Water tank structure and ventilation therapy device
By introducing a gas humidifier into the water tank structure of the ventilation therapy device, the contact area between the gas and the humidifying liquid is increased, solving the problem of insufficient humidification capacity and improving the humidification effect and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BMC (TIANJIN) MEDICAL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
The poor humidification capacity of ventilation therapy equipment results in a limited contact area between the therapeutic gas and the humidifying liquid in the water tank structure, affecting the humidification effect.
Design a water tank structure, including a tank body, an air inlet channel, an air outlet channel, and a gas humidifier. After the gas enters the chamber, it is further humidified by the gas humidifier, which increases the contact area with the humidifying liquid and improves the humidification effect.
By increasing the contact area between the gas and the humidifying liquid, the humidification capacity of the water tank structure is significantly improved, thus enhancing the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN117731908B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of therapeutic equipment technology, specifically relating to a water tank structure and a ventilation therapeutic device. Background Technology
[0002] Ventilation therapy equipment is a device that uses a fan to generate pressurized gas and delivers it to the user's respiratory tract through tubing. To address the issue of dry airflow, most ventilation therapy devices employ humidification mechanisms to reduce irritation to the respiratory mucosa.
[0003] Currently, the humidification mechanism of ventilation therapy equipment generally involves introducing a pressurized therapeutic gas into a water tank containing humidifying liquid. After the therapeutic gas comes into contact with the humidifying liquid in the water tank, the humidified therapeutic gas is delivered to the user. However, the contact area between the therapeutic gas and the humidifying liquid in the water tank is limited, thus restricting the humidification effect of the therapeutic gas. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a water tank structure and a ventilation therapy device that can solve the problem of poor humidification capacity of the water tank structure.
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a water tank structure, the water tank structure comprising:
[0006] A housing, the housing including a chamber configured to store a humidifying liquid for humidifying gas entering the chamber;
[0007] The housing is equipped with an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel;
[0008] A gas humidifier is disposed in the chamber. The gas humidifier includes a humidification channel. Gas entering the chamber from the inlet channel enters the humidification channel via the gas humidifier. The humidification channel and the outlet channel are connected.
[0009] Optionally, the gas transmitted to the chamber through the air intake channel is a heated gas at a preset temperature threshold.
[0010] Optionally, the chamber includes a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity that are separated by partitions. The air inlet channel is connected to the first inner cavity. An air inlet is provided between the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity. The humidifying liquid is stored in the second inner cavity, and the gas humidifying element is disposed in the second inner cavity.
[0011] Optionally, the water tank structure may also include a baffle.
[0012] The baffle divides the chamber into the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, and the air inlet is located on the baffle.
[0013] Optionally, the housing includes a top cover and a base;
[0014] The upper cover is connected to the base, and the baffle is connected between the upper cover and the base. The cavity between the upper cover and the baffle constitutes the first inner cavity, and the cavity between the base and the baffle constitutes the second inner cavity.
[0015] Optionally, the air outlet channel is located at the top of the upper cover, the air inlet channel is located on the side of the upper cover, the baffle is provided with a transfer channel, and the humidification channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the transfer channel.
[0016] Optionally, the air intake channel includes a first channel and a second channel, the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel, the first channel is connected to the first inner cavity, and the cross-sectional area of the first channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second channel.
[0017] Optionally, the second channel is connected to the adapter channel, so that the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the adapter channel.
[0018] Optionally, a pipe interface is provided on one side of the transfer channel, and the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the pipe interface.
[0019] Optionally, the end of the second channel or the end of the pipe interface is provided with a semi-enclosed shielding structure that extends out of the end;
[0020] When the second channel and the pipe interface are connected, the end of the second channel and the end of the pipe interface are aligned, and the shielding structure partially shields the area around the aligned position.
[0021] Optionally, the bottom end of the air outlet channel and the top end of the transition channel are sealed and connected by a sealing ring.
[0022] Optionally, the air inlet and the first channel are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the first inner cavity.
[0023] Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet in the first plane is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the first channel in the second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are mutually perpendicular planes, and the first plane is a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the first inner cavity.
[0024] Optionally, the baffle is also connected to a positioning ring, which is wrapped around the periphery of the baffle;
[0025] The upper cover and the baffle are positioned and fixed together by the positioning ring.
[0026] Optionally, the first inner cavity includes a heat-insulating cavity and an airflow cavity;
[0027] The heat-insulating cavity is located on the periphery of the airflow cavity, wherein the air inlet channel is connected to the airflow cavity, and the airflow cavity is connected to the second inner cavity through the air inlet.
[0028] Optionally, the heat-insulating cavity and the airflow cavity are separated by a guide plate.
[0029] Optionally, the top cover and the base are detachably connected by a cover buckle.
[0030] Optionally, the top cover and the base are pivotally connected to realize the open and closed state of the water tank.
[0031] Optionally, at least a portion of the structure of the gas humidifier is made of a water-absorbing material. When a certain volume of humidifying liquid is stored in the chamber of the water tank, the gas humidifier absorbs part of the humidifying liquid, so that the gas entering the chamber is humidified by the gas humidifier and then enters the humidification channel.
