Dispersion device

Abstract

To provide a volatilization device capable of suppressing leakage of a chemical agent from an enclosure.SOLUTION: A volatilization device 1 includes a positioning part for positioning a chemical agent container 4 in an enclosure 2. The positioning part has a projection 53 projecting from the inner face of the enclosure 2. The projection 53 allows the chemical agent container 4 to be positioned in a first direction orthogonal to a volatilization membrane 442. A gap exists between the outer peripheral edge face of the chemical agent container 4 and the enclosure 2 along the entire length of the outer peripheral edge face of the chemical agent container 4. The tip end face of the projection 53 is in contact with the volatilization membrane 442 and apart from the outer peripheral edge of the volatilization membrane 442.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vaporizer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional volatilization device (a volatile composition dispenser in Patent Document 1). The volatile composition dispenser described in Patent Document 1 contains a cartridge in a housing.

[0003] The cartridge includes a container and a membrane that closes the opening of the container. The volatile composition contained in the container flows out of the container, wets the membrane, and evaporates from the membrane, thereby being dispersed into a space in which the volatile composition dispenser is placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-513494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of dispenser, the cartridge inside the housing is positioned relative to the housing.

[0006] Generally, a positioning structure may be employed in which a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the housing presses against the membrane of the cartridge.

[0007] However, the inventors have discovered that the volatile composition may accumulate in the corner formed by the tip of the protrusion and the membrane due to the action of capillary action. For example, if the protrusions are formed in a rib shape and the membrane is supported by a portion of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction, the contact area between the protrusion and the membrane changes as the cartridge moves, and therefore a large amount of the volatile composition may accumulate in the corner formed by the tip of the protrusion and the membrane.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a volatilization device that can prevent leakage of medicine from a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The volatilization device of the present disclosure is a volatilization device capable of accommodating a drug container in a housing, the opening of which is closed with a volatilization membrane. The housing is provided with a positioning portion for positioning the drug container within the housing. The positioning portion is a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the housing, and has a protrusion for positioning the drug container in a first direction perpendicular to the volatilization membrane. There is a gap between the outer peripheral end face of the drug container and the housing over the entire length of the outer peripheral end face of the drug container, and the tip face of the protrusion is in contact with the volatilization membrane but is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the volatilization membrane.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that the volatilization device of the present disclosure is provided with a reinforcing portion that has a protruding height lower than the tip surface of the protrusion and reinforces the protrusion.

[0011] In addition, in the volatilization device disclosed herein, the reinforcing portion protrudes from the inner surface of the housing and is connected to the protruding portion so as to create a valley line at the boundary, and it is preferable that the valley line extends toward the inner surface of the housing.

[0012] In addition, in the volatilization device of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the housing has a liquid receiving portion that receives the chemical that has flowed down the valley line.

[0013] In addition, in the volatilization device of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the tip surface of the protrusion contacts a position below the liquid surface of the drug on the volatilization membrane when in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The volatilization device of the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to prevent leakage of the drug from the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the volatilization device according to the embodiment, seen from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the volatilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the volatilization device according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(A) is an exploded perspective view of a frame and a movable body of the volatilization device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 4(B) is an assembled perspective view of Fig. 4(A). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of the volatilization device according to the embodiment, seen from the rear side. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(A) is a front view showing the position of the medicine container relative to the frame of the volatilization device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 6(B) is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 6(A). [Figure 7] 7(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views taken along the line CC in FIG. 6(B). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the volatilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the positional relationship of the drug container with respect to the frame of the volatilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 4(B) to which a drug container has been added. Fig. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 10(A) in a state where the movable part has moved to a second position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chemical container of the volatilization device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the drug container according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a drug container according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 14(A) to 14(C) are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement when a hole is made in the rupture membrane of the drug container according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] <Embodiment> (1) Overall The volatilization device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that volatilizes a chemical agent from a chemical agent container 4 housed therein and diffuses the chemical agent in the space in which the volatilization device 1 is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the volatilization device 1 according to this embodiment is used by being placed on a mounting surface 1G parallel to a horizontal plane. However, there are no particular limitations on the installation manner of the volatilization device 1 according to the present disclosure. The volatilization device 1 according to the present disclosure may be installed, for example, by hanging it from a ceiling or the like, hooking it onto a handle, attaching it to a glass or mirrored surface with a suction cup, or inserting it into the louvers of a fan. In this disclosure, the "in use" state refers to the state in which the volatilization device 1 is installed in the space in which the chemical agent is to be diffused. An example of the in use state is when the volatilization device 1 is placed on the mounting surface 1G (with the lower surfaces of the legs 22 in contact with the mounting surface 1G).

