HUMIDIFIER

In the present disclosure, air passing through the inside of a humidifier is readily humidified. The humidifier includes a water chamber having a first circulation opening and a second circulation opening for allowing air to circulate. An outlet baffle that covers at least part of the second circulation opening from below is provided on an inner surface of a top cover of the water chamber. A third circulation opening is formed by the outlet baffle. The direction in which the third circulation opening opens intersects the direction in which the first circulation opening opens. A baffle protrudes from the inner surface of the top cover. The baffle is located on a straight path between the third circulation opening and the first circulation opening and extends in a direction that intersects the straight path.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to humidifiers.

Description of the Related Art

The humidifier described in Patent Document 1 includes a water chamber in which water is stored. An inlet for introducing air from the outside is formed as an opening in an outer wall of the water chamber. In addition, an outlet for discharging air from inside the water chamber is formed as an opening in another outer wall of the water chamber opposite the outer wall having the inlet. The outlet and inlet are disposed at substantially the same height when the water chamber is in use.

A dividing member is disposed inside the water chamber. The dividing member separates the inlet side and outlet side of the water chamber into separate areas. Water inside the water chamber is stored in the area on the outlet side. A through hole for allowing air to circulate from the inlet-side area to the outlet-side area is provided in the dividing member.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2004-524087

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, water is stored in the area on the outlet side. Air flowing into the inside of the water chamber is humidified by contacting the water in the area on the outlet side. Therefore, the greater the distance the air travels after passing through the through holes in the dividing member before reaching the outlet, the more satisfactorily the air will be humidified. However, the air flow and the degree of humidification of the air are not specifically focused upon in the humidifier described in Patent Document 1 and there is room for improvement in this area.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidifier that includes a water chamber capable of storing water thereinside and having a first circulation opening and a second circulation opening for allowing air to circulate. The water chamber includes a tank having an opening in an upper portion thereof and a top cover that is spaced away from a bottom surface part of the tank and covers the opening. At least the second circulation opening out of the first circulation opening and the second circulation opening extends between one main surface of the top cover facing into a space inside the tank and another main surface of the top cover located outside the space of the tank. The one main surface of the top cover is provided with a first baffle covering at least part of the second circulation opening and a second baffle located between the first circulation opening and the second circulation opening when the one main surface of the top cover is viewed in plan view. A third circulation opening is formed and a passage connecting the third circulation opening and the second circulation opening to each other is formed by the first baffle and the one main surface of the top cover. A direction in which the third circulation opening opens is different from a direction in which the first circulation opening opens. The second baffle is located on a straight line connecting the third circulation opening and the first circulation opening to each other and extends in a direction that intersects a path along the straight line when the one main surface of the top cover is viewed in plan view.

With the above configuration, air flowing into the water chamber of the humidifier is discharged to outside the water chamber through the first circulation opening, the third circulation opening of the first baffle, and the second circulation opening. The second baffle is disposed on a straight line connecting the first circulation opening and the third circulation opening to each other so as to obstruct the straight line. Therefore, at least some of the air that passes through the first circulation opening bypasses the second baffle in order to reach the third circulation opening. As a result, the circulation path of air between the first circulation opening and the third circulation opening is lengthened and the air is more readily humidified.

Air passing through the inside of a humidifier is readily humidified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A humidifier of a First Embodiment is described below.

First, the overall configuration of a continuous positive airway pressure device (hereinafter, referred to as a “CPAP device”) to which the humidifier of this embodiment has been applied is described.

As illustrated inFIG.1, a CPAP device10consists of a blower unit100and a base unit200. With the blower unit100attached to the base unit200, the CPAP device10has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape on the whole. In the following description, when the CPAP device10is viewed in plan view, a direction in which long sides extend is referred to as a length direction and a direction in which short sides extend is referred to as a width direction.

The blower unit100of the CPAP device10has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Although not illustrated, a passage along which air is circulated and an air-blowing fan that blows the air inside the passage are accommodated inside the blower unit100. A switch101is installed at an upper surface of the blower unit100. The air-blowing fan inside the blower unit100is controlled so as to be turned on/off and so forth by operating the switch101.

The base unit200of the CPAP device10is shaped like the letter L when viewed from the side in the width direction. With the blower unit100attached to the inner side of the L-shape of the base unit200, the CPAP device10has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, as described above.

