JP7015900B2 - CPAP device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device.

Conventionally, for the treatment of sleep-related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), for example, a fluid control device such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device (hereinafter referred to as CPAP device). Is used. The CPAP device has a blower with a built-in fan and supplies gas (eg, air) from the blower to a mask worn on the patient's mouth or nose at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. Since the CPAP device is used while the patient is sleeping, quietness is required. For example, a CPAP device having a mechanism for reducing the inflow sound of air to the device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-34411

An object of the present disclosure is a fan, a fan case accommodating the fan, a motor having a rotation shaft to which the fan is fixed, and an annular elastic member disposed between the motor and the fan case. , The elastic member surrounds the motor from the outside in the radial direction about the rotation axis, and the motor is supported by the fan case via the elastic member. Is to provide.

The CPAP device according to the present disclosure is disposed between a fan, a fan case accommodating the fan, a motor having a rotation shaft to which the fan is fixed, and the motor and the fan case. It has an annular elastic member, and the elastic member surrounds the motor from the outside in the radial direction about the rotation axis, and the motor is supported by the fan case via the elastic member. ing.

Schematic perspective of the fluid control device. Explanatory drawing of the usage state of the fluid control device. An exploded perspective view of the fluid control device. Schematic plan view of the fluid control device excluding the upper cover and the inner cover. Schematic perspective view of the fan unit. An exploded perspective view of the fan unit. Top view of the fan. Partial sectional view of the fluid control device. Partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fan unit. Partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fan unit. A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fluid control device of the first comparative example. (A) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fan unit of the present embodiment, and (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fan unit of the third comparative example. An explanatory diagram showing radial position-flow path height characteristics. Explanatory drawing which shows radial position-cross-sectional area characteristic in this embodiment and 2nd comparative example. Explanatory drawing showing pressure-sound pressure level characteristics. Explanatory drawing which shows the pressure-sound pressure level characteristic. Explanatory drawing showing flow rate-pressure characteristics. Explanatory drawing showing flow rate-pressure characteristics.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described.
It should be noted that the attached drawings may show enlarged components for ease of understanding. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from the actual ones or those in another drawing. Further, in the cross-sectional view, hatching of some components may be omitted for ease of understanding.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid control device 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped case 10. A suction panel 11 is attached to one side surface 10a of the case 10. Further, the case 10 has an exhaust port 12 on the side surface 10a. The suction panel 11 is attached to the opening 10b of the case 10. The suction panel 11 has a plurality of suction ports 11a arranged in a matrix. The suction panel 11 is provided for sucking air from the outside of the case 10. For example, the suction panel 11 has a filter that can be attached to and detached from the case 10. The fluid control device 1 discharges air sucked from the outside through the plurality of suction ports 11a from the exhaust port 12. The attachment position of the suction panel 11, the shape, arrangement, and the like of the suction port 11a may be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid control device 1 is used, for example, as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The fluid control device 1 is connected to the mask 3 via the tube 2. The mask 3 is worn on the nose and mouth of the patient 4. The fluid control device 1 supplies a fluid (for example, air) of a desired pressure to the patient 4 via the tube 2 and the mask 3.

The state of the patient 4 (for example, at the time of exhalation) may be determined, and the pressure of the gas supplied to the patient 4 may be controlled according to the state of the patient. For example, the fluid control device 1 estimates the exhaled state of the patient 4 wearing the mask 3 and controls the pressure value of the supplied gas so as to synchronize with the exhaled state. For example, the pressure at the time of inspiration is 1000 [Pa], and the pressure at the time of exhalation is 700 [Pa]. When the patient 4 is in the exhaled state, the pressure of the supplied gas is reduced to reduce the suffocation in the patient 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the case 10 of the fluid control device 1 has a case main body 21 having an open upper portion and a cover member 22 for closing the opening of the case main body 21. The case body 21 has the above-mentioned exhaust port 12, and the suction panel 11 is attached to the case body 21.

