Breathing machine and humidifying method

Abstract

The invention relates to a breathing machine and a humidifying method, the breathing machine comprises a main body and a moisture transfer piece, the main body defines an air outlet channel and a liquid containing cavity, the liquid containing cavity is communicated with the air outlet channel, the air outlet channel is used for discharging air to the external environment, one end of the moisture transfer piece is immersed in liquid in the liquid containing cavity, and the other end of the moisture transfer piece extends into the air outlet channel; the moisture transfer piece is arranged to be capable of being soaked by liquid in the liquid containing cavity. The air flow in the air outlet channel does not directly contact with the liquid in the solution cavity but blows through the moisture transfer piece, so that the risk that the liquid fluctuates to make a sound due to flowing of the air is reduced, the risk that the liquid generates bubbles due to the air and generates noise due to bubble breakage is reduced, and the noise can be greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a ventilator and a humidification method. Background Art

[0002] Ventilation machines are primarily used to treat sleep apnea, and noise is the primary environmental factor disrupting deep sleep. Therefore, noise reduction in ventilators is of crucial clinical significance in medical device design. However, ventilators in related technologies are often quite noisy, which can easily interrupt the treatment process for sleep apnea. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a ventilator and humidification method to address the problem that ventilators in related technologies are usually noisy and can easily cause interruptions in the treatment process of sleep apnea.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a ventilator is provided, the ventilator comprising:

[0005] The main body defines an air outlet channel and a liquid-containing chamber spaced apart from each other, the air outlet channel being used to discharge air to the external environment; and

[0006] A moisture transfer element, one end of which is immersed in the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity, and the other end of which extends into the air outlet channel. The moisture transfer element is configured to be wetted by the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the ventilator further includes a support member disposed within the air outlet channel, and at least a portion of the moisture transfer element extending into the air outlet channel is circumferentially disposed outside the support member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support defines a ventilation channel, the axial direction of which is the same as the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel, and the support has a plurality of through holes along the radial direction of the support, the through holes connecting the ventilation channel and the air outlet channel, and when the moisture transfer element is arranged around the support, the moisture transfer element covers the through holes.

[0009] In one embodiment, the ventilator further includes an air-generating component and a sound-insulating component. The sound-insulating component and the main body jointly define a receiving cavity, a first air passage cavity, and a second air passage cavity. The first air passage cavity and the second air passage cavity are connected to each other. The air-generating component is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the output end of the air-generating component is connected to the first air passage cavity. The second air passage cavity is also connected to the air outlet channel. The airflow output by the air-generating component passes through the first air passage cavity and the second air passage cavity in sequence, and flows to the outside through the air outlet channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sound insulation component includes a first isolation member and a second isolation member, the second isolation member being disposed on one side of the first isolation member, and the first isolation member, the second isolation member, and the main body together define the first air passage cavity;

[0011] The second isolation member includes a stepped portion and a sound-insulating portion. The sound-insulating portion is located on the side of the stepped portion away from the top of the main body along a first direction. A portion of the stepped portion and a portion of the first isolation member together define the second air passage cavity, and the sound-insulating portion, the main body, and a portion of the first isolation member together define the receiving cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the main body includes a body and a water tank. The body has an air outlet and defines a receiving cavity. The water tank is disposed on the body and defines the air outlet channel and the liquid receiving cavity. One end of the air outlet channel is connected to the receiving cavity, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, the body further defines an extension channel, one end of which is connected to the end of the air outlet channel facing the air outlet, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ventilator further includes a control unit, which includes a water level sensor and a humidity sensor. The water level sensor is located inside the water tank and is used to detect whether the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset value. The humidity sensor is located at one end of the moisture transfer element near the air outlet channel and is used to detect the degree of moisture in the moisture transfer element.

[0015] In one embodiment,

[0016] The moisture transfer element has a capillary structure; or

[0017] The moisture transfer element is made of fiber material; or

[0018] The moisture transfer element is made of a blend of polyester fiber and cotton or seaweed fiber.

