CPAP device

The CPAP device addresses water drainage issues by incorporating a unique housing design with a heating unit and elastic member, allowing water discharge and maintaining component integrity, thus improving operational efficiency and humidification.

JP7732605B2Active Publication Date: 2025-09-02MURATA MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024561534
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-30
Filing Date
2023-11-29
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2043-11-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing CPAP systems face difficulties in effectively draining water from the housing without the water reservoir being attached, leading to potential leakage and operational issues.

Method used

A CPAP device design featuring a housing with a blower mechanism, a humidification chamber, and a storage unit that includes a base member, a housing case, a heating unit, and an elastic member, where the heating unit is positioned between the housing case and the base member, with gaps allowing water to be discharged regardless of the humidification chamber's presence.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient water discharge from the CPAP device's housing, maintaining watertightness of critical components like the heating element and circuit board, while enhancing humidification efficiency by ensuring effective heat transfer.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A housing unit of a CPAP device (10) is provided with a base member, a housing case (33), a heating unit, and an elastic member (70). The housing case (33) is positioned above the upper side of the base member and has an opening (3320) in the lower wall (332). The heating unit is positioned between the lower wall (332) of the housing case (33) and the base member. The elastic member (70) is positioned on the base member and holds the heating unit. The heating unit is provided with a heating element (50) and a heat conductor (60). The heat conductor (60) is positioned above the heating element (50) and has a shape wider than the heating element (50) when the heating element (50) is viewed in plan view from the housing unit, and has a circumference (62) that does not overlap the heating element (50). The lower wall (332) of the housing case (33) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (3323) in a part overlapping the outer periphery of the heat conductor (60) in plan view and in contact therewith by the protrusions (3323).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a CPAP device that includes a body that houses a humidification chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a CPAP system that includes a housing, a water reservoir, and a heating assembly. The heating assembly is installed on the bottom wall of the housing. The water reservoir is detachable from the housing. When the water reservoir is attached to the housing, it is placed on the top surface of the heating assembly.

[0003] In the CPAP system of Patent Document 1, when the water reservoir is attached to the housing, a gap is created through which water in the housing is discharged, and unwanted water in the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-529963 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the CPAP system described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to drain the water from the housing unless the water reservoir is attached.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can discharge unwanted water from within the housing regardless of the state of the CPAP device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a blower mechanism, a humidification chamber, and a storage unit. The blower mechanism is provided in the housing and generates an airflow to be supplied to a user. The humidification chamber is detachably disposed in the housing and stores water that adds humidity to the airflow. The storage unit is provided in the housing and receives the humidification chamber.

[0008] The accommodation unit includes a base member formed by a part of the housing or fixed to the housing, a housing case, a heating unit, and an elastic member. The housing case is disposed above the base member and has an opening in its bottom wall. The heating unit is disposed between the bottom wall of the housing case and the base member. The elastic member is disposed on the base member and holds the heating unit. The heating unit includes a heating element and a thermal conductor. The thermal conductor is disposed above the heating element and has a shape wider than the heating element when viewed from above the accommodation unit, and has a periphery that does not overlap the heating element. The bottom wall of the accommodation case has a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the periphery at a portion overlapping the periphery of the thermal conductor in a plan view, and the accommodation case and the thermal conductor each contact via the first protrusions. Alternatively, the thermal conductor has a plurality of second protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the periphery at a portion overlapping the periphery of the thermal conductor in a plan view, and the accommodation case and the thermal conductor each contact via the second protrusions.

[0009] In these configurations, a gap exists between the bottom wall of the housing case and the thermal conductor, except for the area where the first or second protrusion is located. This gap exists regardless of whether a humidification chamber is provided in the housing case. Therefore, water on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the housing case passes through the gap between the bottom wall of the housing case and the thermal conductor and is discharged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, unwanted water inside the housing can be discharged regardless of the state of the CPAP device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the CPAP device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the base unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a portion corresponding to the housing unit in the CPAP device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a portion of the box body according to the embodiment of the present invention that corresponds to the storage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of a box including a base member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the box. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is a plan view of a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the storage case. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(A) is a plan view of a thermal conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the thermal conductor. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a plan view of an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10(B) is a first side cross-sectional view of the elastic member, and FIG. 10(C) is a second side view of the elastic member. [Figure 11] 11(A) and 11(B) are enlarged side cross-sectional views illustrating the water discharge mechanism of the CPAP device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12(A) and 12(B) are enlarged side cross-sectional views showing examples of derived protrusions of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing an example of a derived protrusion of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Overview of CPAP device 10) 1 and 2 are external perspective views of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a main unit is attached to a base unit, and Fig. 2 shows a state in which the main unit is detached from the base unit.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the CPAP device 10 includes a main unit 20 and a base unit 30.