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the volatilization device 1 includes a housing 2 having a frame 23 and a cover 29, and a movable body 3 movably attached to the housing 2. The movable body 3 and the drug container 4 are housed in the housing 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the movable body 3 has an operating unit 31. The operating unit 31 protrudes from the housing 2 and is exposed from the housing 2.

[0018] 2, the drug container 4 is configured such that the opening surface of the container body 41 containing the drug is closed by a volatilization film 442. In the drug container 4 according to this embodiment, the volatilization film 442 and the rupture film 441 are laminated, and the opening surface of the container body 41 is closed by the volatilization film 442 and the rupture film 441.

[0019] As movable body 3 moves relative to housing 2, movable body 3 ruptures rupture film 441. This causes drug container 4 to be opened, and the drug permeates volatilization film 442, causing the drug to volatilize into the space.

[0020] The chemical agent is a volatile liquid chemical agent. There are no particular limitations on the chemical agent, and examples thereof include fragrances, deodorants, insect repellents, and mixtures thereof. The chemical agent also contains additives depending on the purpose. Examples of additives include fragrances, deodorant components, insect repellent components, and coloring agents.

[0021] (2) Housing The housing 2 forms the outer shell of the volatilization device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 2 includes a main body 21 and legs 22. The front and back surfaces of the main body 21 are inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Here, when the main body 21 is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the main body 21 (this is referred to as the "front view" of the main body 21), the direction parallel to the left-right direction is defined as the "width direction," and the direction perpendicular to the width direction is defined as the "length direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the width direction and the length direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the main body 21) is defined as the "thickness direction." In the following description, the length direction of the main body 21 will be simply referred to as the "length direction." The width direction of the housing 2 will be simply referred to as the "width direction." The thickness direction of the housing 2 will be simply referred to as the "thickness direction."

[0022] The main body 21 has a flat box shape and is formed into a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front. "Flat" here means a shape in which the thickness dimension is shorter than the width and length dimensions. The main body 21 is hollow. The length direction is inclined with respect to the lower surfaces of the legs 22 (sometimes referred to as the bottom of the housing 2) that rest on the placement surface 1G. The angle between the length direction and the lower surfaces of the legs 22 (the angle when viewed from the side) is, for example, 45° or more and less than 90°.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 2 includes legs 22, a frame 23 that forms the rear and side surfaces of the main body 21, and a cover 29 that forms the front of the main body 21, as well as positioning portions 51, 52 (FIGS. 5, 6, etc.) that position the drug container 4 within the housing 2. The housing 2 is made of a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. The housing 2 according to this embodiment is formed by injection molding using a thermoplastic resin. However, the present disclosure does not particularly limit the material and molding method of the housing 2. In addition to synthetic resin, examples of the material of the housing 2 include metal, pulp, carbon, and ceramic.

[0024] (2.1) Frame The frame 23 is a part that forms the framework of the housing 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the frame 23 is formed in the shape of a container having an opening on the front surface in the thickness direction. The frame 23 includes a back plate portion 24 and side plate portions 28.

[0025] The back plate 24 constitutes the back surface of the main body 21. The upper portion of the back plate 24 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the main surface of the upper portion of the back plate 24 faces in the thickness direction. The lower portion of the back plate 24 constitutes part of the leg portion 22. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the back plate 24 includes a plurality of ventilation holes 25 and an attachment portion 26.

[0026] Vent 25 is an opening through which the drug vaporized from drug container 4 passes. Vent 25 penetrates back plate 24. Multiple vents 25 are formed in parts other than the central part of back plate 24 (i.e., mounting part 26). The shape of each vent 25 is formed into a rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, or the like depending on the location, but is not limited thereto and can also be formed into, for example, a circular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, mesh, or the like.

[0027] The mounting portion 26 is a portion for mounting the movable body 3. The mounting portion 26 is configured as a portion that forms a range in the central portion in the width direction and the central portion in the length direction of the back plate portion 24. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the mounting portion 26 includes an operation portion opening 261, a pair of holding portions 262, and a plurality of guide portions 263.

[0028] The operation unit opening 261 is an opening through which the operation unit 31 of the movable body 3 passes. The operation unit opening 261 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The operation unit 31 passes through the operation unit opening 261 from the inside to the outside of the housing 2 and is exposed from the housing 2. Within the operation unit opening 261, the operation unit 31 can move along the thickness direction.

[0029] The holding portion 262 is a portion that holds a part of the elastic portion 33 of the movable body 3 on the mounting portion 26. As described above, the movable body 3 can move along the thickness direction, but the elastic portion 33 is held by the holding portion 262, so that the range of movement of the movable body 3 is limited to a certain range.