The case body 21 is provided with a partition wall portion 23 inside. The partition wall portion 23 is formed in a rectangular frame shape with an open upper portion, and is integrally formed with the case main body 21. The opening of the partition wall portion 23 is closed by the inner cover 24 fixed to the partition wall portion 23. The case main body 21 has an air blower chamber 25 surrounded by a partition wall portion 23 and an inner cover 24 inside the case main body 21. The fan unit 31 is housed in the blower chamber 25. The case body 21 has a control chamber 26 on the side opposite to the suction panel 11 with respect to the air blower chamber 25. The control unit 32 is housed in the control chamber 26. Although the control unit 32 has a control board and the like, it is generally shown in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The control unit 32 controls the fan unit 31. The fluid control device 1 controls the above-mentioned fluid (air) by the fan unit 31 and the control unit 32.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fan case 40 of the fan unit 31 has an intake port 40a at the upper portion and a discharge port 40b protruding from the side portion. The fan case 40 houses the fan 50.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the fan case 40 is composed of a lower case 41 and an upper case 42.
The lower case 41 has a flow path portion 41a and a discharge portion 41b. The flow path portion 41a is formed in an annular shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the flow path portion 41a is formed in a U-shaped cross section. The discharge portion 41b is formed so as to extend from the flow path portion 41a in a predetermined direction, or in the tangential direction of the annular flow path portion 41a in the present embodiment. A motor 60 that rotationally drives the fan 50 is attached to the inside of the flow path portion 41a. A fan 50 is fixed to the rotating shaft 61a of the motor 60. The flow path portion 41a has the same or substantially the same radial width around the entire circumference of the rotation shaft 61a of the motor 60. That is, in the fan case 40 (lower case 41) of the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 61a of the motor 60 is not eccentric with respect to the circular flow path portion 41a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the motor 60 has a motor body 61 and a fixing plate 62. The fixing plate 62 is formed, for example, in the shape of a circular plate in a plan view. The fixing plate 62 is fixed to the motor body 61 with screws or the like (not shown). A substantially cylindrical fixing member 63 is attached to the inside of the lower case 41. An O-ring 64 as an elastic member is disposed between the lower case 41 and the fixing member 63 and the fixing plate 62 of the motor 60. The motor 60 is supported by the lower case 41 and the fixing member 63 via the O-ring 64.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper case 42 has a flow path portion 42a and a discharge portion 42b. The flow path portion 42a is formed in an annular shape, and the opening at the center thereof is an intake port 40a for sucking air into the fan case 40. The discharge portion 42b is formed so as to extend from the flow path portion 42a in a predetermined direction, or in the tangential direction of the annular flow path portion 42a in the present embodiment. A plurality of introduction wall portions 42c are erected on the upper surface of the upper case 42. Each of the plurality of introduction wall portions 42c is formed so as to extend along the radial direction of the upper case 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper ends of the plurality of introduction wall portions 42c are formed substantially parallel to the inner cover 24.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fan 50 is fixed to the rotating shaft 61a of the motor 60. The motor 60 rotationally drives the rotary shaft 61a by supplying power to the motor main body 61, and the rotary shaft 61a and the fan 50 rotate integrally.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the fan 50 has a holding plate 51 and a plurality of blade members 52.
As shown in FIG. 8, the holding plate 51 has a first surface 51a and a second surface 51b. The first surface 51a is the upper surface of the holding plate 51, and is the surface on the side of the intake port 40a of the fan case 40. The second surface 51b is a lower surface of the holding plate 51 and is a surface facing the motor body 61.

The first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 is a concave curved surface that is located downward from the fixing portion 51c fixed to the rotating shaft 61a in the inner peripheral portion toward the outer side in the radial direction and has a gentle inclination. On the side, it extends substantially parallel to the plane orthogonal to the central axis of the holding plate 51. Further, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed in a skirt shape, and the first surface 51a of the outer peripheral end portion 51d is located on the lower side toward the outer side in the radial direction and is steeply inclined. It is a convex curved surface (R surface).

The second surface 51b of the holding plate 51 is located downward from the fixing portion 51c fixed to the rotating shaft 61a in the inner peripheral portion toward the outer side in the radial direction, and the inclination becomes gentle, and the holding plate 51 is located on the outer peripheral side. It extends substantially parallel to the plane orthogonal to the central axis of. Further, the second surface of the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is located downward and steeply inclined toward the outer side in the radial direction.

The outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed thinner toward the outer tip in the radial direction. At the outer peripheral end portion 51d, the second surface 51b is a curved surface formed so as to reduce the thickness of the holding plate 51 toward the tip with respect to the first surface 51a. The thickness (diameter width) of the tip of the holding plate 51 is preferably 1 mm or less. For example, in this embodiment, it is 1 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the plurality of blade members 52 are erected upward from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of blade members 52 are formed radially when viewed from the central axis A1 direction of the holding plate 51. Further, the plurality of blade members 52 are arranged so that the center of gravity of the fan 50 is the central axis A1.

Specifically, the plurality of blade members 52 extend from the central region of the holding plate 51 toward the outer end of the holding plate 51 when viewed from the central axis direction of the holding plate 51. In the present embodiment, each blade member 52 is formed in a linear shape. The end portion of each blade member 52 on the central axis A1 side of the fan 50 is located on the front side in the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7) of the fan 50 with respect to the other end portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fan 50 includes a first blade member 53, a second blade member 54, and a third blade member 55 as a plurality of blade members 52. The radial lengths of the first to third blade members 53 to 55 are different from each other. More specifically, the first blade member 53 extends from the inner first radial position to the vicinity of the outer peripheral end portion 51d on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The second blade member 54 extends from a second radius position larger than the first radius position to the vicinity of the outer peripheral end portion 51d on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The third blade member 55 extends from a third radius position larger than the second radius position to the vicinity of the outer peripheral end portion 51d on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The radial outer ends of the first to third blade members 53 to 55 are located on the same circumference.