An upper outer cover part202of the base unit200can be removed from a lower base part201of the base unit200. A passage along which air is supplied to the blower unit100and a muffler that muffles the sound of air passing along the passage are provided inside the base unit200. A humidifier20that humidifies the air supplied from the blower unit100is accommodated inside the base unit200. The humidifier20is described below in more detail.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a conduit50of the humidifier20protrudes from the outer cover part202of the base unit200. As illustrated inFIG.1, a mask91is attached to the conduit50via an air tube90. The mask91is attached so as to cover the nose or mouth of a user92.

With the blower unit100attached to the base unit200, air is supplied to the blower unit100through the passage inside the base unit200. Air blown from the blower unit100is then supplied to the humidifier20inside the base unit200and humidified. The humidified air is then supplied to the mask91via the conduit50of the humidifier20and the air tube90.

As illustrated inFIG.2, humidifier20includes a water chamber30. The water chamber30is substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped and is hollow inside. As illustrated inFIG.3, a tank31of the water chamber30is substantially shaped like a square box on the whole. That is, the tank31has four side surface parts31A and a bottom surface part31B connected to the lower edges of these side surface parts31A. A space that is capable of storing water is formed by the four side surface parts31A and the bottom surface part31B. An opening of the tank31is formed by the upper edges of the side surface parts31A of the tank31.

The water chamber30has a top cover32that is spaced away from the bottom surface part31B of the tank31and covers the opening of the tank31. The top cover32has a top plate32A that corresponds to the shape of the opening of the tank31. A side wall32B extends in an upright manner towards the tank31from an edge of the top plate32A on a first end side in the length direction. The side wall32B extends up to parts of the edges of the top plate32A on both sides in the width direction.

A plate-shaped first fastening portion32C extends downward from a lower edge of the side wall32B. The first fastening portion32C is disposed at the center of the side wall32B in the width direction. A through hole32D extends through the first fastening portion32C. As illustrated inFIG.4, a plate-shaped second fastening portion32E extends downward from an edge of the top cover32on a second end side in the length direction. The second fastening portion32E is disposed at the center, in the width direction, of an edge of the top cover32on the second end side in the length direction. A through hole32F extends through the second fastening portion32E. When the top cover32is attached to the tank31, the through hole32D of the first fastening portion32C and the through hole32F of the second fastening portion32E in the top cover32engage with protrusions of the tank31, which are not illustrated. In this way, the top cover32is attached to the tank31.

As illustrated inFIG.3, a flow tube300, which is a second tube, extends through the side wall32B of the top cover32. The flow tube300connects the inside of the water chamber30to the outside and is used to supply air into the inside of the water chamber30.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the flow tube300can be roughly divided into an upstream section301extending substantially in the length direction and a downstream section302extending in a direction that intersects the direction in which the upstream section301extends. In other words, the flow tube300extends in a curved manner on the whole. The upstream section301is substantially shaped like a circular tube. The upstream section301penetrates through the side wall32B. The upstream section301is disposed further towards a first end side in the width direction than the center of the side wall32B. The downstream section302is connected to a downstream end of the upstream section301. The downstream section302is shaped like a semicircular curved plate. Out of the two main surfaces of the top plate32A, an inner surface33A is the surface located on the side inside the space of the tank31and an outer surface33B is the surface on the side outside the space, in a state where the top cover32is attached to the tank31. In this embodiment, an air flow path is defined by the curved inner surface of the downstream section302and the inner surface33A of the top cover32A. The downstream section302extends diagonally from a downstream end of the upstream section301towards a side of the top cover32on a second end side in the width direction. The downstream section302extends to an edge of the top cover32on the second end side in the width direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and6, an opening311, which is a fourth circulation opening, is formed at the downstream end of the downstream section302, i.e., at the leading end of the flow tube300on the inner side of the water chamber30. A first circulation opening310, which is different from the opening311, is also formed in the downstream section302.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first circulation opening310is disposed downstream of the center of the downstream section302in the direction in which the downstream section302extends. The first circulation opening310is provided on the first end side in the length direction from a central axis line of the downstream section302. In other words, as illustrated inFIG.5, when the inner surface33A of the top plate32A in the top cover32is viewed in plan view, the first circulation opening310opens towards a side of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction. In this embodiment, the opening shape of the first circulation opening310is a quadrangular shape in plan view.

