CPAP Device

Abstract

To allow air guided to the outside of a humidification tank to be humidified easily.SOLUTION: A CPAP apparatus includes an air blower and a humidification tank 30. The humidification tank 30 includes a first distribution passage 61, a second distribution passage, a diversion part 71, and an opposing part 72. When an opening on an internal space S side in the first distribution passage 61 is represented as an inflow port IH, the diversion part 71 faces the inflow port IH. The opposing part 72 extends towards a bottom wall 41 of an outer peripheral surface 61F of the first distribution passage 61. When viewed along a vertical axis, which is a specific axis crossing the bottom wall 41, the opposing part 72 includes a portion overlapping with the inflow port IH. The opposing part 72 faces the diversion part 71.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device. [Background technology]

[0002] The CPAP device described in Patent Document 1 includes a blower and a humidification tank. The blower pressurizes air into the internal space of the humidification tank. The humidification tank is capable of storing water in the internal space. The humidification tank has a first flow passage and a second flow passage. The first flow passage is a flow passage for guiding the air pressurized by the blower to the internal space. The second flow passage is a flow passage for guiding the air in the internal space to the outside of the humidification tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-537708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a CPAP device such as that described in Patent Document 1, air that flows into the internal space from the opening of the first flow passage on the internal space side collides with the water surface and the inner surface of the humidification tank. The air that collides with the water surface and the inner surface of the humidification tank is then diverted in various directions and finally reaches the opening of the second flow passage on the internal space side.

[0005] Here, the diverted air is humidified by water stored in the internal space of the humidification tank. Therefore, in order to properly humidify the air discharged from the second flow passage, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient time for the air to travel from the first flow passage to the second flow passage. However, if the air travels from the first flow passage to the second flow passage too quickly, there is a risk that the air will not be sufficiently humidified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a CPAP device comprising: a blower that pressurizes air; and a humidifying tank having an internal space into which the air pressurized by the blower can flow and in which water can be stored, wherein the humidifying tank has a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall that partition the internal space; a first flow passage that connects the blower to the internal space; a second flow passage that connects the internal space to a location outside the humidifying tank other than the blower; and when an opening of the first flow passage on the side of the internal space is defined as an inlet, a diverting portion that faces the inlet, and an opposing portion that extends from the outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage toward the bottom wall, wherein when a specific axis that intersects the bottom wall is defined as a vertical axis, when viewed along the vertical axis, the opposing portion has a portion that overlaps with the inlet, and the opposing portion faces the diverting portion.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the opposing portion faces the diverting portion. Therefore, after the air flowing in from the inlet collides with the diverting portion, it becomes a tumble flow between the opposing portion and the inlet, with the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and parallel to the opposing portion as the center of rotation. The tumble flow causes the air to repeatedly flow near the water surface in the internal space. This makes it easier for the air to be humidified from the water surface in the internal space. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The air guided to the outside of the humidification tank is more likely to be humidified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a CPAP device in use. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the humidification tank. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the humidification tank taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the humidification tank taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Diagram 5]5 is a cross-sectional view of the humidification tank taken along line 5-5 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (One embodiment) Hereinafter, one embodiment of a CPAP device will be described. In addition, the components may be enlarged in the drawings to facilitate understanding. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from those in the actual devices or those in other drawings.

[0011] <Overall structure> As shown in FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a Continuous Airway Pressure device (hereinafter, referred to as a CPAP device) will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the CPAP device 10 includes a blower 20, a humidification tank 30, a hose 91, and a mask 92. The blower 20 is substantially box-shaped. The blower 20 houses a blower fan for compressing and blowing air inside. The blower 20 has an air passage for air to circulate between the inside and outside of the box. Note that the air passage is not shown in FIG. 1. The blower 20 has a switch 21. The switch 21 is located on the top surface of the blower 20. By operating the switch 21, the blower fan in the blower 20 can be controlled to be turned on and off, etc.

[0013] The humidifying tank 30 is connected to the blower 20. Specifically, the humidifying tank 30 is connected to an air passage of the blower 20. The humidifying tank 30 can store water therein. Air compressed by the blower fan of the blower 20 can flow into the inside of the humidifying tank 30.

[0014] The hose 91 is connected to the humidification tank 30 at a location different from the location of the humidification tank 30 where the blower 20 is connected. Air that has passed through the inside of the humidification tank 30 and has been humidified flows through the inside of the hose 91.