In the present embodiment, the first blade member 53 and the second blade member 54 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the holding plate 51. The third blade member 55 is arranged between the first blade member 53 and the second blade member 54, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner end portion of the first blade member 53 is located inside the intake port 40a of the fan case 40 and is exposed by the intake port 40a. Therefore, the inner first radial position where the first blade member 53 is formed is set to be inside the intake port 40a of the fan case 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first blade member 53 has an apex portion 53c between the inner end portion 53a and the outer end portion 53b on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The first blade member 53 is formed so as to increase from the inner end portion 53a toward the apex portion 53c and decrease from the apex portion 53c toward the outer end portion 53b. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the fan 50 in a plane including the central axis A1 of the fan 50 and passing through the apex 53c. As shown in FIG. 8, the first blade member 53 is positioned so that the apex portion 53c overlaps with the upper case 42 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis 61a of the fan 50. The upper case 42 has a circular intake port 40a. Therefore, the apex portion 53c of the first blade member 53 is located radially outside the opening end of the intake port 40a.

In FIG. 9, the alternate long and short dash line indicates the shape of the second blade member 54 (inner end portion), and the alternate long and short dashed line indicates the shape of the third blade member 55 (inner end portion). The shape of the outer peripheral side of the second and third blade members 54 and 55 matches the shape of the first blade member 53.

The fan unit 31 includes a flow path 70 from the intake port 40a of the fan case 40 to the discharge port 40b of the fan case 40.
In the present embodiment, the flow path 70 includes a first flow path 71 connected to the intake port 40a of the fan case 40 and a second flow path 72 connected to the discharge port 40b of the fan case 40. Further, the flow path 70 includes a buffer flow path 73 between the first flow path 71 and the second flow path 72. The flow path 70 (first flow path 71, second flow path 72, buffer flow path 73) will be described in detail.

The region between the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 facing the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 is the blade member 52 (first to third blade members 53 to). A region in which the blade member 52 (55) is formed and a region in which the blade member 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) are not formed are included. In the present embodiment, the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 is sandwiched between the surface from the first radius position to the third radius position, the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42, and two blade members 52 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The region is referred to as the first flow path 71. The first flow path 71 is connected to the intake port 40a of the fan case 40.

A region sandwiched between the surface of the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42, which is a region in which the above-mentioned blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) are not formed. The buffer flow path 73 is used.

Then, the second flow path 72 is from the buffer flow path 73 to the discharge port 40b of the fan case 40.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the fan case 40 (upper case 42) and the holding plate 51, from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 facing the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The distance D1 (also referred to as the shortest distance) becomes smaller toward the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51. This distance D1 sets the cross-sectional area and height of the first flow path 71.

In the present specification, it is perpendicular to the first surface 51a at a point on the first surface 51a, includes a line segment from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the upper case 42, and the line segment is the center of the holding plate 51. The area of the surface of the locus obtained by rotating with the axis is defined as the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71. In the present embodiment, the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 have the cross-sectional area at the end of the first flow path 71 on the intake port 40a side as the first flow on the second flow path 72 side. It is formed so as to be larger than the cross-sectional area at the end of the road 71. The first surface 51a and the upper case of the holding plate 51 so that the cross-sectional area at the end of the first flow path 71 on the intake port 40a side is the same as the cross-sectional area at the end on the second flow path 72 side. The inner surface 42d of 42 may be formed.

Further, in the present specification, the value obtained by dividing the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 over a certain point on the first surface 51a by the length of the circumference of the circle passing through that point is the first flow. The height of the road 71. The length of the circumference of the circle passing through the point is calculated based on the radius at the point (the distance from the central axis A1 of the holding plate 51 to the point P1). In the present embodiment, the height of the first flow path 71 has a concave characteristic with respect to the radial position of the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. The concave characteristics will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the fan case 40 (upper case 42) and the holding plate 51, the distance D2 (also referred to as the shortest distance) from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 is the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51. It gets smaller towards. This distance D2 sets the cross-sectional area and height of the buffer flow path 73.

In the present specification, it is perpendicular to the first surface 51a at a point on the first surface 51a, includes a line segment from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the upper case 42, and the line segment is the center of the holding plate 51. The area of the surface of the locus obtained by rotating with the axis is defined as the cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73. In the present embodiment, the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 have a substantially constant or gradually smaller cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73 from the intake port 40a toward the second flow path 72. It is formed to be.

(Action)
Next, the operations of the fluid control device 1 and the fan unit 31 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid control device 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 10 and a fan unit 31 housed in a blower chamber 25 surrounded by a partition wall portion 23 inside the case 10 and an inner cover 24. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the fan unit 31 includes a fan case 40 and a fan 50. The fan case 40 has an intake port 40a and a discharge port 40b. The fan 50 is provided in the fan case 40, and has a holding plate 51 having a first surface 51a and rotatably supported, and a plurality of blade members 52 (first) erected on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. It has a third blade member 53 to 55).

