Blower

Abstract

The blower comprises a case, a pump housed within the case, and a support that vibrates relative to the case. The pump includes a first pump projection, which is a portion projecting in a first direction. The case includes a first wall projection and a second wall projection, which project in a first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction. The first wall projection includes a portion located in a second direction from the first pump projection and facing the first pump projection. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The second wall projection includes a portion located in a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction from the second direction from the first pump projection and facing the first pump projection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a blower.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a blower such as a diaphragm pump has been used to supply gas (e.g., air) to a device that uses gas, such as a wastewater treatment device or a water tank. The gas supplied by the blower is used for various processes. For example, a gas containing oxygen supplies oxygen to water. In a wastewater treatment device, a gas containing oxygen is used for aerobic treatment. To clean a water treatment tank provided in a wastewater treatment device, the gas stirs the water in the water treatment tank. The gas drives an air lift pump. Patent Document 1 discloses the following diaphragm pump. A pump body is housed in an outer case. Elastic legs provided on the pump body are connected to a support plate attached inside the outer case. The pump body is supported by the outer case only by the elastic legs. A vibration damping means is disposed between the surface on which the elastic legs of the pump body are provided and the support plate. The vibration damping means is composed of a convex portion provided on one of the surface on which the elastic legs of the pump body are provided or the support plate, and a concave portion provided on the other and facing the convex portion with a gap therebetween. The pump body can move within the outer case due to its inertial force. When the width of the movement of the pump body exceeds a certain value, the convex portion hits the concave portion and further movement of the pump body is restricted, preventing the pump body from colliding with the outer case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It has not been easy to appropriately limit the movement of the pump in the case, and there has been room for improvement.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for restricting the movement of a pump within a case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in the following applications:

[0007] [Application Example 1] It is a blower, The case and The pump housed in the aforementioned case, A support portion that vibratesly supports the pump relative to the case, the support portion including an elastic member connected to the pump, Equipped with, The pump includes a first pump projection, which is a portion that protrudes in a first direction, which is the horizontal direction expected when the blower is in use. The case includes a first side wall portion that is on the first direction side of the case and is away from the pump, The first side wall portion includes a first wall projection and a second wall projection, which are two portions that project in a first opposite direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction, within the case. The first wall projection includes a portion located in a second direction from the first pump projection and facing the first pump projection, the second direction being a horizontal direction assumed to occur when the blower is in use and perpendicular to the first direction. The second wall projection includes a portion located in a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction of the first pump projection, and facing the first pump projection. The upward vertical direction expected when using the aforementioned blower is referred to as the expected upward direction. When viewing the first pump projection, the first wall projection, and the second wall projection in the second direction, The first overlapping region, which is the region where the first pump protrusion and the first wall protrusion overlap, is not positioned lower than the highest contact portion, which is the highest part of the contact area between the elastic member and the pump, in the assumed upward direction, but is positioned higher than the highest contact portion. The second overlapping region, which is the region where the first pump protrusion and the second wall protrusion overlap, is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portion. Blower.

[0008] In this configuration, when the pump moves parallel to the case in the second direction, the first pump protrusion contacts the portion of the first wall protrusion included in the first superposition region, or the portion of the second wall protrusion included in the second superposition region, thus restricting the movement of the pump within the case. Consequently, the possibility of damage to blower components due to the movement of the pump relative to the case is reduced. Furthermore, when viewing the first pump protrusion, the first wall protrusion, and the second wall protrusion in the second direction, in the assumed upward direction, the first superposition region is positioned higher than the highest contact point, not lower, and the second superposition region is positioned higher than the highest contact point, not lower. Consequently, the degree of freedom in blower operation is improved.

[0009] [Application Example 2] The blower described in Application Example 1, The pump includes a second pump projection, which is a portion that protrudes in the first opposite direction. The case includes a second side wall portion that is on the first opposite side of the case and away from the pump, The second side wall portion includes a third wall projection and a fourth wall projection, which are two portions that protrude in the first direction within the case. The third wall projection includes a portion located in the second direction of the second pump projection and facing the second pump projection, The fourth wall projection includes a portion located in the second opposite direction to the second pump projection and facing the second pump projection, When viewing the second pump projection, the third wall projection, and the fourth wall projection in the second direction, The third overlapping region, which is the region where the second pump protrusion and the third wall protrusion overlap, is not positioned lower than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is positioned higher than the highest contact portion. The fourth overlapping region, which is the region where the second pump protrusion and the fourth wall protrusion overlap, is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portion. Blower.

[0010] In this configuration, when the pump moves parallel to the case in the second direction, the first pump projection protruding in the first direction contacts the first wall projection or the second wall projection, and the second pump projection protruding in the first opposite direction contacts the third wall projection or the fourth wall projection, thus appropriately restricting the movement of the pump within the case. Furthermore, when viewing the second pump projection, the third wall projection, and the fourth wall projection in the second direction, the third superposition region is positioned higher than the highest contact point, not lower, and the fourth superposition region is positioned higher than the highest contact point, not lower. Consequently, the degree of freedom in blower operation is improved.

[0011] [Application Example 3] The blower described in Application Example 2, The maximum width of the first superimposed region in the first direction and the maximum width of the second superimposed region in the first direction are greater than the minimum distance in the first direction between the second pump protrusion and the second side wall. The maximum width of the third superimposed region in the first direction and the maximum width of the fourth superimposed region in the first direction are greater than the minimum distance in the first direction between the first pump protrusion and the first side wall. Blower.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the pump moves parallel to the case in the first direction, the possibility that the first pump protrusion moves out of the range between the first wall protrusion and the second wall protrusion, and the possibility that the second pump protrusion moves out of the range between the third wall protrusion and the fourth wall protrusion are reduced.

[0013] [Application Example 4] A blower according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, The portion of the case on the second direction side includes a discharge port configured to discharge the gas output from the pump, The portion of the case on the opposite second direction side has a through hole, The blower further includes a power cable passing through the through hole, The length of the first overlapping region in the assumed upward direction is longer than the length of the second overlapping region in the assumed upward direction. Blower.

[0014] When the portion of the blower on the opposite second direction side collides with another member (for example, the ground), the first pump protrusion may contact the second wall protrusion in the opposite second direction. Here, by the power cable contacting another member, the impact can be mitigated. When the portion of the blower on the second direction side collides with another member, the first pump protrusion may contact the first wall protrusion in the second direction. Here, the discharge port may collide with another member. In this case, a stronger force can be transmitted to the blower compared to the case where the power cable contacts another member. That is, the first wall protrusion can receive a strong force from the first pump protrusion. Here, the length of the first overlapping region in the assumed upward direction associated with the first wall protrusion is longer than the length of the second overlapping region in the assumed upward direction associated with the second wall protrusion. Therefore, when the first wall protrusion receives a strong force from the first pump protrusion, it can appropriately limit the movement of the pump.

[0015] [Application Example 5] A blower according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, At the assumed first specific position in the upward direction, which is included in both the first overlapping region of the first wall protrusion and the second overlapping region of the second wall protrusion, on a cross section parallel to the first and second directions of the first wall protrusion and the second wall protrusion, The first wall projection has a first rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the second direction, and a second rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the second opposite direction, The radius of the first rounded chamfer is greater than the radius of the second rounded chamfer. The second wall projection has a third rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the second direction, and a fourth rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the opposite second direction. The radius of the fourth rounded chamfer is greater than the radius of the third rounded chamfer. Blower.

[0016] This configuration reduces the possibility of the first pump projection moving outside the range between the first wall projection and the second wall projection. Furthermore, if the first pump projection does move outside the range between the first wall projection and the second wall projection, it can easily return to that range.

[0017] [Application Example 6] A blower as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 5, In a projection view obtained by projecting the pump parallel to the assumed upward direction onto a plane parallel to the first and second directions, the first pump protrusion forms an end of the pump that protrudes in the first direction of the projection view. Blower.

[0018] With this configuration, the first wall projection and the second wall projection restrict the movement of the first pump projection, which forms an end that protrudes in the first direction in the projection view of the pump, thereby appropriately restricting the movement of the pump.

[0019] [Application Example 7] A blower as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 6, The case includes the upper wall portion, which is the assumed upward portion of the case. The aforementioned upper wall portion is The first upper portion located in the assumed upward direction of the portion included in the first superimposed region of the first wall protrusion as viewed in the second direction, The second upper portion located in the assumed upward direction of the portion of the second wall projection that is included in the second overlapping region when viewed in the second direction, Includes, The first wall projection is connected to at least a portion of the first upper portion and the first side wall portion, The second wall projection is connected to at least a portion of the second upper portion and the first side wall portion. Blower.

[0020] This configuration improves the strength of both the first wall protrusion and the second wall protrusion.

[0021] [Application Example 8] A blower as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 7, At the second specific position in the assumed upward direction, which is included in both the first overlapping region of the first wall projection and the second overlapping region of the second wall projection, on a cross-section of the first side wall parallel to the first and second directions, The portion between the first wall projection and the second wall projection protrudes in the first opposite direction compared to the inner surface portion closest to the first direction formed by the portion of the first wall projection connected to the second direction side, and the inner surface portion closest to the first direction formed by the portion of the second wall projection connected to the second opposite direction side. Blower.

[0022] With this configuration, the portion between the first wall protrusion and the second wall protrusion can appropriately restrict the movement of the first pump protrusion in the first direction.

[0023] [Application Example 9] A blower as described in any of Application Examples 1 to 8, The case includes a plurality of parts that are separated from each other, The aforementioned multiple parts include the upper part, The upper component includes an upper wall portion which is the assumed upward direction side of the case, which is the vertically upward direction assumed when the blower is in use, and an annular side wall portion which is connected to the side of the upper wall portion opposite to the assumed upward direction and surrounds the pump, wherein the annular side wall portion includes the first side wall portion. Blower.

[0024] With this configuration, the case can be properly formed by using multiple parts, including the upper part.

[0025] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms, for example, as a blower, a wastewater treatment system comprising a blower and a wastewater treatment device, a water tank system comprising a blower and a water tank, and so on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a wastewater treatment system. [Figure 2] Figures (A)-(C) show the external appearance of the blower 100. [Figure 3] (A) is an exploded perspective view of blower 100. (B) is a perspective view of upper part 300 of case 200. [Figure 4] (A) is a diagram showing the internal structure of the blower 100 as viewed in the first direction D1. (B) is a diagram showing the internal structure of the blower 100 as viewed in the direction -D3. [Figure 5] (A)-(B) are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324 and the pump protrusions 590a and 590b. (C) and (D) are diagrams showing the pump 500, upper component 300, and support part 600 as viewed in the +D2 direction. [Figure 6] -This diagram shows the pump 500 and the upper wall portion 380 of the upper component 300, viewed from the direction of D3. [Figure 7]-This diagram shows the wall protrusions 311 and 312 and the first pump protrusion 590a as viewed from the direction of D3. [Figure 8] Figures (A)-(C) show the movement of pump 500 in the second direction D2. [Figure 9] Figures (A)-(C) show the movement of the pump 500 in the first direction D1. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the rotation of pump 500. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] A. First Example: A1. Configuration of the wastewater treatment system: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system 10 in this embodiment includes a wastewater treatment device 20 and a blower 100 connected to the wastewater treatment device 20 via a connecting pipe 40. The blower 100 supplies air, an example of an oxygen-containing gas, to the wastewater treatment device 20 via the connecting pipe 40.

