CPAP device

Abstract

A CPAP device (10) comprises a body case (20), a blower (100), and a wiring member (70). The body case (20) has a lower case and a first top wall facing the lower case. The blower (100) is accommodated inside the body case (20) at a distance from the first top wall. The wiring member (70) extends from the blower (100). The wiring member (70) has a first securing portion (71) secured to the blower (100) and a second securing portion (72) secured to a member other than the body case (20) or the blower (100) secured to the body case (20). The length dimension of the wiring member (70) on the surface of the wiring member (70) from the first securing portion (71) to the second securing portion (72) is equal to or greater than the shortest distance (Q2) from the first securing portion (71) to the second securing portion (72) when it is assumed that the blower (100) is translated along the first axis until the blower (100) abuts the first top wall.

Description

CPAP device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to CPAP devices.

[0002] The CPAP device described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body case, a blower, and a power supply unit. The blower is housed inside the main body case. The blower has a motor fan inside that rotates to blow air. The power supply unit is a power line for supplying power to the motor fan. A first end of the power supply unit is connected to the motor fan. The power supply unit also extends outside by penetrating the outer wall of the blower.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2009-513192

[0004] In the CPAP device described in Patent Document 1, if the main body case is subjected to shock, vibration, or the like, the blower may become displaced inside the main body case. If the blower becomes displaced inside the main body case, the first end of the power supply unit may move along with the blower. This may result in an excessive pulling force being applied to the power supply unit.

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problems, one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body case having a first wall and a second wall facing the first wall in a direction along a specific first axis, a blower housed inside the main body case while spaced apart from the second wall, and a wiring member extending from the blower, wherein the blower has a fan that rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the first axis, and the wiring member has a first fixing point fixed to the blower and a second fixing point fixed to the main body case or a member other than the blower fixed to the main body case, and a CPAP device having no other fixing points between the first fixing point and the second fixing point, and when it is assumed that the blower is translated along the first axis until it abuts the second wall, the second fixing point is located closer to the first wall than the first fixing point in the direction along the first axis, and the length dimension on the surface of the wiring member from the first fixing point to the second fixing point is equal to or greater than the shortest distance from the first fixing point to the second fixing point when it is assumed that the blower is translated along the first axis until it abuts the second wall.

[0006] According to the above configuration, even if the blower is displaced in the direction along the first axis, an excessive force that would pull the wiring member beyond its length is not applied.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a CPAP device. Fig. 2 is a view of the CPAP device when viewed in the first positive direction. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the CPAP device when viewed in the first negative direction. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a blower. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the wiring member in the CPAP device. Fig. 6 is an end view showing a portion along line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

[0008] An embodiment of a CPAP device will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings may show components enlarged for ease of understanding. The dimensional proportions of the components may differ from those in the actual device or from those in other drawings.

[0009] <Overall Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1 , the CPAP device 10 includes a main body case 20, a blower 100, and a wiring member 70.

[0010] The main body case 20 includes an outer case 30 and an inner case 40. The outer case 30 further includes a lower case 31 as a first wall, an upper case 32, and a connection case 33.

[0011] The lower case 31 is a generally rectangular plate with one long side. The lower case 31 is a wall that comes into contact with the placement surface when the CPAP device 10 is placed on it. The lower case 31 has six screw holes 31A. Three of the screw holes 31A are aligned along one long side of the lower case 31. The remaining three screw holes 31A are aligned along the other long side of the lower case 31.

[0012] Here, the specific axis is defined as the first axis X. In this embodiment, the first axis X is an axis perpendicular to the lower case 31. An axis perpendicular to the first axis X and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower case 31 is defined as the second axis Y. An axis perpendicular to the first axis X and the second axis Y is defined as the third axis Z. A direction along the first axis X toward the surface of the lower case 31 that is not placed on the device is defined as the first positive direction X1, and a direction opposite to the first positive direction X1 is defined as the first negative direction X2. A specific direction along the second axis Y is defined as the second positive direction Y1, and a direction opposite to the second positive direction Y1 is defined as the second negative direction Y2. A specific direction along the third axis Z is defined as the third positive direction Z1, and a direction opposite to the third positive direction Z1 is defined as the third negative direction Z2.

[0013] The upper case 32 is located on the first positive direction X1 side relative to the lower case 31. The upper case 32 has a shape like a rectangular plate bent at two points. Specifically, the upper case 32 has a main wall 32A and a pair of side walls 32B. The main wall 32A has a rectangular shape perpendicular to the first axis X. Each side wall 32B protrudes in the first negative direction X2 from an edge of the main wall 32A on the third positive direction Z1 side and an edge on the third negative direction Z2 side, respectively. Therefore, when viewed in a direction along the second axis Y, the upper case 32 has a shape that protrudes toward the first positive direction X1.

