Patent Publication Number: US-2019192716-A1

Title: Multifunctional aroma diffuser

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority benefit of Chinese patent application No. CN 201711407420, filed Dec. 22, 2017, entitled “Multifunctional Aroma Diffuser, and Assembling Method Thereof”, which Chinese application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The invention belongs to the technical field of aroma dispensing, and in particular relates to a multifunctional aroma diffuser machine. 
     Background 
     In modern societies, people&#39;s living standards are constantly improving, and the demand for various aroma dispensing products such as aroma dispensing products is increasing. There are many aroma dispensing products in existence, especially ones that use electrically heated wax. 
     In a typical heat-activated aroma dispensing product, a fragrance material is solidified in a wax material, and fragrance is emitted upon heating the wax material. 
     But these products tend to be single-functioned and cannot satisfy multi-use purposes. For example, the user may have access to different types of aroma materials that do not all fit on a single machine. For another example, when using an aroma diffuser in a home environment, such as a living room or a kitchen, people may also want to listen to music, charge their phones, and so on. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed is a multifunctional aroma diffuser that has different aroma diffusion mechanisms to use different types of aromatic materials. The aroma diffusion mechanisms can be used either separately or simultaneously. 
     It is an objective of this invention to solve the above problems by adopting a multifunctional structure that can either separately or simultaneously use multiple types of aroma materials. It is another objective of this invention to provide an aroma dispenser that can also charge a mobile phone, provide a USB interface, a storage and other functions. 
     In one embodiment, the aroma diffuser has two aroma dispensing units. The first aroma dispensing unit includes a platform for supporting a first aromatic material, and a lamp for activating the first aromatic material; and the second aroma dispensing unit includes a container for receiving a second aromatic material, and a heater for activating the second aromatic material. 
     The first aromatic material can be a candle-type wax body. A lamp mounted above the platform projects heat downward to the first aromatic material to activate the aromatic material. 
     The second aromatic material can be a flat disc-type wax pad, or a wax box, activated by the heater placed underneath the container. 
     The platform for supporting the first aromatic material can be a lower base connected to a main casing of the aroma diffuser. The lamp may have an electric heating wire. The lamp can be further controlled by a timer. 
     The container for receiving the second aromatic material is shaped to receive the second aromatic material in a shape of a disc, a pad or a box. The heater for activating the second aromatic material is placed under the container of the second aromatic material. The container may be made of a heat-conducting material, and the heater can be placed under the container in contact with the heat-conducting material. Likewise, the heater can be controlled by a timer. 
     The second aroma dispensing unit may have a cover having perforations to allow aroma diffusion when covered. The cover is preferably switchable to allow placement or replacement of the second aroma material. 
     The first aroma dispensing unit and the second aroma dispensing unit can be used either simultaneously or separately, each utilizing a suitable type of aroma material. 
     In another embodiment, the first aroma dispensing unit further has an alternative support for supporting the first aromatic material. When engaged, the alternative support is positioned above the platform such that the first aromatic material when supported by the alternative support is closer to the lamp than if supported by the platform. 
     An example of the alternative support has a foldable plate which, when folded up into a vertical position does not interfere the platform&#39;s supporting the first aromatic diffusion material, and when folded down into the horizontal position separates the first aromatic diffusion material from the platform. 
     The multifunctional aroma diffuser may further include a charging station for charging a mobile device. The charging station can be located on a top surface of the aroma diffuser to allow stable sitting of the mobile device being charged. 
     In another embodiment, the aroma diffuser has a multi-height support for supporting the same type of aromatic material in different sizes. For example, an alternative support is used, in addition to a primary support, for supporting the aromatic material. When engaged, the alternative support is positioned above the primary support such that the aromatic material when supported by the alternative support is closer to the lamp than if supported by the primary support. The alternative support may have a foldable plate which, when folded up into a vertical position does not interfere the platform&#39;s supporting the first aromatic diffusion material, and when folded down into the horizontal position separates and elevates the first aromatic diffusion material from the platform. 