[0028] The wastewater treatment device 20 purifies wastewater from facilities such as ordinary households (such a device is also called a "septic tank"). The wastewater treatment device 20 may have one or more different water treatment tanks. Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment the wastewater treatment device 20 has a contaminant removal tank, an anaerobic treatment tank, an aerobic treatment tank, a treated water tank, and a disinfection tank. The wastewater is treated by these water treatment tanks in this order. The contaminant removal tank separates solid matter from the wastewater. The anaerobic treatment tank performs anaerobic treatment using anaerobic microorganisms. The aerobic treatment tank performs aerobic treatment using aerobic microorganisms. The treated water tank temporarily stores the water from the aerobic treatment tank. The disinfection tank disinfects the water from the treated water tank.

[0029] The wastewater treatment device 20 may have various devices that operate using air from the blower 100. Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment the wastewater treatment device 20 has an aeration device located in the aerobic treatment tank and an airlift pump that transfers water from the treatment water tank to the impurity removal tank. The aeration device discharges air from the blower 100 into the water. This supplies oxygen to the water. Aerobic microorganisms use the oxygen in the water to perform aerobic treatment. The airlift pump uses air from the blower 100 to transfer water from the treatment water tank to the impurity removal tank. This causes the water to circulate through multiple water treatment tanks. Within the wastewater treatment device 20, the pipe connected to the connecting pipe 40 branches into a pipe connected to the aeration device and a pipe connected to the airlift pump.

[0030] In Figure 1, the wastewater treatment device 20 is buried underground 90. Alternatively, the wastewater treatment device 20 may be installed above ground.

[0031] A2. Blower 100 configuration: Figures 2(A) and 2(C) show the external appearance of the blower 100. Figure 2(A) shows the blower 100 viewed from the side, and Figures 2(B) and 2(C) show perspective views of the blower 100. Figures 2(A) and 2(C) show three directions D1, D2, and D3 that are pre-associated with the blower 100 and are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the blower 100 is assumed to be installed and used on a horizontal, flat surface (for example, a horizontal ground). The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are the horizontal directions assumed when the blower 100 is in use. The third direction D3 is the vertically upward direction assumed when the blower 100 is in use. Hereinafter, the third direction D3 will also be referred to as the assumed upward direction D3.

[0032] Here, the first direction D1 is also called the +D1 direction, and the opposite direction of the first direction D1 is also called the -D1 direction. Similarly, for the other directions D2 and D3, the same direction and the opposite direction are expressed by the positive and negative signs before the sign.

[0033] The blower 100 comprises a case 200 and a cover 110 mounted on top of the case 200. Although not shown in the illustration, a filter is positioned between the case 200 and the cover 110, and a through-hole is formed in the upper part of the case 200. Air flows into the cover 110 through the gap between the cover 110 and the case 200, and flows into the interior of the case 200 through the filter and the through-hole in the case 200.

[0034] The case 200 has an upper part 300 that forms the upper portion of the case 200 and a lower part 400 that forms the lower portion of the case 200. As will be described later, a pump is housed inside the case 200. As shown in Figure 2(B), the portion of the case 200 on the -D2 side forms a through hole 200o surrounded by the upper part 300 and the lower part 400. The blower 100 has a power cable 180 that passes through this through hole 200o. Power is supplied to the pump through the power cable 180. Also, as shown in Figure 2(C), the portion of the lower part 400 on the +D2 side forms a discharge port 490 configured to discharge air output from the pump. In this embodiment, the shape of the discharge port 490 is cylindrical. A pipe for airflow (for example, a connecting pipe 40 (Figure 1)) is connected to the discharge port 490.

[0035] Figure 3(A) is an exploded perspective view of the blower 100. The blower 100 has multiple components arranged in the +D3 direction, including a lower component 400, an elastic sheet 710, a support 600, a pump 500, and an upper component 300.

[0036] Figure 4(A) is a diagram showing the internal structure of the blower 100 as viewed in the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A), the lower part 400 of the case 200 forms a recess 400r that is recessed in the -D3 direction. The lower part 400 has an annular end 400f in the +D3 direction. The end 400f forms an opening 400o of the recess 400r. The end 400f includes a portion that protrudes outward from the opening 400o to form a flange.

[0037] Figure 3(B) is a perspective view of the upper part 300 of the case 200. As shown in Figures 3(B) and 4(A), the upper part 300 of the case 200 forms a recess 300r that is recessed in the +D3 direction. The upper part 300 has an annular end 300f in the -D3 direction. The end 300f forms an opening 300o of the recess 300r. The end 300f includes a portion that projects outward from the opening 300o to form a flange. The upper part 300 includes an upper wall portion 380 which is the +D3 direction side of the case 200, and an annular side wall portion 370 which is connected to the -D3 direction side of the upper wall portion 380 and surrounds the pump 500.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4(A), the upper part 300 is positioned in the +D3 direction of the lower part 400 such that the end 300f of the upper part 300 faces the end 400f of the lower part 400. The space 200s enclosed by the upper part 300 and the lower part 400 corresponds to the internal space of the case 200.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3(A), multiple screw holes 4H1-4H4 are formed in the end portion 400f of the lower part 400. As shown in Figures 2(B), 2(C), and 3(A), the upper part 300 and the lower part 400 are fixed to each other by fastening multiple bolts B1-B4, which pass through through holes (not shown) in the end portion 300f of the upper part 300, into the multiple screw holes 4H1-4H4 of the lower part 400.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A), a support portion 600 and an elastic sheet 710 are positioned between the upper part 300 and the lower part 400. As shown in Figure 3(A), the support portion 600 includes a plate 620 and four vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b. The plate 620 is parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and covers the entire opening 400o of the lower part 400. The elastic sheet 710 is sandwiched between the plate 620 and the lower part 400. The elastic sheet 710 seals the gap between the plate 620 and the lower part 400. The plate 620 and the elastic sheet 710 are fixed to the case 200 by being sandwiched between the end 300f of the upper part 300 and the end 400f of the lower part 400.

[0041] Plate 620 divides the internal space 200s of case 200 (Figure 4(A)) into an upper space 300s and a lower space 400s. The upper space 300s is the space enclosed by plate 620 and upper component 300. The lower space 400s is the space enclosed by plate 620 and lower component 400.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3(A), four vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b are fixed to the plate 620. The four vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b are arranged in a grid pattern on the plate 620 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the figure, vibration-damping rubber 611a is located in the upper right, vibration-damping rubber 611b in the lower right, vibration-damping rubber 612a in the upper left, and vibration-damping rubber 612b in the lower left (here, right indicates the +D2 direction and up indicates the +D1 direction).

[0043] Figure 4(A) shows several components, including vibration-damping rubbers 611b and 612b, a pump 500, a plate 620, and an upper component 300. The pump 500 is positioned in the upper space 300s, away from both the plate 620 and the upper component 300. In the figure, the vibration-damping rubbers 611b and 612b are hatched. The portions of the vibration-damping rubbers 611b and 612b on the -D3 direction side are fixed to the plate 620. The portion of the pump 500 on the -D3 direction side has legs 511b and 512b. The portions of the vibration-damping rubbers 611b and 612b on the +D3 direction side are fixed to the legs 511b and 512b of the pump 500, respectively. Although not shown in the diagram, the other vibration-damping rubbers 611a and 612a (Figure 3(A)) are similarly fixed to the plate 620 and the legs of the pump 500. As a result, the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b support the pump 500 at a position away from the plate 620 in the +D3 direction.

[0044] There may be various methods for fixing the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b to the plate 620. For example, the thin parts of the vibration-damping rubbers may be fitted into the through holes in the plate 620. Also, there may be various methods for fixing the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b to the legs of the pump 500. For example, the thin parts of the vibration-damping rubbers may be fitted into the through holes in the legs.

[0045] Figure 4(B) shows the internal structure of the blower 100 as viewed in the direction of -D3. The figure shows the pump 500 and the side wall portion 370 of the upper component 300. The central axis Cx indicates the central axis of the blower 100 parallel to the third direction D3. The first virtual plane PL1 is a virtual plane that includes the central axis Cx and is parallel to the first direction D1 (hereinafter, the first virtual plane PL1 will simply be called the first plane PL1). The second virtual plane PL2 is a virtual plane that includes the central axis Cx and is parallel to the second direction D2 (hereinafter, the second virtual plane PL2 will simply be called the second plane PL2). The shape of the side wall portion 370 is approximately mirror-symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2. The structure of the pump 500 is approximately mirror-symmetric with respect to the first plane PL1 and also approximately mirror-symmetric with respect to the second plane PL2.

[0046] The side wall portion 370 includes a first side wall portion 310 on the +D1 direction side, a second side wall portion 320 on the -D1 direction side, a third side wall portion 330 on the +D2 direction side, and a fourth side wall portion 340 on the -D2 direction side.

[0047] The pump 500 has a first frame 511 located in the +D2 direction of the first surface PL1, and a second frame 512 located in the -D2 direction of the first surface PL1. As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(B), each frame 511, 512 is a plate extending from the -D1 end to the +D1 end of the pump 500, and includes a plate parallel to the assumed upward direction D3. The first frame 511 further includes a leg 511b connected to the vibration-damping rubber 611b, and a leg (not shown) connected to the vibration-damping rubber 611a. The second frame 512 further includes a leg 512b connected to the vibration-damping rubber 612b, and a leg (not shown) connected to the vibration-damping rubber 612a. Each leg is a plate parallel to directions D1 and D2.

[0048] Pump 500 (Figure 4(B)) includes a first core 521 located in the +D1 direction of the second surface PL2, a first coil 531 wound around the first core 521, a second core 522 located in the -D2 direction of the second surface PL2, and a second coil 532 wound around the second core 522. The cores 521 and 522 and the coils 531 and 532 are arranged between frames 511 and 512.