As illustrated inFIG.4, in the top cover32A, a circular second circulation opening320extends between the two main surfaces of the top cover32A, i.e., the inner surface33A and the outer surface33B. The second circulation opening320is disposed in the top plate32so as to be further towards the second end side in the length direction than the flow tube300. The second circulation opening320is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction.

An outlet baffle330is provided on the inner surface33A of the top plate32A as a first baffle. The outlet baffle330covers the second circulation opening320from below. The outlet baffle330has a side wall331standing upright from the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The side wall331extends so as to enclose the second circulation opening320from three sides, namely, the first end side in the length direction, the second end side in the length direction, and the second end side in the width direction. A baffle plate332is connected to a leading end of the side wall331. The baffle plate332is substantially parallel to the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The baffle plate332covers the entirety of the second circulation opening320when the top cover32is viewed in plan view from the side where the inner surface33A is located.

As mentioned above, the side wall331of the outlet baffle330is not provided on the first end side in the width direction. Therefore, a third circulation opening334is formed by the outlet baffle330and the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32. This third circulation opening334opens towards the first end side in the width direction. An air passage333, which connects the third circulation opening334and the second circulation opening320to each other, is formed by the side wall331and baffle plate332of the outlet baffle330and the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The third circulation opening334opens at the side of the top cover32on the first end side in the width direction, whereas the first circulation opening310opens at the side of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction. In other words, the direction in which the first circulation opening310opens is different from the direction in which the third circulation opening334opens.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, a baffle340, which is a plate-shaped second baffle, protrudes from the downstream section302of the flow tube300towards the inside of the water chamber30. The baffle340is provided between the first circulation opening310and the second circulation opening320when the top cover32is viewed in plan view from the side where the inner surface33A is located. Specifically, the baffle340is disposed further towards the second end side in the length direction on the top cover32than the first circulation opening310, and extends along an opening edge of the first circulation opening310. The baffle340extends in the axial direction of the downstream section302from upstream of the center of the downstream section302in the extension direction to the downstream end of the downstream section302. As illustrated inFIG.6, a protruding tip of the baffle340extending toward the inside of the water chamber30is located below the lower end of the opening at the upstream end of the upstream section301of the flow tube300. When water is stored in the water chamber30to full capacity, the water surface inside the water chamber30is located at the lower end of the opening of the upstream section301of the flow tube300. Therefore, when the water chamber30is full, the protruding tip of the baffle340is submerged under the water. The position of the water surface when the water chamber30is full may be indicated, for example, by a scale on an inner surface of the tank31.

Here, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the shortest distance between the first circulation opening310and the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330is represented by the path of an arrow X1connecting an opening end P of the first circulation opening310on a second end side in the length direction and the first end side in the width direction to an opening end Q of the third circulation opening334on the first end side in the length direction.

The baffle340extends along the opening edge of the first circulation opening310on the second end side in the length direction, as described above. In addition, the baffle340is disposed further towards the second end side in the length direction than the downstream section302. Therefore, the baffle340is disposed on the shortest path between the first circulation opening310and the third circulation opening334, and extends in a direction intersecting this shortest path.

As illustrated inFIG.4, a rubber sealing member350is attached to the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The sealing member350extends along the shape of the outer edge of the top plate32A. When the top cover32is placed over the opening of the tank31, the top cover32and the tank31fit together with the inner side of the tank31and the outer side of the sealing member350contacting each other. This creates a seal between the top cover32and the tank31.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and6, part of the sealing member350near the downstream end of the downstream section302of the flow tube300consists of a curved portion351, which is downwardly convex. The curved portion351follows the curved inner surface of the downstream end of the downstream section302. A plate-shaped stopper352is disposed on the inner side the curved portion351. The stopper352has the same semicircular shape as the opening311in plan view. When the sealing member350is attached to the top cover32, the stopper352blocks the entire area of the opening311. The entire sealing member350is molded in an integrated manner. The sealing member350can be attached to and detached from the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. Therefore, when the sealing member350is removed from the top plate32A, the entirety of the opening311of the downstream section302is open.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the conduit50, which is a first tube, extends from the outer surface33B of the top cover32of the water chamber30. The conduit50is connected to the opening edge of the second circulation opening320, and the inside of the conduit50communicates with the second circulation opening320. The conduit50extends diagonally towards the side of the water chamber30on the second end side in the width direction. An opening51of the conduit50on the opposite side from the second circulation opening320, i.e., the opening51on the downstream side, faces towards the side of the water chamber30on the second end side in the width direction. In other words, the opening51faces towards the opposite side from the third circulation opening334with a central axis of the second circulation opening320interposed therebetween. The conduit50can be rotated with the central axis of the second circulation opening320serving as an axis of rotation. The range of rotation of the conduit50lies within 90 degrees on both sides of a position on the opposite side of a center axis of the second circulation opening320from the third circulation opening334. In other words, from a state where the conduit50faces towards the side of the water chamber30on the second end side in the width direction, the conduit50can rotate up to 90 degrees towards the side of the water chamber30on the first end side in the length direction and towards the side of the water chamber30on the second end side in the length direction.