[0019] According to another aspect of this application, a humidification method is provided, employing the ventilator of any of the above embodiments, the humidification method comprising:

[0020] The moisture transfer element adsorbs the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity, so that the moisture transfer element located in the air outlet channel is at least partially wetted.

[0021] When the ventilator is turned on, airflow is generated through the air outlet channel, the moistened moisture transfer element evaporates to form water vapor, and the water vapor generated by the evaporation of the moisture transfer element is transported to the external environment with the airflow in the air outlet channel.

[0022] The aforementioned ventilator uses a moisture-transfer element. One end of the moisture-transfer element is immersed in liquid within the liquid-containing chamber, absorbing the liquid and moistening the other end of the element. The other end of the moisture-transfer element extends into the air outlet channel. When air is expelled from the air outlet channel, the liquid within the moisture-transfer element evaporates and flows outward with the airflow, mixing the airflow with moisture, thus achieving ventilator humidification. Simultaneously, the air outlet channel and the liquid-containing chamber are separated, preventing the airflow from directly contacting the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber. Instead, the airflow passes over the moisture-transfer element, reducing the risk of sound generated by liquid movement and airflow-induced bubbles, as well as the risk of noise from bubble bursts. Therefore, the ventilator of this application significantly reduces noise. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a ventilator in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the support member of a ventilator in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a ventilator in one embodiment of the present application, showing the sound insulation components.

[0026] Figure 4 The image shows a ventilator in one embodiment of this application, revealing a sound insulation component and a cross-sectional view of an air-generating component.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water tank of a ventilator in one embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 10. Ventilator;

[0030] 1. Body; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Extension channel; 13. Ventilation hole;

[0031] 2. Water tank; 21. Air outlet duct; 22. Liquid container;

[0032] 3. Moisture transfer components;

[0033] 4. Support components; 41. Ventilation channels; 42. Through holes;

[0034] 5. Air-generating components;

[0035] 61. First air passage cavity; 62. Second air passage cavity; 63. First isolation component; 641. Stepped section; 642. Sound insulation section;

[0036] F1, First Direction. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0039] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] The humidification method commonly used in ventilators employs a fan that directly blows air into the water tank. This method has several drawbacks. First, the airflow directly impacts the water surface, generating significant water flow fluctuations and bubble bursting noise, severely impacting the user's sleep quality. Second, the airflow agitates the water in the tank, easily allowing impurities and microorganisms to enter the breathing tubing, increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Furthermore, the direct blowing method places extremely high demands on the water tank's sealing; poor sealing can easily lead to water and air leaks, reducing the equipment's stability and lifespan.

[0044] Based on this, this application provides a ventilator and a humidification method, which uses the siphon principle to draw water from the water tank so that the airflow of the fan no longer directly acts on the water surface, thereby effectively reducing noise, reducing the risk of pollution from the blown airflow, and improving the sealing and reliability of the ventilator, providing users with a quieter, safer and more comfortable breathing experience.

[0045] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a ventilator 10 in one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the support member 4 of the ventilator 10 in one embodiment of this application.

[0046] The ventilator 10 provided in this application includes a main body and a moisture-absorbing component 3. The main body defines an air outlet channel 21 and a fluid-containing chamber 22 spaced apart from each other. The air outlet channel 21 is used to outlet air to the external environment. It can be understood that the end of the air outlet channel 21 facing the external environment can be connected to a pipe as needed, and the end of the pipe away from the ventilator 10 is connected to the user's mouth and nose, so that the airflow flowing in the air outlet channel 21 is supplied to the user through the pipe.

[0047] One end of the moisture transfer element 3 is immersed in the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber 22, and the other end extends into the air outlet channel 21. The moisture transfer element 3 is configured to be wetted by the liquid in the liquid-containing chamber 22. It can be understood that after the airflow in the air outlet channel 21 passes through the wetted moisture transfer element 3, the liquid wetted in the moisture transfer element 3 evaporates and flows outward with the airflow, causing the airflow to mix with water vapor, increasing the humidity of the airflow, thereby providing the user with air of suitable humidity to help the user breathe.

