Nebulizer

Abstract

A case (30) of this nebulizer (10) has a discharge port (71) which is in communication with the outside. A nozzle (80) comprises: a gas hole (GH) through which a pressure-fed gas can be supplied; and a liquid supply path (RL) in which an opening at one end is a liquid hole (LH) which is located in proximity to the gas hole (GH) and through which liquid can be supplied to an interior space (S), and an opening at the other end is an intake hole (IH) through which the liquid to be supplied to the liquid hole (LH) is sucked in. An opening center (CP), which is the geometric center of the opening plane of the discharge port (71) as seen in a plan view, is out of alignment with respect to a virtual first reference axis (AX1) that is parallel to the direction in which the gas hole (GH) is oriented and that passes through the gas hole (GH). When the direction from the gas hole (GH) toward the opening center (CP) as seen in the direction along the first reference axis (AX1) is defined as a specified direction, the entire range of the intake hole (IH) is situated on the specified direction side with respect to the gas hole (GH).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to nebulizers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a case having an internal space and a nozzle for atomizing a liquid. The case has an opening for directing the atomized liquid to the outside of the case. The nozzle is located within the internal space of the case. The nozzle has a gas hole, a liquid hole, and a liquid supply path. The gas hole is a hole for ejecting pressurized gas. The liquid hole is a hole for spraying a liquid. The liquid supply path is located inside the nozzle. The liquid supply path extends from the liquid hole to the bottom side of the internal space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-229709 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The nebulizer described in Patent Document 1 is assumed to be used in a position where the direction of the gas hole coincides with the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. On the other hand, the nebulizer may be used in a position where the direction of the gas hole is tilted with respect to an axis along the direction of gravity. In this case, there is a risk that the liquid stored in the internal space of the case will be difficult to supply to the liquid supply path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a nebulizer comprising a case having an inner wall that divides an internal space, and a nozzle that is located in the internal space and atomizes liquid stored in the internal space, wherein the case has an outlet that communicates with the outside, and the nozzle has a gas hole capable of supplying pressurized gas, and a liquid supply path having at one end an opening that is close to the gas hole and capable of supplying the liquid to the internal space and an intake port at the other end that sucks in the liquid to be supplied to the liquid hole, wherein when a virtual linear axis that is parallel to the direction in which the gas hole is oriented and passes through the gas hole is defined as a first reference axis, the opening center, which is the geometric center when the opening surface of the outlet is viewed in a plane, is offset from the first reference axis, and when a direction from the gas hole to the opening center when viewed in a direction along the first reference axis is defined as a specific direction, the entire range of the intake port is located on the side of the specific direction with respect to the gas hole.

[0006] In the above configuration, a user may tilt the nebulizer when using it so that the discharge port faces the gravity direction relative to the horizontal plane. In this case, the liquid stored in the internal space of the case is biased toward the discharge port side. According to the above configuration, the water intake is located on the same side as the center of the opening. Therefore, even if the entire nebulizer is tilted and the position of the liquid stored in the internal space is biased, the water intake is likely to be submerged in the liquid. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid stored in the internal space from becoming difficult to supply to the liquid supply path. Effect of the Invention

[0007] This can prevent the liquid stored in the internal space from becoming difficult to supply to the liquid holes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a nebulizer of one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the nebulizer of the same embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the nozzle and the tank of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nebulizer of the same embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a transparent top view of the nebulizer of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modified nebulizer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <One embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of a nebulizer will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings may show components enlarged for ease of understanding. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from those in the actual drawings or from those in other drawings.

[0010] (Overall structure) 1, the nebulizer 10 includes a pump case 20 and a case 30. Gas pumped from the pump case 20 is supplied to an internal space S of the case 30.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, nebulizer 10 includes pump 21 and tube 22. Pump 21 is located inside pump case 20. Pump 21 is a so-called piezoelectric pump. Pump 21 has a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm. The piezoelectric element is made of piezoelectric ceramics. Pump 21 can pump air by repeatedly bending the diaphragm due to vibration of the piezoelectric element. In other words, pump 21, which is a piezoelectric pump, can pump gas.