Next, the operation of the First Embodiment is described.

First, the flow of air through the inside of the humidifier20when the humidifier20is in use is described.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, air blown by the blower unit100flows into the inside of the water chamber30through an opening of the upstream section301of the flow tube300. As illustrated inFIG.5, air that flows into the flow tube300is expelled through the first circulation opening310of the downstream section302into the space between the top cover32and the water surface of the water stored in the tank31.

The water stored in the tank31is heated by a heater or the like, which is not illustrated, disposed on a lower surface of the tank31. Air having a high humidity accumulates in the vicinity of the water surface of the water inside the tank31. Therefore, air flowing into the inside of the tank31flows and mixes with this high-humidity air near the water surface of the water in the tank31, which results in the air being humidified.

When the air humidified inside the water chamber30reaches the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330, the humidified air passes through the air passage333defined by the outlet baffle330and the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32, and reaches the second circulation opening320. The air passing through the second circulation opening320passes through the opening51of the conduit50and the inside of the air tube90, and is supplied to the user92through the mask91.

Here, the air discharged from the first circulation opening310reaches the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330after passing along various paths inside the water chamber30. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, when air is discharged from the opening end P of the first circulation opening310located on the second end side in the length direction and the first end side in the width direction, the air may reach the third circulation opening334by flowing along a path that jumps over the baffle340from below as indicated by an arrow X2in the figure. When water is stored in the water chamber30to full capacity, the tip of the baffle340is in contact with the water surface. Therefore, air discharged from the opening end P is not able to jump over the baffle340and pass through as in the path indicated by the arrow X2in the figure. Therefore, air discharged from the opening end P may reach the third circulation opening334along a path that bypasses the baffle340, as indicated by an arrow X3in the figure.

Next, a situation in which the humidifier20rolls over is described.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the CPAP device10has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the length direction than in the width direction and this makes it relatively easy for the CPAP device10to roll over in the width direction. Let us suppose that the CPAP device10has rolled over so that the side of the CPAP device10on the second end side in the width direction is at the bottom.

When the humidifier20has rolled over by 90 degrees so that the side of the humidifier20on the second end side in the width direction is at the bottom, the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330faces upward. In other words, the second circulation opening320is enclosed by the side wall331of the outlet baffle330except for at the upper side thereof. When the humidifier20has rolled over by 90 degrees towards the second end side in the width direction, the opening of the upstream section301of the flow tube300is disposed on the upper side.

Next, the effects of the First Embodiment are described.

(1-1) In this embodiment, the baffle340protrudes from the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32. The baffle340is located on the shortest path between the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330and the first circulation opening310, as indicated by the arrow X1inFIG.4. The baffle340extends in a direction that intersects the shortest path. Therefore, air discharged from the first circulation opening310is blocked by the baffle340and cannot reach the third circulation opening334by the shortest path. Therefore, the air reaches the third circulation opening334by passing along the path indicated by the arrow X2inFIG.4, for example, or along the path indicated by the arrow X3if the water chamber30is full of water. These paths are longer than the path indicated by the arrow X1in the figure, which illustrates the shortest path. Therefore, air discharged into the water chamber30is in contact with the water surface inside the water chamber30for a longer distance and more readily flows downstream together with humid air. Therefore, the air discharged from the humidifier20is more readily humidified.

(1-2) In this embodiment, the first circulation opening310opens on the side of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction, and the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330opens on the side of the top cover32on the first end side in the width direction. Thus, the direction in which the first circulation opening310opens and the direction in which the outlet baffle330opens intersect each other, and this facilitates agitation of the air inside the tank31. Therefore, the length of the flow path of the air circulating inside the water chamber30can be lengthened.