[0049] The first core 521 includes an external portion e1c which is in the +D1 direction relative to the first coil 531. The external portion e1c is sandwiched between the +D1 end e1a of the first frame 511 and the +D1 end e1b of the second frame 512. These portions e1a, e1b, and e1c form the first pump projection 590a, which is the portion of the pump 500 that protrudes in the +D1 direction. Similarly, the second core 522 includes an external portion e2c which is in the -D1 direction relative to the second coil 532. The external portion e2c is sandwiched between the -D1 end e2a of the first frame 511 and the -D1 end e2b of the second frame 512. These portions e2a, e2b, and e2c form the second pump projection 590b, which is the portion of the pump 500 that protrudes in the -D1 direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(B), frames 511 and 512 are bent such that the distance between frames 511 and 512 in the portion forming the pump protrusions 590a and 590b is smaller than the distance between frames 511 and 512 in the portion sandwiching coils 531 and 532. Here, the distance between frames 511 and 512 represents the distance in the second direction D2.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3(A), in the second pump projection 590b, screws Sb1 and Sb2, which pass through the frames 511 and 512 and the second core 522, fix these members 511, 512, and 522. Similarly, in the first pump projection 590a, screws (not shown) that pass through the frames 511 and 512 and the first core 521 fix these members 511, 512, and 521.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4(B), the pump 500 has an oscillator 580 extending along the second surface PL2. The oscillator 580 is positioned between the first core 521 and the second core 522. The oscillator 580 has a permanent magnet (not shown). Power (in this case, AC voltage) is supplied to coils 531 and 532 through a power cable 180 (Figure 4(A)). The coils 531 and 532 use the power supplied to them to vibrate the oscillator 580 parallel to the second direction D2. Although not shown, frames 511 and 512 have through holes through which the oscillator 580 passes when it vibrates.

[0053] Pump 500 further includes a first compression assembly 541 fixed to the +D2 side of the first frame 511, and a second compression assembly 542 fixed to the -D2 side of the second frame 512. Although not shown in the figures, each of the compression assemblies 541 and 542 includes a diaphragm and a compression chamber whose volume changes according to the deformation of the diaphragm. The oscillator 580 is connected to the diaphragms of the respective compression assemblies 541 and 542. The vibration of the oscillator 580 causes the diaphragms of the respective compression assemblies 541 and 542 to vibrate, causing repeated increases and decreases in the volume of each compression chamber.

[0054] Although not shown in the figures, each of the compression assemblies 541 and 542 further has an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The intake valve opens when the volume of the compression chamber increases, allowing air to flow into the compression chamber from the upper space 300s. The exhaust valve opens when the volume of the compression chamber decreases, expelling air from the compression chamber. As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A), the compression assemblies 541 and 542 each have cylindrical output ports 541o and 542o extending in the -D3 direction. The air expelled from the compression chamber is output to the outside of the compression assemblies 541 and 542 through the output ports 541o and 542o.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A), the plate 620 of the support section 600 has through holes 6H1 and 6H2. As shown in Figure 4(A), the output ports 541o and 542o of the pump 500 are inserted into the through holes 6H1 and 6H2 of the plate 620, respectively. Output grommets 721 and 722 are fitted into the through holes 6H1 and 6H2 to seal the gap between the plate 620 and the output ports 541o and 542o. The output grommets 721 and 722 are formed using an elastic material (for example, rubber, silicone, or other resin).

[0056] The air output from the output ports 541o and 542o flows into the lower space 400s. The discharge port 490 of the lower component 400 is in communication with the lower space 400s. The air that flows into the lower space 400s is discharged outside the blower 100 through the discharge port 490. The pressure of the air output from the pump 500 fluctuates in accordance with the repeated compression of air by the compression assemblies 541 and 542. The lower space 400s can mitigate the pressure fluctuations of the air output from the discharge port 490 by temporarily storing the air output from the pump 500. Although not shown in the figure, the lower component 400 forms multiple walls within the lower space 400s that cause the airflow path from the output ports 541o and 542o to the discharge port 490 to meander. This allows the lower component 400 to further mitigate pressure fluctuations.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3(A), the portion of the end 400f of the lower part 400 on the -D2 direction side forms a recess 480 that is recessed in the -D3 direction. As shown in Figure 4(A), the end 300f of the upper part 300 and the recess 480 of the lower part 400 form a through hole 200o through which the power cable 180 passes. A grommet 482 is installed inside the through hole 200o to seal the gap between the power cable 180 and the case 200 (i.e., the upper part 300 and the lower part 400). The grommet 482 is made using an elastic material (e.g., rubber, silicone, or other resin).

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(B), the first side wall portion 310 of the upper component 300 includes a first wall projection 311 and a second wall projection 312 that project in the -D1 direction within the case 200. The first pump projection 590a is located between the wall projections 311 and 312.

[0059] The second side wall portion 320 of the upper component 300 includes a third wall projection 323 and a fourth wall projection 324 that project in the +D1 direction within the case 200. The second pump projection 590b is located between the wall projections 323 and 324.

[0060] A3. Configuration of the pump protrusion and the wall protrusion: The details of the configuration of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b and the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324 will be explained. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show the positional relationship between the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324 and the pump protrusions 590a and 590b.

[0061] Figure 5(A) shows the first pump projection 590a and wall projections 311 and 312 as viewed in the direction of +D1. In the assumed upward direction D3, the first wall projection 311 extends from its upper end U11, which is higher than the upper end Ua of the first pump projection 590a, to its lower end L11, which is at the height between the upper end Ua and the lower end La of the first pump projection 590a. The second wall projection 312 extends from its upper end U12, which is higher than the upper end Ua of the first pump projection 590a, to its lower end L12, which is at the height between the upper end Ua and the lower end La of the first pump projection 590a. Thus, a portion of the first pump projection 590a on the assumed upward direction D3 side is located between the wall projections 311 and 312.

[0062] In this embodiment, in the assumed upward direction D3, the height of the upper end U11 of the first wall projection 311 is the same as the height of the upper end U12 of the second wall projection 312. The height of the lower end L11 of the first wall projection 311 is lower than the height of the lower end L12 of the second wall projection 312.

[0063] Figure 5(B) shows the second pump projection 590b and wall projections 323 and 324 as viewed in the direction of -D1. In the assumed upward direction D3, the third wall projection 323 extends from its upper end U23, which is higher than the upper end Ub of the second pump projection 590b, to its lower end L23, which is at the height between the upper end Ub and the lower end Lb of the second pump projection 590b. The fourth wall projection 324 extends from its upper end U24, which is higher than the upper end Ub of the second pump projection 590b, to its lower end L24, which is at the height between the upper end Ub and the lower end Lb of the second pump projection 590b. Thus, a portion of the second pump projection 590b on the assumed upward direction D3 side is located between the wall projections 323 and 324.

[0064] In this embodiment, in the assumed upward direction D3, the height of the upper end U23 of the third wall projection 323 is the same as the height of the upper end U24 of the fourth wall projection 324. The height of the lower end L23 of the third wall projection 323 is lower than the height of the lower end L24 of the fourth wall projection 324.

[0065] Figure 5(C) shows a portion of the pump 500, a portion of the upper component 300, and a portion of the support portion 600 as viewed in the +D2 direction. The figure shows the first frame 511 which forms the portion of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b on the +D2 direction side. The figure also shows the first wall protrusion 311 and the third wall protrusion 323 located in the +D2 direction of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b. The first frame 511 forms a leg 511a on the +D1 direction side of the first frame 511 and a leg 511b on the -D1 direction side of the first frame 511. The leg 511a is supported by vibration-damping rubber 611a, and the leg 511b is supported by vibration-damping rubber 611b.

[0066] The hatched area A1 on the left side of the figure is the overlapping area between the first pump projection 590a and the first wall projection 311 (referred to as the first superimposed area A1). The width W1 is the maximum width of the first superimposed area A1 in the first direction D1 (referred to as the first maximum width W1). The width of the first superimposed area A1 in the first direction D1 can change depending on the position in the third direction D3. The first maximum width W1 is the maximum of these possible widths. The first length L1 is the length of the first superimposed area A1 in the third direction D3. The first length L1 indicates the difference in position in the third direction D3 between the upper and lower ends of the first superimposed area A1. As will be described later, when the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200, the first pump projection 590a contacts the first wall projection 311 in at least a portion of the first superimposed area A1.

[0067] The hatched area A3 on the right side of the figure is the overlapping area between the second pump projection 590b and the third wall projection 323 (referred to as the third overlapping area A3). The third maximum width W3 is the maximum width of the third overlapping area A3 in the first direction D1. The third maximum width W3 is the maximum of the possible widths of the third overlapping area A3. The third length L3 is the length of the third overlapping area A3 in the third direction D3. The third length L3 indicates the difference in position in the third direction D3 between the upper and lower ends of the third overlapping area A3. In this embodiment, the third length L3 is the same as the first length L1. As will be described later, when the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200, the second pump projection 590b contacts the third wall projection 323 in at least a portion of the third overlapping area A3.

[0068] Figure 5(D) shows a portion of the pump 500, a portion of the upper component 300, and a portion of the support portion 600 as viewed in the +D2 direction. Unlike Figure 5(C), the figure shows the second frame 512 which forms the portion of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b on the -D2 direction side. Also shown are the second wall protrusion 312 and the fourth wall protrusion 324 located in the -D2 direction of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b. The second frame 512 forms a leg 512a on the +D1 direction side of the second frame 512 and a leg 512b on the -D1 direction side of the second frame 512. Leg 512a is supported by vibration-damping rubber 612a, and leg 512b is supported by vibration-damping rubber 612b.

[0069] The hatched area A2 on the left side of the figure is the overlapping area between the first pump projection 590a and the second wall projection 312 (referred to as the second overlapping area A2). The second maximum width W2 is the maximum width of the second overlapping area A2 in the first direction D1. The second maximum width W2 is the maximum of the variable widths of the second overlapping area A2. In this embodiment, the second maximum width W2 is the same as the first maximum width W1. The second length L2 is the length of the second overlapping area A2 in the third direction D3. The second length L2 indicates the difference in position in the third direction D3 between the upper end and lower end of the second overlapping area A2. In this embodiment, the second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1 (Figure 5(C)). Although not shown in the diagram, when viewed in the direction of +D2, the -D1 end 312e of the second wall projection 312 overlaps with the -D1 end 311e of the first wall projection 311 (Figure 5(C)). As will be described later, when the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the first pump projection 590a comes into contact with the second wall projection 312 in at least a portion of the second overlapping region A2.

[0070] The hatched area A4 on the right side of the figure is the overlapping area between the second pump projection 590b and the fourth wall projection 324 (referred to as the fourth overlapping area A4). The fourth maximum width W4 is the maximum width of the fourth overlapping area A4 in the first direction D1. The fourth maximum width W4 is the maximum of the variable widths of the fourth overlapping area A4. In this embodiment, the fourth maximum width W4 is the same as the third maximum width W3 (Figure 5(C)). The fourth length L4 is the length of the fourth overlapping area A4 in the third direction D3. The fourth length L4 indicates the difference in position in the third direction D3 between the upper and lower ends of the fourth overlapping area A4. In this embodiment, the fourth length L4 is the same as the second length L2 and shorter than the third length L3 (Figure 5(C)). Although not shown in the diagram, when viewed in the +D2 direction, the +D1 end 324e of the fourth wall projection 324 overlaps with the +D1 end 323e of the third wall projection 323 (Figure 5(C)). As will be described later, when the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the second pump projection 590b contacts the fourth wall projection 324 in at least a portion of the fourth overlapping region A4.