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the fan unit 31 includes a flow path 70 from the intake port 40a of the fan case 40 to the discharge port 40b of the fan case 40. The flow path 70 includes a first flow path 71 connected to the intake port 40a, a second flow path 72 connected to the discharge port 40b, and a buffer flow path 73 between the first flow path 71 and the second flow path 72. ing. The region between the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 is a region where the blade member 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) is formed and the blade member 52 (first). It includes a region where the first to third blade members 53 to 55) are not formed. In the present embodiment, the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 is sandwiched between the surface from the first radius position to the third radius position, the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42, and two blade members 52 adjacent to each other in the rotational direction. The region is referred to as the first flow path 71.

In the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the apex portion 53c of the first blade member 53 of the fan 50 housed in the fan case 40 is radially outside the intake port 40a of the fan case 40. It is located in and is covered by a fan case 40 (upper case 42). When the fan 50 is rotated, the force acting on the air from the rotating first blade member 53 acts toward the downstream side of the first flow path 71, while the air flowing in from the apex portion 53c and the intake port 40a. Since the interference with the air flow is reduced, the turbulence of the air flow is suppressed. As a result, noise can be suppressed.

Here, a first comparative example with respect to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 shows a partial cross section of the fluid control device including the fan unit 100 of the first comparative example. In this first comparative example, the fan 110 housed in the fan case 101 includes a holding plate 111 and a blade member 112 erected on the holding plate 111. The apex portion 112a of the blade member 112 is located inside the intake port 101a of the fan case 101. Further, the apex portion 112a protrudes from the intake port 101a to the outside of the fan case 101.

In the case of this first comparative example, when the fan 110 is rotated inside the intake port 101a of the fan case 101, the force acting on the air from the blade member 112 of the rotating fan 110 is applied to the first flow path 71. Generates air flow not only in the downstream direction but also in various directions. For example, when an air flow toward the intake port 40a is generated, the flow of air sucked from the intake port 40a is disturbed. In this way, the air flow may be turbulent and the noise may increase.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the distance D1 from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the inner surface 42d of the fan case 40 with respect to the first surface 51a is the radius of the position toward the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51. Decreases according to. According to this configuration, when the air flowing in from the intake port 40a flows to the discharge port 40b through the first flow path 71, the flow velocity increases and a smooth air flow can be realized. As a result, noise can be reduced.

Further, the blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) extend from the central region of the holding plate 51 toward the outer end of the holding plate 51 when viewed from the central axis direction of the fan 50. There is. The end portion of the blade member 52 on the central axis A1 side of the fan 50 is located on the front side in the rotation direction of the fan 50 with respect to the other end portion. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 is substantially constant or gradually decreases from the intake port 40a toward the second flow path 72. Further, the fan unit 31 has a characteristic that the height of the first flow path 71 is concave with respect to the radial position. In such a fan unit 31, the flow velocity of the fluid is not decelerated. This makes it possible to suppress the separation phenomenon of the fluid and the generation of vortices, suppress the turbulence of the fluid flow, and suppress the noise.

When the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 increases in the direction in which the fluid flows, a force in the direction of decelerating the fluid acts on the fluid. As a result, the fluid is susceptible to interference with the constituent elements forming the flow path, and a peeling phenomenon in which the flow is difficult to determine in one direction and a vortex are likely to occur. The phenomenon of fluid separation and the generation of vortices lead to flow turbulence and pressure fluctuations, and increase the noise generated by the fluid. As in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 at the end on the intake port 40a side and the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 at the end on the second flow path 72 side are the same or larger. Therefore, when the air flowing in from the intake port 40a flows to the discharge port 40b through the first flow path 71, the flow velocity increases and a smooth air flow can be realized. As a result, noise can be reduced. Therefore, the turbulence of the fluid flow can be suppressed and the noise can be suppressed.

Further, when the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 is gradually reduced, the flow velocity of the fluid flowing out from the outer end portion of the blade member 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) can be increased. As a result, when a vortex is generated at the outer end of the blade member 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55), the vortex flows quickly toward the second flow path 72 and is rearward in the rotation direction. Interference with the blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) can be suppressed. Therefore, turbulence of fluid flow and pressure fluctuation can be suppressed, and noise can be reduced.

A region sandwiched between the surface of the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42, which is a region in which the above-mentioned blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) are not formed. The buffer flow path 73 is used. The first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 are formed so that the cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73 becomes substantially constant or gradually decreases from the intake port 40a toward the second flow path 72. ing.