[0030] The pair of holding portions 262 are spaced apart in the length direction. In the volatilization device 1 according to this embodiment, the pair of holding portions 262 are formed at positions corresponding to both ends in the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the movable body 3. However, the pair of holding portions 262 may also be spaced apart in the width direction, in which case they should be formed at positions corresponding to both ends in the short side direction of the movable body 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, each holding portion 262 is configured by a hook-shaped claw that holds a part of the elastic portion 33 so as not to move in the thickness direction. However, the holding portion 262 is not limited to a claw, and may be configured by, for example, welding, pinning, screwing, or a bearing with a C-shaped cross section.

[0032] The guide portions 263 engage with both ends of the movable body 3 in the width direction, and move the movable body 3 parallel to the thickness direction. Examples of the guide portions 263 include ridges or rails extending in the thickness direction. For example, grooves are formed in the movable body 3. The ridges or the like fit into the grooves, and the guide portions 263 can move the movable body 3 parallel to the thickness direction.

[0033] The side plate portion 28 is a portion that protrudes in the thickness direction from the outer periphery of the back plate portion 24. The protruding tip of the side plate portion 28 forms the opening surface of the frame 23. The side plate portion 28 forms the side peripheral surface of the housing 2. In the volatilization device 1 according to this embodiment, the side plate portion 28 does not have an air vent 25 formed therein, but an air vent 25 may be formed therein.

[0034] (2.2) Cover Cover 29 is a member that closes the opening on the front side of frame 23. As shown in FIG. 2 , cover 29 closes the opening side of frame 23 with movable body 3 and drug container 4 housed within frame 23. Cover 29 has a remaining amount display window 291 that allows the remaining amount of drug in drug container 4 to be visually confirmed. Remaining amount display window 291 is composed of a through hole 294 that is formed in cover body 292 and extends in the length direction, and a transparent plate 293 that covers through hole 294. Through hole 294 is formed at a position corresponding to drug container 4 housed inside housing 2.

[0035] (2.3) Positioning part Positioning portions 51 and 52 are portions that position drug container 4 within housing 2. Positioning portions 51 and 52 according to this embodiment position drug container 4 so that volatilization film 442 intersects with the horizontal plane. The positioning portions include a first positioning portion 51 (FIG. 5) provided on cover 29 and a second positioning portion 52 (FIG. 6) provided on frame 23.

[0036] 5, first positioning portion 51 protrudes inward in the thickness direction from the inner surface of cover 29. When first positioning portion 51 is viewed along the thickness direction, first positioning portion 51 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. First positioning portion 51 positions drug container 4 in the length direction and width direction.

[0037] The first positioning portion 51 includes a pair of first restriction walls 511 spaced apart in the width direction and a pair of second restriction walls 512 spaced apart in the length direction. Each first restriction wall 511 extends in the length direction. Each second restriction wall 512 extends in the width direction. Each first restriction wall 511 connects ends of the pair of second restriction walls 512 in the width direction. A corner portion 513 formed by the first restriction wall 511 and the second restriction wall 512 is formed in an arc shape.

[0038] Between the pair of first restriction walls 511, there is positioned an agent containing section 421 (sometimes referred to as the "first portion") which is a part of the agent container 4. Between the pair of first restriction walls 511, there is positioned an agent containing section 421 (sometimes referred to as the "second portion"). This positions the agent container 4 in the length direction and width direction within the housing 2. Note that in this embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are the same agent containing section 421, but in the present disclosure, they may be different portions. For example, the first portion may be the flange portion 43, and the second portion may be the agent containing section 421.

[0039] The second positioning portion 52 positions the drug container 4 in the thickness direction (the direction perpendicular to the volatilization film 442). As shown in FIG. 6(A), the second positioning portion 52 has a plurality of first protrusions 53 (protrusions) and a plurality of second protrusions 54 protruding from the inner surface of the frame 23. The first protrusions 53 and the second protrusions 54 protrude in the thickness direction from the back plate portion 24. The first protrusions 53 and the second protrusions 54 are molded integrally with the frame by resin molding.

[0040] First protrusion 53 is a portion that presses in the thickness direction a portion below the center of drug container 4. In this embodiment, two first protrusions 53 are provided spaced apart in the width direction, but first protrusions 53 may be provided in three or more locations on drug container 4, including positions corresponding to both ends in the width direction and a position between them.

