Rotary switching device selection element information display

[Object] To enable to visually recognizing information displayed on an outer circumferential surface of a member from an axial direction of the member and capable of switching selection elements while viewing the device from the axial direction.[Solution] A rotary switching device includes: a cylindrical first member that includes an outer circumferential surface on which predetermined information is displayed; a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member; a plurality of selection elements among which a selection target is switched in accordance with relative positions of the first member and the second member; a mirror surface part that is formed by a surface disposed around the outer circumferential surface of the first member and intersecting an axial direction of the first member, and that is configured to specularly reflect the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first member to enable the information to be visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member; and an indicating part configured to indicate the selection element that is selected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a rotary switching device.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a rotary switching device that enables a selection of a desired selection element from a plurality of selection elements by a rotation operation is used in various fields. Examples of the rotary switching device include a rotating switch for switching an interval at an intermittent operation of a wiper of a vehicle and a rotating operating device provided at a handle part for switching a gear shift stage of a bicycle (For example, refer to Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

In the conventional rotary switching devices exemplified in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, an operator performs a switching operation while viewing the device from a circumferential surface side of a rotating operating part. In such a rotary switching device, because selection elements that can be selected are displayed on the circumferential surface of the device, the operator can operate the device while recognizing a position to which the operator should rotate the device to select a desired selection element desired. Also, in the rotary switching devices described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, selection elements are regularly arranged. Therefore, the operator can select a desired selection element by sequentially performing a rotation operation in a certain direction until a desired selection state is reached.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, in the case of operating the rotary switching devices disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 while viewing the device from an axial direction of the rotating operating part, it may be impossible to operate the device while recognizing selection elements that can be selected. Particularly, when the selection elements are arranged irregularly or can be switched to other selection elements, the operator can no longer recognize which selection element can be selected at which position.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a novel and improved rotary switching device that enables an operator to visually recognizing information displayed on an outer circumferential surface of a member from an axial direction of the member and capable of switching selection elements while viewing the device from the axial direction.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a rotary switching device including: a cylindrical first member that includes an outer circumferential surface on which predetermined information is displayed; a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member; a plurality of selection elements among which a selection target is switched in accordance with relative positions of the first member and the second member; a mirror surface part that is formed by a surface disposed around the outer circumferential surface of the first member and intersecting an axial direction of the first member, and that is configured to specularly reflect the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first member to enable the information to be visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member; and an indicating part configured to indicate the selection element that is selected.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to the present disclosure, information displayed on an outer circumferential surface of a member can be visually recognized from an axial direction of the member and selection elements may be switched while viewing the device from the axial direction. Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any one of the effects described in this specification or other effects that may be grasped from this specification.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The description will be given in the following order.1. First embodiment1.1. Configuration example of rotary switching device1.2. Summary2. Second embodiment3. Third embodiment

1. First Embodiment

<1-1. Configuration Example of Rotary Switching Device>

With reference toFIGS. 1 to 17, an aromatic device1will be described as an example of a rotary switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating the aromatic device1,FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of the aromatic device1, andFIG. 3is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the aromatic device1.FIGS. 4 and 5are explanatory diagrams of a cover100,FIGS. 6 and 7are explanatory diagrams of a cartridge case300, andFIGS. 8 and 9are explanatory diagrams of a holding part400.FIGS. 10 and 11are explanatory diagrams of a perfume cartridge200, andFIGS. 12 and 13are explanatory diagrams of a rotating operating part600.FIGS. 14 and 15are explanatory diagrams of a prism part500, andFIGS. 16 and 17are explanatory diagrams of a base part700.

In the following description, a direction in which the cover100is disposed will be referred to as a front side, and a direction in which the base part700is disposed will be referred to as a rear side.FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16are views of respective members seen from the front side, andFIGS. 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17are axial cross-sectional views of the respective members. Positions of the cross-sections shown inFIGS. 5, 7, 911,13,15, and17are respectively indicated by A to G inFIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16.

According to the present embodiment, the aromatic device1includes the perfume cartridge200which is a perfume holding member provided with a plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219passing therethrough and configured to hold perfume, the base part700which is a member having a supply port750configured to communicate with some of the air flow passages of the plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219and introduce air supplied from an air pump which is a wind power source to some of the air flow passages, and a rotation switching mechanism capable of relatively rotating the perfume cartridge200so that some of the air flow passages communicating with the supply port750are switched.

The aromatic device1is one aspect of a rotary switching device and includes the cover100, the perfume cartridge200, the cartridge case300, the prism part500, the rotating operating part600, and the base part700. Among these, the cartridge case300corresponds to a first member of the present disclosure, and the base part700corresponds to a second member of the present disclosure. Also, the cover100corresponds to a third member of the present disclosure. The aromatic device1is a device for vaporizing and releasing perfume held in inner circumferential surfaces of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219by making air flow to a desired air flow passage selected from the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219which are a plurality of selection elements provided in the perfume cartridge200.

The aromatic device1may be used, for example, as a device for diffusing a scent into a relatively wide space. Also, unlike a conventional aromatic device, the aromatic device1may also be used as a device for releasing a scent over a limited range. For example, a user can release a scent one or more times near his or her face to feel relaxed. In this case, because the scent is not diffused over a wide range, it can be difficult for surrounding people to smell the scent.

A liquid perfume is vaporized and released with air from the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219in such an aromatic device1by air supplied by an air pump (not illustrated) being supplied to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200. In the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment, inner diameters of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are relatively small, and it is difficult to release the perfume to the outside when air is not supplied to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219.

The perfume cartridge200has a main body part202, an axial direction hole230, and the plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. The main body part202has a cylindrical outer shape. The main body part202is provided with the axial direction hole230having an axial center as a center. The axial direction hole230may be used as a guide when the cover100and the base part700are mounted. The outer shape of the perfume cartridge200is not limited to being a cylindrical shape. For example, the outer shape of the perfume cartridge200may be a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cubic shape, or any other appropriate shape.

The air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are formed along the axial direction in the main body part202. An essential oil or a liquid perfume obtained by diluting an essential oil with ethanol is attached and held, for example, in at least a portion of an inner surface of each of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. The air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are arranged at equal intervals on a circumference around the axial center of the main body part202. In this way, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219to which air flows may be switched by axially rotating the perfume cartridge200by a predetermined rotation angle. The number of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219is not limited to five.

As a constituent material of the perfume cartridge200, for example, a polymer resin such as an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, a polyetherether ketone (PEEK) resin, a polyacetal (POM) resin, a silicone resin, a fluororesin, a cycloolefin polymer resin, and a polyimide resin, a metal such as stainless steel and aluminum, an inorganic crystal such as quartz, a type of glass, or a plurality of materials may be used. However, the constituent material of the perfume cartridge200is not limited to the above examples. The perfume cartridge200may be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as the constituent material of the perfume cartridge200.

The perfume cartridge200has a locking groove240on the outer circumferential surface of the main body part202. The locking groove240is used to position the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200, together with a locking protrusion part340provided at an inner circumferential surface of the cartridge case300. Also, relative rotation between the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200becomes impossible and the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200may be integrally rotated due to the locking groove240and the locking protrusion part340being fitted to each other.