[0015] The external shape of the main unit 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and its height is shorter than its length in the long and short directions. Note that the rectangular parallelepiped in this embodiment is not limited to a perfect rectangular parallelepiped, and also includes those with various chamfered apexes and edges.

[0016] In a plan view, the base unit 30 is a rectangle having a long dimension and a short dimension. The base unit 30 has a high back portion and a low back portion, and the high back portion is taller than the low back portion. In other words, the external shape of the base unit 30 is a rectangular parallelepiped high back portion and a rectangular parallelepiped low back portion connected in the long dimension of the base unit 30.

[0017] The main unit 20 can be attached to the upper surface of the low back portion of the base unit 30. When the main unit 20 is attached to the base unit 30, the external shape of the CPAP device 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0018] When the main unit 20 is attached to the base unit 30 (attached state), the gas flow path of the main unit 20 and the gas flow path of the base unit 30 are in communication with each other. Also, the first electric circuit of the main unit 20 and the second electric circuit of the base unit 30 are electrically connected. This allows the main unit 20 and the base unit 30 to work together to realize the functions of the CPAP device 10. Note that when the main unit 20 is detached from the base unit 30, the main unit 20 operates independently to realize the functions of the CPAP device 10. The roughly rectangular parallelepiped box formed when the main unit 20 is attached to the base unit 30 corresponds to one embodiment of the housing of the present invention.

[0019] Although not shown, the main unit 20 has a built-in blower. When the blower is driven, the CPAP device 10 generates an airflow to be supplied to the user.

[0020] (Base Unit 30) 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of a base unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The base unit 30 corresponds to at least a part of the housing of the present invention.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the base unit 30 includes a box 31 and a lid 32. Schematically, the box 31 has a portion of an opening on the top side. The lid 32 is rotatably connected to the box 31. The base unit 30 can be switched between a state in which the lid 32 covers the opening of the box 31 and a state in which the lid 32 does not cover the opening of the box 31. The state in which the lid 32 covers the opening of the box 31 is used, for example, when the CPAP device 10 is used, and the state in which the lid does not cover the opening of the box 31 is used, for example, when refilling the humidification chamber 40 housed in the base unit 30 with liquid.

[0022] (Box 31) The box body 31 includes an upper wall 311 , a lower wall 312 , a side wall 313 , a side wall 314 , a side wall 315 , a side wall 316 , and a side wall 317 .

[0023] The upper wall 311 and the lower wall 312 have different dimensions in the long dimension direction (x30 axis direction) and substantially the same dimension in the short dimension direction (y30 axis direction).

[0024] The side wall 313 and the side wall 314 have substantially the same outer shape and face each other. The side wall 313 and the side wall 314 are parallel to the short dimension direction of the base unit 30.

[0025] The side walls 315 and 316 have substantially the same outer shape and face each other. The side walls 315 and 316 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base unit 30.

[0026] Side wall 313, side wall 314, side wall 315, and side wall 316 are connected to the four sides of bottom wall 312. Side wall 314, portions of side wall 315 in the longitudinal direction, and portions of side wall 316 in the longitudinal direction are connected to three sides of top wall 311. Top wall 311 and side wall 313 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of box body 31. Therefore, box body 31 has an opening on the top surface where top wall 311 is disposed, between side wall 313 and an end of top wall 311 opposite to the end connected to side wall 314, in a plan view.

[0027] The side wall 317 is disposed parallel to the side wall 313 and the side wall 314. The side wall 317 is connected to the end of the top wall 311 opposite to the end connected to the side wall 314.