[0048] The ventilator 10 provided in this application can effectively provide humidified airflow to the user, and the airflow in the air outlet duct 21 does not directly contact the liquid in the solution chamber, but blows through the moisture transfer element 3. Therefore, it minimizes the risk of the liquid fluctuating and making noise due to airflow, and also reduces the risk of bubbles forming in the liquid and the noise generated by the bursting of these bubbles. Thus, the ventilator 10 provided in this application also helps to significantly reduce the noise of the ventilator 10, providing a better treatment environment for users, especially for users treating sleep apnea.

[0049] In some embodiments, the moisture transfer element 3 has a capillary structure. The presence of the capillary structure allows the liquid to be evenly distributed inside the moisture transfer element 3, and using the siphon principle, the liquid wets from one end of the moisture transfer element 3 to the other end, forming a stable liquid film. When the airflow passes through, it can fully contact the liquid film, achieving efficient water evaporation and airflow humidification.

[0050] In some embodiments, the moisture transfer element 3 is made of a fibrous material. The fibrous material has good water absorption and breathability, ensuring stable liquid wetting and smooth airflow, providing the user with a comfortable humidified airflow. Simultaneously, the fibrous material also possesses certain antibacterial and durable properties, which can reduce microbial growth to a certain extent, extend the service life of the moisture transfer element 3, and improve the hygiene and reliability of the ventilator 10.

[0051] In some embodiments, the moisture transfer element 3 is made of a blend of polyester fiber and cotton or seaweed fiber. This blend combines the advantages of polyester, cotton, and seaweed fibers, possessing both good strength and durability, as well as excellent water absorption and moisture retention. It maintains stable moisture transfer performance during prolonged use, providing the user with a reliable humidified airflow. Polyester fibers provide structural support, ensuring the shape and strength of the moisture transfer element 3, preventing deformation under airflow impact. Cotton fibers offer good water absorption and skin-friendliness, quickly absorbing liquids and maintaining moisture while being gentle on the user's skin. Seaweed fibers further enhance the moisture retention and antibacterial properties of the moisture transfer element 3, helping to maintain a humid environment and reduce microbial growth, thereby improving the overall hygiene and lifespan of the ventilator 10.

[0052] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 2 As shown, the ventilator 10 also includes a support member 4, which is disposed within the air outlet channel 21. At least a portion of the moisture transfer element 3 extending into the air outlet channel 21 is arranged around the support member 4. The support member 4 serves two purposes: firstly, to provide stable support for the moisture transfer element 3, ensuring its relatively stable fixation at its corresponding position within the air outlet channel 21, thereby improving the stability of the moisture transfer element 3 when airflow passes over it. Secondly, the partial arrangement of the moisture transfer element 3 around the support member 4 allows the portion of the moisture transfer element 3 extending into the air outlet channel 21 to extend further, thus increasing the contact area between the moisture transfer element 3 and the airflow, facilitating the evaporation of liquid within the moisture transfer element 3. Consequently, the support member 4 of this application facilitates a stable output of humidified airflow within the air outlet channel 21.

[0053] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 2 As shown, the support member 4 defines a ventilation channel 41. The axial direction of the ventilation channel 41 is the same as the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel 21. Along the radial direction of the support member 4, the support member 4 is provided with multiple through holes 42, which connect the ventilation channel 41 and the air outlet channel 21. When the moisture transfer element 3 is arranged around the support member 4, it covers the through holes 42. It can be understood that the design of the support member 4 is such that when the moisture transfer element 3 is arranged around the support member 4, the radially inner side of the moisture transfer element 3 abuts against the outer wall of the support member 4. When the airflow flows in the ventilation channel 41, it fully contacts the moisture transfer element 3 through the through holes 42, thereby effectively humidifying the airflow.