[0012] The tube 22 is connected to the pump 21. The air pumped from the pump 21 flows through the inside of the tube 22. The pump case 20 has a connecting pipe 23. The connecting pipe 23 is cylindrical. The connecting pipe 23 is connected to the tube 22. Therefore, the air pumped from the pump 21 flows out from the connecting pipe 23 of the pump case 20.

[0013] 4, case 30 has an inner wall 31 that defines an internal space S. Case 30 also has an outlet 71 for directing the liquid atomized in the internal space S to the outside of case 30. Outlet 71 communicates with the outside of case 30. Details of case 30 will be described later.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, the nebulizer 10 includes a nozzle 80. As shown in Fig. 4, the nozzle 80 is located in the internal space S of the case 30. The nozzle 80 atomizes the liquid stored in the internal space S.

[0015] (About the nozzle) 3, the nozzle 80 has a gas supply path RG that connects the internal space S with the inside of the connecting pipe 23. The gas supply path RG is a space for allowing the gas pressure-fed from the pump 21 through the connecting pipe 23 to flow into the internal space S. The nozzle 80 has a gas hole GH that is the end of the gas supply path RG on the internal space S side. The gas hole GH is a hole that can supply the pressure-fed gas to the internal space S.

[0016] Here, the direction in which the gas hole GH points is the upward direction UD. The opposite direction to the upward direction UD is the downward direction DD. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, a virtual linear axis that is parallel to the upward direction UD and passes through the gas hole GH is the first reference axis AX1. The direction in which the gas hole GH points is determined as follows. First, a viewpoint at which the apparent area of ​​the range surrounded by the outer edge of the gas hole GH is maximized is identified. Next, when the outer edge of the gas hole GH is viewed from the viewpoint at which the area of ​​the outer edge of the gas hole GH is maximized, the geometric center of the outer edge of the gas hole GH is identified. Then, the direction from the geometric center toward the viewpoint at which the area of ​​the outer edge of the gas hole GH is maximized is determined as the direction in which the gas hole GH points.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 80 has a liquid supply path RL that supplies the liquid stored in the internal space S to the vicinity of the gas hole GH. The nozzle 80 has a water intake port IH, which is an opening on the downward direction DD side of the liquid supply path RL. The nozzle 80 has a liquid hole LH, which is an opening on the upward direction UD side of the liquid supply path RL. That is, an opening at one end of the liquid supply path RL is the liquid hole LH. Also, an opening at the other end of the liquid supply path RL is the water intake port IH. The water intake port IH is an opening that sucks in the liquid to be supplied to the liquid hole LH. That is, the liquid supply path RL extends from the liquid hole LH that ejects the liquid to the bottom side of the internal space S. The liquid hole LH is adjacent to the gas hole GH. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the liquid hole LH is supplied toward the gas hole GH. Note that the state in which the gas hole GH and the liquid hole LH are adjacent to each other is a state in which the liquid is supplied from the liquid hole LH by the flow of gas supplied from the gas hole GH.

[0018] The nozzle 80 has a first portion 81 and a second portion 82. The first portion 81 is cylindrical. The second portion 82 is cylindrical. The second portion 82 is located on a surface of the first portion 81 facing the upward direction UD.

[0019] The nozzle 80 further has a third portion 83. The third portion 83 is located on a surface of the second portion 82 facing the upward direction UD. The third portion 83 is plate-shaped. When the nozzle 80 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the third portion 83 covers a semicircular portion of the second portion 82 and the vicinity of the center of the second portion 82. Therefore, a portion of the surface of the second portion 82 facing the upward direction UD is not covered by the third portion 83. In other words, a portion of the surface of the second portion 82 facing the upward direction UD is exposed from the third portion 83.

[0020] The nozzle 80 further has a fourth portion 84. The fourth portion 84 is located on a surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD. The fourth portion 84 is a semicircular plate in a plan view. When the nozzle 80 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the center of the semicircle of the fourth portion 84 coincides with the position of the center of the first portion 81. When the nozzle 80 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the fourth portion 84 covers a semicircular portion of the third portion 83.

[0021] The nozzle 80 further includes a fifth portion 85. The fifth portion 85 is located on the surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD. The fifth portion 85 is a semicircular plate in a plan view. When the nozzle 80 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the center of the semicircle of the fifth portion 85 coincides with the position of the center of the first portion 81. The diameter of the semicircle of the fifth portion 85 is smaller than the diameter of the semicircle of the fourth portion 84. The fifth portion 85 covers a part of the surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD. Therefore, a part of the surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD is not covered by either the fourth portion 84 or the fifth portion 85. In other words, a part of the surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD is exposed from both the fourth portion 84 and the fifth portion 85.

