A water-collecting cup buffer and exhalation valve

Abstract

This invention provides a water-collecting cup buffer and an exhalation valve, belonging to the field of medical device technology. It includes an airway connector with a water-collecting cup at its lower end, and a buffer installed between the airway connector and the water-collecting cup. This invention solves the problem that the commonly used method for clearing water accumulation in exhalation valves involves using a water-collecting cup, which is added to the air inlet of the exhalation valve to collect water in the exhalation branch and within the exhalation valve. However, adding a water-collecting cup creates a cavity in the airway. When a steady airflow passes through the connection between the water-collecting cup and the airway, turbulence occurs. This turbulent airflow, when passing through the exhalation valve, causes abnormal noise on the PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) diaphragm. Furthermore, as the airflow pressure and flow rate increase, the degree of turbulence intensifies, and the abnormal noise becomes more pronounced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a water-accumulating cup buffer and an exhalation valve. Background Technology

[0002] Ventilators are medical devices. In modern clinical medicine, ventilators are widely used as an effective means of artificially replacing spontaneous ventilation in patients with respiratory failure due to various causes, anesthetic respiratory management during major surgery, respiratory support therapy, and emergency resuscitation. They occupy a very important position in the field of modern medicine. During use, humidification of the air and condensation of water vapor in the exhaled air inside the ventilator can increase air resistance, affecting the accuracy of flow / pressure measurements. Excessive condensation can even block the air outlet or valves, posing a life-threatening risk to the patient. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the condensate. There are two ways to remove condensate: one is to eliminate the condensation conditions by heating the tubing or controlling the valve, preventing condensation from forming in the ventilation path; the other is to collect the condensate using a dedicated condensate collection cup for the ventilator.

[0003] Currently, the common method for clearing water from the exhalation valve is to use a water collection cup. This involves adding a water collection cup to the air inlet of the exhalation valve to collect water in the exhalation branch and inside the exhalation valve. However, adding a water collection cup creates a cavity in the airway. When a steady airflow passes through the connection between the water collection cup and the airway, it becomes turbulent. When this turbulent airflow passes through the exhalation valve, it causes abnormal noise from the PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) diaphragm. Furthermore, as the airflow pressure and flow rate increase, the degree of turbulence intensifies, and the abnormal noise becomes more pronounced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a water-collecting cup buffer and an exhalation valve. Its purpose is to solve the problem that the current common method for clearing water accumulation in the exhalation valve is to use a water-collecting cup, which is added to the air inlet of the exhalation valve to collect water in the exhalation branch and the exhalation valve. However, adding a water-collecting cup will create a cavity in the air path. When a steady airflow passes through the connection between the water-collecting cup and the air path, it will cause turbulence. When the turbulent airflow passes through the exhalation valve, it will cause abnormal noise on the PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) diaphragm. Moreover, as the airflow pressure and flow rate increase, the degree of turbulence will increase, and the abnormal noise will become more obvious.

[0005] This invention provides a water-collecting cup buffer, including an air connector, with a water-collecting cup disposed at the lower end of the air connector, and a buffer installed between the air connector and the water-collecting cup.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, a buffer is set between the water collection cup and the air circuit connector to form a buffer water collection cavity. This allows the airflow to be slowed down, buffered, stabilized, and liquid collected before entering the valve body, thereby reducing / eliminating the influence of the rejection effect, making the airflow entering the valve body smooth, reducing the high-frequency vibration of the diaphragm in the valve body, effectively removing abnormal noise, and effectively collecting the vaporized liquid in the water collection cup when connected to the humidifier.

[0007] Furthermore, the air connector is a three-way connector, with an air inlet connector at the right end and an air connector connection end at the lower end.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, exhaled gas is connected through the air inlet of the air circuit connector, and a water collection cup is connected through the connecting end of the air circuit connector, and the valve body is connected through the other end, so as to realize the connection between the water collection cup, the valve body and the exhaled gas.