[0032] Optionally, the water-absorbing material portion of the gas humidifier is configured as a porous cotton structure, and the gas entering the chamber is humidified by the porous cotton structure before entering the humidification channel.
[0033] Optionally, the gas humidifier can be detachably disposed within the chamber.
[0034] Optionally, a fixing boss is provided at the bottom of the chamber, and the fixing boss is inserted into the humidification channel of the gas humidifier.
[0035] Optionally, the top of the cover may be detachably connected to an air outlet connector, the inner cavity of which constitutes the air outlet channel.
[0036] Optionally, the air outlet channel includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are connected. The third channel is connected to the first inner cavity, and the central axis of the third channel is parallel to the central axis of the first inner cavity. The fourth channel is located on the side of the third channel away from the first inner cavity, and the angle between the central axis of the fourth channel and the central axis of the third channel is an obtuse angle.
[0037] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a ventilation therapy device, the ventilation therapy device comprising a device body and a water tank structure as described in any embodiment of the first aspect;
[0038] The main body of the device includes a heating element for heating gas, and the gas flows into the air inlet channel after passing through the heating element.
[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel not only comes into contact with the humidifying liquid in the chamber but also with the gas humidifier. This allows the gas to be further humidified by the gas humidifier before entering the humidification channel, and finally, it enters the air outlet channel via the humidification channel. Thus, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel can be further humidified by the gas humidifier before entering the air outlet channel, further humidifying the gas flowing out of the air outlet channel. This improves the humidification capacity of the water tank structure, thereby enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a water tank provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a water tank structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 3 This application provides a water tank structure along... Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;
[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one of the upper cover structures included in an embodiment of the water tank provided in this application;
[0045] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram showing the structure of the top cover of a water tank structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a baffle included in a water tank structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0047] Figure label:
[0048] 1: Housing; 2: Gas humidifier; 3: Baffle; 4: Sealing ring; 5: Positioning ring; 6: Cover buckle; 11: Air outlet channel; 12: Air inlet channel; 13: First inner cavity; 14: Second inner cavity; 15: Air inlet; 16: Top cover; 17: Base; 21: Humidification channel; 31: Adapter channel; 32: Pipe interface; 111: Third channel; 112: Fourth channel; 121: First channel; 122: Second channel; 131: Airflow cavity; 132: Insulation cavity; 133: Guide plate; 161: Reinforcing rib structure; 171: Fixing boss; 1221: Shielding structure. Detailed Implementation
[0049] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0050] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0052] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a water tank structure. Figure 1 This diagram shows an exploded view of a water tank structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This diagram shows the external structure of a water tank structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This application provides a water tank structure along... Figure 2A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction, as shown in the figure. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water tank structure includes:
[0053] The housing 1 includes a chamber configured to store humidifying liquid for humidifying gas entering the chamber. The housing 1 is provided with an air inlet channel 12 and an air outlet channel 11.
[0054] Gas humidifier 2 is disposed in the chamber. Gas humidifier 2 includes humidification channel 21. Gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 enters the humidification channel 21 through gas humidifier 2. Humidification channel 21 is connected to air outlet channel 11.
[0055] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in this embodiment of the invention, since the housing 1 includes a chamber, the chamber is configured to store humidifying liquid for humidifying the gas entering the chamber. The housing 1 is provided with an air inlet channel 12 and an air outlet channel 11. The gas humidifier 2 is disposed in the chamber. The gas humidifier 2 includes a humidification channel 21. The gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 enters the humidification channel 21 via the gas humidifier 2. The humidification channel 21 and the air outlet channel 11 are connected. Therefore, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 not only comes into contact with the humidifying liquid in the chamber, but also comes into contact with the gas humidifier 2, so that the gas can enter the humidification channel 21 after being further humidified by the gas humidifier 2, and finally enters the air outlet channel 11 via the humidification channel 21. In this way, the gas entering the chamber from the air intake channel 12 can be further humidified by the gas humidifier 2, and after being further humidified, it enters the air outlet channel, so that the gas flowing out from the air outlet channel 11 is further humidified, which can enhance the humidification capability of the water tank structure and thus improve the user experience.
[0056] In the above embodiments, the housing 1 can be a square shell structure, a cylindrical shell structure, or a shell structure of other shapes; the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this. The air inlet channel 12 and the air outlet channel 11 can be tubular structures disposed on the housing 1.
[0057] In some embodiments, the gas flow direction in the intake channel 12 and the gas flow direction in the exhaust channel 11 intersect, that is, the axis of the intake channel 12 and the axis of the exhaust channel 11 intersect. In this way, it is not necessary to place the heating element at the bottom of the housing 1.
[0058] The gas humidifier 2 can be made of hydrophilic materials such as absorbent resin, absorbent fiber, or sponge. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the type of material. The gas humidifier 2 can be fixed in the chamber by means of snap-fit, plug-in, or adhesive connection. This allows the heated gas entering the chamber to be humidified by the gas humidifier 2. A humidification channel 21 can be formed in the middle of the gas humidifier 2, and the humidification channel 21 is connected to the air outlet channel 11. Thus, the gas humidified by the gas humidifier 2 can enter the air outlet channel 11 through the humidification channel 21, further humidifying the gas flowing out of the air outlet channel 11.