[0015] The mask 92 is connected to the end of the hose 91 opposite to the end on the humidification tank 30 side. The mask 92 is attached so as to cover the nose or mouth of the user 93. That is, the user 93 inhales humidified air through the hose 91 and the mask 92.

[0016] <About the humidification tank> 2, the humidification tank 30 has a tank portion 31 and a lid portion 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the tank portion 31 and the lid portion 32 define an internal space S of the humidification tank 30.

[0017] 2, the tank portion 31 is in the shape of a bottomed box with one open end. That is, the tank portion 31 has a bottom wall 41 and a lower wall 42 rising from the bottom wall 41.

[0018] The bottom wall 41 is flat. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 41, the bottom wall 41 has a shape that is elongated on one side. Specifically, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 41, the bottom wall 41 has a shape like a rectangle with two of its four corners chamfered. Therefore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 41, the bottom wall 41 has a hexagonal shape having six sides.

[0019] Here, an axis perpendicular to the bottom wall 41 is defined as the first axis X. An axis perpendicular to the first axis X is defined as the second axis Y. In this embodiment, the second axis Y is an axis along the short side direction of the bottom wall 41. An axis perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y is defined as the third axis Z. In this embodiment, the third axis Z is an axis along the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 41. One of the two directions along the first axis X is defined as the first positive direction X1, and the opposite direction to the first positive direction X1 is defined as the first negative direction X2. One of the two directions along the second axis Y is defined as the second positive direction Y1, and the opposite direction to the second positive direction Y1 is defined as the second negative direction Y2. One of the two directions along the third axis Z is defined as the third positive direction Z1, and the opposite direction to the third positive direction Z1 is defined as the third negative direction Z2. The humidification tank 30 is used in such a position that the first positive direction X1 is the upward direction and the first negative direction X2 is the downward direction.

[0020] The lower wall 42 rises in the first positive direction X1 from the edge of the bottom wall 41. The lower wall 42 extends over the entire edge of the bottom wall 41. Specifically, the lower wall 42 has a first lower wall 42A, a second lower wall 42B, a third lower wall 42C, a fourth lower wall 42D, a fifth lower wall 42E, and a sixth lower wall 42F.

[0021] The first lower wall 42A rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge of the bottom wall 41 on the third positive direction Z1 side. The first lower wall 42A is a wall perpendicular to the third axis Z. The second lower wall 42B rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge of the bottom wall 41 on the second positive direction Y1 side. The second lower wall 42B is a wall perpendicular to the second axis Y.

[0022] The third lower wall 42C rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge between an edge on the second positive direction Y1 side and an edge on the third negative direction Z2 side of the bottom wall 41. That is, the third lower wall 42C rises from an edge of a chamfered portion of the edge of the bottom wall 41. The third lower wall 42C is a wall parallel to the first axis X. Moreover, the third lower wall 42C is inclined with respect to both the second axis Y and the third axis Z.

[0023] The fourth lower wall 42D rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge of the bottom wall 41 on the third negative direction Z2 side. The fourth lower wall 42D is a wall perpendicular to the third axis Z. That is, the fourth lower wall 42D is parallel to the first lower wall 42A.

[0024] The fifth lower wall 42E rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge between an edge on the third negative direction Z2 side and an edge on the second negative direction Y2 side of the bottom wall 41. That is, the fifth lower wall 42E rises from an edge of a chamfered portion of the edge of the bottom wall 41. The fifth lower wall 42E is a wall parallel to the first axis X. Moreover, the third lower wall 42C is inclined with respect to both the second axis Y and the third axis Z.

[0025] The sixth lower wall 42F rises in the first positive direction X1 from an edge of the bottom wall 41 on the second negative direction Y2 side. The sixth lower wall 42F is a wall perpendicular to the second axis Y. That is, the sixth lower wall 42F is parallel to the second lower wall 42B.

[0026] The lid portion 32 has an upper lid 51 and an upper side wall 52. The lid portion 32 closes the opening of the tank portion 31 on the first positive direction X1 side. The outer shape of the top cover 51 is the same as the outer shape of the bottom wall 41 when viewed in the direction along the first axis X. That is, the bottom wall 41 has a rectangular shape with two corners chamfered. The top cover 51 faces the bottom wall 41 in the direction along the first axis X. In this embodiment, the first axis X perpendicular to the bottom wall 41 and the top cover 51 is an up-down axis. The direction from the top cover 51 to the bottom wall 41 is a downward direction. The direction from the bottom wall 41 to the top cover 51 is an upward direction.