     The aroma diffuser may also have other functions such as supply storage, mobile charging station, and a music player. For safety reasons, the multifunctional aroma diffuser preferably has a waterproof connector for connecting a power cord, and a non-slip rubber pad on a bottom surface. 
     In summary, this invention adopts a multifunctional structure that can either separately or simultaneously use an aroma wax disc, pad or box, a small lamp-melting candle-type aroma material or a large lamp-melting candle-type aroma material. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying Figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a multifunctional aroma diffuser machine in accordance with the present application. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational front view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine in accordance with the present application. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational side view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine in accordance with the present application. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational back view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine in accordance with the present application. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a first circuit board used in the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine to control operations. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a music playing module used in the multifunctional aroma diffuser. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a second circuit board used in the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine to control operations. 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine when the first aroma dispensing unit uses a first kind aroma source of a regular size. 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine when the first aroma dispensing unit uses the first kind aroma source of a smaller size. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine showing a partial section view when the second aroma dispensing unit uses a second kind aroma source. 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine showing a mobile phone being charged. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures, there are shown some, but not the only embodiments, of the disclosed aroma diffuser. 
     Exemplary Embodiment I 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  in accordance with the present application. 
       FIGS. 2-4  are several elevational views of the same multifunctional aroma diffuser  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , a multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  includes a main casing  1 , which hosts a first aroma dispensing unit  101  and a second aroma dispensing unit  102 , which have different aroma dispensing mechanisms and can be used either separately or in combination. 
     In these embodiments, both aroma dispensing units  101  and  102  are illustrated using heat-activated aroma dispensing mechanisms, but each unit has its own characteristics. 
     As will be described herein, aroma dispensing units  101  and  102  each has an aroma material heating mechanism and an aroma material support mechanism. 
     The heating mechanism of the first aroma dispensing unit  101  includes a heating lamp  2  with a built-in heating wire (not shown), and a heating lamp holder  4 , all located inside the main casing  1 . The top of the heating lamp  2  is detachably connected to the heating lamp holder  4 . The top of the lamb holder  4  is detachably connected through a securing nut  6  to a lamp mounting plate  8  which is also inside the main casing  1  when assembled. 
     The aroma material supporting mechanism of the first aroma dispensing unit  101  includes a main candle-supporting platform  3 , which is connected to an outer bottom of the main casing  1  and located directly below the heating lamp  2 . The connection between the candle-supporting platform  3  and the main casing  1  can be either fixed or detachable. 
     The aroma material supporting mechanism of the second aroma dispensing unit  102  is generally assembled on a wax tray mounting plate  10 , which when assembled is disposed inside the main casing  1 . The second aroma dispensing unit  102  includes a heating tray  12  and a heating plate  14 . The heating tray  12  is detachably mounted on the wax tray mounting plate  10  through a matched mounting hole  13  opened on the wax tray mounting plate  10 . The heating tray  12  is located directly above a heating plate  14 , which can be fixedly mounted on the bottom of the heating tray  12 . 
     The structure and the assembly of the second aroma dispensing unit  102  is better viewed in context of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 , which are an exploded view and an assembled sectional view of the unit, respectively. 
     The second aroma dispensing unit  102 , including its heating tray  12  and the heating plate  14 , is generally located above the heating lamp  2  of the first aroma dispensing unit  101 . 
     The lamp mounting plate  8  and the wax tray mounting plate  10  and are disposed inside the main casing  1 . In one embodiment, the lamp mounting plate  8  and the wax tray mounting plate  10  are detachably connected to the main casing  1  through mounting guide rails  15  and  16  on inner side walls of the main casing  1 , stacking from top to bottom. 
     The multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  further has a control mechanism including a first circuit board  17  and the second circuit board  18 . Exemplary embodiments of the circuit boards  17  and  18  are described in reference to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 , respectively in later sections of this description. The function of the second circuit board  18  is described in the context of another embodiment after the section. 