(1-3) In this embodiment, the conduit50, which is connected to the second circulation opening320, extends from the outer surface33B of the top plate32A of the top cover32. The opening51of the conduit faces toward the side of the humidifier20on the second end side in the width direction. Therefore, when the CPAP device10is used, the CPAP device10is often disposed so that the opening51of the conduit50and the user92face each other, as illustrated inFIG.1. If the user92moves while the CPAP device is in this arrangement, it is assumed that the mask91and the air tube90attached to the user92will pull the humidifier20. In other words, if the CPAP device10tips over while the CPAP device10is being used, it is expected that the CPAP device10will tip over towards the second end side in the width direction.

If the CPAP device10were to tip over by 90 degrees such that the side thereof on the second end side in the width direction ends up at the bottom, as described above, the third circulation opening334of the outlet baffle330would face upward and the opening of the upstream section301of the flow tube300would be disposed on the upper side. These openings being disposed on the upper side makes it more difficult for water inside the water chamber30to reach the second circulation opening320or the opening of the upstream section301of the flow tube300. In other words, even if the CPAP device10tips over, water is unlikely to leak from the humidifier20.

(1-4) In this embodiment, the conduit50can rotate up to 90 degrees towards the sides of the water chamber30on the first end side and the second end side in the length direction from a state where the conduit50faces towards the side of the water chamber30on the second end side in the width direction. The rotation of the conduit50expands the range of movement of the air tube90, and the humidifier20is less likely to tip over even in the case where the user92wearing the mask91moves. In addition, since the conduit50has the above-described range of movement, the opening51of the conduit50does not face the side of the water chamber30on the first end side in the width direction. In other words, it is difficult to use the CPAP device10with the air tube90extending from the side of the CPAP device10on the first end side in the width direction. In this state of use, even if the CPAP device10were to roll over, it would be unlikely that the CPAP device10would tip over such that the side of the CPAP device10on the first end side in the width direction ended up at the bottom. By preventing the CPAP device10from rolling over towards the first end side in the width direction, the occurrence of a situation in which water inside the tank31flows into the second circulation opening320and water leaks from the humidifier20can be suppressed.

(1-5) The flow tube300is curved, and the direction in which the flow tube300extends is different in the upstream section301and the downstream section302. The opening of the flow tube300on the upstream side is located near an edge on the first end side in the width direction, whereas the downstream opening311of the flow tube300is located near an edge on the second end side in the width direction. Therefore, even if the water chamber30tips over in the width direction, one out of the upstream opening and the downstream opening311of the flow tube300is highly likely to be located above the water surface inside the tank31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the water through the flow tube300if the water chamber30tips over in the width direction.

(1-6) If a tool is inserted from the opening end of the upstream section301in order to clean the inside of the flow tube300, the tool might not adequately reach the downstream section302due to the curvature of the flow tube300. In this embodiment, the opening311is provided at the leading end of the downstream section302of the flow tube300. Therefore, when cleaning the inside of the flow tube300, a tool can be inserted into the tube from the opening311at the leading end of the downstream section302of the flow tube300, and the inside of the flow tube300can be easily cleaned.

(1-7) In this embodiment, the sealing member350is provided between the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32and the tank31. The sealing member350can be removed from the inner surface33A of the top cover32. When cleaning the top cover32, the sealing member350can be removed so as to allow the top cover32and the sealing member350to be cleaned separately. In addition, the sealing member350and the top cover32can be dried after being disassembled. This is more hygienic since water is less likely to remain between the two components.

(1-8) In this embodiment, when the sealing member350is attached to the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32, the curved portion351and the stopper352block the opening311of the downstream section302of the flow tube300. Since the opening311, which is not needed while the CPAP device10is operating, can be closed, the pressure loss of air passing along flow tube300can be suppressed.

Next, a humidifier of a Second Embodiment is described. In the following description of the Second Embodiment, the description of the parts that are the same as or similar to those in the First Embodiment is simplified or omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.7, a flow tube400extends through the side wall32B of the top cover32. The flow tube400is shaped like a circular tube outside the water chamber30and is shaped like a box that opens towards the inner surface33A inside the water chamber30. Therefore, inside the water chamber30, the air flow path is defined by the box-shaped inner surface of the flow tube400and the inner surface33A of the top cover32A. When the top cover32is viewed in plan view from the side where the inner surface33A is located, the flow tube400extends diagonally from a part of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction and the first end side in the width direction towards a part of the top cover32on the second end side in the length direction and the second end side in the width direction. A leading end of the flow tube400extends up to the edge of the top cover32on the second end side in the width direction. The leading end of the flow tube400is located substantially at the center of the top cover32in the length direction. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of flow tube400gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side.