[0054] In this embodiment, the moisture transfer element 3 abuts against the outer wall of the support member 4 and the main body on both radial sides along the air outlet channel 21, or in other words, the support member 4 abuts the moisture transfer element 3 against the main body, so that the moisture transfer element 3 is located between the support member 4 and the main body, and there is no gap contact between the moisture transfer element 3 and the main body. In this way, the moisture transfer element 3 can not only be supported by the support member 4, but also limited by the main body, which helps to improve the limiting stability of the moisture transfer element 3, especially when the airflow blows through the moisture transfer element 3, it can provide stable support for the moisture transfer element 3. At the same time, the airflow in the ventilation channel 41 can blow over the surface of the moisture transfer element 3 through the through hole 42 without affecting the evaporation of liquid in the moisture transfer element 3, so as to humidify the airflow. Moreover, the moisture transfer element 3 is closely attached to the main body or the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21, which can effectively reduce the risk of airflow leakage from the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21, which helps to improve the sealing effect of the ventilator 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the moisture transfer element 3 can also be configured such that it abuts against the outer wall of the support element 4 along the radial inner side of the air outlet channel 21, and there is a certain gap between the moisture transfer element 3 and the main body, or in other words, between the moisture transfer element 3 and the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21 along the radial outer side of the air outlet channel 21. That is, there is a certain gap between the support element 4 and the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21, and this certain gap satisfies the condition that after the moisture transfer element 3 is covered on the support element 4, the moisture transfer element 3 and the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21 do not abut against each other, and there is a gap between the moisture transfer element 3 and the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21 that allows airflow to pass through. In this way, airflow passes through both sides of the moisture transfer element 3, which is beneficial to improving the evaporation efficiency of the liquid in the moisture transfer element 3.

[0056] It should be noted that the radial dimension of the support member 4 can be designed to change the distance between the support member 4 and the main body or the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21, so that when the moisture transfer member 3 is placed on the support member 4, the moisture transfer member 3 is either in direct contact with the main body or the inner wall of the air outlet channel 21 or there is a certain distance between them.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and in conjunction with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sound insulation components of a ventilator 10 in one embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The ventilator 10 in one embodiment of this application shows the sound insulation component and the cross-sectional view of the air generating component 5.

[0058] The ventilator 10 also includes an air-generating component 5 and a sound-insulating component. The air-generating component 5 is used to generate airflow through the air outlet channel 21, and the sound-insulating component can isolate the sound of the air-generating component 5 itself and the sound of the airflow output by the air-generating component 5, which is conducive to further improving the noise reduction effect of the ventilator 10 of this application.

[0059] The sound insulation component and the main body together define the receiving cavity 11, the first air passage cavity 61, and the second air passage cavity 62, which are interconnected. An air-driving component 5 is disposed within the receiving cavity 11, and its output end is connected to the first air passage cavity 61. The second air passage cavity 62 is also connected to the air outlet channel 21. Thus, the airflow output from the air-driving component 5 passes sequentially through the first air passage cavity 61 and the second air passage cavity 62, and flows to the outside through the air outlet channel 21.

[0060] It is understandable that the airflow directly output by the air-controlling component 5 has a high airflow velocity and directly collides with the output end of the air-controlling component 5, which can easily lead to loud airflow noise. The two air passage chambers in this application help to buffer the airflow output by the air-controlling component 5 through the two air passage chambers, so that the airflow can pass through the air outlet channel 21 at a uniform speed and be output to the external environment. This reduces the noise caused by the large airflow impact when the airflow is directly output from the air-controlling component 5. In addition, the two air passage chambers formed by the sound insulation component are isolated between the air-controlling component 5 and the air outlet channel 21, which can also isolate the noise generated by the air-controlling component 5 itself during operation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the air-generating component 5 can be a fan, or other structures capable of driving airflow to form an airflow, without further limitations.