[0022] The gas hole GH opens to a surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD. The gas hole GH is located in a portion of the surface of the third portion 83 facing the upward direction UD that is exposed from both the fourth portion 84 and the fifth portion 85. The gas hole GH is located in the vicinity of a side surface of the fifth portion 85.

[0023] The liquid hole LH opens to the side surface of the fifth portion 85. The liquid hole LH is located near the gas hole GH. As described above, the liquid hole LH is close to the gas hole GH. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the liquid hole LH is supplied toward the gas hole GH.

[0024] (About the case) 1, the case 30 has a case body 40 and a pipe 70. As shown in Fig. 4, the case body 40 houses a nozzle 80. Furthermore, the case body 40 has a tank 50 and a cover 60.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the tank 50 has a tank bottom wall 51 and a tank side wall 56. The tank bottom wall 51 is disk-shaped. As shown in FIG. 4, the tank bottom wall 51 has a first bottom surface 51A and a second bottom surface 51B. The second bottom surface 51B is recessed in the downward direction DD with respect to the first bottom surface 51A. As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed in the downward direction DD, the second bottom surface 51B has a substantially annular shape. The center of the annular shape of the second bottom surface 51B is closer to the discharge port 71 side than the center of the first bottom surface 51A. As shown in FIG. 4, the tank bottom wall 51 has a connecting hole 52 having a circular flow path cross section. The connecting hole 52 penetrates the tank bottom wall 51. The connecting hole 52 is located in the first bottom surface 51A. Specifically, the connecting hole 52 is located in a range of the first bottom surface 51A surrounded by the second bottom surface 51B. The connecting pipe 23 of the pump case 20 is fitted into the connecting hole 52 .

[0026] 2, the tank side wall 56 protrudes from the outer edge of the tank bottom wall 51 in the direction opposite to the pump 21. The tank side wall 56 extends over the entire outer edge. That is, the tank side wall 56 is generally cylindrical.

[0027] 4, the cover 60 has a generally cylindrical side wall 61 and an upper wall 62 that closes an opening of the side wall 61 facing the upward direction UD. The opening of the side wall 61 facing the downward direction DD is a substantially circular connection port 63. The diameter of the connection port 63 is approximately the same as the diameter of the outer edge of the end of the tank side wall 56 opposite the tank bottom wall 51. The connection port 63 of the cover 60 is connected to the end of the tank side wall 56 of the tank 50 facing the upward direction UD.

[0028] 2, the cover 60 has a first air intake hole 64 and a second air intake hole 65. The first air intake hole 64 and the second air intake hole 65 both vertically connect the inner space and the outer space of the cover 60.

[0029] The cover 60 has an outlet 66 that connects the inner space to the outer space of the cover 60. The outlet 66 is located on the lower direction DD side from the upper end of the side wall 61 of the cover 60. The outlet 66 has a circular shape. The direction in which the outlet 66 faces is opposite to the direction in which the liquid hole LH faces.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 60 has a restricting wall 67. The restricting wall 67 protrudes from the side wall 61 toward the internal space S. The restricting wall 67 extends in a direction intersecting the first reference axis AX1. The restricting wall 67 is located on the downward direction DD side with respect to the discharge port 71. The restricting wall 67 extends further in the downward direction DD toward its protruding tip. Therefore, the tip of the restricting wall 67 is located on the downward direction DD side of the base end of the restricting wall 67.

[0031] The pipe 70 has a cylindrical shape. A first end of the pipe 70 is connected to the case body 40. Specifically, the first end of the pipe 70 is connected to the outlet 66 of the cover 60. The pipe 70 extends in a direction in which the outlet 66 is oriented. That is, the pipe 70 extends in a direction perpendicular to the upward direction UD. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a virtual plane VP perpendicular to the upward direction UD is assumed. In this case, the extension direction of the pipe 70 is parallel to the virtual plane VP.