When the cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73 increases in the direction in which the fluid flows, a force in the direction of decelerating the fluid acts on the fluid, and a peeling phenomenon or a vortex in which the flow becomes difficult to determine in one direction is likely to occur. The phenomenon of fluid separation and the generation of vortices lead to flow turbulence and pressure fluctuations, and increase the noise generated by the fluid. As in the present embodiment, since the cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73 is the same or gradually decreases according to the flow direction of the fluid, it is possible to suppress the deceleration of the flow velocity of the fluid, so that the turbulence of the fluid flow can be suppressed. , Noise can be suppressed.

FIG. 14 shows the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 with respect to the radial position. In FIG. 14, the solid line and the black circle show the characteristics of the present embodiment, and in FIG. 14, the alternate long and short dash line and the black triangle show the characteristics of the second comparative example. In this second comparative example, the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually increases from the intake port and then gradually decreases. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 71 is substantially uniform with respect to the radial position as compared with the second comparative example.

FIG. 13 shows the height of the first flow path 71 with respect to the radial position. In FIG. 13, the solid line and the black circle show the characteristics of the present embodiment, and in FIG. 13, the alternate long and short dash line and the black triangle show the characteristics of the second comparative example. This embodiment has a concave characteristic. The wording "concave characteristic" used in the present specification is clear from the solid line curve of FIG. 13, but the horizontal axis indicates the radial position and the vertical axis indicates the height of the first flow path. It means that the characteristic line that appears is a curve upward.

For such an embodiment and the second comparative example, the volume level (LPM) with respect to the pressure (back pressure) was measured. The volume level is a level at a position 1 m away from the intake port 40a of the fan unit 31. In the measurement, the flow resistance was set to 10 cmH ₂ O / 30 LPM, and the back pressure was changed according to the rotation speed of the fan 50. The back pressure was set to the pressure range (4 cmH ₂ O to 20 cm H ₂ O) required when the fan unit 31 and the fluid control device 1 of the present embodiment were used as the CPAP device.

The measurement result is shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the solid line and the black circle show the measurement result by the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, and in FIG. 15, the alternate long and short dash line and the black triangle are the measurement results by the fan unit of the second comparative example described above. In the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, the volume level could be reduced as compared with the fan unit of the second comparative example.

As shown in FIG. 4, inside the fluid control device 1, air flows from the periphery of the fan unit 31 toward the intake port 40a of the fan case 40, and from the intake port 40a to the fan case 40, as shown by an arrow. It is inhaled into the inside of.

FIG. 16 shows the sound pressure level (LPM) with respect to pressure. In FIG. 16, the solid line and the black circle show the characteristics of the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, and the alternate long and short dash line and the black triangle show the characteristics of the fan unit 100 of the first comparative example shown in FIG. It can be seen that the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment has a lower sound pressure level than the fan unit 100 of the first comparative example.

FIG. 17 shows the characteristics of flow rate and pressure. In FIG. 17, the solid line shows the characteristics of the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, and the alternate long and short dash line shows the characteristics of the fan unit 100 of the first comparative example shown in FIG. As described above, the same characteristics can be obtained in this embodiment as compared with the first comparative example. Further, in the vicinity of a high flow rate (150 LPM), the pressure of the present embodiment becomes slightly high. This seems to be due to the following reasons. In the first comparative example shown in FIG. 11, as described above, for example, when an air flow toward the intake port 40a occurs, the air sucked from the intake port 40a is obstructed. On the other hand, in the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, the apex portion 53c of the first blade member 53 is covered with the fan case 40 so that the air is efficiently directed to the downstream of the first flow path 71. Therefore, the characteristics of the flow rate and pressure of the fan unit 31 can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed in a skirt shape, and the first surface 51a of the outer peripheral end portion 51d is radially outer. It is an upwardly convex curved surface (R surface) that is located on the lower side and has a steeper slope toward the upper side.

Here, a third comparative example with respect to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12B shows a part of a third comparative example with respect to the present embodiment. In the fan unit 130 of the third comparative example, the upper surface of the outer peripheral end portion 131a of the holding plate 131 is cut out linearly in the cross section. Further, at the outer peripheral end portion 131a, the side surface on the outer side in the radial direction is formed parallel to the central axis of the holding plate 131.

In the third comparative example, since the flow changes abruptly along the surface of the holding plate 131, the pressure becomes high at that portion, and the characteristics may be deteriorated or backflow may occur. When backflow occurs, the flow is disturbed. Further, the interference of the flow turbulence with the blade member causes noise.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 has a skirt shape, the flow is gently bent, the pressure change is suppressed, and the deterioration of the characteristics and the backflow are suppressed. Therefore, the characteristics can be improved.

FIG. 18 shows the pressure with respect to the flow rate. In FIG. 18, the solid line shows the characteristics of this embodiment, and the alternate long and short dash line shows the characteristics of the third comparative example. In this way, the characteristics of this embodiment can be improved. The flow rate changes depending on the rotation speed of the fan 50. When trying to obtain the same flow rate, the rotation speed of the fan 50 can be lowered in this embodiment. Reducing the rotation speed of the fan 50, that is, the rotation speed of the motor body 61, reduces the noise. Therefore, by setting the same flow rate, noise can be reduced, that is, quietness can be improved.

