JP2005278742A - Mist ejector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use for carrying or as a standing type. <P>SOLUTION: The subject mist ejector 10 is equipped with an atomizer 12 configured for carrying and a mist ejector 14 for attachably and detachably supporting the atomizer 12. The atomizer 12 is equipped with a carrying case 46 for storing an ultrasonic generator 50 and a tank 60. The mist ejector 14 is equipped with a body case 16 for storing a receiving cylinder 20. The ultrasonic generator 50 generates an ultrasonic wave by receiving electric power from a battery or an alternate current source in the carrying case 46. When this ultrasonic wave propagates to water 61 to be atomized in the tank 60 via a propagation water 52 and a diaphragm 58, the water 61 to be atomized is atomized and becomes mist. This mist is guided into the inside of a nozzle 22 from the receiving cylinder 20, and the mist ejector 10 can be used as the standing type. On the other hand, when the atomizer 12 is removed from the mist ejector 14, the atomizer 12 can be used for carrying by mounting the nozzle 22 to a discharge port 48 of the carrying case 46 since the ultrasonic generator 50 generates the ultrasonic wave by receiving electric power from the battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inhaler that performs thermotherapy of the nose and throat and an atomizer including an atomizer that atomizes atomized water containing an inhaled drug. The present invention relates to a fog discharger used for thermal treatment such as relaxation.

  An inhaler is known as a device used for the thermal treatment of the nose and throat, and this type of inhaler is used for the treatment of, for example, initial cold and allergic rhinitis. Inhalers used for such treatment are those in which atomized water containing a drug is atomized and inhaled by applying heat or vibration to the drug. ing.

  As a handy type inhaler, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), it has a substantially bowl-shaped cross section in which the small-diameter cylindrical portion 100a and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 100b are coupled on the side surfaces. An atomizing means (not shown) for atomizing a medicine is accommodated in the holding case 100, and a nozzle 102 made of a transparent rubber-like member is attached to the upper side of the case 100. There has been proposed a technique in which the direction in which the atomized medicine is released can be arbitrarily selected by changing the state (see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, as a stationary inhaler, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a power supply transformer 106, a spray unit 108 for spraying liquid by ultrasonic waves, and the like are housed in a main body case 104, and The ultrasonic wave is attached to the nozzle 110 for discharging the liquid sprayed from the spray unit 108, the heater unit 112 is attached to a part of the nozzle 110, and the mist passing through the nozzle 112 is heated by the heater unit 112. A thermal nebulizer has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-22747 JP-A-8-276016

  Among the prior arts, the former one has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 100a and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 100b formed in the grasping case 100 of the inhaler, and therefore either one of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 100a and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 100b. Although one inhaler can be used in a wide range from adults to children by gripping the device, it is necessary to make it smaller for portable use. On the other hand, the latter is not a problem for asthma and hay fever patients to install and use in a living room or kitchen. However, it is difficult to move the inhaler to the patient when the seizure occurs at a location away from where the inhaler is installed. That is, in the prior art, no consideration is given to the use of both portable (handy type) and stationary types.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to be used as a portable type or a stationary type.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the mist discharger according to claim 1, the atomizing means for atomizing the water to be atomized in the tank by receiving electric power is housed in the portable case together with the battery. A power converter that constitutes an atomizer, converts AC power from an AC power source to power for supplying to the atomizer, and outputs the power, and a nozzle for introducing a suction mask by introducing the fog from the atomizer A mist discharge body is configured by storing a receiving cylinder to be discharged into the main body case, and the atomizer is detachably mounted on the mist emitting body, and the suction mask mounting nozzle is mounted on and removed from the receiving cylinder. A support part that freely attaches and supports the suction mask attachment nozzle in a removable manner is formed on the carrying case, and the atomization means is supplied with power from a battery or a power converter.