[0062] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sound insulation assembly includes a first isolation member 63 and a second isolation member. The second isolation member is disposed on one side of the first isolation member 63. The first isolation member 63, the second isolation member, and the main body together define the first air passage cavity 61. In this way, the first isolation member 63 and the second isolation member of the sound insulation assembly are isolated between the air generating member 5 and the air outlet channel 21, forming a double layer of sound insulation, which can effectively isolate the noise emitted by the air generating member 5 itself during operation.

[0063] The second isolation member includes a step portion 641 and a sound insulation portion 642. The sound insulation portion 642 is located on the side of the step portion 641 away from the top of the main body along the first direction F1. A portion of the step portion 641 and a portion of the first isolation member 63 jointly define the second air passage cavity 62, and the sound insulation portion 642, the main body and a portion of the first isolation member 63 jointly define the receiving cavity 11.

[0064] See Figure 2 It is understandable that the step portion 641 allows the sound insulation portion 642 to be separated from the top of the main body, which is equivalent to forming a sound insulation cavity between the air generating component 5 and the external environment, which can further effectively improve the isolation of the working noise of the air generating component 5 itself.

[0065] Meanwhile, the placement of the first isolation element 63 and the second isolation element facilitates the multiple reflections and attenuation of airflow noise during propagation, thereby significantly reducing noise intensity and improving the noise reduction effect on airflow.

[0066] In some embodiments, a ventilation hole 13 is provided on the main body or the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 11. The ventilation hole 13 is directly connected to the accommodating cavity 11 and the external environment, so that the air generating component 5, such as a fan, can draw in outside air through the ventilation hole 13 and form an airflow.

[0067] In some embodiments, continue reading Figures 1-4 and in conjunction with reference Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank 2 of the ventilator 10 in one embodiment of this application.

[0068] The main body includes a body 1 and a water tank 2. The body 1 has an air outlet and defines a receiving cavity 11. The water tank 2 is located on the body 1 and defines an air outlet channel 21 and a liquid receiving cavity 22. One end of the air outlet channel 21 is connected to the receiving cavity 11, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet. It can be understood that the air outlet channel 21 and the liquid receiving cavity 22 are both located inside the water tank 2, and thus the moisture transfer element 3 is correspondingly located inside the water tank 2. In this way, if the moisture transfer element 3 is damaged, the water tank 2 can be directly removed for repair, or the water tank 2 and the moisture transfer element 3 can be directly replaced as a whole without involving other structures, thereby improving the ease of maintenance of the ventilator 10 of this application.

[0069] It can be understood that the first air passage cavity 61 is essentially defined by the first isolation member 63, the second isolation member and the body 1, and the accommodating cavity 11 is essentially defined by the sound insulation part 642, the body 1 and the first isolation member 63, which will not be elaborated here.

[0070] In some embodiments, the ventilator 10 further includes a fixing member located at the bottom of the liquid-containing chamber 22 within the water tank 2. This fixing member secures the moisture transfer element 3, allowing one end of the moisture transfer element 3 to be completely immersed in the liquid, reducing the risk of the moisture transfer element 3 floating and facilitating the full utilization of the siphon effect to absorb moisture. Furthermore, the fixing member is detachably connected to the moisture transfer element 3, which facilitates regular replacement of the moisture transfer element 3 and improves the cleanliness of the airflow.

[0071] In some embodiments, the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity 22 is water, which will not be described in detail here.

[0072] In some embodiments, the top of the water tank 2 is provided with a liquid inlet for replenishing the solution. The liquid inlet may also be located in other parts of the water tank 2, without much restriction.

[0073] In some embodiments, a water pump is also provided in the liquid-containing chamber 22 of the water tank 2, with the water pump output end facing the moisture transfer element 3. The control unit is also electrically connected to the water pump and can control the water pump to turn on and off. When the control unit determines that the humidity of the moisture transfer element 3 is insufficient based on the detection of the humidity sensor, it can control the water pump to turn on, accelerate the replenishment of water to the moisture transfer element 3, and improve the stability of the humidification level of the airflow output by the ventilator 10.