Further, in the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed thinner toward the tip on the outer side in the radial direction. At the outer peripheral end portion 51d, the second surface 51b is a curved surface formed so as to reduce the thickness of the holding plate 51 toward the tip with respect to the first surface 51a. The thickness (diameter width) of the tip of the holding plate 51 is preferably 1 mm or less.

As shown in FIG. 12B, when the holding plate 131 is thick to the end, the moment of inertia of the holding plate 131 is large, and even a slight eccentricity applies a large force to the rotating shaft, causing vibration of the rotating shaft and its durability. It causes a decrease in inertia and an increase in noise. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since it is formed thinner toward the tip on the outer side in the radial direction, the moment of inertia can be reduced, and vibration, deterioration of durability, noise, and the like can be suppressed.

Further, in the fan unit 130 of the comparative example, since the end portion of the holding plate 131 is thick, a secondary vortex is formed between the air flow indicated by the arrow Y11 and the rotational flow of the second flow path 72 indicated by the arrow Y12. Will occur, creating a complex flow and causing noise.

On the other hand, in the fan unit 31 of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed thinner toward the tip on the outer side in the radial direction. Therefore, in FIG. 12A, a secondary flow is provided between the flow of air flowing from the buffer flow path 73 indicated by the arrow Y1 into the second flow path 72 and the rotational flow of the second flow path 72 indicated by the arrow Y2. It is difficult for vortices to occur, flow turbulence can be suppressed, and noise can be suppressed.

Further, it is preferable that the frequency is set to a frequency (for example, 8 kHz) or higher in a region where noise due to the generated secondary vortex is difficult to hear. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when used as a CPAP device, the fan 50 is driven at about _{10 cmH2O} . In this case, the speed of the outer peripheral end of the fan 50 is about 40 m / s. When the frequency of the sound generated by the secondary vortex is equal to or higher than the frequency in the above region (for example, 8 kHz), it is preferable to set the thickness of the tip of the holding plate 51 to 1 mm or less.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(1) The fan unit 31 includes a fan case 40 and a fan 50. The fan case 40 has an intake port 40a and a discharge port 40b. The fan 50 is provided in the fan case 40, and has a holding plate 51 having a first surface 51a and rotatably supported, and a plurality of blade members 52 (first) erected on the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51. It has a third blade member 53 to 55). Further, the fan unit 31 includes an inner surface of the fan case 40 (inner surface 42d of the upper case 42) facing the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51, a first surface 51a of the holding plate 51, and two adjacent blade members 52. It is provided with a first flow path 71 that is sandwiched between the two and connected to the intake port 40a. In the fan unit 31, the apex portion 53c of the first blade member 53 of the fan 50 housed in the fan case 40 is located radially outside the intake port 40a of the fan case 40, and the fan case 40 (upper case 42). ) Is covered. When the fan 50 is rotated, the force acting on the air from the rotating first blade member 53 acts toward the downstream side of the first flow path 71 without significantly interfering with the apex portion 53c, so that the air The turbulence of the flow is suppressed. As a result, noise can be suppressed.

(2) The fan unit 31 covers the apex portion 53c of the first blade member 53 with the fan case 40, so that the apex portion 53c heads downstream of the first flow path 71 without significantly interfering with the inflowing air. Therefore, air can be efficiently discharged.

(3) In the fan unit 31, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed in a skirt shape, and the first surface 51a of the outer peripheral end portion 51d is located downward and inclined toward the outer side in the radial direction. Is a steep, upwardly convex curved surface (R surface). Therefore, the flow is gently bent, the pressure change is suppressed, and the occurrence of backflow is suppressed. Therefore, air can be efficiently discharged.

(4) In the fan unit 31, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed thinner toward the radial outer tip. At the outer peripheral end portion 51d, the second surface 51b is a curved surface formed so as to reduce the thickness of the holding plate 51 toward the tip with respect to the first surface 51a. The thickness (diameter width) of the tip of the holding plate 51 is preferably 1 mm or less. Therefore, the moment of inertia can be reduced, and vibration, deterioration of durability, noise, and the like can be suppressed.

(5) In the fan unit 31, the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 is formed thinner toward the radial outer tip. Therefore, it is difficult for a secondary vortex to be generated between the flow of air flowing from the buffer flow path 73 into the second flow path 72 and the rotating flow of the second flow path 72, turbulence of the flow can be suppressed, and noise is suppressed. can.

(6) The distance D1 from the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 to the inner surface 42d of the fan case 40 with respect to the first surface 51a decreases toward the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51. Further, the blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) extend from the central region of the holding plate 51 toward the outer end of the holding plate 51 when viewed from the central axis direction of the fan 50. There is. In such a fan unit 31, the flow velocity of the fluid is not decelerated. This makes it possible to suppress the separation phenomenon of the fluid and the generation of vortices, suppress the turbulence of the fluid flow, and suppress the noise.