  (Operation) The atomizing means is configured to atomize the water to be atomized in the tank by receiving power from a battery built in the portable case or a power converter provided in the main body case. The emitter is configured to detachably support the atomizer, and when the atomizer is mounted on the fog emitter, power is supplied from the power converter to the atomizer and generated by the atomizer Since the mist is fed to the suction mask mounting nozzle, it can be used as a stationary type. On the other hand, when the atomizer (carrying case) is removed from the fog emitter, the atomizing means in the carrying case is supplied with power from the battery built in the carrying case, so By removing the suction mask mounting nozzle from the cylinder and mounting the removed suction mask mounting nozzle on the support portion of the carrying case, the mist generated by the atomizing means is supplied to the suction mask mounting nozzle. Therefore, it can be used for portable use.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the mist discharge device according to the first aspect, the portable case is formed with a first connecting portion connected to the discharge port, and a second connecting portion is provided on the mist introducing side of the receiving cylinder. One end side of a connecting means for forming a fluid passage connecting the portable case and the receiving cylinder is connected to the first connecting portion, and the other end of the connecting means is connected to the second connecting portion. The side was configured to be detachably connected.

  (Operation) When the atomizer is attached to the mist emitter, the first connection portion formed at the discharge port of the carrying case and the second connection formed at the mist introduction side of the receiving cylinder in the main body case The mist generated in the carrying case can be guided into the receiving tube through the connecting means by connecting the parts with the connecting means through the connecting means, and the mist leakage is prevented. I can do this.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the mist discharger according to the first or second aspect, a coiled heater for heating the mist in the receiving cylinder is attached to the receiving cylinder.

  (Operation) Since the coiled heater for heating the mist in the receiving cylinder is attached to the receiving cylinder, the mist passing through the receiving cylinder can be heated uniformly by the coiled heater, The mist heated to a constant temperature can be discharged from the nozzle.

  In Claim 4, In the fog discharge device according to any one of Claims 1, 2, and 3, the introduction path of the fog generated from the opening of the tank is connected to the discharge port of the carrying case. And a passage cylinder that forms an annular gap with the opening of the tank, and a blower that sends air toward the annular gap.

  (Operation) Since the passage cylinder forms an introduction path for the mist generated from the opening of the tank and forms an annular gap with the opening of the tank, air is blown from the blower toward the annular gap. By sending, an annular air curtain is formed on the outside of the mist, and mist leakage can be prevented. In this case, by forming the passage cylinder in a straight line, the mist introduction path can be shortened, the mist can be discharged smoothly, and the power consumption of the blower can be reduced. Can be achieved.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the fog discharger according to claim 1, the atomizer can be detached from the fog discharger and used alone for portable use, and the atomizer can be used as a fog discharger. It can also be used as a stationary type.

  According to claim 2, leakage of fog can be prevented.

  According to claim 3, the mist heated to a constant temperature can be discharged.

  According to claim 4, leakage of fog can be prevented.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fog discharger according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fog discharger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view, FIG. 5 is a plan view, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining the structure of a connector.

  In these drawings, an ultrasonic mist discharger 10 is provided with functions as an inhaler and an atomizer, and an atomizer (cartridge) 12 configured to be portable and an atomizer 12 are attached and detached. A mist emitter 14 that is freely supported is provided. The mist emitter 14 includes a resin main body case 16 formed as a substantially cylindrical container, and a resin base 18 formed in a flat plate shape and fixed to the bottom of the main body case 16. The atomizer 12 is detachably disposed (attached and detached) in the space between the projecting portion 16 a and the base 18.

  A protrusion 16 a is formed on the upper side of the main body case 16, and a receiving cylinder 20 formed in a cylindrical shape is accommodated in the protrusion 16 a, and a suction mask is provided at an upper axial end of the receiving cylinder 20. A mounting nozzle 22 is detachably mounted. The nozzle 22 is a mask-integrated nozzle, and a suction mask 24 is integrally formed at an end portion in the axial direction. A handle 26 is formed on the upper side of the main body case 16 adjacent to the protruding portion 16a. The handle 26 is configured to form a space portion 26 a for inserting a hand between the handle case 16 and the main body case 16. Further, a start / end switch 28 and plenty / usual switches 30 are provided on the front side of the main body case 16, and a power supply unit 34 for connecting a power cord 32 is attached to the bottom side of the side surface of the main body case 16. .