[0041] When the drug container 4 is positioned in the housing 2 by the first positioning portion 51, the first protrusion 53 presses the volatilization film 442 of the drug container 4 in the thickness direction at a position below the liquid level of the drug solution. The term "drug container 4" as used herein refers to a drug container 4 containing a predetermined amount of drug, and does not include a drug container 4 that has been used for a long period of time and does not contain the predetermined amount of drug, or a defective drug container 4 that contains only an insufficient amount of drug. The "predetermined amount of drug" refers to an amount of drug where the liquid level of the drug corresponds to a position approximately half or more of the vertical height dimension of the storage portion 42 of the container body 41 when the volatilization film 442 of the drug container 4 is aligned along a vertical plane. The first protrusion 53 according to this embodiment is positioned so as to press the drug container 4 positioned in the housing 2 by the first positioning portion 51 at a position below the center in the length direction, preferably below the storage portion 42.

[0042] 7(A), the first protruding portion 53 is formed in a rod shape extending in the thickness direction, and has a flat tip surface. The tip surface of the first protruding portion 53 is in contact with the volatilization film 442 and presses the volatilization film 442 in the thickness direction. The tip surface of the first protruding portion 53 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the volatilization film 442.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 53 has a circular cross section, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and examples thereof include a rectangular cross section, a pentagonal cross section, etc. Furthermore, the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53 is not limited to a flat surface, and may be a hemispherical surface or may be pointed.

[0044] The housing 2 is provided with a reinforcing portion 6 that reinforces the first protruding portion 53. The reinforcing portion 6 is formed in a rib shape. The reinforcing portion 6 is adjacent to the first protruding portion 53 on the outer side in the width direction, and connects the first protruding portion 53 to the side plate portion 28. The reinforcing portion 6 extends in the width direction. The tip of the reinforcing portion 6 (the tip in the thickness direction of the main body portion 21) is located between the back plate portion 24 and the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53. The protruding height of the reinforcing portion 6 is lower than the protruding height of the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53. In other words, the first protruding portion 53 also protrudes from the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6.

[0045] The dimension 6L between the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6 and the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53 is preferably a dimension such that when droplets accumulate on the outer periphery of the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53, the droplets do not come into contact with the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6. The dimension 6L between the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6 and the tip surface of the first protruding portion 53 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6(B), the reinforcing portion 6 and the first protruding portion 53 are connected such that the boundary therebetween forms a valley. As shown in FIG. 7(A), the boundary between the reinforcing portion 6 and the first protruding portion 53 extends toward the back plate portion 24, forming a valley line 61. The "valley line" here means that, in a cross-sectional view, the reinforcing portion 6 has an inside corner that is not curved but has a bent shape, and the inside corner is continuous in one direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the valley line 61 is the apex of an acute angle formed by a straight line and an arc in a front view. However, in the present disclosure, the valley line 61 may be the apex of an acute angle formed by two straight lines in a front view, or the apex of an acute angle formed by two arcs, or may be the apex of a right angle or an obtuse angle.

[0047] When a droplet adheres to valley line 61, the droplet moves along the valley line. Here, as shown in FIG. 7(B), volatilization film 442 comes into contact with the tip surface of first protrusion 53, and therefore, due to the action of capillary action, the medicine accumulates in corner portion 8 formed by volatilization film 442 and first protrusion 53. Over time, the amount of medicine in corner portion 8 may increase, and in that case, the medicine in corner portion 8 will come into contact with valley line 61 before it comes into contact with the tip surface of reinforcing portion 6. The medicine that comes into contact with valley line 61 moves along valley line 61 toward housing 2 due to the action of capillary action.

[0048] The medicine that has moved along valley line 61 is received in liquid receiving portion 221, as shown in FIG. 8. Liquid receiving portion 221 is included in the upper surface of the bottom of leg portion 22. Liquid receiving portion 221 is a surface of housing 2 that does not have any mating surfaces, holes, etc. By receiving the medicine in liquid receiving portion 221, the medicine does not leak out of housing 2.

[0049] It is preferable that a finely uneven surface is formed on liquid receiving portion 221 by embossing, knurling, or the like. This allows the medicine received by liquid receiving portion 221 to be held on liquid receiving portion 221. For example, the finely uneven surface preferably has an arithmetic maximum height Ry of 20 μm or more, more preferably 40 μm or more. In this embodiment, liquid receiving portion 221 is a flat surface having a finely uneven surface, but it may also be formed in a concave shape.

[0050] In this way, the medicine accumulated between the first protruding portion 53 and the volatilization film 442 comes into contact with the valley line 61 before the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6, and therefore the medicine is less likely to leak out of the housing 2. When the reinforcing portion 6 is formed in a rib shape, there is a possibility that a nesting line (a ridge formed at the boundary between the mold body and the nesting mold) will be formed on the tip surface of the reinforcing portion 6 due to gas venting during manufacturing. If the medicine comes into contact with the nesting line, the medicine will move along the nesting line and there is a possibility that the medicine will leak out of the housing 2, but this can be avoided in this embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6(A), second protrusion 54 is a portion that presses down in the thickness direction a portion above the center of drug container 4. In this embodiment, two second protrusions 54 are provided spaced apart in the width direction. However, there may be one second protrusion 54, or three or more second protrusions 54.