The inner diameters of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be, for example, 10 to 3,000 μm. Particularly, a flow passage having an inner diameter of several tens to several hundreds of μm is also referred to as a “micro flow passage.” The air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having such inner diameters may stably hold a small amount of perfume by having a liquid perfume attached to and held at inner surfaces thereof. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the perfume to be dropped at each time of use. Also, because the perfume cartridge200has the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having relatively small inner diameters, an outlet opening is small, and a diffusion flux at a time of releasing the scent may be narrowed. Therefore, a user may release a scent over a limited range, e.g., may privately enjoy the scent.

Further, when the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219have relatively small inner diameters, a high ratio of surface areas to volumes of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219can be ensured, and with a small amount of perfume, a highly concentrated perfume may be vaporized and released with air. Further, even when the plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are formed so that the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219have relatively small inner diameters, a size of the outer shape of the perfume cartridge200may be reduced so that carrying the perfume cartridge200as well as carrying the aromatic device1can be facilitated.

The air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be provided in a linear shape in the main body part202or may be provided in a curved shape in the main body part202. Alternatively, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may include a partially linear or curved portion. Lengths of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219can be increased in the main body part202and the amount of held perfume can be increased by the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219being provided in the curved shape.

A direction of the outlet opening of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be parallel to the axial direction of the main body part202or may be a direction in any other angle. Also, a cross-sectional shape of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219is not particularly limited as long as the shape enables a liquid perfume to be attached to and held in the inner surfaces thereof and air can be supplied to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. The cross-sectional shape of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a quadrilateral shape, a rectangular shape, and any other appropriate shape.

At least one of an inlet opening and the outlet opening of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may have a tapered shape in which a diameter thereof gradually increases toward an opening end thereof. When the outlet opening has a tapered shape, perfume released from the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be easily diffused. Further, when the inlet opening has a tapered shape, a small amount of liquid perfume can be easily injected into the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219, and perfume can be prevented from being attached near an end of the inlet opening and remaining thereon.

Also, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may include a surface increasing part configured to increase a surface in a flow passage. An area to which the liquid perfume is attached is increased and the total amount of held perfume can be increased by providing the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219with the surface increasing part. Therefore, a total time in which a scent can be released by supplying air to one of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219can be extended.

For example, in the surface increasing part, a plurality of cross-shaped components formed along a cross section orthogonal to an axial line of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are connected in the axial direction at cross-shaped crossing portions. Even when the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219have relatively small diameters, for example, by manufacturing the perfume cartridge200using a 3D printer, the surface increasing part can be formed inside the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. The surface increasing part may be disposed to be rotationally symmetric with respect to the axial center of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. Further, the surface increasing part can also be disposed to be translationally symmetric in the axial direction of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. Further, the surface increasing part may also be disposed to be mirror symmetric with respect to an arbitrary axis.

The surface increasing part formed in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may have various shapes. For example, a plurality of components formed along a cross-section orthogonal to the axial line of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219and intersecting four straight lines may be a surface increasing part connected to an intersecting portion in the surface increasing part in the axial direction. Further, a plurality of cross-shaped components formed along the cross-section orthogonal to the axial line of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be a surface increasing part connected in the axial direction while being, for example, rotated by 45° at every interval on the corresponding cross-section.

The surface increasing parts may be formed to have a lattice shape having unit sides which have arbitrary inter-axis angles and arbitrary lengths. That is, the surface increasing part may be configured with a combination of a single unit side extending in a diametric direction from the axial center of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219, another unit side obtained by the rotation of the above unit side by a predetermined angle (90° or 45°), and a plurality of unit lattices formed by the inner surfaces of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. Therefore, an equal density of perfume can be held in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219.

The surface increasing parts can increase surface areas of the inner surfaces of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219while maintaining a space through which air passes to not disturb a flux. Therefore, an amount of perfume held inside the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be increased by a liquid perfume being attached to the surfaces and resisting gravity or a flow or air due to wettability, surface tension, and a chemical interaction at an interface.

It is not necessary for the surface increasing part to be rotationally symmetric, translationally symmetric, or mirror symmetric. Further, it is not necessary for the surface increasing part to be constituted by a combination of unit lattices. The surface increasing part may have any shape as long as the shape can be formed without interfering with a flow of air.

Also, when the aromatic device1is used as a device for privately enjoying a scent, a straightness of the scent to be released may be improved so that the scent to be released is not diffused over a wide range. For example, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may have spiral grooves on the inner circumferential surfaces thereof. The straightness of air being released by flowing through the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be improved through a gyro effect due to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having the spiral grooves. Alternatively, a tapered portion which has a diameter that is gradually decreased toward an opening end may be provided at the outlet opening of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. An air flow speed may be increased and the straightness may be improved due to the outlet opening having the tapered portion.

The cartridge case300which is the first member holds the perfume cartridge200therein. The cartridge case300has a cylindrical outer shape. The rear end among both axial ends of the cartridge case300is open. The cartridge case300has a circular opening330having an axial center as a center at a front end side thereof. Further, the cartridge case300has holes311,313,315,317, and319configured to respectively communicate with the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200and formed around the opening330.

The locking protrusion part340extending along the axial direction is provided at the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge case300. When the perfume cartridge200is inserted into the cartridge case300, the locking protrusion part340is disposed in the locking groove240provided at the outer circumferential surface of the perfume cartridge200. In this way, the perfume cartridge200and the cartridge case300are positioned, and the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicate with the holes311,313,315,317, and319. Further, the cartridge case300has a plurality of claw parts341at the rear end side. The claw parts341are formed to have equal intervals by causing positions of the rear end sides of the cartridge case300to be different in the axial direction. The number of the claw parts341may be equal to the number of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200.

Predetermined information is displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300. Such information is used for identifying the air flow passages211,213,15,217, and219which are selection elements. The information may be, for example, at least one of letters, patterns, color schemes, patterns, or the like, that are drawn. With such information, a user of the aromatic device1can identify at least the positions of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219.

Further, at the positions respectively corresponding to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219, the types of scents held in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be written in letters. Alternatively, the types of scents held in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219may be drawn as drawing patterns. Further, different color schemes or patterns may be displayed in accordance with the positions respectively corresponding to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. Because pieces of information are reflected by a mirror surface part622and visually recognized by a user from the axial direction, when letters or figures are displayed, the letters or the figures may be displayed in reverse.

Also, because the mirror surface part622is formed by a conical part620, a distance between the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300and the mirror surface part622differs depending on a position in the axial direction. As the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300and the mirror surface part622is increased, the displayed information is enlarged and visually recognized when viewed from the axial direction of the cartridge case300. Therefore, when displaying letters, figures, or the like, a size thereof may be determined in consideration of sizes of letters and figures to be visually recognized. The information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300is not limited to the above examples.

A constituent material of the cartridge case300is not particularly limited. For example, the constituent material of the cartridge case300may be a metal, a resin, a wood, or the like. The cartridge case300can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as the constituent material of the cartridge case300.

The holding part400holds the rear side of the cartridge case300. The holding part400has a cylindrical outer shape. A front end side among both axial ends of the holding part400is open. The holding part400has a circular opening430having an axial center as a center at a rear end side thereof. Further, the holding part400has holes411,413,415,417, and419configured to respectively communicate with the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200and formed around the opening430.