[0059] In some embodiments, the gas transmitted to the chamber through the air intake channel 12 is a heated gas at a preset temperature threshold.
[0060] It should be noted that the preset temperature threshold in the above embodiment is the threshold between the maximum and minimum temperature values of the gas required for the user's breathing, such as 30°C to 34°C. Thus, since the gas transmitted to the chamber through the intake channel 12 is heated gas at the preset temperature threshold, when the heated gas entering the chamber from the intake channel 12 comes into contact with the humidifying liquid in the chamber (including the humidifying liquid absorbed by the gas humidifier 2 and the remaining humidifying liquid after absorption by the gas humidifier 2 at the bottom of the chamber), the contact between the heated gas and the liquid improves the humidification effect. Therefore, the gas output from the chamber into the outlet channel 11 is humidified gas with a certain temperature. Since the humidification process consumes some of the heat of the heated gas, the temperature of the humidified gas is lower than the temperature input through the intake channel 12. In addition, since a gas humidifier 2 is installed in the chamber, the gas entering the chamber will not only come into contact with the liquid stored at the bottom of the chamber, but also come into contact with the humidifying liquid absorbed on the gas humidifier 2 during the process of entering the humidification channel 21. Therefore, the total contact area between the heated gas and the humidifying liquid in the chamber is increased, and the humidification effect of the heated gas is improved.
[0061] The specific structure and assembly method of the water tank structure provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below:
[0062] In some feasible embodiments, the chamber includes a partitioned first inner cavity 13 and a second inner cavity 14, an air inlet channel 12 communicates with the first inner cavity 13, an air inlet 15 is provided between the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14, a humidifying liquid is stored in the second inner cavity 14, and a gas humidifying element 2 is disposed in the second inner cavity 14.
[0063] It should be noted that the housing 1 can be a one-piece structure, with the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 separated by internal baffles. Alternatively, the housing 1 can be a split structure, with the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 connected and separated by other structures. The separation of the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 can be understood as the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 not being interconnected except for the connecting structure (air inlet 15 in this embodiment of the invention). In this way, the heated gas entering the second inner cavity 14 can be humidified by the gas humidifier 2 and then enter the humidification channel 21, and then enter the air outlet channel 11 through the humidification channel 21. Because the air outlet channel 11 is connected to the humidification channel 21 in the second inner cavity 14 but not to the first inner cavity 13, the gas entering the first inner cavity 13 from the air inlet channel 12 does not flow directly out of the air outlet channel 11. Instead, it first enters the second inner cavity 14 through the air inlet 15, comes into full contact with the humidifying liquid in the second inner cavity 14, and then flows out through the air outlet channel 11. Therefore, the humidification effect of the water tank structure is improved by the separation of the two chambers. At the same time, the separation between the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 ensures that the gas humidification process only occurs in the second inner cavity 14, reducing the space for gas flow and humidification, and providing a certain heat preservation effect for the gas entering the water tank chamber, especially the heating gas.
[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the water tank structure also includes a baffle 3; the baffle 3 divides the chamber into a first inner cavity 13 and a second inner cavity 14, and the air inlet 15 is opened on the baffle 3.
[0065] It should be noted that the baffle 3 can be a square plate, a circular plate, or a plate structure of other shapes. The specific shape of the baffle 3 is determined according to the internal cavity of the water tank structure, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this. The baffle 3 can be fixed in the internal cavity of the tank body 1 by means of snap-fit, welding, or bonding, thereby dividing the tank body 1 into a first internal cavity 13 and a second internal cavity 14. If the tank body 1 is a split structure, the baffle 3 can also serve as a transitional connector between the two split structures of the tank body 1. In this way, the air inlet 15 can be set on the baffle 3, so that the heated gas entering the first internal cavity 13 can enter the second internal cavity 14 through the air inlet 15. It should also be noted that the air inlet 15 is a through hole or through groove structure opened on the baffle 3. The air inlet 15 can be a circular hole structure, a square groove structure, or a through groove structure of other shapes. The air inlet area of the air inlet 15 is determined according to the gas flow resistance inside the tank body 1, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this.
[0066] In the above embodiment, the chamber is divided into a first inner cavity 13 and a second inner cavity 14 by the baffle 3. On the one hand, the gas humidifying element 2 set at the bottom of the baffle 3 can be limited and fixed to prevent the gas humidifying element 2 from moving along the extension direction of the central axis of the chamber. On the other hand, the baffle 3 reduces the space for gas flow and humidification, thereby further improving the cooling and humidification effect.
[0067] Regarding the structure of the housing 1, the housing 1 can be an integral structure or a split structure, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.