  Further, a transformer 36 and a substrate 38 are accommodated in the main body case 16, and the primary side of the transformer 36 is connected to the power supply unit 34. The transformer 36 steps down the voltage of the AC signal when an AC signal (AC power) is supplied from the power cord 32 to the power source 34, and converts the reduced AC voltage from the secondary side to the power on the substrate 38. Is output to a device (not shown). The board 38 is equipped with a power converter for converting the output voltage of the transformer 36 into power suitable for the load, and is converted into a signal from the start / end switch 28 and plenty of signals from the switch 30. A control circuit for outputting a control signal is mounted, and the output of the power converter and the output of the control circuit are supplied to the power supply unit 40 of the atomizer 12 via an external connection terminal (not shown). It is like that.

  A coiled heater 42 is disposed on the inner circumference side of the receiving cylinder 20 over the circumference, and the heater 42 is supported by a cylindrical heater guard 44. The heater 42 is configured to receive power supplied from the power converter on the substrate 38 and uniformly heat the mist passing through the receiving tube 20.

  On the other hand, the atomizer 12 includes a resin carrying case 46 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A circular discharge port 48 is formed on the upper side of the carrying case 46 and the power source unit 40 is provided on the bottom side. Is installed. In the portable case 46, substantially cylindrical storage portions 46a and 46b are formed, and a support portion 46c is formed adjacent to the storage portion 46b. An ultrasonic generator 50 is disposed on the bottom side of the storage portion 46a, and propagation water 52 is stored. The propagation water 52 is injected from the injection path 46d and stored in the storage portion 46a.

  In addition, a resin diaphragm 58 formed in a V shape in front view and a cylindrical tank 60 are detachably attached to the storage portion 46b. The upper side of the diaphragm 58 is integrally connected to the bottom side of the tank 60, and the bottom side is inserted into the propagation water 52. That is, if the diaphragm 58 is formed in a flat plate shape, air accumulates on the surface thereof, and vibration cannot be sufficiently transmitted to the medium on the diaphragm 58. Therefore, the diaphragm 58 in this embodiment is formed in a V shape. Yes. Furthermore, the bottom side of the diaphragm 58 is inserted into the propagation water 52 so that the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic generator 50 directly acts on the diaphragm 58 via the propagation water 52.

  Further, in the tank 60, an atomized water 61 containing a medicine, for example, physiological saline, is stored, and ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator 50 are atomized via the propagation water 52 and the diaphragm 58. When propagated to the water 61, the atomized water 61 is atomized along with the vibration of the ultrasonic waves to form a mist, and the mist rises in the tank 60. That is, the ultrasonic generator 50, the propagation water 52, and the diaphragm 58 are configured as atomizing means that atomizes the atomized water 61 in the tank 60 to generate fog.

  An axial end (lower side) of a cylindrical passage cylinder 62 is inserted on the upper side of the tank 60, and the passage cylinder 62 is integrally formed in the vicinity of the discharge port 48 of the portable case 46. Yes. The passage cylinder 62 is formed with a smaller diameter on the lower side in the axial direction than the opening of the tank 60, and the small diameter portion 62 a forms an annular gap 64 between the opening end of the tank 60. Air from the blower 66 is introduced into the annular gap 64.

  The blower 66 includes a fan 68 and a motor 70. The fan 68 is fixed to the upper side of the support 46c with the support 46c interposed therebetween, and the motor 70 is fixed to the lower side of the support 46c. Yes. The rotation shaft of the motor 70 is connected to the drive shaft of the fan 68. When air from the blower 66 is supplied into the annular gap 46, an annular air curtain is formed on the outer peripheral side of the mist introduced from the tank 60 into the passage cylinder 62, and from the tank 60 to the passage cylinder 62. It is possible to prevent the introduced mist from leaking from the opening of the tank 60 and the passage cylinder 62.

  An end surface on the upper side in the axial direction of the passage cylinder 62 is formed as a discharge port 48, and is adjacent to the discharge port 48 and on the outer peripheral side of the passage tube 62, as shown in FIG. (First connecting portion) 62a is formed. A connecting tool 72 as a connecting means for connecting the receiving tube 20 and the portable case 46 is detachably attached to the male screw portion 62a. The connector 72 includes a main body 72a formed in an annular shape and four levers 72b arranged at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the main body 72a, and a male screw portion 62a is provided on the inner peripheral side of the main body 72a. Is formed. By rotating the lever 72b, the coupling 72 is engaged with the male thread 62a of the passage cylinder 62, and the axial end of the coupling 72 is coupled to the discharge port 48 of the portable case 46. It is like that.