[0014] The outer shape of the main wall 32A of the upper case 32 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the lower case 31 when viewed in the first negative direction X2. Therefore, when the upper case 32 is attached to the lower case 31, the upper case 32 and the lower case 31 form a rectangular tube with openings in the second positive direction Y1 and the second negative direction Y2. When viewed from the direction along the second axis Y, the openings have a rectangular shape elongated in the direction along the third axis Z.

[0015] The connection case 33 is plate-shaped. When viewed from the direction along the second axis Y, the outer shape of the connection case 33 is a generally rectangular shape elongated in the direction along the third axis Z. The connection case 33 is attached to an opening on the second positive direction Y1 side defined by the upper case 32 and the lower case 31. That is, the outer case 30 as a whole has a rectangular cylindrical shape with the second positive direction Y1 side closed.

[0016] The connection case 33 includes an intake port 33A, an exhaust port 33B, and a protruding pipe 33C. When viewed in the second negative direction Y2, the intake port 33A has a generally elliptical shape elongated along the third axis Z. The intake port 33A penetrates the connection case 33 in a direction along the second axis Y. A filter for filtering out dust and other particles contained in the air flowing in from the outside may be attached to the intake port 33A.

[0017] The outlet 33B has a substantially circular shape when viewed in the second negative direction Y2. The outlet 33B is located on the third positive direction Z1 side of the inlet 33A. The outlet 33B penetrates the connection case 33 in the direction along the second axis Y.

[0018] The protruding tube 33C is cylindrical and extends from the edge of the outlet 33B in the second positive direction Y1. A hose or the like (not shown) can be attached to the protruding tube 33C. The hose forms a passageway for the air inhaled by the user when using the CPAP device 10.

[0019] The inner case 40 is located inside the outer case 30. That is, the inner case 40 is located in a space surrounded by the lower case 31, the upper case 32, and the connection case 33. The inner case 40 includes a blower housing section 41 and a unit housing section 44.

[0020] The blower accommodating section 41 is generally box-shaped and open on the first negative direction X2 side. Specifically, the blower accommodating section 41 has a first top wall 42 perpendicular to the first axis X and a first side wall 43 extending from an edge of the first top wall 42. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the first top wall 42 has two edges parallel to the second axis Y and two edges parallel to the third axis Z. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the first top wall 42 has a rectangular shape formed by the four edges, with two corners on the second negative direction Y2 side chamfered. Specifically, when viewed in the first negative direction X2, the first top wall 42 has a generally hexagonal shape. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the dimension of the first top wall 42 along the third axis Z is shorter than the dimension of the lower case 31 along the third axis Z. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the dimension of the first top wall 42 in the direction along the second axis Y is shorter than the dimension of the lower case 31 in the direction along the second axis Y. When the inner case 40 is attached to the outer case 30, the first top wall 42 is a second wall that faces the lower case 31 in the direction along the first axis X.

[0021] The first side wall 43 extends in the first negative direction X2 from the outer edge of the first top wall 42. That is, the first side wall 43 is composed of two walls parallel to the second axis Y, two walls parallel to the third axis Z, and two walls intersecting both the second axis Y and the third axis Z. In other words, when viewed in the first negative direction X2, the first side wall 43 has a substantially hexagonal ring shape.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first side wall 43 has an inlet opening 43A and an outlet opening 43B. The inlet opening 43A and the outlet opening 43B penetrate the first side wall 43. The inlet opening 43A and the outlet opening 43B are located on a surface of the first side wall 43 facing the second positive direction Y1. The inlet opening 43A and the outlet opening 43B are aligned in a direction along the third axis Z. Specifically, the inlet opening 43A is located on the third negative direction Z2 side with respect to the outlet opening 43B.

[0023] The inner case 40 includes an intake pipe ST and a discharge pipe DT. The intake pipe ST is a generally elliptical cylindrical member. The intake pipe ST is connected to an intake opening 43A. The intake pipe ST extends in the second positive direction Y1 relative to the intake opening 43A. The end of the intake pipe ST in the second positive direction Y1 is connected to an intake port 33A of the connection case 33. That is, air flows from the outside into the blower housing 41 via the intake port 33A, the intake pipe ST, and the intake opening 43A.

[0024] The discharge pipe DT is substantially cylindrical. The discharge pipe DT is connected to the discharge opening 43B. The discharge pipe DT extends in the second positive direction Y1 relative to the discharge opening 43B. The end of the discharge pipe DT in the second positive direction Y1 is connected to the discharge port 33B of the connection case 33. That is, air flows from the inside of the blower housing 41 to the outside via the discharge port 33B, the discharge pipe DT, and the discharge opening 43B. Note that the outer case 30 is omitted from FIG. 2 .

[0025] 1 , the unit accommodating section 44 is located on the second negative direction Y2 side with respect to the blower accommodating section 41. The unit accommodating section 44 is generally box-shaped and opens on the first negative direction X2 side. That is, the blower accommodating section 41 has a second top wall 45 perpendicular to the first axis X and a second side wall 46 extending from the edge of the second top wall 45.