[0068] When the box body 1 has a split structure, the box body 1 includes an upper cover 16 and a base 17; the upper cover 16 is connected to the base 17, and the baffle 3 is connected between the upper cover 16 and the base 17. The cavity between the upper cover 16 and the baffle 3 forms the first inner cavity 13, and the cavity between the base 17 and the baffle 3 forms the second inner cavity 14.
[0069] It should be noted that the top cover 16 can be a shell structure with an opening at the bottom, and the base 17 can be a shell structure with an opening at the top. Under the action of the baffle 3, the cavity between the top cover 16 and the baffle 3 forms the first inner cavity 13, and the cavity between the base 17 and the baffle 3 forms the second inner cavity 14. Thus, since the top cover 16 and the base 17 are two independent parts, it is convenient to install the gas humidifier 2 in the second inner cavity 14 between the base 17 and the baffle 3. At the same time, since the top cover 16 and the base 17 are two independent parts, it is convenient for subsequent maintenance and replacement of the housing 1.
[0070] Furthermore, regarding the split structure of the aforementioned housing 1, in some embodiments, the air outlet channel 11 is located on the top of the upper cover 16, the air inlet channel 12 is located on the side of the upper cover 16, and the baffle 3 is provided with a transfer channel 31, through which the humidification channel 21 is connected to the air outlet channel 11.
[0071] In addition, the baffle 3 is provided with a transfer channel 31, which can be at least one of the following structures: transfer cylinder, transfer pipe or other connecting pipe. In this way, the humidifying gas flowing out of the humidifying channel 21 can be directly introduced into the outlet channel 11 through the transfer channel 31, reducing the heat loss of the humidifying gas in the path of flowing into the outlet channel 11.
[0072] Regarding the structure of the air intake channel, in some embodiments, the air intake channel 12 includes a first channel 121 and a second channel 122, the second channel 122 is connected to the air outlet channel 11, and the first channel 121 is connected to the first inner cavity 13.
[0073] It should be noted that the first channel 121 and the second channel 122 can be two independent channels, i.e., they are two parallel pipe structures. Alternatively, the second channel 122 can be located within the first channel 121, meaning the first channel 121 surrounds the periphery of the second channel 122. In other words, heating gas can pass through the gap between the first channel 121 and the second channel 122 within the second channel 122, thus providing two channels for the heating gas to enter the housing 1. Since the second channel 122 is connected to the outlet channel 11, the heating gas entering the second channel 122 can flow directly into the outlet channel 11. This provides temperature compensation for the slightly cooled humidifying gas flowing out of the humidifying channel within the outlet channel 11, ensuring that the humidifying gas delivered to the user through the outlet channel 11 is at a comfortable temperature, improving the user experience. In this way, the heated gas entering from the first channel 121 can be humidified by the gas humidifier 2, and after being cooled and humidified, it mixes with the heated gas entering from the second channel 122, so that the gas flowing out from the outlet channel 11 is at a suitable treatment temperature. Since the function of the first channel 121 is to input pre-humidified gas into the chamber, which is the key to realizing the humidification function of the chamber, while the function of the second channel 122 is to provide temperature compensation for the gas in the outlet channel 11, which is a secondary function, and the amount of high-temperature gas used for temperature compensation does not need to be large, under normal circumstances, the cross-sectional area of the first channel 121 is larger than that of the second channel 122.
[0074] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second channel 122 is connected to one side of the transition channel 31, so that the second channel 122 is connected to the outlet channel 11 through the transition channel 31. In this way, the heated gas flowing in from the second channel 122 can be introduced into the outlet channel 11 through the transition channel 31. The heated gas in the outlet channel 11 is "neutralized" with the gas that has been cooled and humidified by the gas humidifier 2, thereby making it easier to control the temperature and humidity of the gas in the outlet channel 11 and avoiding the situation where the gas temperature after directly passing through the heated gas in the outlet channel 11 is too low and unsuitable for human use. In some embodiments, an opening may be provided on the transition channel 31 corresponding to the end of the second channel 122, so that the end of the second channel 122 is aligned with the opening on the transition channel 31, so that the heated gas in the second channel 122 that meets the preset temperature threshold enters the transition channel 31 through the opening.
[0075] Optionally, a pipe interface 32 is provided on one side of the transition channel 31, and the second channel 122 is connected to the air outlet channel 11 through the pipe interface 32.
[0076] In the above embodiment, the second channel 122 is connected to the outlet channel 11 via the pipe interface 32, allowing the heating gas flowing into the second channel 122 to be directly introduced into the outlet channel 11 via the transfer channel 31 through a docking method, making the connection between the second channel 122 and the transfer channel 31 relatively simple. For example, taking the transfer channel 31 as a transfer cylinder, the transfer cylinder and the pipe interface 32 together form a "three-way structure," specifically, the three channels are the two ends of the transfer cylinder and the end of the pipe interface 32 furthest from the transfer cylinder. This allows the heating gas in the second channel 122 to be introduced into the transfer cylinder through the pipe interface 32, and then flow into the outlet channel 11 through the transfer cylinder. Furthermore, the transfer cylinder can block the heating gas in the first channel 121, ensuring that the heating gas in the first channel 121 can only flow through the air inlet 15 between the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14. The transfer cylinder can be a square cylinder structure, a circular cylinder structure, or a cylinder structure of other shapes. The connection between the pipe interface 32 and the second channel 122 is preferably achieved through a port connection. A small gap is left between the end of the pipe interface 32 and the end of the second channel 122 to avoid interference between the air intake channel 12 on the top cover and the transition channel 31 on the baffle 3 during the installation of the water tank structure. In addition, the angle between the axis of the air intake channel 12 and the plane of the baffle 3 is an acute angle, that is, the air intake channel 12 is inclined. This prevents liquid that has solidified upon cooling from flowing from the air intake channel 12 into the transition channel 31.