[0032] The pipe 70 has an outlet 71, which is an opening on the opposite side to the cover 60. The outlet 71 is an opening for guiding the atomized liquid to the outside of the case 30. In other words, the second end of the pipe 70 is the outlet 71. Here, the geometric center when the opening surface of the outlet 71 is viewed in a plane is defined as the opening center CP. In this embodiment, when the opening surface of the outlet 71 is viewed in a plane, the outlet 71 is circular. Therefore, the opening center CP is the center of the circle of the outlet 71.

[0033] An internal space S is defined by an inner wall 31 of the case 30, which includes an inner wall of the tank 50, an inner wall of the cover 60, and an inner wall of the piping 70. When a user uses the nebulizer 10, a part of the piping 70, including the outlet 71, is inserted into the user's mouth.

[0034] (Regarding the positional relationship between the gas hole and the center of the opening) As shown in FIG. 4, the opening center CP of the discharge port 71 is offset from the first reference axis AX1.

[0035] 5, when the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the direction from the gas hole GH toward the opening center CP is defined as a specific direction SD. A virtual linear axis that is parallel to the specific direction SD and passes through the gas hole GH is defined as a second reference axis AX2. A virtual linear axis that is perpendicular to the second reference axis AX2 and passes through the gas hole GH is defined as a third reference axis AX3.

[0036] When the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the gas hole GH has a rectangular shape that is long in the direction along the third reference axis AX3. Specifically, the dimension of the long side parallel to the third reference axis AX3 is 0.5 mm. Also, the dimension of the short side parallel to the second reference axis AX2 is 0.3 mm.

[0037] (Regarding the relative positions of the gas hole and the water intake) As shown in FIG. 5, when the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, most of the nozzle 80 is located within the range of the first bottom surface 51A surrounded by the second bottom surface 51B. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, a part of the nozzle 80 protrudes into the second bottom surface 51B. When the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the water inlet IH is located within the range of the second bottom surface 51B. The water inlet IH is located inside the recess defined by the second bottom surface 51B. In other words, the water inlet IH is located on the downward direction DD side with respect to the first bottom surface 51A and on the upward direction UD side with respect to the second bottom surface 51B.

[0038] When the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the entire range of the water inlet IH is located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as a reference. Therefore, the water inlet IH is not disposed on the side opposite to the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as a reference. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the water inlet IH is located in the range on the side of the specific direction SD with respect to the third reference axis AX3. In other words, the water inlet IH being located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as a reference includes not only the case where the water inlet IH is located on the second reference axis AX2, but also the case where the water inlet IH is not located on the second reference axis AX2. In other words, when the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, when two regions are imagined with the third reference axis AX3 as a boundary, the water inlet IH is located in the region on the side where the opening center CP of the discharge port 71 exists. In this embodiment, the water inlet IH is located on the second reference axis AX2.

[0039] (Regarding the relative positions of the gas hole and the containment wall) As shown in Fig. 4, when the case 30 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the suppression wall 67 is located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as a reference. The suppression wall 67 is also located on the side of the upward direction UD with the water inlet IH as a reference. In this embodiment, the suppression wall 67 is located on the side of the upward direction UD with the end of the nozzle 80 in the upward direction UD as a reference. When the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the suppression wall 67 extends to a range that overlaps with the water inlet IH.

[0040] (Operation of the embodiment) A user of nebulizer 10 uses nebulizer 10, for example, by holding pump case 20 in the hand and positioning a part of piping 70, including outlet port 71, in the mouth. At this time, it is assumed that nebulizer 10 is used in a position in which upward direction UD coincides with the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. In addition, nebulizer 10 is used with liquid, such as a medicinal liquid, stored in internal space S. Therefore, the liquid accumulates on the tank bottom wall 51 side in internal space S.

[0041] When the pump 21 is driven, air is pumped from the pump 21. The pumped air flows through the gas supply path RG via the tube 22 and the connecting pipe 23. Then, the air is ejected into the internal space S from the gas hole GH.

[0042] The gas ejected from the gas hole GH passes near the liquid hole LH. This creates a negative pressure in the vicinity of the liquid hole LH. As a result, a flow from the water intake IH toward the liquid hole LH occurs inside the liquid supply path RL. Because the water intake IH of the liquid supply path RL is located near the tank bottom wall 51, the stored liquid enters the inside of the liquid supply path RL. The liquid that has entered the inside of the liquid supply path RL is then discharged from the liquid hole LH.