     The first circuit board  17  is for controlling the operation of the aroma diffuser machine  100 , preferably through external control switches  61  and  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first control knob  61  is for controlling the heating lamp  2 , and the second control knob  62  for controlling the heating plate  14 . The first control knob  61  and the second control knob  62  are mounted outside the main casing  1  through mounting slots (not shown) and detachably connected to the main casing  1  and further electrically connected to the first circuit board  17 . 
     The first circuit board  17  is fixedly mounted inside the main casing  1 , and electrically connected to a power plug  20 , and further electrically connected to the heating lamp  2  and the heating plate  14 . 
     A power switch  22  is detachably connected to the main casing  1 , and electrically connected to the first circuit board  17 . The power switch  22  is used to turn on the power of the multi-function aroma diffuser machine. 
     In order to use and control the first aroma dispensing unit  101  and the second aroma dispensing unit  102  separately, the heating lamp  2  and the heating plate  14  are preferably configured to be separately controlled by the first control knob  61  and the second control knob  62 , respectively. 
     Preferably, the first control knob  61  and the second control knob  62  are used for respectively adjusting the heating temperature(s) of the heating lamp  2  and the heating plate  14 . 
     The first circuit board  17  may use a chip model 78L05. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the first circuit board  17  used in the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine in accordance with the present application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , after the power plug  20  is plugged in to power the multi-function aroma diffuser machine, the input voltage 220V is processed by the 78L05 chip, and the output voltage U 1  required by the multi-function aroma diffuser machine is generated. 
     The first circuit board  17  can be configured such that the first control switch S 1  (connected to the external control knob  61 ) and the second control switch S 2  (connected to the external control knob  62 ) separately control the operations of the heating wires built in the heating lamp  2  and the heating plate  14 . For instance, the first control switch S 1  and the second control switch S 2  can be provided in a manner of connection that each control switch can be opened and closed separately or simultaneously, ensuring that the heating lamp  2  of the first aroma dispensing unit  101  and the heating plate  14  of the second aroma dispensing unit  102  may work separately or simultaneously. 
     The heating mechanism of the first aroma dispensing unit  101  and the heating mechanism of the second aroma dispensing unit  102  can be separately controlled by adjusting varistor R 16  and varistor R 17  which are connected in series with the first control switch S 1  and the second control switch S 2 , respectively. This controlling mechanism allows the heating temperature of the heating wires built in the lamp  2  and the heating temperature of the heating plate  14  to be controlled separately. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1-4 , in one example of the described embodiment, the aroma material support mechanism of the first aroma dispensing unit  101  further includes a foldable plate  5  serving as an alternative or ancillary aroma material support. A side of the foldable plate  5  is rotatably connected to an outside wall of the main casing  1 , at a location directly above the main aroma material supporting platform  3 . 
     Preferably, the foldable plate  5  is embedded in the main casing  1  through a rotating shaft  51 . 
     The foldable plate  5  expands the use range of the multi-functional aroma diffuser machine. When the foldable plate  5  is rotated around the axis of the rotating shaft  51  ( FIG. 2 ) to a vertical position, it is in a folded position and does not interfere with the main aroma material supporting platform  3 . As will be shown in further detail with reference to  FIG. 8 , in this state, a large aroma candle can be placed on top of the main aroma supporting platform  3 . The first aroma dispensing unit  101  thus performs aroma dispensing using the main aroma material supporting platform  3 . 
     As will be shown in further detail with reference to  FIG. 10 , when a small melting wax type aroma wax is used, the foldable plate  5  is rotated around the axis of the rotating shaft  51  to a horizontal position, which is an unfolded position, to provide an alternative support suitable for the smaller aroma candle which may have a lesser height. When unfolded, the foldable plate  5  provides an elevated position to the smaller aroma candle for effective aroma dispensing. Essentially, the foldable plate  5  works as an alternative support for a smaller aroma candle to elevate the smaller aroma candle closer to the heating lamp  2  for more effective aroma dispensing. 