[0071] In the lower part of Figure 5(C), the sections P1a and P1b, represented by thick lines, indicate the highest points in the assumed upward direction D3 of the contact area between the legs 511a and 511b and the vibration-damping rubbers 611a and 611b, respectively. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the legs 511a and 511b on the +D3 direction side form sections P1a and P1b. In the lower part of Figure 5(D), the sections P2a and P2b, represented by thick lines, indicate the highest points in the assumed upward direction D3 of the contact area between the legs 512a and 512b and the vibration-damping rubbers 612a and 612b, respectively. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the legs 512a and 512b on the +D3 direction side form sections P2a and P2b. In this embodiment, the height in the assumed upward direction D3 is the same among sections P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. Parts P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b form the highest contact portion, which is the highest portion in the assumed upward direction D3 among the contact areas between the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b and the pump 500 (hereinafter, parts P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b will also be referred to as the highest contact portion P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b).

[0072] Figure 6 shows the pump 500 and the upper wall portion 380 of the upper component 300 as viewed in the direction of -D3. In the figure, the outline of the pump 500 is represented by a dotted line. As shown in Figures 3(B) and 4(A), the upper wall portion 380 includes upper protrusions 390a and 390b that project in the direction of -D3 within the case 200. The other upper protrusions 390c and 390d (Figure 6) also project in the direction of -D3, similar to the upper protrusions 390a and 390b. As shown in Figure 6, the upper protrusions 390a, 390b, 390c, and 390d are located between the frames 511 and 512 of the pump 500. As shown in Figure 4(A), in the assumed upward direction D3, the upper protrusions 390a and 390b extend to a position lower than the upper ends of the frames 511 and 512 of the pump 500. Although not shown in the diagram, the other upper protrusions 390c and 390d also extend to a position lower than the upper ends of frames 511 and 512. Note that the upper protrusions 390a-390d are separated from frames 511 and 512 (and consequently from the pump 500).

[0073] In Figure 6, hatching is applied to the upper parts PU1, PU2, PU3, and PU4, which are a portion of the upper wall 380. In Figures 5(C) and 5(D), the upper parts PU1, PU2, PU3, and PU4 are represented by thick lines.

[0074] The first upper portion PU1 (Figures 5(C) and 6) is the portion located in the +D3 direction of the portion 311p included in the first superimposed region A1 of the first wall projection 311 when viewed in the +D2 direction. The first wall projection 311 is connected to both the first upper portion PU1 of the upper wall portion 380 and the first side wall portion 310. In this embodiment, the first wall projection 311 extends from the first upper portion PU1 in the -D3 direction.

[0075] The configuration of the other upper portions PU2, PU3, and PU4 is the same as that of the first upper portion PU1. The upper portions PU2, PU3, and PU4 are the portions 312p, 323p, and 324p located in the +D3 direction of the overlapping regions A2, A3, and A4 of the wall projections 312, 323, and 324 (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)) as viewed in the +D2 direction. The second wall projection 312 is connected to both the second upper portion PU2 and the first side wall portion 310. The third wall projection 323 is connected to both the third upper portion PU3 and the second side wall portion 320. The fourth wall projection 324 is connected to both the fourth upper portion PU4 and the second side wall portion 320. In this embodiment, the wall projections 312, 323, and 324 extend from the upper portions PU2, PU3, and PU4 in the -D3 direction, respectively.

[0076] Figure 7 shows the wall protrusions 311 and 312 and the first pump protrusion 590a as viewed in the direction of -D3. The figure shows cross-sections parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. These cross-sections are at a specific position HS (Figure 5(C)) and Figure 5(D)) in the third direction D3. The specific position HS is a position included in both the first superposition region A1 (Figure 5(C)) of the first wall protrusion 311 and the second superposition region A2 (Figure 5(D)) of the second wall protrusion 312. That is, the specific position HS is within the range PR of the assumed upward direction D3, which is included in both superposition regions A1 and A2.

[0077] The first portion Po1, located in the +D2 direction of the first wall projection 311 (Figure 7), is the inner surface formed by the portion of the first side wall 310 connected to the +D2 direction side of the first wall projection 311, and is the portion closest to the first direction D1. The second portion Po2, located in the -D2 direction of the second wall projection 312, is the inner surface formed by the portion of the first side wall 310 connected to the -D2 direction side of the second wall projection 312, and is the portion closest to the first direction D1. The intermediate portion 319 is the portion between the first wall projection 311 and the second wall projection 312. As shown in the figure, the intermediate portion 319 protrudes in the -D1 direction compared to the first portion Po1 and the second portion Po2. That is, the position of the intermediate portion 319 in the -D1 direction is located in the -D1 direction of the position of portions Po1 and Po2 in the -D1 direction. The protrusion amount dm1 indicates the amount of protrusion of the intermediate portion 319 relative to portions Po1 and Po2. As shown in Figures 3(B), 5(C), and 5(D), the -D3 end L19 of the intermediate portion 319 is located in the -D3 direction more than the lower ends L11 and L12 of the wall protrusions 311 and 312.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first wall projection 311 has a corner C1 on the +D2 direction side and a corner C2 on the -D2 direction side. These corners C1 and C2 are rounded and chamfered. Hereinafter, the portion of the first wall projection 311 that forms corner C1 will be called the first rounded chamfer RC1, and the portion that forms corner C2 will be called the second rounded chamfer RC2. The radii R1 and R2 in the figure indicate the radii of curvature of the rounded chamfers RC1 and RC2 on the cross-section in Figure 7, respectively. As shown in the figure, the radius R1 of the first rounded chamfer RC1 is larger than the radius R2 of the second rounded chamfer RC2. Similarly, the second wall projection 312 has a corner C3 on the +D2 direction side and a corner C4 on the -D2 direction side. These corners C3 and C4 are rounded and chamfered. Hereinafter, the portion of the second wall projection 312 that forms corner C3 will be called the third rounded chamfer RC3, and the portion that forms corner C4 will be called the fourth rounded chamfer RC4. The radii R3 and R4 in the figure indicate the radii of curvature of the rounded chamfers RC3 and RC4 on the cross-section in Figure 7, respectively. As shown in the figure, the radius R4 of the fourth rounded chamfer RC4 is larger than the radius R3 of the third rounded chamfer RC3. The reason why radii R1-R4 are configured in this way is to reduce the possibility of the first pump projection 590a moving outside the range between the wall projections 311 and 312 (details will be described later).

[0079] As explained in Figure 4(B), in this embodiment, the shape of the side wall portion 370 is approximately mirror-symmetric with respect to the second surface PL2. The shapes of portions 323, 324, and 329 of the second side wall portion 320 are the same as the mirror images of portions 311, 312, and 319 of the first side wall portion 310 with respect to the second surface PL2 as the plane of symmetry. The intermediate portion 329 is the portion between the third wall projection 323 and the fourth wall projection 324.

[0080] Figures 5(C), 5(D), and 7 show the minimum spacings I1 and I2. As will be explained below, the minimum spacings I1 and I2 represent the minimum spacing between the first pump projection 590a and the first side wall 310. The first minimum spacing I1 is the minimum spacing between the first frame 511 and the intermediate portion 319 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. The second minimum spacing I2 is the minimum spacing between the second frame 512 and the intermediate portion 319 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second minimum spacing I2 is the same as the first minimum spacing I1. Also, the minimum spacings I1 and I2 are smaller than the minimum spacing Ic (Figure 7) between the intermediate portion 319 and the first core 521. Thus, the minimum spacings I1 and I2 represent the minimum spacing between the first pump projection 590a and the first side wall 310.

[0081] Similarly, Figures 5(C) and 5(D) show the minimum spacings I3 and I4. As will be explained below, the minimum spacings I3 and I4 represent the minimum spacing between the second pump projection 590b and the second side wall 320. The minimum spacings I3 and I4 are the minimum spacings between the frames 511 and 512 and the intermediate portion 329 in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the fourth minimum spacing I4 is the same as the third minimum spacing I3. Also, the minimum spacings I3 and I4 are smaller than the spacing between the intermediate portion 329 (Figure 4(B)) and the second core 522. Thus, the minimum spacings I3 and I4 represent the minimum spacing between the second pump projection 590b and the second side wall 320.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first maximum widths W1 and W2 of the superimposed regions A1 and A2 (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)) on the +D1 side of the pump 500 are greater than the minimum spacings I3 and I4 on the -D1 side of the pump 500. Similarly, the third maximum widths W3 and W4 of the superimposed regions A3 and A4 (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)) on the -D1 side of the pump 500 are greater than the minimum spacings I1 and I2 on the +D1 side of the pump 500. This is to reduce the possibility of the first pump protrusion 590a moving outside the range between the wall protrusions 311 and 312, and the possibility of the second pump protrusion 590b moving outside the range between the wall protrusions 323 and 324 (details will be described later).

[0083] A4. Pump movement inside the case: A4-1: Movement in the second direction D2: Figures 8(A) and 8(C) illustrate the movement of the pump 500 in the second direction D2. Figures 8(A) and 8(B) show the pump 500, upper component 300, and support 600 viewed in the +D1 direction. Figure 8(A) shows the blower 100 stationary on a horizontal, flat surface. In this state, the pump 500 is located in the designed position within the case 200 (referred to as the reference position SP). Figures 4(A) and 4(B) show the pump 500 in the reference position SP. When the pump 500 is operating, it vibrates due to vibrations of the transducer 580 (Figure 4(B)). The vibrations transmitted from the pump 500 to the case 200 can be mitigated by the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b (Figure 3(A)).

[0084] When the blower 100 is installed on an inclined surface, the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b may deform, and the position of the pump 500 inside the case 200 may shift from the reference position SP. However, when the inclination of the inclined surface is within a predetermined allowable range, the blower 100 is configured so that the pump 500 does not come into contact with the case 200. As will be described later, when a strong force acts on the blower 100, such as when the blower 100 falls and lands, the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b may deform significantly, and the pump 500 may come into contact with the case 200.

[0085] Figures 8(B) and 8(C) show the state in which the pump 500 has moved in the second direction D2 relative to the case 200. Figure 8(C), like Figure 4(B), shows the side wall portion 370 of the upper component 300 and the pump 500 as viewed in the -D3 direction.

[0086] The pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200 due to various reasons. For example, when the blower 100 is being transported, the blower 100 may fall. The part of the blower 100 on the +D2 side of the case 200 may touch the ground. The movement of the case 200 stops when it comes into contact with the ground. However, within the case 200, the pump 500 may move further in the +D2 direction due to its inertia. As shown in Figure 8(B), the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 612a (and also the other vibration-damping rubbers 611b, 612b (Figure 3(A))) may deform, and the position of the pump 500 may shift in the +D2 direction from the reference position SP in Figure 8(A).