[0077] Furthermore, the end of the second channel 122 or the end of the pipe interface 32 is provided with a semi-enclosed shielding structure 1221 extending from the end. When the second channel 122 and the pipe interface 32 are connected, the end of the second channel 122 and the end of the pipe interface 32 are aligned, and the shielding structure 1221 partially shields the area around the aligned position. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the shielding structure 1221 extends from the end of the second channel 122, and when the end of the second channel 122 and the end of the pipe interface 32 are aligned, it partially shields the gap of the alignment position above and around the alignment position to reduce gas leakage from the gap of the alignment position when the second channel 122 and the pipe interface 32 are aligned.
[0078] To ensure the airtightness of gas flow, in some embodiments, the bottom end of the gas outlet channel 11 and the top end of the transition channel 31 are sealed and connected by a sealing ring 4.
[0079] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 4 may include a first sealing part and a second sealing part, which are connected. Taking the transition channel 31 as a cylindrical body as an example, both the first and second sealing parts are annular structures, with the diameter of the first sealing part being smaller than that of the second sealing part. Thus, during connection, the first sealing part can be embedded in the cavity of the transition channel 31, resulting in an interference fit between the first sealing part and the transition channel 31, and the second sealing part can be fitted into the air outlet channel 11, also resulting in an interference fit between the second sealing part and the air outlet channel 11. In this way, the sealing ring 4 ensures a sealed state between the air outlet channel 11 and the transition channel 31, thereby preventing air leakage between them. The material of the sealing ring 4 can be nitrile rubber, polyurethane rubber, polypropylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, or other materials with a certain sealing effect; this embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific materials used.
[0080] Furthermore, the air inlet 15 and the first channel 121 are located on both sides of the central axis of the first inner cavity 13.
[0081] By setting the air inlet 15 and the first channel 121 on both sides of the central axis of the first inner cavity 13, that is, by positioning the air inlet 15 and the first channel 121 on opposite sides of the central axis of the first inner cavity 13, it is possible to prevent the heating gas entering the first inner cavity 13 through the first channel 121 from flowing back. That is, the heating gas entering the first inner cavity 13 will travel a certain distance and then enter the second inner cavity 14 through the air inlet 15.
[0082] Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet 15 on the first plane is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the first channel 121 on the second plane, wherein the first and second planes are mutually perpendicular, and the first plane is perpendicular to the central axis of the first inner cavity 13. Therefore, when the cross-sectional area of the first plane of the air inlet 15 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the first channel 121 on the second plane, it can be ensured that the air resistance when the first channel 121 enters the first inner cavity 13 is consistent with the air resistance when it enters the second inner cavity 14 through the air inlet 15, thus ensuring the normal flow of heating gas.
[0083] Regarding the connection between the top cover 16 and the baffle 3, in some embodiments, the baffle 3 is also connected to a positioning ring 5, which is arranged around the periphery of the baffle 3; at least part of the structure of the positioning ring is made of a flexible material, such as silicone, so that the baffle 3 is positioned and fixed inside the housing 1 by the positioning ring 5.
[0084] Specifically, during installation, the positioning ring 5 can be first glued to the outer circumference of the baffle 3, so that the positioning ring 5 protrudes from the upper and lower surfaces of the baffle 3. During the connection and assembly process, silicone interference can be used to make the positioning ring 5 and the inner wall of the chamber 1 have an interference fit, thereby ensuring the sealing of the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14 except for the air inlet 15. At the same time, it can facilitate the later disassembly of the baffle 3 and the cleaning of water and sewage scale in the chamber 1. It should be noted that since at least part of the structure of the gas humidifier 2 is made of water-absorbing material, the gas humidifier 2 will expand after absorbing the humidifying liquid in the second inner cavity 14, which will cause the baffle 3 to shift within the chamber 1. Based on this, a limiting structure such as a protruding edge or a limiting claw can be provided on the edge of the upper cover 16 facing the baffle 3 to prevent the gas humidifier 2 from pushing up the baffle 3 after expansion, thus preventing the baffle 3 from shifting within the chamber 1. In addition, at least part of the outer edge of the positioning ring 5 is made of flexible material, such as nitrile rubber, polyurethane rubber, polypropylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, etc., which have a certain sealing effect, so that the baffle 3 can isolate and seal the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14.