An opening411is formed at the downstream end of the flow tube400, i.e., at the leading end of the flow tube400inside the water chamber30. In addition to the opening411, a first circulation opening410is also formed in the flow tube400.

The first circulation opening410is located downstream from the center of the flow tube400in the direction of the extension of the flow tube400. In this embodiment, the first circulation opening410is located near the downstream end of the flow tube400. The first circulation opening410is formed in a side wall of the flow tube400on the first end side in the length direction. In other words, when the top cover32is viewed in plan view from the side where the inner surface33A is located, the first circulation opening410is formed so as to face in a diagonal direction at a part of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction and the second end side in the width direction. In this embodiment, the opening shape of the first circulation opening410is a quadrangular shape in plan view.

A baffle440protrudes from the flow tube400toward the inside of the water chamber30. The baffle440consists of a plate-shaped main wall441and three auxiliary walls442. The main wall441of the baffle440extends along the opening edge across the entire opening edge of the downstream end of the flow tube400. The three auxiliary walls442are connected to the main wall441. The three auxiliary walls442are disposed at both sides and at the center of the main wall441in the extension direction of the main wall441. The auxiliary walls442extend from the main wall441toward the upstream side of the flow tube400. The auxiliary walls442extend though a longer range than the opening range of the first circulation opening410. In other words, the auxiliary walls442are present throughout the entire lower side of the first circulation opening410. The protruding lengths of the auxiliary walls442decrease with increasing proximity to the upstream side of the first circulation opening410. When water is stored in the water chamber30to full capacity, the water surface inside the water chamber30is located at the lower end of the flow tube400outside the water chamber30. Therefore, when the water chamber30is full, the protruding tip of the main wall441and the protruding tips of the auxiliary walls442of the baffle440are partially immersed in water.

In the top plate32A, a circular second circulation opening420extends between the two main surfaces of the top plate32A, i.e., the inner surface33A and the outer surface33B. The second circulation opening420is disposed in the top plate32A so as to be further towards the second end side in the length direction than the flow tube400. The second circulation opening420is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction.

A rubber sealing member450is attached to the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The sealing member450has an outer edge portion451that extends along the shape of the outer edge of the top plate32A. In the outer edge portion451, a protruding portion452protrudes towards the inside of the water chamber30at a point near the leading end of the flow tube400. The protruding length of the protruding portion452is slightly larger than the vertical dimension of the opening411. The protruding portion452extends from an edge of the opening411on the second end side in the length direction towards the first end side in the length direction up to a position approximately halfway across the opening411. The protruding portion452blocks approximately half of the opening411.

The sealing member450has a top plate portion453that extends along the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. The top plate portion453extends in a film-like manner across a part of the top plate32A located further towards the second end side in the length direction than the flow tube400. Although not illustrated, an opening extends through the top plate portion453so that the top plate portion453does not block the second circulation opening. The top plate portion453is connected to the outer edge portion451at the second end side in the length direction, the first end side in the width direction, and the second end side in the width direction.

A rubber outlet baffle430that covers the second circulation opening420from below is provided near the second circulation opening420in the top plate portion453. The outlet baffle430is integrally molded with the top plate portion453of the sealing member450. The outlet baffle430has a side wall431standing upright from the inner surface of the top plate portion453. The side wall431extends so as to enclose the second circulation opening420from three sides, namely, the first end side in the length direction, the second end side in the length direction, and the second end side in the width direction. A baffle plate432is connected to a leading end of the side wall431. The baffle plate432is substantially parallel to the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. Part of the baffle plate432on the first end side in the width direction protrudes beyond the range through which the side wall431extends. The baffle plate432covers the entirety of the second circulation opening420when the top cover32is viewed in plan view from the side where the inner surface33A is located. An air passage433that is connected to the second circulation opening420is defined by the side wall431and baffle plate432of the outlet baffle430and the top plate portion453extending along the inner surface33A of the top cover32A.