[0087] In this embodiment, the wall protrusions 311 and 323 restrict the movement of the pump 500 in the second direction D2. For example, as shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C), as the pump 500 moves in the second direction D2, the portion of the first pump protrusion 590a on the +D2 direction side (here, the end e1a of the first frame 511) comes into contact with the first wall protrusion 311. The contact portion P11, shown by the thick line, indicates the contact portion between the first pump protrusion 590a and the first wall protrusion 311. The outer surface on the -D2 direction side formed by the first portion 311p of the first wall protrusion 311 comes into contact with the first pump protrusion 590a. The first portion 311p is located in the +D2 direction of the first pump protrusion 590a and faces the first pump protrusion 590a. In this embodiment, the contact portion P11 extends over approximately the entire first superimposed region A1 (Figure 5(C)).

[0088] Similarly, as shown in Figure 8(C), the portion of the second pump projection 590b on the +D2 direction side (here, the end e2a of the first frame 511) contacts the third wall projection 323. The contact portion P13, shown by the thick line, indicates the contact portion between the second pump projection 590b and the third wall projection 323. The outer surface on the -D2 direction side formed by the third portion 323p of the third wall projection 323 contacts the second pump projection 590b. The third portion 323p is located in the +D2 direction of the second pump projection 590b and faces the second pump projection 590b. In this embodiment, the contact portion P13 extends over approximately the entire third superimposed region A3 (Figure 5(C)).

[0089] Contact at contact points P11 and P13 reduces the possibility of further movement of the pump 500 in the second direction D2.

[0090] Suppose the wall protrusions 311 and 323 are omitted, and the pump 500 can move further in the second direction D2 from the positions shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C). In this case, various components of the blower 100 may be damaged. For example, the output ports 541o and 542o move further in the second direction D2 relative to the output grommets 721 and 722. As a result, one or more of these components 541o, 542o, 721, and 722 may be damaged. In this embodiment, the possibility of such malfunctions is reduced.

[0091] Although not shown in the diagram, when the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the wall protrusions 312 and 324 (Figure 8(C)) restrict the movement of the pump 500, similar to the wall protrusions 311 and 323. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the blower 100 components is reduced. Specifically, the outer surface on the +D2 direction side formed by the second portion 312p of the second wall protrusion 312 contacts the first pump protrusion 590a. The second portion 312p is located in the -D2 direction of the first pump protrusion 590a and faces the first pump protrusion 590a. Also, the outer surface on the +D2 direction side formed by the fourth portion 324p of the fourth wall protrusion 324 contacts the second pump protrusion 590b. The fourth portion 324p is located in the -D2 direction of the second pump protrusion 590b and faces the second pump protrusion 590b.

[0092] A4-2: Movement in the first direction D1: Figures 9(A) and 9(C) illustrate the movement of the pump 500 in the first direction D1. Figures 9(A) and 9(B) show the pump 500, upper component 300, and support part 600 viewed from the +D2 direction. Figure 9(A) shows the state in which the pump 500 is positioned at the reference position SP explained in Figure 8(A).

[0093] Figures 9(B) and 9(C) show the state in which the pump 500 has moved in the first direction D1 relative to the case 200. Figure 9(C), like Figure 4(B), shows the side wall portion 370 of the upper component 300 and the pump 500 as viewed from the -D3 direction. Note that in Figure 9(C), the +D1 direction is to the left and the +D2 direction is upward.

[0094] The pump 500 moves in the +D1 direction relative to the case 200 due to various reasons. For example, the portion of the case 200 on the +D1 side of the falling blower 100 may touch the ground. This stops the movement of the case 200, and the pump 500 may move further in the +D1 direction within the case 200. As shown in Figure 9(B), the vibration-damping rubbers 612a and 612b (and also other vibration-damping rubbers 611a and 611b (Figure 3(A))) may deform, and the position of the pump 500 may shift in the +D1 direction from the reference position SP in Figure 9(A).

[0095] In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 319 restricts the movement of the pump 500 in the first direction D1. For example, as shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), as the pump 500 moves in the first direction D1, the portion of the first pump projection 590a on the +D1 side (here, the ends e1a and e1b of the frames 511 and 512) comes into contact with the intermediate portion 319. The contact portions P21 and P22, shown by thick lines, indicate the contact portions between the first pump projection 590a and the intermediate portion 319. The contact at contact portions P21 and P22 reduces the possibility of further movement of the pump 500 in the first direction D1.

[0096] Suppose the position of the intermediate portion 319 (Figure 7) in the +D1 direction is located further in the +D1 direction than portions Po1 and Po2, and the pump 500 can move further in the +D1 direction from the positions shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C). In this case, various components of the blower 100 may be damaged. For example, the second output port 542o moves further in the first direction D1 relative to the output grommet 722. Similarly, the first output port 541o (Figure 4(A)) also moves further in the first direction D1 relative to the output grommet 721. As a result, one or more of these components 541o, 542o, 721, and 722 may be damaged. In this embodiment, the possibility of such malfunctions is reduced.

[0097] Although not shown in the diagram, when the pump 500 moves in the -D1 direction relative to the case 200, the intermediate portion 329 (Figure 9(C)), like the intermediate portion 319, restricts the movement of the pump 500. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the components of the blower 100 is reduced.

[0098] A4-3: Rotation: Figure 10 is a diagram showing the rotation of the pump 500. Similar to Figure 4(B), Figure 10 shows the side wall portion 370 of the upper component 300 and the pump 500 as viewed in the direction of -D3. Figure 10 shows the pump 500 rotated clockwise from the reference position SP (Figure 4(B)). The pump 500 may rotate relative to the case 200 due to various causes. For example, the corner of the case 200 of the falling blower 100 may touch the ground. This may cause the case 200 to rotate relative to the ground. Within the case 200, the pump 500 may rotate relative to the case 200.

[0099] In this embodiment, the wall protrusions 311 and 324 restrict the clockwise rotation of the pump 500. For example, as shown in Figure 10, as the pump 500 rotates clockwise, the portion of the first pump protrusion 590a on the +D2 side (here, the end e1a of the first frame 511) comes into contact with the portion of the first wall protrusion 311 on the -D2 side (here, the portion of the first portion 311p on the -D2 side). The contact portion P31, shown by the thick line, indicates the contact portion between the first pump protrusion 590a and the first wall protrusion 311. Furthermore, the portion of the second pump protrusion 590b on the -D2 side (here, the end e2b of the second frame 512) comes into contact with the portion of the fourth wall protrusion 324 on the +D2 side (here, the portion of the fourth portion 324p on the +D2 side). The contact portion P32, shown by the thick line, indicates the contact area between the second pump projection 590b and the fourth wall projection 324. The contact at contact portions P31 and P32 reduces the possibility of further clockwise rotation of the pump 500.

[0100] Suppose the wall protrusions 311 and 324 are omitted, and the pump 500 can rotate further clockwise from the position shown in Figure 10. In this case, various components of the blower 100 may be damaged. For example, the amount of misalignment between the output ports 541o and 542o and the output grommets 721 and 722 (Figure 4(A)) increases. As a result, one or more of these components 541o, 542o, 721, and 722 may be damaged. In this embodiment, the possibility of such malfunctions is reduced.

[0101] Although not shown in the diagram, when the pump 500 rotates counterclockwise relative to the case 200, the wall protrusions 312 and 323 (Figure 10), like the wall protrusions 312 and 324, restrict the rotation of the pump 500. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the components of the blower 100 is reduced.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(A), the blower 100 comprises a case 200, a pump 500 housed within the case 200, and a support portion 600. The support portion 600 includes vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b connected to the pump 500. The vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b are examples of elastic members. The support portion 600 is fixed to the case 200. The support portion 600 supports the pump 500 so that it can vibrate relative to the case 200.

[0103] As shown in Figure 4(B), the pump 500 includes a first pump projection 590a, which is a portion projecting in a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the horizontal direction assumed when the blower 100 is in use. The case 200 includes a first side wall portion 310, which is the portion of the case 200 on the side facing the first direction D1 and away from the pump 500. The first side wall portion 310 includes a first wall projection 311 and a second wall projection 312, which are two portions projecting in the -D1 direction within the case 200. The -D1 direction is the first opposite direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 5(C) and 8(C), the first wall projection 311 includes a first portion 311p located in the second direction D2 of the first pump projection 590a. The first portion 311p faces the first pump projection 590a. Here, the second direction D2 is the horizontal direction assumed when the blower 100 is in use, and is perpendicular to the first direction D1. Also, as shown in Figures 5(D) and 8(C), the second wall projection 312 includes a second portion 312p located in the -D2 direction of the first pump projection 590a. The second portion 312p faces the first pump projection 590a. The -D2 direction is a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction of the second direction D2.

[0104] Figures 5(C) and 5(D) show the first pump projection 590a, the first wall projection 311, and the second wall projection 312 as viewed in the second direction D2. The first superposition region A1 (Figure 5(C)) is the region where the first pump projection 590a and the first wall projection 311 overlap. The highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b are the highest parts in the assumed upward direction D3 among the contact portions between the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b and the pump 500. The first superposition region A1 is not positioned lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b in the assumed upward direction D3, but is positioned higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. The second superposition region A2 (Figure 5(D)) is the region where the first pump projection 590a and the second wall projection 312 overlap. In the assumed upward direction D3, the second superposition region A2 is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b.

[0105] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(B), when the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200, the first pump protrusion 590a contacts the portion of the first wall protrusion 311 included in the first superposition region A1 (in this embodiment, the first portion 311p), thus restricting the movement of the pump 500 within the case 200. Although not shown, when the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the first pump protrusion 590a contacts the portion of the second wall protrusion 312 included in the second superposition region A2 (in this embodiment, the second portion 312p), thus restricting the movement of the pump 500 within the case 200. In this way, the movement of the pump 500 relative to the case 200 in a direction parallel to the second direction D2 is restricted. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the blower 100 components (e.g., components 541o, 542o, 721, 722) due to the movement of the pump 500 relative to the case 200 is reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, the first superimposed region A1 and the second superimposed region A2 are not positioned lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b in the assumed upward direction D3, but are positioned higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. Therefore, the degree of freedom in operating the blower 100 is improved. For example, as shown in Figures 5(C) and 5(D), a space (here, the gap between the first side wall portion 310 and the pump 500) is formed in the -D3 direction of the wall protrusions 311 and 312 within the case 200. Various components such as filters and sound-absorbing materials can be placed in this space. Suppose we assume that the superimposed regions A1 and A2 extend from a position higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b to a position lower than them. In this case, the space in which components can be placed becomes smaller.