  Further, a male screw portion (second connecting portion) 20 a that can mesh with the female screw portion 72 c of the connector 72 is formed at the axial end of the receiving tube 20. In this case, by rotating the lever 72b of the coupling tool 72, the male threaded portion 20a of the receiving cylinder 20 and the female threaded section 72c of the coupling tool 72 are engaged with each other so that the coupling tool 72 and the receiving cylinder 20 are coupled. It has become. When the discharge port 48 of the portable case 46 and the receiving cylinder 20 are connected via the connector 72, a fluid path sealed as a mist passage is formed by the connector 72 and is introduced from the passage cylinder 62. The fog can be guided into the receiving tube 20 without leaking outside.

  An annular projection 74 is formed on the upper part of the portable case 46 as a support part adjacent to the male screw part 62 a connected to the discharge port 48. The protrusion 74 is formed at a constant interval from the male screw portion 62a so that the lower end in the axial direction of the nozzle 22 detachably attached to the receiving cylinder 20 can be detachably inserted. That is, when the atomizer 12 is used alone, the nozzle 22 removed from the main body case 16 can be detachably attached to the discharge port 48 of the portable case 46.

  Further, in the portable case 46, a dry battery (not shown) as a battery is accommodated, and a substrate 76 is accommodated. The substrate 76 is supplied with electric power from the built-in dry battery or the power supply unit 40, and takes in a signal such as a control signal from the substrate 38 in the main body case 16, and the ultrasonic generator 50 and the motor based on the taken-in signal. A control circuit for controlling 70 is mounted.

  In the above configuration, when the mist discharger 10 is used as a stationary type, first, when the portable case 46 is connected to the receiving cylinder 20 via the connection tool 72, the lever 72b of the connection tool 72 is connected in the connection release direction. , The connection between the connector 72 and the portable case 46 is released. Thereafter, the atomizer 12 is removed from the fog emitter 14 and the lid 47 of the portable case 46 is removed from the portable case 46. Thereafter, the propagation water 52 is injected from the injection path 40d, and a certain amount of the propagation water 52 is stored in the storage portion 46a. After that, before attaching the lid 47 to the portable case 46, the tank 60 is taken out and the atomized water 61 containing the medicine is injected into the tank 60, and then the lid 47 is attached to the portable case 46. Even after the lid 47 is attached to the portable case 46, the atomized water 61 containing the medicine can be injected into the tank 60 from the discharge port 48 of the portable case 46. Thereafter, the atomizer 12 is mounted on the base 18, and the power supply unit 40 is connected to the external connection terminal of the main body case 16.

  Next, the lever 72b of the connecting tool 72 is rotated in the connecting direction so that the female screw part 72c is engaged with the male screw part 60a, and the receiving tube 20 and the portable case 46 are connected via the connecting tool 72. Subsequently, when the start / end switch 28 is operated after the power cord 32 is inserted into the outlet, power is supplied to the substrate 76 via the transformer 36, the substrate 38, and the power supply unit 40, and from the control circuit on the substrate 76. The ultrasonic generator 50 and the motor 70 are activated according to the signal, and ultrasonic waves are generated from the ultrasonic generator 50. When this ultrasonic wave is propagated to the atomized water 61 in the tank 60 through the propagation water 52 and the diaphragm 58, the atomized water 61 is atomized along with the vibration of the ultrasonic wave to become a mist. This mist is introduced into the passage cylinder 62 through the opening of the tank 60. The mist that has passed through the passage cylinder 62 is introduced into the receiving cylinder 20, and the introduced mist is uniformly heated by the heater 42 in the process of passing through the receiving cylinder 20, and the heated mist is the inlet of the nozzle 22. After being discharged to the side (mask 24 side), it is discharged through the suction mask 24. Since the mist released at this time is heated to about 43 ° C. by the heater 42, for example, it is provided to the patient in a state suitable for thermal treatment of the nose and throat.