[0026] When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the second top wall 45 has a generally rectangular shape with its elongated length along the third axis Z. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the dimension of the second top wall 45 along the third axis Z is shorter than the dimension of the lower case 31 along the third axis Z. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the dimension of the first top wall 42 along the second axis Y is shorter than the dimension of the lower case 31 along the second axis Y.

[0027] The second side wall 46 extends in the first negative direction X2 from the outer edge of the second top wall 45. That is, the second side wall 46 is composed of two walls parallel to the second axis Y and two walls parallel to the third axis Z.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner case 40 includes six screw receivers 47. Each screw receiver 47 is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the first axis X. Each screw receiver 47 is located on the edge of the inner case 40 facing the first negative direction X2. Each screw receiver 47 is integrally molded with the blower accommodating portion 41 and the unit accommodating portion 44. Each screw receiver 47 is located outside the blower accommodating portion 41 and the unit accommodating portion 44. Specifically, four of the six screw receivers 47 are located at the four corners of the inner case 40 when viewed along the first axis X. The remaining two of the six screw receivers 47 are located between the first side wall 43 of the blower accommodating portion 41 and the second side wall 46 of the unit accommodating portion 44 when viewed along the first axis X. Hereinafter, these two screw receivers 47 will be referred to as specific screw receivers 47A when needed to be distinguished from the screw receivers 47 at the four corners.

[0029] One of the two specific screw receivers 47A is located in the gap on the third positive direction Z1 side between the first side wall 43 of the blower accommodating portion 41 and the second side wall 46 of the unit accommodating portion 44. The other of the two specific screw receivers 47A is located in the gap on the third negative direction Z2 side between the first side wall 43 of the blower accommodating portion 41 and the second side wall 46 of the unit accommodating portion 44. Therefore, the two specific screw receivers 47A are disposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the inner case 40 in the direction along the third axis Z. Each specific screw receiver 47A has a substantially triangular shape when viewed in the first negative direction X2.

[0030] The inner case 40 has six through holes 48 that pass through the screw receptacles 47. As shown in Fig. 1, when the inner case 40 is attached to the outer case 30, each through hole 48 is located opposite a screw hole 31A of the lower case 31. The inner case 40 is fixed to the outer case 30 with screws, nuts, etc. (not shown) that pass through the through holes 48 and screw holes 31A.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the CPAP device 10 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is located in the unit housing portion 44 of the main body case 20. The control unit 50 includes a control board on which chip components and other electronic components are mounted. The control unit 50 controls the power on / off of the CPAP device 10, the airflow rate of the blower 100, and the like. Note that Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the control unit 50 in a simplified form. Also, Fig. 1 does not illustrate the control unit 50.

[0032] 3, the main body case 20 includes three support members 49 and three bumpers 49A. The three support members 49 and the three bumpers 49A are located inside the blower housing portion 41.

[0033] Each support member 49 is generally plate-shaped. Each support member 49 extends from the first top wall 42 in the first negative direction X2. One of the three support members 49 is located within the blower accommodating section 41 on the second negative direction Y2 side and the third positive direction Z1 side of the center of the blower accommodating section 41. The other of the three support members 49 is located within the blower accommodating section 41 on the second negative direction Y2 side and the third negative direction Z2 side of the center of the blower accommodating section 41. These two support members 49 are positioned symmetrically with respect to a line that passes through the center of the blower accommodating section 41 and is parallel to the second axis Y. In this embodiment, these two support members 49 are connected to portions of the hexagonally extending first side wall 43 that are inclined toward both the second axis Y and the third axis Z.

[0034] The remaining one of the three support members 49 is positioned apart from the other two support members 49 in the direction along the second axis Y. The support member 49 is positioned on a straight line that passes through the center of the blower accommodating section 41 and is parallel to the second axis Y.

[0035] Each of the three support members 49 has a recess that is recessed in the surface toward the center of the blower accommodating portion 41. The three bumpers 49A fit into the recesses of the corresponding support members 49. That is, each bumper 49A is fixed to the first top wall 42 via the support member 49.

[0036] The distance from each bumper 49A to the first top wall 42 in the direction along the first axis X is the same. That is, the positions of each bumper 49A in the direction along the first axis X are aligned. The material of each bumper 49A has a lower elastic modulus than the material of each support member 49. In other words, each bumper 49A is softer than each support member 49. Specifically, the material of each bumper 49A is synthetic rubber. Note that the main body case 20 is illustrated in a simplified form in FIG. 3 .

[0037] <Regarding the Blower> As shown in Figure 3, the CPAP device 10 includes the blower 100 as described above. The blower 100 is located in the blower housing 41 of the main body case 20. That is, the blower 100 is housed inside the main body case 20. The blower 100 is supported by the first top wall 42 via the three bumpers 49A and the support member 49 described above. Furthermore, the blower 100 does not contact the first top wall 42. In other words, the blower 100 is separated from the first top wall 42.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the blower 100 has a fan 104 that rotates about a rotation axis RC that is parallel to the first axis X, and a fan case 110 that houses the fan 104 and a motor 101 that drives the fan 104.