[0052] When drug container 4 is positioned in housing 2 by first positioning part 51, second protrusion 54 presses volatilization film 442 of drug container 4 in the thickness direction at a position above the liquid level of the drug solution. Second protrusion 54 has an area that contacts volatilization film 442 of drug container 4.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, when the drug container 4 is positioned in the thickness direction by the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54, there is a gap (space) over the entire length between the outer peripheral end surface of the drug container 4 and the side plate portion 28 of the housing 2.

[0054] Furthermore, when the center of the container body 41 in the width direction is positioned at the center of the pair of first restriction walls 511, a dimension 1L in the width direction between one first restriction wall 511 and the agent accommodating portion 421 of the container body 41 is smaller than a dimension 2L between the outer peripheral end face of the drug container 4 and the inner surface of the housing 2. Furthermore, when the container body 41 is positioned so that the center of the container body 41 in the length direction is positioned at the center of the pair of second restriction walls 512, a dimension 3L in the length direction between one second restriction wall 512 and the agent accommodating portion 421 of the container body 41 is smaller than a dimension 4L between the outer peripheral end face of the drug container 4 and the inner surface of the housing 2.

[0055] The chemical container 4 can move at least within the range defined by the first positioning portion 51. In this case, regardless of the position of the chemical container 4, the contact area between the volatilization film 442 and the first protrusion 53 remains constant. Therefore, the contact area with the positioning portion does not change depending on the position of the chemical container 4, reducing the possibility of chemical leakage. If the first protrusion 53 were not present and the outer peripheral end surface of the chemical container 4 were in contact with the housing 2 (reinforcement portion 6), the contact area of ​​the chemical container 4 with the housing 2 would vary depending on the position of the chemical container 4. That is, if the chemical container 4 moves to the right in a front view, the contact area of ​​the chemical container 4 with the housing 2 would be larger on the right side and smaller on the left side compared to before the movement. A localized increase in the contact area of ​​the chemical container 4 with the housing 2 increases the possibility of chemical leakage. In contrast, in the volatilization device 1 of this embodiment, a gap exists between the outer peripheral end surface of the chemical container 4 and the housing 2 over the entire length, thereby suppressing chemical leakage.

[0056] It should be noted that "dimension 1L," "dimension 2L," "dimension 3L," and "dimension 4L" refer to the minimum possible dimensions.

[0057] (3) Movable body The movable body 3 is a member that is provided movably relative to the housing 2. As shown in Fig. 4(A), the movable body 3 includes an operation unit 31 that is operated by a user, a movable unit 32 that constitutes the main body of the movable body 3, and a pair of elastic units 33.

[0058] The operating unit 31 can move along the thickness direction. The operating unit 31 is configured to be movable between an initial position (a position where the movable unit 32 abuts against the back plate 24; see FIG. 10(A)) and a position where the movable unit 32 opens the drug container 4 (see FIG. 10(B)). In this embodiment, within the movement range of the operating unit 31, the initial position is defined as a "first position," and the position where the movable unit 32 opens the drug container 4 is defined as a "second position."

[0059] In this embodiment, the operating portion 31, the movable portion 32, and the elastic portion 33 are integrally molded. The material of the movable body 3 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include synthetic resin, metal, pulp, and carbon.

[0060] The movable part 32 moves integrally with the operating part 31. The movable part 32 is formed in an oval shape having a long axis (in other words, a "longitudinal axis") parallel to the lengthwise direction. The movable part 32 has a plurality of (here, two) protruding parts 321 formed at a distance from each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 10(A), when the operating unit 31 is in the first position, each of the plungers 321 is separated from the drug container 4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(B), when the operating unit 31 is moved to the second position, each of the plungers 321 makes a hole in the drug container 4 to open the drug container 4. The plurality of plungers 321 are formed at both ends of the movable unit 32 in the direction along the longitudinal axis. Each plunger 321 protrudes from the surface of the movable unit 32 on the first position side in the movement direction. Examples of the shape of each plunger 321 include a spindle shape (cone shape, pyramid shape), a needle shape, a rod shape, etc., but a cone shape is preferable.

[0062] The multiple protruding portions 321 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (i.e., length direction) of the movable portion 32. This allows holes to be made in the drug container 4 both above and below the center of the drug container 4, as shown in Fig. 10(B). That is, the multiple protruding portions 321 can make holes in both the portion corresponding to the gas phase and the portion corresponding to the liquid phase in the drug container 4.