[0028] As a result, box 31 has space S31A defined by upper wall 311, lower wall 312, side wall 314, side wall 315, side wall 316, and side wall 317. At the same time, box 31 has space S31B defined by upper wall 311, lower wall 312, side wall 313, side wall 315, side wall 316, and side wall 317. Space S31B has an opening between side wall 317 and side wall 313 in plan view on the upper surface side where upper wall 311 is located. The portion forming space S31B provides a storage unit for humidification chamber 40.

[0029] The side wall 314 has an air intake port 36. The air intake port 36 penetrates the side wall 314 in the thickness direction.

[0030] The side wall 317 has an exhaust port 38 and an intake port 39 above the portion where it connects to the top wall 311. The exhaust port 38 penetrates the inside of the side wall 317 and connects to the space S31A. The intake port 39 penetrates the side wall 317 in the thickness direction. The exhaust port 38 and the intake port 39 are arranged side by side in the width direction (y30 axis direction) of the side wall 317. The arrangement interval between the exhaust port 38 and the intake port 39 is the same as the arrangement interval between the intake port 281 and the exhaust port 291 of the main unit 20.

[0031] The side wall 317 has a receiving member 3170 for the latch mechanism near the upper end. The receiving member 3170 is formed on the wall surface of the side wall 317 opposite to the upper wall 311 side.

[0032] (Lid 32) The lid 32 includes an upper wall 321, a side wall 323, a side wall 325, and a side wall 326. The outer shape of the upper wall 321 is approximately the same as the opening of the box body 31. The outer shape of the side wall 323 is approximately the same as the side wall 317 of the box body 31. The side wall 325 and the side wall 326 have approximately the same outer shape and face each other. The side wall 325 and the side wall 326 are side walls that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base unit 30.

[0033] The side wall 323, the side wall 325, and the side wall 326 are connected to three sides of the top wall 321. As a result, the lid 32 has a space S32 defined by the top wall 321, the side wall 323, the side wall 325, and the side wall 326. 321 Therefore, the lid 32 has no opposing wall. 321 The lid 32 has an opening on the side where the side walls 323, 325, and 326 are connected. In addition, there is no wall opposite the side wall 323. Therefore, the lid 32 has an opening on the side where the top wall 321, the side wall 325, and the side wall 326 are connected.

[0034] The upper wall 321 is formed with an air duct 35. The air duct 35 is 321The upper wall 321 has a shape that protrudes outward from the upper wall 321. Opening 350 of air duct 35 is the final air outlet that supplies the desired gas (wind) to the user when main unit 20 is attached to base unit 30. Also, an operator 361 for the latch mechanism is arranged on upper wall 321. A hook 360 is connected to operator 361. Hook 360 protrudes from upper wall 321 toward space S32.

[0035] The lid 32 has a mechanism for rotating relative to the box body 31. This allows the CPAP device 10 to switch between a state in which the lid 32 covers the opening of the box body 31 (above the storage unit) and a state in which the lid 32 opens the opening of the box body 31 (above the storage unit).

[0036] (Containment Unit) Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a portion corresponding to the storage unit in a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a portion corresponding to the storage unit in a box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that Figs. 4 and 5 are not cross-sectional views of the CPAP device and box cut along a single plane, but cross-sectional views shown to make the configuration easier to understand. Fig. 6 is a plan view of a box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] 4, 5, and 6, the base unit 30 of the CPAP device 10 includes a housing 33, a humidification chamber 40, a heating element 50, a circuit board 500, a thermal conductor 60, and an elastic member 70. The heating element 50 and the thermal conductor 60 constitute the heating unit of the present invention.

[0038] The thermal conductor 60, heating element 50, circuit board 500, and elastic member 70 are disposed between the accommodating case 33 and the bottom wall 312 (base member). The elastic member 70 is disposed on the bottom wall 312 (base member) and is in contact with the bottom wall 312. The circuit board 500 is disposed on the upper surface of the elastic member 70. The heating element 50 is disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board 500 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 500. The thermal conductor 60 is disposed on the upper surface of the heating element 50 and is in surface contact with the heating element 50. The accommodating case 33 covers the laminate of the elastic member 70, circuit board 500, heating element 50, and thermal conductor 60 from above and sandwiches them together with the bottom wall 312 (base member).