[0027] The upper wall 52 rises toward the first negative direction X2 from the edge of the upper lid 51. The upper wall 52 extends over the entire edge of the upper lid 51. Specifically, the upper wall 52 has a first upper wall 52A, a second upper wall 52B, a third upper wall 52C, a fourth upper wall 52D, a fifth upper wall 52E, and a sixth upper wall 52F.

[0028] The first upper side wall 52A rises toward the first negative direction X2 side from the edge of the upper cover 51 on the third positive direction Z1 side. The first upper side wall 52A is a wall perpendicular to the third axis Z. The second upper side wall 52B rises toward the first negative direction X2 side from the edge of the upper cover 51 on the second positive direction Y1 side. The second upper side wall 52B is a wall perpendicular to the second axis Y.

[0029] The third upper wall 52C rises toward the first negative direction X2 from an edge between an edge of the upper lid 51 on the second positive direction Y1 side and an edge of the upper lid 51 on the third negative direction Z2 side. That is, the third upper wall 52C rises from an edge of a chamfered portion of the upper lid 51. The third upper wall 52C is a wall parallel to the first axis X. Moreover, the third upper wall 52C is inclined with respect to both the second axis Y and the third axis Z.

[0030] The fourth upper side wall 52D rises toward the first negative direction X2 side from the edge of the upper lid 51 on the third negative direction Z2 side. The fourth upper side wall 52D is a wall perpendicular to the third axis Z. That is, the fourth upper side wall 52D is parallel to the first upper side wall 52A.

[0031] The fifth upper side wall 52E rises toward the first negative direction X2 side from an edge between an edge on the third negative direction Z2 side and an edge on the second negative direction Y2 side of the upper lid 51. That is, the fifth upper side wall 52E rises from an edge of a chamfered portion of the edge of the upper lid 51.

[0032] The sixth upper side wall 52F rises toward the first negative direction X2 side from the edge of the upper lid 51 on the second negative direction Y2 side. The sixth upper side wall 52F is a wall perpendicular to the second axis Y. That is, the sixth upper side wall 52F is parallel to the second upper side wall 52B.

[0033] The end of the upper wall 52 on the first negative direction X2 side is connected to the end of the lower wall 42 on the first positive direction X1 side. Specifically, the first upper wall 52A is connected to the first lower wall 42A. The second upper wall 52B is connected to the second lower wall 42B. The third upper wall 52C is connected to the third lower wall 42C. The fourth upper wall 52D is connected to the fourth lower wall 42D. The fifth upper wall 52E is connected to the fifth lower wall 42E. The sixth upper wall 52F is connected to the sixth lower wall 42F. The upper wall 52 and the lower wall 42 form the side walls of the humidification tank 30.

[0034] <About distribution channels> As shown in FIG. 3, the cover portion 32 has a first flow passage 61 and a second flow passage 62.

[0035] The first flow passage 61 is cylindrical. The first flow passage 61 penetrates the first upper wall 52A. The first flow passage 61 communicates with the blower 20 and the internal space S. That is, the first flow passage 61 is a flow path for guiding the air compressed by the blower 20 to the internal space S of the humidification tank 30. The first flow passage 61 is made of a different material from the lid portion 32.

[0036] The outer surface of the first flow passage 61 has an outer peripheral surface 61F, a first end surface 61A, and a second end surface 61B. The first end surface 61A is an end surface on the blower 20 side in the extension direction of the first flow passage 61. The second end surface 61B is an end surface on the internal space S side in the extension direction of the first flow passage 61. The outer peripheral surface 61F is a portion excluding the first end surface 61A and the second end surface 61B. The outer peripheral surface 61F is located in the internal space S and faces the first negative direction X2 side. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 61F connects the first end surface 61A and the second end surface 61B. The first flow passage 61 opens at the first end surface 61A and the second end surface 61B.

[0037] 1, a portion of the first flow passage 61 including the first end surface 61A is located outside the space defined by the first upper side wall 52A to the sixth upper side wall 52F. The opening of the first end surface 61A of the first flow passage 61 has a substantially circular shape. The opening of the first end surface 61A of the first flow passage 61 faces the third positive direction Z1. The first end surface 61A of the first flow passage 61 is connected to the blower 20.

