Patent Description:
Perfuming devices that diffuse a fragrance by dropping a liquid fragrance material onto an ultrasonic transducer and gasifying the material or by evaporating and gasifying a fragrance material with water have been known from the past. With respect to such perfuming devices, however, a dilution ratio at the time of diffusion becomes lower easily and thus a relatively large amount of liquid fragrance material is necessary. In addition, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a perfuming device which gasifies a liquid fragrance material by causing the liquid fragrance material to be adhered to porous particles and making air flow in a space filled with the porous particles.

<CIT> discloses a device that adds perfume to a gas flow. The resulting mixture is then presented to a user. The gas can be discharged to impart olfactory stimulus or tactile stimulus to the user.

<CIT> discloses a process and a device for intensifying the sensorial perception of visual and/or acoustic presentations, wherein an audience is supplied in synchronism with the presentation of specific visual and/or acoustic events or scenes with matching scents, wherein, in order to minimize the overall amount of scent-carrying air discharged at the spectator, miniaturized single conduits are used and less than <NUM> liter of air per second is emitted.

<CIT> discloses a miniaturized thermoelectric fragrance dispenser that is arranged to dispense a liquid through thermoelectric boiling.

The perfuming device disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, however, is also designed to cause a liquid fragrance material to be adhered to surfaces of porous particles and thus needs a large amount of fragrance material. In addition, since the perfuming device disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> causes the liquid fragrance material to be adhered to porous particles, a storage container that accommodates the porous particles is necessary, which leads to an increased size of the perfuming device.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a novel and improved cartridge for a perfuming device and perfuming device which cause efficient perfuming using a relatively small amount of fragrance material while an increase in size of the perfuming device is minimized.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge and a perfuming device comprising a cartridge, as claimed in the independent claims.

In one embodiment, there is provided a cartridge for a perfuming device, including: a main body part; an air flow channel that is provided in the main body part and has both ends that are open; and a fragrance material held in at least a part of an inner surface of the air flow channel.

In one embodiment, there is provided a perfuming device including: a cartridge including a main body part, an air flow channel that is provided in the main body part and has both ends that are open, and a fragrance material held in at least a part of an inner surface of the air flow channel; and an air blowing part that supplies air to the air flow channel of the cartridge.

According to the present disclosure described above, it is possible to efficiently perfume using a relatively small amount of fragrance material while an increase in size of a perfuming device is minimized.

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.

In this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.

Note that description will be provided in the following order.

First, an overall configuration example of a perfuming device <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the perfuming device <NUM>, <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the perfuming device <NUM>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the perfuming device <NUM>. The perfuming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a lid <NUM>, a fragrance cartridge <NUM>, an air pump <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a cartridge holding unit <NUM>, a chassis <NUM>, a switch <NUM>, and a drive substrate <NUM>. The perfuming device <NUM> is a device which causes air to flow in an air flow channel <NUM> provided in the fragrance cartridge <NUM> to gasify and emit a fragrance material held in the air flow channel <NUM>. The area of the perfuming device <NUM> in which the chassis <NUM> is positioned may be contained in a housing that is not illustrated. In this case, the switch <NUM> is configured to be operable from outside of the housing.

The air pump <NUM> is an example of an air blowing part that is disposed on the chassis <NUM> and presses air toward the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. In the perfuming device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the air pump <NUM> supplies air to the air flow channel <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> via a channel <NUM> provided in the chassis <NUM>. The air pump <NUM> may receive supply of power from the battery <NUM> to be driven by the power. The air pump <NUM> can be, for example, a diaphragm pump which sucks in and presses out air by deforming a diaphragm when an alternating current is supplied to a piezoelectric element.

Note that an air blowing part that supplies air toward the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is not limited to the air pump <NUM>, and may be, for example, an air blower of a fan rotation type. In addition, an air blowing part that supplies air toward the fragrance cartridge <NUM> may not be an electrically operating type, and may be a manually operating type. When a means for supplying air is set to be of a manually operating type, the battery <NUM>, the switch <NUM>, and the drive substrate <NUM> may be omitted.

The battery <NUM> is disposed on the chassis <NUM> and stores power for driving the air pump <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be a primary battery that can only discharge power, or may be a secondary battery that can be charged with and discharge power. The battery <NUM> and the air pump <NUM> are electrically connected to each other with electric wiring that is not illustrated.

The drive substrate <NUM> is disposed on the chassis <NUM>, and electronic components and the like including the switch <NUM> are installed on the drive substrate <NUM>. The switch <NUM> switches electric conduction to the air pump <NUM> on and off. For example, electric conduction is switched on and off by repeating depressing of the switch <NUM>, and electric conduction may be maintained in an on-state while the switch <NUM> is depressed. Another electronic component exemplified as a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) which indicates an operation state of the perfuming device <NUM> may be installed on the drive substrate <NUM>. In addition, a communication device may be installed on the drive substrate <NUM> in order to make the perfuming device <NUM> operable using a remote controller, a smartphone, or the like.

The fragrance cartridge <NUM> has at least one air flow channel <NUM>. At least a part of an inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM> holds, for example, an essential oil or a liquid fragrance material obtained by diluting an essential oil in ethanol adhered thereto. By causing air supplied by the air pump <NUM> to flow in the air flow channel <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, the liquid fragrance material is gasified and then emitted from the air flow channel <NUM> along with the air. In the perfuming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the air flow channel <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is relatively small, and thus it is difficult for the fragrance material to be emitted to the outside in a state in which no air flows in the air flow channel <NUM>. A configuration of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

The cartridge holding unit <NUM> holds the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. In the perfuming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the inner circumference of the hollow tubular cartridge holding unit <NUM> holds the likewise hollow tubular fragrance cartridge <NUM>. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> is held such that the air flow channel <NUM> can communicate with a channel <NUM> provided in the chassis <NUM>. In addition, when the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has a plurality of air flow channels <NUM>, for example, the cartridge holding unit <NUM> holding the fragrance cartridge <NUM> may rotate axially with respect to the chassis <NUM> to switch the air flow channels <NUM> communicating with the channel <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>.