As described above, the side wall431of the outlet baffle430is not provided on the first end side in the width direction. Therefore, a third circulation opening434of the air passage433opens towards the first end side in the width direction. The third circulation opening434opens at the side of the top cover32on the first end side in the width direction, whereas the first circulation opening410opens in a diagonal direction at a side of the top cover32on the first end side in the length direction and the second end side in the width direction. In other words, the direction in which the first circulation opening410opens intersects the direction in which the third circulation opening434opens.

Here, as described above, the auxiliary walls442are present across the entire area underneath the first circulation opening410. The auxiliary walls442of the baffle440are disposed on a straight path indicated by an arrow Y1connecting an opening end R of the first circulation opening410on the second end side in the length direction to an opening end S of the third circulation opening434on the first end side in the length direction. In other words, the auxiliary walls442of the baffle440extend in a direction that intersects the path indicated by the arrow Y1.

The sealing member450can be attached to and detached from the inner surface33A of the top plate32A. In this embodiment, the sealing member450and the outlet baffle430are entirely integrally molded with each other. Therefore, when the sealing member450is removed from the top plate32A, the outlet baffle430is also removed from the top cover32. When the sealing member450is removed from the top plate32A, the entirety of the opening411at the leading end of the flow tube400is open.

Next, the operation of Second Embodiment is described.

As illustrated inFIG.7, air discharged from the first circulation opening410reaches the third circulation opening434of the outlet baffle430after passing along various paths inside the water chamber30. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7, when air is discharged from the opening end R of the first circulation opening410on the second end side in the length direction, the air may reach the third circulation opening434by flowing along a path that jumps over the auxiliary walls442of the baffle440from below as indicated by an arrow Y2in the figure. When water is stored in the water chamber30to full capacity, the tips of parts of the auxiliary walls442are in contact with the water surface. Therefore, air discharged from the opening end R cannot jump over and pass through the baffle440as in the path indicated by the arrow Y2in the figure. Therefore, air discharged from the opening end R may reach the third circulation opening434along a path that bypasses the auxiliary wall442, as indicated by an arrow Y3in the figure.

Next, the effects of the Second Embodiment are described. The CPAP device10of the Second Embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effect (1-2) of the First Embodiment.

(2-1) In this embodiment, the baffle440protrudes from the inner surface33A of the top plate32A of the top cover32of the water chamber30. The baffle440is located on a straight path connecting the opening end R and the opening end S, as indicated by the arrow Y1inFIG.7, out of a straight path connecting the third circulation opening434of the outlet baffle430and the first circulation opening410to each other. The baffle340extends in a direction that intersects the straight path indicated by the arrow Y1. Therefore, at least some of the air discharged from the first circulation opening410is blocked by the baffle440and is unable to reach the third circulation opening434by the shortest path. Therefore, the air reaches the third circulation opening434by passing along, for example, the path indicated by the arrow Y2inFIG.7or the path indicated by the arrow Y3if the water chamber30is full of water. These paths are longer than the path indicated by the arrow X1described above. Therefore, air discharged into the water chamber30is in contact with the water surface inside the water chamber30for a longer distance and more readily flows downstream together with humid air. Therefore, the air discharged from the humidifier20is more readily humidified.

(2-2) In this embodiment, the outlet baffle430is molded so as to be integrated with the sealing member450. Therefore, the outlet baffle430can be removed from the top cover32together with the sealing member450. When the outlet baffle430is removed from the top cover32during cleaning the top cover32, the air passage433defined by the side wall431of the outlet baffle430, the baffle plate432, and the top plate portion453is easily visible for cleaning.

(2-3) In the state of use of the CPAP device10, air also flows into the water chamber30through the opening411of the flow tube400. The main wall441of the baffle440is disposed on a straight path from an opening end W of the opening411on the first end side in the length direction to the opening end S of the third circulation opening334on the first end side in the length direction. Therefore, air discharged from opening411bypasses the main wall441of baffle440and reaches the third circulation opening434of outlet baffle430by flowing various flow paths. Paths that reach the third circulation opening434by bypassing the main wall441of the baffle440are longer than the straight path from the opening end W of the opening411to the opening end S of the third circulation opening434. Therefore, the flow path length of air discharged from the opening411into the water chamber30can be lengthened.