[0074] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 2 As shown, the main body 1 also defines an extension channel 12. One end of the extension channel 12 is connected to the end of the air outlet channel 21 facing the air outlet, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet. The extension channel 12 can further extend the airflow path, allowing it to contact the moisture transfer element 3 more evenly during the flow, thereby improving the humidification effect. In addition, the design of the extension channel 12 can also buffer the airflow, making the airflow output more stable, reducing the noise generated by airflow impact, and further improving the user's comfort.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ventilator 10 also includes a control unit, which is mainly used to detect and provide feedback on the water level in the water tank 2 and the humidity of the airflow flowing from the air outlet duct 21 to the external environment.

[0076] The control unit includes a water level sensor and a humidity sensor. The water level sensor is located inside the water tank 2 and is used to detect whether the water level in the water tank 2 is lower than a preset value. The humidity sensor is located at one end of the moisture transfer element 3 near the air outlet duct 21 and is used to detect the degree of moisture in the moisture transfer element 3. Through the configuration of the control unit, the water level in the water tank 2 and the degree of moisture in the moisture transfer element 3 can be monitored in real time, promptly reminding the user to perform maintenance and adjustments, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the ventilator 10.

[0077] In some embodiments, the control unit further includes a control element and an alarm. The control element can be a microcontroller, and is electrically connected to the water level sensor, humidity sensor, and alarm. The water level sensor can detect the water level in the water tank 2 in a timely manner and transmit the detection data to the control element. When the control element determines that the water level in the water tank 2 is lower than a preset value, it controls the alarm to sound an alarm, reminding the user to add liquid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the control unit further includes a display, the control unit is electrically connected to the display, the controller is able to acquire humidity data transmitted from the humidity sensor, and control the display to display the humidity data.

[0079] This application also provides a humidification method, employing the ventilator 10 in any of the above embodiments, the humidification method comprising:

[0080] First, the moisture transfer element 3 absorbs the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity 22, at least partially wetting the moisture transfer element 3 located in the air outlet channel 21. This forms a uniform liquid film on its surface, enabling rapid response to user needs. This also facilitates the rapid evaporation of moisture in the liquid film and its mixing with the airflow as it passes through, resulting in a humidified airflow output.

[0081] Then, the ventilator 10 is turned on, and air is generated through the air outlet 21. The humidified moisture transfer element 3 evaporates to form water vapor, and the water vapor formed by the evaporation of the moisture transfer element 3 is transported to the external environment with the airflow in the air outlet 21. This effectively humidifies the airflow and prevents the airflow from directly blowing on the liquid surface, thereby reducing the noise of the ventilator 10 when it is working and providing the user with a humid and comfortable breathing environment.

[0082] Simultaneously with the above steps, the control unit uses a water level sensor to detect in real time whether the water level in water tank 2 is lower than a preset value, and a humidity sensor to detect the humidity level of the moisture transfer element 3. When the control unit determines that the water level in water tank 2 is lower than the preset value, it controls the alarm to sound. The controller can acquire humidity data of the moisture level of the moisture transfer element 3 transmitted by the humidity sensor and control the display to show the humidity data.

[0083] The ventilator 10 and humidification method of this application utilize the siphon principle and the capillary structure of the moisture transfer element 3 to effectively solve the problems of high noise, high risk of contamination, and strict sealing requirements caused by the direct blowing of the fan onto the water surface in traditional ventilators. First, the capillary structure and fibrous material of the moisture transfer element 3 ensure uniform liquid distribution and form a stable liquid film. Airflow makes full contact with the liquid film, achieving efficient humidification with extremely low noise, suitable for the treatment of sleep apnea. Second, the ingenious design of the support element 4 not only stabilizes the moisture transfer element 3 but also allows airflow to uniformly contact the moisture transfer element 3 through the through-hole design 42, further improving the humidification effect. Furthermore, the airflow does not directly contact the liquid in the water tank 2, effectively preventing impurities and microorganisms in the water from entering the breathing tubing with the airflow, reducing the chance of respiratory tract infection. Third, the combination of the sound insulation component and the dual-cavity structure effectively reduces the operating noise of the air generator 5 and the airflow impact noise, significantly improving the noise reduction effect. The operating noise of the ventilator 10 can be reduced by 30%-40%. In addition, the integrated design of the water tank 2 and the main body 1 greatly improves the ease of maintenance. The addition of the control unit enables real-time monitoring of water level and humidity, facilitating timely water replenishment. The water pump also regulates airflow humidification, enhancing reliability, safety, and comfort. Furthermore, the embodiment where the support member 4 abuts the moisture transfer element 3 against the main body further improves the sealing of the ventilator 10. This eliminates the need for a complex, high-airtightness design for the water tank 2, reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost. Moreover, the absence of airflow impact on the water tank 2 reduces the likelihood of leaks and other malfunctions, thus extending the lifespan of the ventilator 10.