A configuration in which the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> communicating with the channel <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> are switched is not limited thereto. For example, a rotatable member having a channel may be provided between the chassis <NUM> and the fragrance cartridge <NUM> and the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> communicating with the channel <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> may be switched by rotating the member. Alternatively, a mask, a cap, or the like which can switch between opening and closing of the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> may be used such that the mask or the like is rotated to switch an air flow channel <NUM> which is open.

The lid <NUM> is mounted on the fragrance cartridge <NUM> to cover the fragrance cartridge <NUM> held by the cartridge holding unit <NUM>. A discharge hole <NUM> is provided in the lid <NUM> and thus air containing a gasified fragrance material component passing the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is emitted to the outside through the discharge hole <NUM>. Although an inner diameter of the discharge hole <NUM> is not particularly limited, the inner diameter can be set to have at least a size greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the air flow channel <NUM> in order not to obstruct the flow of the air flowing in the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>.

Note that, although not illustrated, the perfuming device <NUM> may include an appropriate valve device, a shutter device, a sealing device, or other arbitrary shielding device at an end face of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> or an end part of the air flow channels <NUM> so that the air flow channels <NUM> can be maintained in a shielded state when it is not used.

<FIG> shows an example of a system block diagram of the perfuming device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is electrically connected to the air pump <NUM> via the drive substrate <NUM> and the switch <NUM>. The power of the battery <NUM> is supplied to the air pump <NUM> in accordance with an operation of the switch <NUM>. When the air pump <NUM> is driven and thus air flows into the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, the fragrance material held in an inner surface of the air flow channels <NUM> is gasified and thus a fragrance is emitted along with the air. In addition, in the example of <FIG>, the cartridge holding unit <NUM> is rotated manually, and thus the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> to which air supplied from the air pump <NUM> is introduced can be switched between.

<FIG> shows another example of a system block diagram of a perfuming device 1A. In the example shown in <FIG>, the cartridge holding unit <NUM> is rotated by a motor <NUM> and thus the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> to which air supplied from the air pump <NUM> is introduced can be switched between.

The perfuming device <NUM> can be used as, for example, a device which diffuses a fragrance over a relatively extensive space. In addition, the perfuming device <NUM> can be used as a device which emits a fragrance over a limited range, unlike perfuming devices of the past. The perfuming device can be used by a user, for example, to cause a fragrance to be emitted close to his or her face once or a plurality of times to feel relaxation. Since the fragrance is not diffused over a wide range in that case, it is difficult for nearby people to detect the fragrance.

A configuration of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> will be described below in detail. <FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> is an example of a cartridge that includes a plurality of air flow channels 210a to 210e and can be used with air flow channels in which air flows being switched between while being installed in the perfuming device <NUM>.

The fragrance cartridge <NUM> includes a main body part <NUM>, an axial hole <NUM>, and the plurality of air flow channels 210a to 210e. The main body part <NUM> has a tubular outer shape. The main body part <NUM> has the axial hole <NUM>, and the outer circumferential surface of the main body part <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the axial hole <NUM> form concentric circles. The axial hole <NUM> can be used as, for example, a guide at the time of installation in the cartridge holding unit <NUM> or the perfuming device <NUM>. Note that an outer shape of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is not limited to a tubular shape as long as a shape enables the fragrance cartridge to be mounted in the perfuming device <NUM> and the air flow channels <NUM> to communicate with the channel through which air is supplied. An outer shape of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be, for example, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cuboid, or other appropriate shapes.

The air flow channels 210a to 210e are formed in the main body part <NUM> in the axis line direction. The air flow channels 210a to 210e are disposed at equal intervals on a circumference having the axis center of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> as the center. Accordingly, for example, by rotating the fragrance cartridge <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> around the axis by a given rotation angle, the air flow channels 210a to 210e in which air flows can be switched between.

The number of air flow channels <NUM> provided in the main body part <NUM> is not limited to <NUM>. For example, more air flow channels <NUM> may be provided as illustrated in <FIG>. Also in this case, by disposing the plurality of air flow channels <NUM> on a circumference having the axis center of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> as a center and rotating the fragrance cartridge <NUM> around the axis, the air flow channels <NUM> in which air flows can be switched between. In addition, only one air flow channel <NUM> may be provided in the main body part <NUM>. In this case, a configuration for switching the air flow channels <NUM> in which air flows therein may be omitted from the perfuming device <NUM>.

Furthermore, an engagement groove <NUM> may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, an engagement projection in a size in which the engagement projection can be disposed in the engagement groove <NUM> may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the cartridge holding unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and the like, and the fragrance cartridge <NUM> may be mounted in the cartridge holding unit <NUM> such that the engagement projection fits into the engagement groove <NUM>. Accordingly, relative positioning between the cartridge holding unit <NUM> and the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is possible. In addition, since relative rotation between the cartridge holding unit <NUM> and the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is not possible, the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be rotated by rotating the cartridge holding unit <NUM>.