(7) In the plurality of blade members 52, the end portion of the fan 50 on the central axis A1 side is located on the front side in the rotation direction of the fan 50 with respect to the other end portion. The flow of fluid goes from the center to the outside due to the rotation of the fan, and also goes to the front side in the direction of rotation. Therefore, compared to a fan unit using a fan in which the blade member is formed along a straight line passing through the central axis A1, the shape of the blade member 52 is along the flow of the fluid, so that the blade member 52 and the fluid have a shape. Excessive interference can be suppressed and noise can be reduced.

(8) The plurality of blade members 52 include first to third blade members 53 to 55 having different lengths from the end on the central axis side of the fan 50 to the other end. In the present embodiment, a second blade member 54 shorter than the first blade member 53 is disposed between the first blade members 53 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the fan 50, and the first blade member 53 and the first blade member 53 are arranged. A third blade member 55 shorter than the second blade member 54 is arranged between the blade members 54. In the fan 50 in which the first to third blade members 53 to 55 are arranged in this way, the first surface 51a of the holding plate 51, the inner surface of the fan case 40 (inner surface 42d of the upper case 42), and the first to third surfaces are present. The space surrounded by the blade members 53 to 55 is gradually divided from the central axis A1 side of the fan 50 toward the outside. As a result, the change in the distance between the two adjacent blade members 52 from the center to the outside can be reduced, and the change in the distance between the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the fan case 40 can be reduced. As a result, excessive interference between the fluid and the blade member 52, the holding plate 51, and the inner surface 42d of the fan case 40 can be suppressed, turbulence of the fluid flow can be suppressed, and noise can be suppressed.

(9) In the fan 50, on the surface of the outer peripheral end portion 51d of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42, which is a region where the blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) are not formed. The sandwiched region is referred to as a buffer flow path 73. The first surface 51a of the holding plate 51 and the inner surface 42d of the upper case 42 are formed so that the cross-sectional area of the buffer flow path 73 becomes substantially constant or gradually decreases from the intake port 40a toward the second flow path 72. ing. Therefore, the flow velocity of the fluid is not slowed down, the turbulence of the fluid flow can be suppressed, and the noise can be suppressed.

The above embodiment may be carried out in the following embodiments.
-The shape of the fan 50 may be appropriately changed with respect to the above embodiment.
-The arrangement and configuration of the plurality of blade members 52 (first to third blade members 53 to 55) may be appropriately changed with respect to the above embodiment.

For example, the first blade member 53, the second blade member 54, the second blade member 54, the first blade member 53, the second blade member 54, ..., The first blade member. At least one of the 53 and the second blade member 54 may be continuously arranged.

Further, the first blade member 53, the second blade member 54, and the third blade member 55 may be sequentially arranged in this order in the circumferential direction.
For example, the third blade member 55 may be omitted, and the fan may include the first blade member 53 and the second blade member 54. Further, the second blade member 54 may be omitted, and the fan may be provided with the first blade member 53 and the third blade member 55.

The technical ideas that can be grasped from each of the above embodiments are described below.
(Appendix 1)
A fan case with an intake and a discharge port,
A fan provided in the fan case, having a first surface and rotatably supported and holding plate, and a plurality of blade members erected on the first surface and arranged in the rotational direction.
A first flow path sandwiched between an inner surface of the fan case and two blade members adjacent to the first surface of the holding plate and connected to the intake port.
Equipped with
The intake port is provided in a circular shape around the rotation axis of the fan.
The apex portion of the blade member is located radially outside the intake port.
Blower.

(Appendix 2)
The plurality of blade members linearly extend from the radially inner end of the holding plate to the radially outer end of the holding plate when viewed from the central axis direction of the fan, and the inner end is outer. Located on the front side of the fan rotation direction from the end,
The blower according to Appendix 1.

(Appendix 3)
The blower according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of blade members include blade members having different lengths from one end on the central axis side of the fan to the other end.

(Appendix 4)
The plurality of blade members include a first blade member and a second blade member having a length shorter than that of the first blade member.
The apex portion is the apex portion of the first blade member.
The blower according to Appendix 3.

(Appendix 5)
The blower according to Appendix 4, wherein the one or a plurality of the second blade members are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the plurality of the first blade members in the circumferential direction of the holding plate.

(Appendix 6)
The plurality of blade members further include a third blade member having a shorter length than the second blade member.
The blower according to Appendix 4 or 5.

(Appendix 8)
The blower according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7 and the blower.
A case for accommodating the blower and
Equipped with
The case has a partition wall portion for accommodating the blower device and a middle case for closing the opening of the partition wall portion.
The blower is arranged with the intake port facing the middle case.
The fan case of the blower has a plurality of radially extending introduction walls on the outer periphery of the intake port.
Fluid control device.