The rear end of the cartridge case300is inserted into an opening at the front side of the holding part400. The holding part400has a plurality of accommodating recessed parts441in which the claw parts341of the cartridge case300are disposed, formed at the inner circumferential surface thereof. The number of the accommodating recessed parts441corresponds to the number of the claw parts341and is equal to the number of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200. In this way, the plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219respectively communicate with the holes411,413,415,417, and419by the cartridge case300holding the perfume cartridge200being held at an arbitrary rotation phase in the holding part400.

Inside the holding part400, a cushioning member26is disposed at an end surface of the rear side of the perfume cartridge200. The cushioning member26has a circular opening27having an axial center as a center. Also, the cushioning member26has a plurality of holes configured to respectively communicate with the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200and formed around the opening27. The cushioning member26may have a positioning mechanism for positioning the cushioning member26and the perfume cartridge200or the holding part400, or may be attached to the perfume cartridge200or the holding part400in a state in which the cushioning member26is aligned.

A constituent material of the holding part400is not particularly limited. For example, the constituent material of the holding part400may be a metal, a resin, a wood, or the like. The holding unit400can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as the constituent material of the holding unit400.

The cover100which is a third member is also mounted at the outside of the cartridge case300. The cover100has a cylindrical outer shape. A rear end among both ends in the axial direction of the cover100is open. The cover100has a scent releasing port112configured to communicate with any one of the plurality of air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200and formed at a front end surface thereof. By passing through any one of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200, air containing a vaporized perfume component is released to the outside through the scent releasing port112. An inner diameter of the scent releasing port112is not particularly limited. However, the inner diameter of the scent releasing port112may be at least the same as the inner diameter of the air flow passages211,213,215,217and219or larger so as not to interfere with a flow of air through the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200.

The scent releasing port112serves as an indicating part configured to indicate the selected air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219. That is, the scent releasing port112may be formed on an end surface at the front side of the cover100, and the user may recognize the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219to which air can be supplied by using information displayed at the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300reflected by the mirror surface part622when the aromatic device1is seen from the front side in the axial direction.

Inside the cover100, a cushioning member22is disposed at an end surface at the front side of the cartridge case300. The cushioning member22has a circular opening23having an axial center as a center. Also, the cushioning member22has a hole24configured to communicate with the scent releasing port112of the cover100and formed near the opening23. The cushioning member22may have a positioning mechanism for positioning the cushioning member and the cover100or the cartridge case300, or may be attached to the cover100or the cartridge case300in a state in which the cushioning member22is aligned.

The cover100is provided with a fixed shaft114extending in the axial direction from an inner surface of an end surface at the front side. The fixed shaft114is inserted into the opening23of the cushioning member22, the opening330of the cartridge case300, and the axial direction hole230of the perfume cartridge200. The cover100may rotate relative to the cartridge case300holding the perfume cartridge200about the fixed shaft114which is a rotation axis, and the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicating with the scent releasing port112are switched in accordance with a relative position of the cover100. An engaging part114aformed as a half body cut along an axial center of the fixed shaft114is provided at a distal end thereof. The engaging part114ais fitted to a fixed shaft760of the base part700, and a shape thereof is not limited as long as the shape can be attached to and detached from the fixed shaft760.

The cover100is formed of a base part110at a front side and a cylindrical part120at a rear side. Of these, the cylindrical part120is formed of a transparent material. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300is visually recognizable from the outside of the cover100. A method of coupling between the base part110and the cylindrical part120is not particularly limited. For example, the base part110and the cylindrical part120may be coupled to each other by an adhesive or may be fixed by a fitting structure.

In the present embodiment, in the cover100, predetermined information may also be displayed on the cylindrical part120formed of a transparent material. Because the cylindrical part120is formed of a transparent material, the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300and the information displayed on the cylindrical part120of the cover100may be superimposed to be visually recognized by the user. Because it may be impossible for the cover100to rotate relative to the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200and the cover100is not a part that rotates along with the rotation of the perfume cartridge200, a display on the cylindrical part120of the cover100may not enable the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219to be identified and is not particularly limited. When seen from the axial direction of the cartridge case300, as a distance between the cover100and the mirror surface part622is increased, the displayed information is enlarged and visually recognized. Therefore, when letters or figures are displayed, a size thereof may be determined in consideration of sizes of letters and figures to be visually recognized.

A constituent material of the cover100is not particularly limited. For example, the constituent material of the cover100may be a metal, a resin, a wood, or the like. The cover100can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as the constituent material of the cover100.

The rotating operating part600is further disposed outside the cover100, the cartridge case300, the perfume cartridge200, and the holding part400. The rotating operating part600has an outer circumferential cylindrical part610, the conical part620, and an inner circumferential cylindrical part630. The inner circumferential cylindrical part630has a locking protrusion part636at an inner circumferential surface thereof. The outer circumferential cylindrical part610and the inner circumferential cylindrical part630are connected via the conical part620. A large diameter-side end portion of the conical part620is connected to an axial central portion of an inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cylindrical part610. Further, a small diameter-side end portion of the conical part620is connected to a front-side end portion of the inner circumferential cylindrical part630.

The cover100, the cartridge case300, the perfume cartridge200, and the holding part400are inserted into the inner circumferential cylindrical part630of the rotating operating part600. Here, the locking protrusion part636of the inner circumferential cylindrical part630is disposed in any one of a plurality of locking groove parts440provided at the outer circumferential surface of the holding part400. In this way, the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200held by the holding part400and the holding part400can be integrally rotated with the rotating operating part600. Further, because the cover100can rotate relative to the cartridge case300, the perfume cartridge200, and the holding unit400, the rotating operating part600and the cover100can also rotate relative to each other.

Although the rotating operating part600covers an outer periphery of the prism part500in the present embodiment, the rotating operating part600may not cover the prism part500. A shape of the rotating operating part600is not particularly limited as long as the shape can rotate the perfume cartridge200, the cartridge case300, and the holding part400arranged inside the aromatic device1from the outside. In this case, an outer circumferential surface of the prism part500may be surface-processed so that information displayed on the outer surface of the cartridge case300is not transmitted therethrough. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the prism part500may be exposed to the outside. In this way, the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300can be visually recognized from the axial direction of the cartridge case300, and can also be visually recognized from the outer circumferential surface side.

A constituent material of the rotating operating part600is not particularly limited. For example, the constituent material of the rotating operating part600may be a metal, a resin, a wood, or the like. The rotating operating part600can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as a material of the rotating operating part600.

A surface on a front side of the conical part620of the rotating operating part600is the mirror surface part622on which mirror-finishing is performed. In the present embodiment, the mirror surface part622is an inclined surface that is inclined by 45° with respect to the axial direction and specularly reflects information displayed on the cylindrical part120of the cover100or the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300that may be visually recognized by being transmitted through the cylindrical part120to enable the information to be visually recognized from the front side in the axial direction. A position of a boundary between an end at the front side of the mirror surface part622, i.e., the mirror surface part622, and the outer circumferential cylindrical part610is almost the same in the axial direction of the rotating operating part600as a position of a boundary between the base part110and the cylindrical part120of the cover100. Therefore, it is difficult for the base part110of the cover100to be visually recognized when the mirror surface part622is viewed in the axial direction.