[0039] The housing case 33 is a box-like body that receives the humidification chamber 40 from above. An opening 3320 is formed in the housing case 33, and the thermal conductor 60 is exposed upward from the opening 3320. This allows the humidification chamber 40 housed in the housing case 33 to come into contact with the thermal conductor 60. Therefore, the CPAP device 10 can heat the liquid housed in the humidification chamber 40 and achieve airflow with a desired humidity level.

[0040] (Base material) FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of a box including a base member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the box.

[0041] The bottom wall 312 is made of a material (e.g., resin) that is hard enough not to be deformed by external forces. The bottom wall 312 corresponds to the base member of the present invention. The base member may be the bottom wall 312 itself, or may be formed separately from the bottom wall 312 and fixed to the bottom wall 312. The bottom wall 312 includes an outer peripheral wall 3120, a central wall 3121, protrusions 3122, and protrusions 3123. The outer peripheral wall 3120 is frame-shaped in a plan view. The central wall 3121 is rectangular in a plan view. The central wall 3121 is connected to the inner peripheral end of the outer peripheral wall 3120. The central wall 3121 is disposed above the outer peripheral wall 3120. In other words, the outer peripheral wall 3120 is recessed downward in the vertical direction relative to the central wall 3121.

[0042] A protrusion 3122 is formed on the central wall 3121. The protrusion 3122 protrudes from the upper surface of the central wall 3121. The protrusion 3122 is circumferential. The protrusion 3122 corresponds to the fifth protrusion of the present invention.

[0043] A protrusion 3123 is formed on the central wall 3121. The protrusion 3123 protrudes from the upper surface of the central wall 3121. The protrusion 3123 is circumferential. When the bottom wall 312 is viewed from above, the protrusion 3123 is formed more inward than the protrusion 3122.

[0044] The outer peripheral wall 3120 is formed with a plurality of outlets 3129 that pass through the wall.

[0045] (Storage case) FIG. 8(A) is a plan view of a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the storage case.

[0046] Storage case 33 is made of a hard material (e.g., resin) that is not easily deformed by external forces. Storage case 33 includes bottom wall 332, side wall 333, side wall 334, side wall 335, and side wall 336. Side wall 333, side wall 334, side wall 335, and side wall 336 extend above bottom wall 332. Side wall 333, side wall 334, side wall 335, and side wall 336 connect to the four sides of bottom wall 332. As a result, storage case 33 has storage space 330 in which humidification chamber 40 is received.

[0047] The lower wall 332 has an opening 3320 at its center when the accommodating case is viewed from above. The opening 3320 penetrates the lower wall 332 in the thickness direction.

[0048] A protrusion 3321 is formed on the lower wall 332. The protrusion 3321 protrudes from the lower surface of the lower wall 332. The protrusion 3321 is circumferential.

[0049] A plurality of protrusions 3323 are formed on the lower wall 332. Each of the plurality of protrusions 3323 is, for example, hemispherical. The plurality of protrusions 3323 are arranged in a circumferential shape. In other words, the protrusions 3323 are formed partially on a part of the circumferential shape. The plurality of protrusions 3323 are formed more inward than the protrusion 3321 when the lower wall 332 is viewed from above. The circumferential shape in which the plurality of protrusions 3323 are arranged is substantially the same as the circumferential shape formed by the protrusion 3122 of the base member. The protrusions 3323 correspond to the first protrusions of the present invention.

[0050] The lower wall 332 includes a plurality of legs 337. The plurality of legs 337 extend downward from the lower wall 332. The plurality of legs 337 are connected to the lower wall 332.

[0051] (thermal conductor) FIG. 9(A) is a plan view of a thermal conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(B) is a side cross-sectional view of the thermal conductor.

[0052] The heat conductor 60 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity (for example, a metal), and includes a main plate 61, a peripheral portion 62, and a side wall 63.