[0084] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ventilator, characterized in that, The ventilator includes: The main body defines an air outlet channel and a liquid-containing chamber spaced apart from each other, the air outlet channel being used to discharge air to the external environment; and A moisture transfer element, one end of which is immersed in the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity, and the other end of which extends into the air outlet channel. The moisture transfer element is configured to be wetted by the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity.

2. The ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilator also includes a support member disposed within the air outlet channel, and at least a portion of the moisture transfer element extending into the air outlet channel is arranged around the support member.

3. The ventilator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support defines a ventilation channel, the axial direction of which is the same as the air outlet direction of the air outlet channel and along the radial direction of the support. The support has multiple through holes that connect the ventilation channel and the air outlet channel. When the moisture transfer element is arranged around the support, it covers the through holes.

4. The ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilator also includes an air-generating component and a sound-insulating component. The sound-insulating component and the main body together define a receiving cavity, a first air passage cavity, and a second air passage cavity. The first air passage cavity and the second air passage cavity are connected to each other. The air-generating component is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the output end of the air-generating component is connected to the first air passage cavity. The second air passage cavity is also connected to the air outlet channel. The airflow output by the air-generating component can pass through the first air passage cavity and the second air passage cavity in sequence, and flow to the outside through the air outlet channel.

5. The ventilator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sound insulation component includes a first isolation member and a second isolation member, the second isolation member being disposed on one side of the first isolation member, and the first isolation member, the second isolation member and the main body together define the first air passage cavity; The second isolation member includes a stepped portion and a sound-insulating portion. The sound-insulating portion is located on the side of the stepped portion away from the top of the main body along a first direction. A portion of the stepped portion and a portion of the first isolation member together define the second air passage cavity, and the sound-insulating portion, the main body, and a portion of the first isolation member together define the receiving cavity.

6. The ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a body and a water tank. The body has an air outlet and defines a receiving cavity. The water tank is disposed on the body and defines the air outlet channel and the liquid receiving cavity. One end of the air outlet channel is connected to the receiving cavity, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet.

7. The ventilator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The body also defines an extension channel, one end of which is connected to the end of the air outlet channel facing the air outlet, and the other end is connected to the external environment through the air outlet.

8. The ventilator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ventilator also includes a control unit, which includes a water level sensor and a humidity sensor. The water level sensor is located inside the water tank and is used to detect whether the water level in the water tank is lower than a preset value. The humidity sensor is located at one end of the moisture transfer element near the air outlet channel and is used to detect the degree of moisture in the moisture transfer element.

9. The ventilator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisture transfer element has a capillary structure; or The moisture transfer element is made of fiber material; or The moisture transfer element is made of a blend of polyester fiber and cotton or seaweed fiber.

10. A humidification method, characterized in that, Using the ventilator as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the humidification method includes: The moisture transfer element adsorbs the liquid in the liquid-containing cavity, so that the moisture transfer element located in the air outlet channel is at least partially wetted. When the ventilator is turned on, airflow is generated through the air outlet channel, the moistened moisture transfer element evaporates to form water vapor, and the water vapor generated by the evaporation of the moisture transfer element is transported to the external environment with the airflow in the air outlet channel.

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