[0039] The motor 101 is an electric motor. The motor 101 includes a motor body 102 and a rotating shaft RC. The motor body 102 includes a generally cylindrical stator, a rotor located on the inner periphery of the stator, and the like.

[0040] 4, the rotation axis RC is rotatably supported by the motor main body 102. The rotation axis RC is an axis parallel to the first axis X. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the rotation axis RC extends from the center of the motor main body 102 toward the first positive direction X1.

[0041] The fan 104 includes a holding plate 105 and a plurality of blades 106. The holding plate 105 has a generally circular plate shape when viewed in the first negative direction X2. The holding plate 105 protrudes more in the first positive direction X1 as it approaches the center of the holding plate 105. The holding plate 105 has a hole 105A at the center of the holding plate 105. The hole 105A penetrates the holding plate 105. With the rotation shaft RC passing through the hole 105A, the holding plate 105 is fixed to the rotation shaft RC.

[0042] Each blade 106 has a plate shape. The blades 106 protrude in the first positive direction X1 from a surface of each holding plate 105 facing the first positive direction X1. Each blade 106 extends from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction of the holding plate 105. Note that in FIG. 4, only some of the blades 106 are denoted with reference numerals.

[0043] Fan case 110 includes fan section 111, outlet pipe 112, and connection pipe 113. As shown in Fig. 3, fan section 111 has a generally annular shape when viewed in first negative direction X2. As shown in Fig. 4, fan section 111 includes first fan section 111A and second fan section 111B located on the first positive direction X1 side of first fan section 111A.

[0044] The first fan section 111A has a generally circular outer shape. A circular first opening P1 is formed in the center of the first fan section 111A. The motor body 102 is fitted inside the first opening P1. The end face of the motor body 102 on the first negative direction X2 side is positioned slightly further in the first positive direction X1 than the end face of the first fan section 111A on the first negative direction X2 side. The first fan section 111A is open in the first positive direction X1.

[0045] The second fan section 111B has a generally circular bowl shape. A second opening P2 is formed in the center of the second fan section 111B. The second opening P2 is circular in plan view. The second opening P2 is an opening for drawing air from the outside of the fan section 111 to the inside. As shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed in the first negative direction X2, the rotation axis RC of the motor 101 and a portion of the fan 104 are visible through the second opening P2. In other words, the fan section 111 houses the fan 104 and the motor 101. As shown in FIG. 4 , the center position of the second opening P2 coincides with the center position of the first opening P1.

[0046] The shape of the outer edge of the second fan section 111B on the first negative direction X2 side substantially matches the shape of the outer edge of the first fan section 111A on the first positive direction X1 side. The first negative direction X2 side of the second fan section 111B is fitted into the first positive direction X1 side of the first fan section 111A. The space defined by the second fan section 111B and the first fan section 111A serves as an air circulation passage.

[0047] The fan case 110 has a plurality of rectifying plates 114. The plurality of rectifying plates 114 protrude in the first positive direction X1 from a surface of the second fan section 111B facing the first positive direction X1. The rectifying plates 114 extend in the radial direction of the second fan section 111B. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of rectifying plates 114 are arranged radially when viewed facing the first negative direction X2. As shown in FIG. 6, gaps are formed between the plurality of rectifying plates 114 and the first top wall 42 of the main body case 20. Note that in FIGS. 3 and 4, only some of the rectifying plates 114 are denoted by reference numerals.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the outlet pipe 112 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outlet pipe 112 extends from the fan unit 111. The outlet pipe 112 is a pipe through which air blown from the fan 104 flows. As shown in Fig. 4, the outlet pipe 112 is made up of a first pipe portion 112A and a second pipe portion 112B that is positioned further in the first positive direction X1 than the first pipe portion 112A.

[0049] When viewed from the extension direction of the first pipe section 112A, the first pipe section 112A has an arc shape that convex toward the first negative direction X2. That is, the first pipe section 112A constitutes the half of the outlet pipe 112 on the first negative direction X2 side. The first pipe section 112A is connected to the first fan section 111A. Furthermore, there is no wall separating the first pipe section 112A and the first fan section 111A at the boundary between them. That is, the inner space of the first pipe section 112A is connected to the inner space of the first fan section 111A. Note that in this embodiment, the first pipe section 112A is integrally molded with the first fan section 111A.

[0050] When viewed from the extension direction of the second pipe section 112B, the second pipe section 112B has an arc shape that convex toward the first positive direction X1. That is, the second pipe section 112B constitutes the half of the outlet pipe 112 on the first positive direction X1 side. The second pipe section 112B is connected to the second fan section 111B. Furthermore, there is no wall separating the second pipe section 112B from the second fan section 111B at the boundary between them. That is, the inner space of the second pipe section 112B is connected to the inner space of the second fan section 111B. Note that in this embodiment, the second pipe section 112B is integrally molded with the second fan section 111B.