[0038] The direction in which the opening faces is determined as follows. First, a viewpoint is determined from which the apparent opening area of ​​the opening is maximized when viewed from the outside. Then, the direction from the geometric center of the opening viewed from that viewpoint toward the viewpoint is determined as the direction in which the opening faces. The geometric center is also determined as the center of the opening.

[0039] 4, the second end surface 61B of the first flow passage 61 is located in the internal space S of the humidification tank 30. In particular, the end of the opening of the second end surface 61B of the first flow passage 61 on the first negative direction X2 side is located closer to the upper lid 51 than the center of the internal space S. The opening shape of the second end surface 61B of the first flow passage 61 is substantially rectangular.

[0040] An opening of the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61 faces the second positive direction Y1. That is, as shown in Fig. 3, when the cover portion 32 is viewed in the first positive direction X1, the first flow passage 61 is curved 90 degrees from the first end face 61A to the second end face 61B. The opening of the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61 faces the second upper side wall 52B. The opening of the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61, i.e., the opening on the internal space S side, is an air inlet IH.

[0041] 2 and 3, the second flow passage 62 is cylindrical. The second flow passage 62 penetrates the upper lid 51. The second flow passage 62 communicates between the internal space S and a portion of the outside of the humidifying tank 30 other than the blower 20. In other words, the second flow passage 62 is a flow path for guiding air in the internal space S of the humidifying tank 30 to the outside of the humidifying tank 30.

[0042] The second flow passage 62 is integrally molded with the top lid 51. A part of the outer surface of the second flow passage 62 faces the bottom wall 41 in the direction along the second axis Y. That is, the second flow passage 62, together with the top lid 51, constitutes the top wall of the humidification tank 30. The top wall, the side wall and the bottom wall 41 define an internal space S.

[0043] The first end 62A of the second flow passage 62 is located in the internal space S of the humidification tank 30. The shape of the opening at the first end 62A of the second flow passage 62 is substantially rectangular. The opening at the first end 62A of the second flow passage 62 faces the second negative direction Y2. The opening at the first end 62A of the second flow passage 62, i.e., the opening on the humidification tank 30 side of the second flow passage 62, is an air outlet OH.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 is located outside the humidification tank 30. The opening shape of the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 is substantially circular. The opening of the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 faces the first positive direction X1. That is, the second flow passage 62 is curved 90 degrees from the first end 62A toward the second end 62B. Therefore, the second flow passage 62 extends so as to be gradually located in the first positive direction X1 as it moves from the first end 62A toward the second end 62B. The second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 is connected to a hose 91.

[0045] <About the branch section> 3, the humidification tank 30 has a flow dividing section 71. The flow dividing section 71 faces the opening of the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61, i.e., the inlet IH. In this embodiment, the flow dividing section 71 is a part of the side wall. Specifically, of the side wall, the second upper side wall 52B serves as the flow dividing section 71.

[0046] <About the opposing part> 5, the humidification tank 30 has an opposing portion 72. The opposing portion 72 extends from the outer circumferential surface 61F of the first flow passage 61 toward the bottom wall 41. In particular, the opposing portion 72 extends toward the bottom wall 41 from a portion of the outer circumferential surface 61F of the first flow passage 61 that overlaps with the opening of the second end surface 61B of the first flow passage 61 when viewed along the first axis X.

[0047] 4, the dimension of the opposing portion 72 in the direction along the second axis Y is slightly larger than the dimension of the inlet IH in the direction along the second axis Y. In addition, the opposing portion 72 exists over the entire area of ​​the inlet IH in the direction along the second axis Y.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the facing portion 72 extends from the center of the internal space S in the direction along the first axis X toward the bottom wall 41. The facing portion 72 has a facing surface 72A. The facing surface 72A faces in the same direction as the inlet IH faces. When viewed along the first axis X, the facing surface 72A overlaps with the opening of the second end surface 61B. The facing portion 72 is connected to an outer surface of the first flow passage 61 on the first negative direction X2 side by a plurality of ribs.

[0049] <Regarding the positional relationship between the inlet and outlet> 3, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first positive direction X1, an axis that passes through the opening center C1 of the inlet IH and is parallel to the second axis Y is defined as a virtual axis AX. When the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first positive direction X1, the opening center C2 of the outlet OH is positioned offset from the virtual axis AX. In other words, the opening center C2 of the outlet OH does not exist on the virtual axis AX. The opening center C2 of the outlet OH is positioned on the third negative direction Z2 side with respect to the virtual axis AX.