Although the mirror surface part622is formed with a conical surface in the present embodiment, a shape of the mirror surface part622is not limited to this example. For example, the mirror surface part622may also be formed with a pyramid surface. Further, the mirror surface part622may not be formed continuously throughout 360° and may be formed partially therethrough. Also, a slope of the mirror surface part622with respect to the axial direction is not limited to 45°. As long as the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300which is the first member can be visually recognized from the axial direction, the mirror surface part622may be inclined at any appropriate angle.

The mirror surface part622is provided by, for example, flattening a front side surface of the conical part620and then forming a reflective film formed of a metal, a dielectric, or the like thereon. The reflective film may be formed using, for example, chromium, tantalum, aluminum, or the like. The reflective film is formed by, for example, vapor deposition, printing, coating, plating, or the like. Further, when the conical part620is formed of a metal, a surface of the conical part620may be processed to be flattened and become a mirror surface.

The mirror surface part622may not be integrated with the rotating operating part600and may be provided as a separate member. That is, as long as the mirror surface part622is disposed at least near the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300on which predetermined information is displayed and is formed by a surface intersecting the axial direction of the cartridge case300, other configurations thereof are not particularly limited.

The prism part500is disposed inside the outer circumferential cylindrical part610at a side thereof in front of the mirror surface part622. The prism part500may be lightly press-fitted into the outer circumferential cylindrical part610or may be coupled thereto by an appropriate means. The prism part500has a main body part510formed of a transparent material and an axial direction hole530provided in the main body part510and having an axial center as a center. The axial direction hole530has a tapered shape having a cross-sectional area that gently gradually expands toward a front side thereof. In this way, the cover100, the cartridge case300, the holding part400, and the like can be easily inserted from the front side when the perfume cartridge200is mounted. Also, when the prism part500is molded by a resin, the prism part500can be easily withdrawn from a mold.

The cover100, the cartridge case300, and the perfume cartridge200are disposed in the axial direction hole530of the prism part500. The main body part510of the prism part500is formed of a transparent material and does not hinder the information displayed on the cylindrical part120of the cover100that is specularly reflected at the mirror surface part622and may be visually recognized from the axial direction or the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300from being visually recognized. Introduction of dust and the like into the rotating operating part600can be reduced by the prism part500being disposed between the cover100and the rotating operating part600.

A constituent material of the prism part500is not particularly limited as long as the prism part500is transparent after being formed. For example, the prism part500may be formed of a glass, a crystal, a transparent resin, or the like. Further, the axial direction hole530of the prism part500is not limited to being a tapered shape having a cross-sectional area that gradually increases toward the front side. The axial direction hole530of the prism part500may have a constant cross-sectional area, or may have a tapered shape having a cross-sectional area that gradually increases toward the rear side. When the cross-sectional area of the axial direction hole530has a tapered shape that gradually expands toward the rear side, introduction of dust and the like from the outside (the front side) of the aromatic device1can be further reduced.

The rotating operating part600, the cover100, the perfume cartridge200, the cartridge case300, the holding part400, and the like are supported by the base part700which is the second member. The base part700has a concave part740having a circular cross-section, into which the inner circumferential cylindrical part630of the rotating operating part600is inserted, formed at a central portion of a front side surface thereof. Also, the base part700has a ring-shaped stepped part725in which the outer circumferential cylindrical part610of the rotating operating part600is disposed, formed on an outer edge portion of the front side surface. The outer circumferential cylindrical part610is disposed in the stepped part725, the inner circumferential cylindrical part630of the rotating operating part600is disposed in the concave part740, and the holding part400, the perfume cartridge200, and the like are disposed inside the inner circumferential cylindrical part630.

The base part700has the fixed shaft760erected on a bottom surface of the concave part740and extending toward the front side. The fixed shaft760is inserted into the opening430of the holding part400and the axial direction hole230of the perfume cartridge200. For example, the fixed shaft760is lightly press-fitted into the axial direction hole230of the perfume cartridge200. In this way, the rotating operating part600, the cover100, the perfume cartridge200, the cartridge case300, the holding part400, and the like are supported by the base part700.

An engaging part760aformed of a half body cut along an axial center thereof is provided at a distal end of the fixed shaft760. The engaging part760aof the fixed shaft760is fitted to the engaging part114aat a distal end of the fixed shaft114of the cover100in the axial direction hole230of the perfume cartridge200in a state of being axially rotated by 180°. In this way, relative rotation between the cover100and the base part700becomes impossible. As a result, the rotating operating part600, the perfume cartridge200, the cartridge case300, and the holding part400can rotate relative to the base part700. However, like the engaging part114aof the cover100, the engaging part760amay be fitted to the fixed shaft114of the cover100and have any shape that may be attached to and detached from the fixed shaft114, and the shape is not limited to the above shape.

Further, the base part700has the air supply port750on the bottom surface of the concave part740. The base part700includes an air pump (not illustrated), a battery, a circuit board, and the like therein. The air pump is an example of a blower, is driven by electric power supplied from the battery, and introduces air into the air supply port750. The air pump may be, for example, a diaphragm type pump which deforms a diaphragm by supplying an alternating current to a piezoelectric element and performs air suctioning and pumping. The battery may be a battery that is only discharged and is replaceable, or may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged. An operation of turning on or turning off the air pump is performed by operating a switch operating part730. For example, by pressing the switch operating part730, a switching element of the circuit board is electrically connected, and power is supplied from the battery to the air pump. In this way, air flows to the perfume cartridge200via the air supply port750.

For example, an on/off state of energization may be switched every time the switch operating part730is pushed downward, and the energization may be maintained in the on-state while the switch operating part730is pressed downward. Other electronic components such as a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), configured to indicate an operational state of the aromatic device1may be mounted on the circuit board. Further, a communication device may be mounted on the circuit board to enable the aromatic device1to be operated by a remote controller, a smart phone, or the like.

The blower configured to supply air toward the perfume cartridge200is not limited to being an air pump. For example, the blower may be a blower of a type in which a fan is rotated. Further, the blower configured to supply air to the perfume cartridge200may not be an electrically driven type, and may be of a manual type. When a means for supplying air is a manual type of means, the battery, the switch operating part730, and the circuit board may be omitted.

Further, a protruding part770for positioning is provided on the bottom surface of the concave part740. The protruding part770is locked to the locking groove part440of the holding part400in which the locking protrusion part636of the rotating operating part600is disposed. On the outer circumferential surface of the holding part400, the same number of locking groove parts440as the number of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200are provided at equal intervals. One of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicates with the air supply port750in a state in which the protruding part770is locked to one of the locking groove parts440. Therefore, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicating with the air supply port750are switched by the rotating operating part600being rotated.

The protruding part770may be biased forward by a spring or the like. That is, when the protruding part770is retracted due to the spring being contracted or the like and any one of the locking groove parts440corresponds to the position of the protruding part770while the perfume cartridge200is being rotated, the protruding part770may protrude toward the locking groove part440. In this way, the holding part400, the rotating operating part600, or the like can be rotated without switching a distance between the base part700, the holding part400, and the like.

A constituent material of the base part700is not particularly limited. For example, the constituent material of the base part700may be a metal, a resin, a wood, or the like. The base part700can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as a material of the base part700.