(Appendix 11)
A fan case with an intake and a discharge port,
A fan provided in the fan case and having a plurality of blade members, a first surface provided with the plurality of blade members, and a holding plate having a second surface opposite to the first surface. ,
A first flow path sandwiched between the first surface of the holding plate and two blade members adjacent to the inner surface of the fan case and connected to the intake port.
A second flow path on the second surface side of the holding plate and connected to the discharge port,
Equipped with
The holding plate has an outer peripheral end portion radially outer from the plurality of blade members.
The outer peripheral end portion is in the shape of a skirt, which is located on the lower side toward the outer side in the radial direction and has a steep slope.
Blower.

(Appendix 12)
The blower according to Appendix 11, wherein the outer peripheral end portion is thin toward the tip end.
(Appendix 13)
The blower according to Appendix 11 or 12, wherein the outer peripheral end portion has a thickness of 1 mm or less.

(Appendix 21)
A fan case with an intake and a discharge port,
A fan having a holding plate provided in the fan case and having a first surface and rotatably supported, and a plurality of blade members erected on the first surface and arranged in the rotational direction.
A first flow path sandwiched between an inner surface of the fan case and two blade members adjacent to the first surface of the holding plate and connected to the intake port.
Equipped with
The plurality of blade members extend from the central region of the holding plate toward the outer end of the holding plate when viewed from the central axis direction of the fan.
The distance from the first surface of the holding plate to the inner surface of the fan case facing the first surface decreases from the outer peripheral end of the intake port toward the outer peripheral end of the holding plate.
Blower.

(Appendix 22)
The end portion of the plurality of blade members on the central axis side of the fan is located on the front side in the rotation direction of the fan with respect to the other end portion.
The blower according to Appendix 21.

(Appendix 23)
22. The blower according to Appendix 21 or 22, wherein the plurality of blade members include blade members having different lengths from one end on the central axis side of the fan to the other end.

(Appendix 24)
22. The blower according to Appendix 22, wherein the plurality of blade members include a first blade member and a second blade member having a length shorter than that of the first blade member.

(Appendix 25)
The blower according to Appendix 24, wherein the plurality of blade members further include a third blade member having a length shorter than that of the second blade member.

(Appendix 26)
A fan case with an intake and a discharge port,
A fan having a holding plate provided in the fan case and having a first surface and rotatably supported, and a plurality of blade members erected on the first surface and arranged in the rotational direction.
A first flow path sandwiched between an inner surface of the fan case and two blade members adjacent to the first surface of the holding plate and connected to the intake port.
Equipped with
The plurality of blade members extend from the central region of the holding plate toward the outer end of the holding plate when viewed from the central axis direction of the fan.
The distance from the first surface of the holding plate to the inner surface of the fan case facing the first surface is such that the distance at the outer peripheral end of the intake port is larger than the distance at the outer peripheral end of the holding plate.
A narrow portion is provided in the middle of the first flow path, and a narrow portion is provided.
The distance in the narrow portion is smaller than the distance in the position adjacent to the narrow portion.
Blower.

(Appendix 27)
The cross-sectional area of the annular peripheral surface formed by the locus when the line segment perpendicular to the first surface of the holding plate and from the first surface to the inner surface of the fan case is rotated around the rotation axis of the fan. age,
The cross-sectional area in the central region of the holding plate is the same as or larger than the cross-sectional area at the outer end of the holding plate.
The blower according to any one of the appendices 21 to 26.

(Appendix 28)
An annular shape formed by a locus of a line segment perpendicular to the first surface at a point on the first surface of the holding plate and rotating around the rotation axis of the fan from the first surface to the inner surface of the fan case. The value obtained by dividing the area of the circumferential surface by the length of the circumference of the circle passing through the point is defined as the height of the first flow path at the point.
The height of the first flow path at an arbitrary radial position on the first surface has a concave characteristic from one end to the other end.
The blower according to any one of the appendices 21 to 26.

(Appendix 29)
A fluid control device having the blower according to any one of the appendices 21 to 28 and a control device for controlling the blower.

1 ... Fluid control device, 31 ... Fan unit (blower), 40 ... Fan case, 40a ... Intake port, 40b ... Discharge port, 50 ... Fan, 51 ... Holding plate, 51a ... First surface, 51d ... Outer peripheral end , 52 ... blade member, 53 ... first blade member, 53c ... apex, 54 ... second blade member, 55 ... third blade member.

Claims (1)

With fans
A fan case for accommodating the fan and
A motor having a rotation axis to which the fan is fixed, and
An annular elastic member disposed between the motor and the fan case,
Have,
The radial outer side surface of the motor about the axis of rotation comprises a groove recessed inward in the radial direction.
The elastic member is arranged inside the groove and surrounds the motor from the outside in the radial direction.
The motor is in contact with the elastic member only on the side surface and is supported by the fan case via the elastic member.
CPAP device.

Images