[0063] As a result, the upper holes of the multiple holes can be used as air intake holes, and the lower holes can be used as holes for passing the medicine. This makes it easier for the medicine to be ejected from the medicine container 4, and maintains a stable amount of medicine volatilization. Of the protrusions 321 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the movable part 32, it is preferable to drill the lower protrusion 321 as close as possible to the opening edge of the container body 41. Note that the upper side refers to the upper side when the volatilization device 1 is placed on the mounting surface 1G. The lower side refers to the lower side when the volatilization device 1 is placed on the mounting surface 1G.

[0064] The pair of elastic portions 33 are portions that connect the movable portion 32 and the housing 2. When the movable body 3 is attached to the attachment portion 26 of the frame 23, the operation portion 31 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. 10(A). When an external force is applied to the operation portion 31 (i.e., when the operation portion 31 is pushed into the housing 2) while the operation portion 31 is located at the first position, the elastic portions 33 are elastically deformed, as shown in FIG. 10(B). At this time, the movable portion 32 moves in conjunction with the movement of the operation portion 31 from the first position to the second position (FIG. 10(A) → FIG. 10(B)). In this state, when the external force applied to the operation portion 31 is removed, the elastic portions 33 return to their original state. At this time, the movable portion 32 returns in conjunction with the movement of the operation portion 31 from the second position to the first position (FIG. 10(B) → FIG. 10(A)).

[0065] (4) Drug containers The drug container 4 is a container that contains a drug. The drug container 4 includes a container body 41, a lid 44, and a plate member 45, as shown in FIG.

[0066] (4.1) Container body The container body 41 is a part that constitutes the main body of the drug container 4. The container body 41 is made of a hard resin. There are no particular limitations on the hard resin, and examples thereof include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, and laminates thereof. In this embodiment, the container body 41 is made of a laminate of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene.

[0067] The container body 41 according to this embodiment is made of a transparent resin so that the remaining amount of medicine can be visually confirmed. The term "transparent" as used herein means that the remaining amount of medicine can be visually confirmed, and includes so-called translucency. Note that in the present disclosure, the container body 41 may also be made of an opaque material.

[0068] Container body 41 includes a storage section 42 and a flange section 43. Storage section 42 is the portion of container body 41 where the medicine is stored. Storage section 42 is formed in a container shape with an opening on one side. As shown in FIG. 12 , storage section 42 includes a medicine storage section 421 and a plate material storage section 422.

[0069] The agent containing portion 421 is a portion in which a agent is mainly contained. As shown in Fig. 13 , the agent containing portion 421 includes a bottom wall 4211 having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and a first side wall 4212 rising from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 4211. The plate material containing portion 422 is a portion in which the plate member 45 is contained, and is formed between the agent containing portion 421 and the flange portion 43. The plate material containing portion 422 includes a support portion 4221 connected to the first side wall 4212 of the agent containing portion 421, and a second side wall 4222 rising from the outer periphery of the support portion 4221. The opening surface of the containing portion 42 is formed by the end of the second side wall 4222 on the flange portion 43 side.

[0070] The thickness dimension (internal dimension) of the agent containing section 421 is not particularly limited, but is set to, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The thickness dimension (internal dimension) of the plate material containing section 422 is set appropriately depending on the thickness dimension of the plate member 45, but is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0071] The flange portion 43 is a portion to which the lid body 44 is joined. The flange portion 43 is provided along the entire outer periphery of the opening surface of the storage portion 42. The surface of the flange portion 43 to which the lid body 44 is joined is flat. The entire surface of the flange portion 43 to which the lid body 44 is joined is located on the same plane.

[0072] (4.2) Lid Lid 44 is joined to flange 43 so as to close the opening of container body 41. Lid 44 can be joined to flange 43 by, for example, welding, adhesive bonding, or the like. Lid 44 is flexible. Lid 44 is configured by stacking a rupture film 441 and a volatilization film 442. Lid 44 is arranged in this order from the inside to the outside of drug container 4, with rupture film 441 and volatilization film 442 positioned in that order.

[0073] The rupture film 441 is configured so that when an external force is applied to the volatilization film 442 from the outside in the thickness direction, it ruptures with a smaller amount of elongation than the volatilization film 442. The rupture film 441 is made of a liquid-impermeable material. The rupture film 441 may be, for example, a thin film in which a polyethylene layer, an aluminum layer, and a polyethylene terephthalate layer are laminated.