Next, a system configuration of the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment will be briefly described.FIG. 18illustrates an example of a system block diagram of the aromatic device1. A battery810is electrically connected to an air pump840via a circuit board820and a switching element830. Power of the battery810is supplied to the air pump840according to operation of the switch operating part730. When the air pump840is driven and air flows through the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200, perfume held in the inner surfaces of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219is vaporized, and a scent is released with air. Also, in the example ofFIG. 18, the rotating operating part600is manually rotated, and the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200in to which air supplied from the air pump840is introduced may be switched.

FIG. 19illustrates an example of a system block diagram of a different aromatic device1A. In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, the rotating operating part600, the cartridge case300, or the holding part400is rotated by a motor850, and the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219of the perfume cartridge200into which air supplied from the air pump840is introduced may be switched.

As described above, in the aromatic device1according to the first embodiment, the cylindrical cartridge case (the first member)300configured to hold the perfume cartridge200and integrally rotate with the perfume cartridge200is supported to be axially rotatable with respect to the base member (the second member)700having the air supply port750. Also, depending on relative positions between the perfume cartridge200or the cartridge case300and the base part700, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicating with the air supply port750and communicating with the scent releasing port112are switched.

Information for identifying the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219is displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300. Such information is reflected by the mirror surface part622disposed near the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300and can be visually recognized from the axial direction of the cartridge case300. Therefore, the user can recognize a position at which each of the air flow passages211,213,215,217,219is located when viewing the aromatic device1from the axial direction.

Also, the scent releasing port112which is the indicating part provided in the cover100is also visually recognized when the aromatic device1is viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, the user can easily change the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219so that desired air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicate with the scent releasing port112by the rotating operating part600being rotated while the aromatic device1is viewed from the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the axial direction refers to a direction in which a scent is released, and the user may change the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219by releasing a scent and checking the scent.

Also, in the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment, information is also displayed on the cylindrical part120, which is formed of a transparent material, of the cover100. Because the cylindrical part120is formed of a transparent material, information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge case300and information displayed on the cylindrical part120of the cover100may be superimposed to be visually recognized by the user. Therefore, designability can be improved, and satisfaction of the user can be improved.

Furthermore, the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment includes the perfume cartridge200having the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219which have both ends opened and a perfume held in at least a portion of the inner surfaces thereof. The perfume cartridge200has the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having relatively small inner diameters, and can stably hold a small amount of perfume. The perfume cartridge200has the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having relatively small inner diameters, and by supplying air to the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219, the perfume is vaporized and released with the air. Here, because an outlet opening through which a scent is released is relatively small, a diffusion flux of the released scent may be narrowed. Also, because a ratio of surface areas to volumes of the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219is high, a highly concentrated perfume may be vaporized with a small amount of perfume. Therefore, the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment may release a highly concentrated scent over a narrow range when used, for example, to privately enjoy the scent.

Also, because the perfume cartridge200has the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219having relatively small inner diameters, the size of the outer shape of the perfume cartridge200may be reduced so that carrying the perfume cartridge200or carrying the aromatic device1can be facilitated. Also, the perfume cartridge200holds perfume in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219, and it is unnecessary for the perfume to be dropped at each time of use.

Further, in the aromatic device1according to the present embodiment, the perfume cartridge200may be replaced. In this way, the perfume cartridge200in which perfume having an appropriate scent can be selected depending on a use situation or a preference of a user. Therefore, the aromatic device1may be used in various situations such as enjoying a different type of scent or switching a degree of diffusion of a scent. In this case, by replacing the cartridge case300together with the perfume cartridge200, a desired scent can be easily selected while types of perfumes held in the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219are visually recognized.

2. Second Embodiment

A rotary switching device according to the present disclosure can be modified and applied in various ways. Hereinafter, a rotary switching device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG. 20is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotary switching device according to the second embodiment. In the example, the rotary switching device includes a first cylindrical member910corresponding to the cartridge case300of the aromatic device1according to the first embodiment, a second cylindrical member920corresponding to the cylindrical part120of the cover100, the mirror surface part622, and a third cylindrical member930. The third cylindrical member930corresponds to a fourth member of the present disclosure. InFIG. 20, other members corresponding to members such as the base part110of the cover100, the plurality of holes311,313,315,317, and319of the cartridge case300, the prism part500, the rotating operating part600, and the base part70are omitted to facilitate understanding.

The third cylindrical member930which is the fourth member is a cylindrical member formed of a transparent material. The third cylindrical member930is further disposed outside an outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member920and is movable along an axial direction. Because the third cylindrical member930is formed of a transparent material, information displayed on an outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member910, which can be reflected by the mirror surface part622, is visually recognized in the axial direction of the first cylindrical member910via the second cylindrical member920and the third cylindrical member930. Here, the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member910is visually recognized by a user by being superimposed with information displayed on the second cylindrical member920and the third cylindrical member930.

Also, a distance between the third cylindrical member930and the mirror surface part622is varied according to an axial position of the third cylindrical member930. As the distance between the third cylindrical member930and the mirror surface part622increases, the displayed information is enlarged and visually recognized when viewed from the axial direction of the first cylindrical member910. Therefore, a method by which a user visually recognizing the displayed information may be switched and designability can be further improved by adjusting the axial position of the third cylindrical member930.

FIG. 21is a view for describing a method of visually recognizing information when the rotary switching device according to the present embodiment is viewed from the axial direction. As illustrated inFIG. 20, letters are written by being vertically and horizontally inverted on the first cylindrical member910, which is divided into three stages in the axial direction. Also, the second cylindrical member920is disposed outside the outer circumferential surface in a range of two-thirds of a rear side of the first cylindrical member910. It may be impossible for the second cylindrical member920to move in the axial direction. Color schemes or patterns are displayed on the second cylindrical member920. Further, the third cylindrical member930is disposed outside the outer circumferential surface at the rear side of the second cylindrical member920. A position of the third cylindrical member920can be adjusted over an entire axial range of the first cylindrical member910. In the third cylindrical member930, a double line that is a 360° circle is drawn.

The leftmost view inFIG. 21illustrates a visual recognition method when the third cylindrical member930is disposed at the rearmost side as illustrated inFIG. 20. Among the letters written in the three stages on the first cylindrical member910, letters at an outside in a diametric direction which are visually recognized after letters written at the front side of the first cylindrical member910are reflected appear to be the largest. Conversely, among the letters written in the three stages on the first cylindrical member910, letters at an inside in the diametric direction which are visually recognized after letters written at the rear side of the first cylindrical member910are reflected appear to be the smallest. Also, color schemes or patterns displayed on the second cylindrical member920is superimposed on a letter portion at a second stage at the inside in the diametric direction. Further, the double line drawn on the third cylindrical member930is superimposed on a letter portion at the innermost side in the diametric direction.

When the first cylindrical member (the first member)910is axially rotated, positions of the letters written on the first cylindrical member910are rotated. In the example ofFIG. 21, because the first cylindrical member910is rotated by 180°, the positions of the letters move 180°. Further, when the axial position of the third cylindrical member930is moved to the front side of the first cylindrical member910, the double line drawn on the third cylindrical member930is superimposed on the outermost letter portion in the diametric direction. Here, an interval between the double lines appears to be wide, and a thickness of the line also appears to be thick. Furthermore, when the second cylindrical member920is replaced with a member having a different color scheme or pattern, a color scheme or pattern which is superimposed on the outermost letter portion and is seen is also switched.