[0053] The main plate 61 is rectangular in plan view. The peripheral portion 62 is frame-shaped and arranged along the outer periphery of the main plate 61. The peripheral portion 62 is arranged below the main plate 61. In plan view, the outer peripheral edge of the main plate 61 and the inner peripheral edge of the peripheral portion 62 are at approximately the same position. The side wall 63 connects the outer peripheral edge of the main plate 61 and the inner peripheral edge of the peripheral portion 62.

[0054] (Elastic member 70) FIG. 10(A) is a plan view of an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10(B) is a first side cross-sectional view of the elastic member, and FIG. 10(C) is a second side view of the elastic member.

[0055] The elastic member 70 is made of a material (for example, a flexible material such as an elastic body) that is more easily deformed by an external force than the base member and the casing 33. The elastic member 70 includes a first main body 71, a second main body 72, and a connecting portion 73.

[0056] The first main body 71 is a flat plate. The first main body 71 has an opening 710 at the center in a plan view. The opening 710 penetrates the first main body 71 in the thickness direction.

[0057] The second main body 72 is frame-shaped and arranged along the outer periphery of the first main body 71, and has an opening 720. The second main body 72 is arranged below the first main body 71. In a plan view, the outer periphery edge of the first main body 71 and the inner periphery edge of the second main body 72 are at approximately the same position. The connecting portion 73 connects the outer periphery edge of the first main body 71 and the inner periphery edge of the second main body 72.

[0058] The second main body 72 is formed with a protrusion 721. The protrusion 721 protrudes from the upper surface of the second main body 72. 721 The peripheral shape formed by the protrusion 721 is substantially the same as the peripheral shape where the multiple protrusions 3323 of the casing 33 are arranged and the peripheral shape formed by the protrusions 3122 of the base member. The protrusion 721 corresponds to the third protrusion of the present invention.

[0059] (More specific configuration of the containment unit) 5 and 6, the elastic member 70 is disposed above the bottom wall 312, which is the base member. At this time, the lower surface of the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70 contacts the protrusion 3122 of the bottom wall 312. As a result, the elastic member 70 is supported above the bottom wall 312.

[0060] The circuit board 500 is placed on the upper surface of the first main body 71 of the elastic member 70. In other words, the lower surface of the circuit board 500 abuts against the first main body 71. top surface The heating element 50 is electrically and physically mounted on the circuit board 500. Bottom surface It may be implemented in

[0061] The thermal conductor 60 covers the heating element 50, the circuit board 500, and the elastic member 70 from above. More specifically, in a plan view of the accommodation unit, a main plate 61 of the thermal conductor 60 overlaps the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500. A side wall 63 of the thermal conductor 60 covers the sides of the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500. In this case, the side wall 63 may cover the vicinity of the upper end of the first main body 71 of the elastic member 70. A peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 covers the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70 from above.

[0062] The lower surface of the main plate 61 of the thermal conductor 60 contacts the heating element 50. The main plate 61 and the heating element 50 do not need to be in direct contact as long as they are in thermal contact, but it is preferable that the heat loss at this contact point is low.

[0063] The lower surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 contacts the protrusion 721 of the second main body 72 of the elastic member .

[0064] The storage case 33 is disposed above the bottom wall 312, which is a base member. The storage case 33 is fixed to the bottom wall 312 by a plurality of legs 337.

[0065] At this time, the main plate 61 of the thermal conductor 60 is exposed upward from the opening 3320 in the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 .

[0066] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 3323 of the casing 33 come into contact with the upper surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60. With this configuration, the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 is sandwiched and fixed between the multiple protrusions 3323 of the casing 33 and the protrusions 721 of the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70.

[0067] The second main body 72 of the elastic member 70 is sandwiched and fixed between the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 and the protrusion 3122 of the lower wall 312.

[0068] (Water discharge) 11(A) and 11(B) are enlarged side cross-sectional views illustrating the water discharge mechanism of a CPAP device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11(A) clearly shows the gap (flow path) through which water is discharged, and Fig. 11(B) clearly shows an example of the water flow.

[0069] The outer shape of the main plate 61 of the thermal conductor 60 is smaller than the opening 3320 of the casing 33 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(A), a gap G1 is generated between the outer surface of the side wall 63 of the thermal conductor 60 and the inner wall of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 on the opening 3320 side.