[0074] A specific example of the rupture film 441 is a thin film in which a first polyethylene layer, an aluminum layer, a second polyethylene layer, and a polyethylene terephthalate layer are laminated in this order from the inside to the outside. In this case, for example, the thickness of the first polyethylene layer is set to 5 μm to 30 μm, the thickness of the aluminum layer is set to 5 μm to 25 μm, the thickness of the second polyethylene layer is set to 5 μm to 25 μm, and the thickness of the polyethylene terephthalate layer is set to 5 μm to 25 μm.

[0075] The volatilization membrane 442 volatilizes the medicine while retaining the medicine that has passed through the holes (rupture holes) formed in the rupture membrane 441. The volatilization membrane 442 is disposed on the outer surface of the rupture membrane 441 (the surface opposite the container body 41 in the thickness direction). The volatilization membrane 442 is less likely to rupture than the rupture membrane 441 when an external force is applied to the volatilization membrane 442 from the outside in the thickness direction. Examples of the volatilization membrane 442 include porous films such as Teslin (trademark) and Daramic (trademark).

[0076] In the drug container 4 configured as described above, as shown in Fig. 14, when the operating unit 31 moves from the first position to the second position, the plunger 321 pushes the volatilization membrane 442. Then, the plunger 321 pushes the rupture membrane 441. At this time, the volatilization membrane 442 and the rupture membrane 441 stretch, but the rupture membrane 441 ruptures first, creating a hole in the rupture membrane 441 (Fig. 14(A) → (B)). After this, when the external force on the operating unit 31 is removed, the elastic unit 33 returns the operating unit 31 from the second position to the first position, and the movable unit 32 and the plunger 321 move away from the volatilization membrane 442.

[0077] Then, the medicine inside the medicine container 4 is released to the outside through the lower hole. The medicine penetrates the volatilization membrane 442 and volatilizes. When the medicine is released, the pressure inside the container decreases, and air is taken in through the upper hole. At this time, the lower part of the volatilization membrane 442 is mainly wet from a height approximately the same as the medicine liquid level, and the part above the medicine liquid level is not wet or is wet to a small extent. For this reason, the medicine is less likely to adhere to the second protruding part of the volatilization membrane 442 that presses down on the side above the medicine liquid level.

[0078] (4.3) Plate members Plate member 45 is a member for partially preventing extension of lid body 44 when an external force is applied to lid body 44. Plate member 45 makes it easier for rupture film 441 to rupture when an external force is applied. Plate member 45 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, as shown in Fig. 12. There are no particular restrictions on the material of plate member 45, and examples include polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, and laminates thereof.

[0079] A plurality of (here, two) through holes 451 are formed in the plate member 45. The plurality of through holes 451 are formed at both end portions in the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the plate member 45. The through holes 451 are formed at positions corresponding to portions to which an external force is to be applied.

[0080] (5) Effects As described above, in the volatilization device 1 according to this embodiment, there is a gap between the outer peripheral end surface of the drug container 4 and the housing 2 over the entire length of the outer peripheral end surface of the drug container 4, and the tip surface of the protrusion (first protrusion 53) contacts the volatilization film 442 but is spaced apart from the outer peripheral edge of the volatilization film 442. Therefore, regardless of the position of the drug container 4 within the housing 2, the contact area between the volatilization film 442 and the first protrusion 53 remains constant. As a result, the contact area with the positioning portion does not change depending on the position of the drug container 4, reducing the possibility of drug leakage.

[0081] Furthermore, since the housing 2 includes the reinforcing portion 6 that reinforces the first protruding portion 53, it is possible to suppress deformation of the first protruding portion 53. As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the contact area of ​​the first protruding portion 53 with the volatilization film 442. It is also possible to suppress damage to the volatilization film 442 due to deformation of the first protruding portion 53.

[0082] Furthermore, since the boundary between the first protruding portion 53 and the reinforcing portion 6 is the valley line 61, even if the chemical solution accumulates between the first protruding portion 53 and the volatilization film 442, the chemical solution flows along the valley line 61 and is guided to the inner surface of the housing 2. As a result, the chemical solution can be prevented from moving to an unexpected location.

[0083] Furthermore, since the inner surface of the housing 2 has a liquid receiving portion 221 that receives the liquid medicine that has flowed down the valley line 61, leakage of the liquid medicine to the outside of the housing 2 can be further prevented.

[0084] <Modification> The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0085] In the volatilization device 1 according to the above embodiment, the movable body 3 is configured as a separate member from the housing 2, but the housing 2 and the movable body 3 may be formed as a single unit. Also, although the movable body 3 is provided, in the present disclosure, the volatilization device 1 does not need to have the function of the movable body 3, and the movable body 3 may be omitted. In the volatilization device 1 according to the present disclosure, a pre-opened drug container 4 may be placed in the housing 2.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the drug container 4 was movable within the range positioned by the first positioning unit 51, but in the present disclosure, the drug container 4 may be positioned in the housing 2 only by positioning by the second positioning unit 52. That is, in the present disclosure, the first positioning unit 51 may not be required.