[0050] 4, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the second negative direction Y2, of the two ends of the inlet IH in the direction along the third axis Z, the end closer to the opening center C2 of the outlet OH is defined as the specific end SE. In this case, the specific end SE is located outside the curve of the first flow passage 61, that is, on the third negative direction Z2 side. In this embodiment, the third axis Z is an orthogonal axis that is perpendicular to the first axis X, which is the up-down axis, when viewed in the direction along the second axis Y.

[0051] Here, an imaginary line extending on the opposing surface 72A is defined as an imaginary line VL. When the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the outlet OH is located on the opposite side of the imaginary line VL to the direction in which the inlet IH faces, that is, on the second negative direction Y2 side.

[0052] <About the shielding part> 5, the humidification tank 30 has a shielding portion 73. The shielding portion 73 extends from the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61 toward the diverting portion 71. The specific end SE is located on the third negative direction Z2 side of the opening center C1 of the inlet IH in the direction along the third axis Z. In this case, the shielding portion 73 extends from a portion of the second end face 61B of the first flow passage 61 that is on the opposite side of the opening center C1 of the inlet IH from the specific end SE to the diverting portion 71.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the dimension of the shielding portion 73 in the direction along the first axis X is more than half the dimension of the inlet IH in the direction along the first axis X. The end of the shielding portion 73 on the first positive direction X1 side is connected to the inner surface of the upper lid 51. The end of the shielding portion 73 on the first negative direction X2 side is located on the first negative direction X2 side as viewed from the opening center C1 of the inlet IH. That is, the shielding portion 73 exists from the end of the inlet IH on the first positive direction X1 side over a range of more than half of the inlet IH in the direction along the first axis X. The end of the shielding portion 73 on the first negative direction X2 side does not reach the center of the internal space S in the direction along the first axis X.

[0054] On the other hand, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the shielding portion 73 is not provided at the end of the inlet IH that is on the opposite side to the opening center C1 of the inlet IH from the end that is not the specific end SE. In other words, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the shielding portion 73 is located only at the end of the second end surface 61B of the first flow passage 61 that is on the opposite side to the opening center C1 of the inlet IH from the specific end SE. Therefore, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the gap between the bottom wall 41 and the end of the inlet IH that is farther from the opening center C2 of the outlet OH is larger than the end of the inlet IH that is closer to the center C2.

[0055] <Operation of this embodiment> When using the CPAP device 10, the CPAP device 10 is placed on a desk or the like so that the first positive direction X1 of the CPAP device 10 coincides with the upward direction and the first negative direction X2 of the CPAP device 10 coincides with the downward direction. When using the CPAP device 10, water is stored in the internal space S of the humidification tank 30. At this time, water is poured in up to about the center of the internal space S in the direction along the first axis X. In this case, the end of the facing part 72 on the first negative direction X2 side is submerged in water.

[0056] When the switch 21 is pressed, the blower 20 is driven and compressed air is sent from the blower fan. The air passes through the first flow passage 61 of the humidification tank 30 and flows into the humidification tank 30.

[0057] The air that has flowed into the humidifying tank 30 flows through the space on the first positive direction X1 side as viewed from the water surface, within the internal space S of the humidifying tank 30. At this time, as shown in Fig. 3, the flow of air that has flowed in from the inlet IH of the second end face 61B of the first circulation passage 61 collides with the flow dividing portion 71 and is divided.

[0058] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) According to the above embodiment, the opposing surface 72A of the opposing portion 72 faces the diverting portion 71. Therefore, after the air flowing in from the inlet IH collides with the diverting portion 71, it becomes a tumble flow with an axis parallel to the third axis Z as the center of rotation between the inlet IH and the opposing surface 72A. The tumble flow causes the air to repeatedly flow near the water surface in the internal space S. This makes it easier for the air to be humidified from the water surface in the internal space S.

[0059] (2) Furthermore, if such tumble flows occur frequently throughout the entire internal space S, the water surface stored in the internal space S will ripple, making it easier for the water to enter the second flow passage 62. In this regard, according to the above embodiment, the opposing portion 72 extends further toward the bottom wall 41 than the center of the internal space S in the direction along the first axis X. Therefore, the location where such tumble flows occur is limited to the location between the flow dividing portion 71 and the opposing surface 72A. In other words, excessive rippling of the water surface due to frequent tumble flows can be prevented.