[0051] The shape of the outer edge of the second pipe 112B on the first negative direction X2 side substantially matches the shape of the outer edge of the first pipe 112A on the first positive direction X1 side, and the first negative direction X2 side of the second pipe 112B is fitted into the first positive direction X1 side of the first pipe 112A.

[0052] 3, the outlet pipe 112 extends tangentially to the fan unit 111 and in a direction from the fan unit 111 toward the exhaust pipe DT. However, the tip of the outlet pipe 112 does not reach the exhaust pipe DT. A portion of the tip of the outlet pipe 112 is curved toward the first positive direction X1. The outlet pipe 112 and the fan unit 111 are made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene.

[0053] The connecting pipe 113 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The connecting pipe 113 is made of a synthetic resin having a lower elastic modulus than the outlet pipe 112. The connecting pipe 113 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber. A first end of the connecting pipe 113 is connected to the outlet pipe 112. A second end of the connecting pipe 113 is connected to the discharge pipe DT. That is, the connecting pipe 113 connects the outlet pipe 112 and the main body case 20. In other words, the outlet pipe 112 is connected to the main body case 20 via the connecting pipe 113, which has a lower elastic modulus than the outlet pipe 112.

[0054] <Regarding the Protrusion> As shown in Fig. 1 , the blower 100 has a protrusion 60. When viewed in the first negative direction X2, the protrusion 60 protrudes in the first positive direction X1 from a surface of the outlet pipe 112 facing the first positive direction X1. That is, the protrusion 60 protrudes from the outlet pipe 112 toward the first top wall 42. As shown in Fig. 6 , a gap is formed between the protrusion 60 and the first top wall 42 of the main body case 20. The dimension of the gap in the direction along the first axis X is substantially the same as the dimension of the gap between the rectifying vane 114 and the first top wall 42 of the main body case 20 in the direction along the first axis X.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 , the protrusion 60 extends linearly when viewed in a plan view facing the first negative direction X2. In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 extends parallel to the second axis Y. Here, in a plan view facing the first negative direction X2, a virtual line segment V1 is assumed to connect the protrusion 60 and the rotation axis RC at the shortest distance, and a virtual line V2 is assumed to be perpendicular to the virtual line segment V1. In this embodiment, the virtual line segment V1 is a line segment connecting the end of the protrusion 60 on the second negative direction Y2 side to the center of the rotation axis RC. When viewed in a plan view facing the first negative direction X2, the extension direction of the protrusion 60 is inclined with respect to the virtual line segment V1 and the virtual line V2.

[0056] <Regarding the Wiring Member> As shown in Fig. 2, the CPAP device 10 includes a wiring member 70. In this embodiment, the wiring member 70 is a flexible wiring board. In other words, the wiring member 70 has flexibility.

[0057] The wiring member 70 extends from the motor 101 of the blower 100. The wiring member 70 is drawn out from the surface of the motor body 102 of the motor 101 on the first negative direction X2 side, and extends toward the control unit 50. An end of the wiring member 70 is connected to the control unit 50 via a connector or the like.

[0058] In this embodiment, when viewed in the direction along the first axis X, the wiring member 70 extends obliquely in a straight line from the end on the motor main body 102 side to the end on the control unit 50 side in the second negative direction Y2 and the third negative direction Z2. The wiring member 70 also extends from the blower housing portion 41 of the main body case 20, through the gap between the specific screw receptacle 47A and the lower case 31, and to the unit housing portion 44.

[0059] The wiring member 70 has a first fixing point 71 at which the wiring member 70 is fixed to the blower 100. When viewed in the first positive direction X1, the first fixing point 71 is substantially the entire area of ​​the wiring member 70 that overlaps with the end face of the motor body 102 on the first negative direction X2 side. The first fixing point 71 is fixed with, for example, adhesive tape. Note that in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first fixing point 71 is indicated by a dot.

[0060] The wiring member 70 has a second fixing point 72 fixed to the main body case 20. When viewed in the first positive direction X1, the second fixing point 72 occupies substantially the entire area of ​​the wiring member 70 that overlaps with the specific screw receiving portion 47A located on the third negative direction Z2 side. The second fixing point 72 is fixed, for example, with adhesive tape. The second fixing point 72 is fixed at the same position as the first fixing point 71 in the direction along the first axis X. That is, the second fixing point 72 and the first fixing point 71 are at the same height. The wiring member 70 does not have any other fixing points between the first fixing point 71 and the second fixing point 72. Note that the second fixing point 72 is indicated by a dot in FIGS. 2 and 5 .