As constituent materials of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, for example, one kind or a plurality of kinds of material among a polymeric resin such as an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a polyacetal (POM) resin, a silicone resin, a fluorine resin, a cycloolefin polymer resin, or a polyimide resin, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, an inorganic crystalline material such as quartz, and glass can be used. However, a constituent material of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> is not limited thereto. Note that the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be manufactured using a 3D printer, and a material suitable for a 3D printer may be selected as a constituent material of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>.

Next, the air flow channels <NUM> formed in the fragrance cartridge <NUM> will be described.

The fragrance cartridge <NUM> according to the present embodiment can have, for example, air flow channels <NUM> with an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. In particular, a channel with an inner diameter of dozens to hundreds of µm can also be called a "micro channel. " The air flow channels <NUM> with this inner diameter holds a liquid fragrance material adhered to the inner surface, and thus a small amount of a fragrance material can be stably held therein. Thus, it is not necessary to add the fragrance material dropwise each time it is used. The inner diameter of each air flow channel <NUM> may be a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In addition, since the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> with a relatively small inner diameter, the outlet opening is small and thus a flux of diffusion when fragrance is emitted can be narrowed. Thus, fragrance can be emitted over a limited range so that, for example, a user can enjoy the fragrance for his or her private use.

Further, if the air flow channels <NUM> have a relatively small inner diameter, a high ratio of a surface area of the air flow channel <NUM> to a volume thereof can be secured, and thus a small amount of fragrance material can be gasified at a high concentration and can be emitted along with air. Furthermore, if the air flow channels <NUM> have a relatively small inner diameter, an outer size of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be reduced not only when only one air flow channel <NUM> is formed but also when a plurality of air flow channels <NUM> are formed, which results in the fragrance cartridge <NUM> being able to be carried easily and also the perfuming device <NUM> being able to be carried easily.

The air flow channels <NUM> may be provided in the main body part <NUM> in a linear shape or a curved shape. Alternatively, the air flow channels <NUM> may partly include a linear part and a curved part. By forming the air flow channels <NUM> in a curved shape, a length of the air flow channels <NUM> in the main body part <NUM> can be long and thus an amount of held fragrance materials can be increased.

An orientation of the outlet opening of the air flow channels <NUM> may be parallel with, perpendicular to, or have an arbitrary angle with respect to the axial direction of the main body part <NUM>. In addition, a cross-section shape of the air flow channels <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as the shape enables liquid fragrance materials to be adhered to and held in an inner surface thereof and air to flow in the air flow channels <NUM>. A cross-section shape of the air flow channels <NUM> can be, for example, a circular shape, an oval shape, a quadrangular shape, a rectangular shape, or other appropriate shapes.

<FIG> is an image captured viewed through an air flow channel <NUM> formed in the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. The air flow channel <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a channel having a quadrangular cross-section of <NUM> square, and a cross-sectional area of an inlet opening <NUM> and an outlet opening <NUM> at both ends is larger than the center part. A liquid fragrance material is adhered to and held in the inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM>. A volume of the air flow channel <NUM> is about <NUM>µL. For example, when <NUM>µL of a liquid fragrance material is injected from one end side of the air flow channel <NUM> and then air is supplied to the air flow channel <NUM>, a surplus of the fragrance material is discharged and only the fragrance material adhered to the inside is held in the inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM>.

In addition, one or plural air flow channels <NUM> may be formed in the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. If the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has a plurality of air flow channels <NUM>, a total amount of fragrance materials held in the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be higher. Thus, when fragrance materials held therein are all the same, it is possible to lengthen a time over which one fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be used. In addition, if a plurality of air flow channels <NUM> are formed, a plurality of different fragrance materials can be held, and different kinds of fragrance can be emitted by switching between the air flow channels <NUM> in which air flows.

<FIG> are illustrative diagrams of the air flow channel <NUM> in a tapered shape, showing partial cross-sectional views of the air flow channel <NUM> formed in the main body part <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the outlet opening <NUM> of the air flow channel <NUM> may have a tapered shape in which a diameter increases toward an opening end. If the outlet opening <NUM> has a tapered shape, a fragrance material F emitted from the air flow channel <NUM> is easily diffused. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> of the air flow channel <NUM> may have a tapered shape in which a diameter increases toward an opening end. If the inlet opening <NUM> has a tapered shape, a small amount of a liquid fragrance material F can be easily injected into the air flow channel <NUM>, which prevents the fragrance material F from being adhered to and remaining around an end part of the inlet opening <NUM>.

The outlet opening <NUM> or the inlet opening <NUM> may have a tapering angle with respect to the center axis of the air flow channel <NUM> in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In addition, an inner diameter of the outlet opening <NUM> or the inlet opening <NUM> having a tapered shape may be set to be, for example, a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Note that, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM> of the air flow channel <NUM> may have tapered shapes in which diameters expand toward the opening ends.

<FIG> are illustrative diagrams of the air flow channel <NUM> having a branching section or a merging section, showing partial cross-sectional views of the air flow channel <NUM> formed in the main body part <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the air flow channel <NUM> may have a branching section <NUM>, and may branch into a plurality of branch channels <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the air flow channel <NUM> has a plurality of outlet openings <NUM> and <NUM>. As the air flow channel <NUM> branches at the branching section <NUM>, thereby having the plurality of outlet openings <NUM> and <NUM>, a fragrance material F can be emitted in a plurality of difference directions. Even when the air flow channel <NUM> has the branching section <NUM>, the liquid fragrance material F can be injected from an inlet opening side of the air flow channel <NUM> and thus the fragrance material F can spread into each of the two branch channels <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, by supplying air from the inlet opening side thereafter, a surplus of the fragrance material F can be discharged, and the fragrance material F can be adhered to and held in the inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM> including the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM>.