[0087] Although the operation unit 31 according to the above embodiment is configured to be movable along the thickness direction, in the present disclosure, the movement direction of the operation unit 31 is not limited to the thickness direction, and the operation unit 31 may be configured to be movable along, for example, the length direction or the width direction. In this case, the operation unit 31 may protrude from the side peripheral surface of the housing 2, for example. In conjunction with the movement of the operation unit 31, the movable part 32 may move in a direction intersecting the pushing direction. Furthermore, the operation unit 31 may be operated not only by pushing, but also by sliding, rotating, pulling, etc.

[0088] In the volatilization device 1 according to the above embodiment, the chemical container 4 is provided with the flange portion 43, but the flange portion 43 may be omitted.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the housing 2 is inclined relative to the mounting surface 1G, and therefore the volatilization film 442 is supported by the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 in constant contact with them. However, in the present disclosure, the length direction of the housing 2 may extend perpendicular to the mounting surface 1G. In this case, the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 only need to face (be close to or in contact with) the volatilization film 442, and do not necessarily need to be in constant contact with them. However, if the drug container 4 is positioned within the housing 2 so that the volatilization film 442 faces diagonally downward, the area of ​​the volatilization film 442 that is wetted by the drug can be widened. This is therefore preferable because the amount of volatilization from the volatilization film 442 is stable.

[0090] In use, the volatilization film 442 may be parallel to a horizontal plane. For example, the volatilization device 1 may be attached to the back side of a trash can lid with a suction cup or the like so that the volatilization film 442 is parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the lengthwise dimension of the main body 21 is longer than the widthwise dimension, but in the present disclosure, the lengthwise dimension and the widthwise dimension may be the same, or the widthwise dimension may be longer than the lengthwise dimension. Note that in the above embodiment, the embodiment is described based on the "thickness direction," "width direction," and "lengthwise direction" of the housing 2, but the "thickness direction," "width direction," and "lengthwise direction" of the housing 2 can also be rephrased as the "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction," respectively.

[0092] In the volatilization device 1 according to the above embodiment, the chemical container 4 may be a cartridge-type chemical container in which only the chemical container can be replaced with a new chemical container 4. The "rupture membrane 441" and the "volatilization membrane 442" can also be referred to as the "first membrane" and the "second membrane", respectively.

[0093] In this specification, expressions accompanied by "approximately", such as "approximately parallel" or "approximately perpendicular", may be used. For example, "approximately parallel" means that the state is substantially "parallel", and includes not only a strictly "parallel" state but also an error of a few degrees. The same applies to other expressions accompanied by "approximately".

[0094] Furthermore, in this specification, expressions such as "end" and "edge" are used that are distinguished by the presence or absence of "... part." For example, "edge" means the end of an object, while "edge" means a region having a certain range that includes the "edge." Any point within a certain range that includes the edge is considered to be an "end." The same applies to other expressions that include "... part." [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Volatilization device 2. Case 221 Liquid receiving part 4. Medicine containers 41 Container body 442 Volatile film 53 First protrusion (protrusion) 6 Reinforcement 61 Valley Line

Claims

1. A volatilization device capable of accommodating a drug container in a housing, the opening of which is closed with a volatilization membrane, the housing has a frame that forms legs and a rear surface and side peripheral surfaces of the main body, and a cover that forms a front surface of the main body, the housing includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion that position the drug container within the housing; The first positioning portion is a substantially rectangular frame-shaped positioning portion that protrudes inward in a thickness direction from an inner surface of the cover, and positions the drug container in the length direction and width direction within the housing, The second positioning portion is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame and has a protrusion that positions the drug container in a first direction perpendicular to the volatilization membrane, Between the outer peripheral end surface of the drug container and the housing, there is a gap over the entire length of the outer peripheral end surface of the drug container, and the tip surface of the protrusion is in contact with the volatilization film and is spaced from the outer peripheral edge of the volatilization film. Volatilization device.

2. a reinforcing portion having a protruding height lower than the tip end surface of the protruding portion and reinforcing the protruding portion; The volatilization device according to claim 1.

3. the reinforcing portion protrudes from the inner surface of the housing and is connected to the protruding portion so as to form a valley line at the boundary, The valley line extends toward the inner surface of the housing. The volatilization device according to claim 2.

4. The housing has a liquid receiving portion that receives the medicine that has flowed down the valley line. The volatilization device according to claim 3.

5. The tip surface of the protrusion contacts a position below the liquid surface of the drug on the volatilization membrane in use. The volatilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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