[0043] When the liquid discharged from the liquid hole LH is supplied to the vicinity of the gas hole GH, the gas ejected from the gas hole GH collides with the liquid. This breaks the liquid into small droplets. The small droplets flow through the internal space S toward the discharge port 71 due to the flow of gas. The small droplets are then discharged from the discharge port 71.

[0044] Incidentally, some users use nebulizer 10 in a position in which the upward direction UD is inclined relative to an axis along the direction of gravity. For example, nebulizer 10 may be used in such a position when the user is lying down. In this case, compared to a position in which the upward direction UD coincides with the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, outlet 71 is inclined to face the direction of gravity. When the position of nebulizer 10 is inclined relative to the axis along the direction of gravity in this manner, the liquid stored in internal space S is biased toward the side of specific direction SD.

[0045] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) According to the above embodiment, the water intake IH is located on the side of the specific direction SD with respect to the gas hole GH. In other words, with respect to the gas hole GH, the water intake IH is located on the same side as the discharge port 71. Therefore, even if the entire nebulizer 10 is tilted and the position of the liquid stored in the internal space S is biased toward the discharge port 71, the water intake IH is likely to remain submerged in the liquid. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid stored in the internal space S from being difficult to supply to the liquid supply path RL.

[0046] (2) According to the above embodiment, the tip of the restraining wall 67 is located on the downward direction DD side of the base end of the restraining wall 67. Therefore, even if the entire nebulizer 10 is tilted and the position of the liquid is biased toward the outlet 71, the liquid stored on the downward direction DD side of the restraining wall 67 in the internal space S is less likely to flow toward the upward direction UD side of the restraining wall 67 due to the restraining wall 67. As a result, the liquid blocked by the restraining wall 67 is more likely to be located on the tank bottom wall 51 side of the tank 50. In this case, Water intake IH This makes it easier for the liquid to remain submerged in the liquid located on the tank bottom wall 51 side.

[0047] (3) According to the above embodiment, the preventing wall 67 protrudes from the side wall 61 of the cover 60, which is a part of the inner wall of the case 30. Therefore, when making a design change to newly provide the preventing wall 67 to a conventional design, the preventing wall 67 can be provided without changing the outer shape of the case 30.

[0048] (4) In the above embodiment, some of the atomized droplets may collide with the inner wall 31 of the case 30 and become large droplets. In this case, the large droplets move in the downward direction DD toward the tank bottom wall 51 side of the internal space S. According to the above embodiment, the blocking wall 67 extends in the downward direction DD toward the protruding tip side. Therefore, when large droplets are collected from the upward direction UD side with the blocking wall 67 as a reference, it is difficult to prevent such droplets from moving in the downward direction DD with the blocking wall 67 as a reference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the collection of droplets from being hindered.

[0049] (5) According to the above embodiment, the pump 21 is a piezoelectric pump. A piezoelectric pump is small and lightweight, but has a relatively weak force for pumping gas. Therefore, the degree to which the vicinity of the liquid hole LH adjacent to the gas hole GH becomes negative pressure is correspondingly small. Therefore, inside the liquid supply path RL, the force of the flow from the water intake IH toward the liquid hole LH is also relatively weak. As a result, since the force for sucking the liquid from the water intake IH is weak, it is likely that it will be difficult to supply the liquid through the liquid supply path RL. Therefore, when the pump 21 is a piezoelectric pump, the effect of (1) above can be more significantly obtained.

[0050] (6) According to the above embodiment, the extension direction of the pipe 70 is parallel to the imaginary plane VP. Therefore, the droplets adhering to the inner wall 31 of the case 30 can be prevented from dripping down from the outlet port 71 of the pipe 70.

[0051] <Other embodiments> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within a range that does not cause technical contradiction.

[0052] Pump 21 is not limited to a piezoelectric pump. For example, pump 21 may be a rotary pump. Depending on the type of pump 21, pump case 20 and connecting pipe 23 may be connected via a hose or the like. In this case, pump case 20 may be provided separately from nebulizer 10. That is, nebulizer 10 does not have to include pump case 20 and pump 21. Note that if nebulizer 10 does not have pump case 20 and pump 21, the user may use nebulizer 10 by holding, for example, tank 50.