[0061] 5 , the fixed surface length Q1 is the length dimension on the surface of wiring member 70 from first fixing point 71 to second fixing point 72, which is the shortest length from first fixing point 71 to second fixing point 72. As such, fixed surface length Q1 is the length when tracing the surface of wiring member 70, and therefore is a constant value regardless of whether wiring member 70 is bent or not.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6 , it is assumed that the blower 100 is translated along the first axis X until it abuts against the first top wall 42. Specifically, it is assumed that the blower 100 is translated until the protrusion 60 of the blower 100 abuts against the first top wall 42 of the main body case 20. In FIG. 6 , the position of the protrusion 60 when it abuts against the first top wall 42 and the position of the first fixing point 71 in the first negative direction X2 when it abuts against the first top wall 42 are shown imaginarily by dashed two-dot lines. At this time, the second fixing point 72 is located closer to the lower case 31 than the first fixing point 71 in the direction along the first axis X. Note that in FIG. 6 , the position of the second fixing point 72 is also shown imaginarily by a dashed line. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the protrusion 60 abuts against the first top wall 42, the rectifying vane 114 of the fan case 110 also abuts against the first top wall 42.

[0063] 5, assuming that the protrusion 60 abuts against the first top wall 42 as described above, the fixing surface length Q1 is equal to or greater than the shortest distance Q2 from the first fixing point 71 to the second fixing point 72. The shortest distance Q2 here does not refer to the length along the surface of the wiring member 70, but rather to the shortest distance in space. Therefore, assuming that the blower 100 is translated along the first axis X until it abuts against the first top wall 42, the wiring member 70 is in a loose or straight state.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , when viewed in a plan view facing the first axis X, imaginary lines V3 are assumed to pass through the rotation axis RC and intersect each other at 90 degrees. For example, one imaginary line V3 is assumed to be parallel to the second axis Y, and the other imaginary line V3 is assumed to be parallel to the third axis Z. When the fan section 111 is divided into four regions AR using these two imaginary lines V3 so that the imaginary line V3 does not intersect with the protrusion 60, the protrusion 60 is located in region A2 diagonally opposite region A1 including the first fixing point 71. Specifically, one of the regions A1 in which the first fixing point 71 is located is the region AR on the second negative direction Y2 side and the third negative direction Z2 side of the four regions AR. Furthermore, region A2 in which the protrusion 60 is located is the region AR on the second positive direction Y1 side and the third positive direction Z1 side of the four regions AR.

[0065] 6 , let us assume that the blower 100 is displaced toward the first top wall 42 within the main body case 20. At this time, the first fixing point 71 of the wiring member 70 also moves toward the first top wall 42 together with the blower 100. As a result, the distance from the first fixing point 71 to the second fixing point 72 of the wiring member 70 increases. In other words, when the blower 100 is displaced toward the first top wall 42 within the main body case 20, the wiring member 70 is pulled.

[0066] Advantages of this Embodiment (1) In the above embodiment, the fixed surface length Q1 of the wiring member 70 is equal to or greater than the shortest distance Q2 when the blower 100 is translated along the first axis X until it abuts against the first top wall 42. That is, the length dimension of the wiring member 70 is determined assuming a state in which the blower 100 is displaced to the maximum extent toward the first top wall 42. Therefore, even when the wiring member 70 is displaced as described above, an excessive force that pulls the wiring member 70 beyond its length dimension is not applied.

[0067] (2) In the above embodiment, the motor 101 accounts for the majority of the weight of the blower 100. Therefore, the center of gravity of the blower 100 is located around the rotation axis RC. Meanwhile, the fan case 110 includes a fan unit 111 that houses the fan 104 and an outlet pipe 112 that extends from the fan unit 111. That is, the outlet pipe 112 is located away from the rotation axis RC of the fan 104. Therefore, when an external force acts on the blower 100, the outlet pipe 112, which is located away from the rotation axis RC and thus the center of gravity of the blower 100, is more likely to become displaced than the fan unit 111. By providing the protrusions 60 at such locations where displacement is likely to occur, displacement of the blower 100 can be suppressed.

[0068] (3) In the above embodiment, the outlet pipe 112 is connected to the main body case 20 via the connecting pipe 113, which has a lower elastic modulus than the outlet pipe 112. In the above configuration, because the connecting pipe 113 has a lower elastic modulus, it is difficult to expect the connecting pipe 113 to be effective in preventing displacement of the outlet pipe 112. In other words, with the above configuration, the outlet pipe 112 is more likely to become displaced. By providing the protrusion 60 on the outlet pipe 112, which is more likely to become displaced, displacement of the blower 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[0069] (4) In the above embodiment, because the fan 104 rotates when the blower 100 blows air, the gas drawn into the blower 100 flows in an arc toward the rotation axis RC. In the above embodiment, when viewed in a plan view facing the first axis X, the extension direction of the protrusion 60 is inclined with respect to the imaginary line V1 and the imaginary line V2 perpendicular to the imaginary line V1. This configuration allows the gas flowing around the protrusion 60 to be guided toward the rotation axis RC without excessively interfering with the flow in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis RC. In other words, the protrusion 60 exhibits a rectifying effect that promotes a spiral gas flow.

