Humidifier for a ventilator and ventilator

Abstract

The application discloses a humidifier for a breathing machine and the breathing machine. The humidifier comprises a containing cavity, a gas inlet channel for inputting gas to the containing cavity, and a gas outlet channel for outputting gas from the containing cavity. The humidifier comprises a heating plate arranged at a bottom wall of the containing cavity, and a heat collecting cover arranged above the heating plate. The containing cavity comprises a heating area in the heat collecting cover and a water storage area outside the heat collecting cover. The water storage area is communicated with the heating area and surrounds an outer periphery of the heating area. A first gas outlet of the gas inlet channel is communicated with the heating area, and a second gas inlet of the gas outlet channel is communicated with the heating area. The arrangement of the heat collecting cover is conducive to improving the heating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a humidifier for a ventilator and a ventilator. Background Technology

[0002] Home ventilators are typically used to relieve and improve symptoms such as snoring, hypopnea, and sleep apnea during sleep. They can be used in home environments or medical facilities.

[0003] Home ventilators include a main unit and a humidifier unit. The humidifier unit is located in the airway of the ventilator and can store water inside. By heating the water in the humidifier to generate water vapor, the air flowing through it is heated and humidified, thereby avoiding discomfort caused by the air entering the patient's respiratory tract being too dry and improving the patient's comfort.

[0004] In the existing technology, the humidifier, as a water storage cavity, has no internal separation structure between heated water and stored water. All stored water is heated uniformly, resulting in slow preheating speed, low heating efficiency, and a large amount of heat dissipated to the outside through the humidifier wall. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a humidifier for a ventilator to solve the technical problem of low heating efficiency in existing humidifiers.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a humidifier for a ventilator, comprising a receiving cavity, an air inlet channel for inputting gas into the receiving cavity, and an air outlet channel for outputting gas from the receiving cavity; the humidifier includes a heating plate disposed on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity and a heat collection hood disposed above the heating plate, the receiving cavity including a heating zone located inside the heat collection hood and a water storage zone located outside the heat collection hood, the water storage zone communicating with the heating zone and surrounding the outer periphery of the heating zone, a first air outlet of the air inlet channel communicating with the heating zone, and a second air inlet of the air outlet channel communicating with the heating zone.

[0007] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the heating plate is disposed in the middle region of the bottom wall.

[0008] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall has a first length along a first direction and a first width along a second direction, the heating plate has a second length along the first direction and a second width along the second direction, the first direction and the second direction are horizontal and perpendicular to each other; the second length is at least three-quarters of the first length, and the second width is at least three-quarters of the first width.

[0009] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the heat collection cover includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other in a vertical direction. The first end is connected to a first air outlet and a second air inlet, the second end is connected to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, and the second end surrounds the outer periphery of the heating plate.

[0010] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the second end gradually contracts toward the first end.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier includes a connecting channel that connects an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, the connecting channel being located between the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel; the first end of the heat collection shroud is connected to the connecting channel, and the bottom wall of the connecting channel is provided with a through hole extending vertically.

[0012] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the connecting holes are arranged uniformly and at intervals on the bottom wall of the connecting channel.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet channel includes a pressure balance hole disposed on its pipe wall, the pressure balance hole connecting the air outlet channel and the water storage area.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier includes a first housing and a second housing surrounding the receiving cavity, and a first sealing ring disposed between the first housing and the second housing.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the heating plate is provided on the bottom wall of the second housing, and the second end of the heat collection cover is connected to the bottom wall through a second sealing ring.

[0016] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the heat collection cover and / or the second sealing ring is provided with a communication port, which connects the heating zone and the water storage zone.

[0017] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a ventilator, including a main unit and a humidifier for a ventilator according to any of the above technical solutions, wherein the main unit includes an airflow driving device, and the airflow driving device is connected to the air intake channel.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the humidifier for a ventilator provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: the humidifier is provided with a heat collection hood to divide the housing cavity into a water storage area and a heating area. The water in the heating area can be heated separately, improving heating efficiency. The water storage area is arranged around the heating area, and the heat emitted outward from the heating area can preheat the water storage area, improving heat utilization and heating speed. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a humidifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first housing and the heat collection cover in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the humidifier in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier from the side in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier in other states according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The terms used herein, such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under,” indicating spatial relative position, are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, a unit described as being “below” or “under” another unit or feature would be “above” that unit or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise) and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] This invention provides a humidifier 100 for a ventilator; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1-2 A structural diagram.

[0028] The humidifier 100 includes a housing 101, an air inlet channel 11 for inputting gas into the housing 101, and an air outlet channel 12 for outputting gas from the housing 101.

[0029] Specifically, the humidifier 100 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20, which are assembled to form a receiving cavity 101. The humidifier 100 includes a heating plate 40 disposed on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 101.

[0030] In the prior art, the accommodating cavity 101 is used for water storage and heating at the same time. The preheating speed is slow, the heating efficiency is low, and a lot of heat is wasted by consuming heat to the outside through the walls of the first and second shells.

[0031] In one embodiment, the humidifier 100 includes a heat collection cover 30 disposed above the heating plate 30, and the receiving cavity 101 includes a heating zone 102 located inside the heat collection cover 30 and a water storage zone 103 located outside the heat collection cover 30. The water storage zone 103 communicates with the heating zone 102 and surrounds the outer periphery of the heating zone 102.

[0032] It can be seen that the heat collection cover 30 in this case is placed above the heating plate 30 to separate the heating zone 102 located in the middle and the water storage zone 103 located on the outer periphery, and is used to collect the water vapor and heat generated by the heating zone 102. The structure is simple and the design is ingenious.

[0033] It can be seen that, on the one hand, the accommodating cavity 101 is divided into a water storage area 103 and a heating area 102 by the heat collection cover 30. The water in the heating area 102 can be heated separately, and the amount of water is relatively small, which improves the heating speed and energy conversion efficiency.

[0034] On the other hand, the water storage area 103 is arranged around the heating area 102. The heat emitted by the heating area 102 can be used to preheat the water storage area 103, improving the heat utilization rate. Furthermore, the water in the water storage area 103 is preheated before entering the heating area 102 for heating, which further improves the heating speed. The air area above the water storage area 103, which is free of water, also plays a certain role in thermal damping, preventing direct heat exchange between the air area above the heating area 102 and the outside environment, thus reducing energy dissipation.

[0035] The first air outlet 111 of the air inlet channel 11 is connected to the heating zone 102, and the second air inlet 121 of the air outlet channel 12 is also connected to the heating zone 102. Thus, the gas from the air inlet channel 11 enters the heating zone 102 and mixes with water vapor to become a moist, warm gas, which is then output from the air outlet channel 12 and enters the breathing mask, improving the patient's experience.

[0036] Specifically, combined Figure 3-4As shown, the first housing 10 is provided with an air inlet channel 11 and an air outlet channel 12. The air inlet channel 11 includes a first air inlet 112 located outside the receiving cavity 101 and a first air outlet 111 located inside the receiving cavity 101. It can be understood that gas from the main unit enters the air inlet channel 11 through the first air inlet 112, and then enters the receiving cavity 101 through the first air outlet 111. The air outlet channel 12 includes a second air outlet 122 located outside the receiving cavity 101 and a second air inlet 121 located inside the receiving cavity 101. It can be understood that humidified gas from the receiving cavity 101 enters the air outlet channel 12 through the second air inlet 121 and then enters the external breathing mask through the second air outlet 122.

[0037] The first air inlet 112 and the second air outlet 122 are located on the same side of the first housing and are parallel to each other. When the humidifier 100 and the main unit are assembled, the first air inlet 112 and the second air outlet 122 can be assembled into the main unit at the same time to reduce the noise radiated outward by the humidifier 100 through the first air inlet 112 and the second air outlet 122.

[0038] In one embodiment, the humidifier 100 includes a connecting channel 13 that connects the air inlet channel 11 and the air outlet channel 12, the connecting channel 13 being located between the air inlet channel 11 and the air outlet channel 12; the first end of the heat collection cover 30 is connected to the connecting channel 13, and the bottom wall of the connecting channel 13 is provided with a connecting hole 131 that extends vertically through it.

[0039] It can be seen that the gas from the first outlet 111 enters the connecting channel 13, and the water vapor from the heating zone 102 also enters the connecting channel 13 through the connecting hole 131. The two mix in the connecting channel 13, thus becoming a humidified gas. This humidified gas then enters the heating zone 102 through the connecting hole 131 and mixes with the water vapor. Subsequently, the humidified gas flows to the second inlet 121 and then to the breathing mask. It can also be understood that some of the gas from the first outlet 111 can also enter the heating zone 102 and mix with the water vapor. In short, after the gas from the inlet channel 11 flows to the connecting channel 13, it will mix with the water vapor to become a humidified gas, and then flow together to the outlet channel 12.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, a number of the connecting holes 131 are evenly and spaced apart on the bottom wall of the connecting channel 13, which is conducive to the orderly flow of gas in this area.

[0041] The air intake channel 11, connecting channel 13 and air outlet channel 12 are arranged in a U-shape. When the gas turns in the connecting channel 13, the speed of the gas slows down, which delays the mixing time with water vapor.

[0042] The air intake channel 11 and the air outlet channel 12 extend a considerable distance into the receiving cavity 101, which means that the connecting channel 13 is located at least one-third of the length of the receiving cavity 101, or more specifically, close to half the length of the receiving cavity 101. This prevents gas from accumulating in the connecting channel 13 and also prevents gas from flowing back into the air intake channel 11.

[0043] The main unit connected to the humidifier is equipped with a gas drive device. The gas drive device is connected to the air intake channel 11 to drive the gas in the air intake channel 11 to flow into the receiving cavity 101. At the same time, the water vapor in the heating zone 102 will also accumulate upward and enter the connecting channel 13 through the connecting hole 131. The humidified gas will then flow towards the air outlet channel 12 and will not flow back to the air intake channel 11.

[0044] In one embodiment, the air outlet channel 12 includes a pressure balance hole 123 disposed on its pipe wall. The pressure balance hole 123 connects the air outlet channel 12 and the water storage area 103 and is used to balance the pressure level of the gas above the water storage area 103 so that it is consistent with the pressure of the gas above the air outlet channel 12 and the heating area 102, thereby ensuring that the water in the heating area 102 and the water in the water storage area 103 are at the same level.

[0045] In one embodiment, the humidifier 100 includes a first sealing ring 50 disposed between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to enhance the sealing of the receiving cavity 101.

[0046] In one embodiment, the heating plate 40 is disposed in the middle region of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 101 is also the bottom wall of the second housing 20. In one embodiment, combined with Figure 5-6 As shown, the heat collection cover 30 is disposed on the outer periphery of the heating plate 40, which means that the heating plate 40 is only located inside the heat collection cover 30 to heat the heating area 102; in another embodiment, the heating plate 40 may also extend beyond the range of the heat collection cover 30 to the bottom of the water storage area 103, and also have a heating effect on the water storage area 103.

[0047] In one embodiment, the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 101 has a first length along a first direction and a first width along a second direction, and the heating plate 40 has a second length along the first direction and a second width along the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are horizontal and perpendicular to each other; the second length is at least three-quarters of the first length, and the second width is at least three-quarters of the first width.

[0048] It is understandable that the heat collection cover 30 in this case is set above the heating plate 40, so it will not affect the area of ​​the heating plate 40 on the bottom wall. When the humidifier 100 has a bottom wall of the same area, the larger the area of ​​the heating plate 40, the faster the heating speed of the heating zone 102.

[0049] The heat collection cover 30 includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite each other in a vertical direction. The first end is connected to a first air outlet 111 and a second air inlet 121. Specifically, the first end is connected to the aforementioned connecting channel 13, and the first air outlet 111 and the second air inlet 121 are located at the two ends of the connecting channel 13, respectively.

[0050] In one embodiment, the heat collection cover 30 is integrally formed with the first housing 10. In other embodiments, the first end can also be connected to the bottom wall of the connection channel 13 by other connection methods such as ultrasonic welding.

[0051] The second end is connected to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity 101, and the second end surrounds the outer periphery of the heating plate 40. The heating plate 40 only heats the area inside the heat collection cover 30.

[0052] In one embodiment, the second end of the heat collection cover 30 is connected to the bottom wall through the second sealing ring 60. In other embodiments, the heat collection cover 30 can also be integrally formed with the second housing 20 and then connected to the first housing 10.

[0053] The second end gradually contracts toward the first end. The side wall of the heat collection cover 30 is an arc-shaped wall, which guides the flow of gas. Heat and water vapor in the heating zone 102 are guided to gradually accumulate toward the first end and enter the connecting channel 13 through the connecting hole 131, thereby improving the humidification and heating effect. The accumulation of water vapor and heat in the heating zone 102 toward the connecting hole 131 also helps to push the gas out of the outlet channel 12.

[0054] The second end of the heat collection cover 30 and / or the second sealing ring 60 are provided with a communication port 61. In a specific embodiment, the second sealing ring 60 is provided with a communication port 61 on at least one side edge. The communication port 61 connects the heating zone 102 and the water storage zone 103. When the water in the heating zone 102 decreases due to evaporation, the water in the water storage zone 130 is replenished to the heating zone 102 through the communication port 61.

[0055] This case also protects a ventilator including a main unit and a humidifier 100 for the ventilator in any of the above technical solutions. The main unit includes an airflow driving device that is connected to the air intake channel 11 to drive gas to flow to the connecting channel 13 and to the air outlet channel 12 and finally out to the breathing mask.

[0056] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The humidifier 100 is provided with a heat collection cover 30, which divides the cavity 101 into a water storage area 103 and a heating area 102, so that the water in the heating area 102 can be heated separately, thereby effectively improving the heating efficiency; the water storage area 103 is arranged around the heating area 102, and the heat dissipated outward from the heating area 102 is used to preheat the water in the water storage area 103, thereby improving the heat utilization rate. The air area above the water storage area 103 without water storage can also play a certain role in thermal damping, avoiding direct heat exchange between the air area above the heating area 102 and the outside, thereby reducing energy dissipation; the heat and water vapor generated by the heating area 102 are concentrated towards the first end and introduced into the connecting channel 13 of the humidifier through the connecting hole 131, which can effectively improve the humidification and heating efficiency.

[0057] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0058] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A humidifier for a ventilator, characterized in that, The device includes a housing cavity, an air inlet channel for inputting gas into the housing cavity, and an air outlet channel for outputting gas from the housing cavity. The humidifier includes a heating plate disposed on the bottom wall of the housing cavity and a heat collection hood disposed above the heating plate. The housing cavity includes a heating zone located inside the heat collection hood and a water storage zone located outside the heat collection hood. The water storage zone is connected to the heating zone and surrounds the outer periphery of the heating zone. The first air outlet of the air inlet channel is connected to the heating zone, and the second air inlet of the air outlet channel is connected to the heating zone. The heat collection cover includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite each other in a vertical direction. The first end is connected to a first air outlet and a second air inlet. The second end is connected to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity and surrounds the outer periphery of the heating plate. The second end gradually tapers toward the first end. The humidifier includes a connecting channel that connects the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel, the connecting channel being located between the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel; the first end of the heat collection cover is connected to the connecting channel, and the bottom wall of the connecting channel is provided with a through hole extending vertically; the air inlet channel, the connecting channel, and the air outlet channel are arranged in a U-shape.

2. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating plate is located in the middle area of ​​the bottom wall.

3. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall has a first length along a first direction and a first width along a second direction, and the heating plate has a second length along the first direction and a second width along the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are horizontal and perpendicular to each other; the second length is at least three-quarters of the first length, and the second width is at least three-quarters of the first width.

4. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several of the connecting holes are evenly and spaced apart on the bottom wall of the connecting channel.

5. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet channel includes a pressure balance hole disposed on its pipe wall, and the pressure balance hole connects the air outlet channel and the water storage area.

6. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidifier includes a first housing and a second housing that surround the receiving cavity, and a first sealing ring disposed between the first housing and the second housing.

7. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating plate is provided on the bottom wall of the second housing, and the second end of the heat collection cover is connected to the bottom wall through a second sealing ring.

8. The humidifier for a ventilator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second end of the heat collection cover and / or the second sealing ring is provided with a communication port, which connects the heating zone and the water storage zone.

9. A ventilator, characterized in that: The device includes a main unit and a humidifier for a ventilator according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the main unit includes an airflow drive device connected to the air intake channel.

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