[0053] For example, the first bottom surface 51A may be inclined so as to be positioned in the downward direction DD as it approaches the second bottom surface 51B. In this case, it is easier to position the liquid stored in the internal space S in the recess defined by the second bottom surface 51B than when the first bottom surface 51A is perpendicular to the first reference axis AX1. Also, the bottom surface of the tank bottom wall 51 of the tank 50 may be composed of only the first bottom surface 51A. In other words, the second bottom surface 51B, which is recessed with respect to the first bottom surface 51A, may be omitted.

[0054] The configuration of the suppression wall 67 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. In the modified example shown in FIG. 6, the suppression wall 167 is a part of the inner wall 31 of the case 30. The suppression wall 167 is a part of the inner wall 31 of the case 30 when the suppression wall 167 is omitted. In the nebulizer 110 shown in FIG. 6, the recess S1 that functions as a suppression point located on the downward direction DD side of the discharge port 71 in the inner space S bulges in the specific direction SD from the point located on the upward direction UD side of the discharge port 71. That is, a part of the side wall 61 of the cover 60 bulges toward the specific direction SD. And a part of the inner wall 31 that defines the recess S1 that functions as a suppression point is the suppression wall 167. Even in this case, as in the above embodiment, the suppression wall 167 makes it easier to keep the liquid stored in the inner space S on the tank bottom wall 51 side in the inner space S even if the entire nebulizer 110 is tilted.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the restraint wall 67 may extend parallel to the imaginary plane VP, and when the nebulizer 10 is viewed in the downward direction DD, the restraint wall 67 does not have to extend to an area that overlaps with the water intake port IH.

[0056] The direction in which the pipe 70 extends does not have to be parallel to the imaginary plane VP. For example, the pipe 70 extends in the upward direction UD as it approaches the discharge port 71. 1st reference axis AX1 Even in this case, it is possible to prevent droplets adhering to the inner wall 31 of the case 30 from dripping down from the outlet port 71 of the pipe 70.

[0057] For example, the direction in which the piping 70 extends is such that the closer it is to the discharge port 71, the more it is positioned in the downward direction DD. 1st reference axis AX1 For example, the direction in which the pipe 70 extends may be the upward direction UD. At least the opening center CP of the discharge port 71 needs to be shifted with respect to the first reference axis AX1.

[0058] The shape of the piping 70 does not have to extend in a straight line. For example, it may extend in a curved manner, may extend so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path changes, or may be a mask that covers the user's nose and mouth. The piping 70 may also be flexible. Furthermore, the piping 70 may be omitted. In this case, the outlet 66 of the case body 40 functions as the discharge port of the case 30.

[0059] The configuration of the case 30 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the case body 40 is composed of the tank 50 and the cover 60, but the two may be integrated together.

[0060] The shape of the nozzle 80 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. The nozzle 80 has a gas hole GH and a liquid hole LH, and as long as the entire range of the water inlet IH is located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as the reference, the shape of the nozzle 80 may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the case 30, etc.

[0061] The shape of the gas hole GH is not limited to a rectangle. When the gas hole GH is viewed in the downward direction DD, it may be circular, elliptical, or square. It may also be rectangular with the longer side parallel to the second reference axis AX2.

[0062] The water intake IH does not have to be located on the second reference axis AX2. It is sufficient that the water intake IH is located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as the reference. For example, in the case where there are multiple liquid supply paths RL and thus multiple water intakes IH, it is sufficient that all of the water intakes IH are located on the side of the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as the reference. In other words, it is sufficient that the water intake IH is not located on the side opposite the specific direction SD with the gas hole GH as the reference.

[0063] Incidentally, in the nebulizer described in JP 2011-229709 A, the nebulizer is sometimes used in such a position that the direction of the gas hole is tilted with respect to the axis along the direction of gravity. In this case, there is a risk that the liquid stored in the internal space of the case will flow out from the discharge port.

[0064] According to the nebulizer 10 of the above embodiment, the preventing wall 67 can prevent the liquid stored in the internal space S of the case 30 from flowing to the discharge port 71 even if the nebulizer 10 is tilted.