(2-4) When the CPAP device10is in use, air is discharged into the inside of the water chamber30from the first circulation opening410and the opening411. The air circulation path from the first circulation opening410to the third circulation opening434and the air circulation path from the opening411to the third circulation opening434communicate with each other, which allows the air to be more easily agitated inside the water chamber30. Therefore, the length of the flow path of the air circulating inside the water chamber30can be lengthened.

This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

·In each embodiment, the CPAP device10may have any configuration as long as the configuration includes the blower unit100and the humidifier20. The shape of the CPAP device10is also not restricted. In addition, as long as it is possible to supply and discharge air to and from the humidifier20, the present disclosure is not limited to the humidifier20of the CPAP device10.

·In each of the embodiments, the humidifier20may have any configuration so long as the humidifier20includes the water chamber30. For example, the conduit50may be omitted and the air tube90may be inserted into the second circulation opening320. For example, the bottom surface of the water chamber30may be provided with a metal heat-transfer member in order to improve the heat conduction from the heater. The shape of the humidifier20is also not limited to that described in the above embodiments.

·In each embodiment, the configuration of the water chamber30is not limited. For example, the tank31and the top cover32may be molded so as to be integrated with each other such that part of a side surface of the tank31is open. The top cover32may be attached to the tank31using a different configuration, without the top cover32being provided with the first fastening portion32C or the second fastening portion32E.

·In each embodiment, the shape of the flow tube300may be modified as appropriate. For example, in the First Embodiment, the upstream section301and the downstream section302may both be formed in a tubular shape without any boundaries therebetween.

·The opening directions of the first circulation openings310and410are not limited to the examples given in the above embodiments. It is sufficient that the opening direction of the first circulation opening310or410at least intersects the opening direction of the third circulation opening334or434of the outlet baffle330or430.

·In each embodiment, the shape of the second circulation opening320or420and the arrangement of the second circulation opening320or420with respect to the top cover32may be changed as appropriate. When changing the arrangement of the second circulation opening320or420with respect to the top cover32, it is preferable that the second circulation opening320or420be disposed near the edge of the top cover32on the first end side in the width direction supposing a case where the humidifier20rolls over such that the second end side thereof in the width direction ends up at the bottom.

In each of the embodiments, the flow tubes300and400do not have to be structured as integral parts of the top cover32. For example, the flow tubes300and400may be tubular members that penetrate through a side surface of the tank31. The flow tubes300and400may be configured so as to allow air to circulate thereinside without contacting the top cover32inside the water chamber30.

·In each embodiment, the flow tube300or400may be omitted and the first circulation opening310or410may be provided in the top cover32.

·In each of the embodiments, the shape of the outlet baffle330or430may be changed as appropriate. For example, the outlet baffle330or430may have a hemispherical shape, and may be shaped to cover at least a portion of the second circulation opening320or420from below and define an air passage together with the inner surface of the top cover32.

·In each embodiment, a plurality of baffles340or440may be provided. In this case, the baffles340or440may be disposed along a straight path between the first circulation opening310or410and the third circulation opening334or434and so as to extend in a direction intersecting the straight path.

·In each of the embodiments, the full capacity state of the water chamber30may be set as appropriate. Even in this case, the protruding tips of the baffles340and440are preferably submerged in water when the water chamber30is full.

·The sealing member350may cover the entire inner surface33A of the top plate32A. Members such as the baffle340or440may be molded so as to be integrated with the sealing member350or450.

·In each embodiment, a plurality of openings311or411may be provided. Furthermore, the openings311or411may be omitted.

In each embodiment, the shape of conduit50is not limited to that described in the above embodiments. For example, the conduit50may be shaped so as to protrude from the outer surface33B of the top plate32A of the top cover32and be curved partway therealong so as to be parallel to the outer surface33B of the top plate32A of the top cover32.

·In each embodiment, the range of rotation of conduit50can be changed as appropriate. For example, the conduit50may be able to rotate through 360 degrees. The conduit50may be unable to rotate. The orientation of the opening of the conduit50on the opposite side from the second circulation opening320or420can also be changed as appropriate.

·In the First Embodiment, the stopper352of the sealing member350may cover only part of the area of the opening311rather than the entire area of the opening311. Furthermore, the stopper352itself may be omitted. In the Second Embodiment, the protruding portion452may cover the entire area of the opening411or may be omitted.

·In the First Embodiment, the sealing member350can also be omitted. For example, if the top cover32of the water chamber30is itself formed of a soft material such as rubber, the sealing member350may be omitted.