  On the other hand, when the mist discharger 10 is used for portable use, the lever 72b of the connector 72 is rotated in the connection release direction to release the engagement between the female screw portion 72c and the male screw portion 62a. And the external connection terminal of the main body case 16 are released, and the atomizer 12 is removed from the fog emitter 14. Next, the nozzle 22 is removed from the receiving cylinder 20, and the lower side in the axial direction of the nozzle 22 is inserted between the male screw portion 62 a and the protrusion 74 in the vicinity of the discharge port 48 of the main body case 46. In this case, the ultrasonic generator 50 and the motor 70 are activated with a dry battery as a power source, and the atomized water 61 in the tank 60 is atomized by the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic generator 50 to form a mist. The mist introduced directly into the nozzle 22 from the passage cylinder 62 is discharged from the suction port side of the nozzle 22. The mist released at this time is not heated by the heater 42 but is provided to the patient in a state suitable for treatment of the nose and throat.

  Thus, since the mist can be generated from the atomizer 12 through the nozzle 22 even if the atomizer 12 is used for portable purposes, the atomizer 12 can be used as a portable inhaler and atomizer. Can be used.

  According to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic fog discharger 10 can be used as a stationary type, and the atomizer 12 can be used alone for portable use.

  Moreover, according to the present Example, since the portable case 46 and the receiving cylinder 20 were connected via the connection tool 72, leakage of fog can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the mist passing through the receiving cylinder 20 is uniformly heated by the coil heater 42, the mist heated to a constant temperature can be released from the suction mask mounting nozzle 22. it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the air from the blower 66 is sent toward the gap 64 between the open end of the tank 60 and the passage cylinder 62 so that an annular air curtain is formed outside the mist. Therefore, mist leakage can be prevented, and the mist can be discharged smoothly, contributing to reduction in power consumption of the blower 66 and downsizing of the apparatus.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fog discharger which shows one Example of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which follows the AA line of FIG. It is a front view of the fog discharger which shows one Example of this invention. It is a side view of the fog discharger which shows one Example of this invention. It is a top view of the fog discharger which shows one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a coupling tool. (A) is a front view of an inhaler showing a conventional example, and (b) is a plan view of the inhaler showing a conventional example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inhaler which shows another prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic mist discharger 12 Atomizer 14 Fog discharger 16 Main body case 20 Receptacle 22 Nozzle 34, 40 Power supply part 42 Coiled heater 46 Carrying case 48 Outlet 50 Ultrasonic generator 58 Diaphragm 60 Tank
62 Passing tube 66 Blower 72 Connector 74 Projection

Claims (4)

  A portable atomizer, and a mist emitter that removably supports the atomizer, the atomizer having a tank for storing atomized water containing a medicine, and power supply Receiving, atomizing means for atomizing the water to be atomized in the tank, a portable case for storing the tank and the atomizing means, and discharging the mist generated from the opening of the tank from the discharge port; And a battery built in the carrying case, wherein the fog emitting body introduces and discharges the fog discharged from the discharge port of the carrying case, and the fog emitting side of the receiving cylinder A suction mask mounting nozzle that is detachably connected to the power supply, a power converter that converts AC power from an AC power source into power suitable for a load and outputs the power, and a body that houses the receiving tube and the power converter. The carrying case has a front outlet. Inhalation mask support for detachably supporting the mounting nozzles are formed, wherein the atomizing means are fog emitter consisting supplied with electric power from the battery or the power converter.   2. The fog discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the portable case is formed with a first connection portion connected to the discharge port, and a second connection portion is formed on the fog introduction side of the receiving cylinder, One end side of a connecting means for forming a fluid passage connecting the portable case and the receiving cylinder is connected to the first connecting portion, and the other end side of the connecting means is detachably connected to the second connecting portion. The mist discharger characterized by being made.   The mist discharger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a coiled heater for heating the mist in the receiving tube is attached to the receiving tube.   4. The mist discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the mist discharge device is connected to a discharge port of the carrying case to form an introduction path for mist generated from an opening of the tank, and the tank. A mist discharger comprising: a passage cylinder that forms an annular gap between the opening and a blower that sends air toward the annular gap.

Images