Note that the number of branching sections at which a plurality of branch channels are formed toward the outlet opening side of the air flow channel <NUM> is not limited to one and may be plural.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, a valve device <NUM> or a gate device for switching a flow of the fragrance material F or air flowing inside the air flow channel <NUM> may be provided at the branching section <NUM>. By providing the valve device <NUM> in the branching section <NUM>, a channel in which air flows can be switched between one branch channel <NUM> and the other branch channel <NUM>, and thus a direction in which the fragrance material F is emitted can be selected. In addition, by providing the valve device <NUM> in the branching section <NUM>, the fragrance material F can be held in one branch channel <NUM> separately from the fragrance material F held in the other branch channel <NUM> when a liquid fragrance material F is held in the air flow channel <NUM>.

The valve device <NUM> can be constituted by, for example, a flap that is formed of a magnetic material and can rotate using a vertex of the branching section <NUM> as a rotation axis and an actuator that generates a magnetic field with electric conduction at any one side of the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> (the upper side or the lower side of <FIG>). The flap can be pulled when electric conduction to the actuator is turned on or off in the valve device <NUM> and thereby it is possible to switch which of the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> is blocked by the flap.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the air flow channel <NUM> may have a plurality of inlet openings <NUM> and <NUM> and a plurality of branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> may merge at a merging section <NUM>. Since the air flow channel <NUM> has the plurality of inlet openings <NUM> and <NUM> and the branch channels merge at the merging section <NUM>, for example, the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> can hold different fragrance materials F1 and F2, and by selecting the inlet openings <NUM> and <NUM> into which air is introduced, the fragrance materials F1 and F2 to be emitted from the air flow channel <NUM> can be switched between. In addition, by introducing air from the two inlet openings <NUM> and <NUM>, the two fragrance materials F1 and F2 can be mixed and emitted.

Furthermore, a valve device not illustrated may be provided at the merging section <NUM>. By providing a valve device at the merging section <NUM>, it is possible to select the fragrance material F1 or F2 to be emitted from the air flow channel <NUM> using the valve device, rather than selecting the inlet opening <NUM> or <NUM> into which air is introduced. Alternatively, by adjusting a rate of opening of the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> with the valve device, a mixing rate of the fragrance materials F1 and F2 each held in the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted and thus a desired fragrance material can be emitted. The valve device provided in the merging section <NUM> can be configured similarly to the valve device <NUM> provided at the above-described branching section <NUM>.

When a gate device is used instead of the valve device <NUM>, the gate device can have, for example, a shutter structure in which a shutter can be moved forward or backward by an arbitrary actuator and open or close the branch channels <NUM> and <NUM> respectively.

<FIG> are illustrative diagrams of the air flow channels <NUM> having surface enlarging parts, <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic diagrams showing the air flow channel <NUM>, and <FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing the fragrance cartridge <NUM> including the air flow channels <NUM> with surface enlarging parts <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each air flow channel <NUM> may include surface enlarging parts <NUM> which enlarge a surface inside the channel. By providing the surface enlarging parts <NUM> in the air flow channel <NUM>, an area to which liquid fragrance materials adhere can be enlarged and a total amount of held fragrance materials can increase. Thus, it is possible to lengthen a total amount of time in which air can be caused to flow in one air flow channel <NUM> and fragrance can be emitted.

The air flow channel <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the surface enlarging parts <NUM> formed by connecting a plurality of cross-shaped constituent parts formed on cross-sections that are perpendicular to the axis line of the air flow channel <NUM> at intersections of the crosses in the axial direction. By manufacturing the fragrance cartridge <NUM> using a 3D printer, for example, it is possible to form such surface enlarging parts <NUM> inside the air flow channel <NUM> even if the air flow channel <NUM> is relatively small. The surface enlarging parts <NUM> are disposed to be rotation-symmetric with respect to the axial center of the air flow channel <NUM>. In addition, the surface enlarging parts <NUM> are disposed to be translation-symmetric in the axial direction of the air flow channel <NUM>. Furthermore, the surface enlarging parts <NUM> are disposed to be reflection-symmetric with respect to an arbitrary axis.

The surface enlarging parts formed inside the air flow channel <NUM> may have any of various forms. For example, surface enlarging parts <NUM> in which a plurality of constituent elements that are formed on cross-sections that are perpendicular to the axis line of the air flow channel <NUM> in which four straight lines intersect are connected at intersections in the axial direction may be possible as illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, surface enlarging parts <NUM> in which a plurality of cross-shaped constituent elements that are formed on cross-sections that are perpendicular to the axis line of the air flow channel <NUM> are connected in the axial direction in a state in which, for example, every other surface enlarging part is rotated by <NUM>° on the cross-sections may be possible. The surface enlarging parts <NUM> have the same shape as the surface enlarging parts <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> when the surface enlarging parts <NUM> are projected in the axial direction of the air flow channel <NUM>.

The surface enlarging parts <NUM> and <NUM> are also disposed to be rotation-symmetric with respect to the axial center of the air flow channel <NUM>, translation-symmetric in the axial direction of the air flow channel <NUM>, and reflection-symmetric with respect to an arbitrary axis. In addition, the surface enlarging parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> exemplified in <FIG> are formed in a grid shape all having an arbitrary inter-axis angle and unit sides with arbitrary lengths. In other words, the surface enlarging parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured by combining a plurality of unit lattices formed by one unit side extending in a radial direction from the axis center of the air flow channel <NUM>, the other unit side formed by rotating the one unit side a predetermined angle (<NUM>° or <NUM>°), and an inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM>. Thus, a fragrance material can be held at a uniform density in the air flow channel <NUM>.