[0107] Furthermore, let us assume that the superimposed regions A1 and A2 extend from a position higher to a position lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b in the assumed upward direction D3. In this case, the first pump projection 590a is positioned between the first wall projection 311 and the second wall projection 312 across the entire superimposed regions A1 and A2 that extend from a position higher to a position lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. When the first wall projection 311, the second wall projection 312 (i.e., the upper part 300) and the first pump projection 590a are positioned in this manner during the manufacturing of the blower 100, various problems may arise. For example, the position of the upper part 300 relative to the pump 500 can be determined by moving the upper part 300 in the -D3 direction relative to the pump 500. In this case, the upper component 300 may become unable to move relative to the pump 500 due to the first pump projection 590a coming into contact with the first wall projection 311 or the second wall projection 312. In this embodiment, the possibility of such a malfunction is reduced.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration-damping rubbers 611a, 611b, 612a, and 612b support the lower portion of the pump 500. That is, as shown in Figure 5(C), in the assumed upward direction D3, the length LU of the upper portion 500U, which is higher than the highest contact portions P1a and P1b of the pump 500, is longer than the length LL of the lower portion 500L, which is lower than the highest contact portions P1a and P1b (lengths LU and LL are lengths in the direction parallel to the assumed upward direction D3). In this embodiment, the superimposed regions A1 and A2 are formed by the upper portion 500U of the pump 500. That is, the wall protrusions 311 and 312 restrict the movement of the upper portion 500U, which is the longer of the upper portion 500U and the lower portion 500L. Therefore, the wall protrusions 311 and 312 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500. The lower section 500L includes output ports 541o and 542o (Figure 4(A)).

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(B), the pump 500 includes a second pump projection 590b, which is a portion that protrudes in the -D1 direction. The case 200 includes a second side wall portion 320, which is the portion of the case 200 on the -D1 direction side and is away from the pump 500. The second side wall portion 320 includes a third wall projection 323 and a fourth wall projection 324, which are two portions that protrude in the first direction D1 within the case 200. As described above, the shapes of portions 323, 324, and 329 of the second side wall portion 320 are mirror images of the shapes of portions 311, 312, and 319 of the first side wall portion 310, with the second plane PL2 as the plane of symmetry. That is, as shown in Figures 5(C) and 8(C), the third wall projection 323 includes a third portion 323p located in the second direction D2 of the second pump projection 590b. The third portion 323p faces the second pump projection 590b. Also, as shown in Figures 5(D) and 8(C), the fourth wall projection 324 includes a fourth portion 324p located in the -D2 direction of the second pump projection 590b. The fourth portion 324p faces the second pump projection 590b.

[0110] Figures 5(C) and 5(D) show the second pump projection 590b, the third wall projection 323, and the fourth wall projection 324 as viewed in the second direction D2. The third overlapping region A3 (Figure 5(C)) is the overlapping region of the second pump projection 590b and the third wall projection 323. In the assumed upward direction D3, the third overlapping region A3 is not located lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b, but is located higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. The fourth overlapping region A4 (Figure 5(D)) is the overlapping region of the second pump projection 590b and the fourth wall projection 324. The fourth superimposed region A4 is not positioned lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b in the assumed upward direction D3, but is positioned higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b.

[0111] With this configuration, when the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200, as shown in Figure 8(C), the first pump protrusion 590a contacts the portion of the third wall protrusion 323 included in the third overlapping region A3 (in this embodiment, the third portion 323p), thus restricting the movement of the pump 500 within the case 200. Although not shown, when the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the second pump protrusion 590b contacts the portion of the fourth wall protrusion 324 included in the fourth overlapping region A4 (in this embodiment, the fourth portion 324p), thus restricting the movement of the pump 500 within the case 200. In this way, the movement of the pump 500 relative to the case 200 in a direction parallel to the second direction D2 is restricted. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the blower 100 components (e.g., components 541o, 542o, 721, 722) due to the movement of the pump 500 relative to the case 200 is reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, the third superimposed region A3 and the fourth superimposed region A4 are not positioned lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b in the assumed upward direction D3, but rather are positioned higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. Therefore, superimposed regions A3 and A4, like superimposed regions A1 and A2, can provide various advantages (for example, the flexibility of operation of the blower 100 is improved).

[0113] Furthermore, the movement of the two pump protrusions 590a and 590b, which protrude in opposite directions perpendicular to the second direction D2, in the direction parallel to the second direction D2 is restricted by the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324. Therefore, the movement of the pump 500 is appropriately restricted compared to the case where the movement of only one of the first pump protrusion 590a and the second pump protrusion 590b is restricted. For example, as shown in Figure 8(C), when the pump 500 moves in a direction parallel to the second direction D2, the movement of the two pump protrusions 590a and 590b, which protrude in opposite directions, is restricted. Compared to the case where the movement of one of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b is not restricted, the movement of the pump 500 can be appropriately restricted. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, when the pump 500 rotates within the case 200, the movement of the two pump protrusions 590a and 590b, which protrude in opposite directions, is restricted, so the rotation of the pump 500 can be appropriately restricted.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained in Figures 5(C) and 5(D), the third maximum width W3 in the first direction D1 of the third superimposed region A3 and the fourth maximum width W4 in the first direction D1 of the fourth superimposed region A4 are greater than the minimum distances I1 and I2 in the first direction D1 between the first pump protrusion 590a and the first side wall 310. Therefore, when the pump 500 moves in the +D1 direction relative to the case 200 (Figure 9(C)), the possibility of the second pump protrusion 590b moving outside the range between the wall protrusions 323 and 324 (for example, to the position of the third wall protrusion 323 in the +D2 direction) is reduced. Specifically, when the pump 500 moves in the +D1 direction, the first pump protrusion 590a may come into contact with the first side wall 310 (in this case, the intermediate portion 319). As shown in Figure 9(C), with the first pump projection 590a in contact with the intermediate portion 319, a portion of the second pump projection 590b may be located between the wall projections 323 and 324. The length L9d in the figure is the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the second pump projection 590b located between the wall projections 323 and 324. Specifically, the length L9d is the length of the portion of the second pump projection 590b located in the -D1 direction beyond the +D1 ends 323e and 324e of the wall projections 323 and 324. The length L9b is represented by W3-I1. In this embodiment, since the third maximum width W3 is greater than the minimum spacing I1, the length L9b is greater than zero. Compared to the case where the length L9b is zero or less, the possibility of the second pump projection 590b moving outside the range between the wall projections 323 and 324 is reduced.

[0115] The same applies when the pump 500 moves in the -D1 direction relative to the case 200. In this embodiment, the first maximum widths W1 and W2 of the superimposed regions A1 and A2 are greater than the minimum distances I3 and I4 between the second pump protrusion 590b and the second side wall 320. Therefore, although not shown in the figures, the possibility of the first pump protrusion 590a moving outside the range between the wall protrusions 311 and 312 is reduced when the second pump protrusion 590b is in contact with the intermediate portion 329.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(A)-2(C), the portion of the case 200 on the second direction D2 side includes a discharge port 490 configured to discharge gas output from the pump 500. The portion of the case 200 on the -D2 direction side has a through hole 200o. The blower 100 is equipped with a power cable 180 passing through the through hole 200o.

[0117] Suppose the blower 100 falls and the discharge port 490 lands on hard ground. In this case, the movement of the case 200 stops, and the pump 500 can move within the case 200 in the +D2 direction, as shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C). The pump protrusions 590a and 590b can come into contact with the wall protrusions 311 and 323. This contact causes the pump protrusions 590a and 590b to exert force on the wall protrusions 311 and 323.

[0118] Suppose the blower 100 falls and the power cable 180 lands on hard ground. In this case, although not shown in the diagram, the movement of the case 200 stops, and the pump 500 can move within the case 200 in the -D2 direction. The pump protrusions 590a and 590b can come into contact with the wall protrusions 312 and 324. This contact causes the pump protrusions 590a and 590b to exert force on the wall protrusions 312 and 324. Here, the power cable 180 is flexible and can mitigate the impact between the case 200 and the ground. As a result, the force exerted on the wall protrusions 312 and 324 by the pump protrusions 590a and 590b can be mitigated compared to the force exerted on the wall protrusions 311 and 313 by the pump protrusions 590a and 590b.

[0119] As explained in Figures 5(C) and 5(D), the assumed upward D3 length L1 of the first superposition region A1 of the first wall projection 311 is longer than the assumed upward D3 length L2 of the second superposition region A2 of the second wall projection 312. Therefore, even if the force applied to the first wall projection 311 by the first pump projection 590a is stronger than the force applied to the second wall projection 312 by the first pump projection 590a, the first wall projection 311 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500. For example, the first wall projection 311 can reduce the possibility of the first pump projection 590a moving beyond the first wall projection 311 in the +D2 direction.

[0120] Similarly, the assumed upward length D3 L3 of the third overlapping region A3 of the third wall projection 323 is longer than the assumed upward length D3 L4 of the fourth overlapping region A4 of the fourth wall projection 324. Therefore, the third wall projection 323, like the first wall projection 311, can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained in Figure 7, the first wall projection 311 and the second wall projection 312 have the following configuration. Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the first wall projection 311 and the second wall projection 312 at a specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)). This cross-section is parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As explained in Figures 5(C) and 5(D), the specific position HS is a position in the assumed upward direction D3 that is included in both the first overlapping region A1 of the first wall projection 311 and the second overlapping region A2 of the second wall projection 312.

[0122] In the cross-section shown in Figure 7, the first wall projection 311 has a first rounded chamfer RC1 that forms an angle C1 in the +D2 direction and a second rounded chamfer RC2 that forms an angle C2 in the -D2 direction. The first outward movement M1o in the figure indicates the movement of the first pump projection 590a in the +D2 direction beyond the first wall projection 311, and the first inward movement M1i indicates the movement of the first pump projection 590a in the -D2 direction beyond the first wall projection 311. The radius R1 of the first rounded chamfer RC1 is greater than the radius R2 of the second rounded chamfer RC2. In this case, the inclination of the outer surface WL1o on the +D2 side of angle C1 with respect to the second direction D2 may be smaller than the inclination of the outer surface WL1i on the -D2 side of angle C2 with respect to the second direction D2. In the example shown in Figure 7, the outer surface WL1o is inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction D2, while the outer surface WL1i is approximately perpendicular to the second direction D2. Therefore, the first outward movement M1o is more difficult than the first inward movement M1i. In other words, the possibility of the first pump projection 590a moving beyond the first wall projection 311 in the +D2 direction is reduced. If the first pump projection 590a were to move beyond the first wall projection 311 in the +D2 direction, it could easily return to a position between the wall projections 311 and 312, beyond the first wall projection 311.

[0123] The same applies to the second wall projection 312. In the cross-section shown in Figure 7, the second wall projection 312 has a third rounded chamfer RC3 that forms an angle C3 in the +D2 direction and a fourth rounded chamfer RC4 that forms an angle C4 in the -D2 direction. The second outward movement M2o in the figure indicates the movement of the first pump projection 590a in the -D2 direction beyond the second wall projection 312, and the second inward movement M2i indicates the movement of the first pump projection 590a in the +D2 direction beyond the second wall projection 312. The radius R4 of the fourth rounded chamfer RC4 is greater than the radius R3 of the third rounded chamfer RC3. In this case, the inclination of the outer surface WL2o on the -D2 direction side of angle C4 with respect to the second direction D2 may be smaller than the inclination of the outer surface WL2i on the +D2 direction side of angle C3 with respect to the second direction D2. In the example shown in Figure 7, the outer surface WL2o is inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction D2, while the outer surface WL2i is approximately perpendicular to the second direction D2. Therefore, the second outward movement M2o is more difficult than the second inward movement M2i. In other words, the possibility of the first pump projection 590a moving beyond the second wall projection 312 in the -D2 direction is reduced. If the first pump projection 590a were to move beyond the second wall projection 312 in the -D2 direction, it could easily return to a position between the wall projections 311 and 312, beyond the second wall projection 312.