In this way, the rotary switching device according to the present embodiment can change a method through which information is visually recognized by a user and can improve user satisfaction due to high designability. The third cylindrical member930may be attached to the second cylindrical member920, or may be attached to a surrounding member such as the mirror surface part622. Further, the third cylindrical member930may be integrally rotatable with the first cylindrical member910, or may be integrally rotatable with the second cylindrical member920. Further, in the rotary switching device according to the present embodiment, the second cylindrical member920may not be provided.

Next, an aromatic device which is a rotary switching device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The aromatic device according to the present embodiment differs from the aromatic device according to the first embodiment in a configuration for switching air flow passages through which air passes. Hereinafter, with respect to the aromatic device according to the present embodiment, points different from the aromatic device according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. Also, in the following description, an example of a detaching mechanism of a cartridge assembly will be described.

First, referring toFIGS. 22 to 24, an overall configuration of an aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment will be described.FIG. 22is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the aromatic device1000, andFIG. 23is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating the portion of the aromatic device1000. In addition,FIG. 24is an exploded perspective view illustrating the portion of the aromatic device1000.

The aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment includes a perfume cartridge1200which is a perfume holding member provided with a plurality of air flow passages1210passing therethrough and configured to hold perfume, a base part1760which is a member having a supply port1765configured to communicate with some of the plurality of air flow passages1210and introduce air supplied from an air pump1840as a wind power source to some of the air flow passages, and a rotary switching mechanism capable of relatively rotating the perfume cartridge1200so that some of the air flow passages communicating with the supply port1765are switched.

The aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment includes a cover1100, the perfume cartridge1200, a prism part1500, a rotating operating part1600, the base part1760, and a case body1700. The aromatic device1000is a device that supplies air to the desired air flow passage1210selected from the five air flow passages1210which are a plurality of selection elements provide in the perfume cartridge1200which is a first member to vaporize perfume held in a moist state and releasing a scent. Specifically, in the aromatic device1000, a perfume is vaporized and released from the air flow passages1210together with air by supplying air supplied from the air pump1840to the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200. The air pump1840is driven by operating a switch operating part1730provided at the case body1700.

In the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment, a cartridge assembly1300is formed by the cover1100, the perfume cartridge1200, and a holding part1400. The cartridge assembly1300is supported by the base part1760. In the cartridge assembly1300, the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400are supported to be rotatable relative to the base part1760. On one hand, it may be impossible for the cover100to rotate relative to the base part1760. In the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment, the perfume cartridge1200corresponds to the first member of the present disclosure, the base part1760corresponds to the second member of the present disclosure, and the cover1100corresponds to the third member of the present disclosure.

In the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment, predetermined information is displayed on an outer circumferential surface of the perfume cartridge1200. Such information is used for identifying the air flow passages1210which are selection elements. The information may be the information exemplified in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

The cover1100has a cylindrical outer shape, and an end at a rear side thereof is open. The cover1100holds the perfume cartridge1200therein. The cover1100has a scent releasing port1112configured to communicate with any one of the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200and formed on an end face at a front side. Air containing a vaporized perfume component is released to the outside through the scent releasing port1112by passing through any one of the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200. The holding part1400is fitted to an end at a rear side of the cover1100. The cover1100is formed of a transparent material, and information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the perfume cartridge1200may be visually recognized from the outside of the cover1100. The cover1100has a protruding part1130formed at a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof at the rear side.

Predetermined information may also be displayed on the cover1100formed by a transparent material. Because the cover1100is formed of a transparent material, information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the perfume cartridge1200and information displayed on the cover1100may be superimposed to be visually recognized by a user.

Further, the cover1100has a pair of erecting parts1120extending along the axial direction at an inner surface of the end surface at the front side. An accommodating part1121is formed between the pair of erecting parts1120. A rotation preventing part1769provided at a distal end of a shaft part1761of the base part1760, which is a support shaft of the cartridge assembly1300, is inserted into the accommodating part1121. A circumferential cross-sectional shape of the rotation preventing part1769is a non-circular shape, and a circumferential cross-sectional shape of the accommodating part1121is almost the same as that of the rotation preventing part1769. In this way, relative rotation between the cover1100and the base part1760is prevented.

The holding part1400is fitted into the end at the rear side of the cover1100and holds the rear end side of the perfume cartridge1200. The holding part1400and the cover1100are coupled to be relatively rotatable. When the holding part1400and the cover1100relatively rotate, the perfume cartridge1200rotates in synchronization with the holding part1400. The holding part1400has a protruding part1470that may be continuous with the protruding part1130of the cover1100and formed at a portion of an outer circumferential surface at a front side. Also, the holding part1400has a plurality of groove parts1440at the outer circumferential surface thereof. In the example of the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment, six groove parts1440are provided at 60° intervals around an axial center thereof. Positions of five of the groove parts1440of the six groove parts1440correspond to positions of the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200held therein. That is, the five air flow passages1210provided in the perfume cartridge1200are provided at 60° intervals around the axial center.

A locking member1855biased toward the groove part1440from a surrounding portion of the holding part1400by a spring1853can enter the groove part1440. Like the cover1100, the spring1853and the locking member1855do not rotate in synchronization with the holding part1400, and the locking member1855can enter any one of the groove parts1440according to a rotational position of the holding part1400. In this way, a user can obtain a feeling of a click when rotating the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400. Further, in a state in which predetermined rotational positions of the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400are determined, positional deviation can be prevented.

Further, the holding part1400has a circular opening1430having an axial center as a center. Five holes1410configured to respectively communicate with the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200are provided near the opening1430. That is, the five holes1410are provide at 60° intervals around an axial circumference. Therefore, the air flow passages1210to which air supplied from the air pump1840is supplied may be switched by relatively rotating the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400with respect to the base part1760.

The rotating operating part1600is further disposed at an outer circumference of the cartridge assembly1300. The rotating operating part1600includes an outer circumferential cylindrical part1610, a conical part1620, and an inner circumferential cylindrical part1630. The outer circumferential cylindrical part1610and the inner circumferential cylindrical part1630are connected via the conical part1620. A surface at a front side of the conical part620is a mirror surface part on which mirror-finishing is performed. The inner circumferential cylindrical part1630has an axial groove1635in a portion of an inner circumferential surface thereof. The protruding part1470provided at the outer circumferential surface of the holding part1400of the cartridge assembly1300is disposed in the axial groove1635. Therefore, by rotating the rotating operating part1600, the protruding part1470in the axial groove1635is rotated, and the holding part1400and the perfume cartridge1200rotate in synchronization with the rotating operating portion1600.

Also, when the rotating operating part1600is rotated, the protruding part1130provided at the outer circumferential surface of the cover1100is not locked to the axial groove1635. As described above, because the cover1100is non-rotatably connected by the shaft part1761of the base part1760, the protruding part1130does not interfere with the rotation of the rotating operating part1600when the rotating operating part1600is rotated.