[0009] Furthermore, the mouth of the water-collecting cup is snapped onto the outer wall of the gas connector connection end, the inner wall of the water-collecting cup is in contact with the outer wall of the gas connector connection end, the bottom of the water-collecting cup is provided with a protrusion extending toward its opening, one end of the protrusion located at the opening of the water-collecting cup is provided with a positioning groove, and a water-collecting cavity is left between the inner wall of the water-collecting cup and the protrusion.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution and using a snap-fit ​​connection method, the buffer inside the water collection cup can be easily disassembled and assembled, making it easy to clean and saving operators a lot of time. At the same time, the buffer is supported and positioned by the protrusion and positioning groove, and the water collection chamber catches the condensed liquid.

[0011] Furthermore, the buffer is cup-shaped with one end open, and the diameter of the open end of the buffer gradually decreases towards the diameter of the closed end.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the cup shape, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, allows the liquid to slide down the wall and creates a cavity between the cup and the water collection cup.

[0013] Furthermore, the buffer includes a cup body, the open end of the cup body is provided with an outwardly extending rim, the outer peripheral wall of the rim is in contact with the inner wall of the water collection cup, the upper wall surface of the rim is in contact with the lower wall surface of the air passage connector connection end, a plurality of through holes are evenly opened on the rim, the top of the cup body is a cup top, and the inner wall surface of the cup top is provided with a support portion extending toward the opening of the cup body, the support portion matching the positioning groove.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the buffer is supported and positioned on the water collection cup by the support part, and the condensed liquid is guided into the water collection cup through the through hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the diameter of the cup body is smaller than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end, the diameter of the cup rim is larger than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end, and a buffer cavity is left between the outer wall of the cup body and the inner wall of the gas connector connection end.

[0016] The buffer chamber and the water accumulation chamber are connected by the through hole.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a gap is ensured between the cup body and the gas connector connection end to form a buffer cavity, which then buffers the condensed liquid and guides the buffered liquid into the water accumulation cavity through the through hole. At the same time, it is ensured that the cup rim of the installed cup body can be in contact with the gas connector connection end to form a seal.

[0018] Furthermore, the cup top has a planar structure, and the center line of the cup top is flush with the inner wall of the air intake connector.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when the gas flow rate is constant, and the center line of the cup top is level with the inner wall of the air inlet connector, the resulting bulge or depression is minimized, resulting in the smallest velocity gradient and the least degree of turbulence. This allows the airflow to enter the exhalation valve more smoothly, reduces the vibration of the PEEP diaphragm, and effectively eliminates abnormal noise.

[0020] Furthermore, the cup top has a curved surface structure, the curvature of the cup top is equal to the curvature of the inner wall of the air intake connector, and the curved surface of the cup top and the inner wall of the air intake connector are located on the same curved surface.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the curvature of the cup top and the curvature of the inner wall of the air intake connector are equal, the cup top and the inner wall of the air intake connector are completely on the same curved surface, eliminating the surface difference, thus completely eliminating the speed gradient and achieving the purpose of eliminating abnormal noise.

[0022] Furthermore, the cup top surface has curved edges on both sides, and the curved edges have rounded corners.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, not only is the vibration caused by the excessively thin curved edge reduced, but the manufacturing difficulty of the curved cup top is also reduced.

[0024] An exhalation valve includes the aforementioned water-collecting cup buffer and an exhalation valve body. The exhalation valve body includes a housing, and a valve core is installed inside the housing. A valve cover is snap-fitted to the outer side of the right end of the valve core. The valve cover is snap-fitted to the opening at the right end of the housing. The opening at the left end of the right end air passage connector of the valve core is snap-fitted to the left end. A PEEP valve diaphragm is snap-fitted to the left end of the valve core. The PEEP valve diaphragm abuts against the left wall surface inside the housing through the valve core. A first air outlet is provided on the outer side of the left end of the valve core, and a second air outlet is provided on the side wall at the left end of the housing. The first air outlet is positioned directly opposite the second air outlet.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution and using a snap-fit ​​connection method, the exhalation valve body is easy to disassemble and assemble, which in turn facilitates the cleaning of the exhalation valve body and saves operators a lot of time.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. This invention reduces / eliminates the influence of rejection by setting a buffer between the water cup and the air circuit connector to form a buffer water receiving cavity, thereby stabilizing the airflow entering the exhalation valve body, reducing the high-frequency vibration of the diaphragm inside the valve body, and effectively eliminating abnormal noise.