     Furthermore, mounting guide rails  15  and  16  allow the lamp mounting plate  8  and the wax disc mounting plate  10  to be mounted thereon respectively. The mounting guide rails  15  and  16  are mounted inside the main casing  1 . The lamp mounting plate  8  and the wax disc mounting plate  10  can be more easily assembled to the main casing  1  by using the mounting guide rails  15  and  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the main housing  1  internally forms a storage  24  for storing items such as an extra aroma material supply. The storage  24  is accessible through a storage door  23 , which is in a disassemble connection with the main housing  1 . Spare aroma materials can be placed inside storage  24 , providing convenient access to stored aroma materials through the storage door  23 . 
     Preferably, the first circuit board  17  is fixedly mounted on a wire protection partition  27  which separates the storage  24  from the circuit board  17  for protection of the circuit board  17 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the second aroma dispensing unit  102  may further include a protection plate  40 , disposed above the heating tray  12 . The protection plate  40  is provided with diffusing holes  42  and is detachably connected to the main casing  1 . 
     The protection plate  40  is used to protect the heating tray  12 . The diffusing holes  42  allow aroma to be more uniformly dispensed when the aroma material is heated. 
     Preferably, the power plug  20  is connected to the main casing  1  through a waterproof cap  25 . The waterproof cap  25  seals the connection of the power plug  20  to the main casing  1 . 
     Furthermore, the bottom of the main casing  1  is provided with non-slip rubber pads  44  attached to the bottom surface of the main casing  1 , making the multi-functional aroma diffuser machine  100  more stable when placed on a flat surface. 
       FIGS. 8-11  show the aroma diffuser machine  100  in various operations. 
       FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  when the first aroma dispensing unit  101  uses an aroma source  30  of a regular size. 
     An example of the aroma source  30  is a ready-made aroma candle, preferably with specs such as activation conditions and dimensions suitably made for the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100 . A candle-shaped aroma source  30  with a suitable height can be directly placed upon the main supporting platform  3 . 
       FIG. 9  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  when the first aroma dispensing unit  101  uses an aroma source  31  of a smaller size. 
     An example of the aroma source  31  is a ready-made aroma candle, preferably with specs such as activation conditions and dimensions suitably made for the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100 . A smaller candle-shaped aroma source  31  with a shorter height can be placed upon the alternative support foldable plate  5 , rather than on the main supporting platform  3 , in order to achieve a suitable distance between the top of the aroma source  31  and heating lamp  2  for effective aroma activation. 
     A manufacture may supply the same type of aroma candles in different sizes, for instance a larger size suited for the configuration in  FIG. 8 , and a smaller size suited for the configuration in  FIG. 9 . The customer is thus given a choice to buy and use either or both sizes of the supply. 
       FIG. 10  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  102  showing a partial section view when the second aroma dispensing unit uses an alternative aroma source  32 . 
     An example of the alternative aroma source  32  is a ready-made aroma wax disc, wax pad or wax box, preferably with specs such as activation conditions, diameter and thickness suitably made for the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100 . Alternative aroma source  32  may come in the form of a disk or pad which can be directly placed into the heating plate  14 , or may be contained in a plastic box, which can be placed into the heating tray  12 . Once placed in the heating tray  12 , the alternative aroma source  32  can be heated by the heating plate  14  to activate aroma dispensing. Because the wax material may melt during heating, wax in a plastic box is preferred to prevent leakage, avoid leaving residuals on the heating tray  12 , and facilitate easy removal of the wax after use. 
     The operations shown in  FIGS. 8-9  and  FIG. 10  can be performed either separately or simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , when turned on, the heating wire built in the heating lamp  2  is energized to heat the aroma source  30 , which is a lamp-melting type aroma candle of a regular size placed on the main candle-supporting platform  3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , when turned on, the heating wire built in the heating lamp  2  is energized to heat the first aroma source  31 , which is a lamp-melting type aroma candle of a smaller size placed on foldable plate  3  serving as an alternative candle support. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when turned on, the heating plate  14  placed under the heating tray  12  is energized to heat the second aroma source  32 , which is a disc-type aroma wax contained in the heating tray  12 . 
     During operation, aroma is released from each aroma source that is being used, either separately or simultaneously. The user can choose to use any of the illustrated aroma source alone or a suitable combination at the same time. 