The surface enlarging parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can enlarge an area of the inner surface of the air flow channel <NUM> while maintaining the space through which air passes in order not to obstruct a flux. Thus, it is possible to increase an amount of a fragrance material held in the air flow channel <NUM> when a liquid fragrance material adheres to surfaces despite a gravitational force or an air flow due to a wetting property, surface tension, or a chemical interaction on an interface.

Note that it is not necessary for the surface enlarging parts to be rotation-symmetric, translation-symmetric, or reflection symmetric. In addition, it is not necessary for the surface enlarging parts to be configured with a combination of unit lattices. The surface enlarging parts can have any form as long as they can be formed not to obstruct an air flow.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic diagrams showing the air flow channel <NUM> that can improve a straight flow of emitted air. When the perfuming device <NUM> is used as a device which provides a private fragrance, a straight flow of an emitted fragrance may be improved so that the emitted fragrance is not diffused over a wide range. For example, the air flow channel <NUM> may have spiral grooves <NUM> in its inner circumferential surface as illustrated in <FIG>. Since the air flow channel <NUM> has the spiral grooves <NUM>, a straight flow of air flowing and being emitted from the air flow channel <NUM> can be improved due to a gyroscopic effect.

A tapered part <NUM> whose diameter reduces toward an opening end may be provided in an outlet opening of the air flow channel <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, is out of the scope of the invention. When a tapered part <NUM> is provided in the outlet opening of the air flow channel <NUM>, a flux of emitted air increases and thus a straight flow thereof can be improved.

By emitting a fragrance from the air flow channel <NUM> having the spiral grooves <NUM> or the tapered part <NUM> in a short period of time, the fragrance is emitted over a narrow range in which a user can feel it for himself or herself, which can realize usage of the perfuming device <NUM> for private use.

The configuration example of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> according to the embodiment has been described above. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> according to the embodiment can be variously modified. Modified examples of the fragrance cartridge according to the embodiment will be described below.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrative diagrams showing a fragrance cartridge 200A according to a first modified example. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the fragrance cartridge 200A and an air flow channel 210A, and <FIG> is a front view of the fragrance cartridge 200A in which the number and size of the air flow channel 210A differ.

The fragrance cartridge 200A has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The fragrance cartridge 200A has a plurality of air flow channels 210A formed in a longitudinal direction of a main body part 202A. The air flow channels 210A have a square-shaped cross-section and are arrayed vertically and horizontally at equal intervals. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the fragrance cartridge 200A has a cross-section with a size of <NUM> square and a length of <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. In addition, <NUM> air flow channels 210A each of which has a square-shaped cross-section with a side with a size of <NUM> (<NUM>) are disposed both vertically and horizontally at equal intervals.

In addition, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the fragrance cartridge 200A has a cross-section with a size of <NUM> square, and <NUM> air flow channels 210A each of which has a square-shaped cross-section having a side with a size of <NUM> (<NUM>) are disposed both vertically and horizontally at equal intervals with each interval being <NUM>. Note that it is possible to dispose <NUM> or more air flow channels 210A in the fragrance cartridge 200A having a cross-section with a size of <NUM> square if each of the air flow channels has a square-shaped cross-section with a size of <NUM> (<NUM>) square.

The fragrance cartridge 200A also has the air flow channels 210A having a relatively small cross-sectional area and a liquid fragrance material is adhered to and held in inner surfaces of the air flow channels 210A. Thus, the fragrance cartridge 200A can stably hold a small amount of fragrance material. In addition, a fragrance material gasified at a high concentration can be emitted in a relatively small range by causing air to flow in the air flow channels 210A.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrative diagrams showing a fragrance cartridge 200B according to a second modified example. <FIG> is a perspective view of the fragrance cartridge 200B and air flow channels 210B, and <FIG> is a front view of the fragrance cartridge 200B.

The fragrance cartridge 200B has a cylindrical outer shape. The fragrance cartridge 200B has a plurality of air flow channels 210B formed in a cylindrical outer shape in an axis line direction in a main body part 202B. While the fragrance cartridge <NUM> according to the above-described embodiment has a tubular shape having the axial hole <NUM>, the fragrance cartridge 200B according to the second modified example does not have the axial hole <NUM> and the air flow channels 210B are disposed over an entire cross-section thereof.

In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the fragrance cartridge 200B has a circular cross-section with a diameter of <NUM>, and a length in the axial direction is <NUM>. In addition, the air flow channels 210B having a circular cross-section with a diameter of <NUM> (<NUM>) are disposed on the circumferences of three concentric circles at equal intervals.

The fragrance cartridge 200B also has the air flow channels 210B having relatively small cross-sections and a liquid fragrance material is adhered to and held in inner surfaces of air flow channels 210B. Thus, the fragrance cartridge 200B can stably hold a small amount of fragrance material. In addition, a fragrance material gasified at a high concentration can be emitted in a relatively small range by causing air to flow in the air flow channels 210B.

Note that points other than those described above with respect to the fragrance cartridges 200A and 200B according to the first and second modified examples can be configured by appropriately combining with the configuration of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> according to the above-described embodiment.

The perfuming device <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the fragrance cartridge <NUM> having the air flow channels <NUM> each of which has both ends open and of which at least a part of the inner surfaces thereof holds a fragrance material as described above. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> with a relatively small inner diameter, and thus a small amount of fragrance material can be stably held therein.

The fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> with a relatively small inner diameter and causes air to flow in the air flow channels <NUM> thereby gasifying and emitting a fragrance material along with the air. At this time, since the outlet opening from which the fragrance is emitted is relatively small, it is possible to narrow a diffusion flux of the emitted fragrance. In addition, the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> having a high ratio of surface area with respect to volume and thus can gasify a small amount of fragrance material at a high concentration. Therefore, the perfuming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment can emit a highly concentrated fragrance over a narrow range when, for example, a person wants a fragrance for private use.

Furthermore, since the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> with a relatively small inner diameter, the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can have a small outer shape, which enables the fragrance cartridge <NUM> or the perfuming device <NUM> to be carried with ease. In addition, since the fragrance cartridge <NUM> has the air flow channels <NUM> formed in the main body part <NUM> holding a fragrance material, it is not necessary to add the fragrance material dropwise each time of use.

In addition, when the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> each have the branching section <NUM> or the merging section <NUM>, it is possible to switch a fragrance emission channel or to mix a plurality of fragrances. Accordingly, an area necessary for emitting fragrances can be adjusted, amounts of fragrances can be adjusted, and thus the perfuming device <NUM> can be widely applied.

Furthermore, by providing the surface enlarging parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the air flow channels <NUM> of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, an amount of fragrance materials held in the air flow channels <NUM> can be increased. Therefore, a life of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be lengthened.

Furthermore, the perfuming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment is used by mounting a replaceable fragrance cartridge <NUM>, and an appropriate fragrance cartridge <NUM> can be selected in accordance with its application. Thus, the perfuming device <NUM> can be used in various applications such as enjoying different kinds of fragrance, varying a degree of fragrance diffusion, or the like.

Next, a fragrance cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment is different from the fragrance cartridge according to the first embodiment in that a mask for switching an air flow channel in which air flows among a plurality of air flow channels is provided. The fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described below focusing on differences from the fragrance cartridge according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a fragrance cartridge <NUM> with a mask <NUM> according to a first example of the present embodiment. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> has a cylindrical outer shape and a plurality of air flow channels <NUM> are disposed on a circumference having an axis center as a center thereof. Although only <NUM> air flow channels <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, the number of air flow channels <NUM> is not particularly limited. In addition, the fragrance cartridge <NUM> may have a plurality of air flow channels <NUM> disposed on each of a plurality of concentric circles having the axis center as a center thereof.

The mask <NUM> has at least one opening <NUM> and is rotatably attached to one end face of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the mask <NUM> is fixed to the axis center of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> and freely rotates around the axis center. The openings <NUM> provided on the mask <NUM> also rotate around the axis center in accordance with the rotation of the mask <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to switch between opening and closing of the plurality of air flow channels <NUM> provided in the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. Air supplied from an air pump or the like flows in the open air flow channels <NUM>, and thereby a fragrance material held in the air flow channels <NUM> is gasified and emitted along with the air. In other words, an air flow channel <NUM> in which air flows or a fragrance to be emitted can be switched by rotating the mask <NUM>.

In this case, the air supplied by the air pump or the like may be supplied to the entire one end face of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, rather than being supplied to only one air flow channel <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> or the like. Air does not pass through an air flow channel <NUM> closed by the mask <NUM> in the state in which the air is supplied to an entire one end face of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. The mask <NUM> may be disposed on an end face of the fragrance cartridge <NUM> at a side in which air is introduced (an inlet side) or an end face thereof at a side in which air is emitted (an outlet side). However, if the mask <NUM> is disposed at the inlet side of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>, the mask <NUM> is depressed toward the fragrance cartridge <NUM> by air supplied to the end face of the inlet side, and accordingly a closed air flow channel <NUM> can be tightly shielded.

Rotation of the mask <NUM> may be manually performed, or may be performed by a driving device using power, for example, from an electro-magnetic motor, a piezo-electric element, a magnet, an aerodynamic actuator, an electoactive polymer (EAP), or the like. In addition, in the present embodiment, although an example in which the circular-disk-like mask <NUM> is provided in the cylindrical fragrance cartridge <NUM> has been described, a shape of the mask is not limited to a circular disk and may be appropriately selected in accordance with a shape of the end face of the fragrance cartridge.

As a constituent material of the mask <NUM>, for example, one kind or a plurality of kinds of material among a polymeric resin such as an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a polyacetal (POM) resin, a silicone resin, a fluorine resin, a cycloolefin polymer resin, or a polyimide resin, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, an inorganic crystalline material such as quartz, and glass can be used, like a constituent material of the fragrance cartridge <NUM>. A constituent material of the mask <NUM>, however, is not limited to the above-described examples.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a fragrance cartridge 200C having a mask 290A as a first example of the fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing a relationship between openings of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z provided in the fragrance cartridge 200C and openings 292X, 292Y, and 292Z of the mask 290A.

The fragrance cartridge 200C has the plurality of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z that are open in three concentric circles having an axis center as a center. Four of each of the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z open in the circumferences of the circles at equal intervals. In other words, the respective air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z are open at intervals having an angle of <NUM> therebetween. In addition, the openings of the plurality of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z are disposed on the same lines extending from the axis center in radial directions such that the plurality of openings do not overlap.

The mask 290A has three openings 292X, 292Y, and 292Z. The three openings 292X, 292Y, and 292Z are disposed on the same line extending from a center point in a radial direction. A distance from the center point of the mask 290A to each of the openings 292X, 292Y, and 292Z is substantially identical to a distance from the axis center of the fragrance cartridge 200C to each of the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z. In other words, the opening 292X opens or closes the air flow channels 210X, the opening 292Y opens or closes the air flow channels 210Y, and the opening 292Z opens or closes the air flow channels 210Z.