[0124] Furthermore, the pump 500 shown in Figure 4(B) corresponds to a projection obtained by projecting the pump 500 parallel to the assumed upward direction D3 onto a plane parallel to directions D1 and D2. In this embodiment, on this projection, the first pump protrusion 590a forms an end that protrudes in the first direction D1 of the projection of the pump 500. Let's assume that the part whose movement is restricted by the wall protrusions 311 and 312 is the part inside the end of the projection of the pump 500. In this case, the pump 500 can move more than when the movement of the end is restricted. In this embodiment, the wall protrusions 311 and 312 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500 by restricting the movement of the first pump protrusion 590a that forms the end of the projection of the pump 500.

[0125] The same applies to the second pump projection 590b. The wall projections 323 and 324 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500 by restricting the movement of the second pump projection 590b, which forms the end of the pump 500 in the -D1 direction of the projection.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained in Figures 3(B) and 6, the case 200 includes an upper wall portion 380, which is the portion of the case 200 on the assumed upward direction D3 side. As shown in Figure 6, the upper wall portion 380 includes a first upper portion PU1 and a second upper portion PU2. The first upper portion PU1 is the portion located in the assumed upward direction D3 of the portion 311p included in the first superimposed region A1 of the first wall projection 311 (Figure 5(C)) as viewed in the +D2 direction. The second upper portion PU2 is the portion located in the assumed upward direction D3 of the portion 312p included in the second superimposed region A2 of the second wall projection 312 (Figure 5(D)) as viewed in the +D2 direction. As shown in Figures 5(C) and 6, the first wall projection 311 is connected to both the first upper portion PU1 and the first side wall portion 310. As shown in Figures 5(D) and 6, the second wall projection 312 is connected to both the second upper portion PU2 and the first side wall portion 310. Therefore, the strength of both the first wall projection 311 and the second wall projection 312 is improved.

[0127] The same applies to the third wall projection 323 and the fourth wall projection 324. As shown in Figure 6, the upper wall portion 380 includes the third upper portion PU3 and the fourth upper portion PU4. The third upper portion PU3 is the portion located in the assumed upward direction D3 of the portion 323p included in the third superimposed region A3 of the third wall projection 323 (Figure 5(C)) as viewed in the +D2 direction. The fourth upper portion PU4 is the portion located in the assumed upward direction D3 of the portion 324p included in the fourth superimposed region A4 of the fourth wall projection 324 (Figure 5(D)) as viewed in the +D2 direction. As shown in Figures 5(C) and 6, the third wall projection 323 is connected to both the third upper portion PU3 and the second side wall portion 320. As shown in Figures 5(D) and 6, the fourth wall projection 324 is connected to both the fourth upper portion PU4 and the second side wall portion 320. Therefore, the strength of the third wall projection 323 and the fourth wall projection 324 is improved.

[0128] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the first side wall portion 310 at a specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)). In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 319 between the wall protrusions 311 and 312 has the following configuration on the cross-section in Figure 7. The intermediate portion 319 protrudes in the -D1 direction compared to the first portion Po1 and the second portion Po2. The first portion Po1 is the portion of the inner surface formed by the portion of the first side wall portion 310 connected to the +D2 direction side of the first wall protrusion 311, which is closest to the first direction D1. The second portion Po2 is the portion of the inner surface formed by the portion of the first side wall portion 310 connected to the -D2 direction side of the second wall protrusion 312, which is closest to the first direction D1. With this configuration, as explained in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), the intermediate portion 319 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500 in the +D1 direction. Although not shown in the diagram, the configuration of the opposite intermediate section 329 is the same as that of the intermediate section 319. The intermediate section 329 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500 in the -D1 direction.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained in Figure 3(A), the case 200 includes a plurality of parts that are separate from each other (specifically, an upper part 300 and a lower part 400). The plurality of parts include the upper part 300. As shown in Figure 3(B), the upper part 300 includes an upper wall portion 380 and a side wall portion 370. The upper wall portion 380 is the portion of the case 200 on the assumed upward direction D3 side. The side wall portion 370 is an annular portion connected to the -D3 direction side of the upper wall portion 380 and surrounding the pump 500. By using such a plurality of parts including the upper part 300, the case 200 can be properly formed.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as explained in Figures 4(A) and 6, the upper wall portion 380 has upper protrusions 390a-390d. The upper protrusions 390a-390d extend to a position lower than the upper ends of the frames 511 and 512 in the assumed upward direction D3. When the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200, the upper protrusions 390b and 390d can restrict the movement of the pump 500 by contacting the second frame 512. When the pump 500 moves in the -D2 direction relative to the case 200, the upper protrusions 390a and 390c can restrict the movement of the pump 500 by contacting the first frame 511. In this way, the upper protrusions 390a-390d can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500.

[0131] B. Variations: (1) The configuration of the wall projections is not limited to the configurations of the wall projections 311, 312, 323, and 324 described above (for example, Figure 4(B), Figure 5(A)-Figure 5(D)), but may be any other configuration. For example, the first wall projection 311 may be connected to a part of the first upper part PU1 instead of the entire first upper part PU1 (the first wall projection 311 does not need to be connected to the remaining part of the first upper part PU1). Also, the first wall projection 311 does not need to be connected to the first upper part PU1. The same applies to the relationship between the other wall projections 312, 323, and 324 and the upper parts PU2, PU3, and PU4.

[0132] (2) In the cross-sectional view of Figure 7, the radius conditions, which are the conditions that "R1>R2" and "R4>R3", are satisfied. The specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 where the radius conditions are satisfied (Figure 5(C), Figure 5(D)) may be the entire range PR of the assumed upward direction D3 that is included in both the first superimposed region A1 and the second superimposed region A2. Alternatively, the radius conditions may be satisfied in a part of the range PR, and not satisfied in the remaining part of the range PR.

[0133] Within the assumed upward position D3 range PR, radii R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be of various values. For example, radius R1 may be less than or equal to radius R2, and radius R4 may be less than or equal to radius R3. Furthermore, chamfering of one or more of the angles C1, C2, C3, and C4 may be omitted.

[0134] The above description of the cross-sectional shapes of the wall projections 311 and 312 may also be applied to the cross-sectional shapes of the wall projections 323 and 324.

[0135] (3) In the cross-sectional view of Figure 7, the positional condition is met, which indicates that the intermediate portion 319 protrudes in the -D1 direction compared to portions Po1 and Po2. The specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 where the positional condition is met (Figures 5(C) and 5(D)) may be the entire range PR of the assumed upward direction D3 position that is included in both the first superimposed region A1 and the second superimposed region A2. Alternatively, the positional condition may be met in a part of the range PR, and not in the remaining part of the range PR.

[0136] Here, a specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 that satisfies the above radius condition is called the first specific position, and a specific position HS in the assumed upward direction D3 that satisfies the position condition is called the second specific position. The range of the first specific position may include positions not included in the range of the second specific position. The range of the second specific position may include positions not included in the range of the first specific position.

[0137] Furthermore, within the assumed upward direction D3 position range PR, the shape of the intermediate portion 319 may be of various shapes. For example, the position of the intermediate portion 319 in the +D1 direction may be located in the +D1 direction more than the position of portions Po1 and Po2 in the +D1 direction.

[0138] The above description of the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion 319 (i.e., the first side wall portion 310) may also be applied to the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion 329 (i.e., the second side wall portion 320).

[0139] (4) The configuration of the pump protrusion is not limited to the configurations of the pump protrusions 590a and 590b described above (for example, Figure 4(B), Figures 5(A)-5(D)), but may be any other configuration. For example, the first pump protrusion 590a may be the part inside the edge of the projected view of the pump 500 (Figure 4(B)). The same applies to the second pump protrusion 590b.

[0140] (5) The configurations of the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, 324, the intermediate portions 319, 329, and the pump protrusions 590a, 590b are not limited to the above configurations and may be various configurations. For example, the configuration of the superimposed region A1-A4 is not limited to the configurations described in Figures 5(C) and 5(D) and may be various configurations. For example, the third length L3 may be different from the first length L1. The fourth length L4 may be different from the second length L2. The first length L1 may be less than or equal to the second length L2. The third length L3 may be less than or equal to the fourth length L4. The first maximum width W1 may be different from the second maximum width W2. The third maximum width W3 may be different from the fourth maximum width W4. The first maximum width W1 may be different from the third maximum width W3. The second maximum width W2 may be different from the fourth maximum width W4.

[0141] In the assumed upward direction D3, the superimposed regions A1-A4 may be formed at various positions higher than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. For example, the superimposed regions A1-A4 may be formed in the assumed upward direction D3 at a position halfway along the length LU of the upper portion 500U of the pump 500 (Figure 5(C)). Furthermore, one or more of the superimposed regions A1-A4 may include portions lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b. For example, the set of superimposed regions A1 and A2, or the set of superimposed regions A3 and A4, may include portions lower than the highest contact portions P1a, P1b, P2a, and P2b.

[0142] The configuration of the minimum intervals I1-I4 is not limited to the configurations described in Figures 5(C) and 5(D), but may be various configurations. For example, the second minimum interval I2 may be different from the first minimum interval I1. The fourth minimum interval I4 may be different from the third minimum interval I3. The first minimum interval I1 may be different from the third minimum interval I3. The second minimum interval I2 may be different from the fourth minimum interval I4.

[0143] The first maximum width W1 of the first superimposed region A1 may be less than or equal to the minimum distance in the first direction D1 between the second pump protrusion 590b and the second side wall 320 (for example, minimum distances I3, I4). The same applies to the second maximum width W2 of the second superimposed region A2. Furthermore, the third maximum width W3 of the third superimposed region A3 may be less than or equal to the minimum distance in the first direction D1 between the first pump protrusion 590a and the first side wall 310 (for example, minimum distances I1, I2). The same applies to the fourth maximum width W4 of the fourth superimposed region A4.

[0144] When the pump 500 moves in the +D2 direction relative to the case 200 (Figures 8(B) and 8(C)), the contact portion P11 between the pump projection 590a and the first wall projection 311 may be a part of the first superimposed region A1 (Figure 5(C)) instead of the entire first superimposed region A1. That is, the first wall projection 311 or the first pump projection 590a may have a protruding portion or a recessed portion within the first superimposed region A1 parallel to the second direction D2.

[0145] Similarly, the contact portion between the first pump projection 590a and the second wall projection 312 may be a part of the second superimposed region A2 instead of the entire second superimposed region A2. The contact portion P13 between the second pump projection 590b and the third wall projection 323 may be a part of the third superimposed region A3 instead of the entire third superimposed region A3. The contact portion between the second pump projection 590b and the fourth wall projection 324 may be a part of the fourth superimposed region A4 instead of the entire fourth superimposed region A4.