     Exemplary Embodiment II 
     The embodiment II differentiates from the embodiment I by providing a music playing module  49  ( FIG. 6 ), with a speaker  46  and a USB interface  48 . The music playing module is fixedly mounted inside the main casing  1  and is electrically connected with the power plug  20 . The USB interface  48  is embedded in the main casing  1  and electrically connected to the music playing module  49 . Space The speaker  46  is also electrically connected to the music playing module  49 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the internal circuit  49  of the music playing module includes a TDA1514 single-chip microcomputer. The 220V voltage provided by the power source is converted into a working voltage U 1  required by the music playing module after being processed by the single-chip microcomputer, and the music playing is controlled by switch S 3 . This enables a user to connect an electronic device such as a USB flash drive to the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine through the USB interface  48 , and to play a music file in an electronic device such as a USB flash drive (not shown) by pressing a play switch (operative with the switch S 3 ), so that the user may enjoy music while performing aroma dispensing using the aroma diffuser machine. 
     Exemplary Embodiment III 
     The embodiment III differentiates from the embodiment I and the embodiment II by providing a timing device for controlling the operating time of the aroma diffusion machine  100  and the speaker  46 . The timing device is electrically connected to the power plug  20  and the speaker  46 . 
     Preferably, a control panel  60  is further included. The control panel  60  is detachably connected to the main casing  1  and electrically connected to the timing device. 
     After the multi-function aroma diffuser machine  100  is powered on by switching the power switch  22 , the user can set an operating time limit by the timing device. When the multi-function aroma diffuser machine  100  has started operation, the timing device can control the speaker  46  to play a sound or music. The sound or music reminds the user that the aroma diffuser machine  100  has started to work. When the operating time reaches the limit set by the user, the timing device can control the speaker  46  to play a sound or music to remind the user that the aroma diffuser machine  100  has stopped operation. Meanwhile, the set operating time limit and the currently elapsed operating time can both be displayed on the control panel  60  to make the aroma diffuser machine more convenient to use. 
     Exemplary Embodiment IV 
     The embodiment IV differentiates from the embodiments I, II and III by further providing a mobile phone charging stand  50 . The mobile phone charging stand  50  is fixedly connected to the wax tray mounting plate  10 , and has a mobile phone interface for connecting to a mobile phone  52 . 
       FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  showing a mobile phone  52  being charged. 
     For this purpose, a second circuit board  18  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7 ) is further included inside the main casing  1 . The second circuit board  18  is fixedly connected to the main casing  1 , electrically connected to the power plug  20 , and can be further connected with mobile phone  52  through the mobile phone interface. 
     Furthermore, a functional flip board  54  is disposed above the mobile phone charging stand  50  and movably connected to the main casing  1 . 
     Preferably, one end of the functional flip board  54  is embedded in the main casing  1  by connecting through a rotating shaft  56  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     When the user needs to use the charging stand  50  to charge the mobile phone  52 , the functional flip board  54  can be rotated and opened along the rotating shaft  56  to reveal the mobile phone charging stand  50  for use. When finished, the flip board  54  can be rotated back to the initial position to protect the charging stand  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the 220V AC power supplied by the power supply is converted to 36V AC through a transformer. After the rectifier circuit which includes VD 1 ˜VD 4  and R 10 , the AC power is converted to DC power for transmission. After being processed by the voltage divider circuit, the voltage is converted to a 5V voltage used by the mobile phone to charge. This allows the user to connect the mobile phone to the mobile phone charging stand  50  to charge the mobile phone. 
     According to the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, the multifunctional aroma diffuser machine  100  of the present invention can use different types of aroma sources ( 30 ,  31 , and  32 ) either separately or simultaneously, including disc-type aroma wax pads, wax boxes, small lamp-melting type aroma candles or the large lamp-melting type aroma candles. 
     The machine has additional functions such as charging mobile phone, playing music and storage. The aroma diffuser described herein provides easy access to different types aroma sources, or the same type aroma source of different sizes, and potentially has reliable structure, good safety, energy saving and environmental protection with no carbon emissions nor other contaminants. The machine may have a wide range of uses and is especially suited in the home environment such as a kitchen. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.