In the fragrance cartridge 200C of the first example, any one of the plurality of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z can overlap any one of the three openings 292X, 292Y, and 292Z of the mask 290A by rotating the mask 290A. Thus, an air flow channel in which air flows can be switched among the <NUM> air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z provided in the fragrance cartridge 200C.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing open air flow channels differing in accordance with rotation angles of the mask 290A in the fragrance cartridge 200C according to the first example. <FIG> shows the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z of the fragrance cartridge 200C disposed as illustrated in <FIG> and a state of the mask 290A shown in <FIG> at a rotation angle of <NUM>°. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the fragrance cartridge 200C according to the first example, the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z to be open can be made to differ by shifting the rotation angle of the mask 290A by <NUM>°.

In this case, for example, a driving device may be set to rotate the mask 290A by <NUM>°, and the mask 290A may be rotated a predetermined angle in accordance with the number of operations of pressing a switch of the driving device. In the fragrance cartridge 200C according to the first example of the first embodiment, the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z in which air flows can be switched between by rotating the mask 290A as described above, and a fragrance to be emitted can be selected in accordance with a mood of a user at the time of use.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a fragrance cartridge 200D with two masks 290B and 290C as a second example of the fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing a positional relationship between openings of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z provided in the fragrance cartridge 200D, openings 292BX, 292BY, and 292BZ of the first mask 290B, and openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ of the second mask 290C.

The fragrance cartridge 200D has a plurality of air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z that are open in three concentric circles having an axis center as a center. <NUM> openings of the air flow channel 210X are disposed on a circumference at equal intervals (having an angle of <NUM>° therebetween). <NUM> openings of the air flow channels 210Y are disposed on a circumference at equal intervals (having an angle of <NUM>° therebetween). <NUM> openings of the air flow channels 210Y are disposed on a circumference at equal intervals (having an angle of <NUM>° therebetween). Some of the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z are disposed on the same lines extending from the axis center in radial directions.

The first mask 290B has the three openings 292BX, 292BY, and 292BZ. The three openings 292BX, 292BY, and 292BZ are disposed on the same line extending from the center point in a radial direction. A distance from the center point of the first mask 290B to each of the openings 292BX, 292BY, and 292BZ is substantially identical to a distance from the axis center of the fragrance cartridge 200D to each of the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z.

The second mask 290C has the three openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ. In the second mask 290C, the different openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ are disposed such that the openings do not overlap the same lines extending from the center point in radial directions. In other words, the plurality of openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ each of which is disposed on a circumference of the corresponding concentric circle are disposed such that one of the openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ does not overlap an area surrounded by two lines that are parallel to a line connecting the center point of the second mask 290C and a center point of another of the openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ and that adjoin the other of the openings 292CX, 292CY, and 292CZ.

In the fragrance cartridge 200D according to a second modified example, only one air flow channel among the <NUM> air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z provided in the fragrance cartridge 200D is opened by changing a rotation angle of each of the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C may both be disposed on one end face among two end faces of the fragrance cartridge 200D. Alternatively, the first mask 290B or the second mask 290C may be disposed on both end faces of the fragrance cartridge 200D as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing that open air flow channels differ in accordance with rotation angles of the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C in the fragrance cartridge 200D according to the second example. <FIG> shows the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z of the fragrance cartridge 200D disposed as illustrated in <FIG> and a state of the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C shown in <FIG> at a rotation angle of <NUM>°. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the fragrance cartridge 200D according to the second example, the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z to be open can be made to differ by shifting rotation angles of the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C by <NUM>°.

In this case, for example, the driving device may be set to rotate the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C by <NUM>° and thus the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C may each be rotated a predetermined angle in accordance with the number of operations of pressing a switch of the driving device. By rotating the first mask 290B and the second mask 290C in this manner in the fragrance cartridge 200D according to the second example of the present embodiment, the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z in which air flows can be switched between and a fragrance to be emitted can be selected in accordance with a mood of a user at the time of use.

Note that, when air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z are disposed in a fragrance cartridge 200E as exemplified in <FIG>, the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z may all be closed in a state in which a mask 290D is placed at a certain rotation angle. In the example of <FIG>, when the illustrated fragrance cartridge 200E is set to overlap the mask 290D, all of the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z are closed and thus none of the air flow channels allows air to pass therethrough. Accordingly, when the perfuming device is not used, hardly any of a fragrance material held in the air flow channels 210X, 210Y, and 210Z is able to leak out.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing a fragrance cartridge 200F according to a modified example of the present embodiment. The fragrance cartridge 200F according to the modified example has a plurality of air flow channels 205a to 205c of which openings 207a to 207f at one end side are formed in an end part of the fragrance cartridge 200F in an axial direction and openings 206a to 206c at the other end side are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the fragrance cartridge 200F. In <FIG>, only three air flow channels 205a to 205c among six air flow channels are illustrated.

In addition, a mask 290E that opens or closes the air flow channels 205a to 205c has a cap shape and is mounted on the fragrance cartridge 200F from the end side among both ends of the fragrance cartridge 200F on which the openings 206a to 206c of the air flow channels 205a to 205c are formed on the outer circumferential surface. The cap-shaped mask 290E is designed to be axially rotatable using an axis center of the fragrance cartridge 200F as a center.

The cap-shaped mask 290E has an opening <NUM> on its circumferential surface. The opening <NUM> can overlap any one of the openings 206a to 206c of the air flow channels 205a to 205c among the plurality of air flow channels 205a to 205c by axially rotating the mask 290E. Thus, by changing a rotation angle of the cap-shaped mask 290E, the air flow channels 205a to 205c through which air passes can be switched between.