[0146] Here, when the pump 500 moves parallel to the second direction D2, it is preferable that the area of ​​the contact portion between the first pump protrusion 590a and the first wall protrusion 311 is larger than the area of ​​the contact portion between the first pump protrusion 590a and the second wall protrusion 312. With this configuration, even if the force applied to the first wall protrusion 311 by the first pump protrusion 590a is stronger than the force applied to the second wall protrusion 312 by the first pump protrusion 590a, the first wall protrusion 311 can appropriately restrict the movement of the pump 500. Similarly, it is preferable that the area of ​​the contact portion between the second pump protrusion 590b and the third wall protrusion 323 is larger than the area of ​​the contact portion between the second pump protrusion 590b and the fourth wall protrusion 324.

[0147] In any case, the configurations of the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324, the intermediate portions 319 and 329, and the pump protrusions 590a and 590b may be various configurations corresponding to the various modifications described above.

[0148] Note that one or more of the wall protrusions 311, 312, 323, and 324 may be omitted. The set of wall protrusions 311, 312 and the first pump protrusion 590a, or the set of wall protrusions 323, 324 and the second pump protrusion 590b, may be omitted.

[0149] (6) The configuration of the support portion that vibrates and supports the pump 500 may be various configurations including an elastic member connected to the pump 500. The elastic member may be formed using various elastic materials such as silicone instead of rubber. The elastic member may also be various elastically deformable members such as springs (e.g., helical springs, leaf springs, etc.). In any case, the elastic member may be fixed not only to the plate 620 but also to various fixing members fixed to the case 200 (in this case, the support portion includes the fixing members and the elastic member). Alternatively, the elastic member may be fixed to the case 200 (in this case, the elastic member forms the support portion).

[0150] (7) The pump configuration is not limited to the configuration of pump 500 described above (for example, Figure 4(B)), but may be any other configuration. For example, the total number of compression assemblies is not limited to 2, but may be 1 or 3 or more. The total number of core and coil sets (i.e., electromagnets) is not limited to 2, but may be 1 or 3 or more. The pump configuration may be any configuration capable of discharging air, such as a rotary pump, instead of a diaphragm pump.

[0151] In any case, the pump may include a plurality of components and a frame that supports the plurality of components. The shape of the frame may be any shape suitable for the arrangement of the plurality of components of the pump. Pump protrusions may be formed by any component of the pump. For example, the frame alone may form a first pump protrusion. Alternatively, the first pump protrusion may be formed by two or more components, including the frame. Similarly, the frame alone may form a second pump protrusion. Alternatively, the second pump protrusion may be formed by two or more components, including the frame.

[0152] (8) The case configuration is not limited to the configuration of case 200 described above (for example, Figure 3(A)), but may be any other configuration. For example, the discharge port 490 may be provided in another part of case 200 (for example, the part on the +D1 side) instead of the part on the +D2 side of case 200. The through hole 200o through which the power cable 180 passes may be provided in another part of case 200 (for example, the part on the -D1 side) instead of the part on the -D2 side of case 200. The upper protrusions 390a-390d (Figure 6) may be omitted.

[0153] (9) The multiple components forming the case are not limited to the upper component 300 and the lower component 400 described above (for example, Figure 3(A)), but may include various other components. For example, the portion of the case on the +D1 side including the wall protrusions 311 and 312, and the portion of the case on the -D1 side including the wall protrusions 323 and 324, may be formed by different components that are separate from each other. Also, the portion of the case on the +D2 side including the wall protrusions 311 and 323, and the portion of the case on the -D2 side including the wall protrusions 312 and 324, may be formed by different components that are separate from each other.

[0154] (10) The blower configuration is not limited to the blower 100 described above (for example, Figure 3(A)), but may be any other configuration. For example, the blower 100 may be equipped with a stopper that cuts off the power supply to the coils 531 and 532 when the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator 580 exceeds a threshold.

[0155] (11) A blower may be used to supply gas to various other devices instead of supplying gas to a wastewater treatment device. For example, a blower may be used to supply air to a tank for raising aquatic organisms.

[0156] The above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are included. [Industrial applicability]

[0157] The present invention can be suitably used in blowers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 4H1-4H4…Screw holes, 6H1, 6H2…Through holes, 200o…Through holes, 10…Wastewater treatment system, 20…Wastewater treatment device, 40…Connecting pipe, 90…Ground, 100…Blower, 110…Cover, 180…Power cable, 200…Case, 200s…Internal space, 300…Upper part, 300f, 400f…End, 300o, 400o…Opening, 300r, 400r, 480…Recess, 300s…Upper space, 310…First side wall, 320…Second side wall, 330…Third side wall ,340...Fourth side wall section, 370...Side wall section, 380...Upper wall section, 311...First wall projection, 312...Second wall projection, 323...Third wall projection, 324...Fourth wall projection, 319,329...Intermediate section, 390a-390d...Upper projection, 400...Lower part, 400s...Lower space, 482...Grommet, 490...Discharge port, 500...Pump, 500L...Lower section, 500U...Upper section, PU1-PU4...Upper section, 511...First frame, 512...Second frame, e1a,e1b,e 2a, e2b...ends, 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b...legs, 521...first core, 522...second core, 531...first coil, 532...second coil, 541...first compression assembly, 541o...first output port, 542...second compression assembly, 542o...second output port, 580...vibrator, 590a...first pump protrusion, 590b...second pump protrusion, 600...support, 611a, 611b, 612a, 612b...vibration-damping rubber, 620...plate, 710...ellipse 721,722...Output grommet, A1-A4...Overlapping area, B1-B4...Bolt, Cx...Central axis, D1...First direction, D2...Second direction, D3...Third direction (assumed direction), dm1...Protrusion amount, HS...Specific position, I1-I4... Minimum spacing, L1-L4...Length, P11,P13,P21,P31,P32...Contact area, P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b...Maximum contact area, C1-C4...Corner, RC1-RC4...Round chamfer, R1-R4...Radius, W1-W4...Maximum width,

Claims

1. It is a blower, The case and, The pump housed in the aforementioned case, A support portion that vibratesly supports the pump relative to the case, the support portion including an elastic member connected to the pump, Equipped with, The pump includes a first pump projection, which is a portion that protrudes in a first direction, which is the horizontal direction expected when the blower is in use. The case includes a first side wall portion that is on the first direction side of the case and is away from the pump, The first side wall portion includes a first wall projection and a second wall projection, which are two portions that project in a first opposite direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction, within the case. The first wall projection includes a portion located in a second direction from the first pump projection and facing the first pump projection, the second direction being a horizontal direction assumed to occur when the blower is in use and perpendicular to the first direction. The second wall projection includes a portion located in a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction of the first pump projection, and facing the first pump projection. The upward vertical direction expected when using the aforementioned blower is referred to as the expected upward direction. When viewing the first pump projection, the first wall projection, and the second wall projection in the second direction, The first overlapping region, which is the region where the first pump protrusion and the first wall protrusion overlap, is not positioned lower than the highest contact portion, which is the highest part of the contact area between the elastic member and the pump, in the assumed upward direction, but is positioned higher than the highest contact portion. The second overlapping region, which is the region where the first pump protrusion and the second wall protrusion overlap, is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portion. Blower.

2. A blower according to claim 1, The pump includes a second pump projection which is a portion that protrudes in the first opposite direction, The case includes a second side wall portion that is on the first opposite side of the case and away from the pump, The second side wall portion includes a third wall projection and a fourth wall projection, which are two portions that protrude in the first direction within the case. The third wall projection includes a portion located in the second direction of the second pump projection and facing the second pump projection, The fourth wall projection includes a portion located in the second opposite direction to the second pump projection and facing the second pump projection, When viewing the second pump projection, the third wall projection, and the fourth wall projection in the second direction, The third overlapping region, which is the region where the second pump protrusion and the third wall protrusion overlap, is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portion. The fourth overlapping region, which is the region where the second pump projection and the fourth wall projection overlap, is not located at a lower position than the highest contact portion in the assumed upward direction, but is located at a higher position than the highest contact portion. Blower.

3. A blower according to claim 2, The maximum width of the first superimposed region in the first direction and the maximum width of the second superimposed region in the first direction are greater than the minimum distance in the first direction between the second pump protrusion and the second side wall. The maximum width in the first direction of the third superimposed region and the maximum width in the first direction of the fourth superimposed region are greater than the minimum distance in the first direction between the first pump protrusion and the first side wall. Blower.

4. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The portion of the case on the second direction side includes a discharge port configured to discharge gas output from the pump, The second opposite side portion of the case has a through hole, The blower further includes a power cable passing through the through hole, The assumed upward length of the first superimposed region is longer than the assumed upward length of the second superimposed region. Blower.

5. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At the assumed first specific position in the upward direction, which is included in both the first overlapping region of the first wall protrusion and the second overlapping region of the second wall protrusion, on a cross section parallel to the first and second directions of the first wall protrusion and the second wall protrusion, The first wall projection has a first rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the second direction, and a second rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the opposite second direction. The radius of the first rounded chamfer is greater than the radius of the second rounded chamfer. The second wall projection has a third rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the second direction, and a fourth rounded chamfer that forms a corner in the opposite second direction. The radius of the fourth rounded chamfer is greater than the radius of the third rounded chamfer. Blower.

6. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In a projection view obtained by projecting the pump parallel to the assumed upward direction onto a plane parallel to the first and second directions, the first pump protrusion forms an end of the pump that protrudes in the first direction of the projection view. Blower.

7. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The case includes the upper wall portion, which is the assumed upward portion of the case. The aforementioned upper wall portion is The first upper portion located in the assumed upward direction of the portion included in the first superimposed region of the first wall protrusion as viewed in the second direction, The second upper portion located in the assumed upward direction of the portion of the second wall projection that is included in the second overlapping region when viewed in the second direction, Includes, The first wall projection is connected to at least a portion of the first upper part and the first side wall part, The second wall projection is connected to at least a portion of the second upper portion and the first side wall portion. Blower.

8. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At the second specific position in the assumed upward direction, which is included in both the first overlapping region of the first wall projection and the second overlapping region of the second wall projection, on a cross-section of the first side wall parallel to the first and second directions, The portion between the first wall projection and the second wall projection protrudes in the first opposite direction compared to the portion of the inner surface formed by the portion of the first wall projection connected to the second direction side, and the portion of the inner surface formed by the portion of the second wall projection connected to the second opposite direction side, Blower.

9. A blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The case includes a plurality of parts that are separated from each other, The aforementioned multiple parts include the upper part, The upper component includes an upper wall portion which is the assumed upward direction, which is the vertically upward direction expected when the blower is in use of the case, and an annular side wall portion which is connected to the side of the upper wall portion opposite to the assumed upward direction and surrounds the pump, wherein the annular side wall portion includes the first side wall portion. Blower.

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