[0070] (5) The blower 100 may be displaced within the main case 20 not only in a direction along the first axis X but also in a manner in which the rotation axis RC is tilted relative to the first axis X. If the blower 100 is tilted so that the first fixing point 71 approaches the lower case 31, the amount of displacement increases at the location opposite the first fixing point 71 across the rotation axis RC. In the above embodiment, when the fan unit 111 is divided into four regions AR by two imaginary straight lines V3 in a plan view facing the first axis X, the protrusion 60 is located in the region A2 diagonal to the region A1 including the first fixing point 71. Because the protrusion 60 is located in the diagonal region A2 where the amount of displacement increases, the protrusion 60 comes into contact with the first top wall 42, preventing further displacement of the first fixing point 71.

[0071] <Modifications> The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the CPAP device 10 may include a humidifier. For example, a humidifier may be attached to the protruding tube 33C of the main body case 20. Also, for example, a humidifier may be housed inside the main body case 20, and the humidifier may be disposed between the outlet tube 112 and the discharge tube DT.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the lower case 31 may be part of the components that make up the CPAP device 10. For example, if the CPAP device 10 is equipped with a humidifier as described above, part of the outer wall of the humidifier can be used as the lower case 31. The same applies to the upper case 32, the connection case 33, and the inner case 40.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the shape of the main body case 20 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, in the inner case 40, the blower housing section 41 and the unit housing section 44 may be connected to each other. Also, the upper case 32 may be omitted. The main body case 20 may have any configuration as long as it has a first wall and a second wall facing the first wall in the direction along the first axis X.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the shapes and positions of the suction pipe ST and the discharge pipe DT are not limited to those of the above embodiment. For example, the shape of the suction pipe ST may be cylindrical. Furthermore, for example, the discharge pipe DT and the suction pipe ST may be located on walls of the inner case 40 facing in different directions. The positions of the suction port 33A and the discharge pipe DT of the outer case 30, and the positions of the suction opening 43A and the discharge opening 43B of the inner case 40 may be appropriately aligned with the positions of the suction pipe ST and the discharge pipe DT. Furthermore, the protruding pipe 33C may be omitted.

[0076] The shape of the blower 100 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. For example, when viewed in the first negative direction X2, as long as the housing space of the fan case 110 that houses the fan 104 is circular, the outer shape of the fan case 110 may be rectangular or polygonal. Furthermore, for example, the outlet pipe 112 may extend in a curved shape.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the connecting tube 113 may have the same elastic modulus as or a greater elastic modulus than the outlet tube 112. Also, in the above embodiment, the CPAP device 10 does not have to include the connecting tube 113. That is, the outlet tube 112 may be directly fixed to the main body case 20. Note that, when the outlet tube 112 is fixed to the main body case 20, it is preferable that the outlet tube 112 be connected to the main body case 20 via a sealing material or the like having a low elastic modulus.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the position of each support member 49 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the number of each support member 49 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the CPAP device 10 does not have to include the support member 49. In that case, for example, the fan case 110 may be fixed directly to the main body case 20 with bolts or the like.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the fan section 111 is divided into four regions AR by two virtual straight lines V3 so that the virtual straight lines V3 do not intersect with the protrusion 60, the protrusion 60 may be present in a region AR other than the diagonal region AR that includes the first fixing point 71.

[0080] In the above embodiment, when viewed in a plan view in the direction along the first axis X, the direction in which the protrusion 60 extends may be parallel to either the imaginary line segment V1 or the imaginary line V2. Furthermore, when viewed in a plan view in the direction along the first axis X, the protrusion 60 does not have to extend linearly. When viewed in a plan view in the direction along the first axis X, the protrusion 60 may be curved, cross-shaped, or the like.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the CPAP device 10 does not have to have the protrusion 60 protruding from the outlet tube 112. Furthermore, the CPAP device 10 may have the rectifying plate 114 of the fan case 110 function as a protrusion extending from the fan case 110. The CPAP device 10 does not have to have either the protrusion 60 or the rectifying plate 114. In a configuration in which the CPAP device 10 does not have the protrusion 60, when a portion of the first top wall 42 protrudes toward the outlet tube 112, the gap between the outlet tube 112 and the first top wall 42 in the direction along the first axis X is smaller than when the portion does not protrude. As a result, this configuration achieves the effect described in (2) above.

[0082] In the above embodiment, when the blower 100 is moved parallel to the first axis X until it abuts against the first top wall 42, the abutment point on the blower 100 may be the protrusion 60, the straightening plate 114, or another member.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the wiring member 70 is not limited to a flexible substrate. The wiring member 70 may be a flexible flat cable, an electric wire having a conductor, or the like. In the above embodiment, the fixing location of the first fixing point 71 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, if the wiring member 70 is fixed to the motor 101 but also has a fixing location to the blower 100 at a position closer to the second fixing point 72, this fixing location may be the first fixing point 71.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the position of the second fixing point 72 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, as long as it is located closer to the lower case 31 than the first fixing point 71 in the direction along the first axis X when the blower 100 is assumed to be translated along the first axis X until it abuts against the first top wall 42. For example, the second fixing point 72 may be a point at which the wiring member 70 is fixed to a member other than the blower 100 fixed to the main body case 20. For example, if the wiring member 70 does not have a fixing point to the main body case 20, the second fixing point 72 may be a point at which the wiring member 70 is fixed to the control unit 50.