[0085] Regarding the structure of the upper cover 16, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first inner cavity 13 includes a heat-insulating cavity 132 and an airflow cavity 131; the heat-insulating cavity 132 is located on the periphery of the airflow cavity 131, wherein the first channel 121 in the air intake channel 12 is connected to the airflow cavity 131, and the airflow cavity 131 is connected to the second inner cavity 14 through the air intake port 15.
[0086] Specifically, in one possible implementation, the insulation cavity 132 can be vacuum-treated. Since the insulation cavity 132 is located around the airflow cavity 131, it can reduce the rate of temperature loss of the heated gas inside the airflow cavity 131, thereby improving the insulation effect of the base 17. In another possible implementation, the insulation cavity 132 can be filled with materials such as insulation cotton or insulating silicone, which can also reduce the rate of temperature loss of the heated gas inside the airflow cavity 131. Furthermore, it should be noted that the insulation cavity 132 and the airflow cavity 131 can be separated by a structure such as a guide plate 133, so that after the upper cover 16 and the base 17 are assembled, the insulation cavity 132 and the airflow cavity 131 are two independent cavities. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the air intake channel 12 includes a first channel 121 and a second channel 122, the first channel 121 is connected to the airflow cavity 131, and the air inlet 15 is provided on the part of the baffle 3 corresponding to the airflow cavity 131. In this way, the heated gas entering the airflow cavity 131 from the first channel 121 can enter the second inner cavity 14 through the air inlet 15.
[0087] Furthermore, the heat-insulating cavity 132 is separated from the airflow cavity 131 by a guide plate 133, which is an arc-shaped plate. This allows the edge of the heat-insulating cavity 132 to be arc-shaped, which is more conducive to guiding the heated gas in the airflow cavity 131 to the location of the air inlet 15 on the baffle 3. It should be noted that the guide plate 133 can be positioned on the side of the airflow cavity 131 closer to the air inlet pipe, further facilitating the introduction of heated gas.
[0088] The connection between the top cover 16 and the base 17 is detachably connected by a cover buckle 6.
[0089] It should be noted that the number of cover clips 6 can be two or more, so that at least one cover clip 6 can be used to connect the opposite sides of the housing 1. The following explanation uses a single cover clip 6 connection as an example. The top of the upper cover 16 may include a snap-fit platform, and an arc-shaped convex ring structure may be provided on the outer wall of the base 17. The cover clip 6 may include two spaced-apart first and second claws. The first claw engages with the snap-fit platform, and the second claw engages with the arc-shaped convex ring structure, allowing the upper cover 16 and the base 17 to be detachably connected via the cover clips 6, thus facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the upper cover 16 and the base 17.
[0090] Furthermore, the top cover 16 and the base 17 are pivotally connected to enable the water tank 1 to be in an open or closed state.
[0091] It should be noted that the pivot connection is a hinged joint in which the connected parts are separated and locked by rotating the pivot rod around the rotation center. Thus, the pivot connection between the upper cover 16 and the base 17 not only ensures a stable fit but also makes it easier to open and close the tank 1. Furthermore, when the upper cover 16 and the base 17 are pivotally connected, a snap-locking structure is provided on the side of the cover 16 and the base 17 opposite to the pivot side to ensure that the water tank 1 is in a stable locked state when closed.
[0092] Furthermore, the top cover 16 and the base 17 are detachably connected by a threaded connection, which facilitates the opening and closing of the housing 1.
[0093] In some embodiments, at least part of the structure of the gas humidifier 2 is made of water-absorbing material. When a certain volume of humidifying liquid is stored in the chamber of the water tank 1, the gas humidifier 2 absorbs part of the humidifying liquid, so that the gas entering the second inner chamber 14 enters the humidification channel 21 after being humidified by the gas humidifier 2.
[0094] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the gas humidifier 2 can be entirely composed of water-absorbing material, or it can be partially composed of water-absorbing material. The proportion of water-absorbing material is determined based on the required humidification effect of the gas humidifier 2 and the manufacturing process, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this. The water-absorbing material can be hydrophilic materials such as water-absorbing resin, water-absorbing fiber, and sponge, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this either.
[0095] For example, in some embodiments, the water-absorbing material portion of the gas humidifier 2 is configured as a porous cotton structure, and the gas entering the chamber enters the humidification channel after being humidified and filtered by the porous cotton structure.
[0096] In this embodiment, the porous cotton structure is a hollow cuboid, or a hollow cylinder, or other hollow columnar structures; this embodiment of the invention is not limited in this respect. The porous cotton structure can be completely wetted within seconds of contact with water when completely dry. Furthermore, it should be noted that because the porous cotton structure has advantages such as high wettability and fast wetting speed, the humidification effect of the water tank structure can be guaranteed when the gas humidifier 2 is a water-soaked porous cotton structure. In addition, because the porous cotton structure has an adsorption and filtration function, the heated gas can be humidified and filtered through the porous cotton structure, further improving the cleanliness of the gas reaching the outlet channel 11.