[0070] The bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 contacts the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 via a plurality of protrusions 3323. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(A), a gap G2 is generated between the upper surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 and the lower surface of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33.

[0071] In a plan view of the CPAP device 10, the size of the circumferential shape formed by the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 3321 of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 is larger than the size of the circumferential shape formed by the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 and the size of the circumferential shape formed by the outer circumferential surface of the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(A), a gap G3 is generated between the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 3321 of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60 and the outer circumferential surface of the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70.

[0072] The protrusion 3321 of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 does not abut against the upper surface of the bottom wall 312 (central wall 3121) which is the base member. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11(A), a gap G4 is generated between the protrusion 3321 of the bottom wall 332 of the casing 33 and the bottom wall 312 (central wall 3121) which is the base member.

[0073] Here, when water enters (spills into) the accommodation space 330, the water flows through the space formed by the gap G1, the space formed by the gap G2 (a portion where the plurality of protrusions 3323 are not formed), the space formed by the gap G3, and the space formed by the gap G4, and then flows onto the outer peripheral wall 3120 of the lower wall 312. Since the outer peripheral wall 3120 has an outlet 3129, the water that has flowed onto the outer peripheral wall 3120 is discharged to the outside of the CPAP device 10.

[0074] In this way, the CPAP device 10 can discharge water that has entered the accommodation space 330 in which the humidification chamber 40 is arranged to the outside.

[0075] At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500 are connected to the water flow path. from , the thermal conductor 60 and the elastic member 70 By Therefore, the CPAP device 10 can ensure that the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500 are watertight.

[0076] Furthermore, the circumferential protrusion 721 of the elastic member 70 is crushed by a predetermined amount by the thermal conductor 60. Therefore, the adhesion between the protrusion 721 of the elastic member 70 and the thermal conductor 60 is improved. Furthermore, the CPAP device 10 can maintain watertightness even if the shapes of the components constituting the CPAP device 10, such as the bottom wall 312 serving as the base member, the housing case 33, and the thermal conductor 60, are deformed. This allows the CPAP device 10 to maintain even higher watertightness of the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500.

[0077] Furthermore, the lower surface of the elastic member 70 is supported by a circumferential protrusion 3122 of the bottom wall 312. This allows the CPAP device 10 to prevent moisture from reaching the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500 between the elastic member 70 and the bottom wall 312 and through the internal space of the elastic member 70. Therefore, the CPAP device 10 can further improve the watertightness of the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500.

[0078] Furthermore, in this configuration, simply by providing protrusions or openings of appropriate sizes on multiple components related to the heating mechanism, it is possible to ensure that water is discharged outside the CPAP device 10 and that the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500 are watertight. As a result, the CPAP device 10 can ensure that water is discharged outside the CPAP device 10 and that the heating element 50 and the circuit board 500 are watertight with a simple configuration.

[0079] Furthermore, in this configuration, the heating element 50 contacts the thermal conductor 60, but does not contact the bottom wall 312 or the casing 33. Therefore, heat from the heating element 50 is efficiently transferred to the thermal conductor 60, and the CPAP device 10 can efficiently heat the humidification chamber 40, thereby improving humidification efficiency. In this case, if the thermal conductivity of the elastic member 70 is low, the heat from the heating element 50 is less likely to leak downward. Therefore, the CPAP device 10 can more efficiently heat the humidification chamber 40, thereby further improving humidification efficiency.

[0080] 10(A), 10(B), and 10(C), the elastic member 70 includes a wiring cover 74. The wiring cover 74 has a through hole 740. The through hole 740 connects the outside and inside of the second main body 72 of the elastic member 70 in the lateral direction. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 740 (the area perpendicular to the direction in which the through hole 740 extends) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the cable CBL passing through the through hole 740. When multiple cables CBL are passed through the through hole 740, the opening cross-sectional area is smaller than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple cables CBL. As a result, when the cable CBL is passed through the through hole 740, the inner wall surface of the through hole 740 comes into close contact with the periphery of the cable CBL. Therefore, the CPAP device 10 has a structure in which the cable CBL is passed from the outside to the inside of the elastic member 70 and connected to the circuit board 500, while still ensuring watertightness of the circuit board 500 and the heating element 50.