[0060] (3) Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the opposing portion 72 extends from a portion of the outer circumferential surface 61F of the first flow passage 61 that overlaps with the inlet IH when viewed in the first negative direction X2, toward the bottom wall 41. Therefore, by making the distance between the opposing surface 72A and the flow dividing portion 71 relatively small, the locations where the above-described tumble flow occurs can be further restricted.

[0061] (4) According to the above embodiment, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the outlet OH is located on the opposite side of the imaginary straight line VL from the direction in which the inlet IH faces. This makes it unlikely that the air flowing from the inlet IH in the second positive direction Y1 will reach the outlet OH in a straight line without colliding with the diverter 71. By reliably causing the air to collide with the diverter 71 in this way, the flow speed of the air can be slowed down and the distance to the outlet OH becomes longer. As a result, the air is more likely to be humidified.

[0062] (5) In the above embodiment, the flow diverter 71 is a part of the side wall. In other words, by using a part of the side wall as the flow diverter 71, it is not necessary to provide a separate flow diverter 71. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of water that can be stored in the internal space S from becoming reduced.

[0063] (6) According to the above embodiment, when the air that collides with the diverter 71 is diverted, the shielding portion 73 shields the air flowing toward the outlet OH. This prevents the diverted air from passing through the shortest path toward the outlet OH. This ensures the length of the path through which the diverted air flows. If the length of the air path can be increased in this way, the air flows through the humidification tank 30 for a long time, and the air that is led to the outside of the humidification tank 30 is more likely to be humidified.

[0064] (7) In the above embodiment, the air flowing through the first flow passage 61 and flowing in from the inlet IH is directed toward the outside of the curve of the first flow passage 61 by centrifugal force. Therefore, if the shielding portion 73 is not provided, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the air flowing out from the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 is likely to flow in the third negative direction Z2. In other words, the air flowing out from the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 is likely to flow in the shortest distance toward the outlet OH. According to the above embodiment, the shielding portion 73 is located outside the curve of the first flow passage 61. Therefore, the shielding portion 73 can greatly block the air flow in the shortest distance.

[0065] (8) According to the above embodiment, the dimension of the shielding portion 73 in the direction along the first axis X is at least half the dimension of the inlet IH in the direction along the first axis X. Therefore, since the shielding portion 73 extends in the direction along the first axis X by an appropriate size, the air flow can be more reliably blocked over the shortest distance.

[0066] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the CPAP device 10 may have any configuration as long as it has the blower 20 and the humidification tank 30. In addition, the overall shape of the CPAP device 10 is not limited. In the above embodiment, the configuration of the humidification tank 30 is not limited. For example, the tank portion 31 and the lid portion 32 may be integrally molded, and a part of the side wall of the tank portion 31 may be open. Furthermore, the upper lid 51 constituting the top wall may be curved, and each wall constituting the side wall may be curved.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the humidification tank 30 may be rectangular or circular. In the above embodiment, the first flow passage 61 may be an integral part of the lid portion 32. The first flow passage 61 may be cylindrical and may have the second end surface 61B.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the first flow passage 61 may have any shape as long as air can flow therethrough. For example, the flow passage cross section of the first flow passage 61 may be constant from the first end face 61A to the second end face 61B. A part of the flow passage of the first flow passage 61 may be formed by the upper cover 51. The first flow passage 61 may extend linearly.

[0070] The degree to which the first flow passage 61 is curved is not limited to 90 degrees. The first flow passage 61 does not have to be curved. For example, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the first flow passage 61 may be linear.

[0071] The direction in which the first flow passage 61 curves is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. When the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the specific end SE may be located on the inside of the curve of the first flow passage 61.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the second flow passage 62 may have any shape as long as air can flow therethrough. For example, the flow passage cross section of the second flow passage 62 may be constant from the first end 62A to the second end 62B. The second flow passage 62 may extend linearly in parallel with the upper lid 51. That is, the second end 62B of the second flow passage 62 may protrude from the side wall of the tank portion 31. The second flow passage 62 may be bent from the first end 62A of the second flow passage 62 to the downstream side in the first negative direction X2.

[0073] When the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the outlet OH may be located on the same side of the imaginary straight line VL as the direction in which the inlet IH faces. Also, when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first negative direction X2, the outlet OH may be located on the imaginary straight line VL.

[0074] The flow dividing section 71 may be provided separately from a side wall of the humidification tank 30. For example, it may be provided in the center of the internal space S when the humidification tank 30 is viewed in the first positive direction X1.