[0028] 2. When the present invention is connected to a humidifier, it effectively collects the vaporized liquid in the water collection cup.

[0029] 3. The present invention adopts a snap-fit ​​connection method, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the water collection cup, buffer and exhalation valve body, thereby facilitating cleaning and saving operators a lot of time.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the exhalation valve body, airway connector, water collection cup, and buffer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0034] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the exhalation valve body, airway connector, water collection cup, and buffer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the buffer in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a side view of the buffer structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the cup top in the BB direction, which is a curved surface;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the curved edge structure on the buffer in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the cup top in the BB direction as a plane;

[0042] Reference numerals: 1. Air inlet connector; 11. Air inlet connector; 12. Air inlet connector connection end; 2. Exhalation valve body; 21. Housing; 211. Second air outlet; 22. Valve cover; 23. Valve core; 231. First air outlet; 24. PEEP valve diaphragm; 3. Water collection cup; 31. Protrusion; 311. Positioning groove; 32. Water collection chamber; 4. Buffer; 41. Cup body; 42. Cup rim; 421. Through hole; 43. Cup top; 431. Curved edge; 44. Support part; 45. Buffer chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Reference Figure 1-3This invention proposes a water-collecting cup buffer, which includes an air connector 1, a water-collecting cup 3 at the lower end of the air connector 1, and a buffer 4 installed between the air connector 1 and the water-collecting cup 3. By setting the buffer 4 between the water-collecting cup 3 and the air connector 1, a buffer water-collecting cavity is formed, which slows down, buffers, stabilizes the flow, and collects liquid before the airflow enters the valve body, thereby reducing / eliminating the influence of the rejection effect, making the airflow entering the valve body stable, reducing the high-frequency vibration of the diaphragm in the valve body, effectively removing abnormal noise, and effectively collecting the vaporized liquid in the water-collecting cup 3 when connected to the humidifier.

[0046] Reference Figure 1-3 The gas connector 1 is a three-way connector. The right end of the gas connector 1 is provided with an air inlet connector 11, and the lower end of the gas connector 1 is provided with a gas connector connection end 12. Exhaled gas is connected through the air inlet connector 11 of the gas connector 1, and the water collection cup 3 is connected through the gas connector connection end 12. The other end is connected to the valve body to realize the connection between the water collection cup 3, the valve body and the exhaled gas.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 The mouth of the water collection cup 3 is snapped onto the outer wall of the gas connector connection end 12. The inner wall of the water collection cup 3 is in contact with the outer wall of the gas connector connection end 12. A protrusion 31 extending towards its opening is provided at the bottom of the water collection cup 3. A positioning groove 311 is provided at one end of the protrusion 31 at the opening of the water collection cup 3. A water collection cavity 32 is left between the inner wall of the water collection cup 3 and the protrusion 31. The snap-fit ​​connection method facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the buffer 4 inside the water collection cup 3, facilitates cleaning, and saves a lot of time for operators. At the same time, the buffer 4 is supported and positioned by the protrusion 31 and the positioning groove 311, and the water collection cavity 32 catches the condensed liquid. A filter element can also be snapped into the water collection cup 3, which can be used to filter sputum in the patient's exhaled air.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The buffer 4 is a cup-shaped container with one open end. The diameter of the open end of the buffer 4 gradually decreases towards the closed end. The cup shape, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, allows the generated liquid to slide down the wall and creates a cavity between it and the water collection cup 3.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4The buffer 4 includes a cup body 41, with an outwardly extending cup rim 42 at the open end of the cup body 41. The outer peripheral wall of the cup rim 42 is in contact with the inner wall of the water collection cup 3, and the upper wall surface of the cup rim 42 is in contact with the lower wall surface of the gas connector connection end 12. Multiple through holes 421 are evenly opened on the cup rim 42. The top of the cup body 41 is a cup top 43. A support part 44 extending toward the opening of the cup body 41 is provided on the inner wall surface of the cup top 43. The support part 44 matches the positioning groove 311. The buffer 4 is supported and positioned on the water collection cup 3 by the support part 44, and the condensed liquid is guided into the water collection cup 3 through the through holes 421.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 The diameter of the cup body 41 is smaller than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end 12, and the diameter of the cup rim 42 is larger than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end 12. A buffer cavity 45 is left between the outer wall of the cup body 41 and the inner wall of the gas connector connection end 12. The buffer cavity 45 is connected to the water accumulation cavity 32 through the through hole 421, ensuring that there is a gap between the cup body 41 and the gas connector connection end 12 to form the buffer cavity 45. The condensed liquid is then buffered through the buffer cavity 45, and the buffered liquid is guided into the water accumulation cavity 32 through the through hole 421. At the same time, it is ensured that the cup rim 42 of the installed cup body 41 can be in contact with the gas connector connection end 12 to form a seal.