[0097] It should be noted that, as a preferred option, the porous cotton structure is shaped like a hollow cylinder. This, compared to a hollow cuboid shape, helps to increase the humidification area. Furthermore, the height of the porous cotton structure (its axial dimension in the base chamber) is set such that the top surface of the porous cotton structure abuts against the lower surface of the baffle 3, which facilitates the confinement and fixation of the porous cotton structure within the chamber.
[0098] For the assembly between the porous cotton structure and the box 1, the porous cotton structure can be detachably installed in the cavity by means of bonding, snap-fitting, or plugging, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the porous cotton structure and the box 1.
[0099] For example, in some embodiments, a fixing boss 171 is provided at the bottom of the chamber, and the bottom of the humidification channel 21 of the gas humidifier 2 is inserted into the fixing boss 171. In this way, the fixing boss 171 can ensure the stability of the position of the gas humidifier 2.
[0100] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top of the cover 16 is provided with an opening, on which an air outlet connector is detachably connected, and the chamber of the air outlet connector forms an air outlet channel 11. In this embodiment, the air outlet connector can be detachably connected to the top of the cover 16 by means of snap-fit, threaded connection, etc., to facilitate subsequent cleaning of the chamber of the air outlet connector.
[0101] Furthermore, the air outlet channel 11 includes a third channel 111 and a fourth channel 112 connected together. The third channel 111 is connected to the first inner cavity 13, and the central axis of the third channel 111 is parallel to the central axis of the first inner cavity 13. The fourth channel 112 is located on the side of the third channel 111 away from the first inner cavity 13, and the angle between the central axis of the fourth channel 112 and the central axis of the third channel 111 is an obtuse angle.
[0102] Thus, the above structure allows the exhaust channel 11 to be a curved pipe structure, which can create resistance to the flow of heating gas at the corners of the third channel 111 and the fourth channel 112, thereby reducing the flow rate of the heating gas and making the heating gas more suitable for the user's use, thus improving the user's comfort.
[0103] Regarding the structure of the top cover 16, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the top cover 16 includes multiple reinforcing rib structures 161. The reinforcing rib structure 161 can be a block-shaped protrusion, a strip-shaped protrusion, or a protrusion structure of other shapes; the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this. In this way, by providing multiple reinforcing rib structures 161 on the outer wall of the top cover 16, the strength of the top cover 16 can be improved.
[0104] The assembly method of the water tank structure and the flow process of the heating gas provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below:
[0105] The assembly method of the water tank structure is as follows: First, fix the positioning ring 5 to the outer ring of the baffle 3, or make the positioning ring 5 and the baffle 3 into an integral structure. Then, set the sealing ring 4 on the end of the transition channel 31 facing the upper cover 16. The baffle 3 is fixed by the positioning ring 5, and during the connection and assembly process, the inner wall of the tank chamber and the positioning ring 5 can be interference-fitted by silicone interference. Then, the gas humidifying component 2 is fixed by the fixing boss 171 provided at the bottom of the base 17. Finally, the assembled upper cover 16 and base 17 are assembled and fixed by the engagement of the cover buckle 6.
[0106] The specific flow direction of gas within the water tank structure is shown below: Figure 3 As shown, gas first flows in from the first channel 121 and the second channel 122. Gas entering the second channel 122 can flow directly into the outlet channel 11. Gas entering the first channel 121 can flow from the first inner cavity 13 into the second inner cavity 14 through the inlet 15. Gas entering the second inner cavity 14 is humidified by the gas humidifier 2 and then enters the humidification channel 21. Afterward, it enters the outlet channel 11 via the humidification channel 21. The gas entering from the first channel 121 is humidified by the gas humidifier 2, resulting in cooling and humidification, which mixes with the gas entering from the second channel 122, ensuring that the gas flowing out of the outlet channel 11 is humidified at a suitable temperature. The flow direction of the gas in the second channel 122 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in L1, the gas flow direction in the first channel 121 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in L2.
[0107] In summary, to enhance the humidification capability of the water tank structure, in this embodiment of the invention, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 not only contacts the humidifying liquid in the chamber but also contacts the gas humidifier 2. This allows the gas to be further humidified by the gas humidifier 2 before entering the humidification channel 21, and finally, through the humidification channel 21, into the air outlet channel 11. Thus, the heated gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 can be further humidified by the gas humidifier 2 before entering the air outlet channel, further humidifying the gas flowing out of the air outlet channel 11. This enhances the humidification capability of the water tank structure, thereby improving the user experience.
[0108] In addition, the humidification effect can be further improved by reducing the space for gas flow and humidification through the partition between the first inner cavity 13 and the second inner cavity 14. Alternatively, the air inlet channel 1 can be configured as a first channel 121 and a second channel 122, with the second channel 122 connected to the air outlet channel 11 and the first channel 121 connected to the first inner cavity 13. This allows the gas reaching the air outlet channel 11 to have two paths, and the gas in the second channel 122 is mainly used to compensate for the temperature of the gas in the air outlet channel 11, thereby improving the humidification effect.
[0109] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a ventilation therapy device, which includes a device body and a water tank structure as described in any embodiment of the first aspect; the device body includes a heating element for heating gas, and the heated gas generated by the heating element flows into the air inlet channel 12.
[0110] The heating element can be a heating rod, a heating resistance sheet, or other heating structure, and the ventilation therapy equipment can be a ventilator, a high-flow oxygen therapy device, a ventilation therapy machine, etc. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.
[0111] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in this embodiment of the invention, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 not only comes into contact with the humidifying liquid in the chamber but also with the gas humidifier 2. This allows the gas to be further humidified by the gas humidifier 2 before entering the humidification channel 21, and finally, through the humidification channel 21, into the air outlet channel 11. Thus, the gas entering the chamber from the air inlet channel 12 can be further humidified by the gas humidifier 2 before entering the air outlet channel, further humidifying the gas flowing out of the air outlet channel 11. This enhances the humidification capacity of the water tank structure, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of the ventilation therapy device.
[0112] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0113] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A water tank structure, characterized in that, The water tank structure includes: A housing, the housing including a chamber configured to store a humidifying liquid for humidifying gas entering the chamber; The housing is equipped with an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel; A gas humidifier is disposed in the chamber. The gas humidifier includes a humidification channel. Gas entering the chamber from the inlet channel enters the humidification channel via the gas humidifier. The humidification channel is connected to the outlet channel. The chamber includes a first inner cavity and a second inner cavity that are separated; an air inlet is provided between the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, the humidifying liquid is stored in the second inner cavity, and the gas humidifying element is disposed in the second inner cavity; The air intake channel includes a first channel and a second channel, the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel, and the first channel is connected to the first inner cavity; The gas transmitted to the chamber through the air intake channel is a heated gas at a preset temperature threshold.
2. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank structure also includes a baffle; The baffle divides the chamber into the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, and the air inlet is located on the baffle.
3. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The enclosure includes a top cover and a base; The upper cover is connected to the base, and the baffle is connected between the upper cover and the base. The cavity between the upper cover and the baffle constitutes the first inner cavity, and the cavity between the base and the baffle constitutes the second inner cavity.
4. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air outlet channel is located at the top of the upper cover, the air inlet channel is located on the side of the upper cover, the baffle is provided with a transfer channel, and the humidification channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the transfer channel.
5. The water tank structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of the first channel is larger than that of the second channel.
6. The water tank structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second channel is connected to the transition channel, so that the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the transition channel.
7. The water tank structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pipe interface is provided on one side of the transfer channel, and the second channel is connected to the air outlet channel through the pipe interface.
8. The water tank structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the second channel or the end of the pipe interface is provided with a semi-enclosed shielding structure that extends out of the end; When the second channel and the pipe interface are connected, the end of the second channel and the end of the pipe interface are aligned, and the shielding structure partially shields the area around the aligned position.
9. The water tank structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom end of the air outlet channel and the top end of the transition channel are sealed and connected by a sealing ring.
10. The water tank structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air inlet and the first channel are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the first inner cavity.
11. The water tank structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of the air inlet in the first plane is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the first channel in the second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are mutually perpendicular planes, and the first plane is a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the first inner cavity.
12. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The baffle is also connected to a positioning ring, which is arranged around the periphery of the baffle. The upper cover and the baffle are positioned and fixed together by the positioning ring.
13. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inner cavity includes a heat-insulating cavity and an airflow cavity; The heat-insulating cavity is located on the periphery of the airflow cavity, wherein the air inlet channel is connected to the airflow cavity, and the airflow cavity is connected to the second inner cavity through the air inlet.
14. The water tank structure according to claim 13, characterized in that, The heat-insulating cavity and the airflow cavity are separated by a guide plate.
15. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top cover and the base are detachably connected by a cover buckle.
16. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top cover and the base are pivotally connected to realize the open and closed state of the water tank.
17. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the structure of the gas humidifier is made of water-absorbing material. When a certain volume of humidifying liquid is stored in the chamber, the gas humidifier absorbs part of the humidifying liquid, so that the gas entering the chamber is humidified by the gas humidifier and then enters the humidification channel.
18. The water tank structure according to claim 17, characterized in that, The absorbent material portion of the gas humidifier is configured as a porous cotton structure. The gas entering the chamber is humidified by the porous cotton structure before entering the humidification channel.
19. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas humidifier is detachably installed in the chamber.
20. The water tank structure according to claim 19, characterized in that, The bottom of the chamber is provided with a fixed boss, which is inserted into the humidification channel of the gas humidifier.
21. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the cover is detachably connected to an air outlet connector, and the inner cavity of the air outlet connector forms the air outlet channel.
22. The water tank structure according to claim 21, characterized in that, The air outlet channel includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are connected. The third channel is connected to the first inner cavity, and the central axis of the third channel is parallel to the central axis of the first inner cavity. The fourth channel is located on the side of the third channel away from the first inner cavity, and the angle between the central axis of the fourth channel and the central axis of the third channel is an obtuse angle.
23. A ventilation therapy device, characterized in that, The ventilation therapy device includes a main body and a water tank structure as described in any one of claims 1-22; The main body of the device includes a heating element for heating gas, and the gas flows into the air inlet channel after passing through the heating element.