[0075] The size of the facing portion 72 is not limited to that in the above embodiment. The facing portion 72 may extend from a location on the outer circumferential surface 61F of the first flow passage 61 closer to the first end face 61A than the inlet IH. The facing portion 72 does not have to extend parallel to the first axis X, and may extend obliquely with respect to the first axis X toward the bottom wall 41. The facing portion 72 only needs to have a portion that overlaps with the inlet IH when viewed in the first negative direction X2. In this case, the above-mentioned tumble flow can be generated in that portion.

[0076] The facing portion 72 does not have to have the facing surface 72 A. For example, the portion of the facing portion 72 facing the flow dividing portion 71 may be a curved surface or a surface having projections and recesses.

[0077] The size of the shielding portion 73 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. In addition, the shielding portion 73 may be omitted from the humidification tank 30. In the above embodiment, a specific axis that intersects with the bottom wall 41 may be set as the vertical axis, and the vertical axis does not have to be perpendicular to the bottom wall 41.

[0078] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. <1> A blower for compressing air; a humidification tank having an internal space into which the air compressed by the blower can flow and into which water can be stored, The humidification tank is A top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall that define the internal space; a first flow passage communicating between the blower and the internal space; a second flow passage communicating the internal space with a portion of the outside of the humidification tank other than the portion of the blower; When an opening of the first flow passage on the internal space side is defined as an inflow port, a flow dividing portion facing the inflow port; an opposing portion extending from an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage toward the bottom wall, When a specific axis intersecting the bottom wall is defined as a vertical axis, the facing portion has a portion overlapping with the inlet when viewed along the vertical axis, The opposing portion faces the flow dividing portion. CPAP device.

[0079] <2> The facing portion extends from a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage that overlaps with the inlet when viewed along the vertical axis toward the bottom wall. <1> CPAP device as described in.

[0080] <3> The facing portion has a facing surface that faces in the same direction as the inlet. <1> or <2> CPAP device as described in.

[0081] <4> When the opening of the second flow passage on the internal space side is defined as an outlet, When viewed along the vertical axis, the outlet is located on the opposite side to the direction in which the inlet faces, with a virtual straight line extending on the opposing surface as a boundary. <3> CPAP device as described in.

[0082] <5> When a specific axis intersecting the bottom wall is set as a vertical axis, The facing portion extends toward the bottom wall side from the center of the internal space in the direction along the vertical axis. <1> from <4> CPAP device according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0083] <6> The flow dividing portion is a part of the side wall. <1> from <5> CPAP device according to any one of the preceding claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10…CPAP device 20…Blower 30…Humidification tank 41…Bottom wall 42…Lower wall 52…Upper wall 61…1st flow path 61B…Second end 62…Second flow path 62A…1st end 71...Diversion part 72…Facing part 72A…Facing surface 73…Shielding part AX...Virtual axis IH…Inlet OH…Outlet S…interior space VL: Virtual line

Claims

1. A blower for compressing air; a humidification tank having an internal space into which the air compressed by the blower can flow and into which water can be stored, The humidification tank is A top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall that define the internal space; a first flow passage communicating the blower with the internal space; a second flow passage communicating the internal space with a portion of the outside of the humidification tank other than the portion of the blower; a branch portion that faces the inlet in a direction along the bottom wall when an opening of the first flow passage on the internal space side is defined as an inlet; an opposing portion extending from an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage toward the bottom wall, When a specific axis intersecting the bottom wall is defined as a vertical axis, the facing portion has a portion overlapping with the inlet as viewed along the vertical axis, The opposing portion faces the flow dividing portion, The liquid supply system further includes a shielding portion extending from the inlet to the diverter portion, The facing portion extends toward the bottom wall from the center of the internal space in the direction along the vertical axis, and is not connected to the bottom wall. CPAP device.

2. The facing portion extends from a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage that overlaps with the inlet when viewed along the vertical axis toward the bottom wall.

2. The CPAP device of claim 1.

3. The facing portion has a facing surface that faces in the same direction as the inlet.

2. The CPAP device of claim 1.

4. When the opening of the second flow passage on the internal space side is defined as an outlet, When viewed along the vertical axis, the outlet is located on the opposite side to the direction in which the inlet faces, with a virtual straight line extending on the opposing surface as a boundary.

4. The CPAP device of claim 3.

5. The flow dividing portion is a part of the side wall.

2. The CPAP device of claim 1.

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