The prism part1500is formed of a transparent material and is disposed inside the outer circumferential cylindrical part1610at a side in front of the conical part1620. The prism part1500has an axial direction hole1530having an axial center as a center. The cartridge assembly1300is disposed in the axial direction hole1530. An axial groove1510connected to the axial groove1635of the inner circumferential cylindrical portion1630of the rotating operating part1600is provided in a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the axial direction hole1530. The axial groove1510serves as a guide for passing the protruding part1130of the cover1100and the protruding part1470of the holding part1400therethrough when the cartridge assembly1300is detached from the aromatic device1000. The prism part1500is fixed to the rotating operating part1600and rotates along with the rotation of the rotating operating part1600. Likewise, the axial groove1510of the prism part1500prevents the protruding part1130provided at the outer circumferential surface of the cover1100from being locked when the rotating operating part1600is rotated.

The base part1760configured to support the cartridge assembly1300is held inside a cylindrical member1851directly or indirectly supported by the case body1700. The rotating operating part1600is axially rotatably mounted at an end at a front side of the cylindrical member1851. Also, one end side of the spring1853configured to bias the locking member1855toward the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge assembly1300is supported by the cylindrical member1851.

The base part1760has the shaft part1761extending forward in the axial direction. The shaft part1761is inserted into the opening1430of the holding part1400and an axial direction hole1220of the perfume cartridge1200. The rotation preventing part1769at the distal end of the shaft part1761is inserted into the accommodating part1121provided in the cover1100.

Further, the base part1760has the supply port1765for air supplied from the air pump1840. The air flow passages1210communicating with the supply port1765are switched by the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400being rotated relative to the base part1760. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2, a distal end of a piston1830having a passage1831configured to guide air pumped by the air pump1840can advance and retract in the supply port1765of the base part1760.

Specifically, the piston1830advances and retracts in the supply port1765by the spring1815biasing the base part1760toward the front side in the axial direction and the base part1760moving in the axial direction when the cartridge assembly1300is detached therefrom. A front side of the supply port1765is formed in a tapered shape having a diameter which gradually decreases in a forward direction. Because an outlet portion of the supply port1765is brought into proximity with the base part1760, leakage of air is minimized.

The base part1760forms a part of a detaching mechanism configured to enable a user to easily detach the cartridge assembly1300. The detaching mechanism will be described in detail below.

Next, a rotary switching mechanism of the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 25 to 32.

FIG. 25is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly1300,FIG. 26is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the perfume cartridge1200is fixed to the holding part400, andFIG. 27is an explanatory diagram illustrating state in which the perfume cartridge1200rotates in synchronization with the holding part400.

The perfume cartridge1200has a flat part1230for positioning at a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the rear end. A flat part (not illustrated) at which the flat part1230of the perfume cartridge1200is disposed is provided at a portion of the inner surface of the holding part1400. Therefore, it may be impossible for the perfume cartridge1200to rotate relative to the holding part1400. On one hand, a claw part1118configured to be engage with a claw part1460provided at an inner circumferential surface of the holding part1400is provided at the rear end of the cover1100. The claw part1460of the holding part1400and the claw part1118of the cover1100connect the cover1100and the holding part1400to each other to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, as schematically illustrated inFIGS. 26 and 27, the perfume cartridge1200rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the holding part1400whereas the cover1100does not rotate.

FIG. 28is a view of the rotating operating part1600when seen from the rear side, andFIG. 29is a view of the rotating operating part1600having the cartridge assembly1300mounted thereon when viewed from the rear side.

The axial groove1635is provided in a portion of the inner circumferential surface1631of the inner circumferential cylindrical part1630of the rotating operating part1600. In the cartridge assembly1300having the perfume cartridge1200accommodated therein and configured to connect the cover1100and the holding part1400to each other, the protruding part1470provided at the outer circumferential surface of the holding part1400is engaged with the axial groove1635of the rotating operating part1600, and rotations of the rotating operating part1600and the holding part1400are synchronized with each other. As described above, because the rotations of the holding part1400and the perfume cartridge1200are synchronized with each other, the perfume cartridge1200can be ultimately rotated by the rotating operating part1600being rotated.

Further, in a state in which the perfume cartridge1200and the holding part1400are aligned with each other, the protruding part1470of the holding part1400and the protruding part1130of the cover1100are aligned with each other, and the cartridge assembly1300is assembled, none of the air flow passages1210of the perfume cartridge1200communicate with the scent releasing port1112. Therefore, when the perfume cartridge1200is carried or replaced or the aromatic device1000is not in use, the air flow passages1210are not open to the outside, and the perfume cartridge1200can last longer.

FIG. 30is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cartridge assembly1300is supported by the base part1760. When the cartridge assembly1300is inserted into the axial direction hole1530of the prism part1500fixed to the rotating operating part1600and is supported by the base part1760, the locking member1855enters one of the groove parts1440. From this state, when the rotating operating part1600is rotated 60° as illustrated inFIG. 31, the holding part1400and the perfume cartridge1200rotate in synchronization therewith and the cover1100and the base part1760do not rotate.

As a result, as illustrated inFIG. 32, the locking member1855slides along a circumferential surface of the holding part1400and then enters the next groove part1440. In this state, a rear end side opening of a single air flow passage1210communicates with the supply port1765for air supplied from the air pump1840, and a distal end side opening communicates with the scent releasing port1112of the cover1100. In this way, air passes through the air flow passage1210and a scent is released when the air pump1840is driven.

Next, the detaching mechanism configured to facilitate detaching the cartridge assembly1300will be described in detail. The aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment includes a detaching mechanism using a heart cam mechanism.

FIG. 33is a view of the cartridge assembly1300supported by the base part1760when seen in a diametric direction thereof (corresponding to a view in which the cartridge assembly1300and the base part1760indicated in the cross-section ofFIG. 23are viewed from a lower side). The heart cam mechanism has a cam part1763, an engaging pin1813which is an elastic member, and the spring1815configured to bias the cam part1763toward the front side. The cam part1763is erected along the axial direction from a portion of an edge portion of the base part1760toward the rear side. The cam part1763has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a cam groove1811is provided at a surface which faces outward in a diametric direction of the base part1760.

The engaging pin1813has a substantially U shape, and one end thereof is disposed in the cam groove1811. The other end of the engaging pin1813is fixed at an appropriate position in the case body1700, and one end of the engaging pin1813is biased toward the cam part1763. The cam groove1811has a plurality of stepped surfaces in the groove, and the one end of the engaging pin1813may be located at a first position1812aor a second position1812b.

FIGS. 23 and 33illustrate a state in which the cartridge assembly1300is mounted in the aromatic device1000. Here, the cam part1763is biased toward the front side by the spring1815, and the one end of the engaging pin1813is locked at the first position1812a.

FIGS. 34 and 35illustrate an operation of a detaching mechanism when the cartridge assembly1300is detached from the aromatic device1000. In this case, the cartridge assembly1300is pushed toward the rear side (the right side in the figure) by a user. The spring1815is compressed, and the cam part1763moves toward the right side. Here, the one end of the engaging pin1813moves toward the lower side of the cam groove1811illustrated inFIG. 35by a step on a bottom surface of the cam groove1811. From this state, when the user releases the pushed-in cartridge assembly1300, the cam part1763is moved toward the front side (the left side in the figure) by the spring1815. Accordingly, the one end of the engaging pin1813moves within a groove at the lower side of the cam groove1811illustrated inFIG. 35due to the step on the bottom surface of the cam groove1811.