[0085] <Supplementary Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described below. [1] A device comprising: a main body case having a first wall and a second wall facing the first wall in a direction along a specific first axis; a blower housed inside the main body case while spaced apart from the second wall; and a wiring member extending from the blower, wherein the blower has a fan that rotates about an axis of rotation parallel to the first axis, and the wiring member has a first fixing point fixed to the blower and a second fixing point fixed to the main body case or a member other than the blower fixed to the main body case, and A CPAP device in which there are no other fixing points between the blower and the fixed point, and when it is assumed that the blower is moved parallel to the first axis until it abuts the second wall, the second fixing point is located closer to the first wall than the first fixing point in the direction along the first axis, and the length dimension on the surface of the wiring member from the first fixing point to the second fixing point on the wiring member is greater than the shortest distance from the first fixing point to the second fixing point when it is assumed that the blower is moved parallel to the first axis until it abuts the second wall.

[0086] [2] The CPAP device described in [1], wherein the blower has a fan case that houses the fan and the motor that drives the fan, and the fan case has a fan section that houses the fan and the motor, an outlet pipe extending from the fan section through which air blown from the fan circulates, and a protrusion protruding from the outlet pipe toward the second wall.

[0087] [3] The CPAP device according to [2], wherein the outlet tube is connected to the main body case via a member having a lower elastic modulus than the outlet tube. [4] The CPAP device according to [2] or [3], wherein the protrusion extends linearly when viewed in a plane along the first axis, and when a virtual line segment connecting the protrusion and the rotation axis at the shortest distance is imagined in a state where the protrusion is viewed in a plane along the first axis, the extension direction of the protrusion is inclined with respect to the virtual line segment and a virtual line perpendicular to the virtual line segment when viewed in a plane along the first axis.

[0088] [5] A CPAP device described in any one of [2] to [4], wherein when viewed in a plane facing the first axis, the fan section is divided into four regions by two imaginary lines that pass through the rotation axis and intersect each other at 90 degrees, so that the imaginary lines do not intersect the protrusion, and the protrusion is located in a region diagonal to the region including the first fixing point.

[0089] AR...Area Q1...Fixed surface length Q2...Shortest distance RC...Rotation axis V1...Imaginary line segment V2...Imaginary line V3...Imaginary straight line 10...CPAP device 20...Main body case 30...Outer case 31...Lower case 42...First top wall 100...Blower 104...Fan 110...Fan case 111...Fan section 112...Outlet pipe 113...Connecting pipe 60...Protrusion 70...Wiring member 71...First fixing point 72...Second fixing point

Claims

1. A device comprising: a main body case having a first wall and a second wall facing the first wall in a direction along a specific first axis; a blower housed inside the main body case and spaced apart from the second wall; and wiring extending from the blower, wherein the blower has a fan that rotates about an axis of rotation parallel to the first axis; the wiring has a first fixing point fixed to the blower and a second fixing point fixed to the main body case or a member other than the blower fixed to the main body case, and no other fixing points between the first fixing point and the second fixing point; and when it is assumed that the blower is translated along the first axis until it abuts against the second wall, the second fixing point is located closer to the first wall than the first fixing point in the direction along the first axis. A CPAP device in which the length dimension on the surface of the wiring member from the first fixing point to the second fixing point is equal to or greater than the shortest distance from the first fixing point to the second fixing point when the blower is assumed to be translated along the first axis until it abuts against the second wall.

2. The CPAP device according to claim 1, wherein the blower has a fan case that houses the fan and a motor that drives the fan, and the fan case has a fan section that houses the fan and the motor, an outlet pipe that extends from the fan section and through which air blown from the fan circulates, and a protrusion that protrudes from the outlet pipe toward the second wall.

3. The CPAP device according to claim 2, wherein the outlet tube is connected to the main body case via a member having a lower modulus of elasticity than the outlet tube.

4. A CPAP device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein when viewed in a plane in a direction along the first axis, the protrusion extends in a straight line, and when a virtual line segment connecting the protrusion and the rotation axis in the shortest distance is imagined in a state viewed in a plane in a direction along the first axis, the direction in which the protrusion extends is inclined with respect to the virtual line segment and a virtual line perpendicular to the virtual line segment when viewed in a plane in a direction along the first axis.

5. A CPAP device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the fan section is divided into four regions by two imaginary lines that pass through the rotation axis and intersect each other at 90 degrees in a planar view facing the first axis, so that the imaginary lines do not intersect with the protrusion, the protrusion is located in a region diagonal to the region including the first fixing point.