[0081] (Example of protrusions) 12(A), 12(B), and 13 are enlarged side cross-sectional views showing derivative examples of the protrusions of the CPAP device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] 12(A), a plurality of protrusions 64A between the casing 33A and the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60A are formed on the upper surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60A. The protrusions 64A correspond to the second protrusions of the present invention.

[0083] 12(B), the protrusion 65 between the circumferential portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60B and the elastic member 70B is formed on the lower surface of the circumferential portion 62 of the thermal conductor 60B. The protrusion 65 corresponds to the fourth protrusion of the present invention.

[0084] 13, a protrusion 722 between the elastic member 70C and the central wall 3121 of the bottom wall 312C is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic member 70C. The protrusion 722 corresponds to the sixth protrusion of the present invention.

[0085] These configurations can also achieve the same effects as the configuration of the CPAP device 10 described above.

[0086] These configurations can also be combined as appropriate.

[0087] (1) a housing; a blower mechanism provided in the housing for generating an airflow to be supplied to a user; a humidification chamber that is detachably disposed in the housing and that can store water to add humidity to the airflow; a receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive the humidification chamber; A CPAP device comprising: The storage unit comprises: a base member formed by a part of the housing or fixed to the housing; a storage case disposed above the base member and having an opening in a bottom wall; a heating unit disposed between a bottom wall of the housing case and the base member; an elastic member disposed on the base member and holding the heating unit; Equipped with The heating unit comprises: A heating element; a thermal conductor disposed above the heating element, having a shape wider than the heating element when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, and having a peripheral portion that does not overlap the heating element; Equipped with the lower wall of the casing includes a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the thermal conductor in a portion that overlaps the outer periphery of the thermal conductor in the plan view, The CPAP device, wherein the bottom wall of the casing and the thermal conductor are in contact with each other via the plurality of first protrusions.

[0088] (2) a housing; a blower mechanism provided in the housing for generating an airflow to be supplied to a user; a humidification chamber that is detachably disposed in the housing and that can store water to add humidity to the airflow; a receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive the humidification chamber; A CPAP device comprising: The storage unit comprises: a base member formed by a part of the housing or fixed to the housing; a storage case disposed above the base member and having an opening in a bottom wall; a heating unit disposed between a bottom wall of the housing case and the base member; an elastic member disposed on the base member and holding the heating unit; Equipped with The heating unit comprises: A heating element; a thermal conductor disposed above the heating element, having a shape wider than the heating element when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, and having a peripheral portion that does not overlap the heating element; Equipped with the heat conductor includes a plurality of second protrusions at a portion overlapping an outer periphery of the heat conductor in the plan view, the second protrusions being spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer periphery; The CPAP device, wherein the bottom wall of the casing and the thermal conductor are in contact with each other via the plurality of second protrusions.

[0089] (3) The elastic member includes a third circumferential protrusion surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, The CPAP device of (1) or (2), wherein the heat conductor and the elastic member are in contact with each other through the third protrusion.

[0090] (4) The thermal conductor includes a fourth protrusion portion having a circumferential shape surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, The CPAP device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the heat conductor and the elastic member are in contact with each other through the fourth protrusion.

[0091] (5) The base member includes a fifth protrusion portion having a circumferential shape surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, The CPAP device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the base member and the elastic member are in contact with each other by the fifth protrusion.

[0092] (6) The elastic member includes a sixth circumferential protrusion surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, The CPAP device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the base member and the elastic member are in contact with each other by the sixth protrusion.

[0093] (7) The base member is In a plan view of the CPAP device, a central wall overlapping the heating unit and the elastic member; an outer peripheral wall disposed around the central wall and positioned below the central wall, The CPAP device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the outer wall has an outlet.