<FIG> is an illustrative diagram showing switching of an air flow channel to be opened in accordance with a rotation angle of the cap-shaped mask 290E in the fragrance cartridge 200F according to the modified example. <FIG> shows the air flow channels 205a to 205c of the fragrance cartridge 200F disposed as illustrated in <FIG> and a state of the cap-shaped mask 290E shown in <FIG> at a rotation angle of <NUM>°. As shown in <FIG>, the air flow channels 205a to 205c to be opened can be switched between by shifting the rotation angle of the cap-shaped mask 290E by <NUM>° in the fragrance cartridge 200F according to the modified example.

Also in this case, for example, a driving device may be set to rotate the cap-shaped mask 290E by <NUM>° and thus the mask 290E may be rotated a predetermined angle in accordance with the number of operations of pressing a switch of the driving device. In addition, all of the air flow channels 205a to 205c can be closed when the mask 290E is held in a position in which the opening <NUM> of the mask 290E does not overlap the openings 206a to 206c of the air flow channels 205a to 205c. By rotating the cap-shaped mask 290E in the fragrance cartridge 200F according to the modified example of the present embodiment, the air flow channels 205a to 205c in which air flows can be switched between and thus a fragrance to be emitted can be selected in accordance with a mood of a user at the time of use.

As described above, the fragrance cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can switch an air flow channel in which air flows among the plurality of air flow channels by rotating the mask. Thus, it is possible to switch an air flow channel through which air passes while supplying air to an entire face at one end side of the fragrance cartridge. Accordingly, the air flow channel through which air passes can be easily switched by rotating the mask and thus a fragrance to be emitted can be easily selected.

Note that the basic configuration of the fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment can be the same as that of the fragrance cartridge according to the first embodiment. Thus, the fragrance cartridge according to the present embodiment can obtain the same effects as those obtained from the fragrance cartridge according to the first embodiment.

Next, an example of a sales system for the fragrance cartridge described in the first and second embodiments will be described.

<FIG> shows an example of a case of fragrance cartridges sold on the Internet and a sales procedure performed by a seller and a consumer of the fragrance cartridges. The seller of the fragrance cartridges establishes a website of an on-line store that consumers can access via the Internet (Step SS1). A consumer accesses the website and selects, for example, kinds of fragrance materials or the number of air flow channels of a fragrance cartridge. Specifically, the consumer selects the total number of air flow channels provided in the fragrance cartridge from a prepared product line-up and freely selects air flow channels that will hold the fragrance materials in accordance with his or her preference. After deciding the specification of the fragrance cartridge, the consumer confirms an on-line order process (Step CS1).

The seller who has received the order manufactures a customized fragrance cartridge on the basis of the details of the order (Step SS2). The seller, for example, causes the designated liquid fragrance materials to be held on an inner surface of the air flow channels by injecting the fragrance materials into the predetermined air flow channels of the fragrance cartridge selected by the consumer, blowing air into the air flow channels, and causing a surplus of the fragrance materials to be discharged. The injection of the fragrance materials may be automatically performed by a dedicated injection device after the on-line order process is received. The manufactured customized fragrance cartridge is delivered to the consumer (Step SS3). At this time, the fragrance cartridge may be enclosed in a tightly closed container or packaged and delivered. In addition, a packaging container or a package of the fragrance cartridge may have a light-shielding property or the fragrance cartridge may be enclosed and dehumidified. The consumer receives the fragrance cartridge (Step CS2), installs the fragrance cartridge in a perfuming device and uses it (Step CS3).

<FIG> and <FIG> show an example of a customized fragrance cartridge <NUM>. The fragrance cartridge <NUM> has <NUM> air flow channels <NUM>. A plurality of kinds of fragrance material such as fragrance material A named "Favorite," a fragrance material B named "For Morning," a fragrance material C named "Must for Waking up," a fragrance material D named "Surely Sometimes Wanted," and a fragrance material E named "To Try" can be selected on a website.

A consumer selects an appropriate fragrance material for his or her preference from the types of fragrance material and designates an air flow channel that will hold each of the fragrance materials. Accordingly, an original fragrance cartridge suitable for the preference of the consumer is manufactured.

The purchase price of the fragrance cartridge may be paid online for a series of transactions. In addition, when the prepared product lineup does not include a preferred fragrance material, a self-blended fragrance material or any of various brands of fragrance material can be designated. In addition, a fragrance cartridge holding a plurality of pre-selected fragrance materials can be selected, in addition to allowing consumers to select the number of air flow channels or fragrance materials. Furthermore, used fragrance cartridges may be returned to the seller, washed, and reused.

According to the sales system for fragrance cartridges exemplified above, consumers can freely select fragrance materials for their preference and receive original fragrance cartridges. In addition, consumers can easily customize fragrances online and order their original fragrance cartridges. Further, consumers can order fragrance cartridges online and take delivery thereof, and thus it is not necessary to visit shops and the like in person.

Claim 1:
A replaceable cartridge (<NUM>) for an easy to carry perfuming device (<NUM>), comprising:
a main body part (<NUM>);
a plurality of air flow channels (<NUM>) provided in the main body part (<NUM>) and having both ends that are open; and
a fragrance material held in at least a part of an inner surface of the air flow channels (<NUM>);
wherein an inner diameter of the air flow channels (<NUM>) has a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and
characterized in that
an outlet opening (<NUM>) of the air flow channels (<NUM>) has a tapered shape in which a diameter increases toward an opening end.