[0065] Thus, from the viewpoint of preventing the liquid stored in the internal space S of the case 30 from flowing to the discharge port 71, it is not essential that the water intake port IH be located on the side of the specific direction SD with respect to the gas hole GH. In other words, the water intake port IH may be located on the third reference axis AX3 or on the side opposite to the specific direction SD with respect to the gas hole GH.

[0066] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples are described below. <Appendix 1> A case having an inner wall that defines an internal space; A nozzle located in the internal space for atomizing a liquid stored in the internal space; It is equipped with The case has a discharge port communicating with the outside, the nozzle has a gas hole capable of supplying pressurized gas, and a liquid supply path having an opening at one end thereof which is a liquid hole adjacent to the gas hole and capable of supplying the liquid to the internal space, and a water intake port at the other end thereof which sucks in the liquid to be supplied to the liquid hole, when a virtual straight line axis that is parallel to a direction in which the gas hole is oriented and passes through the gas hole is defined as a first reference axis, an opening center that is a geometric center when an opening surface of the ejection port is viewed in a plan view is shifted from the first reference axis, The case further includes a stopper wall extending in a direction intersecting the first reference axis, a direction from the gas hole toward the center of the opening when viewed in a direction along the first reference axis is defined as a specific direction; When the direction along the first reference axis opposite to the direction in which the gas hole is oriented is defined as a downward direction, The prevention wall is located on the downward side with respect to the discharge port, and is located on the specific direction side with respect to the gas hole when viewed in a direction along the first reference axis. Nebulizer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10,110…Nebulizer 20…Pump case 30…Case 31…Inner wall 40…Case body 50…Tank 51A…1st bottom surface 51B…Second bottom surface 60…Cover 67,167…Deterrence wall 70…Plumbing 71...Discharge port 80…Nozzle AX1…1st reference axis CP…Aperture center DD…downward GH…Gas hole IH…water inlet LH…liquid hole RL: Liquid supply path S...interior space S1…Concave SD…Specific direction UD…Upward direction VP...Virtual plane

Claims

1. A case having an inner wall that defines an internal space; A nozzle located in the internal space for atomizing a liquid stored in the internal space; It is equipped with The case has a discharge port communicating with the outside, the nozzle has a gas hole capable of supplying pressurized gas, and a liquid supply path having an opening at one end thereof which is a liquid hole adjacent to the gas hole and capable of supplying the liquid to the internal space, and a water intake port at the other end thereof which sucks in the liquid to be supplied to the liquid hole, when a virtual linear axis that is parallel to a direction in which the gas hole is oriented and passes through the gas hole is defined as a first reference axis, an opening center that is a geometric center when an opening surface of the ejection port is viewed in a plan view is shifted from the first reference axis, When viewed in a direction along the first reference axis, a direction from the gas hole toward the opening center is defined as a specific direction, and the entire range of the water intake is located on the side of the specific direction based on the gas hole, The case has a stopper wall extending in a direction intersecting the first reference axis, When the direction along the first reference axis that is opposite to the direction in which the gas hole is oriented is defined as a downward direction, The prevention wall is located on the downward side with respect to the discharge port, and is located on the specific direction side with respect to the gas hole when viewed in a direction along the first reference axis. Nebulizer.

2. The blocking wall protrudes from an inner wall of the case, The tip of the blocking wall is located on the lower side than the base end of the blocking wall.

2. The nebulizer of claim 1.

3. a recess located on the lower side of the internal space with respect to the discharge port as a reference is bulged in the specific direction more than a portion located on a side of the internal space in a direction in which the gas hole is directed with respect to the discharge port as a reference, The blocking wall is a part of an inner wall of the case that defines the recess.

2. The nebulizer of claim 1.

4. The case has a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface recessed in the downward direction relative to the first bottom surface, The water inlet is located within a recess defined by the second bottom surface.

2. The nebulizer of claim 1.

5. The gas supply device further includes a piezoelectric pump capable of pumping the gas.

2. The nebulizer of claim 1.

6. the case includes a case body that houses the nozzle, and a tubular pipe having a first end connected to the case body and a second end that is the discharge port, When the direction in which the gas hole is directed is defined as an upward direction and a virtual plane perpendicular to the upward direction is defined, The direction in which the pipe extends is parallel to the imaginary plane, or is inclined with respect to the upward direction so that the pipe is positioned in the upward direction as it approaches the discharge port side.

2. The nebulizer of claim 1.

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