FIGS. 36 and 37illustrate a state in which the cartridge assembly1300is detachable from the aromatic device1000. The cam part1763is biased toward the front side by the spring1815, and the one end of the engaging pin1813is locked at the second position1812b. In this state, one end an end at the front side of the cartridge assembly1300protrudes from the prism part1500fixed to the rotating operating part1600. Therefore, because the user can hold the end at the front side of the cartridge assembly1300, the cartridge assembly1300is detachable.

When the cartridge assembly1300is mounted and the cartridge assembly1300is pushed toward the rear side (the right side in the figure) from the state illustrated inFIGS. 36 and 37, the cam part1763moves toward the rear side. In this case, the one end of the engaging pin1813moves within a groove at an upper side of the cam groove1811illustrated inFIG. 37due to the step on the bottom surface of the cam groove1811. In this way, as illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 33, the one end of the engaging pin1813is locked at the first position1812a.

As described above, the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment includes a detaching mechanism configured to facilitate detaching the cartridge assembly1300. Therefore, even with a small aromatic device1000such as a portable aromatic device1000, a user can easily replace the cartridge assembly1300.

The configuration of the aromatic device1000according to the present embodiment other than the points described above may be configured identically to the aromatic device according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

For example, although the cartridge case300and the perfume cartridge200are rotated by the rotating operating part600being rotated to change the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219through which air passes in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, a rotatable member having a flow passage may be provided between the air supply port750and the holding part400, and the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219communicating with the air supply port750may be switched by the member being rotated. Alternatively, the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219to be opened may be switched by using a mask, a cap, or the like configured to open and close the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219and rotating the mask or the like.

In such a configuration example, a member (corresponding to the first member) configured to integrally rotate with the rotatable member having the flow passage or along with the rotation of the mask or the cap and configured to rotate relative to the perfume cartridge200may be disposed in the mirror surface part622. Further, in such a configuration example, an indicating part configured to indicate a selection target may be disposed at a rotation position of the rotatable member having the flow passage or the mask or the cap. The indicating part may be, for example, a marking display. Also, in the configuration example, the perfume cartridge200or the base part700corresponds to the second member.

Further, although the scent releasing port122serves as the indicating part configured to indicate the selected air flow passages211,213,215,217and219in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The indicating part may be anything that may be a mark, such as a protrusion or a marking display, capable of being visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member (the cartridge case in the above example).

Further, although the cartridge case300configured to hold the perfume cartridge200therein and integrally rotate with the perfume cartridge200corresponds to the first member in the above embodiment, the cartridge case may not be included, and the perfume cartridge200may be the first member. In this case, predetermined information is displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the perfume cartridge200.

Further, although the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219provided in the perfume cartridge200are disposed at equal intervals on a circumference of a single circle in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, a plurality of air flow passages may be disposed at equal intervals on each of two or more concentric circles having an axial center of the perfume cartridge200as a center. In this case, a mechanism configured to change a supply destination of air supplied from the air supply port750in the diametric direction of the perfume cartridge200may be provided at any position between the air supply port750and the perfume cartridge200. Here, the third cylindrical member (fourth member)930provided in the rotary switching device according to the second embodiment may move in the axial direction along with the switching of the supply destination of air in the diametric direction. In this way, when the rotary switching device is viewed in the axial direction, information displayed on the third cylindrical member (the fourth member)930may be superimposed to be displayed on information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member910(the cartridge case300), and a desired air flow passage may be easily selected among the plurality of air flow passages disposed on each of the concentric circles.

Further, although not illustrated, to keep the air flow passages211,213,215,217, and219closed when not in use, the aromatic device1may include a suitable valve device, a shutter device, a seal device, and any other closing device.

Further, although the aromatic device1is described as an example of the rotary switching device in the above embodiment, the rotary switching device of the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, selection elements may be music files, and the rotary switching device may be applied to an audio playback device in which music being played is switched depending on relative positions of a first member and a second member which may rotate relative to each other. Alternatively, selection elements may be wicks of a ballpoint pen, and the rotary switching device may be applied to a writing tool in which colors of the ballpoint pen are switched depending on relative positions of a first member and a second member which may rotate relative to each other. Regardless of objects to which the rotary switching device is applied, a user may easily change a selected target while viewing the rotary switching device from the axial direction.

A rotary switching device including:

a cylindrical first member that includes an outer circumferential surface on which predetermined information is displayed;

a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member;

a plurality of selection elements among which a selection target is switched in accordance with relative positions of the first member and the second member;

a mirror surface part that is formed by a surface disposed around the outer circumferential surface of the first member and intersecting an axial direction of the first member, and that is configured to specularly reflect the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first member to enable the information to be visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member; and

an indicating part configured to indicate the selection element that is selected.(2)

The rotary switching device according to (1), in which the information displayed on the first member is information for identifying each of the selection elements.(3)

The rotary switching device according to (1) or (2), including

a cylindrical third member that is formed by transparent material, disposed between the first member and the mirror surface part, and rotatable relative to at least the first member.(4)

The rotary switching device according to (3), in which the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first member is superimposed on information displayed on the third member and is visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member.(5)

The rotary switching device according to any one of (1) to (4), including

a fourth member that is formed by transparent material, disposed between the first member and the mirror surface part, and that has a position adjustable along the axial direction of the first member.(6)

The rotary switching device according to (5), in which the information displayed on the outer circumferential surface of the first member is superimposed on information displayed on the fourth member and is visually recognized from the axial direction of the first member.(7)

The rotary switching device according to any one of (1) to (6) including

a rotating operating part that is disposed outside the mirror surface part, in which

the first member or the second member is rotated by rotating the rotating operating part.(8)

The rotary switching device according to any one of (1) to (7), in which the mirror surface part is formed with a conical or pyramid surface.(9)

The rotary switching device according to any one of (1) to (8), including

a prism part that is formed by transparent material, disposed between the first member and the mirror surface part, and that has an axial direction hole in which the first member is disposed.(10)

The rotary switching device according to any one of (1) to (9), in which the plurality of selection elements are replaceable.(11)

The rotary switching device according to (1) to (10), including:

a main body part;

a plurality of air flow passages each of which has both ends that are open and each of which is disposed on a circumference centered on an axial center; and

perfume that is held in at least a portion of an inner surface of the air flow passages, in which

a perfume cartridge that is axially rotatable along with the first member is held in the first member; and

the selection elements are the plurality of air flow passages.(12)

The rotary switching device according to (11), in which

the second member has a supply port for air blown from a blower; and

the air flow passages communicating with the supply port are switched by relative rotation between the first member and the second member.(13)

The rotary switching device according to (12), including

a cylindrical third member that is formed by transparent material, disposed between the first member and the mirror surface part, and rotatable relative to at least the first member, in which

the first member has a plurality of holes each of which is configured to communicate with an opening at another end side communicating with the supply port among openings at both ends of the plurality of air flow passages; and

the third member has a scent releasing port that serves as the indicating part and that is configured to communicate with air flow passages communicating with the supply port.(14)

An aromatic device including:

a perfume holding member provided with a plurality of air flow passages passing therethrough and configured to hold a perfume, a member having a supply port configured to communicate with some of the air flow passages of the plurality of air flow passages and introduce air supplied from a wind power source to some of the air flow passages, and a rotary switching mechanism configured to relatively rotate the perfume holding member so that some of the air flow passages communicating with the supply port are switched.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST