A float valve type temperature control humidification device and breathing machine
The floating valve-type temperature-controlled humidification device, which uses dual float ball coordinated control and cam-squeezed flow regulation, solves the problem of sudden temperature drop in the humidification tank of the ventilator, achieves stable temperature and humidity and reliable liquid level control, and improves the safety of respiratory therapy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511012482.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-07-22
AI Technical Summary
The existing humidifier tanks of ventilators use mechanical float-type water level control, which causes a sudden drop in temperature difference when replenishing water at high flow rates, resulting in fluctuations in gas temperature and humidity, and affecting the safety of patient treatment.
It adopts dual float collaborative control and cam extrusion type flow adaptive adjustment, and dynamically adjusts the flow rate to maintain the stability of liquid level and temperature and humidity by replenishing water multiple times with small flow rate and improving heat exchange efficiency.
It significantly reduces temperature fluctuations, prevents airway irritation, ensures treatment safety and reliable liquid level control within the humidification tank, and avoids the risk of dry burning.
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Figure CN120617732B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the field of breathing machine technology, and more particularly to a float valve type temperature control humidification device and breathing machine. BACKGROUND
[0002] As a key equipment of intensive care and respiratory support, breathing machine widely applies to the treatment of respiratory failure, airway obstruction and other diseases by assisting or replacing the spontaneous breathing function of patients. In the working process of breathing machine, the inhaled gas needs to be treated by heating and humidification to maintain the physiological wet state of airway mucosa, prevent the impairment of mucus-cilia system function, and prevent the obstruction of tracheal intubation. The humidification tank as a core component generates saturated steam by heating the water stored in the tank through the heating base, and the water level stability is directly related to the treatment effect and safety.
[0003] In the prior art, the water supply control of the breathing machine humidification tank mainly relies on mechanical float ball type control, and the water level switch is realized by the linkage of the float ball. Although this setting can prevent water overflow, when water is supplied, it will cause a significant temperature difference problem. The large flow of low-temperature water is concentrated and supplied into the high-temperature environment of the humidification tank, and when the large flow of cold water mixes with the high-temperature water, the heat exchange is insufficient, which causes the local temperature in the tank to drop sharply, resulting in large fluctuations in the temperature and humidity of the output gas, and causing airway irritation to the patient.
[0004] In view of the above technical problems, the present application discloses a float valve type temperature control humidification device and breathing machine, which has the advantages of using small flow multiple water supply, improving heat exchange efficiency, and reducing temperature difference fluctuations. SUMMARY
[0005] The present application aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and provides a float valve type temperature control humidification device and breathing machine to solve the technical problems that the humidification tank of the breathing machine in the prior art uses mechanical float ball type water level control, and the concentrated large flow of water supply causes the local temperature in the humidification tank to drop sharply, causing fluctuations in the temperature and humidity of the gas, and affecting the safety of patient treatment. The present application has the advantages of using double float ball cooperative control and cam extrusion type flow self-adaptive regulation to eliminate the sharp drop in water supply temperature while ensuring the reliability of liquid level control, and significantly improving the safety of respiratory treatment.
[0006] The present application is realized by the following technical scheme: the present application discloses a float valve type temperature control humidification device, which comprises a mounting seat, a heating base, a humidification tank and a water supply assembly. The humidification tank is detachably installed in the mounting seat, the top is provided with an air outlet, and the sidewall upper part is connected with an air inlet.
[0007] The heating base is arranged at the bottom of the humidification tank and is used for heating the water stored in the tank to generate saturated water vapor.
[0008] The water supply assembly includes a replenishment tank, an outlet pipe, an air inlet pipe, a drip chamber, and a level trigger. The replenishment tank is located above the humidification tank and has an outlet and an air inlet at its bottom. The outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the replenishment tank via a connector and extends into the humidification tank. The air inlet pipe is connected to the air inlet of the replenishment tank to maintain air pressure balance. The drip chamber is located on the outlet pipe outside the humidification tank and is used for droplet generation observation and air pressure buffering. The level trigger adopts a float-type mechanical feedback mechanism, which controls the opening and closing of the outlet pipe through dynamic balance of buoyancy and gravity.
[0009] Furthermore, the water supply component is configured to replenish the humidification tank with a small flow rate. By extending the heat exchange time window, the temperature difference disturbance between the replenished liquid and the liquid in the tank is reduced. The low-temperature replenished water is injected into the high-temperature humidification tank in a small flow rate, which significantly expands the contact surface area between the liquid and the high-temperature environment, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency. The replenished liquid fully absorbs the heat energy in the tank during the flow process and quickly approaches the ambient temperature, avoiding the problem of sudden local temperature drop caused by traditional large-flow replenishment.
[0010] Furthermore, the liquid level triggering component includes a fixed rod, a sliding sleeve, a sliding rod, a conical plug, and a float. The sliding rod is nested inside the sliding sleeve and slides axially. The sliding sleeve is fixed inside the humidification tank by the fixed rod. The plug and the outlet pipe opening form a dynamic sealing pair. When the liquid level rises, the float pushes the plug to seal the outlet pipe. When the liquid level falls, the sliding rod moves down to open the flow channel.
[0011] Furthermore, the humidification tank integrates a flow regulating component, which dynamically adjusts the cross-sectional area of the liquid outlet pipe through mechanical extrusion. The flow regulating component includes an L-shaped fixed column, a lever, and an extrusion wheel. The L-shaped fixed column is vertically fixed to the inner wall of the tank and the liquid outlet pipe is fixed by a clamp. The lever is hinged to a connecting block at one end and rigidly connected to a ball at the other end, with the rotating shaft as the fulcrum. The extrusion wheel is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft, and the wheel surface profile has a smooth transition between the large and small diameter sections. The displacement of the float drives the cam to rotate, thereby progressively extruding the liquid outlet pipe.
[0012] Furthermore, when the liquid level inside the humidification tank drops to a height reserved before the safety threshold, the squeezing wheel rotates completely to the minimum diameter section, so that the cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe is fully released and the flow rate jumps to the maximum compensation value.
[0013] Furthermore, the outlet tube is divided into an external section and an internal section, which are connected by a quick-release sealing connector. The internal section is a replaceable silicone hose.
[0014] Furthermore, the lever includes a ball rod and a connecting member. The ball rod is configured to generate angular displacement in response to changes in liquid level. The connecting block is fixed to the inner wall of the humidification tank by a fixing plate. One end of the ball rod and the connecting block form a lever system with a pivot as the fulcrum. The ball is fixed to the other end of the ball rod.
[0015] A ventilator includes a chassis, a display screen, and wheels, wherein a float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device is configured on the front side of the chassis.
[0016] Furthermore, the fluid replenishment tank is mounted on the front side of the chassis via a fixed bracket, the air inlet of the humidification tank is connected to the output pipeline of the ventilator, and the air outlet is used to deliver humidified and temperature-controlled gas.
[0017] The present invention has the following advantages:
[0018] (1) By adopting an infusion set structure and combining a discrete droplet-type small-flow infusion mechanism with an air pressure balance design in the inlet tube, the present invention achieves precise control of the infusion flow rate; the low-temperature infusion water is injected into the high-temperature humidification tank in the form of a small flow rate, which significantly expands the contact surface area between the liquid and the high-temperature environment, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency; the infused liquid fully absorbs the heat energy in the tank during the flow process and quickly approaches the ambient temperature, avoiding the problem of sudden drop in local temperature caused by traditional large-flow infusion; thus preventing short-term fluctuations in the absolute humidity of the output gas, maintaining the stability of the temperature and humidity of the respiratory gas, and reducing the risk of thermal stimulation to the patient's airway mucosa.
[0019] (2) This invention simultaneously uses a squeeze wheel-type adaptive flow rate adjustment combined with dual floats to collaboratively feedback liquid level changes, driving the squeeze wheel profile to gradually depressurize the outlet hose. During the slow liquid level drop phase, a low flow rate is maintained to ensure sufficient heat exchange; when the liquid level accelerates down and approaches the safety threshold, the cam quickly switches to the minimum squeeze position, the hose cross-sectional area is fully released, and the flow rate jumps to achieve rapid compensation. This dynamically adjusts to actively match the nonlinear demand of respiration consumption, retaining the temperature control advantage of low flow rate replenishment while eliminating the risk of dry burning due to sudden evaporation, ensuring that liquid level fluctuations are always within the safety threshold. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilator and humidifier of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the humidification tank of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B;
[0024] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point C;
[0025] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the flow regulating component of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the extrusion wheel of the present invention.
[0027] In the diagram: 1. Mounting base; 2. Heating base; 3. Humidification tank; 4. Water supply assembly; 5. Air outlet; 6. Air inlet; 7. Flow regulator; 8. Sealing joint; 9. Chassis; 10. Display screen; 11. Wheels; 12. Fixed bracket; 401. Liquid replenishment tank; 402. Liquid outlet pipe; 403. Air inlet pipe; 404. Drop chamber; 405. Liquid level trigger; 421. External section; 422. Internal section; 451. Fixed rod; 452. Sliding sleeve; 453. Sliding rod; 454. Plug; 455. Float; 701. Fixed column; 702. Fixed plate; 703. Connecting block; 704. Connecting piece; 705. Ball rod; 706. Ball; 707. Rotating shaft; 708. Extrusion wheel; 781. Small diameter section; 782. Large diameter section. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the description of the present invention, words such as "front", "rear", "left", and "right" that indicate orientation or positional relationship are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.
[0029] The embodiment discloses a float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, it includes a mounting base 1, a heating base 2, a humidification tank 3, and a water supply assembly 4. Among them, as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the humidification tank 3 is detachably installed inside the mounting base 1. The top of the humidification tank 3 has an air outlet 5 for discharging humidified and temperature-controlled gas, and the upper side wall connects to an air inlet 6 to connect to the ventilator output tubing, guiding untreated gas into the tank. A heating base 2 is installed at the bottom of the humidification tank 3, which heats the water stored inside to generate saturated water vapor, ensuring the flowing gas carries suitable temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the water supply assembly 4 monitors the liquid level in the humidification tank 3 in real time, automatically replenishing water when the level drops to a preset lower limit to maintain stable operation of the humidification system.
[0030] In actual operation, the water temperature inside the humidification tank 3 is usually maintained between 35°C and 40°C, while the makeup water is often at 25°C or lower due to room temperature. When the water level drops to the preset lower limit and makeup water is triggered, if a concentrated, high-flow-rate single makeup water is used (such as manual addition by medical staff or full opening of the mechanical valve), the insufficient heat exchange between the low-temperature water and the high-temperature water will cause a sudden drop in the local temperature inside the tank. This sudden temperature drop will cause fluctuations in gas temperature and humidity. On the one hand, the evaporation rate decreases as the temperature decreases, resulting in a short-term decrease in the absolute humidity of the output gas; on the other hand, the local thermodynamic imbalance may irritate the patient's airway mucosa, aggravate sputum viscosity, and even induce bronchospasm.
[0031] In addition, the direct impact of a large flow of water on the liquid surface can interfere with the accuracy of liquid level monitoring. For example, the impact of water flow on the float 455 can cause misjudgment of the water level (such as the float 455 closing prematurely or responding late), affecting the accuracy of water replenishment control.
[0032] The above settings allow for long-term, low-flow-rate replenishment of the humidification tank 3, preventing a sudden drop in temperature caused by a large single-flow rate.
[0033] In this embodiment, the water supply component 4 adopts a small-flow infusion type structure to solve the problem of sudden temperature drop caused by replenishing the humidification tank 3. Figures 2-4 As shown, its core components include a replenishment tank 401, an outlet pipe 402, an air inlet pipe 403, a drip chamber 404, and a liquid level trigger 405. The replenishment tank 401 is located above the humidification tank 3, with an outlet and an air inlet at the bottom. The outlet pipe 402 is connected to the outlet of the replenishment tank 401 via a Luer connector, and the other end extends into the humidification tank 3. The air inlet pipe 403 is connected to the air inlet of the replenishment tank 401 to maintain air pressure balance and avoid negative pressure flow interruption. The drip chamber 404 is located on the outlet pipe 402 outside the humidification tank 3 and is used for droplet generation observation and air pressure buffering (balancing the pressure inside and outside the replenishment tank 401). In addition, a flow regulating component 7 is set to dynamically adjust the cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe 402 by mechanically squeezing it to control the terminal flow rate.
[0034] Through the above structural design, low-flow water replenishment is achieved. Specifically, based on gravity drive and a discrete droplet mechanism, the high potential energy of the replenishment tank 401 drives the liquid to flow through the outlet pipe 402 to the droplet chamber 404. After accumulating to a critical weight in the droplet chamber 404, the liquid overcomes the surface tension and forms discrete droplets that fall. Meanwhile, the air inlet pipe 403 simultaneously replenishes air to maintain the normal pressure of the replenishment tank 401, ensuring continuous liquid flow. The flow regulating component 7 achieves linear control of the liquid output by deforming the cavity diameter of the outlet pipe 402.
[0035] In this embodiment, by reducing the thermal inertia of a single liquid injection and extending the heat exchange time window, a gradual integration with the system temperature is achieved. Specifically, when low-temperature water is injected into the high-temperature environment at a small flow rate, the mass of liquid injected per unit time is extremely small, and its heat capacity is far lower than the overall heat capacity of the system. Therefore, the absorbed heat is insufficient to significantly disturb the system temperature balance. At the same time, the surface area of the tiny stream in contact with the high-temperature medium during the flow process is relatively larger, resulting in higher heat transfer efficiency. This allows the injected liquid to complete its temperature rise in a very short time and rapidly approach the ambient temperature.
[0036] This ensures that each water replenishment introduces only a small increase in heat load, and the system can absorb the disturbance through instantaneous thermal compensation, avoiding the concentrated cold load exceeding the system's thermal buffer capacity during large-flow water replenishment, thereby maintaining the overall temperature field in a steady state.
[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid level trigger 405 inside the humidification tank 3 adopts a float-type mechanical feedback mechanism. Its core components include a fixed rod 451 vertically fixed to the inner wall of the tank, a sliding sleeve 452 fixed to the end of the fixed rod 451, a sliding rod 453 axially sliding within the sliding sleeve 452, and a conical plug 454 (tip facing upwards) rigidly connecting the top and bottom ends of the sliding rod 453, and a float 455 with a density adapted to the humidification liquid. The sliding rod 453 and the plug 454 are coaxially arranged, with the plug 454 forming a dynamic sealing pair opposite the opening of the outlet pipe 402. When the liquid level rises, the float 455 floats upwards due to buoyancy, pushing the plug 454 through the sliding rod 453 to press against the opening of the outlet pipe 402 to achieve a line contact seal and completely cut off the replenishment. When the liquid level drops, the weight of the float 455 is greater than the buoyancy, and the sliding rod 453 drives the plug 454 to move vertically downwards to open the flow channel, achieving precise replenishment control. A closed-loop response to liquid level is achieved through dynamic balance of buoyancy and gravity.
[0038] Considering the non-constant nature of liquid consumption within the humidifier tank 3 during actual operation, primarily due to the combined effects of dynamic changes in patient breathing patterns, fluctuations in equipment operating parameters, and environmental factors, a constant, minimal flow rate replenishment strategy is insufficient to match the non-linear consumption demands under complex operating conditions. This is especially true during periods of rapid increases in patient minute ventilation or high equipment load operation, where the replenishment volume per unit time will consistently fall below the actual evaporation rate, leading to an irreversible drop in liquid level. If the liquid level exceeds the safety threshold, it will trigger risks such as the heating plate burning out and melting, and gas humidification failure, posing clinical risks. Therefore, a dynamic flow compensation mechanism is needed to initiate protective high-flow replenishment when the liquid level approaches the critical point. This approach retains the advantages of low-flow temperature control while proactively adapting to consumption fluctuations through a closed-loop feedback mechanism, mitigating the risk of uncontrolled liquid level.
[0039] In this embodiment, the liquid level trigger 405 and the flow regulating component 7 adopt a dual float 455 cooperative control architecture and a lever-type mechanical transmission mechanism. The liquid level trigger 405 realizes the opening and closing control of the liquid outlet pipe 402, while the flow regulating component 7, combined with the cam linkage squeezing mechanism, realizes the adaptive adjustment of the flow rate.
[0040] like Figures 3-7 As shown, the flow regulating component 7 has a specific structure including an L-shaped fixing column 701 vertically installed on the inner wall of the tank. Its vertical section has a flat contact surface. The outlet pipe 402 is fixed by a clamp and its inner section 422 is kept vertical and straight to ensure that the plug 454 is accurately aligned and sealed. The fixing plate 702 extending laterally from the fixing column 701 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the connecting block 703. One end of the ball rod 705 is hinged to the connecting block 703 through the connecting part 704 and the rotating shaft 707. The other end is rigidly connected to the ball 706 (float) that responds to the liquid level, forming a lever component with the rotating shaft 707 as the fulcrum. The lever amplifies the small displacement of the ball 706 and drives the cam to generate sufficient extrusion force to ensure that the deformation of the hose is accurately controllable. The ball 706 rises and falls with the liquid level, causing the ball rod 705 to rotate around the axis, which in turn drives the end extrusion wheel 708 to perform progressive extrusion on the hose to achieve dynamic flow regulation.
[0041] The cue stick 705 has a rotating shaft 707 that is coaxial with the extrusion roller 708. The extrusion roller 708 adopts a cam configuration and is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 707. The surface of the extrusion roller 708 is located directly in front of the liquid outlet pipe 402. Figure 7 As shown, its profile design features a smooth transition between the large-diameter section 782 and the small-diameter section 781. Under normal conditions (normal liquid level), the large-diameter section 782 of the cam compresses the outlet hose, flattening and cutting off the flow. Dual monitoring is achieved through two floats 455. If one float becomes stuck, the other float 455 can still independently trigger shut-off to prevent dry burning or overflow. When the liquid level drops, the ball 706 drives the compression wheel 708 to rotate, and the small-diameter section 781 gradually turns towards the hose contact position. The hose expands as the compression decreases, and the flow rate increases in a stepwise manner. In this design, the displacement of the ball 706 directly maps to the rotation angle of the compression wheel 708, thereby precisely controlling the hose cross-sectional area and forming an inverse proportional adjustment relationship of "lower liquid level → lighter compression → greater flow rate".
[0042] The specific workflow of the above setup is as follows: In the initial replenishment stage (liquid level drops slightly), the small diameter section 781 of the cam slightly squeezes the hose to maintain an extremely low flow rate, so that the replenished cold water can instantly rise in temperature in the high-temperature environment of the humidification tank 3, avoiding local low-temperature zones; while in the high consumption stage (liquid level drops rapidly), the cam quickly rotates to the minimum squeezing position, the cross-sectional area of the hose expands, the flow rate jumps, quickly compensates for the evaporation gap, and eliminates the risk of dry burning. It should be noted that when the squeezing wheel 708 squeezes the liquid outlet pipe 402 to adjust the flow rate, before the liquid level drops to the safety threshold, that is, before the lowest liquid level, a height is reserved, and the squeezing wheel 708 completely releases the liquid outlet pipe 402 to switch to the maximum flow rate.
[0043] In this embodiment, the flow rate regulation achieved by squeezing the liquid outlet pipe 402 through the extrusion roller 708 can ensure a leak-free seal. The hose has a fully enclosed structure with no dynamic seals, avoiding leakage at the interface. It also has anti-pollution properties, and the silicone hose is resistant to scale and drug crystals. Impurities are washed away with the flow, reducing the risk of blockage.
[0044] In addition, the dual float 455 liquid level control embodiment design uses dual floats 455 to distribute the mechanical load, reduce the failure rate, and also allows for differentiated configuration of float 455 parameters (such as volume, density, counterweight, etc.) to achieve graded sensitivity adjustment. By setting the physical parameters specifically, different floats 455 are given differentiated response characteristics, thereby accurately matching the needs of complex working conditions.
[0045] Furthermore, this embodiment employs a segmented outlet pipe 402 structure to balance ease of maintenance with reliable sealing. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the outlet pipe 402 is divided into an external section 421 outside the humidification tank 3 and an internal section 422 inside the tank. The two sections are connected by a quick-release sealing connector 8 fixed to the tank wall. One end of the external section 421 is connected to the external port of the connector, and one end of the internal section 422 is connected to the internal port of the connector, forming a through flow path. This modular design allows the internal section 422 (a vulnerable part subjected to long-term compression) to be replaced independently, significantly reducing maintenance costs. At the same time, the rigid seal between the connector and the tank wall and the absence of exposed interfaces between the pipe sections physically isolate the intrusion of external contaminants, ensuring a sterile environment inside the humidification tank 3.
[0046] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment discloses a ventilator, including a housing 9 and a display screen 10 located on top of the housing 9. The housing 9 is equipped with casters 11 for easy movement. A float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device as described in the above embodiment is disposed on the front side of the housing 9. This float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device is fixedly installed on the front side of the housing 9, and its rehydration tank 401 is fixed to the front side of the housing 9 via a fixing bracket 12. In use, the ventilator tubing is connected to the humidification tank 3, which performs precise heating and humidification of the inhaled gas. The treated gas at the appropriate temperature and humidity is then discharged from this device and finally delivered to the patient for assisted ventilation.
[0047] The principle of this invention is as follows: When the liquid level in the humidification tank 3 drops to a preset lower limit due to evaporation, the float 455 in the liquid level trigger 405, due to gravity exceeding buoyancy, drives the slide rod 453 downward, causing the conical plug 454 to disengage from the outlet pipe 402, thus initiating gravity-driven small-flow water replenishment. The liquid in the replenishment tank 401 flows into the drip chamber 404 through the outlet pipe 402, accumulating into discrete droplets. The air pressure balance is maintained through the air inlet pipe 403 to ensure continuous liquid flow. At this time, the large-diameter section 782 of the squeeze wheel 708 squeezes the hose, controlling the flow rate to deliver water at a small flow rate. This allows the low-temperature replenishment to fully exchange heat with the high-temperature medium by expanding the surface area during water delivery, avoiding the stimulation of the patient's airway by a sudden drop in local temperature. As the liquid level changes, the dual floats 455 work together to regulate the flow rate. When the liquid level drops slowly, the small-diameter section 781 of the cam gradually releases the hose compression, and the flow rate gradually increases. If the liquid level drops rapidly, the cam quickly rotates to the smallest diameter section 781, the hose is fully released, and the flow rate jumps, quickly compensating for the evaporation gap. Especially before the liquid level drops to the safe threshold, the cam forcibly switches to the maximum flow rate, forming a dry-burning protection. After water is added, the liquid level rises back to the preset height, the floats 455 float up and push the plug 454 to seal the liquid outlet pipe 402, and the cam returns to the compression state to stop the liquid replenishment.
[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device, comprising a mounting base (1), a heating base (2), a humidification tank (3), and a water supply assembly (4), characterized in that, The humidification tank (3) is detachably installed inside the mounting base (1), with an air outlet (5) at the top and an air inlet (6) connected to the upper part of the side wall. The heating base (2) is disposed at the bottom of the humidification tank (3) and is used to heat the water stored in the tank to generate saturated water vapor; The water supply assembly (4) includes a replenishment tank (401), an outlet pipe (402), an air inlet pipe (403), a drip chamber (404), and a level trigger (405). The replenishment tank (401) is located above the humidification tank (3) and has an outlet and an air inlet (6) at the bottom. The outlet pipe (402) is connected to the outlet of the replenishment tank (401) via a connector and extends into the humidification tank (3). The air inlet pipe (403) is connected to the air inlet (6) of the replenishment tank (401) to maintain air pressure balance. The drip chamber (404) is located on the outlet pipe (402) outside the humidification tank (3) and is used for droplet generation observation and air pressure buffering. The level trigger (405) adopts a float-type mechanical feedback mechanism to control the opening and closing of the outlet pipe (402) through dynamic balance of buoyancy and gravity. The liquid level trigger (405) includes a fixed rod (451), a sliding sleeve (452), a sliding rod (453), a conical plug (454), and a float (455). The sliding rod (453) is nested in the sliding sleeve (452) and slides axially. The sliding sleeve (452) is fixed inside the humidification tank (3) by the fixed rod (451). The plug (454) and the opening of the liquid outlet pipe (402) form a dynamic sealing pair. When the liquid level rises, the float (455) pushes the plug (454) to seal the liquid outlet pipe (402). When the liquid level falls, the sliding rod (453) moves down to open the flow channel. The humidification tank (3) integrates a flow regulating component (7), which dynamically adjusts the cross-sectional area by mechanically squeezing out the liquid outlet pipe (402). The flow regulating component (7) includes an L-shaped fixed column (701), a lever, and a squeezing wheel (708). The L-shaped fixed column (701) is vertically fixed to the inner wall of the tank and the liquid outlet pipe (402) is fixed by a clamp. The lever is hinged to a connecting block (703) at one end and rigidly connected to a ball (706) at the other end, with the rotating shaft (707) as the fulcrum. The squeezing wheel (708) is fixedly fitted onto the rotating shaft (707). The wheel surface profile is a smooth transition between the large diameter section (782) and the small diameter section (781). The displacement of the float (455) drives the cam to rotate to progressively squeeze out the liquid outlet pipe (402). When the liquid level inside the humidification tank (3) drops to the reserved height before the safety threshold, the squeezing wheel (708) rotates completely to the minimum diameter section (781), so that the cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe (402) is fully released and the flow rate jumps to the maximum compensation value.
2. The float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply component (4) is configured to replenish water to the humidification tank (3) in a low flow rate mode, thereby reducing the temperature difference disturbance between the replenished liquid and the liquid in the tank by extending the heat exchange time window.
3. The float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet pipe (402) is divided into an outer section (421) and an inner section (422), which are connected by a quick-release sealing connector (8). The inner section (422) is a replaceable silicone hose.
4. The float valve type temperature-controlled humidification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lever component includes a ball rod (705) and a connector (704). The ball rod (705) is configured to generate angular displacement in response to changes in liquid level. The connector (703) is fixed to the inner wall of the humidification tank (3) by a fixing plate (702). One end of the ball rod (705) and the connector (703) form a lever system with a pivot (707) as the fulcrum. The ball (706) is fixed to the other end of the ball rod (705).
5. A ventilator, comprising a chassis (9), a display screen (10), and wheels (11), characterized in that, The front side of the chassis (9) is equipped with a float valve type temperature control humidification device as described in any one of claims 1-4.
6. A ventilator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment tank (401) is installed on the front side of the chassis (9) via a fixed bracket (12). The air inlet (6) of the humidification tank (3) is connected to the output pipeline of the ventilator. The air outlet (5) is used to deliver humidified and temperature-controlled gas.
Citation Information
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