[0051] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 10 The cup top 43 has a planar structure, and its centerline is flush with the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11. According to the aerodynamic velocity gradient effect and turbulence effect, the magnitude of the velocity gradient, i.e. the degree of airflow turbulence, is positively correlated with the airflow temperature, velocity, and interface changes. That is, the greater the airflow velocity and the greater the degree of bulging or depression, the greater the velocity gradient and the greater the degree of airflow turbulence. Therefore, when the gas flow rate is constant, when the centerline of the cup top 43 is flush with the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11, the bulging or depression is minimized, reducing the degree of interface changes, resulting in the smallest velocity gradient and the least degree of turbulence. This allows the airflow to enter the exhalation valve more smoothly, reducing the vibration of the PEEP diaphragm and effectively eliminating abnormal noise.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the cup top 43 is a curved structure. The curvature of the cup top 43 is equal to the curvature of the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11, and the curved surface of the cup top 43 and the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11 are located on the same curved surface. When the curvature of the cup top 43 and the curvature of the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11 are equal, the cup top 43 and the inner wall of the air inlet connector 11 are completely on the same curved surface, which improves the consistency between the cup top 43 of the buffer 4 and the air inlet connector 11, minimizes the interface difference between the air inlet connector 11 and the buffer 4, thereby eliminating the surface difference and thus completely eliminating the velocity gradient, making the airflow more stable, and achieving the purpose of eliminating abnormal noise.

[0054] Reference Figure 9 The cup top 43 has curved edges 431 on both sides. The curved edges 431 have rounded corners, which not only reduces the vibration caused by the thin edges of the curved edges 431, but also reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the curved cup top 43.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Reference Figure 1-3 An exhalation valve includes a water-collecting cup buffer as described above, and an exhalation valve body 2. The exhalation valve body 2 includes a housing 21, and a valve core 23 is installed inside the housing 21. A valve cover 22 is snapped to the outer side of the right end of the valve core 23. The valve cover 22 is snapped to the opening at the right end of the housing 21. The opening at the left end of the right end air passage connector 1 of the valve core 23 is snapped to the left end. A PEEP valve diaphragm 24 is snapped to the left end of the valve core 23. The PEEP valve diaphragm 24 abuts against the left wall inside the housing 21 through the valve core 23. A first air outlet 231 is opened on the outer side of the left end of the valve core 23, and a second air outlet 211 is opened on the side wall at the left end of the housing 21. The first air outlet 231 is directly opposite the second air outlet 211. By adopting a snap-fit ​​connection method, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the exhalation valve body 2, and thus convenient to clean the exhalation valve body 2, saving operators a lot of time.

[0057] The specific implementation method is as follows: When the ventilator is working, the exhaled airflow enters from the inlet connector 11 and passes horizontally through the connection between the water collection cup 3 and the airway connector 1. Due to the obstruction of the cup top 43 on the buffer 4, no disturbance occurs, and it can smoothly enter the exhalation valve body 2. The smooth airflow impacts the PEEP valve diaphragm 24, and the pressure difference formed on both sides of the PEEP valve diaphragm 24 causes the exhaled gas to be discharged through the first outlet 231 and the second outlet 211 in sequence. At the same time, the water accumulated inside the exhalation valve and the airway flows into the buffer chamber 45 through the gap between the buffer 4 and the airway connector 1, and then flows into the water collection cup 3 through the through hole 421 to accumulate.

