring in order to produce the releasable electrical
connection between the electrical resistance element 5 and the
electrical connection element 3.
[0125] In the first realization variant shown here as an example,
the releasable connection between the container 2 and the
electrical connection element 3 is consequently formed on one hand
via the contact pins 12, 13 of the electrical contact device 9 of
the electrical resistance element 5 arranged on the container 2.
Said releasable connection between container 2 and electrical
connection element 3 is additionally supported by the releasable
arrangement of the container 2 in the holding ring 26 of the
electrical connection element 3, which brings about, in particular,
a positionally accurate alignment of the contact pins 12, 13 with
reference to the connection contacts of the electrical connection
element 3 which open out into the recesses 29, 30.
[0126] A second realization variant of a solution according to the
invention is now explained in more detail below with reference to
FIGS. 14 to 27:
[0127] In the case of said second exemplary realization variant
according to the invention, identical components are designated
with identical reference symbols and, as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to
16, the device 1 is also designed in principle with three parts so
that it includes a container 2, an electrical connection element 3
and a decorative plate 4 which is releasably fixable on the
electrical connection element 3. Said decorative plate 4, as can be
seen in particular in FIG. 14, covers the container in the mounted
state from the visible side so that it is not visible or is only
visible in part.
[0128] To fix the decorative plate, it can encompass the electrical
connection element 3 laterally, just as in the first embodiment,
with two holding brackets 32, 33 which project laterally from said
decorative plate and are fixed there by means of a releasable
connection (not shown here), for example by means of a latching
and/or clip connection. In the case of the previously described
first realization variant, the holding brackets 32, 33 cooperate
with the holding ring 26 and in the case of the second realization
variant described below, with a housing region 34 of the electrical
connection element, which housing region 34 is attached, in
particular integrally molded, to the plug 27 and realizes a slim
housing part which covers the container 2, as shown in FIGS. 14 to
16, in the region of its container outlet opening 18, multiple
housing-side outlet openings 35, here in the form of slots simply
as an example, being realized here as an example in the coverage
region, via which outlet openings the substance to be dispensed is
able to vaporize out of the housing region 34 (see also arrows 36
in FIG. 27).
[0129] As can also be seen additionally from FIG. 16 in conjunction
with FIG. 18 and FIGS. 26 and 27, the housing region 34 here
additionally also realizes the holding device for the container 2,
said holding device being formed or realized specifically by a
sliding and/or plug connection, where a container-side web 37,
which is formed here as an example by a flange which extends around
the container 2, by way of web regions 43, 44, which are oppositely
situated transversely to the insertion direction, engages in a
manner that is adapted substantially to its form and contour in two
individual slots 38, 39 which each extend in the insertion
direction into two parallel housing walls 40, 41 which are also
spaced apart from one another transversely to the insertion
direction.
[0130] The individual slots 38, 39, which realize a guide slot of
the sliding and/or plug connection, are realized, in this
connection, in conjunction with the container-side web 37 such that
in the mounted state an electrical contact device 9, which is to be
described in more detail, of an electrical heating element is
connected electrically to the electrical connection element 3.
[0131] As can be seen further in particular from the exploded
representations of FIGS. 17 and 25, the container 2 here is
realized once again as an example as an upwardly open container
which is closable with a cap 21 as the covering wall.
[0132] As can also be seen further in particular in FIGS. 23 and
24, a container outlet opening 18, which is closable with a cover
20 analogously to the first realization variant, is once again
provided in the cap 21 and is formed, for example, by a tear-off
film or the like. If said tear-off film or cover 20 is removed (the
state in FIG. 23), then the substance is able to escape or vaporize
out of the container interior via the container outlet opening
18.
[0133] As can be seen further from FIGS. 23 and 24, the cap 21 as a
constituent part of the container 2 also realizes here the
oppositely situated web regions 43, 44 of the web 37 which, with
the container in the mounted state, engage in the individual slots
38, 39 of the housing walls 40, 41. The web regions 43, 44 and the
individual slots 38, 39 are dimensioned in this connection such
that the web regions 43, 44 are held releasably in the individual
slots 38, 39 by means of a clamping connection. As a result,
reliable fixing of the container 2 on the electrical connection
element 3 is achieved on the one hand and additionally, however, it
is also ensured that the container 2 is able to be released again
from the electrical connection element in a simple manner. As can
be seen in particular in FIGS. 16 and 17, individual clamping
projections 45 can also be realized for this purpose in the region
of the individual slots 38, 39.
[0134] A capillary element 15, which in a preferred manner is
L-shaped and in a preferred manner is formed by a wick or is
produced from wick material, is arranged in the interior of the
container 2.
[0135] Here too, the capillary element 15, when seen in the
direction of the vertical axis of the container, once again extends
with a first L leg 16 substantially over the entire container
length to directly below the container outlet opening 18 in the cap
21, which can be seen, for example, particularly well in FIGS. 26
and 27. As a result, the second L leg 17, which realizes the
substance dispensing region, directly adjoins the container outlet
opening 18 or is received there at least in regions, where
applicable even in a cap-side receiving element 46 in order to
enable the substance to be dispensed or vaporized in a functionally
reliable manner.
[0136] The fixing or holding of the capillary element 5 in the
interior of the container 2 can be effected in principle
analogously to the first realization by way of one or multiple of
the measures described there. Reference is made here to the
statements made previously in this respect.