[0094] (8) A cable connected to the heating element; The elastic member has a through hole that passes through the side wall in a lateral direction, The CPAP device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the through hole is in close contact with the cable when the cable is inserted therethrough. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10:CPAP device 20: Main unit 30, 30A, 30B, 30C: Base unit 31: Box body 32: Lid 33: Storage case 33A: Storage case 35: Air pipe 36: Air intake 38: Exhaust port 39: Air intake 40: Humidification chamber 50: Heating element 60, 60A, 60B: Thermal conductor 61: Main plate 62: Periphery 63: Side wall 64A:Protrusion 65:Protrusion 70, 70B, 70C: Elastic member 71: First subject 72:Second subject 73: Connection 74: Wiring cover 281: Air intake 291: Exhaust port 311: Upper wall 312, 312C: Lower wall 313, 314, 315, 316, 317: Side wall 321: Upper wall 323, 325, 326: Side wall 330: Containment Space 332: Lower wall 333, 334, 335, 336: Side wall 337: Legs 350:Aperture 360: Hook 361: Operator 500:Loop substrate 710, 720: Opening 721, 722: protrusion 740:Through hole 3120: Outer wall 3121: Central Wall 3122, 3123, 3321, 3323: protrusions 3129: Exhaust 3170:Received parts 3320: Open CBL:ケーブル G1, G2, G3, G4: ギャップ S31A, S31B, S32: Space

Claims

1. The housing and a blower mechanism provided in the housing for generating an airflow to be supplied to a user; a humidification chamber that is detachably disposed in the housing and that can store water to add humidity to the airflow; a receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive the humidification chamber; A CPAP device comprising: The storage unit comprises: a base member formed by a part of the housing or fixed to the housing; a storage case disposed above the base member and having an opening in a bottom wall; a heating unit disposed between a bottom wall of the housing case and the base member; an elastic member disposed on the base member and holding the heating unit; Equipped with The heating unit comprises: A heating element; a thermal conductor disposed above the heating element, having a shape wider than the heating element when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, and having a peripheral portion that does not overlap the heating element; Equipped with the lower wall of the casing includes a plurality of first protrusions at a portion overlapping an outer periphery of the thermal conductor in the plan view, the first protrusions being spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer periphery; the lower wall of the housing case and the thermal conductor are in contact with each other by the plurality of first protrusions; CPAP device.

2. The housing and a blower mechanism provided in the housing for generating an airflow to be supplied to a user; a humidification chamber that is detachably disposed in the housing and that can store water to add humidity to the airflow; a receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive the humidification chamber; A CPAP device comprising: The storage unit comprises: a base member formed by a part of the housing or fixed to the housing; a storage case disposed above the base member and having an opening in a bottom wall; a heating unit disposed between a bottom wall of the housing case and the base member; an elastic member disposed on the base member and holding the heating unit; Equipped with The heating unit comprises: A heating element; a thermal conductor disposed above the heating element, having a shape wider than the heating element when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, and having a peripheral portion that does not overlap the heating element; Equipped with the heat conductor includes a plurality of second protrusions at a portion overlapping an outer periphery of the heat conductor in the plan view, the second protrusions being spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer periphery; the lower wall of the housing case and the thermal conductor are in contact with each other by the plurality of second protrusions; CPAP device.

3. the elastic member includes a third circumferential protrusion surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, the heat conductor and the elastic member are in contact with each other through the third protrusion; 3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. the heat conductor includes a fourth protrusion on the outer periphery that surrounds the heating element; the heat conductor and the elastic member are in contact with each other through the fourth protrusion; 3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. the base member includes a fifth protrusion having a circumferential shape surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, the base member and the elastic member are in contact with each other through the fifth protrusion; 3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. the elastic member includes a sixth protrusion having a circumferential shape surrounding the heating element at a position overlapping the outer periphery when the heating element is viewed from the housing unit in a plan view, the base member and the elastic member are in contact with each other at the sixth protrusion; 3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The base member is In a plan view of the CPAP device, a central wall overlapping the heating unit and the elastic member; an outer peripheral wall disposed around the central wall and positioned below the central wall, The outer peripheral wall has a discharge port.

3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. a cable connected to the heating element; The elastic member has a through hole that passes through the side wall in a lateral direction, The through hole is in close contact with the cable when the cable is inserted therethrough.

3. The CPAP device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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