[0058] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water-collecting cup buffer, comprising an air connection (1), characterized in that, A water collection cup (3) is provided at the lower end of the air connector (1), and a buffer (4) is installed between the air connector (1) and the water collection cup (3). The air connector (1) is a three-way connector, and an air inlet connector (11) is provided at the right end of the air connector (1). The buffer (4) includes a cup body (41), the open end of the cup body (41) is provided with an outwardly extending cup rim (42), the outer peripheral wall of the cup rim (42) is in contact with the inner wall of the water collection cup (3), the upper wall surface of the cup rim (42) is in contact with the lower wall surface of the air passage connector connection end (12), a plurality of through holes (421) are evenly opened on the cup rim (42), the top of the cup body (41) is a cup top (43), and a support part (44) extending toward the opening of the cup body (41) is provided on the inner wall surface of the cup top (43). When the center line of the cup top (43) is level with the inner wall of the air inlet connector (11), the resulting protrusion or depression is minimized, reducing the degree of interface change, resulting in the smallest velocity gradient and the least degree of turbulence, allowing the airflow to enter the exhalation valve more smoothly, reducing the vibration of the PEEP diaphragm, and effectively eliminating abnormal noise. Alternatively, the curved cup top (43) and the inner wall of the air inlet connector (11) are completely on the same curved surface, which improves the consistency between the cup top (43) and the air inlet connector (11) of the buffer (4), minimizes the interface difference between the air inlet connector (11) and the buffer (4), thereby eliminating the surface difference and thus completely eliminating the speed gradient, making the airflow more stable, and achieving the purpose of eliminating abnormal noise; The cup top (43) has curved edges (431) on both sides, and the curved edges (431) are rounded.

2. The water-accumulating cup buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the gas connector (1) is provided with a gas connector connection end (12).

3. A water-accumulating cup buffer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mouth of the water collection cup (3) is fastened to the outer wall of the gas connector connection end (12). The inner wall of the water collection cup (3) is in contact with the outer wall of the gas connector connection end (12). The bottom of the water collection cup (3) is provided with a protrusion (31) extending toward its opening. The protrusion (31) at one end of the opening of the water collection cup (3) is provided with a positioning groove (311). A water collection cavity (32) is left between the inner wall of the water collection cup (3) and the protrusion (31).

4. A water-accumulating cup buffer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer (4) is a cup-shaped structure with one open end, and the diameter of the open end of the buffer (4) gradually decreases towards the diameter of the closed end.

5. A water-collecting cup buffer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support (44) matches the positioning groove (311).

6. A water-accumulating cup buffer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diameter of the cup body (41) is smaller than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end (12), the diameter of the cup edge (42) is larger than the inner diameter of the gas connector connection end (12), and a buffer cavity (45) is left between the outer wall of the cup body (41) and the inner wall of the gas connector connection end (12). The buffer cavity (45) and the water accumulation cavity (32) are connected through the through hole (421).

7. An exhalation valve, comprising a water-collecting cup buffer as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes an exhalation valve body (2), which includes a housing (21). A valve core (23) is installed inside the housing (21). A valve cover (22) is snapped to the outer side of the right end of the valve core (23). The valve cover (22) is snapped to the opening at the right end of the housing (21). The opening at the left end of the right end air connector (1) of the valve core (23) is snapped to the opening. A PEEP valve diaphragm (24) is snapped to the left end of the valve core (23). The PEEP valve diaphragm (24) abuts against the left wall inside the housing (21) through the valve core (23). A first air outlet (231) is opened on the outer side of the left end of the valve core (23). A second air outlet (211) is opened on the side wall at the left end of the housing (21). The first air outlet (231) is directly opposite the second air outlet (211).

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