[0137] The essential difference between the second realization
variant and the first realization variant, however, is that here
the electrical heating element, which is also formed once again in
a preferred manner by an electrical resistance element 5, is
realized in a different manner, which is explained in more detail
below as an example:
[0138] the electrical heating or resistance element 5 here
comprises a resistance layer 47 as a heating layer, which can also
be seen in particular in FIGS. 21 and 22, the electrical contact
device 9 in the example case shown here comprising feed lines 48,
49 which are connected to said resistance layer 47. Two feed lines
48, 49, which are spaced apart from one another and comprise an
electrical connection to the resistance layer 47 which lies in the
space between, are specifically provided here.
[0139] In the case of said embodiment shown here, the resistance
layer 47 together with the feed lines 48, 49 is specifically
applied on a carrier layer 50 as a substrate which is arranged in
the mounted state (see in particular FIGS. 22 and 26 also) on the
outside wall of the container 2 in a flat bearing connection in a
manner described in more detail below and is assigned to the
capillary element region to be heated. In the example case shown
here, said assignment is effected such that an underside of the
second L leg 17 realizing the capillary element region to be heated
is directly in direct heat-conducting thermal contact with the
electrical resistance element 5.
[0140] It can be seen very well in FIG. 22 that the resistance
layer 47 can be adapted here with regard to shape and size to the
capillary element region to be heated (formed here by the second L
leg 17 simply as an example), which is, however, not absolutely
necessary. In principle, the resistance layer 47 could also extend
over a larger region on the carrier layer 50.
[0141] The carrier layer 50, the resistance layer 47 and the feed
lines 48, 49 are preferably realized in such a manner or produced
from such a material that they realize a heating and resistance
element 5 that is flexible overall.
[0142] Particularly preferred, in this connection, is a design
where the, preferably flexible, resistance layer 47 is formed by an
electrically conductive ink or paint which comprises a resistance
function, preferably a PTC function, and is applied, preferably
imprinted, onto the carrier layer 50 for example, as a film layer.
The imprinting can be effected, for example, using a silk-screen
printing method.
[0143] Analogously to this, the, preferably flexible, feed lines
48, 49 are formed in a preferred manner by an electrically
conductive paint or ink which comprises a current-guiding function,
for example a paint or ink which comprises silver. Here too, the
feed lines 48, 49 can be advantageously imprinted directly onto the
carrier layer 50, for example also in conjunction with a
silk-screen printing method.
[0144] The carrier layer can be produced, for example, from a
plastics material, for example from polyethylene terephthalate (in
short PET).
[0145] As can be seen in particular from the overall view of FIGS.
17, 20 and 22, the container 2 comprises on an, when seen in the
direction of the vertical axis, upper region, to which the cap 21
and/or the second L leg 17 of the capillary element is assigned, a
support 51 which is realized here, for example, in an integral,
plate-shaped and two-sided manner and is produced from a
heat-conducting material. Said support 51 comprises an inside part
region 52, which is assigned to the L leg 17 as a capillary element
region to be heated of the capillary element 15 and is consequently
assigned to the interior of the container 2, on which the L leg 17
directly rests and/or is fastened for heat-conducting thermal
contact as a capillary element region to be heated in a capillary
element support region. The support 51 further comprises an outer
part region 53, which is remote from the inside capillary element
support region and is consequently assigned to the outside region
of the container 2, on which the electrical heating element 5 is
arranged and/or fastened for heat-conducting thermal contact, in a
preferred manner such that a carrier layer 50 of the electrical
heating element 5 is connected to the support 51 or to the outer
part region 53 by means of lamination. As shown further, a notch 54
can be realized on the container wall, assigned to the support 51
and consequently to the arrangement region of the electrical
resistance element 5, said notch enabling, on the one hand, very
good assignment of the electrical resistance element 5 to the
support 51 and, on the other hand, also reliable fixing of the
capillary element 15 in the interior of the container. Said notch
54 can extend over the entire container length (for example FIGS.
25 to 27) or, however, also only over a part region of the same
(see FIG. 20 b).
[0146] The support surface 51 comprises here a substantially
rectangular outside contour and corresponds as regards the size and
the dimension in a preferred manner substantially to the dimensions
of the flat and/or flexible electrical resistance element 5 which
is mounted on said support surface 51 or on the outer part region
53 thereof.
[0147] The electrical heating element 5 can further comprise a,
preferably flexible, protective layer which covers the resistance
layer 47 together with the feed lines 48, 49 applied on the carrier
layer 50 at least in regions, which is, however, not shown here.
The only important point in this connection with reference to the
feed lines 48, 49 is that they are arranged or realized such that
they are able to be contacted with electrical contact elements.
[0148] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 26, the outer part
region 53 of the support 51 together with the electrical heating
element 5 assigned thereto forms a constituent part of a projection
which projects from the container 2 and engages in a receiving
element 55 of the electrical connection element 3 for producing the
electrical connection between the electrical heating element 5 and
the electrical connection element 3, such that the feed lines 48,
49 on the heating element side forming here a constituent part of
the electrical contact device 9 are connectable in an electrically
conductive manner to connection contacts 56 which open out into the
receiving element 55 and also form a constituent part of the
electrical contact device 9 (see FIG. 27).
[0149] The design and dimensioning of the plateau-like projection
and/or of the receiving element 55 is effected in this connection
in a preferred manner such that in the mounted state the projection
is received in the receiving element 55 of the electrical
connection element 3 in a manner that is adapted to its form and/or
contour, in particular is held releasably in the receiving element
55 by means of a positive locking or clamping connection.
[0150] The electrical resistance element 5 is shown excessively
thickly in particular in FIGS. 25 to 27 simply for reasons of
better presentation. It is clear that the electrical resistance
element 5 can obviously be realized extremely thinly.
* * * * *